8/7/2026 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

PUBLIC HEARING – DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND (DWSRF): The Connecticut Department of Public Health will hold a virtual public hearing on the State Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. Written comments on the Draft IUP must be submitted by Monday, August 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

• Join the Hearing Link
• Public Hearing Announcement
• DRAFT Intended Use Plan (IUP)

INVASIVE BAMBOO: HELP STOP THE SPREAD: Running bamboo is an aggressive invasive plant that spreads quickly through underground rhizomes, crowding out native plants and often invading neighboring properties. Connecticut law prohibits planting invasive running bamboo within 40 feet of a property line without a containment barrier. The best way to eliminate invasive bamboo is to cut it to the ground and continue removing new shoots until the root system is exhausted. Small patches can be dug out by removing the underground rhizomes, while larger infestations may require professional treatment. Never dispose of bamboo rhizomes in wooded or natural areas, as they can easily take root and spread. Help protect Easton's beautiful landscapes by choosing non-invasive alternatives and keeping invasive bamboo under control.

PUBLIC SAFETY:

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

Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Sign Up for Everbridge Today!
On August 6, the Town of Easton started our citizens' Everbridge sign-up campaign. Signing up for the Everbridge Emergency Notification System will ensure Easton residents receive fast, life-safety alerts during severe weather, police activity, utility outages, and road closures. Because many homes lack traditional landlines, registering ensures our team can instantly reach cell phones and emails with critical instructions.

HERE is the document with more information and easy-to-use registration guidance. There is a QR code or a Web Link. During our soft rollout, we received a few questions that we want to share, as you may have the same questions:

Question: Is this something new? I have already signed up for State of Connecticut Alerts and the Town of Easton Website notification.
Answer: Yes, this is new and the primary method the Town will use to notify residents of emergency-related information. Nearly all communities in our area already have this system.

Question: Should every family member register?
Answer: Yes! Every family member who has a cell phone or e-mail should register

Question: I tried to register for the app, and it asked me for a code?
Answer: You are trying to use the wrong app. The icon for the app is:

This APP is called “PUBLIC SAFETY BY EVERBRIDGE”.

If you use the link we provide, the QR code is located at the top of the app. Some people scroll down to the second app and download the wrong one; it is a bit confusing.

Question: Is this legitimate? The Town recently emailed and said not to click on any links coming from the Town of Easton.
Answer: Yes, this is legitimate, and that issue has been resolved.

Question: I am a Senior or not very good with technology; how do I do this?
Answer: We will be offering help at the Senior Center and will come to you if you would like us to. Please call the Emergency Management Number at 203-689-2995; we will get you help.

As the Emergency Management Director, my mission is to help the town prepare for emergencies, coordinate resources during the emergency, and recover stronger after the emergency. The information we provide to you during each of these phases could save your life. The Everbridge Emergency Notification System is critical to help our team keep your family safe.

Please sign up today!

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.

OTHER NEWS

LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM ART EXHIBITION CLOSED UNTIL AUGUST 10^TH FOR VOTING: Please note that the Easton Public Library Community Room will be closed to the public during the Early Voting period for the Democratic and Republican primaries. If you plan to visit the Library's art exhibits, please be aware that the exhibition located inside the Community Room will not be accessible during this time. The Community Room exhibition will reopen on Monday morning, August 10. Thank you for your understanding.

EARLY VOTING FOR PRIMARIES: Early voting for the Republican and Democratic primaries will be held in the Easton Library Community Room from Monday, August 3, through Sunday, August 9. Only registered Democratic and Republican voters may participate. Early voting hours vary by day. Primary Day is Tuesday, August 11, with polls open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Cafetorium. Eligible party members may obtain absentee ballots through Monday, August 10, at the Town Clerk's Office. For voting hours and additional information, contact the Easton Registrars of Voters.

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CARNIVAL WAS A HIT! The Easton Volunteer Fire Company's annual carnival was another tremendous success, with the weather cooperating just enough for all five days of rides, games, delicious food, and family fun. Thank you to the many volunteers whose hard work made the event possible, the sponsors who helped support it, and everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities. Proceeds from the carnival help support the Easton Volunteer Fire Company and its ongoing commitment to protecting and serving our community. We look forward to another great carnival next year!

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.

NEW MAP MACHINE! We're excited to announce that the Town Clerk’s Office has a new large-format copier and scanner for property maps! This will provide improved quality and service for residents, contractors, surveyors, and others needing large map copies or scans. Map Copy Fees: 24" x 36" Black & White: $10.00, 24" x 36" Color: $20.00, Smaller Maps: $5.00. This purchase was funded through the Town Clerk Fund, which is supported by statutory recording and filing fees rather than local property taxes, resulting in no cost to taxpayers.

GOOD REMINDERS:

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE AUGUST 11, 2026 PRIMARIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE: Absentee Ballots are still available in the Town Clerk’s Office, the last day to obtain an Absentee Ballot is Monday, August 10, 2026. For more information, view HERE.

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.

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:

• 911 – Emergency calls

• 203-268-4111 – Non-emergency police, fire, and EMS dispatch

• 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 underway throughout town. Representatives from Municipal Valuation Services (Munival) may be inspecting properties, taking exterior photos, measuring buildings, and conducting scheduled 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. To verify an inspector or learn more, call Munival at 203-292-5500 or visit the Revaluation page on the Town website. Residents can also review the Town's Property Taxes Explained page to learn how property taxes are determined.

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 EVENT! Please help raise money for the Easton Animal Shelter. Stanley needs surgery so that he can be put up for adoption and find a forever home! Bring your kids to the Easton Library on Tuesday, August 18^th between 10 am and 3 pm to “adopt” a stuffed dog. Your $10 donation includes a certificate and name tag. All money goes directly to support the animals at Easton Animal Shelter. (Cash or check only). 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

17TH ANNUAL EASTON FARM TOUR – SATURDAY, AUGUST 8. Experience the charm of Easton's agricultural heritage at the 17th Annual Citizens for 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! HERE is a wonderful podcast from Lisa Wexler describing the Farm Tour with Arborist Douglas Williams. Can’t make the Farm Tour but wish to help? Please consider donating HERE.

FINAL "CONCERT ON THE HILL" this Sunday, August 9th (rescheduled from July 5th) with Bugs on a Log, an upbeat & joyful old-timey string band!

1. Food Truck: Greek Style Grill
2. Gates Open: 5:30
3. Music: 6:00-8:00
4. Admission: $12/adult, $10/senior, kids/teens free
5. Venue: 59 Church Road, Easton
6. Click HERE for more info.

SENSORY STORY TIME (Ages 3-5), Monday, August 10, 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.

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

• ‘Earth in Transition’ by Amy-Alison Ward through August 15, Community Room Gallery.
• ‘Postcards with an Edge’ by Steve Gerber, August 4-31 in the Small Gallery.
• ‘Sculpting Stories’ by Jerry Reece in the Gold Display Case, July 1 - August 31. Artist reception on Sunday, August 16, 1-3 pm with the Artist Talk at 2:00 pm in the Community Room.
• ‘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 22, 4-6pm.

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.

HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! October 3^rd, 2026, 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!)