[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, May 6, 2022

[Easton Town Crier]

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING NOTICE

Monday, May 16: Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Oliver Ames High School Auditorium, 100 Lothrop Street. The final warrant can be accessed online by clicking here.<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/?l=5f1b7a004e41e71180be001fbc00ed85&d=b023bad4a2ccec11a376000c29a59557> Budget information and other details are here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/town_meeting_information.php>.  Hard copies of the warrant are available at the Town Offices.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

THURSDAY MAY 19, 2022 – 6:00 PM via Zoom
The Affordable Housing Trust needs your feedback as we finalize the 2022 to 2027 Housing Production plan. Join us as we discuss housing needs, goals and strategies.  Your input is important as we look at the future of housing in Easton. You can view the draft plan using this link https://bit.ly/3MNQ0pg
The zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85766957644 Webinar ID 857 6695 7644

Board and Committee Vacancies – Volunteers Needed
The success of any local government depends largely on the participation of its citizen volunteers. Citizen participation in local government is essential in creating a strong community and shaping the future of Easton. The issues and challenges faced by our local government, and their impact on people’s lives in the community, are important and complex. Please consider participating in Town affairs and assisting in the growth and prosperity of Easton by sharing your skills and knowledge. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php> webpage for a list of vacancies and the required online volunteer application form. Applications are due by Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Live Virtual Design Public Hearing – Improvements to Route 138 and Elm Street Intersection
The MassDOT will host a Live Virtual Design Public Hearing (DPH) to be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Access will be provided through the MassDOT website: www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings<http://www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings>.
 The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed Route 138 corridor and Elm Street intersection improvement project. All views and comments submitted in response to the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.

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>

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

  *   Summer Day Program Coordinator (to view the full job description click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/SUMMER%20DAY%20PROGRAM%20COORDINATOR%20revised%204-13-22.pdf>)
  *   Program/Pool Assistants
  *   Summer Day Program Counselors
  *   Lifeguards with Water Safety Instructor Certification or equivalent
  *   Administrative Assistant – Health & Community Services and Inspectional Services (part time 28 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>.

You may be eligible to receive up to $1,400 to be paid toward your real estate taxes!
The American Rescue Plan Act has made funds available to cities and towns to help defray the costs that COVID-19 created over the past couple of years. A portion of the funds allocated to the Town of Easton have been earmarked as direct assistance to homeowners. As a result of this, The Taxation Aid Committee is administering a second round of tax aid for fiscal year 2022. Even if your real estate taxes are paid, this round of tax aid is still available this year! Even if you have already received assistance from the first round of distributions!

Please see the eligibility criteria and application here: https://cms2files.revize.com/eastonma/Taxation%20Aid%20Fund%20Application-Round%202.pdf

If you have any questions, please refer them to Linda Hawkes, Treasurer at 508-230-0604 or Cory Ahonen, Deputy Director of Health and Community Services at 508-230-0690.  Applications are due by May 27, 2022.

2022 Dog Licensing
The deadline to register your dog without late fees was February 28th.  Any dog license processed on or after March 1st will include a $5 late fee.  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/Thurs 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.

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

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 a 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

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 30 at 1:00 PM
Please join us for the Town of Easton’s Memorial Day Parade!  The parade will march off at 1:00 PM from The Post Office at 300 Main Street, Easton, MA 02356 (The corner of Main street and Washington Street).  If you are marching, please arrive at 12:30 PM.  We will march down Main Street and turn onto Sullivan Ave and head to Veterans Memorial Park, where the parade will end with a ceremony.  Our Parade Marshall is Former POW and Easton Resident, Captain George K. Wanat, US Army.  We will have the OAHS Marching Band, Scouts, and many other organizations participating!  Please come out to honor and remember our veterans and servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

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!

Men in Retirement – May 11th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thinking about retirement brings on three major questions for men :  Why should I retire?  Who am I now?  What am I going to do?  For those men who do not find new meaningful activities to replace work, there is the risk of boredom and a sense of purposelessness that can be stressful and lead to depression and other health problems.
The Men in Retirement presentation focuses on the emotional issues in retirement that are often neglected.  Facilitator Henry Quinlan will discuss issues like loneliness, loss of identity, and boredom.
The presentation ends with an organization guide that will help attendees find meaning and purpose in their retirement years.   May 11th from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows St, North Easton MA This event is FREE to the public
To sign up, please email Jeff Page at jpage at easton.ma.us<mailto:jpage at easton.ma.us> or call the Council on Aging at 508-230-0690.

The Children’s Museum Easton – Father’s Day 5K Road Race & Family Fun Walk
After 2 years without our iconic road race, The Father’s Day 5K Road Race & Family Fun Walk will be held this year on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2022. Our race is a fun and festive event which helps provide much needed funding for our programs and exhibits. Here’s some more big news. We will be celebrating the 30th birthday of CME too! (A year late but better late than never!) New course, new faces, so much to celebrate this year! Register now at www.cmefathersdayroadrace.racewire.com<http://cmefathersdayroadrace.racewire.com/>

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

Seminar: Senior Citizens and Post Pandemic Blues
The Council on Aging is offering the “Senior Citizens and Post Pandemic Blues” seminar. If you feel as though you personally got through the pandemic relatively unscathed, but you still don’t feel like your ‘old self’ yet, this seminar is for you! Join us for a discussion at Frothingham Hall on Tuesday, May 17th from 10:00 AM -11:15 AM. Facilitated by Joe Moore, Licenses Mental Health Counselor.

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>

Moms Club of Easton, MA
"The Moms Club of Easton, MA in collaboration with Raising Multicultural Kids, invites local families to join us for our 9th Annual Family Fun Fest on Sunday May 15th, 2022! We are so excited to be back after two years off. As our largest fundraiser of the year, all proceeds will directly support Raising Multicultural Kids and School on Wheels, MA and their incredible programming!
This year we will be hosting the event twice in one day, you will choose a ticket time to attend from either 9:30 AM -12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM! All parking will be on site.
All activities and entertainment are FREE with ticketed entry!
Enjoy:

  *   Special Appearances by Toe Jam Puppet Band at 10:15 AM and 1:45 PM
  *   Vinny the Bubble Guy at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
  *   The Great Rolando magic show at 9:45 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM and 2:45 PM
  *   For the entire duration of the event (Please note some lines may close 15 min prior to event ending to reset for the next session)
  *   Visits with Mermaid Princess Island
  *   Princess, Tinker Fairy and Spider Hero
  *   Balloon twisting by Lorri Inglis of Alleyoop Party Rentals
  *   Face painting by Artsy Parties & Face Painting, Too

PLUS: Boating on the lake, Pedal Carts, Maplewood Village, Playgrounds, Open basketball court and "beach" volleyball!
All of the above is included in your ticket! Please make sure to select the correct time slot, we cannot accept tickets to the wrong timeframe! Please see our Facebook event page at: https://fb.me/e/2gzjzOKb2 for ticket information.

FOOD FOR PURCHASE:
Kona Ice will be serving up fresh snow cones! Stay tuned as we update with more!
Raffle tickets for amazing prizes will be available for purchase! (cash only)
You won't want to miss this! Try your luck to win an Easton Children's Museum or a Stoughton YMCA family membership, Gift cards to Bliss, Merry Go Rounds, Playa Bowls, Dream Dinners and Pine Oaks Golf Club. How about some passes to Altitude, Jam Time, Davis Farmland and Kids in Sports? And so much more!

Ticket sales are open now! Only $30 per car load (Maximum of 8 attendees per vehicle)
Tickets are non-refundable. Event is rain or shine. We can’t wait for this year’s event and look forward to seeing you all on May 15th for a beautiful day of family fun!
100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit: Raising Multicultural Kids and School on Wheels, MA!
Special thanks to our incredible host, Maplewood Country Day Camp for supporting us again this year!"

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 May 10 - Tuesday Studio 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Roll up your sleeves, toss on a smock and get ready to create! This week crinkle painting – A fun take on traditional tie dye technique, this way involves scrunching paper and applying color.
-       Wednesday May 11  - 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 May 12 – Animal World Experience, Cute & Cuddly! 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM, Animal World Experience, Cute & Cuddly! 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM, Matt is back and bringing some animal friends along. Come meet some cute and cuddly animals. Learn about their care and ask questions during this informal drop-in.
-        Friday May 13 - S.T.E.A.M. Ahead! 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Calling all future scientists, technologists, engineers, artists and mathematicians! Test theories and predictions through a compilation of some of our favorite S.T.E.A.M. activities. Learn to ask questions, define problems, construct explanations and design solutions while having fun! This week color blending on a rainbow.

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.

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!

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 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 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’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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