Jan. 23 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Lent**

Jan. 23, 2025

Greetings from Town Hall!

I am very pleased that our focus on conservation and environmental issues has been going well, including our awareness of protected freshwater mussels in the Mill River. We are working with a resident zoologist, William Karesh, to better understand our endangered wildlife and to preserve forest land in town.

I was very moved to read Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail with a group from Christ’s Church Easton on Monday. The letter can be read here https://letterfromjail.com/. I recommend that everyone reread his compelling message of peaceful and non-violent protest.

Severe cold weather and snow are scheduled for this weekend, starting on Sunday. Please stay off the roads on Sunday and Monday as needed.

As we prepare for the upcoming cold and potential snow, here are some important safety tips:

• Prepare for Power Outages: Have emergency supplies (water, non-perishable food, blankets, first-aid, meds, pet supplies) for several days.
• Have Smoke Alarms on each floor and in each bedroom, and Carbon Monoxide Detectors on each floor.
• Proper Disposal of Fireplace and Wood Stove ashes- These must be disposed of outside, away from your home, never in the garage or near the side of your house. These ashes can be warm for many days. Put them in a metal container.
• Give Space Heaters Space and plug them directly into the wall. They should never be plugged into extension cords or plug strips.
• Dress Warm: Wear layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing, a waterproof outer layer, a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf.
• Shovel Smart: Work slowly, push snow instead of lifting, use your legs, take breaks, and avoid overexertion to prevent heart attacks.
• Be Careful with the snow blower- never put your hand near a moving part of the snow blower while it is running, even if it is not moving. The auger and impeller can start without notice.
• Watch for Cold Injury: Recognize signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion) and frostbite (numbness, pale skin).
• Stay Dry: Change out of wet clothes immediately.
• Car Essentials: Carry jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
• Travel Smart: Avoid unnecessary travel; if you must, check tires, antifreeze, wiper fluid, and heater/defroster.
• Check on Others: Especially the elderly or those living alone.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, even in cold weather.
• Pets: Bring pets inside and ensure livestock have access to unfrozen water.

The week of January 19, 2026 – January 25, 2026, has been nationally designated as Community Risk Reduction Week. The goal of Community Risk Reduction is to reduce the occurrence and impact of emergency events for both community members and emergency responders through deliberate action. Our goal is to keep you safe and prevent emergencies.

This week, members of the Emergency Management Team and the First Selectman met with representatives of the Department of Public Works, including Ed Nagy, to discuss snow removal and salting practices. We focused on the most efficient method to notify Public Works of planned weather events and when the road conditions have deteriorated. What was abundantly clear is that we all share the same goal, the safety of the citizens of the Town of Easton, and the Department of Public Works takes great pride in doing the very best it can with the resources it has to keep us all as safe as possible. In Easton, we have over 90 miles of road, which are plowed and treated by nine large trucks. This assumes no one is sick and all the equipment is operating properly. Each road requires over four passes to clear. There are guidelines that DPW follows regarding the amount of salt that is applied to our roads. We are all sensitive to our watershed, and salt can impact that. Salt becomes less effective below 25 degrees.

As citizens, we can all do our part to help expedite the snow removal process. If possible, stay off the roads. If you must drive, dramatically reduce your speed. Make sure all cars are removed from the road. It is illegal for them to be parked on the road immediately before, during, and after a snowstorm. Remind your driveway snowplow contractor not to leave snow on the travel portion of the road. This creates a dangerous situation for all motorists. Lastly, ensure that all basketball nets are removed from the road surface and that no part overhangs the road. This past storm, we had damage to a truck because of a basketball net. Together, we can help keep our crews safe and make sure that roads are cleared and passable as fast as possible.

IN ANTICIPATION OF THE IMPENDING STORM, THE FOLLOWING PLACES WILL BE CLOSED:

• The Trumbull Transfer Station
• TRASH and RECYCLING pick up will both be delayed by a day
• Easton Congregational Church Service will be cancelled for Sunday morning; however, they will be holding church service tomorrow @ 5:00 PM ahead of the storm.

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT
Delivery Service Impostors & Home Invasions. Across our region and nationwide, police departments are seeing a rise in home invasions involving suspects posing as delivery drivers. In several recent cases, residents opened their doors expecting a package, only to be confronted by offenders attempting forced entry and robbery.

• Do not open the door for unexpected deliveries
• Use doorbells, windows, or cameras to verify before answering
• Legitimate delivery drivers will not demand entry to your home
• Stay alert and trust your instincts
• Report suspicious delivery-related activity to 911 or your local police department
• Share this message with family, friends, and neighbors
• Be vigilant. Be cautious. Be safe. Together, we can deter these crimes and protect our community.

Governor Ned Lamont has directed the Office of Policy and Management to immediately reinstate the 2020 land use values under PA 490 to prevent sharp increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land. The action responds to unintended valuation increases beginning with the 2025 grand list due to data limitations. The state will notify all municipal tax assessors of the change and convene a working group with farmers, agricultural organizations, municipal leaders, and assessors to develop improved, fair valuation methods going forward. This move aims to protect family farms, preserve open space, and support Connecticut’s agricultural heritage while longer-term solutions are developed.

With the family’s permission, we share the sad news of the passing of Luke Sorce, a seventh-grade student at John Read Middle School. Luke was a curious and enthusiastic learner who quickly became a cherished member of the JRMS community. He was involved in activities such as debate and Science Olympiad and was known for his kindness, warm spirit, and ability to connect with others. Luke will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Luke’s obituary can be found HERE.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
Dr. William B. Karesh has recently been selected to serve on Easton’s Land Preservation and Acquisition Authority. He is also the author of Appointment at the Ends of the World: Memoirs of a Wildlife Veterinarian, a fascinating account of his work in wildlife conservation around the globe. Be sure to look for his book at our Library.

GOINGS ON AT TOWN HALL
I attended an Aspetuck Health District Task Force meeting on January 20th and visited the health center. See all their services to Easton residents here https://aspetuckhd.org/

I encourage residents to look at the initial School budget posted online HERE. Please keep in mind that the necessary special education requirements require a significant percentage of budget resources.

I am forming an Easton parent support group focused on college admissions and am looking for volunteers who are interested in helping other families navigate the process. This includes parents who have recently been through college admissions, as well as professionals with experience in counseling, testing, applications, or related areas. The goal is to create a supportive, community-based resource where families can share knowledge, ask questions, and help one another through what can be an overwhelming and frankly terrible process. If you are interested in getting involved, I would love to hear from you. Please contact Tina Reynolds at treynolds@eastonct.gov in the First Selectman's Office.

TAXES
Our Tax Collector, Krista Kot, would like to remind residents that the second installment real estate and personal property taxes (e.g., business equipment, unregistered/out-of-state vehicles, horses…), and supplemental motor vehicle taxes for vehicles (acquired October 2, 2024-July 31, 2025 on the Grand List of October 1, 2024), are payable without interest until February 2, 2026. Payments made in person must be received in the office by the end of the business day, or mailed payments, postmarked by February 2, 2026, in order to avoid interest. Alternatively, taxpayers may pay online HERE. Vendor fees apply.

If you believe you owe taxes but do not have a bill or did not receive one, please contact our office at 203-268-6291, Ext. 140, or you may look up your bill online via the link above. We are bound by CT State Statutes, so, unfortunately, failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer of his/her responsibility for the payment of taxes or delinquent charges, SS 12-130. Please be reminded that payments made online through your own bank are not always mailed the same day, and the envelopes are often not postmarked. Mail that is not postmarked and arrives after the due date is considered late, no exceptions.

REMINDER - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
1. The Conservation Committee Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, January 26th, at 7:00 pm at the SSES Cafetorium to discuss the Saddle Ridge cluster housing proposal HAS BEEN MOVED TO MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026, due to the impending storm.
2. The next Planning and Zoning Public Hearing meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 7:00 pm at SSES Cafetorium to discuss the Saddle Ridge cluster housing proposal.
3. The next ZBA special meeting (open to the public) will be held on Tuesday, February 10th, at 5:30 pm (location to be decided) to hear the appeal application for the Strong on Center’s zoning permit.
4. If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe here! https://www.eastonct.gov/subscribe

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support as we work together for the future of Easton. Aspetuck Health District recently partnered with the Easton Public Library to promote Radon Action Month as part of its ongoing public health and wellness initiatives. The outreach was a success, with approximately 30 free radon test kits distributed to Easton Public Library patrons.

SHELTER UPDATE
Great News! ‘Harper’ was adopted! But there are still two beautiful and endearing dogs looking for ‘furever’ homes! If interested, please contact the Easton Animal Control at 203-268-9172

Have a great weekend and be safe!

Dan

AROUND TOWN
Knitting Without Needles on Saturday, January 24, at 2:00 pm at the Easton Public Library. Certified knitting instructor Dawn (The Stitching Coach) will lead a class on arm knitting. You will be able to cast on, knit, and bind off an infinity scarf. This program is open to adults and teens. Registration is recommended.

Yoga for Children Ages 2-5 with a Caregiver, Monday, January 26, 10:30 AM. It’s Winter! Come inside and warm up with some gentle yoga. 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 is required

Join us at the Easton Public Library on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 pm for a screening of the 1934 film Twentieth Century, starring John Barrymore and Carole Lombard, and directed by Howard Hawks.

Join acclaimed author Dan Slater for a free seminar and workshop at the Easton Public Library. The Art and Craft of Storytelling: For Writers and Non-Writers on Sunday, February 1, 1:00-2:30 pm. During two classes--the first Sundays in February and March--Dan will convey the essential principles of the storytelling trade, and help budding storytellers of all ages and backgrounds transform their raw ideas into gripping narratives. Registration is required.

Join Elder Jolyn Walker for a wonderful afternoon of African dance, drumming, and history. The Great African Dance and Culture Exchange (All Ages) will be held on Thursday, February 5, 4:30-6:00 PM. Participants will learn about Black History Month, learn African dance choreography & participate in a Community Dance. Instruments will be available for those who do not wish to dance. Registration is required.

Join us at the Library on Saturday, February 7, at 1:30 PM for a dynamic fencing demo led by Candlewood Fencing Center’s expert coaches, featuring mobility work, footwork, and tactical drills. (Ages 6-12) Fencing is the ultimate cross-training sport, building balance, coordination, mental focus, and cardiovascular fitness. Come experience the energy, precision, and fun! Registration is required.

The Easton Garden Club is sponsoring “Make Your Backyard a Bird Sanctuary!” on Wednesday, February 11, at 12:30 pm at the Easton Public Library. Learn how to transform your yard into a sanctuary for birds. By providing food, water, and a sustainable habitat, you can attract our feathered friends. We will discuss the use of vegetation, native plantings, water features, and other elements that can attract and create a comfortable environment for birds. Presenter: Chris Petherick
The Easton Arts Council is having its Winter Arts Celebration from January 6 to February 28 in the Library Community Room. All art is for sale.

Please join us for our UAI Easton Sister City fundraiser, ‘Keys for Resilience’ concert featuring Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanov, and Taryn Kuzma on the bandura, at the Westport Country Playhouse on Thursday, March 5th. For Tickets: KEYS FOR RESILIENCE - TICKETS. To help sponsor: KEYS FOR RESILIENCE – SPONSORSHIP