Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Smithfield’s 25-cent lunch hike and new AI rules affect you?

And check out Paint Pottery! on the Smithfield Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Smithfield? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Smithfield's 25-cent lunch hike and new AI rules affect you?
  • Could a new historic district limit Smithfield owners' appeal rights?
  • Will Smithfield schools ditch contractors for a town-run plowing deal?

Also on today's calendar: Paint Pottery! .

Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Cloudy, showers around; humid, with a high of 77 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 81, low: 57.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 77 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Smithfield Schools Raise Lunch Prices 25 Cents (upriseri.com) — Smithfield families will see school meal prices rise by 25 cents this year as the School Committee renews its Chartwells food service contract and weighs a $9,500 fee to restore online lunch payments. Members also advanced a shared snow-plowing plan with the town, extended a copier lease, and held a first reading of a new artificial intelligence policy ahead of staff and student return next week.
   

• Smithfield Board Backs Historic District, Flags Appeal Gap (upriseri.com) — Smithfield's Planning Board has endorsed a rewritten historic district ordinance and Esmond district map, but only after raising concerns that future private property owners might have limited appeal rights against commission decisions. The proposal now heads to the Town Council, with officials promising to research how other Rhode Island towns handle appeals and to draft clear design rules and public input before any expansion beyond two town-owned buildings.
   

• Smithfield Schools Seek Written Deal on Town Snow Plowing (upriseri.com) — Smithfield school leaders are exploring a deal to spend about $20,000 on shared plowing equipment with the town instead of hiring a private contractor, but they want a written agreement first. The School Committee authorized continued negotiations and expects a detailed document spelling out who clears which lots and sidewalks before any purchase or partnership is finalized.
   

📸 Around Smithfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Smithfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Monday August 24
  • Back to School for Staff- Lifetouch Staff Photos
    Smithfield Senior High School Smithfield, RI 02917
    7:30 am
    • Saturday August 29
  • NorthStar Special Olympics Team (SHS Track)
    Smithfield Senior High School Smithfield, RI 02917
    7:30 am
    • Sunday August 30
  • Paint Pottery! →
    Art by You at Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio, 10 Wampanoag Trl, East Providence
    1:00 pm

📣 Smithfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Smithfield PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Ideas : 20 years in business coming up next month as a Plumber.
    On my 10 year I had t a raffle. Does anybody have any ideas for my 20 year ? (Nextdoor Smithfield)
  • Get overseeding before it's too late in season
    Call 401-318-6418 or go to weedeaterlawncare.com (Nextdoor Deer Run Trail)
  • Bryant University posted a job opening for Adjunct Teaching Opportunities – Mathematics in Smithfield. Apply here.
  • AVI Foodsystems posted a job opening for Food Service Worker (Student), (Bryant University) in Smithfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithfield here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lincoln

  • MA Man Charged With Stealing Chip From Lincoln Casino Blackjack Table: Cops (patch.com)
  • See the architectural styles that got their start in Rhode Island (providencejournal.com)
  • Letter: Still no memorial for the Vietnam War (eastbayri.com)

Johnston

  • Former State Rep. Jay O'Grady Named Rhode Island House Policy Director (patch.com)
  • RIPTA board votes to begin design work on a new bus hub near the Providence train station (bostonglobe.com)
  • What's Driving The 'Pink Lady' Movement Behind Lindsay Clancy (theblast.com)

Ok Smithfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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