From the Desk of the First Selectman

Don Lowe First Selectman Column 05/20/24

This coming weekend is a big one in Sherman. The Historical Society’s famous barn sale takes place on Saturday, starting at 9am. Since people come from all over the region and many aren’t used to the busy-ness of Route 37, I’ll be your crossing guard in the morning hours to make sure that everyone gets across without injury or incident. I look forward to it and it gives me an opportunity to say “hi” and “hello” to people I don’t often see. 

In addition to the Barn Sale, the Sherman Library is having its big Book Sale across the road at their lovely facility. Sometimes parking can be a challenge, especially in the early hours of both sales, so consider parking at the Sherman School – lots of room there – and walking over. Along with the two big sale events, the Old Store is also open for business and there are all kinds of cool things to buy in that place. Stopping in at the Old Store – located across from the Barn Sale -- is a must. 

Of course, on Sunday, at 1pm, is our Memorial Day Parade. Please come out and catch a Norman Rockwell-ish moment of Americana. The parade culminates at Veterans Field where we hold a brief but complete ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in military service to our amazing country. I’m so pleased to announce Alvin Tuck, a man I admire, as our ceremony’s guest speaker. 

Before all of the weekend fanfare, on Thursday night the Board of Selectmen will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at 7pm in Mallory Town Hall. The meeting’s agenda is on the Town website. It features reports on some of the ongoing projects – pickle ball courts, proposed new Senior Center, Sherman School repair/renovation, and Town Beach docks – along with some administrative items such as setting the mill rate. The mill rate for the new fiscal (starting on July 1) will be 16.36. Last year’s mill rate was 17.82. It decreased this year because the revaluation of property increased. (I’ve explained that multiple times already; I’ll spare you this time.)

As I do from time-to-time, I like to remind people, if they haven’t yet done so, to sign up for NIXLE – a Town of Sherman text alert system. It’s so easy even I can do it: text our zip code (06784) to the number 888777. And you’re on! We often use NIXLE to announce upcoming meetings and events. We also use it during weather related events or to let people know about roadwork or repair. 

Here’s wishing you a fabulous (and safe!) Memorial Day Weekend. I hope to see you around Town this week at the Barn and Book sales and/or the Memorial Day Parade. Please, also, find time to give yourself a moment of pause for those military personnel who lost their lives in service of the country that we have the privilege to enjoy. That’s why we call it Memorial Day.