January 24, 2020
Reminders
Winter Parking
Ban is in Effect
No on-street parking Nov. 1st to April 1st
QUICK LINKS
Recycling for Monday, January 27th: 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.
**THIRD QUARTER REAL ESTATE,** PERSONAL PROPERTY AND BETTERMENT TAXES ARE DUE ON FEBRUARY 3, 2020
NEW Town Hall Hours
to change starting February 1, 2020
Town Hall will be open
Monday-Thursday 8:30 - 4
Friday 8:30 - 12:30
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 - 5:30 PM - Municipal Bldg. Cte.
Monday, January 27, 2020 3:30 p.m. - Road Advisory Committee
Please make sure you are registered for code red

Click the link at the top of the newsletter to be taken through the step-by-step process of creating an account.

If you don't have access to a computer call the Town hall and we will help.
Announcements
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Richmond Cub Scout Pack #50
Is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Richmond Congregational Church.

The $5.00 per person admission will go to help the Scouts attend Camp Moses.
Make your plans now to be there!
Richmond Consolidated School
N ow registering Preschool and Kindergarten students for the 2020-2021 school year.  District policy states that children must be 5 years old as of Sept.1, 2020, to enter Kindergarten. 

Children who are 3 years old as of Sept.1, 2020 are eligible to attend our Preschool program based on a lottery system. Parents or guardians of eligible children should call the school office at 413-698-2207 for more information. 

If you suspect your child may have special needs and is three years old or older, please call the Special Education Director, Jenevra A. Strock, at 413-698-4001 to schedule an evaluation.
 
Natalie Gingras
Administrative Assistant
Richmond Consolidated School
Fourth Annual Richmond Consolidated School Winter Carnival
January 31, 2020 ~ 5:30-7:15 PM

Need something to get you out and moving? Come join the fun at the RCS Gymnasium and Cafetorium! Ping Pong, Rock Climbing, Crafts, Face Painting, Musical chairs and many other family-friendly activities!

No kids? No problem - come anyway - ALL ARE WELCOME AT THIS COMMUNITY EVENT!

$5.00 per person or $20.00 per family includes all games and activites. Bring extra money for diner and the bake sale.

All proceeds benefit the Middle School trip to Washington DC
The first 30 students in attendance get to choose a prize.
Hello, Richmond Community
Richmond Consolidated School is almost ready to send in our next box of dried up markers for recycling through Crayola's Colorcycle program. Please drop off your dried-up markers to the office by Friday, January 24th.

For more information about the program, please visit: 

You may also drop them at any other time convenient to you in the future. We will continue to send them in as we fill a box.

Thanks for your help in keeping them out of the landfills!  Michelle Smith, Preschool Teacher, Richmond Consolidated School
Community Events Calendar
Copies of the Richmond Civic Association's 2020 Community Events Calendar are available at the Richmond Town Hall, Post Office and Library, or by contacting Jan Hartford at (413) 698-3808.
US Census 2020
Are you a “snowbird” who seasonally lives at another address? If you live in Massachusetts for most of the year, you should respond to the 2020 Census addressed to your Massachusetts household. U.S. Census data is for statistical purposes only and your responses will not affect your property tax or insurance premiums . You may fill out the U.S. Census online or over the phone at your convenience. Eventually, you will receive the traditional paper form if you do not respond online by phone.

Census information is used for the next 10 years to determine funding for state and federal programs, as well as your political representation. All information is confidential and will not be shared with any federal or state agency under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. The Census Bureau will never ask for your full Social Security Number, bank accounts, or money of any kind. For more information, call 1-833-MA1-2020.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Richmond Free Public Library Board of Trustees has an opening. Please contact Ms. Danielle Fillio at 413-553-7793 if you are interested

The Richmond Conservation Commission has openings for 1 member and 1 alternate.

The Richmond Recreation Committee has multiple member openings. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has openings for 2 alternates. 
 
The Affordable Housing Committee seeks 2 members, specifically those with a background in Construction or Law. 
 
A Field Driver and additional volunteers are needed to assist in the occasional round-up of livestock when a local farmer is in need. 
 
Transportation Rep . This volunteer position requires attendance at quarterly meetings to represent the town's interests and work closely with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. 

If you are interested in volunteering for any of the positions listed above, please contact the Town Administrator at 413-553-7793 or townadmin@richmondma.org
Living In Richmond
Richmond Free Public Library

The library offers a variety of free events and services, listed below. Please call (413) 553-7795
or go to their website for more information.

Tech Talks with Candy

Film Discussion Group
See "Latest News" on the Website Home Page for details
Passes for many museums in the Berkshire area are available at the Library, admitting anywhere from 2-4 people per pass for free or discounted admittance.
Lively World Series
January 25 2020, 11:00 AM A performance by jazz musician Charlie Tokarz and singer/instrumentalist/composer Nana Simopoulos, as part of the continuing Lively World Series. Car pooling advised. Refreshments
Free Delivery of Library Materials to the Home-Bound
Call for eligibility requirements: (413) 553-7795
Police Department - Firearms Permits
During the Chief's absence from Nov. 18th - April 15th, all LTCs and FIDs applications will be processed by Tracy Dunn. Call for an appointment: (413) 884-2820. Your completed application and a check or money order to the Town of Richmond are due at your appointment. Chief Bullett is available for questions: (413) 698-2691 or (413) 822-5971.
Council on Aging - Transportation Program
If you need a ride, please call (413) 553-7793. Give us a week's notice, tell us when and where you need to go, and we will provide you with that service. Click HERE for rate schedule and policies.
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Exercise Classes with Christine Faber
Mon. 3:15 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
The Community Health Association
Offers blood pressure screenings every Thursday from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the Congregational Church. No appointment needed. For more information about additional free skilled nursing services such as home visits for residents, contact Emilie Jarrett, RN, at (413) 232-0122 or Emilie@charws.com. website: www.rwstcomhealth.com
Need Food or Fuel Assistance?
You may be eligible for financial assistance. Contact the Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) at 413-445-4503 or visit their website. All correspondence is 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 - 11 AM and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6 PM.
Helpful Resources
Useful Links
Office Hours

Tues 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Wed 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Wed 9:30 - 12:00 PM; Always call for an appointment: (413) 298-0044

Wed 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

1st, 2nd & 4th Wed 9:30 - 11:00 AM

Mon - Thurs 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Mon - Thurs 8:00 - 3:00 PM; Fri 8:00 - 12:00 PM