🌱Nurses Vote To Unionize + Drink Ukrainian Vodka In Solidarity

Hey, Providence! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cold. High: 34 Low: 20.

Here are the top five stories in Providence today:

1. According to a press release from the City Of Providence: Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced the hiring of Providence resident Dr. Silas Pinto as the City's first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. The DEIB Department was created in the city's Fiscal Year 2022 budget to design, drive, implement and support the city's efforts to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are shared and practiced principles in Providence. (Press Release Desk)
2. In a show of solidarity and support for the people and nation of Ukrainian Providence's Bellini is joining other restaurants around the world and is now carrying Ukrainian vodka. Nemiroff premium vodka is available to be ordered for any cocktail. Nemiroff comes from Ukraine's oldest and largest distillery. So join in and toast to 'peace and hope'. (The Providence Journal)
3. Nurses voted to unionize by about a 2-1 margin at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. According to Lynn Blais, president of the United Nurses Allied Professionals, the wide margin of victory illustrates the nurses' “deep dissatisfaction” with management.(The Ridgefield Press)
4. A Providence estate located on the corner of Blackstone Boulevard and Rochambeau Avenue is reported to be the largest and most valuable piece of residential property in the city. It is being auctioned by the world's largest luxury auction house, Concierge Auctions. The home is currently listed for $6.495 million and will auction No Reserve, meaning there is no minimum or expected bid. (GoLocalProv)
5. Peregrine falcons, fierce birds of prey, returned to the city of Providence 50 years after the species was nearly destroyed by pesticides. Learn about the Providence peregrines and the famed tale of “U7” and the nest atop the Superman building at the Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, on Thursday, March 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Valley Breeze)

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Today in Providence:

• Afterschool Movie - Providence Community Library (3:30 PM)
• Jak Knight (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence Animal Rescue League: "Fosters needed. People who are willing to open their homes and hearts to foster one of these dogs until they can be adopted. Please consider joining our PARL foster family. We will provide all the supplies" (Facebook)
• The Providence Flea: "The Providence Flea is back Sunday for a little bit of March Madness. Check out this selection from our upcoming lineup of local vendors, then meet us at 10 Sims Ave from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to snag some of these Rhody goodies.(Instagram)
• Adoption Rhode Island: "Be a part of a dynamic, life-changing team!" (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Historical Society: "In conjunction with the Museum of Work and Culture's exhibit Righting a Wrong, follow along with illustrator Rae Kuruhara as they celebrate Japanese-American food culture with a demonstration on how to make onigiri and spam musubi." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "Do we love our marine species here in the Ocean State? Shell yeah we do! Learn more about bay scallops and “lost” tropical visitors to our local waters with Principal Marine Biologist Anna Gerber Williams." (Facebook)
• AARP Rhode Island: "Click to Watch! The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) have created a new program to help those who have been affected by fraud. It's called VOA | ReST, which stands for resilience, strength and time." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Hospital: "Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision impairment among older adults in the United States. Learn more." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Providence Singers present Bach Magnificat (March 5)
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That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Providence and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.