[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, November 3, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

SPECIAL TOWN NOTICES – VOTE TO DECIDE
SATURDAY, NOV 4 – SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION - THE PUBLIC SAFETY & PUBLIC WORKS FACILITIES REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Polls will be open at Oliver Ames High School from 10AM – 4PM
All voters will need to enter the polling location from the Atrium / Gym entrance and they will need to know their precinct.

  *   What you need to know before you go:    www.easton.ma.us/knowbeforeyougo.pdf<http://www.easton.ma.us/knowbeforeyougo.pdf>
  *   What is your precinct #:                               www.easton.ma.us/whatsmyprecinct.pdf<http://www.easton.ma.us/whatsmyprecinct.pdf>
     *   Precincts 1, 2, 3, 7 – vote in the New Gym
     *   Precincts 4A, 4B, 5, 6 – vote in the Old Gym

Returning your Vote by Mail Ballot
All Vote by Mail Ballots must be received in the secure ballot drop box located at the Town Offices, 136 Elm Street by 4PM on Saturday, November 4th to be counted.  Ballots can NOT be returned to the polling location on Election Day - they must be returned in the secure ballot drop box located at the Town Offices (136 Elm St).  Your returned ballot on Election Day will be processed and brought to the polls to be cast by the Town Clerk’s staff.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Town Offices Closed - Veterans Day
Town Offices will close at 12:30 PM on Thursday, November 9 and remain closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Parade
The Town of Easton invites you to join them, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2547 and American Legion Post 7, in honoring all veterans November 11, 2023.  A parade and ceremony are scheduled to begin at 10 AM.  Details can be found here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/30526ff1-db78-ee11-a3dc-000c29a59557/Veterans%20Day%20Parade%202023.PDF>.

The Town of Easton has the following Employment Opportunities Available:

  *   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>.

Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Newsletter
The Cultural District is full of art and cultural events, performances, classes and more this holiday season! Bring the whole family and shop and dine local to support our local businesses this season.
Please click here<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/?l=416490143579ec11a363000c29a59557&d=1dbe128fac79ee11a3dc000c29a59557> to view our November/December 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>.

Taxation Aid
Unable to afford your property tax bill?  Now through November 17th, 2023, low-income senior and disabled Easton residents have an opportunity to apply for up to $1,400 in Federal aid to pay their 2024 real estate taxes through the Easton Taxation Aid Committee. Even if you’ve already paid your 2024 real estate taxes, you are still eligible to apply!    See if you are eligible and apply by visiting:

https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/taxation_aid_committee.php

COVID-19 Tests Available
Free COVID-19 tests are back! Households can receive 4 rapid tests through USPS. Please order here:  COVIDtests.gov<http://covidtests.gov>.   Free kits are also available at Town Hall in the Health Department.

2023 Hunting Season Reminder
Deer hunting (Now through December 30) and fall turkey (now through November 25) hunting seasons have begun. For more information on hunting, the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife<https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations>.

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.

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. For details, please visit   https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/assessors/index.php or call 508-230-0520.

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.

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>.

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

Easton Garden Club --- Meeting Notice
The November 9, 2023 meeting of the Easton Garden Club will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Frothingham Hall, 30 Barrows Street, North Easton.  This will be a seasonal floral presentation by one of our very favorite presenters, Mr. Richard O'Mara.  He is the owner and president of Cedar Grove Gardens in Dorchester, MA.  His designs are beautiful, unique, and always holiday ready.  One-time guests are welcome to attend this program at no charge and, as always, to consider membership in the Club.

Easton Historical Society – Open House
All are welcome to The Easton Historical Society and Museum open house dedicated to Easton’s Veterans on Sunday November 12th from 12:30 to 4:30 PM at 80 Mechanic Street, North Easton. There will be guest veteran speakers and refreshments!

Baking/Donating Pie for Easton Food Panty - Sunday November 12th, 9am-1pm
Unity Church of North Easton is partnering with the Easton Food Pantry to help complete Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. On November 12th, we are baking pies for the panty. There are also opportunities to donating ingredients for pie we are baking, donating frozen store bought pies, and/or donating money to purchase pies. Go to https://www.unitychurchofnortheaston.org/ and click on the UCAN (Unity Church Aiding Neighbors) link on the home page. We request volunteers to RSVP and/or sign up to bring a food item at the Sign-up Genius link. Folks can help out all morning (9am-1pm) or just come for a 1/2 hour. If you have questions or want more information, please email ucnecommunications at gmail.com<mailto:ucnecommunications at gmail.com>. All ages are welcome.
Memorial Recital Honoring Lin Schuller
The Lin Schuller Memorial Recital will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Central Square Congregational Church at 71 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA. Lin Schuller was a long-time Easton resident and well know music teacher.  Everyone, especially former students, are invited to attend. Donations will be accepted and proceeds will go to future CMVT candidates.
Please email jlschuller60 at gmail.com<mailto:jlschuller60 at gmail.com> for more information.

The Stonehill Theatre Company presents Amélie the Musical
Showtimes - Located in the Hemingway Theater at Stonehill College

  *   Friday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m.
  *   Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
  *   Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
  *   Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.
  *   Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  *   Sunday, November 19 at 2 p.m.
For Tickets: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/77325

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:

  *   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/

Fall-Back Festival
Easton Baptist Church, 197 Bay Road, November 5th 2023
Come celebrate an extra hour of sleep with free food, carnival style games, and the Patriots game on our big screen.  Activities will be available for those with infants, toddlers and children of all ages. Check out our Facebook for changes due to weather and dress in layers.  Sunday Service starts at 10:30AM with games and food to start promptly after service ends at 11:30AM. All are welcome! Sunday, November 5th for this free event.
The Tricentennial Logo Contest
The deadline for entry is fast approaching (11/30). If you are interested in participating, please visit www.Easton300.org<http://www.Easton300.org> for a complete listing of the rules and an entry form.  This contest is an opportunity for your logo to be used on all Tricentennial promotional items leading up to and throughout the 2025 celebration. Additionally there is a $300 cash prize being awarded to the winner.
Cardio Dance
Our new instructor, Juliet, will also be teaching a Cardio Dance class. No dance experience needed! This class starts out with some cardio dance; easy, low impact dance moves to a variety of music genres. Then, you move to upper body using free weights or tubes, whatever works best for you! Lastly, you end with moving your lower body. This class will be on Thursdays at Frothingham Hall from 10:00 – 10:45am. It is a drop-in program and a fitness punch card is required for the class.
Pickleball Lessons
Beginner, Advanced Beginner, & Middle/High School Lessons available.  Frothingham Hall. 15 Barrows St., Easton, MA 02356.  Start date 12/2/23.  Max-4 per group Min-3 per group.  Cost of this program is $85 per person.  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>.

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 9/17/23.  Cost of this program is $45.  Rolling registration will be accepted.  Daily Registration also available.  To register and pay for this course, 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 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>!
November is stuffed with offerings for the whole family! In early November we have back-to-back author talks at Queset House; local author Vivian Webster shares her story and debut coloring book, Still Negra, on Monday, November 6<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/kids/local-author-talk-vivian-webster-still-negra> at 6:00 PM, and author Jon Mael shares his new book, Harlem World, on Tuesday, November 7<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult/harlem-world-author-talk-jon-mael> at 6:30 PM. Author and special educator Theresa Mackiewicz will be back on Tuesday, November 14<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult/theresa-mackiewicz-author-presentation-autism> at 6:30 with a presentation about autism and an introduction to her book, Tommy and Mrs. Sunshine. All talks are free and open to all.
On Tuesday, November 7 we’ll debut a new social hour<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult-kids-teen/community-connections-eastons-house-possibilities> in partnership with the House of Possibilities - Easton (HOPe)! All ages and abilities are welcome to join; we invite retirees, homeschoolers, storytime families, and all community members to socialize with each other and participants from the House of Possibilities. This informal social hour may include chatting, playing games, crafting, and more!
November is also National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo); drop-in at the Queset House for your own Writing Retreat<https://amesfreelibrary.org/events/adult/come-write-diy-writers-retreat-1> every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Get ideas, motivation, or just pop in your ear buds for a quiet, cozy place to write.
Times and details for all of these programs and more can be found on our website. 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.

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.
Nicole’s beautiful artwork is now on display at the Art Co-op/Gallery at 50 Main Street. Learn more about Nicole and her work at spottedphoto.com.  All are invited to meet and greet the artist on Sat. December 2, 2023, 12pm - 3pm at the Co-op/Gallery.
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.
Shop EARLY 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.

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. 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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