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Recycling/Trash for Monday, May 6th - 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.
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The new 2019-2020 Recycling Schedule has arrived
The new schedule begins with July 1st. Stop into Town Hall for a color copy, or you can print one directly from our website at:
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Upcoming Meetings
May 7, 2019 - Board of Health Mtg. - 5:00 PM
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What's New in Richmond?
IMPORTANT REMINDERS - NOTICES!
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RICHMOND ELECTION SCHEDULE - 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
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HELP WANTED:
Richmond Pond Boat Ramp Monitors:
Seasonal part-time position, from June 16 to
September 7, 2019. 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 the 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
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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.
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Richmond Free Public Library
On May 30, 2019 the library will be starting a new monthly program called "Tech Talks with Candy".
This half hour program will explore different aspects of technology available today. It is our hope that this new service will aid our patrons in navigating the digital world.
Schedule of Dates / Subjects
May 30th: How to hook up and play the library’s Roku.
June 27th: How to search the library’s catalog and place holds from home. Call ahead if you’re having login problems.
July 25th: Your Android phone. (Submit specific questions in advance.)
August 29th: Your Apple phone. (Submit specific questions in advance)
September 26th: Your iPod Touch
October 31st: How to digitize your old cassette tapes.
November 21st: Genealogy searching on the internet.
December 26th: How to take a “selfie”.
January 30th: How to use a flash drive.
February 27th: Keyboard shortcuts.
March 26th: How to download and use iTunes.
April 25th: Those You Tube videos.
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Richmond Historical Society 27th Anniversary Event
On Friday, May 17, 2019 7:00 P.M. Rick Ryer from Hancock Shaker Village will present a Shaker Oval Box talk and demonstration at the Richmond Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 State Road, Richmond.
Rick has been a volunteer interpreter at Hancock Shaker Village for 8 years and has been demonstrating oval box building for the past 6 years. In addition to presenting workshops, Rick leads behind-the-scenes “Attic and Basements” tours at the Village.
There will be a question and answer opportunity following his demonstration. This event is free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated. Refreshments will be served. A short business meeting will precede this presentation.
NEW INFORMATION!
Rick has generously donated a few of his oval boxes to benefit our society. Come see how YOU could have a chance to go home with one!
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The Richmond Historical Society
is seeking photos showing people involved in farming or household activities during the time period 1910-1940 for a photo exhibit. Please contact Virginia Larkin if you have photos to submit or for more information
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Hello Richmond Community!
The Preschool will once again be collecting donations to bring with us on our annual field trip to the Berkshire Humane Society. Please see the attached files for their wish list of items or the amazon link below, if you can contribute. You can also make cash or check donations that we will bring to them. We will have collection boxes in the cafeteria, by the office, and outside the Preschool classroom. All donations need to be to school by 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 8th.
Shelter Items
• Laundry supplies – HE detergent, softener & dryer sheets
• Cleaning supplies – paper towels, Windex glass cleaner, Lysol disinfectant spray, bleach, Brillo pads, sponges, disinfectant wipes, & non-pine scented floor cleaner (No pine-scented please!)
• Heavy-duty garbage bags - Gallon & quart Ziploc bags
• Automatic dishwashing liquid
• Gift cards from gas stations and office supply, pet, & hardware stores
• Postage stamps - Printer paper - Letter-size file folders - Dry Erase markers & cleaner
• Measuring cups
Items They Always Need:
Cats
• Food: Kittens – Iams ProActive Health Kitten, Purina One Kitten, & Purina Kitten Chow
Adult Cats – Fancy Feast dry and canned, Iams ProActive Health Adult Original with Chicken, & all Purina dry foods
• Good quality clay cat litter (No clumping litter please!) - Cat toys - Cardboard scratching posts - Small beds
• Q-Tip cotton swabs
Dogs
• Food: Iams ProActive Health Adult Chunk, Iams Healthy Naturals Adult with Lamb, & Natural Balance Lamb and Rice or Potato and Rabbit
• Thin six-foot leashes - Freeze-dried liver treats - Soft training treats (No biscuits please!)
• Nyla Dura Chew bones - Martingale no-slip dog collars
• Good quality, environmentally friendly poop bags
• Slo-Bowl dog feeder - Hot dogs, frozen meatballs, &string cheese
Small Animals:
• Kaytee food for small animals - Rabbit toys & treats - Care Fresh or Kaytee Softsorbent bedding
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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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2019 Dog Licenses Due:
Please don't forget that the last day to license your dog without a $5.00 late fee was March 31st. Licenses can be purchased from the Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours. For questions, please contact:
clerk@richmondma.org
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Announcement from Town Hall
Please be advised that State Route 41 will be milled and
re-surfaced from the bridge (near the Post Office) North to Route 20 in Pittsfield over the next couple of weeks. You will likely experience traffic delays, so please plan accordingly.
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, 105 or 26, please arrange to have it picked up and paid for.
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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.)
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.
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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.
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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 May 9
th
, our film discussion group will be viewing:
Theme: Norman Jewison, Director
Social Commentary Films
Featured movie: “In the Heat of the Night”
Other movies to watch: “The Hurricane”, “The Russians are Coming, the Russians are coming” and “Other People’s Money”
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QUICK LINKS TO THE WEBSITE
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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 - 413-298-0044
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
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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.
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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
Richmond Recreation Committee
has member openings
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
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Richmond Consolidated School
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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.
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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
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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
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Police Department - Firearms Permits
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Applications for new and renewals of LTC's and FID's can be accessed on the Richmond Town Website www.richmondma.org.
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
.
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Community Health Association
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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
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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.
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Real estate, personal property, sewer betterment, and sewer operation and maintenance bills for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019 were 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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