Home Care In Easton, CT

"From all of us at town hall, we wish you all joy and happiness for the holiday season…"

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

Dec. 21, 2023

Good afternoon,

Town hall will be closed tomorrow, December 22 and Monday, Christmas day. From all of us at town hall, we wish you all joy and happiness for the holiday season. As I have said before, please look after your neighbors and take advantage of the services the town has to offer. This excellent article was recently published in the Courier about care giving during the holidays: https://eastoncourier.news/2023/12/20/caregiving-tips-to-make-the-holidays-more-joyful-less-stressful/.

We had a pretty bad storm the beginning of this week with high winds and more than three inches of rain. Our Public Works department worked hard to stay on top of it (thank you) and power outages were minimal.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I had a call with Mayor Rybalkin of our sister city in Ukraine today. On top of everything else they are dealing with, they have had a terrible start to their winter with snow and ice, then warming which turned everything to mud. Still, as I have come to know him, his primary thought was to share his town’s gratitude and best wishes for all of us. I think his citizens simply appreciate knowing that we are thinking of them, particularly things like letters from seniors or shared classrooms with our middle schoolers.

You may notice that there is work being done at town hall. The older part of town hall is more than 80 years old and that includes the chimney which was recently discovered to be in need of repair. This work is somewhat weather dependent, but is ongoing.

There is no agenda for tonight’s board of selectmen meeting, therefore the meeting was cancelled. We meet next on January 4.

Have a great holiday!

Dave

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

Here is the process to request an absentee ballot [two-step process: (1) application and (2) ballot available]: Print, complete and sign the Absentee Ballot Application https://www.eastonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3071/f/agendas/absentee_application_form_november_7_2023.pdf and return to the Town Clerk's Office. You can also request a Ballot using the new https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do. Ballot will be prepared for you and either issued to you in person. Once you have your completed ballot, you may; mail to the Town Clerk’s Office (225 Center Road, Easton, CT 06612), deposit the ballot in the https://www.eastonct.gov/town-clerk/news/notice-official-ballot-drop-box-installed-in-town-of-easton-easton-only or deliver In-Person to the Town Clerk's office we are open Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Absentee Ballots MUST BE RECEIVED no later than 8:00pm on the day of the election, November 7, 2023.

Voting is the most fundamental right of our democracy and local elections effect our daily lives more than any other. Please take the time to educate yourselves about the candidates. Please vote on Tuesday November 7th, from 6:00am to 8:00pm at Samuel Staples Elementary school.

As there is a possibility that this is my last post, I want to share with you one thought which I hope will be remembered. We have an excellent staff in Town Hall who are truly dedicated to serving you. They do an amazing job of being efficient and helpful. They all wear multiple hats and it really functions like a family. If you are in Town Hall, please thank them.

Last night at the Board of Selectmen meeting, with the full support of the board, we reiterated the message which I delivered last week. The disclosure of people’s personal information is completely unacceptable. We have many people who volunteer their services to help govern our town and they deserve our full protection against such action. The members of the Board of Selectmen are committed to providing that protection. We also honored Bob Lessler for his 30 years of service to the town. Few if any, have served as long or contributed as much. Thank you, Bob!

Join the Historical Society of Easton on November 5th at 4:00pm as we welcome Mary Donahue. Mary is an author, historian and executive producer of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast all about CT history. She is also the author of A Life of the Land: Connecticut’s Jewish Farmers. This event is free to the public and will be held at the Easton Public Library’s Community Room. Help us plan for seating and refreshments by registering at https://historical-society-of-easton.yapsody.com/event/index/788853/connecticuts-jewish-farmers.

From the Easton Energy and Environment task force: Please join a representative from the Energize ConnecticutSM Heat Pump Support Team on Zoom to learn about these highly efficient, environmentally friendly heating and cooling units. There will be a presentation, followed by time for your questions on Thursday, November 9th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Please click the link below to join the webinar online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84737674036 or one tap mobile:+16469313860,84737674036# US. Questions? Please contact [email protected].

The Easton’s Here to Help Social Services Department has organized Treats for the Troops. Please consider donating your excess candy to Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops. Drop off is at the Easton Public Library no later than November 11th. Please see attached for further details: https://eastoncourier.news/event/treats-for-troops-candy-collection/.

The Easton Senior Center will have a breakfast in honor of Veteran’s Day with a special dedication by our choir on Monday, November 13th at 9:00am. Please call (203) 268-1145 by Wednesday, November 8th to sign up for this very special event and support our veterans.

The Senior Center will also be offering adults Flu, COVID, RSV, Shingles and Pneumonia shots on Tuesday, November 14th from 11:00am-3:00pm. Please call for an appointment to avoid wait time at (203) 268-1145 and bring your insurance ID to the appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Also, the Aspetuck Health District has flu shots available. Please call (203) 227-9571 x235 to make an appointment. Medicare, Connecticare, Cigna and Aetna accepted.

Easton Garden Club Annual Wreath & Poinsettia Sale is now open: Each year the Easton Garden Club hosts the https://www.eastongardenclubofct.org/wreathsale to fund activities that benefit our Easton Community. The catalog of what the Club is offering this year can be found here: www.eastongardenclubofct.org/wreathsale, including double wreaths, roping, Poinsettia, and winter seed sowing kits. The sale is open until Nov. 21st for pre-paid order and scheduled curbside pickup on November 29 between 1-6pm at the Easton Public Library community room courtyard.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night as we return to standard time.

Have a great weekend,

Dave

EASTON — The Emergency Medical Services facility is set to remain in its nearly 100-year old home instead of moving to a revamped firehouse across the street.

The committee charged with upgrading the volunteer EMS station tabbed the existing, weathered two-story building for a proposed $3.6 million renovation project that would double the number of garage doors and refresh the second floor, which would include an office, sleeping quarters and training space.

The Board of Finance approved the committee's recommendation to spruce up the facility and appropriated $20,000 through a newly created capital project fund for costs that could include hiring an architect or legal counsel.

"I think we all agree that the EMS needs a better station," William Andrews, the EMS Planning and Building Committee chair, said at the recent Board of Finance meeting. "There's no doubt about that. And the other thing we need is we need to have an economical solution that meets the needs of the community that works."

Committee members had eyed the firehouse across the street as the likely location for the EMS' new home earlier this year due to structural issues and space shortages in its current location. But the renovation of the existing station would open four garage doors instead of two at a lower price than the alternative — building an addition to the firehouse across the street.

The renovation at the EMS site would make over the entire building, including the alarm system, the floor and roof, interior finishes, parking, lighting, HVAC and a new septic system, according to projections from Turner Construction, the company overseeing the project.

Costs for construction at the nearby fire facility would start at $4.2 million for a two-door garage, rising to $4.5 million for three doors and $5.4 million for four doors, according to Turner Construction projections.

First Selectman David Bindelglass said the four-door configuration at the EMS station would rectify safety issues stemming from emergency vehicles that would need to back into the two doors facing the two-lane Sport Hill Road, which passes by the front of the building. Under the renovation plans, three of the doors would be located along two sides of the building tucked in from the street and one door would face Sport Hill Road.

"This would give EMS the operational capabilities that they need to exist right now in a station that is functional and cost effective compared to the other options," Andrews said of the plans for the EMS building.

Andrews said the station would continue to operate with two ambulances, which meets the town's needs, and the crew can opt to replace the day truck that would be parked outside the building with an ambulance at any time. Bindelglass said a third ambulance could fit in the garage with some space reconfiguration on the first floor, which would open with two bays for ambulances each.

The facility would also feature private bathrooms, a kitchen and living room on the second floor, according to the presentation from the EMS Planning and Building Committee. Andrews said all renovations would fit within the building's current footprint.

He said the volunteer EMS crew would shift its operations to a tent and trailer on an adjacent property, where members can live during the renovation period with beds and plumbing. Bindelglass said the owner of the property, the lot sitting between the EMS station and neighboring Easton Village Store, has signed the town's letter of intent to purchase the land.

Board of Finance member Andrew R. Kachele urged the Planning and Building Committee to run the renovation plans by the state Department of Transportation since the project would take place off Sport Hill Road, part of state Route 59. He said the town should also arrange for environmental testing at the site before moving forward with the project to identify potential contamination from the village store, and old ceramic studio or previous motor oil dumping.

"We can't take the risk of having a huge remediation issue on that site," Kachele said.

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A feasibility study for a sewer and septic system at the location would also be necessary before moving forward, he added.

Committee members will start searching for an architect for the site this month before presenting the board with its pick at a November Board of Finance meeting, where they will request funding from the town's supply of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The architect would then formulate plans and speculations so a construction bidding process can takes place in early 2024, which will lead into a final town vote on project funding in the spring.

Easton resident Leny K. Wallen-Friedman? tells Patch why he should be elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals?.

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Spouse - Margaret Wallenfriedman, retired physicianSon - Asher Wallen-Friedman - age 33Son - Silas Wallen-Friedman - age 31Daughter - Elise Wallen-Friedman - age 20

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes. 2012 – 2022 Edina School Board (Edina, Minnesota)2016 - 2019 Edina School Board Chair

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for the Zoning Board of Appeals because I view public service as a way to help support my community and I have the background necessary for the position. “Giving back” was instilled in me many years ago by my mother, a special education teacher, who stressed the need for individuals to help each other. For the past twenty five years I have volunteered or been elected to many positions within my prior community. I served ten years on the Edina school board (with four years as board chair) and on the school district’s finance committee for ten years before that. I coached baseball and soccer for over a decade, served as Treasurer for my children’s elementary school and girl scouts and hosted eight different international teaching assistants who worked at my children’s schools. I am, and always have been, committed to the community in which I live.

I also have the background to contribute on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am a retired attorney. After graduating from law school, I clerked for two years at the Wisconsin Supreme Court. I started my private practice career at Robinson & Cole in Hartford, focused initially on land use and later, general litigation. For the twenty years before retiring, I focused on business litigation in my own firm. I bring a deliberate, analytical approach to decision making.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There currently are no major issues before the Zoning Board of Appeals for which there is a dispute among the board members. Over at least the past two years the Board has typically voted unanimously on the issues before it. This shows the board is united in completing its work on behalf of the residents of Easton and that they agree upon the proper resolution of requests brought before them.

My legal background makes me perfectly suited to continue the work of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I have the ability to analyze requests that come before the Board and resolve those requests consistent with the Easton zoning laws. I also can work with others on the Board to resolve issues in a collegial fashion.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a long history of volunteering in my community and have been fortunate enough to have that community elect me to the school board. In addition, I have over 35 years of legal experience that makes me well suited to analyze and resolve issues before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Issues have arisen in Easton regarding the use of property for commercial purposes. In addition, there has been a recent change regarding non-conforming properties that are adjacent to conforming properties. The key to resolving issues that arise before the Zoning Board of Appeals is to analyze any requests within the scope of Easton’s zoning regulations.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was elected three different times to the Edina school board. My multiple re-elections show that I was successful in moving the school district forward and had the continued support of my community. In addition, my peers elected me as board chair four consecutive years (at which time I did not run for a fifth year).

While serving on the school board I ran a successful law practice. I hold an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was voted a “super lawyer” by my peers over fifteen times (including the past thirteen years).

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Not everyone is as fortunate as I am. I should always take time to help others.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am, and always will be, dedicated to my family and my community. My wife of 39 years and I moved back to Connecticut last year to be closer to our now grown children. We chose Easton because it offered the perfect blend of community and preserved open space.

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Easton resident Tom Dollard tells Patch why he should be re-elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

EASTON, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Easton and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Find out what's happening in Weston-Redding-Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I self-funded my Bachelors Degree at St. John's University.

What is your occupation?

I am a 40-year resident of Easton, with nearly five decades of corporate and educational experience that spans roles with General Electric, Black & Decker and as an adjunct professor with Sacred Heart University. I am married to Linda Dollard, a retired school psychologist and former volunteer for several Town of Easton committees.

Prior to my retirement, I was Chief Financial Officer for the Black & Decker Household Products Group in Shelton. I led the Goldman Sachs Investors Team in selling Black & Decker Household Products in 1997.

I have held multiple leadership and management roles within General Electric, joining as a high school trainee in 1962, followed by positions in GE’s corporate audit staff, medical systems division, household appliances division and GE Supply.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have been married to my better half, Linda Dollard, for 57 wonderful years. Linda has been a familiar face around Easton, having served on numerous boards and committees. We have two children, David Dollard and Alicia Young. I have four lovely granddaughters ranging in age from 27 to 11. I am the second of five children, born and raised in Queens, New York. I attended All Hallows Catholic High School in the Bronx and remain an active supporter of that institution.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife Linda was most recently a member of the Easton Library Board and The Commission on the Aging. My daughter Alicia is a member of the Easton Board of Education.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I am currently the Chair of the Easton Zoning Board of Appeals. In total, I have been part of ZBA for 16 years. I was made a regular member in 2021, and served as an alternate member prior to that.

I have also served on the Solid Waste Commission, and I am a past President of the Easton Lions Club.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running to maintain my position on the Zoning Board of Appeals because I believe that safeguarding Easton’s zoning regulations and ensuring equal enforcement is the most fundamental way of ensuring that our shared rural, agricultural, and water-rich environment is preserved.

I moved our family to Easton because it offered the very best schools, community and environment, yet it had convenient access to shopping and commercial areas. We have enjoyed many decades in town, and I want to ensure my grandchildren can continue to have the same benefits of living in Easton.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is the function whereby concerned residents can address issues they believe are in conflict with Easton's established rules and regulations. As a board, and particularly under my leadership, we have built trust with residents for our ability to analyze every situation for their individual circumstances and without bias.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience and leadership. I bring 16 years of institutional knowledge to this role, along with my 40+ years of being a resident. Moreover, I have developed solid working relationships with Town Hall and multiple town departments. I have proven that I can, and will, work with anyone to get to the appropriate outcomes on behalf of Easton's residents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Easton traditionally struggles with questions about its future and what 'development' might entail. Bureaucrats and special interests groups in Hartford want towns to adopt blanket policies that can negatively impact our zoning, our watershed and our infrastructure. We have a lot to offer as a community and a natural resource, and our local leaders have to work together to find solutions that fit our unique environment.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've had a successful corporate career with world-class companies, while at the same time focusing on my family and community. I have dedicated sixteen years to the Zoning Board of Appeals - no one can bring a similar level of understanding or knowledge to this role. I am a world traveler, having visited and worked in countries across Asia Pacific, North and South America, and Europe.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You're smart - figure out what comes next.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I view my role, and that of ZBA, as a board where residents can come and receive a thorough and fair hearing with impartial outcomes. We don't create regulations, we help to enforce them. I am proud to continue building upon the legacy of trust and cooperation that has defined the ZBA for decades.

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