7/17/2026 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

HELP U.S. PROTECT EASTON'S NATURAL BEAUTY: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a fast-growing woody shrub or tree that produces abundant fruit. Wildlife spread the seed after eating the fruit. This plant grows in disturbed areas such as clearings, open fields, and forest borders. Control: Pull or dig young plants, making sure to get roots. Cut large plants at ground level when in flower to prevent seed production. Repeated cutting will be required.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

Please remember to "Slow Down in Our Town" and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding.

LIFE-SAVING RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT: For the safety and well-being of our community, a Narcan (naloxone) box is now available on the wall in the lobby of the Easton Police Department for Easton residents who may need access to this opioid overdose reversal medication. In addition, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is located in the lobby for use during a cardiac emergency. These resources are part of the Town’s ongoing commitment to supporting public health and emergency preparedness.

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS

1. The next Planning and Zoning meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21^st, at 7:00 pm at Easton Senior Center, which will reopen the Plum Tree Public Hearing.
2. 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

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BE ON THE LOOKOUT for our new filtered water system outside the Police Station near the picnic table. Available every day for residents' non-emergency use, and it also serves as an important emergency resource during power outages or other events that disrupt private wells. In the past, residents had to come to Town Hall to fill containers with a hose during outages. Now, the community has convenient access to fresh, safe, potable drinking water year-round, providing both everyday convenience and added peace of mind when it's needed most.

RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES EXTENDED THROUGH 2035: From Governor Lamont’s Office - Connecticut has extended its residential, commercial, and community solar energy incentive programs through 2035, ensuring continued support for solar and battery storage projects. The new law focuses on making renewable energy more affordable, streamlining residential solar permitting, supporting battery storage, and helping reduce long-term energy costs for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Clean Energy Programs

THREE NEW ART EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY AT THE EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY:

The Easton Public Library is showcasing three outstanding art exhibitions this summer, highlighting the talent of local and regional artists. In the Small Gallery, enjoy the work of retired Easton oral surgeon, self-taught painter, and cartoonist Paul Rockwell throughout July. The Community Room features the bold and colorful paintings of Amy-Alison Ward, on display through August 15, with a reception held on July 11. In the Library's Main Display Case, acclaimed sculptor Jerry Reece makes his Easton debut with an impressive collection of figurative sculptures, a large painting, and a book he authored, on exhibit during July and August. Curated by Dolly Curtis and Sheila Weaver, these exhibits offer residents and visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience a diverse and inspiring collection of artwork all in one place.

GOOD REMINDERS:

EASTON HAS A NEW NEWSPAPER!

The Easton Observer's third issue is out. If you're not a subscriber yet, you can subscribe at www.eastonobserver.org or purchase a copy at many of our local farms around town. Please consider subscribing and supporting local journalism so the Observer can reach their operating goal and our town can continue to have a newspaper.

TRANSFER STATION TICKET INCREASE: Due to increased costs in garbage removal, as of July 1st, we have increased the cost of the Transfer Station tickets sold at Town Hall from $9 to $10 to cover our costs.

LAKE COMPOUNCE TICKETS: Easton Park & Rec is offering discounted “Any Day Tickets” to Lake Compounce. Any Day tickets are $34.00, save $21.00! Tickets can be picked up at our office located at 652 Morehouse Road, Easton. Please call to reserve your tickets first at 203-268-7200.

2026 REVALUATION INSPECTIONS UNDERWAY: Property inspections for Easton's 2026 Real Estate Revaluation are now underway throughout town, Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays. Municipal Valuation Services (Munival) representatives may be seen walking properties, taking exterior photos, measuring buildings, and, when scheduled, conducting interior inspections. All inspectors carry Town and Munival identification, wear company-logo attire, and use vehicles displaying Munival magnets registered with the Easton Police Department. If you have questions or would like to verify that an inspector is authorized to be working in your neighborhood, contact Munival at 203-292-5500. For more information, visit the Revaluation page on the Town website. Given the significant increase in property taxes this year, this may also be a good opportunity to remind residents how property taxes are determined. Here’s the link to the Property Taxes Explained page.

BOOK COLLECTION: Friends of the Easton Public Library are starting the Book Collection on Monday, July 13th. Please bring your donations to the library during normal library hours. The last day we can accept donations will be Monday, September 21st. We gratefully accept books, CDs, DVDs, records, games, and puzzles as long as they are in good condition for inclusion in our annual book sale. The book sale will be held on the first weekend in October.

TAX INFO: The Easton Tax Collector's Office will be closed from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Monday through Thursday. There is a drop box located near the Town Clerk's Office. The last day to pay the July 1st real estate and property tax installment without penalty is Monday, August 3, 2026. Payments must be received or postmarked by that date. Reminder: Interest is charged on late payments at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% per year) from the original due date. Failure to receive a tax bill does not invalidate the tax due or any accrued interest. (PER CT GEN SS SEC 12-130). How to pay:

1. Online: Via the Town of Easton, CT website (vendor fees apply).
2. Mail: To PO Box 96, Easton, CT 06612. Make checks payable to "Easton Tax Collector".
3. In-Person: At the Tax Collector's Office, located at 225 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612.
4. For further information, please visit the Town Tax Department online HERE or contact Krista Kot, Tax Collector, at 203-268-6291.

Tax bills are online HERE. Please read the gold-colored insert that arrived with your tax bills-it contains some very useful information. If you received a bill for a vehicle you no longer own, please contact Olivia Caruso in the assessor's office at 203-268-6291. The mill rates for the upcoming 2025 grand list are as follows: Real Estate and Personal Property - 33.15 mills, and Motor Vehicle - capped at 32.46 mills. Please contact us if you feel you are missing a bill.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE AUGUST 11, 2026 PRIMARIES: Absentee Ballots will become available on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. For more information, you can view HERE.

2026 #LOCOOLGOV SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST: Connecticut students in grades 6–12 can win a $1,000 scholarship by answering the question, "What is cool about local government?" Entries may include essays, poems, photos, videos, artwork, or other creative projects. Individual and small group submissions (up to 3 students) are welcome. Deadline: September 15, 2026. Visit the CCM #LoCoolGov Scholarship Contest webpage or contact memberservices@ccm-ct.org

SAFE KIDS CONNECTICUT: Reminder, car seats are currently available for families in need through the program. Please contact the Police Department at 203-268-3515 from 8 am to 4 pm. Monday through Friday.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Dan Lent
First Selectman

AMERICA 250! 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Highlighting Easton's history, civic pride, and volunteer spirit!

AMERICA 250 CONNECTICUT PASSPORT: As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Connecticut is inviting residents and visitors to experience the people, places, and stories that helped shape the nation. The America 250 | CT Passport encourages you to take a journey through history, culture, and innovation, connecting 40 destinations across the state through shared themes that continue to define Connecticut today. Visit CT250.org for more information on the America 250 | CT Passport and how you can travel around Connecticut to learn about its revolutionary heritage! Passports are available in the Library lobby.

THE LIBRARY WILL HOST A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA 250! From Liberty to Legacy on Saturday, July 18, 2:00 pm. Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals ’1776’ and ’Hamilton’: two landmark American musicals that explore the founding of the United States. Through selected clips from each production, this presentation examines these revolutionary works in the context of the eras in which they were created, revealing how America’s understanding—and retelling—of its origin story has evolved over time. Presented by lecturer and storyteller Michael Langlois. Registration is recommended. Sponsored by Easton Public Library.

SAVE THE DATE! EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – AUGUST 29TH!

HELPFUL NUMBERS

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals ’1776’ and ’Hamilton’ in the Library Community Room on Saturday, July 18, 2:00 pm A celebration of America 250! 1776 and Hamilton: two landmark American musicals that explore the founding of the United States. Through selected clips from each production, this presentation examines these revolutionary works in the context of the eras in which they were created, revealing how America’s understanding—and retelling—of its origin story has evolved over time. Presented by lecturer and storyteller Michael Langlois. Registration is recommended. Sponsored by Easton Public Library.

Chess (Grades 3 & UP) Monday, July 20, 1:00-2:00 PM at the Library. This chess program will teach participants the basics and fundamentals of chess, such as how the chess pieces move, the rules of the game, as well as how to strategize and improve gameplay. All playing levels are welcome.

Space is Limited. Registration is required.

SCORE Workshop on Wednesday, July 22, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Library. Join us for AI Hands-On Training with presenter Sharon Govada. Register Here

Story Time on the Library lawn, Friday, July 24, 11:00-11:30 AM. Bring a blanket and join us! Light snacks will be provided. Stay after and read some titles from our Book Cart. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day! No registration required.

Scrabble Club, on Sunday, July 26, 3:00-7:00 pm at the Library. Join us for a lively game of Scrabble! Bring your game board if you have one. For questions, please contact the program facilitator, Carl Twickler, at 203-268-7126 or carl.twickler@gmail.com. Registration is recommended.

Yoga for Children Ages 2-5 with a Caregiver on Monday, July 27, 10:30 AM at the Library. It’s Summer! Join us for a fun and engaging child and caregiver yoga class designed to create a bonding experience through playful poses and mindful practices. Led by Diana Fonicello, Easton resident and yoga and dance professional. No equipment required. Registration required.

Trivia for All on Monday, July 27, 6:00 pm. All ages can join us for this fun trivia event at the Library! Presented by David Plaue of Sticker Book Publishing. Pizza will be served. Registration is recommended.

Fireman’s Carnival: Tuesday, July 28th – Saturday, August 1st

17th Annual Farm Tour on Saturday, August 8th, 10-2, starting at Samuel Staples Elementary School.