10/9/2026 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 treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

AQUARION WATER AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVE POLICY BOARD. Easton’s Representative Policy Board member, Former First Selectman Tom Herrmann, recently attended an in-person orientation for the newly established Aquarion Water Authority Representative Policy Board (RPB). The RPB will provide oversight of the Authority, including rates, budgets, major capital projects, and regulations. The first official RPB meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026. Thanks, Tom!

EASTON EARNS SUSTAINABLE CT BRONZE CERTIFICATION!
We're proud to share that the Town of Easton has achieved Sustainable CT Bronze Certification, recognizing the community's ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Thank you to Sustainability Team Leader Jean Stetz-Puchalski and everyone at Town Hall who completed the training and contributed to the certification process. This accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of Easton's many residents, volunteers, town departments, boards, commissions, and community organizations who support sustainability efforts throughout Easton. The certification is effective through December 31, 2029, and the Town will be recognized along with other certified Connecticut communities at Sustainable CT's 2026 Annual Awards Celebration on November 10 at the Wadsworth in Hartford. Congratulations, Easton! Learn more about Sustainable CT at sustainablect.org.

EASTON’S WATERSHED HISTORY: Easton supplies drinking water to the region.
One of the reasons Easton has remained so rural and uncommercialized is tied to an important part of its history: water. Beginning in the late 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company—now Aquarion Water Company—acquired large areas of Easton to build and protect reservoirs and the surrounding watersheds that provide drinking water to neighboring communities like Bridgeport. Today, Aquarion owns roughly half of Easton’s land, much of it protected as watershed. In fact, nearly 90% of Easton’s land is classified as public drinking-water watershed, encompassing the areas that feed the Aspetuck, Hemlocks, and Easton Reservoirs. These protections have limited dense development and the expansion of public water and sewer infrastructure, helping preserve the town’s forests, open space, and rural character. For most Easton residents, that legacy is quite literally close to home: the town remains largely dependent on private wells and septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer. What began more than a century ago as an effort to protect the region’s drinking-water supply has played an important role in shaping the Easton we know today. If you live in a 3-acre minimum lot zoned area of town -- you live in the Class AA watershed -- and that’s why we have 3-acre zoning!

PUBLIC SAFETY

Easton is fortunate to have a wonderful public safety partner in Easton Country Day School, which has put together an outstanding October Health & Safety Newsletter! Filled with practical fire safety tips and helpful Halloween information, it’s a timely resource for families and a great way to bring the lessons of Fire Prevention Week home. Take a few minutes to explore the newsletter—you’ll find simple steps to help keep your family safe throughout October and beyond. Click HERE to read!

Stay safe, Easton! SIGN UP FOR EVERBRIDGE HERE
Now that fall is here – it is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared to receive important emergency information. All adult members of your household are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge. We can’t provide timely information or assistance if we can’t reach you. This week, every Easton household received a postcard with a QR code for easy registration. Please take a moment to sign up today and stay connected in an emergency. Need help registering? Assistance is available at the Senior Center or call 203-689-2995. Please take a few minutes to register today. It could make a difference when you need important information most.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

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 via Zoom. Your voice and involvement make a difference! To receive updates regarding these meetings, please SUBSCRIBE! You can receive meeting TEXT notifications! As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and for supporting us as we work together for Easton's future.

ZOOM LINK: How to Access a Meeting Agenda and Zoom Link:

• Visit the Town website homepage and scroll down to the Calendar.
• Find the date of the meeting and select the appropriate board or commission listed in green.
• Click “More Details” to view the agenda and click on the meeting link.

• Please note: Many boards and commissions post agendas and meeting links approximately 24 hours before a meeting to allow for updates or changes. If the agenda or meeting link is not yet available, please check the Calendar again closer to the meeting time.
• Please note Zoom links contained in agendas or other documents that have been scanned, stamped, and uploaded by the Town Clerk will not be active or clickable.
• All attendees joining Board and Committee meetings via Zoom must enter their first and last name when logging in. For security purposes, anyone who does not provide their first and last name will not be admitted to the meeting.

OPENING ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

• Commission for the Aging – Alternate: Seat expires 1/03/2028 (All parties welcome)
• Land Preservation & Acquisition Authority: Seat expires 1/1/2029 (DEM or UNA only)
• Please email Tina Reynolds (Treynolds@eastonct.gov) a Letter of Interest and Resume.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 STATE ELECTION ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE. For more information, please view HERE

OTHER NEWS

The Town Hall and the Easton Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT UPDATE
After careful discussion and deliberation between the Library Board and the Building Committee, the Library Board has voted to discontinue the proposed library expansion project. The Board determined that the Town could not afford to complete the project as originally envisioned without making significant changes to the design. Rather than continue investing additional funds in a project that would no longer meet the original vision, the Board made the difficult decision to move forward without the expansion. As a result, the Town will forfeit the possible grant from the Connecticut State Library. The Library Board is now exploring ways to use existing funds to make improvements and renovations to the current library building. As an immediate benefit, this also restores one million dollars to the Town’s undesignated fund that had been set aside on the front end for the project to provide the upfront money from the Town for the reimbursable library grant.

EMS BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE
The Board of Selectmen has added two very helpful additional members to the EMS Building Committee in order to help expedite completion of the project.

The first is Fire Chief Rob Klem, who was part of the original EMS building committee. Rob was asked by the EMS staff to return, and he has been working daily for many weeks now to complete a punch list of needed items and finalize the budget. Our Director of Finance at Town Hall and Easton resident, Christine Calvert, has also joined the building committee to help with budgeting and accounting. As you recall, Environmental contractor Joe Palmieri also joined the committee this summer and continues working on the project daily. These three have put a huge amount of daily work in over the last month, and we are very lucky to have them. Assistant EMS Chiefs Neary and Goldstein have also been very helpful in moving this forward. There is a great spirit of cooperation and constructive work toward solutions. Thanks!

For my part, EMS building issues have been a daily issue since I was elected. I am and have been focused on getting it finished while helping the EMS building committee to navigate the environmental contamination and budgeting issues while trying to explore any funding opportunities that could possibly remain. At this point, perhaps we can get an “earmark” from Federal Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), but it is uncertain at best. I spoke with Chris Murphy’s office today, for example.

I have also been very transparent - and have not sugarcoated - what is a terrible EMS building project situation overall. Something like this project can never happen again, and I am trying to “fix it” methodically and properly so it will get finished.

As I reported in the September 11, 2026 newsletter, our new and distinguished team of licensed environmental professionals, EKI, has completed the extensive soil testing that they began in May. The soil tests were diligently performed without delay many times over the summer. They studied the many sets of lab results and have now, on September 2, 2026, provided the EMS Building Committee and the Town with clear options in writing to best comply with the environmental regulations and to complete the remaining work.

These options have also been reviewed by the Town’s environmental attorney, Lee Hoffman from Pullman & Comley, and he agrees that the options meet the regulatory requirements. Lee actually helped draft the regulations for the state. You can read EKI’s four options here: https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15204/20260902_EMS_Memo_4_Options. Unfortunately, according to EKI, about 50 dump trucks' worth of contaminated soil (1000 cubic yards) will need to be removed as a minimum to build the septic system and parking lot under all options. The Town plans to pursue Option 2, which is a parcel-wide cleanup program. See OPTION #2: KEEP PARCELS JOINED AND ENTER THE PARCEL-WIDE VOLUNTARY PROGRAM

For transparency, the Town also posts EMS contamination issue documents on the town website here. https://www.eastonct.gov/2124/EMS-Site-Contamination-Documents I strongly recommend that residents read these documents for themselves to better understand the issues and to form their own opinions.

Given the long debate stemming back to 2023 over the environmental issues in this project, and given that complaints have been telephoned in to Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP), it is very comforting to now have a clear soil remediation and regulatory compliance plan that will withstand scrutiny. Overall, as one CT DEEP official noted: “The worst thing would be to install everything in the ground, pave and have EMS move in - and then find out it was done incorrectly -- and then to make EMS move out and then spend more money and time to rip everything up and start again.”

For context, to fully “clean up” both our EMS lots (the EMS lot 448 and the newly purchased in 2024 vacant Lisi lot at 444) we would need to remove 15 feet of soil across the top of both lots for many millions of dollars. That has never been the plan. Instead, the plan was that the lots would be cleaned up enough to be legal and then have “environmental use restrictions.” So again, it has never been suggested to pay for a full 100% environmental clean-up.

Even a small amount of contamination makes the soil not 100% clean fill. So, having a few feet of various buried debris fill, like cement blocks and car parts as a top layer due to the history, was not helpful. There were also high levels of ETPHs and other contaminants in the pre-purchase Phase I and Phase 2 studies that needed to be budgeted for when excavating parking lots, for example, but which were unfortunately not budgeted for.

Overall, in retrospect, it is fair to say the project was underbudgeted given the change orders, site work, and costly environmental soil contamination issues experienced, and also because it was declared a Brownfield by the town in 2024.

Next, given the urgency and to avoid delays, the EMS Building Committee, the Selectman, and the Board of Finance have met many times and are continuing to finalize and propose a final amount for an additional funding request (a special appropriation) to the voters at a Town meeting.

This was discussed in detail with the EMS Building Committee at this past Tuesday’s Board of Finance meeting, where the options and the additional budget items were considered, and the BOF asked additional questions. After studying what remains to be done, unfortunately, 600k in soil remediation expenses plus 600k in remaining site work are now required due to the digging in contaminated soils, which must be handled under a licensed environmental “454” contractor, such as septic system (90k), paving (86k), sidewalks (65k), parking lot lighting (50k), water well (40k), as-built survey (30k), ambulance wash wastewater holding tanks and installation(35k), and many other items. Our Town employees cannot perform this work, like digging in contaminated areas, because they do not have the specialized environmental “454” licenses required and also because the Town declared the 444 site to be a contaminated Brownfield site in 2024 before purchase, as discussed more below.

At the BOF meeting on Tuesday, the updated building committee (the 3 new members) presented that they will likely recommend option 2, “parcel-wide cleanup,” to voters as a special appropriation of 1.3 million dollars additional to complete the project, which includes a 10% contingency of $120,000.

The EMS Building committee will present their updated recommendations to the Board of Selectmen at next Thursday’s BOS meeting and then again to the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen. Then we could have a Town meeting in November followed by a referendum machine vote soon after.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SOME IMPORTANT BROWNFIELDS POINTS THAT AFFECT the current cost overruns and future options regarding the 444 Sport Hill Road (former Lisi lot) that the Town Purchased in 2024:

Records and emails show that, beginning at least in 2023, see

https://www.eastonct.gov/2124/EMS-Site-Contamination-Documents, that the Town researched Brownfields and Superfund (CERCLA) liability issues in-house in the Town’s land use office. Before purchase, the town officially took the significant step of declaring that the former Lisi lot at 444 Sport Hill Road to be a contaminated “BROWNFIELDS” site in August 2024, effective on September 24, 2024, at the closing date -- but did not inform the licensed environmental professional (The former LEP of record, Chris Buck of Sovereign) as required.

Also, it has been confirmed by emails from their office that the town attorneys at Berchem & Moses, Douglas Lomonte and Ira Bloom, handling the land purchase and closing, were not informed that the Town entered Brownfields status and they were not aware of the costly cleanup obligations that declaring Brownfields status entails. See https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15322/10126-EMAIL-Lent-and-LoMonte_-444-Sport-Hill-Road-BMPC-CLIENTSFID195048

Additionally, no one applied for Brownfields cleanup funding when required in 2024, either state or federal (which would obviously be the normal and logical thing to do after declaring the lot a contaminated Brownfield).

We have also researched and been told it is too late to obtain the state or federal Brownfields funding now, although I am still trying.

Once accepted as a Brownfield, a costly soil remediation plan (akin to a Phase 3 study costing about 50k) was committed to in 2024, but was not done as required by the LEP, because he did not know 444 was certified as a Brownfield. Again, Brownfields cleanup funding was not applied for in time (needed to be done back in 2024). When the town voted to appropriate funds from the undesignated fund in the February 2025 referendum to renovate the EMS building, the Brownfields status was also not disclosed. See https://eastoncourier.news/2025/01/23/ems-building-project-heads-to-feb-11-referendum/

Specifically, as a Brownfield, the Town of Easton is responsible for all other obligations specified within CGS Section 32-769, including but not limited to submittal of a brownfield investigation plan and remediation schedule (akin to a Phase 3), notice to the public, completion of investigation, remedial action plan, remedial action report, and verification or interim verification by a licensed environmental professional within the timeframes specified therein.

BRRP Schedule and Milestones

Within 360 days from purchase of the property (or issue of approval letter, whichever is later) – owner shall submit a brownfield investigation plan and remediation schedule to DEEP and DECD to establish a timeframe for the remediation. This schedule will include a schedule/plan for providing public notice before initiating remediation. (CGS Section 32-769(j)(2))

We have also investigated state and federal EPA Brownfields funding options with MetroCOG and the state DEEP and federal EPA authorities, and unfortunately these Brownfields funding options needed to be applied for in the 2023-2024-time frame and before the work had started. The town began researching and applying for Brownfields status in October 2023 and declared the 444 former Lisi vacant lot that the town planned to purchase to be a Brownfields site on their June 2024 application, CONNECTICUT BROWNFIELDS REMEDIATION AND REVITALIZATION PROGRAM. See https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10083/CT-Brownfield-Remediation-Application

and

https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10085/CT-Brownfield-Remediation-444-Sport-Hill---BRRP-Approval-Letter?bidId=

“Brownfield” means any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment, reuse or expansion has not occurred due to the presence or potential presence of pollution in the buildings, soil or groundwater that requires investigation or remediation before or in conjunction with the redevelopment, reuse or expansion of the property. Significantly, the Town certified that (2) the property meets the definition of a brownfield and has been subject to a release of a regulated substance in an amount that is in excess of the remediation standards and is obligated and agreed to provide a soil remediation and cleanup plan in 2024.

This plan (akin to a Phase 3) was not done, and the hired Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) of record and the attorney representing the town were also not informed. Again, Brownfields funding was not applied for in time in 2024.

As I reported at the Board of Selectmen meeting on October 1, 2026, I spoke with the Town’s lawyers and our auditors. When the Town bought the Lisi 444 lot on September 24, 2024, it actually had a big negative value and was a costly liability to the Town as a contaminated Brownfield. For example, due to the environmental cleanup committed to legally by declaring it a Brownfield and committing to a costly cleanup plan (akin to a Phase 3 remediation plan) the 444 lot had a negative value when purchased by the Town of roughly negative $500,000 as a liability on the date of purchase on September 24, 2024.

Again, the environmental and real estate closing attorney, Douglas Lomonte at Berchem and Moses, stated he and Ira Bloom had no knowledge that it was declared a Brownfield by the Town before purchase because he was never told of the research or planning that started in 2023 by the Town and the EMS building committee. Why legally relevant information was not provided to the lawyers and the environmental professional (The LEP (Licensed Environmental Professional) of record for the site) and why legal advice and environmental professional advice were not sought remains unknown.

Clearly, it would have been standard to consult the Town’s environmental and real estate lawyer, Douglas Lomonte, at the time, and the LEP (Licensed Environmental Professional) Chris Buck of record before entering the Brownfields program and to ask if it was a good idea to incur the costly cleanup liabilities of being declared a Brownfield. Relevant professional advice was not sought. Similarly, the Licensed Environmental Professional Chris Buck of Sovereign Consulting was also not informed by the Town or the EMS building committee that the 444 was a contaminated Brownfield. This was a very costly oversight (about a 500k oversight) because if Chris Buck or the lawyer Doug Lamonte had known it was a Brownfield, they would have recommended removing the soil (the 50 dump trucks or 1000 yards) that we now must remove at the outset, and we could have budgeted for that -- or the Town could have built the project somewhere else -- for less.

For example, building an addition to the fire house property would have been much less costly, as was recommended by the paid consultant in their Jan 1, 2023 report at page 135, which stated: “Recommendation #17: The Town should build a new EMS station attached to the existing Easton volunteer fire station.” See: https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10101/Comprehensive-Fire-and-EMS-System-Analysis

Again, since the total “all-in” cost of buying the 444 lot was over 200k, with 187k listed on the closing documents plus the construction lease of land of about 25k additional paid to Mr. Lisi as added consideration, the Town effectively paid about 700k for the small .442 acre lot located at 444 Sport Hill Road. https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15284/Closing-Documents-Sent-to-Dan-Lent-on-917202620039141

Again, the Town bought .442 acres of contaminated Brownfields land for about 700k in liabilities. Clearly, it was not economical to buy the 444-lot with all of its costly environmental issues, so unfortunately the residents and building committee members who advised against this purchase were correct that better process and more caution were needed. See https://eastoncourier.news/2024/06/15/letter-please-stop-calling-us-obstructionists/

Also, the Land Use Ordinance in Town states that any land more than $200,000 in value needs to go to a town meeting to be approved by voters for purchase, and this was not done even though the seller received over 200k for the land in overall consideration. There is relevant case law about valuing transactions like this. The town attorneys were also not aware that the $ 200k rule needed to be checked despite it being a public issue. See https://eastoncourier.news/2024/04/24/op-ed-unnecessary-delays-could-jeopardize-the-easton-ems-project/

See: § 105-6 Town meeting voting requirements.

1. 1. If the acquisition or disposition approved by the Board of Selectmen is (i) of a property having a value of $200,000 or more.

I will present the relevant issues in more detail at the Town Meeting in November, but I want to make sure I report the facts for transparency as soon as I discover them -- so residents are not surprised. I encourage you to read all the background documents here, including these articles below, to understand the background and to form your own informed opinions so this never happens again.

Easton Courier and other articles of note

https://www.eastonct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15221/Unequivocally-Yes-on-EMS-Art-Laske-article

Sep. 20, 2025 EMS Headquarters Project Running on Time and on Budget, Officials Say – Easton Courier

• Feb. 9 2025 Op-Ed: EMS Project at Risk if We Don’t All Show Up to Vote Yes – Easton Courier
• Feb. 7 2025 Letter: Vote Yes to Support the EMS Building and Public Safety – Easton Courier
• Feb. 8, 2025 Letter: Standing Up for Service and the Truth
• Jan. 31, 2025 EMS Building for $1.8 M Is a Deal Worth Making
• Jan. 23, 2025 EMS Building Project Heads to Feb 11 Referendum – Easton Courier
• Jun. 15, 2024 Letter: Please Stop Calling Us Obstructionists – Easton Courier
• Apr. 24, 2024 Op-Ed: Unnecessary Delays Could Jeopardize the Easton EMS Project – Easton Courier

Currently, the EMS will remain in temporary facilities until the new EMS building is completed, which appears to be next year.

The EMS desperately needs more volunteers, so please volunteer if you can. Currently, they are having a very difficult time covering the shifts. We hope that in the future the EMS will have enough volunteers, but they may need to pay for temporary staffing in the meantime. Other towns like Darien’s Post 53 have had many volunteers for many years, and we hope to have many volunteers in the future as well. Please consider volunteering for the Easton EMS. Currently, they only have a few Easton residents who volunteer; please help if you can! Unfortunately, volunteerism in general is declining everywhere.

Of note, if you are critical and need an advanced “paramedic” (who can administer drugs, for example, in an ambulance), the central dispatchers do have a procedure in place to dispatch a paramedic from a private company for critical calls, but the (non-paramedic) local EMS, Fire Department, and other Town first responders should arrive first, so it is important to have our local Easton EMS staffed as well.

HATTERTOWN ROAD REOPENS IN MONROE
Hattertown Road in Monroe has reopened. Drivers are asked to use caution while final striping, signage, and guide rails are installed.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER FLOODING. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the September 13 flooding may now be eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans to help with repairs, property damage, and recovery costs. Fairfield County and contiguous New Haven and Litchfield counties are included in the disaster declaration. Physical damage applications are due December 1, 2026; economic injury applications are due July 2, 2027. Learn more and apply through the SBA Loan Portal

UNION CEMETERY OF EASTON ANNUAL FALL CLEANUP Please save the date -- Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 9:00 am (Rain Date: Saturday, November 21st). Objectives – leaf cleanup, brush cleanup, invasive growth cleanup. Please bring your own tools — leaf blowers; rakes; tarps; brush cutters; gloves; anything that you feel is appropriate. Please call Bruce Laskay at 203-264-9408 or Bob Laskay at 203-362-9864 (please leave messages) if you can attend so we can have coffee & donuts. We thank you in advance for your help! The Union Grounds Committee.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS NEWS. Help Finish the Veterans & First Responder Center. The beautiful new Veterans & First Responder Center at Kaatz Pond in Trumbull is nearing completion, but additional donations are needed to help bring this important project across the finish line. The 5,500-square-foot facility will provide rental party space for events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, as well as services for veterans, first responders, civic groups, small businesses, and residents throughout the region. Phase I construction is nearly complete, and the project has received significant Town, State, and federal support. Every donation helps! To learn more about the project and how you can contribute, visit: https://www.trumbullveteranscenter.org/levels-of-giving-for-individual-donors. The veterans came in and presented to the Board of Selectmen, and the new lakeside building is a beautiful venue to rent for your parties.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and remind our community that domestic violence is a community issue. This year’s theme, “With Survivors, Always,” emphasizes that survivors deserve not only awareness, but also solidarity, safety, support, and action. One way to show your support is to participate in Purple Thursday on October 15 by wearing purple. The Center for Family Justice also encourages community members to attend its Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil on Tuesday, October 20, at noon at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, honoring lives lost to domestic violence and supporting survivors. Learn more at centerforfamilyjustice.org.

MEET THE TOWN TEAM: Holly Konstantino
Meet Holly Konstantino, Assistant Town Clerk and Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics. Holly has been part of the Town Clerk’s Office since May 2022, helping residents with everything from land records and vital records to dog licenses, notary services, absentee ballots, maps, and other important town services. As one of the Town’s keepers of land records, Holly and her colleagues handle a wide variety of legal documents and official records. She says she loves that every day brings something new and that she is always learning. Most of all, Holly appreciates the people she works with and the community she serves. “I feel truly blessed to work with the wonderful team that we have at Town Hall and the great residents of Easton.” Holly has lived in Easton most of her life and is a graduate of Joel Barlow High School. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting and makes angels in memory of her daughter. We’re grateful to Holly for the many ways she helps keep Easton’s records, services, and residents’ needs moving forward!

HELPFUL REMINDERS:

POLITICAL SIGNS ON TOWN PROPERTY: The Town of Easton’s policy allows political signs on roadside Town property after Labor Day, provided they are not excessive in size or number. Signs related to a town-wide voting event will also generally be permitted during the two weeks leading up to the event. All political signs should be removed immediately after the election. Signs placed on other Town property, attached to trees, or attached to utility poles are subject to Town policy and applicable state law.

SENIOR CENTER: Be sure to check out the Senior Center Newsletter for the latest programs, activities, events, and important information (like a Wild Halloween party on October 30^th!).

• Easton Senior Center Newsletter
• Easton Senior Center Classes and Services

FUEL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying for heating fuel, help is available. Easton Social Services can help residents learn about fuel assistance programs and available resources. For assistance, contact Daniel Simonelli, Social Services Director, at 203-268-1137. He is available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Easton Senior Center, with other meeting times available by appointment. All conversations are confidential.

REVALUATION UPDATE: The 2026 Revaluation project is moving into its final stages, including valuation, field reviews, and performance testing. Notices of new assessments are anticipated to be mailed to property owners in early November. For additional information, please visit the Revaluation page on the Town website. Residents are also encouraged to visit the Town’s Property Taxes Explained page to learn more about how property taxes are determined. Thank you for your cooperation throughout the revaluation process.

PROPERTY TAX & ESCROW INFORMATION: With the first installment of 2026/2027 property taxes now being collected, mortgage and escrow companies are notifying customers about adjustments to their escrow accounts. Property owners whose taxes are paid through escrow may not receive a paper tax bill. Tax bill information is available on the Tax Collector’s webpage: https://www.eastonct.gov/tax-collector/pages/tax-bill-information. If your property taxes have increased, your mortgage lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover future tax and insurance bills. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis, and any shortage may result in an increase in your monthly payment.

PERSONAL PROPERTY DECLARATIONS: A reminder that Personal Property Declarations are due Monday, November 2, 2026. Connecticut General Statutes require business owners, owners of unregistered or out-of-state motor vehicles and equipment, and owners of horses and ponies to file an annual Personal Property Declaration with the Assessor’s Office. Additional information and filing instructions are available on the Assessor’s webpage under Personal Property Information.

EASTON ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE
This Cute-As-They-Come Little Man is SNOOPY, and he is waiting for his new family at the Easton Shelter!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Dan Lent
First Selectman

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE OPENS! The Easton Senior Center’s Holiday Boutique is bigger and better than ever! Thanks to a wonderful donation from retiring Posters Hardware, we have an incredible selection of Christmas lights, trees, ornaments, decorations, and gifts — along with generous donations of new, unopened items including designer handbags, jewelry, kitchenware, and gifts for all ages. Special opening hours: Beginning Monday, October 5: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. UPDATE: Also open on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12th, from 8:00 am to noon. With the holiday season approaching, there’s never been a better time to stop by and find something special at an unbeatable price! All proceeds benefit classes and programs at the Easton Senior Center. Want to help us sell at the boutique? Give the Senior Center desk a call at 203-268-1145. We’d love to have you!

READERS THEATER Join the Easton Arts Council at the Easton Library Community Room on Saturday, October 10, at 7:00 pm – as READERS THEATER presents “The Write to Vote”, an engaging program of three one-act plays and music written by Kit Briner, Beatriz Allen, Julia Allen, Gwendolyn Gardiner, and Orna Rawls. For more information, contact 203-767-0064.

MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB FOR 9/11: In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Joel Barlow students and the JBHS PTO will hold a memorial stair climb and 5K at JBHS Stadium on Sunday, October 11th. The event honors the heroes and victims of the attacks. All funds raised will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Please consider making a donation: Joel Barlow High School 9/11 Memorial Climb 2026 – Campaign.

THE HOT TO TROT TRIO, starring Olga Kalinina, Joanne Kant, and Tom Zimmerman, will present a concert of the music of Rodgers and Hart in the Community Room of the Easton Public Library on Sunday, October 11 at 3:00 pm. For more information, contact 203-767-0064. Free admission – donations appreciated.

SENIOR CENTER VACCINE CLINIC: The Senior Center will hold vaccine clinics on Thursday, October 15, and Wednesday, November 4. Clinic Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm. Vaccines available: Flu, COVID, Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV. To schedule an appointment, please call the Senior Center at (203) 268-1145.

“JAZZ… WHAT IT IS!” Roger Kaufman and the Old School Jazz All Stars featuring The Tim DeHuff Quintet will be performing again at the Congregational Church Hall, 336 Westport Rd., on October 15 at 7:00 pm. They were fantastic in April, and many asked when they'd be returning. They're calling this performance "Jazz ... What it is!" Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The performance will be in the hall at the Staples Academy building, 336 Westport Road. Doors open at 6:30, and the concert begins at 7 pm. Tickets are available at StaplesAcademyFoundation.org. For inquiries, call: 347-678-7230.

TRIVIA NIGHT on Friday, October 16, at 6:00 pm at the Library. Are you a trivia whiz? Join us for a fun trivia competition for all ages! Pizza will be served. Presented by David Plaue of Sticker Book Publishing. Registration is recommended.

FALL FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING DEMONSTRATION on Saturday, October 17, at 2:00 pm at the Library. Back by popular demand, Chef Deja from Khemi's Vegan Cuisine will present a cooking demonstration highlighting fresh fall produce from the local farms. She will show participants fun, approachable ways to turn seasonal ingredients into delicious plant-forward dishes. Registration is recommended.

SOUTHEASTERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR. Residents are invited to attend the Southeastern Fairfield County Community Resource Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport (Beacon Hall, 2nd Floor Events Center, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604). Attendees can access free health screenings and services, as well as information and assistance related to behavioral health, substance abuse, housing, employment, food assistance, education, reentry services, and more. There will also be activities for children.

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE FORUM: The Fairfield Rotary Club invites residents to attend a State Senate Candidate Forum on Monday, October 19, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield. Candidates Rob Blanchard (D) and Amybeth LaRoche (R) will participate in a moderated forum, answering questions submitted by town residents and offering closing statements. A buffet lunch will be provided. Registration is required by October 15. The entrance fee is $20 per attendee. Questions for the candidates must be submitted when registering; no questions will be accepted on the day of the forum.

CHASING THE LEGEND – Easton’s Lady in White 5^th Annual 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, October 24. Race check-in starts at 9:00 am, Race begins at 10:00 am, Kids Shuttle Run at 11:00 am, Kids Fun Run at 11:15 am, Awards Ceremony at 10:30 am. Click here for Race Entry Fees and further information.

HAUNTED HALLWAY AT ECC! The best Halloween Traditions are the ones that bring the whole community together. On Friday, October 23, from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm the Easton Community Center invites families to our annual Haunted Hallway. Kids will enjoy a Halloween craft, inflatables, and hallway trick or treating while parents have a chance to connect with friends and neighbors. Admission is free and no pre-registration is required. If you'd like to contribute, please bring a bag of nut-free treats to share with the community. Halloween is not only about the costumes and candy, but the best part is seeing everyone together in the same place at the same time. We hope you'll join us for some Halloween magic.

MILL RIVER RESTORATION RIBBON-CUTTING. Phase 1 of the Nutmeg Chapter Trout Unlimited Mill River restoration project is complete! Nearly half a mile of the river along Congress Street has been enhanced with new pools, boulder features, riffles, and improved trout habitat. Join us for a ribbon-cutting and stream-side walk which was rescheduled to Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 AM, beginning at the Covenant Church parking lot. Bring the family—and your fishing rod! Fly rods will be available for demonstrations. Nutmeg Trout Unlimited is also offering a dollar-for-dollar donation match up to $4,500 to support continued restoration and stewardship of the Mill River.

STAPLES ACADEMY FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HALLOW on Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 pm. Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk returns to Easton, this time to give his one-man performance of Sleepy Hollow just in time for Halloween. This performance will be in the Congregational Church of Easton, 290 Center Road. Doors open at 7:00 pm, performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, all students FREE! Visit www.staplesacademyfoundation.org

SCARECROW PALOOZA ON MOREHOUSE! Easton Park & Recreation invites residents, schools, and local businesses to design and build their own unique scarecrows. All creations will be displayed on the split-rail fencing at Morehouse Field for the Trunk or Treat celebration on Friday, October 30. Here is how to join the fun:

• Register: Sign up at the Easton Recreation Website (the first 10 entries get a free hay bale!).
• Set Up: Attach your scarecrow to the fencing at Morehouse Field.
• Submit: Email a photo of your setup with your name to eastonpr@eastonct.gov to get your official judging number.
• Find full details and participation guidelines at the Easton Recreation Website.

TRUNK OR TREAT - Friday, October 30, 5:30 pm (Please note: not on Halloween!) Join Easton Park & Recreation and The Lions Club on Friday, October 30 for our Annual Trunk or Treat & Bonfire! Music and snacks will be provided, as well as sparring and performance by Knights of Gore. Trunk or Treat set-up: 4:30-5:30 pm at Samuel Staples Parking Lot (to register a trunk, please email: eastontrunkortreat@gmail.com). Bonfire and Costume Contest: 6:00 pm at Morehouse Fields. So, come on down with your costumes & have some Fun!

HELPFUL NUMBERS