Utility work
Overnight utility work began once again on Sayles Hill Road in the area of Anchor Subaru on Sunday, March 19. According to town officials, after underground work is expected to be completed in late spring, the area will be restored. The project is under direction of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.
Coaches needed
The North Smithfield Little League is seeking new coaches, noting that, between the Tee Ball and Coach Pitch divisions, they currently have 13 teams. The league is in need of four head coaches for Tee Ball and three head coaches for Coach Pitch. Both programs meet once a week for practice and have a game on Saturday mornings. The league plans to host a coach’s clinic on Saturday, April 15 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Scouters Hall by Pacheco Park.
Anyone with questions or an interest in helping out should email nsmithfieldplayeragent@gmail.com or contact the league via Facebook.
Sports equipment wanted
As part of her senior project, North Smithfield High School senior Kara Farmer will hold a sports equipment drive.
Bins have been set up at NSHS at 412 Greenville Road and Wide World of Indoor Sports, 621 Pound Road, where people are able to donate at any time throughout the day. The donations will go to youth in need in Rhode Island to give more kids the opportunity to participate in sports.
Community appeal
The North Smithfield Heritage Association has announced the start of the organization’s 2023 Annual Community Appeal. Funds raised will help complete the interior restoration of the historic Forestdale School, purchase materials to restore and maintain damaged gravestones at historic cemeteries, as well as fund a wide range of free programs and activities, according to Rich Keene, NSHA president.
“Virtually all the group’s preservation activities are funded by donations,” said Keene. “We hope that the community continues to support our efforts to preserve North Smithfield’s rich heritage.”
Members of the NSHA Board of Directors kicked off the 2023 campaign with personal donations that totaled almost $4,000.
“We hope the community follows their lead,” said Keene. “Any amount will help!”
Donations can be made via Venmo, PayPal Giving Fund, or by check payable to “NSHA” and marked “Donation” on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 413, Slatersville, RI 02876. Volunteers can also pick up donations locally. To learn more contact the NSHA at nsha@nsheritageassn.com or (401) 651-6316.
This weekend, the NSHA will host two events. On Friday, March 24, at 7 p.m., NSHA’s monthly Heritage Night will feature artist Til Dibner and his paintings at Heritage Hall. On Saturday, March 25, visit Heritage Hall for a talk at 10 a.m., Be What Remains Civil War Historians. The event will explain how to make a Civil War-era dress, describe Civil War-era medicine, as well as amusements of Civil War-era youth.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Monday, March 20 with executive session starting at 6:45 p.m. and open session around 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service Board of Directors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. at 1470 Providence Pike. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield School Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of North Smithfield Middle School at 1850 Providence Pike. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Municipal Building Review Task Force will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 23 starting at 5:30 p.m. at 575 Smithfield Road. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 23 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Planning Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, March 23 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
Bonus: Heritage walk
Parks and Recreation’s guided walk series continues on Saturday, March 25, heading to Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge. Participants will meet at 1445 Providence Pike at 9:30 a.m.
