[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier October 18, 2019

[Easton Town Crier]

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING AND ELECTION NEWS
The Town of Easton will hold TWO Special Town Meetings and a Special Election this fall.
Monday, October 28: Special Town Meeting #1 - Debt Exclusion Appropriation and Authorization for the Easton Early Elementary School (EES) Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Project
The first Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Ames Sports Complex, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street. This meeting will focus solely on the Easton Early Elementary School (EES) Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Project appropriation. Local approval of funding for the EES Project is a two-step process in which BOTH votes must be approved by voters of Easton in order for the project to continue, this Special Town Meeting is step one. The last day to register to vote at this Special Town Meeting is Friday, October 18th at 8:00 PM. The draft warrant for this Special Town Meeting is available online by clicking here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/> and then selecting "Town Meeting Warrant Drafts." Hard copies of the warrant are available at the Town Offices. A SPECIAL TOWN MEETING INFORMATION GUIDE<https://www.easton.ma.us/October%2028,%202019%20Special%20Town%20Meeting%20Information%20Guide-Final.pdf> is also available with details on parking, babysitting, the check-in process, and voting procedures, as well as a campus map.
November 4: 12 Noon - Deadline to Apply for an Absentee Ballot - Special Town Election
Absentee Ballots for the Special Town Election are now available at the Town Clerk's Office. Absentee Ballots are available for registered voters who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to absence from the Town during normal polling hours, physical disability preventing them from going to the polling place or religious belief. Registered voters must fill out an application<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/b5791743-ccbd-e711-80bf-001fbc00ed85/Absentee%20Ballot%20Application%20-%202018%20Easton.pdf> which will allow them to complete an absentee ballot at the Town Clerk's office or to have one mailed to them. (Absentee ballots cannot be picked up and taken from the Clerk's Office). The deadline for applying for an absentee ballot is Monday, November 4, 2019 at 12:00 Noon. Mailed ballots must be received back at the Town Clerk's Office by the close of polls on Election Day (8:00PM on Tuesday, November 5th).
Get out and vote. YOUR VOTE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Tuesday, November 5: Special Town Election - Debt Exclusion for the Easton Early Elementary School (EES) Project
The Special Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM at Oliver Ames High School, 100 Lothrop Street. Residents will vote whether to approve funding for the Easton Early Elementary School Project, via debt exclusion override. Local approval of funding for the EES Project is a two-step process in which BOTH votes must be approved by voters of Easton in order for the project to continue, this Special Election is step two. The last day to register to vote in this Special Town Election is Wednesday, October 16th at 8:00 PM.
For complete information about the Easton Early Elementary School Project visit the project website: www.eastoneesproject.com<http://www.eastoneesproject.com>. Residents can also get information and tax calculations for the proposed debt exclusion override for their property at www.easton.ma.us/eesproject<http://www.easton.ma.us/eesproject>.
Tuesday, November 12: Special Town Meeting #2
The second Special Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the Oliver Ames High School Auditorium, 100 Lothrop Street. This meeting will focus on the routine but important town business conducted each fall at Special Town Meeting. The last day to register to vote at this Special Town Meeting is Friday, November 1st at 8:00 PM. The draft warrant for this Special Town Meeting is available online by clicking here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/> and then selecting "Town Meeting Warrant Drafts." Hard copies of the warrant are available at the Town Offices.
To register to vote and for more Easton voter information, including precinct information and a sample ballot, please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/election_information.php>.
Town of Easton Employment Opportunities
The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunities available:
Communications Dispatchers - 40 hours per week, part time and per diem
For more information, and full job posting, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>
Notice of Vacancy - Finance Committee
The Select Board is accepting applications from interested volunteers seeking to fulfill the unexpired term of a Finance Committee member. If appointed, the volunteer will serve on the Finance Committee until the Town Election in April 2020 at which point they may run for election to the Finance Committee. Interested applicants may apply for the vacancy by completing a volunteer form online at http://easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php by October 28, 2019. Please contact Michael Blanchard, Assistant Town Administrator, at mblanchard at easton.ma.us<mailto:mblanchard at easton.ma.us> or 508-230-0513 with any questions.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Residents are urged to use personal protection methods and avoid mosquito bites. Please visit the Easton Board of Health's webpage<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/board_of_health/index.php>, then see the left blue sidebar "Mosquito Information" for press releases and additional ways to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. Risk for mosquito-borne disease is virtually eliminated by the first local hard frost, which kills most remaining adult mosquitoes. A hard, or killing frost, is defined meteorologically as two consecutive hours of temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit or three hours below 32 degrees.
Board of Health Votes to Restrict Outdoor Activities from Dusk through Dawn
On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, in response to the high risk threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the Easton Board of Health, pursuant to the Code of the Town of Easton, Chapter 332<https://www.ecode360.com/32676006>, voted to restrict outdoor activities on all public property and all private property that is used for locally sponsored youth activities, including but not limited to youth sports leagues, from dusk to dawn, in accordance with the times listed in the Massachusetts Arbovirus Response Plan, effective immediately and until further notice. For this updated calendar, please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/d615a834-99ca-e911-a2d2-000c29a59557/EEE%202019_%20Dusk_Dawn%20Table> or visit the visit the Easton Board of Health's webpage<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/board_of_health/index.php>, then see the left blue sidebar "Mosquito Information."
Notice to Property Owners in Queset Sewer District
At this time the Queset Sewer District construction is substantially complete and ready for connections. Property owners in the Queset Sewer District that are part of the sewer project that would like to connect should contact a Licensed Drain Layer or contact a contractor who is eligible to become licensed to begin the process of connecting to sewer. The cost to connect to the sewer lines installed by the Town is the responsibility of the property owner. We recommend getting as many quotes as possible for the work and to be clear on what is or is not included in the scope of work (i.e. restoration of lawns, driveways, walkways, removal of trees, internal plumbing changes, abandonment of septic or cesspool, pumping of the old system, cost of permits, etc.). Only Licensed Drain Layers (or those applying to be licensed) may apply for a sewer permit. The Town of Easton will license contractors that have experience installing municipal sanitary sewer, possess the required insurance, and have posted a $5,000 performance bond. For more information visit the DPW Permit page at https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/permits.php.
Five Corners Sewer Construction Project: Phase II
Phase II of the Five Corners Sewer Project includes installation of a sanitary sewer collection system from Roberts Drive along Route 106 down Foundry Street to the Five Corners area and will result in one-way traffic along Route 106 during most of the construction. The greatest amount of traffic is anticipated to occur during morning commuting hours. To stay connected during construction, please visit www.fivecornerssewer.com<http://www.fivecornerssewer.com> for project information and to sign up for construction updates and traffic alerts. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, you may email us at fivecorners at easton.ma.us<mailto:fivecorners at easton.ma.us> or call us at (888) 527-6797.
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget for the Town of Easton and Easton Public Schools
The Town Administrator's Balanced Budget is available in a comprehensive document that contains both the operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2020. The budget information is presented in a helpful and user friendly format that includes a citizen's guide to the budget, a budget summary for each department, and a glossary of common municipal finance terminology. A full copy of the Town's Fiscal Year 2020 Budget is available here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/77304f96-3770-e911-a2cd-000c29a59557/Annual%20Budget%20for%20Fiscal%20Year%20Starting%20July%2001,%202019>.
Waste Management Guide
Waste Management has published a guide for homeowners to explain what is recyclable at home and most common contaminants https://recycleoftenrecycleright.com/resources/for-home/.
South Coast Rail Project

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is transitioning all project websites into the newly designed, statewide website. The South Coast Rail's new project website can be found at: www.mass.gov/south-coast-rail<http://www.mass.gov/south-coast-rail>. There is now a South Coast Rail Interactive Corridor Map, which is available on the Corridor Maps<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbXNpZD0mYXVpZD0mbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTkwODEyLjkwMzIwMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTkwODEyLjkwMzIwMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNzEyOTA3OCZlbWFpbGlkPWFsYW5naGF1c2VyQGVhc3Rvbi5tYS51cyZ1c2VyaWQ9YWxhbmdoYXVzZXJAZWFzdG9uLm1hLnVzJnRhcmdldGlkPSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&101&&&https://www.mass.gov/service-details/south-coast-rail-project-corridor-maps> page of the project website. It provides a detailed, street-by-street view of the entire Phase 1 and Full Build corridors, including each station and layover facility. You can enter a property's street address to locate where a property is in relation to the tracks.
The Public Health Nurse will be available for Blood Pressure readings for Easton residents on a walk in basis (no appointment needed) according to the following Tuesday schedule. Please note the Public Health nurse will be able to do blood pressure readings, not Blood Sugar.

·   Parker Terrace Community Rm - Tuesday, November 5 (9:30AM-10:30AM)

·  Frothingham Hall - COA (15 Barrows St) Tuesday, November 12 (9:30AM-10:30AM)

·  Elise Circle Community Rm - Tuesday, November 19 (9:30AM-10:30AM)

·  Town Hall (136 Elm St., 2nd Floor Conference Rm) - Tuesday, October 22 (9:30AM-10:30AM)
To view the Easton Board of Health Public Health Nurse schedule for the entire year, please refer to Public Nurse Schedule<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/5e357e0f-16a4-e911-a2d0-000c29a59557/Public%20Nurse%20Schedule%204%20locations%202019%20rev%207%2012%202019>
Now through End of November: Fire Station #2 at 87 Depot Street - Under Construction - Closed
Fire Station #2 on Depot Street will be closed through the end of November during construction to add an addition and renovate the existing station. Fire Personnel and apparatus will be housed during the period of construction at Fire Station #3; on Bay road. Please remember to call 911 immediately in the event of an emergency.
Meetings Next Week: October 21 through October 25
See time, date, location, and agenda details on our helpful calendar app: Town of Easton Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Calendar>. Questions relating to public meetings should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at (508) 230-0530. Stay informed of all town board and committee business by signing up for email notifications with our Minutes on Demand service! Sign up here.<http://eastontownma.minutesondemand.com/EmailNotifications/Login>
Now through April 1, 2020: Real Estate Exemption Applications for FY2020 Now Available
Applications for real estate property tax exemptions for FY2020 are now available through the Easton Assessors' Office. The town offers many exemptions designed to reduce property tax for qualifying seniors and disabled residents. Exemptions include:

·     Elderly, for those age 65 and older who qualify by income and assets;

·     Widow, widower, persons over 70 or minor surviving child with asset limit;

·     Disabled veterans, blind, tax deferral; and

·     Community Preservation Act with income limits
Those interested in further information or applications should visit the Assessors' section of the town's website at Easton Real Estate Property Tax Exemptions<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/e418076f-f698-e911-a2cd-000c29a59557/2020%20RE%20Exemption%20info%20for%20web%20site.pdf&fromFrame=1>. If you would prefer to avoid long lines and believe that you may need assistance, call the Assessors' Office (508) 230-0520 to schedule an appointment to review your application. You may drop off the application at the Assessors' office or mail the completed application.
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS
Beginning November 5: Meals on Wheels Volunteer Needed on Tuesday Mornings
We are looking for a volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels to Easton residents on Tuesday mornings 9AM-11:30AM/12PM starting November 5, 2019. This would be on a weekly basis and would be a 2-3 hour route. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Outreach Coordinator, Kathleen Gouveia at 508-230-0692.
Easton Community Access Television (ECAT)
Would you like to help ECAT shape our programming and strategies for the future? ECAT is partnering with Stonehill College on two exciting research initiatives: an online survey and a focus group. If you are interested in participating in one or both please send an email to Prof. Kristin McGillicuddy at kmcgillicuddy at stonehill.edu<mailto:kmcgillicuddy at stonehill.edu>.
Free Town of Easton Community Calendar
The free town of Easton Community Calendar from September 2019 through August 2020, prepared and published by the North Easton Savings Bank, is now available. In addition to listing town, school and organizational events, it included information about civic and religious groups, community activities, and a brief history of the 135 years of the Ames Free Library. Assisted by the Easton Country Club, Morse Insurance, and Scoreboard Enterprises, the calendar is a valuable resource for all residents. Calendars are available at the Ames Free Library, Easton Historical Society, Town Offices, and all Easton branches of the North Easton Savings Bank.
Mondays through Saturdays: Ames Free Library - Find Entertainment & Inspiration
Find entertainment & inspiration at one of the great programs offered at the Ames Free Library! You can also browse our wide collection of books, large print materials, magazines, newspapers, audio books, database resources, DVDs and music suitable for all ages and interests. Weekly Storytimes are conducted in the Children's Room of the Main Library from 10:30AM-11AM on Monday - Thursday. All library programs are at Queset House, 51 Main Street unless listed otherwise. Free and open to all. For more information, call (508) 238-2000, check www.amesfreelibrary.org<http://www.amesfreelibrary.org/> or Email info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org>.

Now through October: The Original Easton Farmer's Market are Recruiting Vendors
To sell farm produce, seafood, bakery items, and other locally sourced products. For those who have questions, are looking for more information about the OEFM, or are interested in becoming an OEFM vendor, please contact OEFM Market Manager Ross A. Muscato. Ross's email is farmersmarket at easton.ma.us<mailto:farmersmarket at easton.ma.us>; the number at which to call or text Ross at 774-219-4168. Please click here<https://www.facebook.com/EastonOriginalFarmersMarket/> to be taken to the OEFM Facebook page.
October 18: Community Meditation
Friday, October 18 from 10:30am - 11:30am. Want to share mindfulness skills and meet other folks with contemplative practices? Welcome to an open, peer-to-peer meditation sangha, where we will sit together for 30 minutes of meditation in a low key, supportive environment. Anyone with a meditation practice in any tradition is welcome. Facilitators are doubly welcome! Please bring a cushion for sitting. Free and open to all. Queset House, 51 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room
October 19: Original Easton Farmer's Market is on the Depot Street S-Curve from 10AM-2PM

The Original Easton Farmer's Market (OEFM), the 2019 summer and outdoor version, is held every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm at 591 Depot Street/Route 123 in Easton, along the "S" curve in the road. For Saturday, October 19, 2019, our vendors of locally grown, locally raised, and locally crafted are E.L. Silvia Farms (fresh produce), Bridgewater Village Bakery (sourdough bread, sourdough pastries, and sourdough-crusted chicken pot pies), Say Cheese (artisan cheeses), Garden of Easton (microgreens and herbs), Rosie Bud Farm (raw honey; soaps and lotions made from raw honey), Oakdale Farms (fresh produce, farm fresh eggs, potted plants, jam, jellies, oils, and vinegars), Artis Winery (red, white, rosé, and blend wines), Lady C&J Soulfood & Catering INC. (barbecue and soul food), Debbie's Soaps (detergent-free soaps made from glycerin and goat's milk), All Hands In (quality personal care products made by survivors of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation; proceeds of sales go to heal those who have suffered, and to fight and prevent, these abuses),Daddy's Home Grown (humanely and free-range raised beef, pork, and chicken), and Knot Be Gone Therapeutic Massage (this newly opened business in Easton will be offering complimentary chair massages).

October 19: Teen D&D Group

Saturday, October 19th from 10am-12pm, 1st Floor Presentation Room, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All

October 21: AFL Book Club

We will be discussing, from 6:30pm-7:30pm, the book selection Baracoon, the story of the last "black cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. 1st Floor Presentation Commons, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All

October 22: The American Legion Post 7 Meeting

The American Legion Post 7 Easton, Ma invites any interested veterans to their next meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2019<calendar:T2:Tuesday,%20June%2025,%202019>. The Meeting begins at 7pm and normally runs until 8pm at the VFW Hall, 61 Rockland Street on the corner of Allen Road, Easton, MA.

October 22: CoA Book Club

We will be discussing, at 1pm, the book selection Baracoon, the story of the last "black cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street. Free and Open to All.

October 22: Green Living Exploration Group

Tuesday, October 22nd from 7p -8pm, First Floor Library Room, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All.

October 23: AFL Book Club

We will be discussing, from 1:30pm-2:30pm, the book selection Baracoon, the story of the last "black cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. 1st Floor Presentation Commons, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All.

October 23: Trip Talk

Walking the Via Francigena with Mary and Daniel Dempsey, from 6:30pm-7:3 pm. All roads lead to Rome, right?  Join the Dempsey's as they describe the Francigena, an ancient pilgrim route that meanders through mountain paths, mule tracks, rural byways, cypress-lined lanes, streets paved with river stones and roads shaded by majestic pines.

Since 2004, Dan and Mary Dempsey have enjoyed medieval pilgrim paths across France, Spain, and Portugal. They are here to show you how you can enjoy it too! 1st Floor Presentation Commons, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All.
October 24: The Community Preservation Committee Is Seeking Public Input on Fund Usage
SAVE THE DATE Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 7:00 PM, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is seeking public input on how Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds should be used. Let the CPC know what's important to you. For more information and examples on eligible use categories, please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/c8f4e6b8-93d4-e911-a2d2-000c29a59557/Oct%2024%202019%20Outreach%20Message>. For more information regarding the CPC itself, and details on CPA projects currently underway, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/community_preservation_act_committee/index.php>.

October 24: Local Author Reading

Join us at Stories and Songs on Thursday, October 24, 10:30am-11:00am for a reading by local author Judy Hochberg. She will share her story Little Cat Lost along with our regularly scheduled storytime. Her book will be available for purchase after the program. Children's Room, Ames Free Library 53 Main Street, Free and Open to All.

October 24: Easton STEM Week

The Easton STEAM committee and Easton Public Schools present an open house, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, in honor of Massachusetts STEM Week! The open house will feature the following:

* Student STEM projects from grades K through 12

* Student STEAM-based art projects

* The Iron Tigers Robotics performance video

* OA Senior Project posters by Maddie Peckham and Grace Gaultier

* OA's Society for Women Engineers



and more samples of the dynamic STEM work that happens in the Easton Public Schools every day. The library will also host a Take Apart Table where kids can take apart and explore the insides of various devices! Queset House, 1st Floor Presentation Commons, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All.

October 24: The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape Photographs of New Americans by Mark Chester

This exhibit of inspirational portraits, presented by photographer Mark Chester, offers a moving display of more than 400 newly naturalized U.S. citizens who hail from over 190 of the 196 countries and territories around the globe and are now residents of the Commonwealth. Program is 6:30pm - 7:30pm, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Queset House, 51 Main Street, Free and Open to All.
October 26: DRUG TAKE BACK
Saturday October 26th - 10am to 2pm at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street. Turn in your used or expired medication for safe disposal. Over-the counter and pet medications will also be accepted. Sharps (Needles, syringes) will be accepted but must be contained in a hard plastic container. Thermometers, IV bags, medical devices and personal care products will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This service is brought to you by the Easton Police, Easton Board of Health and Easton Wings of Hope.
October 26: Boos and Brews Library Fundraiser
Saturday, Oct 26, 7pm-10pm. The Ames Free Library presents our third annual Halloween Fundraiser. This is a 21+ event. DJ and Dancing, Drinks and Appetizers, Mentalist/Magician--all designed for a great evening. Queset House, 51 Main Street. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the library or online at our website, www.amesfreelibrary.org<http://www.amesfreelibrary.org>.
October 29: Suds and Duds - Presentation on Social Security, Medicare and Retirement Duds to avoid
Come get your retirement rundown on tap. Nora Yousif from RBC Wealth Management will be at Shovel Town Brewery on Tuesday, October 29th at 6:00pm to cover the big retirement mistakes to avoid, while helping you optimize your lifetime Social Security benefit check, all while you kick back a few locally-brewed cold ones.
November 16: Free Community Shred Day at the Bank of Easton
Bank of Easton is hosting a community Shred Day on November 16th. Safely shred unwanted confidential documents and records in Shred-it's secure shred truck for free! Hours: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, or until the truck is full. Limited to one grocery-sized bag per car. Paper documents and records only! Location: Go to the rear of the 275 Washington Street Office. For more information call the Bank of Easton: 508-238-1000

About the Town Crier
The Town Crier is typically sent on Fridays informing subscribers of local government news, notices and community events. To request an event be added to a future newsletter, please send an email to lflorio at easton.ma.us<mailto:lflorio at easton.ma.us> with the information in plain text as you wish it to appear. For consideration, please include event information, the name of the group/event, date, time, location, contact information and website if applicable. Please list all dates that you want to run the notice. The Town reserves the right to reject requests deemed not to be in the public interest or those promoting private benefits and is not responsible for typographical errors. Requests for inclusion must be received no later than Thursday 12:30PM in order to be considered for inclusion in that Friday's newsletter. Requests in the form of PDFs, JPEGs, press releases, etc. will not be accepted. Have a great weekend.



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