April 5, 2019
Reminders
Recycling/Trash for Monday, April 8th - 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
April 9, 2019 - Conservation Commission Mtg. - 7:00 PM
April 10, 2019 - Budget Advisory Cte. Mtg. - 5:00 PM
April 10, 2019 - Board of Assessors Mtg - 5:00 PM - downstairs meeting room
What's New in Richmond?
IMPORTANT REMINDERS - NOTICES!
RICHMOND ELECTION SCHEDULE - 2019
Last Day to Object or Withdraw Papers..............April 15, 2019
Last Day to Register to Vote................................April 25, 2019
Baby Town Meeting.............................................May 4, 2019
Last Day to Post Warrant....................................May 8, 2019
Annual Town Meeting at the School....................May 15, 2019
Annual Town Election..........................................May 18, 2019
Richmond Pond Association's Goose Management Plan Needs Your Help!
Please help the Richmond Pond Association implement the all-pond goose management plan. See the RPA website for details on how you can help. www.richmondpondassociation.org.
TOWN OF RICHMOND- DPW- HELP WANTED
The Town of Richmond is seeking applicants for the position of Highway Truck Driver/Equipment Operator. This is a full-time, forty (40) hour per week benefited position. Seasonal overtime is required.

The main purpose of this position is to assist in maintaining all town rights-of-way, equipment, and other public property. Duties include performing skilled and labor-intensive tasks that require the operation of all types of heavy construction equipment, medium and light duty trucks, power tools, and hand tools. A High School Diploma or GED is required with a preference for two (2) years of construction, heavy vehicle driving, or heavy equipment operation and routine servicing experience. A valid Massachusetts Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a 2A Hoisting Operators License are required. Applicants must be able to obtain a 4G Hoisting License within 6 months of hire. 
 
Applications and a job description can be obtained at the Richmond Town Hall during business hours, or online at:  www.richmondma.org.  Salary commensurate with experience. Submit A resume and application by mail or in person to: Office of the Town Administrator, 1529 State Road, Richmond MA 01254, or electronically to: townadmin@richmondma.org . Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2019; however, the position will remain open until filled. The Town of Richmond is an EOE.    
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Free Swim Lessons at Kilpatrick Athletic Center of Simon's Rock
Adult Lessons - Tuesdays from April 2nd to April 30th:
7:10 - 7:40 PM OR 7:45 - 8:15 PM

Adult & Children Lessons:
Mondays, April 8th & 15th - 4:15 - 4:45 PM OR 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Friday, April 12th - 4:15 - 4:45 PM OR 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Friday, April 19th - 4:15 - 4:45 PM OR 5:00 - 5:30 PM

For more information, or to register, call 413-528-7777 or stop
by the front desk
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Saturday, April 6th is the RCS Pancake Breakfast and Richmond Town Clean-up
Breakfast is 8:00 - 9:30 AM in the Richmond Consolidated School Cafeteria: Pancakes, Blueberry or Plain, Sausage, Homefries, Juice and Coffee $5.00

Cleanup at 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Everyone is welcome to the Breakfast even if you cannot participate in the clean- up!

Maps, gloves and garbage bags will be available on the circle in the back of the school. All proceeds go to the Richmond Emergency Fuel Fund.

Thank you in advance for your participation!
Richmond Consolidated School
Preschool and Kindergarten Screening for Fall 2019 Enrollment

Richmond Consolidated School will be conducting a Preschool screening for all Richmond 3 and 4 year-olds on Monday, May 20 and Friday, May 24 at the school located at 1831 State Road in Richmond. Children who are 3 years old as of Sept. 1, 2019 are eligible to attend our Preschool program based on a lottery system. Please call the school office at 413-698-2207 as soon as possible if your child is eligible. Current Preschool students and Richmond residents have first priority. Should there be additional openings, families from surrounding communities can apply.

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.

Kindergarten screening and registration will be held on Monday, May 20 and Friday, May 24. Children must be 5 years old as of Sept. 1, 2019, to enter Kindergarten. Please call the school office at 413-698-2207 as soon as possible if your child is eligible for kindergarten. Screening and registration requires parents to bring their child and his/her birth certificate along with proof of residency to the school.

Richmond Consolidated School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.
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Richmond Scholarships
High school seniors and college students from Richmond may submit just one application to cover Richmond’s eight scholarship funds. Deadline is May 1, with awards announced in early June. Amounts awarded range from $100-$2,000. Forms are available at Town Hall, Richmond Library, Post office, Bartlett’s Orchards or school guidance departments. Submit to Patricia Malnati, State Road, Richmond MA. 
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2019 Dog Licenses Due:
Please don't forget that the last day to license your dog without a $5.00 late fee is March 31st. Licenses can be purchased from the Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours. For questions, please contact: clerk@richmondma.org  
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, email: Emilie@charws.com  website: www.rwstcomhealth.com

Hepatitis A is going around
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause liver disease. Protect yourself:
Get your Hepatitis A vaccination
Who should get vaccinated?
People currently experiencing homelessness
People who use street drugs
Men who have sex with men
People recently in jail or prison

You can also protect yourself and others by washing your hands ANYTIME you:
Go to the bathroom
Touch, eat, or serve food or drink
Use street drugs of any kind

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Division of Epidemiology and Immunization | 617-983-6800 (24/7)
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This Sign Could Save Your Life...!!!
Every minute counts in an emergency, so please help us find your house quickly. Custom 911 signs can be purchased by calling Chief Traver at 413-329-7153. The cost is now $20.00 for a custom sign. You can also install your own numbers if you would prefer, but please make sure they are at least 3" in height and in a prominent place. Please help us help you!!!

A NOTE FROM CHIEF TRAVER
There are a number of 911 Emergency Plaques in Town Hall that were ordered many months ago and never picked up. If you ordered one of these and your house number is: 1834, or 26, please arrange to have it picked up and paid for.
SCROLL DOWN FOR A SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT FIREARMS PERMITS
The Richmond Recreation Committee's 10 th Annual Ping Pong Tourney is coming soon
Friday April 5th at Richmond Consolidated School Gym. Registration at 5:00 PM and games begin at 6:00 PM.

$5 or $15 for a family - Pizza and Refreshments available.
https://www.facebook.com/richmondreccommittee for more information
AGE-FRIENDLY BERKSHIRES VIDEO
Age-friendly communities strive to better meet the needs of their older residents by considering the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. These programs seek to allow older adults to stay in their communities and “age in place.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) supports a framework of “active aging” through age-friendly cities and towns. This framework looks at the determinants of active aging (e.g., social, economic, behavioral, personal, etc.) along with other age-friendly aspects of communities (e.g. transportation, housing, social participants, outdoor spaces, etc.)
 
Age Friendly Berkshires ’ mission is to create a more livable Berkshire County for
people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of an aging population. This region-wide
initiative includes the 32 cities and towns comprising Berkshire County

On Monday, June 10th, a video will be shown at 12:00 Noon at the Richmond Town Hall that explains the initiative and outlines the progress that It has made in Berkshire County.
 
Please let us know if you will be attending the video presentation
Call 413-698-3656 or email to coa@richmondma.org.
The Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge
Invites you to join us for a dinner and lecture:  "Your Heart: A User’s Manual” with David Finck, MD

Cost: $10.00 per person for the buffet-style dinner catered by The Marketplace
               No charge for attending the lecture only
When: Thursday, May 23rd, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Richmond Congregational Church, State Rd., Richmond, MA

~Reservations are required~

When making your reservation, please indicate if you are planning to join us for both the dinner and lecture or the lecture only.
Contact: Emilie Jarrett: Tel 413-232-0122; email: emilie@charws.com
 
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The Richmond Library is Offering a New “ Made in the Berkshires!” Basket Containing:
Blue Q tote bag (Pittsfield); Wildflower Honey
(W. Stockbridge); Fire Cider (Pittsfield);
Baldwin’s Worcestershire Sauce (W. Stockbridge);
Granola (Great Barrington); Baldwin’s Vanilla Extract
(W. Stockbridge); “Berkshire” coaster; Baldwin’s Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar (W. Stockbridge)
2 boxes of Crane stationery (Dalton); Baldwin’s Walnut Russe (W. Stockbridge)

Stop by soon and fill out a ticket! They're free. One chance per person per visit.
Thanks! and Good Luck!
Film Discussion Group at the Library
Film Club meets the second Thursday at every month for discussion. Watch the featured movie of the month on your own and any other suggested movies with the same subject or theme.

Richmond Library will have some copies available through inter-library loan. Most can be found on Netflix or Prime Video. Themes in the future will include Mother/daughter relationships, Redemption, Foreign animated films, Classical music and opera in movies.

For the April 11 th meeting:

Subject: Fun movies with a twist. Featured Movie: The House of Games

Other movies to watch:
The Spanish Prisoner
Charades
Gambit (1966, Michael Caine & Shirley MacLaine)
The Usual Suspects
The Richmond COA, in Cooperation with the West Stockbridge COA, is Hosting a Free Lunch & Learn About Medicare Choices
If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, you may be wondering if you chose the right options. If you will be needing to make your Medicare choices in the future, you can benefit from this information
 
Your questions can be answered at a special Free “Lunch and Learn” on Tuesday, April 23rd at 12:00 Noo n. Lunch will be provided and a representative of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will offer information about your health insurance options, including the rules for Medicare, so you can be confident about your choices .
 
What will Health Plan Options Cover?
Explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, and C
Medicare enrollment timeline
Medigap plans that help supplement Medicare coverage
Medicare Advantage plans, such as HMOs and PPOs
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
 
LUNCH & LEARN : “Health Plan Options for People with Medicare”
DATE / TI ME: Tuesday, April 23, 2019—12:00 Noon
LOCATION : St. Patrick’s Church Parish Hall, Route 41, West Stockbridge
 
Please call Phyllis LeBeau at 413-698-3656 or email at coa@richmondma.org to reserve your seat.  
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

Conservation Commission Agent: Wednesdays 9:30 - 12:00 N
Always call for an appointment - 413-698-0044

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

Current Opportunities
The Board of Registrars is made up of representatives from both major political parties. We are currently in need of a Richmond Democrat to serve in one of these positions. For more information, please contact our Town Clerk, Marie Ryan, at: clerk@richmondma.org

OPENINGS ON COUNCILS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

The Board of Registrars 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:
 
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 via email at 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, sewer betterment, and sewer operation and maintenance bills for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 are due on May 1, 2019. Payments that are not received by that date are subject to late payment interest.
 
Interest begins to accrue immediately following May 1st and is charged at the annual rate of 14%. Please contact the Tax Collector for the amount that is due after May 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 received your tax bill due for 02/01/2019 there were two “Remit Copy” Coupons with this bill. One was clearly marked for the payment due on 02/01/2019 and the other is clearly marked for the payment due on 05/01/2019. The top third of the bill is a summary of taxes, the middle third of the bill is the “Remit Copy” coupon for the 05/01/2019 payment, and the bottom third of the bill was the “Remit Copy” coupon for the 02/01/2019 payment. 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. Sewer operation and maintenance bills will continue to be mailed out in late March of each year being due on May 1 st  of that 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.