Town of Smithfield
news & updates
|
|
|
East Smithfield Neighborhood Center Event |
|
|
|
Town of Smithfield
Small Business Relief Grant Program
|
|
The Smithfield Town Council announced today the launch of the Smithfield Small Business Relief Grant Program made possible with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. ARPA funding was approved by Congress to fund eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Federal guidance directs funding to be used for acute pandemic response needs, fill revenue shortfalls among these governments, and support the communities and populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The total allocation for the Town of Smithfield is approximately $6.545 million.
Town Council President Suzy Alba Town Council President Suzy Alba stated “In the Town’s proposal to spend the ARPA funding, the Town Council unanimously approved $100,000 for the Smithfield Small Business Relief Grant Program to support local businesses. We hope that this little bit of help can go a long way in aiding our businesses that need an extra hand to remain thriving”.
Council Vice President Sean Kilduff stated “The Town had some discretion within the spending rules issued by Congress and one priority was to develop a program to aid Smithfield businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As stated in the Town’s ARPA spending plan, the goal of this grant program is to provide grants to businesses within the Town of Smithfield and support economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual grants of up to $3,000, subject to change based on other considerations, will be provided to those businesses that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and who meet the necessary qualifications.
|
|
Smithfield High School Sentinel Legacy Gala
Every year hundreds of thousands of people and their loved ones are personally affected by heart disease. On Saturday, May 14th, the Smithfield High School National Honor Society hosted our second ever Sentinel Legacy Heart Gala to honor Doreen Nicholson, who passed away suddenly in August of 2018 from a heart complication. We worked with the American Heart Association of Rhode Island and various community partners to shed light on this prevalent issue, understanding that widespread education saves lives.
|
|
Prior to the Gala, the National Honor Society held various initiatives that sparked curiosity and excitement. Friday, May 6th featured a demonstration from our Smithfield Fire Department, in which students dressed in blackout gear and searched for a downed victim, traversing a student lounge littered with obstacles. This simulation immersed students in the Fire Department’s work, building excitement for students who participated or watched. On the Friday prior to the Gala, the Smithfield Emergency Management Agency allowed students to hone their hands-only CPR skills with state-of-the-art mannequins, reflecting our Heart Health Awareness Day from late February in which 400 students learned or practiced it. Music playing from 100BPM to 120BPM and live feedback created effective and exciting practice. The Smithfield Police Department joined us as well to demonstrate self-defense and its intersection with cardiovascular health. This highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health in practical scenarios. All of these activities were replicated on the night of the Gala. Both of these Fridays were schoolwide “wear red” days; we also asked that Gala attendees wore red or pink to show their support. |
|
The hallways of Smithfield High School were completely transformed for this two-hour event, featuring creative direction from students. The event’s entrance featured student greeters, who gave each entrant a flower in accordance with the hallway’s floral appearance. These worked alongside different photo opportunities to capture the moment. In the hallway, there were informational and donation stations for the American Heart Association, as well as raffles benefitting the Smithfield Education Foundation’s Doreen Nicholson Scholarship Fund. In total, the event raised $18,914 for the two funds, far surpassing our goal of $10,000. Kendra Scott Jewelry, located at the end of the hallway, sold custom necklaces honoring Doreen, of which 20% of the proceeds went back to the American Heart Association. |
|
Many different vendors generously offered their participation in the Gala. Overall, we featured 28 food vendors and 13 non-food vendors that brought excitement to the night. This extended throughout the halls of Smithfield High School into an outside “court” area. In the Media Center, the Gala shifted its focus to the active-elements of heart-healthy living. Attendees had the opportunity to practice CPR with the Emergency Management Agency and Fire Department, as well as with ResusciTech.io and their SMART Certification App. Participants used a demo of this lifesaving app, which allows for CPR certification and practice with only a mobile device, and competed for the perfect chest-compression rate. Furthermore, blood pressure checks were conducted in the Media Center, and fitness groups provided demonstrations and information regarding heart-healthy living. The National Honor Society sincerely appreciates all of the support and participation in the Gala – it demonstrates just how much of a community Smithfield has built, and how much people will support this cause.
Overall, we are proud to have hosted this event that brought the excitement of heart-healthiness to over 700 community members. It highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health, with a focus on tangibility that may save a life in the future. Furthermore, it raised lifesaving funds and honored the legacy of Doreen. We thank everyone who participated in the event in any manner, and greatly appreciate your support and willingness to get involved. Together we raised $18,914 for the American Heart Association and the Doreen Nicholson Scholarship Fund!
With a heartfelt thank you,
The National Honor Society of Smithfield High School
|
|
Miss Rhode Island Abby Mansolillo |
|
On May 17th Miss Rhode Island Abby Mansolillo was present the key to the Town by the Smithfield Town Council. Abbie will be representing the state in the upcoming Miss America pageant. From left: Town Council Vice President Sean Kilduff, Councilman David Tikoian, Council President Suzy Alba, Miss Rhode Island Abby Mansolillo, Councilman Michael Lawton, Councilwoman Angelica Bovis and Town Manager Randy Rossi. |
|
On May 17, 2022, Officer Ryan Perry, alongside with Grace. received the "Chepachet Grange Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Award!" This award was given to Officer Perry and Grace to acknowledge the great work that they do for the community. |
|
|
|
Smithfield Emergency Management Agency
|
|
Are Your Furry Four-legged Family Members Ready for an Emergency?
When building your family emergency kit, have you thought of your pets? June is National Pet Preparedness Month and there are resources to help inform you of what you can do to get your pets ready for the next disaster.
When we are talking about pets, we also want to focus in on those specialized pets such as exotic aquariums, reptiles and other fragile creatures. Animals that fit in this category require the most care and concern since their tolerance to sudden changes in the artificial atmospheres created to keep them happy and healthy during emergency conditions.
If you have already included your pet in your family’s emergency preparedness plan, now is a great time to review it. If pet preparedness is new, we have attached these links below to help you get your pet ready for the next possible emergency.
For more resources in planning for your pets, please visit:
|
|
|
|
Grace visited the Emergency Operations Center today and we gave her a few things to help build her emergency kit. Send us a photo of your pet’s emergency preparedness supplies and we will feature them on our Twitter feed throughout the month of June! |
|
|
|
Smoke is your worst enemy in a fire! |
|
Smoke is poisonous and dangerous if inhaled. Regardless of how big or how small a fire is, breathing-in smoke is very dangerous to your health and may be deadly.
This is especially true of materials made of plastics and imitation wood. As compared to legacy furnishings in homes in the past, home furnishings today are made of materials that are extremely toxic when they catch fire. Not only are they toxic, they burn very rapidly, creating a dangerous environment in minutes.
So, if there is smoke, get out or get away from the source! To safely escape, follow the tips shown below.
|
|
 |
Paraprofessional (Teacher Assistant) qualifications:
- Teacher Assistant Training Program Certification along with ParaPro Assessment test results
OR
-
Teacher Assistant Training Program Certification along with any degree containing childcare coursework (ParaPro Assessment test not required)
OR
-
Any degree with childcare coursework (a teacher assistant certification or ParaPro Assessment test not required)
Secretary qualifications:
- Experience with computers and answering telephones
- Ability to work in a busy office
Please apply on SchoolSpring.com (see links below) or contact Lisa Petrone for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
Town of Smithfield
Helping Hands Fund
|
Donations are being accepted during the holiday season, and throughout the year, for the Town of Smithfield’s Helping Hands Fund established to help bring hope and joy to less fortunate families in our community. Contributions to the fund will be used to provide essentials including clothing, food, and gift certificates.
Please send your donation to the Town Hall, c/o The Town Manager's Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.
|
|
|
|
Statewide Behavioral Health Resources
Immediate Support
-
For children and youth under age 18, call the 24/7 Kids’ Link Hotline at 1-855-543-5465.
-
For people age 18 and older, call the 24/7 BH Link Hotline, 401-414-LINK (5465) or visit the BH Link Walk-In Triage Center, 975 Waterman Ave., East Providence to connect with a counselor.
Peer Recovery Support
|
|
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
-
Call Rhode Island’s Buprenorphine 24/7 Hotline, 401-606-5456, to talk with a healthcare provider, get an evaluation, and make a plan for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).
-
Visit PreventOverdoseRI.org's Get Help webpage to find local treatment and recovery support services, including statewide locations for the Rhode Island Centers of Excellence.
Safer Drug Use Supplies
|
|
Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions
Smithfield Samaritans
- 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
