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Town of North Smithfield
March 8th, 2019 Edition
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORTH SMITHFIELD
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The North Smithfield Police Department is partnering with the BSA Troop 1139 of Slatersville in an effort to help town residents who are in need of assistance with snow clearing on their property. This assistance is specifically for the elderly and/or disabled. If you, or someone you know, is elderly or disabled and needs assistance clearing snow, please contact Captain Riccitelli via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Scout Master Robert Skinner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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The North Smithfield Food Pantry is looking for TWO NEW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Please click the links below for a full Job Description
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The North Smithfield Heritage Association Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner
Friday, April 26th
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Heritage Hall
101 Greene St.
Slatersville, RI
Members and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
* Vote on recommended Bylaws revisions
*Elect Officers
*Historic Presentation TBD
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The North Smithfield Heritage Association Announces Forestdale Schoolhouse Public Openings for 2019
The Little Red Schoolhouse is open for visitors monthly, every second and third Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
While there, you can view artifacts, relics, and merchandise. You can also conduct historic research.
For further information: contact Louise VanHouwe at 401-769-8177
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Recycling Event
Town of North Smithfield
SATURDAY,
MARCH 30, 2019
RIRRC will be hosting an ECO-Depot on Saturday March 30, 2019 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at our Highway Garage, 281 Quaker Highway. We will host an ECO-Depot, Shredding, and E-Waste event.
Eco-Depot is a free service for properly disposing of household hazardous waste from RI households. Household hazardous waste is anything labeled with a skull and crossbones, or words like 'toxic', 'poison', 'flammable', 'combustible', etc. Examples include mercury devices, automotive fluids, fertilizers, pesticides, pool chemicals, and polishes. For more information please visit www.rirrc.org.
On the same day, Resource Recovery will host a free shredding event during the scheduled Eco-Depot collection. Residents who want to shred sensitive personal (i.e. not from a business) documents can bring up to a limit of two, banker box —free of charge. As a reminder, a sensitive or confidential document is one that contains a unique, identifying number that can be traced directly to a specific person, and which cannot be found readily through public searches. For example, a person’s name and address is not considered sensitive, confidential information.
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This special event is available free of charge to Rhode Island residents only. Appointments are not required. Note: once the shredding truck is full, we cannot accept further material for shredding. For this reason, shredding services are on a first come/first serve basis.
Indie Cycle, LLC will accept all electronic items including computers, laptops, monitors, televisions, routers, PDAs, cell phones, mice, keyboards, ink-jet printers, toner cartridges, CD/DVD players, radios, cameras, network equipment, wires, stereos, speakers, telephones, microwaves, small household appliances, and acid lead batteries such as auto/marine and back-ups.
A $10 disposal fee will be charged for laser-jet printers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and other coolant-containing devices.
For more information: www.indiecycle.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Saturday hours at our Highway Garage, 281 Quaker Highway will be from 8 am - 1 pm FOR THIS EVENT ONLY. Residents are welcome to bring yard waste or accepted recyclables. The town offers free drop off for rigid plastic and scrap metal items as well as used motor oil.
For additional information contact 767-2200 x 348.
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Ham Radio Training Class
Event Details
An introduction to Ham Radio and class will be offered beginning on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 PM at the North Smithfield Emergency Management Office at 575 Smithfield Rd (North Smithfield Police Station), North Smithfield, RI. The class will run from the March 14th to May 9th . The class time will be from 7:00PM to 9:15PM. On May 11th, there will be a volunteer examination session thanks to the Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio Club.
Ham Radio, or Amateur Radio, allows people to communicate via radio over distances ranging from a few to thousands of miles. Unlike phones, amateur radio does not rely on a network which can go down in critical times. Ham Radio allows you to speak to many people all at once as opposed to dialing a number and leaving a message.
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Several states, including New Hampshire and Vermont, have restricted the use of phones while driving. The use of amateur radio equipment in vehicles is not restricted because you do not dial phone numbers nor hold the unit up to your ear. This allows conversation to take place while driving, as long as it is done responsibly and safely.
Ham Radio forms a large community network, much like Facebook. Voice conversations can easily take place among many participants. And the conversation is free – no bill at the end of the month!
While ham radio's primary mission is to serve the public in emergencies, most of the activity is enjoying conversation with others. Some like to talk, others would rather listen and experiment. While talking on the radio, ham operators get very good at communicating – a critical skill which could bring needed relief one day.
Before anyone can transmit, they must receive an FCC license. A test is given to prove that you understand rules and regulations, safety and basic electronics. Knowledge of Morse Code is no longer required. The class starting on March 14th class will provide training for the first license level which is technician.
The cost of the class is free, however a Gordon West study guide is required which is $22.00. You can order the book at the first class or order at Amazon.com. To register call the EMA office at 767-2206 during regular business hours or send an e-mail of interest to Sgt William Lincourt at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service, Inc.
1470 Providence Pike • North Smithfield, RI 02896
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The Town of North Smithfield’s “File for Life program”
The File of Life is a simple, bright colored pouch that contains a card with an individual's medical history, current medications, and any allergies as well as important emergency contact information.
This small pouch, which is usually attached to your refrigerator with the supplied magnet, has a wealth of information for EMS personnel in cases where a patient lives alone, cannot speak or is unconscious. The ability for EMS personnel to know if the patient has a certain medical condition or is allergic to a particular medication, is critical in order for them to receive the best care possible.
The File of Life was made possible by a grant the Town of North Smithfield received through the efforts of Town Administrator Gary Ezovski and is available to any town resident at either North Smithfield Fire station.
HELP US BETTER SERVE YOU!
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The Rhode Island “Special Needs Registry”
The RI Special Needs Registry is a database of information that allows police, fire and other community first responders better prepare and respond to the special medical needs of residents in the event of an emergency.
Residents may require extra help during some of these emergencies, including those who:
- Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirators, ventilators, dialysis, pacemakers, or are insulin dependent;
- Have mobility problems and use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or other mobility device;
- Are visually impaired, hard of hearing, or Deaf;
- Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; or
- Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.
The Department of Health and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency have partnered with the states E-911system to notify first responders when they are responding to a household that may have someone enrolled on the Registry.
The information submitted to the Special Needs Registry is only shared with first responders and emergency management officials. The information is held confidentially and is only accessed to assist with the residents safety and well being during an emergency.
Enrolling in this registry is simple. Registration Forms are available for pick up at either North Smithfield Fire station and can be filled out at home and mailed in, or residents may enroll online at https://kidsnet.health.ri.gov/emregistry/form.html
If you or a family member has special medical needs, consider enrolling in this program. HELP US BETTER SERVE YOU!
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For the next several weeks, North Smithfield Emergency Management, CERT and REACT will be providing articles on survival preparation for an emergency. Many emergency response organizations have encouraged citizens to have three days of emergency supplies on hand in case disaster strikes, but because we live in a world where terrorism and cyber attacks have created possibilities of long-term outages of every day necessities, we should now consider being prepared for at least two weeks.
Those who have already prepared for three days have a good start as many items for three days will be good for the two week preparation. Flashlights, radios, extra batteries, first aid kits, contact information and manual can opener are items handy for three days or two weeks. Future articles will advise about other necessities that will be required for longer outages.
The key to survival in most cases will be to stay in your own home (shelter in place) as long as it is safe. Have an emergency plan that your family is familiar with and discuss the importance of knowing the location of emergency supplies. Community shelters may become overloaded and not have the abundance of supplies needed to sustain shelter goers for a long stay. First responders may be overwhelmed with disaster emergencies and should not be counted on to provide you with emergency supplies.
Hopefully, the forthcoming articles will give you food for thought in your preparation for a catastrophic emergency. This week's article will discuss GETTING INVOLVED WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, CERT, AND REACT!
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Get Involved with Emergency Management, CERT and REACT
There are many ways to Get Involved, especially before a disaster occurs. The content found on this page will guide you to find ways to take action in your community. Community leaders agree the formula for ensuring a safer homeland consists of trained volunteers and informed individuals taking action to increase the support of emergency response agencies during disasters. Major disasters can overwhelm first responder agencies, empowering individuals to lend support.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Support your community by participating in FEMA’s individual and community preparedness programs: Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Team, Prepareathon, Youth Preparedness
Until Help Arrives
You Are the Help Until Help Arrives (Until Help Arrives), designed by FEMA, are trainings that can be taken online or in-person, where participants learn to take action and, through simple steps, potentially can save a life before professional help arrives. The program encourages the public to take these five steps when there is an emergency.
- Call 9-1-1;
- Protect the injured from harm;
- Stop bleeding;
- Position the injured so they can breathe; and
- Provide comfort.
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Citizen Corps
The Citizen Corps mission is accomplished through a national network of state, local, and tribal Citizen Corps Councils. These Councils build on community strengths to implement the Citizen Corps preparedness programs and carry out a local strategy to involve government, community leaders, and citizens in all-hazards preparedness and resilience.
Citizen Corps asks you to embrace the personal responsibility to be prepared, to get training in first aid and emergency skills, and to volunteer to support local emergency responders, disaster relief, and community safety.
- To learn how you can register for Citizen Corps or find a program near you, please contact your local emergency manager or FEMA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Community Emergency Response Team
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates individuals about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
- Register, join or login to your CERT
- To learn how you can register for CERT or find a program near you, please contact your local emergency manager or FEMA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Youth Preparedness
As of May 2014, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there is a total of 69.6 million children in school or child care in the United States. Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, where you may not be together with your children.
Starting or getting involved with a youth preparedness program is a great way to enhance a community’s resilience and help develop future generations of prepared adults.
Prepareathon
FEMA’s Prepareathon motivates people and communities to take action to prepare for and protect themselves against disasters. Its chief goals are to increase the number of people who:
- Understand which disasters could affect their community
- Know what to do to stay safe
- Take action to increase preparedness
- Improve their ability to recover from a disaster
- Learn more about Prepareathon
NORTHERN RI REACT
www.northernrireact.org
THE NORTHERN RHODE ISLAND REACT, is a nonprofit organization chartered as team (C-102) by REACT International to provide emergency communications in the public interest. It is qualified as a charity under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have been in existence since 1962 serving the residents of Northern Rhode Island.
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Adopt a Fire Hydrant
With over 150 fire hydrants and cisterns, (Underground Water tanks), in town, the North Smithfield Fire and Rescue Service is looking for the community's help with keeping them free and clear of snow and ice. After a storm, Fire crews will be out to clear hydrants and cisterns but with only two trucks on the road and such a large number of them, it can take us a considerable amount of time to get to them all. Any help we can get from the community to accelerate the process would be greatly appreciated. If you have a hydrant or cistern on or near your property, consider clearing it out so that we can access it in the event of a fire in the area. Help us help you!
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Town of North Smithfield
Department of Public Works – Highway Division
Snow and Ice Removal Policy
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Our North Smithfield Animal Shelter is in
Need of Volunteers.
You can volunteer as many or as few days or hours that you can. Every little bit helps! Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a rewarding experience.
Please call the North Smithfield Animal Shelter at 766-0377.
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Fiber Arts Gathering
Every Monday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (except the 1st Monday of the month)
At the Meadows
2 Village Way
North Smithfield, RI
- Join our active group of knitters, crocheters, weavers, darners,quilters and embroiderers.
- Beginners and experienced are invited.
- Come to learn and share.
- FREE, donations accepted
Organized by Engage North Smithfield
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North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry
Slatersville Congregational Church
25 Green Street
North Smithfield, RI 02896
The flavor of the month for March is
CANNED TUNA
Any donations or monetary gifts for the food pantry can be dropped off at the Slatersville Congregational Church between 9:00 am and noon. An additional drop box is available at the Town Hall during regular business hours.
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Senior Services, Inc. has provided services to seniors and adults with disabilities residing in Northern Rhode Island since 1975, in accordance with the Congregate Meal Program financed through a grant with R.I. Department of Elderly Affairs. Senior Services, Inc. provides nutritionally balanced lunches five days a week at our meal sites throughout Northern R.I.
Senior Services, Inc. offers activities, entertainment, computer classes, Alzheimer's Disease Support Groups, and Wellness programs, which include a weekly blood pressure clinic and exercise classes.
Senior Services, Inc. also offers an Adult Day Care Program ("A Home for the Day"), and a Community Information Specialist who can provide information on eligibility for all state and local programs, including RIPAE.
MARCH 2019 Senior Services Newsletter
MARCH 2019 Activity Calendar of Events
MARCH 2019 Menu
Senior exercise classes at Scouter's Hall, 13 Main Street, North Smithfield include:
- Zumba Gold Mondays at 10:00 AM
- Chair Exercises, Mondays at 11:00 AM
- Zumba Gold Thursdays at 10:00 AM
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
Agendas can be found on the Secretary of State Website by
CLICKING HERE
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Conservation Commission Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th @ 7:00 pm
Villa at St. Antoine, Small Dining Room
400 Mendon Road
North Smithfield, RI 02896
Budget Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th @ 6:00 pm
Town Hall Conference Room
1 Main St.
Slatersville, RI 02876
Zoning Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th @ 7:00 pm
North Smithfield Middle School
1850 Providence Pike
North Smithfield, RI 02896
Municipal Building Review Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, March 13th @ 5:30 pm
Town Hall Conference Room
1 Main St.
Slatersville, RI 02876
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Former President Trump's criminal trial in New York resumes with another day of jury selection. As of now, seven jurors have been chosen. A panel of 12 along with six alternates must ultimately be selected. Trump stands accused of falsifying business records in order to cover up payments allegedly made to an adult film star just prior to the 2016 election. 
