[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday January 20, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Annual Town Census
Residents should have received an Annual Town Census Form in the mail the week of January 9th.  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.

Easton Residents and Businesses See Substantial Savings in Electricity: Town’s Community Choice Power Supply Program is a money-saver this winter.
The Town of Easton would like to remind residents of its Community Choice Power Supply Program. This Program is a municipal aggregation which enables local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents and businesses to provide them with an alternative to National Grid Basic Service. The standard aggregation rate is $0.10287/kWh, below the November 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023 National Grid Basic Service rate of $0. 33891/kWh. Assuming a conservative 600 kWh/month rate of consumption, Easton households in the aggregation program will be saving an average of $141.62 per month over the next six months for a cumulative saving on energy supply costs of $849.74 per household during National Grid current winter rate period of Nov 2022 – April 2023.

As residents had to opt out of this program, the vast majority are already benefiting from the lower rates provided. To verify your enrollment, please look at your National Grid bill under “Supply Services.”  If you are enrolled in our program you will see Dynegy Energy Services/Easton Community Choice Power Supply Program listed as your supplier and a rate of $0.10287/kWh for the standard option.

Easton consumers also have the opportunity to opt into a 100% renewable-energy product using National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Those rates are fixed at $0.10377/kWh through November 2023 which results in only a nominal increase over the standard electricity rates in the program and still yields a substantial savings compared to National Grid basic supply.

If you are not enrolled and wish to join, or would like to enroll in the 100% renewable-energy option, please visit colonialpowergroup.com/easton<http://www.colonialpowergroup.com/easton> or call Dynegy directly at (866) 220-5696 and ask to be enrolled. (If you are currently contracted with your own third-party supplier, you should confirm with them that you will not incur any early termination fees or penalties for switching.)

Please click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/newsdetail_T1_R1005.php> for more information from the Green Communities Committee.

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

  *   Plumbing & Gas Inspector (part time)
  *   Shuttle Drivers – part time
  *   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>.

April 22:  10:00 AM to 4:00 PM – Annual Town Election
The Annual Town Election for the Town of Easton will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Oliver Ames High School.  Use these links for additional information on voting options:
•             Website:                           www.easton.ma.us/vote<http://www.easton.ma.us/vote>
•             Vote by Mail:                   www.easton.ma.us/votebymail<http://www.easton.ma.us/votebymail>
Application deadline 5PM 4/14
•             Vote on Election Day:     www.easton.ma.us/knowbeforeyougo.pdf<http://www.easton.ma.us/knowbeforeyougo.pdf>

Now through February 28: 2023 Dog Licensing
Dog licenses for 2023 are now available and must be completed BEFORE March 1st to avoid late fees.  A current rabies certificate must be on file with the Town Clerk’s Office in order to license your dog.  To update your rabies on file, please email<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us> a copy to townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us<mailto:townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us>.
You may license your dog in one of the following ways:

  *   License ONLINE<https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=22364> (.50 bank convenience fee with electronic check) and your license and tags will be mailed directly to you ($1.00 postage & handling fee for each license issued).
  *   License in Person – You may stop by the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours. (Mondays 8:30AM – 7:30PM, Tues/Wed/Thur 8:30AM – 4:30PM, Fri 8:30AM-12:30PM)
  *   License by Mail - Click here<http://www.easton.ma.us/departments/town_clerk1/dog_license.php> for additional information on how to license your dog by mail.   Licensing forms<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Document/db96eb02-e4bf-e711-80bf-001fbc00ed85/Dog%20License%20Form.pdf> are ONLY required when registering your dog by mail.

March 1:  Deadline to Obtain Nomination Papers for Annual Town Election
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election to be held on Saturday, April 22nd are available at the Town Clerk’s Office with the deadline being 5PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.  The Election Calendar with candidate deadlines, the positions on the ballot and a complete Candidate Packet are available on the Town’s website.  Interested candidates are invited to call 508-230-0530 or email townclerksoffice at easton.ma.us with questions.

Assessors Department Residential Inspector: Paul Sullivan
Please be advised that the Town of Easton is working together with Paul Sullivan to perform site inspections on all residential properties within the Town of Easton. Paul is a data collector. He is authorized by the Assessor’s Department to inspect all properties for the purpose of collecting data. Mr. Sullivan is driving a White 2019 Ford Explorer Massachusetts registration 3JCP15 If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please call 508-230-0520.

AARP Tax Preparation
Frothingham Hall will once again be hosting AARP tax preparation on Tuesdays and Thursdays between February 7 and April 13.  The guidelines are for serving low-to-moderate income taxpayers who cannot afford to pay professional tax preparers.  We are now scheduling in-person appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. ONCE APPOINTMENT DATES/TIMES ARE FILLED, NO ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ADDED.
This year you will meet with a preparer for the duration of your appointment, not drop off (like last year). IRS rules prohibit the AARP tax preparers from processing returns that include certain items.  If your return contains any of these items, you may have to go to a paid preparer.  Lastly, as a reminder, these appointments are limited and do book up very quickly.
Please mark your calendars and call us in mid-January to book your appointment: 508 230-0690, Ext. 1

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 mattress and 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 or by calling (774) 271-8744. Please note curbside pickup will occur one time 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
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 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://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/?l=29838f7ca7fa49ed96da31a8ef7c876f&d=b077ac708187ed11a3a1000c29a59557> 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.

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.<http://www.resolutionma.org>
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

Mommy & Me Movement
This 60-minute workout will help stretch and strengthen your body and leave you feeling ready to take on the day! Each class will work the whole body and feature cardio drills as well as core & breathing exercises. No equipment is required when attending class. Kids ages 6 weeks to 6 years are welcome to attend alongside mom. Strollers are welcome as well as baby carriers as all exercises can be modified to fit your needs. Start your morning off with some mommy and me movement! This 6-week course will run at Frothingham Hall (15 Barrows Street) on Tuesday mornings 9:30-10:30am starting on Tuesday, February 21. Registration is required but limited, so sign up soon.

Coed Youth Floor Hockey, Ages 7-9
Fun and team-oriented Floor Hockey league that is open to both boys and girls. Expect weekly games and all equipment provided, no practices, just play!  If you're interested in coaching, please email us at Programs at Easton.Ma.US<mailto:Programs at Easton.Ma.US>. No Experience needed.  Teams play Tuesdays times either 4:30-5:30p or 5:45-6:45p at Frothingham Hall. Registration 1/20/23 - 2/20/23. Start date 2/28/23. Max-40 Min-32. The program will be 6wks in length. Cost of this program is $80

Pfliates, Ages Adults
This program uses the principles of Plyometrics and the control of Pilates to help strengthen your core and recover or enhance your pelvic floor muscles that can lead to incontinence.  Simple, fun and easy to follow.
2 sessions, Mondays starting January 23 at 1pm, and Thursdays starting January 26 at 9am @ Frothingham Hall.  Each 6wks in length. Start date 1/23/23. Cost of this program is $40

Senior Citizen Support Circle
Join Joe Moore, licensed mental health counselor, as he facilitates this FREE group for seniors. A topic of concern to seniors will be the focus of each class. Joe will provide topics and also take topic suggestions from attendees. This is a 4 week session starting on Tuesday, February 14th from 10-11am at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street. There is a 15 person limit, so please call to register soon. 508 230-0690.

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 11am-noon. The first one will be on Tuesday, January 17th. The group will be facilitated by Brockton VNA Hospice. Please call Frothingham Hall to register for these sessions. 508 230-0690.

Adult Women's Pickup Basketball
Easton's Adult Women’s Basketball registration is open to all 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. Games will be held every Tuesday night from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Easton Middle School. The start date will be November 29th and the end date will be May 23rd. No activities during school vacations.
Cost of this program is $85

Adult Men's Pickup Basketball
Easton Recreation Adult Men's Basketball registration is open to all men 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. Games will be held every Sunday morning from 9:00  - 11:00 am at Richardson-Olmsted School. Activity will begin December 11th and ending April 30th. No activities during school vacations.
Participants will play against other individuals of all different skill levels. Cost of this program is $95.

Coach & Play Pickleball, Ages 18+
Instructional sessions  covering the rules and basics of Pickleball.  Saturdays in, March @ Frothingham Hall.  2 weeks in length. Open sessions: 8:00 - 9:50 am, 10:00 - 11:50 am
Session 1: Registration opens 1/23/23.  Start date 3/4/23. Max-4 per group Min-3 per group. Cost of this program is $75 per person.
*If you would like to be added to a waitlist for a session that is full, please email Programs at Easton.ma.us<mailto:Programs at Easton.ma.us>

Business Sharks, Ages 8-12
Join us in bringing your very own business proposal to life! From concept development to finance, be your own entrepreneur! Let our program facilitators inspire your child to find their interests and passions and watch them go! See an example video here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yruYv-CInA>. Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 pm @ Frothingham Hall
Registration 2/1/23 - 3/1/23. Start date  3/8/23.  Max 20/ Min10. 8 weeks in length. Cost of this program is $150.

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.
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).
We have NEW PROGRAMS EVERY WEEK! Please visit our website at cmeaston.org<http://cmeaston.org/> to find out what’s happening at the Children's Museum!

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 pm - 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>.

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).

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.
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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