[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier January 29, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
Now through February 1: Real Estate and/or Personal Property Overvalue Applications for FY2021.
Applications for Overvalue Abatement of Real Estate or Personal Property for FY2021 can be mailed first-class postage with a postmark made by the United State Postal Service no later than February 1, 2020. Those interested in further information please call 508-230-0520, click here for  an application<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/84d2e1a9-f72b-ea11-a2e0-000c29a59557/2020%20Over%20Evaluation%20Abatement%20Application%20with%20instructions.pdf> or visit the Town of Easton website in the Assessors' section select Overvalue Abatement Application. You may drop off the application in the drop box outside of Town Hall at 136 Elm Street or mail the completed application. If you are dropping off an application on February 1st 2021, you must call the assessor's office in the days before to schedule a time. Applications must be in the assessor's office by end of business February 1st.
Now through February 28: 2021 Dog Licensing
Dog licenses for 2021 are now available and must be completed BEFORE March 1st to avoid late fees. 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> (.25 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> and are ONLY required when registering your dog by mail.
Now through March 3: Deadline to Obtain Nomination Papers for Annual Town Election
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election to be held on Saturday, April 24th are available beginning Monday, January 4th through the Town Clerk's Office. The last day to obtain nomination papers is Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM. The Election Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/5249034e-e238-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/4.%202020%20Town%20Election%20Calendar%20posted%2012.18.20.pdf> with candidate deadlines, the positions on the ballot<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/26448197-e238-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/5.%202020%20Town%20Election%20Terms%20Due%20to%20Expire%20with%20positions.pdf> and a complete Candidate Packet<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/d849d980-e338-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/2021%20Candidates%20Packet.pdf> are available on the Town's website. As the town offices are closed to the public, interested candidates should fill out the Candidates request for nomination papers fillable PDF<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/bc9948ef-8839-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/2021%20ATE%20-%20Nomination%20Paper%20Request%20-%20fillable%20PDF.pdf> to obtain papers. Email townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> with questions.
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. Use this link for additional Election Information<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/election_information.php>.
found on the left side of the page near the top.
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.
Grant Program for Massachusetts Businesses
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made an additional $668 million available to support small businesses affected by COVID. This program is intended to help the small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. Applications may be submitted beginning Thursday, 12/31 at 12:00 pm through Friday, 1/15 at 11:59 pm. Click here<https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses> for details.
Annual Town Census
Residents should have received an Annual Town Census Form in the mail the week of January 11th. The Annual census forms must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk's Office within 10 days of receipt. Residents are reminded that census forms need to be returned even when no changes are necessary to their census information. In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. If you are new to town, did not receive a form or can't find your form you may use the Blank Census Form<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/3b921ebd-2d8a-ea11-a2f4-000c29a59557/Census%20Form%20-%202020.pdf> to submit your information. You cannot use the census form to register to vote or change your party enrollment. Please use the online voter registration portal at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
Assessed Property Values and Homes Sale Data Available
Click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/assessors/index.php>, or visit the Town of Easton website in the Assessor's section for the 2021 Assessed Property Values by Location, as well as the 2019 Condominium Sales and 2019 Single-Family Home Sales. Links are found on the left side of the page near the top.
Easton Public Schools Grab and Go Meal for All Children Age 18 and Under
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. Meals are available for pick up on Mondays at 50 Oliver Street and Wednesdays at Oliver Ames High School (100 Lothrop Street) from 7:00 AM-8:30 AM. Prepackaged Breakfasts and Lunches for 3 days are offered at each site. No registration is required. 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>.
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.
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.
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.

March 1 Deadline to Register: Easton Youth Baseball Spring 2021 Registration Now Open
Registration for Easton Youth Baseball is now open for the Spring 2021 season for players aged 6 through 15. The spring season runs from April through June.  Please register by March 1, 2021. To register or for additional information, please visit us at www.eastonyouthbaseball.org<http://www.eastonyouthbaseball.org>. If you have any specific questions, please email EYBLplayeragent at gmail.com<mailto:EYBLplayeragent at gmail.com>.
March 29 through June 14: Path to Healing, Inc. FREE Holistic Program for Military Trauma
APPLY NOW! Veterans and Service Members are presented with healthier alternatives (e.g., tai chi, meditation, songwriting, etc.) to manage their symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD. This 10-week program runs 3 days per week, offered to groups of 6. For more information, email info at pathtohealingma.org<mailto:info at pathtohealingma.org> or click this link for the website https://www.pathtohealingma.org

Rise Up for Humanity Art Contest

The Easton Human Rights Committee is sponsoring a "Rise Up for Humanity" Art Contest and needs your help selecting the design that best represents the Human Right Committee's mission of promoting inclusion and embracing differences. Olive Ames students participated in the contest creating the logos and Raising Multicultural Kids (RMK) generously agreed to fund prize money for the top 5 designs. The HRC and RMK selected the top 5 entries and now we are asking the Easton community to vote for their favorite design. The design that receives the most votes will be transformed into stickers, window decals, and car magnets. They will be shared with local individuals and businesses for display, along with an anti-hate proclamation that will be created by RMK, HRC, and community members. Please help support the HRC and its work to create a more inclusive community by voting for your favorite design by Jan 29, 2021 using this link: https://sites.google.com/view/riseuphrceaston/home

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/January%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
Town of Easton Community Free Calendars are Available
The annual free Town of Easton Community Calendar from September 2020 through August 2021 are available prepared and published by the North Easton Savings Bank. The calendar lists civic and organizational information about Easton, religious groups, and basic school dates. Assisting with this project are Morse Insurance and Scoreboard Enterprises, Inc. The calendars are available at all Easton branches of the North Easton Savings Bank, the Town Office, the Ames Free Library, the Historical Society, and the School Department.
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 Needs Your Help!
South Shore Habitat for Humanity is working hard to build a single-family home on Electric Ave for an Easton town employee. We are grateful to all of the wonderful volunteers who generously gave their time to build with us. Our goal is to bring this family home in the spring but there is much more that needs to be done. We need your help! Volunteers need no experience. Our team of seasoned professional provide the training and tools. Please join us and help make a life-changing difference for this family. Contact: Beth Lyons at blyons at sshabitat.org<mailto:blyons at sshabitat.org> to reserve your day. 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>.

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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