First Selectman's Report: 10/3 – 10/7/2022

Trick or Trunk
First Selectman's Report: 10/3 – 10/7
 

1.This week an additional 225K was allotted to the town; with The Colchester Police Department, The Colchester Senior Center, and the Colchester Food Bank each receiving an additional $75K

Mr. Bendas' generosity will undoubtedly leave a positive and lasting impact.
 
2. C3 will be hosting a free Community Baby Shower for Colchester residents who are expecting or have an infant up to three months old on Wednesday, October 12th, from 6:30–8:00 PM at Cragin Memorial Library. The event will include free gifts, community resources, and games.
 
3. I would like to recognize Sgt. Darrell Tetreault, our resident state trooper, and the Colchester Police Department for their excellent work on a very important case.
 
On May 31st, a victim on Carriage Drive reported that a bullet had gone through their home. After a lengthy investigation, a suspect was identified. Evidence was gathered and processed at the state forensic lab. An arrest warrant was applied for and signed by a judge at Norwich Superior Courthouse. On October 4th, a suspect was arrested with multiple charges. We will continue to follow the outcome.
 
As a community, we should be proud of the dedication and commitment of our police department. Let's all thank them for a job well done!!
 
4. I want to congratulate Steven Hoffmann, our very own Fire Chief, for being a recipient of the Harry Kelly Award at the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association dinner that took place Wednesday, October 5th, 2022.
 
5. Colchester Youth & Social Services will have a Community Conversation event at WJJMS on Tuesday, October 11th, from 5:30–7:00 PM. There will be free pizza for everyone that attends!
 
6. Trick or Trunk will be Saturday, October 29th, at the Bacon Academy Parking Lot from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. DJ Montez will be spinning the ghoulish beats. Please register your Trunk by Wednesday, October 26th. And, of course, your First Selectman will be there too!
 
7. Free Firewood will be available at the Transfer Station on Saturday, October 8th, and Tuesday, October 11th.
 
8. Town Hall will be closed on Monday due to a Federal Holiday.
 
9. The CORE Commission has a vacancy. CORE is looking for a new member who is team-oriented, willing to work, and collaborative. If you are interested in applying, please submit an application to the First Selectman's Office. Applications can be found here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4286/f/uploads/boardsco....
 
10. The Colchester Public School System is considering Armed Security Guards for each of its schools. Please take the survey and weigh in:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQsRdbNXr5-nveGGm6MK1nUU397DGp....
 
11. Colchester Hayward Fire Department Open House and Recruitment event announcement!
 
The event will be on Sunday, October 16th, 2022, from 11 AM until 3 PM. 52 Old Hartford Road. Come on down and meet your local firefighters and EMS providers! Check out our equipment, fire prevention, and safety information, and tour the museum and our Headquarters station! We hope to see you there! Kids and Adults welcome!
 
The following will take place, but is not limited to:
- Vehicle Extrication Demonstration
- Fire Extinguisher Training & Demonstration
- Fire Safety and Prevention Information Available
- Firefighter Gear Try On with photo op
- Antique Fire Truck Rides
- Blood Pressure Screenings & Ambulance Tour
- Touch-a-Truck
- Smokey the Bear Visit
- Smoke Trailer
- Gator UTV & Marine Units on Display
- CPR / Lucas Device Demonstration
- Hot dogs for Lunch (while supplies last)
 
12. This Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th do not miss the family-friendly OKTOBERFEST at Priam Vineyards, 11 Shailor Hill Road in Colchester. Dress for the cooler weather but be prepared to enjoy fall as it was meant to be enjoyed—with a cozy glass of wine and a dizzying number of food vendor choices.
 
You'll experience and enjoy FREE admission, over 50 crafters and vendors, great food trucks, and, of course, WINE from 11 AM to 6 PM daily. Stay for even more music and ambiance in the evenings from 6–9 PM. Be transported to a German wine and beer garden with staff decked out in traditional dress for the event—lederhosen and Dirndl dresses. Colchester could not be happier to have this winery continue to thrive in our beautiful historic town.
 
13. Who loves APPLE CIDER DONUTS? Yes, everyone! Especially during the fall harvest season. They taste even better outdoors on the beautiful and historic Colchester Green early in the morning on Sundays/Fundays. The Sunday Colchester Farmers Market features lots of goodies for your enjoyment. With over fifty vendors each Sunday, the Market has local produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, jams, baked goods, prepared foods, herbs, bread, soaps, candles, clothing, home décor, jewelry, food trucks, (occasionally live!) music and way more. It's an event not to be missed.
 
Our Colchester Farmers Market is one of the best in the state because of the visionary gifts of its organizers. Please visit them this Sunday (10/9/22) and/or on their last day of the season, October 16th. This year marks the 14th successful season of the Farmers Market. Farmers Markets support the local economy, bring the community together and help local families build and reinforce traditions based on healthy living, all while visiting our Historic Green. Please give our farmers and makers, and volunteers a good send-off during their last two Sundays.
 
A BIG THANK YOU to the two "Market Masters," Jess and Jeff, and to all the enthusiastic Market volunteers who provided boundless energy, countless hours, and Herculean effort to provide Colchester's grateful residents with a farm fresh experience during the growing season on our picturesque Green. Many families reserved Sunday mornings as the day we supported local, bought local, and appreciated the freshest and the best of all things local. Because nothing is fresher than local, and when food is fresh it is full of flavor and nutrition.
 
Our farmers are the backbone of this community. They work hard to sustain us, and we need to show them our full support. Please seek out local whenever you can. A greater part of every dollar you spend in the town of Colchester stays right here in Colchester. THINK COLCHESTER FIRST. Love our farmers so they can stay right here in town and love us back for centuries to come.
 
 
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman