[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Thursday, December 21, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Holiday Hours
In observance of the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks, please note the following schedule for the Town Offices:
Thursday, December 21                 8:30 am -  4:30 pm
Friday, December 22                       Closed All Day

Monday, December 25                  Closed All Day
Tuesday, December 26                  8:30 am -   7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 27           8:30 am -   4:30 pm
Thursday, December 28                 8:30 am -   4:30 pm
Friday, December 29                       8:30 am -  12:30 pm

Monday, January 1                          Closed All Day
Tuesday, January 2                          8:30 am - 7:30 pm

Water Division PFAS Filtration Update
The Water Division is pleased to announce that all three ion exchange filter plants are now fully operational and removing PFAS contaminants to a level of non-detection. All of Easton's Wells are below the MADEP PFAS MCL of 20 ppt.  Since we are now producing water that is in full compliance with the Massachusetts PFAS regulations, the BlueDrop vending unit at 417 Bay Road will be taken out of service on December 15, 2023. For more information about PFAS in Easton, please see this link: https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/pfas_information.php

Annual Town Census
Residents should have received the 2024 Annual Town Census Form in the mail the week of December 11th.  The Annual census forms must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk's Office within 10 days of receipt.  Residents are reminded that census forms need to be returned even when no changes are necessary to their census information.  In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. If you are new to town, did not receive a form or can't find your form you may use the Blank Census Form<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/3b921ebd-2d8a-ea11-a2f4-000c29a59557/Census%20Form%20-%202020.pdf> to submit your information.  You cannot use the census form to register to vote or change your party enrollment.  Please use the online voter registration portal at: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
Jan 2 through Feb 28:  Candidates may Obtain Nomination Papers for Annual Town Election
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election to be held on Saturday, April 20th are available beginning Tuesday, January 2nd at the Town Clerk's Office.  The last day to obtain nomination papers is Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM.  The Election Calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/a973d17d-6946-ec11-a359-000c29a59557/4.%202023%20Town%20Election%20Calendar.pdf> with candidate deadlines, the positions on the ballot<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/26448197-e238-eb11-a31e-000c29a59557/2023%20Town%20Election%20Terms%20Due%20to%20Expire%20with%20positions.pdf> and a complete Candidate Packet<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/b4dcaf4c-6a46-ec11-a359-000c29a59557/2023%20Candidates%20Packet.pdf> are available on the Town's website.  Interested candidates are invited to call 508-230-0530 or email townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> with questions.
The Town of Easton has the following Employment Opportunities Available:

  *   Plumbing & Gas Inspector - part time
  *   Shuttle Drivers - part time /per diem
For more information, and full job postings, please visit Town of Easton Employment Opportunities<http://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_opportunities.php>.
Dog Licensing Now Available Online
2024 Dog licenses are now available ONLINE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364>.  To license online, search by Dog ID# (can be found on a previous year's license - this is not the dog tag #) or enter your last name, street name and/or dog name.  Residents will only be able to use the online dog licensing service if the rabies certificate that is on file in the Town Clerk's Office is current at the time of licensing.
To update your rabies certificate on file, please email<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> a copy to townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> and allow a few business days for internal processing before attempting to license online.  Please note that the bank charges .50 to pay by electronic check and there is a $1.00 postage & handling fee for each online license issued.  Dog licenses and tags will be mailed directly to you.
LICENSE YOUR DOG ONLINE AT: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364

Easton Public Schools, Town of Easton Begin Partnership with INTERFACE Referral Service:
Providing Outpatient Mental Health Referrals for Community Members
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/>.

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.

Attention Easton Veterans and Surviving Spouses!
Could you use some additional help this year paying for heating fuel, transportation, food costs or other needs? Please visit https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/financial___veterans_services.php
or call 508-230-0690 for more information.

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?
This service provides important alerts to residents and businesses for emergencies including weather related emergency information. Please visit https://www.pcsdma.org/codered.html for more information.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas Tree Pick-Up
When Christmas is done and the tree is no longer fun, let the scouts come and take it away!  On Sunday January 7th we pick -up your tree curbside beginning at 8 am and recycle it. We accept donations of $10, $20 or whatever you feel comfortable giving. All donations are used to fund exciting learning experiences for our town's youth in the boy scout and cub scout programs. Pre-registration is required.
Please visit www.eastonscouting.org<http://www.eastonscouting.org> to register. Any questions can be sent to eastonscouting at gmail.com<mailto:eastonscouting at gmail.com>.
Foundations of Meditation
Dorene will be teaching a 4-week foundations of meditation program at Frothingham Hall. This program will be on Tuesdays, starting January 23rd until February 13th at 9:30am - 10:30am. For this program, you will need to register and punch cards are required for the class. Call or stop by Frothingham Hall to sign up (508) 230-0690

FUTSAL:  Adult Coed Indoor Soccer
Registration is open to all men and women 18 years and older.  Futsal is played in a gymnasium with low bounce ball where the focus is on short passes.  Join the fun and get some great exercise.  This is a friendly, co-ed activity geared toward different skull levels.  New players are welcome.  Court shoes are required.  Players should bring a dark and white shirt (no gray) and Non Residents are welcome.  Games will be played at Oliver Ames Old Gym, 100 Lothrop St, N Easton MA.  Friday nights 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm from January 5th to March 1st.  Cost of this program is $65.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
InclYOUsion Sports (2-4 & 5-7yrs) - Basketball & Floor Hockey
Join us for a fun 8-week sports program for children of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of basketball and floor hockey!  Classes are non-competitive and are perfect for beginners of for children who are looking for small class sizes taught by well-trained coaches.  Inclyousion Sports provides all equipment and children only need to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  This program is designed for children with and without disabilities to learn and play together.  Skill building is modified to each child's experience level.  Games will be played at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows St, N Easton.  2-4yr olds will play Sundays from 9:00 am - 9:50 am and kids 5-7yrs old will play 10:00 am -10:50 am.  Program starts January 14 and ends March 10 with a build in bye February 18.  Cost of this program is $200.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
Pickleball Lessons
Beginner & Advanced Beginner available.  Frothingham Hall. 15 Barrows St., Easton, MA 02356.  Start date 2/3/24.  Max-4 per group Min-3 per group.   Saturday mornings are available.  If you are interested in private/semiprivate lessons please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  Cost of this program is $85 per person.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
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>!  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!
Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Art Co-op/Gallery announces Guest Artist Nicole Gelinas Owens
The Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Art Co-op/Gallery is excited to announce that Nicole Gelinas Owens, an Easton resident, is the guest artist at the Gallery for the months of November and December.
Art Co-op/Gallery 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.
Shop this holiday season for ONE OF A KIND hand painted originals for gifts or home decoration.
SNOW PALS - HOLIDAY GNOMES - WINTER LANDSCAPES-AND MORE!

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 on the principle that play and hands-on learning is critically important to successful child development.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays. Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Please click here for a full list of Upcoming Events<https://www.cmeaston.org/visit/whats-new/>!

Easton Food Pantry
Distributions are at the rear of the Fellowship Church, 604 Foundry Street, South Easton, on Mondays from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm.  Please see the Food Pantry website https://eastonfoodpantry.org and Facebook page for details and diagrams.

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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