Photo credit: Staub
November 9, 2018
Reminders
Recycling/Trash for Monday, November 12th: 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.
Upcoming Meetings
November 13th - Cable Advisory Cte. Meeting - 6:00 PM
November 14th - Board of Assessors Meeting - 5:00 PM
November 15th- Planning Board Meeting - 6:30 PM
What's New in Richmond?
THE RICHMOND CIVIC ASSN. 2019 CALENDARS ARE HERE!
Calendars are available now at Town Hall, at the Post Office, the Library and at Bartlett's Orchard.

By the way: With the costs of production constantly rising, the Civic Assn. finds itself in need of financial support in order to continue to produce these much sought-after and appreciated calendars. Take a look at the new cover sheet on your calendar for an easy way to help.
A BIG THANK-YOU TO ALL OF OUR ELECTION WORKERS
For putting in a long and very busy day this past Tuesday, November 6 th. Your service to the Town is very much appreciated!
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Monument Mt. Regional High School's 27th Annual Senior Citizen Fall Festival:
On Tuesday November 13th, festivities begin at 11:00 AM in the auditorium with a concert by the school band, orchestra and chorus, followed by a delicious luncheon at 12:30 PM in the cafeteria.

This popular event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and reservations are necessary. Please call 413-528-3346 ext. 167 to confirm your seat.
Winter Parking Ban
Just a friendly reminder that the Winter Parking Ban began November 1st. Overnight parking on all town roads is prohibited and violators may have their vehicles towed. Please remember that you may not pile, plow, or push snow onto public roads at any time.
SCROLL DOWN FOR A SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT FIREARMS PERMITS
Richmond Free Public Library Presents Aromatherapy 101
Saturday, November 10th at 11:00 AM - Kim Larkin, who facilitated our Saint Patrick’s Day workshop, will be returning to the Richmond Library to present Aromatherapy 101. This educational, hands-on program begins with a presentation on the history and health benefits of essential oils as well as healing botanicals. For the hands on portion, patrons will make healthy bath salts, a dream pillow and soap balls.  Instrumental music and herbal teas will set the mood for a morning of education, creativity and relaxation. 

Reservations required: 698-3834. Program funded by the Richmond Cultural Council.
Richmond Congregational Church - 11th Annual Pancake Breakfast
Saturday November 17th from 7:00 - 10:00 AM at the Church. A pancake Breakfast to benefit the Richmond Food and Fuel Fund. $5.00 for adults, $3.00 ages 10 and under.
Richmond Free Public Library Film Discussion Group
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, etc.

Watch this site for information about the next Movie-of-the-Month.
   
Senator Hinds Announces 2018 Holiday Card Contest
Local students in Grades 3-6 are invited to design the Senator’s 2018 holiday greeting card. Celebrate the holidays with Sen. Hinds and staff during an Open House on Dec. 13 th
 
State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield) sends almost 1,000 greeting cards by mail to friends, family, colleagues and constituents during the holiday season. 
 
“One of my favorite things to do is visit local schools and interact with students of all ages,” said Hinds. “I love the holidays, and I love to see children’s excitement during the holiday season. I think this contest will be a fun way to connect with local students, celebrate and highlight their artistic talents, and spread holiday cheer throughout western Mass.”
 
This year he is asking local students to design his holiday card. Inspired by similar contests held by Senate colleagues, including his predecessor, Ben Downing, Senator Hinds has decided to hold a Holiday Greeting Card Contest this year.
 
CONTEST RULES
  • The contest is open to all students, Grades 3-6, who live in one of the 52 communities within the Senator’s Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden District
  • The winning image will be chosen by Senator Hinds and used as the cover of his 2018 holiday greeting card
  • The printed holiday card will credit the student artist by listing their name, age, grade, and school
 
Contest entry forms have been mailed to schools, and are also available on the Senator’s social media pages or by contacting his office. Contest entries must be returned no later than 4:00pm on Friday, November 16, 2018. Entries may be dropped off Monday through Friday during normal business hours, or mailed to Senator Adam Hinds Holiday Greeting Card Contest, 100 North Street, Suite 410, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Entries can also be scanned (in color) and emailed to Adam.Hinds@masenate.gov.
Toys For Tots Holiday Open House
Senator Hinds plans to display the holiday card entries during the holiday season, and will announce the contest winner during a Holiday Open House in his Pittsfield office on Thursday, December 13 th from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to mix and mingle with the Senator and his staff on December 13 th
 
The Senator’s Pittsfield Office is a Toys for Tots donation site this year; he will be collecting unwrapped toys for children of all ages during the Holiday Open House, which will be distributed to children throughout western Mass. by the Marines this December. 
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 Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is looking for two (2) new members to serve as alternates. 
 
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 are interested in volunteering for any of the positions listed above, please contact the Town Administrator, Mr. Mark Pruhenski at 413-698-3882 or townadmin@richmondma.org
Events & Announcements
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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.

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 .
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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 - Firearms Permits
Effective during the Chief's absence, from November 10, 2018 through April 15, 2019, all applications for new and renewals of LTC's and FID's will be handled and processed by Tracy Dunn. Appointments can be made by calling Tracy at 413-884-2820.

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 will be 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 second quarter of fiscal year 2019 were mailed September 27, 2018. The second quarter bill is due on November 1, 2018 and covers the period October 1 through December 31, 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 November 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 the Remit Copy with your payment. Payments received without a reference as to the year, tax type or bill number will be returned. 
Please note when you receive your next tax bill due for 02/01/2019 there will be two Remit Copy Coupons with this bill. One will be clearly marked for the payment due on 02/01/2019 and the other will be clearly marked for the payment due on 05/01/2019. The next set of bills will not be mailed out until late June of 2019 and will also include two Remit Copy Coupons. One will be clearly marked for the payment due on 08/01/2019 and the other will be clearly marked for the payment due on 11/01/2019.
 
Sewer users, please note that a quarterly bill will continue to be mailed for each quarter due until the conversion process is completed, in which the sewer betterment bills will follow the same schedule as real estate and personal property tax bills. Sewer operation and maintenance bills will continue to be mailed out in late March of each year being due on May 1 st of each year.

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.