11/4/22 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass

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Good afternoon,

For my first post in November, I am thinking about things to be thankful for. One is our community. There have been several events over the last week that stand out. Last Friday we hosted a trick or treat in Town Hall and a number of our children showed up in costume to trick or treat. Last Saturday we had our first annual Free Spirit Festival Day. Not only was the turnout great but many neighbors along the route came out to cheer the runners on, handing out water and playing music in addition to cheering. It was such a nice opportunity for neighbors to get together.  Also wonderful was the collaboration between Park and Recreation, the Cemetery Committee and Christ Church, all of whom worked so hard to create such an amazing event.  The library hosted great events as well.  Monday night was trunk or treat at Samuel Staples and again people came in droves to celebrate Halloween. Both the costumes and the trunks were incredible. Literally tons of candy were handed out and the evening concluded with the traditional bonfire. Some folks in town opened up their barns a few weeks ago for an “open mic” night and people they didn’t even know showed up to sing and make music. Grieser’s and many of our farms have open events all Fall. What all of these things have in common is a chance to meet and greet your neighbors. While Easton is a town of big properties, well separated and long driveways and while we may value our privacy, there is a real need for connection growing in our town. I believe that as town leadership we should promote this and welcome any suggestions for events in the future. If you are holding an event, which is open to the public, and we can help promote it, please contact Town Hall. For example, see below for an event with the Exchange Club.

Absentee Ballots for the November 8th state and federal elections are available at the Town Clerk’s office through Monday. To receive an absentee ballot, you must come to Town Hall in person. Please copy and paste the following link into your browser for further information https://www.eastonct.gov/home/news/absentee-ballots-available-for-november-8-2022-state-election-available-today-friday

This year’s ballot has a very important question about amending the state constitution to allow for early voting. Most states in the country have provisions for early voting. Connecticut has only the standard absentee ballot system, but no way for people to vote prior to election day. Obviously, this is designed to allow more people to participate in our elections.  Please give some thought to this question and look for it on the ballot.

As we approach Veterans Day Pack 66 Webelo’s Den is collecting items for Homes for The Brave in Bridgeport. Items needed include food, new clothing, toiletries, etc. https://homesforthebrave.org/support-us/donations-wish-list/. Collection boxes are located until Veteran's Day at Town Hall, the Library, EMS and the Sport Hill Farm.

The American Legion Post 176 of Monroe and Post 160 of Easton will hold Veterans Day memorial services on the Stepney Green in Monroe, Connecticut on November 11th at 11:00 am.  Post 176 is led by Commander Vic Yanosy and Charles L. Ruman and Post 160 is led by Commander Donald Rodgerson. They will officiate the ceremony. The public is encouraged to attend, acknowledge and remember the veteran’s contributions and sacrifices.

The Exchange Club will celebrate their 75th anniversary on November 14th at the Congregational Church with a social hour from 6:30pm-7:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm.

The Easton Garden Club Wreath & Poinsettia Sale is on now until November 21st. Each year, the EGC sells Wreaths, Poinsettias and White Pine roping to support some of our charitable endeavors. The proceeds from this particular event provide the beautiful wreaths that adorn Easton’s town buildings and the Poinsettia plants that are delivered to our seniors in need. This year’s sale features Double Wreaths, White Pine roping, assorted Poinsettia, and Holiday Gift Kits, Native Ecotype Seed truffles or “Seed Bombs” for Winter Seed Sowing. To learn more and place your order through their online store, visit  www.eastongardenclubofct.org/wreath-and-poinsettia-sale . Orders accepted until Monday, November 21st, with scheduled pick up at the Easton Library Courtyard on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

A big thank you to Easton Police Department. Last month was Breast Cancer awareness month and the department sold tee shirts as a fundraiser for the Norma Pfriem Breast Center at Bridgeport Hospital. Great job!

Have a good weekend,

Dave