Updated 12/3/2021
Good afternoon,
We remain in the red with regard to Covid, but the number of cases in Easton fell from 10 two weeks ago to 6 for the week ending November 27, for a rate of 15.2 per 100,000. Much of the talk has been about the Omicron variant, and there is still very little information about that. I am sure the numbers of that variant will grow. That is probably the one certainty. I do not believe we need to change our policies in town, but we will monitor the situation closely. I would be careful in large gatherings and even in smaller and family gatherings. For parties and shopping, you might consider wearing a mask. Also, please get your booster shots and get kids vaccinated. We are clearly facing a new wave, but hopefully we can cut it off quickly.
We would like to welcome Ginger Fiore, who started this week as my new assistant. You will see her on Board of Selectmen meetings and she will be the contact person in town hall for any issues that you have. She can be reached at gfiore@eastonct.gov Please feel free to introduce yourself to her.
On Tuesday, we celebrated farming in Easton with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Commissioner of Agriculture Bryan Hurlburt, as well as Senator Hwang and Assemblywoman Hughes. Proclamations were issued recognizing our wonderful farms, and several visits were made. We all agreed on the importance of supporting and preserving Easton’s farms. That remains a priority for our town and we continue to work toward that end. Particularly at this time of year, we are proud to be The Christmas Tree Capitol of Connecticut and are working toward making that an official designation. We also discussed future partnerships with the state to encourage farming, our unique farms owned and operated by women, and our farms with histories of 100 years or more.
At last night’s Selectmen meeting, we appointed a committee of citizens to assist our consultant in preparing the state-mandated plan for affordable housing. There will be several opportunities for public input. This is a difficult and often emotional topic. On the town website you can view the first public forum on the state’s requirements for planning for affordable housing, and we will post the preliminary schedule of meetings. While at the website, you will also find a recording of an event we held earlier this year for new families that explains the town’s resources and governance. It is still helpful.
Today we held the ribbon cutting of the South Park Avenue bridge, which we are happy to open before winter. Thanks to our Department of Public Works and for the patience of our citizens who have been impacted by the construction. The work on Morehouse Road is now officially done as well.
Holiday time brings some wonderful opportunities to get together. On Saturday Dec. 4, there is a Toys for Tots stuff-a-cruiser event, sponsored by the police department from 8 a.m.-12 in the library parking lot. The senior center boutique continues from 9 a.m. to 3 during the week at the senior center, and the library is sponsoring the annual craft fair and tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 2 p.m. to 6.
Lastly, the Board of Selectman will be making appointments to boards and commissions, many of which would take effect this January. We are always looking for folks willing to volunteer their time to help us run our town. Open positions are posted on the website or you can call town hall with any inquires or to express your interest.
Enjoy your weekend,
Dave
