Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a new rescue and extra crew could speed your 911 response
Coming up on the Providence Patch calendar: Purr-fect Family Fun: New England Meow Outfit Announces Annual Cat Show in Seekonk, MA

Good morning Providence! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new rescue and extra crew could speed your 911 response
- How a 24-karat makeover will transform Federal Hill's gateway arch
- How many Providence residents are part of Rhode Island's hidden homeless?
Also on today's calendar: Purr-fect Family Fun: New England Meow Outfit Announces Annual Cat Show in Seekonk, MA and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Warm; a p.m. shower or two, with a high of 88 and low of 63 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 78, low: 62.
- Saturday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 71 and low of 67 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Providence Fire Department Expands EMS Coverage and Modernizes Rescue Fleet (patch.com) — Providence is boosting emergency medical coverage with a new Rescue 1 vehicle and a 10th staffed rescue during peak demand, strengthening response in city neighborhoods. Fire Chief Derek Silva and Mayor Brett Smiley say the investment will modernize the rescue fleet, reduce reliance on neighboring towns, and give residents more reliable, faster emergency care.
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2. 24-karat pine cone: Federal Hill's La Pigna Arch to undergo revitalization (wpri.com) — Federal Hill's iconic La Pigna Arch in Providence is getting its first full restoration since 1981, including a 24-karat gold gilding of the famous pine cone. New lighting, benches, and planters will turn the gateway into a more welcoming public space, reinforcing the neighborhood's cultural identity for residents and visitors alike.
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3. URI Study Measures RI's Hidden Homeless Population (upriseri.com) — Providence has the highest concentration of "doubled‑up" homelessness in Rhode Island, with about 2,832 residents estimated to be sleeping in shared housing because they can't afford their own place. A new URI study shows these hidden homeless residents, including many schoolchildren, aren't counted in federal homelessness totals, which can limit access to crucial housing and support programs.
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4. East Side Providence home sale for $4.5M is city's highest since 2025 (pbn.com) — A historic East Side mansion at 79 Clarendon Ave. just sold for $4.5 million, the priciest Providence home sale since 2025. The fully renovated 1896 Georgian colonial features over 9,500 square feet, luxury amenities, and a private city garden east of Blackstone Boulevard, underscoring how high-end property values are rising in Providence.
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5. Striking hospital employees sound alarm over workplace violence (wlrn.org) — Healthcare workers nationwide are striking over rising workplace violence, and staff at Butler Hospital in Providence are among those pressing for safer conditions and better staffing. A local mental health worker's assault and a subsequent strike that closed nearly half the hospital's beds illustrate how Providence caregivers are pushing for wage gains, safety support, and stronger protections on the job.
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📸 Around Providence
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Providence
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Purr-fect Family Fun: New England Meow Outfit Announces Annual Cat Show in Seekonk, MA →
Ramada Inn, located at 213 Taunton Ave., Seekonk, MA,,
9:00 am
Saturday August 22
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Master Class with Broadway Vocal Coach Jodie Langel (RAISE YOUR YA YA YA) →
Kinney Bungalow, 505 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett
10:00 am - Fused Mezuzah →
Blackstone River Glass Center, 30 Meeting St, Cumberland
2:00 pm - FATE Gala with Special Broadway Guest: Jodie Langel →
Kinney Bungalow at Sunset Farm, 505 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett
6:30 pm - Sunset Sail - Painting Class →
Paint and Vino, 150 Main St, Pawtucket
7:00 pm - Resin Art! Customizable →
Paint and Vino, 150 Main St, Pawtucket
7:00 pm - All Your Friends →
Alchemy, 171 Chestnut St, Providence
9:00 pm - Free Qigong in the Park →
Rose Larisa Memorial Park, East Providence
10:00 am - Radiant Dragonfly Glass Art - Painting Class →
Paint and Vino, 150 Main St, Pawtucket
2:00 pm - Los Tigres Del Norte →
Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 Lasalle Sq #1, Providence
8:00 pm - Maria Bamford →
Uptown Theater, 270 Broadway, Providence
7:30 pm
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Saturday August 29
Sunday September 13
📣 Providence Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Locker Night - Lime Cluster
Barrington Middle School 220 Lincoln Ave, Barrington, RI 02806
5:00 pm - Taste of EG Stroll
East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce 580 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818
5:00 pm - Municipal Court →
Lincoln, RI Calendar Lincoln, RI 02865
6:00 pm - ESOL Class (BVCAP) →
Cumberland, RI Calendar, The Amaral Building 16 Mill Street, Cumberland
6:00 pm
Thursday August 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Providence PatchAM possible:
- PFH Legal LLC — (401) 425-6820
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Leo the Lion —Cheryl Tudino Read on Patch
- Had an issue with my pantry sink this morning,Admilson Depina ( from this group) came by checked it out ,fixed the problem .
Quickly ,neatly and very reasonably.I would recommend him without hesitation.100% satisfied (Nextdoor Mount Pleasant) - Contact us today.
We specialize in estate clean-out but do smaller jobs as well! 11 years in the business (Nextdoor Washington Park South)
- Brown University Health posted a job opening for Clerical Group Leader in Providence. Apply here.
- PriceRite Marketplace posted a job opening for Price Rite - Seafood Clerk (PRRC) Salary Range $16 - $20/hr in Providence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Providence here.
Ok Providence! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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