First Selectman's Report: 3/20 - 3/24

1. The Town Budget review is scheduled for the Board of Finance Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 12th at 7 PM.

To see the proposed Town Budget PowerPoint presentation, the Budget Summary by Function, and the proposed Town Budget please follow this link: https://www.colchesterct.gov/2023-2024-budget-information

2. The Board of Finance Joint Special Meeting on the Education Budget will be on Tuesday, April 4th at 6 PM.

To review the Education Budget, please follow this link: https://www.colchesterct.org/board_of_education/education_budget

3. On Wednesday, the Sewer & Water Commission made a motion to approve a budget with a 6.5% rate increase. It is also rumored that they are increasing several fees. This comes after they implemented a 6% increase last year. I requested a copy of all the fee increases which they approved at their Wednesday night meeting; however, I have not received that documentation yet. Once I have received it, I will make it available to the public. I’m not sure if all sewer & water customers are aware, but there will be a public hearing on April 26th at 7pm to determine if these rate and fee increases should move forward.

4. Colchester Public Schools is participating in the 2023 Rally Against Cancer program to help strike out cancer for patients at Dana-FaAndrerber Cancer Institute and provide essential research for new treatments.

All money raised during this event goes directly to patient care and research that benefits all New England hospitals.

The goal for the district is to raise at least $5000, which will go a long way to help those families in need. All donations are welcome and the more we raise as a district, we may be eligible for items such as Red Sox merchandise, player visits, and game tickets.

Please follow the link to learn more: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?team_id=20239&fr_id=1990&pg=team

5. The Town of Colchester is interested in gaging community interest on Colchester Right to Farm Signs. The signs would be 24” x 18” x .080” aluminum single sided – direct print with laminate “A Right to Farm”. The price per sign would be $89. Please contact me directly at selectman@colchesterct.gov if you are interested.

6. Please consider attending the Women's History Month Celebration at Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co on Friday, March 24th from 4pm - 6pm. The event will feature local business owners and professional women sharing their experiences.

7. The “Colchester Memorial Day Parade” has chosen the theme for this year’s parade.  This year it is “Colchester Honors and Remembers Those Who Served and Sacrificed in the Vietnam War.”  All marching units and floats should try and use the theme in preparing for the parade, which will be on Sunday May 28th, 2023. Applications are available at the Town Hall and through the Town's website.  Applications are required for those who are interested in participating in the parade.  Please contact the Town Hall, First Selectman's Office and file your application before May 4th, 2023.

8. PUZZELPALOOZA

A new twist on game night! How fast can you complete a puzzle? Register as a team or a single (we will pair you up with others).Are you ready for some fun competition! We will have up to 10 teams compete to complete the same puzzle. No more than 4 people per team, only 1 person has to register for their team, a maximum of 10 teams will be allowed.  Children can be included on a team, but there must be at least 2 adults on each team. Bring your own snacks and get ready for some fun! Puzzle will be 300-500 pieces depending on availability.

When: Friday, March 31, 2023, beginning at 6:00pm

Friday, April 28, 2023, beginning at 6:00pm

Cost: $25 per team

Where: Town Hall

9. Mitt HIIT

Last night, I had the pleasure of taking Rachael Joy's Mitt HIIT class. For anyone looking for an intense high-cardio self-defense class, Mitt HIIT is your ticket. Rachel is also an awesome instructor that makes you feel welcome no matter your level of experience or skill.

Mitt HIIT is a “high intensity interval training” self-defense class. While the primary foundation of the class is based around boxing, there are many techniques incorporated that come from other styles of martial arts as well.

It’s a fantastic class for conditioning, strengthening and sharpening technique that any age or experience level can enjoy. Hitting mitts is one of the most intense yet enjoyable forms of cardio, and the layout of high intensity intervals is very effective for fat loss and muscle retention.

It’s not just cardio though, it works and builds muscles you never even knew you had. It’s a TOTAL body builder. It’s also a great way to not only develop or sharpen self-defense skills, but to sharpen the mind as well. And finally, one of the most powerful benefits of the class is mood enhancement.

Mitt HIIT is held in the left side room of the CT CHUNG DO KWAN Academy, a family taekwondo school that has been part of the Colchester community for over 35 years, located at 50 Parum Rd.

The Mitt HIIT class meets every Tuesday night at 6:00pm and Thursday night at 6:30pm. Please consider joining for an awesome time.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman