First Selectman's Report - February 9, 2024
Freezin' for a Reason
The 15th annual Freezin' for a Reason is underway now on the Colchester Town Green. Rob Suchecki, Greg Cordova, and Fred Brown are once again camping out on the Green until noon Sunday to raise money for the Colchester Fuel Bank. Over the last 15 years, this amazing team has raised over $165,000 to help Colchester residents in need with fuel assistance. They need your support to keep making it happen. Stop by and make your donation in-person or donate online with PayPal.
Thank you Rob, Greg, and Fred for continuing to brave the elements in the middle of February to support this important cause.
Public Works Equipment Auction
Colchester Public Works is selling off old and unused equipment. Residents interested in bidding on equipment can visit GovDeals.com to view or bid on equipment. Equipment auctions like these help ensure unused equipment is fairly disposed of without being wasted.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | GovDeals
2002 Elgin Broom Bear Series H SEE VIDEO!!! | GovDeals
2011 Ford F-250 SD w/ Plow SEE VIDEO!!! | GovDeals
2006 Ford F-150 Pick up Truck SEE VIDEO!!! | GovDeals
2012 Ford F-250 SD w/ Plow SEE VIDEO!!! | GovDeals
Engine 328 Delivered
The new Engine 328 was delivered at the beginning of this week and placed in service on Tuesday at Fire EMS HQ. Crews worked together to get the new vehicle into service quickly and efficiently.
This is one of three engines the town will be receiving in the coming weeks. Engine 228 is due to be delivered next week and will be housed at Station #2 located at 424 Westchester Rd (RT 149).
Colchester Community Theater Presents...
Tickets are on-sale for Colchester Community Theater’s annual production at Bacon Academy. This year’s show is the Tony Award-winning “Kinky Boots: The Musical” featuring music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Tickets can be purchased online for $28 and at in-person at Wagging Tails Pet Shop and Gifts on the Green. Shows begin Friday, February 16 at 7:00 PM and continue Saturday and Sunday.
Colchester Community Theater has been putting on incredible performances at their annual shows for over 20 years, but this is CCT’s first year as an independent non-profit. I hope you will consider joining me to support CCT’s continued efforts! Attendees might even catch a cameo featuring a familiar face. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there!
Committee Applicants Wanted
We are continuing to seek applicants for the two new ad-hoc committees formed by the Board of Selectmen. If you are interested in joining, more information can be found here.
Interviews are expected to begin at the first regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen in March.
Chatham Health Website
Chatham Health District, which serves the Town of Colchester, has launched a new website along with an online application system and digital inspection platform. The website improvements, paid for through an Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, include timely health alerts, data dashboards covering a variety of topics, information about services, and an interactive calendar of programs.
To access the new website and explore the data dashboards, go to:
To access the application and complaint submission system, first create an account by going to:
https://www.myhealthdepartment.com/chd
To look up recent inspections conducted by CHD, go to:
https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/chd
Bring Me Back Home Registry
Bring Me Back Home (BMBH) is a new registry for Connecticut residents which allows law enforcement access to information to assist in the recovery of missing or wandering persons. The provided information and photo, accessible through the COLLECT criminal justice and safety system, helps first responders and families reunite with individuals living with cognitive challenges, such as dementia or autism. This information is confidential and secure and can only be accessed by law enforcement personnel in an emergency.
CORE Black History Month Celebrations
To celebrate Black History Month, the Community Book Club will meet on Thursday, Feb 15 at the Colchester Federated Church from 7-8:15 pm. Please do your best to read chapters 1-4 as these are the only chapters that will be discussed that night. Other dates are scheduled for Feb 24 & 29 and details will be sent ahead of time. At our community book club meeting, all are welcome to share their thoughts and perspectives, provided it is done respectfully.
Week 1 is complete for the Black History Month Trivia Contest!! For those who are interested in participating in a drawing that will be held on March 1, please submit your answers no later than midnight on Monday, Feb 12. You have two options for participation:
1) In an email, provide the answers to each question in numerical order from #1-7. All questions are on the CORE FB site. Email your responses with your contact information to [email protected]
2) Write your responses on a sheet of paper in numerical order from #1-7. All questions are on the CORE FB site. Drop off your sheet of paper with your contact information to the Town Hall or the Colchester Senior Center. Both locations have drop boxes to collect your trivia answers.
We appreciate the support and involvement of community members. We look forward to connecting with you soon.
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman