First Selectman’s Report: 5/9 - 5/13/2022
Friday the 13th
Anyone going camping by Crystal Lake tonight? Probably not the best idea! A little secret, I met Betsy Palmer (Jason’s movie mom) at a horror convention years ago and she was the sweetest lady. Horror references aside, I hope everyone is having a lucky Friday the 13th. The weather is beautiful and hopefully the weekend will be nice too. Some quick updates: the Board of Selectmen will be looking to approve 250K in Non-Profit applications at their next meeting. Small business applications are going through a final review by UHY. We have multiple items out to bid and an announcement will be made on a new program to help individuals & families in need. Stay tuned!
First Selectman’s Report: 5/9 - 5/13
1. The Budget Referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 24th from 6 AM to 8 PM at Town Hall.
2. The ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee is looking for two members of the public to serve on it. You can get your application to join the subcommittee here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/first-selectmans-office/pages/forms-documents
3. The “Colchester Memorial Day Parade” has chosen the theme for this year’s parade. This year it is "Colchester Remembers Their Citizens Who Gave Their Tomorrows For Our Todays". All marching units and floats should try and use the theme in preparing for the parade, which will be on Sunday May 29th, 2022.
The parade will begin at 12:30 PM. Parade participants should assemble by 11 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 about 1:15 PM. Any local Veterans are encouraged to join the members of veterans’ organization in the line of march. A trailer will be provided for those veterans that are not able to march. It is important that all veterans, their families and in fact all Americans pause to reflect on what our Nations heroes have done to preserve our freedoms in America. The rain date of the event will be Monday, May 30th at 12:30 pm. We also expect there to be a flyover on Monday as well.
4. The Let the Fish Swim Free Painting art exhibit to be held at the Cragin Memorial Library (8 Linwood Avenue) from May 21st – to June 30th, 2022. The Grand Opening is May 21st from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Come interact with the Norton Park Committee and view the plans for the new Norton Park along the Jeremy River on the site of the former C.H. Norton Park Paper Mill on Route 149.
5. On Sunday, May 15th the Community Wellness Fair will take place from 11 AM – 2 PM at William J. Johnston Middle School (360 Norwich Avenue).
The last couple of years has taught us many things, one of them is that we should and will be prepared for anything. Due to the increase in covid cases, we are going to shift the structure of our event just a bit. We will be showcasing many of our wellness vendors outside on the lawn to take advantage of the beautiful weather that we are supposed to have and to increase social distancing. Our breakout educational sessions will still take place inside with masks strongly encouraged.
We know that all of this is not easy on anyone, and we want to be here to get through it all together.
A couple of recommendations before attending the event:
* Take a test before arriving, just to be sure that we are all safer.
* Don't have a test? Come pick one up at Youth & Social Services today! (Tests will also be on site the day of the event)
* Attending a breakout session or indoor vendor? Wear a mask and receive a bonus passport stamp!
6. The “Colchester Memorial Day Parade” has chosen the theme for this year’s parade. This year it is "Colchester Remembers Their Citizens Who Gave Their Tomorrows For Our Todays". 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 at the Town Hall and through the Town's web site. Applications are required for those who are interested in participating in the parade. The application deadline is May 1st. You can access an application here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4286/f/uploads/parade_a...
The parade will begin at 12:30 PM. Parade participants should assemble by 11: 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 about 1:15 PM. Any local Veterans are encouraged to join the members of veterans’ organization in the line of march. A trailer will be provided for those veterans that are not able to march. It is important that all veterans, their families and in fact all Americans pause to reflect on what our Nations heroes have done to preserve our freedoms in America. The rain date of the event will be Monday, May 30th at 12:30 pm. There will also be a flyover on Monday as well.