Providence launches recycling challenge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - It's a busy time of year for the city of Providence, with numerous on-going programs and back-to-school for kids.

Neighborhood Recycling Challenge:

On July 24, the city announced the launch of the Neighborhood Recycling Challenge. It's a six-week competition running from the week of July 30 to the week of September 7.

The competition challenges residents across Providence to increase recycling rates in every part of the city.

Recycling more will help the City of Providence save money and will protect our environment at the same time.

When Providence increases its recycling rate to 25 percent, the city will save more than $250,000 annually

The competition is waged by collection day, meaning that the “teams” are made up of residents who have their trash and recycling picked up on the same day.

Using the May/June average as a starting benchmark, the collection day that improves its recycling rate by the largest margin by the week ending September 7 will win the competition.

The winning collection day will be rewarded with a community BBQ and five trees to be planted next spring in consultation with neighborhood groups.

During the second week of the Challenge, almost all of our neighborhoods showed improvement from the previous week.

Neighborhood Performing Arts Series:

There's still a chance to see some great performances through the City of Providence Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative summer series!

All events are free and open to the public.

On Wednesday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m., the Double Decker Dance Band will perform at Brown Street Park, behind Hope High School.

The swinging sounds of Superchief Trio closes the event at Brown Street Park on August 29 at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, August 23 at 5:30 p.m., ECAS Theater will bring Spanish-language and bilingual music, dance and theater to young and old alike at Riverside Park, 50 Aleppo Street in Providence.

Providence Reads:

As students start school, the city is officially launching the Providence Reads Initiative, a campaign that focuses on the most important predictor of school success and high school graduation – grade-level reading by the end of third grade

Research shows that children who don’t read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school without a high school diploma. And among low-income students, the risk is compounded: Poor students who read below grade level at the end of third grade are six times more likely to drop out of school without a diploma than students who read at grade level.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a reading tutor in the Providence Schools can call 401-274-3240, or email tadelman@inspiringmindsri.org .

All America City Award:

On July 2, Providence was named an All-America City by the National Civic League today based on our ambitious plan to ensure that more children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Winning the award is a high-profile, national honor for Providence and a validation of the efforts they've have made so far.