Photo by Fern Gitter
September 21, 2018
Reminders
Recycling/Trash for Monday, September 24th: 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
September 25th - Richmond Pond Assn. - 5:30 PM
September 26th - Board of Selectmen - 6:00 PM
What's New in Richmond?
2018 Mini-Site Collections
Saturday, September 29th - 8:30 10:30 AM - Lenox Dept. of Public Works

Acceptable Materials: Used motor oil, oil-based paint, spray paint, turpentine, stains, thinners (no latex/water-based)

Not Accepting: Latex or water-based paint/stains, paint brushes/rags, medical waste, asbestors, fireworks and explosives, ammunition, gas cylinders, smoke detectors,
radiactive material, fire extinguishers, empty aerosol cans, PCB's.

Pre-Registration is Mandatory - Register online at http://www.cetonline.org/events/; Thomas.Jakubasz@cetonline.org OR call CET at 800-3693333 ext. 142

The Richmond Council on Aging will be Hosting a Thank-You Luncheon for Their Volunteer Drivers
On Tuesday, September 25th at 12:00 Noon the Council on Aging will meet in the Richmond Congregational Church Basement to say thank you to our wonderful volunteer drivers for their important contribution to the lives of our seniors.

We are inviting everyone to be there and add their voice to the chorus. There is no charge for this catered luncheon, but we do need a headcount so please RSVP to Phyllis at 413-698-3656 or via email to coa@richmondma.org by Monday, September 24th.

SENATOR HINDS' STAFF OFFICE HOURS SCHEDULED FOR  SEPTEMBER 26 TH  IN RICHMOND & WILLIAMSBURG
PITTSFIELD – State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield) announced today that his district aides are resuming monthly office hours next week, after taking a summer break during the month of August.   On September 26 th Hinds’ casework staff will be available in the communities of  Richmond and  Williamsburg for staff office hours. All residents of his Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Senate District are invited to participate in these sessions if they have an idea, question or comment about state government they wish to share, or if they require assistance from the Senator's constituent services team. Everyone is welcome!
 
As a part of his ongoing efforts to be accessible to all constituents, no matter where they reside, Hinds directed his district staff, A.J. Enchill and Jon Gould, to hold roving office hours outside of their primary work locations once a month. Enchill is based in the Senator’s Pittsfield office, Gould splits his time between Pittsfield and Williamsburg. 
This month the Senator’s staff will be available to meet with constituents and local officials  from  11:00am until 1:00pm  on  Wednesday, September 26th in  Richmond and Williamsburg at the following locations:  
 
·          Richmond Town Hall, located at   1529 State Road  (Rt. 41) in Richmond;
·          Williamsburg Town Office Planning Board Room, located at  141 Main Street  in Haydenville.   
 
Appointments are not necessary but can be booked in advance by calling the Pittsfield office at  (413) 344-4561 or the Williamsburg office at  (413) 768-2373. These office hours provide an opportunity for those seeking assistance with state agencies or programs to speak with Hinds’ constituency services staff in person.  


SENATOR HINDS ANNOUNCES 2018 HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST
Local students, in Grades 3-6, invited to design the Senator’s 2018 holiday greeting card. Celebrate the holidays with Sen. Hinds and staff during a Holiday Open House on Dec. 13 th
 
PITTSFIELD – 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 entries must be returned to Senator Hinds’ Pittsfield office no later than 4pm on Friday, November 16, 2018. Entries may be dropped off in the Senator’s Pittsfield office, 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 contest entries in his Pittsfield office 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
 
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. The Holiday Open House is open to the public; everyone is welcome to mix and mingle with the Senator and his staff on December 13 th
 
Contest entry forms will be mailed to schools in Hinds’ district this week, and are also available on the Senator’s social media pages or by contacting his office. 

Do you drive, walk, bike, or use public transit in the Berkshires? 
Please take our 10-minute Transportation Needs Survey!

Your responses will help identify potential roadway projects and transportation priorities in the county. Please forward the survey link to other county residents that might be interested. Thanks!
  
For questions or more information, contact:
Eammon Coughlin, Senior Transportation Planner
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
1 Fenn Street, Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 01201
 
Phone: (413) 442-1521, x19
Fax: (413) 442-1523
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Richmond Free Public Library Film Discussion Group
Meets on the second Thursday of each month. Thursday, October 11th at 2:00 PM we will discuss “Inherit the Wind” (1960), a courtroom drama of historic importance.
Call the library for more information, 698-3834

Lively World Series Event
Thursday, September 27, local author Katherine Keenum on "What Makes a Book Happy," Richmond Free Public Library, 4 p.m. Refreshments.

The Richmond Historical Society presents "Paddling in Antarctica"
Friday, October 5, 2018, Dr. John Reynolds, DVM, of the Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, will share photos and stories from a recent trip aboard an expedition ship to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Archipelago. A PowerPoint presentation will describe his adventures in Antarctic, including paddling in a kayak around icebergs, humpback whales, leopard seals and more.

Richmond Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 State Road - 7:00 PM
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.
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) has an opening. 
 
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 would be interested in volunteering to fill 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
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 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.
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 first quarter of fiscal year 2019 were mailed June 26, 2018. The first quarter bill is due on August 1, 2018 and covers the period July 1 through September 30, 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 August 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 a coupon 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.