[Summit] Councillor Gonçalves' 1st Ward letter (slightly abridged); Ward meeting Monday, Virus & Vaccine, ATV‘s, etc.
David Kolsky
davidjkolsky at yahoo.com
Mon Mar 29 01:02:41 UTC 2021
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Councilman John Goncalves <info at johnforward1.com>To: Sent: Friday, March 26, 2021, 03:28:41 PM EDTSubject: Vaccine Info & Other Important Ward 1 Updates
Keeping you informed about the neighborhood
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| Ward 1 Newsletter |
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| Dear David,
Thank you for reading the newsletter below. With Passover tomorrow night, Chag Pesach Sameach and I wish a very happy Passover to our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Before you read our Ward announcements below, please know that you should never hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of any assistance or help to you. I am always here to serve you.
Know a neighbor who'd like to receive these updates? Sign up here. Please encourage neighbors to sign up and subscribe so they can also be informed. Also, please call or text me at any time: 401-227-5056. |
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| | Forward This Email To A Friend/Neighbor |
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| This e-mail covers several important items in our community:
1) Next Community Meeting: This Monday, March 29, 2021 at 6 PM
2) Please support Vartan Gregorian's Fundraiser
3) The Latest On Rhode Island Vaccination Program
4) Crook Point Bascule Bridge Design Ideas
5) Community Clean Up
6) Sidewalk Repairs To Resume
7) Illegal ATVs & Dirt Bikes
You can read the following items on line at:https://mailchi.mp/johnforward1.com/ward-1-updates-please-read-13359707?e=33715a1852
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Vaccine Info & Other Important Ward 1 ...
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8) Councilman Goncalves - Legislation Update
9) Ward 1 Parks Slated For FY 2021 Improvements |
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Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
In an effort to get the most up-to-date information to constituents, we will continue hosting Ward 1 Monthly Community Meetings (virtually due to COVID) every last Monday of the month.
- Our next community meeting will include representatives from the Providence Police Department who will take questions regarding public safety, mitigating warm weather/ATV challenges and other topics of community concern.
- Our community meeting will also include Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. Learn more about General Treasurer Magaziner and his office here.
- Additionally, Dr. Clara Decerbo, Ph.D., CEM, Director of Providence Emergency Management Agency, and Office of Homeland Security (PEMA) will be joining us to provide an update on vaccine distribution.
- If you have suggestions on who/what you would like to be covered in the future, please let me know.
Ward 1 Monthly Community Meeting
(Last Monday of Each Month)
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 6 PM
Please RSVP below to receive the agenda/ZOOM link
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| RSVP Here! |
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Support Vartan Gregorian PTO's Fundraiser
Vartan Gregorian Elementary School (my beloved alma mater) is holding a fundraiser! Please join us in supporting our neighborhood elementary school!
This letter explains more to the Community - tinyurl.com/vgfrletter
Lastly, this is the ultimate URL to fill out the survey and then donate - tinyurl.com/vartandonate
Go Smart Foxes!
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| The Latest On Rhode Island's Vaccination Program
You can receive vaccination updates and subscribe to get updates every Friday at http://c19vaccineri.org
State-Run Vaccination Centers
Eligibility Timeline
All Rhode Islanders will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated by April 19. Between now and April 19, the state is going to continue to open eligibility to different age groups, as you can see on their updated timeline.
They are currently vaccinating people who are age 64 to 60 and people who are age 64 to 16 with underlying health conditions. We aim to open eligibility to the remaining groups by the following dates:
- People age 59 to 50 by April 5;
- People age 49 to 40 by April 12;
- And people age 39 to 16 by April 19.
While not everyone will be able to get an appointment on the first-day eligibility opens for their age group, the state is very confident that most people in each age group will be able to have an appointment within a week or two after they become eligible.
New State-Run Vaccination Sites
Two new State-run sites will open this weekend.
The State-run site in South County will open Saturday, March 27, at the Schneider Electric facility, 132 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston. The Woonsocket site will open Sunday, March 28, at the old Sears department store at 1500 Diamond Hill Road. Both State-run sites will operate from 2 to 6 p.m.
Appointments for these two new State-run sites will open Friday at approximately 5 p.m. with 400 slots available at each site. Appointments will be available through vaccinateRI.org.
In addition to these sites, the state is working to open locations in Westerly, East Providence, and Johnston. As their vaccine supply increases, more appointments will become available at these sites and others.
Registering for Vaccination at a State-run Site
To register to be vaccinated at one of the State-run sites, visit www.vaccinateri.org. People who cannot register online can get help by calling the automated line at 844-930-1779. The call center is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on holidays).
Through both systems, an individual can either make a personal appointment or an appointment for someone else who is eligible.
As supply allows, new COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the State-run vaccination sites will be made available at the following times:
- Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays
- Beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays
Additional appointments may also be posted throughout the week as they become available.
Appointments are expected to fill up quickly. Additional appointments may be added throughout the week as slots open.
Lifespan and Care New England Limited Supply of Vaccine
Lifespan and Care New England have received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine to administer to patients according to RIDOH eligibility criteria. They will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only and will not take any walk-ins at the clinics.
- Schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a Lifespan clinic.
- Schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a Care New England clinic
How To Get Vaccinated Video |
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| How To Get Your COVID 19 Vaccine in Rhode Island |
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| What to Expect During and After Your Vaccination
For more information on what to expect during and after your vaccination appointment, visit C19vaccineRI.org.
COVID-19 Vaccine Record Lookup
Rhode Islanders can now get a copy of their COVID-19 vaccine record through portal.ri.gov/VaccineRecord. From this website, you can search for and print proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. If you need a second dose of vaccine, this record will tell you when you are eligible to get your second dose. Please note that only people who have received their COVID-19 vaccination in Rhode Island will be able to look up their vaccination record online.
If you are having trouble finding your vaccination record or are not able to go online, you can call 401-222-8022 for help.
Homebound Individuals
Home health agencies and other partners have started scheduling vaccinations for homebound clients and residents.
The state has set up a partnership with three agencies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to homebound people in their residences. Those agencies are Alert Ambulance, MedTech Ambulance, and PACE.
The State recently collected information about people who cannot leave their homes to get vaccinated. They developed an online survey and partnered with the Office of Healthy Aging, health insurers, senior centers, healthcare providers, and others to collect this information.
If you have already completed the survey, one of these agencies will contact you soon to schedule a vaccination appointment. These agencies have begun vaccinating people.
Due to the currently limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, appointments for in-home vaccination are being prioritized based on age and geography. Appointments will be made first for the oldest people and those who live in one of the following ZIP codes: 02904, 02905, 02906, 02907, 02908, 02909, 02910, 02911, 02914, 02919, and 02920.
If you are unable to leave home to receive COVID-19 vaccination or are the healthcare provider or family caregiver of someone who is homebound, please inform RIDOH through the following survey: http://bit.ly/homeboundvax.
Vaccine Interest Notification List
Regardless of whether or not you are currently eligible to get vaccinated, you can add your contact information to a Vaccine Interest Notification List to get updates as eligibility opens to new groups. Enrolling in this list does not guarantee an appointment for vaccination. To enroll in the Vaccine Interest Notification List, visit portal.ri.gov.
There is no insurance requirement to get vaccinated, and no one has to pay to get vaccinated. For more information about vaccination in Rhode Island, visit C19vaccineRI.org.
Other COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
- Path to Vaccine Infographic
- Who is Eligible to get Vaccinated this Week
- COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
- COVID-19 Vaccine Record Lookup
- 211 Support for Vaccination Registration
- Rhode Islanders can receive help scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccination by calling 2-1-1. A live, trained professional who can offer support in multiple languages when scheduling appointments on VaccinateRI.org, or signing up for the Vaccine Interest Notification List at portal.ri.gov.
Local Vaccination Sites
The City of Providence is currently booking available appointments for upcoming Providence COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Providence residents. Appointments are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Providence residents who are technologically able and can meet the specified criteria below can register* themselves for open appointments on one of the following clinic dates here:
https://www.providenceri.gov/vaccinate/
According to the City, please note that appointments are predominately for residents 18 and older in the hard-hit zip codes of 02904, 02905, 02907, 02908, and 02909
*Internet Explorer will not work with the Providence registration links.
Residents who need assistance signing up for an appointment are encouraged to dial 3-1-1 or or (401) 421-2489 to speak with a Mayor's Center for City Services Representative who can walk them through the enrollment process in English or Spanish. Although additional staff are supporting phone lines, residents should expect longer than normal wait times as MCCS anticipates a higher than normal call volume.
Regardless of your age, you can also sign up for the City notification service at https://www.providenceri.gov/vaccinate/vaccine-notification-eng/ and enter your information into the “Join Our Notification List” section. This is specific for vaccination in Providence, so only open to Providence residents.
As the city receives additional doses for our residents and schedules more vaccine clinics, city staff will contact residents who have filled out this form as one form of communication.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies to Expand Eligibility
Eligible groups can make appointments through CVS and Walgreens.
- For CVS, go to CVS.com, use the CVS Pharmacy app, or call CVS directly. Those without online access can contact customer service: (800) 746-7287. CVS has asked individuals eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations to use the appropriate digital channels or contact customer service to check for appointment availability, as opposed to contacting individual CVS Pharmacy locations. Active stores will change regularly based on vaccine supply.
Vaccine eligibility at pharmacies will depend on the same timeline, as well as the same age, high-risk conditions, and geography framework that the State is using. When additional age groups become eligible statewide, those same age groups will be eligible for appointments at pharmacies.
- For Walgreens, go to Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call your local Walgreens.
New Pharmacy Sites
Stop & Shop and Walmart now offers the COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacy locations for eligible people in Rhode Island. Stop & Shop will offer the Moderna vaccine at most locations and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine at four Stop & Shop pharmacies, while Walmart will offer the Pfizer vaccine.
- Stop & Shop: Eligible people can make a vaccine appointment at all 14 Stop & Shop Pharmacy locations in the state. To make an appointment or for more information, visit www.stopandshop.com/covid-vaccine.
Although people age 16 and older with underlying health conditions are eligible in the state, Stop & Shop Pharmacy locations will only be able to vaccinate individuals 18 and older as the Moderna and Janssen vaccines have only been authorized for people 18 and older.
- Walmart: Eligible people can make a vaccine appointment at select Walmart pharmacies in Rhode Island. For more information or to make an appointment, visit Flu Shots & Immunizations - Walmart.com.
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The Crook Point Bascule Bridge Design Ideas Competition Finalist Proposals Are Now Available!
Designer: James Carpenter Design Associates — a New York-based design firm led by a former RISD student and faculty member
Link to full rendering
Designer: Horsley Witten Group & Jonathan Harris — a Providence-based engineering and environmental consulting firm
Link to full rendering
Designer: Ultramoderne — a Providence-based architecture firm
Link to full rendering
Designer: Port — a Philadelphia and Chicago-based design consultancy
Link to full rendering
Designer: Joshua Teas — an architect based in both Norway and Maine
Link to full rendering
Want to help the jury pick the winning team?
You can view the five finalist submittals and submit feedback via the project website at https://www.providenceri.gov/planning/crook-point-bridge/. Be sure to click the “View Design Board” button next to each image to see the full two PDFs that each team submitted. Public comment is also being accepted via the comments forms on the website until April 6th. As a juror, please feel free to e-mail me personally to share your thoughts. I'm curious and eager to hear your perspective.
The jury will summarize any comment received and work together to select a single winner during our jury meeting on April 12th.
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| Spring Ward 1 Clean-Up
Calling all volunteers! There’s no better way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier Ward 1 community than by volunteering to tackle out-of-control waste. Join me and our fellow community members for a spring, socially-distanced Ward 1 clean-up. More details forthcoming about the date and time, but please sign-up if you're interested in participating in the near future!
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| Sign Up To Volunteer Here! |
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Sidewalk Repairs To Resume
Some sidewalk construction for Ward 1 has started this week (South Angell and Angell, east of Wayland). The contractor for this work is Hartford Paving. If you live on these streets, I would appreciate if you forward this newsletter to your neighbors so they are in the loop.
If there are any questions regarding construction work, please reach out.
Other notifications about sidewalk/road/paving plans in Ward 1 will be forthcoming.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.
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Illegal ATVs and Dirt Bikes - Please Sign Our Petition
Recently, I held a meeting with Mayor Elorza, Chief Clements, and many concerned constituents to discuss a proactive mitigation plan for addressing ATVs and bikes in Ward 1 and in our city as the weather gets warmer.
We expressed our concern for enabling legislation to legalize ATVs on city streets and we’re pleased to see that the Mayor clarified his position noting that the executive branch of government will be vigilant and are prepared to deal with dangerous and illegal ATVs and dirt bike riding.
Here are some recent articles on the issue:
https://www.golocalprov.com/news/atv-political-battle-in-providence-heats-up-council-criticizes-elorza-and-h
Councilman John Goncalves said, "The illegal use of ATVs has been a major issue in my neighborhood. I feel my neighbors' frustration as these loud and intrusive vehicles speed through our streets, endangering children, cyclists, drivers, and really anyone nearby. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to work towards the stricter enforcement of the laws we have put in place. I hope we can find an off-road place that they can ride [in the future. In the meantime,] I am optimistic that Mayor Elorza will do his part in enforcing these laws so that our City does not have to continue facing the dangers created by ATVs daily."
https://www.golocalprov.com/news/elorza-pushing-for-legislation-to-legalize-atvs-draws-strong-reaction
https://council.providenceri.gov/2021/03/18/providence-city-council-calls-on-mayor-elorza-to-enforce-existing-atv-laws-and-names-members-to-the-councils-special-commission-on-atvs-recreational-vehicles/
This is a pervasive issue among cities across the country, not just in Providence. While I recognize that there are impassioned riders of recreational vehicles, as a member of the legislative branch of government, I’m open to hearing concrete, legal off-road solutions from the motorbike community. However, we cannot and I will not support their legalization and operation on residential city streets since they’ve operated in ways that have endangered pedestrians and motorists in our neighborhood and in the City of Providence.
So we started a petition -- to send a message to all municipal and state legislators that we, the people, oppose the legalization and operation of illegal ATVs on residential city streets. |
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| Sign The Petition Here |
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Additionally, if you see an ATV or an illegal recreational vehicle, please report the location by contacting (401) 680-8288.
I was recently appointed to a Special Commission on ATV and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement to undertake a comprehensive review of how Providence enforces its laws, practices, and policies governing off-road recreational vehicles.
The Commission will be charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the City’s current enforcement practices and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, ordinances, and policies to prevent the operation of ATVs and recreational vehicles on the City’s streets.
I applaud everyone’s concerted and coordinated effort to get ATVs and bikes off the streets and I hope that we can continue to find creative, robust, and viable solutions to address this issue that has undermined safety and quality of life in our city.
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| Sign The Petition Here |
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Earlier this year, I was proud to be the lead sponsor on a resolution calling for the adoption of an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy for the City of Providence. I want to thank my colleagues for their support on this resolution which will lead to critical changes and regulations that protect our environment. Read the EPP Resolution here.
"What is Environmentally Preferable Purchasing? Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, or EPP, refers to purchasing choices that minimize negative impacts on human health and the environment. Examples of EPP include purchasing products and instituting practices that reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and purchasing products that are free of neurotoxic chemicals.
Adoption of an EPP policy supports the goals outlined in the Climate Justice Plan for the City of Providence to lead by example in city-owned schools and facilities, to create the conditions for healthy community spaces, and to build a local and regenerative, or circular, economy in Providence.
Over the coming months, the Office of Sustainability and Purchasing Department will work across City departments to gain a better understanding of existing purchasing and operational practices and opportunities for improvement. Targeted product categories may include office supplies, janitorial supplies, furniture, and vehicles."
Additionally, I was the lead sponsor on a Providence City Council resolution calling on the Office of Sustainability and partners to produce a residential composting plan that explores current composting practices in Providence and identifies short and long-term steps to eliminate food waste from the residential waste system. The Office of Sustainability has convened composting haulers and stakeholders to discuss and contribute to this residential composting plan, with support from Zero Waste Providence.
Complete the survey below to be considered to win a $50 gift card to the supermarket of your choice. Please note that when selecting where you live in the Ward, it is listed as either 1 and 9 on this map. |
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| Compost Questionnaire |
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Henderson Bridge Updates From The Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Here is the latest expert from RI DOT regarding the Henderson Bridge:
"Since we completed our overnight demolition of the westbound on-ramp from Massasoit Avenue to the Henderson Bridge, next week we plan to continue our daytime demolition of the bridge’s superstructure parapets and reinforced concrete bridge deck weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m." |
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Recent News
Councilman John Goncalves Urges Passage of Rescue Rhode Island Act at the State House
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| Read More |
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Council Urges Rhode Island General Assembly to Pass Bill Preventing Termination of Utilities During Periods of Declared Emergency |
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| Read More |
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University Expresses Opposition to Historic District Ordinance at Public Hearing |
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| Read More |
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Statement from Councilman John Goncalves On the Passing of John “Johnny” Britto |
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| Read More |
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Providence City Council Endorses Creation of An Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy |
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| Read More |
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City Councilors Ask for Federal and State Help to Fight Hunger |
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| Read More |
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City Councilors Pass Resolution Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman John Goncalves Partners with The Avenue Concept and The Vartan Gregorian Elementary School and VG PTO For a Pilot Program to Bring Art to Campus |
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| Read More |
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City Council Urges Governor to Assist Restaurants Seeking License Renewals |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman Goncalves Proposes and City Council Passes Resolution Requesting Public Workshops on City Zoning Practices |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Council Colleagues Introduce Several Resolutions Regarding Returning To School In Providence |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman Goncalves and Colleagues Propose and Pass Resolution Supporting University Mask Policies |
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| Read More |
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| Providence Councilors, Residents Fed Up With Illegal Vehicles On Streets |
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| Read More |
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| A Promise Made, A Promise Delivered
Brown University Announces $10 Million Endowment for Providence Public Schools |
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| Read More |
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| Councilman John Goncalves and Community Partners Announce “Produce in The Park”
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| Read More |
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We Want to Hear From You
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| Contact us |
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Thank you for reading. I'm incredibly grateful to have committed folks like you who read our newsletters and stay informed on what's happening in the neighborhood. Please share this information with a neighbor who may need it and please reach out at any time.
Thank you,
Providence City Councilman, Ward 1
www.johnforward1.com
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| Please reach out: (401) 227-5056
Email John: info at johnforward1.com |
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