Inauguration
The town will be holding a modified inauguration of newly elected officials on Tuesday, Dec. 1 starting at 8 p.m. Unlike past years, where the event included guests, the honor guard and participation by the high school band, this week’s event will be limited to elected officials and one guest each for a brief ceremony as required by charter.
Residents can witness the swearing in of the incoming town administrator, Town Council and School Committee via Zoom via a link found on the agenda here.
Police toy drive
The North Smithfield Police Department has partnered with the Marine Corps to participate in the annual Toys for Tots toy drive, and is accepting donations. Officers will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need this week at the Dowling Village Walmart on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. Two donation boxes have also been placed in the lobby of the North Smithfield Police Department.
Light Up North Smithfield
The creative folks who organized the Pumpkin People of North Smithfield event for Halloween are now calling on residents to decorate their mailboxes to help light up the town.
Organizers are also inviting residents to place one or more paper bag(s) with a battery powered candle at the end of your driveway on Christmas Eve “in memory of a loved one whose light still shines in our lives.”
Resident are asked to share their creativity and post pictures on the event Facebook page.
Christmas in foster care
North Smithfield High School student Hunter Sande is raising money for Adoption Rhode Island to purchase Christmas presents for children in the state’s foster care system as part of his senior project. Donations can be made here and the deadline is Thursday, Dec. 10.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Historic Commission has cancelled the meeting originally scheduled for Monday, Nov. 30.
The North Smithfield Planning Board will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3 starting at 7 p.m. The agenda and instructions to attend via Zoom can be found here.