SMITHFIELD – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island has opened a new clothing donation bin at 375 Putnam Pike that Town Manager Randy Rossi says will benefit the town in two ways.
Rossi said the BBBS-staffed storefront will prevent donations from piling up around collection bins, and will also stop recyclable materials from going to the landfill, thus bringing savings to the town.
The need for clothing is tremendous, he said, and this is a great opportunity to help others. The nonprofit earns money back when it brings donations to Savers.
BBBS donates to local nonprofits such as Scouting troops and school parent groups. The nonprofit partners with each town, giving 30 percent of net profits back to bin partners.
1/13/2021
Hometown Smithfield proud of Raimondo’s appointment
Town Council President Suzy Alba, left, said she is proud of Smithfield native Gov. Gina Raimondo for her nomination from president-elect Joe Biden to work in his cabinet as commerce secretary.
SMITHFIELD – For many Smithfield residents and town officials, having one of their own move forward to work in the White House with President-elect Joe Biden proved a source of pride this week.
Last week, Biden nominated Smithfield native and Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo, 49, for secretary of commerce. Her appointment, which requires Senate approval, will leave former Cumberland Mayor and Lieutenant Gov. Dan McKee to serve out the remaining two years of Raimondo’s term.
SMITHFIELD – Liquor license fees for 16 Smithfield restaurants will be waived this year in the first unanimously approved decision of the new Town Council at its Dec. 2 meeting.
New Town Councilor David Tikoian proposed the change during the meeting, saying the changes will cost Smithfield only $11,400, and would greatly help local restaurants.
He said he felt waiving the fees would help ease the burden on restaurants caused by the pandemic, helping them be able to pay for rent or a utility bill.
Tikoian requested payment be deferred until 2021. Instead, the council decided to waive the annual fees for 2020. Tikoian applauded the council for its support of the motion.