Indoor shopping resumes at food pantry
The North Smithfield Food Pantry has announced that May pick-up dates will be Saturdays, May 21 at 9 a.m. & 28 at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays, May 24 and 31 at 5:30 p.m. The pantry at Slatersville Congregational ChurchUCC on the Common is reopening for indoor shopping in May and all clients are asked to wear masks.
The facility is open to North Smithfield residents and clients must have a photo ID and a bill that confirms a town address. Questions can be directed to (401) 678-0356.
For the month of May the pantry is seeking donations of snacks, canned fruit and canned pasta.
History hike
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will hold a history walk on Saturday, May 14 starting at 9:30 a.m. Visit Woonsocket Reservoir #1 & Historic Pump House, Woonsocket Reservoir #2 and Mill Site, Spring Brook. Participants will meet at the Aldi’s parking lot at Dowling Village.
Fox sightings
North Smithfield Animal Control is alerting residents that they’ve received numerous calls about sightings of foxes and their pups. During breeding season and even after foxes give birth, which is anywhere between January and April, you’re more likely to see foxes and their pups running around and playing in your yard, because foxes choose to come closer to humans as they see us as the lesser threat than other predators, such as coyotes, according to animal control. It is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife.
“During this time please take caution when bringing your pets or young children outside,” they noted. “Foxes are not typically dangerous to humans and have a natural fear of people unless they are rabid, they are captured/handled, or they feel their pups are in danger. When fox pups are old enough they will leave and move on. It’s best just to let them be for this short period of time.”
Anyone with concerns should reach out to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management at (401) 222-4700 ext: 74515. If you have an injured wildlife animal call your local wildlife rehabilitator Sweet Binks Wildlife Rescue at (401) 623-1340 or Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island at (401) 294-6363. The number for the local animal control officer is (401) 766-0377.
National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
The North Smithfield Police Department notes that as the month of May begins, officers have switched to the thin blue line patch. Sunday, May 15 is the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and this month, the department will remember fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives on the job.
“We are so grateful for these incredibly brave individuals and will recognize them today and every day,” the department noted.
Town meetings
The Municipal Buildings Review Task Force will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 10 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the North Smithfield Police Station at 575 Smithfield Road. The agenda can be found here.
The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Services Board of Directors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Zoning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 10 starting at 7 p.m. starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Greene St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, May 11 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Greene St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Conservation Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, May 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. at 83 Greene St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, May 12 at 83 Greene St. starting at 6 p.m. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Planning Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, May 12 starting at 7 p.m. at 83 Greene St. The agenda is here.
