[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, August 20, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

New "Discover Easton MA" App
Available to download free from the Apple or Google store.  Look for local restaurants, businesses, recreation, places and town government information.

If you are a business, "Claim your business" at claim.mycivicapps.com<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fclaim.mycivicapps.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0xerVP2v2IebaG918UOb3ZOnnanpO-WmAK6Q0RowxMgEFzPO8gsnRrx3M&h=AT0vvH3_wCqUwol3tAjg4YCbHXygHDDP7ZTUh7Q9LBO57gVoU2zrcy0Dc5t4x_J3NoBsodNbgW_5H4L8Vs9kI3u2aL7SqXFSGFiPCshm8mkgsh3zk8SjBERjBy4WtXkH3Sm6GOjoha5GgDxRbShojtI&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT3BmBd8xw6eWa4bRyelx7KAB1EL0yk86pMjTL6jL--tS9XoWryv_kUDXy25A--x6e7jXM5gSZMAyGoTCM8ehJiijo7SBhk61MFfCVMnL0JsaN7GCbEKq_-Usw0gCDNhkOb_BTYA_MhNkz06gpc0NqpkRYjxPC8o5kh9qGhuwK13DoHbjjPooW0memNfd6DRz1H9vA> You will be able to update your listing with your logo, photo, business hours, local deals and more for FREE.  If you don't see your business, email ListMyLocalBusiness at gmail.com<mailto:ListMyLocalBusiness at gmail.com> for more information. If you see your business but don't want it in the directory, also send an email to ListMyLocalBusiness at gmail.com<mailto:ListMyLocalBusiness at gmail.com>

This app is made possible through the work of the Old Colony Planning Council in cooperation with the Town of Easton, MA and grant funding from the MA Office of Business Development. Thank you to the #EastonOutside<https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eastonoutside?__eep__=6&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXwp1Mxx5aj87-0WCaqdhRbzJbC2RqouLPHzGWm9XWQ1l-trWo4fkatyFS-THgso4Xslq3qE4pZ3d_NSJPp_Bny7Dh0zhZBho1v6QpgEUs6p8wcSqI8GEwTEZXM_W73t6PJaLgnlkbL87oTan7p9z8vzMa9MM2n_BHwuXavBmtHEw&__tn__=*NK-R> team, the Easton Chamber of Commerce and Metro South Chamber of Commerce for their help and support in creating this app.

PK-2 Parents, Staff, and Supporters - Blanche A. Ames Beam Signing
Sign a piece of history! You’re invited to leave your mark on a beam that will be placed on top of the new Blanche A. Ames Elementary School. Vinyl banners, which will attach to the beam, are available for signatures from Thursday, August 19, 2021 to Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at:

• Central Administrative Office, 50 Oliver Street, North Easton, MA
• Ames Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA
• Town Hall, 136 Elm Street, North Easton, MA

Town of Easton Employment Opportunities
The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunity available:

  *   Full Time Civil Engineer – Department of Public Works
  *   Administrative Assistant/Boards (part-time on an as needed basis - evenings)
For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>.

COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities
Visit https://vaxfinder.mass.gov to search for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment near you. Register today for the VaxMillions Giveaway<https://www.vaxmillionsgiveaway.com/>! If you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, register today for your chance to win one of five $1 million prizes or $300,000 scholarship grants. Not fully vaccinated yet? Get your COVID-19 vaccine and then register as soon as possible for a chance to win. For continued COVID updates, please visit the Town of Easton COVID-19 Information and Resources webpage<http://www.easton.ma.us/covid-19>.

Week of August 23, 2021 - Bulky Item Pick-Up
The week of August 23, 2021 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 7:00 AM. You can find the list of acceptable items on the Town’s website<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/trash_pickup_and_recycling/bulky_item_pick_up.php>.
Effective July 1, 2021 due to a change in the contract mattresses will no longer qualify for bulky item collection weeks, to schedule a mattress for collection for a fee please call Waste Management directly at 800-972-4545.   Any questions? Call the DPW at 508-230-0800.

Easton Recreation Field Hockey
Calling all 5-8th grade girls interested in playing field hockey! Come have fun while developing skills, practicing good sportsmanship, and gaining confidence. Starting September 7, practices will be held at the OAHS Back Field every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-5:30pm, and games will be played on Saturdays in the Commonwealth League. For more information and to register to play, 5-6th grade girls click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/469f99c1-0201-ec11-a34a-000c29a59557/Field%20Hockey%202021%20Gr%205-6.PDF> and 7-8th grade girls click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/ace41b23-0301-ec11-a34a-000c29a59557/Field%20Hockey%202021%20Gr%207-8.PDF>.

PFAS Water Filtration Station
The Easton Water Division has installed a self-service water filling station to provide water with levels of PFAS6 below 20 ng/L to those in sensitive subgroups (pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have ​a compromised immune system) and other concerned residents. The filtration station is located on the side of the Water Division building at 417 Bay Road. The station can fill water containers up to 5 gallons. For more information on the water filtration station, please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/filtration_station.php>. For more information on PFAS, please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/pfas_information.php>. In May of 2021, Town Meeting approved capital funding of $9.2 million for the final design and construction of PFAS treatment filter plants. It is expected that the Water Division will complete the design and construction of these PFAS treatment plants in approximately 18 months.

Please Help Your Fellow Easton Citizens Who Need Tax Assistance
The Town of Easton and the Taxation Aid Committee are pleased to announce the creation of the Taxation Aid Fund.  This Fund will help low income senior and disabled citizens to continue to live in Easton by helping them differ the cost of their real estate taxes.  We are only able to help others by using donations from citizens like you.
To donate online, please visit https://epay.cityhallsystems.com. Choose Easton MA, and under bill type, select donation.
To donate by mail, please send a check payable to the “Town of Easton” and write “Taxation Aid Committee” in the memo line to the address below:

Town of Easton

Treasurer’s Office

136 Elm Street

Easton, MA 02356
For more information, call the Treasurer at 508-230-0604 or click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/taxation_aid_committee.php>.

Assessor’s Property Inspections
The Town of Easton is working together with Jason Dzilinski, a data collector, to perform site inspections within the Town of Easton. He is authorized by the Assessor’s Department to inspect all properties for the purpose of collecting data. Mr. Dzilinski is driving a Gray 2009 Subaru Tribeca with Connecticut registration 957KMH. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 508-230-0520.

Are you signed up with the CODE RED community notification program?
The program is offered through the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for residents and businesses in Plymouth and Bristol County. The service provides important alerts to residents and businesses for emergencies including weather related emergency information. https://www.pcsdma.org/codered.html
You can self-enroll cell phones, home phones, and emails via an app or citizens and business owners can now text the keyword BristolPlymouthAlerts to 99411 and enroll in the Bristol & Plymouth Emergency Public Notification system. Please note that capitalization is important and the keyword must be exact! Those without Internet access may call the Sheriff's Field Services Division (508-830-6200), Monday through Friday, (8AM-4PM) to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well. If you are providing a cell number, you must indicate the carrier and if you would like to receive text messages. All businesses should register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

Easton Town Pool
The Easton Town Pool is open for the season! The Town Pool is a fun-filled place that everyone of all ages can enjoy. We offer senior, individual, and family memberships. For more information or to register and pay online, please visit www.easton.ma.us<http://www.easton.ma.us/>, under Recreation. Or you can print the registration form<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/4e1366ac-fac9-eb11-a33e-000c29a59557/Pool%202021%20with%20changes%20.PDF> and mail it to the Recreation Department at 15 Barrows Street. Checks can be made payable to the Town of Easton.

The Legacy 2021 Summer Concert Series
Presented by Easton Shovel Town Cultural District
Series Finale – Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, 3 Barrows Street – Outside/Indoor if it Rains – Bring Chairs!
August 29 - Sunday - 4:00 PM – Will be rescheduled if it rains! - MOVIN ’ON – Tribute to 70’s Super Group “Bad Company” & Salute to “Foreigner”

May 1 through November 1: Phase III Water Restrictions
Effective May 1, 2021 through November 1, 2021 Phase III Water Restrictions will be in place.  Even numbered properties will be restricted to Mondays between 5:00 am to 8:00 am. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesday 5:00 am to 8:00 am.  These tighter restrictions are a result of exceeding the performance standard of 65 residential gallons per capita per day set by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.  Our residential gallons per capita per day was 72 for calendar year 2020 and this is primarily influenced by excessive outdoor watering.  These tighter restrictions will remain in effect for all of 2021 unless further restrictions are required.  At this time the Massachusetts Drought Taskforce has issued a Level 2 Significant Drought Advisory for all of southeastern Massachusetts limiting non-essential outdoor use.  We ask residents to check and reduce the operation of their irrigation systems and follow the prescribed day and operational hours.  Residents will be notified if further emergency restrictions are required. Please visit the Easton Water Division web page at for more https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/index.php

Veterans Benefits
M.G.L. Chapter 115 provides a needs based, means tested program of financial and medical assistance for qualifying veterans and their eligible 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 monthly income must be below $2,147 and your assets must be below $8,400. To qualify as a married couple your gross income must below $2,904 and your assets must be below $16,600. 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
For business loans and alternative funding option From the US Chamber click here<https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing>. This guide outlines small business loans and alternative funding options. The US chamber has more than 30 grants, loans and programs. The U.S. Small Business Association<https://www.sba.gov/> offers these seven SBA loan programs which you may qualify for, as well.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Important Notice from the Easton Food Pantry
The Easton Food Pantry has new hours:  the distribution day is every Friday from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at 136 Elm Street (Easton Town Offices Lot).  Do not line up early; it impedes Town Hall traffic and you will be asked to leave.
To receive groceries on a Friday:
1. Call in by 5:00 PM Thursday evenings at (508) 230-0670 and leave the following info on our voicemail: name, address, phone #, and number of members in your 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.
The Easton Food Pantry serves Easton residents only.  If you are newly in need of food, 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 have any questions or would like to volunteer.  Messages are checked frequently to ensure the mailbox is never full.
The Pantry is looking for a new home, and is suspending food drives (except those previously scheduled) until the move is complete.
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/> or our website eastonfoodpantry.org<https://eastonfoodpantry.org/> for updates.

Car Wash and Can Drive for Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Ben Kempner is hosting a car wash and can drive for his Eagle Scout Project. On August 21st and 22nd, please stop by the Center School at 388 Depot Street, North Easton between 8am-12pm each day. Ben and his team of volunteers will be washing cars and collecting plastic/aluminum cans, so please bring recyclable bottles and cans. The goal of his Eagle Scout Project is to install outdoor exercise equipment between the sports fields behind Oliver Ames High School.

Ames Free Library Open Regular Hours
The library is open from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, as well as 10 am - 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Visit for browsing, pick-up of holds, reference questions, quiet study space and use of computers, printers and scanner. For more information, email info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org> or call 508-238-2000. All library material must be returned in the external Book Drops.


Art Coop / Gallery Has Reopened
The Art Coop / Gallery has reopened and will remain open on Saturdays, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm 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.

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/August%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


Path to Healing, Inc. – Calling All Veterans and Service Members

Apply by August 30!  Fall Session I September 13 - October 9.  A dynamic, community-supported program designed to help heal Veterans and Service Members dealing with the effects of military trauma and transitioning to civilian life.  Free holistic activities included are horsemanship, yoga, cooking, songwriting and other creative arts.  Offered to groups of 6.  For more information, call Keri at 508-219-2904, email info at pathtohealingma.org<mailto:info at pathtohealingma.org> or visit our website https://www.pathtohealingma.org.



September 25: The 2021 Easton Out of the Darkness Walk at Borderland State Park

Join the walk! The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. Funds raised from The Out of the Darkness Walks help fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.  Register here: www.afsp.org/easton<http://www.afsp.org/easton>. Walk Location: Borderland State Park - North Easton, MA. Parking will be available at Oliver Ames High School and buses will be running from Oliver Ames to Borderland State Park. Check-in and Registration Time: September 25, 2021 at 9AM. Walk Begins at 10AM and Ends at 12PM. For more information, please contact Michele Lee at 508-450-3309 or Email: mlee at afsp.org<mailto:mlee at afsp.org>  or American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.<https://afsp.org/chapter/massachusetts/>



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 ehagg at easton.ma.us<mailto:ehagg 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 Wednesday at 12:30 PM 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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