[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Wednesday, November 22, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Town Offices Closed for Thanksgiving
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Town Offices will close at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, November 22 and will remain closed all day Thursday, November 23 and Friday November 24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Apply to Serve on the Easton School Committee
The Select Board and School Committee are seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Easton School Committee. The selected candidate will be appointed to serve until the next Town Election in April 2024, at which point they may run for election to the School Committee. Candidates can express their interest by filling out the Town's Volunteer Application Form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesl8yOm7C4nCcNzaKHs11yhC-cKE8j2uGRkR42qJ2G-8597A/viewform?usp=sf_link>.  The application deadline for this vacancy is Friday, December 8.   Learn more about the Easton School Committee by visiting their website<https://eastonmaschools.org/school-committee/>.
For questions, please contact the Town Administrator's Office at 508-230-0510.

The Town of Easton has the following Employment Opportunities Available:

  *   Deputy Director of Health & Community Services/Financial and Veterans' Services - full time
  *   Assistant Assessor - full time
  *   Plumbing & Gas Inspector - part time
  *   Shuttle Drivers - part time /per diem
  *   DPW Plumber - 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>.
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.

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

Easton Public Schools, Town of Easton Begin Partnership with INTERFACE Referral Service:
Providing Outpatient Mental Health Referrals for Community Members
Any Easton resident may contact the Helpline and does not have to be referred to access the service. The Helpline operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.  To reach the Helpline, call 888-244-6843.
Importantly, the Helpline is not an emergency service. If you, or the person you are seeking to assist, requires immediate confidential support and crisis counseling, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7 or call 911. To learn more about the William James INTERFACE Referral Service, click here<https://interface.williamjames.edu/>.

Water Division: 2022 Consumer Confidence Report
The Easton Water Division is pleased to announce the availability of the 2022 consumer confidence report (CCR) which is available on the Water Divisions webpage<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/departments/dpw/water_division/docs/Reports/2022ConsumerCofidenceReport.pdf>. Individuals may request a hard copy by calling the Easton Water Division 508-230-0850.

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.

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 Firefighters Santa Ride on December 16
Easton Firefighters are excited to announce that Santa is coming to town on Saturday, December 16! Firefighters will be giving Santa a ride around town starting at 9 AM. During the ride, residents will have the opportunity to see Santa waving and giving out candy from one of our Fire Engines escorted by firefighters volunteering to answer Santa's call. For more information, including a list of streets, visit the Town's website<https://www.easton.ma.us/newsdetail_T1_R1088.php>.

Holiday Craft Fair
Please join TEMPO (The Easton Music Parent Organization) as we host our 7th annual holiday craft fair!  This fun day of shopping will be held in the cafeteria of Oliver Ames High School, located at 100 Lothrop Street, North Easton, on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. We are welcoming 50 unique artisans, crafters, and vendors at this event.  Please join us!
Holiday Card Class
Sign up for a free card class where you will create 2 cards for the upcoming Holiday season. It will be December 1 at 11:00 am. Call or stop by Frothingham Hall to sign up (508)-230-0690

FUTSAL:  Adult Coed Indoor Soccer
Registration is open to all men and women 18 years and older.  Futsal is played in a gymnasium with low bounce ball where the focus is on short passes.  Join the fun and get some great exercise.  This is a friendly, co-ed activity geared toward different skull levels.  New players are welcome.  Court shoes are required.  Players should bring a dark and white shirt (no gray) and Non Residents are welcome.  Games will be played at Oliver Ames Old Gym, 100 Lothrop St, N Easton MA.  Friday nights 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm from January 5th to March 1st.  Cost of this program is $65.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
InclYOUsion Sports (2-4 & 5-7yrs) - Basketball & Floor Hockey
Join us for a fun 8-week sports program for children of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of basketball and floor hockey!  Classes are non-competitive and are perfect for beginners of for children who are looking for small class sizes taught by well-trained coaches.  Inclyousion Sports provides all equipment and children only need to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  This program is designed for children with and without disabilities to learn and play together.  Skill building is modified to each child's experience level.  Games will be played at Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows St, N Easton.  2-4yr olds will play Sundays from 9:00 am - 9:50 am and kids 5-7yrs old will play 10:00 am -10:50 am.  Program starts January 14 and ends March 10 with a build in bye February 18.  Cost of this program is $200.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
Winter Break w/ Skyhawks: Grades K-2 & 3-5
Come and spend your December Break w/ Skyhawks!  Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and positive programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship.  Program will be half-day session and give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle.  Sports and games include capture the flag, soccer, basketball, kickball, wiffleball, dodgeball & more.    3 days in length 12/26-12/28.  Times will be 9:00 am-12:00 pm and take part at R-O School - 101 Lothrop St.  N Easton, MA .  Kids will be broken into two groups, grades K-2 and 3-5.  Cost of this program is $124.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
Winter Floor Hockey League: Ages 4-6 & 7-9
Fun and team-oriented Floor Hockey League.  Weekly games and all equipment provided.  Play is 3v3 w/ a goalie.  6 weeks in length 1/8-2/14.  T-Shirt will be provided.  Gamed will be run by volunteer coaches, if interested in coaching please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  Games will be played in the Main Hall at Frothingham Hall - 15 Barrows St. Easton, MA  7-9 year olds will play 1x a week on Mondays; 4-6 year olds will play either Tuesdays or Wednesdays at either 430-530 or 545-645.  Cost of this program is $80.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
Patriots Hall of Fame Tour and Trip
Ages: 50+. Visit these two floors of New England Patriots Football at the Hall of Fame.  Check out interactive exhibits where you can kick a field goal, test your vertical leap and reaction time, and a math and science "Game Show" as well.  They also have the six Lombardi Trophies and Super Bowl rings on display,  Tours are self-guided with staff throughout the museum to answer questions and assist with exhibits.  The event is Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Tour runs from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm  Please call Frothingham Hall at 508-230-0690.  Only 14 seats available.  Cost of this program is $10.
November Newsletter - Easton Department of Health & Community Services
Please click here<https://mycommunityonline.com/organization/easton-council-on-aging> to view Frothingham Hall's current newsletter.
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/

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.
Pickleball Lessons
Beginner & Advanced Beginner available.  Frothingham Hall. 15 Barrows St., Easton, MA 02356.  Start date 1/6/23.  Max-4 per group Min-3 per group.   Saturday mornings are available.  If you are interested in private/semiprivate lessons please email programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>  Cost of this program is $85 per person.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
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 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, 12;00 pm - 3:00 pm 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.

Friends of the Ames Free Library News
The Friends operate the Book Sale Room at Queset House, which is open whenever Queset House itself is open (from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday). We accept donations of gently used books in very good condition during our Saturday hours. Please visit this page<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-book-sale-room> for our donation guidelines. The Friends welcome new members and volunteers; you can find more information here<https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-library>, where you can also download a copy of our quarterly newsletter.

Easton Commission on Disability
WHAT WE DO:

  *   Advocate for residents who experience an access or disability related problem in town
  *   Research local problems of people with disabilities
  *   Advise and assist town officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities
  *   Provide information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability
  *   Review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the town as they affect people with disabilities
Questions or Concerns? Contact us at cod at easton.ma.us<mailto:cod at easton.ma.us> or visit our website<https://www.easton.ma.us/boards_and_committees/commission_on_disabilities/index.php>.

Low-and-no-cost Energy Efficiency Programs
Before you make any energy-saving updates to your home or apartment, take a look at the programs offered by Mass Save, which is open to all residents, and Self Help, a needs-based organization that assists with much more than fuel assistance. Depending on your eligibility, these state programs may cover a portion or all of the cost of the following:

  *   Replacement of your heating system
  *   Insulation of walls, attic, basement
  *   Air sealing drafty areas like windows and doors
  *   Installing energy-saving programmable thermostats
  *   Providing LED energy-saving light bulbs
  *   Installing water-saving faucets
  *   Replacement appliances such as refrigerators, window air conditioners, clothes washers, and dehumidifiers, if your current models are deemed inefficient
Both Mass Save (https://www.masssave.com/) and Self Help (https://selfhelpinc.org/) are open to Easton homeowners and renters (eligibility varies between programs).

Health & Community Service's Friendly Caller Program
The Town's HCS Dept. has developed a new program that we are really excited about called the Friendly Caller Program. The purpose of this program is to spread positivity and prevent social isolation. This will be especially important this holiday season! Those signed up will receive a weekly call from one of our volunteers, where you can share stories or experiences, chat about current events, or just make small talk. This is also a great way to get to know some fellow seniors in town. If you are interested in enrolling to receive calls, please call Frothingham Hall at 508-230-0690.

The Children's Museum Easton is a hands-on interactive children's museum designed for children ages 1 to 5, founded on the principle that play and hands-on learning is critically important to successful child development.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays. Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Please click here for a full list of Upcoming Events<https://www.cmeaston.org/visit/whats-new/>!

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

About the Town Crier
The Town Crier is typically sent on Fridays informing subscribers of local government news, notices and community events. To request an event be added to a future newsletter, please send an email to ehagg at easton.ma.us<mailto:ehagg at easton.ma.us> with the information in plain text as you wish it to appear. For consideration, please include event information, the name of the group/event, date, time, location, contact information and website if applicable. Please list all dates that you want to run the notice. The Town reserves the right to reject requests deemed not to be in the public interest or those promoting private benefits and is not responsible for typographical errors. Requests for inclusion must be received no later than Wednesday at 12:30 pm in order to be considered for inclusion in that Friday's newsletter. Requests in the form of PDFs, JPEGs, press releases, etc. will not be accepted.


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