7/28/2023 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass

Good afternoon,

This weekend will bring dangerous levels of heat, which can affect all of us but, especially the elderly. Please stay safe. Stay well hydrated and be smart about your activity levels. If you need help please call the police non-emergency number 203-268-4111. We can quickly open up cooling centers. Also, there can be pretty severe pop up thunderstorms which can contain high winds. Information about storm preparation is available at: Storm Preparedness. This is a worthwhile read especially if you are new to town and have never lived off of well water or in such a highly wooded area. Downed trees and power lines are an unfortunate consequence of our beautiful tree lined roads so please be careful.  If there are storms, please stay home so our crews can do their jobs to clean up.

One of the most highly anticipated events in Easton is the Volunteer Fireman’s carnival which begins August 1 and runs through August 5. It is an event not to be missed. There are rides for the kids, great games, food and the ever-popular bingo. Every year the volunteers raffle off a vehicle. This year it is a 2023 jeep.  For information or to buy tickets go to Annual Vehicle Raffle. Hope to see you at the carnival!

Tax bills are due no later than August 1, 2023 to avoid a penalty. Payments must be postmarked no later than that date to be considered on-time. Bills can also be paid online (with vendor fee) by clicking on the blue link on the tax collector’s page on the town’s web page, www.eastonct.gov.

If you were appointed to a board or commission this year and have not been sworn in, please do so as soon as possible. The Town Clerk is available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm, and she must swear you in.

At the last Board of Selectmen meeting, the board approved a fee schedule for copies and scanning of records and maps.  All departments with the exception of the Town Clerk’s office will follow this schedule. They will be posted on our website and in department offices.

The Easton Senior Center is having a spectacular summer Tag Sale through August 1 from 8:00am-3:00pm. Please go check out all the wonderful items for sale.

Grow A Row is in full swing and we would appreciate any and all produce that you may have in your gardens.  Drop off is Tuesdays from 8:00am-12:00pm at Shaggy Coos, 53 Center Road. Thank you to all those who have donated thus far and to all the wonderful volunteers who help make this possible.  If you are interested, please contact Alison Witherbee at 203-268-1137 for more information.

A beloved summer highlight, the Easton Farm Tour, hosted by Citizens for Easton (CFE), kicks off on Saturday, August 12, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This highly anticipated event promises a day of fun-filled activities, educational opportunities, and a chance to explore both the area's rich agricultural heritage and historic sites.

The first stop on the farm tour will be at Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavilion. A map of farms and the day’s events will be distributed. Map holders will receive discounts and samples at the participating farms.

At the pavilion, Citizens for Easton (CFE) volunteers will host community projects, offer membership information, and as always, there will be a free drawing for prizes generously donated by local farms, artists, and businesses. The Easton Garden Club will also be teaching gardeners-to-be some tricks of the trade. State certified Master Composters will be available to answer questions about backyard composting and vermicomposting (composting with worms) for interested attendees.

Children and families can also enjoy old time fun and games provided by the Easton Community Center staff from 10:00am to noon, promising delightful entertainment for the young ones before setting out to visit participating farms.

The Self-Guided Farm Tour, running from 10:00am to 2:00pm, will give visitors a chance to explore some of Easton's finest farms and orchards and to meet our farmers and several distinguished Easton historians.

For more information about CFE, visit citizensforeaston.org

The Sviatohirsk Sunflower Fest on Saturday, July 29 will be postponed due to the extreme heat.  The new date is scheduled for Sunday, August 6. Meanwhile, the sunflowers are blooming and beautiful.  We are about to deliver a new water filtration system to provide much needed drinking water.  We are working on ways that we can help provide heat in the coming winter for the remaining residents still in the town, many of whom are seniors who physically could not leave. Besides trying to provide for their basic needs the region is dealing with renewed Russian military activity. Sviatohirsk is about 35 km from the front. Last week, Russian troops advanced to within a few km of the town before being beaten back by the Ukranian army, eventually gaining ground on the Russians, pushing them further back. Though hugely outmanned, they fight on successfully.

Please join Easton EMS for a Charity Ride and Car Show on Saturday, August 12 from 10:00am-2:00pm at Helen Keller Middle School (new location). Rain date is Sunday, August 13. There is a $20 entrance fee for cars and motorcycles and the event is FREE for spectators. All proceeds go towards a new EMS building. Also, this week at the annual meeting of the trustees of Easton EMS, Chief Jon Arnold was recognized with a special proclamation for his 25 years of service to the town and for his leadership of EMS. Jon also serves as our police captain.

The Gov. Oliver Wolcott Sr. branch of the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution will be honoring FIVE American Patriots, with a graveside ceremony on Saturday, August 19, 10:30am, at the Union Cemetery, Easton, CT. The CTSSAR Color Guard will be presenting a three-volley musket salute and representatives from the Town of Easton, Easton Historical Society and the CTSSAR will be speaking about the FIVE American Patriots, Jared Baldwin, Stephen Gregory, Stephen Hubbell, Zachariah Lacey and Daniel Silliman. Easton’s role during the time of the American Revolution will also be presented. The ceremony will be a great learning experience, enlightening and a patriotic event.  The public is invited to attend. 

The Aspetuck Health District has hired an outside consultant to do a community health needs assessment, (CHNA).   A Community Forum is scheduled for September 21 at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, located at 174 Long Lots Road in Westport. The space can accommodate a large group, is conveniently located, and has plenty of parking. The Advisory Committee agreed to limit the event to in-person attendance only (no virtual option) to encourage robust conversation. The event is scheduled for 8:00am-10:30am, with a breakfast and networking session from 8:00am-8:30am and scheduled program from 8:30am-10:30am. AHD will confirm technology capabilities and opportunity for small group breakout sessions. The Community Forum is an opportunity to present the CHNA findings and generate meaningful dialogue about community health needs, challenges, and strategies. 

Enjoy your weekend,

Dave