7/24/2026 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

FOREST MANAGEMENT SITE WALK – CENTENNIAL WATERSHED STATE FOREST: Aquarion Water Company will soon begin forest management activities at the Centennial Watershed State Forest on Bibbins Road in Easton. The project is designed to promote the growth of a diverse new generation of trees, improve forest health, and increase the long-term resilience of the ecosystem. Community members are invited to attend a guided site walk on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Representatives from Aquarion Water Company and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will be on hand to explain the planned timber harvest and answer questions. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Rob Turnbull at rturnbull@aquarionwater.com

HELP U.S. PROTECT EASTON'S NATURAL BEAUTY: Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is a large tree that spreads by numerous, germinating seeds. The tree can dominate a forest by creating a canopy of dense shade that prevents regeneration of native seedlings. Tolerates hot, dry conditions and poor soils. DO NOT BUY OR PLANT. To control: Pull seedlings when soil is moist and dig out larger plants with roots. Cut down large trees and grind stumps or girdle tree in spring.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

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

HOUSE OF WORSHIP SAFETY INITIATIVE

The Emergency Management Director and Easton Police Department have increased their focus on the safety of our Houses of Worship. Over the next month, the Police Department is conducting safety assessments at numerous Houses of Worship in our town. We will be offering training and guidance on implementing a layered approach to security that combines behavioral awareness, community partnerships, and physical security measures. We have been assisting all of our Houses of Worship with applying for a State of Connecticut Safety Grant. We know maintaining relationships with local law enforcement and neighboring faith communities can improve information sharing and preparedness. In the Town of Easton, we want our faith-based community to be as safe as possible. Questions? Please contact Detective Sgt. Kent Lyman, Easton Police Department, 700 Morehouse Road, Easton, 203-268-4111.

A REMINDER TO STAY VIGILANT AGAINST PHISHING SCAMS: Recently, one of the Town's email accounts was compromised, resulting in fraudulent emails being sent to numerous recipients. Fortunately, the issue was identified quickly and addressed. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to call or email to let us know about the suspicious message. Your quick responses helped us act promptly. This incident is an important reminder that cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to deceive people. If you receive an unexpected email with a suspicious link or attachment—even if it appears to come from someone you know—take a moment to verify that it's legitimate before clicking. Watch for unusual subject lines, unexpected requests, unfamiliar links, or anything that seems out of character. When in doubt, contact the sender through a trusted method to confirm the message is authentic. A few extra seconds of caution can help protect both your personal information and our community from online scams. If you have already clicked on something suspicious, please change your email password immediately. This may help prevent your account from being compromised and stop the spread of malicious emails.

OTHER NEWS

“CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?” CELLULAR SERVICE UPDATE: The Town of Easton Emergency Management Team, including First Selectman Lent, met with Verizon representatives on Tuesday, July 21st to address reported significant cellular service degradation affecting public safety and residents. Verizon conducted drive tests, and results showed coverage parity across all carriers, with known dead zones near Town Hall, the library, Center Road, Black Rock Turnpike, and Westport Road. While we want this resolved as soon as possible, there are no immediate network fixes available. Verizon claims all equipment is operating as it has in the past. Any substantive solutions to the cell coverage issue are long-term, and some of those would require public input and approval. Short-term commitments will focus on network extenders for key buildings, outreach to Verizon's crisis response team for the upcoming carnival, and resident ticket submission to build a complaint record. You can help us resolve this problem. We encourage residents who have Verizon service and believe its quality has deteriorated to submit a complaint ticket. This is an important step because they can’t review your service without this. Resident complaints should be submitted via the MyVerizon app ("Check Network Status") or by calling 1-800-922-0204 to open an NRB ticket — this grants Verizon permission to analyze individual call records.

FEDERAL FUNDING APPROVED FOR SILVER HILL ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT:

First Selectman Lent applied for and is happy to announce the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has approved the Silver Hill Road Bridge over the Aspetuck River for funding through the Federal Local Bridge Program. The commitment provides a minimum of 80% funding for eligible rehabilitation or replacement costs, with the potential for the remaining eligible costs to be covered through State or Federal funding if the Town participates in the State-managed design program. The Board of Selectmen has accepted the funding commitment and returned the required documentation to CTDOT. The next step is a concept meeting with CTDOT to begin the design and planning process. This marks an important milestone toward improving the bridge while minimizing costs to local taxpayers.

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY: If you've ever looked up at the stars and wondered what's out there, here's your chance to see the universe through a whole new lens. Local astrophotographer Shannon Calvert, President of the Westport Astronomical Society, has captured three breathtaking images of deep space: the Lagoon Nebula, Veil Nebula, and Markarian's Chain.

Did you know the Westport Astronomical Society operates a public observatory just off Route 136 on Bayberry Lane in Westport? The observatory is open to the public every Wednesday from 8:00–10:00 p.m. (weather permitting, with clear skies). Whether you're an experienced stargazer or simply looking for a unique evening activity, it's a wonderful—and free—way to explore the night sky. Many people don't even realize this hidden gem is right in our backyard!

THE LOVE IN ACTION FOUNDATION IS HIRING! The Love In Action Foundation is seeking compassionate and dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through In-Home Supports and Individual Day Supports. DSPs help individuals build independence, participate in their communities, attend appointments, develop job skills, and enjoy meaningful daily activities. Applicants should have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you're looking for a rewarding career built on compassion, dignity, and respect, we'd love to hear from you. To apply, contact The Love In Action Foundation at (203) 913-5199 or info@loveinactionct.org.

EASTON NOTIFICATIONS HAVE TEXT! Now you can get emails AND/OR TEXT notifications! Get text reminders about upcoming board meetings or minutes! Log in to update your preferences and feel free to share our NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP LINK to help us keep Easton connected.

GOOD REMINDERS:

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE AUGUST 11, 2026 PRIMARIES ARE AVAILABLE: Absentee Ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s Office. For more information, view HERE.

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.

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.

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.

EASTON SHELTER UPDATE! Thank you all for your wonderful donations!!! The shelter still has Applejack and Snoopy. If interested, please reach out to Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172. Thank you for supporting the animals in our community!

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.

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

HELPFUL NUMBERS

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

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.

Chess (Grades 3 & UP) on Monday, July 27, 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.

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.

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CARNIVAL: TUESDAY, JULY 28 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

Join the Easton Volunteer Fire Company for its Annual Carnival, a beloved Easton tradition that began in 1923 and has been bringing the community together for more than 100 years! The carnival runs Tuesday, July 28 through Saturday, August 1, from 6:00–11:00 PM nightly, at 1 Center Road, Easton. Enjoy exciting rides, games, delicious food, and fun for the whole family. Every Ride Supports Easton, with proceeds benefiting the Easton Volunteer Fire Company and its dedicated volunteers. Be sure to enter the Grand Prize Raffle for a chance to choose between a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit or a 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. For tickets, raffle information, and more, visit evfc1.com.

Story Time on the Library lawn, Friday, July 31, 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.

Urban Tree Identification presented by Aspetuck Land Trust on Saturday, August 1^st at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Join Master Arborist Chris Teter of Bartlett Tree Experts for a guided tree identification walk exploring the trees that shape our local landscape. Participants will learn how to identify common native and naturalized species by examining leaves, bark, branching patterns, buds, and overall form. Location: 4764 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT - on-street parking available. Event is open to the public. Priority to members. Maximum 25 people. RSVP required. Members Free/ Non-Members $10. RSVP Here

17TH ANNUAL EASTON FARM TOUR – SATURDAY, AUGUST 8. Experience the charm of Easton's agricultural heritage at the 17th Annual Easton Farm Tour on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine. This free, self-guided event begins at Samuel Staples Elementary School (365 Morehouse Road), where visitors can pick up maps, schedules, and information on participating farms. Hosted by Citizens for Easton (CFE), the tour invites you to explore local working farms and orchards, meet farmers and their animals, shop for fresh seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted items, and enjoy exhibits and activities hosted by local community organizations. Bring the whole family and discover why Easton's farming tradition continues to thrive! For the latest updates and event information, visit the official Citizens for Easton page.

SCULPTING STORIES BY JERRY REECE, July 1 – August 31. Sunday, August 16: Reception 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Artist Talk 2:00 pm at the Easton Public Library Community Room.

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.

TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL EASTON LIONS GOLF CLASSIC on Monday, September 28, 2026 (Noon tee-off) at the Blackhawk Country Club, 385 Oronoque Ln, Stratford, CT 06614. Golf (scramble, cart, driving range, lunch buffet, dinner with one-hour open bar, cash prizes, 50/50, online raffle). For additional information, please contact Bob Davidson at 203-512-9420 or rollsman@optonline.net.