[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier September 11, 2020

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
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
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. Easton voters, who have requested a vote by mail ballot by October 2nd can expect to receive their ballot in the first mailing (currently almost 6,000 ballots) the week of October 12th. No ballots will be mailed prior to that date.
Received a postcard application? The Secretary of Commonwealth, as part of the new legislation, is required to mail ALL voters (registered by September 1st and who have not already applied for a mail in ballot) a vote by mail application around September 14th. This postcard application will allow you to apply for the November Presidential Election. Applications 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>

We respectfully ask voters to use the postcard that was sent to you, rather than completing a full-page application (linked below) and APPLY EARLY - to allow ample time for processing your application and for the postal services to deliver your ballot to you. If you are concerned about applying too early - please note that voters can hold on to their ballot and return it during the week prior to the election. Voters who receive a vote by mail ballot but do not return it prior to election day may appear to vote in person on election day to cast a ballot. Any voter that has returned a vote by mail ballot (or voted early in person) cannot vote on Election Day.

TRACK YOUR APPLICATION AND BALLOT<http://www.wheredoivotema.com/track/trackmyballot.aspx> Voters who have applied for a vote by mail ballot may use this link to track the status of their application as well as their ballot status (mailed / received back). Please note that we anticipate a large volume of applications (there are over 17,000 voters in Easton) and request you allow at least 2 weeks 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>

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

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 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 Hosts Free Virtual Workshop for Parents of Remote Learners
Whether your child is working on a hybrid or completely remote schedule, Dr. David Murphy will provide guidance on setting up your child for success in this unfamiliar learning setup. The one-hour workshop will be followed by Q & A. Register at amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult<http://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult>. Remote Learning workshop is scheduled for Monday, September 14 at 7 pm.
Ames Free Library open for quick browsing, holds pick-up and computer use
The library is open from 10 am - 5 pm, Monday through Saturday 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.
September 12: 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, September 12. 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), Gray House Vintage (upcycled, reclaimed, and salvaged locally-sourced home and garden items), Cotley Brook Flowers (fresh-cut flowers), Easton Garden Club (potted plants), Sammi's Natural Way (essential oil-infused personal care products), and Treats TO Meet (hand-sewn clothing, purses, and facemasks). 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.
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.

Now 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.
September 24th Registration Deadline - We are in the final stretch and we need your help!
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 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. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 24th. Thank you in advance for your help with this project.



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