[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier - August 7, 2020

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
Fall Elections - Voting Options
On July 6th the Governor signed new legislation - An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID which provides voters with 3 voting options in the fall 2020 elections:  Vote by Mail<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/town_clerk1/absentee_ballots_applications.php>, Vote Early In Person<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/town_clerk1/early_voting/index.php> or Vote on Election Day<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/town_clerk1/know_before_you_go.php>. We have put together a Fall 2020 Elections Voter Options Guide<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/0f929e1d-f8c1-ea11-a302-000c29a59557/Fall%202020%20Elections%20Voter%20Options%20Guide.pdf>, which contains information on all 3 voting options - most of your questions can be answered by reading this guide before deciding how you want to vote this fall.
ELECTION TYPE

DATE OF ELECTION

LOCATION

ELECTION
  DAY HOURS

DEADLINE
TO REGISTER
TO VOTE<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/>

VOTE BY MAIL
APPLICATION
<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/3258387b-53c0-ea11-a302-000c29a59557/2020%20Vote%20by%20Mail%20application.pdf>DEADLINE

State Primary Election

September 1, 2020

OAHS

7 AM - 8 PM

August 22, 2020

August 26th - 5PM

Presidential Election

November 3, 2020

OAHS

7 AM - 8 PM

October 24, 2020

October 28th - 5PM

SEPTEMBER 1ST - STATE PRIMAY ELECTION
SELECTION OF BALLOT TYPES FOR INDEPENDENT VOTERS
In a primary election, a voter who is NOT registered in a political party (Unenrolled or commonly known as Independent) must specify the party ballot type of choice on the application to vote by mail or in person voting (early or on election day). We are unable to process applications for Unenrolled / Independent voters who do not select a party ballot type on their application. Unenrolled / Independent voters who select a party ballot type do not become registered in that party - they remain Unenrolled / Independent voters. Voters who are registered in one of the 4 political parties (Democrat, Republican, Green-Rainbow, Libertarian) MUST take that party ballot and are not given a choice of ballot type - verify your party enrollment<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx> or change your party enrollment<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/> prior to the deadline to register to vote and before applying for a mail in ballot. View sample ballots at https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/sample_ballots_.php
Temporary Grant Assistance is Available for Income-Qualified Easton Renters
The Affordable Housing Trust has partnered with the Metro West Collaborative non-profit to offer three months of temporary grant assistance<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/18acb366-41cc-ea11-a304-000c29a59557/Easton%20Emergency%20Rental%20Assistance%20Program%20Guidelines%20WEB.PDF&fromFrame=1> to Easton renters not receiving other government rental assistance and earning below 80% Area Median Income who have lost income during the ongoing pandemic and recession. Monthly grants are $800 for a 1-bedroom, $900 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,000 for a 3-bedroom. Anyone interested in applying should contact Robyn Rufo at Metro West directly for an application and other program details (Robyn at metrowestcd.org<mailto:Robyn at metrowestcd.org> or 617-923-3505 x 5). Applications are due to Metro West by Wednesday, August 12.
Easton Officials Provide Important Information about Novel Coronavirus
The Town of Easton has consolidated all of its press releases and public health guidance and directives into one central webpage for ease of use. Our dedicated page, www.easton.ma.us/covid-19<http://www.easton.ma.us/covid-19>, includes confirmed case counts, local, state, and national health guidance, contact information for our information line, municipal service info, and many other helpful resources. Please also follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/townofeastonma/> and Twitter <https://twitter.com/townofeaston> for important updates and information.
Reopening Town of Easton Regulation
The Board of Health in the Town of Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, in accordance with and under the authority of Section 31 of Chapter 111 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, adopted the REOPENING EASTON DOCUMENT FILING REQUIREMENT<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/91695b2c-7e9b-ea11-a2f8-000c29a59557/REOPENING%20EASTON%20DOCUMENT%20FILING%20REQUIREMENT%20REGULATION%20Final> REGULATION at a meeting of the Board of Health May 20, 2020. This Regulation is adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor's and the Town of Easton's Declaration of a State of Emergency and to further implement and supplement the Governor's May 18, 2020 Reopening Massachusetts plan issued by the Baker-Polito administration on May 18, 2020 in response the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. This Regulation is intended to protect the health of the general public in the Town of Easton by requiring sectors to file copies of the documents required under the Reopening Massachusetts plan namely, the COVID-19 Control Plan and the Self-Certification Checklists. The Governor's Reopening Massachusetts plan and guidance documents can be found here https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts .<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts>
Face Covering Orders
Effective Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. To review the order and for guidance, please visit this page<https://www.mass.gov/news/wear-a-mask-in-public>.
Rescission of Reusable Bag Ban
Effective Friday, July 10, 2020, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health has rescinded a previous order that temporarily banned the use of reusable bags at grocery stores.
Status of Town Services
In keeping with the Governor's continued emergency actions limiting gatherings and other efforts to maximize social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Town Offices and Frothingham Hall are to remain closed to the public until further notice.  All departments are working remotely and are reachable during regular business hours via telephone, email, or US mail.  Town department contact information and the status of municipal services during the COVID-19 State of Emergency can be accessed here<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/about_easton/contact_us.php>. To review the Town of Easton Interim Inspection Policy during COVID-19 Declared State of Emergency, please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/027ac652-b86e-ea11-a2ee-000c29a59557/Interim%20COVID-19%20Inspection%20Policy%202020.03.25>.  This policy is applicable to all inspectional staff, including the Building Department, Board of Health, Planning, Zoning, Conservation, DPW, Water, and Assessors.  The Town appreciates your continued patience and support as we all do our part together to flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Real Estate, Personal Property, Excise, Trash and Water Bill Payments
Due dates and interest charges have resumed a normal schedule.  We encourage online bill payment via https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection. Payments can also be made by US mail or can be placed in the drop box in front of the Town Offices at 136 Elm Street. Cash cannot be accepted at this time. If paying via US mail, please direct to: Town of Easton, Collector's Office, 136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356, or use the envelope and remittance coupon included with your paper bill.  If you are having difficulty paying your bills, there are options available in certain cases.  Please call the collector's office at 508-230-0610.
Bristol County Mosquito Control (BCMCP)
Bristol County Mosquito Control (BCMCP) is taking residential spray (adulticiding) requests for the mosquito season. You may call the office at 508-823-5253 between the hours of 8am-2pm. Please be patient as the line will be very busy. You may fax a request to 508-828-1868 or email a request to RequestBristolMCP at comcast.net<mailto:RequestBristolMCP at comcast.net>. Please include your last name, full address including zip code with your request. BCMCP began applications on Monday, June 1st between the hours of 2am and sunrise. Temperatures need to be above 55 degrees during those hours for applications to be made, so delays in June are very common. For more information, please visit this webpage: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bristol-county-mosquito-control-project. Residents can find information on this website, including a tentative spray schedule for which towns are done each day. Also, daily, an updated list of street names will be posted for residents to see if their location is on the schedule for the following spray day. All this information is weather dependent and can change if needed due to mosquito populations or virus detections.
Easton Water Division 2019 Consumer Confidence Report
The Easton Water Division is pleased to announce the availability of the 2019 consumer confidence report (CCR) which is available on the Water Divisions webpage:
https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/b6240be1-da53-ea11-a2e8-000c29a59557/Annual%20Report%20of%20the%20Easton%20Water%20Division%202019
Individuals requesting a hard copy sent to them, should call the Easton Water Division at 508-230-0850.
Veterans Benefits During COVID-19
M.G.L. Chapter 115 provides a needs based, means tested program of financial and medical assistance for qualifying veterans and their dependents. Eligible applicants may receive financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, and dental and medical care. These benefits are available for dependents of deceased veterans as well. To qualify as a single applicant your gross income must be below $2,081 and your assets must be below $5,000. To qualify as a married couple your gross income must below $2,818 and your assets must be below $9,800. Assets refer to liquid assets and do not include your home, vehicle, etc. it does, however include any IRA, 401k, stocks, bonds, trusts. We are proud to offer access to these benefits that you have earned through you or your loved one's service to our country. Please contact Cory Ahonen, Veterans' Service Officer, at 774-273-1991 or by e-mail at cahonen at easton.ma.us<mailto:cahonen at easton.ma.us>, to find out what documentation is needed to complete your application.
Veterans Discretionary Fund
The Veterans Discretionary Fund is reserved for the purchase or reimbursement of expenses required to sustain daily living for any veteran who is a resident of Easton, MA.  If you would like to donate or if you are in need of assistance from this fund please contact Cory Ahonen, Veterans' Service Officer, at 774-273-1991 or by e-mail at cahonen at easton.ma.us<mailto:cahonen at easton.ma.us>.
2020 United States Census
Recently, you should have received a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau, inviting you to go online to respond to the 2020 federal Census. The U.S. Census counts every person in the country every 10 years. The information gathered through the census is used to decide how much our communities get in state and federal money for things like public health, public safety, transportation, and education. The census is quick, easy, and important, and all of your answers are confidential. Please visit www.my2020census.gov<http://www.my2020census.gov> and be counted today. Click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/91c55cd3-2974-ea11-a2f0-000c29a59557/2020%20Federal%20Census%20-%20April%201st%20is%20National%20Census%20Day.pdf> for 2020 Census responding guide.
Local Business Assistance from the Small Business Administration
New loan programs for small business owners and non-profits are available under the CARES Act, including up to $10 million under the Paycheck Protection Program: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options.  Find more information about all of the loan programs here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/eecbd6e8-d878-ea11-a2f1-000c29a59557/LOCAL%20BUSINESS%20ASSISTANCE%20FROM%20THE%20SBA?fbclid=IwAR3dR9kuer2UxbFIPnTOq6HXDNg9YsTxNnfhzeCccCXjN7NMctInW4LYZLM>.
Easton Cable Access Television
ECAT will be broadcasting local and state COVID-19 information on Channel 9 Comcast and 22 Verizon Monday - Saturday from 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM and every day from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.  All live meetings will continue to take place on Channel 98 Comcast and 23 Verizon. An archive on COVID-19 community meetings is available at www.eastoncat.org/covid-19<http://www.eastoncat.org/covid-19>.
Week of August 17: Bulky Item Pick-up
The week of August 17, 2020 will be the next "FREE BULK ITEM" pickup week for Waste Management customers. If you are enrolled in our Waste Management trash program, you can put one (1) large item curbside on your regular trash day to be picked up at no charge to you. No need to call the office, just have your item out at 7AM. You can find the list of acceptable items on the Town's website. Any questions call the DPW @ 508-230-0800.
May 1 through November 1: Phase II Water Restrictions
Effective May 1, 2020 through November 1, 2020 Phase II Water Restrictions will be in place. Even numbered properties will be restricted to Mondays and Thursdays between 5:00am to 8:00am and 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesday and Friday between 5:00am to 8:00am and 6:00pm to 9:00pm. These restrictions are necessary to comply with our permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and to stay below our limit of 65 residential gallons per capita per day. As part of this permit we must also monitor streamflow in the Taunton River and impose further restrictions if the flow falls below 47 cubic feet per second for three consecutive days. Residents will be notified if further restrictions are required. Please visit the Easton Water Division web page at for more information: https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/index.php
COMMUNITY NEWS
Important Notice from the Easton Food Pantry
The Easton Food Pantry is here to serve residents in need. To that end, we will be open our usual hours on Mondays (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM), but with some special guidelines.

We have been working with the Town, Board of Health, and the Outreach Coordinator to come up with a plan so that we can distribute food and supplies while still minimizing risk to our volunteers and clients. To that end, these guidelines will be in place:

1. Call in by 5:00 PM Sunday evenings at (508) 230-0670 and leave the following info on our voicemail: name, address, phone #, and number of members in the family.  Speak slowly and clearly.
2. All clients will remain in their cars at all times.  Someone will come to the car to check you in and a volunteer will bring your bag/s to your trunk.  Please make certain it is clear.
3. No reusable bags will be used/allowed.
4. No Self Help will be available.
5. Please be patient! Everyone will get their food, but it will take a little extra time.

We are here to help all residents of Easton. These can be challenging times.  If you are newly in need of food and supplies, come see us on Mondays from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.  Please bring with you proof of Easton residency, such as a current utility bill, tax bill, etc. that has your name and address on it (drivers licenses are not considered proof of residency).  Stay in your car, and we will come to register you.
Donations:
If you would like to donate NON-PERISHABLE food or supplies, we ask that you please use the bins located at Roche Bros, Shaw's, 50 Oliver St, or near the Pantry entrance at 136 Elm Street.  PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY PERISHABLE ITEMS.  Monetary donations and local supermarket gift certificates are always greatly appreciated, and can be mailed to:
Easton Food Pantry
136 Elm Street
Easton, MA 02356

Check the Easton Food Pantry Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/Easton-Food-Pantry-147638461971296/> for updates.
Council on Aging Newsletter
The Council on Aging is here for you! Please click on this link to view our AUGUST newsletter, hot off the presses! https://www.easton.ma.us/August%202020.pdf
Attention Veterans! The Reveille Newsletter - A Publication of Easton Veterans' Services
https://www.ourseniorcenter.com/find/easton-veterans-services/bulletin/file/06-5360-20200701N.pdf
Ames Free Library open for computer use
The library's curbside pick-up of library materials from 10 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Saturday continues. Link: https://amesfreelibrary.org/contactless-curbside-book-pickup. Computer/printer/scanner use within the building is also now available by appointment. Email info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org> or call 508-238-2000 between 10 am - 5 pm, Monday - Saturday to schedule your appointment. All library materials may be dropped off in the external Book Drop as the 'Covid - grace period' for borrowed material ends July 31.

June 15 through September 12: Support Habitat for Humanity's new Easton home by Taking the Stride for Habitat Challenge!
South Shore Habitat for Humanity has a challenge for you this summer. The completely re-imagined Stride for Habitat lets YOU pick a goal of any type: athletic, academic, diet and health or anything else you wish. Achieve your goal all at once or over time. But complete the challenge by September 12th. Family, friends and colleagues can support your efforts in the form of a donation to South Shore Habitat for Humanity. Sign up here https://ride-for-habitat-2020.everydayhero.do/ or visit sshabitat.org\events to find the Stride for Habitat. For more information, contact Joe Regan, Development Officer at 781-337-7744, ext. 18 or jregan at sshabitat.org<mailto:jregan at sshabitat.org>. This summer, challenge yourself and help raise funds to support families in need of affordable homes.
Mondays Beginning July 20 through August 10: Let's Talk About Race" Book Discussion
Join the "Let's Talk about Race" book discussion hosted by Raising Multicultural Kids<http://www.raisingmulticulturalkids.com> and the Easton Human Rights Committee<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/humanrightscommittee/index.php> Mondays from 7:30 to 9pm July 20th to August 10th. The New York Times bestseller White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo will be the first book of the discussion series. Participants will read three chapters per week for four weeks then come together to discuss the chapters via Zoom. To order your copy of White Fragility, you can support a local small business by calling Paperback Junction<https://www.facebook.com/Paperback-Junction-182158088654417/> at 508-238-3034. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-about-race-tickets-111653857694
August 8: Original Easton Farmer's Market (OEFM)

The Original Easton Farmer's Market (OEFM) continues its 2020 summer session, which extends until October 31, on Saturday, August 8.  Market dates and hours are every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2.p.m.  Our location is 591 Depot Street/Route 123, in Easton, along the "S" curve.  Vendors in attendance at the OEFM on Saturday will be Oakdale Farms (fresh produce, farm-fresh eggs, fruit preserves, vinegars, fermented vegetables, extracts, and organic beverages), Bridgewater Village Bakery (sourdough bread, sweet pastries, and savory savories), Rosie Bud Farm (raw honey, and raw-honey-based soaps and lotions), Lady C&J Soulfood & Catering INC. (barbecue and soulfood), Big Rock Acres/Patti's Patch (fresh produce, hemp-derived CBD salves and tinctures, farm-fresh eggs, and cranberry products), Mao's Microgreens (microgreens, spring rolls, egg rolls, and fried rice), and Sammi's Natural Way (natural soaps and personal care products).  Please click here<https://www.facebook.com/EastonOriginalFarmersMarket/> to be taken to the OEFM Facebook page where you can find more information about the market.



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