[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier - May 26, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Town Offices Closed for Memorial Day
The Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day and remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Town Offices will be open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 30th.

Memorial Day Parade: Monday, May 29
Easton’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 am.  Watch, Walk, March or Ride.  If you are planning to march, please arrive by 9:30 AM at Washington Plaza (Route 138 & Main Street).  Parade Route:  North Easton Post Office, travel up Main Street, to Sullivan Ave/Mechanic Street to the Veterans Memorial Park.  Ceremony will follow at Veterans Memorial Park.  After the ceremony, enjoy FREE FOOD & ICE CREAM from Tailgaters Food Truck and Sweet 16 Ice Cream.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony and food trucks will be relocated to VFW Hall, 61 Rockland Street, 10 AM.  All are welcome!  Come support your local Veterans and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives while serving our country.
In addition to our veterans, VFW, and American Legion members marching in the parade we will have:

Scouts, OAHS Band, Floats and trailers, Classic cars, Fire and Police vehicles, Members of our Select Board and State Delegation, Local organizations, Candy, Ice cream, and Food Trucks, Yard games after the ceremony

As a reminder, Memorial Day is a day we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our great nation, and we also honor their families who have endured unimaginable loss.  It is a day to pay our respects and to honor.  It is also a day to come together as a community and enjoy one another in the ways that our fallen veterans would want us to live.  Please come out and honor that sentiment by enjoying the day with our fellow Easton community members.

Thank you all for your endless support of our veterans past and present.

The Town of Easton has the following employment opportunities available:

  *   Seasonal Employment – summer programs
  *   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>.

Board and Committee Vacancies – Volunteers Needed – Applications Due Tuesday, May 31, 2023
The success of any local government depends largely on the participation of its citizen volunteers. Citizen participation in local government is essential in creating a strong community and shaping the future of Easton. The issues and challenges faced by our local government, and their impact on people’s lives in the community, are important and complex. Please consider participating in Town affairs and assisting in the growth and prosperity of Easton by sharing your skills and knowledge. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities<https://www.easton.ma.us/easton_residents/employment_volunteer_opportunities/index.php> webpage for a list of vacancies and the required online volunteer application form. Applications are due by Tuesday, May 31, 2023.

2 Plots Now Available! - Community Garden Plot at Wheaton Farm
(1 single plot and 1 double plot) The Easton Agricultural and Conservation Commissions invite you to register for a plot at the community garden at Wheaton Farm, 499 Bay Rd, Easton MA, just south of the junction with Prospect Street. Plots are available within a fenced enclosure with full sun, running water, and a storage shed. Rental for a double plot (20‘ x 20’) is $75 and for a single plot (10’ by 20’) is $55 for the season. Please complete your registration form at https://tinyurl.com/EastonComGardenReg. Garden plots will be assigned on a first come first serve basis depending on the number of available plots. Gardeners will be notified of their plot assignment and asked to sign the Gardener Agreement and pay their fee. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Carlino, Land Use and Environmental Planner at jcarlino at easton.ma.us<mailto:jcarlino at easton.ma.us>.

Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Newsletter
Check out what's happening in the Shovel Town Cultural District!  Please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/?l=416490143579ec11a363000c29a59557&d=5edb86bb25d3ed11a3b5000c29a59557> to view our April/May 2023 newsletter.  If you have any questions about the District, please reach out to Amy Rodrigues, Cultural District Liaison, arodrigues at easton.ma.us<mailto:arodrigues at easton.ma.us>.

CPA Potential Projects for 2024 – The Community Preservation Committee is inviting Letters of Interest through the end of June from applicants with potential CPA projects to be considered at next year’s Annual Town Meeting.  Please see the CPC’s page on the Town website for more information:  https://tinyurl.com/32yyaysm

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 requesting a hard copy sent to them, should call the Easton Water Division at 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 for more information: https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_restriction.php

Easton’s Green Communities Committee: Proper Recycling Helps Keep Costs Down
During their tour of Waste Management's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Avon, the Green Communities Committee learned that proper recycling is necessary to keep costs down. The cost to dispose of improperly recycled materials, known as “contaminants”, costs communities and can raise disposal rates for everyone.

To check for contaminants, Waste Management conducts random audits for each community it serves. If the percentage of improperly recycled items exceeds 10% of a town’s recycling load, surcharges are imposed.

As high as 15% in the early days of the pandemic, Easton’s most-recent recycling audit shows contamination levels down to 11.1%.
One piece of good news? Since Easton and other towns in the region banned them in 2019, the number of plastic shopping bags the MRF has to pull out of their recycling stream is vastly reduced which helps keep recycling loads cleaner.
In the continued effort to fine-tune Easton's recycling, resources like Recycle Smart's Recyclopedia<https://recyclesmartma.org/> and Waste Management's Recycle 101 Recycling Guide<https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right/recycling-101> can help get the town’s contamination rates below 10%.  This will ensure that items are recycled properly for reuse, protects the safety of those who process it, and keeps rates from increasing more often than absolutely necessary.

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 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
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.

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

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.

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.

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

American Legion Post 7 - May Poppy Drive
American Legion Post 7 is having their May Poppy Drive at North Easton Village Shoppes by the Dunkin Donuts Drive thru on Friday May 26th and Saturday May 27th from 6am - 4pm. For a donation of any amount you will receive an American Legion Poppy in memory of a passed veteran and loved one. Donations are used for The Post 7 Scholarship Program, Boys State and Girls State Programs as well as other worthy programs. Come by to donate and receive a Poppy. Post 7 Veterans are Looking forward to seeing you there!

Easton Pride – Sunday, June 11 from 10:00-2:00
Join Easton’s Human Rights Committee, Queer Youth Assemble, and the Natural Resources Trust for Easton Pride 2023! This celebration of our LGBTQ+ community will take place (rain or shine) at the Sheep Pasture (301 Main Street, North Easton) on Sunday, June 11 from 10:00-2:00. Show your support at this inclusive, family-friendly event and help promote equality, respect, and awareness within our town and beyond. There will be food, games, music, LGBTQ+ resources, and more! Email humanrights at easton.ma.us<mailto:humanrights at easton.ma.us> to learn more about the event or for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Visit our website<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/humanrightscommittee/easton_pride.php> for the most recent updates.

Battleship Cove Guided Tour
Ages: All.  Take a trip through history at Battleship cove! This tour will focus on Women in WWII and is set to be a great day for Easton families. Discounted Tickets are sold per person. Saturday, June 17 from 11:00 am -1:00 pm. Battleship Cove, 5 Water St, Fall River MA. Registration: 5/12/23 - 5/31/23. Cost of this program is $15

Children’s Museum Easton Road Race
The Museum is celebrating the 27th Father's Day Road Race and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, June 18th, 2023. Starting at 9:00 am, participants can take a run or walk through the looping 5k course in the historic North Easton Village. The course is mostly flat with a couple of rolling hills. Race is held rain or shine. Register at RaceWire, racewire.com/register.php?id=13291<http://racewire.com/register.php?id=13291&fbclid=IwAR3VBsxTwOTr1jaiHYSxKdNp6Zb9dGRWJ45I1l3BxQKpF64LIBSaS4PauO8>

Adult Women's Pickup Field Hockey
Ages: 18+. Adult Women's Field Hockey registration is open to all women 18 years and older.  Games will be held every Thursday night from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm at Oliver Ames Turf Field beginning June 29th and ending July 27th.  Participants will play against other individuals of all different skill levels.  There will be no goalies.
Start date 6/29/23 - 5 weeks.  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 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 6/11/23.  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 Ultimate Frisbee
Ages: Grades 8 – Adults. Come out and play one of the most fun and fastest growing sports in North America! Beginners and old huckers alike are invited to play Ultimate Frisbee in Easton this summer. Experienced players will teach the game to beginners and intermediate players.  Non Easton Residents Welcome! Games will be held every Wednesday night from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Keach Park, 49 Chestnut St, North Easton, MA.
Start date 6/21/23.  Cost of this program is $35.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

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. First races begin Thursday, July 6th starting at 6:00 pm at Frothingham Park, 15 Park St.  Registration opens 6/6/23.  Start date 7/6/23.  6 weeks in length. 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 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, on Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 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>!
We also invite everyone to drop in for any of our book clubs<https://amesfreelibrary.org/book-clubs>; did you know that we host a Frothingham Hall Book Club on the second Thursday of each month? Contact the library at 508-238-2000 or info at amesfreelibrary.org<mailto:info at amesfreelibrary.org>. 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.

Elder Law Presentation
Join Attorney Jane Sullivan at Frothingham Hall as she presents a seminar on all aspects of elder law. Jane will answer all your questions about estate planning, Medicare, living wills, health care proxies, powers of attorney, homestead protection, and wills and trusts. This event is sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Attorney Sullivan is a member of both of these organizations. This seminar will take place at Frothingham Hall on Wednesday, May 31 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Please register in advance for this free event by calling Frothingham Hall at 508 230-0690.

Boot Camp 6 week series w/ Georgi
Ages: Adults. Come get fit for summer 2023.  Boot camp will kick start your fitness routine and challenge your existing fitness routine.  Weights, cardio, strength and resistance training.  All levels welcome but don't expect leisure! Tuesday evenings 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm starting on Tuesday, May 16.  Ending June 20. Frothingham Hall.  Each 6 wks in length. Cost of this program is $30.  To register and pay for this program, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Art Co-op/Gallery
There's still time to enjoy the beautiful and unique artwork of this month's guest artist, Mary McGrath.

The Art Co-op/Gallery located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovel Works Apartments) features Guest Artists in addition to their regular 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.
Mary McGrath's interest in nonverbal communication began when she was a child. Her father taught her Morse Code and her grandmother exposed her to American Sign Language. Years later, while working with senior citizens, Mary began learning Braille with the hope of teaching senior citizens who had low vision to read. She combined her love of photography and her interest with nonverbal communication by writing the captions of her pictures in level 1 Braille. Mary uses puff paint to write the Braille dots on the glass of the picture frames. Instead of using a guide plate, she places two pieces of thread stretched across the glass to form a Braille cell. Her artwork therefore becomes interactive and shows the complex, yet beautiful language of Braille. Mary McGrath has displayed her artwork at the Art Gallery at Patriots Place, the Maxwell Library at Bridgewater State University and the Plymouth Art Center.
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.

Town of Easton: Spring Program Brochure
Easton’s Office of Community Engagement & Programming has published our Spring Program Brochure! Programs listed will occur between 4/9/23 and 7/3/23. 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: Spring Program Brochure<https://issuu.com/joepittieaston/docs/spring_program_brochure_2023>

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.

The Children’s Museum Easton
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.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm, Closed Monday
Last admission each day is 45 minutes prior to closing. Admission price is $12 each, (adults and children, 1 years and up).
This month we pay homage to Lois Ehlert who was an author and illustrator of children's books, most having to do with nature. She is known for her bright, bold art and innovative book layout techniques.
Chicka Boom Week, May 30-31
Have fun playing with letters! (Pssst… talking about and recognizing letters is an important early literacy skill for kiddos to develop!)

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.
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.


[Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Town-of-Easton-MA/109553865754359?sk=wall>Follow us on Facebook
[Twitter]<https://twitter.com/#!/townofeaston>Follow us on Twitter

Help make the earth a greener place. If at all possible resist printing this e-mail and join us in saving paper.


The Secretary of State's Office has determined email is a public record. All e-mail communications sent or received by persons using the Town of Easton network may be subject to disclosure under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10) and the Federal Freedom of Information Act
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.easton.ma.us/pipermail/eastontowncrier/attachments/20230526/86f6e5bb/attachment-0001.htm>