Recycling/Trash 
Recycling for Monday, May 7th will be paper.
Please place your trash and recyclables in a location that is easily accessible for the hauler to collect. Also, please have your trash and recycling out by 7:00 AM to ensure that it is collected
. If, for some reason it is not collected, the hauler encourages you to contact them directly at 442-8390 rather than calling Town Hall.
In addition, please be aware that the trucks used by the hauler are dual functioning trucks in that trash and recyclables are collected together but placed in separate compartments within the truck.
WHAT'S NEW IN RICHMOND?
ATTENTION RICHMOND RESIDENTS!!:
HELP WANTED.
Richmond Pond Boat Ramp Monitors:
Seasonal part-time position, running from June 4th - September 8th. Available shifts 6:00 AM - 12:00 Noon and 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM.
Duties include greeting the public; ascertaining that boats entering the water are not carrying zebra mussels or other invasive species; keeping a daily activity log; and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and safety on the ramp and in adjoining areas.
Candidates with flexible and available weekend hours, prior or similar experience, access to a motor vehicle, and CPR/first aid certifications are preferred. Training is provided. For more information, contact Matthew Palardy at
mpalardy@berkshire.rr.com.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Traver and his staff wish to thank the residents of Richmond for the responsible way they dealt with burning brush this season. Because of your careful attention, there were NO out of control fires.
THE FINAL WARRANT AND EXPLANATION FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE TOWN WEBSITE'S HOME PAGE:
WWW.RICHMONDMA.ORG
Berkshire County Mosquito Control
:
A new procedure is in effect: if a resident wishes not to have their area sprayed for mosquitos, they must now make a request through the state Dept. of Agricultural Resources in Boston, either by email or regular mail. There are some residents, particularly beekeepers, who wish to opt out of spraying.
TO REQUEST SPRAYING OF PERSONAL PROPERTY...
Homeowners who believe they have too many mosquitoes can request pesticide application by phone or email. Mosquitoes are considered a nuisance when three to five land on a person within a minute.
Information: (413) 447-9808, berkmc@bcn.net or find Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project on Facebook
2018 MINI SITE COLLECTIONS:
SATURDAY, MAY 5TH- 8:30 - 11:00 AM - GREAT BARRINGTON RECYCLING CENTER, Rte. 7, Across from Monument Mountain High School
SATURDAY, JUNE 2ND - 8:30 - 10:30 am - LENOX DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS, 275 Main Street, Route 7A, Across from Mass. Highway Dept.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20TH - 4:00 - 6:30 pm - GREAT BARRINGTON RECYCLING CENTER
PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
ACCEPTABLE ITEMS
:
Used motor oil, oil-based paints, spray paint, turpentine, stains, thinners (no latex-water based)
.
UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS
: Latex or water-based paint/stains, paint brushes/rags, medical waste, asbestos, fireworks & explosives, ammunition, gas cylinders, smoke detectors, radioactive material, fire extinguishers, empty aerosol cans, PCB's.
SPRING COLLECTION DAY FOR 2018:
l
ight metals and Bulky Day - Saturday, May 26th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Highway Department Garage Area
PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:
BULKY WASTE BIN:
Acceptable Bulky Items:
Old furniture, rugs, scrap wood, etc.
PLEASE NOTE:
We are unable to accept mattresses and box springs at no cost any longer. The Transfer Station is charging for disposal of those items. We will accept them at a charge of $25.00 per item.
Unacceptable Items:
Tires, TV's (Goodwill on Tyler St.), Glass, Hazardous Waste or Construction Materials, Toilets or any Porcelain products, Estate Clean-Outs. Trips will be monitored.
WHITE GOODS & LIGHT METALS BIN:
Light Metals:
All items must be free of plastic or rubber grips or wheels, they must be empty of all contents (oil and fuel) from the motors and tanks. Aluminum doors and window frames must be free from glass. PLEASE NOTE: All refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers will be accepted with a $10.00 per item fee.
ELECTRONICS BIN:
For Disposal of: Monitors, printers, CPU's, phones, batteries, copiers, scanners, modems, fax machines, laptops, radios, towers, speakers, servers, routers, ballasts, microwaves, cell phones, light fixtures, chargers, electrical equipment, battery-operated tools and printed circuit boards
"Baby" Town Meeting Saturday, May 5th - 10:00 a.m. at Town Hall:
A Public Question & Answer session about the 2018 warrant vote and town elections. Sponsored annually by the Richmond Civic Association. Coffee and doughnuts will be served.
The Community Health Association & The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program is jointly sponsoring and invites you to Dinner and a Free Workshop:
"Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud."
Healthcare errors cost consumers and Medicare billions of dollars annually. A representative from the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program will present a workshop and discussion on how to prevent, detect, report healthcare errors, fraud and abuse. This free information workshop will provide you with the tools to become a more informed and engaged healthcare consumer.
Cost:
Workshop itself is free of charge -
$10.00 per person for the buffet-style dinner
When:
Wednesday, June 6th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where:
Richmond Congregational Church 1515 State Rd. Richmond, MA 01254
~Reservations are required~
When making your reservation, please indicate if you are planning to join us for both the dinner and workshop or the workshop only.
To make a reservation, contact
Emilie Jarrett RN: Tel 413-232-0122; email:
Emilie@charws.com
This program is supported in part with ACL grant no. 90-MP0226-03-01.
SAVE THIS DATE! - FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018:
Coleman - More Than Recreational Camp Lanterns: Stephen Upham of Whately, MA, well known Franklyn County historian, will be the speaker for the May Annual Meeting of the Richmond Historical Society.
Coleman has been in business for over one hundred years, making fine lanterns, camp stoves, coolers, and more and it will be the focus of Mr. Upham's presentation.
This meeting is Mr. Upham's first public visit to our area with his display of Coleman products.
When the U.S. Army landed in North Africa in late 1942 they were accompanied by several thousand Model 520 Coleman Military Burners, aka G.I. pocket stoves.
R
ICHMOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
FELLOWSHIP HALL
1515 STATE ROAD (Rte. 41), RICHMOND, MA
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018 - 7:00 P.M
A short business meeting will precede the talk. Free and open to the public
Refreshments will be available and an amazing outdoor Light-Up will conclude the evening
Memorial Day Ceremony:
May 28, 2018.... 8:00 AM. Richmond Consolidated School, 1831 State Rd. This year, the Town of Richmond will be honoring our only surviving Iwo Jima veteran, Mr. David A. Reynolds. There will be a parade from the Richmond Consolidated School and several marching units.
Please join us for this amazing tribute to our war hero to include an F-15 Flyover, weather permitting. Sponsored by the Richmond Parade Committee:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
:
The Town is still in need of a Field Driver and additional volunteers to assist in the occasional round-up of livestock when a local farmer is in need.
If you or someone you know is interested in being on a call-list to serve when the need arises, please contact our Town Administrator at 698-3882, or townadmin@richmondma.org
The Town is also in need of a representative interested in local transportation
: This position would require attendance at quarterly meetings to represent the town's interests and would work closely with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving in this capacity, please contact our Town Administrator at 698-3882, or townadmin@richmondma.org
Application Forms for the Various Richmond Sholarships
are available at the post office, library, Town Hall and Bartlett's Orchards, as well as at high school guidance offices. One application covers eight scholarships: The Anita Chapman, Joyce Spence, William and Hazel Dickson, Sarah MacDonald, Mildred Wheeler, Volunteer Fire Department/Malnati Family, George Kingsley, and Harold Kingsley.
Applicants must be year-round residents of Richmond and may be graduating seniors or college students. Applications should be sent to Patricia Malnati, State Road, by May 1.
MEETINGS/OFFICE HOURS AT TOWN HALL
Tuesday, May 8th - Board of Assessors Hours - 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Tuesday, May 8th - School Committee Meeting @ RCS - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 8th - Conservation Committee Meeting - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 9th - Board of Health Agent Hours - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday, May 9th - Building & Zoning Office Hours - 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Wednesday, May 9th - Board of Assessors Hours - 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, May 9th - Board of Assessors Meeting - 5:00 PM Downstairs
Wednesday, May 9th - Board of Selectmen Meeting - 5:00 PM Upstairs
Wednesday, May 9th - Board of Selectmen Dangerous Dog Hearing - 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 10th - Board of Selectmen Dangerous Dog Hearing Cont'd. - 6:00 PM
OTHER DATES OF IMPORTANCE:
Saturday May 5th - "Baby" Town Meeting at Town Hall - 10:00 AM
Wednesday, May 9th - Dangerous Dog Public Hearing - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 16th - Annual Town Meeting at School - 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 19th - Town Elections - 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Town Hall
Municipal Building Committee Update
By Patricia Callahan
Understanding that our town has some serious issues with space that need to be addressed, the selectmen formed the Richmond Municipal Building Committee in October 2017. The committee has been meeting regularly through the winter to consider the needs of the town for improvements to the library, community space and town offices. The group has studied the
town need
s, where the facilities might be located, and how the town can pay for it.
The State of Massachusetts has a program that provides for both design and building funds for libraries - depending on the project, up to 60% of the design and construction funds can be granted. The committee has talked to librarians and visited libraries that have been awarded funds under this program and believes that the first order of business is to apply for design funds to help put a really excellent plan together for library and community space.
Richmond is the only Massachusetts town the committee knows of that still rents space for its library. Many neighboring towns have built or renovated space with the help of the state program, which provides grants about every five years. The next funding window may be in 2020.
The committee is not yet certain of plans for town office replacement. First, it needs to be decided if the current town hall can be renovated sufficiently to meet needs, including accessibility. The selectmen will be commissioning an engineering study to determine which improvements can be made in addition to the improvements that have already been made to the town offices.
The next step will be to ask the town for support as the committee
appl
ies for state funds for a new library. At the May Town Meeting, there will be two articles on the warrant that ask for permission to start a feasibility study for a new library, and to apply for any funds or grants that may be available for this project. These articles are important because the state will require that the committee have the town's support before an application for funds will be accepted.
The committee is aware that this will take time. They also acknowledge that even if awarded state funds, they will need the town's support in both private fundraising, with the commitment and help of the Library Trustees and the Friends of the Library, and some town funding and support. A library can be part of the heart of Richmond and help to establish a town center that will support the children, teens, older population and the rest of the community. The committee believes the town deserves a library that is clean, warm, and accessible; a building without roof leaks and with enough space for meeting and relaxing; a place where one can find a great book, a great film, access to computers and high-speed internet.
The committee expresses excitement about moving forward and hopes to see everyone at the Town Meeting in May.
The Community Health Association:
Weekly Blood Pressure Clinics
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 contact Emilie Jarrett, RN: 413-232-0122 or via email at Emilie@charws.com.
Council on Aging Ne
ws
COA Director
OFFICE HOURS
:
Monday - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
COUNCIL ON AGING TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
T
he 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:
Any town in Berkshire County:
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $5.00
Rides Outside of Berkshire County:
Northampton - Cooley Dickenson Hospital or the Veteran's Hospital
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00
West Springfield - Specialist Office
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00
Springfield - Baystate Medical Center
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $15:00
Albany - Albany Medical Center
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00
The Council on Aging is not able to provide rides to and from destinations outside of the acceptable distances listed above. Our drivers are volunteers, not paid for their time, it would, therefore, be unacceptable to ask them to devote an entire day to a ride taking 2-1/2 or more hours each way.
For transportation outside of our acceptable area, it is suggested that private arrangements be made with friends and family. Alternatively, you can contact the ambulance companies and arrange transportation with them - very often the cost of such rides is covered by medical insurance.
ONGOING CLASSES:
Exercise Classes with Christine Faber:
Mon.-3:30 PM @ Richmond Cong. Church-Yoga
Wed.-3:30 PM @ School-Tai Chi
Thurs.-11:15 AM @ Town Hall- Osteo Exercise
Fri.-3:30 PM @ Town Hall-Line Dance
Meals on Wheels
The Elder Services of Berkshire County "Meals on Wheels" menu for May
Need Food and/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 at https://bcacinc.org/. All correspondence is strictly confidential.
New Federal Fuel Assistance Income Limits for Fiscal Year 2017:
Household Size Gross Annual Income
1 $34,001.
2 $44.463.
3 $54,925.
4 $65,387.
5 $75,849.
6 $86,311.
7 $88.272.
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 - 11:00 AM and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:00 PM.
Richmond Consolidated School
Follow this link to read about some exciting changes for Richmond Consolidated School
School Newsletter
Richmond Reads
A free parent/child playgroup for children up to age 5 meets Thursdays from 9:30 -10:30 AM 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, By phone 413-464-5095 or by email:
southberkshirekids@gmail.com
From the Tax Collector
Real estate, personal property
, sewer betterment, and se
we
r operation and maintenance bills for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 were mailed March 29, 2018. The fourth quarter bill is due on May 1, 2018 and covers the period April 1 through June 30, 2018. 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 insure any payment made through a third party, such as a bank, clearly shows the bill year (2018), the bill number and the type of bill. If paying the bill directly, please include the 'collector's copy' of the bill 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.
Richmond Police Department
FID Cards
Effective during my absence all applications for new and renewed LTC's and FID's will be processed by Tracy Dunn. Appointments can be made by calling Tracy at 413-884-2820.
Application forms are located on the Richmond website - www.richmondma.org. Go to Town Departments, scroll down to Police Department, click on that, which will take you to the page. The FID permit application form appears at the bottom of that page.
A reminder that the completed application and a check or money order made payable to the Town of Richmond must be submitted at the time of the appointment.
Chief William Bullet will be available via telephone during this time for questions regarding the application at 413-698-2691 or 413-822-5971.
Richmond Free Public Library
LIBRARY HOURS:
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturdays:
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Programs at the Library:
Donation of Children's Books
The library is again accepting donations of children's books
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