Dec. 20 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Dec. 20, 2024

Good afternoon,

As the cold weather sets in, the office of the Fire Marshal and the Easton Fire Department want to be sure the residents of our community recognize the importance of safe heating practices. It is important to note that 1 in 7 home fires and 1 in 5 fire deaths involve heating equipment. Click here for more information on heating safety and to learn more about simple steps you can take to keep you, your family, and our communities safe from fire this holiday season, watch this short video. We are expecting extremely cold weather this weekend. If you need help, please call the non-emergency police number, 203-268-4111 and a warming center can be opened.

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. Visit the Easton Garden Club to learn more and to download copies of the map.

The Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, and Wednesday, December 25th to celebrate Christmas. Reminder: 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.

Recycling Tip of the Month: Holiday Waste

1. Cardboard is all recyclable! Break down boxes and keep the cardboard dry. If it doesn’t fit in your cart, save it and bring it to the Trumbull transfer station.
2. Styrofoam is not recyclable in our single-stream carts, even if there’s a recycling symbol on it. Please remove it from your boxes and put it in your trash or reuse it if you can.
3. Wrapping paper is generally not recyclable due to plastic coating. Please consider reusing it, or else put it in your trash. Also consider using wrapping paper alternatives, like reusable gift bags, fabric, or decorated newspaper.
4. Live Christmas trees can be composted in your yard if possible and/or left outside for bird habitat. If you must dispose of your tree, you can bring it to the Department of Public Works (15 Westport Road, next to the sandpile); please remove all lights and decorations first. No wreaths please because the wires get caught in the chipper.

For more information click here.

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 it up.

Celebrate Easton with exclusive keepsakes supporting Easton PTO and ELF! Discover our lovely collection of mugs, posters, and wooden holiday ornaments. These items will be available at the Easton Town Hall, Easton Public Library, and Greiser’s Coffee Market. Mugs $20, Posters $10 (9” x 12”), Ornaments $10. Profits distributed to Easton PTO & ELF.

This week I would like to welcome Jo-Anne Wong-Ferreira to the position of HR/Payroll and Olivia Caruso to the position of Assistant Assessor Clerk.

From the Municipal Agent - Thank you to all of you who helped and supported this year's giving tree for our seniors. All of the gifts have been brought to members of our community. I hope this can be a seasonal tradition for years to come. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Activities around town:
Join us for a festive evening of celebration at the Easton Congregational Church Old Academy Hall on 336 Westport Road on Sunday, December 22nd, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Enjoy delicious food and mingle with fellow history enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the community and learn more about Easton’s rich history. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town, everyone is welcome to join in the holiday cheer! This is a free event, but registration is appreciated. Click here for Event Bright registration.

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.

Families Considering Joel Barlow High School for Their Students - Save the Date! The annual Orientation Evening for our Program of Studies will be held in our Auditorium on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The inclement weather/snow date is Thursday, January 9, 2025. The orientation will focus on course offerings, graduation requirements, and the course selection process for the 2025-2026 school year. This evening is most useful for parents and guardians of incoming ninth graders or new students, but may also benefit those seeking clarification of options.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Dave