🌱Providence Singers 50th Anniversary Concert + RI To Get $45M

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Karena Garrity, your host of the Providence Daily.

First, today's weather:

Not as cold with some sun. High: 42 Low: 33.

Here are the top five stories today in Providence:

1. Providence Singers perform their 50th-anniversary concert this evening, bringing together a diverse group of music lovers to celebrate a half-century of artistic achievement. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 300 Westminster St., Providence. (Providence Journal)
2. The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority is seeking $47 million in pandemic aid monies to make upgrades and recoup proceeds that were lost due to COVID-19. There were no events at the Convention Center for over a year, which reportedly caused a loss of $60 million in revenue. (Turn to 10)
3. There is a silver lining; the site of a deadly 2018 fire in Providence is being transformed into affordable housing, making the best out of a tragic situation. Four years ago, 110 Bowdoin Street was reduced to mere ashes by a massive fire, that took the life of one woman and forced 20 others out of their homes. Now that same location is being turned into affordable housing and providing homes for those in need. (WPRI.com)
4. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced Thursday that the state of Rhode Island is set to receive $45 million in a multi-state settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their role in the opioid epidemic. That settlement amount is double what the original plan called for. (Patch)
5. What does the weather have in store for Providence this weekend? It's New England, so you never know! (Providence Patch)

Today in Providence:

• Learn ITALIAN: advanced - Providence Community Library (9:00 AM)
• GED/COMPUTER - Providence Community Library (9:30 AM)
• ESL Class: beginner/principiante - Providence Community Library (10:00 AM)
• Learn SPANISH in 2022: beginner - Providence Community Library (10:00 AM)
• Gorham’s Impact on the Soil of Mashapaug Park (10:30 AM)
• Learn SPANISH in 2022: Intermediate - Providence Community Library (11:30 AM)
• Young Musicians Chopin Club Musicale (2:00 PM)
• Planetarium Show - Providence City Hall (2:00 PM)
• Canine Companions Puppy Raising & Volunteer Information Session (2:30 PM)
• Providence Singers present Bach Magnificat (7:00 PM)
• Verdant Vibes Concert - Music Mansion (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence Animal Rescue League: "Greetings, friends! My name is Tipper and I am looking for my new home! I am a very sweet pig who will accept cheek rubs from anyone who is willing to give them to me.(Facebook)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "Aquatic invasive species like water chestnut, hydrilla, and European frogbit can take over your favorite lake – unless they are stopped or controlled. The easiest way to prevent their spread to new waterbodies is to clean, drain, and dry your boat and gear when exiting the water. " (Facebook)
• RISD Museum: "In honor of RISD Founders Day on March 22, we want to celebrate our amazing community with a #FoundersDayGiveaway!" (Facebook)
• Providence Public Library: "AskRI-- Rhode Island's Online Resource for students, jobseekers, and curious learners of all ages is all-new and waiting for you!"(Facebook)
• Rhode Island Foundation: "The Equity Leadership Initiative works to help build a pipeline of leaders of color in positions of influence in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Foundation is now accepting applications for the ‘22/’23 cohort. The deadline to apply is April 1." (Facebook)
• Providence Children's Museum: "Want to know what's happening at PCM this weekend? Sign up for our weekly Friday update!" (Facebook)

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• Providence Singers present Bach Magnificat (March 5)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I 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.