[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier - May 14, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Annual Town Meeting
Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Ames Sports Complex, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street. The warrant, a Know Before You Go information guide (with a campus map), FAQs, and the proposed FY2022 balanced budget is available here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/town_meeting_information.php>.

Vote & Vax - Annual Town Meeting COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
The Town of Easton is pleased to offer a Vote & Vax clinic from 4:45 pm - 6:45 pm on Monday, May 17th at the Ames Sports Complex, Stonehill College just prior to the 7:00 pm Annual Town Meeting. This clinic is offered via partnership with Rite Aid and will offer Pfizer vaccine to residents 12 and older. Easton residents must pre-register by following this link: https://forms.gle/FRTTHj1fq1kerPA96. You will receive an email or phone call confirming your appointment time and providing you the forms you can complete in advance. The Town will conduct a follow up clinic in June for the necessary second dose at Frothingham Hall. Join us the night of Town Meeting for Vote & Vax!

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 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>.

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.

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: Land Use/Environmental Planner - full time 40 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>.

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.

Status of Town Services
In keeping with the Governor's continued emergency actions limiting gatherings and other efforts to maximize social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, 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

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 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 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!

May 22: Bike Collection at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 143 Lincoln St, 9 AM - 1 PM
Bikes Not Bombs, a nonprofit organization in Jamaica Plain, will be collecting unused bikes of all sizes (except tricycles), bike parts, and bike tools in the Lutheran Church parking lot.  The best bicycles will be refurbished in their local shop for sale to the public.  Most will be shipped overseas to be used in areas where they could serve as transportation. Bikes DON'T need to be in working order.  They are experts at fixing them!  Because most of the bikes are shipped abroad in huge containers, Bikes Not Bombs asks people to donate $20 along with each bike to help pay for their transportation.  Check the website<https://bikesnotbombs.org/help-out/donate-bikes.> to see what they do and don't accept. All other questions, contact Rita at norijo at earthlink.net<mailto:norijo at earthlink.net> with this subject: Bike Collection.

May 30:  Garden Concert!
3-4:30 pm. Classical pianist Miki Sawada performs at Queset Garden, the Ames Free Library. Miki has been traveling the 50 states with a piano to perform in community gathering spaces and has now returned to Massachusetts to conclude her "Gather Hear Tour".  Miki will perform works by Florence Price, Franz Liszt, and a piece written specially for this tour by Boston-based musician Ariel Friedman. . Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the Garden as well! FREE and open to all (donations to Miki welcome). For more information, visit www.gatherhear.com<http://www.gatherhear.com>.

June 4: Path to Healing, Inc. - Free for Veterans and Service Members
June 4 through June 28. Learn to manage symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD triggered by military trauma. Monday evenings-Songwriting and/or Friday evenings-Horsemanship, combined with Saturdays-Yoga, Meditation, Cooking Demo and Counseling (education & coping skills on trauma and related issues such as anger, trouble sleeping, etc.).  For more information, call 508-219-2904, email info at pathtohealingma.org<mailto:info at pathtohealingma.org>  or visit our website https://www.pathtohealingma.org.

June 16: Finances for the Modern Woman
At 5:30 pm. 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 5:30 pm. 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>.

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/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.


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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