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
CT DEEP SEEKS RESIDENT INPUT ON WILDLIFE
Wildlife in the United States is in the Public Trust, meaning that we, as a society, are responsible for the stewardship of that resource. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is the State agency with the statutory mandate to protect our wildlife and their habitats on behalf of Connecticut residents. As pressures on wildlife and their habitats continue to increase, the CT DEEP Wildlife Division would like the input of residents through a short survey that should take about one minute. Responses will help us improve our management of these resources for the benefit of the public.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
From Schuyler Sherwood Emergency Management Director:
WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER, AND WE MUST ALWAYS BE PREPARED
This week, more than 15 members of Easton's Emergency Management Team participated in the 2026 Connecticut Governor's Emergency Planning and Preparedness Initiative Exercise.
Exercises like this bring police, fire, EMS, public works, communications, emergency management, town leadership, and our partners to the same table before an emergency happens. We test plans, identify gaps, and strengthen the relationships that allow us to operate as one team when our community needs us most.
This year, the timing carries special meaning. Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation learned in the most painful way why preparedness, communication, coordination, and courage matter.
Nearly 3,000 people began an ordinary Tuesday morning and never came home. As thousands tried to escape the World Trade Center, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other responders moved in the opposite direction—toward the danger. Responders from across our region went to Ground Zero, including members of our own Easton community. Their service is a legacy we must never forget.
Remembering September 11th must mean more than lowering flags or observing a moment of silence. We honor those we lost by learning from what happened.
Among the most important lessons of 9/11 were the need for stronger emergency communications, coordination, and unified command. Those lessons changed emergency response across America and remain priorities here in Easton. That is why an exercise around a conference table matters.
Every problem identified before an emergency, every communication issue resolved, every relationship strengthened, and every plan improved makes Easton better prepared for the day when the exercise ends and the emergency is real. Some emergencies give us days to prepare; others give us minutes—or no warning at all.
This September 11th, as we remember those we lost and honor those who responded, I ask our community to remember two simple promises:
WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER.
Remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, the first responders who climbed those stairs while others came down, and those who served at Ground Zero and still live with the consequences of that service.
WE MUST ALWAYS BE PREPARED.
Prepared as first responders.
Prepared as a town.
Prepared as neighbors.
Prepared as families.
Whenever you can, take a moment to thank the first responders who continue to answer the call—and ask whether you and your family are prepared for an emergency, whether this is a storm of family issue.
September 11th taught us that we cannot always know when the next emergency will come. But we can decide today how ready we will be when it does.
As Easton's Emergency Management Director, I will never forget the lessons of September 11th, and I will continue working with our emergency services, town departments, and community partners to keep Easton safer and better prepared.
We remember those who came before us by preparing for those who depend upon us today.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
MEET THE TOWN TEAM: DONNA GLEN
Donna Glen | Library Youth Services
EASTON'S HISTORY: Did You Know? Helen Keller Called Easton Home!
Did you know that one of the most remarkable women in American history spent the final years of her life right here in Easton? Helen Keller, the renowned author, advocate, and lecturer who overcame deafness and blindness to become an internationally recognized figure, moved to Easton in 1946. She made her home at Arcan Ridge, a beautiful white-shingled New England house where she lived until her death in 1968. But Helen Keller didn't simply live in Easton—she enjoyed its natural beauty. A quarter-mile wooden handrail was built along a winding path through her yard and the surrounding woods, allowing her to independently make her way through the property. She would run her hand along the rail as she walked, experiencing the outdoors in her own remarkable way. Today, Keller's connection to Easton lives on through Helen Keller Middle School, which bears her name. And here's another bit of Easton history you might not know: in 2009, a 76-foot Norway Spruce from an Easton property was selected to become the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City! From a world-famous trailblazer to a towering Christmas tree, Easton has been part of some pretty extraordinary stories. Did you know Helen Keller once called Easton home?
OTHER NEWS
SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Town will commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a memorial service on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Site in front of the Library. Residents are invited to join town officials, first responders, veterans, and neighbors as we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who responded, and remember all those affected by the attacks. Together, we will pause in reflection and reaffirm our community's commitment to never forget. Reception to follow in the Library Community Room.
THANK YOU, SILVERMAN'S! A big thank you to Silverman's for planting the beautiful sunflowers at Samuel Staples Elementary School! They added such a cheerful burst of color and beauty to the school grounds and always brighten everyone's day. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity toward our Easton community!
GOOD NEWS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY ACCESS
PURA has issued its Preliminary Final Decision denying Nutmeg's proposed takeover of local Public, Educational & Government (PEG) access. While the official final ruling is expected on September 23, the decision is a significant step toward keeping Community Access programming locally controlled and supported. Thank you to everyone who advocated for preserving local financial support and protecting town-specific educational and governmental programming.
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH: RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE
September is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize that recovery from opioid use disorder is possible and to promote awareness of the many treatment options available. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) encourages residents to learn more through its LiveLOUD campaign, which provides information about opioid use disorder and treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which have been proven highly effective. Residents can access the LiveLOUD National Recovery Month Toolkit, with resources available in both English and Spanish, at LiveLOUD.org. Together, we can help spread the message that treatment is available and recovery is possible.
GOOD REMINDERS:
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.
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 accepted every Tuesday during 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:
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.
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
| Police Non-Emergency: 203-268-4111 | Park and Rec: 203-268-7200 |
| Aspetuck Health District: 203-227-9571 | Public Works: 203-268-0714 |
| Community Center: 203-459-9700 | Recycling: 203-334-1660 |
| Fire District Tax: 203-767-9314 | Senior Center: 203-268-1145 |
| Library: 203-261-0134 | Transfer Station: 203-452-5167 |
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
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.
SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Town will commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a memorial service on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Site in front of the Library. Residents are invited to join town officials, first responders, veterans, and neighbors as we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who responded, and remember all those affected by the attacks. Together, we will pause in reflection and reaffirm our community's commitment to never forget. Reception to follow in the Library Community Room.
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.
EASTON BACKGAMMON CLUB on Tuesday, September 15, 4:30-9:30 pm. Ever wanted to learn backgammon or brush up on your strategy? The Easton Backgammon Club welcomes players of all levels for friendly lessons and open play every other Tuesday, 4:30–9:30 PM in the Library Community Room — no experience necessary and no cost, just curiosity and a willingness to roll the dice. Join us to learn the game, meet fellow players, and enjoy an evening of friendly competition. Registration is not required.
MAH-JONGG CLASS (2 Parts) on Wednesdays, September 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.
EMS FIREWORKS!!! Thank you all for the public support. We listened, and the Fireworks are ON! Saturday, September 19 (rain date 9/20), SSES, gates open at 5, show starts after Sundown. Vazzy's Osteria will be onsite with their food truck, and Shaggy Coos Farm will be selling ice cream. Music by Hoffman NyyJohn. Tickets can be bought HERE. Sponsorships are available; please contact Adam at AGoldstein@eastonems.com for details. Hope to see everyone there!
JANE FORREST EXHIBIT: Easton Arts Council presents Nature and Narratives, Drawings & Paintings by Jane Forrest on exhibit in the Easton Library Small Gallery from September 1 – October 15. Artist Reception is Sunday, September 20, 3-6 p.m.
SENIOR CENTER VACCINE CLINIC: The Senior Center will hold vaccine clinics on Wednesday, September 23, 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.
COMEDY NIGHT AT NOTRE DAME OF EASTON: Get ready for an evening of laughter, fun, and raffles at the Comedy Night fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Deacon Sabol Hall at Notre Dame of Easton, 655 Morehouse Road! Doors open at 6:00 PM, with dinner served from 6:30–7:30 PM, followed by comedy from 7:30–9:00 PM. Enjoy a delicious BYOB dinner and a night of comedy featuring headliner Billy Winn and featured comedian Paul Taro, with host and opening act Rick Roberts. Tickets are $45 per person, with an early reservation discount of $40 per person through September 7. VIP seating is also available for $60 per person and is limited to 12 people. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited, so reserve your spot early! To purchase tickets, email events@ndeaston.org or call 203-268-5838.
NEIGHBORFEST 2026: Neighbors and Friends, please join us for our Easton NeighborFest 2026 on Sunday, September 27, 3-6 pm at Aspetuck Park, 369 Black Rock Tpke. All are welcome to join us and bring your lawn chairs. We will have the Me'Stezo Grill Food Truck serving an Oktoberfest menu and hot dogs & fries for kids. Music provided by Jim Savage on keyboard and Noah on steel drums. We will have FREE grilled corn and ice cream. Games for ages 5- 15 provided by the Easton Community Center. This event is sponsored by the Easton Diversity & Inclusion Task Force.
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL EASTON LIONS GOLF CLASSIC on Monday, September 28, (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.
SAT/ACT PRACTICE TEST FOR GRADES 9-12 WITH C2 EDUCATION on Thursday, October 1, at 3:30 PM.
C2 Education will be at the Easton Public Library to offer a free SAT or ACT practice test. Families can schedule one-on-one appointments with Susan Joshua to review their test results, either virtually or at her Westport office. A caregiver's email is required to schedule the results session, and caregivers are expected to attend the session with their child. *Note: The SAT & ACT are now digital, and these practice tests will be as well. Registrants need a device (no tablets or phones), Library WiFi, and a Brightspace account (provided by C2). Registration is required.
HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY! October 3, 9 am - 2 pm at 307 Indian Ledge Park Drive next to the BMX Facility. Click HERE for more Information.
THE HOT TO TROT TRIO will present a concert of the music of Rodgers and Hart in the Community Room of the Easton Public Library on Sunday, October 11 at 2 pm. For more information, contact 203-767-0064.
CHASING THE LEGEND – Easton's Lady in White 5th Annual 5K run/walk will be held on October 24th
Race check-in starts at 9:00 am, Race begins at 10:00 am, Kids Shuttle Run at 11:00 am, Kids Fun Run at 11:15 am, Awards Ceremony at 10:30 am. Click here for Race Entry Fees and further information.
TRUNK OR TREAT - Friday, October 30th, 5:30 pm (Please note: not on Halloween!) Join Easton Park & Recreation and The Lions Club on Friday, October 30 for our Annual Trunk or Treat & Bonfire! Music and snacks will be provided, as well as sparring and performance by Knights of Gore. Trunk or Treat set-up: 4:30-5:30 pm at Samuel Staples Parking Lot (to register a trunk, please email: eastontrunkortreat@gmail.com). Bonfire and Costume Contest: 6:00 pm at Morehouse Fields. So come on down with your costumes & have some Fun!
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