[Summit] Fw: News of General Interest from the Elmwood

Tue Jan 1 14:29:42 UTC 2019

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Karen Hlynsky <karen_ena at earthlink.net>Sent: Monday, December 31, 2018, 4:56:28 PM ESTSubject: ENA Newsletter - January 2019

ENA Newsletter – January 2019

Prepared by Karen Hlynsky, Chair, Elmwood Neighborhood Association

Thank you and happy new year!

     In 2018 Elmwood and the South Side got a lot of attention. Jump Bikes, trash cans, and plantings came to Broad St. One Neighborhood Builders opened the Elmwood Financial Center on Broad and recruited a Vista Americorps volunteer to work with renters in Elmwood. Farmers Markets were held at the Indian Council Building, Southside Cultural Center, and Knight Memorial Library. A huge Asian market opened on Cadillac Drive. Providence Preservation Society hosted tours of the Broad St Synagogue and Knight Memorial Library. The former Bomes Theater was purchased to become an events center. Knight Memorial Library got another Champlin grant for building improvements. Peace and Plenty Park celebrated its 10thyear and hosted a myriad of activities that engaged youth and adults alike, including Halloween and Christmas events. Performances and a pop up market by the African Alliance were held in Columbus Square for the first time, and a friends of Columbus Square group came together to envision a more inviting park. Dozens of volunteers joined the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program to clean up Locust Grove Cemetery and plant over 100 trees in and near Elmwood.

     Thanks to all the residents who used PVD311 to make over 800 requests for city services in Elmwood, and to everyone who advocated for the neighborhood, participated in planning and Crime Watch meetings, befriended their neighbors, got their hands dirty, supported local markets, and celebrated step-by-step progress and victories in Elmwood and the South Side. 

Got trash?

    The holiday season came with trash. Lots and lots of trash. Under no circumstance should excess trash be placed within recycling bins. So what do you do with it, especially if you want to recycle right?  The Overflow Trash Bag Program is a City initiative to reduce recycling contamination. Residents are asked to place excess trash in Overflow Trash Bags, which are designed to prevent rodent intrusion. Find out where to get them, and get helpful recycling tips at the City’s website (http://www.providenceri.gov/public-works/can-put-recycling-barrel/). 

     Make sure not to advertise your big ticket purchases and gifts to possible thieves. Make sure that packaging for big screen TVs, for example, isn’t visible to passersby. Fold or cut cardboard packaging into pieces small enough to easily fit into your recycle bin or overflow bags. 

     The City will pick up Christmas trees left at curbside during your regular trash pickup days during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of January. However, trees need to be cleared of tinsel, lights, ornaments, and other decorations.

     As of November 2018, Providence’s weekly curbside recycling rate stood at 18%. (It’s an increase, but surely we can do better in 2019.) The City has also reduced its contaminated monthly residential recycling loads by 50% since 2015 and is on track to meet its goal of zero contaminated recycling loads and a 30% residential recycling rate by 2030. This data is tracked and reported publicly via the City’s SustainPVD Dashboard online at SustainPVD.org.

City accepting nominations for Martin Luther King Jr Awards until Wednesday, January 2

     The 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held in January to celebrate Dr. King’s powerful legacy by highlighting the work of Providence civic leaders who embody his mission.Letters of nomination will be accepted until this coming Wednesday, January 2. Nominations are welcome of city residents or individuals who have accomplished a significant amount of community work in Providence and have made meaningful contributions to social justice city-wide.

      Nomination letters should be no more than two pages long and specify how the nominee exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King’s commitment to equity, civil rights, and justice. They can be submitted by email to Providence Human Relations Commission Director Sol Taubin at staubin at providenceri.gov

Participants needed for Brown University study about City Walk

     What do South Providence community members and stakeholders expect from the City Walk project? Brown University medical student, Toby Nicholson invites you to take part in a research study to find out. In exchange for taking part in the study, participants will get their choice of $25.00 of Fresh Bucks, which can be used at any Farm Fresh RI farmers markets, or four One-Day RIPTA bus passes.

     Please email Toby Nicholson, tobias_nicholson at brown.edu, if you’re interested in participating. Target date for registration for the study is January 14.

Good news for Knight Memorial Library

    Thanks to two awards totaling $935,300 from the Champlin Foundations, the exterior of Knight Memorial Library was renovated in late summer 2018 and the beautiful historic building will have new electrical and fire systems installed by spring 2019.

Knight Memorial Library launches Mrs. Shaw’s Fund to obtain needed books

     The library needs to update its collection, but it has limited funds to buy new books. Friends of the library have developed a wish list for people who’d like to buy a book to support your neighborhood library. Mrs. Shaw’s Fund will include a nameplate on each book you buy, so buying a book from the site below is a good way to honor or remember someone. Choose from children’s books, cook books, language, law, real estate, and job seeker books. 

     To support the fund, go to http://friendsofkml.org/mrs-shaws-fund/donate-a-book/

     For questions, email FKMLbooksale at gmail.com

Providence Preservation Society’s impact in Elmwood deserves recognition and support

     Elmwoodian Miguel Quezada urges residents of 02905 and 02907 zip codes to contribute to Providence Preservation Society. Consider the following:

     PPS led recent efforts in opposition to the “as presented” Fane Tower downtown. (ENA was part of a neighborhood collaborative voicing opposition to the spot zoning it required.) In the past couple of years PPS has also had a presence in our own neighborhood. Miguel writes:

     “Last year's Festival of Historic Homes was held exclusively in Elmwood bringing neighbors together and stakeholders from across the state and New England to witness the beauty of our neighborhood but more importantly our residents’ charm. As part of this festival PPS held a preview party fundraiser where funds were split to donate funds to Knight Memorial Library. More recently, PPS has conducted local free programming surrounding both the library and Broad St. synagogue which concludes next year with original art projects. Also next year, PPS will hold their annual bash at the soon to be renovated Bomes Theater this coming February. All this to say that PPS has become vested and continues to be active in our neighborhoods.”

     Support PPS’s advocacy by making a tax-deductible contribution to their annual fund: http://ppsri.org/support/donate/

Council overrides Mayor’s veto of Fane Tower     

     Following the override of the Mayor's veto on December 13, the City Council rewrote Providence's Zoning Ordinance, amending the maximum zoning height of what is called Parcel 42 of the I-195 district to 600 feet. There are now two sets of questions: how do we continue to fight for the existing city development plan, and what are the next steps in the process? Click here for answers.

Prepare for snowy days!  

     Have you found your snow shovels? Homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks after a storm to make them safe for pedestrians and postal workers. If you usually park on the street, find off-street parking in case of parking bans. During bad weather and busy shopping days, give yourself a bit more time if driving or busing to work. Be especially alert and patient to pedestrians, bicyclists, and buses on the roadways.

JANUARY MEETINGS and EVENTS

KML Friends Meeting

Wednesday, January 9, 6:00 to 7:45

Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Ave

  Have an idea for library programs or events?  Want to work on building improvements? Have a flair for fundraising events? Enjoy recycling books with friends and community? Join this award-winning Friends group and put your energy and skills to good use.  Contact: Debbie Schimberg, Deborah at gleegum.com

Elmwood Ave Business & Community Association (EBCA) meeting

Wednesday, January 9, 9:00 – 10:30 am

Elmwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 225 Elmwood Ave

     Join a group committed to improving Elmwood Ave and enlivening its public spaces with entertainment and community activities.

RSVP to Karen, Karen_ena at earthlink.net, (401) 941-8249

Note: EBCA meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Community Contra Dance

Friday, January 18, 7:30 to 10:30

Southside Cultural Center Theater

      Experience the joy of community contra dancing. Parents and children, siblings and strangers get a chance to dance together as they change partners throughout the dances.  Walking is the only skill needed; and all dances are taught.  Wear comfortable informal clothing and shoes. Recommended dance age is 8-80+. Families are very much welcome; children must be accompanied by parents. 

Contact:Paul Wilde (dance caller),  zenyente at gmail.com

Note: Dances are being scheduled for the 3rd Friday of each month.

Crime Watch meeting for Elmwood & South Providence 

Wednesday, January 23, 6:00 – 7:30

YMCA Offices, St. Joseph’s, 6th Floor Conference Room (20 Peace St at Broad)

     Attend the meeting and see the new YMCA meeting space, meet your neighbors, and see the stunning views of our neighborhood from a 6th floor vantage point. 

     Special guest is Jazzandra Barros, a new hire at Southside Community Land Trust, who will present the concept, design, and plans for the SCLT’s newly acquired facility at 404 Broad Street, adjacent to Kentucky Fried Chicken. This move promises to bring a positive new presence to Broad Street.

All are welcome. For agenda updates, contact Doug, doug.crimewatch at gmail.com

   Note: Crime Watch meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Crime Watch window placards are available at each meeting for Elmwood, South Providence, Trinity Square, Elmwood Ave, and Broad St

Providence Preservation Society’s Annual Meeting

Thursday, January 24, 5:30

MacMillan Hall, Starr Auditorium, Rm 117, 167 Thayer St

     The meeting will feature keynote speaker Tom Mayes, Vice President and Senior Counsel for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is an expert on preservation easements, historic house museums, accessibility, preservation public policy, and the future of historic preservation. Tom Mayes will explore some of the key insights and new information from his recently published book, Why Old Places Matter: How Historic Places Affect Our Identity and Well-Being.Tom will also discuss potential new directions of research about the deep relationship between people and place, as well as implications for historic preservation.

This program is free and open to the public.; however advance registration is required.

     A special Annual Meeting dinner will be held at the Waterman Grille with speaker Tom Mayes immediately following the program. Tickets are available at $85 each.

ENA business meeting

Sunday, January 27, 5:30
Location TBD

Contact: Paula Donovan, paula.on.lenox at gmail.com 

POP UP MARKETS and FOOD PANTRIES

Friends of Knight Memorial Library Book Sales
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 to 12:30

Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Ave

   Check out the newly organized Book Sale. More genres are for sale, including books by the foot to decorate your living spaces. Featured themes in January: African American, crafts, cooking, paperback fiction (10 for $1). Over 8000 items are in stock, including books, DVDs, CDs, videos, LPs. You’ll be surprised what treasures you can find. It’s the best little book sale in town and the only one in the South Side!

Want to volunteer? Want to donate books, LPs, CDs, DVDs? Contact Doug: doug.crimewatch at gmail.com.

CAPP’s Food Pantry

Elmwood Community Center, 85 Atlantic Ave

Mondays, 12 to 4 for Intake/Resident Registration

Wednesdays, 10 to 2 for Food distribution and pick-up

     CAPP’s Food Pantry serves over 600 families for 02907 zip code. It provides proteins, vegetables, bread, and non perishable food.

Contact: Jailine Ortiz, 401 654-4970 x305

Web: https://www.cappri.org/programs/food-pantry

PARK, LIBRARY, SOCIAL EVENTS

Elmwood Community Center: https://www.cappri.org/programs/senior-services Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 to 2:00 Activities for seniors include catered meals, monthly field trips and special weekly activities, holiday celebrations, and access to ECC Food Pantry every other Tuesday at 1:30.

Knight Memorial Library:www.provcomlib.org/locations/knight-memorial

Includes maker workshops for school age and teens, teen movie night, book sales, Wii gaming; citizenship, ESOL, and GED classes; crochet and knit club.

Roger Williams Park: https://rwpconservancy.org/events/2019-01/

First Saturday: free admission for residents to zoo, museum. “Faces of the Rainforest” exhibit opened in the zoo on November 30.  December activities included planetarium shows, guided walks, open painting and photo in the Botanical Center on Friday afternoons.

South Providence Library:http://www.provcomlib.org/locations/south-providence

Includes Spanish GED classes, Spanish classes, movie nights, craft and make events.

Southside Cultural Center: http://www.sccri.org/scc-events/?view=calendar&month=January-2019

Includes improvisation performances, intergenerational chess, and more.

ENA COMMUNICATIONS

Interested in exchanging messages with other Elmwoodians? 
Subscribe to the Elmwood Exchange at http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ElmwoodExchange/info.

On Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

Reach of the ENA newsletter: 61 members of the Elmwood Exchange and 190 additional neighbors, city officials, and staff of community organizations.

To subscribe to ENA mailings, email Karen at Karen_ena at earthlink.net

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