8/21/2026 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

TAKE THE MOSQUITO BUCKET CHALLENGE! Want to reduce mosquitoes without broad-spectrum pesticides? Homegrown National Park’s Mosquito Bucket Challenge offers a simple, eco-friendly solution that targets mosquito larvae before they become biting adults. Make your own: Fill a 5-gallon bucket about ⅔ full with water, add a handful of grass or leaves, and place about ¼ of a Mosquito Dunk (BTI) in the water. Add a stick so small creatures can climb out, and place the bucket in a shaded area. Add a lid with plenty of large holes drilled or wire secured with a rock or zip ties. Replace the BTI according to package directions, typically every 30 days. BTI targets mosquito larvae and is considered safe for people, pets, birds, bees, and other wildlife when used as directed. Remember: Continue to eliminate other standing water around your property for the best results. Learn more about the Mosquito Bucket Challenge

HATTERTOWN ROAD OIL SPILL UPDATE: The Town of Monroe is providing an update regarding the recent home heating oil spill on Guinea Road and Hattertown Road. During a heavy rain event on August 3, a delivery truck overturned, spilling approximately 2,000 gallons of home heating oil. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is overseeing the cleanup. More than 3,000 cubic yards of impacted soil have been excavated, and more than 20,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater have been recovered. Drinking water wells in the area have been sampled, with no petroleum products detected to date. Affected roadways will remain closed until further notice while contaminated soil and groundwater are removed. Additional monitoring wells will also be installed to determine whether any impacts have occurred to bedrock. DEEP will continue to monitor the cleanup and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

POLLINATOR PATHWAYS: CONNECTING EASTON’S NATURAL LANDSCAPE: Pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems and our food supply, yet their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. Pollinator Pathways are volunteer-led efforts to create connected corridors of pollinator-friendly habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife. Most native bees travel only about 750 meters, so connecting gardens and properties within that distance can create a network of habitat that helps pollinators move safely between parks, preserves and natural areas. These connections also help “de-fragment” our landscape, benefiting wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. Native plants are especially important because our local pollinators have evolved alongside them. From milkweed that monarch butterflies depend on to native flowers that provide food for bees, what we plant in our own yards can make a real difference. In Easton, every yard can become part of the pathway. By planting native species, reducing pesticide use and allowing some natural areas to grow, residents can help protect pollinators and preserve the biodiversity and natural beauty that make Easton special. Small gardens, connected together, can have a big impact! Pollinator Pathways.org

PUBLIC SAFETY:

SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK! As students head back to school next week, please remember to slow down and stay alert—especially around school buses and school zones. Never pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Children may be crossing the road or entering and exiting the bus, and a few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference. Let’s keep our students, families, and bus drivers safe as we start another school year!

STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE. SIGN UP FOR EVERBRIDGE! Easton has launched Everbridge, our primary emergency notification system. Sign up to receive important alerts about severe weather, police activity, utility outages, road closures, and other emergencies by phone, text, and email. Please register yourself and ask your spouse and adult children to register as well. Every family member with a cell phone or email should be signed up so they can receive critical information directly. Register for Everbridge and get more information HERE. Need help registering? Assistance is available at the Senior Center, or call 203-689-2995. Please take a few minutes to register today. It could make a difference when you need important information most.

EASTON RECEIVES CYBERSECURITY GRANTS: The Town of Easton is strengthening its cybersecurity with approximately $16,700 in state grant funding. The grants are helping provide Town Hall employees with enhanced cybersecurity tools, training, and protections to safeguard town systems, data, and resident information. This investment strengthens Easton’s defenses against growing cyber threats while protecting critical municipal operations—all without relying solely on local taxpayer dollars.

EASTON’S HISTORY

REMEMBERING CONNECTICUT’S DAIRY FARM HERITAGE - A PIECE OF EASTON’S AGRICULTURAL STORY

An interesting feature in the Hartford Courant highlights the dramatic decline of Connecticut’s dairy farms—from more than 400 operations in the late 1990s to roughly 80 today. The article explores the challenges facing family farms, from low milk prices to the rising costs of keeping a farm in business. For generations, dairy farming was an important part of Connecticut’s rural character—and Easton was no exception. Many of us remember when working farms and agricultural landscapes were a much more common sight throughout our community. We’re proud to note that Easton resident Grant Monsarrat is featured in the article, helping bring attention to the history, challenges and changing landscape of Connecticut agriculture. As we begin a new “Easton History” section in our newsletter, we look forward to sharing stories that help us remember the people, places and traditions that have shaped our town.

OTHER NEWS

GOVERNOR LAMONT VISITS EASTON: Governor Lamont visited Shaggy Coo’s Farm and Silverman’s Farm on Wednesday, August 19th. State Senator Tony Hwang, Emergency Management Director Schuyler Sherwood, and I had the opportunity to meet with him and discuss funding to fix the extensive damage caused to Gilbertie’s Farm by a microburst storm. Preservation of Easton’s farms is a shared top priority.

JUDD ROAD IS NOW OPEN: Good News! We’re happy to share that the Judd Road Bridge has been repaired and is now open! Thank you to everyone for your patience while the work was completed. We’re glad to have this important roadway back open and available to our residents!

EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BEGINS DRONE TRAINING: A Valuable Tool for Public Safety—and Our Entire Town. The Easton Police Department is completing drone training, providing our officers with another valuable tool to help keep residents safe. For a small community like Easton, where resources are limited, drones can provide an important advantage by quickly giving first responders an aerial view of large or difficult-to-access areas. Drones can assist with searching for missing or endangered individuals, assessing fires and other emergencies, surveying wooded areas, evaluating difficult terrain, and providing critical information before personnel are sent into potentially dangerous situations. The benefits can extend well beyond public safety. A drone can be a valuable resource for other Town departments as well. Planning & Zoning could use aerial imagery to better understand properties, development sites, wetlands and other land-use issues. Public Works could use drones to inspect roads, bridges, drainage systems, storm damage and other infrastructure, while other departments could benefit from aerial documentation, mapping and inspections. For a small town, sharing technology and resources across departments can be especially valuable. One investment can serve many needs—helping our employees work more efficiently, make better-informed decisions and, most importantly, keep people safe. This technology does not replace the expertise of our police officers, firefighters, public works crews or other Town staff. It gives them another set of eyes from above and better information when they need it most. Continued training ensures Easton is prepared to use this resource effectively, responsibly and safely for the benefit of the entire community.

HAVE YOU BEEN “FLOCKED”? With growing discussion about Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPRs), Connecticut residents may be wondering if their license plate information has been searched. The website Have I Been Flocked allows you to enter your license plate to see if it appears in available records of searches conducted through Flock’s system. A search result means an operator specifically queried the plate—it does not mean your vehicle was simply captured by a camera. The website’s information is also incomplete and based on public records requests. While privacy concerns are part of the conversation, Flock reports that in July alone, its technology helped detect more than 1,000 missing people and over 20,000 stolen vehicles nationwide. Governor Lamont has asked the state to develop guidance addressing privacy protections and appropriate use of ALPR technology, and has called for a pause on new installations until that guidance is complete. For now, this is simply another way for residents to stay informed as Connecticut works to balance public safety and privacy.

EASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW POLICE OFFICER JEREMY SCIALDONI: The Town of Easton proudly congratulates Jeremy Scialdoni, who was sworn in as the newest member of the Easton Police Department on Monday, August 17, at Town Hall by Police Chief Foti Koskinas. Please join us in welcoming Officer Scialdoni to the Easton community and wishing him a long and successful career serving and protecting our residents!

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TWO SUMMER INTERNS! Please join us in thanking Gabriella Casatelli and Sharon Sara for all their hard work and dedication this summer! They provided valuable assistance to several Town departments, including Planning & Zoning, Building, the Town Clerk, the First Selectman’s Office, and the Tax Collector’s Office. We truly appreciate everything they did to help keep our Town running smoothly. Thank you, Gabriella and Sharon, and best wishes for the year ahead!

EASTON HAS SEVERAL OPENINGS ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

• Land Preservation & Acquisition Authority: Seat Expires 1/1/2029 (DEM or UNA only)
• Tax Relief for the Elderly: Seats Expire 8/15/2029 (All political affiliations welcome)

Please email Tina Reynolds (Treynolds@eastonct.gov) a Letter of Interest and Resume.

LOCAL HONEY IS BACK! The Easton Assessors’ Office is once again offering delicious local honey for sale! Stop by the Assessors’ Office at Town Hall to pick up a jar while supplies last. Support local and enjoy some sweet, locally produced honey!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PARK CLEANUP: The back section of Samuel P. Senior Memorial Park sustained significant damage during the last storm, with several large trees—including a massive uprooted oak—blocking trails and burying the Eagle Scout bridge. Volunteers are urgently needed to help clear fallen trees and brush and restore access to the park. If you can lend a hand, please reach out to Dwight Senior at dwight.xyz@gmail.com or message the park on Facebook.

GOOD REMINDERS:

ZOOM MEETINGS: All attendees joining Board and Committee meetings via Zoom must enter their first and last name when logging in. For security purposes, anyone who does not provide their first and last name will not be admitted to the meeting.

STATE OFFERS $300 GROCERY BENEFIT FOR CERTAIN FORMER SNAP RECIPIENTS: Connecticut is providing a one-time $300 grocery benefit to eligible residents who recently lost SNAP benefits due to new federal ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) eligibility requirements. Eligible individuals should contact their local Community Action Agency to verify eligibility and request the benefit. The prepaid grocery card can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food items and does not affect eligibility for other assistance programs. For more information, please contact Dan Simonelli at 203-268-1137.

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.

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.

2026 REVALUATION INSPECTIONS UPDATE: The 2026 Real Estate Revaluation process has entered the Market Analysis and Valuation Phase.

The revaluation company will continue conducting resident-requested inspections and active building permit inspections throughout the process. For additional information, please visit the Revaluation page on the Town website. Residents are also encouraged to visit the Town’s Property Taxes Explained page to learn more about how property taxes are determined. Thank you for your cooperation throughout the revaluation process.

BOOK COLLECTION: The Friends of the Easton Library are collecting book donations at the library during normal hours through 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.

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 ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE: GREAT NEWS! APPLEJACK FOUND HER FOREVER HOME! Congratulations, Applejack!

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.

EASTON HILL CLIMB REVIVAL POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 2027

HELPFUL NUMBERS

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

THREE NEW ART EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY AT THE EASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY. Easton Arts Council presents Gallery Exhibitions at the Easton Public Library.

1. ‘Postcards with an Edge’ by Steve Gerber, August 4-31 in the Small Gallery.
2. ‘Sculpting Stories’ by Jerry Reece in the Gold Display Case, July 1 - August 31.
3. ‘Out of the Barn’ – Ten Artists, Ten Directions, One Connection, August 16 – September 24. A collective exhibition featuring the work of ten accomplished artists. Artist reception on Saturday, August 22nd, 4-6 pm.

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.

SCRABBLE CLUB on Sunday, August 30, 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.

BLOOD DONORS URGENTLY NEEDED! The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis due to critically low blood supplies, with an especially urgent need for Type O blood. Every donation can help ensure hospitals have the lifesaving blood patients need. You can make a difference by donating at the Siren Aide of Easton and Easton Public Library Blood Drive, held in memory of Ellen Longbine Waugh, a beloved Playtots Preschool teacher and dedicated Easton volunteer whose kindness and service touched so many lives. The blood drive will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Road. To schedule your appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If registering online, use the sponsor keyword "EPL". Your donation could help save a life while honoring Ellen's legacy of compassion and service.

YOGA FOR CHILDREN Ages 2-6 with a Caregiver on Monday, September 14, 10:30 AM at the Library. 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.

CENTER FOR FAMILY JUSTICE TO HOST ANNUAL SPEAKING OF WOMEN LUNCHEON: The Center for Family Justice will hold its 29th Annual Speaking of Women luncheon on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Waterview in Monroe. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Stephen Mills, author of Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood, and honor Donna Craft for 30 years of service to CFJ. Proceeds support CFJ programs that help prevent abuse and provide support and advocacy for children, teens, and survivors. Please reach out to Lori Miller for more information at (203) 993-8121.

MAH-JONGG CLASS (2 Parts) on Wednesdays, Sep. 16 and September 23, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Library. Would you like to learn how to play Mah-Jongg? Join us for this two-part class, led by experienced Mah-Jongg instructor Chris Taylor. Please bring a Mah-Jongg set if you have one. Space is limited to 24 participants. Registration is required.

MONTHLY ADULT CRAFTERNOON on Thursday, September 17, 3:00 pm at the Library. Join us for this monthly program to make a fun, easy craft! This month's craft will be a sea glass picture. All supplies are provided. Registration is recommended.

CLASSIC FILM SERIES - FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT on Thursday, September 17, 7:00 pm at the Library. Join us as we kick off another year of our Classic Film Series with the 1940 film Foreign Correspondent, starring Joel McCrea and Laraine Day, and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Joel McCrea's son, Peter McCrea, will be on hand to discuss the film and his famous father. This program is facilitated by film historian and Easton resident Jon Sonneborn. Registration is not required. Sponsored by Easton Public Library and Easton Arts Council.

SENIOR CENTER VACCINE CLINIC: The Senior Center will hold vaccine clinics on Wednesday, September 23rd, Thursday, October 15th, and Wednesday, November 4th. Clinic Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm. Vaccines available: Flu, COVID, Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV. To schedule an appointment, please call the Senior Center at (203) 268-1145.

TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL EASTON LIONS GOLF CLASSIC on Monday, September 28th, (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.

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

SAVE THE DATE: Truck or Treat - Friday, October 30th (Please note - not on Halloween!)