Community Relations Committee would like to feature at each of the three Markets
to bring awareness to the programs and services that were available to residents. He
stated everyone was enthusiastic about participating in the events, noting that the
Community Relations Committee worked to schedule their topics to be in-keeping
with the Farmers’ Market weekly themes.
· July 19, 2023 Mental Health Awareness
Councilor Paul went on to note that many of these groups participated at the
Community Relations Committee’s Farmers’ Market Booths last summer. However,
he stated SERAC would be a new addition to their Mental Health Awareness Booth this
summer. He provided some background noting that SERAC was a non-profit
organization located in Norwich that served 41 communities in Eastern Connecticut,
noting that they provide programs and services to reduce the impact of substance
abuse, problem gambling, and mental health challenges, noting that May was Mental
Health Awareness Month. He stated he spoke with SERAC Representative Mark
Irons (Suicide Prevention Lead) and he noted that Mr. Irons stated that SERAC
would like to participate in July 19, 2023 event, noting that SERAC would like to
have a presence in Ledyard. Councilor Paul suggested that the Community Relations
Committee may want to invite SERAC to a Town Council meeting, as they did last
year with the Brian Dagle Foundation, so that SERAC could inform the community
about the programs they provide. Councilor Paul stated because of the number of
organizations they would be featuring at their July 19, 2023 Farmers’ Market Booth
that he requested space for three tents.
· August 30, 2023 - Library Services
Councilor Paul stated the Farmers’ Market August 30, 2023 Theme was “Back to
School” and that the Committee felt that the Library services would be in-keeping
with that Theme. He stated at their Booth the Community Relations Committee
would provide literature regarding the services the Library offered and refer residents
to stop by the Library Open House. H stated when the Farmers Market closed that the
Library would provide a short Presentation that same evening.
· September 19, 2023- Hometown Heroes -
Councilor Paul stated in preparation for the September 19, 2023 “Hometown Heroes”
he met with both Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann and Gales Ferry Fire Chief
Tony Saccone. He stated he received a tour of both Fire Stations, and he noted that
both Fire Chief’s were looking forward to participating in the Community Relations
Committee September 19, 2023 Farmers’ Market Booth, noting that it would be good
opportunity for them to talk with residents about becoming a volunteer firefighter and
for the Police Department to talk with young people who may be interested in a
career in law enforcement or becoming a police officer.
The Community Relations Committee also discussed inviting other town
Committees/Commissions/Boards to talk about how residents could volunteer to
serve on a town committee that they may be interested in serving on.
The Committee discussed having the List of Town
Committees/Commissions/Boards; their Appointing Authority along with brief
roles/responsibilities description for each Committee available for residents to
