CE&P Annual Report 2023

Community Engagement & Programming

2023 Annual Report

Acknowledgements

Department Mission

The mission of Easton's Community Engagement & Programming Department is to positively impact the well-being of all Easton Residents through inclusive activities, engagement opportunities, and programming.

Our office liaises with both the Recreation Commission, and the Council on Aging to understand and meet community needs, develop policies, and achieve each board’s respective charge. We owe a great deal to our board members. Their commitment and passion for improving our community cannot be overstated.

Council on Aging

Matthew Soeldner, Chair

Donna Welch, Vice Chair

Jean Shearing

Marjorie Goldstein-Fradin

Christine Midura

Jim Benson

Lynn Cleveland

Recreation Commission

Tana Babbitt, Chair

Natalie Clouser, Vice Chair

Meredith Keach, CPC Liaison

Michelle Durrance

Jennifer Gilabert

Melissa Hartz

Sarah Morrison

TotheCommunity

A note from the Department

As we reflect on this past year of programs, parks, and the people that make them each special, our department would like to express our profound gratitude to this community for your support. The kind words, enthusiasm, and appreciation you have displayed at every turn is remarkable. You have all made this year so enjoyable.

The information compiled in this annual report details the work we do in serving you. It includes data on our reach through programs, information on parks, employment, and echoes our office’s values and priorities.

Our department is proud of what we ’ ve accomplished and provided this community over the last 365 days, but we still hope to do more. As we enter 2024, our department will strive to continuously improve our offerings for you and your families. In addition to providing engaging activities, our team will reaffirm our commitment to building an affordable, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all residents.

A closing note we will leave you with: It’s often said that some departments and their staff are the backbone of a community. That is absolutely true. We owe so much to dedicated essential workers. In our office, we view our work a bit differently. In our eyes, Community Engagement & Programming plays a different role. We view ourselves not as the backbone, but as the smile and the outstretched hand in our town, welcoming you and your loved ones to thrive alongside your neighbors, doing what makes you your fullest self.

We appreciate you taking the time to read this report, and hope to see you in our programs soon. Thank you and be well!

CE&PSummary

2023

Guided by the volunteers who serve on the Council on Aging and the Recreation Commission, the Department seeks to provide programming and services that enrich the lives of the residents of Easton. Using various funding sources such as the annual town budget, the Executive Office of Elder affairs formula grant, other grants, and donations, we can provide exciting and supportive programming.

Our newly quarterly program brochure, “Engaged in Easton”, which catalogs recreational activities being offered by season, has reached nearly three thousand residents, highlighting all that our office has to offer. The Council on Aging’s newsletter, The Coordinator, highlights programs specifically for older adults and the Town website and social media accounts, providing one cohesive platform for highlighting our programming offerings One thousand two hundred editions of this newsletter went out each month to Easton residents. These publications have been historically offered at frequently visited locations around town such as the post office, town hall, and the library. This year, we were able to expand the distribution to new sites including Shovel Works Apartments, Avalon, Roche Brothers, and North Easton Savings Bank.

Easton’s new community program portal has been used by nearly three thousand residents and helped to facilitate registration for our activities.

Our office's programming efforts continue to offer new and family friendly activities such as family fishing clinics, seasonal card making classes, and pumpkin decorating programs. This year, we are proud to highlight our first wave of inclusive programs, offered to engage all residents, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Additionally, our office has offered school break programs, which offers parents in Easton half-day childcare

Longstanding traditions such as the Egg Hunt, Children’s Races, Middle School March Madness Tournament, and Touch a Truck events returned as community favorites, and saw record participation. In total, our office provided over fifteen hundred hours of programs to families, and over twenty-eight thousand hours of programming to seniors.

The Town Pool provided recreation for all ages during the summer months. Similar to past years, neighboring towns experienced lifeguard shortages and unanticipated closures of their aquatic facilities, while Easton’s facility and lessons remained uninterrupted Our sincere gratitude goes out to our colleagues in Easton Police, Fire, and our Department of Public Works for their continued support of our Touch-A-Truck initiative, and for engaging with patrons throughout the summer in new and creative ways.

In addition to programming, our office introduced our newest staff member, Shea Matta Shea joins us as our Administrative Assistant, and plays a pivotal role in offering recreational opportunities for residents.

COASummary 2023

The Council on Aging (COA) in Easton comprises seven resident representatives advocating for the aging population, supported by key staff members including Joseph Pitti, Shea Matta, and Jeff Page.

Meeting monthly, the group discusses aging initiatives, benefit changes, and town programming, with Frothingham Hall hosting various programs like yoga, healthy eating, and arts and crafts. New offerings like senior education sessions and meditation have been introduced under COA's guidance, totaling 20 fitness and well-being programs weekly, serving over 10,000 residents.

Additionally, initiatives like the monthly newsletter, expanded distribution sites, and volunteer efforts, including SHINE assistance, underscore the COA's commitment, supported by various community partners and contributors.

RecreationSummary

2023

The Recreation Commission, comprised of 7 members, meets monthly to guide and develop programs, including returning favorites like T-ball and track and field, impacting 2,367 residents.

New initiatives such as family fishing clinics and inclusive activities for children have been implemented under the Commission's guidance, alongside public advisement on various town initiatives like park restoration and recreation portal development.

Furthermore, the Community Paramedicine Program introduced water safety initiatives, and the Engaged in Easton online publication facilitated broader outreach, garnering 10,000 impressions, and enhancing communication with residents.

RecreationalAssets

In addition to the people running our programs, recreational spaces are pivotal to running our department. Our team is responsible for operating, programming, and facilitating rentals for town-owned recreation assets. These spaces include parks, fields, our pool, and Frothingham Hall.

5,680sqft COMMUNITY

RecreationalAssests

Visitation Numbers - Frothingham Hall

2023 - 10,002

With the introduction of evening and weekend programming, as well as the option for rentals, Frothingham Hall has undergone a transformative evolution from a community center primarily utilized during the day, to a bustling hub of activity seven days a week. These expanded offerings have not only provided residents with more opportunities to engage in recreational and educational activities but have also turned Frothingham Hall into a vibrant and inclusive gathering place for individuals of all ages and interests.

Participation&Engagement

Council on Aging & Day Programs - 2023

+10,000 Visits

3 Destination programs

20WeeklyFitness Programs

+28,000 Hoursof programservice

+1,200 Monthly Brochures

~40SocialActivities& SpecialEvents

Participation&Engagement Recreation - 2023

+2,300 Participants ~90 Programs

~2,500 RecDesk Users

10,000 Brochure Impressions

20 Educational& Learn-to Programs 15Programs >$5/session

ProgramSatisfaction

Survey Summary

Surveys were conducted using a 5-point Likert scale. These assessments were shared following all programs in each quarter. Questions prompted participants on their perceptions of the program quality, facility quality, value of the program, and the quality of the instructor.

SCORES

ProgramHighlights

Department Priorities

New Programs

Pumpkin Decorating

Family Pottery

Mother's Day Card Class

Horsemanship

SERMREC Trip

Patriots Hall of Fame

Ukulele Lessons

Women in Programs

Youth Field Hockey

March Madness - 6, 7, 8th

Mommy & Me Stroller Striders

Women’s Field Hockey

Co-ed TBall

Women’s Pickup Basketball

Cupcake Bouqet’s w/ Easton’s Women of Today

Horseback Riding

Bocce League

Family Fishing Clinic Author Talks

Skiing at Blue Hills

Family Cooking Program

Learn-to Code

Youth Golf Drums Alive

Ballroom Dance Foundations of Meditation And More!

InclYOUsion Sports

HOPe & ARC

Coffee Talks & Social Hours

Intergenerational & Family Programs

New Program Scholarship Providers

$5/day priority

ProgramHighlights

Why these priorities?

Offering new and diverse programs, while broadening our definition of ‘recreational activities’, is vital for engaging residents. These initiatives provide opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and interests to participate, encouraging inclusivity and well-being. By continuously piloting new activities, we enrich community life, promote personal growth, and strengthen connections among residents.

New Programs Women in Programs

Providing programs specifically tailored for women of all ages is a priority for our office. Research indicates these groups participate in recreational activities at lower rates (10-20% less) than their male counterparts. Studies conducted by the Women's Sports Foundation suggest that engaging girls in recreation promotes physical health, and enhances overall life satisfaction and well-being. By offering these programs, we can empower women and girls to pursue their passions, build confidence, and lead fulfilling lives.

Rec-Quity & Inclusion

Our mission is to offer meaningful programs for all residents. We will strive to remove barriers and bring residents into our programs. We feel strongly that residents should not be defined by differences, but rather by shared humanity, the bonds, and the passions that unite us. Our promise to the community is that we will continue to provide affordable and inclusive opportunities for all.

StaffingSummary

Recreation & COA - 2023

R E C R E A T I O N

P r o f e s s i o n a l S t a f f :

S e a s o n a l :

H o u r l y :

V o l u n t e e r s : C o

P r o f e s s i o n a l S t a f f :

S e a s o n a l : H o u r l y

StaffSummary

Staffing Highlights

Professional Development:

Joe Pitti: MassachusettsRecreation&ParksAssoc.

ConferenceAttendee

CertifiedLifeguardManager

FEMAEmergencyResponse

CertifiedParks&RecreationProfessional

Jeff Page: MassachusettsRecreation&ParksAssoc.-

ConferenceAttendee

ReframingAging-Programming&Age

FriendlyCommunitiesTraining

RecordRetentionTraining

SocialMediaBestPracticesTraining

PCIComplianceTraining

MicrosoftOfficeSuiteTraining

Shea Matta: MassachusettsRecreation&ParksAssoc.

ConferenceAttendee

ADAinRecreationTraining

AmericanRedCrossCPR/FA/AEDtraini

SafeServCertified

MicrosoftOfficeSuiteTraining

Volunteer & Hourly Staff:

Preseasoncoaches/facilitatormeetings

Program-specificcoachingplans

Diffusingoutbursts&EmergencyResponse

Inclusivecommunicationandrequesting modifications

HowWeConnect

As a department, we prioritiz community aware of what we have

Our office has dedicated time residents with new quarterly p monthly brochures, frequent web new Community Program Portal. serve as comprehensive sources community events, and resources. you to visit our website and stay what our office has to offer!

Through these efforts, we striv dynamic and inclusive communi individual can participate in enrich experiences, and thrive.

CommunityPartners

Thank you!

Community partners and collaborators play a pivotal role in helping our department achieve our mission. These groups enhance access to resources, provide valuable expertise, and allow us to offer diverse programming opportunities. Through collaborative efforts, these partnerships expand the reach and impact of recreational initiatives, ensuring they cater to the evolving needs and interests of the community. The groups below have helped our office to empower individuals and families to lead healthier, more active lifestyles.

Even More In 2024!