August 1 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Aug. 1, 2025

Good afternoon,

The Easton Fireman's Carnival at 1 Center Road is off to a great start and will continue tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, August 2nd. The much-anticipated town event features rides, games, food, bingo, and the exciting annual Jeep raffle ($25/ticket - only 8,000 tickets to be sold). Rides, games, and bingo run nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. Firefighter fundraising t-shirts available in the Jeep tent. Carnival goers look forward to meeting up with friends and dining on the outstanding food and desserts. This is one of the defining events in town. If you are new to town or have never been, it is a must. Check out the impressive history of the carnival HERE!

There was a great response to our request to donate tools for our sister city in Ukraine. I particularly want to thank the Volunteer Fire Department for providing space for the tools to be dropped off and housed. The donated equipment is now making its way to Ukraine. They are in desperate need of these items, as they continue to be under attack. I will let you know when we have another drive.
The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Okesson as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Okesson, a Senior Vice President at Connoisseur Media, has been an active board member since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience in media, marketing, and community engagement to this leadership role.

Over the last week, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has heard testimony from the legal intervenors, including Easton through attorneys hired by MetroCog, our regional council of governments, regarding the sale of the Aquarion water company. The water company was forced to answer questions from us, especially regarding the PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes), which would replace the property taxes that we are currently paid for the watershed, reservoir, and structures in Easton. There were also questions regarding the new governance structure, which we feel underrepresents us, as well as questions about the general structure of the deal. Questions asked by PURA seem to indicate that they have significant concerns as well. Further questioning and response by the water company will continue through August. There should be a preliminary decision published for more comment in October, and a decision in November.

Again, thanks to Irv Silverman, the fields in front of Samuel Staples Elementary School are brimming with sunflowers. The flowers, planted by Silverman’s farm, honor Ukraine. We are all invited to pick these beautiful flowers over the coming weeks. Irv told me there are plenty for everyone!

Heads Up, Fairfield/Easton Drivers! Beginning Monday, July 28, 2025, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will implement a mile-based numbering system, updating numbers on Route 15 (Merritt Parkway). This project will take approximately 4–5 weeks to complete. In Fairfield: • Exit 44 will become Exit 27 • Exit 46 will become Exit 28. These changes are part of a statewide effort to improve consistency and navigation. Don’t worry, signs will temporarily show both old and new numbers.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 16TH ANNUAL FARM TOUR!!! (Rain or Shine) Saturday, August 9th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, sponsored by Citizens for Easton. Participants must start at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavilion to obtain a map so as not to miss any new farms! There are new and expanded farms participating this year with lots of engaging activities for the kiddos! Many tasty treats for adults and kids alike...

Due to unforeseen issues, South Park Avenue will continue to be closed between Tersana Drive and Riverside Lane for drainage work. As of today, and weather permitting, this closure will last until Friday, August 8. Please follow detour signs to get around the closure. You can view the Detour Map here. If you have any questions, please call Easton Public Works Dept. at (203) 268-0714.

Around town:

Fun event to support the Easton Animal Shelter on Wednesday, August 6th at 10:00 am at the Easton Library. Bring your kids to “adopt” a stuffed dog! “Adoption fee” is $10 and includes an adoption certificate and name tag. All money goes directly to support the animals at the Easton Animal Shelter.

The TUNNEL TO TOWERS 9/11 INSTITUTE™ 9/11 NEVER FORGET MOBILE EXHIBIT will be at the Easton Congregational Church, 290 Center Road, on Friday, August 8th, from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, August 9th, from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm. The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit is a tribute to all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, including the 343 members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who made the ultimate sacrifice, and all who continue to lose their lives to 9/11-related illnesses. This high-tech, 83-foot tractor-trailer, which transforms into a 1,100-square-foot exhibit, is a tool to further educate people across the country about the events of that tragic day. Tours are given by first responders who were eyewitnesses to history. This is a free event brought to Connecticut by the Staples Academy Foundation and its community partners. Timed tickets for entry will be available online for this two-day event HERE. Parking is limited, so free shuttle buses have been provided. There is free parking at the Easton Senior Center and Samuel Staples Elementary School. Please arrive early for your scheduled visit time.

The “Grow a Row Program” for Easton Seniors is underway. Donations of homegrown produce or items purchased from Easton farms can be dropped off at Shaggy Coos Farm at 53 Center Road on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning July 8, for volunteers to deliver the food to Easton’s seniors.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Dave