6/5/2026 A Message from First Selectman Lent
Greetings from Town Hall!
The main theme of my administration is environmental and land use issues. Let’s save Easton!
WILDLIFE IN EASTON! (Please send image contributions to [email protected].)
CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES
DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR COMPLIMENTARY BEARDSLEY ZOO TICKETS AT THE EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY! Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We sincerely thank a generous Easton resident for his support of our community, and we encourage residents to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to visit Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.
On Sunday, June 7th, we have arranged for complimentary admission for 50 Easton residents (first-come, first-served) at Earthplace in Westport, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport. Earthplace is a nonprofit environmental education center and nature preserve. It offers hands-on nature exhibits, walking trails, and programs for children and adults focused on wildlife, conservation, and environmental learning.
HELP US PROTECT EASTON’S NATURAL BEAUTY: Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) is a vigorous climbing vine that blankets shrubs and small trees, weakening and killing them by blocking sunlight. Fast-growing with prolific seeds, it prefers moist habitats and disturbed areas, thriving in a variety of light conditions. Seeds are spread by birds and mammals. DO NOT PLANT. Control: Hand-pull vines in the fall or spring. Cut large vines at ground level and cut regrowth as needed.
EMS BUILDING PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION UPDATE: For transparency, there is no way to sugarcoat or downplay the reality that the Easton EMS building renovation is running into serious environmental contamination issues. I have been working hard to try to figure out exactly what happened so far and what are the next steps. Due to continued test results, the EMS Building Committee has decided to hire an additional LEP (Licensed Environmental Professional) and environmental company EKI Environment and Water to try to develop an environmental plan. As part of site preparation, we must remove a significant amount of soil off-site — at least 550 cubic yards for the leaching fields and approximately 668 cubic yards for paving. Some of this soil is not fully clean (with detections of contaminants such as, PAH’s, ETPH, and toluene among other contaminants in recent tests), which will require special handling and higher disposal costs, plus the purchase of clean fill to replace it. We are also trying to restart the 444 site being included in a Brownfield program (applied for in 2024 before it was purchased) to provide liability protection for the property. The team is working through these issues daily as quickly as possible and trying to budget for these added costs. We’ll provide another update soon.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Please remember to “Slow Down in Our Town” and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding. We installed a new radar speed limit warning sign on Center Road near Banks Road near Shaggy Coos farm.
JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH: June is recognized nationwide as National Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing injuries and promoting safe practices at home, at work, and throughout our community. Safety is something we all share responsibility for. Whether it’s driving attentively, preparing for emergencies, practicing fire safety, wearing helmets and seatbelts, checking smoke detectors, or looking out for neighbors, small actions can make a significant difference. As summer begins and outdoor activities increase, National Safety Month serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and take simple precautions that help protect ourselves, our families, and our community. By making safety a daily priority, we can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys a healthy and safe summer season. For more information and safety resources, visit the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org. Stay safe, Easton! Together, we can make our community an even safer place to live, work, and play.
IT IS CPR AND AED AWARENESS WEEK. Would you know what to do if someone collapsed and wasn't breathing? Every second counts, and knowing just three simple steps can help save a life:
1. Call 911
2. Start Chest Compressions
3. Use an AED if available
In Easton, all of our First Responders are trained in CPR and AED use. Our 911 dispatchers are trained to guide callers through life-saving steps in an emergency. All of our municipal buildings have AED's. CPR and AED usage are easy to learn and can significantly increase the chance of survival during a cardiac arrest. Do your part, be ready to save a life. Take action if needed. Take a class if you can. Easton EMS provides scheduled training (Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and www.eastonems.com), or you can reach out to the American Red Cross for training opportunities. Be Safe!
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN ONLINE: Our commitment to community safety includes keeping residents informed about emerging risks to children online. A member of our Emergency Management Team attended training offered by the State of Connecticut at Fairfield University on this subject. The FBI has raised concerns about “764” and similar violent online networks that operate across gaming platforms, social media, and messaging apps. These groups may target children by building trust, then manipulating or coercing them into sharing explicit content, self-harm, or other harmful acts. In some cases, victims are further threatened or intimidated to maintain control. While most online interactions are safe, these threats highlight the importance of parents and caregivers staying engaged in their children’s digital lives—knowing what apps they use, who they communicate with, and maintaining open conversations about online safety. Warning signs may include:
• Sudden withdrawal or mood changes
• Secrecy around devices or new online contacts
• Signs of distress, self-harm, or hopelessness
• Unexplained gifts, messages, or contact from strangers
• Changes in sleep, eating, or appearance
If you are concerned, preserve any evidence (messages, usernames, screenshots) and report it promptly. Report concerns to:
• Easton Police Department 203-268-3515 or Dial 911 for a true immediate emergency
• How 2 Report: https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect/how-to-report
• FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov
• IC3: ic3.gov
• NCMEC Cyber Tipline: cybertipline.org
These threats are real but preventable with awareness, communication, and vigilance. HERE is an informative Letter to Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers from the Boston FBI.
SAFE KIDS CONNECTICUT: Reminder, car seats are currently available for families in need through the program. Please contact the Police Department at 203-268-4111.
REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
- The next ZBA Special Meeting will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:30 pm at Town Hall Conference Room A.
- Stay informed and get involved! Visit the TOWN CALENDAR WEBSITE to view upcoming town meetings, access agendas, and stay up to date on what’s happening in Easton. Residents are always encouraged to participate — whether by attending in person or joining conveniently via Zoom. Your voice and involvement make a difference! If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please SUBSCRIBE!
- As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and support as we work together for the future of Easton.
OTHER NEWS:
Know someone who would like town updates and community news? Please share our newsletter sign-up link and help us keep Easton connected.” NEWSLETTER.
HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY TO DAISY COLONNESE!
CHIP SEALING: The town will begin chip-sealing the week of June 8th, weather permitting. We will make every effort not to cause any major inconvenience; however, during the chip-sealing program, residents traveling these roads may expect a 15-minute delay. Roads: Beers Road, Center Road (from Route 136 to Route 58), Southfield Road, Wilson Road. Please reduce speeds and drive slowly through work zones. Loose gravel will be present until the street sweeping process is completed. To ensure the efficiency and quality of the application, no on-street parking is permitted until the entire process is complete.
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH: The Pride flag raising at Town Hall on Monday was well attended, bringing together residents, community leaders, and guests in a show of support and inclusion. The event reflected a shared commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive Easton. I noted the tragic story of Alan Turing as part of my reflection in Pride Month.
CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Foti Koskinas and Officer Rob Capone represented Easton this week at the Municipal Sustainability & EV Showcase, showcasing the Town’s new electric police vehicle (purchased last fall). The Easton Police Department received a Certificate of Recognition from the Clean Transportation Coalition of Western Connecticut for its leadership in Police Fleet Electrification. Chief Koskinas noted that the achievement was made possible through the support of the Town administration, Board of Finance, and Finance Director.
TOM HERRMANN FOR REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY RPB: The Easton Board of Selectmen appointed Tom Herrmann as Easton's representative to the Representative Policy Board of the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. A respected former First Selectman and longtime Town Meeting Moderator, Tom brings valuable experience and strong leadership. He will be a dedicated advocate for Easton, particularly excelling in procedural matters, bylaws development, and ensuring our town’s voice is clearly heard. We look forward to his positive contributions in this important role!
ALARM RENEWAL MONTH: To remain compliant with the Town of Easton alarm ordinance, an annual $20 Alarm Renewal Use Fee must be paid by July 1 to avoid penalties. Payments can be made in person at the Town of Easton Police Department, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or mailed to: PO Box 7, Easton, CT 06612.
EASTON RECEIVES CYBERSECURITY GRANT FUNDING: The Town of Easton has been awarded funding through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), administered by the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). This funding will help the Town strengthen the security of its computer systems and digital services, protecting important municipal information and reducing the risk of cyber threats. As more government services rely on technology, maintaining strong cybersecurity is essential to ensuring that Town operations remain secure, reliable, and accessible to residents. Easton is grateful for this state and federal support, which will help the Town continue investing in the technology and safeguards needed to serve our community safely and effectively.
EASTON ESTABLISHES INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE: At Thursday evening's Board of Selectmen meeting, the Town of Easton officially appointed Nick D'Addario, Schuyler Sherwood, Tomasz Jezowski, Colin Cote and Joe Glavin to an Infrastructure Task Force. The task force will help evaluate the Town's infrastructure needs and priorities, providing recommendations to support the long-term maintenance and improvement of municipal facilities and assets. By bringing together community expertise and local perspectives, the Infrastructure Task Force will play an important role in helping Easton plan for the future and make informed decisions about investments in the Town's infrastructure. We thank the residents who have volunteered to serve and look forward to their contributions as this important work gets underway.
OVER 1,600 BEAGLES RESCUED FROM BREEDING FACILITY A historic victory for animal welfare is unfolding as more than 1,600 beagles have been rescued from Ridglan Farms, a commercial breeding facility in Wisconsin. Following a major legal settlement, the facility has agreed to hand over its breeding license and cease all sales of dogs for laboratory research. Organizations like the Beagle Freedom Project and Big Dog Ranch Rescue are actively transporting these dogs to shelters nationwide. Because these pups have spent their entire lives in cages, they need patient foster families and adopters to help them adjust to life as beloved pets. How You Can Help: Donate: Support medical care via the Beagle Freedom Project Donation Page or the Big Dog Ranch Rescue Donation Page. To Adopt or Foster: Submit a general application through the Beagle Freedom Project Adoption Portal or explore the Big Dog Ranch Rescue Network to give a laboratory survivor a second chance.
GOOD REMINDERS:
DOG LICENSING MONTH: The Town Clerk’s Office reminds residents that June is Dog Licensing Month. Dog licenses must be renewed by June 30 to avoid late fees. Please note that a current rabies vaccination is required to renew your dog’s license. Click here for more information and renewal options.
ASPETUCK HEALTH DISTRICT: Going forward, the Aspetuck Health District will no longer be at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoons. For septic and well permits, please contact them directly at 203-227-9571 if you need to schedule an appointment with them.
TOWN HALL AFTER HOURS: Please note that access to Town Hall for after-hours meetings is limited. The only entrance available will be through the Police Department doors on Morehouse Road. You may take the elevator or staircase up to the second floor to access the Town Hall conference room during meeting hours.
THE EASTON OBSERVER: For a copy, please email: [email protected] or subscribe at www.eastonobserver.org. The next issue will be out June 12th, and this will be the last free issue to the whole town; July and onward is for subscribers only. On behalf of the whole Observer team, thank you for your readership.
HELP KEEP EASTON HEALTHY: Radioactive chemotherapy-related items—such as clothing or diapers—cannot be placed in regular household trash. Doing so can result in a $2,000 penalty to the Town. We understand this can be an added concern during an already difficult time, so please use the special disposal bin provided by your medical supply company. If you have questions, we're here to help. Also, plastic bags and plastic film should never be placed in curbside recycling bins. These materials tangle with recycling equipment and disrupt processing. Instead, place them in the regular trash or bring clean plastic bags and film to designated collection bins at participating retailers or your local transfer station. Thank you for doing your part to keep Easton clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.
RECYCLING QUESTIONS: Please call RWS at 203-334-1600
EASTON SHELTER UPDATE:
Meet SNOOPY – the dog with the underbite, the zoom energy, and the biggest heart in the room. This 4-year-old mix spent his early years as a support dog, giving comfort until his human could no longer keep him. He lost his job through no fault of his own, and now he is looking for someone to love. Snoopy is goofy, joyful, and loyal to the bone. He’ll zoom circles around you, savor every walk, and remind you daily that life is good. Give this sweet boy the forever home he’s always deserved.
PARKER is pure swagger in a 2-year-old body. The Jack Russell-Basset Hound mix has the confidence of a dog three times his size and joie de vivre to match - he will absolutely make you laugh! Give him 15 minutes to suss you out, and he’ll be your best friend for life. Parker loves walks, is loyal to his humans, and has curiosity to spare. He’d benefit from some basic training to channel that big personality, but honestly, his sass is half the charm! Cat-free home preferred. Ready to live his best life with someone who appreciates extra flair.
APPLEJACK is the kind of dog that earns your trust and never lets you go. This seasoned 11-year-old Heeler is fully trained – stops and sits at every curb, walks beautifully on a leash, and is loyal to her person to the core. She is a love puddle happy with a good walk, a cozy bed, and a toy or two. Don’t let her age fool you – she’s got plenty of life left. As a true Heeler, she has a strong prey drive (squirrel beware!), so she’d thrive as an only pet in a home with older kids and an adult who can handle 85 pounds with opinions. Applejack deserves a soft landing – could that be your home?
These dogs deserve more than a kennel—they deserve a person to love and a home where they can truly thrive. Each one is ready to give loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love to the right family. Please help spread the word so they have the chance to find the caring homes they deserve and live their very best lives. If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Dan Lent
First Selectman
AMERICA 250! 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Highlighting Easton’s history, civic pride, and volunteer spirit!
READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – July 8 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
On July 8th, I will have the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence in front of Town Hall in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This meaningful occasion offers a chance to reflect on our shared history and the enduring ideals of freedom, unity, and democracy that continue to guide and inspire our community and country. Residents are warmly invited to join us for this special moment as we come together to commemorate this milestone and celebrate our nation’s legacy.
EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS – MORE TO COME
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Easton Arts Council is hosting ‘Art in the Country’ fine art juried show, May 2 – June 27. Peggy Dembicer's TRANSFORMATIONS art exhibition, May 16 – June 30, at the Easton Public Library, Small Gallery.
Join us on the Library Lawn on Saturday, June 6, at 12:30 pm as we unveil our brand-new Word Garden! This garden, located on the right side of the lawn outside of the Community Room, was created by Eagle Scout candidate Iris LaMastro. The garden contains 75 engraved stones with words that can be used to make poetry, sentences, or phrases. Come out and help us celebrate this unique addition to the Library landscape! Sponsored by Easton Public Library.
Join us as the Library Board of Trustees honors the 2026 recipients of the Anne Lindquist Library Spirit Award, George Hajek and Ann Denton, on Saturday, June 6, 2:00-4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. The award ceremony will take place at 3:00 pm. If interested in attending, please RSVP to Lynn Zaffino at [email protected] or at 203-261-0134. Sponsored by the Library Board of Trustees.
Join us for a benefit concert for Ukraine on Sunday, June 7th, at 2:00 pm at the Ukrainian American Club, 279 Kings Drive, Southport, CT. Otis and the Hurricanes and friends is a New Orleans funk and R&B band. All donations go to CT Ukraine Sister Cities.
Get ready for a bubbly good time! Join us at the Library on Saturday, June 13th, at 10:00 AM, before the Storybook Parade, for an exciting, interactive Bubble Show presented by Bubble Show Plus! This high-energy program features giant bubbles, bubble tricks, and plenty of hands-on fun for kids and families! (Rain Date Saturday 6/27) Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Easton Public Library.
IT'S QUASSY TIME! Friday, June 12th, 4:30-8:30 PM Join us as all Eastonites take over Quassy! Buy Tickets Here
STORY BOOK PARADE (All Ages) Kick off Summer Reading with a festive parade celebrating stories and creativity on Saturday, June 13th, at 11:15 am! Children may dress up as their favorite storybook character, carry their favorite book, carry a storybook poster, or wear a homemade mask representing their favorite character or book. Poster and Mask Grab and Go Kits are available at the Library for registered participants. Participants will step off from Samuel Staples Elementary School at 11:15 a.m. and walk to the library, where there will be prizes for all and a raffle for gift cards to Barnes and Noble and Ferris Acres Creamery. Join us before the parade at the Library for an engaging family program: Bubble Show Plus! All courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Registration is required.
The Easton Boy Scout Troop 66 Eagle Court of Honor takes place on Sunday, June 14th. The celebration runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Jesse Lee Church, 25 Flat Rock Road, Easton, CT. Guests are welcome to attend this joyous celebration of local Scouting. For the latest event details, check with Troop 25 of Easton, CT, or visit the Easton Scouting America Council page for regional activities.
Starbound: Inside the WonderSphere Immersive Traveling Planetarium (Grades K-5): Join us inside the EverWonder Children’s Museum’s Traveling Planetarium on Thursday, Jun. 25, 4:30-5:30 PM to explore the night sky, star patterns, and the stories people have told about them. This program will be led by trained educators from the Museum. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Concerts on the Hill 2026 Season at Christ Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton, begins Sunday, June 21st! Visit our CONCERTS PAGE for more info.