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Recycling/Trash for Monday, February 18th - Cans, Bottles, Plastics, Other
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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Upcoming Meetings
February 20, 2019 - Budget Advisory Cte. Meeting - 6:00 PM
February 20, 2019 - School Cte. Meeting @ RCS - 600 PM
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What's New in Richmond?
IMPORTANT REMINDERS - NOTICES!
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RICHMOND ELECTION SCHEDULE - 2019
Warrant for Citizen Petitions Closes March 4, 2019
Town Caucus at Town Hall March 25, 2019
Last Day to Obtain Nomination Papers March 27, 2019
Last Day to Submit Nomination papers March 29, 2019
Last Day to Object or Withdraw Papers April 15, 2019
Last Day to Register to Vote April 25, 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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Richmond Volunteer Opportunity
The Town is seeking 3 residents willing and interested in serving on a newly forming
Investment Advisory Committee
. This committee will advise the Treasurer and Finance Committee on matters related to the investment of our public funds. This includes ensuring prudent management and competitive returns for our Stabilization and Trust Fund investments.
Preference will be given to those with a financial background, but all are welcome to apply. Please send an email of interest to:
Townadmin@richmondma.org
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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: 160, 1834, 471 or 256 please arrange to have it picked up and paid for.
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A message From our New Richmond Consolidated School Principal, Ms. Jill Pompi
Hello Richmond Community Members,
As the recently appointed Interim Principal at Richmond Consolidated School, I have developed an entry plan that outlines key activities that will allow me the chance to learn as much as possible about RCS. In order to generate new success, it is crucial that I learn as much about the school and community as I can from students, families, community members and staff.
Becoming informed from all those who make up RCS will allow me to develop a deep and broad understanding beyond my own past experiences. I have begun a "listening tour" in the school and have created two surveys to glean as much information as possible in the most efficient way. Attached to this email is the community survey. If you could take a few minutes to complete the survey before February 6, it will inform our future work.
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SCROLL DOWN FOR A SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT FIREARMS PERMITS
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A RECITAL of AMERICAN MUSIC for TROMBONE by RONALD BARRON
, Retired PRINCIPAL TROMBONIST - BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
SPONSORED BY:
RICHMOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
and supported in part by a grant from the
RICHMOND CULTURAL COUNCIL,
a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
DATE:
MARCH 3, 2019 -
TIME:
3 P.M.
LOCATION:
RICHMOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
1515 State Road-Route 41, RICHMOND, MA 01254
COST: Tickets not required but donations accepted on behalf of the
EMERGENCY FUEL ASSISTANCE FUND
Checks should be written to Richmond Congregational Church, with memo to
Fuel Assistance Fund.
CONTACT: Ronald Barron at:
ron@trombonebarron.com
or 413-698-2801
Ronald Barron presents his sixth annual recital of American music for trombone. Mr. Barron will be assisted by LARRY WALLACH, piano; ALLAN DEAN, cornet; DAVID FIELDS, BAILEY FORFA, percussion; and JOHN SUTERS, bass.
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Hello Richmond School Community!
Last Spring, I signed up RCS to participate in the "Crayola Colorcycle" Program (see links for more information). I gave some classrooms labeled cans to collect dried up markers, put one can in the staff room, and made more cans available for those willing to keep one in their classroom.
I am hoping to send out a box over the February break. If you have any dried up markers (any brand or kind is accepted),
please get them to me by 3:00 p.m. this Friday, 2/15/19
. I will send out another box at the end of the school year too, so if you miss this date, please continue to send them in for recycling. Thanks for helping us to recycle old markers.
Michelle Smith, Preschool Teacher, Richmond Consolidated School
Join the Richmond Consolidated School's PTA and Grades 7 & 8 at Thistle and Mirth
Friday, March 8th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM - fun and food at Thistle and Mirth, 44 West Street in Pittsfield.
Purchase delicious food and the restaurant will donate all beverage proceeds to the kids to get them to Philadelphia. There will be "Paint-Your-Own Pint Glass" events and Trivia with Prizes valued at over $200.
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The Richmond Library is Offering a New “
Made in the Berkshires!” Basket Containing:
Blue Q tote bag (Pittsfield); Wildflower Honey
(W. Stockbridge); Fire Cider (Pittsfield);
Baldwin’s Worcestershire Sauce (W. Stockbridge);
Granola (Great Barrington); Baldwin’s Vanilla Extract
(W. Stockbridge); “Berkshire” coaster; Baldwin’s Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar (W. Stockbridge)
2 boxes of Crane stationery (Dalton); Baldwin’s Walnut Russe (W. Stockbridge)
Stop by soon and fill out a ticket! They're free. One chance per person per visit.
Thanks! and Good Luck!
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Save on Your Eversource Bills
Income eligible residents can automatically save 32% on their Eversource bills, and your application is completely confidential.
For more information see the income chart and please call BCAC at 413-445-4503.
For a larger image of the income chart - see our page on Facebook.
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Attention Photographers
Do you have a recent photo of Richmond to show off? If so, your photo could be highlighted on the cover of our 2018 Town Report which will be printed in the Spring of 2019. Please send photos for consideration to Mark Pruhenski/Town Administrator, at:
townadmin@richmondma.org
no later than March 1
st
.
The selected photo will be printed on our Town Report cover with a photo credit, and will also be used on our website and in our marketing materials this coming year.
By submitting your photograph, you grant permission for the Town to use the picture on its website, social media, or other publications, marketing materials, or visual displays. Photographs should not include a watermark.
Richmond Free Public Library presents
"Great-Granny McWilliams' Spring Tonic" Workshop
Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Got Spring Fever? Then, join us at the library on Saturday, March 2nd and learn about simple spring tonics form Mother Earth's pantry, featuring the wild edibles of spring. Sample a variety of tonic recipes and concoct a "Great-Granny McWilliams' Spring Tonic". Learn how New England colonists looked forward to foraging for wild greens that appeared under the melting snow.
Mother and daughter duo, Velya Jancz-Urband and Ehris Urban, are the founders of the Grounded Goodwife (groundedgoodwife.com) and they teach a variety of historical/herbal workshops.
Call the library at 698-3834 for more information and to reserve your spot - your body will thank you!
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 the March 14
th
meeting:
Subject: Redemption. Featured Movie: Seabiscuit
Other movies to watch:
Shawshank Redemption
Schindler’s List
Cider House Rules
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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 - 413-698-0044
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
OPENINGS ON COUNCILS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
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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Effective during the Chief's absence, from November 10, 2018 through April 15, 2019, all applications for new and renewals of LTC's and FID's will be handled and processed by Tracy Dunn. Appointments can be made by calling Tracy at 413-884-2820.
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, and sewer betterment bills for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019 will be mailed on December 28, 2018. The third quarter bill is due on February 1, 2019 and covers the period January 1 through March 31, 2019. Payments that are not received by that date are subject to late payment interest.
Interest begins to accrue immediately following February 1st and is charged at the annual rate of 14%.
Please contact the Tax Collector for the amount that is due after February 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 receive your 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 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 is 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 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
.
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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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