Town of Richmond
News from Town Hall
September 8, 2017
SPECIAL NOTICES
Paving began in town on Tuesday, September 5th and will continue until further notice:
Beginning at the Richmond/West Stockbridge line: Portions of Swamp Road.
Portions of Lenox Road
Portions of Summit Road
Monument Circle
Sleepy Hollow Road (the currently paved portions only)
For questions, please contact Jerry Coppola, Highway Superintendent, at 698-3833.
2017 Mini-Site Collections
Wednesday, September 13th – 4:30 – 6:30 PM – Lenox Dept. of Public Works
275 Main St. (Rte 7A) Across from Mass. Highway Department
Saturday, October 7th – 8:30 – 11:00 AM – Great Barrington Recycling Center
Rte. 7, across from Monument Mountain High School
Acceptable Materials: Used motor oil, oil based paints, spray paint, turnpentine, stains, thinners (no latex/water based)
Not Accepting: Latex or water based paint/stains, paint brushes/rags, medical waste, asbestos, fireworks and explosives, ammunition, gas cylinders, smoke detectors, radioactive material, fire extinguishers, empty aerosol cans, PCB’s
Dates are subject to change.
Register online: http://www.cetonline.org/events/ - pre-registration mandatory
OR call CET at 800-369-3333 ext. 142
RICHMOND’S NEW EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM – CODE RED!
A new, more efficient emergency notification system – Code Red – has been activated for Richmond residents. Your home phone number will be automatically accessed in the event of an emergency. If you wish to have your cell phone or tablet added to the notification list, follow the link below to register those numbers.
https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/BFE73C55A57A
Open Space and Recreation Plan - In 2016 the Town adopted an Open Space and Recreation Plan that spans 2016 to 2022. Recently, the Board of Selectmen asked each board and committee to review the plan and continue to implement actions originally assigned to them. The Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen have begun doing the same. A copy of the plan can be found on the homepage of our website at: http://www.richmondma.org/vertical/sites/%7B9DC0A798-F1C3-4B1E-8269-2CF29B5BB3F8%7D/uploads/Richmond_OSRP_-_11-9.pdf
A new more accessible front door was installed at town hall this week, completing the replacement of our exterior doors. Both the front and ramp doors now have easy to use buttons and motors to automatically open when pushed.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
GENEROUS VOLUNTEERS INTERESTED IN ASSISTING LOCAL SENIORS AND OTHERS WITH THE COMPLETION OF FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES ARE NEEDED. FOR MANY YEARS THE AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM HAS ASSISTED RESIDENTS WITH PREPARING THEIR TAX RETURNS. NEW VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THIS VALUABLE SERVICE.
TWO TYPES OF POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE.
1. TAX PREPARER-PREPARES FEDERAL AND STATE RETURNS
2. CLIENT FACILITATOR-ASSISTS CLIENTS WITH THE ORGANIZATION OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND WITH FILLING OUT A GENERIC QUESTIONAIRE.
TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED FOR BOTH POSITIONS BETWEEN NOW AND FEBRUARY 2018. TAX PREPARATION ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONDUCTED FEBRUARY THROUGH MID APRIL 2018.
ANYONE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROGRAM SHOULD VISIT THE WEBSITE LISTED BELOW OR CALL THE BERKSHIRE DISTRICT COORDINATOR FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM AT 413-243-3569 OR http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide
“From the Lively World of Milton Bass” presents:
A Jazz Trio featuring Jazz Saxophonist, Charlie Tokarz
Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at 11:00 am. Coffee and donuts will be served.
Call the Richmond Free Public Library at 698-3834 for more information.
Recycling/Trash
Recycling for Tuesday, September 11th 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.
RICHMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A RICHMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
SAVE THIS DATE!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
Illustrated talk on forecasting weather
presented by
Richmond resident Dr. Joseph Kravitz
Professor of Meteorology, BCC
RICHMOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
FELLOWSHIP HALL
1515 – STATE ROAD
RICHMOND, MASSACHUSETTS
7:30 P.M.
Refreshments will be available.
An inside look at the mysteries of forecasting weather
HIKE TO WITNESS “THE RICHMOND BOULDER TRAIN”
Saturday, September 23rd - 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
UPPER HOUSATONIC VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE SPECIAL EVENT
Join Bill Edwards, from the Richmond Historical Society, for a hike to see and learn about The Richmond Boulder Train–a unique, famous geologic feature stretching through the Richmond landscape that did not fit in with their surrounding geology. For more historical background, please go to Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage, hover over Events, click from drop-down menu “2017 Housatonic Heritage Walks” and scroll down to #39.
Wear sturdy footwear and insect repellent. 1 mile–1.5 hours
Meet at BNRC’s Hollow Fields property, located off Rte 41 in Richmond–1 mile north of the junction of Rtes 295 & 41 (Perry’s Peak Road). From Pittsfield, take Rte 20 to the junction of Rte 41 (at the Hancock Shaker Village). Drive south on Rte 41 for 2.4 miles to Perry’s Peak Rd/Greenmeads Farm sign on the right and drive up Perry’s Peak Rd for 0.3 miles to Hollow Fields parking on the left.
OR, from West Stockbridge, drive north on Rte 41 for 5.8 miles to Perry’s Peak Rd /Greenmeads Farm sign on the left and drive up Perry’s Peak Rd for 0.3 miles to Hollow Fields parking on the left. GPS 42.4068, -73.3654 GOOGLE MAP
To register– or 413-698-3458.
RICHMOND LAND TRUST - Annual Pie fest Saturday, September 9, 2017 – 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Northeast Schoolhouse - Summit Road
I
It’s time for the annual Land Trust Pie Fest! Come join the fun! Everyone brings a pie – everyone gets to sample all the wonderful variety of home-baked pies.
The Northeast Schoolhouse will be open during Pie Social hours.
Rare late 18th century original Richmond documents and fresh local vintage photographs will be on display in the Heritage Room.
Classroom will be open – a chance for you to sit behind a vintage
desk!
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:
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 .
OCTOBER FLU CLINIC SCHEDULE – 2017
The Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge is offering free flu shots for residents over the age of 19 years as follows:
Community Health Assn. W. Stockbridge Office:
Mondays and Wednesdays – 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Except Major Holidays
West Stockbridge Town Hall Community Room
Tuesday, October 3rd – 12:00 N – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, October 24th – 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Richmond Congregational Church
Every Thursday – 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Except Major Holidays
Friday, October 6th – 12:00 N – 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 18th – 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Richmond Library
Tuesday, October 17th – 5:00 – 7:00 PM
For Information: Emilie Jarrett, RN, BSN 413-232.0122 or
Council on Aging News
COA Director
Phyllis’ Office Hours: Tuesday- 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday – 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Thursday- 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. She can be reached at 698-3656 or at .
SEEKING SENIORS FOR INTERGENERATIONAL FUN
Amy Brentano, theatre teacher/director at Richmond School and town resident, is producing a workshop to bring together middle school students with beloved town senior residents to explore oral history, communication, and stereotypes through a series of fun games and exercises that should produce a load of great material and lots of laughs.
Ms. Brentano has been devising original theatre with ensembles of actors and non-actors for over forty years and through Richmond Consolidated will be running the workshop on the dates* below. Students in grades 6-8 will participate and the project is seeking at least 5-10 senior residents of Richmond interested in playing listening games, socializing with students, and exploring intergenerational issues. Theatre experience is not required. Do you know what a meme is? How about snap chat, IM, un-friending, or hashtag? Do you have a story about how you communicated with your best friend when you were thirteen? Your boyfriend/girlfriend? How the heck did the world survive before the internet and cell phones? What is a telegram? Remember writing letters? How about a hand-written thank you note????
Ms. Brentano will head up the structured two-hour sessions in October and November, then subsequently will take the material gathered from the workshop and create a performance piece to be rehearsed in January and performed for the public in February. It is not necessary for senior participants to commit to the performance phase in order to join the first phase in October/November, but Brentano hopes it will be so much fun that seniors might wish to continue with the project through performance.
Few opportunities arise for seniors and young people to share stories and laughs. Please consider jumping into this project. And do not hesitate to call Amy at 413 441-7856 for more information.
*All Sessions Held at Richmond School in Cafeteria (Snacks provided!)
TUE 10/3 3-5
TUE 10/10 3-5
TUE 10/17 3-5
THU 10/19 3-5
TUE 11/14 3-5
THU 11/16 3-5
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:
Any town in Berkshire County
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
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:00
Springfield – Baystate Medical Center
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $15:00
Albany – Albany Medical Center
Suggested Fee Per Ride: $10:000
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 transportation 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:
Mon.—3:30 PM @ Richmond Cong. Church—Yoga
Wed.—3:30 PM @ 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 or
Meals on Wheels
The Elder Services of Berkshire County "Meals on Wheels" menu for September
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
School Newsletter
If you are interested in receiving the school’s weekly newsletter and other updates please contact Natalie Gingras at and ask her to add you to the distribution list or access the website at http://www.rcscares.org/news-letter/.
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 Affordable Housing Committee is seeking two new members and the Sewer Advisory Committee, are still each seeking one additional member.
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 .
The Richmond Recreation Committee needs a new member due to the retirement of long term member, Becky Marzotto. Please contact Jeff Konowitch 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 was due on August 1st and covers the period July 1 through September 30, 2017. Payments that were not received by that date are now 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 now due.