Message from Town Administrator
Gary Ezovski

It is an understatement to say that we are in uncharted waters! But we can be grateful for the guidance we are receiving from our state leaders and the cooperation that people in the region have put forth. Everything I have read indicates we are in a critical time period. Control of what is called “community spread” is the focus of all that is happening. People who contract the COVID 19 virus without having recently traveled to a country of concern or had immediate contact with someone who has are people who contract the illness through an unidentified pathway. That is community spread. Stopping community spread only happens by limiting contact. Social distancing. Staying home. Washing hands. It’s all up to each of us.

Such being the case, the State of Emergency that I issued last Sunday will be extended through April 5 th , 2020 which will parallel the distance learning mandate established by Governor Raimondo. 

This is the latest information I have on the spread of the virus. It was provided to municipal leaders yesterday.

Dr. Alexander-Scott announced Thursday that Rhode Island had eleven additional cases of COVID-19. These people range in age from their 20s to their 60s. RIDOH is investigating their illness sources. This brings Rhode Island’s case count to 44.

Data updates
 Number of Rhode Island COVID-19 positive (including presumptive positive) cases: 44
o    Bristol County: Fewer than 5
o    Kent County: Fewer than 5
o    Newport County: 6
o    Providence County: 23
o    Washington County: 7
  • Number of people who had negative test results: 654
  • Number of people for whom tests are pending: 140
  • Number of people who are currently instructed to self-quarantine in Rhode Island: approximately 2,500

We all need to continue heeding the advice of the RI Department of Health with expectation that it is the best we can all do to manage our health and the health of those around us.
During these trying times, if you require assistance with food, utilities or other needs, there is another option we haven’t yet mentioned; that option is the local Community Action Agency. 

They can be reached by dialing 211.

Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
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.
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.)

Please note that all Town meetings have been temporarily
suspended until further notice.

Please note that all programs and activities for NS Seniors at Scouters Hall will be suspended as of Monday, March 16 th . This suspension will last at least two weeks, when public health concerns and all schedules will be reevaluated. Please contact NS Parks & Rec Coordinator, Kate Pasquariello, with any questions. Kate can be reached at kpasquariello@nsmithfieldri.org
(401) 767-2200, Ext. 345. We will follow up with further details when they become available – please stay tuned.

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.

Please note that both the North Smithfield Animal Shelter and
Scouter's Hall on Main Street will be closed until further notice.
TOWN OF NORTH SMITHFIELD

NOTICE OF VOTER REGISTRATION

The Town Clerk’s office, located at 575 Smithfield Road, is open the following hours to receive new voter registrations and to correct names and addresses of registered voters:

  • Mon. thru Wed. - 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
  • Thurs.                  - 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
  • Fri.                        - 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

For those residents who are not already registered to vote, the last date to register to be eligible to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary Election scheduled for
April 28, 2020 is:

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020, FROM 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Voter registration forms will be made available in the lobby of the North Smithfield Police Station, 575 Smithfield Road.

Mail Ballot Applications are available and must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office no later than 4:00 P.M. on April 7, 2020. PLEASE NOTE: The state’s Board of Elections is encouraging all cities/towns to push for more people to vote using the mail-in ballot method this year due to the Coronavirus. 
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

The next committee meeting will be held on April 15th at 6:00 PM at
R&R Machine Industries, Inc.,147 Industrial Drive, North Smithfield.

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.




Department of Public Works
will begin street sweeping
in the Slatersville Area on
Monday, March 16, 2020,
weather permitting. 
 
For additional information, contact 767-2200, X348.
The annual Clean & Green Day will be on
April 25th this year. Please mark your calendars! 

The committee could use one or two additional members. 
Please email nscleanandgreen@gmail.com if you are interested.
for the North Smithfield/
Lincoln/Cumberland
Prevention Coalition
February Newsletter

Filled with lots of great information for parents!!
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 !

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 1128, 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.