Message from Town Administrator
Gary Ezovski

I recently received information from RI DOH that showed the distribution of positive coronavirus cases across the state. The information is a bit vague out of respect for healthcare information privacy but, basically, it indicates high rates of positive cases where there are higher numbers of people. So, the largest numbers are in our bigger cities with lower presence in the state’s smaller towns. Though we were not one of the eleven towns with no positive cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, we were one of twenty-one municipalities listed as having 1 to 5 cases. That would say to me that we have done okay with our efforts in social distancing, but our performance hasn’t been perfect. We need to remain vigilant in those efforts if we are to be successful. Please continue to follow the directions being provided by the RI Department of Health. Our only path back to normal conditions is to heed the warnings we have been given and follow those directions. Wash your hands; stay home if you are not well and call your doctor before going to any health care facility. 

Please be particularly careful with any interaction with the folks who are doing their best to keep some of our critical supplies and services running. Be clear about any condition you may have if you call 911 to allow our EMS personnel to protect themselves while also preserving availability of personal protective equipment. We have small police and fire departments which means we cannot afford to lose members to infection because they weren’t properly informed. They are committed to serving. Please be equally committed to protecting them from infection by making your condition and the condition of those in your home clear to our EMS personnel. The same goes for the folks who are here in our town offices. I am proud of the commitment they are all making on your behalf. We need them all to maintain support for our core infrastructure. Please don’t come to a town office without calling first to see if we can handle your need on the phone or by other electronic means.

Finally, our healthcare workers, people in food stores, US mail folks and other primary service business people are overcoming many risks and challenges to stay available to us for food and basic needs. Please comply with their requests to maintain social distancing when you are in, or trying to get in, their establishments. If they fail to provide the patience needed at any moment, let’s show some understanding and do our best to help them to help us. 

We will get through this by patiently and respectfully working together--- at appropriate distance!
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Agendas can be found on the Secretary of State Website by
(Agendas in PDF form will be posted next to the corresponding meeting, if available, before this newsletter is published.)

Emergency Town Council Meeting ( Agenda )
Monday, March 30, 2020, at 6:45 pm

Public can follow the meeting through the following options:

Computer, tablet or smartphone

Dial using phone
(301) 715-8592
Meeting ID : 470 724 545

Given the mandated closings and other restrictions that the coronavirus is causing, it is recognized that it may be a challenge for some North Smithfield taxpayers to make payment for fourth quarter property and auto excise taxes that are due on April 15, 2020. 

Such being the case, while the due date will remain April 15, 2020, please be advised that the date for imposition of interest and penalties will be delayed until  May 15, 2020 . Payments made by May 15, 2020 will, therefore, result in no penalty or interest. Those who can make their payments by April 15th are still encouraged to do so, and will be appreciated, as they will ensure that our local services can continue during these very different and challenging times. 

For our residents and businesses that are without income, we hope this grace period relieves one of your immediate concerns.
FARNUM PIKE/ROUTE 104
IN NORTH SMITHFIELD STARTS FRIDAY NIGHT

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close a portion of Farnum Pike/Route 104 where it passes under the Route 146 overpass in North Smithfield Friday night, March 27 th , at 10 p.m. The road will remain closed throughout the day on Saturday, March 28th, reopening that evening at approximately 10 p.m.

During the closure, RIDOT will demolish portions of retaining walls at the Farnum Pike Bridge, which carry northbound and southbound traffic on Route 146. This work only requires a closure of Route 104; traffic on Route 146 will not be affected.

During the closure, eastbound traffic should use Route 5 (Providence Pike), Industrial Drive, Pound Hill Road and Route 146A (Smithfield Road) to return to Route 104. Westbound travelers should use the on ramp to Route 146 North, reverse direction to Route 146 South at Exit 13 (Pound Hill Road) and get off at Exit 11 to return to Route 104.

This work is part of a $13.9 million design-build project for a total replacement of the structurally deficient Farnum Pike Bridge, which carries approximately 40,000 vehicles per day. Over the next few months, RIDOT will build a temporary bridge between the northbound and southbound spans of Route 146. This structure will allow RIDOT to shift traffic onto it as needed and avoid long-term lane closures on the highway.

A design-build contract allows RIDOT to accelerate the project with design and initial construction activities happening at the same time. The project will be done in Summer 2022. All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

The replacement of the Farnum Pike Bridge was made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT’s ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks  [ r20.rs6.net ] . 
As folks are using disinfecting wipes more frequently, please note that single-use wipes and towelettes are solid wastes that do not degrade, create blockages in our pumps and, therefore, must not be disposed in any sewer system.   

Thank your for your cooperation.

Please note that Brigido’s Fresh Market, located at 900 Victory Highway, will now take phone orders from our elderly residents!

Please call (401) 762-1020 Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, place an order, and a staff member will shop for the customer and coordinate a pickup time with the customer.

All transactions must be paid with a credit card .
We understand that we are experiencing uncertain times, but we are here to keep a positive mindset and lend a helping hand. We will be creating FREE 3x5 banners for any North Smithfield restaurants who need it!

Simply give us your restaurant name, to-go hours and phone number. While we know that we can't meet the needs of every business, we want to do our part to help where we can!

Please send us a direct message if you’d like us to create a banner for your restaurant. Our email address is QUOTES@NATIONALMARKER.COM.
Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Announcement from Saint Antoine Community
COVID-19 Update

Until further notice, Saint Antoine Community will be restricting any/all outside visitors from entering THE VILLA : Assisted Living and THE RESIDENCE : Rehabilitative Center, Long-Term Care Residence and/or Memory Care Units.

Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis and/or for those residents nearing end of life. Those approved to be “exempt visitors” must be asymptomatic before entering the facility and will be provided with personal protective equipment.

Higher safety regulations are being enforced by RIDOH in an effort to provide the best measures of protection against COVID-19 and the impacts it can have on the health of all our residents and staff. Due to the frailty of the population on campus, it is imperative that all families and friends of our staff and residents abide by this regulation.

Please understand that these measures are in place for the safety and well-being of ALL our community residents, as we try diligently to protect them and you from the spread of the COVID-19.

Thank You to all our families, friends, staff, vendors and volunteers for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
Curbside yard waste collection begins Monday, April 6, 2020. Yard waste is collected on the same day as your trash and recycling.  Residents can have a reasonable amount of leaf bags or cans, clearly marked, of yard waste out at the curb for weekly collection. The Spring collection season runs from Monday, April 6th – Friday, June 5th.
 
Drop-off hours at our Highway Garage, 281 Quaker Highway will continue Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, and beginning April 8, 2020, Wednesdays from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm ONLY. Residents are welcome to bring yard waste or accepted recyclables. The town offers free drop off for rigid plastic and scrap metal items as well as used motor oil. Please do not leave items outside the gate after business hours; we will take notice. 
 
For additional information, contact 767-2200, Ext. 348.


Please note that the Easter Egg Hunt event, originally scheduled on April 4th, has been postponed until further notice.
2020 PumpkinFest
  
Mark your calendars for our:
  
14th Annual 
North Smithfield 
Great Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 19, 2020
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
North Smithfield High School Grounds

If anyone has any comments, suggestions, ideas or input,
please email ns.pumpkinfest@gmail.com .

The  2020 Scholarship Application   is now available and
must be submitted by May 1st
to be considered for this year's scholarship.
* We will be issuing two scholarships to NS Seniors this year! *


THE CLEAN & GREEN DAY EVENT, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ON APRIL 25TH, HAS BEEN
POSTPONED INDEFINITELY.
North Smithfield Food Pantry
Food Pick-up Plan for March 21, 24, 28, 31
  
DUE TO CORONAVIRUS, CHURCH BUILDING IS CLOSED  
 
FOOD PANTRY IS STILL OPEN – DRIVE-UP SERVICE ONLY 
 
TO PICK UP YOUR FOOD:
 
1.     Starting at 9:45 am (Saturday) and 5:15 pm (Tuesday), park on north side of GREEN Street (even numbers) - between Ridge Road and Country Way

2.     Stay in your car - DO NOT come in the building

3.     One of our workers will direct you to the parking lot when it is your turn 

4.     Groceries will be brought to your car
 
In order to keep crowd size down and wait times short, all food bags will temporarily be the same for everyone. If you receive something you can’t use - please pass it on.
 
Thank you for your patience as we figure out how to best keep everyone safe and healthy at this time.  
                                                    -Board of Directors 
North Smithfield Residents Food Pantry
Slatersville Congregational Church
25 Green Street
Slatersville, RI 02876


We currently need volunteers to: 
  -  Help with pickup and delivery of donated food. A regular vehicle will do.  
  - Help on Wednesday and Friday mornings 9:30-10:15 to sort food,
and we need supervisors for those two times.  
   - Help when the food pantry is open the last two Tuesdays of the month 5:30 - 7 pm and the last two Saturdays 10 - 11 am to help with clients and carry bags to clients' cars.  
    - Coordinate the food rescue and distribution program, requires 4-5 hours a week. 
 
Are any of these interesting to you? Please contact Rev Eileen at 769-2773.

The flavor of the month for MARCH is BAKED BEANS !
The flavor of the month for APRIL is PROGRESSO SOUPS !

Any donations or monetary gifts for the food pantry can be dropped off at the Slatersville Congregational Church between 9:00 am and noon. You can also mail monetary gifts to
P.O. Box 283, Slatersville, RI 02876.

An additional drop box for food items is available at the Town Hall during regular business hours.
Please note that the Rabies Clinic, scheduled for March 28th at the Primrose Fire Station, has been cancelled. A new date has not been rescheduled at this time.
Our North Smithfield Animal Shelter is in
Need of Volunteers

 We are ALWAYS looking for good volunteers! We require a minimum of one shift per month (hours are usually in the morning and about 2-3 hours long). We need people who love cats and/or dogs. Duties include cleaning, feeding and giving general loving! We work with your schedule (mornings) and provide full training.
18+ applicants only. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please call us at (401) 766-0377.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.