Gala tickets
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will hold the 2022 Heritage Gala from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 at the Village Haven Restaurant at 90 School St.
A cash bar and silent auction open at 6 p.m., with a traditional family-style chicken dinner starting at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., “DJ Berube” will continue the fun with dance music for all ages.
Dinner tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at Town Hall, Li’l General, Village Paint, and the Memorial Town Building. Dress is business casual. Proceeds benefit local historic preservation activities.
For tickets or more information contact nsha@nsheritageassn.org or call (401) 651-6316.
LaBelle named finalist for Strickland Award
North Smithfield woman among graduates with the Class of 2022 at High Point University has received recognition for her hard work, passion for service, perseverance and determination.
Alexis LaBelle was one of nine finalists for the annual Elizabeth Miller Strickland Trailblazer Award, an honor that comes with a monetary prize and recognition for extraordinary accomplishments as a pioneer in serving the community.
Candidates were nominated for the award by the North Carolina university’s deans and vice presidents, and invited to apply. The award is presented annually to a graduating female student who epitomizes the qualities of hard work, passion for service, perseverance and determination.
The award aims to assist a deserving student in her transition from undergraduate studies to her next steps as an HPU alumna.
Aleah Hayes of Harrisburg, N.C was named the top recipient.
Each of the nine finalists was commended on her impressive resume of academia, service and passion as part of a private ceremony during the Strickland Women’s Leadership Summit.
N.S. Library hopes to help mitigate rising costs
The North Smithfield Library recently became a fine-free library meaning patrons will not be charged for returning items late. However, patrons still have to pay for lost or damaged materials.
With the rising cost of gasoline, food and everything in between, library officials said this week that it makes sense to take advantage of the many free resources available at local libraries.
“In addition to a basic book and magazine collection, there are newly released DVDs and audiobooks which can be checked out,” the library noted. “A fun family activity may include borrowing one of several S.T.E.M. kits which are designed for middle school-age children. Topics include astronomy, birdwatching and more.”
Recently, the library purchased space-related immersive reality books, which come with virtual reality goggles.
“After downloading the publisher’s free app, the viewer can experience the wonders of the universe in a unique way,” a release noted, adding that for those who find the medium unsettling, the company also offers a video option. Both the STEM and VR kits may be borrowed for one week.
In conjunction with the statewide Summer Reading Program, the North Smithfield Library has a packed calendar of activities scheduled for children and adults to enjoy. Topics include preserving foods, line dancing, meditation, jewelry making, painting, foraging, and more.
Detailed information can be found online at nspl.info or facebook.com/nsplibraryri or by calling the Library at (401) 767-2780.
Local artist donates a painting to NSHA
Ron Brule, a local painter, has donated one of his paintings to the North Smithfield Heritage Association. Brule said he has long admired photos taken by his friend and neighbor, Bill Burroughs. When Burroughs used a unique perspective to take a photo of the buildings on either side of the Memorial Town Building, Brule said it inspired him to create a painting of the scene. The artist said he plans to create more paintings using images captured by Burroughs.
The Heritage Association will display the painting at the Memorial Town Building, along with others created by local artists.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Municipal Buildings Review Task Force will hold a meeting on Tuesday, June 14 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 School Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, June 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. at North Smithfield Middle School. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, June 15 starting at 5 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Greene St. The agenda can be found here.
The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Wednesday, June 15 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall for a public hearing on the 2022/2023 budget. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Sewer Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 15 starting at 7 p.m. The agenda and link to attend via Zoom is here.
This week, a bonus “thing”
Give Blood In Memory of Scott Wright on Thursday, June 16 from noon to 8 p.m. at Village Haven Restaurant. Organizers note that since the first blood drive was held in Scottie’s memory in 2011, more than 2,100 people have turned out to donate, saving many lives. The drive will be held in the banquet hall of the restaurant at 90 School St. Donations will be accepted by appointment, with walk-ins welcomed if availability permits at time of arrival.
To book an appointment, visit www.ribc.org/drives and use sponsor code 4017. Donors are advised to eat, hydrate, and bring identification. Masks are optional/
If you are unable to make the event, you can always donate at any Rhode Island Blood Center under Scottie’s name. Use sponsor code 4017.
