Flushing extended
The Water Department has announced that hydrant flushing that began last week in the areas of Slatersville, Forestdale, Mendon Road and Industrial Park has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 4. Flushing enhances water quality but may cause temporary loss in pressure and discoloration. The water is not harmful but those with discoloration should run the cold water until it clears.
Department officials recommend limiting water use during the operation.
Stay independent
North Smithfield Library at 20 Main St. will host a free program for seniors on Wednesday, Nov. 5 starting at 10:30 a.m. Learn about steps for to take to stay independent: such as having your meds checked by the pharmacist to ensure polypharmacy won’t cause a fall, resources for paying for home modifications, care options, recognizing and reporting situations to Office of Healthy Aging, and more. Registration is required.
Starting on Thursday, Nov. 6, the library will offer genealogy help every Thursday from Lynne Pelletier, a member of the North Smithfield Heritage Association and amateur genealogist. Drop in any time on Thursdays in November from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to get a one on one consultation.
Register at: https://northsmithfield.librarycalendar.com or by calling (401) 767-2780.
Lane/ramp closure
Beginning Friday night, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will close one of the two lanes on Route 146 South at the Route 146A interchange in North Smithfield, located approximately one mile south of the Route 104/Greenville Avenue exit. It will be closed throughout the weekend, reopening by 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. While the lane is closed, RIDOT will finalize construction so it can shift Route 146 traffic onto a new, wider bridge RIDOT built in the past year to accommodate both northbound and southbound traffic, according to a release.
Also starting Friday night, RIDOT will close a temporary left-hand ramp from Route 146 South to Route 146A North. It will be closed for approximately six weeks before it is replaced with a new ramp on the right-hand side of the highway, a more conventional design for off-ramps. During this ramp closure, drivers on Route 146 South trying to access Route 146A North can either take the Route 104 exit or use Sayles Hill Road or the I-295 interchange to reverse direction onto Route 146 North and use the Route 146A exit on that side of the highway.
Pancake breakfast
Troop 438 will hold a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Church at 63 Church St. Each meal will include pancakes, sausages, and a variety of drink options. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any Troop 438 member or at the door.
Heritage walk
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will offer a guided hike of the Wunnashowatuckquet Conservation Area on Saturday, Nov. 8. The tour will view Harkness Hill and the Blackstone River, and includes some steep inclines. Those joining that tour should meet at 10 a.m. at the North Smithfield Fire Station at 675 Saint Paul St.
Attendees are advised to wear good hiking shoes to all of the events, and bring bug spray and water.
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or (401) 447-6394.
Blessing of the Animals
Editor’s note: The below event has been postponed to Saturday, Nov. 15.
Slatersville Congregational Church will offer Blessing of the Animals on the common on Saturday, Nov. 8 starting at 10 a.m., an outdoor event open to the public and all kinds of animal companions. Those interested are invited to show up in front of the church at 25 Green St.
Read more about the event here.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 3 starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Town Council will hold a meeting on Monday, Nov. 3 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.
