Photo by Fern Gitter
September 14, 2018
Reminders
Recycling/Trash for Monday, September 17th: Cans, Bottles, Plastics, Other
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.
Americans are Terrible at Recycling - This is what happens when you put something in the wrong bin:
Follow the link to read this important article.
Upcoming Meetings
September 17th - Planning Board Public Hearing - 6:00 PM
September 17th - Planning Board Public Hearing - 6:30 PM
September 17th - Planning Board Public Hearing - 7:00 PM
What's New in Richmond?



The Town of Richmond is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a portion of the 42 nd Annual Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon on Sunday September 16 th .
 
This important Berkshire event will start at 9:30 am in Great Barrington, where bikers will head to Richmond Pond via Route 41, Summit Road, Swamp Road, and Boys Club Road. Boaters will then compete on Richmond Pond and exit the water at Camp Russell. From here, runners will leave Boys Club Road, and head toward Tanglewood via East Road and Lenox Road.
 
The event is expected to be in Richmond from about 10:00 am to 2:00 pm depending on the speed of the individual participants and teams.
 
Please note that spectators are not allowed in the Town Beach or Boat Ramp areas on the day of the race, and we ask that drivers be cautious of runners and bikers when travelling the roads this weekend.
 
Please join us in welcoming the Josh to our wonderful town!!
 
More info is posted on our website at: www.richmondma.org under the “Latest News” tab, and at: www.joshbillings.com

2018 Mini-Site Collections
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

Author Visit at Richmond Consolidated School: Polly Shulman
All residents are welcome to join the RCS Middle School students on Friday, September 14, at 2:15 in the cafeteria. Ms. Shulman will also be speaking on Saturday, 9/15, at Shaker Dam Coffeehouse at 2:00 PM. More information about this talented author of Young Adult fiction can be found on her website at  http://www.pollyshulman.com/  
If you can join us at RCS, please RSVP to Rachel Kanz, rkanz@richmondconsolidated.org

Film Discussion Group
Thursday, September 13th at 2:00 PM at the Richmond Library
Watch the movie(s) on your own and come to discuss.

Theme: Rags to Riches - “Slumdog Millionaire” (2009)
Others with the same theme include: "Cinderella" (2015), "Pretty Woman", "Trading Places," "The Social Network", "Oliver" (musical), "Annie" (musical), etc.

Film Club meets the second Thursday of every month for discussion. Watch the movie of the month on your own and any other movies with the same subject or theme. Richmond Library will have some copies available through inter-library loan. Most can be found on Prime Video or Netflix.

Themes in the future may include Betrayal, Redemption, Ecological Meltdown, Mother/Daughter Relationships, Father/Son Relationships.

Richmond Land Trust Pie Social
Saturday, September 15th from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Ice House Hill Farm at the top of East Road in Richmond
Enjoy home baked pies, presentation of the Charles and Mary Kusik Citizenship Award, and view photo contest winners.

The Richmond Council on Aging will be Hosting a Thank-You Luncheon for Their Volunteer Drivers
On Tuesday, September 25th at 12:00 Noon the Council on Aging will meet in the Richmond Congregational Church Basement to say thank you to our wonderful volunteer drivers for their important contribution to the lives of our seniors.

Please plan to be there and add your voice to the chorus. RSVP to Phyllis at 413-698-3656 or via email to coa@richmondma.org.

Lively World Series Event
Thursday, September 27, local author Katherine Keenum on "What Makes a Book Happy," Richmond Free Public Library, 4 p.m. Refreshments.

The Richmond Historical Society presents "Paddling in Antarctica"
Friday, October 5, 2018, Dr. John Reynolds, DVM, of the Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, will share photos and stories from a recent trip aboard an expedition ship to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Archipelago. A PowerPoint presentation will describe his adventures in Antarctic, including paddling in a kayak around icebergs, humpback whales, leopard seals and more.

Richmond Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 State Road - 7:00 PM
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.
Helpful Resources
QUICK LINKS TO THE WEBSITE
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
Useful 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.
Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities

OPENINGS ON COUNCILS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
 
The Board of Registrar has an opening for a new member.

The Council on Aging is in need of a new member.

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. 
 
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE YOUR TOWN:
 
We are seeking a volunteer to serve as Alternate Delegate to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

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.
students_classroom_kids.jpg
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.

I F YOU NEED A RIDE - PLEASE CALL 698-3656. GIVE US A WEEK'S NOTICE, TELL US WHEN AND WHERE AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THAT SERVICE .
senor_group_with_sign.jpg
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 - Firearms Permits
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 Bullett 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.