First Selectman's Report: February 6, 2026
Welcome Officer Allard
We are excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Officer Cody Allard! After three years of dedicated service with the Groton Town Police Department, Officer Allard brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to community safety. It was my honor to present Officer Allard with his Town of Colchester badge at his swearing-in last Friday.
Officer Allard is not only a skilled officer but also a local resident who knows our community well. His familiarity with the area and its residents will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to build strong relationships and ensure public safety.
This position is partially funded through the COPS DOJ Hiring Grant, which allows us to strengthen our department and better serve the citizens of Colchester.
Join us in welcoming Officer Allard to the Colchester family! We look forward to the positive impact he will make in our community.
Town Meeting
A Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10 to discuss potential bonding for improvements to the RecPlex and Bacon Academy athletic complex along with the Bacon Academy roof. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM at Meeting Room 1 at the Colchester Town Hall. The meeting will adjourn to a referendum scheduled for February 24. Absentee ballots will become available immediately after the Town Meeting. A vote will also be held on adopting a proposed ordinance regarding police presence for certain roadwork that could impact traffic safety.
Please note that there is no Zoom/remote access for Town Meeting. Please be prepared with identification as only residents and electors qualified to vote at Town Meeting are able to participate.
The full legal notices are available here. For more information including past meeting minutes, materials, presentations, etc on the Athletic Complex proposals, visit ColchesterCT.Gov/AthleticComplexProject.
Budget Survey and Forum
The Board of Finance has released its annual budget survey for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The survey is available online here.
The survey will remain open until February 16, 2026.
The first budget forum by the Board of Finance will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 11, before the regular Board of Finance meeting. The purpose of the forum is to give residents a chance to share thoughts and priorities before the initial budget proposals are presented in March.
Winter Weather - Saturday
The Transfer Station will be closed Saturday as we expect plow drivers to be on the roads from early morning into the afternoon. The Winter Farmers’ Market will also be canceled tomorrow at the Senior Center. The market will return next Saturday, February 14!
Chief Rob Brown Memorial
Memorial services will be held tomorrow, Saturday, February 7 for former Colchester Fire Chief Rob Brown. The service will begin at 11AM at Colchester Fire & EMS HQ.
Memorial Services Information:
- Service Start Time: 1100 hours
- Location: Colchester Fire & EMS Headquarters, 52 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester
- Fire/EMS Apparatus Parking: Old Hebron Road (along one side) or Upton Rd upon return from procession.
- Attendees for the service are to meet at Colchester Fire & EMS Headquarters; Anyone is welcome to attend, please use Off-Site Parking.
*Funeral/Burial Services will be Private*
PERSONAL VEHICLE PARKING:
Off-site parking available at the Commuter Parking Lot on Lake Hayward Rd. M&J Bus will have shuttle transportation from/to the service location.
Limited personal vehicle parking will be available at Toyota (rear parking lot only), Aurora Funeral Home, Casey Chiropractor, Sparrow Commons, Paradise Agency/Hartford Healthcare Complex, Lower Lot of Hartford Healthcare, Baldi’s Real Estate Valuation, Recreation Lot on Old Hebron Rd.
Those who cannot attend the services in person can join via Zoom. Zoom link is available here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DdqS77pCi/
America250 Fireworks at National Night Out 2026
Last night, the Board of Selectmen agreed to move forward with plans to schedule a fireworks show for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4 as part of Colchester’s America250 celebrations. National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.
America250, also known as the United States Semiquincentennial, encourages communities across the country to reflect on America’s past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Colchester’s efforts will highlight the town’s rich history, civic pride, and strong sense of community through inclusive and engaging programs.
The Town is seeking ideas for community-led events and activities. Some suggested activities include historical presentations, educational programs, cultural performances, exhibits, walking tours, service projects, student initiatives, and family-friendly celebrations that showcase Colchester’s local history and community spirit. We also encourage you to create an America250 theme for annual events.
“America250 is an opportunity for our entire community to come together and tell Colchester’s story,” said Tiffany Quinn, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We encourage residents and organizations to share their ideas and help create meaningful events that reflect who we are as a town.”
We are asking that event and activity information (name/date/time/location) be sent to [email protected] by Feb. 10 so we can create a calendar of events that will be published in early March. Planning the details can continue past the Feb. 10 deadline- we are just asking for the basic information to include in a calendar. Events can be planned for any time between March 1-Dec. 31, 2026.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please call the Recreation Office at (860) 537-7297.
CCT Presents: Sister Act
Colchester Community Theatre (CCT) proudly presents Sister Act thru special arrangements with Music Theatre International. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put into protective custody in the most unexpected of places: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar-winner Alan Menken, Sister Act is a celebration of music, friendship, and finding your voice.
Performance dates are Friday February 13 at 7:00 pm, Saturday February 14 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, and Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 pm at Bacon Academy High School Auditorium, 611 Norwich Avenue in Colchester, CT. Ticket prices are $18.00 for Adults and $14.00 for Seniors (65+) and Children (age 12 and under). Premium seating tickets are available for $28.00 each.
Tickets for this production are now on sale through the “Buy Tickets” page on CCT’s website at www.colchestercommunitytheatre.com. New this year, audience members are able to select seats when placing an order. No need to get in line early to get your favorite seats!
Tickets will also be available at the door (Cash, Check, or credit card) on performance days subject to availability. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. All ticket sales are final – no refunds or exchanges.
CCT is selling advertisement space in our digital program as well as sponsorship levels to offset the cost of our costumes, sets and props construction. For additional information, please contact our Producer, Donna Brown at 860-639-9315.
Freezin’ for a Reason
It's been an especially cold and snowy few weeks in Colchester and the annual Freezin’ for a Reason fundraiser is one week away. Each year, Greg Cordova, Rob Suchecki, and Fred Brown spend a cold February weekend camping on the Colchester Town Green to raise money for the Colchester Fuel Bank. This year, the guys will be on the Green from 2:00 PM on Friday, February 13th to noon on Sunday, February 15th. Donations can be made in-person or online at paypal.com using [email protected]. Please consider supporting Freezin' for a Reason and the Colchester Fuel Bank this year.
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester