The Suffield Observer | December 2023

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Celebrating 25 Years in Publication

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HARTFORD, CT PERMIT #5126

Vol XXV, No. 10

December 2023/January 2024

A Watchful Messenger

ARPA Funds Benefit Local Nonprofits

By Shannon Foley Late this summer, the Suffield Board of Selectmen announced that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be available to non-profits for the use of res-

toration or maintenance of the Town’s historical buildings and assets. The Town is happy to support the improvement efforts of these various non-profits and the rich history each brings to Suffield.

Antiquarian and Landmarks Society

Friends of the Farm at Hilltop This $25,000 grant will be used toward the big white barn painting project. Stop by for an ice cream at the Hilltop Farm Store and Creamery or to explore their gardens and walking trails! For more information and upcoming events,

visit: hilltopfarmsuffield.org Photographed left to right: Ray Wilcox, Friends of the Farm at Hilltop, First Selectman Colin Moll, Howard Orr, President, Friends of the Farm at Hilltop, Selectman Jerry Mahoney.

This $17,000 grant will be used toward fence repairs for the Phelps-Hatheway House and Gardens located at 55 South Main St. The museum boasts an extensive collection of 18th-century antiques while the grounds feature a Colonial Revival Garden installed by landscape architect Mary Wells Edwards in 1964, a large

herb bed, and scattered flowering shrubs, all lovingly maintained by the Suffield Garden Club.

Photographed left to right: First Selectman Colin Moll, Lynn Mervosh, Site Administrator, CT Landmarks, Aileen Bastos, Preservation Manager, CT Landmarks, Aaron Marcavitch, Director, CT Landmarks.

ly to the long-term preservation of the house and its valuable collections. As the Museum is itself an important historical artifact built in 1764, any changes for air conditioning/HVAC systems must be done with care to minimize compromising the building’s historical integrity. Visit suffieldhistoricalsociety.org to learn more about upcoming events sponsored by the Suffield Historical Society.

Photographed left to right: Christine Ritok, Curator, Suffield Historical Society, First Selectman Colin Moll, Arthur Sikes, Jr, President, Suffield Historical Society.

Photographed left to right: Bob Borg, West Suffield Center District Village Improvement Association First Selectman Colin Moll, Anne Borg, West Suffield Center District Village Improvement Association.

Kent Memorial Library West Suffield Center District Village Improvement Association

Friends of the Windsor Locks Canal Trail This $7,500 grant will be used toward signage pointing out historical points of interest along with educational brochures, lumber to maintain benches and picnic tables, landscaping, erosion control, removal of graffiti and maintenance of equipment.

Photographed left

to right: Rodrigo Rivas, Friends of the Canal at Enfield Falls Thomas Dorman, Friends of the Canal at Enfield Falls Dwight Phelps, Friends of the Canal at Enfield Falls Jonathan Sorrow, President, Friends of the Canal at Enfield Falls First Selectman Colin Moll, Selectman Jerry Mahoney.

This $5,000 grant will be used toward the cupola repair at Academy Hall.

The Academy Hall, once the schoolhouse for West Suffield's Center District and long the home of the West Suffield Grange, is owned by the West Suffield Village Improvement Association.

It was purchased from the town in 1913 and has served the community as host to many organizations and different events. Visit westsuffieldvia.org or call 860668-4444 to inquire about your next upcoming event including wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries and receptions!

Suffield Historical Society This $11,500 grant will be used toward the funding of an air conditioning/ HVAC feasibility study for its King House Museum.

Adding air conditioning to the Museum will provide a healthier, more comfortable environment for visitors and volunteers during summer months when the Museum is open to the public.

Being able to regulate the temperature and humidity level inside the Museum will contribute important-

This $9,000 grant will be used to digitize the Delphina Clark book collection along with other physical collections within the Library’s Historical Room. The Delphina Clark books are the most unique and well used collection in the Historical Room.

The books are most helpful to people doing research on their house, or for people who had ancestors in town and want to know where they were living. Being able to digitize the books that were microfilmed will make it more assessable and easier for residents to view. The Town is happy to support the restoration and digitization efforts made by the Library. For more information, stop by the Kent Memorial Library!

Photographed left to right: First Selectman Colin Mol, Selectman Mel Chafetz and Selectman Jerry Mahoney. z

Page 2

The Suffield Observer

December 2023/January 2024

Editorial

First The Explosion that Rocked North Grand Selectman Back in 1989, while on a ski trip with Arnold Gould and cover under his coffee table. Our neighbor Bob Howe was Coffee Hour his friend Lloyd Cliff, Lloyd happened to mention that a looking out his kitchen window and saw it happen. What a foreclosure sale was coming up on the house and property next to him. Learning that the property consisted of 13 acres piqued my interest. My father convinced me to attend the auction, and before I knew it I was the owner of a house in terrible shape and property in even worse shape. Let’s back up a bit prior to the bidding at the auction. When I attended the showing of the property, the potential bidders were not allowed in the basement. All the basement windows were covered with black plastic and the furnace was lying out in the back yard along with sumac, pricker bushes and scrub brush. A myriad of coops made of pallets and wire for fighting roosters adorned the back yard. You would think all of this would have been a clue!

After the purchase the cleanup began. When I saw the basement and lower garage shelves loaded with jars full of chemicals, I called the Suffield Fire Department to find out how to dispose of these unidentified substances. I later found out that the previous owner was a chemist who had worked for Stanley Home Products. Evidently his hobby was collecting chemicals and storing them in unlabeled jars. Tom Bellmore, retired Fire Chief, came out to see what I had. After many phone calls it was determined that DEEP needed to be notified to identify and dispose of these chemicals.

Now the battle begins, who is going to pay for this chemical clean up? I hired Attorney Robert Steele (yes, Broadcaster Bob Steele’s son) to represent me. The cost for this portion of the cleanup was $80,000. Fortunately, it was determined that I was not libel for the cleanup as the chemicals had not been disclosed to me.

Also in the lower garage were three 55-gallon barrels of gas that the previous owner had saved. The yard being such a mess took many days of chainsaw work. Where to put the debris, hmm. Oh, I know, I will put it in the big pit in the ledge that runs across my back yard and burn it. Each time I filled the pit with brush and small trees and prior to burning, I would then get a burning permit from the Fire Department. Thank God I did this.

One hot July day, I filled the pit and using too much of that saved up gasoline, I doused the debris and proceeded to light it with the last match in the book of matches. The match went out! I ran to get more matches which took a couple of minutes. When I returned I was aware of probable vaporizing, so I crinkled up a piece of paper, lit it and threw it on the pile. KA-BOOM! It exploded sending flames high into the air. The vacuum created by the upward explosion pulled the windows out of the house and is the reason that I didn’t get hurt. Not a scratch. As I looked up at my cousin standing on the porch he calmly stated, “Way to go Miller”.

That ledge I mentioned runs a good distance up and down North Grand St. so the shock wave was felt by many neighbors. One neighbor, Charlie Moskwa, had come home from working a long shift and was sleeping on the couch when he was jolted awake by the sound and shock wave.

Fearing it was a plane crash, he rolled off the couch and took

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sight that must have been. Other neighbors later reported that pictures fell off their walls. It didn’t take long for the Fire Department to receive many phone calls and soon sirens were blaring down North Grand to the scene of the mishap. It was quite embarrassing having to explain my brilliant plan to the Fire Chief and police officer who came to the scene. The police officer said, “Next time use diesel fuel,” but in a stern manner Tom said, “Use newspaper.”

To this day, 34 years later, the town’s people still remember and remind me of that hot July day. If they didn’t see, hear or feel that explosion and fire, they sure did hear about from those who did.

Well, I don’t need to have large fires anymore, but if I do need to burn some brush I remember Tom’s wise words “Use newspaper”!

Scott Miller Editor-of-the-Month

Municipal Election Results Board of Education *Brian Fry (D) 1,865 Dustin Rose (D) 1,727 *Debra Bogstie Dudak (D) 1,879 *Glenn Gazdik (R) 2,020 *Joshua Barrows (R) 1,989 *Melissa Finnigan (R) 2,350 Board of Education (vac) Votes Received *James Mol (D) 2,100 Board of First Selectman Assessment Appeals *Colin Moll (R) 2,472 Jerry LaPlante (D) 1,682 Ricardo Lasa Sotil (U) 971 *Edward G. McAnaney (R) Selectmen 1,947 *Mel Chafetz (D) 1,930 Planning & Zoning Melissa Silva (D) 1,743 *Ginny Bromage (D) 2,061 *Pete Hill (D) 1,998 *Brian Dunn (R) 2,212 *Kathie Harrington (R) *Christine Sinopoli (R) 2,196 2,282 Planning & Zoning (Alt) *Jerry Mahoney (R) 2,012 *Jeff Girard (D) 1,903 Town Clerk *Geoffrey Kaplan (R) 2,223 *Kathy Dunai (D) 2,636 Police Commission Town Treasurer Angelo DiMaurao Jr (D) *Kacy Colston (D) 2,406 1,756 Tax Collector *Michael Siegel (R) 2,034 *Jill Schectman (R) 2,792 *Joseph Blake (R) 2,110 Board of Finance *Tony Greco (R) 1,994 Tom Frenaye (D) 1,755 Fire Commission *Chris Childs (D) 1,895 *Nathan Kirk Prusi (D) 1,849 1,934 *Eric Harrington (R) 2,247 *Jay Caron (D) *Mark Sinopoli (R) 2,003 *Paul D. Christian (R) 2,260 Water Pollution Board of Finance (Vac) Control Authority *Ann Huntington Michelson (D) 2,359 *Todd Mervosh (D) 1,951 *Travis Watroba (R) 2,212 Board of Finance (Alt) Jim Irwin (D) 1,959 *John P. Murphy (R) 2,172 *Mark Englander (R) 2,027 *Frank Bauchiero Jr (R) 2,097 *Arthur Christian II (R)1,992

By Darlene Burrell, Registrar of Voters Suffield’s Municipal Election was held on November 7.

There were 9,811 eligible voters and 3,868 of them came out to vote for their town officials. * designates the winners.

Pilgrim Barber Shop & Styling Salon Open 6 Days a Week Walk-Ins Welcome

Mon. - Wed. 8-5:30 Thurs. & Fri. 8-6:30, Sat. 8-3:30 11 High St. • Suffield, CT 06078 • 860-668-0170

By Kris Lambert All are welcome to join First Selectman Colin Moll for coffee from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Café Barista, 66 North Main Street, on the first and third Friday of each month. He will address resident concerns and answer questions pertaining to Suffield government operations, as well as listen to any suggestions you may have.

The first coffee hour will begin on Friday, January 5, 2024. On the third Friday of the month, a guest department head or board or commission member will join First Selectman Moll; please check the town website for further details. Let the staff know that you are participating in the First Selectman’s Coffee hour and receive a 10% discount off your drink order. z

Be Prepared for the PPP

By Darlene Burrell Registrar of Voters A Democrat and/or Republican Presidential Preference Primary will be held on April 2.

The deadline to transfer from one political party to another and be eligible to vote in the new party’s primary is January 2. You may verify your political party enrollment online using the Voter Registration Lookup Tool at https://portaldir.ct.gov/ sots/lookup.aspx or by calling the Registrars of Voters 860668-3850.

Suffield has 9,820 registered voters. Of them 5,559 are enrolled in political parties and 4261 electors are not affiliated with any political party. (2,522 Democrat Party, 2,753 Republican Party, 257 Independent Party, 22 Libertarian Party, and 5 Green Party). z

Index

Section 1 -Town Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Commission Meetings. . . . . . . 3 Police and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 25th Anniv. . . . . . 9,13,14,25,31 In Memoriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 100 Years Ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Suffield Community Aid. . . . . 16 Section 2 - Schools,Library Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 18,19 Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..22,23 Section 3 - Organizations Senior Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Parks & Rec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Look No Further. . . . . . . . . . . 30

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

TOWN GOVERNMENT

December Commission Meetings

First Selectman’s Update

Please check the Town of Suffield website for time, location or schedule changes: ACCE Thu., Dec. 14 7 p.m., Town Hall Afford. Housing Comm.

Thu., Dec. 14 7 p.m., Town Hall Conservation Comm.

Tue., Dec. 12 7 p.m., Town Hall Econ. Dev. Commission Thu., Dec. 21 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Education, Board of Mon., Dec. 4 & 18 6:30 p.m., SHS Env. & Sustain. Task Force Wed., Dec. 13 6:30 p.m., Town Hall Finance, Board of Mon., Dec. 11 7 p.m., Town Hall Fire Commission Tue., Dec. 12 7 p.m., Town Hall Historic District Comm.

Mon., Dec. 4 7:30 p.m., Town Hall KML Commission Tue., Dec. 12 7 p.m., KML

Local Prevention Council Weds., Dec. 13 7 p.m., Senior Center Parks & Rec. Comm.

Wed., Dec. 13 7 p.m., Town Hall Permanent Bldg. Comm.

Thu., Dec. 7 7 p.m., Town Hall P&Z Commission Mon., Dec. 18 7 p.m., Town Hall Police Commission Wed., Dec. 27 7 p.m., Police Station Selectmen, Board of Wed., Dec. 6 7 p.m., Town Hall Soc. Service Comm.

Thu., Dec. 14 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Vet. Mem. Exp. Comm.

Mon., Dec. 11 6 p.m., Police Station WPCA Tue., Dec. 12 7 p.m.

844 East St. South

Page 3

Colin Moll

First and foremost, thank you to all who elected to have me lead our Town for another two years. Congratulations to those who were elected and thank you to all who ran for a position. I look forward to another opportunity of overcoming and guiding our community through the many challenges we may face dayto-day. I will continue to work on building off of the many great accomplishments I, the Board of Selectmen, and other boards and departments have created. For those of you who know me, it’s business as usual.

Here are a few items we have coming up for discussion in the near future: •Facilities Master Plan •Town meeting in December to approve a Dog ordinance in regard to boarding fees and a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Matching Grant Program for businesses within that district.

•Blight Ordinance •Babb’s Pavilion Project All information for the aforementioned can be found on the Town website.

Suffield Alight is December 1 at 5 p.m. on the Town Green.

Come join us for our annual holiday festivities of fun, food, and the tree lighting.

Check out our many programs from our Community Services departments and Library for the months of December and January.

Speaking of the Library, in the October edition, the Observer published an article titled “A Farewell Letter” by the former Library Director who no longer had worked for the Town. Within this article were numerous unfounded and biased claims. Complete fabrications by a disgruntled employ-

ee who chose to push a personal agenda over the balance and neutrality expected of a Town representative and employee. She claimed that a library should not be influenced by politics. Oddly enough, that’s exactly the opposite way to which she chose to run it.

When hired, the number one goal was simply to ensure the library was a place where people could discover, research, and learn. Provide newer, better programming to give our residents. Leave the politics out of the Library. Instead, it was a place where special interests were allowed to manifest and eventually create a divide to which many of us and those across the State could conveniently read about these manufactured issues.

I am extremely disappointed that the Observer would not give me a chance to respond or check the validity of these claims within this political hit piece. The timing of this article seemed all too convenient.

Many have wondered the motives behind the timing. What followed was a well laid out design by certain special interest groups in numerous newspaper outlets that made it seem as if there was some sort of attack on the Kent Memorial Library before our election.

Some might be surprised to learn that there’s actually not.

In fact, opposite to some beliefs and false narratives, you can still find the book What Are Your Words at our Library.

After the book was moved back to a shelf, there have been two other similar requests about other books on display at the Library. Both followed the new policy that was set forth, and both remained in the library and never moved.

For those who are upset about the claim of “disregard to patron privacy” made by the former Director in this letter, I encourage you to request the email thread “KML Programs (4/13/2023 11:31 a.m.)” between myself and Ms. Styles.

You may be surprised to learn that it was she who actually made up this “supposed disregard.” So upset were some, that it was a focal point in following newspaper articles. Perhaps, they too, should’ve taken my emails to clarify facts instead of continuing a narrative of lies.

Recently, you may drive through Town and see a few Support KML signs scattered here and there. I question what it is that needs further support? In the last two years, the Library has had a $72,000 increase in their budget. A substantial increase compared to the previous 7 years where it fluctuated up and down with zero increase using 2015-2016 as a base point. The Library is the 5th highest funded department. Only the Police, Public Works, Fire, and Community Services exceeds it, to which, Community Services is made up of 4 departments.

And so, it leads me to my conclusion. Is there really an issue at our Library? Or have certain special interest groups latched on to our Library and tried to push false narratives and stories that only further their political agenda and interests? And for what reasons or results? To try and divide our community. A community that is strong, vibrant, and has so much to offer to those who live here. Their actions appear to be the opposite of the message of kindness we may hear from them. Recall the past 3-6 months of visceral comments and perpetuated false narratives by some in public forums and meetings. Is this what the majority of us want? I would say 2472 would say no. I encourage more to get involved.

It’s time to take a stand and speak up against a small minority who would like to see our community divided. Remind our detractors that Suffield is a great place to live.

Enjoy the holidays and as always, my door is always open.

Page 4

The Suffield Observer

How are we doing?

How can we improve The Suffield Observer?

By The Observer Board Dear Readers, the following is printed in each and every issue of The Suffield Observer: Our Mission: To build a sense of community throughout the town of Suffield and to provide a forum where all sides of issues may be addressed.

Our Organization: The Observer is written by, for and about the people of Suffield. We are an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization seeking to provide information and news about the town of Suffield.

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we are asking you, our valued readers, if we are living up to our Mission and Organization and how can we improve? Please don’t limit yourself to a “Yes” or “No” but try to give specific examples that explain why you believe as you do. Your feedback, positive or negative, would be most appreciated.

Submissions can be sent to: inbox@thesuffieldobserver.com. Alternatively, you may enter responses online (anonymously or not, using https:// forms.gle/fepXUCeY2ehgfUNp6 or the QR code below.

All submissions will be read by a diverse, bi-partisan panel of Observer staff to ensure all views are considered for printing in a future issue of the Observer. Please submit all responses by December 31, 2023.

We thank you in advance for your participation z.

Town News You Might Not Know

By Cheri Kudla Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from minutes of various Boards and Commissions. If you want more detail, it can be found by going to suffieldct. gov, Agendas, Meetings, Minutes.

Board of Selectmen: The Landfill Policy is being reviewed to fix a couple of issues at the Landfill. The two major issues are permitting and fees.

Permitting has not been enforced for some time. The impact on reinstituting permitting and the actions of contractors utilizing the landfill was discussed. Permitting reinstatement should alleviate numerous daily complaints.

Fees have not increased in ten years. They need to be brought current to cover the

costs of current services. All agreed with the proposed fees.

A Suffield Building Official wrote a letter outlining a summary of State laws authorizing municipalities to regulate and address blighted properties. The value of a blight ordinance and how it works was explained.

There were concerns about the impact to hoarders in town who are suffering from a mental illness and will be punished by having extremely high penalties imposed upon them.

Parks & Recreation: The basketball clinics held have been very successful. Pickleball has become very popular, and more sessions will be scheduled. Soccer and flag football have ended and had a successful season. Basketball registration is in progress with many teams already full.

Permanent Building Commission: The Commission reiterated the potential issues with the existing electrical system.

The building and what can be done with the existing structure is their focus. The dog park and playground portions of the concept will come later.

An engineer’s assessment of the structure will be obtained before proceeding with the environmental and architectural designs.

Suffield High School’s roof warranty is expired. The town has a roof budget now; however, other building projects may take precedence in the future.

It was recommended to create a plan for a phased replacement approach.

Planning & Zoning: Text amendments to two sections of the Zoning Regulations in reContinued on Page 6

December 2023/January 2024

Suffield Observations

By Andy Sauer

Journalism is kids’ play

For a kid, nonfiction is code for “no fun.”

It’s a blast to mine the imagination for stories of heroes and villains and arrange a compelling work of fiction. But, to the average 10-year-old, the real world appears mundane.

To make its nonfiction unit a little more interesting, the McAlister Intermediate School asks The Suffield Observer to send its best and brightest to make the strongest pitch for nonfiction writing to the fifth grade. For some reason, I am included among those ranks.

So, PowerPoint in hand, we make our case that journalism is fun. There are several portions of the presentation – history, production, etc., and mine focuses on content, otherwise known as “news.”

I start out by describing four kinds of news: · News you need to know -- e.g. the weather. · News you want to know -- sports or celebrities. · News you should know -- politics, economy, etc. · And, news you didn’t know you wanted to know -- that unique story that sparks your curiosity, which is the most fun.

I mention that I’ve written all kinds of stories for the Observer – columns about schools, sidewalks, streets, lawns, lawn mowers, running, walking, friends, stop signs, neighbors, soccer, football and even slime.

The secret to finding a good story, I tell them, is to simply open their eyes and ask questions. The world is filled with untold stories. And, I stress, they are the perfect people to find those stories. Kids are naturally curious and they have one thing of which adults always seem to have too little: Time. Adults, especially parents, are always busy. Who has the time or energy to look for stories?

Well, I tell them, kids do.

Part of McAlister’s nonfiction unit is for the kids to come up with their own news story to report and write. If it’s good enough, we told them, it just might get published. Over the years, the Observer has had tons of stories written by Suffield students.

And, that’s when the questions start.

Yes, a story on a hockey player would be good. Yes, a story about a fad of wearing mismatched Crocs would make a good story. Yes, a story about Taylor Swift would be interesting. We said “yes” to a lot of ideas.

I’m not sure what age people get to when they lose that boundless curiosity that fuels discovery. As adults, we are bound by a host of commitments that seemingly define our purpose. Children, aside from homework and chores, have a lot of free space on their internal hard drives. An unencumbered mind is an open one.

I told the fifth-graders that they’ll know they have a good story when they ask a question and the grown-ups in their lives don’t seem to know the answer. That’s when it’s time to start chasing the story – get the facts and get it on paper.

Then, write and keep writing. There’s no such thing as a bad sentence, just one that might need some editing. Read, revise and repeat until it’s ready, and then file it (hand it in.)

It sounds like work, but it’s actually a lot of fun. After getting my first paycheck as a journalist, which wasn’t much, I remember thinking “suckers, I would have done this job for free.”

Today, for the Observer, I do – because it’s a lot of fun.

Author’s note: Thank you, McAlister Intermediate School, for allowing The Suffield Observer to talk to the fifth grade.

To the two classes I spoke with at end of the school day: I told you I’d write about you guys!

December 2023/January 2024

Town Meeting Wednesday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

Suffield Middle School auditorium Check the town website for more information.

Captain’s Corner:

By Captain Ron Carlson, Suffield Fire Department Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire.

Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and firesafe holiday season.

Holiday Decorating: • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

Holiday Entertaining: • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. nfpa.org/education. z

The Suffield Observer

SUFFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT REPORT OCTOBER 2023 REASONS

# OF CALLS

Fire, other Structure fire

1 2

Special outside fire 1 Medical assist 2 Emergency medical service (EMS) incident 7 Combustible/flammable spills & leaks 2 Electrical wiring/ equipment problem 2 Accident/potential accident 1 Service call, other 1 Person in distress 2 Water problem 3 Public service assistance 1 Cover assignment, standby at fire station, move-up 1 Good intent call, other 4 Steam, other gas mistaken for smoke 1 HazMat release investigation w/no HazMat 2 System or detector malfunction 5 Unintentional system/detector operation (no fire) 26 Citizen complaint 1 Mutual aid given (2) Mutual aid received (3) TOTAL:

51

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SUFFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT OCTOBER 2023 REASONS

# OF CALLS

911 Hang-Up 15 Abandoned Vehicle 3 Animal Complaint 99 Assist Citizen 19 Assist Motorist 19 Background Investigation 0 Breach of Peace 3 Burglar Alarm 20 Burglary 0 Cell Block Check 11 Civil Matter 0 Community Policing Contact 116 Directed Patrol 4 Disorderly 1 Domestic Disturbance 5 DUI/Erratic Operation 9 Escort/Transport 0 Evading Accident 1 Fingerprints 21 Fire Dept. - Hazmat 1 Fire Dept. - Box Alarm Confirmed 1 Fire Department - Still Alarm 12 Fire Department - Structure 1 Fire Department - Box Alarm 21 Follow Up 15 Fraud 3 General Information 63 Harassment 5 Hazardous Condition 22 Identity Theft 1 Intoxicated Person 0 Juvenile Matters 9 Larceny 6 Lost/Found Property 6 M/V Accident 16 M/V Accident (Personal Injury) 1 Medical 119 Mentally Disturbed Person 2 Missing Person/Runaway 2 Motor Vehicle Theft 2 Motor Vehicle Violation 174 Narcotics 0 Noise Complaint 6 Occupational Accident 1 Notification 0 Outside Assist 19 Parking Violation 4 Property Check 845 Sexual Assault 0 Suicide Attempt 0 Suspicious Activity 31 Suspicious Person 10 Suspicious Vehicle 44 Threatening 1 Town Ordinance 1 Traffic Control/School Traffic 131 Training 5 Trespassing 0 Vandalism 3 Warrant Service 1 Welfare Check 18 TOTAL: 1949

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Page 6

The Suffield Observer

Community Calendar December 2023/January 2024

Month of December

KML Art exhibit - featuring paper cutting art by Suffield artist Landi Hou - regular KML hours, Pinney Gallery, w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23)

Fri, Dec 1

Suffield Alight - 5 p.m. - on the Town Green. Come join us for our annual holiday festivities of fun, food, and the tree lighting. (pg 3)

Sat, Dec 2

Farmers Market - Holiday Edition & FFA Holiday Sale - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the large animal facility at Suffield High School, 1060 Sheldon St. (pg 15)

Sun, Dec 3

Carol Sing and Tree Lighting - 5:15 p.m. - Fr. Ted Hall at Sacred Heart Church.

Refreshments follow. All are welcome. (pg 11)

Mon, Dec 4 Floral Design with Ruth Loiseau - demonstration at noon - w/Suffield Garden Club in the Fellowship Hall at Second Baptist Church. (pg 31) Wed, Dec 6 Koledy Concert - 10:15 a.m. - Sacred Heart Church. Featuring Polish Christmas carols w/The Polish Historical Society. (pg 13) Thur, Dec 7 Public Menorah Lighting and Chanukkah Celebration - 4:30 p.m. - Suffield town green. Latkes, donuts, music and more! All are invited. (pg 10) Thur, Dec 7 Pasta Dinner with Santa! - seatings at 4 or 6:30 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center.

Reserve by calling Suffield Parks & Rec at 860.668.3862.

Sat, Dec. 9

Boston Tea Party celebration lite lunch and tea - 11 a.m. - Kent Memorial Library, with the DAR. All are welcome! (pg 22)

Sat-Sun, Dec 9&10

Holidayfest! Teddy Bears on Display - 11 a.m to 4 p.m. The King House Museum, 232 S. Main St. (pg 10)

Sun, Dec 10 Carol Sing at Historic First Baptist Church - 4 p.m. - 1217 Hill Street. Join family, friends and your community as we continue this tradition. (pg 12) Wed, Dec 13 Town Meeting - 7 p.m. - Suffield Middle School Auditorium.

(pg 5)

Thur, Dec 14 Meet the Artist reception with Landi Hou - 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pinney gallery at KML w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23) Fri-Sun, Dec 15-17

Santa comes to Suffield (Santa home visits) - 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Register Nov 15-Dec 13 at SuffieldOnTheGreen.org/Santa. (pg 27)

Sun, Dec 17 Children’s Pagent (any child can participate without practice) - 10 a.m. - West Suffield Congregational Church. (pg 10) Sun, Dec 17 Community Christmas Concert - 3 p.m. - Second Baptist Church. Performances by musical groups and individuals of all ages. (pg 11) Thur, Dec 21 Longest Night Service of Remembrance - 7 p.m. - First Church Sanctuary. Contact the office to add a name to the service. (pg 10) Month of January

KML Art exhibit - featuring watercolors by Tolland artist Art Scholz - regular KML hours, Pinney Gallery, w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23)

Fri, Jan 5 & First Selectman’s coffee hour - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Café Barista, 66 North Main. 10% off Jan 21 your drink order. (pg 2) Fri, Jan 5

Family Fun Night with Pizza, crafts and Mr. Magic - 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. - Suffield Senior Ctr. Register by January 2. (pg 27)

Thur, Jan 11 Meet the Artist reception with Art Scholz - 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pinney gallery at KML w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23) Thur, Jan 18 Open Mic Night - calling performers and artists of all kinds! - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Suffield Senior Center. Register by January 11. (pg 27) Thur, Jan 18 Books & Beyond with Nikki Erlick, author of The Measure - 7 p.m.. Registration required at www.suffield-library.org. (pg 22) Sat, Jan 20

Plant Swap & Shop - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Suffield VFW post 9544, 972 Sheldon St. Hosted by The Plant Lounge. (pg 21)

Thur, Feb 1 Your Family Tree - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Suffield Senior Ctr., with guidance from the Sibbil Dwight Kent chapter of the DAR. (pg 27)

Open Mon-Sat 9 am to 6 pm

December 2023/January 2024 those who served, both in war Town News and peace. Design ideas deContinued from page 4 sponse to requirements from picting the memorial stone and Public Act 21-29 were made. base “broken”, or just the meResearch from other munici- morial stone “broken” with a palities and feedback from the clean base were discussed.

Commission has been incorThe side facing away from porated into the amendments Main Street would allow for as appropriate.

180 names on each stone. CurA request to set the per- rently, the Committee only has formance bond for the Breezy 19-20 names. They need to Way Farm subdivision locat- determine how names will be ed off Mountain Road, West added going forward and to fiSuffield, was discussed. A 10% nalize the design. maintenance bond was recomThe Committee’s goal is to mended and approved. have the expansion installed by Police Commission: Con- Veterans Day 2024. z sultants have assessed the radio systems and peripherals with the goal of replacing the components and upgrading the space.

Officer recertifications, behavioral health assessments,

By Joyce Zien and drug testing are in progAttention photographers, ress. Lieutenant and Sergeant standardized evaluation guide- as the seasons transition, the Trees for Suffield Initiative lines are complete.

The dispatcher position is photography contest comfilled. Additionally, six depart- mittee is looking forward to ment members are in training receiving your late fall/early winter tree photos for our new for a drone pilot’s license.

Veterans Memorial Expan- contest, “Trees Four Seasons”. sion Committee: Three ideas Contestants are encouraged have been presented and dis- to submit photos as the seacussed. The original design of sons go by, but we will receive two memorials that are 10 feet your best tree photo from any on a 12-foot base, two memori- season until the deadline of als that are 6 feet on an 8-foot March 31, 2024.

Participants do not have base, and the same as the secto be a Suffield resident, but ond with a “broken” edge.

The side facing Main Street all tree photos have to be takwould have the six emblems of en in Suffield. There is a youth the different branches in the category for ages up to 17 and order they were established, adult category for age 18 and Continued on Page 8 along with wording to honor

Trees Four Seasons - A Photography Contest

December 2023/January 2024

Compiled by Beth Chafetz International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3 “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.”

– Nido Qubein “Only 50 years ago persons with disabilities were scorned, isolated and neglected. Today, they are able to attend school, become employed and assimilate into their local community,” – Nelson Mandela Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – December 7 "We must be the great arsenal of democracy. For us this is an emergency as serious as war itself. We must apply ourselves to our task with the same resolution, the same sense of urgency, the same spirit of patriotism and sacrifice as we would show were we at war."

– Franklin D. Roosevelt Human Rights Day December 10 “We must take sides.

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.

When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant.”

– Elie Wiesel “Activism works. So what I’m telling you to do now is to act. Because no one is too small to make a difference.”

– Greta Thunberg First Crossword Puzzle in a Newspaper December 21, 1913

The Suffield Observer

Page 7

Food For Thought

In honor of our veterans, Suffield remembers and salutes our vets!

“Egotism: Doing the New York Times crossword puzzle with a pen.”

– Ambrose Bierce Christmas – December 25 "If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel Christmas all the time."

– Faith Hill “Adults can take a simple holiday for children and screw it up. What began as a presentation of simple gifts to delight and surprise children around the Christmas tree has culminated in a woman unwrapping six shrimp forks from her dog, who drew her name.”

– Erma Bombeck "Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding more time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values." – Thomas S. Monson Kwanzaa Begins December 26 "I don't think there will ever be a time when the principles of Kwanzaa will not be important or timely.

It's a great time for reflec-

tion and now more than ever our country needs to be reminded of unity."

– Kellie Carter Jackson "The holiday reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture."

– Dr. Maulana Karenga National Chocolate Day December 28 “I could give up chocolate, but I’m no quitter.”

– Unknown “If you can’t remember my name, just say ‘chocolate’ and I’ll turn around.”

– Pinterest Write to a Friend Month “How wonderful it is to be able to write someone a letter! To feel like conveying your thoughts to a person, to sit at your desk and pick up a pen, to put your thoughts into words like this is truly marvelous.”

– Haruki Murakami

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

“To write is human, to receive a letter: Divine!”

– Susan Lendroth Trivia Day January 4 “The enthusiasm and confidence you bring to our table on Trivia Nights is rivaled only by the impressive consistency with which you are always wrong.”

– yourecards Random Fact: Human contact through hugs lowers blood pressure, releases stress and reduces the risk of heart disease.

National Bird Day January 5 “The homing instinct in birds and animals is one of their most remarkable traits: their strong local attachments and their skill in finding their way back when removed to a distance. It seems at times as if they possessed some extra sense – the home sense – which operates unerringly.”

– John Burroughs “Birds were flying from continent to continent long before we were. They

reached the coldest place on Earth, Antarctica, long before we did. They can survive in the hottest of deserts. Some can remain on the wing for years at a time.

They can girdle the globe.

Now, we have taken over the earth and the sea and the sky, but with skill and care and knowledge, we can ensure that there is still a place on Earth for birds in all their beauty and variety – if we want to… And surely, we should.”

– Richard Attenborough Author A.A. Milne is born January 18, 1882 “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

– Winnie the Pooh “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

– Eeyore Popcorn Day January 19 “Some people say popcorn is hard to chew. There’s a kernel of truth to that.”

– pinterest “True self-control is waiting until the movie starts to eat your popcorn.”

– eBaum’s World National Thank You Month - January “Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.”

– Ralph Marston

®

Heritage Funeral Home & First Church invite you to join the multi-denominational community candlelight service Thursday - December 21 at 7 pm LONGEST NIGHT A COMMUNITY SERVICE For all who are facing this season with a heavy heart, who are experiencing a difficult time due to the loss of a job, divorce, death of a loved one or any other loss we experience throughout our lives.

The Longest Night Service of Remembrance Thursday, December 21st 7:00pm, First Church Sanctuary

If you would like to have a loved one’s name read aloud, please email First Church at office@FCsuffield.org or call 860-668-7223.

We wish the Christmas blessing of hope and faith will bring you and your family comfort, love and good memories this holiday season and always.

Most Sincerely, Cheryl Demko Morello & Demko Family And all the staff with Heritage Funeral Home

Page 8

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Christmas in Suffield Delights the Shoppers

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

Sacred Heart Church visitors had lots to choose from in Father Ted Hall.

The Second Chance Shop welcomed shoppers.

Photo by Karen Jason

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

First Congregational Church filled the hall with merchandise.

Second Baptist Church sold a wide variety of goods.

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

West Suffield Congregational Church had tables of wares beneath the hanging.

Photo by Ron Kirschbaum

Suffield Fire Department Auxilary had displays in the bays.

Photo Contest Continued from page 6

older. Judging will be based on originality, technical excellence, composition and overall impact. You may enter one photo in each of the four categories, spring, summer,

fall and winter. Let’s show off our talent and our beautiful Suffield trees!

For complete contest information and to submit a photo go to the town website: suffieldct.gov/things-to-do/treesfor-suffield. z

December 2023/January 2024

December and January Front Page News Over the Years

By Beth Chafetz Over the past twenty-five years the Observer has covered many stories about local people, events and businesses. We thought it might be interesting each month to highlight some of the front-page news to remind us what was happening in town. The following are some of the headline stories from our December/January issues over the past 25 years.

There were several issues that highlighted seasonal holiday events both Christmas and Hanukkah as well as election results from November’s elections. Other front page stories included the disclosure of the new high school site (1999), the recommendation of the Bradley Connector Road (2001), the dedication of the Veterans Memorial (2003), the SHS Giraffe Club (2004), the boys and girls soccer teams who become state champs (2006), planners for the library took public comment (2007), Suffield named a Preserve America Town (2008), SMS and SHS cross country teams do well (2008), a vote recount supported Tom Frenaye’s win as First Selectman (2009), bullying in schools was an issue (2010), SHS celebrates their Best Buddies group (2010), an October snow storm slams the town (2011) and new power lines went up in West Suffield (2012). The SHS boys’ soccer team became state champs (2013), SHS Agriscience students sold poinsettias (2015), SHS varsity girls soccer team had an exceptional season (2015), Suffield’s 350th anniversary house tour is held

The Suffield Observer

Page 9

Catch Me If You Can!

(2019), MIS students study journalism (2020), Suffield Alight celebrated the holidays (2020) and Hilltop hosts its first public event in the barn (2022).

The Observer often highlighted people as well on the front page. Some people reported on over the past 25 years included Observer volunPhoto by Lester Smith teer Ruth Zimmerman (2002), An unidentified Jets ball carrier heads back toward the scrimmage line pursued by at least four RHAM Paul Hryniewicz (2003), Bil- defenders. On a Friday evening just before the first day of school, this was the second pre-season scrimmage ly Kuras of the Suffield Po- for the Suffield-Windsor Locks youth football team. From the December/January 2010-2011 Observer. lice Department (2005), Steve Sorrow’s Connecticut River cleanup (2005) and retirement All photos by Ron Kirschbaum from the Suffield Fire Department (2009), runner-up in a state-wide writing contest, 6th grader Ben Gee (2007), State Representative Ruth Fahrbach retired( 2008), Observer managing editor Anne Mainolfi (2010), Ed McAnaney’s First Selectman election win (2011), White House florist Ruth Loiseau (2012), Kent Memorial Library director Jim McShane (2013), Melissa Mack’s First Selectman election win (2015), the Observer remembers founder Sam Fuller (2016) and Town Historian and King House curator Lester Smith (2017 and 2023). Other Suffield people included Suffield Pride’s professional baseball player Jack Patterson (2018), SHS teacher Justin Kaput headed for Antarctica (2018), KML director Jackie Hemond retired (2019), firefighter Ron Carlson celebrated 50 years with SFD (2021) and CT Public radio Yikes! Stay back!

Spooky here, spooky there...

Mr. Bones Plays the Organ Lucy Nalpathanchil (2022).

We hope to provide a look into the past years, month by month, as we remember some of the front-page highlights. z

Spooktackular Wows!

Page 10

The Suffield Observer

A Christmas Miracle

By Denise Peterson My husband had a kidney stone that needed attending to, and they scheduled him for a procedure on Christmas Eve Day. The nurse told me to fill his prescription for pain at the pharmacy next to Friendly’s.

I thought I knew where she meant. I didn’t. I walked out of the hospital and wound up at a Walgreens that had bars across the prescription area. They kindly explained that I needed to go back to the hospital to fill the script unless I wanted to wait for 2 hours. I left.

Now, I have the directional instincts of a gnat, so I took a wrong turn out of the pharmacy and before I knew it, I was walking into the city, in dimming light, and I could not see the hospital because of the buildings. I had no idea which direction I should travel in. At one point I walked past an abandoned house that had a man just standing in an empty window, looking down on the street. My imagination was working overtime, and I got scared. It was cold and dark, and as I passed a neighborhood bar, a man walked out. He was about five feet tall and was a little unsteady on his feet. He spoke no English, and I had no Spanish, but he recognized the word “hospital,”

and kindly took my arm to lead me where I needed to be.

When we got there, I tried to give him some money, which he waved away. He wished me Feliz Navidad and walked back into the city. His name was Felipe, and he was my Christmas miracle.

Hopefully this year will have less drama but carry the same light and sense of wonder I experienced on that street so many years ago. West Suffield Congregational’s bright new doors will be open, the organ is magnificent, and the choir is ready. The children will be having their pageant at 10 a.m. on December 17. We set it up in such a way that any child attending can participate without practice time, as we will have hosts of angels, shepherds, and kings costumes to share. Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday, we are having two services: one at 10 a.m. and one at 5 p.m. We sing Christmas carols before service every week during Advent, then we light the candles in our wreath and return to the Advent Season worship.

Join us, come sing, come giggle with the children, or come to rest and renew with the hope that Christmas brings.

Blessings on your day. z

Teddy Bears Visit the King House Museum

By Anne Borg This year's Holidayfest exhibit will feature Teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, on loan from historical society members and local residents. The King House will be open and decorated for the holidays on Saturday,

December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from 11 a.m.4 p.m. We welcome children and grandchildren and the young at heart to enjoy refreshments and seasonal good cheer. The King House is located at 232 South Main Street. z

Granite & Bronze Cemetery Memorials Distinctive Bronze Plaques

D’Agata-Perry Granite & Bronze Memorial Cleaning & Lettering

739 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor 860-688-5977 | www.dagatagranite.com Owners Michael & Vanessa Perry

December 2023/January 2024

December and January at First Church of Christ, UCC

By Amber Dawn Bigley First Church of Christ, Congregational UCC of Suffield, CT is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.

First Church welcomes all to join us in worship Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., in-person or through our YouTube livestream.

No matter who you are, or where you are, on life's journey, YOU are welcome here. Come as you are, for this is God’s house – a house of prayer for all people, and God welcomes each one who comes.

Welcome to the Holy season of Advent! Advent begins on December 3. Join us following worship for Advent Wreath Making; supplies provided by First Church.

Our Glad Tidings Christmas Auction is December 7.

Proceeds from the Auction support the Suffield Community Aid Fuel Bank.

Sunday, December 10, we will be hosting a Community Christmas Carol Sing at Suffield on the River. We will leave the church following worship to head over and bring the gift of song.

Carpooling is available – the more the merrier! Hot cocoa and yummy cookies following the singing, Sunday, December 17, we host “Mary’s Baby Shower” during and after worship.

We will be collecting items for newborn babies at Baystate Medical Center Neonatal Unit, Springfield Mass.

We will also be providing a meal for Cathedral in the Night, feeding our neighbors in Northampton Mass.

Thursday, December 21, we host our Longest Night Service of Remembrance at 7

p.m. Sometimes it is hard to feel the joy of Christmas due to a deep mourning due to loss. This ecumenical service includes many of the same aspects of a regular Christmas service, but with a quieter tone. The service includes a time of remembrance for those losses we have suffered.

Contact the church office to add a name to the service.

Sunday, December 24, we have our 10 a.m. worship service, and our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service will be at 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All are invited to our Christmas Eve services.

Sunday, December 31, we will host a virtual Sunday worship service. Contact the church office for more information.

Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 27 following our 10 a.m. worship.

Rev. Diann continues to run a dedicated and vibrant Wednesday morning Bible study group at 10 a.m. each week via Zoom; contact us

for more information.

Our Blessing Box is located right in front of First Church on High St and is open to our neighbors and community members to “take what you need; leave what you can.” We encourage our community to donate; please do not donate perishable foods or foods requiring refrigeration.

First Church hosts support groups in our building for their meetings, including Narcotics Anonymous, Families Anonymous, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Contact us for the full list of meeting information.

Questions and general inquiries should be directed to office@fcsuffield.org, or by leaving a message at 860-6687223. Pastoral needs can be sent to senior@fcsuffield.org, or by leaving a voicemail with Rev. Diann following the prompts through our church office. Our staff and Minister are ready to assist you or provide information as needed.

God bless! z

December 2023/January 2024

By Father Keough Getting ready to get ready is the theme of the month of December. In our Roman Catholic tradition, the Season of Advent is a time of joyful expectation as we get ready to welcome Jesus as the Infant of Bethlehem. Sometimes lost in the hectic pace of "the holiday season" we can get overwhelmed with tasks and deadlines. Advent should be a time where we permit ourselves to slow down a bit and maybe gift ourselves with meaningful time with God as well as family and friends.

At Sacred Heart we start the month off busy with our Carol Sing in the church comprising of a selection of sacred and secular Christmas favorites. The event begins at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 3.

Once we get in the spirit with the music we head outside for the blessing of the Christmas Nativity and our Christmas tree. This family friendly and multi-generational event concludes with a reception of hot

The Suffield Observer

Sacred Heart News

chocolate and cookies hosted by our Knights of Columbus in Fr. Ted Hall. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge for this event.

In the midst of all the music, many volunteers from our Human Needs Committee will be putting together Thanksgiving Food Baskets and then collecting gift items for Christmas to once again assist our neighbors in need through Suffield Community Aid. Parishioners will be purchasing items designated for area families and children to help make Christmas a little brighter for everyone.

We are also praying for anyone who is looking to return to the faith through our parish family. Our annual "Come Home for Christmas" program of prayer and invitation will begin in Advent as we pray for family members and friends to rejoin us at the Lord's altar for Christmas and hopefully all through the new year. The name or initials of a loved one is written on a small heart and they are prayed for during Ad-

vent. The hearts are lovingly placed on the Christmas trees in the church and remain there throughout the Christmas season. It is our hope that God touches the heart of each of us that we can rejoin or welcome back a family member and friend.

Christmas falls on a Monday this year so our Fourth Sunday of Advent will be a modified weekend schedule with the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass on Dec. 23rd and morning Masses at 8 and 10 on December 24 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Christmas Eve Masses will be at 4 and 10:30 p.m. A performance of sacred Christmas music will begin at 10 p.m. performed by our parish choir. Please join is if you can.

Christmas Day the Masses will be at 8:30 and 10 a.m. For more details, please visit our newly updated web site at http:// www.sacredheartct.com.

One of the focal points of any parish Christmas celebration is the parish nativity scene.

Usually displayed in front of

Page 11

the altar, the parish nativity conveys the infancy narratives found in the gospels of St. Luke and St. Matthew. The tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi to help people better appreciate the true Gift of Christmas, Francis assembled animals and characters to bring the Bible to life. This year at Sacred Heart, special efforts have been made to restore and recreate a "parish" nativity. Using figurines from both Sacred Heart and St. Joseph churches, a New Britain artist/crafter has repaired and repainted a combination of figures from multiple sets to form one complete nativity to help us in our continued journey to a unified Catholic Family here in Suffield. The result has been a truly beautiful nativity for a truly beautiful parish family.

I hope you can find time to join us in some of these calendar highlights or just enjoy the Christmas tree at 446 Mountain Road as you drive home from a busy day at work or school or shopping. Have a blessed Advent and Christ-

In Memoriam Jenny Hryniewicz October 7 Age 85 George A. Houston October 14 Age 88 Georgann R. Roche October 14 Age 69 Claire O’Connor October 15 Age 99 Allen W. Warkentien October 24 Age 72 Donald E. Powers November 3 Age 90 mas Season! Whatever your faith tradition, may God bless you and your loved ones in the New Year and may peace fill our hearts and our world. z

Annual Community Christmas Concert Back!

Jim Tsis Plumbing

By Tina Berrien The Second Baptist Church of Suffield is pleased to announce the return of the Suffield Community Christmas Concert, which will take place on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m.

The Community Christmas Concert has become a town tradition over the years and will be coordinated by the Director of Music Ministries, Anthony Ferreira. Expect local musicians, vocalists, and school groups to share their talents with the town during this event to celebrate the Christmas season.

While there is no cost to attend, there will be an opportunity to donate a free-will offering to benefit the Fuel Bank administered by the Suffield Community Aid Association.

Attendees will be treated to performances from a wide variety of musical groups and individuals of all ages. The church has hosted groups from the Suffield schools, the various

Second Baptist Church choirs and groups, piano and organ duets, instrumental groups, and various soloists. The musical line-up changes every year making every concert unique and special. What has remained constant is the amazing musical talent in Suffield and the surrounding communities.

As always, the most popular group to be featured has always been the assembled audience!

It has become a tradition for everyone to join in and sing familiar carols throughout the concert. Very few - if any - con-

Come join your friends and your foot, sing along, hum uncerts feature "The Twelve Days of Christmas" as performed neighbors for an afternoon of der your breath, or just smile at this event. Anyone who has Christmas music, cheer, friend- while you enjoy the music of attended this show can attest ship, and fun. Feel free to tap the season. z to the enthusiasm and joy this especially interactive piece proJIM T’s PLUMBING SERVICE motes - you need to come ex24 Hour Service - Jim Trzcinski perience it for yourself.

• Complete Plumbing • Water Heater The community spirit con• Emergency Service • Sewer & Drain tinues after the concert when • Cleaning Service • Repair Service all are invited to a reception JimTPlumbing@gmail.com of light refreshments in the 607 South Stone Street • West Suffield, CT 06093 Church’s Fellowship Hall. The reception offers everyone the Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Office (860) 668-7663 opportunity of visiting with Specializing in New Construction Cell (860) 836-5099 Licensed & Insured P1 204727 Fax (860) 668-7698 each other as well as the various performers.

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Land Conservancy Helps Improve Trails

The Suffield Observer

December 2023/January 2024

Second Baptist Church December Events

From a press release Second Baptist Church will participate with the Suffield community in Suffield Alight on Friday, December 1, 5-7 p.m. The Common Room will be open for visitors and outdoor activities are planned.

Make-your-own hot chocolate will be available!

Second Baptist Church is hosting American Red Cross Blood Drives on Wednesday, December 6 and Monday, December 18 in our Fellowship Hall. For an appointment, Photo by Ron KIrschbaum please visit redcrossblood.org (l-r) Abby Wolcott, Bob Howe, Sam Wolcott, Larry Peters and Scott Miller work on a Land Conservancy project to improve the trails around Bromes or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1Pond (part of the Sydney Fuller Wildlife Preserve off Mapleton Avenue). 800-733-2767).

Our second annual Cookie Swap will take place on Saturday, December 9 at noon. For additional information contact the church office at office@secondbaptistsuffield.org or 860-668-1661.

The historic First Baptist Church on Hill Street in Suffield will have its annual Carol Sing on Sunday, December 10 at 4 p.m. The Second Baptist congregation joins with residents of various faith persuasions from surrounding communities to sing and celebrate the Christmas season.

Don’t miss our Community Christmas Concert! Join us for a special concert on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m. presented by our choirs and our local school musicians.

Audience singing of Christmas Carols will be highlighted!

On Sunday, December 24 there will be three services in the sanctuary where you are invited to attend.

• 10 a.m. – Observance of the 4th Sunday of Advent.

• Christmas Eve Services • Specific times will be posted on our website www. secondbaptistsuffield.org • This service is led by children and youth and is designed for all ages. ALL children and youth are invited to participate in this service whether or not you are a regular participant in the life of Second Baptist. Please call the church office for more information.

• Candlelight and Lovefeast Service. The Love Feast service is from the Moravian tradition of worshipping through music and the sharing of a simple meal. The focus of the service is to worship the coming of the

Christ Child while promoting fellowship, relationships, unity, and Christian love among all participants.

Opportunities for strengthening our faith and Biblical knowledge continue through: • 2nd Hour Sermon Discussions – December 10, 11:30 am.

• Contemplative Practices group – December 14, 4 p.m.

Additional information for these and other activities/ opportunities at the church will also be published on secondbaptistsuffield.org as well as our Facebook and Instagram sites.

Want to get to know our Pastor? Rev. Justin regularly contributes to several publications, including the Christian Citizen, Good Faith Media, and Baptist News Global. He also writes and rambles at his blog, blacksheepbaptist.com.

His reflections and opinions are his own. z

Join the Merriment at First Baptist Church

By Lucille Miller This time of year can become so busy and hectic.

Here is the perfect opportunity to step away and have some good old-fashioned fun.

Come join with family, friends and your community as we continue the tradition of the annual Carol Sing at the historic First Baptist Church Hill Street in Suffield Sunday, December 10 at 4 p.m.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. z

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Page 13

A Moment in Time

10 0 Yea r s A go i n Su f f i eld

Old Photos Invited from Our Readers

Selected from the pages of the Windsor Locks Journal and lightly annotated by Wendy Taylor of Kent Memorial Library.

December 7 Two consignments of fish have recently been placed in Congamond Lake in Southwick to help replenish the rapidly diminishing stock of the pond.

The first consignment was received during the early part of November and consisted of thirteen cans containing about 1400 pickerel and 3000 bullheads. The second consignment… consisted of blue gills, considered by experts one of the best table fish.

December 14 A special town meeting will be held in the Town hall…to hear the report of the committee appointed at a special town meeting…to investigate the school needs of the Center district, and to take action upon the same…

The need of more adequate accommodations for the children of the Center school is admitted by all. It is not giving the children a chance when several of the grades are kept upon a half-day schedule in order that all may be taught.

December 21 There was a large attendance at the special town meeting… to hear the report of the committee appointed…to investigate school needs...Amos B. Crane, chairman of the committee, made a report of the work of the committee and told of the various sites that had been considered.

At the close of his report he recommended the purchase of the Episcopal church property and the property of Hiram Jones, located west of the present school playground, which would give the town about four acres [on Bridge Street]…Mr. Crane stated that the Episcopal church property could be bought for $6,000 and that sufficient material could be obtained from the church to pay for removing it. The Hiram Jones property, he said, could be bought for $8,000, and the

house, he said, could be moved to the lower end of the present playground and rented or kept for the janitor or teachers.

With a one-story school building with an assembly hall and six class rooms as well as an office for the superintendent of schools, it had been estimated that the cost would not exceed $105,000.

December 28 A spruce tree growing in the yard of S[amuel R[eid] Spencer at the center of Main street and Kent avenue was decorated last week and has been lighted every night this week. It has been a beautiful sight.

January 4 Victor Rogalski of Thompsonville was found lying unconscious beside the Suffield road about one mile from Suffield Center at 8.55 o’clock Monday night and died four hours later in the Springfield hospital without regaining consciousness…The autopsy showed that Rogalski had been hit on the right side of the head, probably with a blackjack or a club…The supposition is that the party who committed the crime believed that Rogalski had a large sum of money in his possession and did not know that he had deposited money [$330] in the Suffield savings bank early in the day.

January 18 Beginning Thursday, January 24th, the Hartford and Springfield Railway Company will replace the trolley cars running through this town with busses.

The eight young men who were arrested on December 10th, charged with criminal assault on Mildred Franscowski were given a hearing before Justice Sikes…

Dr. W. E. Caldwell testified as to the condition of the girl after the affair. The girl also gave her testimony and claimed that she was held til 4 o’clock in the morning.

Photo provided by Kent Memorial Library

This old photo, presumably a Suffield parlor before days of electric light, was given to Hawley Rising, former town historian. Can anyone identfy the location? From the December/January 2005-2006 Observer.

Polish Christmas Carols Concert

By Sara Zak The Polish Heritage Society will present a concert of the most popular religious Polish Christmas carols on Wednesday morning, December 6, in the Sacred Heart Church, 446 Mountain Road. Four area musicians will perform an hour-long program beginning at 10:15 a.m. The musicians are Eddie Forman (accordion), June Ingram (violin), Ed Zieminski (clarinet, saxophone), and Jim Turek (trumpet). Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this beautiful Polish tradition. There is no admission.

The following description of koledy is adapted from “Christmas Carols from Treasured Polish Songs with English Translations” by the Minneapolis Polanie Club 1953.

“In old Poland, the Christmas holidays were known as the days of love, harmony, forgiveness, and peace. These feelings were expressed by a spirit of good cheer, and a kind word. Mostly, however, they were expressed by song, the Koledy or Christmas carols. The Polish words Wesolych Swiat, meaning merry holidays, imply that there is more than one day of joy and festivity. Beginning with Christmas Eve, the holidays usually end on January sixth, the Feast of the Epiphany, or the day of the Three Wise Men, and in rural districts of Poland, they last even longer, until Candlemas Day, which falls on February second.

The Polish carol has an essentially folk song character, which makes it specifi-

cally national. The melodies are characteristically Polish - gay, sad, tender, even humorous - typical of the Polish peasant or mountaineer. Polish Christmas carols may be divided into three kinds: religious, legendary, and imaginative. The religious, among the most beautiful and profound in feeling of all Polish hymns, owe their origin to monks in cloisters. The legendary, based on the books of the Apocrypha, contain many legends and details which strict historical truth cannot be assumed. Hence the Church did not accept them, but they appealed to the people who loved to sing of the many wonders, the adoring shepherds and the Continued on Page 14

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The Suffield Observer

December 2023/January 2024

A Year in the Life of the Observer Trivia

By Jackie Hemond 1. Thea Coburn, an active participant in Suffield concerns, was the subject of an article written by Jane and Sam Fuller in June 2003. What organization(s) was Thea instrumental in forming? a. Suffield Land Conservancy b. Suffield League of Women Voters c. Suffield on the Green 2. Did the Boston Red Sox play in Windsor Locks? In April 2004, Mary Anne Zak wrote about the Southend Baseball Park, built by Peter Paganelli (Dorothy DeForge’s grandfather) in 1921, which could seat nearly 4,000 baseball fans. Yes or No? 3. Willis Seaver Adams was one of Suffield’s notable sons.

Mary Anne Zak wrote about him in May 2004. Who was he?

a. A major league baseball player b. A painter c. A president of the University of Chicago 4. Did the original Sacred Heart Church built in 1886 have a steeple? A photograph of the old church was printed in the June 2004 issue. Yes or No? 5. Before the first Sacred Heart Church was built, how did Suffield/West Suffield Catholics worship, according to Mary Anne Zak in the July/August 2004 Observer?

Select all answers which are correct. a. Missionary priests from Windsor Locks offered Mass every 4 to 6 weeks in private homes. b. Masses were offered in Academy Hall. c. They attended Mass in other towns.

6. The historic Oliver Hanchett house, which was situated diagonally across from Spaulding School on Mountain Road, was the subject of an article written by Lester Smith in July/August 2004.

What happened to the house? a. It was demolished. b. It was moved to a new location. c. It was bought by a musician popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

7. Hawley Rising, whose ancestors arrived in Suffield in 1677, gave a priceless gift to the Suffield Historical Society when he moved to Florida according to Jane and Sam Fuller in September 2004. What was the gift? a. The barn located behind the King House Museum b. An account book of John Pynchon who founded Suffield.

c. Photographs of old Suffield.

8. Noting that there was a shortage of flu vaccines in a December 2004/January 2005 article, Lester Smith wrote about how Suffield fared in the flu epidemic of 1918. How many Suffield residents died from the flu during that time? a. 21 b. 11 c. 31 9. Jan Brett, a popular children’s author and illustrator, became friends with Norm and Arlene Coulter who owned an award-winning farm at the corner of Hale and Taintor Streets. Brett also dedicated a book to the Coulter’s granddaughter,

Bethany Fusiek. What was the cause of the friendship according to Lester Smith in February 2005? a. Brett wanted to buy the property located next to the Coulter farm. b. Brett bought two Silkey hens from the Coulters. c. Bethany won a contest to be a model for one of Brett’s books.

10. In March 2005, Rick Stromoski, Suffield’s resident cartoonist, appeared in a photo sporting a tuxedo.

What was the occasion? a. He got married. b. One of his cartoons appeared in the Observer. c. He became the new president of the National Cartoonists Society.

Food Support For the Suffield Community Submitted by Liz McGann

speaking animals. The third, or imaginative, owe their origin to people of humble birth, who in relating the story of the Nativity used familiar surroundings taken from their own homes. Thus, Bethlehem became a Polish village and Jesus was born in Poland.

These carols often contain merry dance rhythms like the Krakowiak and the Mazurka and are called "Shepherd's Carols.” z

Daryl Hall, one part of the Hall and Oats musical duo.

The house was taken apart and reassembled in New Milford, New York. Lester updated the progress of the house in April and October 2005.

7. c. Photographs of old Suffield.

8. a. 21. Suffield’s flu mortality was about the same as the country’s: 21 dead out of a population close to 4000, or about one in 200.

9. b. Brett bought two Silkey hens from the Coulters. One of the hens, “Miss Rose” has appeared in several of Brett’s books.

10. c. He became the new president of the National Cartoonists Society. Rick published many of his cartoons the Observer. z

Continued from page 13

860-749-7365

1. Answers a. and b. are correct.

2. No, the Red Sox were scheduled to play but the game was called off because of rain. It was to have been an exhibition game against local men in a champion Holy Cross team. The ballpark was located in the area where I-91 crosses Route 159 in Windsor Locks.

3. b. A painter. He was renowned for his 1876 portrait of Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, who later became president. The portrait was one of over 400 works attributed to Adams.

4. Yes, the original Sacred Heart Church had a steeple.

5. All answers are correct.

6. Answers b. and c. are correct. It was bought by

Polish Carols

Suffield Community Aid 450 South St – Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Meals on Wheels / Food Pantry Outdoor 24hr/7day Food Cabinet suffieldcommunityaid.org (860) 668-1986 Daniellea@suffieldcommunityaid.org Requirements: Suffield Resident, Income documentation Food Pantry by Appointment No financial requirements for Meals on Wheels No requirements for Outdoor Food Cabinet Foodshare Mobile Food Truck (Suffield Site) 1408 Mountain Rd (W. Suffield Congregational Church) (860) 668-2271 - Every other Tuesday 1:15 – 1:45 p.m.

CTFoodshare.org for schedule Requirements: Connecticut Residents Only Suffield Senior Center

145 Bridge St. $5 Lunch Wednesday / Thursday 12 p.m.

Suffieldct.gov / (860) 668-3862 pleclerc@suffieldct.gov Requirements: Reservations – (860) 668-8830 First Church of Christ 81 High St. Outdoor 24 hr/7 day Food Cabinet (860) 668-7223 No Requirements

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Page 15

Suffield Winter Farmer’s Market

Thanksgiving Tree Dedicated

By Anita Wardell Each year the Tree Wardens' Association of CT (TWAC) selects a community to be the recipient of the 'Thanksgiving Tree'. The donated tree is planted in a different town each year in a location of significance and is the Association’s way of saying thank you to Towns and their Tree Wardens.

Three members of the Association attended the tree dedication ceremony, presenting a plaque to mark both the occasion and the tree. Said TWAC spokesperson Leo Kelly, “This gift helps us to educate the public about the mission of the Tree Wardens' Association and our responsibilities working for the municipalities that we serve."

Suffield’s Thanksgiving Tree is a Dawn Redwood, and the Tree Committee was pleased to dedicate it in honor of two long-time residents who cared deeply for our Town and our trees.

For those who had the pleasure to call Tom and Nikki Deupree friends, it was an honor to witness the dedication of a tree in their names.

Tom and Nikki lived in and loved our Suffield community dearly. Nikki was an active member of the Suffield Garden Club for 38 years working on a variety of committees

Photo by Connie Murray

State and local officials joined a group of about 20 residents for a dedication ceremony held last month on the North Green. l to r: Tami Zawistowski, Susan (Deupree) Jones, Leo Kelly of the Tree Wardens’ Association, Sue Mayne, and Colin Moll.

and special events. Tom, who owned a landscaping company, was very generous with his time to our community’s benefit. He taught tree pruning to Garden Club members and often sent his crew to assist at Town islands removing plants and helping with general cleanup.

Tom and Nikki always offered their help with open hands and wide smiles. Even after moving from Suffield, the Deuprees continued to support planting new trees in Town, and this past year, the Deupree Family Foundation, following in their footsteps,

became a generous donor to the Trees for Suffield Fund.

If you’d like to know more about the Trees for Suffield Initiative, visit our page on the Town website at: suffieldct. gov/things-to-do/trees-forsuffield. z

By Ellie Binns The Suffield Winter Farmer’s Market “December Holiday Edition” is teaming up again with the Agriscience program. Always fun and festive, the Market offers lots of holiday items with the Agriscience students offering their wreaths, décor and crafts, and local farmers selling their produce as well as crafts from local artisans.

This year Suffield organizations – Trees for Suffield, Sustainable Suffield, Suffield Booster Club and All Things Suffield will have information and items to sell.

Saturday December 2 is the date, and the hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Market is held indoors at the Large Animal Facility (LAF) in the northeast corner of the high school parking lot (behind the green house) at 1060 Sheldon Street in West Suffield. This means shoppers and vendors can

do business in a great area with easy access and parking.

There will be over twenty vendors this time joining in with the students. It’s a great way to beautify your home while supporting the Agriscience program here in Town. Many have supported this great sale in the past and enjoyed the local holiday spirit. If you are coming for the first time you are in for a treat!

Check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ SuffieldFarmersMarket for a list of vendors and more details.

Let’s use local vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, herbs, plants and craft items during the winter months, buying local and supporting our farmers and Agriscience students.

For more information please contact Ellie Binns at Suffield Planning and Zoning (860)668-3848 or ebinns@ suffieldct.gov. z

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December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Suffield Community Aid Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller Program SCA is seeking volunteers to help us revitalize our Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller Program. Volunteers must be 21+ years of age and are able to commit to at least six months of providing social support for an older adult or adult with disabilities in Suffield.

Volunteers will be matched and trained by SCA staff.

CPR/First Aid training will be required of Friendly Visitor volunteers, who are not currently certified. To learn more, please call SCA at (860) 668-1986 or email Stephanie Silva at intern@ suffieldcommunityaid.org To Be a Recipient: We are also recruiting recipients of the Friendly Visitor and Friendly Caller Program. If you or a loved one would enjoy the company of a friendly volunteer on a recurring basis, please call SCA at (860) 668-1986 or email Stephanie Silva at intern@suffieldcommunityaid.org Please note that volunteers are not a substitute for a caregiver or hired helper.

Are You in Need of a Little Holiday Cheer?

Apply for the SCA’s Holiday Basket Program: The

By Danielle Annibalini, LCSW Director 860-668-1986

Photo by Joe Garabedian

On November 4, Rep. Tami Zawistowski and Suffield Police Department organized a “Stuff-a-Cruiser” event to collect donations for SCA’s Food Pantry. Thank you to all who donated! Pictured (left to right): Elizabeth Kaplan, SCA Board member, Pat Beeman, SCA’s Outreach Social Worker, Danielle Annibalini, SCA Executive Director, Rep. Tami Zawistowski, and Officer Alex Scata.

SCA is coordinating the Holiday Basket Program for financially qualified Suffield residents. Residents wishing to receive help for the holidays are encouraged to call SCA at 860-668-1986.

Stay Warm This Winter!

– We are Taking Applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program: These government programs help offset the winter heating costs for financially eligible households. Please

contact SCA to apply at 860668-1986. More information on eligibility is available at www.ct.gov/staywarm Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7: Thinking about changing plans? Are You Confused about your Medicare options? Perhaps you are turning 65 soon… Meet with a trained CHOICES Medicare counselor to explore what’s best for you. Volunteers provide unbiased telephone as-

sistance. Call 860-668-1986 to schedule a consultation.

SCA Seeks Residents for Priority Emergency Response List: We are updating our list of residents who would benefit from a check-up call during a town or state-wide emergency. Residents who use oxygen, or need electricity for medical equipment, are strongly encouraged to call. All information gathered is for confidential use

in the event of an emergency as declared by the First Selectman. Please contact SCA at 860-668-1986.

Some Ongoing Programs and Updates: Parkinson’s Peer Support Group at SCA: Our next two meetings are scheduled for December 12 and January 9 at Suffield Community Aid from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Please call Danielle to RSVP. A pizza lunch and light refreshments will be served.

Social Service Consultations at Kent Memorial Library: Pat Beeman, M.S.W., holds office hours the third Tuesday of the month at the KML. Residents wishing to schedule a consultation for December 21 or January 18 can register online by going to suffield-library.org If you prefer to come to the office, call 860-668-1986.

Would You Benefit from Clinical Counseling Support? SCA is financially partnering to provide counseling for residents who are experiencing challenges and seeking the help of a licensed therapist. SCA can assist with the cost of copays for folks with insurance. For those without insurance, free, limited counseling sessions will be covered. Call 860-668-1986. z

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Page 17

bserved

Schools, Library and Scouts

McAlister Intermediate School Students Kid Governor’s Program

By Timothy Van Tasel, Ed.D. Connecticut’s Kid Governor program is a part of a larger national program that teaches 5th grade students about civics and government. The program provides an immersive and expansive education in civic government. The timeline coincides with local and national elections each fall.

The program empowers students to help change the world by taking action on a topic important to them Student Name

that they feel identifies to their own community. Students research solutions, create platforms and to help address those issues, students create campaign videos. Students then run a primary election to select a finalist that advances to the state level.

Each of our seven fifth grade classrooms voted on a class nominee and subsequent school wide finalist. The following students were selected as homeroom finalists and one student se-

lected to be our Suffield Kid Governor who advanced to the statewide competition.

We are proud of our nominees and finalists. We are confident that these students will continue to shine as leaders of our school and town community at large. Each of our students' names and the platform on which they ran are listed below. Two photos are featured. One is our finalists the night they were Emily Mosher 2024 McAlister Kid Governor

Teacher

Platform

Alex Deenihan

Megan Ralston

Funding for Youth Sports

Ayra Singhania

Sean McCarthy

Deforestation

Donovan Boucher

Samantha Orie

Food Waste

Elise Pafford

Danielle Bennett

Ending animal abuse

Emily Mosher

Brittany Popeleski

Pollution

Ian Parker

Abby Harrington

Homelessness

Maggie O’Brien

Cameron Shaw

presented to the Board of Education and the other is the McAlister Kid Governor, Emily Mosher, elected for 2024. z

Anxiety

Photo provided by the author

McAlister Student Kid Governor nominees from left to right: Ian Parker, Donovan Boucher, Maggie O’Brien, Elise Pafford, Emily Mosher and Ayra Singhania. Alex Deenihan is not pictured.

May your heart be filled with thankfulness Your soul with joy Your home with love (and the smell of cookies) this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

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The Suffield Observer

Suffield High

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Schools of Thought Suffield Middle

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McAlister Intermediate

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Spaulding

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December 2023/January 2024

Suffield Academy

Suffield Agriscience Students Excel

By Luca Ortiz December is a slower month for the Suffield Regional FFA as the year 2023 comes to an end. This week we wrap up our annual Holiday Sale. Suffield Agriscience would like to thank the community and its supporters for purchasing our holiday products this year!

On December 20, students will attend the Forever Blue Ceremony during the school day to honor the new American Degree recipients that are from the Suffield Regional

FFA Chapter.

The American FFA Degree is the highest achievement you can receive from the National FFA Organization. About 1% of FFA members receive their American FFA Degree, this year we have four recipients which include Renee Tautic, Makena Shea, Brittani Burke and Makayla O’Sullivan. These individuals got their American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention in November.

Also, Suffield had 25 students, four teachers, and

two chaperones attend the National FFA Convention and Expo. Students got to participate in leadership workshops, tour educational facilities, and interact with students from all over the country. Additionally, 16 of the 25 students were on a Career Development Event (CDE) team.

Congratulations to our 4 teams for competing on the national level, here are the results: Livestock Evaluation Bronze Team: Kandace Royce – Silver

Individual Trista Laforge – Bronze Individual Luca Ortiz - Bronze Individual Braden Natitus - Bronze Individual Farm Business Management - Bronze Team Ava Bone – Silver Individual Sarah Michael – Bronze Individual Lilly Butler – Bronze Individual Travis Brown – Bronze Individual Nursery Landscape - Sil-

ver team Sam Wysocki – Gold Individual Olivia Perez – Bronze Individual Lincoln Marshaus – Silver Individual Katie Cross – Silver Individual Floriculture – Gold Team Molly Katzman – Gold Individual Joan Mascena - Gold Individual Katie Bachiochi – Silver Individual Maddy Hulevitch – Silver Individual z

SHS Rotary Club Students of the Month

By Eric Hamylak Andrew Bombard was honored as the Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for September. Several of Andrew’s teachers at Suffield High School have noticed his well-rounded hard work and passion for service above self. Mrs. Candia-Bovi said, “Andrew's reputation for academic excellence and an outstanding work ethic precedes him, but I have been even more impressed by how these traits are further enhanced by his kindness and conscienPhoto by Eric Hamylak tiousness. In every aspect of Rotary Students of the Month for September, October and November. his academic life, whether it's From left to right: Luca Matejek (October), Andrew Bombard tackling assignments, engag- (September) and Corey Matejek (November). ing in extracurricular activi- alike. Consistently exceeding last few years and appreciates ties, or contributing to group expectations, Andrew not his efforts as Class President projects, Andrew shows un- only meets but often surpass- to increase student involvewavering dedication and a es high standards, holding ment and successfully plan sincere drive to excel. His himself accountable to a level Suffield on the Green, Trivia ability to share ideas from a of excellence that is both ad- Night and other activities for deeply reflective perspective mirable and inspiring.” Mr. the Class of 2024. enriches our classroom dis- Wheeler has noticed Andrew Luca Matejek was honcussions and group activities gaining confidence over the ored as the Suffield Rotary Club’s Student of the Month

for October. Mr. Kudrle noted, “Luca is an engaged and focused young woman; she explores the work in class as well as providing a great connection with her peers.” Mrs. Candia-Bovi wrote, “Luca’s quiet, thoughtful approach to working with her peers reflects her strong interpersonal skills. She excels in group settings, often taking the role of a keen listener, valuing and respecting others' ideas and perspectives. Luca's contributions are always insightful and considerate. Her natural inclination towards collaboration and her generosity in ensuring everyone's voice is heard create a positive and inclusive environment, fostering effective teamwork and mutual respect.”

Corey Matejek was recently honored as the Suffield Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for November. Mrs. McCluskey said, “Corey was instrumental in organizing

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and collecting money for the Veteran’s Day field of flags.

Corey is part of the Interact Club executive board this year and she is helpful in organizing her peers to participate in the activities Interact club takes on.” According to Mrs. Candia-Bovi, “Corey exhibits an exceptional ability to generate creative and innovative ideas. She is a generous contributor and regularly offers fresh perspectives and unique responses to assignments, demonstrating a capacity for critical thinking and high ethical standards.

Corey’s ability to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles greatly enriches the learning experience for both herself and her classmates.”

Congratulations to these three kind and compassionate students who represent Suffield well with their excellence and service to the community. z

December 2023/January 2024

Suffield High

The Suffield Observer

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Schools of Thought Suffield Middle

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McAlister Intermediate

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Spaulding

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Page 19

Suffield Academy

McAlister Intermediate School Marathon Runners

Photo by Kristte Borges

Students Celebrate Final Mile at Walnut Hill Park

SHS Girls Soccer

Photo by Gwen McNierney

Suffeld High girls soccer team took on Nonnewaug High School on November 10 in the state quarterfinals. They were victorious with a 4-0 win. Pictured above is Olivia Matthews going towards the goal.

She scored two of Suffield’s four goals.

By Kristie Borges More than 100 McAlister Intermediate School students were among the 850 participants in Hartford Marathon Foundation’s (HMF) FitKids in School medal day on October 24 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. They joined 18 schools from across CT to finish their final mile, a culmination of five weeks of training supported by the Hartford Marathon Foundation through the Susie Beris, MD, Youth Running Program, designed to help inspire a lifelong love of running.

The FitKids in School program is free for participating schools and has served more than

20,000 elementary and middle school students over the last decade. A $20,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation offset transportation expenses for the schools to participate in the recognition event, where they crossed the finish line after their mile and earned a medal.

After the race, students enjoyed soccer demos with Hartford Athletic, golf with First Tee – Connecticut and fitness activities hosted by Dick’s Sporting Goods and 2-4-1 Sports. Students were provided healthy snacks compliments of HMF and partners including Bakery On Main, Lesser Evil Snacks and New England Dairy.

Through a generous endowment provided in 2022

by Dr. Susan Beris, a Southbury pediatrician, HMF is able to reach more students and increase inclusion, diversity and opportunities to support the next generation of lifelong runners.

In addition to this existing FitKids in School program and HMF FitKids races for 2–11-year-olds, the new Junior Team HMF brings middle school runners to volunteer and race at HMF Events, and the HMF High School Program supports running programs and coaches in underserved communities.

Learn more about upcoming Hartford Marathon Foundation events and programs at www.HartfordMarathon.com. z

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December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Troop 66 Fall Events

Photo by Krystal Holmes

The scouts gathered at Phelps Road to start their bike adventure. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance (or bike!) in the rain.”

From Biking to Urban Navigation Scouts Do It All

By Krystal Holmes The scouts of Troops 260 and 262 appreciate outdoor adventure, and the variety of their fall experiences has been pretty cool. In October the scouts had a terrific weekend biking the local Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. In November, the scouts visited our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., for an urban navigation adventure.

The October bike ride fell on a ‘typical’ fall weekend, which means, it was raining, of course. The scouts are no stranger to precipitation, so they were prepared in their rain gear and still eager for the bike ride. Prior to pedaling off, the scouts spent meetings doing bike checks, maintenance and brushing up on bike safety.

A highlight of this trip was that the kids were able to stop along the trail for lunch in Simsbury. I mean, who doesn’t love a Plan B burger! In total the scouts biked a minimum of 27 miles. The

bike ride home on Sunday was a dry, sunny and just beautiful, picturesque fall day. What a treasure it is having that local bike trail right in our backyard.

In November, the scouts put their canoes, bikes, and hiking shoes away and subbed in sneakers and a city map as they explored our nation’s capital. This awesome adventure started with an overnight train ride from Windsor Locks to Union Station in Washington D.C. This was the first time the troop used the train to commute down, and it was great - relaxing, convenient and affordable.

The scouts arrived in the early morning hour of 4 a.m. on Saturday, Veterans Day. The city was still and quiet, it felt like it belonged just to the scouts for an hour or two. The sunrise was spectacular; the city woke up with vibrant reds and pinks.

It was a beautiful, partly sunny day, with daytime highs in the upper 50s. Vet-

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erans Day festivities were all around the National Mall. It was a special place to be, to truly pay tribute and honor all the men and women who have served our country.

Successful urban navigation starts with strong scout patrols. The patrols are formed based on varying ages and experiences.

There are also multiple safeguards, including air tags, location sharing and group texts. The patrols also have a strong competitive spirit!

The scouts participated in a troop-made scavenger hunt through the city that kept them busy much of the day.

The leaders watched the leaderboard with glee as each troop would overtake the other, all competing for the coveted prize of dessert on the leaders that night!

What’s up next for these adventurous groups? In December they will have Christmas in the Woods at Jesse Fowler Smith Forest.

In February they will trek up north for a skiing and tubing adventure in New Hampshire. Troops 260 & 262 offer fun, high adventure activities all year long while teaching important life skills and responsibility, for boys and girls. If you are interested in learning more about scouting, please email suffieldscouts@gmail.com. z 3.5” x 2”

Pine Oak Cedar Black Walnut Plus many more!

By Jacob LaValley Scouts from Suffield’s Venturing Crew 261 joined along with Troop 89 of East Windsor to collect food donations for needy families.

Scouts handed out donation bags for residents to fill leading up to the event.

On November 4, the Scouts collected the filled bags, bringing them back to their base of operations at Scantic Church. After hours of collecting and sorting, the total was donated to Five Corners Cupboard Food Pantry, which is also located at Scantic Church.

In the end, the Scouts collected and donated 17,518 lbs. of food, bathroom essentials and other necessities or just shy of nine tons.

Venturing Crew 261 is the newest unit in Suffield, for Scouts aged 14-20. This coed unit focuses on community service, mentoring and leadership. Rather than the rank of Eagle, Venturing

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lot of great costumes at this year’s party.

The next big event for Troop 66 is Thanksgiving in the Woods. Every year we camp at Sunrise Park and set up a feast. We cook a turkey and all of the side dishes and invite our families to eat.

This is one of the best events of the year!

Note from Troop 66 committee: interested potential scouts 5th grade and up are welcome to attend a meeting on Mondays at 7 p.m. at the church hall at the West Suffield Congregational Church to learn more about camping, skills, leadership and activities. Questions can be addressed to Troop Committee Chair Aaron Marcavitch (marcavitch@gmail.com) or Scoutmaster Tom Bishop. z

Collecting Literal Tons of Food

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By Jacob Richter Troop Historian, age 12 Mass Jam 2023 was a great event, and Scout Troop 66 enjoyed it! Mass Jam was held in Cape Cod, Massachusetts this year. The troop got to experience archery, bounce houses, gaga ball and tomahawk throwing. My favorite part was the bounce house, because I liked racing with other kids. There were a lot of troops there from many places.

This year’s Halloween party was a lot of fun! The Scouts set up the party and games for the Cub Scouts to enjoy. Some of the games were spider toss, mini golf, hot wheels racing and nerf guns. Cub Scouts earned candy based on how they did at the games. There were a

Photo by Daniel Craig

Just some of the collected items being delivered by the Five Corners Cupboard Food Pantry.

BSA Scouts earn the rank of Summit, which requires the Scout to participate in 60 hours of service as well as managing their own personal service project totaling an additional 100 hours of service.

If you or someone you know is interested in Venturing BSA, please contact us at SuffieldVenturing@ gmail.com or visit us online at SuffieldScouting.com. z

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Page 21

Save the Date & Swap Your Plants

Suffield Girl Scouts learn to tie knots.

Photo submitted by Aaron Marcavitch

Suffield Girl Scouts Host Camp Skills Day From a press release The Suffield Girl Scout service unit held a successful day of camp skills and fun at Sunrise Park on September 30.

Organized by Aaron Marcavitch with support from Erica Boucher, Debra Dudack, Beatrice Marcavitch, and Graham Marcavitch, the half day program focused on a variety of scout skills, with an emphasis on knife, axe, and saw skills.

Additionally, scouts learned to make “armpit fudge” – much tastier than it sounds - learned compass and knot skills, and had a chance to carve some soap or safely try some of the sharp objects. Scouts partici-

pated in a scavenger hunt, had plenty of time in the gaga pit, and enjoyed a shared dinner in the evening sunlight. Scouts hold this program as a kickoff to the scout year and participants range from Daisies to Cadettes.

Other scout activities coming up this year include a Girl Scout Derby, Snowflake Ball, community service, movie night, holiday boutique, hikes, cookie sales and the annual camporee in May. The Girl Scout Service Unit continues to seek leaders (male or female, over 21) for the many scouts seeking troops. Please contact Erica Boucher at eboucher105@gmail.com to help! z

By Karen Jason The Plant Lounge is hosting a plant swap event to bring the community together.

A plant swap is an event where you bring your plants, propagations, cuttings - anything that no longer brings you joy, or you just don't want anymore, and you can trade with other plant lovers. Plants MUST be pest free in order to qualify to "sit at the table." Someone will be available to inspect if you need assistance. Do you grow rare plant varieties or sell nature-inspired items? Please reach out to Tracey if you'd like to register to be a vendor: text (855) 984-1625.

We're not just swapping plants; we're cultivating friendships. We're also supporting local sellers at the

same time by introducing you to their amazing products, some of which are nature -inspired.

Please come with or without a plant and visit with local vendors and sur-

round yourself in greenery; it might take your mind off the winter weather. It will be held on Saturday January 20, 2024 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the VFW, 972 Sheldon Street, West Suffield. z

60 Year Reunion Celebrated

Photo by Dean Cosma

Suffield High School class of 1963 celebrated its 60th reunion on October 7, 2023 at the Skyline Restaurant in Windsor Locks.

White Pond at Sunrise Park

Photo by Greg Haggett

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Page 22

The Suffield Observer

Kent Memorial Library

For more information or to register for a program, please stop by or call the library at 860-668-3896 or go online to suffield-library.org Follow us on Facebook. All programs are free.

Library Activities

By Kate Jarest Associate Director As one year ends and another begins, we take time to reflect on the past and look forward to what the future will bring. Kent Memorial Library had a great year of programs and added over 2,500 books, CDs, and DVDs to the collection. We have a lot planned for

December 2023/January 2024

Kent Memorial Library Reflections

2024, too, so keep an eye out!

We’re not alone in our moments of reflection, as is evident by the volume of memoirs and biographies that have been published this year. If you like celebrities, we have biographies and memoirs from musicians, actors, writers, and athletes. You’ll find Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Dolly

Books and Beyond

By Pinki Shah Kent Memorial Library’s Books & Beyond series will kick off 2024 with New York Times bestselling author Nikki Erlick. She will be discussing her debut novel The Measure”on Thursday, January 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

How Would Your Life Change if You Knew When It Would End? We are all going to die. Most of us don’t know when. But what if we did know?

What if we were told the year, the month, even the day? How would that change our lives?

One morning, adults around the world find on their doorstep a box labeled with their name. Inside is a piece of string whose length, it turns out, represents their life span.

Suddenly, everyone on earth is faced with the same choice: Do they wish to know

how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?

The Measure is a sweeping, ambitious, uplifting story about family, love, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.

Pick up your copy at Kent Memorial Library. E-book and Audio book is also available on Hoopla.

Registration required at www.suffield-library.org or 860-668-3896. z

By Judy Hanmer The Boston Tea Party will be celebrated on December 9 by the Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter of the DAR. Members and guests will enjoy a short discussion on the rebellious activities that happened

250 years ago this month. We will meet at the library at 11 a.m. and then have a light lunch and of course tea.

All are welcome. For more information, please contact Judy Hanmer at 860-3353178. z

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many more. If everyday people are more your style, check out Class by Stephanie Land or Choosing to Run by Des Linden.

Let’s not forget about the kids! They have choices, too.

Sports and celebrities are well represented in biographies for kids of all ages. There is the ever-popular Who Was/

What Was series, with biographies and histories we all should know. And if you want to smile, give the picture book Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian and Tim Bowers a try.

Thank you to all our patrons who helped make 2023 wonderful at the library. We wish everyone a joyful new year! z

< Kids Programs >

Celebrate, learn to play dreidel, taste a latke, and learn about the traditions of Chanukah with the Healy family.

Drop-in encouraged; no registration required. Funded by the Friends of Kent Memorial Library.

Lego Club Monday, December 18 at 3:30 p.m.

Recommended Ages 4+ Join us for Lego Club!

Participate in our building theme of the month, or construct whatever you can dream up. No registration required. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Funded by the Friends of Kent Memorial Library.

Rhyme Time Fridays, December 1, 8, 15, & 29 and January 5, 12, & 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Recommended ages 0 – 5 Bring your singing voice!

We sing, dance, blow bubbles -- and have fun! No registration required; drop-ins are welcome.

< General Programs >

Kent Memorial Library December & January Programs

Suffield Alight Story Time at the Library Friday, December 1 from 6–7 p.m.

All Ages/Families Join us at the Kent Memorial Library for a special Story Time during the annual Suffield Alight event. We’ll be reading multicultural holiday stories to celebrate the season. Stop by to enjoy a story before you head out to enjoy the many other activities that Suffield Alight has to offer!

Polar Express: A Story Time Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. or Wednesday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m.

Recommended ages 3 – 5 Children are invited to a Polar Express Story Time!

Take a train ride to the North Pole, listen to Santa read The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, get a goody bag, and make a craft! Wear your PJs if you’d like. Registration is required as space is limited. Funded by the Friends of Kent Memorial Library.

A Chanukah Story Time Thursday, December 15 from 6:30 p.m.

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Books and Beyond with Nikki Erlick Thursday, January 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom Join us for a book discussion with Nikki Erlick, author of The Measure.

Pop-Up Card Making Tuesday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of making pop-up cards! Adults only. Space is limited; registration is required.

Rise to the Challenge Book Group Monday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us in reading and discussing books that have been challenged and/or banned.

Copies of October’s discussion book Nickel and Dimed

by Barbara Ehrenreich will be available at the library. Registration is not required.

< Teen Programs >

Nutmeg Book Club Thursday, January 18 at 4 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of 2024 Nutmeg Book Award nominees. No registration required. Open to people in grades 5 through 12.

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Parton, Brittney Spears, Jada Pinkett Smith, John Stamos, Althea Gibson, Magic Johnson, and the list goes on.

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Free, Confidential Social Services Consultations Appointments available Thursday, December 21 and Thursday, January 18 Pat Beeman, MSW from Suffield Community Aid, is offering free initial Social Services Consultations on the third Thursday of each month at Kent Memorial Library.

Make an appointment if you need help. Space is limited; registration is required.

And There’s More…

Check out our library calendar for our regularly scheduled programs, including KML Tech Time, Fiber Friendly, and Movies at the Library. z

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Book Review

Holiday Art Shows in KML Gallery

By Jane Shipp

Tom Lake

By Ann Patchett Published 2023, 320 pages What a heartwarming story this one is, heartwarming but not chirpy, with characters and a family life that are entirely believable and convincing. It is a third person narrative, related by an omniscient observer from the point of view of the heroine, Lara Nelson. Lara, aged 57, has a happy marriage (how often do you find that in a contemporary novel?) and three grown daughters. Being isolated on their cherry farm in what must be the COVID epidemic, the three daughters cajole their reluctant mother into telling the story of her youthful affair with a young man who turned out to be the most famous actor of his generation. The girls have seen all his movies, and they idolize him; one of them fantasizes that he is her father.

All of Patchett's novels are noteworthy, but somehow this one touches the heart in a unique way. It isn't a long book; it moves rapidly but smoothly from the present to the past and back again many times--a technique used often these days though also often resulting in a choppy and even confusing sequence of events. Not so with Tom Lake; its chronology is clear.

Patchett is a skillful writer in every way, but most noticeably with dialogue. Her characters talk like we do – perhaps with more wit and snap, but still within our reach.

Tom Lake is not a person but a summer theater company in rural Michigan. The bucolic setting in which the novel is set contrasts sharply with the chaotic activity among the members of the theater company, which include both

Page 23

Lara and Duke. Duke, the aspiring and enormously gifted young actor, leads a frenetic and hyper-active kind of life, which appeals to Lara, at this stage still an innocent who hails from rural New Hampshire. As Lara tells the story of her brief fling with Duke, the reader senses a shadow beneath the narrative, a mysterious "something" which keeps surfacing in her thoughts but is never revealed to her family.

There are other interesting characters to meet as well: Sebastian, Duke's brother; Pallace, an understudy in the theater company; Joe, who represents the best of humanity; and several other lesser but also relevant individuals, generally positive influences. The plot is dominated

by Thornton Wilder's classic play, Our Town, which nearly every reader of the Observer has seen at least once. It has been a staple for high school drama groups for generations.

Lara's stunted acting career begins and ends with the role of Emily in Our Town.

There's lots to learn in this novel, about resilience, about families, about loyalty and tradition – and also, believe it or not, about cherry farming. But the happy thing is, the reader is not required to suffer excessively in the process. What a lovely combination of attributes! z

By Fran Milliken Suffield Arts Council In December, the Suffield Arts Council will present a show featuring paper cutting artwork by Suffield artist Landi Hou. Paper cutting, a traditional art form that involves the meticulous cutting of paper with scissors or a knife, is a craft practiced in diverse cultures globally, showcasing a spectrum ranging from simple designs to intricate and detailed patterns.

Ms. Hou, with an MS in Computer Science from RPI, serves as a member of the adjunct faculty at a Connecticut community college, has a deep affection for this distinctive art form and will display examples from an extensive collection of work designed and created.

She began paper cutting at age eight and now conducts workshops throughout the state. Her work blends Eastern and Western themes and stands out for its exquisite detail and rich content.

This show opens December 1 and will be on display through December. Ms. Hou will host a “Meet the Artist” reception on Thursday, December 14, from 6–8 p.m.

In January, the featured artist will be Art Scholz of Tolland A bright collection of original watercolor paintings will be featured by this award-winning artist, whose work is found in several galleries and private collections.

The vivid images found here will include portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. Mr. Scholz’ work reflects his lifelong devotion to his craft. He is a retired commercial artist and designer of work for book publishers and ad agencies found in New York City. He is

Landi Hou

also a former member of the “Famous Artists Club”.

Active in the local art community, often referred to as “The Wizard of Watercolor”, he provides demonstrations, critiques, and judging for local art groups. In addition, he offers private lessons in his home studio. His work is often found in shows throughout our area and may be found online at Fine Art America.

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The show, sponsored by the Suffield Arts Council, is available for viewing by the general public during Library operating hours, beginning January 3. A “Meet the Artist” reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 11 from 6–8 p.m.

These exhibits are made possible through the joint efforts of the Suffield Arts Council, Ms. Landi Hou, Mr. Art Scholz, and the Kent Memorial Library staff. z

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December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

The Party Crasher

By Abby Wolcott There is a party crasher in town, and you may have seen him at your bird feeder. The Cooper’s hawk is a small bird of prey who likes to swoop in and spoil the fun of all the other birds eating seed, oblivious to any threat that may come from above. Like all good party crashers, the hawk is quick and quiet, arriving without much fanfare. He is hoping to catch a small bird for his dinner and then head on his way. You will know he has visited if you see a pile of feathers where a bird once sat, or realize the birds have all flown off having caught a glimpse of a Cooper’s hawk in the neighborhood.

I have had avian party crashers at my house and real live human party crashers. Back in the day, I hosted a party which was visited, and in hindsight, probably made more fun, by the presence of party crashers. I was about to graduate from high school, and I had invited my friends to come over

and celebrate. Leading up to the big day, I had spent weeks convincing my parents to sequester themselves upstairs during the party as a bunch of grey-haired grown-ups was definitely going to ruin my party vibe. So, in a role reversal, they were banished to their room and were peeling the foil off the apple crisp on the TV dinner when my friends arrived.

I had spent weeks making the best party mix tape I could think of the chips were overflowing with their bowls, and my friends were starting to arrive in their klunker cars and park up and down my street. But, when the cover of darkness arrived, things started to amp up. Before I knew it, there were hoards of teenagers descending on our house, and some of them were complete strangers. Fortunately, my parents were still upstairs oblivious to the fun that was happening beneath their feet. This would all change when one party goer crossed

Photo by Joan Hefferan

A Cooper’s Hawk is waiting for the party to begin

the boundary line by sitting at my dad’s desk in his office, feet up. Now, none of us four kids would dream of sitting at my dad’s desk, and we sure as heck would not put our feet up on said desk. One of my brothers who had come to bat for me when I had my parents on lock down saw this scene in my dad’s office and toddled up to “mission control” with this tidbit of information and a suggestion that things were getting a wee bit out of hand. My parents, eyes as wide as saucers, followed him downstairs. They took in the scene in my dad’s office and quickly issued an executive order “party’s over” And it was all over but the crying and picking up of trash up and down the street with the help of a few loyal friends.

But, back to the avian party crasher, I find the Cooper’s hawk very appealing as he sits with his blue grey plumage and white stripe at the end of his tail.

He measures every move and awaits the action at the feeder. Despite not flapping his wings much he is a very agile flyer who mainly eats small birds. In the spring the male builds the nest which is usually in the crotch of a tree and finds a mate to lay 2-6 eggs. The Cooper’s hawk has one brood over a nesting season as it must take a lot of energy to raise the next generation of party crashers. It is not easy to teach Animal House behavior to a bunch of chicks! z

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Sachestorte (Sachertorte)

Photo provided by the author

Sachertorte

By Lynette Roy This month’s recipe for Sachertorte comes from Vienna, Austria. It was created

by Franz Sacher, a 16-yearold apprentice baker, in 1832.

The Sachertorte consists of a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam in between two halves, coated in dark chocolate icing on the top and sides. It is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream, but if you like things sweeter, use the sweetened version.

One of the torte’s key ingredients is the apricot. This fruit originated in China but is now found around the world. The only place it is not grown is Antarctica.

The apricot tree is part of the rose family with its fruit closely related to peaches, almonds, plums and cherries.

Apricots are a good source of vitamin A and are high in natural sugar. Dried apricots are an excellent source of iron.

The original Sachertorte can be tricky to make, but this version is simpler and close to the original. If you would like to try to make the original version there are recipes on the internet along with some instructional videos on YouTube.

Ingredients 1 package devil's food cake mix (regular size) 3 large eggs, room temperature 3/4 cup water 1/3 cup canola oil Filling: 2/3 cup apricot preserves

Glaze: ½ cup boiling water 1 cup sugar 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup toasted sliced almonds, optional Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, water and oil. Beat on low speed 30 seconds; beat on medium 2 minutes.

Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 2227 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the filling, heat the apricot preserves on low in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, until preserves are melted; strain and set aside.

For glaze, combine the sugar, water and chocolate in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil (about 5 minutes). The glaze should be smooth and shiny.

Using a long-serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Top with another layer; spread with a third of the glaze. Cover with a third layer and remaining filling. Top with remaining layer; spread top and sides of torte with remaining glaze. If desired, spread toasted almonds on edge or side of torte. Refrigerate for several hours before slicing. z

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December 2023/January 2024

The

The Suffield Observer

Page 25

Final H OT Organizations

D & F Power Equipment Sales and Repairs

By Tony Peterson Jack Rollet had been a landscaper for 30 years, taking his equipment to D & F Power Equipment in Suffield for parts and servicing, when the founders, Don and Marlene Hoginski, told him they wanted to retire.

Jack and his wife Deena were interested in buying the outdoor power equipment dealer. “The landscaping business was beating us up,” she said. So, they bought D Photo by Tony Peterson & F in 2013 and closed their Deena and Jack Rollet, Owners of D & F Power Equipment, flank their business. mechanic, Brandon Marquis. Their Route 159 store is one-half mile They inherited premium from the Windsor Locks line near HP Hood. brands of residential and Scag, RedMax, Gravely and dealership at 1106 East Street commercial lawnmowers, Shindaiwa which last for South can easily be missed if snowblowers, string trim- years when properly main- you’re driving by fast. “Peomers, chain saws, generators, tained. (As an aside, my 48” ple come in every day saywater pumps and the like Scag commercial walk-be- ing, ‘Gee I never knew you which they still sell today. hind lawnmower that I use were here,’” said Deena.

They are authorized dealers weekly turns 35 years old But the building includes a for Honda, Echo, Ariens, next April.) showroom, parts room and Giant-Vac, Little Wonder, Their 2,000-square-foot maintenance shop.

Jack said that 70% of his sales is in repairs. He and his mechanic pick up and deliver equipment for maintenance throughout Windsor, Windsor Locks, Suffield, Enfield and the Granbys. Their turnaround is typically one to two weeks compared to months of waiting for repairs if you buy from a big box store, the couple said. “Even if you don’t buy it from us,

don’t buy it from them [big box stores],” Deena advised.

According to their website, the Rollets give back to the community by supporting the American Legion and the FAA. They grant veterans a 10% discount on parts and service. They also continually advertise in The Suffield Observer, as the original owners did from the newspaper’s beginning. z

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2 col x 2.5 inches @ $10.00 = $50.00 New Art Presented Monthly at Pinney Gallery

By Karen Jason Located in the lower level of the Kent Memorial Library (KML) is the Pinney Gallery. It is a multifunctional room, and every month the walls exhibit another talented artist/s work.

The person responsible for securing artists every month to showcase their work is Mr. Fran Milliken of West Suffield, the Vice President of the Suffield Arts Council.

Since 2001, due to Mr. Milliken’s longevity in the art communities and his reputation, he has been able to reach out to artists, ensuring that every month there is an

artist’s work displayed in the KML. One day each month the KML host a reception to meet the highlighted artist of the month in person.

Mr. Milliken was instrumental in setting up the exhibit and the sale of the great art works of Peggy McKinnon. The sale of her work was donated to The Suffield Observer. The Suffield Observer is extremely grateful to her for that generous gift and to Mr. Milliken for coordinating the entire process.

Mr. Milliken is well known in the local art community as the 10-year President of the Tobacco Valley

Fran Milliken

Artists Association (TVAA) and is an award-winning watercolor artist. He refers to himself as a late bloomer, beginning his hobby in

his 60s. During his term as President of TVAA, the membership grew from 35 members to 170.

The Suffield Arts Coun-

cil and the Kent Memorial Library in November displayed the works of Impressionist artist Laraine Percoski. In December the papercutting works of Landi Hau will be displayed. In January Art Scholz will display his watercolor works.

Hundreds of artists have had their work displayed in the Pinney Gallery. The gallery is open to interested artists and Mr. Milliken assists them throughout the process.

For those artists who are interested and would like more information, you can contact Fran Milliken at 860-668-7282. z

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Season ’s Greetings

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Thank you for your support through this difficult time!

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Page 26

The Suffield Observer

December 2023/January 2024

Senior Center & Mini Bus News

By Peter Leclerc, Director of Community Services 860-668-8830

Mini Bus Trips – All trips require five passengers and weather permitting.

Please call 860-668-3844 to make a reservation.

Thursday, December 7 Shopping at Walmart; pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, December 12 Waniewski Farm; pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

The Gathering Ground Lunch; pickups begin at 11 a.m.

Bright Nights in Forest Park; pickups begin at 5 p.m.

Monday, December 18 Lunch at Jimmy Chen’s Asian Cuisine; pickups begin at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, December 19 Shopping at Westfarms Mall; pickups begin at 9 a.m.

Thursday, December 21 - Shopping at Trader Joe’s; pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, December 28 Shopping at Walmart; pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

Lunch at Lulu’s; pickups begin at 11:30 a.m.

NO Bus - Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26 & Monday, January 1 Lunch Menus. Further information on lunch menus can be found by contacting the Senior Center at 860668-3844.

Annual Holiday Party Sponsored by the Suffield Police Department Wednesday, December 20 noon - 2: p.m.

Join us for a fun filled afternoon as a fundraiser for the Senior Center Kitchen including lunch and followed

by BINGO! $10 per Person.

Reservation required.

Holiday Haircuts by Rosemarie Patterson Monday, December 18 -9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $15 per haircut. Appointment required.

The Magic of 2024!

Family Night Fun Friday, January 5 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Celebrate the start of the New Year with a little magic with your friends and family. Enjoy pizza and salad dinner, magical crafts and enjoy a dazzling magic show!

Register at sufeldseniorcenter.com or call 860668-3862.

Consultation & Resources Available Ask The Attorney – Neil Kraner and Marcia Hess of Kraner & Hess Attorneys offer one on one free legal consultation appointments. They are available for 20-minute appointments from 10 a.m.

– noon the first Thursday of each month. To schedule an appointment please call 860668-8830.

Ask The Realtor – Stephanie Salerno of The Stephanie Salerno Team Coldwell Banker Realty offer one on one appointments. This free consultation is an opportunity to ask any real estate related questions you may have!

Stephanie and her team are available for 30-minute appointments from 8 a.m. – noon the second Tuesday of each month. To schedule an appointment please call 860668-8830.

Choices Counseling – Sherri Burger, CHOICES Counselor, offers free 30-minute appointments the First Tuesday of each month.

CHOICES appointments are available to those enrolled in or looking to enroll in Medicare, turning 65 or having other health insurance and are eligible for Medicare. To schedule an appointment please call 860-668-8830.

Veterans Assistance – Fritz King is the town’s Mu-

nicipal Veterans Representative, offering assistance with veterans programs and resources. Fritz is available from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Senior Center and can be reached at 860-758-0418 or via email at veterans@suffieldct.gov Craft Classes – Register at suffieldseniorcenter.com or call 860-668-3862.

Card Making – Second Tuesday of each month. 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Hosted

by Karenoughcrafts & Boutique. To register, please call 860-836-1326 or email karen@karenoughcrafts.com Floral Design – December 12 Morning Class 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Evening Class 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. $30 per person per Class.

Ornament Making Class – Thursday, December 14 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Hosted

by Karenoughcrafts & Boutique. To register, please call 860-836-1326 or email karen@karenoughcrafts.com Painting Class – December 15; 10 a.m. – noon. Residents; $30, nonresidents per person per class.

Pottery Class – December 18; 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $10 per person.

Exercise Programs – Register at suffieldseniorcen ter.com or call 860- 6683862.

Active & Fit – Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:50 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

Active & Fit Advanced – Mondays and Wednesdays 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Active & Fit Advanced Fridays – Fridays 10:15 a.m.

- 10:45 a.m.

Beat Parkinson's Today – Mondays 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Call 860-918-9594 or visit beatpdtoday.com to register.

Chair Stretch – Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Chair Strength – Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Pilates With Yoga – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9: a.m. – 10 a.m.

Tai Chi – Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Health Screenings & Services Blood Pressure Screenings – Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month 11 a.m. – noon. Sponsored

by Suffield Community Aid. Chair Massages – Available by appointment the Second Thursday of each month.

To schedule an appointment please call 860-668-8830.

Foot Care – Available by appointment the Fourth Wednesday of each month 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. $35 fee payable to the nurse. To schedule an appointment please call 860-668-8830.

Hearing Screenings – Free hearing screenings and services provided by NOVA Hearing Services by appointment. To schedule an appointment please call 860916-6169.

Director’s Corner Season’s Greetings! As the winter season approaches and the holiday season draws near, Suffield's resources present us with ample opportunities to extend compassion to those in need. This blessing is immeasurable and enables us to spread warmth and kindness to those who may require it.

May the spirit of generosity continue to thrive and warm many hearts during this magical time of the year.

With the winter season approaching, please be reminded that opening delays and closing statuses will be shared on WFSB Channel 3 and Facebook. Please follow the Suffield Senior Center Facebook page (@suffieldseniorcenter) to see all the happenings here and around town. A friendly reminder that the Senior Center will be closed the last week of December, Monday, December 25 – Friday, December 29.

On behalf of the staff of the Suffield Senior Center & Mini Bus, I wish you and your families a joyous holiday season, and a happy New Year! z

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We are a non-medical, licensed home care agency taking pride in being dependable.

When life changes its course, call a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.

Free advice on senior issues pertaining to real estate. Selling of the family home or estate, and discussing alternative housing needs.

Shirleen Peabody

11 High Street, Suite 103, Suffield, CT • 860.668.4002 • chriselsaffordablecare.com • HCA000378

Broker Associate Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist Coldwell Banker Realty 1 Mountain Road, Suffield 860-593-4248 email: yourplace@cox.net

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Page 27

By Peter Lecler/Donna Carney-Bastrzycki/Pam Coca/Dan Leonard 860-668-3862

Winter Fun for Everyone at the Parks and Recreation Department!

Are you and your family looking for enjoyable programs and events to attend this winter? The Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of new collaborative programs for you and your whole family. For a full listing and to register visit-suffieldrec.com. Below is a highlight of a few of our new offerings!

The Magic of 2024!

(Family Night Fun) Just like that, 2023 disappeared like a flash! Celebrate the start of the New Year with a little magic with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department and Youth Services. Join us for a captivating and fun special evening with CT’s own amazing magician “Mr. Magic.” Participants will enjoy a pizza and salad dinner with snacks, make magical crafts and enjoy a dazzling magic show. You and your family won’t want to miss this interactive event!

Day/Date/Time: Friday, January 5 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Fee: $10.00 per person. Children 3 years & under are FREE. If you wish to make a reservation for a child/children 3 yrs. and under, you must call Pam at the Parks & Recreation Office (860-668-3862) to place reservation.

Ages: All are welcome Location: Suffield Senior Center Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 2

Open Mic Coffee House Night (new!)

Calling all poets, singers, comedians, magical acts, actors, writers, photographers and artists of all kind! Join the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department and the Trees for Suffield Initiative at our new open mic and coffee house night. The event will be held at the Suffield Senior Center's newly decorated Lounge area that was funded by the Suffield Rotary and Knights of Columbus. Now is your chance to share your work with the community in a welcoming and supportive environment. We are looking for all kinds of talent to present at this super fun night or just come out and join the audience to support local artists. (Time limit for all performances will be five minutes.

The theme is Nature/Tree related for the evening. This is a family friendly inclusive environment. All talent must keep material family friendly.)

A selection of coffee, tea, cocoa and specialty/gourmet desserts will be available for purchase to benefit the Trees for Suffield Initiative.

Day/Date/Time: Thursday, January 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: Free to attend, desserts and hot beverages additional Ages: All are welcome Registration Deadline: January 11th Your Family Tree Celebrate your love for those around you by creating a Family Tree for Valentine’s Day. Join the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department and Trees for Suffield for a fun evening creating your own special Tree.

Members of Suffield’s Sibbil Dwight Kent chapter of the

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will help lead you on this journey. Get inspired by a piece of family history as one member shares her own cherished Family Tree created in 1906 and dating back to 1746, then get to work on your own modern day version. There is no experience necessary. Your tree can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Either way, we will help guide you through the steps of adding loved ones to the twigs and branches that make your tree strong.

Family members can work together on one tree, or each create their own. You decide how detailed or kid-friendly to make your tree by identifying grandparents, parents, step parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives with their full names or just the names you call them by. Use Catherine Alexander Smith or Aunt Cathy, it’s up to you.

We hope this project sparks an interest in knowing more about your family history, or inspires you to plant a tree to honor or commemorate a family member or special event in your life.

Day/Date/Time: Thursday, February 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Ages: All ages welcome Fee: $10.00 per person. (Pizza and snacks will be served. The price also includes all crafting supplies) Donations to the Trees for Suffield will also be accepted at the event. z

ESPN EMMY Winner Lauren Bernstein

Photo from a press release

Lauren Bernstein, Suffield High School Class of 2007, EMMY Winner at ESPN 2023

Large Inventory of New & Used Truck Caps, Tonneau Covers, and Trailers

Chris Colli Broker/Owner

Cell: (860) 716-7168  Email: chris@chestnutoak.com Office: (860) 668-0234 Fax: (860) 668-4672 www.chestnutoak.com @chestnutoakre

76 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078

Full Service Brokerage  Residential  Commercial  New Construction  Land  Rental

Knowledge  Experience  Results

(860) 627-9409 26 North Road, East Windsor, CT 06088 info@killamtruckmart.com

www.killamtruckmart.com

Page 28

The Suffield Observer The Suffield Observer

P.O. Box 424, Suffield, CT 06078 Tel: 860-668-7442, email: Inbox@TheSuffieldObserver.com and Ads@TheSuffieldObserver.com Website: www.thesuffieldobserver.com A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1999 and published ten times a year.

Founder, Sam Fuller The Observer is delivered free to all Suffield households.

Volunteers Who Work at The Suffield Observer Officers Chairman.......................Jay Presser Editor-in-Chief........... Beth Chafetz Managing Editor........ Ann Kannen Treasurer ...............Ginny Bromage Secretary..............Elizabeth Kaplan Directors Ginny Bromage, Mel Chafetz, Kacy Colston, Guia Cuevo, Ray Dalrymple, Tom Frenaye, Mary Halzack, Will Hermann, Krystal Holmes, Ann Kannen, Elizabeth Kaplan, Scott Miller, Tony Peterson, Jeanne Shannon, Diana Simmons, Lester Smith Editorial Board All directors and editors plus Johanne Presser December/January Editor Scott Miller February Editor Tony Peterson Staff Editor-in-Chief...........Beth Chafetz Assistant Editor.... Diana Simmons Associate Editor............Lynette Roy Managing Editor........Ann Kannen Business Mgr......... Ginny Bromage Computer Tech....... Andy Preissner Volunteer Mgr....... .Ray Dalrymple Subscription Mgr......... Guia Cuevo Distribution Mgr...... Dave Kannen Webmaster..................Kathy Werth Reporters and Columnists Lester Smith, Consultant Ryan Anderson, Danielle Annibalini, Ellie Binns, Emily Boone, Anne Borg, Darlene Burrell, Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Beth Chafetz, Kacy Colston,Tom Frenaye, Judy Hanmer, Jackie Hemond, Will Hermann, Karen Jason, Cheri Kudla, Peter Leclerc, Carol Martin, Sue Mayne, Lynn Mervosh, Fran Milliken, Colin Moll, Mary Ann Muska, Amber Dawne Novotoney, Lisa Parker, Tony Peterson, Jay Presser, Johanne Presser, Lynette Roy

Reporters and Columnists (cont’d) Andy Sauer, Pinki Shah, Jane Shipp, Wendy Taylor, Becky Tobiasz, Lisa Trase, Bob White, Kerry White, Abby Wolcott, Renee Wood,

Sara Zak Advertising Staff Manager......Ann Kannen Graphic Designer..Julie Hoogewerff Lisa Coatti, Kathy Werth Word Processors Manager......Lynette Roy Darlene Burrell, Beth Chafetz, Kacy Colston, Maria Elsden, Becki Fuller, Ann Kannen, Breeze Rickson InDesign Team Manager......Kacy Colston Judy Edwards, Karen Jason, Ann Kannen, Sue Mayne, Lynette Roy, Renée Wood Production Team Beth Chafetz, Lisa Coatti, Kacy Colston, Julie Dodds, Dian Friedman, Ben Fuller, Sue Mayne, Jay Presser, Andi Prusi, Lynette Roy, Aggie Schulte, Diana Simmons, Kathy Werth Photographers Beth Chafetz, Shannon Foley, Joan Heffernan, Karen Jason, Ron Kirschbaum, Mary Ann Muska, Ray Pioggia, Laurie Tavino, Becky Tobiasz Proofreaders Manager......Margery Warren Beth Chafetz, Jan Peake, Johanne Presser, Jane Shipp, Renée Wood

December 2023/January 2024

Deadlines for February 2024 Issue

Submissions for articles should include the author’s name, address, telephone number and email address. If applicable, include the same information for the photographer. Please send by email to: inbox@ thesuffieldobserver.com Submissions for ads should include the contact person, business name, billing address, telephone number and email address. All ads must be submitted as high-resolution images in .pdf (preferred), or .tif format. Please send by email to: ads@thesuffieldobserver.com For either articles or ads, if unable to use email, deliver a CD and/or hardcopy (articles only) to the office on the lower level of the Suffield Village or mail it to our post office box. For articles, please use MS Word. All submissions will be considered to be property of The Suffield Observer.

Op-Eds On CD or email Deadline: January 15 Articles Hard-copy only Deadline: January 10 Articles On CD or email Deadline: January 15 Ads All Ads Deadline: January 10 Photos All Photos Deadline: January 15 Publish Date: February 1, 2024

The Suffield Observer

P.O. Box 424 Suffield, CT 06078 Tel: 860-668-7442 email: Inbox@TheSuffieldObserver.com and Ads@TheSuffieldObserver.com Our Mission: To build a sense of community throughout the town of Suffield and to provide a forum where all sides of issues may be addressed.

Our Organization: The Observer is written by, for and about the people of Suffield. We are an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization seeking to provide information and news about the town of Suffield.

Donations: There is no charge for the Observer, but we welcome donations to help pay for our rent, printing and mailing costs.

Advertisers: To advertise in The Suffield Observer, contact our advertising manager, at 860-668-7442, and we will be glad to help. We thank our advertisers for their support. We feel strongly that one way to build a sense of community is to support our local businesses.

Help: If you would like to be a part of publishing The Suffield Observer, you would be most welcome. No previous experience necessary. Call Ray Dalrymple, 860-668-7711.

Letters to the Editor/OpEds: The Observer does not accept letters to the editor/OpEds that could be considered: libelous, slanderous, which attack the personal character of an individual or which are lacking in civility. We do accept letters/OpEds that are factual and contribute to discussions of interest to the community. We also want to print a balance of all sides of an issue. Letters should not exceed 250 words, OpEds should not exceed 500 words, with only one letter /OpEd per writer being published in a threemonth period. We do not accept political Letters to the Editor.

Business Articles: The Suffield Observer does not accept articles written by owners of a business that could be considered self-serving. Advertising space is available for such purposes. We do welcome articles of general interest to the community.

Political Ads: In the interest of maintaining a level playing field, we accept no political ads but do print at election time a Suffield Voters’ Guide with input from the local candidates.

Stories: We look forward to stories on community issues or topics which would contribute to the benefit of residents of the community. Please contact an editor 860-668-7442 to become a writer. Contributions include poetry, community interest articles, short stories, personal profiles, etc.

Suggestions: We are a volunteer organization and we truly welcome suggestions that would improve the newspaper.

Subscription Form for The Suffield Observer The Suffield Observer is delivered free to every household in Suffield. Subscriptions are available for out-of-town delivery. It is the perfect gift for friends who have moved away, college students or grandparents living out of town. Anyone who cares for this special town should have a subscription.

Price: $50 per year (10 issues) Please send the Observer to: Name: __________________________________Tel: (___)________ Street: ___________________________________Apt #: __________ Town, State and Zip: ______________________________________ Mail your check and this form to:

Subscriptions The Suffield Observer P.O. Box 424 Suffield, CT 06078

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Suffield Garden Club www.SuffieldGardenClub.org

Suffield Garden Club Recognized for Comunity Service From a press release It’s always meaningful to be recognized by one’s peers.

On October 25, 2023, members of the Suffield Garden Club were thrilled to accept three awards and five citations of merit from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut (FGCCT) at their 94th Annual Awards Meeting at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Conn.

The awards are especially significant to the Suffield club in that the mission of the FGCCT is to “stimulate and encourage higher standards in all aspects of Garden Club work, and to protect and conserve our natural resources and promote civic beauty.” The Suffield club’s mission and activities are closely aligned, and volunteers work tirelessly in our community to bring knowledge and beauty for the benefit of all.

The Suffield club has been a member of the FGCCT since 1936.

The FGCCT awarded the Suffield Garden Club with: Historic Memorial and Public Gardens - Club Citation - For the maintenance of the Phelps-Hatheway House formal parterre garden, designed by landscape

architect Mary Wells Edwards, as well as the restoration of the historically accurate herb garden.

Youth Award of Excellence - Presented to the Suffield Garden Club for outstanding working with students to revive the Spaulding Elementary School's Monarch Butterfly Atrium Outdoor Classroom.

Horticulture - Club Citation – Recognizing service across the community including plantings around the Civil War Soldier Monument, Gateway signs, gazebo on the green and town gardens; plus, over twenty years of maintaining the gardens at Phelps-Hatheway House, replacement and maintenance of dogwood trees on the Main Street, and the new monarch butterfly project.

Garden Therapy - Individual Citation – Garden club members visit residents of the Suffield House to provide social and artistic interaction through flower arranging workshops. Presented to Cheryl Armata, Annette DiLorenzo, Judy Hanmer, Sally Peters, and Joyce Zien for the monthly "Flower Power" programs.

Congratulations to all! z

Page 29

Suffield Garden Club Honors Betty Stroh

By Lisa Parker On October 26, 2023, Suffield Garden Club (SGC) members and Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH) gathered at the beautifully renovated Hilltop barn for a reception to honor the legacy and generosity of Betty Jean Stroh, past SGC member.

In 2022, SGC received a generous donation from Betty's estate, and past President Connie Murray led a committee of members to manage the funds and explore possible uses. One particularly relevant application of funds is further renovation of Betty Jean’s own house and grounds at Hilltop to create a Visitor’s Center. At the event, current President Marie Gauthier presented FOFAH Board President Howie Orr a check for $100,000 to "pay it forward” to the Suffield community.

The evening was magical with excitement and gratitude.

The seasonally decorated Hilltop barn provided the perfect setting for the reception, attended by FOFAH board members, SCG members, town officials and Observer Board members.

Elegant catering was provided by Renee Scharoff from Blonde on the Run Catering LLC, and Lauren Barrett from Whippletree Winery.

Photo by Joan Heffernan

FOFAH Board President Howie Orr accepts a generous donation from the Betty Jean Stroh Fund, presented by Suffield Garden Club President Marie Gauthier.

The SGC is especially thankful to the following volunteers who helped manage the donation and organize the reception: BJS Fund Committee Cheryl Armata, Kathy Berube, Judy Hanmer, Marie Gauthier, Connie Murray, Joyce Zien BJS Spending Committee - Christine Ahrens, Kathy Berube, Marie Gauthier, Connie Murray, Anita Wardell BJS Celebration - Christine Ahrens, Kathy Berube, Anita Wardell, Jean Matejek, Lisa Parker Flower Arrangements – Ingrid Linke, Jean Matejek The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop was formed in 2002 to save George Hendee’s 20,000-square-foot dairy barn from sale and

possible demolition. The Friends is an all-volunteer non-profit organization governed by a board of directors and supported by an army of volunteers. Since 2004, FOFAH has managed more than $950,000 in grants and donations. In 2005, The Friends succeeded in getting the mammoth 18,700 square foot Colonial Revival barn and additional structures on 250 acres of the farm listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Suffield Garden Club, organized in 1934, is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Suffield. To become a member or to learn more, visit www.SuffieldGardenClub. org. z

Seasons Greetings

Furnari Jewelers

Furnari Jewelers has the technology to design your custom ring Turn your old jewelry into unique, modern pieces customized to your exact liking

Storewide Sale!

Photo by Joan Heffernan

“Flower Power” Chairperson Sally Peters holds up the Club’s FGCCT award for Garden Therapy.

Thank you!

It’s because of our customers that we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary!

860-748-3340

Family owned and operated since 1981 VISIT USus ATatOUR LOCATIONS: Visit ourTHREE two locations: EnfieldofSquare Mall Square Chicopee Holyoke Location Mall at Ingleside Center the Enfield Mall Location Chicopee 90 Elm 50 HolyokeDrive Street 90Street Elm Street 1189 Municipal Drive 1189 Municipal Enfield, CT 06082 Holyoke, 01041 Enfield CT 06082Chicopee, MA 01020 Chicopee, MA MA 01020 860-741-6877 413-593-6506 413-315-3076 860-741-6877 413-593-6506

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FurnariJewelers.com Repairs done on site | We buy Gold/Silver/Diamonds

Page 30

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Look No Further “Look No Further” is an Observer feature to spotlight our advertisers. Readers will be able to quickly and easily find the services they need.

Accountants Kenneth P. Pascoe. . . . . . . . 6 Begley & Associates. . . . . . . . . . 5 Auto Sales Bradley Automotive . . . . 22 Doane’s Accent Auto. . . . . 7 Banks Windsor Federal . . . . . . 9,32 .

Barbers Pilgrim Barber Shop. . . . .2 Boutiques Moxy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Churches First Church of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Good Shepherd Lutheran. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Second Baptist. . . . . . . . . 11 West Suffield Congregational. . . . . . 11 Cleaning Gardening Garden Solutions (Formerly Eckoleen). . . . 25

Say you saw it in the Observer

Dentists A.G.N. Dental Assoc. . . . 19 Suffield Village Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Electrical Contractors C & G Electric . . . . . . . . . 21 J.T.N. Electrical . . . . . . . . 14 Farm Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Maiolo Farm. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Financial Services Edward Jones (Beyer). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Funeral Homes Heritage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Nicholson & Carmon. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Garage Door Atlas Overhead. . . . . . . . . 13 Grocer Suffield Village Market Insert Gutters Valley Gutter. . . . . . . . . . 23 Hauling Scott’s Hauling. . . . . . . . . 12

Custom Car Care CT Custom Car. . . . . . . . . 12

Health Integrated Rehabilitation. . . . . . . . . 3

Day Care Conway’s Kiddie Kollege. . . . . . . . . .12

Hearing Aids NOVA Hearing Aids . . . . . . . . . 19 Home Health Care Chrisels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Tree Services Mountain Tree. . . . . . . . . 14 Sikes Tree Service . . . . . . . 5 Sotil Tree Service. . . . . . . 10

A BIG THANK YOU to our many advertisers who have generously supported The Suffield Observer Insurance P. A. Bland & Associates .2 Bowen Agency Brooks, Todd, McNeil. 11 Stone Insurance. . . . . . . . . 5 Jewelers Furnari . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Landscaping Contractors Bill’s Landscaping . . . 20,27 Garden Solutions. . . . . . . 25 Grant Landscaping . . . . . 11 Pinewood Property. . . . . 29 Tobacco Landscaping. . . . 8

State Line Propane. . . . . . 24 Troiano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Truck Rentals Killam Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Veterinarians Paws Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 SVH Pet of the Month. . . . . . 21

Polish Pottery Great2BHome . . . . . . . . . 31 Power Equipment D & F Power. . . . . . . . . . . 25

Real Estate Agents Chestnut Oak Associates (Agents). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Chestnut Oak Associates (Colli). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lawyers Chestnut Oak Associates Alfano & Flynn . . . . . . . . 10 (Wilson) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Michelle Begley. . . . . . . . 24 Coldwell Banker Michele A. Nath. . . . . . . . . 4 (Banak). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Timothy A. Daley . . . . . . . 6 Coldwell Banker Spellman & Kelly. . . . . . . 13 (D’Angelo). . . . . . . . . . . 21 Coldwell Banker Monuments (Peabody). . . . . . . . . . . . 26 D’Agata Granite . . . . . . . . 10 Dowd Realty Group. . . . . 17 Express Offers Optical (Zielinski) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Optometrists CT Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Suffield Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . 4 Paving Restaurants Simmons Paving . . . . . . . 24 Suffield Pizza . . . . . . . . . . 25 Zantos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Physicians General Medical Practice.18 Schools Suffield Academy. . . . . . . . 5 Plumbing/Heating/AC Jim T’s Plumbing. . . . . . . 11

Say you saw it in the Observer

The Suffield Observer Has Online Advertising Available

By Kathy Werth Webmaster The Suffield Observer offers online advertising.

Unlike the print edition, where ads appear beneath articles on specific pages, ads in the digital edition appear beneath articles that our readers are actively viewing.

In February of 2022, we did an online only paper due to COVID concerns.

We had 1,700 hits on our website, so we do have a healthy online readership to view your ads.

For advertisers with an online presence, such as a website or a Facebook page, we can include a link to it so readers can access more information by simply clicking or tapping on an ad.

To upgrade to online advertising, please contact Ann Kannen by email at ads@thesuffieldobserver. com or by phone at 860668-7442. z

December 2023/January 2024

The Suffield Observer

Page 31

From the White House to Your House

By Lisa Parker, Suffield Garden Club The Suffield Garden Club is pleased to announce that nationally renowned Master Floral Designer Ruth Loiseau will lead a floral design demonstration at its December 4 meeting.

A Suffield native, Ruth has created magnificent floral designs for special events at the White House since the Reagan Administration; these include Congressional bar-

becues, the visit of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the NATO Summit, State Dinners and for both visits of Queen Elizabeth II. She was presented the Certificate of Appreciation by Hillary Clinton in 1998 and continues to assist with special events for the current administration.

Says Ruth: “A special occasion is defined by flowers. MakPhoto credit Ruth Loiseau ing the most of your holiday Master Floral Designer Ruth means creating a setting that Loiseau will conduct December program. matches the occasion.”

In this program, Ruth will create seven designs to enhance your home's holiday atmosphere while entertaining attendees with stories of her experiences working in the White House. Some fortunate attendees may get to take an arrangement home.

The program is free for members, and non-members may pre-order tickets for $20 at www.suffieldgardenclub. org. All are welcome.

Program information:

Monday, December 4, 2023.

Garden Club business meeting at 11:00 a.m. Ruth Loiseau program 12:00-1:30 p.m., held at the Second Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 100 North Main St., Suffield.

The Suffield Garden Club, organized in 1934, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Suffield. New members are welcome. Visit suffieldgar denclub.org for more information. z

Cemetery Stories – in the words of George Washington Allen

By Jackie Hemond, From a script she wrote for the Suffield Historical Society’s Suffield Cemetery tour in October.

I was tall, 6 feet, 4 inches. I stood out in the crowd and maybe that’s why it was inevitable that I died at the Battle of Antietam. I was just too damn tall and too damn young. I was 35 and really unprepared for the onslaught of the battle. I was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1830 but I fought for the Union Army. In

July 1862, I enlisted in Hartford with the 16th Regiment, Company D. Connecticut Infantry. Less than two months later, on September 16th, I was slaughtered with about 23,000 others, more than half of them Union soldiers. We were killed in a cornfield on John Otto’s farm. In our company, 43 men were killed and 161 were wounded. It was our first battle and our company had little training. We loaded our muskets for the first time the day before the battle. Perhaps it was better that I was killed that day. The soldiers in my regiment who stayed to fight and didn’t desert, and who also survived dysentery and Antietam were captured in 1864 and sent to the infamous Andersonville prison where 13,000 Union soldiers died. Maybe I was the lucky one.

I married Jane Doyle when I was 18. Jane was from Windsor; her father was one of the Rose MacNeeley presenting Mary Irish Catholic laborers who Uzell and telling about Irish canal helped build the Windsor workers.

Locks Canal. Jane and I had

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After the battle, the men who died in our company were interred in the shade of a large tree near the cornfield. Adjutant John Burnham marked each of us with a headboard noting our name and company. He was very particular about the precise location of each body so that family members could retrieve and bury us in Connecticut. For that act of kindness, I am grateful. z

seven children, the youngest was two and a half months old when I was killed. I was a cigar maker.

There were other Suffield men from my company who died at Antietam and are buried here. They are Private Henry Barnett and Corporal Horace Warner. Henry was also a cigar maker who was born in London in 1832. He and his wife Emily had two children, a boy and a girl. Kaitlyn Webster presenting Civil War soldiers.

A third child was born four months after Henry died. His wife married a second time to

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Richard Jobes who was also in our Company. He was quite a bit older, 35, when he enlisted as a Corporal. He was wounded in the left forearm at Antietam. His forearm was amputated, and he was discharged for disability in 1864. He was a cigar maker, chicken farmer and a postmaster in Suffield.

Emma bore him a son.

I know little about Horace, except that he was only 23 or 24.

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All photos by the author

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Suffield Broadleaf Gift Shop 1150 South Street Local gift shop curating modern, rustic goods and highlighting quality gifts and local makers. Toys for Tots drop off location!

Tuesday thru Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday.

Feather & Bloom Marketplace 122 Mountain Road We are a locally owned hometown florist, plant and gift shop in Suffield, CT specializing in unique blooms, locally sourced handcrafted goods, sustainable + eco-friendly products and lovely houseplants.

Open Tuesday thru Sunday.

Hastings Family Farm 472 Hill Street Our own whole milk, yogurt, fresh cheese, and beef plus products from other local farms including honey, maple syrup, fudge, preserves, soaps and more.

Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Sunday.

The Suffield Observer

December 2023/January 2024

Shop Local Karenough Crafts & Boutique 11 High Street A “one stop shop” for your gift-giving needs! From cards, essential oils and gift certificates to jewelry, ponchos, and workshops. Much of it handcrafted by your local neighbors.

Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Monday, Wednesday & Sunday.

Made By LLC 50 Cross Street A treasure trove of farmgrown goodness, where every product tells a story of dedication and quality. From hot sauces to pickles, honey, luffa soap, honey peanut butter, and and award-winning spiced jams and jellies.

Farm stand, Monday thru Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Moxy Boutique 13 Bridge Street Selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry suitable for any age.

Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday 11 to 5 p.m., Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday.

Pentimento Design 175 South Main Street During the Holidays our little shop is bursting with fresh plants, unique flowers, and seasonal gifts from around the world.

Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday.

The Plant Lounge 68 Bridge Street Next to Suffield Village Market Enchanting, contemporary indoor plant shop.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Tuesday.

The Potting Shed 274 Remington Street Fresh CT grown Christmas trees with free delivery in town.

Wreaths, swags, kissing balls & baskets. Indoor and outdoor fresh mixed greenery arrangements. We specialize in custom orders!

Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Suffield Hardware 63 Mountain Road Toys for Tots drop off location! We will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for local children through Saturday, December 23. We’re also a great place to look for gifts for the handyman or handywoman in your life.

Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Second Chance Shop 116 Mountain Road Gently worn womens and mens clothing, accessories, jewelry, giftware, and seasonal décor. Volunteer-run, proceeds benefit The Village for Families.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.

Village Boutique at The Salon 68 Bridge Street, Suite 101 Across from Tosca’s Patio Come down and shop!!

Lots of beautiful clothes and gift items to choose from!

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thurdsday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday.

Vine & Ivy Floral Design 1087 East Street We are your local family florist and are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts backed by friendly prompt service.

Monday, Wednesday & Thurday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday.

West Suffield Chic & Antique 1359 Mountain Road We custom build live-edge & epoxy resin furniture! Farm tables, TV consoles, coffee tables, barn doors, headboards & more. Wood slabs available for DIY clients. We also offer a selection of rustic décor.

Daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cupola Hollow Farm 1510 N Stone Street We offer a variety of homemade products, and the all but famous "Kathy's Hot Pepper Jelly." We also make homemade fudge, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, and much more!

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

D’Agata’s Fine Family Farm 1448 N Grand Street We offer our own farm fresh eggs, beef, pork, and chicken, local honey, all natural handmade soaps plus genuine peacock feather and deer antler jewelery.

Monday thru Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Willow View Farm 1321 Sheldon Street Open select weekends and by appointment for purchases of Amaryllis plants, gift cards, floral arrangements and flower subscriptions. Call (860)670-3089 or @JulieTheGardenFairy. z