[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier May 7, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES
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 AM to 3 PM at the Bridgewater State University Kelly Gymnasium, 45 Park Avenue, Bridgewater, MA 02325.  Vaccine appointments for today (Friday May 7) can be scheduled by clicking here<https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/bridgewater?calendar=cd0c3711-650e-4ba5-a68d-284137d43fda>.  Appointments for Monday, May 10 and dates future 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>.  Beginning Monday May 10, most mass vaccination sites will begin allowing walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccines.  Please note that Gillette Stadium will NOT be allowing walk-ins.  For continued updates, please visit the Town of Easton COVID-19 Information and Resources webpage<http://www.easton.ma.us/covid-19>.
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.
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 5:00am to 8:00am. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesday 5:00am to 8:00am.  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
Notice of Board and Committee Term Expirations and Vacancies as of June 30, 2021
Applications for appointments to Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils will be accepted by the Select Board until Monday, May 31, 2021. Incumbents with terms expiring on June 30, 2021 are open to re-appointment but in order to be considered also need to reapply by completing the online volunteer application form. The required volunteer application and list of vacancies may be accessed here<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php>. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these positions, please complete the required volunteer application form<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php> and click "submit". If you have any questions please call the Select Board's Office at (508) 230-0501.
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

*   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>
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.
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 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 3:  The American Legion Post 7 "Poppy Drive by Mail"
American Legion Post 7 Easton, Ma is having a May 2021 "Poppy Drive by Mail".  If you would like to make a donation you can mail it to American Legion Post 7 P.O. Box 356 Easton, Ma 02334.  You will be mailed a Poppy in memory and remembrance of fallen and passed veterans. All monies received fund Post 7 youth programs and activities as well as other worthy programs.
May 18: Your Aging Parents
At noon. We understand the responsibility of your parents is increasingly falling on your shoulders.
We'll discuss how to help ensure their money lasts, optimize their Social Security check, prepare for an emergency, and pay for long term care. This Power Hour webinar is offered by RBC Wealth Management in Easton and free to Easton residents. Presenter is Nora Yousif, CFP(r) Financial Advisor working with Kevin and Avery Lee Williams. Email: nora.yousif at rbc.com<mailto:nora.yousif at rbc.com> to register and be sent the Zoom link.
May 22: Easton Garden Club Annual Spring Plant Sale
Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm located at the Yardley-Wood Skating Rink, Depot Street, South Easton. It's time for our annual spring plant sale! We missed seeing everyone last year! Come visit us for the best selection of garden-dug perennials, potted annuals, herbs, and veggies around! Some of the 200+ plants that will be available include: kerria, day lily (many different shades), hosta, may apple, Solomon's seal, geranium, columbine, sedum (different varieties), Chinese lantern, iris, mock orange, rose of Sharon, grape hyacinth, rudbeckia (black-eyed Susans), Montauk daisy, lemon balm, and many more! We will also have Master Gardeners on hand to answer any gardening questions. Come see us - rain or shine! Please wear masks and practice social distancing in the sale area. Thank you for your support!
June 16: Finances for the Modern Woman
At 5:30pm. Women are living longer, earning and inheriting more. Get the 411 to help you be savvy and prepared. In fact, we have an exclusive segment of our practice devoted to women, called the Empow(Her) Wealth Group. This Power Hour webinar is offered by RBC Wealth Management in Easton and free to Easton residents. Presenter is Nora Yousif, CFP(r) Financial Advisor working with Kevin and Avery Lee Williams. Email: nora.yousif at rbc.com<mailto:nora.yousif at rbc.com> to register and be sent the Zoom link or register through our website at www.EmpowerWealthGroup.com<http://www.EmpowerWealthGroup.com>.
August 11: When Cupid is Stupid
At 5:30pm. We'll discuss crucial financial planning, investment, Social Security, college, and tax considerations before, during, and after divorce so you're best positioned for your next chapter ahead. This Power Hour webinar is offered by RBC Wealth Management in Easton and free to Easton residents. Presenter is Nora Yousif, CFP(r) Financial Advisor working with Kevin and Avery Lee Williams. Email: nora.yousif at rbc.com<mailto:nora.yousif at rbc.com> to register and be sent the Zoom link or register through our website at www.EmpowerWealthGroup.com<http://www.EmpowerWealthGroup.com>.

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.
Recreation's 2021 Track & Field Program Registration
The Easton Recreation Department's 2021 Track & Field Program is now open for registration! This program is for grades 6-8. For more information or to register and pay for the program please visit the Recreation website<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/>.

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/May%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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