Heat wave
Stay cool, North Smithfield! The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for our area from Monday, July 15 through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, with a heat index of up to 103 degrees expected. NWS warns that hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses, and locals are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Water tag
Cub Scouts Pack 7 Slatersville will host a water tag event on Wednesday, July 17 open to all children in grades k-5 and their families at Pacheco Park on Main Street. The scouts will play water tag starting at 6 p.m., with a rain date for the event scheduled for Friday, July 19. Families are invited to join the group for the activity and learn more about what the scouts have to offer.
Summer concert
The North Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department’s summer concert series begins this week, with the public is invited to catch free live music at the Town Hall gazebo at 83 Green St. on select Thursday nights from 6 to 8 p.m.
The concerts, sponsored by Navigant Credit Union, will take place as follows, weather permitting:
July 18: All About Amy
July 25: Black Plain Road
August 1: Aftershock Allstar Big Band
August 8: Jesse Liam Band
August 15: Cee Cee & the Riders
August 22: The Live Music Band
Christmas in July
Wright’s Dairy Farm at 200 Woonsocket Hill Road will begin Christmas in July this week, with holiday favorites including farm-fresh eggnog, Christmas cookies, rum balls and more available during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 through Thursday, July 25.
At the library
Registration is now open for two events taking place at North Smithfield library next week.
On Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. join author and historian, Marty Podskoch, for a talk about his new travel book, The Rhode Island 39 Club : Your Passport & Guide to Exploring RI, which encourages people to visit all 39 towns and villages in the state. There is no membership fee, just a desire to experience all of Rhode Island, and both adults and children of all ages can be members. Most members will travel by car while others might use a bike, motorcycle, or even a canoe. Podskoch’s presentation will show the beauty of the state and will encourage everyone to get out and explore it. After the presentation, Podskoch along with some of the 45 local writers who wrote about their town for the book will sign copies of their book. The hard cover 8.5 X 11 book has 104 pages with over one hundred photos & maps and sells for $21.95. All are welcome to attend the talk.
On Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. join Peter Mandel, a nationally-known adventure travel journalist for The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, National Geographic, and The Los Angeles Times, who hunts his stories and photos in the world’s far corners, including Antarctica, India, Egypt, Patagonia, the fjords of Norway, the mountain pathways of Japan, and the deserts of Africa. The author of ten books, he’ll show slides of his most extreme travel experiences —surviving a coup in Ecuador, visiting a ‘city’ of penguins at the South Pole, fishing for piranha on Brazil’s Rio Negro, floating in the Goodyear Blimp, sailing on an Arctic icebreaker, camping in the African bush, and kayaking to the Statue of Liberty — and talk about how adventure travel turns to prose in today’s media.
Register for either event by visiting https://northsmithfield.librarycalendar.com/ or calling 401-767-2780.
Foraging hike
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will team up with the Honey Shop on Saturday, July 20 to host a foraging hike in Forestdale. learning to identify not just mushrooms but also a plethora of edible plants, berries, and medicinal treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious novice, the class will offer a blend of adventure, education and appreciation for the natural world.
Participants will meet at the Forestdale School at 180 School St. at 9:30 a.m. and the excursion will last between 2 and 2.5 hours. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring water and insect repellent.
Summer yoga
Summer yoga by the covered bridge on the grounds of the Beef Barn Restaurant at 200 Industrial Drive will begin on Sunday, July 21. The weekly sessions start at 9 a.m., and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat, water, and $10.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Monday, July 15 starting at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield School Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 16 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of North Smithfield Middle School at 1850 Providence Pike. The agenda is expected to be posted on the Secretary of State’s website here.
The North Smithfield Sewer Commission will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 17 starting at 7 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.
