7/31/2026 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

TRUMBULL MAKES AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: Trumbull Adopts New Policy Limiting Out-of-Town Sewer Connections. The Trumbull Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) has adopted a new policy restricting future sewer connections to properties located within the Town of Trumbull. The policy was approved in response to increasing demands on Trumbull's sewer system from new development, contractual flow limitations with the Bridgeport WPCA, and the need to protect existing infrastructure. Under the new policy, future sewer connections will generally be limited to buildings located entirely within Trumbull, or commercial and multi-family buildings with at least 75% of the structure in Trumbull and a sewer connection located entirely within the town. The policy also prohibits extending sewer service from a Trumbull property to a structure located outside the town. As part of the same meeting, the Trumbull WPCA unanimously denied a pending request for a sanitary sewer connection for an Easton residence. For Easton, this policy could significantly limit future opportunities for properties along the Trumbull border to connect to the Trumbull sewer system. Property owners considering sewer service should be aware that approvals for out-of-town connections may no longer be available under Trumbull's new policy.

HELP U.S. PROTECT EASTON'S NATURAL BEAUTY: Tree of Heaven: Help Stop This Invasive Tree! The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a fast-growing invasive tree that spreads quickly, crowds out native plants, and serves as the preferred host for the invasive spotted lanternfly. Don't just cut it down. Cutting mature trees often causes even more shoots to grow from the roots. Small seedlings can be pulled by hand, but larger trees should be treated with an appropriate herbicide before removal for effective control. If you spot Tree of Heaven on your property, acting early can help protect Easton's forests and native landscapes. Learn more at portal.ct.gov/caes or portal.ct.gov/deep.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

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

COMING SOON: EASTON LAUNCHING EVERBRIDGE EMERGENCY ALERTS: The Town of Easton will soon launch the Everbridge Emergency Notification System, an initiative implemented by First Selectman Dan Lent and Emergency Management Director Schuyler Sherwood to enhance emergency communications and keep residents informed during critical situations. Watch for registration details in the coming weeks so you can sign up to receive emergency alerts by text message, phone call, and/or email. Everbridge will be used to send urgent notifications such as severe weather warnings, road closures, public safety incidents, utility outages, post-storm recovery information, and other time-sensitive emergencies. Residents will also have the option to receive National Weather Service severe weather alerts. Please note that Everbridge will only be used for emergencies and time-sensitive public safety information. It will not be used for routine Town announcements. Your privacy is protected. Contact information provided through Everbridge is securely stored, remains under the Town's control, and is never sold or shared with third parties. Watch for official Town announcements with registration instructions coming soon!

OTHER NEWS

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED! Thank you for what you do to support the mission of the American Red Cross. We are reaching out to you today with a request for help. For just the second time in our history, the Red Cross has issued a national blood crisis. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this summer’s emergency shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distribution of these blood products to hospitals. The type O positive blood supply has fallen below a one-day supply. Blood and platelet donors are needed immediately to ensure hospitals have the blood they need for patients whose lives depend on transfusions. Here in Connecticut, around one-third of blood donation appointments are filled over the next month, meaning thousands of appointment slots remain available to support patients in need.

You can help the Red Cross overcome this shortage: · Schedule your blood or platelet donation today using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

EMS Building Project Update (Click HERE for the Site Contamination Docs)

EMS Building Committee Chair, John Foley, reports the following:

The Town continues to make progress on the new EMS building while working through the environmental conditions discovered during the sitework phase of the project. Recent testing focused on shallow soils within the proposed parking and septic areas. The results confirmed that some of this soil will need to be carefully managed and may not be reused on the property without appropriate controls. However, additional testing showed that these shallow soils are not expected to create a groundwater impact requiring further excavation solely for that reason. This information helps the Town and its environmental consultants better define the required remediation work.

The next phase of the investigation began on July 29 and includes additional soil borings and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells. This work is intended to evaluate groundwater conditions, confirm the direction of groundwater flow, and investigate the area adjacent to a former off-site filling station. The Town is also awaiting laboratory results from the soil stockpiles already present at the site. Once the remaining results are received, the Town’s environmental consultant, EKI Environment & Water, will prepare a Soil Management Plan establishing how soil must be handled when grading, excavation, and other sitework resume. EKI is also coordinating with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to discuss the available remediation options and identify the most efficient path forward.

To help avoid unnecessary delays, the Town’s engineer and surveyor are providing the digital site drawings and will survey the monitoring wells and test-pit locations. This will allow the environmental findings to be coordinated directly with the final grading, parking, and septic plans. Although the additional investigation has delayed portions of the exterior sitework, the Town is moving each component forward as quickly as possible. The objective is to complete the investigation, secure agreement on the remediation approach, and resume grading, septic, paving, and other remaining sitework with a clear and approved plan. The Building Committee appreciates the patience of Easton residents and the continued cooperation of the Town’s boards, departments, EMS leadership, consultants, and contractors. We will continue providing updates as the laboratory results are received and the remediation plan is finalized.

Sincerely,

JOHN FOLEY

EMS Building Committee

GROW-A-ROW *DONATIONS ACCEPTED EVERY TUESDAY*

Did you grow some extra produce? Please consider donating to Grow-A-Row! This program brings fresh produce to seniors in town. This will run from 9 AM-12 PM at Shaggy Coos. Donations will be every Tuesday at these hours until the first week of September.

SAVE THE DATE: HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! October 3^rd, 2026, 9 am - 2 pm at 307 Indian Ledge Park Drive next to BMX Facility. Click HERE for more Information.

EARLY VOTING FOR PRIMARIES STARTS MONDAY, AUGUST 3: Early voting for the Republican and Democratic primaries will be held in the Community Room at the Easton Library from Monday, August 3, through Sunday, August 9. Early voting is open only to registered members of the Democratic and Republican parties. The primary races include the Democratic nomination for governor and the Republican nomination to challenge 4th District U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., in the November election. Early voting hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3; Wednesday, Aug. 5; Friday, Aug. 7; Saturday, Aug. 8; and Sunday, Aug. 9. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Thursday, Aug. 6. Primary Day is Tuesday, Aug. 11. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Staples Elementary School Cafetorium. Absentee ballots will be available to eligible party members from Tuesday, July 21, through Monday, Aug. 10, at the Easton Town Clerk’s Office. For more information, contact the Easton Registrars at Town Hall.

FEDERAL RECOVERY GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR CONNECTICUT FARMERS: Connecticut farmers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024 may soon be eligible for financial assistance through a new $52.9 million Farm Recovery and Support Block Grant. The program will help offset documented losses from events such as flooding, frost, drought, hail, and excessive rainfall. Eligible farmers with qualifying losses will be able to apply beginning this September, with a second application round expected later in the fall. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture encourages farmers to begin gathering documentation now and apply during the first round. For eligibility information, FAQs, and to sign up for updates, visit portal.ct.gov/FRS.

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.

REGIONAL DISPATCH CENTER UPDATE: Easton's transition to the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center has been running smoothly since May 5, with all emergency and non-emergency calls continuing to be answered and dispatched promptly. Key reminders:

1. 911 – Emergency calls
2. 203-268-4111 – Non-emergency police, fire, and EMS dispatch
3. 203-268-3515 – Easton Police Department business line (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Emergency call boxes are available outside the Police and Fire Departments, and additional security cameras and after-hours access systems are now in place at Town Hall, the Police Department, and other municipal facilities. Questions? Contact Emergency Management Director Schuyler Sherwood at ssherwood@eastonct.gov.

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.

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 is 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

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

Sensory Story Time (Ages 3-5), Monday, August 3, 11:00 am at the Library. Join us for a sensory story time to support learning through play! We will read a story, sing songs, and explore hands-on sensory activities that build early literacy and developmental skills. This program will be led by Miss Tori, who is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist! Registration is required.

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 the pavilion at Samuel Staples Elementary School (365 Morehouse Road), where visitors must pick up a tour map to gain access to participating farms. Hosted by Citizens for Easton (CFE), the tour offers the opportunity to visit local working farms and orchards, meet farmers and their animals (children are welcome to feed the animals at participating locations), shop for fresh seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, flowers (orchids!), trees, and handcrafted items, and enjoy exhibits and activities presented by local community organizations, including the historic Adams Schoolhouse. Bring the whole family and discover why Easton's farming tradition continues to thrive!

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 Rockoff throughout July. The Community Room features the bold and colorful paintings of Amy-Alison Ward, on display through August 15. 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.

Mah-Jongg Open Play, Tuesday, August 25, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Library. Do you play Mah-Jongg? Join us 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.

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.