Oct. 4 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

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

Oct. 4, 2024

Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, October 8th from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Samuel Staples Elementary School, 515 Morehouse Road, to appropriate Police and Fire radios and infrastructure.

Last weekend there was a truly horrific accident on Black Rock Turnpike resulting in two fatalities. We are still learning the details. One vehicle caught on fire and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver suffered multiple severe injuries and passed away at the hospital shortly thereafter. Both victims had severely disfiguring injuries. Our hearts go out to their families, but this is a reminder of the devotion of our emergency service workers. Not only do they put themselves in harm’s way physically, but as someone who has seen numerous horrendous accident victims, it can be emotionally damaging, sometimes in a permanent way. I say this as a way of saying, “Thank you” to those involved in this particular case, but also to remind you that it is likely that the time will come when every individual who serves us will eventually endure such an episode on our behalf. That is why they are so deserving of our respect every day.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at 307 Indian Ledge Park Drive next to the BMX Facility. This collection will serve Trumbull, Monroe & Easton Residents. (Must show driver's license) Click here for more information: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/446/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Collection.

On Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Notre Dame Church will have the blessing of the animals on the church grounds. This is our first time hosting this event and we invite everyone to come. Please have animals on a leash or in a cage. On Monday, October 7 at 9:30, Christ Church Easton will also be having a Blessing of the Animals. For more info: www.christchurcheaston.com.

The Easton Fire Department supports the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Fire Prevention Week (FPWTM) program, which starts October 6-12. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM” fpw.org. The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54%). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Easton Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be present and working to protect people.

Other important fire safety tips include:

• Close Before You Doze, https://closeyourdoor.org/ Close your doors when you go to sleep.
• Have a Fire Escape Plan https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/escape-planning
• Lithium Ion Battery Safety Take CHARGE - PSA - CT Career Fire Chiefs & Fairfield Fire Dept. on Vimeo

The Easton Fire Department is always available to assist any citizen who may need help with installing or testing your smoke alarms. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact the Easton Fire Department at 203-268-2833. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.

The Easton Senior Center will be offering adults by appointment only: Flu, COVID, Shingles and Pneumonia shots on Wednesday, October 16th from 7:00am-Noon. Please call to schedule your appointment today at (203) 268-1145. Please bring your insurance ID when you come for your appointment.

Sam P. Senior Memorial Park, Inc. is looking for funds to make needed repairs and improvements in the Senior Park. The funds will be used to improve the bridge system damaged by age and storms. For more information, please see the Facebook page: Sam P. Senior Memorial Park.

From the State Department of Transportation regarding Political Campaign Advertising Signs:

As the political campaign season is upon us, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) reminds candidates that Connecticut General Statutes §§21-50 through 21-63 and §23-65; and Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies §13b-17-19 and §§13a-124a-1 through 13a-124a-7 prohibit the posting of political advertising signs and posters on any State-owned property such as highways, roadways, railways, and transit facilities. The Statutes also authorize the Commissioner of Transportation to order the removal of illegally placed signs. All signs, other than State highway signs, require a permit from the Department. The only signs permitted are those that are posted (a) in accordance with established Regulations, (b) by towns, cities, boroughs, or fire districts, or (c) by incorporated fire companies, service clubs, or ecclesiastical societies. Signs illegally placed on State property can cause a safety risk to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians by obstructing views and creating distractions. The Department’s maintenance personnel have been instructed to remove all illegally placed political signs in the course of their day’s work. No calls will be made to candidates prior to the removal of signs. Political signs are an expense to candidates, and it is not our intention to have them deliberately destroyed. All signs removed by the Department will be held at the nearest Department maintenance facility. As State and Town chairpersons, please advise candidates and their supporters to refrain from placing any campaign materials on State-owned property. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Daly from the Department’s Legislative Affairs Office, at 860-594-3014 or maryann.daly@ct.gov. We would be happy to provide you with a contact at one of our local District Maintenance Offices that will help you with guidance or assistance in determining the boundaries of the State right-of-way along a particular State-owned route, or roadway. I respectfully ask for your cooperation in this matter.

Self-Care for Teens (Entering Grades 8-12) Thursday, October 10th at 7:00 PM & Thursday, October 24th at 7:00 PM. Join Easton psychologist Dr. Vivian C. Hardison and learn to be more positive and kinder to yourself. Topics and inter-activities include Role Playing - Emotional Charades & How to Handle Bullying and Social Media - How to Unplug & Just Breathe.

Refreshments will be served and participants will receive a gift. Registration is required. Please register for both sessions.

• For 10/10: Register HERE
• For 10/24: Register HERE

October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Tuesday, we raised the flag for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Have a great weekend,

Dave