Feb. 7 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Feb. 7, 2025

Good afternoon,

I am saddened to announce that former Easton Police Chief Gerald Hance passed away on February 1st. He was the Easton Police Chief from 7/17/78 - 3/1/95. His obituary is here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gerard-hance-obituary?id=57441591

We will be holding a referendum on the funding for the EMS building renovation on Tuesday, February 11, at Samuel Staples from 12-8 pm. Please make note of the time. If you cannot make it during those hours or are concerned about the weather forecast, you can obtain an absentee ballot by coming to the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, today and Monday.

Absentee Ballot Instructions:

1. Fill out an application for an absentee ballot at the Town Clerk’s office (print application - https://www.eastonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3071/f/pages/absentee_ballot_application_02-11-2025_referendum_0.pdf )
2. Bring the application into the town clerk’s office.
3. Get the actual absentee ballot.
4. Fill out the ballot.
5. Return it to the Town Clerk or the ballot box in front of the library.

It remains important that people show up and vote. All of us together make the decisions on our future and how our town will function. Information regarding the ballot question can be found at: https://www.eastonct.gov/town-meeting/news/special-town-meeting-02-03-2025, https://www.eastonct.gov/home/... -bindelglass, https://www.eastonct.gov/home/news/update-on-ems-staffing.

At last night’s meeting, I announced the establishment of a Community Risk Reduction Plan administered by Deputy Emergency Management Director, Schuyler Sherwood. His first charge is to work with all the town’s emergency services, fire, police, EMS, and dispatch to make sure that our agencies work together smoothly to provide our town with the highest level of public service and safety, and to ensure decisions that affect different departments are made collectively and not in isolation. I am taking this action now because recent attacks by members of one agency against another have escalated to a point where the service that the town provides, and our public safety could be adversely affected. That is unacceptable, and it will end now. Mr. Sherwood will have the town’s full support and will be assisted by other emergency service professionals as needed.

There was also a lengthy discussion about a mailer that was sent out and received yesterday by residents from Citizens for Responsible Government. Much of what was said in the mailer, about the EMS renovation project was refuted, by members of the public. Two of the people quoted were apparently unaware that their names and quotes were being used.

Activities around town:
Understanding Artificial Intelligence: Are you confused about AI? Want to be more informed? On Saturday, February 8th at 2:00 pm the Easton Public Library will host an engaging and informative presentation that introduces attendees to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) how it is applied in the real world, and why folks are concerned about it. Eddi Khaytman, MBA, is a web developer, graphic designer, and AI consultant. He has been involved in the field of AI for many years. Eddi has completed over 200 presentations in the field of AI and is known for his easy-to-understand subject matter and captivating style. Please register here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=4460&BranchID=&Branch=&EventID=545405&PK=

Dr. Vivian Hardison, an Easton Psychologist, is hosting a Pre-Valentine’s Day Celebration at the Easton Senior Center on Wednesday, February 12th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Enjoy music, hot chocolate, sparkling cider, and Valentine's treats while discussing this month’s topic “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” All are welcome; however, registration is required at 203-268-1145. Please wear something red! Dr. Hardison's programs have been very well received and attended in the past.

Easton Public Library Art Exhibits:

• Nicole Traver: Pouring Wonders, now through February 15th in the Conference Room.
• Steven Holm-Hansen, Woodturner, now through February 15th in the Glass Display Case.

Easton P&R is partnering with Redding P&R to offer our residents these two amazing New York City Bus Trips that leave from the Redding Community Center (RCC).

• Hadestown: Enjoy this award-winning Broadway show at a great price with the convenience of a coach bus. The trip is a Wednesday matinee on February 19th leaving the RCC at 9:00 am for a 2:00 pm performance. The trip features orchestra and 1st mezzanine tickets for an unbelievable price of just $119.
• NY Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers Hockey Game at MSG - Sunday, March 16th leaving the RCC at 3:00 pm for a 7:00 pm game. Seats are in section 216. The price for the trip is just $182.
• Leave the driving and parking to us… Sign up for either trip online at www.townofreddingct.org (Under Trips/Events, "Redding Express Trips"). Questions? Call Redding P&R at (203)-938-2551.

Have a safe weekend.

Dave