Beginning on Monday, November 1^st the Smithfield Fire Department, in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, will launch the “Smithfield Safe Stations” program. Under this new program, all three of the Town’s fire stations, located at 607 Putnam Pike, 66 Farnum Pike, 15 Log Road, will become a safe place to welcome members of the community seeking assistance with a substance use problem 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Following a brief screening exam, community members will be immediately connected with a recovery professional who can assist them in beginning their personal road to recovery. Smithfield Safe Stations are free, confidential and provide a welcoming environment for anyone that is ready for recovery 

This year’s Smithfield’s All Lit Up Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4^th at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to be a part of this year's festivities, please complete a parade application. Please contact Kate McAdam-Prickett at 391-6521 or Tom Winfield at 864-3356 with any questions on the application process. 

All completed applications must be submitted by Monday, November 22^nd.

The Town of Smithfield will be hosting a Moderna Vaccine Third Dose Clinic on Saturday, November 20th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Smithfield Senior Center for individuals who have (1) received Moderna vaccine at least six months ago AND (2) meet the CDC guidelines for a third dose of the vaccine.

Pre-registration is required for vaccinations. Please follow the link below to sign-up for the November 20th clinic: VaccinateRI.org 

On October 16th, the Town Council hosted a "Meet and Greet" and training workshop for all Town board and commission members at the Senior Center. A representative from the Attorney General's Office reviewed the Open Meetings Act and training was provided by Evan A. Lemoine, PRP, CPA on Robert's Rules of Order.

Writing and Art by: Amber VanTine

         During the fall season nothing feels better than being outside in the cold, crisp air; watching the now multicolored leaves blow in the wind and smelling burning bonfires in the distance. Winter is slowly approaching lightly brushing a cold hand across your neck making you pull your jacket a little tighter. To me fall is the most amazing time of year. You can do so much during that time and what better way to celebrate such a festive time of year than going to a farm and apple orchard to gather fresh fruits or vegetables to celebrate the harvest.

               Smithfield was actually well known for their apple orchards long ago. That’s why it was known as “Apple Valley”. However, during 1938 the Great Hurricane struck Rhode Island and many trees were destroyed, but one farm that withstood the strength of the storm was Jaswell’s Farm. Jaswell Farm dates back to 1899 and was started by Nicholas Jaswell aka Nicola Gesualdi who was originally from Italy. Jaswell Farm actually started out as a self-sustaining farm with farm animals as well. Over the years the farm was eventually passed down to Joe; Nicholas’s son, and then to Richard; Joe’s son. Richard and his wife Pat were the third generation of farm owners and they eventually passed it on to their children Chris and Allison who are still going strong, and providing amazing produce and wonderful experiences for all kinds of families. And who is really surprised? The Jaswell farm was able to withstand a flu pandemic, the great depression and the great hurricane paving the way for the this very special farm to continue to grow and operate in the town of Smithfield. Providing fresh apples, pumpkins, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts (my absolute favorite) and other baked goods.

               For over a hundred years this amazing farm has provided a countless amount of fresh produce for generations and they continue to do so especially as Allison continues to carry on the tradition of providing an interactive farming experience for students. This type of hands-on approach to farming and agriculture helps future generations understand and see not only where our food comes from but how to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious. Our food is what gives us sustenance, vitamins, minerals…life. Without proper nutrition and clean water life would be drastically altered and eventually cut short. What Allison and the rest of her family continue to do is just a step in the right direction to making sure that the people of Smithfield receive fresh produce, an interactive and eye opening experience for students all the while providing endless excitement for people ready to welcome the Harvest especially on a cool and crisp fall day.

               So with this upcoming fall and Harvest pay a visit to Jaswell Farm and have an apple cider doughnut while experiencing one of the oldest and most incredible farms here in Smithfield.

Smithfield Police Introduce Newest Department Member: The Smithfield Police are excited to introduce their newest department member. Meet GRACE (pronounced G-r-AI-s-ee), the department’s emotional support dog. The name GRACE stands for:

Giving

Relief

And

Compassion and

Emotional healing

GRACE is a 9-week old, female, Australian Labradoodle, who will be assigned to the Community Policing Unit. Following her certified therapy dog training she will serve as an interactive tool to provide comfort and emotional support to the community and police department during difficult times. Pictured here are: Officer Ryan Perry (GRACE’s primary handler), Chief Richard St.Sauveur (whose office GRACE has already taken an extreme liking to) and, of course, GRACE.

Agendas, minutes, and presentations are posted on the school construction update page.