Issue No. 268  l   November 27, 2008   l   Providence, Rhode Island

 

New Providence Career and Technical Academy Moves Closer to Completion
Mayor Cicilline, Superintendent Brady & students celebrate major construction milestone of state-of-the-art renovation with topping off ceremony

“This facility will be critical to our efforts to ensure that our young people have the skills they need to successfully compete in the 21-Century workforce,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline at the topping off ceremony for the newly renovated and expanded facility that will house the Providence Career & Technical Academy.  School Superintendent Tom M. Brady, students, school officials and representatives of the building trades were also on hand as the final steel beam was put into the place.

“In this challenging economy, we have the responsibility to provide our students with the tools they need to either go to college or to obtain good paying jobs upon graduation,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “When there is upward mobility, there is hope for our students and their families.”

“This is an exciting day, not just for our students, but for Providence,” said Superintendent Brady. “This topping-out marks some exciting progress toward the completion of a long-awaited state-of-the-art facility for our new Providence Career and Technical Academy. This campus, its facilities and its programs will help to drive educational and career opportunities for our city.”
 
The newly renovated 296,000-square-foot educational complex will be one of New England’s premier technical high schools with a focus on providing students with the skills necessary to succeed in college or to pursue a career immediately after high school.  The complex will feature nine vocational career laboratories: carpentry; automotive; electrical; graphic communication; culinary arts; plumbing; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; general construction trades and cosmetology.  The learning centers include hands-on training facilities such as a student-run restaurant, automotive service garage, broadcast studio and cosmetology salon.  The Career & Technical Academy will include a 60,000-square-foot athletic field house with a 200-meter track, basketball courts and an indoor soccer field. 

Each student will graduate with a high school diploma and industry-recognized certification in their chosen field.

Other features of the new high school include:
- 22 core curriculum classrooms, including fully-outfitted science labs and art rooms
- New technology integrated with all instructional spaces, including smart boards, ceiling mounted LCD projectors and wireless internet access
- 4,300 square-foot performance auditorium and video teleconference facilities
Wireless library and media/research center

The City also set out to design a green and sustainable structure in line with the goals and objectives of Greenprint Providence using the latest technology:
- Highly efficient mechanical and electrical systems designed to reduce energy consumption by 40%
- Solar/thermal water heaters
- Extensive use of daylight and high tech LED lighting
- High efficiency boilers and chillers
- State-of-the-art ventilation system
- 30% savings in water usage through use of waterless and low-flow fixtures

The new high school, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2009, is part of Mayor Cicilline’s Building a Legacy initiative, a citywide Providence Schools construction and renovation program that includes the renovation of Central High School and Nathan Bishop.  Building a Legacy is designed to transform Providence’s aging schools into 21-Century learning environments.
 

[return to top] 

---

Unique Partnership Boost Mayor's Coat Drive Efforts
RI School of Design & “Buy Nothing Day” join City in donating winter clothing to families in need

Mayor David N. Cicilline today announced that the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has joined the City’s efforts to provide warm coats to those in need through the Mayor’s Annual Coat Drive.   

“I am delighted to announce that the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has joined forces with the City in making the Mayor’s Annual Coat Drive the focus of their annual holiday giving,” said Mayor Cicilline. “Our community has always shown its compassion in times of need; and this year – with a truly challenging economy that is hitting families hard – the university has stepped up to donate new or gently used winter clothing to our neighbors.”

RISD officials have agreed to make the Mayor’s 6th Annual Coat Drive the target of their holiday charity this year.  In addition to the collection bins set up in city buildings, the university is setting up marked bins throughout its campus for garments, which will then be given to the City for Crossroads Rhode Island and the Homeless People’s Action Committee. 

Additionally, officials of the 12th Annual Buy Nothing Day, held on Friday, November 28, on the State House lawn, will donate extra winter clothing to the Mayor’s Coat Drive, at the close of their event. 

The Mayor praised officials from both organizations, noting that our community has always come forward in times of crisis to help others.  He reminded everyone that the recipient organizations have expressed an urgent need for new or clean, gently used (oversized) winter coats, hats, gloves/ mittens, boots, heavy socks and blankets for adults and children.  There is also a critical need for personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving goods and feminine hygiene products. 

Donations may be dropped in marked bins at the following City buildings:  Department of Public Works, Department of Planning & Development, City Hall, Building Inspector’s office, Public Safety Complex and the Providence School Department.   Collections will continue to take place throughout the winter months.

For more information about the Mayor’s Coat Drive, contact 401.351.4300 extension 627.

 

[return to top]   
 

---

Bank of America City Center Skating Rink Ready for 2008/2009 Season

Skating rink opens to the public with admission & rental prices at the same rate for the last four years
 

The cocoa is hot and the skates are sharp at the Bank of America City Center skating rink - one of New England’s most popular destinations for winter fun. As the rink opened for the new season, it offers 2004 prices in the 2008 economy for families looking for fun without breaking the bank.

 

The 14,000-square-foot facility, which is twice the size of Rockefeller Plaza’s ice rink in New York City, will offer a variety of programs this season, including an invitation for City of Providence residents, with valid identification, to skate for free on the first Saturday of each month with a $2 charge for skate rental. 

 

General admission is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and children (under 12).  Skates can be rented for $4.   The Bank of America City Center offers discounted prices for school groups.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.  The skating rink is open on all winter holidays.

 

The following are just some of the scheduled events at the Bank of America City Center for the 2008-2009 season:

· Downtown Holiday Celebration with a professional figure skating demonstration on December 6th following the Mayor’s tree lighting at City Hall.
· Learn-To-Skate four-week session begins December 6th.
· Skate with Santa, Sunday, December 14th and Sunday, December 21st from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
· Disney on Ice (mini performance) followed by an opportunity to skate with Disney characters, Friday, December 26th 10 a.m.
· Providence Bruins practice, Saturday, December 27th 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
· Bright Night, December 31st. Check our website for special deals and performances.
· College Night, every Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.  Admission for college students is $3 with a valid college photo ID.
· Lunchtime Special, every weekday from noon until 2 p.m.  Admission is $3 and skate rentals are $3.
· Afterwork Special, every weekday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Admission is $3 and skate rentals are $3.
 
For more information about the skating rink, including birthday parties and group rates, visit the Bank of America City Center website at www.providenceskating.com or call (401) 331-5544.    

[return to top]   

---

Apply for Neighborhood Street Trees by December 1st
And don’t forget that the Trees 2020 Campaign is still accepting applications for trees on private property

 

The Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP), the street tree planting and maintenance partnership between the Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Street Endowment, the City of Providence and the residents of Providence, is extending their deadline to Monday, December 1st for applications to plant neighborhood trees in the Spring of 2009.  
To receive street trees through the Neighborhood Street Tree Planting Award, neighborhoods should have:
- A volunteer to organize a Neighborhood Street Tree Planting Award application.
- At least five properties that each need at least one tree (minimum request is 5 trees) within an area of one to three city blocks.
- Permission from each property owner to plant each tree requested.
- A promise from each property owner or tenant to help plant their tree on planting day, water weekly and weed regularly.

PNPP especially encourages the following neighborhoods that are most in need of street trees to apply: Elmwood, Smith Hill, Federal Hill, Valley, Olneyville, Washington Park
Reservoir, West End, and Upper and Lower South Providence.

Applications can be downloaded at: www.pnpp.org.  For more information, email street_trees at pnpp.org or call 401-351-6440 x13.

In addition, the Trees 2020 campaign is still accepting applications for their Homeowner Tree Purchase Program geared towards private property owners who want trees planted in their property.  Individuals can also make a tax-deductible donation to a gift a tree.  The application and more information can be found at http://trees2020.org/get-involved.php.

Since 1988, The Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Street Tree Endowment has matched Providence Parks Department funds to provide sidewalk preparation, new soil, trees, and tree delivery at no cost to Providence residents who apply and receive a Neighborhood Street Tree Planting Award.  Trees 2020 is an initiative launched by Mayor Cicilline and the Parks Department’s Forestry Division with the goal to plant and care for 40,000 new trees across Providence's 25 neighborhoods over the next 12 years. 

[return to top]

---

Feature: My City

Mayor Cicilline and Friends Prepare Thanksgiving Baskets For Neighbors in Need

Every year since 1988, prior to entering office, Mayor Cicilline has hosted an annual Thanksgiving food drive at his home.  This past Monday, hundreds of volunteers worked all throughout the evening hours assembling boxes of turkey and all the trimmings as hundreds more donors (even some from out of town) stopped in to drop off their contributions.  The next morning, the Mayor and a team of volunteers handed out the meals to neighbors who need them most.

“This year, with so many families in serious need, the spirit of Thanksgiving requires more from us,” said the Mayor.  “I am thankful to everyone who contributed and volunteered for opening up their hearts to their neighbors during the holidays.  Thanks to them, so many families in Providence will be able to enjoy a great Thanksgiving meal once again this season.”

City News caught up with some of the generous neighbors who dropped by the Mayor’s home on Monday to find out why they give on Thanksgiving.

Michelina Santos
Mount Hope

Why do you give on Thanksgiving?
The need is there.  There’s a huge need and every year this works.  And it makes me feel good.

Do you give every year?
Yes. And the Mayor’s been doing this for many, many years even before he became Mayor.  And I’ve given every single year. 

_________

Elizabeth Baptista
East Side

Why do you give on Thanksgiving?
Because I’ve been very fortunate in my life and it’s important to share. 

Do you have any Providence traditions that you like to do during the holidays?
I’m usually with family and sometimes I actually take my grandchildren to Roger Williams Park, but only if the weather is good!  

_________

Kate Champa
College Hill

Why do you give on Thanksgiving?
Because we need to and because the Mayor provides such a perfect opportunity to do so.

Do you give every year?
I try to give every year and I have since the Mayor started me on it. 

Why do you think it’s important to give now?
Because today’s world is so fraught with anger and sadness and desperation.  We all need to try to do everything we can to stave it off.  I’m giving here in a country that is not nearly as desperate as many other countries but it’s desperate enough.   People are hungry and we need to help.

What do you hope the recipients of your donation will get out of this?
Some sense of hope.  Some sense that they’re cared for and cared about.  And the opportunity to hopefully relax at least for a day and be taken care of.

_________

John Kent
Smithfield

Why do you give on Thanksgiving?
A lot of people are less fortunate than I am and I just want to help out and have a good holiday for everyone. 

Do you give every year?
Absolutely. 

And have you been giving to the Mayor’s Thanksgiving Drive?
Oh yeah, for a while now since 2000.  So it’s kind of a tradition – a very important one. 

What do you hope the recipients of your donation will get out of this?
Just to realize that a lot of people are thinking of them and are wishing them well.  Everybody should have a good meal on Thanksgiving. 

_________

Joshua Janson
Boston, MA

Why do you give on Thanksgiving?
I give on Thanksgiving because of the Mayor.  I would’ve never even thought of doing this if the Mayor hadn’t had the initiative to do it.  We moved up to Boston but still maintain a friendship and we come down every year to give what we can because amazingly enough, I can’t think of any other politician that does this other than Mayor Cicilline.  So it’s why we come here.  It’s not only because we love the Mayor, but also because he should inspire other politicians to do it.  I’ve been trying to get politicians in Boston to do it.  And so, here we are!

What do you hope the recipients of your donation will get out of this?
I just hope that they know that there is hope.  That people care about them and that especially in this time now, I hope that they know that we’re going to get through this.  And with people like the Mayor leading us, I think it will be easier really because he has foresight.  I mean he’s been hosting this drive even before he went into politics.  He’s not doing it to get anything out of it.  He’s doing it because he cares about people and that’s what makes him such a fantastic politician.   

The Mayor’s Annual Thanksgiving food drive benefits organizations like Amos House, Camp Street Community Ministries, John Hope Settlement House, Mt. Hope Community Baptist Church, Mt. Hope Neighborhood Association, Nickerson House, and St. Vincent DePaul Ministry.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[return to top]