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This Weekend's Events & Providence's $1 Deal

This Weekend's Events & Providence's $1 Deal

+ Train station upgrades & powdered sugar-covered coffee cake

Oscar Punchak
November 08, 2024

In partnership with

Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s as satisfying as the first sip of your iced coffee 🧊 ☕️ .

What to expect in today’s Current:

This weekend’s events ❗️
Hasbro’s $1 deal with PVD 💵
Train station improvements 🚂

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

Where I Tried: Oak Bakeshop (130 Cypress St, Providence, RI 02906)

What I ordered: Small iced mocha with oat milk + coffee cake

What it cost: $12.42

Last weekend, I stopped into Oak Bakeshop for the first time. I was able to park easily along Camp Street. They didn’t have almond milk, which I prefer - but no biggie. This was the first time I’ve seen powdered sugar on coffee cake. At first, you might assume this would result in an overwhelmingly sweet taste, but it was actually very good. I’m a big fan of coffee cake and really enjoyed this one. It lasted me the day and could easily be shared with someone. They have a bunch of other baked goods I’m interested in trying; peanut butter and jelly cookies for example. Definitely check them out if you enjoy baked goods.

Reply to this email with how many guesses it took you!

Currents & Waves

$30M Upgrade Begins at Providence Train Station 🚉

Source: RIDOT

Renovations have begun at the Providence train station, with $30 million allocated for upgrades like improved bathrooms, more seating, expanded space, and enhanced accessibility. Built in 1986, the station serves over 2 million passengers annually, and leaders say its capacity has been stretched. Funded by federal, Amtrak, and state contributions, the project also includes improved lighting and signage on platforms. The upgrades align with Amtrak's goal to double ridership within 15 years. Meanwhile, plans for a possible new RIPTA bus hub next door are still under consideration, with the station's expansion seen as a complementary first step. The renovation will take about a year and a half.

Providence Offers Hasbro $1 Deal to Stay 🏢

Source: The Boston Globe

The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission has offered Hasbro a prime 1-acre plot on the Providence River for $1, aiming to keep the Pawtucket-based toy company from relocating to Massachusetts. The offer grants Hasbro exclusive rights to build on Parcel 42, a site previously slated for a luxury tower, and includes a six-month negotiation period with potential extensions. While Hasbro executives were not present at the meeting, commission chairman Marc Crisafulli emphasized Rhode Island's commitment to retaining the company. This proposal marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to attract high-profile commercial tenants to the 195 redevelopment district, which has mostly seen residential development so far.

5 Reasons We Love Wayfair

Undoubtedly Wayfair is one of the most fun sites to shop. But in a world where every penny matters, we’re looking for more than just fun. We want to save big and purchase quality home goods from a trusted source. You may be wondering, “Is Wayfair legit?” and “Is Wayfair furniture good quality?” We can confidently answer yes to those questions, and when you read Wayfair reviews, you’ll find that thousands of customers agree with us.

But there are even more reasons to love Wayfair. Here are our Top 5.

Weekend Events

🪑 29th Annual Fine Furnishings Show | Nov 8-10 (Learn more)
- Location: WaterFire Arts Center
- Description: Discover American-made, handcrafted furniture, home decor, and art from talented artists and craftsmen!
🦖 Jurassic Quest | Nov 8-10 (Learn more)
- Location: Rhode Island Convention Center
- Description: Walk among life-sized dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and interact with baby dinos at this family-friendly dino adventure!
🥂 Moonshine Alley Two-Year Anniversary Party | 7 PM, Nov 8 (Learn more)
- Location: Moonshine Alley
- Description: Celebrate with live music from WHAT MATTERS, tastings, and swag from favorite local brands!
😂 Family Friendly Comedy Show | 8PM, Nov 8 (Learn more)
- Location: Bring Your Own Improv
- Description: This interactive improv show invites audience participation through applause, suggestions, or joining the performers on stage.
☕️ Caffeinated Insomniacs | 10PM, Nov 8 (Learn more)
- Location: Bring Your Own Improv
- Description: This interactive improv show invites audience participation through applause, suggestions, or joining the performers on stage.
🔍 Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – APT 2B | Oct 3 - Nov 17 (Learn more)
- Location: Trinity Repertory Company
- Description: Enjoy a quirky, modern twist on Sherlock Holmes as Holmes and Watson crack cases in post-pandemic London!
😂 Kelsey Cook | 7PM or 9:30PM Nov 8-9 (Learn more)
- Location: Comedy Connection
- Description: Catch comedian Kelsey Cook on her 40-city “Hustler Tour” as she brings her sharp humor and foosball skills to the stage!
🎭 Amadeus by Peter Shaffer | Nov 8-10 (Learn more)
- Location: The Gamm Theatre
- Description: Witness the epic rivalry between Mozart and Salieri in this Tony Award-winning masterpiece about passion, obsession, and the price of fame.
🎶 PVD Loop Fest 2024 | 3:00-5:30 PM, Nov 9 (Learn more)
- Location: AS220 Black Box
- Description: Dive into live looping tech and music with hands-on demos and discussions led by top looping artists—free and open to the public!
🇦🇲 Armenian Fest 2024 | 12:00 PM, Nov 9-10 (Learn more)
- Location: Rhodes on the Pawtuxet
- Description: Enjoy Armenian culture with vendors, crafts, raffles, a kids’ corner, and traditional food and gifts!
🌊 Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities Underwater | Nov 9-17 (Learn more)
- Location: Various locations in Downtown Providence, RI
- Description: Discover a week of programs highlighting the floods, cultural restoration, and climate resilience efforts in Providence and Florence.
🎁 Providence Flea | 11AM, Nov 10 (Learn more)
- Location: Farm Fresh Market
- Description: This unique marketplace features carefully selected small businesses offering handmade and vintage goods.
🎨 Goofy Gobbles | 12:00-1:30 PM, Nov 10 (Learn more)
- Location: Muse Paintbar
- Description: Join a family-friendly painting session led by artist instructors—perfect for all ages!
🎶 Six Organs of Admittance & Tashi Dorji | 6:00 PM, Nov 11 (Learn more)
- Location: Symposium Books, Providence, RI
- Description: Experience an evening of experimental folk music with acoustic sets by Six Organs of Admittance and Tashi Dorji.