State of Emergency extended
Town Administrator Gary Ezovski extended the town’s state of emergency through April 5 this week, noting the date parallels the distance learning mandate established by Gov. Gina Raimondo. The executive order effectively revokes all entertainment licenses and special event permits, and cancels non-essential town meetings.
All activities for seniors at Scouters Hall have been suspended and the Rabies Clinic, scheduled for March 28 at the Primrose Fire Station has been cancelled. A new date has not been rescheduled at this time.
Library waiving fees
Residents are asked to hold on to any materials they might have from North Smithfield Public Library for the time being, and have been reassured that at least for now, books are not accruing late fees.
Due dates have been extended to May 1 and the library will be waiving fines accrued during this time retroactively through March 1. Patrons are advised to disregard automatic notifications sent out from the library and know that all fines will be waived once the items are returned.
Patrons are asked not to pile materials by book drops or outside the library.
Library cards that are expiring have also been extended through May 1.
The library will be closed through at least April 5.
Food pantry changes
The North Smithfield Food Pantry has implemented a new food pick-up plan for March 21, 24, 28, and 31. While the pantry is still open, the church building has been closed and those in need of food will be offered drive-up service only.
To pick up food, guests are asked to park on north side of Green Street between Ridge Road and Country Way starting at 9:45 a.m. on Saturdays or 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and stay inside their cars. A worker will direct them into the parking lot when it is their turn, and groceries will be brought to the car.
In order to keep crowd size down and wait times short, all food bags will temporarily be the same for everyone. Those who receive something they can’t use are asked to pass it on.
The pantry currently needs volunteers to help with pickup and delivery of donated food and help on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30-10:15 a.m. to sort food. They also need help when the pantry is open on the last two Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and the last two Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. to help with clients and carry bags to clients’ cars.
Volunteers are also needed to coordinate the food rescue and distribution program for 4-5 hours a week.
Those interested are asked to contact Rev Eileen at 769-2773.
Animal hospital seeking supplies
North Smithfield Animal Hospital at 921 Victory Highway is low on Lysol spray, hand sanitizer, aloe vera gel and paper towels and is seeking donations of supplies. Donors are asked to drop off items at the facility.
Water violation
Slatersville Water Company customers are notified that there was a violation at the Woonsocket Water treatment plant where the village receives its water in December.
“While not an emergency, all customers are entitled to an explanation,” said Maura Beck, the town’s sewer and water coordinator.
Beck notes that there was a high level of “cloudiness,” to the water on December 2, but there has been no evidence of contamination, and subsequent testing has not shown any issues.
“There is nothing you need to do,” noted Beck. “You do not need to boil your water or take other actions.”
Read more from the notice here.Â
