Photo credit: Staub
October 5, 2018
Reminders
Happy Columbus Day!
Recycling/Trash for Monday, October 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
October 10th - Board of Assessors - 5:00 PM
October 10th - Board of Selectmen - 6:00 PM
What's New in Richmond?
IMPORTANT NEW MESSAGE FROM YOUR TAX COLLECTOR - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO "FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR" SECTION

Final 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Saturday, October 13th - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Great Barrington Recycling Center
601 Stockbridge Road, Across from the High School
Businesses/Schools/Institutions Welcome - Fee Applies

No Electronics. Bring to Goodwill or Lenox Valley WTF in Lenoxdale. Fee applies.
Propane Tanks : Bring to Lenox Valley WTF in Lenoxdale - No charge

Acceptable Material:
From the Workbench : Oil-based (no latex) Paints, Stains & Varnishes, Wood Preservatives, Paint Strippers/Thinners, Solvent Adhesives, Lighter Fluid.
From the Garage : Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene, Antifreeze, Degreasers, driveway sealer Brake Fluid/Carburetor Cleaner, Transmission Fluid, Car Wax, Polishes, Roofing Tar, Pool Chemicals
From the Yard : Poisons, Insecticides, Fungicides, Fertilizers, Weed Killers, Moth Balls, Flea Control Products
From the House : Rubber Cement, Airplane Glue, Fiberglass Resins, Photo Chemicals, Chemistry Sets, Floor & Metal Polish, Oven Cleaner, Drain & Toilet Cleaner, Spot Remover, Rug/Upholstery Cleaner, Hobby/Artist Supplies, Mercury Thermometers & Thermostats, Button Batteries, Rechargeable Batteries, Compact and Tube Fluorescent Lamps, Ballasts

NOT ACCEPTING: Latex Paint / Water-Based Stains, Medical Waste, Fireworks & Explosives, Ammunition, Gas Cylinders of Any Kind, Smoke Detectors, Radioactive Material, Fire Extinguishers, Empty Aerosol Cans, PCB's, Paint Brushes/Rags, No Asbestos, Alkaline Batteries.

Pre-registration mandatory: Register Online: http://www.cetonline.org/events/
email: Jamie.Cahillane@cetonline.org or Call: 888-577-8448 ext. 14

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

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 second quarter of fiscal year 2019 were mailed September 27, 2018. The second quarter bill is due on November 1, 2018 and covers the period October 1 through December 31, 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 November 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 receive your next tax bill due for 02/01/2019 there will be two Remit Copy Coupons with this bill. One will be clearly marked for the payment due on 02/01/2019 and the other will be clearly marked for the payment due on 05/01/2019. 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 until the conversion process is completed, in which the sewer betterment bills will follow the same schedule as real estate and personal property tax bills. Sewer operation and maintenance bills will continue to be mailed out in late March of each year being due on May 1 st of each 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.