Greetings Smithfield! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Smithfield Council Tables Labor Contract Policy to Oct. 6 (upriseri.com) — Smithfield's Town Council has postponed adopting a new policy on negotiating and ratifying union contracts until October 6, to clarify how much detail about agreements gets posted online. The proposal would mandate fiscal impact statements, redlined contracts, and advance document delivery to councilors, potentially increasing transparency around future labor deals that shape town spending and services.
2. Smithfield School Committee OKs Joint Council Meetings (upriseri.com) — Smithfield's School Committee has approved regular joint meetings with the Town Council and closed out final invoices from the high school building project, shaping how future school decisions are coordinated. Families can expect upcoming policies on parent observation rights, technology use, and updates on snow plowing, field advertising, online lunch payments, and a replacement elementary ELA curriculum that will influence next year's budget.
3. Smithfield Schools Reject Online Meal Payment Fee (upriseri.com) — Smithfield families should know the school committee rejected an $8,476 fee to restore online meal payments, meaning you'll still need to use cash or checks for now. The committee also approved a $484,000 high school bathroom renovation bid, adopted a new AI policy, renewed its emergency-only virtual learning plan, and honored the Smithfield High girls lacrosse state champions.
4. Canadian Consul General and Moody's Economic Expert to Headline Bryant University's 40th Global Trade Summit (bryant.edu) — Bryant University in Smithfield is gearing up for its 40th Global Trade Summit on September 24, bringing business leaders together to tackle tariffs, supply-chain resilience, AI and global market shifts. Local businesses and professionals can register now to hear from the Canadian Consul General, a Moody's economic expert, and Rhode Island industry leaders about practical strategies for navigating today's uncertain trade environment.
5. Apple Picking Season is Here in Rhode Island (rinewstoday.com) — Apple-picking season is in full swing at Smithfield favorites like Jaswell's Farm and Steere Orchard, with detailed hours, prices and tips to plan your visit. You'll also find other Rhode Island orchards to explore plus a step-by-step candy apple recipe, so local families can turn a simple fall outing into a full day of treats.
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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: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
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