An overview of what’s happening around the city right now
Spring cleaning season is here, and that means one of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association’s (WBNA) favorite traditions is back – the annual Neighborhood Yard Sale! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, from 9am-1pm (with a rain date of Sunday, May 18). Last year, over 70 neighbors participated, turning the West Side into a treasure hunter’s dream. Whether you’re looking for vintage finds, household goods, furniture, clothing, books, or one-of-a-kind items, this is the perfect chance to browse, shop, and connect with the community. For those looking to clear out some space and make a little cash, register your yard sale through WBNA.org. They will add your address to the official yard sale map, which will be available for pick-up the morning of the event at the WBNA office (1560 Westminster Street). Whether you’re buying, selling, or just enjoying the neighborhood buzz, all are welcome to explore, shop, and support!
The Mile of History Association (MoHA) is sad to report the loss of Sara Bradford. A registered landscape architect, Sara was the owner and principal landscape architect at Bradford Associates. During her 60-year career, Bradford contributed to countless municipal, state, and residential projects, with many in the Mile of History. Even after her “retirement” at the age of 80, Bradford continued supporting causes that were important to her, including the MoHA and working toward preserving Benefit Street.
Now that spring has arrived, MoHA has its sights set on re-laying the sidewalk bricks that came loose over the winter. Save the date for their spring event, with details to come, which will be held at the historic Thomas F. Hoppin House on June 8 at 5pm.
Ten years ago, the Summit Neighborhood Community Garden was envisioned by a group of motivated individuals who saw an under-utilized space. Once a basketball court, it was then covered with soil and sporting a sparse array of weeds and brush. They saw the potential and tended it, creating a growing space for the community – a labor of love that deserves recognition. In honor of its founders, supporters, and even the critics, Summit Neighborhood Association (SNA) welcomes all residents and gardeners, past and present, to join in celebrating the work that gave life to this space.
While details are yet to be finalized at press time, SNA plans to serve good food and conversation. Hear gardeners share memories about how the single idea has grown into a perennial canvas, a forum for collaborating with nature, and a space to reap the benefit of one’s efforts and know-how. The garden’s founding was made possible by a generous community investment grant from Miriam Hospital, support from the Providence Parks Department, and continued sponsorship by the SNA. The celebration will take place Friday, June 6 at 5pm (with a rain date of Saturday, June 7 at 12pm) in Kerry Kohring Park and the Summit Neighborhood Community Garden.
Bicycle education director Donny Green represented the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s (WRWC) Rhode to Bicycle Safety (R2BS) program at the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. this March. Green joined other leading organizations in bicycle education in a distinguished panel on integrating bike education into school curricula to arm young cyclists with the skills and confidence to ride safely. R2BS empowers city- and statewide fifth graders with essential know-how to pedal confidently and safely, whether for transportation or fun. “I hope that summits like these foster even more collaboration between programs and advocacy groups, strengthening and expanding in-school bike education nationwide,” says Green, who looks forward to returning next year.
The summit also featured Lobby Day, a day of meetings in which Green and the Rhode Island delegation met with all four members of the state’s federal delegation to advocate for continued federal investment in the Transportation Alternatives Program, which would improve funding accessibility for local bike safety initiatives. Aligning federal funding with equity and carbon reduction goals was also discussed. “As a bicycle educator, it’s crucial to bring the voices of our community to the national stage,” Green says. “Investing in bike infrastructure and education not only improves safety but also strengthens communities by promoting sustainable transportation options.”
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