[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, October 15, 2021

[Easton Town Crier]

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING NOTICE

Monday, November 8: Special Town Meeting
The Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the Oliver Ames High School Auditorium, 100 Lothrop Street. This meeting will focus on the routine but important town business conducted each fall at Special Town Meeting. The last day to register to vote<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/> at this Special Town Meeting is Friday, October 29. The draft warrant for this Special Town Meeting is available online by clicking here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/> and then selecting “Town Meeting Warrant Drafts.” Hard copies of the warrant are available at the Town Offices.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Housing Production Plan Virtual Public Meeting – 6:30 PM Wednesday, October 20, 2021
The Affordable Housing Trust and Old Colony Planning Council are hosting a virtual Public Input Meeting to update Easton's Housing Production Plan at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, October 20th.  Please click this link to register for the meeting and then be e-mailed a Zoom link for the meeting itself:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88068035473?pwd=Y2VCeTBHOVVEZ2pUejREd0E3ck9KZz09
The meeting will be an opportunity to incorporate comments, perspectives, and priorities into Easton's housing planning and for the Trust and OCPC to answer questions about the process.

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

  *   Administrative Assistant/Boards (part-time on an as needed basis - evenings)
  *   Programs Assistant (part–time 25 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>.

Town Wide Hydrant Flushing
Please be advised that the Easton Water Division will be flushing the water system to maintain high water quality beginning Tuesday October 12, 2021 through Sunday October 25, 2021. Flushing will occur during the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM daily.  During this time some residents may experience discolored water.  For information on the anticipated schedule, current location of flushing and updates, please visit the Easton Water Division Hydrant Flushing webpage:
https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_system_flushing.php
If you have any questions, call 508-230-0850. We appreciate your patience as we perform this important system maintenance.

Snow Plow Applications
The DPW is seeking snow plow contractors for the 2021-2022 winter season.  Applications can be downloaded here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/d172c541-7615-ec11-a34e-000c29a59557/Snow%20Plow%20Application%202021_2022.pdf>.

October 23: National Drug Take Back at the Easton Police Station from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
On Saturday, October 23rd, the Easton Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your prescription medications and sharps for disposal to the Easton Police Station on Lothrop Street. Over-the counter and pet medications will also be accepted. Sharps (needles, syringes) will be accepted! Please bring them in a puncture-proof container. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Depot Street Reconstruction/Paving
Paving operations will continue on Depot Street from Fox Ridge Road to Center Street.  Asphalt paving will begin the week of October 12th.  Following paving, crews will begin installing granite curbing and raising castings to grade.  This phase of work is expected to continue into November.  During this time westbound traffic on Depot Street will be detoured between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM alternating traffic will be allowed in both directions. Motorists should expect delays during this work and seek alternate routes.  Drainage installation will also continue between Central Street and Church Street and through traffic will be detoured during working hours.

CDC Federal Eviction Moratorium Ended Aug 26
The CDC Federal Eviction Moratorium ended on Thursday, August 26, 2021. However, the end of the moratorium does not mean you will be immediately evicted if you are behind on rent. Only a court can order someone to leave their home.

In Massachusetts, if you have a pending application for emergency rental assistance, your eviction case can be paused. If you or someone you know is having trouble paying rent, financial assistance is available. Apply for rental assistance<https://bit.ly/3zycJiR> today.  For legal help, visit the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project<https://bit.ly/2Y9zUlT>.  For information on community mediation, visit www.resolutionma.org<https://www.resolutionma.org/>.   You can also call 2-1-1 for referrals available in multiple languages.

The "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.

Easton Public Schools Employment Opportunities
The Easton Public Schools is looking to fill the following positions:

  *   Food Service Workers
  *   Lunch/Playground Aides
  *   Substitute Custodians
  *   Substitute Crossing Guards
  *   Substitute Teachers
  *   Substitute Nurses
  *   Bus Monitors
  *   Bus and Van Drivers
For more information, and to apply, please visit Easton Public Schools - Employment Opportunities.<http://www.easton.k12.ma.us/staff/employment_opportunities.php>

COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities
Visit https://vaxfinder.mass.gov to search for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment near you. For continued COVID 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.

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>.

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.

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 need 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

Easton Recreation’s Creative Writing and Crafting Workshop
Easton Recreation is offering The Fruit Bowl, a Creative Writing and Crafting Workshop for children ages 8 to 12. This two-day workshop will consist of creating a paper Mache masterpiece and writing creatively about a fruit bowl. Be sure to bring your imagination and curiosity because the fruit bowl might surprise you!
The workshop will be held on Saturdays at Frothingham Hall and the deadline to register is November 1. Please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/3796816c-832b-ec11-a353-000c29a59557/Creative%20Writing%20-%202021.PDF> for more information.

The Friends of the Ames Free Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Ames Free Library Book Sale Room<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-book-sale-room> at Queset House is “back in business.” All books are on sale for half price through October 16th.  Stop by to browse and pick up

some gently used titles, including bestsellers, for all ages. We are always open during Queset House operating hours: Monday - Thursday, 1 - 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 1 - 5 p.m.



Donations of books in good condition may be dropped off on the first and third Saturday of each month. We are unable to accept textbooks, magazines, or music CDs. The Friends welcome new members and volunteers. For more information, please visit this page<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-library.>.

Cambridge Chamber Ensemble at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall
The Cambridge Chamber Ensemble will be presenting Gustav Holst’s Savitri on November 19, 20, & 21, 2021.  Click here<http://www.cambridgechamberensemble.org> for tickets and more information.

Town of Easton Community Calendar
The free Town of Easton Community Calendar from September 2021 through August 2022 is now available prepared by the North Easton Savings Bank.  The calendar includes significant school dates, listing of local organizations. and extensive pertinent information about the community.  The main feature this time is Oakes Ames Memorial Hall.  The calendars are now available in all Easton branches of the North Easton Savings Bank, the Town Offices, the Ames Free Library, Easton Historical Society and the Easton School Department Office.

Queset House at Ames Free Library Open
Easton's favorite meeting space for community groups, tutors, gamers and hobbyists is once again open! The Learning Commons @ Queset House at 51 Main Street (right side of library driveway) is open from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, as well as 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The popular book sale room, managed by the Friends of the Library,  will also be available during those hours. Groups wanting to meet during the morning hours should contact the library at  quesethouse at amesfreelibrary.org or call 508-238-2000 ext. 3. Masks and social distancing within the building required. Welcome back!

Important Notice from the Easton Food Pantry
The Easton Food Pantry has new hours:  Fridays Noon – 3:30 PM at 136 Elm Street (Easton Town Offices Lot).

The Easton Food Pantry is here to serve residents in need.  If you are newly in need of food and supplies, come see us on Fridays 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.

                1. Call in by 5:00 PM Thursday 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.  Wear a mask if unvaccinated.
                4.  Please do not line up prior to opening; it impedes Town Hall traffic and you will be asked to come back later.
For the safety of our clients and volunteers, the Pantry will not open during severe 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
P.O. Box 1481
Easton, MA 02334-1481

Regretfully, we cannot accept used paper or cloth bags.  Please recycle accordingly.
The Pantry is suspending food drives until we move to our new location.  Watch our website for details!
https://eastonfoodpantry.org

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.

Check the Easton Food Pantry Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/Easton-Food-Pantry-147638461971296/> for updates.  Thank you to the people of Easton for your support!


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 here<https://www.easton.ma.us/October%202021.pdf> to view our current newsletter, hot off the presses!

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


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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