Water flushing
The Water Department will conduct hydrant flushing this week, with maintenance in the Slatersville, Forestdale, Great Road, Mendon Road and the Industrial Park areas from 7 a.m. on Monday, April 15, through 3 p.m. on Friday, April 19. The process enhances water quality, but may cause temporary reduction in pressure and some discoloration. Those who experience discolored water are instructed to run it on cold until it clears.
Residents are asked to limit water usage during flushing operations, including washing clothes and dishes.
For more information, contact the Water Department at (401) 767-2200 ext. 305 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gardening presentation
North Smithfield Public Library at 20 Main St. will host a container gardening presentation by the URI Master Gardeners on Saturday, April 20, starting at 10:30 a.m. Register by visiting https://nspl.evanced.info/signup or calling 401-767-2780
Opening Day
Opening Day for North Smithfield Little League & North Smithfield Girls Softball will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Pacheco Park. A parade of players will start at Town Hall at 83 Green St. at 12:30 p.m. and conclude at the park off Main Street at approximately 1 p.m. The first pitch of the season will take place after completion of the announcement of the teams. There will be concessions, music, merchandise for sale and a frozen lemonade truck on site, and the public is invited to show up to support for the local, youth recreational teams.
To find out more information visit the NS Little League & North Smithfield Girls Softball Facebook pages or email nsmithfieldplayeragent@gmail.com or NSGirlsSoftball@gmail.com.
Cemetery tours
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will host a tour of Hotchkiss Cemetery, adjacent to Union Cemetery on Smithfield Road, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20 in honor of RI Historical Cemetery Awareness and Preservation Weeks. For the first time since the cemetery was re-discovered, cleaned and repaired, the public will have the chance to take a one hour guided walking tour with some of the volunteers who made it happen. Learn about the lives of some of the oldest inhabitants of North Smithfield and Smithfield, with highlights to include visiting veterans’ graves, the discovery of the old town tomb and some sad stories that were almost lost to the past. Guides will explain the methods used to repair stones and reveal a few secrets about lost stones.
Tours will continue every Saturday through May 25 beginning at 9 a.m. Participants may park at Union Cemetery but are asked not park on paved roadways. In case of rain, check the NSHA Facebook page for cancellations.
Pumpkinfest scholarships
Applications are now open for the Great Pumpkin Festival’s annual scholarship program, with a deadline for submissions of May 1. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors that live in North Smithfield going on to higher education after graduation, regardless of what school they attend. More information and the online application can be found here.
The Pumpkinfest Committee also offers grants to town-based non-profit organizations, with a deadline this year of October 1.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Monday, April 15 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Sewer Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 17 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The Board of Assessment Review will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 18 starting at 11 a.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Budget Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 18 starting at 5:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The Town Council sitting as the Municipal Building Review Task Force will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 18 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
A note on town meetings: Meeting agendas published after our weekly “things to know,” articles may not be listed above. Check the Secretary of State’s website for the latest updates.
