First Selectman’s Report: 5/22 - 5/26

1. The “Colchester Memorial Day Parade” will be held on Sunday May 28th, 2023.  This year it is “Colchester Honors and Remembers Those Who Served and Sacrificed in the Vietnam War.”  The parade will be held on Sunday May 28th, 2023. The Grand Marshal will be Art Shilosky and the Guest Speaker will be James DePaola.

Parade Route and Timing

The parade assembles at William J. Johnston Middle School at 11:30 AM. It starts down Norwich Avenue at 12:30 PM. The parade marches down Norwich Ave. and right on to Main Street. The parade then proceeds to the intersection of Main Street, Lebanon Ave., and Broadway and onto the Veterans Green where a Memorial Day Ceremony takes place.

After the ceremony is completed, at about 2:00 PM, all the streets and roads will be open.

2. Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal: Art Shilosky

Art Shilosky served in the Marine Corps from January 1961 to April 1966 and was stationed in places stateside such as Parris Island and Camp Pendleton and overseas such as Japan, Taiwan, and various locations in the Mediterranean Sea. He primarily worked as an aircraft mechanic.

Art has been a resident of Colchester for 49 years and is cherished by a wonderful family, who truly love this town. He has also served as Colchester's First Selectmen for 4 years and is currently serving on the Colchester Board of Finance. I am proud to call Art a friend.

3. The Town Meeting for the Town Budgets and Education Budgets is on Wednesday, May 31st at William J. Johnston Middle School Cafeteria beginning at 6:30 PM.  The Referendum is on Tuesday, June 13th at the Colchester Town Hall from 6 AM – 8 PM.

4.The date of the Sewer & Water Public Hearing has yet to be announced. When a date becomes available, the Town will let the public know.

To Review the recommendations of the Sewer & Water Commission in relation to the sewer budget, water budget, and fee increases (along with the original fee structure): https://www.colchesterct.gov/home/news/proposed-23-24-sewer-budget-23-24...

5. May is also known as Jewish American Heritage Month which is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals of Jewish Americans to the United States. The Town of Colchester recognizes these contributions, not only in our town but nationwide.

In April 2006, President George W. Bush announced that May would be recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to America and the American culture.

6. The Friends of Cragin Memorial Library Book and Bake Sale will begin on Friday, June 2nd and extend until June 7th. Please consider stopping by!

7. The repaving of Rt. 16 is tentatively scheduled to begin in August.

8. The Colchester School Readiness Program is offering grant-subsidized quality preschool for the 2023-2024 school year. The program is perfect for children who are residents of Colchester families, want a 5-day-a-week program, and may find it challenging to pay for preschool. We have full-day, school day and part-day spaces available! For more information, go to: https://www.colchesterc3.org/school-readiness

9. The Commission on Aging will be hosting Aging in Place: A Community Vendor Fair. The event will take place at Cragin Memorial Library on June 14th from 4 pm to 7 pm. Representatives from several agencies that provide equipment, services, and companionship to help you or a loved remain in their home safely and comfortably.

10. The 2023 Colchester Annual Top Dog Contest is accepting applications. Please consider entering the contest here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/home/news/31st-annual-top-dog-contest

11. Meineke of Colchester

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to spend time with TJ Mallon, district manager of Meineke of Colchester, and his dedicated staff. Meineke of Colchester originally opened on Norwich Ave at the end of 2011 and then moved to the 127 Old Hartford Road location in 2017. Although they carry the corporate name, their Colchester location is locally owned and operated. Many of their employees are either from Colchester or surrounding towns.

Meineke of Colchester provides services for domestic and foreign cars for oil changes, tires, alignments, custom exhaust service, brakes, to starters, AC and Heat services and all other engine related jobs. Please consider giving them a shout at 860-537-2220 for your next appointment.

12. S&S Worldwide

On Monday, I had the opportunity to spend time with Adam Schwartz, owner of S&S Worldwide, and take a tour of his amazing facility. For well over a century, S&S Worldwide has made its home in Colchester and is currently our town’s largest private employer. S&S Worldwide has and continues to donate to a variety of local causes such as to our Colchester Food Bank and Fuel Bank, public school events, youth sports, faith-based initiatives, and to our historic Cragin Memorial Library.

S&S is hiring!S&S Worldwide has long depended on an additional summertime workforce to support the seasonal demands of the business.Many Colchester residents had their first summer job at S&S.!While working with S&S, you will have the opportunity to learn many new skills. Some have even decided to stay and make a career of it!

With the end of the pandemic, S&S is experiencing strong demand and so they are still hiring for seasonal positions.Consider stopping off at S&S and filling out an application. A summer job here can be a great step on your path!

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman