Dec. 13 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Dec. 13, 2024

Good afternoon,

Easton is proud to be the Christmas Tree Capital of Connecticut. Each year, the Easton Garden Club supports our Easton Tree Farms & Stands and those farms and eateries creating holiday cheer by publishing a holiday version of our Easton Farm Map. During the week we had a visit from the Governor and the Commissioner of Agriculture to recognize Easton as the Christmas Tree Capitol of Connecticut and a farming powerhouse. They visited Silverman’s where they were greeted by several farmers, town leaders, and local representatives.

Visit https://www.eastongardenclubofct.org/easton-farm-map-holiday-edition to learn more and to download copies of the map. In addition, the Easton Garden Club decorates the entrances to town buildings with beautiful wreaths. We thank them for that.

The Easton Senior Center will be closed from December 24th until January 1st. The transportation department will continue to run and the drivers will take turns accommodating any needs.

This week, I sent out a post defining changes that Easton EMS has made to improve coverage for medical calls in Easton. Again, I have authorized the service to hire paid staff whenever needed to provide full-time coverage. This will also have the benefit of allowing us to see what amount of paid coverage is necessary on a permanent basis, if any. That will allow us to budget for the service for next year. I am certain that people realize that there will always be occasions when we have to rely on other towns providing services to Easton (mutual aid) because EMS is out helping another town, or in some instances when there are multiple medical emergencies at one time. Again, I want to thank the volunteers for their commitment to our town and the way they have stepped up to handle this.

The Aspetuck Health District has free radon test kits for residents, while supplies last. Residents can pick up one radon test kit per address at the Aspetuck Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Call 203-227-9571 ex 231 to confirm availability on the day that you would like to pick up.

This week we welcomed a new officer to our police department, Dominick Muoio. We also are happy to announce the promotion of Thomas Steinke to Sergeant. I have also appointed Schuyler Sherwood as Deputy Director of Emergency Management.

Activities around town:
The Jesse Lee United Methodist Church on 25 Flat Rock Rd, is holding a Candy Cane Hunt (free event) on Saturday, December 14th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is open to children ages 2 to 8 years old, with age groups: 2-3 years old, and 4-8 years old for the hunt. There will be craft games in the church before the hunt. Please register at www.jesselee.org.

Daniel Simonelli, Easton's Municipal Agent, is starting a ‘Giving Tree’ this holiday season for the seniors in our wonderful Town of Easton. You can visit his office to obtain a tag that lists specific items that will go to some of the seniors in our community. The tree will be up until Tuesday, December 17th, then everything will be taken to a recipient. If you have any questions please stop in to see him or give him a call at 203-268-1137.

Easton Learning Foundation Holiday Auction bidding extended to Tuesday, December 17th at 9:00 pm. All proceeds go to supporting our schools. Amazing donations from our teachers, staff, and local businesses. Please visit elf.betterworld.org.

Old Academy Series in conjunction with the Historical Society of Easton is hosting a Whiskey Tasting Evening at the Congregational Church Hall, 336 Westport Road on Wednesday, December 18th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $100 per person and will benefit the renovation and preservation of the Old Staples Academy Building. For inquiries please call 347-678-7230.

Community Carol Sing at Joel Barlow High School on Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30 pm. It’s an amazing event where everyone sings with hot cocoa and cookies for sale afterward. This is a great community event appropriate for all ages.

Reminder! The Senior Center’s Annual Holiday Boutique is open weekdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm until Friday, December 20th. Extended hours on Tuesday, December 10th – open until 7:00 pm. Cash or checks only, please. Do your holiday shopping locally for kids, Christmas decor, wreaths and trees, hand-knitted ware, spa products, housewarming gifts, small pieces of furniture, and jewelry, all reasonably priced!

The Annual Menorah Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 29th at 6:00 PM in front of Easton EMS, on the Town Green.

The Library's Giving Tree is up! Help us continue to enrich your lives with the latest materials and services. Stop by the Library and choose an item from our Giving Tree, located by the Circulation Desk. A Librarian will select the material needed for our collection, and your name will appear on a nameplate attached to the item. The Giving Tree will be up until Tuesday, December 31st.

Enjoy your weekend,

Dave