Easton Community Comes Together Over Isaias

“Just to think that it all began
On an uneventful morn
“Come in,” she said, “I’ll give ya
Shelter from the storm.”

— Bob Dylan

Tropical Storm Isaias is being compared to Super Storm Sandy and other severe storms in 2011 and 2012 in terms of power outages throughout CT. Severe winds, downpours, and tornado threats all were part of the conditions that ripped limbs from and uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damaged buildings and vehicles. Many parts of our state remain without electrical service, while crews clean up downed limbs and restore the lines.

Our small rural town of Easton was riddled with downed trees and power lines, and many residents still remain without power. Those who have generators were lucky enough to keep their refrigerators and a light and charging station going.

Easton Police Chief Richard Doyle and First Selectman David Bindelglass have been working around the clock to coordinate clean up and restoration efforts. National Guard members were employed Friday night, along with many more service vehicles throughout the Northeast, all working with the Easton Department of Public Works.

Wilson Road and North Street, which got hit the hardest, are now passable. All roads should be passable by tonight, and most power will be restored by midnight tonight. Some more damaged and remote spots might not be restored until Monday night.

“This is the staging area at the Easton Fire Department on Center Road in Easton,” First Selectman Bindelglass said in a message to residents. “We have multiple crews out, supported by the National Guard and they are working all over town. We cleared Wilson Road and North Street overnight, which were two of the hardest hit areas and worst remaining spots in town. For those of you who haven’t seen any recovery crews or who live in the northern parts of Easton, we hope to have 100% of roads passable tonight. By midnight, most of town should be up and running again, and crews from all over the Northeast are here to help make this happen.

“Thank you for your patience and resilience, Easton! Please continue to check in on your neighbors or seniors who are shut-in, and let’s pay it forward to those who haven’t benefited from power or water for days. I’ll be sending out a reverse 9-1-1 alert shortly to phones (with a similar update), as many aren’t able to see these posts or any shared online on the town website.”

The Town Hall is providing water from a hose, which is also drinkable, and a charging station is available in the lobby of the police department for all Easton residents. There have been continual updates from Bindelglass and Doyle via Internet for those who could get cell service, which has also been spotty, and for some, non existent. The North Street cell tower has a generator for better cell reception.

Many have been passing the time by playing old-fashioned board games, feeding the animals at Silverman’s Farm, getting refreshments and non-perishable items from outside Greiser’s Coffee and Market, reading books, and some just left town and checked into a hotel.

Random acts of kindness were seen throughout Easton via Facebook, particularly through the Women of Easton site and Easton 411. Many who had generators and power offered assistance to others in need. Dan Tressler set up a freezer powered by a generator for his neighbors on Bibbins Road, which was impassable for days.

Heather Forte Vecharelli fed the tree crew hotdogs Friday night near her home on Bibbins Road. Abbie Winter set up a charging station outside her home on Old Orchard Road for anyone in need. Dana Ceva brought Abbie two jars of honey from her honey bees in exchange for power.

Stay safe everyone. Restoration is coming!