Dec. 5 Update From Easton First Selectman Lent

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

Dec. 5, 2025

Greetings from Town Hall!

The State of Connecticut has activated the Severe Cold Weather Protocol from Thursday, Dec. 4, at 3 PM through Tuesday, Dec. 9, at noon due to an early-season arctic cold blast. If you or someone you know needs immediate heating or cold-weather assistance, please call 203-268-4111. Additional services are available by dialing 211, and emergencies should always be directed to 911. You can also contact our Social Services Coordinator, Daniel Simonelli, at 203-268-1137. Please stay safe and take precautions during this period of extreme cold.

The Valley Road Bridge over the Aspetuck River will be CLOSED. Due to the deteriorated condition of the bridge deck, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has recommended closing the bridge until a detailed engineering analysis can be completed. Please follow all posted detour signs and allow extra time for travel. If you have any questions, please contact the Easton Public Works Department at (203) 268-0714.

The Tax Collector’s Office will be open next week with abbreviated hours: Monday, December 8 through Thursday, December 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

REMINDER: There will be a SPECIAL TOWN MEETING on December 10th at 7:00 p.m. at Samuel Staples Elementary School. Residents are encouraged to attend as several important matters will be discussed, including:

1. Considering whether to join the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center
2. Adopting the new Fire Commissioners ordinance
3. Appropriating reimbursable funds from the undesignated fund for the Library Building Expansion Project
4. A special appropriation for the anticipated legal budget

For Agenda and more information, click HERE.

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEARINGS!

1. The next Conservation Commission Public Hearing will be held on Monday, December 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at SSES regarding the Plum Tree Lane (60-unit affordable housing apartment building and 9 townhouses proposed next to the Mill River). Link to November 20th Conservation Commission Hearing.
2. The next P&Z Public Hearing meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, at the Easton Public Library Community Room to discuss the Special Permits for the proposed private school at 405 Sport Hill Road and the addition to the rear of the Easton Public Library. Link to November 18th Planning and Zoning Hearing.
3. If you wish to receive updates regarding these meetings, please subscribe here!

The Office of the Fire Marshal reminds everyone to properly dispose of fireplace and wood stove ashes. Several fires statewide have been caused by ashes that weren’t fully extinguished.

If you use a fireplace or wood stove:

1. Let ashes cool for several days before disposal.
2. Place them in a metal container with a tight lid.
3. Keep the container outside, away from your home or any structure.

Make sure your alarms are working:

1. Smoke alarms on every level and near bedrooms.
2. CO alarms on every level.
3. Test monthly and replace batteries as needed.
4. Replace alarms over 10 years old.

Please take a moment to ensure your home is fire-safe. For help or questions, call 203-268-2833.
AWA/RWA/Eversource has filed an appeal to the CT Superior Court regarding PURA’s decision. RWA and Eversource asked for and were granted a hearing on Friday to discuss an expedited appeal process.

Radioactive chemotherapy-related items—such as clothing or diapers—cannot be placed in regular household trash. Doing so results in a $2,000 penalty for the town. We understand this can be an added concern during an already difficult time, so please remember to use the special bin provided by your medical supply company. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be replacing speed limit signs—including school zone signs—across the state. This project is funded through the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.

We are starting the Affordable Housing Committee again and are looking for volunteers. If interested, please contact the First Selectman’s Office at treynolds@eastonct.gov.

Feeling Lucky? Take a chance in the Easton Senior Center Raffle! Tickets are just $2 each, and we’ve got 12 fantastic prizes up for grabs. The drawing will be held on December 19th, so don’t miss out—swing by Town Hall or the Senior Center to pick up a ticket (or a few!). Good luck, and thanks for supporting our seniors! (Ticket holders need not be present to win)

Protect Your Credit: Freeze It for Free. Freezing your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion blocks scammers from opening new accounts in your name. It’s free, easy, and fully under your control. How to Freeze: 1. Contact each bureau separately online, by phone, or by mail. 2. Provide your personal info to verify your identity. 3. Receive a PIN to lift or remove the freeze when needed. Key Benefits: 1. Stops new credit accounts from being opened fraudulently. 2. You control access—temporarily lift or remove the freeze. 3. Free by federal law. Already a Victim? Place a fraud alert, report to the FTC and police, and freeze all three reports for maximum protection.

We are seeking donors, fundraisers, and community members who are passionate about preserving Easton’s natural beauty to help support our Town’s Land Acquisition efforts. Your involvement will play a meaningful role in protecting open space for generations to come. If you’re interested in contributing to this important work, we’d love to have you join us. Please get in touch with the First Selectman’s office at treynolds@eastonct.gov.

Have a great weekend!

Dan

AROUND TOWN

Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 pm at Christ Church Easton. Come early at 4:00 pm for "Cookies with Santa" hosted by CCNS (Christ Church Nursery School)! Join us to light up the night with warmth and music! Conditions permitting, we'll sing Christmas carols around the blazing bonfire. Hot cocoa and baked goods will be available by donation, benefiting the Lakota children of the Cheyenne River Reservation. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight!

The Easton Police Department is having a Stuff a Cruiser Toy Drive on Sunday, December 7th, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Help donate new toys to give children in need a better holiday season.

The Library’s Friends organization is gearing up for our Annual Holiday Market and Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 7th, from 3-6:00 p.m. This event is always eagerly awaited, and for good reason. There will be something to delight young and old alike: craft projects for the kids; vendors in the Community Room for holiday shopping, including Crystal Teal Co, Daybreak Farms, Grateful Pawz, Holm-Hansen Woodturning, Jason Curtis Glass, Jen Rubin Designs, Megan Newhouse Books, Old Redding Farm, Pink Daffodil Jewelry, The Illustrangest, The Rescued Earth, and Wabi Sabi. Enjoy festive craft projects for kids, warm up with hot chocolate and coffee, and treat yourself to delicious cookies. Capture the moment at our holiday photo booth and test your skills at the Penguin Popper Whack-a-Mole game, courtesy of Park & Rec. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 3:30 pm to greet everyone! The Joel Barlow Chamber Singers will fill the air with carols at 4:30 pm. Join us for the beautiful Easton Tree Lighting at 5:15 pm. Let’s celebrate the season together—mark your calendars and bring your holiday cheer! For more information, please visit our webpage.

Dr. Vivian will be at the Easton Senior Center on Wednesday, December 10th, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, creating Holiday Cards and Notes for friends and loved ones! Come dressed in your favorite holiday sweater and scarf, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy reaching out to your besties. Please contact the Senior Center at 203-268-1145 to register.

Join renowned storyteller Jonathan Kruk at the Easton Congregational Church, 290 Center Road, on Thursday, December 11th and Thursday, December 18th at 7:30 pm as he brings Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to life with his signature blend of drama, wit, and warmth.

The Barlow Chamber Singers will be performing at the Easton Congregational Church on Saturday, December 13th, at 6:30 pm.

Join Notre Dame of Easton Church at 655 Morehouse Rd, for a festive and heart-warming evening as they host their Annual Christmas Pageant and Tree Lighting on Sunday, December 14th at 5:00 PM. Bring the whole family to enjoy a light dinner, a cozy hot chocolate bar, music, and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! We also invite you to bake and share your favorite cookies, adding to the sweetness of the season. If you’re able, please consider bringing an unwrapped toy to support the Three Kings Feast Day at St. Charles and St. George Parish. Come celebrate the joy and generosity of Christmas with us—we can’t wait to see you there!

The Municipal Agents giving tree is back for a second year and accepting items until Wednesday, December 18th. All items go to seniors in Easton. Item tags can be picked up in person, or feel free to call Dan Simonelli at 203-268-1137 between 8 am and 3:30 pm. Please wrap items if possible (totally okay if not) and place the tag with the item(s).

Easton Park & Recreation at 652 Morehouse Road, Extended Day & TEAC are joining together to brighten someone's holiday! We are inviting families to help spread joy by grabbing a tag or just by simply donating a needed item. Tags can be found at Ext Day or TEAC. Items needed are: Children's toys, winter clothing, personal care items, and handmade or store-bought holiday cards. All items must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. Please donate items by Friday, December 19th, at either Ext Day or TEAC. Donations will be delivered to WFDC in Bridgeport, CT. Thank you!

The Easton Senior Center’s Holiday Boutique is in full swing and is going on until December 22, 2025. ALL ITEMS 50% OFF!! Come by and visit the Holiday Boutique at the Easton Senior Center, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. (except Holiday's) There will be special Hours on Saturday, December 6, 2025 (from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm). A huge assortment of brand-new items for holiday gift giving! Christmas items, housewares, clothing, and jewelry. ***Proceeds benefit our seniors***

DON’T FORGET! The Easton Garden Club’s 2025 Holiday Edition of the Easton Farm Map, celebrating Easton’s Agricultural history and Easton as the Christmas Tree Capital of CT, is ready for download: https://www.eastongardenclubof.... Each year, the Easton Garden Club supports our Easton Tree Farms & Stands and those Farms creating Holiday Cheer by publishing a Holiday version of our Easton Farm Map. The Map highlights the location of Christmas Tree Farms & Stands, Farms, Restaurants, and Markets open during the Holiday season. As always, check before you go! Hours of operation and openings may vary. l