Woonsocket Radio News Room

Town of North Smithfield

May 17th 2019 Edition

Message from Town Administrator

Gary Ezovski

After some confusing conversations where I had no idea what some people were talking about and two budget cycles of considering how we would pay the bill, earlier this week the first part of our 800 MHz radio equipment went online for our fire department. Over the past two years, many have probably heard me say that I was seriously concerned when I learned that there are many locations in town where our fire and rescue personnel have had no ability to communicate with dispatch and other vehicles. I felt it was critical that we act to remedy that circumstance. After learning of the different options with former Chief Jillson and continuing with Chief Chartier and gaining the support of budget committees and town councils,  we now have communications where our fire and rescue personnel can be in contact with those they need and even the sound quality is such that the need for translation from radio static English isn’t needed.  There is still more to do in terms of number of radios and some other tech speak that we will address later this year, but we have changed to a new paradigm.  I appreciate the expertise that was borrowed from neighboring Chiefs, from RI EMA and every member of the team here in town that has helped to get this done.

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF

Michalina "Millie" V. (Kozaczka) Freitas.

She was the wife of the late former North Smithfield Chief of Police, Joseph J. Freitas. Mrs. Freitas was the Town of North Smithfield's first Police Matron in the mid to late 50's. As we lose more and more of these members of the greatest generation, we also lose connection to a time when things were so different. Back then, we’re told, our Police Chief held a job in the mill and left work for police calls as necessary. Millie served as “dispatcher” from the police phone in their home. In emergencies, she would call the Woonsocket Police so they could radio to Chief Freitas in his car. We have come a long way since 1954, but we made it here because there have been wonderful people like Millie Freitas. 

Click Here for her Obituary

All Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day! Join us in Slatersville for the parade that steps off from Slatersville Plaza at 10:30 and wraps up at the Village Haven after a short remembrance program at Town Hall. May we all take time to reflect on those who gave all to preserve this land of the free.

There will be no trash collection on Monday, May 27th. Tuesday through Friday collection will be postponed one day for the rest of the week.

The Memorial Day Parade is coming soon: Monday, May 27th at 10:30 am that steps off from the Slatersville Plaza.

Take a look back at the great memories of past Parades.

Click here to watch the VIDEO.

Created by Christian de Rezendes

Director of SLATERSVILLE: AMERICA'S FIRST MILL VILLAGE

Now in Post-Production

Visit www.firstmillvillage.com to learn more.

TIME TO PREPARE &

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019

RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

It's time to start decluttering and get ready for our annual North Smithfield Town Wide Yard Sale, benefiting the NS Food Pantry.

Residents can participate by holding an individual or multi-family yard sale at their homes. When they register with the Town Clerk, their location will be listed on the Town Web Site and in publicity, so that interested shoppers will have their location.

Residents who want to take part must go to the Clerk's office at the Town Annex at 575 Smithfield Road to obtain a yard sale permit for $5.00. Residents are encouraged to make a contribution to the town's Food Pantry at the same time. Yard sale addresses will be listed for permits obtained before Noon on Friday, May 24th, 2019. 

If anyone has feedback on how to improve the upcoming event, please contact Town Hall at 767-2200, ext. 301.

Important NOAA Weather Radio, All Hazards, and Emergency Alert System Changes

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms, 2 of which become hurricanes form or move over the area during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

Guam, the Northern Marianas and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round but the main season is July through November with a peak from mid-August to mid-September. Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater). By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival.

If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a hurricane, please share your story, including the town and state you were in and the year the event took place. Please note that NS will then have permission to use your story for educational campaigns. Sharing this information may help save someone’s life in the future. Read stories from survivors and learn how to stay safe.

Hurricane Hazards

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

• Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.

• Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.

• Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

• Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

• Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

• Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

REMEMBER WHEN THE STORM IS HERE IT IS TOO LATE, PREPARE NOW!

CHECK OUT OUR HURRICANE INFO ON WWW.NSEMA.ORG

George Nasuti Novans Pride 5K

Monday, May 27th, 2019

Start Time: 8:30 am

SAVE THE DATE

North Smithfield Announces Its 2nd Annual Fireworks Display

Come join us for our 2nd Annual Fireworks Display

If you missed it last year, you sure don't want to miss it this year!

When: Saturday, July 13th

Where: North Smithfield High School

Time: Sunset

Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

If you have any questions, please call Town Hall at 767-2200 ext. 301. More information to come!

(Presented to you by John Beauregard, the Town of North Smithfield, and your local business community)

North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry

Slatersville Congregational Church

25 Green Street

Slatersville, RI 02876

The flavor of the month for MAY is 

PEANUT BUTTER

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.

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.

MAY 2019 Newsletter

MAY 2019 Activity Calendar of Events

MAY 2019 Menu

Senior exercise classes at Scouter's Hall, 13 Main Street, North Smithfield include:

• Zumba Gold Mondays at 10:00 AM-No class on May 27
• Chair Exercises, Mondays at 11:00 AM-No class on May 27
• Zumba Gold Thursdays at 10:00 AM

SENIOR SERVICES, INC. SERVES LUNCH IN NORTH SMITHFIELD!

Mondays at 11:30 am & 12:30 PM

Thursdays at 11:30 AM

Please call in your order by 10am on the Thursday prior to the day(s) on which you plan to attend! Call Senior Services Inc. at (401) 766-3734 with your choice of meal.

Suggested donation is $3.00

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Agendas can be found on the Secretary of State Website by

CLICKING HERE

Historic District Commission Meeting

Monday, May 20th @ 6:30 pm

Heritage Hall

101 Greene St.

Slatersville, RI 02876

School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 21st @ 6:30 pm

North Smithfield Middle School

1850 Providence Pike

North Smithfield, RI 02896