5/22/2026 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, & ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

THANK YOU, WILLIAM KARESH! The Town of Easton is incredibly grateful to William Karesh for generously purchasing admission tickets to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for Easton residents. Although the official “Easton Day” event has passed, we are pleased to share that there are still 137 complimentary tickets available for Easton residents to enjoy a free visit to the Zoo. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Easton Library. We sincerely thank Mr. Karesh for his generosity and 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, which also offers youth summer camps.

AQUARION: I visited the treatment plant of Aquarion Water Company on Buck Hill Road on Tuesday for their annual meeting. They discussed the impending sale and confirmed that under the legislation and the PILOT tax program -- the Town of Easton should receive the same level of tax revenues -- but not for the valuations of new improvements to new capital items like new pump stations or buildings.

FREE BIRD GUIDE: Pick up a waterproof Backyard Birds of the Northeast guide, now available at Town Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. Courtesy of Bill Karesh, these handy, easy-to-use guides are perfect for bird lovers of all ages—whether you’re identifying visitors at your backyard feeder or exploring local trails. Stop by and grab one while supplies last – they are flying out of here!

HELP US PROTECT EASTON’S NATURAL BEAUTY: Black Swallow-wort (Cynanchum louiseae) is a perennial trailing vine. It spreads through rhizomes and wind dispersal of seeds. It is tolerant of a wide range of moisture and light conditions. A threat to Monarch butterflies when eggs are deposited on its leaves, since caterpillars cannot eat this plant and perish. DO NOT PLANT SWALLOW-WORTS. Control: Pull or dig up large root masses, April to July. Bag and dispose of roots and seed pods.

EMS ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION ISSUES: In order to continue to advance the completion of the EMS building site work a quickly as possible in light of the latest environmental contamination news, at the Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting last night, the BOS urgently added volunteer and resident Joe Palmeri (an Environmental industry contactor and expert), to the EMS Building Committee (which is an Advisory Committee to the Board of Selectman) to help the project towards completion as fast as possible while fully complying with the newly discovered soil results discussed below.

In order to help, the “charge” of this advisory committee was edited at the BOS meeting to include the resolution of these environmental issues. In the meantime, other site work has been progressing, like the relocation of a water line and an electrical line in the front building. In addition, the Fire Marshal and the town’s building and zoning officials have been working on the punch lists of items to be completed for the project.

In summary, after receiving new soil test results that were too high (for ETPH and PAH) to comply with the EMS Building Committee’s former plan to use a “permit by rule,” at my recommendation, the EMS Building Committee urgently met with the licensed environmental professional (LEP) and the EMS team to discuss alternative options under Connecticut’s DEEP Release-Based Cleanup Regulations (RBCRs). You can watch the full video of the LEP and the EMS Building Committee discuss the latest environmental issues HERE.

At the LEP’s request, the Building Committee’s updated plan is to use an environmental attorney (the legal fees will be taken from the EMS building budget) as recommended by the Board of Selectmen to review options to address the ongoing environmental contamination issues on the 444 Sport Hill Road lot. The 444 Sport Hill Road lot was purchased by the Town in 2024 (at the start of this project).

To avoid confusion, I note that there is also a separate set of three previously known environmental contamination release issues located near the foundation of the EMS building from old oil tanks and a sump pump located at 448 Sport Hill Road (the EMS building itself), which the licensed environmental professional’s plan is to monitor for two years according to DEEP regulations with monitoring wells. These are classified as Significant Environmental Hazards (SEHs) . Overall, as an environmentalist, of course, I personally want the Town to do what is best to clean up the sites and to make sure it is a safe work environment, and I am concerned about it. The Town is the owner of the EMS building, and the Town owns the 444 and 448 lots, and the EMS is allowed to use the Town’s building and land.

Before the 444 lot was purchased in 2024, the Town was also made aware of an issue from a plume of gasoline-related chemicals located in the groundwater on 444 that migrated from the former gas pumps and a spill at the former Easton Village Store 440 property next door.

CT STATE PARKS: Governor Lamont and DEEP kicked off the summer season at Connecticut State Parks, highlighting outdoor recreation and Connecticut’s role in America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Residents are encouraged to explore parks, beaches, trails, and historic sites statewide. Free access programs include Passport to the Parks, which offers free parking for Connecticut-registered vehicles, free state boat launches, and complimentary all-terrain wheelchairs at select parks to improve accessibility.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Please remember to “Slow Down in Our Town” and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. The next Conservation Public Hearing regarding the Saddle Ridge, 26-home cluster housing development, is continued to Monday, June 1^st, at 7:00 pm at SSES.
2. The next Planning & Zoning meeting regarding the proposed Saddle Ridge, 26-home cluster housing development, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7:00 pm at the Easton Senior Center.
3. 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!
4. As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and support as we work together for the future of Easton.

OTHER NEWS:
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Please note that Easton Town Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

TARA CANDEE: At last night’s meeting, a proclamation was read honoring Tara Candee for her extraordinary dedication and professionalism during Easton’s transition to Fairfield Regional Dispatch. Tara worked nineteen consecutive days, including multiple twelve-hour shifts and full weekends, to ensure uninterrupted dispatch services for residents. In addition to her regular duties, she took on roles ranging from IT coordination and scheduling to training and program administration — always with professionalism, loyalty, and a willingness to help. In recognition of her exceptional service and commitment to the community, Friday, May 22, 2026, was proclaimed “Tara Candee Day” in the Town of Easton.

THE EASTON OBSERVER launched its first issue last Friday as the town's new print newspaper, founded by Eastonites Jess Deutsch and Alan Pittman. The first 3 issues will be monthly (May, June, and July) and then move to twice a month. If you didn't get a copy, you can email publisher@eastonobserver.org. The Observer is asking those who enjoyed the paper to please subscribe and support local journalism. You can subscribe on their website: www.eastonobserver.org or by emailing the publisher. 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.

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY & TOWN SERVICES Easton continues to modernize technology across public safety and municipal operations to improve emergency response, communication, and service to residents. Recent upgrades include:

• Fire & EMS iPads in emergency vehicles, providing responders with real-time navigation, dispatch updates, medical protocols, and building information.
• New Police Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) that allow officers to access records, GPS, warrants, and file reports directly from their vehicles.
• NexGen Dispatching Software, improving 911 coordination, incident tracking, and communication between emergency agencies.
• BRYX Station Alerting System, which speeds emergency dispatch times while using safer alert tones designed to reduce responder stress.
• Enhanced Security & Door Access Controls at Town Hall and the Police Department, including upgraded cameras and secure electronic access systems.
• Public Safety Server Upgrades to strengthen cybersecurity, protect confidential records, and improve system reliability.
• Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes outside Fire and Police facilities, giving residents direct access to 911 services during emergencies.
• A New Town-Wide IP Phone System (VoIP) that improves communication between departments while lowering long-term operational costs.

These investments help ensure Easton’s emergency responders and town staff have modern, reliable tools to better serve the community. For more information, click HERE.

EASTON POLICE STATION – Please be reminded that the Police Station is currently open to the public during business hours only, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This change coincides with Easton’s transition to the Fairfield Regional Dispatch Center, which enhances coordination, efficiency, and 24/7 emergency response coverage. For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergency assistance after hours, please dial 203-268-4111.

INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE We are looking for two resident volunteers with building or construction experience to join the newly created Infrastructure Task Force. If interested, please email your letter of interest and resume to treynolds@eastonct.gov, and she will set up a short interview with me.

UNION CEMETERY VOLUNTEER CLEANUP BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY: Volunteers are needed to help weed whack around headstones at Union Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day. This is a wonderful way to honor and respect those laid to rest there while helping keep the cemetery looking its best for the holiday. Any amount of time you can give is appreciated. Please bring your own weed whacker and equipment if possible. For questions or more information, please text Bob Laskay at 203-362-9864 or call Bruce Laskay at 203-264-9408.

EV CHARGING TIME: Reminder – there is a strict three-hour time limit. Please move your car from the charger at or before the 3-hour limit is up!

REQUIRED 2026 REVALUATION UNDERWAY: Homeowners are asked to review, complete, and return the mailers at their earliest convenience. If anyone has received a damaged Data Verification Letter, they should contact Municipal Valuation Services directly at (203) 292-5500 to request a replacement.

SHELTER UPDATE: 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. In addition to Snoopy, Parker, and Applejack, we now have this cute fellow: Oreo! He is 7 years young, neutered, housebroken, and available for adoption! 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!

FLAGS! Keep an eye out for new American flags from the Town Hall to the Firehouse in honor of Memorial Day and America 250. Thank you to Selectman Nick D’Addario for generously donating the flags, and to Joe Palmieri and his crew for donating their time to install them on the telephone poles. This display is a meaningful tribute to our residents and veterans and a great expression of our community’s patriotic spirit. If you have a U.S. flag at home, please display it in honor of Easton and America.

EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – MAY 23 - POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

15^TH ANNUAL EASTON MEMORIAL DAY MILE RACE - MAY 25 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250

1. Walk or run in the Memorial Day Mile before the Parade! TO ENTER $25.00
2. Be a Friend of the Senior Center Memorial Milers - $25-$50 to offset race costs (timers, awards, snacks, etc.)
3. Volunteer for the race committee or for 1 hour on race day, May 25^th, 8:00 – 9:00 am.
4. RACE INFO for Monday, May 25th: Sign-in begins at 7:30 am, race starts at 8:30 am. Easton Fire House, 1 Center Road, Easton, CT. Net proceeds to benefit Easton Senior Center. Race starts in front of the Easton Fire House @ 8:30 am. Finishes at the same spot to accommodate Parade goers. **RAIN or SHINE ** Post Race Water and Food. Award Ceremony & Prizes at the end of the race. Commemorative shirt guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. Entry Fee: $25.00 - Race day: $30.00 Registration ends May 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm EDT. SIGN UP

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE - MAY 25 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
Get ready, Easton! This year’s Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25th, and promises to be a meaningful and spirited community tradition. Participants should gather at the Easton Fire Department at 9:00 am, with the parade stepping off promptly at 9:30 am. New this year: As you line Center Road, be sure to look for the beautiful display of American flags proudly lining the parade route—a powerful and patriotic tribute that makes this year’s event even more special. Following the parade, a ceremony will be held at Easton Town Hall to honor those who gave their lives defending our freedoms. Afterward, short remembrances will take place at Easton’s Union and Aspetuck cemeteries. If you’re new to town, this is one of Easton’s signature events—featuring local sports teams, community groups, and neighbors coming together in remembrance and pride. For more information, including marching in the parade, please contact Don Rodgerson, Post Commander, at 203-209-1402 or TOPKICK375@aol.com. We hope to see you there as we come together to honor and remember.

THREE TOWNS TOUR - MAY 30 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
From its earliest days, Fairfield was a sprawling town. Stretching from the Saugatuck River in the west to what is now Bridgeport’s Park Avenue in the east, and northward to the hills of Redding, Fairfield’s original bounds encompassed a vast and dynamic region. With a flourishing population, new parishes and religious beliefs took root, and distant communities began to forge their own paths. Thus emerged the neighboring towns of Redding, Westport, Weston, and Easton—shaped from Fairfield lands. Join us for a special bus tour (beginning at the Fairfield Museum) to discover the unique stories found in Fairfield, Weston, and Easton, and explore the shared history among all three towns. At the end of the bus tour, join us for a special opening reception for the special exhibition “Happy Anniversary! Centenary Celebrations & Beyond” at the Congregational Church Hall in Easton. The Staples Academy will host a special exhibit featuring artifacts and documents from the colonial and early national period. While the exhibit is open to the public by request, it will be fully open that day for tour participants and additional visitors to enjoy. Co-presented by Weston History & Culture Center and Historical Society of Easton. Registration is required. $80/person. BUY TICKETS If you have any questions, please call (347) 678-7230.

THE REDDING CELEBRATES AMERICA 250 PROJECT - MAY 30 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
This event was organized by a group of volunteers and will culminate with a concert featuring the entire Greater Bridgeport Symphony on Saturday, May 30^th at 7:00 pm at Joel Barlow High School in the school's theater. This is a two-town event despite its name. About half of the money raised thus far has come from Easton residents, and the fact that there will be Easton students participating in the concert is significant to the Town. Celebrating America 250 – Historical Society of Easton, Connecticut

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.

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.

The annual spring concert will take place on Sunday, May 24^th, at 2 PM at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, 25 Flat Rock Rd, Easton, CT. It is entitled “Sing for Your Supper, the Music of Rodgers and Hart,” featuring WAMC’s gourmet vocalists and delectable piano and organ accompanists. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted for WAMC’s Scholarship Fund. Reception to follow. Please join WAMC by filling out our APPLICATION FORM. It can be mailed or hand-delivered. – Joanne Kant, President. This event is free and open to the public. Donations for the WAMC Scholarship Fund are gratefully accepted. 203-767-0064

Please join the American Legion at Silverman's Farm on Tuesday, May 26^th, at 10:00 am for a Poppy donation. These donations help our sponsorship of teenagers attending “Boys State” and “Girls State” to help develop tomorrow's leaders.

Easton Library will be hosting the Wellness Fair on Sunday, May 31^st, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Join in to learn about mind & body wellness. Participants will include: Easton EMS, Aspetuck Health District, Easton Senior Center, Easton's Here to Help, Sasco River Center, Khemi’s Vegan Cuisine (cooking demonstration), Easton Garden Club, Therapy Dog Thor, Tai Chi Instructor Deby Goldenberg, Physical Therapist Whitney Staropoli, Dementia Specialist Julianne M. Ramia, and Certified HeartMath Trainer Beatriz Blanco.

Join us on Monday, June 1st, at 5:30 p.m. at Easton Town Hall as we raise the Pride flag for the seventh year running! Celebrate with inspiring speakers, live music, and ice cream — and pick up a free Easton Pride lawn sign to display throughout town. As always, ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Library is hosting “Women's Life Navigation Series - Your Personal Brand is Your Power” on Tuesday, June 2^nd, at 7:00 pm. The Women’s Business League of Fairfield County (WBL) is a national community where powerhouse women connect, grow, and prosper. They are committed to building a strong, supportive network for women in business through connection, opportunity, and community. As part of that mission, the Fairfield County chapter will present an educational speaker series at the Easton Public Library, designed to provide practical, meaningful value to individuals and families in the community. This series brings together professional women from WBL to lead engaging, non-commercial discussions on topics many people struggle to navigate on their own. Registration is recommended.

The Library is hosting “Read to Thor, Our Therapy Dog” (Gr. K & Up) on Thursday, June 4, 4:30-6:00 PM. Call us at (203)261-0134 to register for a 15-minute slot: 5:15-5:30 PM, 5:30-5:45 PM, 5:45-6:00 PM. Thor is a certified therapy dog and can't wait for you to read to him! * Registration is required. Sponsored by Easton Public Library.

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 lzaffino@eastonlibrary or at 203-261-0134. Sponsored by the Library Board of Trustees.

Join us for a benefit concert for Ukraine on Sunday, June 7^th 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 13^th, 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.

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.