[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier October 9, 2020

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
November Presidential Election - 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.
APPLY EARLY - to allow ample time for processing your application and for the postal services to deliver your ballot to you. Applications<https://www.easton.ma.us/VoteByMail.pdf> can be returned by Mail (postage is pre-paid on the post card application mailed to you), placed in the sliver Tax Collectors drop box outside of the town offices (136 Elm St) or scanned & emailed to votebymail at easton.ma.us <mailto:votebymail at easton.ma.us%20>



VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT DELIVERY - For voters whose application was received by the Town Clerk's Office on or before October 2nd, YOUR BALLOTS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE POST OFFICE TODAY! Once you receive your ballot, please vote it promptly, place the ballot in the manila ballot envelope and sign the required affidavit. Place the sealed ballot envelope in the postage paid white return envelope and return by U.S. mail or place it in the secure drop box at Town Offices at 136 Elm St.
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D69E10.19734B60]
TRACK YOUR APPLICATION AND BALLOT<http://www.wheredoivotema.com/track/trackmyballot.aspx> - Use this link to see whether you have already applied or where your application and/or ballot is in the process. [cid:image002.jpg at 01D69E10.19734B60]
Please allow at least 1 week before checking the status of your application and allow a minimum of 10 days to receive your ballot from the status date of mailing. Please DO NOT contact the Clerk's Office to check on your status until the recommended amount of time listed above has passed. Inquiries should be sent to votebymail at easton.ma.us<mailto:votebymail at easton.ma.us>

RETURNING YOUR BALLOT
Mailed Ballots include a postage pre-paid return ballot envelope that is addressed to the Town Clerk's Office. You may return your ballot by mail (please see deadlines below) or hand deliver your ballot by placing it in the secured municipal drop box outside of the Town Offices (deadline is close of polls on Election Day).Ballots can NOT be returned to the polling location on Election Day - they must be returned to the Town Clerk's Office for processing before they are delivered by Town Clerk's staff to the polls to be cast on Election Day.

Deadlines for ballots to be returned and counted

  *   Ballots returned in the drop box must be received by 8PM on November 3rd.
  *   Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by November 3rd AND received by the Town Clerk by 5PM on November 6th.

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

Presidential Election

November 3, 2020

OAHS

7 AM - 8 PM

October 24, 2020

October 28th - 5PM

Easton's Community Choice Power Supply Program: Aggregation Plan Goes Live November 2020
The Town of Easton is pleased to announce that Dynegy Energy Services has been selected as the supplier for its Community Choice Power Supply Program. This Program is a municipal aggregation which enables local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents and businesses to provide them with an alternative to National Grid Basic Service. The aggregation rate is $0.10287/kWh, below the November 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021 National Grid Basic Service rate of $0.12388/kWh. Standard supply customers will collectively save over $600,000 in this six-month period. Over the 3-year term of the agreement, Easton customers will collectively save an estimated $2.2 million in electricity costs.

This Program only affects the supply portion of your monthly bill. It will not affect the delivery portion of your monthly bill. National Grid will continue to deliver your electricity but Easton has chosen the supplier for the Program. Dynegy will provide electric power supply for all consumers currently on Basic Service in Easton. Please click here to visit the Town's aggregation program website<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/planning_and_community_development/aggregation.php>.

A detailed information package about the Program will be mailed to all basic-service customers in late September / early October 2020. Check your mailbox for an envelope with the Town Seal on it. It contains information about the Program including a Consumer Notification Letter and Opt-Out Reply Card. All basic service customers will be automatically enrolled unless they Opt-Out. There is no fee or charge for Opting-Out - just return the postage paid Opt-Out card or visit the website. You can Opt-Out at no cost in the future should you wish to enroll now and later change your mind. A sample mailing is available here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/planning_and_community_development/aggregation.php>.

The Town will host representatives of Colonial Power Group for two Zoom information sessions on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 7 p.m. and Monday, October 5, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.  The links can be found on http://colonialpowergroup.com/easton. If you are unable to attend, recordings will also be posted.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Covid-19 Survey
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA-DPH) is trying to hear from communities so that it can better help people through the COVID-19 crisis. By taking this survey, you can help find new solutions to community problems, and give MA-DPH the information they need to take action and support the communities that need it most. MA-DPH is committed to sharing information back in ways that will help us all take collective action.

We believe this effort will help us better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and would encourage anyone who is 14 years old or older to participate using this link: www.mass.gov/COVIDsurvey<http://www.mass.gov/COVIDsurvey>
Water Restrictions Phase III
Phase III water restrictions are now in place until further notice. The Easton Water Division is required to implement Phase III restrictions when flow in the Taunton River drops below 47 cubic feet per second. Even numbered properties will be restricted to Mondays 5:00am to 8:00am. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesday between 5:00am to 8:00am. Handheld hoses can be used at any time. These restrictions will remain in place until flow in the Taunton River exceeds 47 cubic feet per second for seven consecutive days at which time we will return to Phase II water restrictions. Please visit the Easton Water Division web page at for more information: https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/index.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). Funding remains available following the August 12 deadline; applications are still being accepted and funds will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first served basis until the funding is spent.
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.
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) - No Longer Accepting Residential Requests
Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be suspending ground-based ULV application on September 11, 2020. BCMCP is no longer accepting residential requests. Mosquitoes are still active and risk is still elevated, but making a pesticide application when it is too cool does not kill any mosquitoes. It remains critically important for people to continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites. These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors to reduce exposed skin, and rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. For more information, please visit this webpage: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bristol-county-mosquito-control-project.
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>.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Important Notice from the Easton Food Pantry
The Easton Food Pantry has new hours: Mondays Noon - 3:30 PM at 136 Elm Street (Easton Town Offices Lot)
The Easton Food Pantry is here to serve residents in need.

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. Clients must 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. You must wear a mask when speaking with our volunteers.
4. 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 - 3:30 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

Other business: please leave a message at (508) 230-0670 if you would like to volunteer or hold a food drive/fundraiser. Messages are checked frequently to ensure the mailbox is never full.

Thank you to the people of Easton for your support!

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 October newsletter, hot off the presses! https://www.easton.ma.us/October%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 Quick Browsing - Holds pick-up - Computer Use
The library is open from 10 am - 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, as well as 5 pm - 8 pm on Thursdays. Visit for quick browsing, pick-up of holds, reference questions, and use of computers, printers and scanner. Those who do not wish to enter the building can book an appointment for window-pickups at https://amesfreelibrary.org/library-open-holds-pickup-computer-use. For more information, email info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org> or call 508-238-2000 between 10 am - 5 pm, Monday - Saturday. All library material must be returned in the external Book Drop where it will be quarantined for 7 days.
South Shore Habitat for Humanity Begins Building its Easton Home!

South Shore Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce that it has resumed its Electric Avenue project, a home for one family! After a pause related to Covid-19, excavation crews are back at work and the foundation will be completed by late August. All recommended Covid-related safety protocols will be followed on the build site. If your company or group would like to build with us, please contact Development Officer Joe Regan at 781-337-7744, ext. 18 or jregan at sshabitat.org<mailto:jregan at sshabitat.org>. Corporate sponsorships, as well as gifts of product and services, are welcome! This Project was funded in part through the Town of Easton's Affordable Housing Trust and Community Preservation Act Program.
South Shore Habitat for Humanity Is Seeking An Easton Ambassador For Its Current Electric Avenue Project
South Shore Habitat for Humanity is currently looking for an Easton resident to fill the role of South Shore Habitat for Humanity Ambassador, which will support the building of a single-family home for the duration of the project (approximately 8 months). Examples of the functions performed by this volunteer role may include: promoting the project within the town, encouraging residents, businesses and organizations to engage and participate and potentially facilitate third party fundraising. Additional functions may also be added, based on the availability of the Ambassador and needs of the project. Interested parties should contact Development Officer Joe Regan at jregan at sshabitat.org<mailto:jregan at sshabitat.org>.
October 10: 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, October 10. 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), Townie Frozen Desserts (vegan, dairy-free, and allergy-friendly ice cream, sorbet, and toppings), Mao's Microgreens (microgreens, spring rolls, egg rolls, and fried rice), Mookie's Pet Treats (fresh-baked dog and cat treats), Kave Rock Alpaca Farm (pure alpaca wool hats, socks, gloves, scarves, and shawls), Hollow Tree Gifts (handmade crochet, jewelry, paintings, and more), and Sammi's Natural Way (essential-oil-infused 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.
October 22 & October 24: We are in the final stretch and we need you!!
Help make Easton a member of the AARP's Age Friendly Communities National Network. We are partnering once again with Boston University's MetroBridge Project. Professor Yesim Sungu-Eryilmaz and the graduate students in the Urban Research Methods class will be conducting two one-hour virtual listening sessions with Easton residents ages 50 and older. Session 1 - October 22nd at 6:00pm or Session 2 - October 24th at 10:00am. The students will be asking questions on how you think changes can be made to make Easton a better place to age. If you are interested please email your name, address, phone number and which session works best for you to Anne Daley at adaley at easton.ma.us<mailto:adaley at easton.ma.us>. If email is not an option please call Anne at 508-245-2819. Invite your friends to sign up! Thank you in advance for your help with this project.



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