Photo by Fern Gitter
August 10, 2018
Resources & Reminders
QUICK LINKS TO THE WEBSITE
Recycling/Trash for Monday, August 13th: Paper
 
Please place trash and recyclables in an easily accessible location by 7:00 AM. Contact the hauler directly at 442-8390 with questions or concerns. Please note: the trucks used are dual functioning. Trash and recyclables are collected together but placed in separate compartments within the truck.
Upcoming Meetings
August 13th - Richmond Planning Board - 6.30 PM

August 14th - Conservation Commission - 7:30 PM

August 16th - Library Trustees meeting - 5:00 PM @ Library
Office Hours
Board of Assessors: Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Board of Health: Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Building & Zoning: 1st, 2nd, 4th Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:00 AM

Board of Assessors: Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesdays 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Council on Aging: Mon -Thurs, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Town Clerk: Mon & Wed 4:30 - 7:00 PM, Sat 8:00 - 11:00 AM
Helpful Links

  • Info about Burning Permits can be found HERE.
  • Town of Richmond taxes can be paid online HERE.
  • Apply for building, gas or plumbing permits HERE.
  • We're here to help! Contact Town Hall staff HERE.
What's New in Richmond?
West Nile Virus Alert from the Board of Health
Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus were found this July in Pittsfield, Richmond, Stockbridge, Sheffield, and Clarksburg. The Mass Department of Public Health has raised the risk level for WNV from low to moderate in these and surrounding towns.

Additional spraying may be conducted as needed in these areas. The MDPH has a webpage with information on protecting yourself from mosquitoes and ticks:

Richmond's Fire Department now has a Rescue Boat
Your Fire Department wishes to thank the residents of Richmond who responded so generously to their letter fund, which made it possible for them to purchase a rescue boat, which will be used on Richmond Pond and Class A uniforms. Those uniforms, the first the Fire Department has owned, made it possible for them to win first place last year and second place at the Pittsfield Parade this year.

West Stockbridge's First Annual "Old School Picnic"
Saturday, August 11th from 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM on the Town Hall Grounds (Route 102). There will be classic cars on display, games, face painting, a baking contest, and a decorating contest. Food booths will be offering a variety of "fair food" or you can bring your own picnic, chairs, blankets, etc.

Sewer Users Info Session 
A summer info session is scheduled for Wednesday August 22 nd at 5 PM. Paul Lisi will provide a financial update on the sewer enterprise fund. Questions should be sent in advance to treasurer@richmondma.org. 

2018 Mini-Site Collections
Wednesday, August 15th- 4:30 - 6:30 PM - Lenox Dept. of Public Works
Saturday, September 8th - 8:30 11:00 AM - Great Barrington Recycling Center
Saturday, September 29th - 8:30 10:30 AM - Lenox Dept. of Public Works

Acceptable Materials : Used motor oil, oil-based paint, spray paint, turpentine, stains, thinners (no latex/water-based)

Not Accepting: Latex or water-based paint/stains, paint brushes/rags, medical waste, asbestors, fireworks and explosives, ammunition, gas cylinders, smoke detectors,
radiactive material, fire extinguishers, empty aerosol cans, PCB's.

Pre-Registration is Mandatory - Register online at http://www.cetonline.org/events/; Thomas.Jakubasz@cetonline.org OR call CET at 800-3693333 ext. 142

The Annual Richmond/West Stockbridge COA Picnic
On Friday, August 24th the Richmond and West Stockbridge COAs will host a picnic at the Firehouse Pavilion. The COAs will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs, you bring the side dishes, beverages or desserts of your choice. There will be a magician and our own Woody Printz and Friend will serenade. Come and enjoy good food, good fun and good conversation with neighbors.

Please RSVP to Phyllis at 413-698-3656 or via email at COA@richmondma.org.

Town Beach is Open
Hours are 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM for lifeguards, but the beach area will remain open until at least 7:00 PM each evening. Closed on Mondays.

Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities

OPENINGS ON COUNCILS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
 
The Cultural Council has an opening for a new member.
 
The Council on Aging has had a resignation and needs a replacement.
 
The Finance Committee is in need of an additional member. 
 
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has an opening. 
 
The Affordable Housing Committee is short two members, specifically those with a background in Construction or Law. 
 
 
MISCELLANEOUS OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE YOUR TOWN:
 
Field Driver and additional volunteers to assist in the occasional round-up of livestock when a local farmer is in need. 
 
Transportation Rep . This volunteer position would require attendance at quarterly meetings to represent the town's interests and work closely with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. 

If you would be interested in volunteering to fill any of the positions listed above, please contact the Town Administrator, Mr. Mark Pruhenski at 413-698-3882 or via email at: townadmin@richmondma.org
 
Events & Announcements
Berkshire County Mosquito Control
A new procedure is in effect: if a resident wishes not to have their area sprayed for mosquitoes, they must make a request through the Dept. of Agricultural Resources. There are some residents, particularly beekeepers, who wish to opt out of spraying.  To decline mosquito control measures , go to Pesticide Exclusions Application.

Homeowners who have too many mosquitoes can request pesticide application. Mosquitoes are considered a nuisance when three to five land on a person within a minute. To request spraying of personal property , call (413) 447-9808 or email berkmc@bcn.net.
Town Reports Have Arrived
You can pick up a copy during regular Town Hall hours, or download an electronic version here.
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Richmond Consolidated School
Follow this link to read about some exciting changes for Richmond Consolidated School. If you are interested in receiving the school's weekly newsletter and other updates please sign up here.
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging has increased the suggested cost per ride for its van service and clarified the extent of the area our vans will cover. Ride fees are, as always, suggested. Click HERE for rate schedule and policies.
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Exercise Classes with Christine Faber
Mon.-3:30 PM @ Richmond Cong. Church - Yoga
Wed.-3:30 PM @ Richmond Cons. School - Tai Chi
Thurs.-11:15 AM @ Town Hall - Osteo Exercise
Fri.-3:30 PM @ Town Hall - Line Dance
Want to join? Sign up with Christine at 413-243-2497
Police Department - FID Cards
Your completed application and a check or money order made payable to the Town of Richmond must be submitted at the time of your appointment. Chief William Bullet is available for questions at 413-698-2691 or 413-822-5971. Download application here.
Community Health Association
The Community Health Association offers Blood Pressure Screenings every Thursday from 9-10 AM at the Congregational Church. No appointment needed. For more information contact Emilie Jarrett , RN: 232-0122.
Richmond Free Public Library
The Richmond Free Public Library offers many museum passes for around the Berkshire area. The passes admit anywhere from 2-4 people per pass for free or discounted admittance. Learn more here.
From the Tax Collector
‌
 Real estate, personal property, and sewer betterment bills for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 were mailed June 26, 2018. The first quarter bill is due on August 1, 2018 and covers the period July 1 through September 30, 2018. Payments that are not received by that date are subject to late payment interest.
 
Interest begins to accrue immediately following August 1st and is charged at the annual rate of 14%. Please contact the Tax Collector for the amount that is due after August 1st.
 
Please ensure any payment made through a third party, such as a bank, clearly shows the bill year (2019), the bill number and the type of bill. If paying the bill directly, please include a coupon with your payment. Payments received without a reference as to the year, tax type or bill number will be returned. 
Initial, demand and warranted motor vehicle excise tax bills have been mailed based on several 'commitments to collect' issued to Richmond by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Please do not ignore these bills! Significant fees and interest can accumulate on bills not paid by the due date.
 
Motor vehicle excise tax bills that have been warranted, now need to be paid through the Deputy Collector's Office. The Deputy Collector, Arthur P. Jones, can be reached at (413) 527-2388 or online at  www.apjones.com. 
Around Town
Richmond Reads
A free parent/child playgroup for children up to age 5 meets on Thursdays from 9:30 - 10:30AM in the School Library. Activities include circle time with stories, felt board and songs, and table top time with manipulatives and crafts. For information contact Jessica Maloney , South Berkshire Kids Program Coordinator, at 413-464-5095.
Need Food or Fuel Assistance?
You may be eligible for financial assistance from your friends and neighbors right here in town. Contact the Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) at 413-445-4503 or visit their website. All correspondence is strictly confidential.
 
Please Note: Persons in Richmond eligible for emergency fuel assistance are also eligible for food assistance through the South Congregational Church Food Pantry located at the rear of the building at 110 South Street in Pittsfield. Pantry hours are: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 - 11AM and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6PM.