First Selectman's Report: 7/31 - 8/4
1. The Budget Referendum will be held on Wednesday, August 9th from 6 AM to 8 PM at Town Hall.
2. The New Colchester RecPlex Signs have been installed and they are beautiful!! Our historic investment in Parks & Recreation continues.
3. The Town Green guardrails have also been installed and are completed.
4. Projects:
Town Green Gazebo – Should be completed next week.
The Youth Center Roof & Trail Head Parking Lot – Finished by the end of August.
Splash Pad – Tentatively opening August 9th
The Repaving of the rest of Rt. 16 – Begins August 14th.
New Fire Department HQ Parking Lot – Paving Begins August 26th.
5. The Board of Selectmen, the ARPA Ad-Hoc Committee, UHY, and Social Services are collectively working on a Grant Program to help individuals and families in need. The Town expects to have the Program completed by the end of September and begin its promotion in October.
6. 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, 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
7. We are still 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.
8. 2023 Town Wide Tag Sale, Sat. August 5th
Use this link to find all of the local tag sales in Colchester: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1cnrPAY6sHDeB6u-5C1b5jX6-yCCjvs...
9. Get involved in Colchester’s 325th Birthday Celebration
We hope you will join us to Celebrate Colchester on Sat., Sept. 9 from 1-5pm on the Town Green followed by fireworks at the RecPlex!
Register here: https://colchesterctrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home
You are welcome to set up a table/tent to showcase your local organization, business, or program! Booths are free, but we ask that you donate one item or basket for the silent drawing that will take place at Celebrate Colchester.
Celebrate Colchester will kick off a month of fun activities and events. These are some of the things we have planned:
9/9 Celebrate Colchester from 1-5pm
9/9 Fireworks at the RecPlex at dark
10/7, 10/8, 10/9, 10/14 and 10/15- Historical tours, Open Houses, Presentations, activities, and events throughout the town
10/7-10/14 Restaurant Week
10/13 Special Birthday Gala at Priam Vineyard from 7-10pm
10. Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery
This week, I had the opportunity to meet Kim and Mark Sementa, owners of Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery. I also got to enjoy their amazing Sweet Aroma Mocha and a Nutella brownie. Safe to say, that combo got me motivated for an efficient day at the office!
Sweet Aroma Coffeehouse & Bakery opened in April 2021 during the COVID pandemic. Kim & Mark wanted to create a welcoming place for people to gather with friends and family while enjoying a great cup of coffee and a sweet treat.
Sweet Aroma serves a variety of hot, iced, and frozen espresso-based drinks, as well as loose leaf teas and smoothies. They also offer an assortment of baked goods, that are made in house from scratch, which include coffee cake, scones, brownies, stuffed cookies and whoopie pies. Breakfast sandwiches are served all day.
Sweet Aroma offers indoor and outdoor seating, along with a private meeting room, which is perfect for small meetings or as a quiet study space. Online ordering is available on their website. Located at 139 South Main Street, Sweet Aroma is open 7 days a week.
11. Cragin Memorial Library
The Friends of Cragin Memorial Library is hosting FREE children’s' books and FREE tee-shirts on August 11th (11 am -4 pm) and August 12th (10 am – 4 pm) at Cragin Memorial Library, 8 Linwood Ave. Colchester.
12. Colchester Giving Garden Fundraiser
Featuring farm fresh food from Cold Spring Farm Food Truck
Friday, August 11, 2023, 5-8pm at the Colchester Giving Garden (95 Norwich Ave)
Tickets must be purchased by August 5th.
$25 / $10 for 12 and under
To purchase tickets email: [email protected]
Andreas Bisbikos
First Selectman