First Selectman’s Report: 5/23 - 5/27/2022
Posted on: May 27, 2022 - 5:20pm
Memorial Day Weekend
It's been two years since our last town-sponsored Memorial Day Parade, and that Tradition is being restored this year. I hope to see the entire community paying their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. God Bless America.
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman
Current Updates:
First Selectman's Report: 5/23 - 5/27
1. Memorial Day Parade
Theme: "Colchester Remembers Their Citizens Who Gave Their Tomorrows For Our Todays"
When: Sunday, May 29, 2022
Where: Norwich Avenue to Main Street
Start Time: 12:30 pm
Marching Units: Meet at William J. Johnston Middle School no later than 11:45 am
***Rain Date: Monday, May 30, 2022
2. I will be issuing a Proclamation on Sunday, May 29, recognizing Ray Ryan, Jacob Finkelstein, and All Members of the Armed Forces. They Made The Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Freedoms. The Proclamation will be effective from Sunday, May 29, until Monday, May 30.
Ray Ryan served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Soldier & Jeep Driver, was the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6990 for over 10 years, and was the Commander and Senior Vice Commander of the Colchester American Legion Post 54 for more than 15 decades, was a founding member of the Colchester Honor Guard which conducted close to 5,000 funerals since its inception in 2002 and was a resident of Colchester for over 80 years.
Jacob Finkelstein served in the U.S. Navy, where he participated in the invasion of Okinawa and served on the USS Wichita, the USS Montauk, the USS Merrimac, and USS Reina Mercedes, where he worked at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton and has resided in Colchester for over 50 years
3. Since the Town Budget went down on Tuesday, I will be proposing a $150K reduction to the Board of Finance of the current proposed budget. The new budget maintains all current services and lays off zero town employees, reorganizes two departments for greater efficiency, integrates 21st Century Transparency Software, doubles the investment in overdue tree removal services, and answers the call for the demand of additional senior services with a new part-time driver, and adds $1K to the Memorial Day Parade line item. Alternative funding sources will be utilized for some larger ticket items. The overall increase in last year's budget will be 1.17%, and the mill rate would land at 27.18 mills.
4. In case you missed yesterday's big announcement: A long-time Colchester resident and 10-year Navy Veteran, Stephen J. Bendas, including the Town of Colchester in his will. On Tuesday, it was disclosed that the town would be a beneficiary of the will. On Thursday, the mail arrived, and the contributions were officially opened. The Colchester Police Department, The Colchester Senior Center, and the Colchester Food Bank will each receive $250K. We are all very humbled by Mr. Bendas' most generous donation. May God bless his soul.
5. The Colchester Lions Breakfast will be on Sunday, May 29
Consider joining for a full Lions breakfast on the town green as we celebrate and honor our veterans. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, juice & coffee will be served from 7:30 to 11 am. https://www.facebook.com/colchesterlions/photos/a.372026199541764/5013907705353567/
6. The Colchester Lions Carnival on the Green
Rides, Games, and Food. Fun for all ages. It begins Wednesday, June 1
Wed, Thurs 6–9 pm
Friday 6–10 pm
Saturday 12–9 pm
Bracelets will be $30 and will be available on Wed, Thursday, and Friday. Bracelets Saturday from 12–5 pm only, then TICKETS ONLY from 5–9 pm on Saturday.
Pre-Sale Ride Vouchers for Bracelets will be available for $26 prior to the carnival at various locations.
7. The Transfer Station will be open this Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 8 am to 3 pm