Town of North Smithfield November 16th, 2018 Edition

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORTH SMITHFIELD

Message from Town Administrator Gary Ezovski It’s Thanksgiving already! As we start another holiday season, I hope to find that everyone living in or nearby our little town realizes how fortunate we are for so many reasons. Yes, our travel is sometimes impeded by snow or bridge closings and sometimes we are divided by debate over public policy, but we are indeed still blessed to reside in this great place among so many people who sincerely care. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you. ================================================================ Trees! DPW personnel and I attended a program yesterday wherein we learned the gypsy moth damage to oak trees that we have observed in North Smithfield isn’t unique to our town. RIDEM and National Grid advised in detail how thousands of oak trees on tens of thousands of acres have met their demise across the state. National Grid indicated their tree trimming operations, which occur in four-year cycles to each area, have been overwhelmed by the number of trees that must come down to protect wires and public safety. Grid also advised it is triaging its responsibilities to protect lines with direct consideration to the number of customers each line serves. Such being the case, dead trees in sparsely populated areas, where there is potential damage to wires or passers-by, may not be handled for some time. Where a tree is a concern on town owned land or roadways, we have some ability to remove them, but some of those are beyond the reach of our bucket truck and still some are adjacent to wires which puts them off limits to our DPW crew.  We can handle a few with budgeted funds to obtain outside resources but those funds will not handle many trees.   I am providing this note simply to promote awareness. We encourage anyone who has a concern about potential for any particular large dead oak tree to make us aware by email, so we can keep a log of the locations and attempt to efficiently use the limited resources we have available to deal with what appear to be the highest risk conditions first. Your email will not result in immediate removal of a tree, or even any branch, but it will get the location added to what I expect could become a rather substantial list. It will also help us to pursue action by RIDOT on state roads or National Grid where that may apply. Further, it is important to note that our town resources cannot be expected to remove or trim any tree on private property. So, property owners may need to act on their own to deal with any tree on their land, or even tree branches overhanging their land, which could present a risk to people living or passing near them. Property owners may have to act if one of their trees is a risk to private or public power lines.   And finally, we were advised yesterday that the number of standing dead oaks is also likely to be joined by dead ash trees soon due to the invasion of a species called the Emerald Ash Borer. For those who have valued ash trees on their property, it would be wise to contact a qualified professional now to see if there are treatments that can resist the insect and preserve the tree. Absent that, the information provided yesterday makes it probable that ash trees will be adding to our removal concerns.

HONORING MATTHEW TURCOTTE The NS Athletic Department, under the direction of AD Matt Tek, plans to honor the memory of fallen soldier SPC Matthew Turcotte. Matt was a graduate of NSHS (Class of 2015) and the captain of the 2014 NSHS football team. He was tragically killed during a US Army live-fire training exercise at Fort Carson, CO, on August 23, 2017.  Matt's football jersey/number will be retired at halftime during the NSHS/MSC-Scituate HS Thanksgiving Day football game, to be played in NS on Thanksgiving morning (kickoff at 10:30AM).  Please make every effort to attend, and we encourage all of Matt's classmates, former NS football players, NSHS alumni, and all NS residents to attend as well, and pay tribute to this soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Thank you.

On November 9th, representatives from the North Smithfield Police Department visited St. Antoine Residence and the Villa at St. Antoine. They presented certificates of appreciation to all the WWII Veterans. There were 21 recipients. Thank you for your service!

During the month of November, North Smithfield Police male officers participated in "No Shave November" and North Smithfield Police female officers participated in "Nail Polish November". Each officer donated $50 for a total of $1000 to be donated to the North Smithfield Food Pantry. Thank you to all who participated!

Message from the Water/Sewer Department A letter was sent out last week to each resident who owns a Sewer Grinder Pump, giving them tips to prepare for possible power outages this winter. If you did not receive a letter, please CLICK HERE or contact Maura Beck at 767-2200 ext. 305. Thank you.

The Town of North Smithfield invites you and your family to attend the annual Holiday on the Common 2018 Sunday, December 2, 2018 4:30-6:30 PM Slatersville Congregational Church Festivities will include: Annual lighting of the Town Tree Caroling with the NS Girl Scouts Arrival of Santa Claus by Fire Truck North Smithfield Middle School Jazz Band Crafts, caroling, cookies, hot chocolate, and much more! Contact Kate Pasquariello at kpasquariello @nsmithfieldri.org or 767-2200 ext. 345 for more info. Sponsored by your North Smithfield Police Officers and Council President John Beauregard Special thanks to the Slatersville Congregational Church The North Smithfield Police Department is partnering with the US Marine Corps for its annual "Toys for Tots" program. A donation box is set up in the lobby of the police station for the collection of new unwrapped toys. Donations will be accepted up until December 21st. NORTH SMITHFIELD STUDENTS: JOIN THE WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN SKI CLUB Hey North Smithfield! Did you know that North Smithfield students have an awesome opportunity to join a ski club this winter? This program started 4 years ago and it has been great!. We have filled one coach bus and there are enough people to start another bus, but we need to fill it. If your child doesn’t ski, don’t worry. You can take lessons and rent equipment. HS and middle school students can ski without a parent. If you want to bring your Elementary child, you can, but you need to come and ski with them. We go once a week on Mondays from 3pm-8pm at Wachusett Mountain. Contact Stephen Corriveau for more info. stephen.corriveau@gmail.com or 401-523-4817 Click here for the Ski Club informational sheet with all dates Deadline is Friday, December 21st 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. When you turned your clocks back, you should have remembered to change the batteries in both detectors also. 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 nsema@cox.net

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Toll Locations 3, 4, & 6 through 13 Warwick, Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, Johnston, Cumberland, East Providence, Lincoln, North Smithfield NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF EA Click Here for official documentation regarding the above

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 gezovski@nsmithfieldri.org

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.

North Smithfield Heritage Association Releases 2018 Christmas Ornament

ClICK HERE for the 2018 Christmas Ornament Press Release and where to purchase

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

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  indiecycle@gmail.com .

UPCOMING MEETINGS Agendas can be found on the Secretary of State Website by CLICKING HERE

Town Council Meeting Monday, November 19th @ 6:45 pm North Smithfield Middle School 1850 Providence Pike North Smithfield, RI 02896 School Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 20th @ 6:30 pm North Smithfield Middle School 1850 Providence Pike North Smithfield, RI 02896

In last weeks's newsletter, Kate's Pasquariello's email was incorrect. Her email address is kpasquariello@nsmithfieldri.org. Thank you

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