[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, August 25, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

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constructing a new combined DPW facility, police and fire headquarters, and fire substation, consolidating multiple outdated buildings. With facilities ranging from 50-70+ years old, these structures 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. 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.


Tourism as Economic Driver – Coffee Hour Sept. 21
Join the Easton Economic Development Council and Easton Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, September 21, 7:30 am at Queset House. Guest Speaker Amy Rodrigues, Shovel Town Cultural District Liaison will share what’s new and happening in the district and how tourism contributes to local economies. RSVP by September 11 to Stephanie Danielson at sdanielson at easton.ma.us<mailto:sdanielson at easton.ma.us>. Learn more.<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/newslist.php>

Easton’s Tricentennial
The Easton Tricentennial Committee is pleased to announce that planning and organizing efforts are well underway for Easton’s 300th anniversary in 2025. The celebration of Easton’s 300th Anniversary will last all of 2025 beginning with a First Day event in January and culminating with a Gala in December of 2025.

This yearlong celebration will of course need the community’s support so please visit www.Easton300.org<http://www.Easton300.org>  to learn about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. The website also provides information about the Easton 300 Logo Contest that is currently underway as well as the keystone events to be held in 2023.

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/>.

FY24 Real Estate Tax Exemptions
The Town of Easton offers many tax exemptions designed to reduce the property tax burden for elderly or disabled veterans. These exemptions include Elderly Clause 41D, Clause 22 & Disabled Veterans and Clause 22D Surviving Spouse, Clause 37 Blind, Community Preservation. You can find the applications and instructions on the Assessors Webpage<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/assessors/index.php>. Scroll down the dark blue box to the end, and select Real Estate Exemptions.  You will see a drop down menu listing all Real Estate applications.  If you have any questions, please contact the Assessors’ Office at 508-230-0520

Data Collection Consultants for the Assessors’ Office
Please be advised that the Town of Easton is working together with the firm KRT Appraisal to perform permit inspections on residential properties within Town of Easton.

Gerry Lortie is a KRT residential data collector.  He is authorized by the Assessor’s Department to inspect all properties for the purpose of collecting data.   Mr. Lortie is driving a Grey 2019 Audie S4, NH Reg 4070720.

Edward Kiczek is a KRT residential data collector.  He is authorized by the Assessor’s Department to inspect all properties for the purpose of collecting data.  Mr. Kiczek is driving a Gray 2021 Mazda CX-5, MA Reg 2WSY19.

If you have any questions, please contact the Assessors’ Office at 508-230-0520

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>.

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 and 8:00 am. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesdays between 5:00 am and 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 the Assessor’s Office at 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.

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

The End of Summer Music Festival on Sunday, September 17
11am to 3pm at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall. The outdoor festival will offer fun for all ages with musical performances, art, and local food and drink for purchase. The surrounding road will be closed to traffic so visitors may stroll the area. Free to all!
Brought to you by Easton Shovel Town Cultural District, Oakes Ames Memorial Hall with generous support from Easton Lions Club, Bank of Easton, Easton Grange 196, Ames Shovel Works, Premier Properties, Easton Community Access Television, Mass Cultural Council and Easton Cultural Council. For more information visit www.oakesameshall.org<http://www.oakesameshall.org>.

Scholar Series at Stonehill College
ALL in need of some intellectual stimulation are welcome! Join us for a monthly hour-long Thursday series of talks and discussions based on recent publications authored by Stonehill professors.
2023 schedule:
August 31 @ 3:30 p.m. Maureen Boyle on 'The Child Last Seen: The Search for Patty Desmond.'
September 28 @ 3:30 p.m. Anna Ohanyan on 'The Neighborhood Effect: The Imperial Roots of Regional Fracture in Eurasia.'
October 26 @ 3:30 p.m. Richard Capobianco on Martin Heidegger.
November 30 @ 3:30 p.m. John Rodrigue on 'Freedom's Crescent: The Civil War and the Destruction of Slavery in the Lower Mississippi Valley.'
December 14 @ 3:30 p.m.  Mary Joan Leith on 'The Virgin Mary: A Very Short Introduction.'
 Free and open to all!
All talks will be held at the MacPháidín Library, 1st Floor, South Wing, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, Easton. Free parking in the Welcome Center Lot.
Event information at https://calendar.stonehill.edu/

Free Summer Movie Nights in the Park
Join Easton Wings of Hope and the Town of Easton for free movie nights at Frothingham Park by the basketball court every Friday night this summer! Bring your own chair, snacks, and bug spray! Upcoming showings:
8/25 @ 7:30 PM – The Princess and the Frog
9/1 @ 7:30 PM – Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
9/8 – No showing
9/15 @ 7:15 PM – La La Land
Please look out for weather updates on Instagram<http://www.instagram/eastonwingsofhope/> & Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/eastonwingsofhope>
Learn more about Easton Wings of Hope: www.eastonwingsofhope.org<http://www.eastonwingsofhope.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>.

Food Drive
The Covenant Congregational Church of Easton will be collecting  food for the  Easton Food Pantry this Saturday, August 26th from 9 am - 12 noon. Please help us STUFF THE TRUCK!!
Collections will be in the church parking lot, 206 Center St.
Most needed items are: Cereal, Condiments (Ketchup, Mayo etc.), Spices, Coffee/Tea, Jam/Jelly, Baked Beans, Canned vegetables, Canned fruit, Canned Chunk Chicken, and Spaghetti Sauce.
The Covenant Congregation Church appreciates your support!

Advanced Beginner & Intermediate Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament
Two separate double elimination tournaments.  Each team must have a male and female.  Saturday September 23rd starting at 9am.  Unionville Pickleball Courts   184 Washington St  Easton, MA  Cost of this program is $20 per person.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.


Tips From the Creen Communities Committee
With recent news that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Easton, here are some easy, pesticide-free tips from the Green Communities Committee to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property.

  1.  Remove standing water that collects after it rains or after watering the lawn. Empty pots or planters, children's play toys, old tires, and trash containers. Mosquito larvae can hatch in only 1" of water, so make it a habit to walk your property at least weekly to check for standing water.
  2.  Keep your lawn free of debris such as hollow logs, piles of leaves, etc, in which female mosquitoes can find a damp spot to lay eggs.
  3.  Empty and refill your bird baths or kiddie pools every few days. Laid eggs need 8-10 days to hatch and become a flying insect.
  4.  Install a small fountain inside a bird bath or fish pond to reduce stagnation. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in moving water.
  5.  Plant mosquito-repelling plants on your property, such as lavender, marigold, and citronella.
  6.  Put a little vegetable oil or apple cider vinegar in stagnant pools of water to safely kill mosquito larvae. (Do not do this in birdbaths or ponds with fish or other living creatures.)

Something Wild! Gala – Invitation from the Children’s Museum in Easton
Stonehill College, Pettit Atrium - 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!

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>.

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>

Pickleball Lessons
Beginner, Advanced Beginner & Lessons available.  Unionville Courts. 181 Washington St., Easton, MA 02356.  Start date 8/2/23.  Max-4 per group Min-3 per group.  Cost of this program is $85 per person.  Tuesday mornings, Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings are available.  If you are interested in private/semi private lessons please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Travel Field Hockey, Grades K-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.

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>!
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
The Town’s Health & Community Services Dept. is 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-served 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 Town’s HCS Dept. 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.
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> (NOTE: if you’re submitting an event during the week of Aug. 28-Sept.1, 2023, please send submissions to sdugan at easton.ma.us<mailto:sdugan 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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