Photo by Fern Gitter
June 15th, 2018
Have you heard? Richmond has a new website! We invite you to check it out at www.richmondma.org . Our aim has been to improve usability and access to important information for our residents, businesses and visitors. Let us know what you think!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
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Resources & Reminders
QUICK LINKS
Recycling/Trash for Monday, June 18th:
 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
June 18th - Cable Advisory Committee - 6:00 PM
June 20th - Board of Selectmen/Sewer Comm. - 10:00 AM
June 21st - SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - 6:00 PM
What's New in Richmond?

Richmond Land Trust 2018 Photo Contest
The contest is open to amateur, youth and professional photographers. Deadline for submissions is August 8, 2018. Entry forms available at Town Hall, the Richmond Post Office, the Richmond Library,Bartlett's or on the Richmond Land Trust website at richmondlandtrust.net. or by email to richmondladmass@gmail.com.

Winners will be announced at the Richmond Land Trust Pie Social in September.
Concert: "Raising the Roof"
The Richmond Congregational Church is holding a Concert to raise funds to repair the roof on Saturday, June 16th at 7:00 PM at the church. Ron Barron, Linda Worster, Marjorie Dix, Renee Harvitt, Doug Schmolze and Mark Kelso among many others will provide the music.

Donations will be greatly appreciated. 
Town Beach Opens Father's Day Weekend, June 16-17
Hours are 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM for lifeguards, but the beach area will remain open until at least 7:00 PM each evening. Closed on Mondays.
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
Helpful 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
The Town is 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. Please contact our Town Administrator at 698-3882.
 
A Transportation Rep is needed. This volunteer position would require attendance at quarterly meetings to represent the town's interests and work closely with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Please contact our Town Administrator at 698-3882.

The Affordable Housing Committee is in need of two additional members, specifically those with a background in Construction or Law. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact Mark Pruhenski at: townadmin@richmondma.org
Events
2018 Mini Site Collections
Wednesday, June 20th: 4PM - 6:30PM @ Great Barrington Recycling Center
PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POLICIES:
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.
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.
Town Reports Have Arrived
You can pick up a copy during regular Town Hall hours, or download an electronic version here.
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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.
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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 - FID Cards
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 Bullet 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.
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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 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 ensure 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
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.