October Means “Socktober” for EP’s Christine Alves
For over ten years, East Providence resident and EP High School administrative assistant Christine Alves, has been collecting and donating brand new socks to those in need throughout the region. “Socks are the least thought of item to donate to people less fortunate than us,” said Alves. So years ago she started a sock drive when working at Orlo Avenue school in East Providence. Now at EPHS her drive includes donations from throughout Rhode Island and a few businesses. More than 30,000 pairs of new socks have been donated to those in need, since her campaign began. While Alves operation is now based at EPHS, just about all schools participate and send her their donations. Many schools offer a prize to the “classroom who collects the most socks.”
Also joining in the effort are members of the local police department where staff member Kim Nelson leads the charge to help every “socktober.” In addition to the police department, area businesses McShortagee’s Market, Cynthia Cabana Reality and Centreville Bank collect socks to donate to Alves at the high school. “Everyone has been so eager to help out,” said Alves. “I think over 1,000 pairs have been collected just in the high school this year.”
Alves was featured late last month in a WPRI Channel 12 feature. “I never thought it would get this big, but here we are,” Alves told 12 News with a smile. “It’s easier to be kind than to not be kind,” she continued. “It’s a ripple effect, you do good and it just feels so good.” Alves told 12 News that a number of nonprofit organizations benefit from Socktober, including the Hope & Faith Drive, Amos House, Crossroads Rhode Island, Foster Forward, Feed RI, Fifty-Three Five and Church Beyond the Walls. If people still want to help, Alves actually collects socks all year for her annual socktober effort. Donations are welcomed anytime.
Mayor Bob DaSilva signs FY 25-26 budget following council approval
Mayor Bob DaSilva has signed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget ordinance adopted by the East Providence City Council by a vote of 4-1 during the October 8 City Council meeting. The $205,100,061.00 budget reflects the administration’s tight fiscal management while also continuing to provide all of services that East Providence residents expect.
“We went through every dime in each line item to find ways to make this budget palpable for our residents,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This budget allows the city to continue providing the quality level of services that our residents have become accustomed and additionally, it helps to pay for the ongoing new Martin Middle School renovations,” DaSilva added.
The causes for the Mayor’s proposed increase of $10 million:
- $2.3 million increase in the city’s local appropriation to the school department (a 3.8% increase over last year’s funding, close to the school’s request for the maximum 4% increase
- $1.549M (3.87%) increase for municipal salaries and contractual obligations
- $1.38M increase in funding for the fire and police pension fund (representing a 6.6% increase over last year)
- $971,663 increase in debt service for school bonds (a 5.5% increase over last year)
- $471,973 increase in healthcare costs for all active municipal employees (a 7.65% increase from last year)
In order to pay for the increases, the approved budgets will raise the total property tax levee by four-percent, which will bring in an additional $4.6 million in revenue.
Mayor DaSilva noting, however, that the expected additional economic growth of $49.8 million which is anticipated to be realized before the city sets the new tax rate in the spring should offset some of the fiscal impacts to taxpayers.
"I am satisfied that this budget provides for the quality-of-life East Providence residents expect. While no one likes a tax increase, our tax rate is reasonable, considering our two brand new schools and rising costs all around us. The administration and city council members were diligent in its review and passage, with open public hearings," Council President Bob Rodericks said.
Council Vice President Frank Rego addressed the council prior to the vote on Tuesday saying in part, “If you look at this budget, there is no fat.” No one likes to see an increase [in taxes], we are not having to close the libraries for a day or two, we are not having to rotate fire stations, we are not cutting police, and we are not cutting the school budget, we would never cut the school budget,” added Rego. “If you were to take a home valued at $400,000, it would come down to approximately a $260 increase this year, break that down over 52 weeks and that’s $5 a week.”
The increase to individual property owners will be determined later in the year prior to tax bills being mailed out. The City’s new fiscal year begins November 1st, tax bills will be mailed in May 2026.
City Council voices support to keep Vets Parkway ‘As Is’
At its October 21st meeting, the East Providence City Council unanimously passed an ordinance supporting the movement to keep the Veteran’s Memorial Parkway as it is currently designed. The resolution sponsored by Ward Two Councilwoman Anna Sousa said in part; “… the Veterans Memorial Parkway (the Parkway) was envisioned by the Metropolitan Park Commission (MPC) in the early 1900s as part of an overall plan for parks and connecting parkways for the Providence metropolitan area, the Parkway in particular being planned as “a scenic pleasure drive designed to offer connectivity between green spaces… protected by park-like reservations of land on either side….” The lengthy resolution went on to add; “… the Rhode Island Historical & Heritage Commission has determined that the Parkway is eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; and the Parkway is recognized as one of nine Scenic Roadways in Rhode Island and is under the supervision of the Scenic Roadways Board ... the Veterans Memorial Parkway Stewardship Plan, prepared for the Scenic Roadways Board in 1999, states that “Heavy truck traffic is inconsistent with the design and purpose of Veterans Memorial Parkway and the plans proposed by the developer anticipate upwards of 30 daily tractor trailer round trips on the Parkway in service to the development project and the East Providence Historic District Commission and the East Providence Conservation Commission have voted to send statements to relevant State agencies in support of preserving the Parkway’s unique character …”
Also the resolution stated that, “ … the Design Guidelines of the East Providence Special Waterfront Development District for the Metacomet, Kettle Point and Veterans Memorial Parkway Subdistricts all state that: Development along the Parkway should be proportional to the existing roadway’s function and capacity. Curb cuts should be limited in size and location; signage should be limited in amount and scale. Additionally, traffic signalization is not in keeping with the character of the Parkway. Installation of signals is strongly discouraged and, if necessary, must be coordinated with RIDOT, The Scenic Highways Board, and the Waterfront Commission to ensure minimal impact. Roadway widening would also detract from the character and scenic qualities of the Parkway and is discouraged. Finally, the weight limitations of existing bridges (5000 pounds) must be considered when determining the nature and scale of development. Increased truck traffic would adversely affect the neighborhoods adjoining the parkway …”
The resolution called for copies of the approval to be forwarded to “all stakeholders and local, state, or federal agencies with any supervisory, permitting, and other similar authority to exercise authority consistent with the historic vision of the parkway and take all necessary steps to advance the goals and policies as set forth in the various regulatory and governing documents.”
Lead spokesperson for the Keep Metacomet Green group, Candy Seel, spoke in favor of the resolution. Ms. Seel was encouraged but also indicated an understanding that this resolution is not binding but while “in itself does not prohibit the construction of the roundabout and expanded lanes, but the unanimous declaration of the will of the Council will weigh heavily in the review and approval process at the State level,” she wrote to supporters after the meeting. The resolution does not specifically mention any reference to a “rotary” or “roundabout,” it does list objection to any “proposed major alterations” by the developer.
East Providence awarded $94,000 to support housing production
In an October press release, Governor McKee, the Executive Office of Housing (EOH), and RIHousing announced the awards for four technical assistance programs, each one encouraging an increase in housing production in Rhode Island. The 32 awards, totaling over $2.6 million in federal and state investments, will support municipalities and housing developers removing barriers to housing development and conducting predevelopment activities to expand the state’s new housing pipeline.
“Access to housing means access to health care, education, workforce opportunities, and a better future—and that's what's at the heart of this award program,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thanks to a strong partnership between state and private leaders, we're streamlining production and breaking down barriers. Rhode Island remains fully committed to tackling the housing crisis head-on and lifting Rhode Islanders up and helping them along the Rhode to Prosperity.”
The awards, approved at meetings of the RIHousing Board of Commissioners and the Rhode Island Housing Development Corporation (RIHDC) Board of Directors, will be administered by RIHousing. (RIHDC is a nonprofit subsidiary of RIHousing).
In June, RIHousing issued a Request for Proposals for Rhode Island municipalities interested in applying for funding under the Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), Pipeline Development Program, and/or the Transit-Oriented Development Zoning Program (TOD). Each program connects municipalities with pre-approved consultants that provide support to advance local housing initiatives.
MTAP ($1,096,733 awarded): Funded through the Housing Production Fund, MTAP helps cities and towns expand local housing by providing technical assistance for eligible activities such as zoning updates, infrastructure assessments, site analysis, and community engagement.
Pipeline Program ($354,139 awarded): With this allocation from the Housing Resources Commission, awardees will receive assistance in identifying potential sites for the redevelopment of affordable or mixed-income housing and in moving forward with the development of these sites.
TOD ($603,339 awarded): Funding for the TOD program comes from State Fiscal Recovery Funds, appropriated by the General Assembly to the Executive Office of Housing, to support grants for municipalities to study and implement zoning changes to up-zone or otherwise enable additional housing development in proximity to transit.
“These technical assistance awards represent a smart, targeted investment in Rhode Island’s housing future,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “By funding the planning, zoning, and predevelopment work that must happen before construction begins, we’re laying the groundwork for the homes and communities Rhode Islanders will need for years to come.”
17 municipalities received funding through these three programs: Barrington, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Foster, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Warren, Westerly, and West Greenwich.
In addition to the municipal programs, RIHDC approved nine awards totaling $644,580 under the Proactive Development Program (PDP). Funded through State Fiscal Recovery Funds, the program provides technical assistance through pre-approved vendors and consultants to developers and municipalities for pre-development work, including site analysis, engineering, permitting, and financial feasibility studies to help move housing developments forward. The RFP opened on July 7 and closed on August 22.
These awards will support housing projects in seven municipalities: Central Falls, Coventry, Cumberland, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and West Greenwich.
With the housing challenges Rhode Island has faced in recent years, providing support for technical assistance is another way the state is stepping up and offering solutions. By offering grants for technical assistance and predevelopment activities, Rhode Island is creating a stronger foundation for long-term housing growth.
“The innovative technical assistance programs we’re offering through state and federal investments are critical to the expansion of housing in Rhode Island,” said Carol Ventura, CEO & Executive Director of RIHousing. “By providing technical support and predevelopment assistance to municipalities and developers, we are reducing or eliminating current barriers to increase housing and expanding the tools available to strengthen Rhode Island’s development pipeline.”
Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Award $1.39 Million in Grants
East Providence to receive $40K
Last month, Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) announced the awarding of the fourth round of Learn365RI grants, which will provide 38 communities with $1,390,000 in funding aimed at improving math skills and student attendance as part of the state’s Math and Attendance Matters campaigns.
This investment follows Rhode Island’s rebound beyond pre-pandemic achievement levels in RICAS math, steady gains in SAT math performance, and recognition as the leading state in New England for post-pandemic academic recovery, according to the Education Recovery Scorecard from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth. Rhode Island has also become a national and international leader in decreasing chronic absenteeism, curbing it by 12 percentage points since the state’s highest point.
Funding for the latest round of Learn365RI Municipal Learning Project grants will support high-quality out-of-school time learning programs. 50% of these programs must have an explicit focus on critical skill development in mathematics as part of the Math Matters RI initiative; the other 50% can focus on English Language Arts (ELA), RICAS prep, and attendance.
“Rhode Island students continue to make steady gains because we not only believe in their potential – we invest in it!” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “These additional state grants, focused on attendance and intensive math programming, are a critical part of our statewide campaigns, which are helping to promote attendance and elevate math statewide.”
In April 2023, Governor Dan McKee announced a new out-of-school learning initiative, Learn365RI, which is designed to shift learning from the traditional 180 school days to 365 days of learning by supporting partnerships between municipalities, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to expand high-quality, expanded learning experiences. In partnership with the Governor’s Office, RIDE has been engaging with city and town leaders statewide to strategize and advance the priorities of Learn365RI.
DaSilva’s Chief of Staff leaving to lead the Senate Policy Office
Mayor Bob DaSilva has announced that East Providence Chief of Staff Patricia Resende is embarking on a new career path. She has accepted the role as the Director of the Rhode Island Senate Policy Office. Resende will remain in her position with the DaSilva Administration until Nov. 6, 2025.
“Ms. Resende has been an asset to my administration since first taking office in 2019, many of the major milestones that we have accomplished for East Providence have been in part due to her hard work and dedication on behalf of this city,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for her, and I congratulate her on this move and look forward to continuing to work together and collaborate as she takes on this new role with the state.”
Resende was officially promoted to the position of Chief of Staff in April 2024 (after serving as Acting Chief of Staff since December 2023) where she had an integral role in negotiating union contracts, wrote executive orders and directives and oversaw day-to-day operations of the city.
Resende joined DaSilva’s administration in January 2019, overseeing project management and communications for the City of East Providence. During her time with the city, Resende oversaw the implementation of the city’s budget portal, assisted in the rollout of a regional vaccine clinic and test distribution process, and participated in the planning and development of a community center.
She also led the charge on launching the city’s website, newsletter and public access show and spearheaded the implementation of annual community gatherings such as the East Providence Holiday Tree Lighting and events that highlight those throughout the community who are making a difference, specifically the recognition of “Remarkable Women” and the city’s annual Veterans Day and September 11 Remembrance Ceremony.
In addition, Resende served as liaison to the city’s congressional, state and local delegation where she oversaw joint press conferences, worked on legislative packages important to the city, and facilitated communications between the legislative and executive side of East Providence government.
“It was an absolute privilege to serve the residents of East Providence,” Patricia Resende said. “Over the last seven years, under Mayor DaSilva’s leadership, we were able to accomplish so much for our residents and staff and I am both thankful and proud to have been a part of such an amazing team and look forward to seeing the team thrive and the projects we have started succeed.”
“I am thankful to Senate President Val Lawson for this opportunity and I look forward to joining the Senate Policy Office to address a number of their legislative priorities,” Resende added.
Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner - November 12th
All veterans and their families are invited to the annual Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner. The free dinner is held at the St. Martha’s Church Hall on Pawtucket Avenue in the city. The full pasta dinner is hosted by the East Providence Veterans’ Advisory committee. City Council members will be on hand as well as other city and state dignitaries to help honor the area’s veterans. “This is a nice annual effort to say thank you to all veterans,” said a committee organizer Ward 4 Councilman Rick Lawson, himself a veteran. The event is from 5:30 to 7 PM.
East Providence holds inaugural Situation Table meeting
Rhode Island’s 3rd “Situation Table”, a collaborative meeting model to proactively address complex situations involving our communities most vulnerable, was held last month at East Providence City Hall. The Situation Table collaborates with qualified local organizations, agencies and non-profits to create a unique, risk-based, rapid triage model that brings together service providers to address the needs of individuals or families facing Acutely Elevated Risk. Those who are involved in identifying individuals or situations that need additional attention include the EPPD, EPFD, East Providence Veterans Services and Community Health Coordinator Andrea Vargas, and local organizations including but not limited to EPHEZ, EBCAP, PACE RI, CODAC and the East Providence School District.
Lyle Bourne Park Rumford
I want to thank Governor Dan McKee’s wife First Lady Susan McKee for partnering with a youth group from the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Blackstone Valley on a community litter cleanup at Lyle Bourne Playground in Rumford. On Saturday they showed up ready to help and worked hard and left the park so beautiful. They removed graffiti, and picked up litter. We can all do our part to help keep our public spaces clean and litter free. #LitterFreeRI. Learn more about keeping RI litter free here: https://litterfree.ri.gov. You can register for a community cleanup in East Providence at https://eastprovidenceri.gov/departments/recycling
Wheelchair Bowlers of America Tourney
The East Providence Lanes hosted the 2025 Patton-Stevens Foundations Wheelchair Bowlers of America Fall Classic in late October. The four-day bowling tournament brought members of the Wheelchair Bowlers of America from across the country to share the love of the game with fellow bowlers and to bring awareness to the difficulties Veterans and active duty members face. Each year they team up with the Steven’s Family Foundation and Matthew Patton Foundation to empower and improve the lives of others and to raise awareness for mental health needs, particularly in the military community. “I was honored to join Director of the Office of Veteran’s Services Kasim Yarn and other guests to throw out the first roll at the opening of the 2025 Patton-Stevens Foundations Wheelchair Bowlers of America Fall Classic at the East Providence Lanes,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva.
Brady’s Hot Chocolate Stand Returns
“I like to help other kids who need it,” was the answer four-year-old Brady Vieira told The Reporter in a prior interview when asked why he holds a hot chocolate stand to raise money for charity. “A lot of people come and give money. I give it all to Mr. Sweeney,” Brady added. The benefactor of young Mr. Brady’s fundraiser is the Hope & Faith Drive, LLC which is a non-profit charity run by retired EP school maintenance worker, Carl Sweeney. Sweeney’s charity gives food, clothing, gifts, etc. to those in need throughout East Providence. “Brady’s Hot Chocolate Stand began in 2023 at our East Providence home, as a simple way for Brady to give back to local charities,” said Brady’s parents Cosmo and Lindsey Vieira. “What started small has grown into something much bigger, teaching Brady the importance of kindness, generosity, and community spirit. Since then, Brady’s efforts have been celebrated by Channel 10 News, The East Providence Reporter, EastProv Hospitality, The Today Show with Lester Holt, and even the Boston Celtics. He has also been warmly welcomed at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, where he’s hosted multiple events—including one with a special guest, Pat Patriot, mascot of the New England Patriots.”
The Vieira’s send 100% of all donations directly to Sweeney’s charity. “A lot of people came by in the past that we didn’t even know and donated. Some didn’t take a drink but made a donation. “We don’t list a price, rather we ask for any amount. People were and still are very generous.” The family added drink toppings, other treats and even sweatshirts which people bought. “We were overwhelmed with gratitude! Carl Sweeney Jr goes above and beyond for our Townie families and with this stand it is our turn to return the favor,” said Lindsey Vieira. “I am proud to be a Townie and so thankful for our community that really shows up.”
Brady’s Hot Chocolate Stand is more than just a cup of cocoa; it’s proof that even the smallest ideas can make a big difference. This year, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance at Brady’s stand from 12 PM to 2 PM. and Mrs. Claus from 10 to 11AM. All donations will support Hope & Faith Drive charities. The proceeds from the event benefit families in need and foster community unity through clothing drives, meal programs, seasonal outreach events, and children’s programs like their Kid’s Kindness Club. Sweeney’s mission is simple yet powerful, to spread hope through kindness while providing essential support to those who need a helping hand.
“Thank you, Brady, for your Hot Chocolate event to support Hope & Faith Drive. I couldn’t be prouder of your kindness and huge heart. The Hug you gave me topped off a very special & spectacular day. I also thank everyone for their donations and kindness. It’s so inspiring to us to know people truly believe in helping from their heart and trusting in us to help those in need,” said Carl Sweeney after last years event.
Date: Sunday, November 30th, 2025
Location: 22 Ferncrest Drive, Riverside, RI
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
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