Updated 07/02/2021
Good afternoon,
This week we experienced our first real heat wave of summer, 2021! We have available cooling stations at the Senior Center and EMS Headquarters, which are open during heat wave conditions. Remember to stay hydrated and watchful of elderly parents, neighbors and pets.
Unfortunately, at this time of year we hear too many stories of people leaving pets in their cars to do a few errands. This is so dangerous and could be deadly. The inside of a vehicle can quickly get to a dangerous level and can kill or injure your pet. Should you see a pet left in a car, in distress, please call the non-emergency phone number of the town you are in or 9-1-1 if the situation is dire. Also, a quick reminder to mind your pet’s paws. Pets should not be walked on hot pavement or concrete.This can scald or burn the pads of your pets’ paws causing extreme pain and serious injury.
I want to mention that while we are relaxing and taking refuge in air-conditioned homes or backyard pools, our Department of Public Works staff are out doing heavy, manual labor, every day, under the hot sun to keep the town functioning, please thank them when you see them!
Bear sightings continue to increase so please see the following hints and suggestions taken from the National Park Rangers advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain Parks: They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry pepper spray just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear’s sensitive nose and it will run away. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper!–Just a bit of humor!
In all seriousness, bear sightings and encounters are increasingly on the rise here in town. I, myself, was surprised to see one sauntering across my lawn this week! Be smart when out walking and do not leave garbage containers out nor bird feeders filled. Should you see a bear in town, call our non-emergency police number 203-268-4111 to report the bear. They will follow up with DEEP. Be safe and aware of your surroundings at all times.
On the tennis courts at Hellen Keller Middle School, we have marked out a temporary pickle ball court. Please enjoy, we are also using this partially to assess the interest around town for a dedicated pickle ball court.This is an ideal game for our seniors so we look forward to watching how this plays out.
At the Board of Selectmen meeting last night, we discussed holding a Special Town Meeting in the fall after Labor Day. Topics could include:
1. Funding for the Pathway. 2. Ethics Ordinance revision. 3. Land Use Ordinance. 4. Discontinuance of Old Burr Highway. 5. Tax exempt Handicap Vehicle Ordinance. 6. Demolition Delay Ordinance.
We note the retirement of Officer Donald Kinahan of our Easton Police Department. He has served with Easton for 13 years, in a career totaling over 37 years of law enforcement service. We thank him and appreciate his service.
I want to ask that residents use caution this weekend with a reminder that aerial fireworks are illegal in Connecticut. Mark your calendar for September 18th to celebrate EMS’s 75th Anniversary, which will be a time we can enjoy a beautiful and safe fireworks show!
I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July! This is a time to celebrate our America, LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE!
Dave Bindelglass
