Happy Friday, Providence. In today’s edition: New endoscopic spinal fusion, winter wonderland, Gladys Knight, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New aid for vulnerable learners: RIDE has awarded $457,000 to 12 education agencies through McKinney-Vento subgrants to support students experiencing homelessness, funding after-school tutoring, workforce readiness training, Boys and Girls Club programs, and technology access — see how funds will help.

Ship-in-a-bottle spine technique: The Miriam Hospital in Providence is offering Rhode Island’s first endoscopic spinal fusion, a minimally invasive outpatient option that reduces muscle disruption and post-surgery pain for patients with unstable spines — learn how it works.

Big move in eldercare realty: The 544 Pleasant St property sold for $15.27 million to Pawtucket RI Property Holdings, affiliated with Menachem Shabat of Cascade Capital Group. Oak Hill Realty Associates was the seller — see buyer, seller, and price.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Country star Meghan Patrick hits Moonshine Alley
• Providence women’s basketball faces Rhode Island
• Shop handmade gifts and meet Santa
• Shop Liz Collins’ limited-edition designs
• Experience Octet’s a cappella internet odyssey
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

A journey of belonging: The Broadway musical Water for Elephants is rolling into the Providence Performing Arts Center, adapting the best-selling novel with circus spectacle and heart. The time-jumping tale follows Jacob, with his older self narrating. Expect an onstage elephant, and find show details and tickets on PPAC’s site. See show details and tickets.

Bundle up for discovery: Rhode Island DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has rolled out free, family-friendly winter programs through February across the state, from shoreline birding and wildlife tracking to archery and hunter education. Highlights include a Ladies Night intro to archery on Jan 2 and birding at Beavertail on Jan 10. Most events require registration. Check out the full lineup.

Fresh pours, zero repeats: With no flagship beers and a constantly rotating tap list, Long Live Beerworks scratches the “what’s new?” itch with hop-forward hazies, playful stouts, and on-site sours. Brewhouse views and a local food pop-up turn an easygoing weeknight into a small win.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

⛄ Cheerful Snowman – Painting Class @ Paint and Vino | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Trade doomscrolling for a cheerful snowman you actually made, plus a complimentary soda, beer, or wine. It’s a relaxed in-studio paint class in Pawtucket with two free parking lots, and yes, punctuality matters. Bring a friend, they’ll seat you together.

⛸️ FirstWorks presents: Le Patin Libre “Glide” @ The Providence Rink | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Forget everything you know about figure skating—this Montréal-based troupe turns the ice into a full-blown stage for storytelling, rhythm, and raw expression. “Glide” blends theatre, tap, street dance, and high-level skating into a fast, joyful showcase that feels more like performance art than a rink routine. Stick around after the show for a free public ice-skating dance party with a local DJ, because why just watch the magic when you can join it?

This weekend

🍺 6th Annual Hoppy Holidays @ The Guild Pawtucket | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Holiday shopping without the mall lighting. This two-day market packs 60 plus artisans into the historic campus, with a different mix each day and stalls spread through the beer hall, brewery, bottling, and barn, each with its own bar, because priorities.

❄️ Winter Wonderland @ Roger Williams Park | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Nothing says Providence holidays like Roger Williams Park turned into a Winter Wonderland, with crafts, twinkly lights, hayrides, and the kids lining up for their chance to share wish lists with Santa. Free parking and a shuttle keep the stress down, and it all ends with the annual bandstand tree lighting.

🎄 An Amarcord Christmas – Saturday Evening Concert @ St. Martin’s Episcopal Church | Saturday (12/6) at 7:00pm – If your holiday spirit prefers velvet harmonies to mall speakers, this five-voice ensemble from Leipzig has you covered with three decades of favorite carols. Think cathedral warmth, spotless blend, and old-world charm. It is mulled wine for the ears, no novelty sweaters required.

💥 Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics @ Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park | Sunday (12/7) at 10:00am – This class takes classic step aerobics, cranks up the bass, and throws in hip hop swagger for a workout that actually feels fun. Expect easy-to-follow moves, plenty of rhythm, and a serious cardio boost disguised as a dance party. Come ready to sweat, bounce, and leave with your coordination feeling just a little more brag-worthy.

📖 A Christmas Carol Marathon Reading @ The Providence Athenaeum | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Settle in for a marathon reading of A Christmas Carol, complete with crackling-fire ambiance, cocktails, and a first-edition flex. Want to read? Claim a six-minute slot, members get dibs. Or just BYO blanket, enjoy the carolers, and let the kids craft lanterns.

🎤 Gladys Knight @ The Vets | Sunday (12/7) at 7:00pm – Call a sitter and catch the Midnight Train without leaving town, because Gladys Knight is in the house. The seven-time Grammy legend still brings velvet vocals, gospel grit, and R&B swagger, the kind that reminds you why live music matters, and why classics endure.

Next week

✏️ RWP Museum of Natural History Drawing Wild: From the Collection @ Museum of Natural History and Planetarium | Monday (12/8) at 1:00pm – If your sketchbook’s been giving you side-eye, here’s your excuse: a private, crowd-free afternoon inside RWP’s Museum to draw birds, bears, lions, and a few vault surprises, with an instructor roaming for feedback. Bring a small easel or chair, your favorite pencils, and register early.

📸 Holiday Photos to Benefit Teens at Foster Forward @ Pawtucket Country Club | Tuesday (12/9) at 5:30pm – Holiday card panic setting in? Skip the mall Santa and get a legit festive photoshoot with a pro from Main Street Media, then feel smug because it supports teens at Foster Forward. Bring family, friends, or the office crew, festive attire welcome but not required.

🌎 Earth, Wind & Fire @ Providence Performing Arts Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:30pm – Whether you’ve been grooving to September since prom or just rediscovered Let’s Groove, Earth, Wind & Fire bring the hits, the horns, and the harmonies. Expect joyful funk, polished showmanship, and plenty of opportunities to get moving and enjoy the music.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Another One Down and more @ Alchemy – 5 pm
• 12/5 Jazz Band @ Providence College – 7 pm
• 12/6 The Band Feel and more @ Alchemy – 7 pm
• 12/7 McKinley James and more @ Alchemy – 6 pm
• 12/8 Meghan Patrick @ Moonshine Alley – 7 pm
• 12/10 Jenny Owen Youngs @ The Parlour – 7 pm
• 12/11 Dizgo @ Fete Music Hall – 7 pm
• 12/11 Christmas Carols on Strings @ Bishop McVinney Auditorium – 8:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Providence edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Lindsay Pettinelli (Churchill & Banks Co., LLC)

The last available, full-floor second-story home in a reimagined Wayland Square icon pairs turn-of-the-century charm with serious kitchen cred. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood open living with light and tree-lined outlooks, newly refinished hardwoods gleam, and a gas fireplace holds court. Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf oven, shaker cabinetry, and white quartz bring chef energy. Three bedrooms, two luxe baths both with en-suite bedroom access, updated mechanicals, in-unit laundry, and generous storage keep life streamlined.

Unit-designated outdoor spaces and a garage spot add the city unicorn factor, plus postcard Wayland Square vibes steps to cafes, boutiques, and Blackstone strolls.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →