First Selectman’s Report: 4/25-4/29/2022

Looking forward to the upcoming month!! Lots on the agenda include votes on many ARPA-related projects such as the playground, the pickleball courts, the strategic planner, the 1M allocated to our small businesses, and the 250K for our non-profits. I would also like to wish the community a happy Arbor Day!! Enjoy the weekend, everybody!!

 

 

 

1. The ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee is still accepting small business applications. $1M in ARPA funds has been specifically earmarked for our local businesses. A business may receive up to $25K in federal funds. The ARPA Committee is also accepting non-profit applications. There is $250K specifically earmarked for non-profits. Please apply and complete your ARPA application here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/your-government/arpa-ad-hoc-committee 

 

You may reach out to [email protected] if you have any further questions. Deadlines for local businesses and non-profits are April 30th. The Board of Selectmen unanimously decided to review all applications after the April 30th deadline to ensure funding fairness for all applicants.  On April 30th, you may drop off any in-hand applications at the drop box located at Town Hall.

 

2. In 1775, The Continental Congress allocated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. Over the years, there have been calls for a day of prayer, including from President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. On April 17th, 1952, President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States. President Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer. There will be a National Day of Prayer ceremony on the Green on Thursday, May 5th at 6 PM, in which I will be reading the First Selectman's Proclamation of Prayer. I hope you can join me.

 

3. Celebrate Arbor Day by Planting Pollinators 

Pollinators are an essential part of our ecosystem. They are bumblebees, butterflies, beetles, and many other creatures. Like us, pollinators need food, water, and shelter to thrive. Research has shown pollinators are being threatened by human landscapes, and their numbers are declining in many regions.  

 

One solution we can easily embrace this Arbor Day is by planting pollinator plants. We've created a roadmap to some of our favorite pollinator plants that can thrive alongside our power lines and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape – and that support the return of a variety of species of wildlife that depend on them for food and shelter. Even if you don't live near a power line, we hope this guide inspires you to think about pollinators in your garden. Help the environment from your yard and reap the benefits when your native flowers bloom. 

 

 

4. The Senior Center Logo Contest: As we design and build a brand-new senior center, we are looking to establish a new logo. We are conducting a community-wide contest to design this logo. We envision using the logo in the new building and promotional materials such as our monthly newsletter, business cards, and letterhead. If you are interested in creating a design and entering it into the contest, please click here:

 

5. The Public Safety Subcommittee is looking for two members of the public to serve on it.

 

6. The "Colchester Memorial Day Parade" has chosen this year's parade theme. This year it is "Colchester Remembers Their Citizens Who Gave Their Tomorrows For Our Today's." All marching units and floats should try and use the theme in preparing for the parade, which will be on Sunday, May 29th, 2022. Applications are now available in the First Selectman's Office and through the Town's website. Applications are required for those who are interested in participating in the parade.

 

 

The parade will begin at 12:30 PM. Parade participants should assemble by 11:00 AM. The public is encouraged to view the parade on Norwich Avenue and Main Street to help cheer on the marching units. The Memorial ceremony will take place on the Veterans Green starting at about 1:15 PM. Any local Veterans are encouraged to join the members of veterans' organizations in the line of march. The Town will provide a trailer for veterans unable to march. All Americans must pause to reflect on what our nation's heroes have done to preserve our freedoms in America. The event's rain date will be Monday, May 30th at 12:30 PM. There will also be a flyover on Monday as well.