First Selectman’s Report: 9/25 - 9/29

1. Celebrate Colchester & Fireworks

Due to rain forecasted for Saturday, we have had to cancel the daytime event on the Green… BUT the FIREWORKS are still happening!! 

Come kick-off Colchester’s 325th Birthday Celebration with fireworks at 7 pm this Saturday evening at the Rec Plex!! 

(Parking and shuttle bus available at WJJMS from 6:30pm-8:30pm). 

2. Dr. Charles Hewes

Today is Charles Hewes’ last day as the Assistant Superintendent of Colchester Public Schools. On behalf of the Town, thank you for your dedication to our community and your diligence in making a difference in the lives of our children.

Dr. Charles E. Hewes, Assistant Superintendent of Colchester Public Schools, has been named the new Deputy Commissioner at the State of Connecticut Department of Education.  The State Board of Education took official action and voted unanimously at its Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, appointing Dr. Hewes as Deputy Commissioner. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the students and families of Colchester, as well as work with the district’s expert faculty and staff” said Dr. Hewes.  Dr. Hewes began his professional career in Colchester 17 years ago as a teacher at Bacon Academy. Over the years, he has served as a teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, Director of Teaching and Learning and most recently, Assistant Superintendent.

3. Garlic Day at Tapestry Hill September 30th from 9 am – 4pm

Saturday, Sept 30th from 9-4, is GARLIC DAY at Tapestry Hill Farm, located at 388 Jurach Road in Colchester. This chef-owned small farm is a new addition to Colchester, and we welcome Meg Buchsbaum and her many farm offerings with open arms! Ms. Buchsbaum is not only a farmer but also a chef, a food photographer, a food consultant, and an avid beekeeper; her farm stand is typically open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Nov. 4th this year.

This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m., the farm will have loads of garlic for sale, for cooking and planting, and for the brave of the heart—for raw eating to keep germs away. It is flavorful and wonderful and should not be missed if you are a foodie or a garlic aficionado. Hippocrates once said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” and it is as true today, especially for garlic.

In addition to their regular farm stand offerings (changing variety of fruits and veggies, organic eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, flower bouquets, bourbon vanilla extract, elderberry syrup, etc.), they will be featuring this Saturday only: cheddar garlic scones, Baba Ganouj, pickled garlic, garlic confit, garlic zucchini bread, chocolate croissants and much more. All chef prepared and all chef approved. It sounds like a great time to eat and to experience the abundance of one of our newest farms! The farm takes large orders for garlic by telephone at 1-646-823-5273. 

Ms. Buchsbaum is working toward publishing a cookbook, so we eagerly await her local recipes and well-honed cooking advice. Let’s give Ms. Buchsbaum a warm Colchester welcome at Garlic Day on Sept 30th!

4. Fields of Dreams Initiative 

Irrigation installation progress:

R1 and R2 have been completed.

Fournier Irrigation will be installing the mainline down toward field R5 next week.

5. The Friends of Cragin Memorial Library will hold their Fall Book and Bake Sale at the Cragin Memorial Library, 8 Linwood Avenue, Colchester, CT from 9-29-23 to 10-4-23.

Friday, September 29th   Pre-Sale Night 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., $5.00 admission

Saturday, September 30th   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Sunday, October 1st 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Monday - Wednesday, October 2nd – October 4th, Sale $5.00 a box or bag, Open during Library hours.

Stock-up for your Winter reading, music, movies, games, and puzzles.  The selection is high, and prices are low!  

6. Lawley Accounting Services Expansion 

On Thursday, I had the pleasure to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony with Janet Lawley (Owner), her fantastic team, and her awesome parents! Lawley Accounting Services have expanded their operations and have moved to a great new location at 100 Amston Road, Unit A. 

Lawley Accounting Services, LLC offers a complete range of accounting services to individuals and small businesses including tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll services, bank reconciliations and receivables and payables.

Lawley Accounting Services, LLC was founded and is operated by Janet L Lawley, EA.  Janet always offers neighbor-like service.  In fact, most of her first clients were her neighbors.  Over the years, she found herself helping more people with their tax returns and decided to make it official in 2005.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman