[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, August 4, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Announcing: New Project Website for Easton Public Safety / Public Works Facilities Replacement Project www.EastonPSW.com<http://www.EastonPSW.com>
The Town of Easton is undertaking a crucial public safety & public works facilities replacement project to enhance essential services for our community. The project involves constructing a new combined DPW facility, police and fire headquarters, and fire substation, consolidating multiple outdated buildings. The existing facilities range from 50-70+ years old, no longer meet various health, safety, and environmental codes, and are beyond their useful lives. A Special Town Meeting and Special Election are planned for this fall to fund construction of the new facilities. Please visit www.EastonPSW.com<http://www.EastonPSW.com> to learn more about the project, sign-up for notifications of project updates, and share your feedback.

Easton Public Schools, Town of Easton Begin Partnership with INTERFACE Referral Service: Providing Outpatient Mental Health Referrals for Community Members
The Easton Public Schools and Town of Easton have partnered with William James College to bring INTERFACE, a free outpatient mental health referral service program, to students in the district and all Easton residents.
Any Easton resident may contact the Helpline and does not have to be referred to access the service. The Helpline operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
To reach the Helpline, call 888-244-6843.
Importantly, the Helpline is not an emergency service. If you or the person you are seeking to assist requires immediate confidential support and crisis counseling, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 or call 911. To learn more about the William James INTERFACE Referral Service, click here<https://interface.williamjames.edu/>.

Purple Heart Day
Please join us Monday, August 7, at the Town Office flagpole, 136 Elm Street, at 9:00 am to honor National Purple Heart Day. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. Military.  Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is also the nation’s oldest military award.  We have many Purple Heart veterans in Easton. Please join us to celebrate and honor these heroes in our community.

The Town of Easton has the following Employment Opportunities Available:

  *   Human Resources Assistant - part time
  *   Seasonal Employment – Lifeguards - (Email Programs at Easton.MA.US<mailto:Programs at Easton.MA.US> for further details)
  *   Plumbing & Gas Inspector - part time
  *   Shuttle Drivers – part time /per diem to work on an as needed basis
  *   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>.

Blanche A. Ames Elementary School: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Celebration
Come Join Us For the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Celebration for the Blanche A. Ames Elementary School on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 50 Spooner Street, North Easton.  We will have food trucks, music, Alleyoop Balloons, touch-a-truck and guided tours of the school.

Notice: Oliver Ames High School Court Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the exterior tennis and basketball courts at the Oliver Ames High School has begun and is expected to be completed by November 2023.  This work involves the installation of new concrete tennis courts, asphalt basketball and pickleball courts, fencing, athletic lighting and minor drainage improvements.  Use of the existing athletic courts and a portion of the parking lot in the immediate vicinity of the project will be unavailable during construction.
Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the athletic courts at the Oliver Ames High School.  If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at (508) 230-0800 or MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us<mailto:MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us>.

Water Division: 2022 Consumer Confidence Report
The Easton Water Division is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022 consumer confidence report (CCR) which is available on the Water Divisions webpage<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/dpw/water_division/docs/Reports/2022ConsumerCofidenceReport.pdf>. Individuals may request a hard copy by calling the Easton Water Division 508-230-0850.

Water Restrictions: Began May 1, 2023
Effective May 1, 2023 through November 1, 2023 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 prescribed day and operational hours. Residents will be notified if further restrictions are required.   Please visit the Easton Water Division web page<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_restriction.php> for more information.

Assessor’s Property Inspections
The Town of Easton is working together with Renee Holloran, to perform site inspections on all commercial and industrial properties for personal property within the Town of Easton. Renee is a data collector and is authorized by the Assessor’s Department to inspect all properties for the purpose of collecting data. Ms. Holloran is driving a Blue 2022 Volkswagen Jetta with Massachusetts registration 3FFH33. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please call 508-230-0520.

Attention Easton Veterans and Surviving Spouses!
Could you use some additional help this year paying for Heating Fuel, Transportation, or Food Costs?  At the Annual Town Meeting in 2020, residents voted to adopt a local option under M.G.L. Chapter 60 Section 3F to establish a veterans’ assistance fund.  This fund, known as the SERVE Fund can provide eligible veterans or surviving spouses up to $1,400/year depending on fund availability at time of application.
SERVE stands for Supporting Emergency Relief for Veterans of Easton.  As part of the roll out of the SERVE fund, the Town is directing $100,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to immediately provide assistance to qualifying veterans and families.  This support comes in addition to $150,000 of ARPA funds directed towards the Taxation Aid Committee fund as part of the Town’s broader ongoing efforts to provide direct financial assistance to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria is 80% of the Area Median Income guidelines, Easton residency, and proof of veteran status is required.  For more information on this and many other ways the Easton Department of Health and Community Services supports our community, please visit the Town of Easton Health and Community Services webpage.  Applications are also available at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street.  If you would like to donate to this fund, please make checks payable to Town of Easton- SERVE Fund. Click here to apply!<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/SERVE%20Fund%20Application.pdf>

Mattress Recycling
Beginning November 1, 2022, MassDEP is expanding its current waste disposal bans to include mattresses and box springs.  Landfills, transfer stations and waste-to-energy facilities across the Commonwealth will no longer accept mattresses or box springs for disposal. Instead, they must be recycled. No municipal pick-up of mattresses or box springs is provided by the Town of Easton.  Residents may contract directly with a private company for pick-up and recycling services. Below is the contact information for one such private company, HandUp, that offers mattress pickup services in Easton. The Town has no contractual or other relationship with HandUp or any other company, and neither endorses or warrants the services provided by any such company, but is providing contact information only as a courtesy to our residents. Residents can directly contact HandUp to make an appointment for the curbside pickup of a mattress and/or box spring by going directly to this website<https://www.handupmattress.com/contact-us> or by calling (774) 271-8744. Please note curbside pickup will occur once per month. The charge for each mattress or box spring is $47.

Easton Municipal Building Committee, Police, Fire, and DPW Provide Update on Municipal Facilities Replacement Feasibility Planning
Updates will be posted to the Municipal Building Committee webpage here<https://www.easton.ma.us/mbc>.  The webpage also includes video tours of the DPW facilities, Police Station, and Fire Stations.

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.

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://mycommunityonline.com/organization/easton-council-on-aging> to view our current newsletter.

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.

Blood Pressure Clinics
Did you know that the Town of Easton offers free blood pressure clinics every Wednesday?
Easton paramedics will be on hand at Frothingham Hall between 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and Parker Terrace Community Center between 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. This is a free drop-in service – no appointments are required.

Are you signed up with the CODE RED community notification program?
The program is offered through the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department for residents and businesses in Plymouth and Bristol County. The service provides important alerts to residents and businesses for emergencies including weather related emergency information. https://www.pcsdma.org/codered.html
You can self-enroll cell phones, home phones, and emails via an app or citizens and business owners can now text the keyword BristolPlymouthAlerts to 99411 and enroll in the Bristol & Plymouth Emergency Public Notification system. Please note that capitalization is important and the keyword must be exact! Those without Internet access may call the Sheriff's Field Services Division (508-830-6200), Monday through Friday, (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well. If you are providing a cell number, you must indicate the carrier and if you would like to receive text messages. All businesses should register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Easton Shovel Town Cultural District presents the third annual Summer Concert Series at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, Easton Shovel Town Cultural District’s Performance & Event Center.
Free outdoor concerts begin at 7pm at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, 3 Barrows Street, North Easton
Bring your chairs (moved inside if rain). Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 PM - Jack Colombo & John Strangis with Special Guest Vocalists
Wednesday, August 16, 7:00 PM - Four in a Row

Brought to you by Easton Shovel Town Cultural District, Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, and Easton Community Access Television, with generous support by Mass Cultural Council and Easton Cultural Council. For more information visit oakesameshall.org.

House of Possibilities – Free Car Wash
On August 25th, House of Possibilities is hosting a FREE, member-led, car wash from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at 350 Washington Street, Easton MA! Come by to meet some of our members and learn more about HOPe! Donations are welcome.

Back to School Bash and Free School Supplies!
On Saturday, August 26 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Liberty Baptist Church at 800 Washington Street in Easton will be hosting their first-ever Back To School Bash. The day will be filled with games, inflatables, food, and free haircuts for kids. Also, the first 50 kids who register on the day of the event will get a free backpack filled with school supplies! This event is 100% FREE and open to the public!
For more information call LBC at (508) 565-8281 or visit www.mylibertybaptist.org<http://www.mylibertybaptist.org>.

Something Wild! Gala – Invitation from the Children’s Museum in Easton
Stonehill College, Easton, MA on September 23, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm.
Get your tickets to the Children’s Museum in Easton’s Something Wild! Gala, to benefit their outdoor play space, the Wild Place. This adults-only event will be filled with gourmet foods, music, dancing, raffles, entertainment and more. Come make mischief of one kind and another – click here<https://www.cmeaston.org/something-wild-gala/> for tickets and info!

Family Fishing Clinic, All Ages
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish?  Now’s your chance, let the MassWildlife Angler Education Program be your guide.  We’ll have equipment on hand for use, as well as terminal tackle, and live bait.  You’ll learn the basics, from casting out, to baiting up, and the best part – you’ll be able to fish.  So, come try your hand at this great pastime, guaranteed to catch some fun!  This is not a kid only program, but an all-inclusive fishing clinic for anyone of any age that wants to learn how to fish.  This will take place Friday, August 25 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at New Pond 597 Foundry St, S Easton MA.  There is a min/max of 15/30 registrations so signup soon.  Cost of this program is $5 per person.  To register and pay for this program, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Session 2 Coed Pickup Soccer
Ages: 18+. Easton's Coed Pickup Soccer registration is open to all men and women 18 years and older. These games will be social and competitive in nature. No practices, just play. Participants will play against other individuals of all skill levels. Players should bring a dark and white shirt (no gray).  Games will be held every Sunday morning from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at Keach Park, 49 Chestnut St, North Easton, MA.
Start date 9/10/23.  Cost of this program is $45.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Town Pool
The Town Pool is open!  101 Lincoln St., Easton. Regular Pool Hours are Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.  Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Senior, Individual and Family Memberships are available. Click here<https://eastonma.recdesk.com/Community/Home>!

Coed Middle School Cross Country
The goal of this program is to ignite an interest in running and fitness for all Easton Middle School students, regardless of ability.  All that is required is to show up and try to improve throughout the season.  We will coach all runners to compete and to challenge themselves to persevere.  Students will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm at OA and on various predetermined safe routes.  We are working on having two away meets with local towns with buses provided.  We are looking for 1-2 more volunteer coaches.  If interested, please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  Cost of this program is $150.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Engaged in Easton: Summer Programs Brochure
Easton’s Office of Community Engagement & Programming has published our Summer Programs Brochure! Programs listed will occur between 7/4/23 and 9/4/23. The brochure is subject to change and can be found on the Easton Programs website<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>. For questions, email Programs at Easton.MA.US<mailto:Programs at Easton.MA.US>.  Engaged in Easton: Summer Programs Brochure<https://issuu.com/eastonprograms/docs/summer_programs_brochure_2_?fr=sYzhjMDU1NTQ1OTQ>

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. Thursday, August 6 & Thursday, August 10. Races start at 6:00 pm at Frothingham Park, 15 Park St.  Registration is open. Please register your child to receive email updates related to weather and nightly events. Click here<https://eastonma.recdesk.com/Community/Home>!

Pickleball Lessons
If you are interested in private/semiprivate lessons please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  Unionville Courts. 181 Washington St., Easton, MA 02356.   To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Travel Field Hockey, Grades 1/2
Has your child been wanting to try and new and fun sport?  No prior skills required.  Does your child already play and love Field Hockey?  Practices begin in September and will be 2x a week with Games on Saturdays.  The teams will participate in the Commonwealth Field Hockey League.  Shirt and Socks will be provided.  Players must provide their own required equipment: black shorts/kilt, stick, shin guards, mouth guard and field hockey googles.  To register and pay for this program, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

New Community Programs Registration Site!
Easton’s office of Community Engagement & Programming has launched our new registration portal<https://eastonma.recdesk.com/Community/Home> for community events and recreational activities. Make your account today and check out all of our latest offerings!

Ames Free Library Community Survey
The Ames Free Library wants your opinion! Your input can help shape the future programming and services at the library. Please take a few minutes to complete our brief community survey. All responses are confidential. Your feedback will be used to design future library programs and services. Complete the survey online<https://amesfreelibrary.org/ames-free-library-long-range-plan-2023-easton-survey>, or call the library with any questions at 508-238-2000.

The Queset House at the Ames Free Library is hiring!

The Ames Free Library seeks an energetic, reliable individual to manage the Queset House, the library’s learning commons & event space. We’re looking for someone highly motivated and eager to assist the public with the technology and working spaces of this 19th-century mansion. You must be able to independently innovate creative public programs, utilizing such equipment as a podcasting studio, sewing machines, and board games for all ages.

This is a part time position of 18 hours a week, including afternoons, evenings, and Saturday rotations. Requires an associate’s degree, familiarity with computers & other hardware such as printers, projectors, and scanners.

Please read the full job description here<https://mblc.state.ma.us/jobs/find_jobs/display_jobs.php?job_id=21379>. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Jessica Block, Assistant Director at jblock at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:jblock at amesfreelibrary.org> or Ames Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA 02356.

Ames Free Library Hours and Events
The Ames Free Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM, on Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Learn about events, workshops, storytimes and more at our website<https://amesfreelibrary.org/> or by signing up for our newsletters<https://amesfreelibrary.org/newsletters>!
It’s not too late to join or to record reading hours for our Summer Reading Programs<https://amesfreelibrary.org/summer-reading-2023> for all ages. Log your reading on our ReadSquared<http://amesfreelibrary.readsquared.com/> app, and then redeem points (earned by reading) for prizes and raffle tickets.
We plan to end summer with a bang, as our Queset Garden Concert Series<https://amesfreelibrary.org/queset-garden-music-series> wraps up on Wednesday, August 16 with a performance by folk duo Hungrytown<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult-special/queset-garden-music-series-hungrytown> (sponsored by the Friends of the Ames Free Library), and we host three more Family Fun Nights<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/monday-night-family-garden-shows#overlay-context=monday-night-family-garden-shows> (sponsored by the North Easton Savings Bank) each Monday through August 21. All shows are free and open to the public; bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs! Programs start at 6 PM.
Find out more about fun one-time events like our Teen Paint Night<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/teen/teen-paint-masters> and a presentation on Planning Your Disney World Vacation<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult/planning-your-walt-disney-world-vacation>; see our full list of events and regularly scheduled programming on the library’s calendar<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/calendar/month>. Look for fun events Contact the library at 508-238-2000 or info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org> with any questions. We hope to see you soon!

Health & Community Services Transportation News
HCS is happy to announce that we are excited to introduce a weekly, no sign-up-required, Wednesday shopping trip to Roche Bros. Plaza (Dollar Tree, Roche Bros., CVS, and more) and we will be stopping at areas in our community that may have limited transportation throughout the day to provide pick up and drop off. All rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you have any questions or to sign up for rides, call us at (508) 230-0690<tel:(508)%20230-0690> ext 2.

The Art Co-op/Gallery
Enjoy an inspiring mix of local artwork at the Art Co-op/Gallery, located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovel Works Apartments). The Art Co-op/Gallery features Guest Artists as well as the works of many talented, local artists that showcase and sell fine art in paintings and photography, jewelry, wood turned items (including kitchen ready bowls, platters) handmade baskets, cards and many gift items.
Art Co-op/Gallery open hours are Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm AND Sundays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Check them out on Facebook: Easton Shovel Town Cultural District and Art Matters Easton MA.

Caregivers Support Group
It can be hard to care for a loved one who is sick or failing, and sometimes it helps to talk to other who understand and may be going through the same thing. Frothingham Hall will be holding a Caregivers support group in 2023 on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 11:00 am - noon. The group will be facilitated by Brockton VNA Hospice. Please call Frothingham Hall to register for these sessions. 508 230-0690.

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.

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>.

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).

Health & Community Service’s Friendly Caller Program
The HCS 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 Frothingham Hall at 508-230-0690.

The Children's Museum Easton is a hands-on interactive children’s museum designed for children ages 1 to 5, founded in 1991 on the principle that play and hands-on learning is critically important to successful child development.
We are open Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and closed Sunday. Last admission each day is 45 minutes prior to closing. Admission price is $12 each, (adults and children, 1 year and up).
MakerSpace Crafts: Our craft activities generally run 10-1 on weekdays and 12:30-3:30 on the weekend, or while supplies last.
Wild Things Week:  August 7-August 12 To build excitement for our Gala, Max and the Wild Things will be front and center all week long. And Matt and his wild things will visit on Monday!
Staff Faves Week: August 14-19 Each day features a craft beloved by a CME staffer. Which one will you like best?
Mixed Bag Week: August 21-26 You never know what fun surprises and activities will pop up this week as we give summer one last hurrah! Mrs. Smith leads an awesome art drop-in on Tuesday that you won’t want to miss!
Spruce-Up 2023: CME will be closed from September 1 through September 11 for repairs and refreshing. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 12, all bright and shiny and ready to play!
Please click here for a full list of Upcoming Events<https://www.cmeaston.org/visit/whats-new/>!

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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