Woonsocket Radio News Room

Town of North Smithfield

November 2nd, 2018 Edition

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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORTH SMITHFIELD

Message from Town Administrator

Gary Ezovski

Procrastinating must end! Election Day is Tuesday. It is time for each of us who have the responsibility to vote to become appropriately informed about all the local and state office candidates as well as the substantial list of some complicated referendum questions that could reshape our world physically, economically, and systemically. Many people have worked diligently to offer their candidacy while others have spent hours and hours debating questions about funding programs and government structure. Now it is all up to us, the voters, to gather the understanding we need to take a position on Tuesday, a position that hopefully is based upon some analysis and thought because whatever the result, it will make us who we are for years to come. Please take time this weekend to read the local and statewide papers, talk with friends, neighbors, and relatives (yes, even relatives). Call or email candidates. Ask questions.  Whatever it takes! But, indeed, whatever it takes, please vote with care and pride on November 6.  This is our country, this is our state, this is our town! Voting is a big part of keeping it that way.

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I had the pleasure of starting my first volunteer service to the town when former Town Administrator Arthur Denomme was in office. My first meeting with him was when I offered to serve on the sewer commission which was embroiled in controversy over how the town’s first sewer program was taking place. His first words to me were, “Are you sure you want to do this?” I was young. In that first meeting I learned that Arthur Denomme cared about North Smithfield, but he also cared about people. He passed away earlier this week. I have ordered all town flags to half staff until after his funeral on Wednesday. On behalf of a grateful community and all here in the town offices, I offer our sympathy to his wife Lucille and their family.

Rest in Peace

Arthur Denomme

North Smithfield Town Administrator

1973 to 1987

November 6, 2018 Sample Ballot

Click Here for the November 6, 2018 Complete Sample Ballot which includes all candidates and referendum questions.

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TOWN OF NORTH SMITHFIELD

NOTICE TO VOTERS

The following polling places will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 6, 2018:

PRECINCT 2501 (VOTING DIST. #1) -- Senatorial Dist. #17, representative Dist. #48 at the North Smithfield Elementary School located at 2214 Providence Pike.

PRECINCT 2502 (VOTING DIST. #2) -- Senatorial Dist. #17, Representative Dist. #48 at the North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service Station #2 Primrose Fire Station located at 1470 Providence Pike.

PRECINCT 2503 (VOTING DIST. #3) -- Senatorial Dist. #23, Representative Dist. #48 at Scouters' Hall located at 13 Main Street.

PRECINCT 2504 (VOTING DIST. #4) -- Senatorial Dist. #24, Representative Dist. #48 at the North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service Station #1 located at 875 St. Paul Street.

PRECINCT 2505 (VOTING DIST. #5) -- Senatorial Dist. #24, Representative Dist. #48 at the Villa located at 400 Mendon Road.

Per Order North Smithfield

Board of Canvassers

Paul Connolly

Gary Lapierre

Steven Biron

If anyone has any questions, please contact the clerk’s office at 767-2200 ext. 504

Attention! Attention! Attention! 

It is that time of year again! The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service, cannot stress enough how important it is to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis. This weekend when you turn the clocks back, remember to change the batteries in both detectors. There are many different types on the market today, but checking existing detectors for reliability is the only way to ensure alarms will work when you need them. Here are a few more tips for you and your families to stay safe as we approach the colder months when there is a greater risk for fires.      

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Install one carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected when possible or required. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra detectors.
• Test your detectors at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5 to 7 years.

As always, feel free to contact the North Smithfield Fire Prevention office at (401) 762-1135 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 07:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. for any fire safety questions you may have. We are happy to come out to your home for a fire safety inspection to make sure you and your families are safe!

North Smithfield Emergency Management Agency

Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry

Colonel Peter E. Branconnier, EMA Director, is reminding local residents about Enrolling in the Special Needs Emergency Registry which lets police, fire, and other first responders in your community better prepare for and respond to your needs during a hurricane, storm, or other emergency.

Many people may need extra help during a time of emergency, including people who:

• Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
• Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility device;
• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or deaf;
• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; or
• Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.

The information submitted to the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is shared with local and state first responders and emergency management officials. Your information is held confidentially and only accessed to assist in your safety and well-being. This notification allows first responders additional time to consider how to best respond to that incident. Please note that strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only those who have a reason to access the information are authorized to do so.

What People with Special Needs Should Do

Enroll Now

If you cannot complete the enrollment form yourself, a family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can complete the enrollment form on your behalf. (A paper form (Spanish | Portuguese) is also available.)

Be Prepared

We all need to be prepared for emergencies. If you or someone in your family has a special healthcare need, remember to take it into consideration when preparing your emergency supply kit. If you take medication or use a medical treatment on a regular basis, be sure you have what you need to care for yourself for at least three days.

Information and forms are available at Town Hall and the Municipal Annex or you contact EMA at 767-2206 or online at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COMMUNITY PLANNING DISCUSSION.

In an effort to gather input to the Comprehensive Planning process which began in early 2017, the Town Planning Department is attending a meeting of Engage North Smithfield, a resident engagement group, in an interactive community meeting to gather resident input for the 2018 draft version of North Smithfield’s Comprehensive Plan.

The gathering will include opportunities to interact with fellow residents, respond to questions, and discuss community goals and policies. This Engage North Smithfield meeting will include a potluck dinner, so please bring a dish to share. Town Planner, Tom Kravitz, will be on hand to answer questions and participate in the conversation.

Date: Saturday, November 10, 2018.

Time: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Location: North Smithfield High School Cafeteria

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Co-Chairs, Cynthia Roberts or Aleksandra Norton, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Your RSVP is appreciated so we can anticipate how many residents will attend. All residents, including elected officials and persons appointed to boards and commissions, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Monetary donations will be accepted in lieu of a potluck dish. Suggested donations are $7.00 per person and a maximum of $15.00 per family. 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THIS BRIDGE IS OVER THE BLACKSTONE RIVER NEAR BLACKSTONE TOWN HALL

Town Hall offices will be closed on Monday, November 12th, 2018 in observance of Veterans Day. The trash and recycling schedule will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

Have a safe Holiday Weekend!

THE NORTH SMITHFIELD FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Food Rescue and Distribution portion of the North Smithfield Food Pantry needs a Volunteer Coordinator to oversee the volunteers who pickup and deliver food. This volunteer Coordinator position requires 8-10 hours a week of time on the phone and in the Food Pantry. The Coordinator does not deliver or pick up except in an emergency. This program helps hundreds of people every week.   

Can you help us? Please contact Rev Eileen Morris 401-769-2773.

Volunteer Driver Needed

Interested in helping the North Smithfield Food Pantry

collect food?

A volunteer is needed 10/12 hours per week to pick up food from various locations in the area. Must have a truck.  The Food Pantry is a terrific volunteer working environment and a wonderful opportunity to serve others and help those in need.

Interested? Please contact Rev Morris @401-769-2773

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

WE ARE!

Colonel Peter E. Branconnier, director of the North Smithfield Emergency Management Office, advises residents to begin preparing for the upcoming winter season before the holidays grab our attention. We are still in hurricane season, but old man winter is waiting.

“It’s never too early to think safety. The calendar may say winter begins on December 21, but snow emergencies can take place in October. That’s why it makes sense to prepare for it now,” Branconnier said. “I urge residents to prepare their families and their property for the winter months ahead by taking some simple, common-sense steps today. Are you ready for this?

The first step residents can take is to be aware of local weather conditions by listening to broadcasts of NOAA Weather Radio, the National Weather Service, and local television and radio stations, or by following news and weather Web sites and smart phone apps.

“Before going out on the road, residents should be sure of what the weather conditions may be like,” Branconnier said. “They can change quickly, especially during major snow storms.”

Noting that safety begins at home, Branconnier urged residents to give their homes a safety check.

“Have a professional check out your furnace, woodstove and chimney. Make certain they are in good working condition. And don’t forget to replace the batteries in your smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors,” he said. “To save yourself a little exertion, it’s also a good idea to make certain your snow blower is ready to go to work.”

Residents can make sure now that their vehicles are ready for the season as well.

“Have a mechanic check your battery, anti-freeze, wipers and thermostat,” Branconnier said. “Make sure your tires will deliver the traction you’ll need in the snow. And make sure you have emergency supplies aboard such as a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries and booster cables.”

“Most importantly, motorists should drive with extreme care during the winter,” Branconnier stressed. “When severe weather is forecasted, stay at home unless you absolutely have to drive. If you must go out, plan your stops, clean the vehicle completely of snow and ice, and always match your speed to road conditions.”

A primary concern during the winter months is the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service and a resulting shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.

“Make sure your family disaster supplies kit is up-to-date,” Branconnier said. New magnetic refrigerator magnets with how to build a kit were given out at the Touch a Truck event. Click here for more info on how to build a kit.

For the winter months, residents who depend on heating fuel should have emergency heating equipment and fuel available in case fuel carriers cannot reach them for days after a severe winter storm. Remember if your fill pipe is buried, your fuel supplier won’t know where to fill you up. It’s happened several years in a row.

“Consider a generator, but make sure you follow proper installation and maintenance procedures,” Branconnier said. “Always operate a generator outdoors. Before operating a generator, disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. With some planning now, North Smithfield residents can be sure the upcoming winter is a safe and enjoyable one,” Branconnier said. Not sure what to do, consult your power supplier.

More information on planning for emergencies is available from the North Smithfield Emergency Management Office, (401-767-2206), and on the NSEMA website at www.nsema.org or at www.ready.gov.

The Town of North Smithfield is Seeking Volunteer Members for Several Committees

* Planning Board Committee

* Economic Development Committee

* Juvenile Hearing Board

Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Ezovski at 767-2200 ext. 303 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Town of North Smithfield recommends residents with private wells attend this valuable seminar.

North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry

Slatersville Congregational Church

25 Green Street

North Smithfield, RI 02896

The flavor of the month for November is

SUGAR FREE JELLY

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. 

The Town of North Smithfield has hired Northeast Revaluation Group LLC to conduct a statistical update to bring all real estate in town to fair market value effective December 31, 2018 for the July 2019 tax roll. The process is mandatory according to RIGL 44-5-11.6. The law requires these statistical updates every 3 years and a full revaluation every 9 years.

Throughout the project Northeast Revaluation’s staff will be in neighborhoods throughout the town. The company will attempt to physically visit, measure and inspect properties that sold over the last 2 years, which helps in the analysis of determining fair market value. They also will be visiting any properties that have unfinished construction or have taken out building permits recently. All employees are required to carry identification and have their vehicles on file with the assessor’s office and police department. The process will last over the next several months and be completed in the spring of 2019. If there are questions or concerns contact the Assessor, Sarah Frew, 401-767-2200 ext 323 or Northeast Revaluation Group directly at 401-737-0300. Thank you for your patience throughout the process.

North Smithfield Heritage Association Releases

2018 Christmas Ornament

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.

NOVEMBER 2018 Senior Services Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2018 Calendar of Events 

NOVEMBER 2018 Menu  

Senior exercise classes at Scouter's Hall, 32 Main Street, North Smithfield include:

• Zumba Gold Mondays at 10:00 AM (no class on 11/12 and 11/19)
• Chair Exercises, Mondays at 11:00 AM (no class on 11/12 and 11/19)
• Zumba Gold Thursdays at 10:00 AM (no class on 11/22)

TOUR OUR TOWN'S 60 HISTORIC CEMETERIES

On our last tour, we visited Allan Gardner's farm and the six cemeteries in the vicinity of Grange Rd, Providence Pike and Farnum Pike. At the Grayson Lot, we learned about Richard Grayson, a British soldier who arrived in RI in 1775 and deserted to serve in the Continental Army until 1778. His wife and young children are buried in the lot.  

We will conduct our next tour on Sunday, November 4th at 9:00 a.m. (note date change) We will visit 7 cemeteries in the vicinity of Rocky Hill Rd: NS61, NS48, NS28, NS46, NS23, NS29, NS27.  Those who want to attend will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the NS Middle School parking lot just off Providence Pike. Wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and insect repellent. People can contact Rich Keene at 401-447-6394 if they have any questions.

A copy of the upcoming tours can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.

Saturday, December 29, 2018  

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

North Smithfield Town Garage

281 Quaker Highway

North Smithfield, RI

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. 

NO light bulbs, single use batteries, tapes/disks, glass plates or bowls, broken TV tubes or hazardous materials.

For more information: www.indiecycle.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Agendas can be found on the Secretary of State Website by

CLICKING HERE

Town Council Workshop

Monday, November 5th @ 6:45 pm

North Smithfield Middle School

1850 Providence Pike

North Smithfield, RI 02896

Click Here for a list of Previous Newsletters