[Eastontowncrier] Town Crier: Friday, September 22, 2023

[Easton Town Crier]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS AND NOTICES

Easton Public Safety/Public Works Facilities Replacement Project:  www.EastonPSW.com<http://www.EastonPSW.com>
The Town of Easton is undertaking a crucial public safety & public works facilities replacement project to enhance essential services for our community. The project involves constructing a new combined DPW facility, police and fire headquarters, and fire substation, consolidating multiple outdated buildings. With facilities ranging from 50-70+ years old, these structures no longer meet various health, safety, and environmental codes, and are beyond their useful lives.

Key Public Engagement Dates and Voter Decision Dates:
•       Community Forum and Facilities Tour 2 – October 2, 2023, 6:30 PM - Police/Fire at 46/48 Lothrop St.
•       Special Town Meeting - October 23, 2023, 7:00 PM
        •      Debt Exclusion Election - November 4, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Please visit www.EastonPSW.com<http://www.EastonPSW.com> to learn more about the project, sign-up for notifications of project updates, and share your feedback.

The Town of Easton has the following Employment Opportunities Available:

  *   Deputy Director of Health & Community Services – Financial and Veterans’ Affairs
  *   Office Assistant Planning & Economic Development- full time
  *   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>.

MBTA Communities Zoning Public Information Session
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7:00pm via Zoom. Come and learn about the State’s MBTA Communities Zoning requirement, which involves zoning for multi-family housing by right. Join us to get answers to your questions and Easton’s opportunities to comply. The meeting<https://cms2.revize.com/revize/eastonma/boards_and_committees/planning_and_zoning_board/planning_board_mbta_communities_zoning.php> is being held via zoom. The agenda for the meeting with a link to Zoom will be posted on the Town’s home page calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Calendar> closer to the meeting.

Swift’s Park Public Meeting Thursday, September 28, at 6:00pm via Zoom. The Swift’s Park Steering Committee will provide a public presentation on Thursday, September 28, 6:00pm to review the goals of Swift’s Park<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/document/95e87b31-c458-ee11-a3d4-000c29a59557/Swift%20Presentation>, share the three concept designs considered by the Committee, and the design determined to best represent the goals for the park. The agenda for the meeting with a link to Zoom is available at the Town’s home page calendar<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/Calendar>.
Easton Fire Department: Open House
Saturday, September 30 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 48 Lothrop Street. Celebrate Fire Prevention Week and enjoy activities, tours, demonstrations and more!
2023 Hunting Season Reminder
Deer hunting (October 2 through December 30) and fall turkey (October 2 through November 25) hunting seasons are beginning soon. All species and dates are found on MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Hunting season summary . Hunting is allowed on Conservation Commission properties with all applicable licenses and in accordance with all laws. Please take all necessary precautions while enjoying conservation property such as wearing brightly colored hats and clothing if you are walking, hiking or biking on conservation properties. Pets should also be leashed at all times in accordance with the town’s leash law (Ch 104-7). Hunting is allowed from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Hunting is NOT allowed on Sundays. For more information on hunting, the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife<https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations>.

Easton Shovel Town Cultural District Newsletter
Be sure to join in on all the fun music, art and cultural activities happening in the Easton Shovel Town Cultural District this fall! Please click here to view our September/October 2023 newsletter.<https://eastontownma.documents-on-demand.com/?l=416490143579ec11a363000c29a59557&d=3a319d0dba4dee11a3d0000c29a59557>  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>.


Easton’s Tricentennial
The Easton Tricentennial Committee is pleased to announce that planning and organizing efforts are well underway for Easton’s 300th anniversary in 2025. The celebration of Easton’s 300th Anniversary will last all of 2025 beginning with a First Day event in January and culminating with a Gala in December of 2025.
This yearlong celebration will of course need the community’s support so please visit www.Easton300.org<http://www.Easton300.org>  to learn about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. The website also provides information about the Easton 300 Logo Contest that is currently underway as well as the keystone events to be held in 2023.

Easton Public Schools, Town of Easton Begin Partnership with INTERFACE Referral Service:
Providing Outpatient Mental Health Referrals for Community Members
The Easton Public Schools and Town of Easton have partnered with William James College to bring INTERFACE, a free outpatient mental health referral service program, to students in the district and all Easton residents.
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/>.

FY24 Real Estate Tax Exemptions
The Town of Easton offers many tax exemptions designed to reduce the property tax burden for elderly or disabled veterans. These exemptions include Elderly Clause 41D, Clause 22 & Disabled Veterans and Clause 22D Surviving Spouse, Clause 37 Blind, Community Preservation. You can find the applications and instructions on the Assessors Webpage<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/assessors/index.php>. Scroll down the dark blue box to the end, and select Real Estate Exemptions.  You will see a drop down menu listing all Real Estate applications.  If you have any questions, please contact the Assessors’ Office at 508-230-0520

Notice: Oliver Ames High School Court Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the exterior tennis and basketball courts at the Oliver Ames High School has begun and is expected to be completed by November 2023.  This work involves the installation of new concrete tennis courts, asphalt basketball and pickleball courts, fencing, athletic lighting and minor drainage improvements.  Use of the existing athletic courts and a portion of the parking lot in the immediate vicinity of the project will be unavailable during construction.  Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the athletic courts at the Oliver Ames High School.  If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at (508) 230-0800 or MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us<mailto:MGrosschedl at easton.ma.us>.
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.

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 and 8:00 am. Odd numbered properties will be restricted to Tuesdays between 5:00 am and 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<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/dpw/water_division/water_restriction.php> for more information.
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 the Assessor’s Office at 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>

September is National Preparedness Month
Easton Town Hall wants you to stay aware and be prepared. We put together a few resources which include a buck slip in your upcoming trash bill with a few important steps to get you started. These steps include: signing up for local alerts and warning through the Plymouth County emergency alert system “CodeRED”, assembling and updating emergency supplies, and storing all important documents somewhere safe. To help, we will be in Frothingham Hall, Fridays all September, until 9/29 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
To help you make copies of important papers such as:

  *   Photo IDs/ Driver’s license, social security cards, passports
  *   Documents (insurance, estate planning, financial, property, vehicle, credit card contact information)
  *   Medical (prescriptions, medications, and dosages, doctors’ names/ numbers)
  *   Vital Records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)
  *   Vaccination records for household members and pets
  *   Phone numbers (family, friends, neighbors)
Bring these documents with you and we will make copies for you and provide you with a document bag to keep them safe. For more information, contact programs at easton.ma.us<mailto:programs at easton.ma.us>

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 mattresses or 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<https://www.handupmattress.com/contact-us> or by calling (774) 271-8744. Please note curbside pickup will occur once per month. The charge for each mattress or box spring is $47.

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>.

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.

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?
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.

Shaw’s GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program
This program is dedicated to supporting the communities we call home. For every $2.99 reusable “Give Back Bag” sold at the Easton Shaw’s in September, $1.00 will be donated to the Easton Council on Aging. This is a great way to give back to the community while protecting the environment! When you visit the Easton Shaw’s in September, look for the white reusable bags that say “I Give Back Where it Counts…Locally!” to support your Easton Council on Aging.

COMMUNITY NEWS
Something Wild! Gala – Invitation from the Children’s Museum in Easton
Stonehill College, Pettit Atrium - September 23, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm.
Get your tickets to the Children’s Museum in Easton’s Something Wild! Gala, to benefit their outdoor play space, the Wild Place. This adults-only event will be filled with gourmet foods, music, dancing, raffles, entertainment and more. Come make mischief of one kind and another – click here<https://www.cmeaston.org/something-wild-gala/> for tickets and info!

Free Community CPR Certification Program Ages 16+
The town of Easton’s Office of Community Engagement and Programming & Community Paramedicine Program will be offering a joint Community CPR certification course for residents interested in obtaining an American Heart Association CPR/AED/First Aid certification.  The course will take place on Friday September 29th at 6pm-8pm at Frothingham Hall – 15 Barrows St.  Easton, MA  Preregistration is required.  Maximum of 15 registrations.  Minimum age of 16 and up.  This course is in-person and covers Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid.  Start date 9/29/23.  To register for this program, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
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:

  *   September 28 @ 3:30 p.m. Anna Ohanyan on 'The Neighborhood Effect: The Imperial Roots of Regional Fracture in Eurasia.'
  *   October 26 @ 3:30 p.m. Richard Capobianco on Martin Heidegger.
  *   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/

50th NRT Harvest and Craft Fair | Sunday, October 1, 2023 |10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Admission: $5 per person for ages 5 and up - Children under 5 are free!
Join NRT and the whole local community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the NRT's Harvest & Craft Fair! This fun-filled, community centered event is once again taking place at NRT’s Sheep Pasture where thousands of people from all over join us to welcome the fall season and enjoy various seasonal activities! Limited free parking will be available for fair visitors. Please note that all admission, food, and many vendors are cash only. For everyone’s safety, no pets are allowed on the grounds the day of the fair. Service dogs are welcome.
2023 Harvest and Craft Fair Highlights: Big Joe the Storyteller, Family photo booth sponsored by Spotted Photography, Kave Rock Alpacas, Food trucks and restaurant services by Mom on the Go, The Sausage Guy, & The Farmer's Daughter, Hot apple cider, coffee, and delicious slices of homestyle pumpkin pie, Hand-dipped caramel apples, Kids' Carnival Games area, Dozens of crafters and local artisans, Airbrush tattoo artist, Musical guests throughout the day, including American Beauties, Rowdies of the Meadow, and Randy Davis, NRT Silent Auction<https://www.nrtofeaston.org/silent-auction-items-2023.html>, Truck and Tractor Exploration Station, Baby animal petting zoo presented by Enchanted Animal Parties, and more!
Thank you to our 2023 Premier Sponsor North Easton Savings Bank for their continued support of NRT’s Harvest Fair! Thank you to our other event sponsors: Mass Cultural Council, Personal Best Karate, Village Speech, Washington Trust Company, Morse Insurance, Roche Bros., and Bourne’s Auto Center! A big thank you to our in-kind donors who have generously contributed to the event!
For a full list of these donors, please visit the Harvest Fair event page at: https://www.nrtofeaston.org/harvest--craft-fair.html

Up Close & Personal with Irish Authors
Monday, September 25, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
All are welcome to meet, greet and listen to three authors all the way from Dublin, Ireland on the mysteries and joys of Irish children's literature today.
Free and open to all!
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/

Friendly Bocce at Frothingham
Join Frothingham Hall and House of Possibilities (HOPe) in a casual game of Bocce at Frothingham Hall. It will be Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:30pm, ending around Thanksgiving; weather dependent. Call/ stop by to sign up (508) 230-0690!

Engaged in Easton: Fall Programs Brochure
Easton’s Office of Community Engagement & Programming has published our Summer Programs Brochure! Programs listed will occur between 9/4/23 and 11/27/23. 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: Fall Programs Brochure<https://issuu.com/eastonprograms/docs/fall_programs_brochure_2023>

Adult Women’s Pickup Basketball, Ages 18+
Easton's Women’s Pickup Basketball registration is open to all and women 18 years and older, non-residents welcome. 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 Tuesday night from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Oliver Ames Nixon Gym, 100 Lothrop St, North Easton, MA.
Start date 9/12/23.  Prorated cost of this program is $40 for entire season.  Rolling registration will be accepted.  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>.
Community Yard Sale
Unity Church of North Easton, Sept. 30, 2023, 9 am - 3 pm,  Rain or Shine with Tables for Rent inside.  Table plus 9 ft X 9 ft Space, $25.  For more information or to make a reservation to Rent a Table, contact Cheryl at 508-238-7363  or welcome2ucne at gmail.com<mailto:welcome2ucne at gmail.com>   Location 13 Main St, North Easton, MA 02356
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to host “Gun Tragedies: Memorial Stones: 2023”
Sunday, September 24 at 10:30 am (worship service begins at 9:45 am). You are welcome at either time.
143 Lincoln Street, North Easton     htlceaston.org
Public art installation to honor hundreds of 2023 mass shooting victims in the United States
A two-week public art installation highlighting America’s gun violence epidemic will begin with a ceremony on the morning of Sunday, September 24 at 10:30 am at the end of the 9:45 am worship service. Attendees are welcome at either time. Event attendees will place painted stones within the congregation’s outdoor labyrinth, inviting local community members to walk the labyrinth and reflect on the ravages of gun violence. The memorial, conceived by activist and retired computer analyst Madeline Champagne, will remain on view through October 9.
Champagne was inspired to create the memorial after attending a rally sponsored by Moms Demand Action and hearing Ilyse Levine Kanji speak about ongoing trauma caused by a 1993 mass shooting at her workplace. “The tragedy of the victims really hit me,” Champagne said. “I found the Gun Violence Archive website, with up-to-date, accurate data. When I happened to find a good supply of rounded beach stones, I knew what I wanted to do.”
Each of the more than 450 small stones is painted with the date and location of a mass shooting that took place in the United States during 2023. Fatalities are symbolized by painted black ribbons, while injuries are represented by red hearts. “Unless something is changed, these mass shootings will continue,” said Champagne. “I hope that this memorial installation brings the numbers to a more personal level. Each symbol represents a person who left their home one day, and either they didn’t return, or their lives were forever changed.”

North Easton Machine Company, Inc., Facility Tours
North Easton Machine Company, located at 218 Elm Street in North Easton, will be hosting tours of their manufacturing facility in honor of Manufacturing Month this October.  Tours are open to the public and we encourage our neighbors and friends to visit with us on either Friday, October 6th 11 am – 3 pm OR Wednesday, October 18th 10 am – 3 pm.  Reservations are required.  Please call 508-238-6219 or email pmartel at northeastonmachine.com<mailto:pmartel at northeastonmachine.com> to register.  We look forward to seeing you!

Green Communities Committee  -  Three easy ways to recycle textiles
Did you know that a November 2022 law made it illegal to throw your clothing and other textiles away in the trash in Massachusetts? Instead, textiles--which include clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, and similar items that are clean and dry--must be donated, repurposed, or resold. Even if your textiles are worn, torn, or stained, most can still be donated to a textile recycling facility.
The Green Communities Committee reminds residents of Easton that they have three easy ways to recycle their textiles:
1) Contact HELPSY at https://www.helpsy.co/pickup for free home pickup of three or more bags through a municipal partnership with the town.
2) Drop-off bagged textiles at one of the Bay State Textile bins located on the Easton Public Schools campus. Please close bags tightly; loose textiles may get wet inside the bins, and water is very damaging to donations. Money raised supports extracurricular activities at the schools.
3) Give away reusable clothing, accessories, bedding, etc using Facebook groups (Gifts of Easton, Buy Nothing) or Freecycle.org, or drop off items in good condition to thrift shops, donate them to charity, or resell your best items directly or via consignment.
See https://www.mass.gov/guides/textile-recovery for more information.

September Newsletter
Please click here<https://mycommunityonline.com/organization/easton-council-on-aging> to view Frothingham Hall’s current newsletter.
Ultimate Sports w/ Skyhawks 7-12yr old
Skyhawks has taken your favorite games from the playground and combined them into an action-packed program!  Each week we will focus on 1-2 of the listed games including multiple variations of play of Kickball, Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, Wiffleball and Ultimate Frisbee.  Participants will learn sportsmanship, teamwork and strategy in addition to the rules of the game.  Program is designed for 7-12 year old.  Torie’s Park – 115 Main St  Easton, MA.  Wednesdays 5:15-6:15pm or sunset from 10/11-11/1.  Minimum participants needed is 8, maximum is 20.  Cost of this program is $75.  To register and pay for this course, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.

Adult Men’s Sunday Pickup Basketball, Ages 18+
Easton's Men’s Pickup Basketball registration is open to all and women 18 years and older, non-residents welcome. 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 9:00am-11:00am at Oliver Ames Nixon Gym, 100 Lothrop St, North Easton, MA.
Start date 10/15/23.  Cost of this program is $50.  To register and pay for this program, click here<https://www.easton.ma.us/departments/recreation_department/community_programs.php>.
Drums Alive
Drums Alive is back! Join our talented instructor Kelly Sipe in this movement and rhythmic program! Mondays at Frothingham Hall between 3:00 – 3:50pm. This program will run through 2023 and registration is required. Space is limited to 10 people for this class and individuals can be added to a waitlist if others cancel. Call to sign up (508) 230-0690!
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 Community Survey
The Ames Free Library wants your opinion! Your input can help shape the future programming and services at the library. Please take a few minutes to complete our brief community survey. All responses are confidential. Your feedback will be used to design future library programs and services. Complete the survey online<https://amesfreelibrary.org/ames-free-library-long-range-plan-2023-easton-survey>, or call the library with any questions at 508-238-2000.

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 or by signing up for our newsletters! Book clubs, storytimes, and more kick off for our fall season in September!
The library is conducting a survey to help establish our long range plan for the next five years. We want to know what you want to see happening at the library! You can fill out the survey online; it will only take about 10 minutes to complete.
On Saturday, September 16 come by and get your collectibles appraised for free! Patrons are invited to bring your trading cards, video games/consoles, vintage toys, jewelry, and more for appraisal by Rick Keller. Do you have treasure… or trash?! This program does require preregistration on the library’s 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.

The Art Co-op/Gallery
Enjoy an inspiring mix of local artwork at the Art Co-op/Gallery, located at 50 Main Street (small cape house in the midst of Ames Shovel Works Apartments). The Art Co-op/Gallery features Guest Artists as well as the works of many talented, 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.
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.

Covenant Congregational Church Weekly Seminar
The Covenant Congregational Church of Easton (204 Center St) will be hosting a weekly seminar entitled “ALPHA,“ beginning SUNDAY Sept 17th at 9 am and will  run for 11 weeks. Complimentary breakfast at 8:30 am.
What is Alpha??? Alpha is a series of conversations that explore the basics of Christian faith. All are invited to attend no matter your background or belief. We will dig deeper, engage and be challenged in a safe, respectful environment and learn what it means to be truly free. Invite a friend or neighbor!
The famous actor and comedian Jim Carey once said that he wished everyone could get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so that they can see that it’s not the answer.
How about you?  Looking for answers?   Is there more to life?
You’re invited to join the millions of people in over 100 countries around the world over the last 25 years who have asked this same question.   Join us! For more information please contact the church office at 508-238-6423.

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 and Sunday 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays. Last admission 45 mins before closing.
WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY: Saturday, September 30 12:30pm – 4:00 pm. We are happy to announce our participation in the Worldwide Day of Play, a global event presented by Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums on Saturday, September 29. It’s a day when we focus on the importance play has in our mental health, overall wellness, brain development and socioemotional growth. As a children’s museum, it’s our mission to make playful learning a priority for healthy early childhood development. So, gather up the kiddos and join us as we encourage families to get up, get out, and start playing!
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.  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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