North Smithfield Weekly Newsletter Posted

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Town of North Smithfield

February 8th, 2019 Edition

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORTH SMITHFIELD

Town Hall & Town Annex offices will be closed on Monday, February 18th in observance of Presidents' Day. This IS NOT a trash holiday. Regular collections will take place.

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

The North Smithfield Heritage Association Needs Your Help!

The North Smithfield Heritage Association plans to hold a Heritage Fair on Monday, May 27th following the town Memorial Day Parade.

We welcome town residents and groups to help organize activities and displays.

A working group will meet this Saturday, February 9th at 10:00 am at the Forestdale School House. All interested residents and supporters are welcome to attend.

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE STEPPED UP!

BUT WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THREE COMMITTEES.

"SHOULD YOU BE THE NEXT TO VOLUNTEER?"

As usual, great people have stepped up! Our planning board, juvenile hearing board and budget committee will now be back to full strength!

Now all we need is one more member for our Economic Development Committee and one more member for our Personnel Board to fill all the long standing committees and a full slate of folks to serve on the Asset Management committee for which an ordinance was finalized by the town council.

* Economic Development Committee

* Asset Management Committee

*Personnel 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.

UPDATE ON THE NORTH SMITHFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Message from Superintendant, Michael St. Jean

We are clearing the final checklist and review for the addition and improvements scheduled at the North Smithfield Elementary School. Meanwhile, our initial planning review for the high school science labs is scheduled for February 6, 2019 with the Rhode Island Department of Education.

For More Information on the NSES Construction and Plans CLICK HERE

The Town of North Smithfield, in accordance with Rhode Island State Statute 44-5-11.6, has completed its Statistical Revaluation. The purpose of this Revaluation is to bring the assessed values of property in line with current market values. Your new valuation is effective December 31, 2018 and is applicable to the 2019 tax bill. Please do not multiply this value by the current tax rate, a new tax rate will be determined in the budget process for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

The last revaluation was as of December 31, 2015, over the last three years, the market has been increasing, and based on a study of the 2017 and 2018 sales in N Smithfield, values have increased on average approximately 20%.

Within the next week, Northeast Revaluation Group LLC will be sending a notification to all taxpayers with their new values. If you feel that your value is not in line with the current market values, the notice will have instructions on how you can schedule a meeting to discuss it. You will also be able to go online to www.nereval.com to check the accuracy of your property data, and compare your new assessment to the assessment of properties surrounding you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the assessor’s office at 401-767-2200 ext. 323. Once you receive your new assessment notification and feel you would like to discuss it, please follow the instructions on the notice.

Click Here for the Citizens Police Academy Application

ATTENTION!

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

A PRESENTATION ON THE DANGERS OF VAPING

WHO: Parents of North Smithfield Middle School Students (adult family members only please)

WHAT: Parent Health Night to learn and discuss the dangers of Vaping, Juuling, and other e-cigarette use which is increasing among middle and high school students

WHEN: Friday, February 15, 2019 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM

WHERE: NS Middle School Health Room 351

Seating for this program is limited. Please contact Mark LaBossiere, Health & Physical Education Dept., at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or to register. We hope you can attend!

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

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 FINANCIAL PLANNING!

NORTH SMITHFIELD EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/REACT/CERT

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal, financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Taking the time now to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, will ensure that you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay.

Gather financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.
Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
Scroll down for more helpful financial preparedness tips and download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to get started planning today.

The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a joint publication from Operation Hope and FEMA helps you prepare financially and provides tips to reduce the impact disasters can leave you with financially.

For Organizations

Encourage people throughout your organization to be financially prepared. Here are some ideas to promote financial preparedness in your organization:

Hold a brown bag meeting or
Make a presentation at an existing staff meeting using the Emergency Preparedness Financial First Aid Kit PowerPoint and use the Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Guide to support your discussion.
Include financial preparedness information in the staff monthly newsletter.

At Home

Using the EFFAK as a guide, or by downloading a secure mobile app on your phone, store important documents either in a safety deposit box, an external drive, on the cloud to make it easy to access during a disaster.

Having your financial and medical records and important contact information will be crucial to help you start the recovery process quickly. Take time now to safeguard these critical documents.

Household Identification

Photo ID to prove identity of household members
Birth certificate to maintain or re-establish contact with family members
Social security card to apply for FEMA disaster assistance
Military service
Pet ID tags

Financial and Legal Documentation

Housing Payments to identify financial records and obligations
Insurance policies to re-establish financial accounts
Sources of income to maintain payments and credit
Tax statements to provide contact information for financial and legal providers & apply for FEMA disaster assistance

Medical Information

Physician information to provide doctors with health information if medical care is needed
Copies of health insurance information to ensure existing care continues uninterrupted
Immunization records

Insurance Information

Having insurance for your home or business property is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged. Document and insure your property now.

Household Contact information

Banking Institutions
Insurance agent
Health professionals
Service providers
Place of worship

Get your benefits electronically

A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or sign up online
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper

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!

Town of North Smithfield

Department of Public Works – Highway Division

Snow and Ice Removal Policy

Click here for the Snow Removal Policy

TOWN OF NORTH SMITHFIELD DPW

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Winter brings with it lots of fun activities, but winter also means mounds of snow to shovel and layers of ice to remove. During some snow storms it becomes impossible for our plow drivers to know where the edge of the road is. Here are some helpful tips to ensure safety and efficiency during a snow storm.

Use reflective markers to make the edge of the road more visible for DPW when plowing. This is the best way to ensure trucks stay off your lawns.

Please remove everything from the roadway to clear it for the snow plows to come through (cars, basketball hoops, garbage cans etc.)

When shoveling snow or operating a snow blower, do not throw snow out into the street or sidewalk. This is not only against State Law (State Law Title 31-22-9), but this will ensure that snow does not freeze in the roadway or sidewalk and cause a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians. Please visit https://www.nsmithfieldri.org/home/news/snow-removal-policy for more information on our snow removal policy.

Trucks are plowing or spreading sand/salt. Stay back from the vehicle at least 100 feet to avoid problems. Plow trucks often have to back up. There are blind spots in the mirrors. For your safety, do not pull directly behind them. They may not be able to see you.

Trash and recycling collections may be canceled if weather conditions warrant. Check our website www.nsmithfieldri.org or call (401) 767-2200 ext. 348 for potenial pick-up delays.

Clear snow from around fire hydrants near your home/business to make them visible for our firefighters.

Winter Safety Tips

Message from NS Fire Prevention Office

We hope everyone had a great holiday season! We wanted to pass on a few safety tips as we enter the “JOYFUL” days of winter:

1. With cold weather comes frozen bodies of water. Never assume that frozen lakes, ponds, and streams are safe to walk on. Always call the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) 24 hour Hotline at (401) 667-6222 to check on ice conditions before lacing up those skates or stringing up the ice fishing tilts.

2. Normally, winter = snow. Some love it and others not so much! Either way, it still falls from the sky, and we all must deal with it. Please try to keep all driveways, sidewalks, steps and other access points to your home free and clear of snow at all times. In addition, keep snow and ice clear of dryer vents, gas meters, and any other ventilation points from your home.

3. Clean your chimney! It is important to have a maintenance plan for your heating devices in your home. Fuel burning appliances require regular maintenance in order to retain efficiency and safety features.

4. Lastly, we cannot have a fire safety release without mentioning the most important thing: Always check and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home!

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.

Seed Starting Workshop

Wednesday, February 13th

7:00-8:30 PM

Primrose Fire Station

1470 Providence Pike

North Smithfield, RI

Learn tips and techniques to successfully start your own vegetables and flowers from seed.
Meet your fellow gardeners!
FREE, donations accepted.

Organized by Engage North Smithfield

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

Click Here for the North Smithfield/Lincoln/Cumberland Prevention Coalition Newsletter

Communicating with you, so together, we can promote a safe and healthy, drug free environment.

Filled with lots of great information for parents!!

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.

North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry

Slatersville Congregational Church

25 Green Street

North Smithfield, RI 02896

The flavor of the month for February is

CANNED FRUIT

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 North Smithfield Food Pantry needs your help on Thursday or Friday mornings from 9:30-11am at the Slatersville Congregational Church to sort and move donated food items. You need to be able to carry boxes up and down stairs.

We still need someone to oversee the rescue and distribution program a few hours a week Wednesday through Friday.

For more information on both positions call 401-769-2773.

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.

FEBRUARY 2019 Senior Services Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2019 Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY 2019 Menu

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