[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, June 24, 2022

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Foundry Street Transportation Improvements
The Town of Easton is seeking to provide transportation improvements along a portion of the Foundry Street corridor. The Furnace Village District, also known as the Five Corners, is identified in the Envision Easton Master Plan as one of the town’s targeted growth areas for commercial, mixed-use and walkable neighborhood development and redevelopment. During community planning charettes associated with planning for the recently completed sewer project and the adoption of District Improvement Financing, residents and business owners shared their vision of a vibrant walkable and connected neighborhood, with sidewalks and bicycle accommodations, providing opportunities to shop, dine and recreate locally.

We are soliciting public input at this early stage to help refine the goals and develop the priorities for the project to ensure that it best meets the needs of abutters, residents, business owners and other stakeholders. The project limits will extend approximately 1.1 miles, from Eastman Street/Robert Drive to Depot Street/Bay Road. The improvements will consider the addition of new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, installation of a new drainage system and replacement of three culverts.  Addressing the project goals while being sensitive to resident and abutter concerns will be key to the success of this project. We ask that you carefully consider and provide answers to this survey to help guide the development of this project: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EastonFoundryStreet.

Annual Water Quality Report
The Easton Water Division is pleased to announce the availability of the 2021 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) which is available by clicking here<https://cms2files.revize.com/eastonma/departments/dpw/water_division/docs/2021ConsumerConfidenceReport.pdf>. Individuals requesting a hard copy sent to them, should call the Easton Water Division at 508-230-0850.

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.

Depot Street Reconstruction Project
The Depot Street Reconstruction Project recommenced on April 4, 2022. Operations include widening the existing roadway and sidewalk installation.  Between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM westbound traffic will be detoured to Central Street while eastbound traffic will be permitted through the construction zone. Motorists should expect delays during this work and seek alternate routes. Note that the protective covering on the Civil War Monument is in preparation for its relocation later this Spring.

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.

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>.

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/June%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

Oakes Ames Memorial Hall Supports the Easton Chamber Music Festival
Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, the Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Performance & Event Center, is a proud supporter of the 2022 Easton Chamber Music Festival. This year’s concerts are being held at the Covenant Congregational Church on Center Street. On Friday, June 24 at 7:30 PM, international faculty members will perform Beethoven’s Septet. The second concert, on Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 PM, features Mendelssohn’s Octet. ECMF student ensembles present their showcase in the third concert on Sunday, June 26 beginning at 5:00 PM. All concerts are free and open to the public. We hope to see you in the audience! For more information, visit http://eastonchambermusicfestival.org<http://eastonchambermusicfestival.org/>.

Children's Races (Ages 2-12)
Kids will run three different race distances (50m, 100m & 200m or as close to them as possible) and afterwards they will receive a ribbon and most importantly a yummy Ice Pop.    First races begin Thursday July 7th 6pm  at Frothingham Park, 15 Park St.  Race Dates:  July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4 and 11.  No signup necessary.  If it rains event will be cancelled.  Any questions feel free to email Jeff Page at jpage at easton.ma.us<mailto:jpage at easton.ma.us>

Girls Field Hockey (Grades 3/4 and 5/6)
Has your child been waiting to try a new and fun sport?  Does your child already play and love field hockey?  No prior skills required.  Practice begins end of summer with games in September and October.  The travel team will participate in the very popular Commonwealth Field Hockey League.  Players will receive instruction during practice time and Saturdays will be games against teams in the surrounding area.  Practice will be 2x a week starting at 530p.  Oliver Ames High School, 100 Lothrop St, North Easton, MA.  Cost will be $200 and includes a shirt and skirt.  Players must provide their own required equipment: stick, shin guards, mouthguard and field hockey goggles.  Registration ends Thursday August 4th.    https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/recreation_programs.php

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.

Trail Maintainer Volunteer Opportunity
Attention nature-lovers, the Bay Circuit Trail & Greenway<https://baycircuit.org/> is looking for a new volunteer Trail Maintainer for Easton. Help your community protect open spaces while enjoying the great outdoors! Trail Maintainers are vital in keeping the trail up-to-date and fun! We ask trail maintainers to assess the BCT at least twice a year, which includes: checking for proper signage, evaluating trail conditions, and suggesting future projects that would improve the overall experience. For more information, you can read the Trail Maintainer Responsibilities here<https://www.baycircuit.org/new-trail-maintainer-needed/>. If you’re interested in volunteering, please Contact Us<https://www.baycircuit.org/contact-us/> on our website and use the subject line “Easton Trail Maintainer Volunteer.” We can’t wait to hear from you!

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.  What’s happening at the Children's Museum this week:
-       Tuesday, June 28 - Tuesday Studio 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Roll up your sleeves, toss on a smock and get ready to create! This week Water n’ Waves – Use a comb or notched piece of cardboard to create a rhythmic sense of movement, like waves in an ocean.
-        Wednesday, June 29 - Exploring Music 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Miss Kerry leads this drop-in that introduces toddlers to various styles of music through singing, rhythm-making and dramatic interpretation.
-        Thursday, June 30 – Thursday TRY-IT! 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Go ahead and try! It’s a great mantra and one we are embracing all month long. You’ll be surprised each week by what is presented but we’re certain you’ll want to jump right in!
CME's hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM, 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<http://cmeaston.org/> or like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter. NEW SUMMER HOURS, starting July 5th!
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.

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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