Town of Smithfield
news & updates
|
|
|
Smithfield Samaritan Program
February 2020 Award
Recipients
Cheryl and Peter Cunha
|
|
The Smithfield Samaritan Program recognizes a Smithfield resident or business in Town who is doing or has performed, an act of kindness or good deed that is notable or charitable. We are proud to present Cheryl and Peter Cunha the Smithfield Samaritan award for February. They were nominated by Smithfield resident Joyce Bouchard for their work in creating the David Louis Cunha Foundation after losing their only child David. They have turned a terrible tragedy into an outstanding organization. Over the past five years Cheryl and Peter have helped many children, people, and organizations. "They make the town and state a better place" says Bouchard.
|
|
David Louis Cunha Foundation
|
|
The
David Louis Cunha Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization based in Smithfield, Rhode Island which was established on January 13, 2015 upon the sudden passing of David Cunha. David’s Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children living with terminal and life‐threatening medical conditions. Whether making the dream of a special life experience a reality, or providing financial assistance to the family to help ease the burden of medical expenses, David’s Foundation is committed to these children. David’s Foundation also supports children who are in need of compassion and a helping hand in their daily lives, and the local agencies and groups dedicated to serving those children. Additionally, David’s Foundation awards two annual scholarships to Smithfield High School graduating seniors who excel in community service and embody the generous heart that defined David.
David Louis Cunha was born on January 1, 1994 with a critical heart defect. In spite of this, David was vibrant and FULL OF LIFE….always smiling…known for his smile. He was a 2012 graduate of Smithfield High School and a member
of The National Honor Society. He was a junior at Rhode Island College majoring in Mass Media Communications. David worked for the Rhode Island State Senate for six years and dedicated much of his free time to numerous nonprofit organizations and community service. He had a warm and giving heart and a strong and admirable character. David loved sports and music. But mostly, he loved his friends and family. He had countless friends and family who also loved him dearly and continue to do so now even more. David passed unexpectedly in January 2015, but he continues to be a true inspiration to all who knew him.
The David Louis Cunha Foundation was established in David’s loving memory and honor to continue his commitment to helping others less fortunate than he.
Since its inception in 2015, the David Louis Cunha Foundation has been privileged to provide over $65,800 in donations to Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts children in need. In 2019, we were able to proudly donate $22,140 to these children. With your generous support, we look forward to accomplishing even more in 2020.
The David Louis Cunha is able to accomplish and continue its mission due to the steadfast support of wonderful friends and family such as you.
|
|
Gardening Health and Safety Tips
Gardening can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get physical activity, beautify the community, and grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. If you are a beginner or expert gardener, health and safety should always be a priority.
|
|
Below are some tips to help keep you safe and healthy so that you can enjoy the beauty and bounty gardening can bring. Brought to you by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dress to protect.
Gear up to protect yourself from lawn and garden pests, harmful chemicals, sharp or motorized equipment, insects, and harmful rays of too much sun.
- Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants to prevent injury when using power tools and equipment.
- Protect your hearing when using machinery. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, the noise can be potentially harmful to your hearing.
- Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET. Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Wear long-sleeved shirts, and pants tucked in your socks. You may also want to wear high rubber boots since ticks are usually located close to the ground.
- Lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
Put safety first.
Powered and unpowered tools and equipment can cause serious injury. Limit distractions, use chemicals and equipment properly, and be aware of hazards to lower your risk for injury.
- Follow instructions and warning labels on chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.
- Make sure equipment is working properly.
- Sharpen tools carefully.
- Keep harmful chemicals, tools, and equipment out of children’s reach.
Know your limits in the heat.
Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
- If you’re outside in hot weather for most of the day you’ll need to make an effort to drink more fluids.
- Avoid drinking liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, especially in the heat.
- Take breaks often. Try to rest in shaded areas so that your body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover. Stop working if you experience breathlessness or muscle soreness.
- Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, including extremely high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness.
- Watch people who are at higher risk for heat-related illness, including infants and children up to four years of age; people 65 years of age or older; people who are overweight; people who push themselves too hard during work or exercise; and people who are physically ill or who take certain medications (i.e. for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation).
- Eat healthy foods to help keep you energized.
|
|
“Freezin for a Reason:”
On March 21-22, 2020, Smithfield Police Department's Officer Jon Ricciarelli and his dad, Dave, will brave the frigid waters at Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett to participate in this year’s 24-hour “Super Plunge”. Super Plungers will fully submerge once per hour, for 24-hours! The weekend begins with the Unified Schools plunge at noon on Saturday, followed by the start of the Super Plunge at 1:00 PM. The festivities will conclude with a celebration at George’s of Galilee, following the Law Enforcement Torch Run Plunge at noon on Sunday. If you have questions on how you can get involved with raising awareness, please feel free to email
Officer Ricciarelli.
To donate to the Ricciarelli’s efforts, as well as Special Olympics of RI, click on the
link. If your business is interested in corporate sponsorship for the event, please contact Officer Ricciarelli directly.
As always, please support “unified” sports & Special Olympics events in your community.
|
|
The Smithfield Board of Canvassers is seeking Poll Workers for future elections
Polling places are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you are available to work and are currently a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island, please call the Board of Canvassers at (401) 233-1000 Ext. 112.
You can register to vote in the Town of Smithfield through the Town's
website
or the Rhode Island Board of Elections'
website
by downloading a voter registration form and mailing it to the Smithfield Board of Canvasser’s Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.
You can also register to vote online through the Rhode Island Board of Elections'
website
at or visit the Town Clerk’s Office during our regular business hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday and register to vote at that time.
STUDENTS AND RETIREES ARE WELCOME TO WORK ON ELECTION DAY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTION PROCESS:
The rate of pay is between $160 - $185 for the day.
The State Board of Elections and the Smithfield Board of Canvasses will be holding a training class, which you will be required to attend in order to operate the Elections Voting Equipment.
The Town Clerk’s office staff welcomes any questions or concerns you may have.
Carol A. Aquilante, MMC
Smithfield Town Clerk
|
|
 |
Elementary Reconfiguration Project Update
|
The elementary school reconfiguration project has made significant progress over the past month. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for a construction firm for elementary school renovations and additions is in the hands of seven pre-qualified firms. The RFP includes detailed construction documents that can be used for the Town to gauge costs and fully understand the scope of the project.
The RFP also includes several add-alternates. These are projects that companies provide costs for so that the building committee can assess what might be included in the overall project and at what cost.
On February 18th, the School Building Authority of The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) approved the 60% Construction Documents produced by the architects. The reviewers noted that the documents were well done and easy to review. There will be a need for some realignment of funding among the 3 schools, however, this is expected due to the alignment of programming at each of the schools. In late March, we will meet with the School Building Authority of RIDE for another review following the bid opening.
Recent building committee meetings included discussions about gymnasiums at McCabe and LaPerche Schools. Due to the popularity of youth sports programming in Smithfield, there is a demand for additional gymnasiums that can accommodate competitive play. These items along with many other improvements, will be reviewed at future meetings in order to reach a necessary balance for our community as a whole.
|
Agendas, minutes, and presentations are posted on the school construction update page.
|
|
|
|
- Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions
- The Town is currently seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions. These boards and commissions act as advisory committees to the Town Council. Town residents with an interest in serving on any of these boards or commissions are encouraged to apply.
- Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to the Town Manager’s Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 along with an application form. A letter of interest may contain your interest or experience in the field of each particular board or commission that you are applying for and, optionally, resume information.
- Check online for board & commission vacancies at Onboard click the “Run Report” button on the left of that page.
- The Smithfield Town Council has an initiative program called “Smithfield Samaritans,” and encourages anyone in the community to self-nominate or submit a name to the Town Manager, of a Smithfield resident or business in town who is doing or has performed an act of kindness or a good deed that is notable or charitable.
- The Town Council will review all nominations that are submitted and will each month select one individual or business to be recognized with a citation and the opportunity to speak at the council meeting explaining their good deeds “on the record.”
- The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.
|
|
It is our hope that the number of subscribers will continue to grow over time in an effort to reach most households and businesses in Town. If you have friends or family that may be interested in receiving our electronic newsletter, please forward them a copy.
Subscribing to the electronic newsletter is easy and painless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
