Dear Neighbors –- Sigh, it’s been more than 6 years now that I’ve been writing these emails to you, my neighbors. At first only about 10 of you were receiving them and now our membership is over 150. Residents of downtown finally have a voice –- and a pretty loud one at that! We may not always agree with each other but we continually come together to make progress for the place we call home. It’s downright awesome.

So, the first order of business for me is bittersweet. After living in Providence and working in Boston at Digitas for almost 7 years, I am now transferring to their NYC office. Yes, it’s true -– I am moving to New York as of October 1. As such, I am stepping down as Secretary of the DNA. I am very excited for my next adventure but I have such a soft spot in my heart for this neighborhood and all it’s become since I first got here in 2002. I want to say thank you to all of you for your support, for your interest and dedication -– your collective tolerance and sense of humor of course –- and your overall love for downtown. We have done SO MUCH to help usher in change and it’s so exciting to know we now have the power to do even more.

That said (and for those of you who’ve been playing along at home) you’re aware that the DNA has some open spots on its cabinet. In the coming months we’ll be reaching out to you for help fill the roles of President, Vice Present and Secretary of our group. It’s truly a time for change, fresh minds and new ideas; not to mention a great opportunity to meet amazing people, impact a city and I have to admit, have a lot of fun.

We decided long ago that this neighborhood group would need to be different. Most of us rent as opposed to own, we have unique jobs and working hours, and share a broader range of concerns and interests compared to other groups. As such, there is great flexibility in how the DNA operates. Leading the group will not dominate your life or be a burden; it’s all about teamwork. We’ve been doing more online and have been working more as individuals so as to stay informed of hot topics and concerns. It’s all about what you want to make of it.

So email us back at this address (dna_providence@hotmail.com) if you are interested in taking on a larger role with the group. If you have any ideas or just want to do more without being an officer, drop us a line and someone will get back to you. There’s so much good going on here for downtown –- now’s the time to make yourself a part of it and keep the DNA the integral force it has become.

Thank you all again so much –- friends, residents, council people, business owners -– EVERYONE. It’s been an honor to be a part of this group and a member of this community. I will spread the good word to the kids in NYC that this is one heck of a place to call home! Best of luck and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds…for all of us.

Truly, with love, Kim (one last time)
Secretary
Downtown Neighborhood Alliance
dna_providence@hotmail.com | http://providencedna.com

The staff at Trinity Rep is now organizing an exciting downtown event, Savor Providence!

This 2nd annual event is planned for Saturday, August 29th from 11am-3 pm. It’s a self-guided culinary tour of Providence, offering 10 “tastes” at the city’s hottest restaurants for only $35.

Visit: www.savorprovidence.com or call (401) 351-4242 for more info.