[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier - June 17, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Town Offices Closed in Observance of Juneteenth
The Town Offices will close in recognition of Juneteenth, which was recently signed into law to be recognized as a holiday in Massachusetts by Governor Baker in order to recognize the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality. As the holiday falls on Saturday, the eight hours of closure will be observed as follows: Thursday, June 17 – Open from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM; Friday, June 18 – Closed

COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities
The Town of Easton, in collaboration with Bridgewater State University and other partner communities, is pleased to announce the opening of a regional COVID-19 vaccination site.  Vaccinations are available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Bridgewater State University Kelly Gymnasium, 45 Park Avenue, Bridgewater, MA 02325.  Vaccine appointments can be scheduled here<https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/bridgewater>.  Brockton Neighborhood Health Center has also expanded its service area and is offering vaccinations to Easton residents.  Information on registering for this clinic can be found here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd1vQK33TIY7G9yUGWr428QPSxM8XFJ8M3Zg7ywXUDz7MwCw/viewform>.  All mass vaccination sites are now allowing walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccines.  More information can be found here<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations>.  For continued updates, please visit the Town of Easton COVID-19 Information and Resources webpage<http://www.easton.ma.us/covid-19>.

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.

Week of June 21, 2021 Bulky Item Pick-Up
The week of June 21, 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>. Any questions call the DPW at 508-230-0800.

Notice of Vacancies – Finance Committee
The Select Board is accepting applications from interested volunteers seeking to fulfill three unexpired terms on the Finance Committee. If appointed, the volunteers will serve on the Finance Committee until the Town Election in April 2022 at which point they may run for election to the Finance Committee. Interested applicants may apply for the vacancies by completing a volunteer form found here<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php>. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled. Interviews for applicants will be scheduled at a forthcoming joint meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee with date to be determined.

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Book Now Available
The Town Administrator's adopted budget is available in a comprehensive document that contains both the operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2022. The budget information is presented in a helpful and user-friendly format that includes a citizen’s guide to the budget, a budget summary for each department, and a glossary of common municipal finance terminology. A full copy of the Town’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget is available here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/6a5ebe80-2eb7-eb11-a33b-000c29a59557/Annual%20Budget%20for%20Fiscal%20Year%20Starting%20July%2001,%202021>.

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

Easton Water Division 2020 Consumer Confidence Report
The Easton Water Division is pleased to announce the availability of the 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) which is available on the Water Divisions webpage:
https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/docs/MA000065_WR.pdf
Individuals requesting a hard copy sent to them, should call the Easton Water Division at 508-230-0850.

Town of Easton Employment Opportunities
The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunity available:
• Seasonal Positions – including lifeguards for the Town Pool
For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>.

Depot Street Reconstruction Project
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has begun a road improvement project on Depot Street (Route 123), between Newell Circle and Washington Street (Route 138). This project is intended to address deteriorated pavement and multi-modal accommodation through reconstruction of the roadway (minor widening) to provide bicycle accommodation in addition to reconstructed sidewalks and extensions. The project is 2 miles in length. A traffic signal is proposed at the Depot Street/Center Street/Porter Street intersection. The project also includes drainage upgrades, a new water main, and new pavement markings and signs. Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution. Please visit https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/depot.php for more information and updates on the project.

Wednesdays thru September 1, 2021: Weekly Trail Work on Conservation Lands
Join a crew of volunteers led by Associate Conservation Commissioner Christopher Patrick on weekly work projects to improve the trails on town conservation lands. Co-sponsored by the New England Mountain Bike Association, weekly trail work projects will be announced on Wednesday mornings, via an Instagram post. Check for up-to-date notices on meeting location and weather cancellation here<https://www.instagram.com/semass_nemba_trailwork>. The trail crews plan to tackle the following work projects throughout the summer: Complete boardwalk over wet/muddy areas at Flyaway Pond; Removing debris from old bridge in Clifford Grant Town Forest; and conducting a few annual trail "clip backs" to trim aggressive vegetation from various trail segments. Details can also be found here<https://www.nemba.org/events/se-ma-nemba-weekly-trailwork-series>. For any questions or for more information contact Christopher Patrick at mtbchris at gmail.com<mailto:mtbchris at gmail.com>.

Status of Town Services
Town Offices and Frothingham Hall are open for walk-in service the following days:
Tuesdays 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursdays 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fridays 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
In person service for needs that cannot be met by remote means is available by appointment only on Mondays and Wednesdays. To book an appointment, please click 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 limit the spread of COVID-19.

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>.

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, even if fully vaccinated.
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: 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.
The Pantry is resuming food drives.  Please check the website<https://eastonfoodpantry.org/food-donations> for guidance and scheduling.
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.


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 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/June%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 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, as well as 5:00 pm – 8:00 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 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Saturday. All library material must be returned in the external Book Drops.


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 mblanchard at easton.ma.us<mailto:mblanchard 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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