Town of Richmond s1

Town of Richmond

News from Town Hall June 30, 2017

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT NOTICE!!

Now that the summer months are almost here, please be aware that, in the event of a tornado warning or other imminent severe weather, the two town sirens will be activated for three (3) minutes. If you hear the siren, please take cover in a safe place and wait for the weather to clear. You can dial 211 for updates and further instructions.

ANNUAL RICHMOND POND ASSN. TOWN PICNIC

Please note that the Richmond Pond Association will be holding its annual meeting and town picnic at Camp Russell on Tuesday July 25th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

The event is free and open to all town employees and Richmond residents. The RPA will be serving burgers, hotdogs, catered salads, desserts, and drinks. There will be pontoon boat rides/tours, live music, swimming, and family games, etc.

To RSVP, contact Phyllis at 698-3656 or at [email protected] no later than July 15th. RICHMOND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. BBQ

The Trustees of the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department will be holding the Annual Chicken BBQ and Bake Sale on Thursday August 10, 2017.

Tickets are now available for $18.00 each at Bartlett’s Orchard, as well as at the Fire Station on Monday nights from 6-8 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Tickets are also available from members of the Department. Seats are limited, so please get them early. We thank you for your continued support.

THE ANNUAL TOWN REPORT is now available on the home page of the Town’s website. (www.richmondma.org).

Paper copies are also available at Town Hall, the Post Office and Bartlett’s Orchard.

Berkshire County Mosquito Control

A new procedure is in effect: if a resident wishes not to have their area sprayed for mosquitos, they must now make a request through the state Dept. of Agricultural Resources in Boston, either by email or regular mail. There are some residents, particularly beekeepers, who wish to opt out of spraying.

TO OPT OUT ... To decline mosquito control measures, go to: Pesticide Exclusions Application website

Homeowners who believe they have too many mosquitoes can request pesticide application by phone or email. Mosquitoes are considered a nuisance when three to five land on a person within a minute. Information: (413) 447-9808, [email protected] or find Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project on Facebook

RICHMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

25th Anniversary Celebration Event Saturday, July 8, 2017 Sunday, July 9, 2017 Open House 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Northeast Schoolhouse (Corner of Summit & Swamp Rds., Richmond, MA)

View original, rare documents hand-written in Richmond during the late 18th Century. Learn names of those who helped shape our town during that period. See current photographs of homes where a few of those people lived during those years.

This event is free and open to the public. Berkshire HorseWorks Gala ''THE DERBY''

An Experiential Gala Benefiting those at risk in the Berkshires

Saturday, July 15, 2Ol7 - 5:30 PM Berkshire Equestrian Center 40 Perry's Peak Road, Richmond, MA 01254 698-3200 for further information.

A taste of Kentucky with Live Music and Auction. Wear your Derby hat or make one with us. Sip a Bourbon or Mint Julep in the tack room!

Recycling/Trash

Recycling for Monday, July 3rd will be paper.

Please place your trash and recyclables in a location that is easily accessible for the hauler to collect. Also, please have your trash and recycling out by 7:00 AM to ensure that it is collected. If, for some reason it is not collected, the hauler encourages you to contact them directly at 442-8390 rather than contacting Town Hall.

In addition, please be aware that the trucks used by the hauler are dual functioning trucks in that trash and recyclables are collected together but placed in separate compartments within the truck.

2017 Mini-site Collections Saturday, July 15 – 8:30 – 10:30 AM Lenox Dept. of Public Works

Saturday, August 12 – 8:30 – 11:00 AM Great Barrington Recycling Center

[Dates are Subject to Change]

Acceptable Materials - Used motor oil, Oil based Paints, Spray Paint, Turpentine, Stains, thinners (No Latex Paint)

Not Accepting - Latex Paint, paint brushes/rags, Medical Wastes, Asbestos, Fireworks & Explosives, Ammunition, Gas Cylinders, Smoke Detectors, Radioactive Material, Fire Extinguishers, Empty Aerosol Cans, PCB's

Pre-registration mandatory: [email protected]. Or call CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 14. Register online: http://www.cetonline.org/events/

2017 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday, July 22 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Stockbridge Waste Water Plant Route 102 about 1 mile west of the Red Lion Inn, behind the Stockbridge Transfer Station

Acceptable Materials – Oil-based paint (no latex), Stains & Varnishes, Wood Preservatives, Paint Strippers/Thinners, Solvent Adhesives, Lighter Fluid, Fuels/Gasoline/Kerosene, Antifreeze, Degreasers, Driveway Sealer, Brake Fluid/Carburetor Cleaner, Transmission Fluid, Car Wax, Polishes, Roofing Tar, Pool Chemicals, Poisons, Insecticides, Fungicides, Fertilizers, Week Killers, Moth Balls, Flea Control Products, 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, Motor Oil, 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.

Propane Tanks can be brought to Lenox Valley WTF in Lenoxdale at no charge. Electronics are accepted by GoodWill or Lenox Valley WTF in Lenoxdale- fee applies.

Pre-Registration is Mandatory: Online: http://www.cetonline.org/events/ Email: Jamie.cahillane@cetonline or call (888) 577-8448 ext. 14

The Community Health Association and The West Stockbridge Council on Aging Invite you to join us for a dinner and lecture: "How to Avoid Doctor Visits, Surgeons and Other Money Saving Tips Regarding Self- Medical Care" With Laurence Cohen, MD Cost: $10.00 per person for the buffet-style dinner When: Thursday, September 28th, 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM Where: St. Patrick’s Church Parish Center, Route 41, W. Stockbridge, 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. Contact: Emilie Jarrett: Tel 413-232-0122; email: [email protected] Food Safety Tips from the CDC:

It’s that time of year with outdoor cooking, BBQs, picnics and food transportation to outdoor events. The CDC has a website for Foodborne Disease Surveillance called Food Net Fast which has some great data and resources about summer-time food safety! Here is a fantastic link to social media Facebook and twitter infographics!

Lyme Disease: What you Need to Know:

The CDC has prepared a comprehensive pamphlet on everything you need to know to protect yourself, your family and your pets from Lyme Disease. It is anticipated that this season will be an especially bad one for tick-borne diseases. You can access the pamphlet and other information at the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/Lyme or call them at 1-800-232-4636.

Weekly Blood Pressure Clinics

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 contact Emilie Jarrett, RN: 413-232-0122 or via email at [email protected]. A New Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary For the Berkshires!..Right Here In Richmond: http://www.massaudubon.org/our-conservation-work/land-conservation/success-stories/a- new-wildlife-sanctuary-for-the-berkshires!#.WKN-oB0HwRQ.facebook

Council on Aging News

COA Director

Phyllis’ office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday- 9:00 AM– 3:30 PM. She can be reached at 698-3656 or at [email protected].

COUNCIL ON AGING TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

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, as follows: COA TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Any town in Berkshire County – deliver to – wait – return Suggested Fee Per Ride: $5.00

Rides Outside of Berkshire County: Northampton – Cooley Dickenson Hospital or the Veteran’s Hospital Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00 West Springfield – Specialist Office – Deliver-wait-return Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00 Springfield – Baystate Medical Center Suggested Fee Per Ride: $15:00 Specialist Office – Deliver – Wait – Return Albany – Albany Medical Center Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:000 Specialist Office – Deliver-Wait-Return

The Council on Aging is not able to provide rides to and from destinations outside of the acceptable distances listed above. Our drivers are volunteers, not paid for their time, it would, therefore, be unacceptable to ask them to devote an entire day to a ride taking 2-1/2 or more hours each way.

For appointments outside of our acceptable area, it is suggested that private arrangements be made with friends and family. Alternatively, you can contact the ambulance companies and arrange transportation with them – very often the cost of such rides is covered by medical insurance.

ONGOING CLASSES:

Exercise Classes with Christine Faber: CLASSES ARE SUSPENDED – FRI., JUNE 30TH-FRI., JULY 8TH Mondays—3:30 PM @ Richmond Cong. Church—Yoga Wednesdays—3:30 PM @ School—Tai Chi Thursdays—11:15 AM @ Town Hall— Osteo Exercise Fridays—3:30 PM @ Town Hall—Line Dance Want to join? Sign up with Christine at 413-243-2497 or [email protected]

Meals on Wheels

The Elder Services of Berkshire County "Meals on Wheels" menu for July is available on line at www.esbci.org/mow/current.pdf and on the COA bulletin board at Town Hall.

Need Food and/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 at https://bcacinc.org/. All correspondence is strictly confidential.

New Federal Fuel Assistance Income Limits for Fiscal Year 2017: Household Size Gross Annual Income 1 $34,001. 2 $44.463. 3 $54,925. 4 $65,387. 5 $75,849. 6 $86,311. 7 $88.272.

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 – 11:00 AM and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 6:00 PM.

Note to Donors:

Donations to the Food & Fuel Fund when donated to the Richmond Congregational Church and earmarked for the fund are tax deductible.

To donate, contact Holly Stover at 698-2673.

Richmond Consolidated School Follow this link to read about some exciting changes for Richmond Consolidated School http://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/richmond-consolidated-sees-big-changes-with- improved-arts-tech-and-foreign-languages,498807

Richmond Consolidated Pre-School Program

Accepting Applications for 2017-2018 School Year.

All Richmond residents who will turn 3 by September 1, 2017 are eligible for enrollment in our preschool program. Please contact Monica Zanin, Principal, at 413-698-2207 or [email protected]

School Newsletter

If you are interested in receiving the school’s weekly newsletter and other updates please contact Natalie Gingras at [email protected] and ask her to add you to the distribution list or access the website at http://www.rcscares.org/news-letter/.

HELP WANTED!

MARKETING VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED:

The Town of Richmond’s Long-Range Sustainability Working Group is looking for a volunteer to help us continue to market the town to potential residents.

If you have experience and/or a general interest in Marketing, please contact our Town Administrator Mark Pruhenski at 698-3882 or by email at: [email protected]

VOLUNTEER EMTs/FIREFIGHTERS The Town needs more volunteer EMT’s and/or Firefighters from Richmond or bordering communities. If you are interested, or know someone that is, please call us today! No experience is necessary, we will train you. You will be joining a great group of experienced volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Call Chief Traver today at 413-531-8837 or EMT applicants can call Brian at 413-212- 2112.

Vacancies on Town Boards

The Town is seeking applicants interested in filling the following board/committee vacancies: The Conservation Commission needs to fill two alternate seats; the Affordable Housing Committee is seeking two new members and the Agricultural Commission and the Sewer Advisory Committee, are still each seeking one additional member. The Richmond Conservation Commission is seeking two alternate members to fill in for regular members’ absences and create a quorum.

We also have an opening for the Town’s Field Driver, which is a volunteer position.

Anyone interested in serving in any of these capacities should contact Mark Pruhenski, Town Administrator, at 698-3882 or by email at [email protected].

The Richmond Recreation Committee needs a new member due to the retirement of long term member, Becky Marzotto. Please contact Jeff Konowitch [email protected] or 698-3415

From the Tax Collector

Real estate, personal property and sewer betterment bills for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 were mailed June 27th. The first quarter bill is due August 1st and covers the period July 1 through September 30, 2017. Payment of the first quarter amount due August 1st must be received by that date to avoid late payment interest. Interest begins to accrue immediately following August 1st and is charged at the annual rate of 14%. Please insure 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.

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.

Richmond Police Department

FID Cards

Application forms for FID cards are located on the Richmond website – www.richmondma.org. Click on Town Departments, Police Department – FID Permit Application Form appears at the bottom of the page. Fill out completely, following instructions on the form, and submit to Town Hall.

Information on renewing/applying for an FID card can be obtained by contacting Chief William Bullett, Richmond Police Department at 698-2691.

Richmond Free Public Library

The library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th.

July and August Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesdays 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Programs at the Library:

Richmond Free Public Library celebrates 125 years!

All patrons who visit the library are entered in our seasonal raffle for a chance to win a seasonal basket valued at $125.00 in celebration of our 125th year!

ZOO ON THE GO

A live animal show on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Call the library for additional information at 413-698-3834.

Donation of Children’s Books

The library is again accepting donations of children’s books

Richmond Reads

A free parent/child playgroup for children up to age 5 meets Thursdays from 9:30 -10:30 AM 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, By phone 413-464-5095 or by email: [email protected] MEETINGS/OFFICE HOURS AT TOWN HALL

Tuesday, July 4th – TOWN HALL IS CLOSED - HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Wednesday, July 5th – Building and Zoning Office Hrs. – 9:30-11:00 AM

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