Oct. 11 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Oct. 11, 2024

Good afternoon,

On Tuesday, the town passed the appropriation of funds to upgrade the town’s emergency communication system. Those funds, and the remaining federal ARPA funds, will be used to fund the project which will significantly improve communications between our emergency services in town. To reiterate, this was a primary recommendation from the consultant evaluation we had done last year. There were a number of other recommendations of procedures in departments which also need to be considered. We have now convened a Fire Prevention Review Committee to review how the Fire Department functions and we are looking forward to their report. Similarly, while we are about to solicit bids for the renovation of the EMS building, we have also been discussing at the Board of Finance meetings how to fund additional paid positions for EMS coverage.

Thanks to all who voted and to those who worked at the polls on Tuesday. I am interested in feedback about how people viewed the polls being open from 12-8:00 pm. Thank you also to Samuel Staples Elementary School who tolerated our holding a necessary referendum during school.

Please keep in mind that the Town Hall will be closed on Monday, October 14th for Columbus/Indigenous People’s day.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will be working alongside FEMA to help residents and business owners in their homes and businesses rebuild, and to help renters in their replacement of damaged/destroyed personal property following the extreme weather event that occurred on Aug. 18-19. They are eligible to apply for physical damage through November 19th, 2024. Residents and business owners may apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRCs) and Business Recovery Center (BRCs) at the Monroe Police Department, 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe, and the Oxford Town Hall, 486 Oxford Road, Oxford. Hours are Monday-Friday 8 am - 6 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm, closed Sundays. Application for assistance may be made online as well via MySBA Loan Portal. (www.sba.gov)

In addition, businesses that have not sustained physical damage may be designated to be in the “zone of economic impact” following such a disaster. In the years following rebuilding from natural disasters, we see a recurring phenomenon wherein the small businesses in the impacted areas take a financial hit causing sometimes cascading negative effects on the local economies. In an effort to support local business owners during these times, the SBA has a program to provide funds in the form of low-interest and long-term loans to carry them during the rebuild period via the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) Program. Business owners may apply in person at our Disaster Recovery Center (DRCs) and Business Recovery Center (BRC) through June 20th, 2025, or online via the SBA Loan Portal (www.sba.gov). Please click HERE to see the fact sheet.
The Easton Public Library will be hosting an Intro to Songwriting Workshop (Grades 7+) on Thursday, October 17th from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Singer, songwriter, and Easton Library Assistant, Shannon Bruchal, will walk you through the process of creating your own song. Registration is required.

Early Voting will be held in the Easton Public Library Community Room at 691 Morehouse Rd, Easton, CT from Monday, October 21 to Sunday, November 3 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. (Extended early voting hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on October 29 and 31). The deadline for voter registration by mail, at the DMV, online, and in person is Friday, October 18, 2024. If you wish to register for early voting, you may register at the Easton Public Library Community Room from October 21 to November 3. You may also register in person on Election Day at Samuel Staples Elementary School.

Bring the kids for trick-or-treating to the Halloween-decorated Easton Town Hall on Friday, October 25th, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. All are welcome.

Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Free Spirit Festival and Lady in White 5K on Saturday, October 26th. Events include 5K starting at Christ Church, Kids "FUN RUN" & awards ceremony, Air Brush Tattoos, TEAC Fall Pop-Up Market at the Park & Recreation office, and Story Time at the Easton Library. More information to come. https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Easton/EastonWhiteLady5K

The ever-popular Trunk or Treat and Bonfire on Thursday, October 31st will begin at 5:30 pm at SSES/Morehouse fields. If you are interested in signing up your trunk, please email eastontrunkortreat@gmail.com. This event is free. Candy donations will be accepted at the Park & Recreation office or the Extended Day Program (Room 139 @ SSES) through October 30th.
Recycling Tip of the Month: NO PLASTIC BAGS! Plastic bags can’t be recycled in our single-stream cart. Even a full bag of recyclables will be trashed because it's unsafe for workers to open. Plastic bags also clog the machines.

• Please put all of your recyclables straight into the bin.
• Clean plastic bags and other clean plastic (e.g., food wrap, dry cleaner bags, bubble wrap) are recyclable at some retail/grocery stores.
• General recycling guides:
  • Keep it clean and dry.
  • When in doubt, throw it out
  • Questions: www.recyclect.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dave