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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s as satisfying as rolling double sixes while playing a board game. 🎲 

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Wednesday’s mini crossword 🧠 

• The hunt for PVD’s Christmas tree 🎄 

• $1.6M to support Latino students 👨‍🎓 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

10/23/24 Mini Crossword

Reply to this email letting me know how you did!

Currents & Waves

💪 $1.6M to Support Latino Students & Workforce Development

On Monday, Senator Jack Reed announced two federal awards totaling over $1.6 million to College Unbound. College Unbound is an accredited college for working adults in Rhode Island. College Unbound will use these funds to improve access to education for Latino students and enhance workforce development programs. They will also collaborate with RIC to implement student support systems, launch career readiness initiatives, and offer services for parenting students. All these efforts aim to foster a diverse and skilled workforce in the state.

Update on RIPTA Hub Potential Location 🚌 

Monday night, Christopher Durand, the interim CEO of RIPTA announced that RIPTA was no longer considering moving the Providence Transit Center from Kennedy Plaza to the 195 parcel it had previously considered. This decision was made after a comprehensive process of exploring multiple locations and talking with the public through surveys and meetings. RIPTA is now prioritizing locations that are in close proximity to the Providence Train Station. Once RIPTA decides on a recommended site, they will hear from the public again.

🎄 The Christmas Tree Search Begins

Providence’s annual Holiday Celebration will be on Friday, December 6th, at the skating rink in Kennedy Plaza. Ahead of this celebration, Providence has begun looking for two spruce or fir trees: one 35-45 ft for the front steps of City Hall, and another 15-20 ft for the Providence Rink Christmas Tree Lighting. Have a tree or know someone with one you think would be a good fit? You can nominate your tree by emailing an image and description of it to [email protected]. If the tree is nominated it will be chopped down and hauled away free of charge. All submissions are due by Thursday, November 14. The Providence Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held December 6th at 5:30 pm at City Hall, featuring activities, refreshments, and music. We will include it again in an email closer to the date!

Hey 👋 - quick question

I’m thinking about launching something exciting—the Current Card, which gives you 10 exclusive, one-time discounts at your favorite local spots (stores, restaurants, cafes, etc.). It would be released a few times a year, and we want to make sure it’s something you’d actually use and enjoy.

If a majority of you are interested, Friday’s email will include a quick survey where you can let me know which types of businesses you’d like to see featured and what price you'd feel comfortable paying for the card. If not, no worries—we’ll act like this never happened!

Seaside Skies

WEDNESDAY

75°🌡 56° | 🌤️ | 💧 16% | 💨 SSW 13 mph

THURSDAY

67°🌡 41° | 🌤️ | 💧 7% | 💨 N 13 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

WEDNESDAY

Providence Public Library | BALA-BILA | 6 pm

Nick-a-Nee’s | Bluegrass Throedown | 8:30 pm

THURSDAY

Moonshine Alley | Jesse Desorcy | 5 pm

Bar'Lino Pizzeria | Johnny Paris | 7:30pm

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Friday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current