First Selectman’s Report: 11/7 - 11/10/2022

1. Our community will be celebrating Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at 11 AM on the Veterans Green. It is the day to remember our military heroes that have served or are currently serving our nation.

American Veterans have defended the country in all the wars that our nation has been involved in since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775. They served so that we could keep the things that we love the most: God, country, family, and our liberty. By remaining true to these principles, we honor their sacrifice.

Observances like this one in Colchester are happening in communities across Connecticut. If you asked our heroes how they would like to be honored, most would probably say, “take care of my family.” That is why Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, when he pledged that the government would “care for him who shall have borne the battle.”

The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have always shown great pride in our Nation’s veterans and for those America sends into harm’s way to continue the fight for freedom, in many corners of the world.

Whether a person fought in World War II, Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the Middle East or elsewhere, the stories of American heroism and sacrifice continue to occur and are no less significant. It is important that all veterans, their families and in fact all Americans pause to reflect on, remember and give thanks to our many heroes. We owe them no less. I hope to see you all on November 11 at 11AM on the Veterans Green.

2. The Town Budget Referendum will be held Tuesday, November 15th from 6 AM to 8 PM at Town Hall. An approved town budget would result in a new mill rate of 26.82 mills. For more information follow this link: https://www.colchesterct.gov/2022-2023-budget-information

3. Military honors have been a tradition in the United States military since its earliest days. It can take many forms but usually serviceman's fellow soldiers will accompany the casket that is draped with our national flag, fire a rifle salute, play Taps, then fold and present the United States flag to the family.

In Connecticut, volunteer service organizations (VSO) step in to render the Military Honors for our departed veterans. Honor guard services are coordinated through the funeral provider and the CT Army National Guard, Military Honors Unit. A family need only provide proof of honorable service to the funeral home, in order for their deceased veteran to get the honor squad services they have already earned. Military Honors are rendered at no cost to the family. The National Guard will contact one of the VSO's to provide the rifle salute, flag folding and the playing of Taps.

The Volunteer Honor Guards in CT provide the highest level of public service to those who have already rendered service to our nation. We are currently seeking additional members. To join us in this vital mission veterans in New London County can call 860-537-6516 or email letendrej@sbcglobal.net, for more information and for referral to one of the two area VSO's.

4. The Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary is pleased to announce the 46th Annual Frosty Firehouse Craft Fair on Saturday, November 12, 2022, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm at the Main Firehouse, 52 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Elves are busy preparing the Traditional Frosty Kitchen Menu, our Bakers are promising that Home Baked Goodies will be in abundance. The area's finest Artisans and Crafters will fill the Firehouse Bay area with their wonderous wares. Come get a candy cane from Santa starting at 1130 and peruse Frosty's Prize Table! (Tickets drawn at 2:30.)

5. Mailbox Markers - Help us find you in an emergency by having your address properly, and clearly marked. The Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company provides for folks to order mailbox markers to clearly identify their address. Order forms are in the mailbox currently located at the main entrance in town hall. Order forms can also be downloaded from the volunteer fire company website at http://colchesterfd.com . All completed forms with payment can be dropped off at Colchester Hayward Fire Department Headquarters located at 52 Old Hartford Rd. Signs are $12 each.

6. On Tuesday, November 8th, Colchester Police, Trinity Health (St. Francis Trauma Department) and Colchester Hayward Fire Department teamed up to provide Stop the Bleed training to school educators and paraprofessionals in Colchester. These are life-saving skills that are important to know and be able to utilize in an emergency. The training started with a lecture from Dr. Ron Gross which was virtually shown at all the schools in Colchester. At the conclusion of the lecture school educators went through practical evolutions with our emergency responders, who were at all the schools to assist with direction. The opportunity for school educators to utilize time from their In-Service Day to hone in on these skills is amazing. Thanks to the school leaders on recognizing the importance of this training and allowing First Responders to provide it to them.

7. Colchester Scouting Adventure Day

All children age 5 and older are invited to be a part of “Colchester Scouting Adventure Day.” Colchester Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs are hosting outdoor adventure skills day on November 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Zagray Farm, on Route 85 in Colchester. All Scouting aged boys and girls and siblings are invited to this no cost event.

You will be able throw tomahawks, do archery with a certified instructor, learn skills, see camp cooking demonstrations, enjoy field games and see other demonstrations. You will learn what it takes to be a competent in outdoor skills while having a lot of fun. There will be a Monkey Bridge for visitors to cross. There will also be a station where the kids can build their own air rockets and launch them from homemade rocket launchers. A Gaga Ball ring will be set up for visitors and scouts.

Of great interest will be the ability to see antique construction equipment up close. Most importantly this is a free program for all guests and parents. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will be demonstrating several skills and games throughout the day. This will be a hands-on event for all participants. Come ready to learn several new outdoor skills.

For more details, contact Alphonse Letendre, Unit Commission, at letendrej@sbcglobal.net

8. With nearly 75 acres and 45 Jersey cows at 178 Cato Corner Road, the mother-son team of Elizabeth MacAlister and Mark Gillman have made a national name for themselves with delicious and cleverly named cheeses such as Womanchego, Bloomsday, Hooligan, Black Ledge Blue, Dairyere, Fromage d’O’Cow and more!

You can visit their farm shop on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM year-round for a tasting of your own. You can also find them at the Stonington Farmers Market from 9 AM – noon every Saturday, and during the growing season they are at the Coventry and Colchester Farmers’ Markets on Sundays. They have been Named One of “Top 50 U.S. Cheesemakers” by Food and Wine. To order online follow this link: https://www.catocornerfarm.com/shop-online

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman