Woonsocket Radio News Room

Message from Town Administrator

Gary Ezovski

Yesterday, during one of our very frequent dog walks to the Library’s “Centennial Park” along the Branch River, I noticed the very low water flow condition over the uppermost dam that is within view at the park. It struck me as the lowest flow condition that I have seen at that location. That is only a casual observation and not some declaration of record setting conditions by any means, but it certainly said to me that we are experiencing very dry conditions. This morning an article in the Providence Journal indicated Governor Raimondo has issued a statewide drought advisory. See that here: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/39357. Finally, the long-range weather forecasts I see continue to show nothing but dry weather. That adds up to need for a note of caution particularly since we have learned there are private wells in town that have reached stressed conditions. The good news is that I have checked with the Woonsocket Water Department from which North Smithfield’s public supply system is supplied. Woonsocket Water has ample supply despite the dry conditions to this point. The message today is simply to be mindful that while your water supply may be fine there are folks around us who may be experiencing lesser conditions. Though there is no need for restriction of water use with our town’s public systems, as this low water condition unfolds, your care in using water from a private well could be beneficial to you and a neighbor whose water supply may be struggling.  Please use water wisely and conserve now to minimize the number of no water conditions that could otherwise develop nearby. This photo of the dam on the reservoir was taken just after 8 AM this morning.

*Important Update to School-Age Guidance for Fall 2020* 

Face coverings play a critical role in mitigating risk related to COVID-19. Effective September 14, 2020, the RI Department of Human Services is requiring face coverings for all school-age children* (in addition to staff) in all DHS-licensed child care programs, even when children are in stable groups and physically distanced (6+ feet apart.) Important to note: this guidance will not pertain to other younger age groups served in DHS-licensed child care facilities such as infants/toddlers and preschoolers whose language development is often dependent upon visual cues and prompts from peers modeling appropriate speech. Face coverings will be critical in mitigating the risks associated with school-age children participating in multiple stable pods due to their enrollment in a DHS licensed child care facility and will mirror RIDE guidance for K-12 schools. 

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children younger than age two; anyone who has trouble breathing; or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. 

Protective face coverings are not required for certain individuals, per CDC guidelines, or for anyone for whom use of such face covering would be damaging to his or her health or inhibit an activity of daily living (e.g. eating.)

CommerceRI.com

Here are the basics about the RestoreRI small business grant program:

This program is targeting some of the hardest hit industries here in Rhode Island, including retail, restaurants, and salons. Additional eligibility information can be found here

·     Eligible businesses who have 1-20 employees, or any restaurant or caterer, may apply for up to $15,000 in grant funding. 



·     Businesses must demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 30-50% or more in any month from March through July 2020, depending on the industry.

Curbside yard waste pick up is expected to start again in late September or early October.

Drop off at the Recycling Center is available during the hours of : Wednesdays 3pm-6pm & Saturdays 10am-2pm