First Selectman's Report: 7/10 - 7/14

1. The Town of Colchester and the Public Works Department would like to remember and celebrate the life of life-long town employee Jim Angell. Jim passed early this week, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 66.

Jim began his career with the Town in the early 1980’s as a part timer; first as a school custodian, and then gradually moved to the newly formed parks and recreation ground crew. In 1984, Jim began working in the Highway department and was a vital part of the team for nearly 40 years. Jim ran the sweeper for many summers and was the go-to guy in town for running that machine. He returned to the Grounds department in the spring of 2022 and could regularly be seen on a scag or with a trimmer in hand ensuring the town looked its best. 

For all those who have been blessed to work with Jim, they say that Jim was a man of momentum. He was self-motivated and had a strong work ethic. He would regularly be the first person on site each morning and was committed to giving the best for our community. He took pride in seeing smiling families enjoying themselves on the fields or on the town green. After work, you could find him helping friends with various odd jobs and projects.

Jim went by a few nicknames and was well known by his coworkers for his detailed and entertaining tall tales. He always had a story for the conversation; colorful tales of being a bodyguard or a chauffeur, of assisting the police, or being an expert marksman. Of what can be verified, Jim was a natural charmer and lived life to the fullest. Prior to working for the town, he was a logger with his brother Kenny. He was known by many as an outdoorsman who had a love for a good game call. All who knew Jim knew that he was proud of his family. He talked often and fondly of his kids.

The Town has not only lost a good worker, but a great man. A brother to many, but a friend to all. We will miss Jim Angell. May his memory be eternal.

2. The Board of Finance unanimously agreed to new numbers to be sent to the Board of Selectmen to set a Town Meeting and Referendum (tentatively scheduled for the first week of August). The Board of Finance increased the Town Budget by $27K and the Education Budget by $300K, but also increased revenue projections. The overall impact will be a mill rate that is .02 less than the one voted at the first referendum.

I would like to thank the bi-partisan collaboration between Andrea Migliaccio (the BOF Chair) and Mike Egan (BOF member), as well as the support of John Chaponis (Tax Assessor) and Mary Williamson (Finance Director).

3. Looking for residents to serve on the Public Safety Working Committee, the Sewer & Water Commission, the Fair Rent Commission, and the Colchester Housing Authority. Please reach out if interested.

4. Projects: The Town Hall Roof, the Town Green Gazebo, and the Splash Pad are all progressing very well. Construction on the Trail Head Parking Lot is expected to begin soon. In August, the paving and construction of the new Fire Department HQ parking lot will begin.

5. The repaving of the rest of Rt. 16 should commence in late July or early August. We are still waiting for a definitive timeline from Eversource.

6. The Colchester Community Theatre Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop proudly presents Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. on Saturday July 22 at 2:00 pm in the Bacon Academy High School Auditorium. This is a musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. 

Tickets for this production are $6.00 each (adults & children) and may be purchased at the door on the day of the performance. Any questions, please call Wallis Johnson 860-267-1023 or email Laura Brown at [email protected]. 

7. Summertime is the best time to spend time with family and friends!

Join us on the Colchester Town Green every Thursday from 6-8pm for a fun family event. Events are free and open to the public, just bring your lawn chair. 

Thursday, July 20- concert by 384 East 

Thursday, July 27-DJ Montez and a summer dance party in the park

Thursday, August 3-Concert by the Outcrops

Thursday, August 10-Trivial Night in the park

Thursday, August 17-Concert by Bluesberry Jam

Thursday, August 24-DJ Montez and the end of summer dance party in the park

8. Get involved in Colchester’s 325th Birthday Celebration 

Colchester’s 325th birthday is Oct. 13, 2023, and the town will be celebrating from September 9th to October 13th.  

The committee seeks individuals, clubs, businesses, etc. to join the celebration by hosting an Open House, tour, presentation, activity, special discount or item at a business or restaurant, or by becoming a monetary sponsor (starting at $10).  For more info and Participation Form, contact Park & Rec Director Tiffany Quinn at [email protected] or Committee member Ines Kallmeyer at [email protected] or 860-537-2826.

9. Westchester Marketplace

Last weekend, I had an opportunity to spend time with Chirag Tala, the owner, and Christopher Papotto, manager, of Westchester Marketplace.  I also enjoyed a delicious turkey wrap from their top-tier deli section!

Westchester Marketplace has been a thriving local grocery store for 16 years. They are very proud of their high quality and large variety of meats which they freshly cut daily in their meat department. Besides their famous and tasty deli, the rest of the store provides a great variety of dairy items, frozen foods, and fresh produce.

The owners and staff at Westchester Marketplace are very thankful for the support and affection that Colchester provides.

10. Moran Restaurant

Welcome to Colchester! Moran Restaurant, a delicious Mexican Restaurant, had its ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday. We wish the best of luck to Vlademar Moran, the owner, and Jacqueline Moran, the manager, and the entire staff of Moran Restaurant in their expansion to our wonderful town. I recommend their fantastic quesadilla dish.

Andreas Bisbikos

First Selectman