PLEASE NOTE: Due to the extreme heat, the Easton Public Library and Easton Community Center will be open as a cooling center on Friday, July 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All Library services will be available. The Easton Senior Center will also be open on Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please share this with family, friends, and neighbors who may not receive this information.
Greetings from Town Hall and HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.)
Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES
HELP U.S. PROTECT EASTON'S NATURAL BEAUTY: Winged Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub that tolerates a wide variety of soil, moisture, and light conditions. The plant produces hundreds of seedlings that are spread by wildlife. This shrub forms dense thickets, displacing native wood and herbaceous species in many habitats, including forests and coastal shrublands. DO NOT PLANT! To control: Pull or dig small plants, making sure to remove the entire root. Large plants can be cut at ground level, but repeated cutting will be necessary.
EMS UPDATE: The Town has retained a new environmental consulting firm, EKI, to develop an updated plan for testing and remediating the contaminated soil at the EMS site. Learn more about EKI: https://www.ekiconsult.com/people/. Documents related to the EMS site contamination are available on the Town website: https://www.eastonct.gov/2124/EMS-Site-Contamination-Documents
PUBLIC SAFETY:Please remember to "Slow Down in Our Town" and help keep our roads safe by avoiding speeding. We installed a new radar speed limit warning sign on Center Road near Banks Road near Shaggy Coos farm.
STAY COOL IN EASTON: Below you will find a list of options to stay cool in Easton during this heat wave. If you have an emergency, call 911. For more general assistance, you can call 203-268-4111 or 211. We have the following cooling options in Easton
• On Thursday, the Easton Senior Center and Easton Library will be open. Both locations provide a great place to cool off and relax.
• On Friday, the Easton Library will be open from 10-5, the Easton Community Center will be open from 10-5, and the Easton Senior Center will be open from 8-4 for cooling. The library will offer access to its normal resources. The Senior Center has books, puzzles, and movies available as well as internet and great spaces to relax in. The Easton Community Center will open to all residents, and they have open gym time/ board games & cards in the café.
• Cooling locations on Saturday, which is the 4th of July, will be opened on a case-by-case basis. The Senior Center will be used if needed.
• If you need assistance due to the extreme heat, please call 203-268-4111, and we will do our best to provide help.
• You can also locate other cooling centers throughout the State by calling 2-1-1.
Thank you to the staff of the Library, Easton Community Center, and Senior Center for opening up their facilities and coming in on their holiday for our Town. We really have a great, supportive community.
FIREWORKS: The Office of the Fire Marshal wants to remind everyone that Connecticut law permits the use of sparklers and fountains only for consumer use. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, roman candles, and other exploding devices are illegal for private use in Connecticut.
Violating these laws can result in fines and penalties. If you’re unsure whether something is legal, don’t light it. If someone gets hurt or property is damaged, you may have a large civil liability. Please see the following message from the State Fire Marshal. Here is a helpful list of CONNECTICUT FIREWORKS 2026.
OTHER NEWS:
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CLOSED: All Town Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day! This also includes: Department of Public Works, Police Lobby, and the Police Records Department.
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.
THE EASTON OBSERVER is almost at its subscriber goal! If you enjoyed your first two free issues, please consider supporting the paper by becoming a subscriber, as all the subsequent issues will be sent to subscribers only. You can subscribe at www.eastonobserver.org or mail a check made out to Easton Observer LLC for $95 (or $20 for a 6-issue trial subscription) to PO Box 12, Easton, CT. The July 9th issue will have ongoing coverage about the EMS site situation, America 250, and the history of Easton at Staples Academy, and more!
NEW TOWN WEBSITE: Our website is being upgraded from its original 2014 Drupal 7 platform, which is no longer supported. The new site went live on June 25, 2026. Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve the site over the coming weeks. This is a soft launch, and updates and refinements will continue as departments complete their reviews.
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.
HAS YOUR PRIDE FLAG OR SIGN BEEN STOLEN OR VANDALIZED? If your Pride flag or sign is stolen, vandalized, or damaged, please report it to the Easton Police Department's non-emergency line as soon as possible at (203) 268-4111. Police Chief Foti Koskinas has emphasized that the department wants all incidents reported, even if they seem minor. If available, include photos, security camera footage, or any other relevant information. Reporting every incident helps police identify patterns, repeat offenders, and potential suspects, allowing them to respond appropriately and help prevent future incidents. Everyone in Easton deserves to feel welcome, and no one should have their property stolen or vandalized.
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:
- Online: Via the Town of Easton, CT website (vendor fees apply).
- Mail: To PO Box 96, Easton, CT 06612. Make checks payable to "Easton Tax Collector".
- In-Person: At the Tax Collector's Office, located at 225 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612.
- For further information, please visit the Town Tax Department online HERE or contact Krista Kot, Tax Collector, at 203-268-6291.
Tax bills will appear online here on July 1, 2026. 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.
GOOD REMINDERS:
TRANSFER STATION TICKET INCREASE: Due to increased costs in garbage removal, as of July 1st, we will need to increase the cost of the Transfer Station tickets sold at Town Hall from $9 to $10 to cover our costs. Please note: The Transfer Station will be OPEN on July 3rd, and CLOSED on July 4th.
DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR DOG LICENSE: Please note that a current rabies vaccination is required to renew your dog's license. Click here for more information and renewal options.
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
ASPETUCK HEALTH DISTRICT: Going forward, the Aspetuck Health District will no longer be at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoons. For septic and well permits, please contact them directly at 203-227-9571 if you need to schedule an appointment with them.
TOWN HALL AFTER HOURS: Please note that access to Town Hall for after-hours meetings is limited. The only entrance available will be through the Police Department doors on Morehouse Road. You may take the elevator or staircase up to the second floor to access the Town Hall conference room during meeting hours.
HELP KEEP EASTON HEALTHY: No Bags, No Food, No Foam. Help keep Easton's recycling program efficient and cost-effective by following three simple rules. Special Reminder: Radioactive chemotherapy-related items (such as clothing or diapers) cannot be placed in household trash. Please use the special disposal containers provided by your medical supplier. Thank you for helping keep Easton clean, safe, and environmentally responsible. RECYCLING QUESTIONS: Please call RWS at 203-334-1600
ALARM RENEWAL MONTH: To remain compliant with the Town of Easton alarm ordinance, an annual $20 Alarm Renewal Use Fee must be paid by July 1 to avoid penalties. Payments can be made in person at the Town of Easton Police Department, Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm, or mailed to: P.O. Box 7, Easton, CT 06612.
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.
THE EASTON SHELTER NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Easton Animal Shelter is currently caring for an influx of cats and dogs and urgently needs the community's support.
Their greatest need right now is foster homes, but they are also desperate for donations of pet food and cat litter to help care for the animals currently at the shelter. If you've ever considered fostering an animal—even for a short time—now is the perfect opportunity. Opening your home to a pet in need provides a safe, loving environment while helping free up space at the shelter for other animals. To make fostering even more accessible, Hidden Gem Animal Rescue (501(c)(3)) is offering community service hours for approved foster volunteers. This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students or anyone needing documented volunteer hours to make a meaningful difference while giving a deserving animal the care and comfort it needs. Every foster home, bag of food, and container of litter makes a real difference. If interested, please reach out to the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172. Thank you for supporting the animals in our community!
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend!
Dan Lent
First Selectman
AMERICA 250! 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM Highlighting Easton's history, civic pride, and volunteer spirit!
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND THE NATIONAL BELL FESTIVAL! On Saturday, July 4th, at 2:00 PM, the historic bells of the Congregational Church steeple and the Staples Academy cupola will ring out to mark our nation's 250th birthday. These bells, which have called Easton to worship, mourned its losses, and celebrated its milestones for centuries, will join a national commemoration in which communities and congregations across the country ring their bells together as part of America's Semiquincentennial. Coordinated in part by the National Bell Festival, the nationwide ringing brings together bells from every corner of the country in a single day of celebration. Easton's bells will take their place in that chorus that celebrates the bonds of faith and community.
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH WITH A SPECIAL SUMMER LECTURE, SACRED REBELLION: CONGREGATIONALISTS AND THE REVOLUTION. On Sunday, July 5th, the Congregational Church of Easton, 336 Westport Road, will welcome Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives, for a special summer lecture, Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists and the Revolution. The morning begins with worship at 10:00 AM, followed by fellowship and refreshments at 11:00 AM, with the lecture and conversation to follow at 12:30 PM. Dr. Roberts will explore the deep and often defiant role that Congregationalist faith played in the American Revolution, illuminating the theological convictions and community bonds that made New England's gathered churches a seedbed of revolutionary thought and action. The event is free and open to the public, and all are welcome. The church hall is now air-conditioned, and refreshments will be served as the community celebrates our nation's 250th birthday together. Visitors are also invited to tour the Staples Academy gallery while they are here. Parking is available in the church lot next to the sanctuary.
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH WITH FREE & DISCOUNTED PUBLIC TRANSIT:Planning to attend Independence Day or America 250 celebrations? The Connecticut Department of Transportation is making travel easier and more affordable during the holiday weekend. Free CTtransit bus service statewide (including CTfastrak and ADA paratransit) on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. Special $2.50 fares on the CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East all weekend. Children ride for $1 on the Hartford Line and are free on Shore Line East with a paying adult. Expanded train and bus service will help accommodate travelers attending major events, including Hartford's America 250 celebrations and fireworks. Holiday schedules and trip planning information are available at CTtransit.com, HartfordLine.com, and ShoreLineEast.com. For a complete list of Connecticut's America 250 events and fireworks, visit https://ctvisit.com/ct250.
READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - July 8 - AS PART OF AMERICA 250
On July 8th at 6:00 pm, 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.
AMERICA 250 CONNECTICUT PASSPORT: As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, 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.
SAVE THE DATE! EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL RETURNS – NEW DATE AUGUST 29TH!
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Outdoor Mindfulness on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Charles Irwin Schoendorf Preserve at Farm Creek (map). Join Aspetuck and the Community Mindfulness Project for a four-week community mindfulness program at Farm Creek. CMP's programs are rooted in and informed by the practice of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, which originated in Japan in the 1980s. Register Here
Food for Your Soul Taco Making Class (Grades 6-8) on Thursday, July 9, 6 pm. Please join us at the Library for this taco-making class with Chef Erika Gradecki! She will teach you how to prep, cook, and prepare delicious tacos to enjoy! Meat and vegetarian options available! Registration is required. Max of 15 slots available
Mah-Jongg Open Play on Tuesday, July 14, 6-8 pm. Do you play Mah-Jongg? Join us at the Library for an open play session. Please be aware that playing for money is not allowed. Please bring your Mah-Jongg set if you have one. Note: this is not a class. Registration is recommended, as we need to know how many tables to set up.
Paint Night on the Patio on Friday, July 17, 6:30 pm. Join us on the back patio of the Library to paint a masterpiece. Darcee LoPresti of Picasso Parties will guide us through the process. Let your creativity show! BYOB. In case of rain, this event will be held in the Community Room. Registration is 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.
SAVE THE DATE: Fireman’s Carnival: Tuesday, July 28th – Saturday, August 1st
