[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier April 23, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
April 24: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Annual Town Election
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Easton will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Oliver Ames High School. For information click on voting on Election Day<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/town_clerk1/know_before_you_go.php> or Know Before You Go. <https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/KnowBeforeYouGo.pdf>  Use these links for additional Election Information<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/election_information.php>, What's my Precinct<https://www.easton.ma.us/whatsmyprecinct.pdf> or to view a sample ballot.<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/town_clerk1/sample_ballots_.php>
Depot Street Reconstruction Project
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is beginning a road improvement project on Depot Street (Route 123), between Newell Circle and Washington Street (Route 138). This project will include roadway reconstruction and widening, construction of sidewalks, and the modification of the Center Street intersection with new traffic signals. The project also includes drainage upgrades, a new water main, and new pavement markings and signs. A minimum of one lane of traffic will be maintained on Route 123 at all times during work hours. Traffic management will consist of standard temporary traffic control operations utilizing advanced warning signs and police details. Town-approved detours will also be utilized when work does not permit directional traffic or the safe passage of vehicles. Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. The work will occur weekly, Monday through Friday, during daytime hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please visit https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/depot.php for more information and updates on the project.
Now through May 1: Open Burning Season Easton Fire Department
Easton Fire Department reminds residents that a permit is needed for open burning season; EFD's online burning permit system will be available for applications starting on January 1st. Opening Burning season is upon us and this is a friendly reminder that to those who wish to burn must apply for a new permit each year using our online permitting system. Permits can be applied for from a home computer, a laptop or even your smart phone. Just follow the steps by clicking here<https://eastonfire.com/open-burning-permits-2/> or by applying directly at https://permiteyes.net/Easton/burning/homepage.asp.<https://permiteyes.net/Easton/burning/homepage.asp> After a permit has been issued, those looking to burn will need to 'Request a Residential Burn' using the same system each day they wish to burn.
Please note: Burning Season runs from January 15th through May 1st. Rules and regulations for open burning are set by the Commonwealth and can be found on our website at Eastonfire.com<https://eastonfire.com/helpful-links/>. If you have any questions or need assistance, call 508-230-0750. Please do not call this number to let us know that you are burning. All burning requests are done online.
Lastly, due to the pandemic, the kiosk that was previously available at Fire Station #3 (413 Bay Rd.) will NOT be available for use this year. Therefore, the only method for applying for a burning permit will be using the online system from a home computer, laptop or smart phone.
May 1: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Easton Water Division 37th Annual Household Collection Day on Saturday, May 1, 2021, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at DPW, 130 Center St, N. Easton. For information on accepted items please see flyer posted on Water Division's Website: https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_events.php Call 508-230-0850 with questions.
May 3: Real Estate and Personal Property taxes due
The 4th quarter Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are due Monday, May 3. Payments can be made online at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection . Payments can also be mailed in the envelope provided with the bill with a remittance coupon. Checks generated from online banking systems should be mailed to: Town of Easton Collector's Office 136 Elm Street North Easton MA 02356 and should list the bill number in the memo field. The Town Hall will not be open for walk in service on Monday, May 3, but there is a silver collector's box to the left of the front door of the Town Hall that is emptied at least once per day. Interest will be charged on any payment received after close of business on Monday, May 3.
Town of Easton Employment Opportunities
The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunities available:


*   Land Use/Environmental Planner - full time 40 hours per week

*   Assistant Town Clerk - full time 35 hours per week

*   Principal Clerk - Town Clerk's Office - part time 21 hours per week

*   Office Assistant - Assessors Office - full time 35 hours per week

For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>
2021 Dog Licensing
The deadline to register your dog without late fees was February 28th.  Any dog licenses processed on or after March 1st will include a $5 late fee.  A current rabies certificate must be on file with the Town Clerk's Office in order to license your dog. To update your rabies on file please email<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> a copy to townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us>.

You may license your dog in one of the following ways:

*         License ONLINE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364> (.50 bank convenience fee with electronic check) and your licenses and tags will be mailed directly to you ($1.00 postage & handling fee is waived while the town offices remain closed to the public).

*         License by Mail - Click here<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/dog_license.php> for additional information on how to license your dog by mail.   Licensing forms<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/db96eb02-e4bf-e711-80bf-001fbc00ed85/Dog%20License%20Form.pdf> are ONLY required when registering your dog by mail.
Small Business Relief:
The SBA announced adjustments to improve the Paycheck Protection Program's accessibility for the smallest businesses, as described in the below announcement (also available online). Businesses can find a participating lender via SBA's Lender Match tool. https://www.sba.gov/fund.../loans/coronavirus-relief-options<https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options?fbclid=IwAR0_sw60d8flP7_0u6Ns2PLJe7OMKFQXmHLfrBD_LuITEqYLDYDmz8qQgUk>
Easton Public Schools Grab and Go Meal for All Children Age 18 and Under
Please note post April vacation changes to the Grab & Go meal program: Meals will be available for pick up on Tuesdays from May 4th to June 15th at Oliver Ames High School (100 Lothrop Street) from 9AM-9:30AM. Easton Public Schools is offering Grab and Go meals for all children age 18 and under (Regardless of Free & Reduced lunch eligibility), including children who may not be enrolled in any of the Easton Public Schools. Prepackaged Breakfasts and Lunches will be available for 5 days on these dates. With the return of students to school, Free breakfasts and lunches are now offered to students during the school day every day and the program is approved through June 2021. If you need further information contact Marilyn Gordon, School Business Manager, 508-230-3200 x213 or mgordon at easton.ma.us<mailto:mgordon at easton.ma.us>.
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.
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. The Town also offers limited in-person service via appointment for those residents who cannot have their service needs met by remote means. 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.
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>.
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 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 do not line up prior to opening; it impedes Town Hall traffic.
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 a volunteer will come to register you.
For the safety of our clients and volunteers, the Pantry will not open during severely cold or stormy weather. If you are in doubt, call ahead.

Donations:
The Pantry is not holding food drives until the Spring of 2021.
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, or 50 Oliver St. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY PERISHABLE ITEMS OR EXPIRED FOOD.  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 have questions or would like to volunteer.  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.


April 24: Langwater Farmers Market

Come down to Langwater Farm for the last Saturday Farmers Market from 10am - 2pm, with our local favorite vendors, alpacas, and cool weather seedlings. Market Day moves to Thursday, starting May 6th.  Vendors this week are: Lady C&J Soulfood & BBQ<https://www.facebook.com/LadyCSoul> with a southern flair; Mao's Microgreens<https://www.facebook.com/Maoeggrolls> & yummy eggrolls; Our favorite fuzzy friends from Kave Rock Alpaca Farm<https://www.facebook.com/KaveRockFarm>; Age of Grace CBD Balms & Tinctures<https://www.instagram.com/age.of.grace.cbd/>; Easton's own The Farmer's Daughter<https://www.facebook.com/thefarmersdaughtereaston>, serving seriously tasty snacks & drinks; Rosie Bud Farm<https://www.facebook.com/rosiebudfarm> honey, lip balm & soaps; Served<https://servedkitchen.com/> food truck with coffee, juices, breakfast sandwiches, and positivity; Jordan Brothers Seafood<http://www.jordanbrothersseafood.com/our-company/> (pre-order available<mailto:Jordanbrothersseafood at yahoo.com>) and bisques; Daddy's Homegrown Meat<https://daddyshomegrown.com/> and Bridgewater Village Bakery<http://bridgewatervillagebakery.com/> sourdough breads,  chicken pot pies; Easton's own Shovel Town Brewery<https://www.facebook.com/shoveltownbrewery> craft beer; Sugar & Flour Baking Co<https://langwaterfarm.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3ba7fed77f72d4b5869322fe&id=5ba9cfe40f&e=72280aba07> scratch-made confections; and Confections by Courtney<https://www.instagram.com/_confections/> with gorgeous, delicious cookies; and Easton's own For the Love of Bread & Pasta<https://www.facebook.com/pastalinaferrara> with new pastas, plus breads & pitas.   Available at the Farmstand this Saturday: spring flowers, garden supplies, and seedlings; delicious cheeses from Narraganset Creamery<http://www.richeeses.com/> and specialty mushrooms from Hillside Mushrooms<https://www.facebook.com/hillsidemushroomsri/> (blue oysters, king trumpets, shiitakes, maitakes & lions manes).  The market runs concurrently with pickups of pre-ordered Langwater veggies<https://mailchi.mp/langwaterfarm/saturday-farmstand-winter-farmers-market?e=72280aba07> at the Farmstand at 209 Washington St, North Easton.  For more information contact thefarmers at langwaterfarm.com<mailto:thefarmers at langwaterfarm.com>.
April 24: National Drug Take Back at the Easton Police station from 10am to 2pm
Saturday, April 24th Easton Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your prescription medications for disposal to the EASTON POLICE STATION on Lothrop Street. Over-the counter and pet medications will also be accepted. Drive up to the table and a volunteer will take your old or expired medication and put them in the box. You don't even have to get out of your car! Sharps will NOT be accepted on the 24th. See information on Sharps take-back below.
April 27: Author Talk
>From 6-7 pm, the library and the Human Rights Committee of Easton are delighted to present Yasmin Azad, the author of "Stay, Daughter", a thoughtful memoir reconciling religious orthodoxy with modern freedoms. This zoom presentation is free and open to all at: https://zoom.us/j/96503532606?pwd=YnVuTTlCVDY2Tlo0UDFTNXpTd3JoUT09.
April 30 - May 22: Path to Healing, Inc. - 4 Weekends of Free Holistic Activities for Military Trauma
APPLY NOW! Spring I Session April 30-May 22 - Veterans and Service Members/Reservists are presented with healthier alternatives (e.g., horsemanship, yoga, songwriting, tai chi, etc.) to manage their symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD. Offered to groups of 6. For more information, email info at pathtohealingma.org<mailto:info at pathtohealingma.org> or visit our website: https://www.pathtohealingma.org.
May 1: Sharps Take Back at Frothingham Hall from 8am to Noon
Saturday, May 1 residential sharps will be accepted at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street, May 1st between 8am and noon. Sharps must be secured in a capped, puncture resistant plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle. No loose sharps will be accepted.

FEMA Funeral Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for financial assistance for funeral costs for people who died of COVID-19 after January 20, 2020. FEMA is accepting applications through a dedicated call center (844-684-6333). Assistance for eligible individuals is limited to a maximum of $9,000 per funeral and $35,500 per application. For more information and details please visit www.FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq<http://www.FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq>.
Art Coop / Gallery Has Reopened
The Art Coop / Gallery has reopened and will remain open on Saturdays, from 10am-4pm Easton Shovel Town Cultural District is happy to announce the re-opening of the Coop/Gallery located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovelworks Project}. We feature Fine Art in Paint and Photography, jewelry, wood turned items, including kitchen ready bowls, platters as well as gift items. New Artist, Mary Lu Love, will be featuring handmade baskets. Check us out on Facebook: Easton Shovel Town Cultural District and Art Matters Easton MA.

Spring 2021 Easton Youth Soccer Programs and April Vacation Clinic Registrations Currently Open
Register Today! Easton Soccer's 2021 Spring Programs and April Vacation Clinic are open for registration. We offer Pre-K through 8th grade for all levels of players. Our crowd favorite Saturday Programming includes a fun age appropriate training environment for Pre-K through 2nd grade and provides a great soccer family environment enjoyed by players and parents. It is a great way to come out of 2021 winter hibernation! Click here for our Spring Programs: https://eastonsoccer.sportngin.com/register/form/700374358 or here for the April Vacation Clinic: April Vacation Clinic - Partnering with RSA (eastonsoccer.com)<https://www.eastonsoccer.com/news_article/show/1144361>
Easton Public Schools Kindergarten Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year Now Open
Easton Public Schools Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open. Please use this link Kindergarten Registration Information & Forms<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TD39XPv_gR0XzUKBIYGKc9_a8xnjQN5dBipnZPY6v08/edit?usp=sharing> to begin the process. Easton residents who are 5 years old by August 31, 2021 are eligible to attend Kindergarten this coming fall.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Walkers Welcome to Join New Group at 11 AM
The Easton Lions Club has partnered with the Easton Branch of the Old Colony YMCA to support the Pocket Change Walking Group. Free and open to all, the group helps people exercise and socialize together outdoors and safely. YMCA membership not required. All abilities welcome. Walks leave from the YMCA parking lot, 25 Elm Street, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday and Thursdays. For more information, click on this link - https://eastonlions.org/easton-lions-partner-with-old-colony-ymca/

Old Colony YMCA - Easton Branch 2020-2021: Child Care & School Age Extended Learning

Spots are available! Registration is open for School Age (ages 5-12yrs) & Child Care (6 months-5yrs) Enrollment. Need to go back to work? Is remote learning a struggle at home? Look no further than the Old Colony Y's Easton Branch. Although we are well into the school year, there are still spaces available. At this time, registrations are being accepted for all Child Care and School Age Programs. We are offering Full Day and Before & After School for children throughout the school year, Monday - Friday for any students in virtual hybrid learning programs. Our Full Day program has academic specialists on hand to support your children while taking virtual classes. Before & After School programs will be held at each school for in-person learning days, while Full Day care will be held at our Barrows Street location for remote learning days. Our Child Care center is located at the Easton YMCA. For more information, please contact: School Age Director: James McMorrow at jmcmorrow at oldcolonyymca.org<mailto:jmcmorrow at oldcolonyymca.org> or Child Care Director: Victoria Jolly at vjolly at oldcolonyymca.org<mailto:vjolly at oldcolonyymca.org>
Council on Aging Newsletter
The Council on Aging is here for you! Please click on this link to view our current newsletter, hot off the presses! https://www.easton.ma.us/April%202021.pdf
Council on Aging's Friendly Caller Program
The COA has developed a new program that we are really excited about called the Friendly Caller Program. The purpose of this program is to spread positivity and prevent social isolation. This will be especially important this holiday season! Those signed up will receive a weekly call from one of our volunteers, where you can share stories or experiences, chat about current events, or just make small talk. This is also a great way to get to know some fellow seniors in town. If you are interested in enrolling to receive calls, please call the COA at 508-230-0690.
Attention Veterans! The Reveille Newsletter - A Publication of Easton Veterans' Services
https://www.ourseniorcenter.com/find/easton-veterans-services
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 3 days.
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>.

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.



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