First Selectman's Report 5/8 -5/12

First Selectman’s Report: 5/8 - 5/12

1. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is pleased to announce a third round of funding for the 2023-2024 Summer Enrichment Grant Program, which provides equitable, high-quality, and accessible summer enrichment opportunities for Connecticut children. This grant program provides $11.5 million in funding for programming and activities during the summer of 2023 and the summer of 2024. 

Colchester Parks and Recreation has been selected as an Innovation Grant recipient! The grant is a two-year award of up to $150,000 per year to support the summer day camp program.

2. 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.”  The parade will be held on Sunday May 28th, 2023. The Grand Marshall will be Art Shilosky and the Guest Speaker will be James DePaola.

3. The Board of Finance moved forward both the Town Budget and the Education Budget to the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen will set the town meeting and referendum date at their next Board of Selectmen meeting on Thursday, May 18th.

4. The date of the Sewer & Water Public Hearing has yet to be announced. When a date becomes available, the Town will let the public know.

To Review the recommendations of the Sewer & Water Commission in relation to the sewer budget, water budget, and fee increases (along with the original fee structure):

https://www.colchesterct.gov/home/news/proposed-23-24-sewer-budget-23-24...

5. There is a lot of positive activity in town:

From Jack's Chevrolet to the Youth Center (the Historic Town Hall) to the new Daycare to the new Senior Center - Colchester continues to move forward!!

6. May is also known as Older Americans Month. The formal recognition of older Americans began with President John F.  Kennedy in 1963 when he designated May as “Senior Citizens Month” during a meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens. That was when only 17 million Americans reached their 65th birthday in comparison to over 40 million today. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Older Americans Act and formally declared May as Older Americans Month.

Initially, the month was created to recognize the contributions of past and present older persons to the country, particularly those who defended the country. Today we celebrate all older Americans. For an opportunity for older Americans to get involved in our community, please consider joining our Senior Center.

7. The Commission on Aging will be hosting Aging in Place: A Community Vendor Fair. The event will take place at Cragin Memorial Library on June 4th from 4 pm to 7 pm. Representatives from several agencies that provide equipment, services, and companionship to you or a loved one remain in the home safely and comfortable.

8. The 2023 Colchester Annual Top Dog Contest is accepting applications. Please consider entering the contest here: https://www.colchesterct.gov/home/news/31st-annual-top-dog-contest

9. CrossFit Playground

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to workout with Bryan Dowd, of CrossFit Playground, and a group of fantastic citizens. With a workout that featured an intense bench press routine and a non-stop eight-minute exercise (pushups, box step ups/jump ups, and sit-ups) – it was a challenge that I enjoyed immensely.

CrossFit is for everyone, and you can get started anytime. Their coaching staff provides exercise routines for all ages and fitness levels. You will come out feeling like a champ.

At CrossFit Playground, they are dedicated to creating a truly safe and effective fitness routine for anyone who walks through the doors. There is an attention to building strength using many weightlifting methodologies as well as exercising your heart. CrossFit Playground promises to create a daily routine that maximizes your full hour, providing you with guidance and support the whole way.

10. Noel’s Marketplace

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to spend time with Jamie Noel, owner of Noel’s Marketplace, and his wonderful staff. This establishment has been in Colchester since 1981 and has a total of 68 employees, many being residents of our community. Jamie is extremely thankful for the steady support that both customers and the town have provided him with.

Noel’s Marketplace is known for their excellent meats, quality perishable foods, and their support of local farms and vendors. In fact, they even supply the famous burgers that are cooked at Harry’s.

Over the years, Noel’s Marketplace has made charitable contributions to both the local Rotary and Lions clubs in our community. The store has even had its share of celebrities like musician Rick Derringer and wrestler Ox Baker, who took on Kurt Russell in the cult classic Escape from New York.

Please consider visiting Noel’s Marketplace next time you go grocery shopping!

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman