Town of Smithfield
news & updates
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September 1, 2021 | Issue 22 |
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Economic Development Commission
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The Smithfield Economic Development Commission is seeking local food establishments to participate in the Savoring Smithfield restaurant week! As a way to promote human and environmental health, restaurants that choose to participate will help customers easily identify and select healthier menu items when dining out for the week. Savoring Smithfield items include more plant-based and lean-protein animal-sourced foods that are better for people and the planet. The EDC hopes to hold the week this month or in early October. Food establishments that participate will be promoted through EDC's Facebook page, Savoring Smithfield participant fliers for display, and more! So far, we have some local favorites that will be a part of the week, including Biagio's Pizzeria and Bar, Bree's Deli, and Terrazza. If you are a restaurant owner or manager who would like to participate or learn more information about the week, please reach out to Stephanie McCulloch, EDC member.
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Rent and Utility Assistance Available Through RentReliefRI |
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Rhode Island renters have felt the brunt of job losses and financial hardship due to COVID-19. Fortunately, there’s a new, statewide rental and utility assistance program to help. RentReliefRI provides assistance to Rhode Island renters struggling to pay their rent or utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhode Island renters having trouble covering rent and/or utility payments may qualify for total of 18 months of assistance. Known as RentReliefRI, the program can pay for rent and utilities owed back to April 1, 2020 and can also cover up to three months of upcoming rent. Renters may apply for help with paying for utilities even if they do not need help paying for rent. Applicants must meet certain income limits and eligibility requirements. Eligible households must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), which translates into approximately $69,200 annual income for a family of four in most parts of the State. Funds will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. For more information, visit RentReliefRI.com and download the one-pager here.
About RentReliefRI: RentReliefRI is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ERA0013 awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
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Coming Soon…. Assistance for Homeowners |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in thousands of Rhode Island homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments and housing-related expenses. RIHousing will soon launch the Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAFRI) program which will help eligible Rhode Island homeowners remain in their homes. The program is expected to open in August 2021 pending U.S. Department of Treasury approval.
HAFRI can cover mortgage arrearages, mortgage payments, utility arrearages and other housing-related costs such as overdue property taxes or condo fees for eligible applicants. To learn more about the program and register to receive updates visit RIHousing.com.
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The Town Clerk's Office is happy to announce that they are now accepting credit card payments along with the usual cash and check payment options. The cards that are accepted are Discover, Master Card and Visa. We accept card payments for all recordings, probate, vital records, licenses, and copy fees. Not only is the process efficient and convenient, it allows our customers more flexibility when paying for services offered in the Clerk’s Office.
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Back to School: Keeping Children Safe |
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School Bus Safety
STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES
If you are driving, remember these simple rules:
- Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean slow down — don’t speed up — because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children.
- Red flashing lights mean stop — and wait at least 20 feet behind the bus — because children are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
- Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.
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Parents - talk bus safety with your children:
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Teach them to play it SAFE:
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Stay five steps away from the curb.
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Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
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Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
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Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
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Bicycle Safety
STAYING SAFE ON TWO WHEELS
Bicycles can also be an easy and quick way to travel to school. Be sure to do these simple things to keep your bike ride safe:
- Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow traffic signs and signals.
- Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.
- Never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.
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Pedestrian Safety
WATCH THE ROAD
Many students walk to and from school each day. Remind your child to:
- Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
- Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
- Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
- Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.
With a new school year, let’s work hard to keep it safe for everyone. Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, or bus rider – stay alert and drive safely.
Information provided in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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On August 13, 2021 the Smithfield Police Department hosted its Community Police Night Out from 5pm-8pm at the Smithfield High School. There were food trucks, rock climbing wall, sand art, and a dunk tank for members of the public to pay to dunk a cop in a tank of water. The Community Police Night Out was able to raise approximately $1,200. The $1,200 is going to be donated to the ALS Association of Rhode Island in the memory of former Smithfield Police dispatcher Cheryl Corsa-Crook. |
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Elementary Reconfiguration Project Update |
We are continually monitoring the progress of the school renovations and marvel at the amount of work being completed each week. The construction company, Ahlborg, and the Owners Project Manager, Colliers, remain steadfast in their ability to complete the project to start the school year off on September 9th, though a punch list of items to be completed in the evenings will remain for 1-2 months following their opening. Below are pictures from LaPerche Elementary School: |
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The Pleasant View Elementary School gymnasium is complete, as is the addition classrooms, including this maker space, located next to the media center. Maker spaces will be available for all teachers to use as alternative learning spaces and will be equipped with flexible seating, sinks, and storage space. |
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At Old County Road School, finishing touches await the office area. The front addition, which houses the library, maker space, art room, and music room, results in a whole new look for the school. |
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Agendas, minutes, and presentations are posted on the school construction update page. |
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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 advisory committees to the Town Council. Town residents with an interest in serving on any of these boards or commissions are encouraged to apply.
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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 and resume. A letter of interest may contain your interest or experience in the field of each particular board or commission that you are applying for.
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Check online for board & commission vacancies at Onboard click the “Run Report” button on the left of that page.
- Current Openings Include (Feel free to use the links below to contact the board chairs for additional information):
- Conservation Commission
- Smithfield Water Supply Board Advisory Commission
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Affordable Housing Advisory Board
- Economic Development Commission
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.”
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The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.
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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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