[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, August 12, 2022

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

ARPA Update Re: Taxation Aid Committee Disbursements – Doubling of Funding Commitment for Coming Year
The Town of Easton is pleased to announce the successful completion of the second round of property tax assistance by the Easton Taxation Aid Committee, which was funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Phase I of Easton’s ARPA Plan included $50,000 in FY22 funding for the Tax Aid Committee to promote housing security via direct financial assistance to fixed income homeowners suffering from financial hardship in the wake of the pandemic. The Committee reviewed submitted applications against eligibility guidelines, including income limits set at 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). After review, the Committee was able to assist 44 applicants by reducing their real estate tax bills by $1,136 each.

On November 12, 2019, Easton residents at Special Town Meeting voted to adopt M.G.L. Chapter 60 § 3D establishing an elderly and disabled taxation relief fund for the purpose of defraying the real estate taxes of elderly and disabled persons of low income. On January 27, 2020, the Select Board adopted a charge for the Taxation Aid Committee to implement and administer this fund.

The next round of tax aid will open in the Fall of 2022, and the Town’s ARPA commitment for the FY23 period will double to a total of $100,000. Forthcoming announcements will be made on our website, social media, and town newsletters when applications are available. Please visit the Taxation Aid Committee’s website<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/taxation_aid_committee.php> for more information, including eligibility guidelines.

To learn more about Easton’s ARPA plan, please click here<http://www.easton.ma.us/arpa>. The Town thanks the members of the Tax Aid Committee for their dedication to this work as well as the voters of Easton for their support of the 2019 Town Meeting article necessary to establish the Committee.

Easton Tricentennial Committee
The 300-year anniversary of the Town of Easton is in 2025. The Select Board recently created the Easton Tricentennial Committee to lead the town in a yearlong celebration of Easton’s Tricentennial that commemorates Easton’s long history, engages all Easton residents, and celebrates Easton’s enduring, three-hundred-year tradition of community spirit.  More information about the committee can be found here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/5643fddd-b319-ed11-a387-000c29a59557/Tricentennial%20Committee%20Charge>.  If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete a Volunteer Information Form here<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php>.

CPA Projects Approved at Town Meeting Underway
At the May 2022 Annual Town Meeting Easton residents voted to invest nearly $2.4 million dollars of Community Preservation Act funds for eight projects that will protect historic resources, conserve public open space, provide active outdoor recreation opportunities, and support affordable housing. Information on each of the  projects can be found by clicking CPA 2022 Approved Projects<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/5b95eeb4-f718-ed11-a387-000c29a59557/CPA%20Approved%20Projects%202022>.

Week of August 22 -  Bulky Item Pick-Up
The week of August 22, 2022 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>.
Please note that mattresses no longer qualify for bulky item collection weeks. To schedule a mattress collection, please call Waste Management directly at 800-972-4545.
All other trash questions call the DPW at 508-230-0800.

Depot Street Reconstruction Project – Saturday Work in August
The Depot Street Reconstruction Project continues through the summer. Operations include widening the existing roadway and sidewalk installation.  Motorists should expect delays during this work period and consider seeking alternate routes.  All businesses are open during this project.

To accommodate the current pulverization, grading, and paving operations ongoing between Central Street and School Street, the contractor will temporarily be working 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays through August 27th.  This work will significantly impact traffic during this time and we recommend that motorists seek alternative routes if possible and expect delays if you cannot.

Fall Elections – Voting Options
Easton voters are encouraged to plan ahead on how they would like to vote in the Fall 2022 elections.  Information regarding the 3 voting options can be found at the following links:  Vote by Mail<http://www.easton.ma.us/votebymail>, Vote Early In Person<http://www.easton.ma.us/earlyvoting> or Vote on Election Day<http://www.easton.ma.us/knowbeforeyougo>.  To view all 3 voting options please view the Fall 2022 Elections Voter Options Guide<http://www.easton.ma.us/VoterOptionGuide.pdf>.

  *   Website:                            www.easton.ma.us/vote<http://www.easton.ma.us/vote>
  *   Voter Option Guide:       www.easton.ma.us/voteroptionguide.pdf<http://www.easton.ma.us/voteroptionguide.pdf>
  *   Email Questions to:         VotebyMail at easton.ma.us<mailto:VotebyMail at easton.ma.us>

ELECTION TYPE

DATE OF ELECTION

 ELECTION DAY
 LOCATION

 ELECTION DAY
 HOURS

DEADLINE TO REGISTER
TO VOTE<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/>

VOTE BY MAIL
APPLICATION
<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/3258387b-53c0-ea11-a302-000c29a59557/2020%20Vote%20by%20Mail%20application.pdf>DEADLINE

State Primary Election

September 6th          (day after Labor Day)

OAHS

7 AM - 8 PM

 August 27th

Aug 29th - 5:00 PM

State Election

November 8th

OAHS

7 AM - 8 PM

October 29th

Nov 1st - 5:00 PM


Track Your Application and Ballot<http://www.wheredoivotema.com/track/trackmyballot.aspx> Voters who have applied for a vote by mail ballot may use this link to track the status of their application as well as their ballot status (mailed / received back). Please note that we anticipate a large volume of applications (there are over 17,000 voters in Easton) and request you allow at least 1 week before checking the status of your application and allow a minimum of 10 days to receive your ballot from the status date of mailing. Please DO NOT contact the Clerk's Office to check on your status until the recommended amount of time listed above has passed.

Returning Your Vote By Mail Ballot:
Once you have received your ballot, please vote it promptly, place the ballot in the manila ballot envelope (required) and sign (required) affidavit on the manila ballot envelope.  Place the sealed ballot envelope in the postage paid white return envelope and return by U.S. mail or place it (with or without the white return envelope) in the secure ballot drop box at Town Offices at 136 Elm St.
Deadlines for ballots to be returned and counted
·      All ballots must be received at Town Offices by 8:00 PM on September 6th
Ballots can NOT be returned to the polling location on Election Day - they must be returned in the ballot drop box located at the Town Offices (136 Elm St).  Your returned ballot on Election Day will be processed and brought to the polls to be cast by the Town Clerk’s staff.

September 6 – State Primary Election
Selection of Ballot Type for Unenrolled Voters (known as Independent)
In a primary election, a voter who is NOT registered in a political party must specify the party ballot type of choice on the application to vote by mail or in person voting (early or on election day). We are unable to process applications for unenrolled voters who do not select a party ballot type on their application. Unenrolled voters who select a party ballot type do not become registered in that party - they remain Unenrolled / Independent voters. Voters who are registered in one of the 2 political parties (Democratic, Republican) MUST take that party ballot and are not given a choice of ballot type.

  *   Verify your party enrollment<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx>
  *   Change your party enrollment<https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/>
(prior to voter registration deadline & before applying for a mail in ballot)

  *   View sample ballots<http://www.easton.ma.us/sampleballots>

Water Division Construction Update
The Water Division is pleased to share several construction photographs of our iron and manganese water treatment plant at Red Mill Road. The site clearing and earthworks has begun for the per-polyfluoroaIkyl (PFAS) water filter plants at Washington Street and Gary Lane.  We will continue to update our web page on both of these projects, as our construction moves from earthwork to structural construction.
https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_div_projects.php


How to Opt-Out of Ground Spraying for Mosquitoes

Starting in early June, Bristol County Mosquito Control Project<https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bristol-county-mosquito-control-project> will begin ground spraying Easton neighborhoods against mosquitoes using Zenivex E4 RTU<https://pestweb.com/assets/files/productdocuments/wellmrk-zenivex-e4-rtu-mosquito-adulticide-sds-en-100013446.pdf>. If you would like to “opt out” of ground spraying for your property, request an exclusion at Mass.gov’s How to Request an Exclusion or Opt out from Wide Area Pesticide Applications<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications> page.

Those residents with lung conditions, young children, bee hives, and vegetable gardens are encouraged to learn more about Zenivex E4 RTU. Regardless of your decision, we recommend closing windows and turning off air conditioning during spraying and rinsing off outdoor gardens and play equipment once spraying is complete. For more information on the program and the proposed schedule, please visit Bristol County Mosquito Control Project<https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bristol-county-mosquito-control-project>.

Opt-out requests are good for the year, but take 14 days to process. You must label your property as directed, as well as complete the exclusion request to be considered for the ground spray exclusion.

Water Restrictions Began May 1, 2022
Effective May 1, 2022 through November 1, 2022 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 restrictions are needed to comply with our water withdrawal permit and to ensure adequate supply during the construction of the PFAS and iron and manganese treatment facilities.  We ask residents to check and reduce the operation of their irrigation systems and follow the prescribe day and operational hours.  Residents will be notified if further restrictions are required.  For more information, please click here.<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/index.php>
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.

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>.

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>.

Attention Veterans! The Reveille Newsletter - A Publication of Easton Veterans’ Services
https://www.ourseniorcenter.com/find/easton-veterans-services

Council on Aging Newsletter
The Council on Aging is here for you! Please click here<https://cms2files.revize.com/eastonma/August%202022.pdf> to view our current newsletter.

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.

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.

Project Lifesaver: From the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department
Project Lifesaver is an innovative rapid response program designed specifically for families living with Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Autism, and related disorders.  By using the most reliable technology available and specially trained personnel, Project Lifesaver teams can quickly locate and return wandering adults and children to their families or caregivers.  Participants of the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized one-ounce battery operated wristband that emits a tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day.  Each wristband has a unique radio frequency.
When someone in the program is reported missing, a search and rescue team responds to the area and starts searching with the mobile locator tracking system.  Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes.  Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.
Water Resistant for 24/7 Protection - Unique Digital ID Verification for each Client - Lightweight Ergonomic Design - FCC and Industry Canada Certified
To enroll or need further information, please call Officer Chris Vaz at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department, (508) 995-6400 x3617.

R.U. OK?: From the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department
The R.U. OK free telephone calling service provides peace of mind for both the individual and their family.  The program provides reliable, daily phone assurance, and the security a person may need to maintain their independence.  The program is designed for Senior, Disabled Persons and Shut-Ins living in Bristol County.
The Bristol County Sheriff’s Department will make a telephone call to an individual’s home at approximately the same time each day.  If no one answers, the Sheriff’s Department will call back shortly.  If no one answers the second time, the Police Department will be called immediately to check on the individual’s status.
Enroll Today!   Phone: (508) 994-8932 or Toll Free: (888) 809-8932

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, (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Easton Shovel Town Cultural District: Summer Music Series – LAST SHOW!
Free outdoor concerts at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, 3 Barrows Street, North Easton.
Series Finale, Wednesday, August 24, 7:00 PM – Key Element
Bring your chairs – food and drink will be available for purchase. Beer and Wine will be available for purchase from the Shovel Town Brewery. This event is made possible by a generous grant from Mass Cultural Council and sponsorship from Bank of Easton and North Easton Savings Bank. For more information visit www.oakesameshall.org<http://www.oakesameshall.org/>.

Post 7 Video Speaker Series
American Legion Post 7 in coordination with Easton Access Television (ECAT) has filmed local programs Video Speaker Series for veterans. The blue video link is to the Wildhearts Horsemanship Program speaker Julie Lovely at the January 2022 General Meeting.  Click on the blue link below to view this video
https://www.mediafire.com/file/cofgfp2xjxoytdw/Legion22JanuaryMeeting_2.mp4/file
The next blue video link is to the Path to Healing Speaker Keri-Ann Wegner at the February 2022 Meeting.  Click the blue link below to view this video
https://www.mediafire.com/file/8xw5bo8l7z7dzcb/Legion22FebruaryMeetingBroadcast_1.mp4/file
The below link is to the Smith Farm Borderland Speaker Rich Eastman at the May 2022 Meeting. Click the blue link below to view this video  https://www.mediafire.com/file/1nejw6t4rdap2dl/LegionMayMeetingBroadcastwithFlyer.mp4/file
It may take 10 minutes or so for video to download onto your device
ECAT Local Television is on Verizon channel 22 and Comcast Channel 9.  Scheduled programming can be obtained and/or viewed online at the ECAT website www.eastoncat.org<http://www.eastoncat.org>

Calling all volunteers!
The Meals on Wheels Nutrition Program is designed to enrich the quality of life for older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. They are currently in need more meal delivery volunteers. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage. Come make a difference in the life of a senior citizen! Call Old Colony Elder Services at 508 584-1561 ext 530 to request a volunteer application.

Still Time to Register for the 5th Annual We Do Care Golf Tournament!
Reserve Your Spot By August 12th at WeDoCareGolf.Org<https://wedocare.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/wedocare/event.jsp?event=18&>. We Do Care, Grief and Loss Inc. a 501c3 based in Easton that provides peer-to-peer support groups for widows and their children who have suffered an unexpected loss. Our mission is to create Widow Warriors by empowering our members to be financially independent, mentally and emotionally stable and physically strong. We also support children who have faced the loss of a parent and provide them with a group of peers where they can create bonds with other children who have faced the same loss. Support from this event will fund our fall programming. Learn more by visiting WeDoCare.org<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/Yc9AC313rkclYEDUD67eK/> and by viewing Golf PSA<https://reflect-mansfield.cablecast.tv/vod/8178-we-do-care-golf-v1/vod.mp4>. For more information, please contact Karen Dayton at 508-530-1369 or Karend at wedocare.org<mailto:Karend at wedocare.org>.

Adult Woman's Basketball
Easton Recreation Adult Woman’s Basketball registration is open to all woman 18 years and older.  Games will be held every Tuesday night from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM, beginning September 13th and ending November 22.  Participants will play against other individuals of all different skill levels.  Cost of program is $50
To Register click HERE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx> and type "Easton Recreation Department" to access registration links.

Bocce Anyone?
We have an excellent Bocce court at Frothingham Hall waiting to be used.  If you have an interest in playing email Jeff Page jpage at easton.ma.us<mailto:jpage at easton.ma.us> with our Recreation Department

Town Pool
Join us for summer fun at the Town Pool located at 101 Lincoln Street, North Easton!  Memberships and swim lesson signups are now available.  Visit the Easton Recreation webpage<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/recreation_department/town_pool_information.php> for hours, membership, activities, and swim lesson information.

Save the Date! - 50th Anniversary of Borderland State Park
2022 Family Fun Day at Borderland State Park will celebrate the 50th anniversary of both Borderland State Park and The Friends of Borderland. Please join us on Saturday, October 8, 2022 (with a rain date of Sunday, October 9, 2022), from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Friends of the Ames Free Library News
The Friends operate the Book Sale Room at Queset House, which is open whenever Queset House itself is open (from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday). We accept donations of gently used books in very good condition during our Saturday hours. Please visit this page<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-book-sale-room> for our donation guidelines. The Friends welcome new members and volunteers; you can find more information here<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-library>, where you can also download a copy of our quarterly newsletter.

Registration for Kindergarten NOW OPEN!
Kindergarten Registration is available online at the Easton Public School Website:  www.easton.k12.ma.us<http://www.easton.k12.ma.us>

Easton Commission on Disability
WHAT WE DO:

  *   Advocate for residents who experience an access or disability related problem in town
  *   Research local problems of people with disabilities
  *   Advise and assist town officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities
  *   Provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability
  *   Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the town as they affect people with disabilities
Questions or Concerns? Contact us at cod at easton.ma.us<mailto:cod at easton.ma.us> or visit our website<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/commission_on_disabilities/index.php>.

The Children’s Museum Easton
The Children's Museum Easton is a hands-on interactive children’s museum designed for children ages 1 to 7, founded in 1991 on the principle that play and hands-on learning is critically important to successful child development.
SUMMER HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM and Closed Sundays
Last admission each day is 45 minutes prior to closing. Admission price is $10 each, (adults and children, 1 years and up). Visit our website at cmeaston.org<http://cmeaston.org/> or like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Wonder World, August 15th-19th It's our version of Comicon, where fantasy becomes reality with gnomes, fairies, princes and princesses. A tinker fairy and Captain Jack will surprise us with a visit on Tuesday, and Awesome Robb will be here on Thursday!
Monday, August 15th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Gnome Homes and Fairy Houses — Invite a sprite to call your yard home by creating a welcoming respite for them. Decorate it with a mix of natural and found objects, then place it in a special spot.
Tuesday, August 16th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tinker Fairy & Captain Jack - Tinkerfairy will be flying in for some storytelling, games and some sing-a-longs but wait, what is Tinker trying to tell us?  Oh no mateys, Captain Jack is coming too, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Crowns — Make a crown fit for royalty! We’ll have gems and jewels and other sparklies that will be suitable for any king or queen.
Wednesday, August 17th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Magical Matter- Is it a solid, liquid or gas?  Come test oobleck, a museum favorite and test states of matter!
Be sure to "tune" in Wednesdays in August from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Miss Kerry leads this drop-in that introduces children to various styles of music through singing, rhythm-making and dramatic interpretation. Music is free with admission or with a CME membership.
Thursday, August 18th from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Magic with Awesome Rob -  Crowd favorite Awesome Robb brings his hilarious brand of magic to the Museum, this time with a pirate twist. Enjoy one of his mini-shows, guaranteed to entertain young and old alike!
Fantasmic Frames — Use stickers and foamies to customize your own magical storybook frame.
Friday, August 19th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Levitating Science- Create static electricity and watch as your powers levitate our designs.
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 the library driveway) is open from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, as well as 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Groups wanting to meet during the morning hours should contact the library at quesethouse at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:quesethouse at amesfreelibrary.org> or call 508-238-2000 ext. 3. Masks and social distancing within the building required. Welcome back!

Low-and-no-cost Energy Efficiency Programs
Before you make any energy-saving updates to your home or apartment, take a look at the programs offered by Mass Save, which is open to all residents, and Self Help, a needs-based organization that assists with much more than fuel assistance. Depending on your eligibility, these state programs may cover a portion or all of the cost of the following:

  *   Replacement of your heating system
  *   Insulation of walls, attic, basement
  *   Air sealing drafty areas like windows and doors
  *   Installing energy-saving programmable thermostats
  *   Providing LED energy-saving light bulbs
  *   Installing water-saving faucets
  *   Replacement appliances such as refrigerators, window air conditioners, clothes washers, and dehumidifiers, if your current models are deemed inefficient
Both Mass Save (https://www.masssave.com/) and Self Help (https://selfhelpinc.org/) are open to Easton homeowners and renters (eligibility varies between programs).

Art Coop/Gallery is Open
Easton Shovel Town Cultural District is happy to announce the re-opening of the Art Coop/Gallery located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovelworks Project). The Art Coop/Gallery is open Saturdays, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. They 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 them out on Facebook: Easton Shovel Town Cultural District and Art Matters Easton MA.

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.

Important Notice from the Easton Food Pantry
The Easton Food Pantry distributions are at the rear of the Fellowship Church, 604 Foundry Street, South Easton, on Mondays from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
Please see the Food Pantry  website https://eastonfoodpantry.org and Facebook page for details and diagrams.  The Easton Food Pantry is here to serve residents in need.
1. Call in by 5:00 PM Sunday evenings at (781) 333-6284 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 you are unvaccinated or unwell.
4.  Please do not line up prior to opening,
If you are newly in need of food and supplies, come see us on Mondays from 11:30 AM – 3:00 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, P.O. Box 1481, Easton, MA 02334-1481
Due to space limitations, the Pantry is resuming food drives on a limited basis.  Please check the website for guidance and scheduling. https://eastonfoodpantry.org/food-donations

Other business: please leave a message at (781) 333-6284 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!

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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