September 1, 2024 | Issue 58

The Economic Development Commission has wrapped up the "Exploring Smithfield" event. Thank you again to the sponsors and participating businesses. If you haven’t claimed your crystal apple yet, please stop by to pick it up at the Town Hall in the Planning Department!

Starting on September 21, 2024, you will have another opportunity to find a crystal apple on the "Apple Trails" of Smithfield. The Commission is excited to welcome GatherWealth Investment Management and Gather Glass as a sponsor and maker of this year’s crystal apples and pumpkins. These one of a kind hand blown apples, pumpkins and mushrooms are made here in Rhode Island by Gather Glass’s skilled artisans. The apples and pumpkins will be hidden on trails of Olivia's Forest, Powder Mills Wildlife Refuge and, for the first time, on the trails at Camp Shepard and the woodland trails at Deerfield Park.  Crystal apples will be paired with gift cards to local businesses on a first come, first served basis. Find a crystall apple or pumpkin on the trails and register it to claim your gift card. Please check the EDC Facebook page for additional information regarding this year's Apple Trails event.

Facebook.com/Smithfieldecodev

Coffee Milk Opera will present highlights from Puccini’s beloved Turandot, in concert for Opera in the Park at Deerfield Park on Sunday, September 22nd at 4:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Rhode Island native Kate Norigian, soprano, will perform Princess Turandot, along with her brother, John Norigian, music director and pianist. Krista Wilhelmsen, resident of Cranston, RI will perform the role of Liu. Tenor Matthew Arnold, fellow New Englander, will perform what is considered the most famous opera aria in the world: “Nessun Dorma,” known for its high notes and ability to evoke emotion, making it a popular choice for contestants on Britain/America’s Got Talent on other TV commercials and shows.

Through the generous support of RISCA and the Smithfield Recreation Department, Coffee Milk Opera is able to produce Opera in the Park. Turandot will mark the second "Opera in the Park" performance, with hopefully many to follow! "Watching opera out in nature is a magical experience. Last year children blew bubbles and ran around while parents picnicked. Friends played games, and snacked, all while enjoying some beautiful music. We want to make opera accessible for everyone.” Krista Wilhelmsen, co-founder. 

Attendees are advised to bring their own seating and to arrive early both for pre-performance picnicking and to secure the best viewing areas. Feel free to bring snacks, chairs, blankets, picnic gear, or just yourself!

Rejected Recycling Loads Cost Taxpayers!!

Why are they happening?

How can we avoid them?

Take a look at the photos below, can you spot the recycling errors? There are plenty in there, enough to cause a load to be rejected by Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. These photos are from a Smithfield load that was rejected for recycling just last week.   Plastic bags are the number one contaminate! Not only are plastic bags not allowed, but often residents carry their recycling to the cart in a plastic bag and simply toss the bag in the cart. Recycling material needs to be loose and un-bagged for the equipment at RIRRC to identify and sort them. Corded items, garden hoses, and other things that wrap around the recycling equipment at RIRRC, causing costly shutdowns are another major contaminates. Plastics that are not container shapes, cannot be recognized by the sorting equipment and therefor are not recyclable. Excessive moisture, when recycling cart lids are not kept closed during rain events effects the ability to process items, also causes rejected loads. Food waste, another offender, mixes with clean recycling, devaluing each commodity.  

When WM, our hauling company, delivers a load of recycling to Rhode Island Resource Recovery, the load is dumped on the tipping room floor, then assessed by Resource Recovery staff. When they notice 10% or more contamination, items that cannot be placed in curbside recycling, the load is rejected. The material, which would have cost the Town $0 to recycle, is then scooped up and brought to the landfill for disposal. The current rate for municipal trash disposal at RIRRC is $63 per ton. In addition to the $63 per ton fee, the Town is also charged a clean-up/ processing fee of $250 per rejected load. 

How can you help avoid rejected loads and save tax dollars? 

Learn and follow the Basic Mixed Recycling Guidelines.

There are four categories of items that can be placed in curbside recycling…

1. Paper, flattened cardboard and cartons
2. Metal cans, lids and foil
3. Glass bottles and jars
4. Plastic containers

When looking at these Basic Guidelines, you may ask…

Why aren’t all plastics recyclable?

Plastics need to be able to be processed and sold. The recycling equipment at Rhode Island Resource Recovery is set up to recognize “container shapes only”. Lasers recognize and sort the material into like “streams” to be sold (paper, plastic, cartons, etc.). 

I have a scrap metal item, can I place it in the cart? 

No, the only metal that can be placed in curbside carts are metal cans, lids and foil.  

I’m having a cookout, can I place the paper products in the recycling cart? 

Only clean, unwaxed paper plates can be placed in curbside recycling. Napkins, tissues, paper towels and paper cups should be placed in the trash. 

What about the cutlery, it is made of plastic?

Plastic utensils are not container shapes and therefore must be placed in the trash. 

Do you have a question about recycling?

Check out the A to Z List from Rhode Island Resource Recovery for a how to guide on individual items. RIRRC.org or Contact the Town ‘s Recycling Coordinator, Melissa at 401-233-1034 X205

On August 7^th, Smithfield Police teamed up with Smithfield Rotary, Smithfield YMCA, and CW Lanes to provide residents of the Northern RI Shelter with a fun afternoon of bowling. Featured in the group photo are (L-R): Chief Richard St. Sauveur (Retired) & Ann Cote (both Rotarians), Sgt. Paul Gorman, SIO Chris McIntyre, SIO Brendan McDonald, DARE Officer Gary McDole, SRO Ryan Perry & GRACE. A great afternoon for all involved!!!

September is National Preparedness Month

Since 2004, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month, a month dedicated to encourage and remind Americans to be prepared for disasters and emergencies. Families, communities, and businesses can use National Preparedness Month as an opportunity to find ways to help others understand more about preparing for disasters and reducing risks to health and the environment. There are many ways to reduce risks from naturally occurring and accidental hazards and dangers. 

Each year, the Smithfield Emergency Management Agency works to increase our reach during National Preparedness Month. This year, our goal is to get a copy of FEMA’s and the American Red Cross’s youth preparedness activity booklet, Prepare with Pedro into the hands of every kindergarten, first grade and second grade student in Smithfield. For an electronic version, please click:  Prepare Pedro Booklet

In addition to Prepare with Pedro, please find the more comprehensive preparedness resource Are You Ready: An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. This guide is packed with emergency tips and strategies to keep your family safe during an emergency or disaster. This booklet by clicking the link: Are-you-ready-guide.pdf

As always, Smithfield Emergency Management is ready to assist residents and business owners in being ready for a disaster. If you have specific questions on emergency preparedness or wish to discuss preparedness strategies, please contact Smithfield Emergency Management at (401) 233-1095.

Mission Statement:

The Conservation Commission shall acquire, protect, and conserve open space, land and natural resources for the people of the Town of Smithfield and future generations. It shall protect watershed resources and preserve natural aesthetic areas with the Town, and run educational projects to accomplish these goals and foster the value of these irreplaceable resources in our town.

The Smithfield Conservation Commission needs new members for the Commission!

The Commission meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:oo PM at the Conservation Center located at 5 Waterview Drive.

Information about Conservation Commission Activities

Let’s be safe as we return to school!

Students are headed back to the classroom and keeping them safe should always be top-of-mind.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following precautions to keep our children safe are a must this school year.

School Bus Safety

STOP FOR SCHOOOL BUSES

Many students rely on school buses to get them to and from school safely.



If you are driving, remember these simple rules:

• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
• Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.

Parents - talk bus safety with your children:

Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Teach them to play it SAFE:

• Stay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb.
• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.

Pedestrian Safety

WATCH THE ROAD

It’s likely you or your child will be a pedestrian at some point in the day. Remind them to:

• Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
• Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
• Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.

If you are driving, especially in a neighborhood, look out for pedestrians at all times, everywhere. Foot traffic is likely to be higher as more families and children are at home.

Bicycle Safety

STAYING SAFE ON TWO WHEELS

As the public health emergency continues, many people have turned to bicycle riding as fun way to get out and exercise, or have taken the opportunity to teach their children to ride a bike. Bicycles can also be an easy and quick way to travel to school. Be sure to do these simple things to keep your bike ride safe:

• Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.
• Never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.

Town of Smithfield

Helping Hands Fund

Donations are being accepted throughout the year for the Town of Smithfield’s Helping Hands Fund established to help bring hope and joy to less fortunate families in our community. Contributions to the fund will be used to provide essentials including clothing, food, and gift certificates.

Please send your donation to the Town Hall, c/o The Town Manager's Office, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.

Smithfield Police Station

• The Smithfield Police Department provides the public with a safe, convenient, and responsible means to anonymously dispose of various unused, unwanted, and/or expired medications 24/7.  

Smithfield Senior Center

• The Smithfield Senior Center provides the public with a safe, convenient, and responsible means to anonymously dispose of various unused, unwanted, and/or expired medications during normal business hours (M-F 8AM-4PM).  

Accepted Items

Prescription medications/patches, ointments (sealed in zip-lock bags), over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, and pet medications. 

Vacancies for Town Boards and Commissions

• The Town is currently seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions. These boards and commissions act as advisory committees to the Town Council. Town residents with an interest in serving on any of these boards or commissions are encouraged to apply.
• Interested parties should complete the online application form. Please make sure to include interest or experience in the field of each particular board or commission that you are applying for.
• Check online for board & commission vacancies at Onboard click the “Run Report” button on the left of that page.
• Current Openings Include (Feel free to use the links below to contact the board chairs for additional information):
• Budget and Financial Review Board
• Conservation Commission
• Economic Development Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Smithfield Sewer Authority
• Smithfield Water Supply Board Advisory Commission



Smithfield Samaritans

• The Smithfield Town Council has an initiative program called “Smithfield Samaritans,” and encourages anyone in the community to self-nominate or submit a name to the Town Manager, of a Smithfield resident or business in town who is doing or has performed an act of kindness or a good deed that is notable or charitable.
• The Town Council will review all nominations that are submitted and will each month select one individual or business to be recognized with a citation and the opportunity to speak at the council meeting explaining their good deeds “on the record.”
• The nomination form is available online here as well as printed copies available in Town Hall.