Good afternoon,
Thank you to all the folks who worked at the polls and voted on Tuesday. While the overall turnout was less than I would like to see, I am happy that the town and Region 9 (Joel Barlow) budgets passed easily. I will write subsequently to explain how your taxes will be set. The Town Hall Historic Property Preservation Ordinance also passed, as did the revision of the Planning and Zoning Ordinance, so we will be phasing in the election of those commissioners.
As a town, we are very concerned about the proposed merger between the Regional Water Authority and Aquarion. The proposed sale is currently being reviewed by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA). Next week, Easton and the other members of the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) will file as official intervenors in the regulatory process. This allows us special status to block or modify the purchase.
The Easton Fire Marshal, Schuyler Sherwood, Connecticut State Fire Marshal, Lauri Volkert, and State Fire Administrator, Jeff Morrissette, are issuing a warning about a recent social media trend. It is important that we alert Easton families about a deeply concerning and dangerous trend circulating on social media that could put our children, homes, and schools at serious risk. The Social Media “challenge,” as seen on TikTok and other platforms, encourages students to short-circuit their personal or school-issued electronic devices by inserting pencil lead or other conductive objects into the USB or other charge ports. The reulting short circuit can generate sparks and significant amounts of smoke or even fire. Any resulting fire can easily spread to nearby combustible items. It can also lead the internal battery to experience thermal runaway and ignition. “It is vitally important that youth and adults take fire risks seriously and recognize the danger inherent to these types of social media ‘challenges’,” says the State Fire Marshal, Lauri Volkert. “Fire can become uncontrolled and turn deadly in just a few seconds.” For more information, please visit: https://www.eastonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3071/f/pages/parents_need_to_talk_to_their_children_about_a_dangerous_social_media_challange.pdf
As we mark Teacher Appreciation Week, the Town of Easton and the Board of Selectmen proudly salute the incredible individuals who guide, support, and inspire our students every day. We also extend sincere thanks to our PTAs for honoring your work with thoughtful and delicious lunches throughout the week. With heartfelt appreciation, thank you for all that you do.
MetroCOG is developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and enhance climate resilience in Southwest Connecticut. As part of this ongoing effort, MetroCOG has created a survey that seeks feedback from residents in the region. https://www.swctclimate.com/pages/survey. This survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. More information regarding the Climate Action Planning process can be found on our website at https://www.swctclimate.com/.
Reminder to our Seniors that the deadline to file applications for the Easton Senior Tax Relief Program and the State of Connecticut Elderly Homeowners’ Program is Thursday, May 15. They may call the Assessor’s Office with any questions or for assistance. Information about these programs is also available on the Assessor’s page under Tax Relief Programs at https://www.eastonct.gov/assessor/files/tax-relief-programs.
Our sister city, Sviatohirsk, Ukraine, urgently needs fresh drinking water. Parts of Sviatohirsk are no longer getting deliveries of clean, drinkable water made possible by a truck on loan from USAID. Given the defunding of USAID, the truck is no longer available to Ukraine Aid International. We need $4,000 to $5,000 more to reach our goal to secure the purchase of a replacement truck. Please help UAI reach its goal by making a donation today! Thank you in advance from the citizens of Sviatohirsk for your ongoing generosity. Slava Ukraini! Link: https://ukraineaidinternational.org/donate-now/, or send checks to: Ukraine Aid International, Inc., 298 Fairview Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824, Memo: Easton Sister City OR Venmo: @UkraineAidInternational, Designate: Easton Sister City.
Easton Community Center Playground Ground Breaking begins on Monday, May 12. Visit our website for the full announcement: https://eastoncommunitycenter.com/
Activities around town:
Lillibridge Ensemble – Piano Violin Duo Concert on Saturday, May 10 at 3pm will be held at the Easton Congregational Church, 290 Center Road. Free Entry, seating is limited. Register today at 203-220-9181. A selection of Schumann, Debussy, and Brahms. Featuring Raphael Ryger, violin, and Madeleine Forte, piano.
The Easton Public Library is hosting part two of “Tips to Optimize Brain Health” presented by Dr. Wendy Hurwitz, on Saturday, May 10, 11 am – 12 pm. Come and learn easy, simple, drug-free things you can do that may help prevent, reduce, or reverse cognitive decline, and strategies to optimize brain health. Registration is recommended.
The Annual Garden Mart on Firehouse Green, 1 Center Road, is this Saturday, May 10, from 9 am to 12:30 pm (rain or shine), featuring member-grown perennials, colorful annuals, and certified organic herbs for sale. Conservation & Master Gardener Booth, vendors, and more! Cash & Carry. Open to the Public. Brought to us by the Easton Garden Club, it’s always a great time to pick out some wonderful plants that thrive in our Easton soils and climate. Members have shared from their own gardens, so you know they do well here! Priced for affordability and accessibility. Cash or checks only. Proceeds go to support the Garden Club, which, among other things, keeps Easton beautiful with arrangements, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations across the town. For more info, go to https://eastongardenclubofct.org
The Easton Public Library is hosting a Women’s Self-Defense Class for Car & Parking Lot Safety on Saturday, May 17 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 p.m. (Ages 16 and Up). The staff of Club Kung Fu will be back for this important program about car and parking lot safety for women. Please register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=4460&BranchID=&EventID=553739&PK=
SAVE THE DATE! Easton Learning Foundation (ELF) is hosting a Golf Tournament on Monday, May 19 at Tashua Knolls Golf Course. Check in at 8:30 am, shotgun start at 10:00 am, $225.00 per player, $900.00 per foursome. Price includes 2-hour driving range, continental breakfast, lunch at the turn, 2-hour open bar/wine cocktail reception, gift bag, and door prizes. Register at www.elfgolftournament.com. All proceeds to support Easton Schools.
Save-the-Date for Easton’s 1st Annual Farmhouse Flea & Community Tag Sale on Saturday, May 31 from 10 am to 4 pm at Christ Church, 59 Church Road, Easton. This should be a great time to meet folks, volunteer, donate, etc. Prime space reservations start on Thursday, May 1st, at www.christchrucheaston.com/events. Please contact Vicki Mark Anthony at Christ Church at 203-551-4728 (cell) or vmarkant@optonline.net if you have any questions.
Concert for Ukraine featuring Roots Oscura, and Mill River Band on Sunday, June 1 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Ashlar-Aspetuck Lodge, 200 Center Road, Easton, CT. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, and a friend. Free admission. Donations encouraged. Parking across the street at the Easton Library.
Easton Senior Center SILENT AUCTION will be held from Wednesday, May 7 until Thursday, May 29th (MON-FRI 8 am – 3 pm). For more information, please call 203-268-1145.
On behalf of the Town of Easton, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all the mothers in our community. Sunday, we honor your strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Happy Mother’s Day! Thursday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. We honor our officers.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dave
