[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, February 25, 2022

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Friday, February 25 – Trash Delay
Due to the bad weather, Friday’s trash and recycling will be collected on Saturday, February 26.

Week of February 28, 2022  Bulky Item Pick-Up
The week February 28, 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>.
Mattresses no longer qualify for bulky item collection week. To schedule a mattress for collection for a fee please call Waste Management directly at 800-972-4545. Any questions call the DPW at 508-230-0800.

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

  *   Community Outreach Liaison/Mental Health Counselor (full time 40 hours)
For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>.

Community Meetings Regarding the Ames Estate
The Trustees will be sharing plans for renovations at the Ames Estate, including current design strategy, layout and proposed timeline for work.  Learn more about the new gathering space being envisioned and weigh in on activation opportunities with the community. March 3, 6:00 PM via Zoom and March 5, 10:00 AM at the Ames Estate. To register, email: vtikku at thetrustees.org<mailto:vtikku at thetrustees.org>.

Notice of Tree Removal at New Pond Dam and Foundry Street
As part of the Town of Easton’s ongoing maintenance of the New Pond Dam, the removal of existing trees and vegetation along the earthen embankment of the dam is scheduled to begin on Monday February 28, 2022.  Police Details may be on scene to assist and direct traffic through and around the work area, if necessary. This maintenance work is required by the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety to maintain earthen embankment dams free of the existence of trees and woody growth.  Work on the embankment has received required permits from the Conservation Commission and the Office of Dam Safety. Work on the project is expected to begin around 7:00 AM and should conclude by 3:00 PM daily.  Work on New Pond Way is anticipated to be limited to between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  Depending on weather, the project should be completed by the end of March 2022.  Please plan accordingly and be prepared to move vehicles from driveways if needed ahead of the tree removal work.  Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain the Town of Easton’s facilities.  If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at (508) 230-0800 or MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us<mailto:MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us>.

Now through February 28: 2022 Dog Licensing
Dog licenses for 2022 are now available and must be completed BEFORE March 1 to avoid late fees.  A current rabies certificate must be on file with the Town Clerk’s Office in order to license your dog.  To update your rabies on file, please email<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> a copy to townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us>.
You may license your dog in one of the following ways:

  *   License ONLINE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364> (.50 bank convenience fee with electronic check) and your license and tags will be mailed directly to you ($1.00 postage & handling fee for each license issued).
  *   License in Person – You may stop by the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours. (Mondays 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Tues/Wed/Thur 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Fri 8:30 AM-12:30 PM)
  *   License by Mail - Click here<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/dog_license.php> for additional information on how to license your dog by mail.   Licensing forms<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/db96eb02-e4bf-e711-80bf-001fbc00ed85/Dog%20License%20Form.pdf> are ONLY required when registering your dog by mail.

Obtain Nomination Papers for Annual Town Election: Now through March 2, 2022
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election to be held on Saturday, April 23 are available at the Town Clerk’s Office.  The last day to obtain nomination papers is Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM.  The Election Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/a973d17d-6946-ec11-a359-000c29a59557/4.%202022%20Town%20Election%20Calendar.pdf> with candidate deadlines, the positions on the ballot<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/26448197-e238-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/2022%20Town%20Election%20Terms%20Due%20to%20Expire%20with%20positions.pdf> and a complete Candidate Packet<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/b4dcaf4c-6a46-ec11-a359-000c29a59557/2022%20Candidates%20Packet.pdf> are available on the Town’s website.  Interested candidates are invited to call 508-230-0530 or email townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> with questions.

Annual Town Election: April 23, 2022  10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Easton will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Oliver Ames High School.  Use this link for additional Election Information<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/election_information.php>.

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>.

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.

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, (8 AM-4 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.

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

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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

2022 Tee Ball Program Registration
The Easton Recreation Department is excited to announce that the 2022 Tee Ball season is now open for registration! This program is for all children born between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2018. The Tee Ball season runs from May to mid-June. Games are at 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday.  There are usually 1-2 games per week depending on the schedule.  The cost of this program is $80.00 per child. To register and pay for this program, please click here<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactionInfo.aspx?CustomerID=994&TransID=23072>.

March 5: We Do Care 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Fundraising Gala
We Do Care will host their 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Fundraising Gala on March 5, 2022 at Avenir in Walpole, MA to support young widows, widowers and children who have lost a parent. The Gala will take place in the stylish ballroom at the South Shore’s glamorous new venue, Avenir, located at 1601 Main Street, Walpole and will feature a cocktail hour starting at 6 pm, followed by dinner and dancing at 7 pm, music, cash bar, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. There are sponsorship opportunities for individuals and local businesses, as well as opportunities to purchase tables for 8 – please contact Sandy DaSilva at sandyd at wedocare.org<mailto:sandyd at wedocare.org> for details. Tickets are available in advance at: https://tinyurl.com/wdcgala, save on fees and choose e-check or write a check directly to We Do Care and mail it to We Do Care, 10 Gawaine Road, North Easton, MA 02356 (please note guests’ names if purchasing a table). If it’s not possible for you to attend the gala, We Do Care would appreciate your tax-deductible donation to support their vital work in the community:  https://wedocare.org/donations.

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. What’s happening at the Children's Museum this week:
               Tuesday March 1st - Tuesday Studio 10-11:00am, Roll up your sleeves, toss on a smock and get ready to create! We'll use different mediums and processes to make art.
Wednesday March 2nd- Exploring Music 10-10:45am, Miss Kerry leads this drop-in that introduces toddlers to various styles of music through singing, rhythm-making and dramatic interpretation.
Thursday March 3rd - Yoga, Movement & More 10-10:45, Miss Jenny mixes it up each week in these sessions that are geared to develop a toddler's self-awareness. Child size mats are provided.
Friday March 4th - Bee Mindful with S.T.E.A.M. 10-11:00am, We will be having a S.T.E.A.M. class with all sorts of fun activities your little ones can do while you learn helpful mindfulness techniques. Let's play and learn together!

CME's hours are Monday through Friday 9:30-3:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:30-4:00pm, last admission each day is 45 minutes prior to closing. Admission price is $10 each, (adults and children, 1 years and up).
We offer yearly memberships and private birthday parties.
Visit our website at cmeaston.org or like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

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 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 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!

Friends of the Ames Free Library News
The Book Sale Room at Queset House is open for browsing whenever Queset House itself is open (from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). For more information, and for details about donating your gently used books in good condition, please visit this page<https://amesfreelibrary.org/friends-library>. We're also pleased to announce that the first edition of the Friends' new quarterly e-newsletter is now available! To receive every issue, you can subscribe here<https://amesfreelibrary.org/friends-afl-newsletter>. A link to download the newsletter directly is also available on the website.

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 Newsletter
The Council on Aging is here for you! Please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/February%202022.pdf> to view our February newsletter.

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 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 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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