[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Thursday, November 17, 2022

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Town Hall Closed – Friday, November 18
The Town Hall Offices will be closed on Friday, November 18 while the staff attends mandatory safety training. The Offices will resume normal hours and be open to the public on Monday, November 21 from 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

Town of Easton Textile and Mattress Collection
Beginning November 1, 2022, MassDEP is expanding its current waste disposal bans to include mattresses and textiles.  The Town of Easton is pleased to announced new options for residents to dispose of textiles and mattresses.  The Town of Easton has partnered with Helpsy for free and easy curbside textile pickup and HandUp to provide a convenient and cost-effective way to recycle unwanted mattresses and box springs.  Please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/newsdetail_T1_R989.php> to learn more.

Towns’ Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Towns of Abington, East Bridgewater, Easton, and Stoughton are collaborating with residents and stakeholders on an update of the Towns’ Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).
This multi-jurisdictional HMP Update process builds off the four towns’ participation in the 2015 Old Colony Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which has since expired. The approach for this Update follows the four primary steps outlined in the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 Public Law 106-390, October 10, 2000:
•                     Planning Process—Outreach and Stakeholder Coordination
•                     Risk Assessment—Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses
•                     Mitigation Strategy— Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation Strategies
•                     Plan Maintenance—Implementation, Evaluation and Revision/Update
The goal of the HMP is to evaluate each community’s vulnerabilities to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change and to develop a community-designed action plan to mitigate future risk. Adoption of the HMP will also make the four towns eligible for certain pre-disaster Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants.
Updates on when public input sessions are scheduled and when the draft plan is available for review and comment will be available at this webpage: https://tinyurl.com/Easton-HMP-Update and will be posted on Easton’s social media. You are also asked to complete the online survey<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AEBESHMP>, which you’ll find on the webpage. The survey will be open through November 30, 2022.

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

  *   DPW – Plumber – full time
  *   DPW – Building Automation Technician – full time
For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>.

Easton Public Schools Employment Opportunities
The Easton Public Schools are hiring for various positions, including Crossing Guards. For more information, and to apply, please visit Easton Public Schools Employment Opportunities<https://www.easton.k12.ma.us/staff/employment_opportunities.php>.

Hunting Season Reminder
Deer hunting (October 3 through December 31) and fall turkey (October 3 through November 26) hunting seasons are underway. Hunting is allowed on Conservation Commission properties with all applicable licenses and in accordance with all laws. Please take all necessary precautions while enjoying conservation property such as wearing brightly colored hats and clothing if you are walking, hiking or biking on conservation properties. Pets should also be leashed at all times in accordance with the town’s leash law (Ch 104-7). Hunting is allowed from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Hunting is NOT allowed on Sundays. For more information on hunting, visit the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations.

Easton Municipal Building Committee, Police, Fire, and DPW Provide Update on Municipal Facilities Replacement Feasibility Planning
The Select Board received a comprehensive project update for the ongoing municipal facilities replacement (Police, Fire, and DPW) project on August 22nd. At that meeting, the project team announced a community engagement schedule for September and October with a variety of public events from building tours to traditional meetings and other opportunities for residents to learn more about the project. Those dates and any further updates regarding the events will be posted to the Municipal Building Committee webpage here<https://www.easton.ma.us/mbc>.  The webpage also includes a video of the August 22nd meeting presentation and video tours of the DPW facilities, Police Station, and Fire Stations.

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>.

ARPA Update: 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.

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<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_div_projects.php> on both of these projects, as our construction moves from earthwork to structural construction.

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>.

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

Medicare Open Enrollment
The 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment period began on October 15 and runs through December 7. During this annual period, changes can be made to your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. Help is available to assist you in navigating this often confusing process. Our trained SHINE volunteer counselors offer free and confidential assistance with Medicare and related health insurance  programs. Our two SHINE volunteers work by appointments only. Appointments do book up quickly during open enrollment, so please call Frothingham Hall at 508 230-0690 as soon as possible. For more information on the SHINE program, visit https://www.mass.gov/health-insurance-counseling

Attention Veterans! The Reveille Newsletter - A Publication of Easton Veterans’ Services
https://mycommunityonline.com/organization/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.

Eviction Assistance
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying rent, financial assistance is available. Apply for rental assistance today. https://bit.ly/3zycJiR
For information on community mediation, visit www.resolutionma.org.<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.resolutionma.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3KzygOsXoGnM9Vqv6SLmA630OHY9M8P69t9h6qnX3aVG54MaLeDSG9cZc&h=AT2v_DB4VtPZC2_tmF6KrcKRiBfyvvfzg_zEe7lq6hlIbHqvkYeLjrCJA_UMe49XiQW35VDFkN_W0G69uxHMiL2YFZHNMJ8myY1844UFvS4usSBbZXnFRv_ApAnbUb-ywzwQoyc&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5b0%5d=AT0sRzNFs_bOq0SmOk3DN1jlcxdhclbhJppnJsCdqsbG60lyu-RcQ8vz9dY6TBaU9NbQ46_1JvUVVpwnCpzpZ2q22IMKzL4quRi_4vfoIw7cRvZ3E1em6zLBIwhPBLrmzsIql2Ng5GhgOu9w0Pva9BQ38qEgYcbn257lTna3garUi-GG1CMhnJ_RBvbwdsA4ThOimTe9>
For information on other legal guidance, please view the MA Lawyer of the Day Program information linked here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/lawyer-for-the-day-programs

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

Pickleball Courts-Opening Date
Easton’s new Unionville Field Pickleball Courts are open to the public for play! Reservations are not needed. Courts will be open sunrise to sunset.

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 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Easton Middle School, beginning November 29th and ending May 23rd.  Participants will play against other individuals of all different skill levels.  Cost of program is $95.  To Register click HERE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx> - Type "Easton Recreation Department" to access registration links.
Ballroom Dancing Lessons w/ Steve Cavanaugh
Easton Health & Community Services is now offering Ballroom Dancing lessons with Steve Cavanaugh.  Program runs Tuesdays at 3:00pm and ends Tuesday December 6th.  No partner needed.  Cost of program is $20.  To Register click HERE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx> - Type "Easton Recreation Department" to access registration links.

Gospel Concert: Unity Church of North Easton
Led by Linda Brown San Martin, Music Coordinator at Unity Church, with Guest Artists.  November 20, 2022, 3 pm at Unity Church, 13 Main Street, North Easton. Limited Seating, Pre-Registration is Required using this link: https://www.unitychurchofnortheaston.org/ucne-events<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unitychurchofnortheaston.org%2Fso%2F29O89xNv8%2Fc%3Fw%3D621Iah1b6yadh1NRZTZ4I8aarL4gitQ62LxbbSOHoEE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudW5pdHljaHVyY2hvZm5vcnRoZWFzdG9uLm9yZy91Y25lLWV2ZW50cyIsInIiOiI1YmNmNjAxNy01OGQ4LTQ0ZjUtYmE0OS0xNTc2MTM2OWZhYmEiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiIwMDAwMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAifQ&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cb6806eb12283465ee96f08da6fe2c97f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637945317096932003%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4HtWd5EEnDJTUBcAbxJLNLUZ6METOnG0YZTiADDPnk4%3D&reserved=0> OR by calling the church at 508-238-6373 and leaving a message. FREE WILL DONATION, suggested Adults $15, Seniors $10 and Children are free.  Face Masks Recommended but not required. Parking behind the church and on the street. Handicapped Accessible. ALL ARE WELCOME.

National Transgender Day of Remembrance Service
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 143 Lincoln Street in Easton invites the community to join us on Monday, November 21 at 7:00 PM as we affirm all people while remembering transgender people, gender-variant individuals, and those perceived to be transgender who have been victims of hate crimes during the last year. This annual national service will include a reading of names, guest speakers sharing their stories and contemplative music. A reception will follow. The memorial service is sponsored by Holy Trinity, Easton's Human Rights Committee, and Raising Multicultural Kids.  The special guest speaker is Esmee Silverman, a recent graduate of Oliver Ames High School.

ECAT: Chat with Santa
Easton Community Access Television (ECAT) Presents: Live Chat with Santa. Zoom chat or call Santa when he visits the ECAT studio on December 10th from 3-4pm. Your chat with Santa will be broadcast live on TV. To register email info at eastoncat.org<mailto:info at eastoncat.org> with your phone number, child's name, age, address and if you would prefer zoom or a phone call. You will be provided with a three minute time between 3 and 4pm on December 10th and instructions on how to chat with Santa. This is a free event.

American Legion Post 7 – Poppy Drive
American Legion Post 7 is having their Semiannual Poppy Drives this November.  Donations can be mailed to Post 7 P. O. Box 356 Easton, Ma 02334 during the month of November.  You will receive a Thank you Card and a poppy in a plastic sleeve with the poem in “Flanders Field.”  The Poppy Drive at North Easton Village Shoppes has been rescheduled:  Post 7 will be setting up a table alongside the Dunkin Donuts Drive Saturday November 19, 2022 6am - 4pm for donations of any amount you will receive a poppy in memory of a loved one.   Monies received will be used for worthy programs for veterans and their families

Oakes Ames Memorial Hall | Tom Rush Concert
THE HALL IS BACK! And so is Tom Rush! We are thrilled to announce the return of this legendary singer-songwriter to the Hall stage. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor, and warm, expressive voice have captivated audiences around the world. On December 2, join us as he takes us on another memorable musical journey, proudly presented by Bank of Easton. A limited number of VIP tickets are available to meet Tom Rush in a more intimate setting prior to the show. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, champagne and reserved front row concert seating. Masks are required for the Reception and will be provided. Tickets to the concert include complimentary food trays, and a cash bar will be available. Get your tickets today at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oakesamesmemorialhall/789959.

Annual Tiger Turkey Chase
Fall is here and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This certainly means one thing…the starting gun will be firing at 8am on Thanksgiving morning! The Oliver Ames Cross Country Team is having their 28th Annual Tiger Turkey Chase on Thanksgiving morning 11/25/21.
Register ON-LINE at http://ttc.racewire.com<https://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30008080/ttc.racewire.com?p=eyJzIjoiTm5vRmhobkdzSngxcURSRlBvRTEzTVJOcGNvIiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDAwODA4MCxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvdHRjLnJhY2V3aXJlLmNvbVwiLFwiaWRcIjpcIjBkMWVkYWVhNzNmZTQ5NTJiOGI5NzVjN2ZlZTMyMmVkXCIsXCJ1cmxfaWRzXCI6W1wiOGNjYzNkMWZiOGRhZmI0Mjg5MjM3MDk2OTRiODc5NzNjNWYyZWZlZlwiXX0ifQ>. (Register by 10/24 to be guaranteed a t-shirt)
Tell any runners, walkers or running groups that you may be associated with…the more the merrier! If you have any questions please contact our race director, Craig Sarney at tiger.turkey.chase at gmail.com<mailto:tiger.turkey.chase at gmail.com>
We hope you’ll consider joining us for some fun pre-Thanksgiving dinner calorie burning…it's always a great time!

Easton Music Holiday Shopping Fair
Join us for The 6th Annual Easton Music Holiday Shopping Fair on December 10th from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
Oliver Ames High School Cafeteria, 100 Lothrop St, North Easton, Ma 02356. Contact: Michelle Durrance
mdurrance09 at gmail.com<mailto:mdurrance09 at gmail.com> with questions or for more information.

Easton Community Calendar
The free September 2022 through August 2023 Easton Community Calendars sponsored by the North Easton Savings Bank, Morse Insurance Agency, and Scoreboard Enterprises are now available.  The calendar includes significant school dates, listing of local organizations, and extensive pertinent information about the community.  The calendars are now available in all Easton branches of the North Easton Savings Bank, Morse Insurance Agency, the Town Offices, Frothingham Hall, and the Ames Free Library.

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.

Art Gallery/Co-op is Expanding Open Hours
Easton Shovel Town Cultural District is happy to announce that the Art Gallery/Co-op located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovelworks Project) is expanding open hours.
Open hours will now be Saturdays, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM AND Sundays, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The Co-op features Fine Art in Paintings and Photography. Plus jewelry, wood turned items (including kitchen ready bowls, platters) handmade baskets, cards and many gift items. New artists plus guest artists are added all the time. Check them out on Facebook: Easton Shovel Town Cultural District and Art Matters Easton MA.

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.

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.
Fall Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday-Friday 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Saturday & 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).
Please visit our website at cmeaston.org<http://cmeaston.org/> to find out what’s happening at the Children's Museum this week!

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).

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.

Easton Food Pantry
Distributions:
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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