The Mile of History Association (MoHA) is completing plans for the installation of the interpretive Mile of History Signage Project, dedicated to honoring and promoting the rich history of Benefit Street. Under the leadership of president Liz Mauran and the guidance of the Tourism Committee, the program will consist of 20 historic panels along Benefit Street. The panels will help tell the story of Benefit Street and the many ethnic groups that have a history there, with a way-finding component. In addition to the panels, in-depth information will be available through QR codes and other means. An example of the panels may be viewed at the Tillinghast Memorial at the south end of Benefit Street. MoHA is grateful for the funding and collaboration of many organizations helping with the project, including the lead gift provided by the Providence Tourism Council. Watch for updates and an announcement for a ribbon-cutting ceremony tentatively planned for this fall.
Since this year is shaping up to be a snowier winter than last year, even into March, the Summit Neighborhood Association seeks additional volunteer shovelers for the SNA Snow Brigade, which helps elderly and disabled neighbors who have difficulty clearing their walks and driveways, and who cannot easily pay for a service. Shovelers work in teams, trading off two-week shifts so that nobody must commit for the entire winter. Email SNASnow@gmail.com to learn more.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on Sunday, January 14, 14 teens from Temple Emanu-El’s United Synagogue Youth group spent a few hours at Your Neighborhood Food Pantry at 533 Branch Avenue sorting, labeling, and stacking food supplies. Their efforts help people facing food insecurity in the community. For more information or to donate non-perishable goods or financial support, contact them at YNFP22@gmail.com.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) was formed in 2015 to promote, preserve, encourage, and enhance the quality of life for residents, merchants, and stakeholders in District 1 of downtown Providence, which is bounded on the east by Canal Street, to the north by Smith Street, to the west by Interstate 95, and to the south by Point Street. The DNA works closely with the City of Providence, Providence Police Department, Providence Parks, Partnership for Providence Parks, Downtown Improvement District, Downtown Providence Parks Networks, and neighboring stakeholders on beautification projects, quality of life and public safety issues, volunteer and social events, and they’re a source for information on new construction projects, parcel developments, and the ongoing evolution of the neighborhood.
Volunteer opportunities are open to all who live, work, and play downtown; corporations and higher education students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to join their efforts. The DNA’s first volunteer opportunity of the year will be the Earth Day Clean-Up on Friday, April 19, from 9am-12pm. For future meeting schedules, to stay in the know, and to sign up to volunteer for future events, follow on Facebook at Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association and on Instagram: @dnapvd. Email DNAPVD@gmail.com
to subscribe to their email list.
The January meeting of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) included two special guests: Chris Blazejewski, RI House Majority Leader and the State Representative for District 2, and Denisses Cortorreal, community liaison at the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Women & Infants Hospital. Blazejewski, a longtime friend of the FPNA, summarized his recent work with House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi and other legislators to invest in affordable housing, increase the number ADUs (accessory dwelling units) in the state, and encourage transit-oriented housing, among other efforts to improve access to housing. He also discussed current initiatives to improve education in RI and curb climate change, “the issue of our time,” he suggested, by pushing for wind-energy legislation. Neighbors inquired about gun control, housing affordability, smart growth, and the state of the RI public transit system.
The second matter of the evening was new for FPNA: a mini-lesson on a health topic. Cortorreal joined the meeting in order to educate women (and those who care about them) on female pelvic floor disorders, empower them to seek help if needed, and know that these conditions are common. Cortorreal stated that one in four women in the US over the age of 20 suffers from a pelvic-floor disorder. “It doesn’t have to be normal,” she says about this kind of issue. “It is common, but it doesn’t have to be normal.” It is also a topic that some women hesitate to discuss with their doctors or friends. FPNA received glowing feedback regarding both January speakers and plans to include both legislative updates and occasional health topics in future monthly meetings.
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