What's Happening in North Smithfield

TOWN NEWS

Message from Town Administrator

Gary Ezovski

Congratulations to the students and faculty at North Smithfield High for being recognized by RI Special Olympics as one of only three RI Unified Champion Schools. What a pleasure it was to be present to witness the culture of support that exists among our students as the new banner was unfurled today.

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As the amount of snow continued to climb during the storm this week, I did some calculator doodling and realized that the size of the challenge our Department of Public Works was facing. With an 18-inch snowfall, and most of us know this storm gave us more than that, our drivers and trucks cleared over 300,000 cubic yards of snow from our roadways. Some may think that amount fell in their own driveway, but over 300,000 cubic yards is what our DPW moved this week! Thank you to all at DPW for the persistence to get that done.

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Congratulations to Michael Black and National Marker for receiving the Providence Business News Green Manufacturing Award! Not only is NMC a strong partner in the efforts of our town, they are leading the way in finding the best ways to grow as a manufacturer.

FIRE/MEDIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

     The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service, Inc. will be conducting a written competitive examination for the position of entry level Firefighter/EMT on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at North Smithfield High School, 412 Greenville Road, North Smithfield. Application sign-up period ends Friday, April 20, 2018 at 4pm. There is a $60.00 exam fee paid prior to the close of sign up period. Test time is 0900 hours and NO ONE will be allowed in after 0845 hours. Sign-up, make payment, (no personal checks) and information packet can be picked up at Department Fire Control Center, Fire Station #1, 675 St. Paul Street, North Smithfield, RI. Phone number for information, qualifications, and directions, is 401-762-1135.

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider"

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Home Modification Grants Available

Apply Now, Work Must Be Completed by Late June

The Livable Home Modification Program issues grants that pay up to 50% of the cost of home modification to improve accessibility for Rhode Islanders that are disabled or who age into disability.

This funding was earmarked by the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow people to make their homes and apartments more accessible, and to remove barriers that interfere with their ability to remain safe and living independently.

According to John DiTomasso, Associate State Director/Advocacy for AARP, this is a great program because it can really help people stay in their homes. Wheel chair ramps, walk-in or roll-in showers are just a few of the modifications that can help someone safely remain in their home and in their community. Small, but sometimes costly repairs can be the deciding factor of whether someone can continue to live independently. These grants can improve the lives and reduce the financial burden on homeowners, renters and caregivers. All Rhode Islanders benefit when helping older adults remain living safely at home. Even the state benefits with reduced spending on Medicaid for unecessary nursing home stays.

Any income-eligible resident with a disability who demonstrates need can retrofit, or hire someone to retrofit an existing residence, shall be eligible for a livable home modification grant of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount spent, not to exceed $5,000. The retrofitting must meet specific criteria, and requires an assessment be conducted prior to the application date.

All work must be completed by the end of the state's fiscal year June 30, 2018. This grant program is administered by the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, and applications are being accepted now.

The application may be found by clicking the RI Livable Home Modification Application link:

http://www.gcd.ri.gov/RI%20Livable%20Home%20Modification%20Application.pdf

The full regulations are found at:

http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/regdocs/released/pdf/GCD/9086.pdf

The Town of North Smithfield Zoning Board of Review is seeking a member to sit as "2nd Alternate."

This is a volunteer position with no compensation.  Candidates for this position must live in the Town and be able to access and interpret the Zoning Ordinance. 

Board meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month provided there are cases to hear.

Interested parties please contact:

Kerry Anderson

Building Official

401-767-2200 ext 311

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ham Radio Training Class

Event Details

An introduction to Ham Radio and class will be offered starting on Thursday March 22 at 7PM at the North Smithfield Emergency Management Office at 575 Smithfield Rd, North Smithfield, RI. The class will run from the March 22^nd to May 17^th. On May 19 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.

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 22nd class will provide training for the first license level which is technician.

The cost of the class is free however a 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 or send an e-mail of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TIME TO PREPARE &

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018

RAIN DATE:  SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

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 25th, 2018. 

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

Stay tuned for more information.  

It is with great pleasure that the 2018 PumpkinFest Committee officially steps up and begins their game plan this year. 
  
We begin by first having you mark your calendars for our 
  

12th Annual 
North Smithfield 
Great Pumpkin Festival

Saturday - September 15, 2018

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

North Smithfield High School Grounds

The next committee meeting will be Wednesday, March 21st at 6:00 at R&R Machine Industries, Inc. 147 Industrial Drive, North Smithfield

Click Here for more information on the event and a list of the upcoming Committee Meetings.

Upcoming Meetings

Municipal Task Force Meeting

Saturday, March 17 @ 10:30 am

Town Hall Conference Room

1 Main Street

Slatersville, RI  02876

Town Council Meeting

Monday, March 19th  @ 6:45 PM

North Smithfield Middle School

1850 Providence Pike

North Smithfield, RI  02896

Sewer Commission Meeting

Wednesday, March 21st @ 7:00 PM

Primrose Fire Station

1470 Providence Pike

North Smithfield, RI  02896

PumpkinFest Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 21st @ 6:00 pm

R&R Machine Industries

147 Industrial Drive

North Smithfield, RI  02896

Budget Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 22nd @ 6:00 PM

Town Hall Conference Room

1 Main Street

Slatersville, RI  02876