Town of Smithfield
news & updates
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January 1, 2020 | Issue 2
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“Into the Cold For A Warmer Winter” Drive
An Original Service Project for the Town of Smithfield
by the National Honor Society of Smithfield High School
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The National Honor Society of Smithfield High School is asking that you donate to…
“Into the Cold for A Warmer Winter” Drive
Wednesday, January 8th to Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020
Drive Purpose
:
To collect items that will help bring warmth and comfort to those less fortunate this winter
Need Extra Incentive to donate?
A few of our Beloved Town of Smithfield Officials have volunteered
TO BE FORCED OUT OF THEIR OFFICES INTO THE COLD
to help bring awareness to the challenges less fortunate people will encounter this winter.
- Smithfield High Administrators
- Mr. Dan Kelley, Mr. Ken Hopkins, Ms. Tammy Koller
- Smithfield Town Manager
- Mr. Randy Rossi
- Smithfield Police Chief and Command Staff
- Chief St. Sauveur, Deputy Chief Dolan, Captain Brown, Captain Rheaume, and Captain Digrado
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Only If...
THEIR CHOSEN OFFICE IS FILLED FLOOR to CEILING with BALLOONS
equating to the values of the “Warm Items” donated! (
See Donated Items Balloon Values below
)
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The Details
- YOU can DROP OFF your donations in the barrels setup at the location of the person(s) you want to “Force Out Into the Cold”
- Smithfield Police Station Lobby (215 Pleasant View Avenue)
- for Chief St. Sauveur, Deputy Chief Dolan, & Captains Brown, Rheaume, Digrado
- If the person(s) designated room is filled they will be forced out of their office(s) and into the “cold” on Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 8:00 am to 12:45 pm. (Backup date to be January 24, 2020.)
- SHS Administrators Outdoor Office will be the SHS courtyard
- Town Manager Rossi’s Outdoor Office will be the front steps of Town Hall
- SPD Command Staff Outdoor Office will be in front of the Police Station
- Information heightening our community’s awareness to the challenges less fortunate people will encounter this winter will be displayed at all Outdoor Offices.
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Suggested Donation Items with Balloon Values
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- Gift Card = 3 balloons for every $5
- 1 Non Perishable Food Item** = 1 balloon
- 1 Box Hot Chocolate** = 1 balloon
- 1 Pair of Socks = 2 balloons
- Diapers = 2 balloons for every 12
- Earmuffs = 2 balloons
- 1 Hat = 3 balloons
- 1 Pair of Gloves/Mittens = 3 balloons
- 1 Scarf = 3 balloons
- 1 Pair of Cabin Socks = 3 balloons
- 1 Gently Worn Pair of Shoes = 4 balloons
- Undergarment = 4 balloons
- Gently Worn Sweater or Hoodies = 5 balloons
- 1 New Pair of Slippers = 5 balloons
- Thermals = 5 balloons per piece
- 1 Blanket = 6 balloons
- Sweaters, Hoodies Unworn & Clean = 6 balloons
- 1 Coat = 6 balloons
- 1 New Pair of Shoes = 6 balloons
- Sleeping Bag = 6 balloons
** Items not on this list and bulk size items will be appropriately valued
All collected items will be donated to Smithfield or other local organizations/charities that help the less fortunate during the winter months.
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Smithfield Water Supply Board
Busy Year Making Our Drinking Water Better
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The Smithfield Water Supply Board (SWSB) is currently reviewing bids that were received for re-coating the interior and exterior surfaces of the three water storage tanks within the distribution system. This project will include removing the existing coating, general repairs to the steel and structure of the tanks, installing new protective coatings along with the installation of water mixers and TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) removal equipment. This equipment will help us maintain the TTHM levels set by the Rhode Island Board of Health. The project is projected to start in the spring of 2020 with the Island Woods Tank, the Rocky Hill Tank during the summer/fall and the Burlingame Tank in the spring of 2021.
During the construction it is anticipated that we will be implementing water conservation measures to help maintain tank levels in the other two tanks.
Recently the SWSB conducted a Water Rate Study to ensure the water system maintains financial stability and is positioned to address various system maintenance and improvements as they arise. The results of the study recommended a rate increase, which was approved by the SWSB. The rate increase will begin with water consumed starting in January 2020 and will be on the April billing cycle.
The SWSB is also conducting an Indirect Cost Study to quantify any financial benefits that the Town provides to the water system. This cost will be incorporated into the annual operating budget.
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A Fixed Asset Study is also underway that will develop the proper depreciation system that can be used in planning future capital improvements.
The Rhode Island Board of Health requires that a Clean Water Infrastructure Replacement Plan be submitted every five years. This is currently being developed with our consulting engineer, Pare Corporation. In preparation for this report, we have developed a GIS (Geographic Information System) layer and identified every pipe, its material, age, and installation conditions. We have evaluated and ranked the pipe flow characteristics through an updated water model and are considering capital projects that will improve the reliability and quality of the water supply.
Lastly we are in the process of collecting annual cross connections and back-flow testing data from the customers who are required to have this equipment.
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Family Caregivers: Protect Your Loved Ones from Falling
For those of you that are elderly caregivers, falls are one of the most common incidents that cause injuries to older adults. Take a few moments to read the safety tips below.
Speak Up
Talk openly with your loved one and their healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention.
- Tell a healthcare provider right away if your loved one has fallen, or if they are worried about falling, or seem unsteady.
- Keep an updated list of your loved one’s medications. Show a healthcare provider or pharmacist all of their medications, including over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Discuss any side effects, like feeling dizzy or sleepy.
- Ask their healthcare provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and nerve health.
Keep Moving
Activities that improve balance and strengthen legs can prevent falls.
- Exercise and movement can also help your loved one feel better and more confident.
- Check with their healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for them.
Have Eyes and Feet Checked
Being able to see and walk comfortably can prevent falls.
- Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year.
- Replace eyeglasses as needed.
- Have their healthcare provider check their feet once a year.
- Discuss proper footwear, and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.
Make the Home Safe
Most falls happen at home.
- Keep floors clutter-free.
- Remove small throw rugs, or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Add grab bars in the bathroom—next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.
- Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.
- Make sure the home has lots of light.
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Available Services for Seniors
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The Smithfield Senior Center provides a wide variety of services and programs to our seniors. The Center strives to meet the needs and desires of the seniors through creating organized actives and workshop areas.
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Some Available Programs
- Forever Fit Class
- Bone Builder Class
- Trips
- High Low Jack
- Bocce
- Billiards
- Bingo
- Arthritis Fitness Class
- Book Club
- Meditation
- Zumba
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- YOGA
- Line Dancing
- Special Events
- much More!
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Senior Van Services
- Transportation to and from all programs and lunches at the Senior Center
- Grocery Shopping
- Pharmacies for prescription pickup.
- 949-4592 to schedule
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Home-Delivered Meal Program
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Meals on Wheels of RI began the Home-Delivered Meal Program in 1969 and is the only nonprofit meal delivery program serving the entire state of Rhode Island. This program provides a lunch-time meal five times per week to approximately 1,300 qualified individuals. The meals are delivered primarily by their dedicated team of volunteers. To speak with someone about their home-delivered services or for more information regarding the program please call (401) 351-6700 or use the link (
Register for Meals) to register.
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In 2020, Resolve to Reduce
If you are subscribing to the New Year, new you mantra, try to consider reducing your environmental impact. Just one small change can make a difference. Here are some ideas for swapping single-use items to get started:
- Swap out single use water bottles for reusable water bottles.
- Bring a reusable mug the next time you head to your favorite coffee/tea shop.
- Say no to the bag. If you are getting just one, or a few small items that can be easily carried, skip the bag. Consider investing in reusable bags for all of your carrying needs. Please recycle any clean, single use plastic bags at the ReStore containers that are located at most markets and pharmacies in Town.
- Reusable utensil sets are great to keep in your car, at your desk or in your bag. Say thanks, but no thanks to single use take-out utensils.
- Try to avoid disposable containers when packing lunches. Swap them with reusable containers.
- Drink without a straw or invest in reusable metal straws instead of using the single-use plastic version.
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Members of the Smithfield Police Department recently donated gifts to the 2019 Rhode Island Supreme Court Christmas Gift Program. The Rhode Island Supreme Court Christmas Gift Program provides presents to children in need during the holiday season. This year forty children will benefit from the gifts that were donated by department members. School Resource Officer Jon Ricciarelli and DARE Officer Ryan Perry loaded up the department van and transported the gifts which, hopefully, will put smiles on the faces of these youngsters.
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Elementary Reconfiguration Project Update
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This month’s update will focus on the improvements to be made and an alternatives list that contractors will bid on that may become part of the project if costs allow.
The new addition at the Anna McCabe facility will include a new gymnasium, media center, and early childhood classrooms (Kindergarten - 1st Grade), in addition to an enclosed courtyard for outdoor learning space. At Raymond LaPerche, the new addition will include new early childhood classrooms (Pre-Kindergarten - 1st Grade) and an art room. At the Old County Road School, the new addition will be constructed in the front of the building which will include a new administrative area and a media center on the first floor and art and music rooms on the second floor. Additionally an elevator and third stairway will be included.
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All three buildings will have dedicated art and music rooms, meaning that art and music teachers will not have to share a space that is designed neither for art or music. New media centers, maker space, and learning commons will be available for all classes to use. Dedicated special education spaces are planned throughout each building in locations to accommodate the grade levels being serviced.
Throughout existing spaces, walls will be painted and existing tile and glazed block will be cleaned. New resilient flooring and wall base will be installed in additions and renovated rooms, with selective ACM floor abatement occurring where necessary. New walk-off carpet will be installed in entrance-ways along with new acoustical ceilings being installed in additions and renovated rooms to provide a clean, polished look. Also, the lockers at Old County Road School will be painted to provide a fresh look.
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The new facilities will have improved security features, including secure entrances with high performance glazing, new exterior doors with access control systems, new security camera systems, a new intercom system at Anna McCabe and Raymond LaPerche, and an extended/modified system at Old County Road School.
The pavement around each school will be new and redesigned. All will have separate bus, parent drop-off, and staff parking. Curbs, sidewalks, and signage will be new, as will be storm water drainage and exterior lighting.
Boilers, pumps, hot water heaters, electrical service, and clock systems, will be replaced. There will be new mechanical systems in additions and gas service work done at each school. LED lights have already been replaced in existing spaces and will be added to additions.
New fire water service and sprinkler systems throughout these buildings will improve safety, as will a new fire alarm system at Anna McCabe and modified systems at Raymond LaPerche and Old County Road School. Old County Road School, our only 2-story elementary school, will have a new elevator to the second floor, a new emergency generator, new fire rated doors and walls at egress stairs, and modified guardrails and new handrails. To accommodate a larger student body, kitchen renovations will be completed at Anna McCabe.
ADA improvements at all three schools are substantial and include accessible entrances, new interior room signage, renovated toilet rooms, and new interior door operators.
While these improvements are considerable, there are some projects that may not be able to be accommodated in the budget. The list of “add alternates” include projects that contractors will bid on so that they may be added to the project as the budget allows. These include:
- Anna McCabe roof, including gutters, downspouts, and roof edge
- Toilet core renovations in all 3 schools
- Repairing corridor wall tile at Anna McCabe
- New skylights in Raymond LaPerche’s music room
- Replacing Raymond LaPerche windows
- Replacing Old County Road School suspended ceiling
- Replacing Old County Road School glass block at rear of gym
- Providing hands-free sink faucets and flushometers
- Providing new landscape plantings
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- 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 an advisory committee 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
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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.
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