Community Bulletin Board — Town of Smithfield, RI

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Closes Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield

Update – August 15, 2019: The Town is voluntarily closing Georgiaville Pond Beach due to possible blue green algae. We will re-open depending on water sample results.

Update – August 3, 2019: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Georgiaville Pond

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield. The advisory was put in place because of high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.

Recent consecutive surveys and sample analysis confirmed that blue-green algae has been present but at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations.

Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Georgiaville Pond again, or other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water’s surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact RIDEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov

https://www.ri.gov/press/view/36446

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Blue-Green Algae Bloom Closes Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield – The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Press Release

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.

All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from Georgiaville Pond. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.

It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water’s surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.

More Information

Girl Power with the PawSox at Whipple Field Thursday, August 22nd

Girl Power with the PawSox at Whipple Field
Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 8 PM

This is a free event. Sign up here!

Girl Power with the PawSox at Whipple Field (Corner of Whipple Road and Fenwood Ave) map

Come out for a great night with members of the PawSox Female Executive Leadership to hear their stories, participate in a hands-on players clinic, meet Paws & Sox, enjoy some barbecue, and much more.
Arrival – 5:30 PM

Insight and Q&A from PawSox Front Office – 6:00 PM (Promptly)
Grace Eng (Senior Director of McCoy Events & Special Events) – Pitched for Elon University
Kim Miner (Executive VP and In-House Legal Counsel) – Pitched for Tufts University
Jackie Dempsey (Special Assistant to the President & Intern Coordinator) – Infielder for Villanova University
Hands-on Players Clinic – 6:45 PM (Please bring a softball glove)

Appearance by Paws and Sox! Register early to be entered into a drawing to win a PawSox Swag Bag. Please register each child individually for them to be entered for the drawing.

Rain Location: Smithfield High School Gymnasium, 90 Pleasant View Avenue

Department of Public Works will install Micro Surfacing on Several Streets

Beginning the week of August 19th, weather permitting, the Department of Public Works will be installing Micro Surfacing on the following streets:

Abner Street, Adams Lane, Annie Street, Ernest Street, Howard Street, Oliver Street, Perry Street, Warren Street, Adelaide Avenue, Bertha Street, Diana Avenue, Elizabeth Avenue, Calderwood Avenue, Friar Brook Drive, Greenbrier Road, Sheffield Road, Sherwood Lane, Sturbridge Avenue.

Micro Surfacing is a pavement preservation process which extends the life of the pavement surface.

Interruptions in traffic during this installation will be minimal.

If you have any questions please feel free to contract the DPW at 233-1034

Request for Charter Review Commission Members

The Town is seeking applicants to serve on the Charter Review Commission (Article XI, Section 11.02) who will be charged with reviewing the Town’s governing document and propose to the Town Council such amendments, if any, as it may deem necessary and advisable. The Commission will consist of nine (9) members; all of whom shall be electors and residents of the Town. Members will be chosen so as to be broadly representative of the community.

The Charter Review Commission will meet once or twice a month beginning in late October through the beginning of June 2020. A public hearing shall be held on any and all recommendations emanating from the Charter Review Commission prior to any decision by the Town Council to accept or reject said recommendations. Accepted amendments to the Town Charter shall be submitted to the voters of Smithfield at the November 2020 general election in the manner prescribed by State law. If a majority of qualified voters of the Town voting upon a proposed Charter amendment vote in favor of it, the amendment shall become effective at the time fixed in the amendment or, if no time is therein fixed, 30 (thirty) days after its adoption by the voters.

All interested persons should submit a letter of intent and resume to: Donna Corrao, Town Manager’s Office, Smithfield Town Hall, 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 or by email to dcorrao@smithfieldri.com. The deadline for submittal is Friday, August 30, 2019 at 4:30 PM.

Smithfield Lions 5K Road Race – September 29th

Route 44 Smithfield Crossing Intersection Improvement Project Starts May 20th

Route 44 Smithfield Crossing
Intersection Improvement Project

What’s Happening?
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation will begin an intersection improvement project on Route 44 at Smithfield Commons. New traffic signals at the Levi Lane/Putnam Pike and Smithfield Crossing/Putnam Pike intersections will be tied into a sensor on the I-295 South off ramp to Route 44. These improvements are designed to reduce congestion on Route 44 and the highway ramp. The project also includes upgraded, ADA-compliant sidewalks.

When is it Happening?
Preliminary construction activities are slated to start the week of May 20 with off-the-road work weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular construction will commence Tuesday, May 28 .All work will be overnight Monday thru Thursday from 9pm to 6am. Lane closures are expected during overnights. Construction is scheduled to be finished in Fall 2019.

For Additional Information Contact:

RIDOT Business Outreach
David Walsh 401-479-4506

RIDOT Customer Service
401-222-2450 | Toll Free: 1-844-DOT-ROAD

The Smithfield Town Council Announces the Smithfield Samaritans Initiative

The Smithfield Town Council has a new 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.

Click the image to print, view or download the .pdf form

Tri-County Community Action Agency Seeks a Prevention Coalition Coordinator

The Tri-County Community Action Agency is seeking a full time Prevention Coalition Coordinator. The position is responsible for carrying out the provisions of prevention and education services in the areas of substance misuse and other identified topics in prevention to promote and support positive lifestyle choices.

BSA Scout Troop 2359 and Cub Scout Pack One Smithfield Information

Troop 2359 Smithfield is a brand new troop in town that meets every Wednesday from 7-8:30 PM at the Elks Lodge at 326 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. Boy Scouting is for boys age 11-17, and is a community-oriented program that instills values such as citizenship, teamwork, honesty, respect, responsibility, and fitness, while being a lot of fun. We practice skills for life, from first aid to public speaking to wilderness survival, while helping our community through service projects.

We welcome you to come to a meeting and check it out for yourself. For more information, contact Troop 2359 Scoutmaster Mike at mguilmain@cox.net or call 401-578-5261.

Pack One Smithfield is a Cub Scout Pack in town that meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the RC LaPerche Elementary School on Limerock Road in Smithfield. Cub Scouting is for boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Up to age 11, and is a community-oriented program that helps our children grow up in a way that promotes mutual respect for others while understanding more about the community we live in.

We welcome you to come to a meeting and check it out for yourself. For more information, contact Pack One Cubmaster Mike at mguilmain@cox.net or call 401-578-5261.

Smithfield Transitions to Code Red Resident Emergency Notification System

Click the logo above to go to the registration site

The Town of Smithfield has transitioned to the Code Red Resident Emergency Notification System. Code Red replaces the Nixle emergency notification system and will allow the town to be compatible with state emergency agencies and more communities in Rhode Island.

In the event of a town-wide emergency or a localized geographical emergency, the town’s police department, fire department, emergency management agency or designated local official will be able to call, email, and text thousands of residents at once, notifying them of the emergency and also give instructions if needed. Using mapping databases Code Red can target a notification to a few residents on one street, or expand to any designated area within the town.

Messages regarding the safety, property or welfare of our residents will be disseminated using the Code Red system. These may include local AMBER alerts, locations of shelters for weather events, emergency instructions due to a large fire or chemical incident, boil water advisories, evacuation notices, etc.

Please Register Your Cell Phone
Technology plays a vital role in everyone’s day-to-day life. We know that not everyone uses a house phone today. In Rhode Island, most 9-1-1 calls are made from a cell phone. The 9-1-1 call-out database is compiled of home phone numbers, there is no 9-1-1 database for cell phones. More people use email and texting to communicate and the town wants to ensure that we can use those avenues to communicate with our residents for official information.

We encourage everyone to register with Code Red. To do so click on the Code Red logo above to go to the registration site. Users can register for emergency notifications only and can also register for general notifications as well. Residents should know that the information they provide on the link is safe. Information is not, and will not be, shared with anyone. No one has access to the account but local and state emergency officials authorized to activate warnings and alerts to the public.