10/2/2026 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!

Subscribe

THANK YOU TO OUR TOWN DEPARTMENTS: A heartfelt thank you to all of our Town departments, emergency responders, and staff for your outstanding work during the recent Nor'easter and the house fire. From keeping our roads safe and responding to emergencies to assisting residents and coordinating behind the scenes, so many people worked tirelessly to help keep our community safe and supported. Your professionalism, teamwork, and dedication—often under difficult and demanding conditions—are truly appreciated. Thank you for being there when our community needed you most. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do for Easton.

WILDLIFE IN EASTON! (Please send image contributions to treynolds@eastonct.gov.)

CONSERVATION, LAND USE, WATERSHED, and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION ISSUES

LOVE THE BIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD?
Whether you enjoy watching chickadees at your feeder, spotting a hawk overhead, or simply listening to birdsong, you can help support the birds and habitats we enjoy right here in Easton. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology supports bird research, conservation, and education around the world. Membership also includes Living Bird magazine and a members-only eNewsletter. Ready to do a little more for the birds you love? Join the Cornell Lab at a special $39 annual membership rate: Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

CONNECTICUT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COUNCIL UPCOMING MEETINGS

• October 7, 2026, at 9:30 am
• November 4, 2026, at 9:30 am

Meetings are hybrid, held in person at the State Historic Preservation Office, 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. To participate, contact Jonathan Kinney at 860-500-2380 or jonathan.kinney@ct.gov. For more information, call 860-500-2343860-500-2343 or visit The-State-Historic Preservation-Office.

OCTOBER AT BEARDSLEY ZOO There's plenty happening this October at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo! The Zoo welcomed its first-ever red panda cub, Pabu, this summer, and he's expected to join his parents in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat this fall. The popular GLOW Wild returns October 1 with more than 40 illuminated wildlife displays, and Toast to the Wild will offer a new 21+ fundraising event on October 17. Families can also enjoy Boo at the Zoo, Halloween-themed Zoo Tots, and special wildlife awareness celebrations throughout the month. And don't forget to say hello to Qilin, the Zoo's first-ever Chinese goral baby! Learn more and see the full October schedule: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/

PUBLIC SAFETY

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Fire Prevention Week is October 4–10. Each year, we ask our residents to take a few minutes from their daily routines to focus on something that can truly make a difference—fire safety in your home. This year's national focus highlights lithium-ion battery safety. These batteries power many of the devices we use every day, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, power tools, and other rechargeable equipment.

Charge Safely

• Charge on a hard, flat surface such as a table, desk, or bare floor.
• Unplug devices when they are fully charged.
• Use the cord and charger that came with the device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop using a device or battery immediately if it becomes unusually hot, begins to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.
• Never charge a device on a bed, couch, pillow, or other soft surface.

Taking just a few minutes to recognize a potential fire hazard could save your life or the life of someone you love. Check Your Home!

• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Just this past week, an Easton family experienced a serious house fire and was awakened by a smoke alarm—a powerful reminder of why working smoke alarms are so important.
• Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm on every level.
• Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it.
• Make sure everyone in your household knows how to get out in an emergency and where to meet outside.

A Few More Simple Steps Can Make a Big Difference

• Close Before You Doze: Sleep with your bedroom door closed. A closed door can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Properly dispose of fireplace ashes in a metal container and keep them safely away from your home and other combustible materials.
• Never use extension cords or power strips as a substitute for permanent wiring.
• Never overload extension cords or power strips, and never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip.
• Talk with your family about what to do if a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds.

Need Help With Fire Safety Or Smoke Alarms?

• If you need help with fire safety, need assistance installing smoke alarms, or do not have working smoke alarms in your home, please call the Easton Fire Department at 203-268-2833.
• If you do not have smoke detectors, the Fire Department will provide them to you. That is how important working smoke alarms are—we want every Easton home and family to be protected.
• Fire prevention begins at home. A few minutes spent on prevention today can make all the difference during an emergency.

Stay safe, Easton!

SIGN UP FOR EVERBRIDGE HERE
Now that fall is here – it is a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared to receive important emergency information. All adult members of your household are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge. We can't provide timely information or assistance if we can't reach you. This week, every Easton household received a postcard with a QR code for easy registration. Please take a moment to sign up today and stay connected in an emergency. 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.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

• The next Conservation Public Hearing meeting regarding Saddle Ridge will be held on Monday, October 5th, at 7:00 pm at the Easton Public Library Community Room.
• Stay informed and get involved! Visit the TOWN CALENDAR WEBSITE to view upcoming town meetings, access agendas, and stay up to date on what's happening in Easton. Residents are always encouraged to participate—whether by attending in person or joining via Zoom. Your voice and involvement make a difference! If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please SUBSCRIBE! You can receive meeting TEXT notifications! As always, thank you for your continued engagement at these hearings and your support as we work together for the future of Easton.

ZOOM LINK: How to Access a Meeting Agenda and Zoom Link:

1. Visit the Town website homepage and scroll down to the Calendar.
2. Find the date of the meeting and select the appropriate board or commission listed in green.
3. Click "More Details" to view the agenda and click on the meeting link.

• Please note: Many boards and commissions post agendas and meeting links approximately 24 hours before a meeting to allow for updates or changes. If the agenda or meeting link is not yet available, please check the Calendar again closer to the meeting time.
• Please note Zoom links contained in agendas or other documents that have been scanned, stamped, and uploaded by the Town Clerk will not be active or clickable.
• 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.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 STATE ELECTION ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE. For more information, please view here

OTHER NEWS

CHECK CTROADS BEFORE YOU GO! Planning a trip around Connecticut? CTroads.org provides real-time information on traffic conditions, road closures, construction, crashes, and other travel impacts across the state. Check the latest updates before heading out to help plan your route and avoid delays. Visit CTroads.org

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection, and recognize those whose lives have been affected by the disease. On October 1, we raised the breast cancer awareness flag at Town Hall as a symbol of support for survivors, those currently facing breast cancer, and their families and loved ones. Each evening throughout October, the Town Hall cupola will also be illuminated in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We invite residents to join us in wearing pink, spreading awareness, and supporting the importance of regular screenings and early detection.

CALLING CONNECTICUT ARTISTS! The Connecticut Office of the Arts is now accepting submissions from artists for two Art in Public Spaces projects. Selected artwork will be purchased for interior spaces in state buildings. Opportunities include:

• CT State Community College Housatonic in Bridgeport — submissions due December 15, 2026
• 165 Capitol Avenue State Office Building in Hartford — submissions due January 15, 2027

Artists are encouraged to submit early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about these opportunities and submit your work → Questions or need assistance with the Call for Entry platform? Contact Tamara Dimitri at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov.

VERIZON CUSTOMERS: A POSSIBLE SOLUTION FOR POOR CELL SERVICE. Some Easton residents experiencing little or no Verizon cell service inside their homes have reported success with a Verizon network extender. One Easton couple said an extender improved their service from essentially no bars to four bars. Getting an extender may require some time and patience. One resident reported being told initially that an extender would not work at their address. After explaining that a similar extender was working for nearby neighbors and continuing to work with Verizon, the resident obtained one—and it worked. Residents experiencing poor indoor service may want to specifically ask Verizon about a network extender. Availability can vary by address. Wi-Fi Calling is another option for compatible phones and can help when cellular reception is weak. To report a service problem: Use the My Verizon app → Check Network Status, or call 800-922-0204 and request a Network Repair Bureau (NRB) ticket.

MEET THE TOWN TEAM: ROBERT ROJ
Robert Roj | Police Sergeant

Please join us in getting to know one of the members of the Easton Police Department! Role: Police Sergeant. Years of Service: 5 years — celebrating five years with Easton on September 13! In a community-focused role, our Police Sergeant spends each day listening to residents, addressing concerns, building trust, and helping keep Easton safe through problem-solving and partnership—not simply responding to calls. Favorite part of the job: Engaging with the Easton community. Favorite part about Easton: "How genuine and caring the community members are about their town and each other." Fun facts: Prefers reading an actual book to a tablet or Kindle, and loves traveling to exotic places! We're grateful for the dedication, partnership, and community connection our officers bring to Easton every day.

EASTON'S HISTORY: JESSICA TANDY

A Hollywood Star Who Called Easton Home. Oscar-winning actress Jessica Tandy and her husband, fellow actor Hume Cronyn, purchased their Easton home in 1984—the seventh home they shared during their remarkable 52-year marriage. Despite their extraordinary careers, the couple cherished the privacy and quiet of life in Easton. Tandy continued to live and work from her Connecticut home even after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1990. She went on to win an Academy Award for Driving Miss Daisy and three Tony Awards, all while maintaining a relatively private life far from the Hollywood spotlight. At 80, Tandy became the oldest Best Actress Oscar winner at the time—a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best chapters come later in life. Easton was home for one of those remarkable chapters.

GOOD REMINDERS:

There is always something happening at the Senior Center, so be sure to check out the Senior Center Newsletter for the latest programs, activities, events, and important information (like a Wild Halloween party on October 30th!).

• Easton Senior Center Newsletter
• Easton Senior Center Classes and Services

FUEL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying for heating fuel, help is available. Easton Social Services can help residents learn about fuel assistance programs and available resources. For assistance, contact Daniel Simonelli, Social Services Director, at 203-268-1137. He is available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at the Easton Senior Center, with other meeting times available by appointment. All conversations are confidential.

OPENING ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

• Commission for the Aging – Alternate: Seat expires 1/03/2028 (All parties welcome)
• Land Preservation & Acquisition Authority: Seat expires 1/1/2029 (DEM or UNA only)
• Please email Tina Reynolds (Treynolds@eastonct.gov) a Letter of Interest and Resume.

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.

EASTON ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE
This Cute-As-They Come Little Man is SNOOPY, and he is waiting for his new family at the Easton Shelter!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Dan Lent
First Selectman

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

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

BOOK SALE!

• Early Access for children and young adults accompanied by a caregiver: Friday, Oct. 2, 3:30-6 pm
• Open to all: Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 am - 4 pm
• Fill a bag (provided) for $10: Sunday, Oct. 4, noon - 4 pm.
• Teachers with ID may take anything they wish for free on Sunday, Oct. 4, 4 - 5 pm.

EASTON COMMUNITY CENTER 2ND ANNUAL 5K FUNDRAISER, Saturday, October 3, 9 am – 11:00 am. Walk it or run it – every step supports a neighbor. Family fun – inflatables, games, and music - starting at 11:00 am. $25/individual, $50/ family of four ($10 additional child ages 5-15. Kids under 4 are free!) Special thanks to our community sponsors, New Canaan Pool Service, IDEAL Hire, FC United, and SCALCORE Group, whose generous support is helping make this event possible.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: Notre Dame of Easton, located at 640 Morehouse Rd, will be hosting a Blessing of the Animals event in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Saturday, October 3, at 10:30 am. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends to receive a special blessing and enjoy a fun-filled morning with apple cider, kettle corn, cotton candy, face painting for the kids, raffle baskets, sweet desserts, and more. Celebrate the joy of our animals and the life of St. Francis of Assisi in this family-friendly event!

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE OPENS! The Easton Senior Center's Holiday Boutique is bigger and better than ever! Thanks to a wonderful donation from retiring Posters Hardware, we have an incredible selection of Christmas lights, trees, ornaments, decorations, and gifts — along with generous donations of new, unopened items including designer handbags, jewelry, kitchenware, and gifts for all ages. Special opening hours:

• Friday, October 2: Open today!
• Saturday, October 3: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Beginning Monday, October 5: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM

With the holiday season approaching, there's never been a better time to stop by and find something special at an unbeatable price! All proceeds benefit classes and programs at the Easton Senior Center. Want to help us sell at the boutique? Give the Senior Center desk a call at 203-268-1145. We'd love to have you!

FAIRFIELD COUNTY FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING: The Fairfield County Farm Bureau will hold its Annual Meeting on Monday, October 5, at the Homestead Farm of Jones Family Farms, 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a farm-to-table dinner featuring products from many Fairfield County farms. This year's keynote speaker is Sean Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Real Food CT, which works to strengthen local agriculture and increase food access through farmer partnerships, volunteer engagement, and workforce development. RSVP by October 1 for free admission! The cost is $30 per person at the door without an RSVP. ffc.farmbureau@gmail.com | 203-426-2300

2026 STATE CANDIDATE DEBATE – HOUSE DISTRICT 135: Residents are invited to attend a 2026 State Candidate Debate for House District 135, which includes Redding, Easton, and Weston, on Tuesday, October 6, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road in Redding. The debate will feature Anne Hughes, Democratic candidate, and Darrell Harris, Republican candidate. The event is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Redding and the League of Women Voters of Weston. Can't attend in person? The debate will also be available to watch live via Zoom Webinar. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. https://bit.ly/4rwuWJx

PIG PARTY! (GR. K-5) at the Library on Thursday, October 8, 4:30 pm. Join us on the Library lawn to learn pig facts, pet, feed, assist with tricks, and take unique pics with some fun, special-trained pigs! Registration is required.

MONTHLY ADULT CRAFTERNOON at the Library on Thursday, October 8, 3:00-4:00 pm. Join us to make a fun, easy fall craft! This month we'll be painting wineglasses. All supplies are provided. Registration is recommended.

READERS THEATER Join the Easton Arts Council at the Easton Library Community Room on Saturday, October 10, at 7:00 pm – as READERS THEATER presents "The Write To Vote", an engaging program of three one-act plays and music written by Kit Briner, Beatriz Allen, Julia Allen, Gwendolyn Gardiner, and Orna Rawls. For more information, contact 203-767-0064.

MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB FOR 9/11: In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Joel Barlow students and the JBHS PTO will hold a memorial stair climb and 5K at JBHS Stadium on Sunday, October 11th. The event honors the heroes and victims of the attacks. All funds raised will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Please consider making a donation: Joel Barlow High School 9/11 Memorial Climb 2026 – Campaign.

THE HOT TO TROT TRIO, starring Olga Kalinina, Joanne Kant, and Tom Zimmerman, 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 3:00 pm. For more information, contact 203-767-0064. Free admission – donations appreciated.

SENIOR CENTER VACCINE CLINIC: The Senior Center will hold vaccine clinics on Thursday, October 15, and Wednesday, November 4. 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.

"JAZZ… WHAT IT IS!" Roger Kaufman and the Old School Jazz All Stars featuring The Tim DeHuff Quintet will be performing again at the Congregational Church Hall, 336 Westport Rd., on October 15 at 7:00 pm. They were fantastic in April, and many asked when they'd be returning. They're calling this performance "Jazz ... What it is!" Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The performance will be in the hall at the Staples Academy building, 336 Westport Road. Doors open at 6:30, and the concert begins at 7 pm. Tickets are available at StaplesAcademyFoundation.org. For inquiries, call: 347-678-7230.

TRIVIA NIGHT on Friday, October 16, at 6:00 pm at the Library. Are you a trivia whiz? Join us for a fun trivia competition for all ages! Pizza will be served. Presented by David Plaue of Sticker Book Publishing. Registration is recommended.

FALL FARM-TO-TABLE COOKING DEMONSTRATION on Saturday, October 17, at 2:00 pm at the Library. Back by popular demand, Chef Deja from Khemi's Vegan Cuisine will present a cooking demonstration highlighting fresh fall produce from the local farms. She will show participants fun, approachable ways to turn seasonal ingredients into delicious plant-forward dishes. Registration is recommended.

SOUTHEASTERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR. Residents are invited to attend the Southeastern Fairfield County Community Resource Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport (Beacon Hall, 2nd Floor Events Center, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, CT 06604). Attendees can access free health screenings and services, as well as information and assistance related to behavioral health, substance abuse, housing, employment, food assistance, education, reentry services, and more. There will also be activities for children.

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE FORUM: The Fairfield Rotary Club invites residents to attend a State Senate Candidate Forum on Monday, October 19, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield. Candidates Rob Blanchard (D) and Amybeth LaRoche (R) will participate in a moderated forum, answering questions submitted by town residents and offering closing statements. A buffet lunch will be provided. Registration is required by October 15. The entrance fee is $20 per attendee. Questions for the candidates must be submitted when registering; no questions will be accepted on the day of the forum.

CHASING THE LEGEND – Easton's Lady in White 5th Annual 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, October 24. 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.

MILL RIVER RESTORATION RIBBON-CUTTING. Phase 1 of the Nutmeg Chapter Trout Unlimited Mill River restoration project is complete! Nearly half a mile of the river along Congress Street has been enhanced with new pools, boulder features, riffles, and improved trout habitat. Join us for a ribbon-cutting and stream-side walk which was rescheduled to Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 AM, beginning at the Covenant Church parking lot. Bring the family—and your fishing rod! Fly rods will be available for demonstrations. Nutmeg Trout Unlimited is also offering a dollar-for-dollar donation match up to $4,500 to support continued restoration and stewardship of the Mill River.

STAPLES ACADEMY FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HALLOW on Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 pm. Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk returns to Easton, this time to give his one-man performance of Sleepy Hollow just in time for Halloween. This performance will be in the Congregational Church of Easton, 290 Center Road. Doors open at 7:00 pm, performance begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, all students FREE! Visit www.staplesacademyfoundation.org

SCARECROW PALOOZA ON MOREHOUSE! Easton Park & Recreation invites residents, schools, and local businesses to design and build their own unique scarecrows. All creations will be displayed on the split-rail fencing at Morehouse Field for the Trunk or Treat celebration on Friday, October 30. Here is how to join the fun:

1. Register: Sign up at the Easton Recreation Website (the first 10 entries get a free hay bale!).
2. Set Up: Attach your scarecrow to the fencing at Morehouse Field.
3. Submit: Email a photo of your setup with your name to eastonpr@eastonct.gov to get your official judging number.

Find full details and participation guidelines at the Easton Recreation Website.

TRUNK OR TREAT - Friday, October 30, 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!

HELPFUL NUMBERS