The Suffield Observer | June 2025

Trees for Suffield Writers Group Energized

By Amy Reay

The Trees for Suffield Initiative began in 2022 as a collaborative effort between the Suffield Tree Committee, the Town of Suffield and the Suffield Garden Club. As the group launched, they held several events to garner interest and support. One of those events was a series of writers workshops held at Kent Memorial Library. A different writer came each week, taught a short segment and led a class. At the end of the series, the participants found they wanted to keep going, so they have continued to meet monthly at the marble table in the library’s fiction section. A member provides a writing prompt mostly connected to trees to stay true to the original foundation. They write for a short time, then share with others for feedback. The group is a warm gathering of friends of various writing abilities and is open to anyone who would like to join. We hope to see you on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. If you have a story to tell, send it to treesforsuffield@ gmail.com with “A Tree I Love” in the subject line.

By Tony Peterson

Last month’s prompt was to write about the connection between a person and tree:

“The Man and His Tree” by Amy Reay

Fumbling around the garage in search of the right tools, the man grabbed his worn leather work gloves, the loppers and as an afterthought, the rusted can of Deep Woods Off. He tossed his supplies into a nearby bucket, took the handle, then ducked under the old heavy door that doesn’t quite rise up as easily as it should.

He walked out into the sunshine marveling over the beauty of the day after the long stretch of rain. He walked over to the tree, which had recently dropped all her pink blossoms (quicker than usual, thanks to that rain).

“Well, hello there, beautiful lady,” he said, smiling up at her gnarled branches and rotted limbs. If he was being honest, this girl wasn’t looking so great, but he favored rose-colored glasses and imagined she looked the way she used to in earlier years.

Slipping his hands into the soft leather of his gloves, he be-

gan to chat with his tree. As he lopped off the first of the decayed limbs, he smiled and told the story of the day they met. Revisiting that time seemed to make the old tree stand a little taller, as if she wanted to be young and vibrant once again. The man shared his thoughts of those early years. Not so much about the way she looked then, but about the times they shared, the laughter that occurred under her shade, thoughts of kids climbing far up into her arms,

building forts. She was making memories for them and with them. He chuckled at the reverie as he continued to clean up the suckers sprouting from her trunk, raking a pile off to one side.

As the day went on, he would pause for a sip of cold water, remembering picnics in the garden alongside his tree, or a cocktail poured over rattling ice cubes as they took in the setting sun out back. Putting his water bottle aside, and reaching for

the loppers once more, he told the old tree, “You know, taking care of you is important to me.” The man thought he heard an audible sigh coming from the tree but perhaps he just felt it in his heart.

Throughout the day, he chopped and pinched away all the things dragging down the old tree and carried away the mess out of sight. As the sun began to recede, he turned back and saw his progress. His time and effort made quite a difference. The tree was looking better, brighter, happier…because she knew his care of her meant he loved her.

Not everything could be fixed with those shears but that wasn’t what mattered. For today, the tree thrived from his kindness and felt the best she could because of him. She knows that for all the days she can stand in that yard watching the sun rise, the flowers bloom and the sun set again— she knows she is loved, and she will return that love right back. She will wrap her limbs around that man in the worn leather gloves and sigh into the breeze… “I love you too.” z

A Pediatrician’s Rewarding 50-year Career

Interviewing people who’ve spent decades in the same position can be challenging. Some are bored and regretful, while others seem detached, focusing on upcoming retirements.

Not so, for upbeat Enfield pediatrician Dr. Richard Segool, who retired in April, just two months shy of 50 years.

He holds pleasant memories of his career and plans to continue serving the medical profession.

As a pediatrician, the genial Segool said he gained “enormous satisfaction” from helping others and enjoyed the close relationships he built with patients.

His career included stints not generally associated with a large-town pediatrician. He traveled to Haiti five times, spending what he called ten

exhausting days each trip in “unbelievably challenging conditions” as part of a team providing medical services.

“It’s one of the most important things I’ve done, I think, in my life,” he said. He also helped found a well-known area HMO and has worked to build medical information systems that provide better use of patient data for doctors. More on those worthy causes later.

How he came to Enfield Segool grew up on Chicago’s South Side and attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal. He signed on to a federal program that allowed him to finish his specialty pediatric training in a medically underserved area, provided he stayed for two years. Enfield was one such area in the early 1970s. Segool remained after the program

ended and soon joined with two Longmeadow pediatricians to form Pioneer Valley Pediatrics with Longmeadow and Enfield offices. It was a three-doctor practice until 1990, when Segool began hiring more. Today, the firm has ten doctors, many of whom work part-time.

Outside the examining room

On his own time, Segool has been actively involved in the organizational side of medicine. He worked on the Baystate Medical Center steering committee to create the Health New England HMO in 1986 and served on its board for 35 years. Later, he helped Baystate establish a Physician Hospital Organization (PHO), which focused on quality of care and insurance company contracting. He served on that board for 30 years.

In Connecticut, he helped form a pediatrician-only clinically integrated network (CIN) with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. It includes the hospital, its specialty physicians, and about 230 community pediatricians.

Today, he’s vice chair of the board and chairs its contract and finance committees. His involvement in medical information systems has focused on what he calls “population health.” The emphasis is on preventative care, looking at health patterns and identifying patients at increased risk of illness so doc-

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Photo provided by Suffield Land Conservancy

Photo by Gisselle Rosado

The staff of Dr. Richard Segool (center back) donned mustaches, wigs and neckties as a fun way of saying goodbye on April 28, his last day.

Community Matters

In his song, “Lean on Me,” Bill Withers says: Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on

For it won’t be long ‘Til I’m gonna need

Somebody to lean on.

He may have written these lyrics back in 1972, but they are timeless, with many artist remakes with each new generation. The message never gets old.

This song brings to mind for us the sense of community found in Suffield. Like all small towns, there will always be issues, but in our town, we still like to believe kindness prevails.

No matter what is going on here, you can always count on an abundance of volunteers to run boards, committees and organizations. Whenever there is a situation such as damaging storm, house fire, accident or other tragedy, the people of Suffield set aside differences and come to the aid of those in need. Like an old-fashioned barn raising, help shows up, works together and accomplishes whatever needs doing.

Throughout the years, Don and I have found ourselves on both sides of the coin, both offering help as well as accepting assistance from those extending a hand. What we find interesting is that the feeling that comes from both is very much the same— caring and being cared for just feels good.

While we both have jokingly been referred to as volunteer-aholics, it isn’t too far off the mark. We enjoy helping and contributing to this beautiful place we call home and feel it is important to do our part. On a different level, these activities provide us our social life and have formed great friendships with like-minded people.

We have found that when the tides turn, it has come back to us full circle. Many of the good people we have served with or assisted in some way have been incredible support to us too. Receiving a helping hand has gotten us both through some difficult times for which we remain thankful. Being there for others also fills our hearts with purpose. This prompts us to suggest finding an area of interest in Suffield to volunteer your time. Get involved, make new friends and a difference. Above all, remember this town belongs to all of us. Be good to each other.

Don Miner and Amy Reay Co-Editors of the Month

2025-2026 Dog Licenses

By Michele Urch, Town Clerk

The 2025 Dog license renewal began on June 1, 2025. Owners with a current rabies certificate on file are encouraged to renew licenses online. The online registration system will accept Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Credit card fees will apply. Once the transaction is completed a tag will be mailed to you.

Dogs that require an updated rabies certificate can email them to townclerk@suffieldct.gov. Once updated into the system owners will be able to proceed with online renewal.

New dogs can be registered by mail. Please include the dog license application found on the Town Clerks page on the Town of Suffield website, the fee, current rabies vaccination and proof of spay or neutering, if applicable. Rabies tags alone are not an accepted proof of vaccination.

Connecticut State Law requires all dogs 6 months of age or older to be licensed in the town of residency. The yearly dog registration period set by state statute and runs from June 1st through May 31st.

All fees are set by State Statute and are as follows: $8.00 for spayed or neutered and $19 for non-spayed or non-neutered dogs.

On July 1, 2025, by law, there will be an additional

charge of $1.00 per month for each month the dog is not licensed.

Postcard renewal reminders are no longer being mailed. All renewal reminders will be emailed. If you did not receive an email reminder please send an email to townclerk@ suffieldct.gov.

Updated rabies certificates are always welcome to keep your dog’s certification current. Please email townclerk@suffieldct.gov.

We continue to honor the tradition of recognizing Suffield’s service dogs by graciously awarding them one of the first ten tags.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Town Clerk’s Office at 860-6683880 Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. z

Suffield Summer Farmers Market

By Ellie Binns

Suffield’s Farmers Market begins its 2025 summer season on Saturday, June 21. This June will mark our 24th year and there is a hearty group of vendors still participating after all these years! Over the years others have joined and become part of the Farmers Market family and this year we look forward to welcoming some new vendors. We strive to keep our small-town atmosphere while still offering a variety of items. Start your Saturday morning off with a visit to the Farmers Market to truly support local! Details and weekly updates will be provided on our Facebook page, www.facebook. com/suffieldfarmersmarket. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you and being a convenient place where you can buy seasonal products such

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www.facebook.com/garden.solutions.debbie

Photo by Michele Urch

TOWN GOVERNMENT

June Commission Meetings

Please check the Town of Suffield website for time, location or schedule changes.

Conservation Comm.

Tue., June 24

7 p.m., Town Hall

Economic Dev. Comm. Thu., June 19

8:30 a.m., Town Hall

Education, Board of Mon., June 2 & 16

6:30 p.m., SHS

Finance, Board of Mon., June 9

7 p.m., Town Hall

Fire Commission

Tue., June 10, 7 p.m. Fire Station, Ratley Road

Historic District Comm. Mon., June 2

7:30 p.m., Town Hall

Housing Authority Tue., June 10

6:30 p.m. Maple Court

KML Commission Tue., June 10

7 p.m., Town Hall

Parks & Rec. Comm. Wed., June 11

7 p.m., Town Hall

Permanent Bldg. Comm. Thu., June 19

7 p.m., Town Hall

P&Z Commission Mon., June 23

7 p.m., Town Hall

Police Commission Wed., June 25

7 p.m. Police Station

Selectmen, Board of Wed., June 4

7 p.m., Town Hall

Social Service Comm. Fri., June 20 8:00 a.m. SCA office

WPCA Tue., June 10

7 p.m. 844 East St. South

Zoning Board of Appeals Tue., June 24

7 p.m., Town Hall

First Selectman’s Update

Colin Moll

Welcome, June! There’s so much to celebrate this month—from the end of the school year and high school graduation to the official start of summer and our 4th Annual Suffield Summer Fair, happening June 13, 14, and 15. Don’t miss the fantastic fireworks display on Saturday night—be sure to mark your calendars as we kick off the season in style!

Meanwhile, we’re also focused on important business here at Town Hall, with a Town Meeting planned for late June. The exact date and time will be announced soon. Items up for consideration and approval include:

1. Approval to accept the cemetery property on Mountain Road:

The West Suffield Cemetery Association will be dissolving and no longer be able to care for the cemetery. By State statutes, the Town is required to take on the care and maintenance of the cemetery. A few years ago, the Town had already established an account that generates annual interest to pay for the maintenance of this property. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved at their 5/21 meeting. Thank you to the West Suffield Cemetery Association members who have done an excellent job of managing and operating the property!

2. Approval to transfer the Phelps Road Cemetery to the Mountain Burying Ground Association

The Town currently owns the Phelps Road Cemetery that consists of .65 acres. Mountain Road Burying Ground Association owns the property adjacent to it and has always maintained the property. They recently gauged the interest of the Town to transfer the property for this reason and insurance purposes. The Board of Selectmen approved at their 3/19 meeting.

3. Right to Farm Ordinance

As a Town of Farms, it feels only fitting that we approve this ordinance to further support our agriculture community. The State currently has laws establishing protection of certain farming operations from nuisance lawsuits when done properly. Like other farming communities in the State, acceptance of this would simply reaffirm Suffield’s support and value to the agriculture community by reaffirming State laws through a local ordinance. The Board of Selectmen approved at their 4/9 meeting.

4. Sale of Property on 1148 South Street

Almost two years ago, the Town approved the sale of this property to a developer whose plans did not come to fruition. Recently, a developer along with his investors has made an offer to build an indoor ice hockey training center. The offer is similar to the last accepted offer for $515,000 for the 10.7 acre lot. The Board of Selectman approved at their 5/6 meeting.

5. Lease of Landfill to Verogy Solar In 2022, the Town issued a request for proposals to utilize unused space at the landfill for solar energy projects. We received multiple bids and proceeded with allowing selected developers to create detailed plans and seek the necessary approvals from Eversource. Now, more than two years later, one of the developers—Verogy—has secured those approvals and is ready to move forward. Verogy will develop approximately six acres for solar use and pay the Town $65,000 per year over a 20-year term, with the option for three additional five-year extensions. The Board of Selectmen approved the agreement at their February 5 meeting. Lease renewals of Townowned property went to Nowak and Bielonko Farms (separate motions). The Town routinely leases open space properties to local farmers for agricultural use. Two of these leases are set to expire and will require Town Meeting approval for a five-year extension. The properties in question include 10 acres within the Stratton Farms open space and the Malec Farms subdivision. The Board of Selectmen approved the lease extensions at their April 9 meeting.

More detailed documents will be available on the Town website as the June meeting date approaches. I hope to see you there - and as always, my door is always open. z

Town News You May Not Know

Compiled by Kate Spoto

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

Board of Education

May 5, 2025

Recognition:

• This year's Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Award recipients are Suffield Middle School students

Nora Pixton and Oliver McCool and Suffield High School students Keila Silva and Tryell Khouri. Ken Smith, Suffield Middle School Principal, and Anthony Hibbert, Suffield High School Principal, spoke about the leadership attributes of these students.

• This year's Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Student Recognition Award recipients are Suffield Middle School student Natalie Audet and Suffield High School student Samantha Ruggieri. Principal Smith and Principal Hibbert spoke about the outstanding character traits of these students.

• The Suffield High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian is Heidi Storey and the Valedictorian is Natalie Ho. Principal Hibbert spoke of the students' academic excellence, exceptional character, and their many extracurricular activities.

Preliminary SAT Results:

Assistant Superintendent Zawawi said the Connecticut School Day SAT test was taken by Grade 11 students on March 12, 2025. Of the 143 eligible Grade 11 students, 136 students participated in the test. This is the third year using the mandatory adaptive digital test. Samantha Schrager, 6-12 ELA Instructional Coach, gave an analysis of the Evidence Based Reading and Writing data and said there was growth with struggling readers. Domenico Casolari, 6-12 Math Instructional Coach, gave an analysis of the math data and said slight improvements were made. He said the introduction of an Algebra I Lab will help incoming Grade 9 students.

Board of Selectman

April 9, 2025

Discussion and Approval of Right to Farm Ordinance and Referral to Town Meeting:

First Selectman Moll opened the floor for discussion among the selectmen and expressed his support for the ordinance, emphasizing its benefits for local farmers. Town Attorney Derek Donnelly also provided input on the ordinance's function and its impact on agriculture and our farming community.

Selectman Hill moved to approve the Right to Farm Ordinance and refer to Town Meeting. Vote: 4-0 in favor. Motion passed unanimously.

Conservation CommissionApril 8, 2025

Forest Management Plan –Sunrise Park: Tree warden Sue Mayne

addressed the Commission regarding a State-run program that will conduct a forest management plan free of charge. A discussion followed and it was decided that Sunrise Park would be the best site for the study. Ms. Mayne stated that the Commission would eventually have to come up with objectives of the plan. Consultant Keith Morris will send a copy of a previously done study at the Park to Ms. Mayne.

Consultant’s Report:

Consultant Morris presented a draft plan regarding resurfacing the rail trail from the Southwick line through Suffield to the East Granby line. The acting town engineer asked for input from the Commission regarding potential permits and information needed on the plan. After discussion, the Commission decided that more information should be submitted and an application filed for a permit from the Commission. Information requested includes location and type of erosion controls and the disposal location of the regrind material.

Consultant Morris also presented a plan for an addition to a building on Marketing Drive.

There is no work proposed within the upland review area. After discussion the Commission decided that the work could be approved administratively by consultant Morris through the building permit process.

Parks and Recreation Commission - April 9, 2025 Spring and Summer Events:

The Director reviewed some of the upcoming events/programs: Summer Fair, July Yard Goats Game, Movie Nights, Wednesday night concerts, running club and other events.

Men's Outdoor Summer Basketball League: There is pickup basketball on Wednesday and Thursday nights for men and on Tuesday night for women at the courts behind the Middle School.

The Director explained that a uniform is included with the fees, and that officials will be certified. The sponsor for the league is Windsor Federal. The program starts in June and teams will play 1 to 2 games a week ending with each team playing each other twice. The top four will be in the semi-final and final with program ending in August.

Bandstand/Gazebo on Town Green: The town green gazebo needs to be replaced. The Historical Commission has asked that the Parks and Recreation Commission form an ad hoc committee to review the design and add comments and concerns. z

Farmers Market

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as plants, shrubs, vegetables, meats, floral bouquets, honey, farm fresh eggs, fruits, berries, herbs, vegetable plants, garden art, jams, jelly, pickles, fudge, baked goods, hand crafted soaps and homemade items.

The Market is held rain or shine (severe weather may cause a cancellation) every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the southern Town

Richard Segool

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tors can intervene early when treatment is simpler and more effective.

As examples, he mentioned how the systems can identify patients who’ve missed immunizations and get them back on track. Or, pediatric patients with mental health issues require periodic blood work to guard against side effects. A

Share Your Farm Stories

By Bob Molleur and Ray Dalrymple

If you own a farm, grew up on farms or worked on a farm in Suffield, we want your story. We are co-authoring a book, a collection of stories from young and old on their farm experience in Suffield and how that impacted their lives. Stories are limited to 900 words and submissions must be in MS Word format. Photos are welcome and are limited to two per story.

Please submit your stories to suffieldfarmstories@gmail. com. We want to hear from you. Our goal is to publish and have the book available by our Nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. z

Correction

In the May issue, the SCA Administrative Assistant's name was misspelled on page 12 in the Town News You May Not Know section under Social Services Commission. The correct spelling of the Administrative Assistant's name is Jo Dzioba. z

Green conveniently located in the center of town. The Market will run through the end of September.

Most of the farms in the market participate in the WIC coupon program and some of our vendors are now SNAP certified as well for your convenience.

Contact Ellie Binns ebinns@suffieldct.gov or 860668-3848 for more information or to find out about being a vendor. z

prescribing psychiatrist may assume the pediatrician is handling the screening, while the pediatrician figures that the psychiatrist is. The systems help correct the issue.

He concluded, “It's been a very interesting journey to learn about the delivery of medical care and being involved.”

For retired Dr. Richard Segool, the journey is certain to continue. z

Captain’s Corner:

By Suffield Fire Department

Captain Ron Carlson

Outdoor Grilling Safety

Grilling is a very popular way to cook food, especially during the spring and summer months. Grilling at home has become very easy with either a gas or charcoal grill.

Consider the following grilling safety advice:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from buildings, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grilling area and tray below the grill.

• Create a safety zone of at least three feet around the grill to keep children and pets away.

• Never leave an operating grill unattended.

For Propane Grills:

• Check the gas tank, lines and grill for leaks prior to use. If there is a leak, turn off the tank and the grill and have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

• Make sure your gas grill lid is open prior to lighting it.

• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 6 minutes before relighting it.

For Charcoal Grills:

• Be certain not to use a charcoal grill in an enclosed area due to possible carbon monoxide buildup.

• Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start charcoal using newspapers as a fuel.

• If you use starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to a fire.

• There are also electric charcoal starters, which

do not use fire to start the charcoal. Be sure to use an extension cord to reach the outdoor grill.

• When you are finished grilling with charcoal, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Use long handled grilling tools and hand mitts to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames.

ROUGHLY 50% of all GRILLING INJURIES are THERMAL BURNS!!

Two New Ambulances for SVAA

By Karl Cicitto

When the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance responds to an emergency the ambulance in use must be well equipped and updated. This 14,000-pound emergency room-on-wheels must meet a high standard of reliability. The challenge is to keep a dependable fleet on the road even as the average ambulance in the U.S. lasts just 7 to 10 years, according to industry experts.

On April 20, the SVAA welcomed a new Type 1 heavy duty box ambulance. The addition was part of a plan that anticipated the replacement of three ambulances, one in 2022 and two in 2025.

The design of these new additions was built by a robust committee of EMTs and paramedics and others. Committee oversight of the project was led by Jack Muska, a former engineer

at Pratt & Whitney, Director of Suffield Public Works, and an EMT with the SVAA.

Safety for patients and care providers was the top priority in designing the new ambulances. They are equipped with drive cams for safety and training purposes and increased situational awareness for the driver.

The Haas Alert system is also installed. As soon as the ambulance lights are Continued on Page 6

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Community Calendar

June 2025

KML Art exhibit works by Enfield photographer Debra Ty - Regular KML hours, Pinney Gallery, w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23)

Bobby Jo Valentine musical performance - 3 p.m. Concerts for a Cause at First Church. Free will offering to benefit Q Plus. (pg 10)

Artists of Suffield art exhibit at The King House Museum! Opens for the summer - 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s. Free tour. (pg 35)

First Selectman Coffee Hour - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at Cafe Barista, 66 N. Main. 10% discount on your drink order.

English High Tea - 2 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center. Sold out! (pg 26)

Household Hazardous Waste Collection - 8 a.m to 1 p.m., Simbsury Public Works Facility, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury. Electronics Recycling Collection and Document Shredding (2 box limit).

Veterans Breakfast - 9:00 to 11 a.m. All Veterans and family members are welcome. At the VFW Hall, 972 Sheldon St., West Suffield.

Stories of Freedom: Suffield’s Black History - 10 a.m to noon., Phelps- Hatheway House. In collaboration with SHS & KML. (pg 28)

Book Collection for the Annual Library Book Sale - 10:00 to noon. Drive up to the Mary Anne Zak entrance where volunteers will help you.  (pg 35)

CT Trails Weekend Hike - 1 p.m. at the Alcorn property (Metacomet Trail) on Mountain Road, opposite Phelps Road. With Suffield Land Conservancy. Seeking Justice: Freedom Suits of Flora’s Descendants - 7:30 pm., at Suffield Volunteer Ambulance. With the Suffield Historical Society. (pg 13)

Meet the Artist reception with Debra Ty - 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pinney gallery at KML w/Suffield Arts Council. (pg 23)

Suffield Summer Fair - Friday, 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Live music, rides & games. Fireworks on Saturday! (pg 3)

CT Open House Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hilltop Farm. Barn tours, beekeeping, backyard chicken and dog obedience programs. (pg 21)

Vintage Base Ball Tournament - New England Festival - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Stroh Field at Hilltop Farm, 1616 Mapleton Ave, Route 159. (pg 21)

That’s What Friends are For, Cetto Chamber Singers spring concert - 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church. Reception to follow. (pg 12)

First Selectman Coffee Hour - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at Cafe Barista, 66 N. Main. 10% discount on your drink order.

Suffield Farmers Market - 9 a.m. til noon. Suffield south green. Locally grown produce and crafts. Every Saturday through September 27. (pg 2)

Tree Identification Walk w/ John Kehoe, Arborist - 10 a.m., at Sunrise Park (rain date Jun 22). With Trees for Suffield & Trees for Windsor Locks. (pg 8)

Books & Beyond - Author Simon Van Booy will discuss his novel Sipsworth via Zoom. To register call 860-668-3896 or at suffield-library.org. (pg 23)

Repair Café FREE! - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. Get your tools sharpened and household items repaird. (pg 8)

Ice Cream Social – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the lawn at The King House Museum. With the Suffield Historical Society. Rain date July 10. Free. (pg 13)

Suffield Night at the Hartford Yard Goats vs The Somerset Patriots - Gates open at 5:30, game at 7 p.m.. Tickets at suffieldrec.com.

Glenn T. Packard Gold Tournament at Oak Ridge Gold Course, register at portal.clubrunner.ca/6939.

SHUTE-N-SAFE golf outing at Crestiew Country Club – Benefit for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Call Dave Shute at (413)896-1122. (pg 23) Bald Eagle Golf Outing at Suffield Country Club – Benefit for The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop. Register at HilltopFarmSuffield.org/Events. (pg 35)

Vintage Base Ball - The Westfield Wheelmen vs. Wethersfield Red Onion, 11 a.m., on Stroh Field at Hilltop Farm, 1616 Mapleton Ave, Route 159. Oktoberfest at Hilltop Farm - Saturday 5 to 9 p.m. Food, beer, music & games! Tickets at HilltopFarmSuffield.org/Events.

Historic Preservation in Suffield

By Sara Zak

The Suffield Historical Society is thrilled to announce that the architectural firm Silver Petrucelli + Associates of Hamden, Conn., well-known for their expertise in historic preservation, has been selected to conduct a Condition Assessment and HVAC Feasibility Study of the Alexander King House. This project is made possible by a Planning and Survey grant from the State Historic Preservation

Ambulances

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on, a safety cloud is activated which informs navigation apps like Waze that an emergency vehicle is approaching. Drivers are notified. This reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Additionally, UV light disinfection devices have been added to inactivate pathogens like viruses and bacteria in the care area. Other new specifications for the interior of the care area provide additional safety for everyone.

“A lot of work and research went into these trucks. Membership was surveyed before the design and again about a month after the April delivery of the vehicle.”, said SVAA Chief John Spencer. “Our designs are safety-centric. The three new ambulances are essentially the same in terms of drawers, layout, equipment storage. All care providers can reach supplies and control boards from a belted, seated, stable position. Everything is secured so no projectiles are possible.”, the Chief concluded.

It only takes eight weeks to manufacture an ambulance but it takes years for those eight weeks to begin. The wait is now 4.5 years. This is partly due to recent factors like reduced work

Office (SHPO), which the Society was qualified to apply for as a non-profit organization with a nationally recognized historic structure. The competitive grant, awarded by SHPO last fall, recognizes the value of our historic structure and the importance of its preservation.

The Connecticut SHPO also offers a program to help private homeowners preserve and restore their residences, Continued on Page 12

forces, computer chip shortages, increased demand following the Covid epidemic, and panic buying inspired by perceived difficulty in purchasing.

“Thanks to good financial planning by leadership and the Board of Directors, we put money away every year to replace our major assets. As a result, we’re in a good position to cushion the very large investment in the new ambulances.”, says Board of Trustees Chairman, Don Miner.

In early June, Chief Spencer and Jacob Audette, SVAA Fleet Captain, will visit the manufacturer in North Carolina where they’ll inspect the final new vehicle for imperfections or defects before acceptance.

These last two new ambulances required a significant total investment surpassing $600,000. The SVAA has already begun tithing away funds for their replacement in 2032 and 2035.

There may be a twist or two ahead. The forward-thinking design of the new ambulances allows for the patient care compartment, a.k.a. the box, to be remounted to a new chassis, which would reduce replacement costs. Barring the potential loss of any newly developed technology in doing so, leadership of the SVAA will take that option into consideration. z

Compiled by Beth Chafetz

First Drive-in Theater

opens – June 6, 1933 in New Jersey

“Drive-ins gained immense popularity 20 years later during the 1950s and ‘60s with the Baby Boomer generation. There were over 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S., and most were in rural areas. They maintained popularity as both a space for families to spend time with each other as well as an affordable date night option.

“For now, there are over 300 drive-ins still in operation. Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania have the most drive-ins still in operation in the U.S., with each state having almost 30 left. Unfortunately, Hawaii, North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, Delaware, and Louisiana no longer have any that are still in business. But no matter the fate of America’s drive-ins, they will always be a nostalgic and cultural icon.”

– nyfa.edu

National Little League Baseball Week

2nd week in June

“You could be a kid for as long as you want when you play baseball.”

– Cal Ripken, Jr.

Flag Day – June 14

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore.”

– Oliver Wendell Holmes

"You're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave."

– George M. Cohan

Father’s Day – June 15

"Being a dad isn't easy, but

Food For Thought

when somebody does it right, it reminds the rest of us what a world-changing difference a good dad can make."

– Andrew Blackburn

"For every dream that has taken flight, there's a father who believed."

– Jennifer Fujita

"The best lessons in life are taught by a father who leads by example."  – Abookgeek International Picnic Day –June 18

“There are few things so pleasant as a picnic eaten in perfect comfort.”

– W. Somerset Maugham

“If ants are such busy workers, how come they find time to go to all the picnics?”

– Marie Dressier

Juneteenth – June 19

"Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won; you earn it and win it in every generation."

– Coretta Scott King

“Not everything that is

Pilgrim Barber Shop

CT 06078 • 860-668-0170

Moved to 35 High Street, Suffield, CT across from Coldwell Banker Realty as of April 1. 860-668-0170 or 413-244-7679

faced can be changes, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

“Juneteenth was never about commemorating a delayed proclamation, but about celebrating a people’s enduring spirit.”

– Annette Gordon-Reed National Camping Week4th week of June

"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom."  – Theodore Roosevelt

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

“Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.” – Dave Barry U.S. Department of Justice established – June 22, 1870

“Justice is truth in action.”

– Benjamin Disraeli

"Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." – Haile Selassie

"Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?"

– Lillian Hellman Bicycle patented – June 26, 1819

“Rolling into the best days of summer.” – Unknown

“Cycling is oxygen for the soul.” – Unknown

Helen Keller born – June 27, 1880

“The only thing worse that being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

“The best and most beautiful things in the world can-

not be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” –Helen Keller

National Organization of Women founded June 30, 1966

“We, men and women who hereby constitute ourselves as the National Organization for Women, believe that the time has come for a new movement toward true equality for all women in America, and toward a fully equal partnership of the sexes, as part of the world-wide revolution of human rights now taking place within and beyond our national borders.”

–National Organization for Women’s 1966 Statement of Purpose National Adopt a Cat Month

"I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me, are expressions of love."

–James Herriot Black Music Month

“I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me - like food or water.” – Ray Charles

“Historically, Black music has influenced other cultures and other genres and created other genres.” – Miguel

Tree Identification Walk

By Sue Mayne

Trees for Suffield and Trees for Windsor Locks are teaming up to offer a FREE tree identification walk, guided by a licensed arborist. The walk will be held at Sunrise Park on Saturday June 21, at 10 a.m. The rain date is Sunday, June 22 at 10 a.m.

In 2024, the towns of Windsor Locks and Suffield began a mutual use agreement allowing Windsor Locks residents free public access to Sunrise Park and Babb’s Beach during normal operating hours. Suffield residents are allowed free public access to Pesci Park and pool and Windsor Locks High School pool during normal operating hours. The tree ID walk is a great way to celebrate and spread awareness of these community resources.

The tree ID walk on June 21 (rain date June 22) will be guided by licensed arborist John Kehoe. John is a second-generation arborist, formerly University Arborist at the University of Connecticut and City Forester for the City of Hartford, Conn. He has an

Associate of Science degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMASS, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from the University of Connecticut. John has led several tree ID walks with Suffield and Trees for Windsor Locks and is back by popular demand!

Trees for Suffield and Trees for Windsor Locks strive to generate awareness about the importance of trees in our communities. One of the ways they do so is through

fun, tree-focused events for the whole family. The Tree ID Walk is sure to be the perfect way to learn about trees, enjoy a beautiful community park, and get some light exercise with friends and family.

To register, please email TreesForWindsorLocks@ gmail.com and include how many people will be in your party. If you register and the event is moved to the rain date, you will receive an email the morning of June 21 to confirm rescheduling. z

Students Celebrate Arbor Day

By Judith Hanmer

Trees for Suffield and students from both the A. Ward Spaulding School and McAlister School celebrated Arbor Day on a beautiful April day by planting fast growing sugar maple trees. Placed near the play areas at each school they will provide both shade for the students and beautiful bright red foliage in the fall. The trees were purchased by a generous grant from the J. Gladwin Cannon Trust and the planting services were donated by Bills Landscaping.

Sue Mayne from Trees for Suffield talked with the students about the importance of planting trees correctly and the continued care needed for their

successful survival. They assisted in finishing the planting process by covering the base of the trees with soil and carrying

buckets of water to them so the trees would be hydrated. It was another successful day for Trees for Suffield. z

A Craft Kitchen

Kitchen

Photo by Judy Hanmer

To celebrate Arbor Day, students from Spaulding and McAlister Intermediate School help plant sugar maple trees.

New Youth Services Director

From a press release

The Town of Suffield is proud to announce that Joann Moriarty is joining Suffield as the new Director of Youth Services, bringing over two decades of dedicated service to youth and families across Connecticut. With a robust background in community-based programming, juvenile justice reform, and early childhood education, Joann will lead Suffield’s efforts to support and empower young people through innovative programming.

Joann comes to Suffield from her most recent role as Coordinator of the Stafford Family Resource Center, where since 2018 she has overseen parenting support programs and a NAEYC-accredited childcare center. Her leadership there included program development, fiscal management of grant funding, and strategic partnerships across town and state agencies to support families with young children.

Prior to that, she coordinated the Rockville Juvenile Court Local Interagency Service Team (LIST), uniting stakeholders from 12 regional towns to advocate for at-risk and court-involved youth. Her prior roles include serving as a Youth Development Specialist and Youth Ser-

vice Bureau Coordinator in South Windsor and Enfield, where she led programs on substance abuse prevention, mentoring, restorative justice, and juvenile diversion.

A graduate of Western New England University with a B.A. in Psychology, Joann brings a wealth knowledge, empathy, and vision to her work. Her certifications in trauma-informed care, family support, and youth development further underscore her readiness to guide Suffield’s Youth Services Department into its next chapter.

We are thrilled to welcome Joann to Suffield. Her expertise in youth advocacy, program development, and family engagement will be invaluable as we continue to foster a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for our young residents.

In her new role, Joann will be responsible for overseeing all Youth Services programming, positive youth development initiatives, and community outreach. She will also collaborate closely with Town Departments and local nonprofits to ensure responsive, comprehensive support for Suffield’s youth and their families. Welcome Joann! Editor’s Note: Please see Dowd Realty’s ad below featuring Joann Moriarity. z

Clean-Up Day Volunteers Shrug Off Bad Weather

By Tony Peterson

About 70 people participated in Sustainable Suffield’s annual Clean-Up Day in late April. They pitched in on their own or as part of organizations, including the Rotary Club of Suffield, Boy Scout Troops 260 and 262, the Democratic Town Committee, and the Suffield Lions Club.

It was cloudy and wet, but that didn't deter vol-

unteers who showed up in their rain gear to pick up supplies in front of Town Hall. USA Waste & Recycling provided trash bags, gloves, safety vests, and waste hauling. The Rotary Club of Suffield provided trash grabbers for volunteers to borrow for the day. Volunteers picked up trash by roadsides and in parks, later stopping at the Senior Center to enjoy a

Dowd Realty Spotlight on Suffield

pizza appreciation lunch, sponsored by Sustainable Suffield.

As you pass through our beautiful town, please use trash receptacles or bring trash home when none are available. Pick up willfully discarded trash and recyclables, especially in the presence of impressionable children. Let us be role models for future generations and protect our environment. z

Welcome Joann Moriarty!

Please join us in welcoming Joann Moriarty as our Director of Youth Services ! Her energy and passion, along with experience and education, are just what we need in this important role that helps guide and support our youth.

In talking with Joann, she shared the following: My vision for Suffield Youth Services is to provide a variety of opportunities for young people to discover and cultivate their unique qualities, building a healthy sense of self as they navigate the teen years. I am excited to bring novel positive youth development programming to the youth and families of Suffield!

We hope you'll be sure to introduce yourselves when you see her around town as she begins supporting our community and helping our young people grow into caring individuals and becoming the best of who they are meant to be.

Photo by Anna-Kristin Daub-Murphy

Members of the Rotary Club of Suffield and incoming president Natalie Donais (far right) gather before heading out to collect trash on Clean-Up Day.

Sacred Heart News

By Fr Joseph Keough

This month our parish family welcomes three particularly important men of the Church. As the Universal Church we welcome our new Pope, Leo XIV, the first pope ever from the United States. We are also going to welcome to our Sunday Mass, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, the leader of the local Church of Hartford. This will be the archbishop's first time celebrating a Mass here in Suffield. He will be joining us on Sunday, June 29 at our 10:30 Mass. All are welcome to attend. At the end of May, we also welcome our "Summer Seminarian" future priest (possibly future archbishop and pope), Michael Cattelan. Seminarian Mike has just completed his first year of seminary and will be with our Sacred Heart family to get some experiences in parish life. He has already met many of our parishioners during his recent visits with us over the Christmas and Easter breaks. He will be assisting at the masses, leading prayer services and participating as much as possible in parish activities to enhance his formation experience. He has three more years of seminary ahead of him so please keep him in your prayers.

Our Knights of Columbus continue their efforts with Suffield Samaritans in the relief efforts in eastern Tennessee restoring homes but most importantly family life for the victims of last summer's hurricane and rains. They are also hosting a golf tournament on Saturday, June 7 at the Suffeld Country Club as a fund raiser for their scholarship program. For more information, visit our parish web site

for a link to their page.

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and we will have several special events to help us focus on this gift of love during the month. There will be an adult faith formation series on the encyclical letter of the late Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dilexit Nos, "He loved us". A beautiful reflection of the traditions and devotions related to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the end of the month, for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the parish will be hosting a traveling icon of the Sacred Heart in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus. A weekend experience of prayer and information regarding the Sacred Heart will conclude with a Mass by Archbishop Coyne and a reception.

We are beginning a new weekend schedule of just two Sunday morning masses, one at 8:30 a.m. and the other at 10:30 a.m. Last summer this was a seasonal schedule but will be our normal schedule throughout the year beginning on June 1.

For more information about the activities of the parish or to join us, please visit our website at http://www. sacredheartct.com or call the parish office Monday-Thursday at 860.668.4246. z

Bobby Jo Valentine Returns to First Church!

By Amy Pott, Director of Worship Arts, First Church of Christ

After his powerful, uplifting performance at First Church last October, Concerts for a Cause at First Church is delighted to be welcoming back singer / songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine on Sunday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m.

Bobby Jo Valentine’s music exists outside the lines of any genre, but the music’s thoughtful, spirit-focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners across all walks of life. He’s found a voice with original, hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life. Along with theatres, house concerts and many other kinds of stages, Bobby is often invit-

ed to offer his stories and songs at faith communities around the nation, including the 2017 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. His music has won Song of the Year twice at West Coast Songwriters’ Association, and his work has appeared on radio, TV, and in feature films. Bobby currently hails from

Northern California, and is ecstatic any time he can discuss the big questions, challenge the easy answers, and inspire people to move closer to love.

There are no tickets for this event, but a freewill offering will be taken to benefit Q Plus (qplusct.org). First Church is located at 81 High Street in Suffield. z

June at First Church of Christ, UCC

By Amber Dawne 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 faith and worship Sunday mornings at 10:00 am, 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. First Church welcomes all new attendees, and those who have attended many years, to join us for worship for one minute, one Sunday, one month, one year…whatever calls to you!

Rev. Diann continues to run a dedicated and vibrant Wednesday morning Bible study group at 10:00 a.m. each week via Zoom through the end of June; contact us for more information.

June 1, we welcome Bobby Jo Valentine to First Church, bringing us beautiful music during our Pride worship at 10:00 a.m., and with a free concert at 3:00 p.m.!

Sunday, June 8, we celebrate at First Church! Our Celebration Sunday affirms all the accomplishments and faithful connections First Church has made over the year. Join in the fun for 10 a.m. worship with a burger and hot dog grilled lunch following. All are welcome! First Church of Christ again joins with Second Baptist Church for worship this summer, beginning in July. More details will be forthcoming, and services will be available through Second Baptist Church live stream.

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 Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous in our building weekly. Contact us for the full list of meeting information. Questions and general inquiries should be directed to office@fcsuffield.org. Email the church office with any pastoral needs or to arrange an in-person appointment at First Church.

Blessings! z

Photo submitted by the author

Bobby Jo Valentine

Photo by Joan Heffernan Milkweed

Bee Ready

Photo by Joan Heffernan Dainty Rose

Pretty In Pink

Second Baptist Church News

From a press release

Vacation Bible School ComingKindness Matters!

Kindness Matters VBS is June 23-27, 9 a.m. to noon, at Second Baptist Church.

Kids will learn all about kindness through the stories and teachings of Jesus. The Bible is filled with verses that bring joy, hope and encouragement to our hearts. These scriptures remind us of God’s love, promises and the happiness that comes from walking in His ways.

During Vacation Bible School we will introduce a new scripture each day and feature numerous Bible stories illustrating kindness, including the Good Samaritan, the story of Ruth and Naomi and Jesus's teachings and actions, all emphasizing compassion, empathy, and helping those in need.

During the week we will make a kindness box and paint kindness rocks to share with the community.

We have all kinds of new songs to learn and will have a special snack and outdoor games each day.

Register onlinehttps://docs.google.com/ forms/d/1UzS1j6xJkU8tQFJnppMKHwGU9Oha1Th7u7IFMdfX-ss

Hey, Students!

Looking for Community Service Hours?

Contact Us Today!

Second Baptist Church is offering opportunities to help with projects and events in the community while completing community service hours needed for high school. Opportunities include our Vacation Bible School themed Kindness Matters from June 23-27; a Mission trip to the Dominican Republic in August to bring school supplies and help where needed; baking brownies for the homeless shelter and meals for our local elderly folks. Let us help you find a community service project

that inspires you to help! Contact Sue today for more information at 860-4027813.

Second Baptist Church has Cookbooks for Sale!

They include favorite recipes collected from church members. The price is $12 per cookbook or 2 for $20. Call the church office at 860668-1661 to purchase one!

Activities scheduled in June at Second Baptist Church include:

• Monday, June 9 - Special Needs Fellowship – 6:30 p.m. – Monthly outreach program for our friends with cognitive limitations to give them a safe environment for crafts, singing, and fellowship meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month.

• Saturday, June 14 – 3 p.m. - “That’s What Friends Are For!” Concert - The Cetto Chamber Singers, a chorus of approximately 40 women from central Massachusetts and Connecticut, will present their joyful

spring concert in the Second Baptist Church sanctuary with a reception to follow. Please join us for this special event! A free will donation will be collected at the door.

• Saturday, June 14 – Soup Kitchen Ministry – Serving a meal on the second Saturday of the month for anyone in need at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at South Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass.

• Second Baptist Church and First Church of Christ, Congregational, will be joining for combined summer Sunday worship services through the month of July. The first combined service will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in the Second Baptist Church sanctuary. Additional information for all service/program opportunities at the church are available on secondbaptistsuffield.org as well as our Facebook and Instagram sites. z

West Suffield Congregation Church News

By Denise Peterson WSCC

has one more month of worship and then we close for the months of July and August. I love the fact that the churches in town come together to worship at second Baptist during the month of July. I am extra excited this summer because I get to preach for the first two weeks.

June is a busy month for us at West Suffield; we will have our lively Children’s Sunday on June 8 at our 10 a.m. service. It happened to fall on Pentecost this year, so we expect an overflowing of the Holy Spirit, as well as copious amounts of laughter and song.

On June 29, which will be our final day of worship, we will gather at Sunrise Park at 10 a.m. to celebrate our faith. We will be welcoming new members as we watch the birds skim over the lake

and the kayakers paddling around. We’ll end with a picnic/potluck.

This has been an amazing year for us: we saw the renovation of our sanctuary, welcomed 10 new members, and we baptized three beautiful babies! Most importantly, we lived in our faith. The Missions Board worked with two different shelters to help fill their needs. We welcomed two wonderful new Deacons.

The sanctuary was always busy on Sundays. It was my

honor to witness many acts of kindness and compassion within the congregation as we lived into Jesus’ message of justice, inclusion and love.

On a personal note, I was at the receiving end of much of this goodness. My husband, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, unfortunately had to go into a facility this year. It was an incredibly difficult time in my life, and to say that I was scattered for a while would be something of an understatement. I for-

Landscaping

860-668-6270

Barbara Joice Steen April 13, Age 62 Ernest Roy April 30, Age 94

Susan B. Fountain May 5, Age 82

What America Means to Me

By Kacy Colston

Essay contest for adults 16 and older!

• Entries should be no longer than 750 words.

got meetings, gave a couple of sermons that even I had trouble making sense of, and generally struggled with distress of it all. Throughout this period my congregation supported me. They showed unfailing, good humor and patience. Whether or not they realized it, they carried me. I am so blessed to be at this special church. I can’t wait to see what the coming year will bring.

I hope you have a blessed summer. z

• Deadline for submission Sunday, November 30.

• Six winning essays will each be awarded a $250 cash prize.

Please scan the QR code below for details:

Cetto Chamber Singers Host Concert

By Kathryn Roberts

Everyone is invited to attend an afternoon of music as the Cetto Chamber Singers present their Spring Concert

“That’s What Friends Are For” at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at the Second Baptist Church, 100 N Main St, Suffield, CT with a reception to follow.

The program will include something for everyone. Selections include Kodaly’s“Ave Maria” folk tune “Crowded Table,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Hail Holy Queen” from the movie Sister Act, “For Good,” made popular by the movie and Broadway

show Wicked, as well as other pieces. In addition to the piano, guitars, bass, drums and choreography will add fun elements to the performance.

The Cetto Chamber Singers is a chorus of approximately 40 women drawn from central and western Massachusetts and central Connecticut. Founded by Lorri Cetto and Evelyne Battle, both retired music professionals, the Suffield-based group is celebrating its sixth year of joyful song.

“This concert is our opportunity to share our talents

and love of music with the community. We are singers with heart,” says Lorri Cetto, Co-Director.

The Cetto Chamber Singers perform at several area venues annually. In June 2024, they toured and performed in Ireland where they were enthusiastically received.

The concert is open to the public and a freewill donation is requested.

For more information, please contact: Lorri Cetto at lcetto@crocker.com or Evelyne Battle at etbattle@icloud. com. z

Continued from page 6

but it is not widely known. Do you own an old home in Suffield? If so, you may be eligible for a Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit. This program incentivizes making historic buildings functional and promotes restoration and repair instead of replacement. Many homes within the Historic Districts of Suffield boast distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques that testify to our town's rich history and contribute to its unique charm. Whether on Main Street, Mapleton Avenue, or Hill Street, preserving these

homes' unique characteristics not only adds to the neighborhood's charm but also increases the property's value.

Unfortunately, some homes in Suffield have been allowed to deteriorate due to the need for expensive repairs. Homes that need rehabilitation can deter prospective buyers. This state-funded program is also designed to encourage homeownership. If you are considering making some repairs to your old home or planning to put it on the market, you may want to visit the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit website to see if your home satisfies all the requirements and learn about the application

process. Several conditions must be met, and the application may seem complicated, but the potential result, a tax credit of up to $30,000, could significantly offset your repair costs. Some residents in our Historic District have already taken advantage of this program. For more information, check out the QR code below, visit the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit website or contact a Historic District Commission member. z

Suffield Observations

By Andy Sauer

Busting out of a slump...

For the first time in 16 years, I didn’t submit a column for the Observer.

I just didn’t have it in me.

A while back, a therapist told me the difference between depression and sadness was that with sadness, you know why you’re feeling down; with depression, you don’t, and you need a therapist to help you figure out why.

I knew exactly what was bringing me down: I recently put my mom in memory care for Alzheimer’s Disease, I was missing my son, and I was getting peppered with a whole lot of stupid things that collectively dragged me down.

The proverbial last straw was the sudden resignation of our minister, Diann Bailey, at First Church of Christ in Suffield. Diann was a beacon for my family after my son died. She was compassionate, supportive and, most importantly, direct. There was a comfort provided then that had carried over through the years. Her resignation and the circumstances surrounding it, on top of everything else, just bottomed me out.

I couldn’t string five words on the cruelty of life, let alone a 426-word missive that would register high enough on the positivity meter.

So, there could be no Observations for May. I’m fortunate my livelihood no longer depends on whether my emotional state enables me to write (the Observer is put out by volunteers.)

I recognize it’s not a simple thing to extricate yourself from a debilitating state of sadness and that for some it seems next to impossible. But, I had been there before, and I wanted out.

A while back I heard a baseball player’s advice on breaking out of a batting slump: “I pick out something small, something I can control, something I can manage. And, I just focus on that.” The logic is there are so many variables that are completely out of a player’s control that to dwell on them invariably comes at the expense of something crucial that can be controlled.

I chose to focus on fitness, which compels to me to drink less alcohol, which helps me sleep better, which gives me a little more energy, which helped me focus on more things I could control and not be distracted by the things I couldn’t.

I’m not saying it’s fixed everything overnight, but it’s helped me get some things done, and you’d be surprised how good that small sense of accomplishment feels.

I still feel down – I’m not so sure I’ll ever not feel sad, but I am on my feet.

And, I got my column submitted.

Historic Preservation

Photo by Rob Hugh Cetto Chamber Singers

100 Years Ago in Suffield

Selected from the pages of the Windsor Locks

June 5

An attempt at burglary was frustrated… at the automobile accessory store of Broughton Bros., near the Thompsonville road. The store, formerly conducted by the Button Bros., whose home is almost across the street, has a burglar alarm connection with the Button home. When a window was being forced the alarm sounded and one of the Button brothers telephoned the Broughton brothers…A large stack of tires had been removed from the racks and piled near the front door, while the padlock on the back door had been broken. Some accessories and cigars were taken. A typewriter taken from the office was found… in a nearby parking lot.

During the thunderstorm… lightning struck the chimney on the house of Mrs. George Bell on Bridge street, and caused considerable damage. The chimney was knocked off and a large hole was torn in the roof… The rooms filled with a large quantity of soot.

The thunder storm Monday night did considerable damage to telephone and electric light wires in this town and gangs of linesmen from each company were fixing up trouble Tuesday and Wednesday. Electric light and telephone service was badly hampered by the storm, but are working all right again.

Graduation exercises this year for the grammar schools will not be held until June 24 when the schools will close for the summer months.

June 12

The 92nd anniversary and commencement of the Suffield School [now Suffield Academy, formerly the Connecticut Literary institute] started at the Second Baptist church Sunday night with a large audience present… There were forty-three members of the graduating class, one of the largest classes in the history of the school.

The committee appointed at the special village meeting recently to purchase a pumping engine

and

for fire department use, came to a decision…voting to buy a Reo machine, which when all equipped would cost $6,000. The new machine weighs about 6,000 pounds and will be e quipped by the Combination Ladder Co. of Providence, R.I. The fire station at the center is being changed to house the new machine which is promised some time during the summer.

The Connecticut Company has started the work of removing the trolley poles and other equipment through the center of the town and it is reported that the tracks will also be taken up soon.

Farmers have begun transplanting tobacco plants from the seed beds, and about the usual acreage will be grown in this place.

June 19

A picturesque wedding took place …on the West Suffield mountain near the bungalow of S[amuel] R[eid] Spencer, when Mrs. Sadie G. Johnson, daughter of George H Goddard of Springfield, and Charles R. Brome, son of Mrs. Robert Brome [Martha] of this town were married at sunset…The ceremony was performed under an arch built of mountain laurel.

The Suffield Banner Fountain of True Reformers will serve its annual strawberry supper at the church this (Friday) evening. [The Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers was an African American fraternal organization.]

June 26

The work of moving the old Smith Hotel from its location on Depot street [now called Mountain Road; where the Food Bag is located] to its location on the grounds of the Suffield School [now Suffield Academy] has been started, most of the blocking haven been placed under the building ready for the start. The building will be used for the junior department of the school, and will give much needed dormitory room. z

A Moment in Time

Old Photos Invited from Our Readers

Researching Old Houses

When investigating an old house sometimes it’s not where you

Clark, is on the corner of Remington Street and Mountain

1953. The house was probably built by Francis

unit development called “Suffield West” is. The house was

and it’s a little hard to see from Remington.

but

and west

Suffield Historical Society Events for June and July

By Anne Borg and Jackie Hemond

Wednesday, June 11

7 p.m. Suffield Historical Society Annual Meeting

7:30 p.m. Program: Seeking Justice: Freedom Suits of Flora's Descendants

The Suffield Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at the Suffield Police Station Meeting Room.

The annual business meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and the program at 7:30 p.m. Our guest speaker is Daniel Thorp, author and Professor at Virginia Tech. He has researched the history of Flora, an enslaved woman in Suffield who ran away

to be with her husband in Massachusetts. Her owner recaptured her and sold her to a slave owner in Virginia where she spent the rest of her life. Sixty years after Flora's second enslavement, Unis, Flora's daughter, and other family members sued for their freedom. It was the longest running freedom suit in Virginia's history. The public is welcome to join Society members at all our meetings, and we hope to see you there.

Please note that the Annual Meeting and Program will take place in the Suffield Police Station Meeting Room and not at the Suffield Ambulance Association

Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Ice Cream Social 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the King House & Museum Lawn Raindate: Thursday, July 10

Pack the family, lawn chairs and picnic supper. Enjoy ice cream and music. z

Journal

lightly annotated by Wendy Taylor of Kent Memorial Library.

Photo by Roger Loomis 1953

expect. This house, per Delphia H.

Road. The picture is by Roger Loomis,

W. Arnold ca. 1843. It’s not there today,

a multi-

moved south

of this location

Compiled by Jackie Hemond

Many thanks to J. Christopher Kervick’s recently published book The Windsor Locks Canal which provided the basis for some of the questions.

1. What is a stampless cover?

a. Illegal, unstamped mail put in a mailbox.

b. Mail that has a reused stamp on it.

c. A letter that does not have a postage stamp attached, which was delivered by a private entity or sent before 1847 when postage stamps were introduced.

2. In the Act of March 2, 1799, postal rates were based on distance, with postage added for each mile. This system was used until 1845 except in the period between Feb. 1, 1815 to March 30, 1816 when a surtax of one-half the given rate was added to the postage. What did the surtax subsidize?

Mostly Suffield Trivia

a. The Creek War

b. The War of 1812

c. U.S. industry

3. The U.S. Post Office issued the first stamps (two of them) in 1847. How much did they cost?

a. One cent and two cents

b. Three cents and five cents

c. Five cents and ten cents

4. When was the prepayment of letters mandatory? Previous to this date, mail could be either prepaid or sent unpaid, with the recipient having to pay the postage.

a. 1850

b. 1875

c. 1855

5. Is the Windsor Locks Canal and the Enfield Falls Canal the same entity? Yes or No.

6. What was the name of Route 75 through Windsor Locks before it was renamed to honor Governor Ella T. Grasso?

a. Bradley Road

b. Windsor Road

c. Turnpike Road

Election Information

By Darlene Burrell, Registrar of Voters

Deadline to Transfer Political Party Enrollment Approaching

Voters are reminded that June 9 is the final day to transfer from one political party to another in order to be eligible to vote a municipal primary for the new party, should one be held on September 9.

To verify your current political party enrollment status, please visit the Connecticut Voter Registration Lookup Tool at https://portaldir. ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx or contact the Registrars of Voters at 860-668-3850.

17-Year-Olds Eligible to Vote in Primaries

Please be aware that any U.S. Citizens who are 17 years old may vote in a political party primary if they meet the following criteria:

• They will turn 18 years old on or before November 4 (Election Day)

• They are a bona fide resident of Suffield, and

• They have pre-registered and enrolled in a political party that is holding a primary.

Eligible 17-year-olds are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the democratic process by registering early. z

7. The Enfield Falls is one of how many significant falls (falls are a steep descent of water over a ledge making transportation difficult) which are in the Connecticut River between Old Saybrook and northern Vermont?

a. Ten

b. Six

c. Four

8. In 1808, the Connecticut General Assembly investigated whether locks or a shore channel or a combination of both would enable the navigation over the formidable falls called Mad Tom and Surf Bar located on the Enfield side of the Connecticut River. The Assembly added a well-known Connecticut inventor to this investigative committee. Who was it?

a. Eli Whitney

b. John Fitch

c. Charles Goodyear

9. Was the Farmington Canal (also known as the New Haven and Northampton

Canal), which was built in the early 19th century, funded by private investors or government-funded?

10. In late November 1825, a boat named Barnet was feted with much acclaim when she traveled through the portion of the Connecticut River near Suffield. What was the cause?

a. Her presence was a promotional effort by The Connecticut River Company to demonstrate that navigating the Enfield Falls was doable.

b. John Fitch, a native of South Windsor and credited with being the first man to propel a steamboat on water, built the boat and did a trial run on the Connecticut River.

c. Robert Fulton, who popularized steamboat technology, plied the Barnet up the Connecticut River. The trip was so successful, he changed the name of the boat to The Fulton.

10. a. erH presence was a promotional effort by the Connecticut River -Compa ny to demonstrate that -nav igating the Enfield Falls was do-able. z

9. eTh Farmington Canal was funded by private -in vestors unlike the Erie -Ca nal which was funded by the State of New York.

8. a. Eli Whitney

7. b ix.S They are the -En ieldf Falls in Connecticut; South Hadley Falls in -Mas sachusetts; Millers Falls, -Bel lows Falls, Water Quechy Falls and Orcutt’s Falls in Vermont.

6. c. Turnpike Road

5. es,Y the terms are -inter changeable.

4. c. 1855

3. c. veFi cents and ten cents. Five cents for mail sent less than 300 miles and ten cents for mail sent more than 300 miles.

2. b eTh War of 1812

1. c. A letter that does not have a postage stamp -at tached, which was delivered by a private entity or sent before 1847 when postage stamps were introduced.

How to Get Your Name on the November Ballot

By Darlene Burrell, Registrar of Voters

Are you interested in running for local office this November? There are several ways to get your name on the ballot, depending on your party affiliation and how you choose to run. Below is a summary of your options:

1. Major Party Endorsement

– Secure the endorsement of a recognized political party through its official nominating process.

• Town committee caucuses will be held between July 15 and July 22.

• Contact your local party town committee for specific details about their caucus procedures

2. Primary Petition (Challenge a Party Endorsement)

– If you do not receive your party’s endorsement, you can challenge it by filing a primary petition.

• Petitions must include sig-

natures from at least 5% of enrolled party members in your municipality.

• Petitions are available from the Registrars of Voters starting the day after the caucus ends.

3. Nominating Petition (Petitioning Candidate line on ballot)

• Any Suffield registered voter - whether affiliated with a party or unaffiliated - may request a nominating petition from the Secretary of the state

• Collect the required number of signatures and submit the completed forms no later August 6 at 4 p.m.

4. Write-In Candidacy – To run as a write-in candidate:

• Complete Form ED-622a and file it with the Secretary of the State

• Write-in candidates will not appear on the ballot and will not be listed with a political party designation.

For more information on how to access the ballot and obtain necessary forms, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/ Election-Services/Candidate-Information/Candidate-Ballot-Access Positions that will be on the November ballot include:

• First Selectman

• B oard of Selectmen

• B oard of Finance

• B oard of Finance Alternate

• B oard of Education

• B oard of Assessment Appeals

• Planning and Zoning Commission

• Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate

• Police Commissioners

• Fire Commissioners

• Water Pollution Control Authority

If you have additional questions, contact the Registrars of Voters at 860-6683850 or Town Clerk at 860668-3880. z

By Jackie Hemond

I met with Frank Beneski, a retired executive of Cigna, to write an article about what Suffield was like when he was growing up.

He grew up in West Suffield, the son of Chancey and Alfreda. They lived on South Grand Street. Saturdays, he worked with his father on his uncle’s large tobacco farm from morning to night. The town was still rural back then.

Spaulding School opened in the middle of the school year in 1954 when Frank was in the sixth grade and his best friend was Danny Butler. Together they shared a love of basketball – and played a lot of it.

In high school, Frank became a star basketball player. He scored a dramatic play in the 1960 State Championship game when Suffield played against St. Anthony’s in Bristol. The game was tied with 10 seconds left on the clock, when Frank charged to the basket with the ball, passing it to Tom Ganley who leaped and aimed for the basket. While the ball was in the air, the buzzer sounded and then the swish was heard. Suffield won the game, 64 to 62, Suffield’s first championship in any sport. The game and the players – Frank, Danny Butler, David Lill, Donald Robinson and Tom Ganley became Suffield legends. A photo of a grieving St. Anthony’s cheerleader appeared in newspapers throughout Connecticut. It gave further acclaim to Suffield’s win. A second State Championship was not won again until 1985.

Frank says that basketball is a thinking man’s sport. Most basketball players are leaders and do well academically. Frank modeled that statement because his success in sports and academics garnered him a full schol-

The Biggest Fans of All

arship to the University of Hartford.

In the end, Frank did not want to talk about growing up in Suffield. Although he clearly loves the town, Frank’s greatest love is Sheila, the little sister of Danny Butler, Frank’s best friend.

Six months after Sheila and Frank began dating in high school, they knew they were going to get married. And they did; they married in 1964. Danny and Sheila were the children of Harold and Margaret Butler, Suffield’s first policewoman. Sheila grew up near her grandfather’s farm on East Street.

Frank called her an East Street river rat.

Sheila and Frank raised two boys, Tim and Peter. They lived for 22 years in East Granby but returned to Suffield, the town they both loved, and built a house on property scoped out by

Sheila when Frank was on a business trip. Until Peter died in 2002, they spent sun-soaked hours at the family compound on Lake Congamond. When Sheila turned 30, Frank planned an elaborate “This is Your Life” party with recordings documenting each year of her life. Family was paramount. When relatives needed a place to stay after a house fire, they stayed with Frank and Sheila. Ted, Frank’s little brother, also came under the Sheila and Frank umbrella after Frank and Ted’s father died. Frank was 18 and Ted was just four.

When Ted started playing sports, Sheila and Frank went to his games. They enjoyed the games so much that even after Ted graduated from high school, they continued to attend games. They started following the best high school teams, traveling all over Connecticut. At first, they attended 20 games a year, then 45, each year the number increased until the year they attended 145 games. Frank and Sheila arrived early to get seats at center court. They, in turn, developed a following. Players, coaches and reporters scanned the crowd for their faces. For 45 years, they watched the games together.

Numerous articles, photos and interviews about them appeared. Sheila never understood what the fuss was all about.

The Suffield Sports Council advertised for people to help install an Athletic Hall of Fame in the high school. Frank was the only person who responded. Recruited on the spot, Frank in turn recruited Sheila. Together they planned banquets, raised money and Sheila, a vital but at first reluctant team player, wrote the notes. Scholarships named in honor of the Beneskis, begun in 2009, continue to honor Suffield high school athletes today.

When Sheila passed away in 2020, the tributes were many. Placed on Sheila’s usual center court seat was

a basketball with a reserved sign for Sheila, the First Lady of Connecticut High School Basketball. The 2020 basketball tournaments were dedicated to the Beneskis. Frank still grieves. He was absent from the games for a long time until Eamon, their grandson, told Frank he had to return. Frank is back watching the games, although he attends fewer than before. He recently presented the Connecticut High School Association’s Team and Player of the Year awards, but he retired from the Athletic Hall of Fame Board. His photo on the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Suffield High School looks out at the students. At home, in photos throughout the house, Sheila looks out at Frank, watching over him. z

Photos provided by the author

Enjoying a game.

Sheila and Frank Beneski

Volunteers Needed in the SCA Garden

SCA’s garden provides fresh vegetables for the Food Pantry all summer. We have a committed group of core volunteers who would welcome help from a few more gardeners. If you are interested in helping SCA’s amazing garden volunteers, please contact Mary Curtin at maryc@suffieldcommunityaid.org

Summer Camp

Subsidies:

It’s not too late to plan for the summer months! SCA offers camp subsidies for Suffield youth to attend summer camp of their choosing. Please contact SCA to see if you qualify.

Rental Rebate Program for Elderly & Disabled

Residents:

The State provides a reimbursement program for renters who are elderly or disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. SCA now is taking applications!

Suffield Community Aid

Some Ongoing Programs Updates:

Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry is well-stocked and available to income eligible Suffield residents. Appointments are required. Please call SCA to learn more.

Meals-on-Wheels: Meals are delivered five days per week by SCA volunteers to Suffield seniors 60+ who are homebound. No financial qualifications in order to participate. Please call SCA for more information.

Nutmeg Senior Rides: In conjunction with Nutmeg Senior Rides, Suffield Community Aid has funding to assist financially qualified Suffield residents, age 50 and older, or persons with a disability, get to their desired destination. Call SCA to see if you qualify.

Lunch Subsidies at the Senior Center: SCA continues to offer lunch subsidies to cover the cost of three meals per week at the Senior Center for financially eligible residents. Enjoy a home-cooked meal on us! Call SCA to see if you qualify.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Tuesday, June 10: Parkinsons Peer Support Group at Suffield Community Aid from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. with Lauren Marino, LMSW. Please call SCA to reserve your spot. The group will not meet in July & August.

• Wednesday, June 12 and 26: SCA sponsored blood pressure screenings at the Suffield Senior Center from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Thursday, June 19: Lauren Marino, LMSW holds office hours for social services consultations at Kent Memorial Library from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please visit KML’s website to register.

• Tuesday, June 24: Memory Café and Caregivers Support Group for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. New Location at Suffield Community Aid. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please call to reserve your spot! For more information, to register for programs, and to see if you qualify for financial assistance, please call Suffield Community Aid at: 860-668-1986. z

By Mary Curtin, MSW Director 860-668-1986

Food Support For the Suffield Community

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

MaryC@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 Tuesday / 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

Photo by Lauren Marino

Summer bounty from last year’s SCA garden.

Photo by L:auren Marino

SCA Meals-on-Wheels recipients were lucky enough to receive spring tulips from Julie the Garden Fairy. Thank you, Julie. These really brightened folks’ day.

bserved

Schools, Library and Scouts

Girls’ Lacrosse Dominate

By Amy Muska

It’s another win for the Wildcats. On Tuesday night,

May 13, Suffield High School Wildcats girls lacrosse team hosted Granby Bears. The Wildcats

triumphed over the Bears 14-4 on the Beneski turf field. The Wildcats are #1

All Photos by Janet Winter

in the NCCC and #5 in Class M. The Wildcats participated in the NCCC Girls Lax tournament at the end of May. They are headed to the state tournament in the first week of June.

Suffield High School Wildcats girls’ varsity lacrosse team prepares to take home field on Tuesday, May 13, against the Bears of Granby Memorial High School.

Wildcats midfielder #14 Hazel Qua runs through Granby Bears defense.

Wildcats midfielder #2, Ariana Nikolis, is up for the challenge. Nikolis is Suffield High School’s record-holder in career points and goals.

Wildcat’s midfield #18 Ava Petrovich hustles down the field past the Granby bears.

Schools of Thought

Suffield Music Boosters Association End of Year Recap

From a press release

Another year at Suffield High School is coming to a close and the Suffield Music Booster Association (SMBA) is wrapping up their second year supporting enrichment opportunities for our high school band and choir. We’re proud to say that we raised almost $6,000 this year and were able to provide support in several ways throughout the year. We organized our first ever raffle, raising roughly $2,500, and donated $3,150 towards the high school music trip to Boston. In November, we hosted the North Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC) and organized and served dinner to approximately 215 band and choir students, teachers and volunteers. Throughout the year we organized roughly 20 fundraising events and have plans in the works to host a pizza party to recognize the 13 seniors who are graduating and host the second end-of-year picnic at Sunrise Park. SMBA is committed not only to the student’s musical growth but also to help build community within the music program.

We’re happy to announce that we have a new website, www.suffieldsmba.org, and

Photo Submitted By Andrea Marcavitch

a Facebook page (search “Suffield Music Booster Association, Inc.”). These are easy ways to learn more about our organization –watch videos of concerts and trips, find dates of upcoming events and meetings, read minutes, learn how to get involved and/or make a donation. Any questions can be emailed to suffieldmusicboosters@gmail.com.

In closing, we wanted to thank all the parents who volunteered and the community members who bought raffle tickets. We’ve been able to witness how generous our community is, especially for our kids. We are thankful to work with Music Directors – Corey Killian (band) and

Anthony Ferreira (choir) –who work tirelessly building the program creating amazing music and opportunities while also becoming dads this year – a big thank you to their families as well.

And finally, a big thank you to Andrea Marcavitch, President, and Rachel Eckley, Treasurer, two of our founding board members whose terms are up on June 30, as their daughters are graduating. They have been critical to the success of SMBA and have made a huge impact. We are incredibly thankful for their countless hours, commitment and willingness to start an organization from scratch. We cannot thank them enough!

Have a great summer everyone and SMBA looks forward to seeing you at Suffield on the Green in September. z

From a press release

Eight-year-old Owen Szmigiel won a Scary Story writing contest at the Kent Memorial Library last October and now the family is thrilled to announce that his story has been published as a book on Amazon.

“The story is about Owen’s embarking on a second-grade adventure as he eagerly anticipates the

thrill of Halloween. The air is crisp with the scent of autumn leaves, and the streetlights glow warmly against the early evening sky. During this magical year, he meets a mischievous and fun-spirited new friend named Benny. This encounter forever transforms the way Owen celebrates Halloween from that moment on.”

The book also includes several references to Suffield and our beautiful town. z

Spring Beauty

Outgoing SMBA board members Andrea Marcavitch (President) and Rachel Eckley (Treasurer) stand with their graduating daughters Beatrice and Maddie who are both choir students. (Left to right: Rachel Eckley, Maddie Eckley, Beatrice Marcavitch and Andrea Marcavitch)

Owen Szmigiel

Photo by Joan Heffernan

Apricot Rose

Schools of Thought

Suffield High • Suffield Middle • McAlister Intermediate • Spaulding • Suffield Academy

A Year of Growth in Suffield Public Schools

By Matthew Dunbar, Superintendent of Schools

As I reflect on my first year as Superintendent of Suffield Public Schools, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and support. From my very first day, I have been impressed with the strong sense of community and pride in the town, the commitment of teachers and staff, and the partnership with families. Suffield is a special place, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of it. I look forward to continuing our work together to build on the district’s strengths, improve learning and create even more opportunities for our students in the years ahead.

A Great Year

We are proud of the many accomplishments of our students and staff this year. While there are far too many to list, here are just a few highlights:

Suffield High School was named to the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll. Kelly Blais (SHS Social Studies) was named a 2024-25 fellow by the American Geog-

raphy Society. Jennifer Plourde (SMS Science) earned an award from Ecology Project International. Dom Casolari (SHS Math) was named CIAC State Cross-Country Coach of the Year.

Suffield earned the distinction as a Best Community for Music Education for the third year in a row. This national recognition honors school districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to music education. Suffield is one of only 35 districts in Connecticut and just 935 across the country to receive this award.

Suffield High School's Fall and Winter Student-Athlete Awards recognized 33 All-Conference athletes, 10 All-State athletes, two All-American athletes, and 100 Scholar-Athletes.

Class of 2025 Graduation

On Saturday, June 14, we will proudly celebrate the graduation of 152 Suffield High School seniors. This milestone is a testament to the collective support of parents, educators, staff and the broad-

er community. Thank you for the important role you play in preparing our students for success beyond high school.

Expanding Place-Based Learning

Place-based learning is an approach that uses the local environment and community as a foundation for instruction across subject areas. By connecting academic content to real-world settings such as neighborhoods, parks and historic landmarks, students develop a deeper understanding of their learning. Outdoor experiences also foster curiosity, physical activity and well-being. Suffield offers a wealth of opportunities for this kind of learning, and we are committed to expanding place-based education across all grade levels, with a goal of becoming a state leader in this approach over the next five years.

New Elementary Literacy and Math Programs

This year, McAlister Intermediate School launched a new mathematics program, while Spaulding Elementary implemented a new reading

program. These changes represent a significant investment in professional learning for our teachers, and the positive impact is already being felt. Teachers, students and families have shared encouraging feedback, and we are seeing measurable growth in student performance. Both programs will be fully implemented across the elementary level next year.

SHS STEAM Lab

Opening This

Fall

We’re excited to plan for the opening of a newly renovated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) lab at Suffield High School this fall, made possible by the support of our town. Work on the new lab will take place this summer. The transformation of the former woodshop into a modern, hands-on learning space will include 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, robotics, and more. By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional tools, the lab will support new career and technical education courses and provide all students

with access to a dynamic, future-ready learning environment.

Middle School Building Update

The Permanent Building Commission has recently confirmed that Suffield Middle School requires significant upgrades due to various challenges with its current infrastructure. These needs are pressing and must be addressed to ensure a proper learning environment for our students. In response, the Board of Selectmen will engage a consultant to assess the costs and feasibility of either constructing a new building or renovating the existing facility. We remain committed to collaborating closely with town officials and the community throughout this process. Our shared goal is to arrive at a long-term solution that will serve our students, staff, and families well into the future.

I wish everyone a wonderful summer with family and friends. The new school year will be here before we know it. Enjoy! z

News from the Suffield Board of Education

By Suffield Board of Education and Justin Kaput

In this article, the Suffield Board of Education shares information about its work supporting school district initiatives, promoting academic success, setting policy and adopting a budget. Please visit https://www.suffield.org/ to learn more about Suffield Public Schools.

Wellness Committee Explores Place-Based Learning Kids learn best when it’s local. Imagine using the Connecticut River to explore math, or local brook trout to study

science. What if students hiked the Metacomet Ridgeline to learn geology or examined Suffield’s agricultural past in social studies? Since early in the 2024–25 school year, the district’s Wellness Committee, which includes two Board of Education members, has been crafting a shared vision to bring this kind of “place-based education” to Suffield. This approach uses local environments—natural and built—as a springboard for deeper learning. With input from Board of Education members, parents, teachers,

and administrators, the district is exploring how this model can enrich student experiences. Early adopters include Spaulding’s first grade team, which studied habitats using Bruce Park and Devine Brook (and thanks to an SFES grant, will soon use trail cameras to observe wildlife). McAlister’s fifth graders also joined in, visiting the wastewater treatment plant after reading Thirst. Also, our composting kindergarteners are leading the way to new enriching learning opportunities

Continued on Page 20

Photo submitted by Suffield Board of Education Suffield Board of Education members include Chairperson Maureen Sattan, Vice Chairperson Melissa Finnigan, Secretary Debra Dudack, Brian Fry, James Mol, Gianna Rossi, Michael Sepko, Greg Sparzo and Sam Toskin.

Why and How to Minimize Microplastic Exposure

By Tony Peterson

The news on microplastics' human and environmental effects is relentless and alarming. We inhale, ingest, and absorb microplastics every day, and they’ve been found in literally every part of our body, from our brains to our reproductive organs to our lungs.

What are microplastics

By definition, microplastics measure up to 5 millimeters in length, about the size of a grain of rice, to sizes that require a microscope to be seen.

Unlike organic matter, such as corn stalks, microplastics do not decompose. They degrade, which can take decades to hundreds of years - some say thousands. It depends on the environment and type of plastic.

The Plastic Action Centre estimates that plastic straws last 200 years, and a six-pack plas-

Suffield BOE

Continued from page 19

for students in Suffield. More to come!

Thank You, Assistant Superintendent Zawawi!

After a long and distinguished career in public education, Suffield Public Schools

Assistant Superintendent Michelle Zawawi is retiring at the end of the academic year. Mrs. Zawawi’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 38-year journey devoted to the academic and personal growth of students.

She began her career as a classroom teacher in Massachusetts before moving to Connecticut, where she held numerous administrative positions. In 2018, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Suffield, a role that positioned her to lead key initiatives in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and comprehensive professional development across the district.

As the district searches for a successor, Mrs. Zawawi’s leadership will continue to shape

tic ring lasts 400 years.

Microplastics break down into smaller pieces called nanoplastics, about the size of a virus. This article will refer to both sizes generically as “microplastics.”

Effects of microplastics

Research has linked microplastics, and the toxic chemicals that comprise them, to numerous health issues, from fertility problems to heart attacks, strokes and death due to their presence in artery plaque, to asthma and allergies, to childhood attention and behavioral issues, to an increase incidence of cancer, to the scary interference with hormones that control everything from the onset of puberty to obesity.

Studies that prove microplastics cause particular maladies are not as prevalent, so more research is required.

the path forward for students for years to come. We wish her all the best.

Student Honors

We would like to celebrate the following students for their incredible academic achievements and leadership in Suffield Public Schools:

• Natalie Ho: Suffield High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian

• Heidi Storey: Suffield High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian

• Oliver McCool and Nora Pixton: Suffield Middle School Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award

• Tryell Khouri and Keila Silva: Suffield High School Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award

• Natalie Audet: Suffield Middle School Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Student Recognition Award

• Samantha Ruggieri: Suffield High School Connecticut Association of Public School

Superintendents Student Recognition Award z

Here’s just a sample of recent headlines reporting on studies.

1. In April, from Earth.com: “Microplastics may cause premature aging at a cellular level.”

2. In April, from the Washington Post: “Common chemicals in plastic linked to over 350,000 deaths from heart disease. Researchers estimate that exposure to phthalates [chemicals that increase the flexibility and durability of plastics] contributes to 13 percent of all heart disease deaths in people between ages 55 and 64 each year worldwide.”

3. In April, from the Washington Post: “Microplastics may confuse bees and other insects, hurting pollination. Recent studies have shown that tiny pieces of plastic can make bees more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.”

4. In an April New York Times subheadline: “Inside a New Mexico lab, researchers estimate there are five bottle caps worth of plastic in human brains. Now they are trying to find out its effects.”

5. In March, from CNN: “Bacterial slime on microplastics helps breed antibiotic-resistant superbugs, study says.”

Amount of plastic in the world

We can’t eliminate microplastics from our lives. A 2017 study published in the journal Science Advances found that worldwide, 9.1 billion tons of plastic had been produced since the 1950s. Only about 9% had been recycled, 12% had been incinerated, and the remainder was in landfills and elsewhere in our environment.

How to limit your exposure

Experts recommend these tips for limiting your exposure to plastics in your kitchen and home:

• Don’t drink from single-use plastic bottles. Use glass or stainless-steel containers. A recent study by Columbia and Rutgers Universities found that one-liter plastic water bottles, on average, contained about 240,000 microplastics. Other studies have found that tap water contains considerably less

contamination. But, if you’re concerned, the Connecticut Department of Public Health lists certified testing services. I contacted one, EMSL Analytical in Meriden—their New Jersey location tests for microplastics in water. Expect to pay about $550. Furthermore, if needed, reverse osmosis filters are considered among the most effective methods for removing microplastics from water.

• Avoid microwaving plastic containers or cleaning them in your dishwasher. High heat can cause leaching of harmful chemicals from plastic. Replace plastic containers with microwave-safe glass or ceramic. Try some with tight-fitting biodegradable bamboo lids.

• Don’t drink from paper cups filled with hot liquids. They’re made with a thin plastic lining that can leach chemicals. Use ceramic, glass, or metal mugs instead.

• Use reusable silicone bags instead of plastic bags. Consumer Reports says food-grade silicone bags do not break down like plastics and are considered dishwasher, microwave and freezer-safe.

• Vacuum often. Minimize the dust in your house. Plastics shed from your clothes, drapery, carpeting and other products.

• Use beeswax-coated cloth instead of plastic wrap. It’s typically made from cotton infused with beeswax, tree resins and food oils. Washable and reusable, it lets covered foods breathe to maintain freshness. It’s biodegradable and compostable.

• Replace nonstick pans with cast iron or stainless steel. A recent study showed that “Just a single small crack on the surface of a Teflon-coated pan can

release about 9,100 plastic particles,” according to The Independent, an online newspaper.

• Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets, which are typically made from plastic components. Reusable wool balls reduce static cling and speed up drying.

• Replace shampoo in plastic bottles with shampoo bars. The bottles can leach plastic chemicals into the shampoo, and then onto your scalp.

• Buy fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, in reusable cloth mesh bags, and avoid canned products, which typically have a thin plastic liner to reduce corrosion and ensure freshness. Manufacturers removed BPA from many products years ago, but according to Consumer Reports and other experts, the replacement chemicals are likely to be from the same toxic families. The issue is transparency. Few manufacturers list the replacement chemicals. Instead, they merely state that the products are BPA-free.

• Replace plastic sponges with reusable cotton and cellulose wipes. They’re washing machine, microwave and dishwasher safe, can be bleached, and last a long time. For tougher cleaning jobs, try cellulose and coconut fiber scrub brushes.

• Use a wooden or bamboo cutting board instead of plastic. The website Housedigest notes that a recent American Chemical Society study showed that polyethylene boards shed the most plastic.

• Ditch plastic straws for biodegradable bamboo, reusable stainless steel, or silicone. According to the EarthEasy website, Americans use half a billion straws daily. A couple of cautions: stainless steel straws can conduct heat, so they’re best used with cold drinks. Collapsible and bendable stainless versions are available. Choose platinum silicone straws that are free from toxic chemicals. Silicone is easy on sensitive teeth. To clean the straws, buy a special thin brush.

Many other products are available to help you replace harmful plastics in your kitchen and home. Hopefully, you’ve found this list a good start. z

Photo by Tony Peterson

To replace plastic in your kitchen and home, try a stainless steel bottle, cellulose cloths, beeswax wrap, wool dryer balls, a wooden cutting board and reusable silicone bags.

Suffield’s Earth Week Ambassador Program a Great Success!

By Justin Kaput, K-12 Science Co-ordinator

To foster a deeper appreciation for place, over the course of what is now known as ‘Earth Week’, international explorer Dan Kinzer and I took teams of students to explore and show Dan, who lives in Hawaii, what makes Suffield beautiful. Students in grades 3-12 received a Google Form (and parents a letter) asking them to talk about where they should take Dan to show him what makes our town special nature-wise, and to submit it so we could go check it out. In crews of up to 12, we went to (and into) streams, checked out the view from the New England Trail on Peak Mountain, balanced on fallen logs in the woods, circled the edges of ponds, and most importantly, we let kids be kids. They came back muddy, some soaking wet, tired and reflective. Once it wrapped up, I wondered where all of this landed, so I sent them a form and asked them what they took away from the experience.

I think these reflections best capture what this was.

“I have been really busy lately so getting to explore nature for that long really reminded me of how much

I love it and how calming it is. “

“Nature is so much fun when you try to look for little clues hinting at the life that has been there”

“1. Taking a break and returning to nature can improve our wellbeing. 2. Meeting people from other cultures is very interesting and informative 3. There is natural beauty within our community in Suffield, regardless of what I have thought in the past about Connecticut.”

“There's quite a few hidden gems in a place as unassuming as Suffield”

“Education isn't just intellectual, it's also experience!!”

"I love that last one and couldn’t agree more. Finally, Dan talked about the meaning of the word 'aloha' in his presentations to all our students on Earth Day. What is aloha? It's hard to sum up quickly, but in simple terms, it is the love, respect, empathy, compassion, and deep connection we share with the world around us. It can be extended to people, nature, and is more of an ethos than a greeting or goodbye (though it's often used that way). So, as a final follow up I asked 'how we can live with

more aloha in our lives.' Here are a few fantastic responses:

“I can live with greater aloha by connecting more with nature and getting outside, showing my kindness and gratitude more often and making new friends/ fostering stronger relationships.”

“A way we can live with greater Aloha in our lives is to actually listen to people, and live in the present, not the past or the future.”

“By giving everyone a chance and getting out of your comfort zone and doing something new with new people.”

“We can respect the environment more, enjoy each other more, and get outside and have fun.”

I think that the above really spells out what makes our town beautiful. It’s not just the places which surely are beautiful, but nature needs a witness. We are part of the equation, and by taking kids outside, giving them the space to talk to each other, to sit quietly and reflect, and to run around and explore I think we caught a glimpse of what really makes this place special.

If you’d like to learn more, check out our Story Map at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a101bf7e5704ae59a61787c4197e403 z

Hilltop Farm Open House Day

By Barbara Rodgers

On June 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilltop Farm will welcome people from all over Connecticut and beyond for a day of fun and learning. Connecticut Open House Day celebrates the state’s diverse array of culture, art, nature, history and adventure experiences. More than 200 attractions across the state, including historical sites, arts and cultural venues, museums and farms, will welcome visitors with free or discounted admission.

There are many fun activities planned for the day at Hilltop, some sponsored by groups that partner with FOFAH and use our property. You can learn all about bee keeping from the Hamden County Beekeepers Club and buy some of their honey. The Dreikanter Dog Club will have demonstrations of tracking, agility,

scent work and obedience. Visit our flock of chickens, the project of a Suffield agriscience student, and learn all about their care and maintenance.

The Westfield Wheelmen will host a vintage baseball tournament on our south field throughout the day. Bring a camp chair with you as we do not have bleachers. Enjoy a hot dog from Silvia while you watch a game. Take a walk along the Connecticut River. Explore our educational gardens and learn about the plants that you can grow in your own yard to attract and nurture bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other birds.

Come inside our newly-renovated big white barn and see how gorgeous it turned out. View the beautiful History of Hilltop panels.

Continued on Page 22

Meet Luna, owned by Simon Elsinger. Luna is a four-year-old Russian Blue kitty who was adopted in June 2023. Upon picking Luna up, she immediately won the hearts of Simon and his son Eric by her friendliness. Even though they were complete strangers, she was playful, purring and licking her new family, while allowing them to pet her. She then let them hold her with her full trust the same day. Luna would be their only pet, perfect for the Russian Blue breed which thrives in calmer environments and being left alone. With a bed and area set up for Luna, she instead chose to sleep with her owners nightly right away. But here, Mr. Elsinger describes the scary events that soon followed: “Luna came to us with a clean bill of health from her veterinary hospital in New York, but things quickly changed. Only 8 days after adopting her and spending quality time with Eric, she started gasping for breath without any explanation. Worried, Eric immediately contacted me for advice. I rushed home to see what could be done to save Luna. Her struggling to breathe was not improving. It first appeared that she had something, like a rubber band, caught in her throat. That didn’t make sense because the house had been thoroughly cat proofed. Nothing was in her throat, so Luna was rushed to the emergency service at New England Veterinary Center and Cancer Care in Windsor. On a midnight visit, Luna required an overnight stay and was diagnosed with severe asthma. That morning Luna was back to normal again — it was amazing! Luna would need prednisolone until her follow up. Luna at first resisted the vital oral medication, but within a short period of time, and knowing she’d get cat treats after, did stop her resistance. We had cautious optimism, but a few weeks later a second asthma attack happened which required emergency care once more. Luna thankfully was soon again back to normal. She was prescribed a life-long Flovent inhaler of fluticasone, using an Aerokat chamber device, 7-10 puffs every 12 hours. This treatment is mandatory for her survival.

“We imagined that getting Luna to use her inhaler through a feline aerosol chamber and expecting her cooperation would be quite a task. Instead, right from the beginning Luna was totally working with us! Now every morning and evening she runs and hops on the kitchen table, lifting her adorable little chin, ready for her inhaler. She fully cooperates and incredibly knows when she gets to her ten puffs, after which she gets her praise and treats. We believe that she understands that she needs it. Since her inhaler treatments began nearly two years ago, she has lived a normal and healthy life.”

Asthma in cats is quite common, and in severe cases is life threatening. Excellent resources on feline asthma treatments can be found at www.aerokat.com and www.FritzTheBrave.com. Successful control requires both cat and owner to demonstrate true commitment and patience. Fortunately, Luna and the Elsingers are well supplied with both. For exemplifying how well cats (and their owners) can adapt to inhaler treatments, and for being a sweet ambassador for Russian Blues, we are tickled to name Luna our June 2025 Suffield Veterinary Hospital Patient of the Month.

Photo By Justin Kaput

Suffield Middle School students accompany Dan Kinzer as they explore Stony Brook Park.

Photo by Barbara Rodgers Hilltop Farm

Inside Suffield Troops 260 & 262

By Krystal Holmes

Suffield Troop 260 (for boys) and Troop 262 (for girls)—are thriving with energy, adventure and the spirit of service. These Scouts, guided by dedicated adult leaders and volunteers, are building skills, friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Troops 260 and 262 are part of the Scouting BSA program, and they offer opportunities for youth aged 11 to 17 to grow through hands-on learning, outdoor adventure and community involvement. Whether it’s hiking through local forests, pitching tents under the stars, or leading a service project, every activity helps Scouts grow in confidence and character.

April is always an exciting time of year as the troops welcome new Scouts crossing over from Cub Scouts. This year was no exception, as a fresh group of enthusiastic youth joined the ranks of both troops. Welcoming new members brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to the troop. Scouts vote on new youth leadership positions, and a new patrol of Scouts begins learning the ropes— guided by older Scouts and adult leaders who help them get started on their Scouting journey.

One of the most exciting parts of being in either troop is the monthly camping trips.

From the snowy challenges of winter campouts to spring canoeing adventures, these trips teach practical survival and teamwork skills while giving Scouts a real sense of independence. Recent trips have included hiking at Mohawk State Forest and camping at Sunrise Park in April. Scouts are looking forward to canoeing the Farmington River, hiking the Appalachian Trail, spelunking in New York, biking and of course exploring Iceland during our high adventure trip this summer.

But it’s not all rugged wildernesses. The Scouts also participate in community ceremonies, volunteer at local events and work toward merit badges in everything from basketry to cooking to business. These merit badges not only provide valuable knowledge but also help Scouts discover new interests that can shape their future careers.

Service is an important part of the program. Equipped with gloves, trash bags, and a shared sense of purpose, the Scouts worked together to make a visible difference in their town, cleaning up trash from Boston Neck Road and Kent Ave. Projects like this not only improve the environment but also teach Scouts the impact of small acts of service and the importance of taking care

of shared public spaces. Troops 260 and 262 offer more than just activities; they offer a path to becoming strong, capable young adults. Whether it’s learning how to tie a knot, lead a group, or give back to their community, the Scouts are gaining tools that will serve them for life. For more information or to get involved, families are encouraged to reach out to suffieldscouts@gmail.com. z

Troop 66 Spring Break Trip

By Dean Prusi age 12

In April, Troop 66 went to the Shenandoah National Park in Virgina. We did a lot of things such as hiking up parts of the mountain where we saw amazing views.

We hiked up Hawksbill which was about one mile up and one mile down. There were a lot of deer on the campground. One time four deer came near camp. On the way up to our campsite there was a ton (twenty-five) but not as many on the way down (eight) but still a few.

We also went to Luray Caverns where there was a lot of cool cave stuff like stalagmites and stalactites. There was also an old car museum for some

Hilltop Farm

Continued from page 21

Children can enjoy an outdoor scavenger hunt and choose a prize from our treasure chest at the end. They can try their hand at milking a cow or catching fish in our fishing pool. The very popular sand pile will be open for play as well.

reason, but it was cool in the cave. We saw a wishing well where you could throw a coin in and every year they clean it out and donate it to charity. We also went to Monticello, and we saw Thomas Jefferson’s grave and a slave burial ground, and we saw people doing archaeology when we were there. There was a lot of history there about the slaves, like Sally Hemmings, as well as about Thomas Jefferson. There was also a Thomas Jefferson reenactment where people could ask questions and get a photo with him. And lastly, we went to Annapolis where we saw a lot of cool military stuff like old weapons and uniforms. z

The Hilltop Farm Store and Creamery will be open, selling delicious premium ice cream and products from local farms and crafters. We hope you’ll join us for a fun day. There’s something for everyone at Hilltop Farm. For more information about events at Hilltop Farm, check out our website at hilltopfarmsuffield.org. z

Photo by Daniel Craig Nolan Forest looks ready for dinner and the weather!

Photo by Daniel Craig

First Year scout Jayce Caroll is learning knife and saw safety and earning his Totin Chip.

Photo by Nathan Prusi Relaxing at the top of the Hawksbill in Shenandoah National Park are L-R Graham Marcavitch, Henry Bloniasz, Tommy Bishop, Dean Prusi, Sawyer Prusi, and Alex Richter.

5th Annual Tunnel to Towers Golf Tournament

By Ray A. Dalrymple

The 5th Annual ShuteN-Safe Golf tournament to benefit The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), hosted by the Shute family of West Suffield, will be held on Thursday, September 11 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Mass. Last year, the tournament raised over $26,000.00.

100% of the proceeds from the outing benefit America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to never forget September 11, 2001.

In 2021, this was a family and friends’ event with only 38 golfers. The weather was 45 degrees and drizzling, and they ended up making a sur-

prising $1,800.

In 2022, there were 120 golfers enduring a steaming hot 100-degree day, raising $5,000.

In 2023, for the first time, they held it on September 11th in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. They had a full field of golfers and a lot more sponsors, raising an astounding $13,400.

In 2024 again there was a full field of golfers (144) and even more sponsors. Suffield Fire Department brought their ladder truck to suspend a large T2T banner and American flag. (In the past Agawam fire supported the event. Unfortunately, the truck was in for repairs.) There were four police departments representing Hartford Emerald Society, Agawam Police Association, Connecticut State Police union and our own Suffield Police Department. We raised $26,500. It was incredible! The two local

TV news stations, Channels 22 and 40 out of Springfield, Mass. were there and aired a segment on the 6 o’clock news. There were over 250 mentions in local and national news magazines.

Mr. Dan Deleon, a representative from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, joined the tournament last year. He was so impressed he said he would be back again in 2025 to receive the “Big Check”. The goal for 2025 is to raise over $30,000.00.

Dave and Kim Shute would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all the local businesses, families of Suffield and surrounding area for their generous support.

As of today, the tournament has raised $46,800.00 for Tunnel to Towers Foundation T2T.org.

If you are interested in becoming a Hole Sponsor, Corporate Sponsor or help in any way, please contact Dave Shute at 413-896-1122 z

KML Gallery Features Work of Enfield Photographer

By Fran Milliken, Suffield Arts Council

The Suffield Arts Council will present a display of photographs by Debra Ty of Enfield, in the Pinney Gallery of the Kent Memorial Library, during the month of June. Awarded a BA degree in Humanistic Studies, with emphasis on Body Therapy, she has practiced the Somatic Arts since graduating in 1987.

Viewers will enjoy images captured by Debra during her travels in the Mojave Desert and shores of California, as well as

views of nature found in Nevada, North Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Arizona. You’ll enjoy her “River Musing” series, and the beauty found in her “Into The Depths” display.

She will host a “Meet The Artist” reception on Thursday evening, June 12, from 6 – 8 p.m., in the gallery. This event is open to the public. The show appears thanks to the joint efforts of the Suffield Arts Council, Debra Ty, and the Kent Memorial Library staff. It opens June 3 and will run through June 30. z

Photo by Angelo Marinone

Suffield Fire came through when Agawam Fire department had their truck in for service. We appreciate all our local communities coming together to support this important fundraising event.

Photo by Debra Ty

A sample of Debra’s photography

Photo by Angelo Marinone

Four members of a Tunnel for Towers team

Kent Memorial Library

Director’s Corner

By Amy Vessella, Director

Welcome, summer!

The much-anticipated astronomical start of summer begins with the solstice on June 20. However, this is not the only exciting astronomical event in June. There will also be the full Strawberry Moon, which will brighten the night sky on June 11. Its nickname was coined by the Algonquin people, due to its appearance marking the beginning of wild strawberry harvesting season in the northeastern United States around this time. In fact, many of the names for full moons have Native American origins, such as the Har-

Library Activities

KML Summer Reading Program!

Starting June 16, come in to register for Summer Reading and join in the fun! This year’s theme is Color Our World. We have a fun lineup of library programs scheduled for kids, teens, and adults along with fabulous raffle prizes. Thank you to the Friends of the Kent Memorial Library for their support.

Adult Programs

Movies at the Library

KML is showing movies again! Visit our website at www.suffield-library.org/ for more information, including this month’s movie showtimes.

Fiber Friendly

Wednesdays, June 11 and 26 at 4 p.m.

Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidering, or engaging in other fiber-relat-

vest Moon in October and the Worm Moon in March.

Astronomically, the Strawberry Moon doesn’t differ significantly from other full moons in size or color. It’s not considered a “supermoon”, as that only occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. However, its connection to the beginning of summer makes it an anticipated event. The moon appears as a brilliant, steady light in the night sky, reflecting the height of the growing season.

Today, the Strawberry Moon continues to hold cultural and spiritual importance. It is a time for people to reflect on their personal growth, new beginnings and the Earth’s natural cycles. Whether through the lens of astronomy, cultural tradition or spiritual practice, the full moon serves as a reminder of the connection between the Earth, the cosmos and ourselves.

ed interests? Bring a project you're working on or start something new! Join us on alternate Wednesdays for conversation, camaraderie, and fiber artistry. No registration required; marble table seats 10. Open to all ages; people under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Rise to the Challenge Book Group Monday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us in reading and discussing books that have been challenged and/or banned. June’s discussion will focus on Looking for Alaska by John Green. Copies of the book will be available at the library. No registration is required.

Tech Time

Wednesdays from 1:303:30 p.m.

Do you want help with your laptop, smartphone, or

So celebrate the beginning of summer and the Strawberry Moon by making some delicious strawberry treats! I will be celebrating with my favorite summer dessert, strawberry shortcake (on a traditional style biscuit) with extra whipped cream. Yum! But if strawberry shortcake is not your thing, we have lots of cookbooks available to check out. Stop by and browse our shelves!

References

Kraft, R. (2019). Moonlit Moments: Modern Interpretations of Ancient Traditions. Skyward Press.

NASA. (2020). What is the Strawberry Moon? National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov.

Ober, E. (1997). The Native American Names for the Full Moon. Smithsonian Institution Press. z

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.

tablet? Don't let technology frustration hold you backcome to KML Tech Time on Wednesdays! Whether you need help troubleshooting an issue, setting up a new device, or downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks, we've got you covered!

No registration required. First come, first served.

Thursday Readers Book Discussion Group Thursday, June 26 at 1 p.m.

Get together on the last Thursday of the month with other readers to discuss a book. Books are available at the library. Registration is not required. The June title will be The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.

Books and Beyond Discussion with Simon Van Booy Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Simon Van Booy will be joining us to discuss his novel Sipsworth via Zoom on Thursday, June 26 at 7 p.m. Registration is required.

Copies of the book are available at the library.

So, you want to be a… Tuesday June 3 at 6:30 p.m.

New series every other Tuesday night. Right now, there are more young adults not headed down the 4-year college path and considering trades. But this program isn’t just for kids, it’s for parents, or any adult who’s thinking of switching careers or even if you’re just curious. Everyone and their questions are welcome. We will interview a different trade each Tuesday. Let’s talk about the realities of the job, salary, lifestyle, and what are the different avenues to get into that career.

On June 3 we will have Gregg Strede here from Local 478 to talk about heavy machine operation.

Mah-jong

Thursday mornings from 10 a.m.- noon

Join us for a morning of American Mahjong!

Make new friends as you

play one of the world's oldest tile-based games.

For Adults - Basic knowledge of the game required. Please bring your 2025 NMJL (National Mahjong Junior League) card.

Baseball Trivia  Saturday June 7 at 1:00 p.m.

Is Shohei Ohtani already a Hall-of-Famer? How did Elmer Flick ever get inducted? Test your baseball knowledge at Kent Memorial Library in Baseball Trivia! The contest will be led by Karl Cicitto, SABR researcher. Compete in two rounds of informative trivia questions to win prizes. One round focuses on Hall of Famers, present and future; the other will be about baseball books, films, and music. Expect surprises, food, and fun! Registration is required.

Celebrating Joy, Happiness, and Humor Wednesday June 18 at 6:30 p.m.

“Family owned and operated for over 50 years”

In this illuminating, huContinued on Page 25

morous, and engaging program, motivational speaker and coach Dr. Steve Sobel will give you the ideas and insights to fully "squeeze every moment out of life"

Your stress level will certainly decrease by the end of the program. Registration required.

Craft Night With Dimple

Wednesday June 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a fun hands-on craft night with Dimple. We will decorate picture frames with Henna. All materials will be provided. Registration required.

Kid and Teen Programs

Rhyme Time

Fridays, June 13, 20, and 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Recommended Ages 0-5

Visiting McAlister

June 2-6

Miss Wendy will be visiting McAlister Intermediate School June to tell students all about the Summer Reading program! She’ll be bringing a bunch of new books to share as well!

Happy Pride!

Monday June 9 to Saturday June 14

Come get a rainbow sticker, enter a raffle for a Lego kit, a craft! Drop-in, while supplies last.

Sticker Mosaic

Come to the library to help us put together our mystery sticker mosaic! Stickers will be available at the children’s desk. Just ask us! All ages can participate.

Sensory time: Playdough

Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. - noon

Come hang out at the library and play with playdough. Drop-In.

Salt Painting

Thursday, June 26 from 2 - 3 p.m.

Join us for a fun craft hour where we make paintings using salt two different ways. Dress for possible mess, ages 7+, all materials provided. Registration required.

Guest Librarian: Learn how to do a book display with Ms. Sandy!

Mondays, June 23 or 30 at 11 a.m.

Grades K and up. Be a guest librarian! Learn how to pick a theme, find the books, and make a display with Ms. Sandy! Registration required.

Elementary Nutmeg Book Discussion

Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Join us to read a book from this year’s list of Elementary Nutmeg nominees, The World’s Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon! Then we’ll enjoy book-related activities, including a craft! Attendees are encouraged to wear their best plant-related outfits.

Grades K - 3. Space is limited; registration is required. Fun in the Sun: Science experiments to do in the sun!

Wednesday, June 25

Grades 3-4

Join Suffield science teacher Joe Grimard as we do science experiments that rely on the sun. The activities will include making color changing bracelets with UV beads, making sun prints on special paper, and using prism glasses. We’ll be going outside in the sun, so don’t forget your sunscreen. Registration required.

Tie Dye

Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 and Wednesday, July 2 at 3 p.m.

Keep your groovy summer going and tie dye something with us! Bring a 100% white cotton shirt, bandana, pillowcase, hat, or pair of socks! Just be sure they are pre-washed and 100% cotton for best results. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Memorial Library. Grades K and Up. Space is limited; registration is required.

Adventure Story Time

Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2-5

We’re going on an adventure! Join us while we take a pretend trip through the National Parks. There will be science experiments, music and a craft.

Space is limited; registration is required. z

Suffield Public Library Event Well Attended

From a press release

On May 8, the Suffield Public Library Foundation hosted An Evening with Trevor Timm, journalist, activist, legal analyst and

co-founder and Executive Director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to protect and defend press freedom in

the 21st century. Approximately 100 people gathered at Suffield High School auditorium to hear him speak and answer questions from the audience. z

Photos by Janet Winter

Members of the Suffield Public Library Foundation stand with Trevor Timm. From l-r Chris Childs, Carl Casinghino, Trevor Timm, Lisa Coatti, John Kearney and Mel Chafetz

Carl Casinghino (L) interviews Trevor Timm before the question-and-answer section of the program.

Lunch Menu – Lunches are $6 and include tea, cold beverage, and dessert. Please make your reservation by noon the day prior. Please bring your own container for leftovers.

Tues, June 3 - Crab fettuccine alfredo, tossed salad, roll and butter

Wed, June 4 - Caprese baked chicken thigh, vegetable and macaroni salad, cheesy bread

Thurs, June 5 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable

Tues, June 10 - Chicken Caesar pasta salad, crusty bread

Wed, June 11 - Cheeseburger on a roll with lettuce and tomato, coleslaw, herbed steak fries

Thurs, June 12 - Manicotti with meat sauce, roasted zucchini, garlic bread

Tues, June 17 - Cheesy bacon cheeseburger, tator tot casserole, cucumber salad

Wed, June 18 - Chicken parmesan stuffed peppers, Caesar salad, roll and butter

Thurs, June 19 - Two hot dogs, potato salad, baked

Senior Center & Mini Bus News

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

beans

Tues, June 24 - Goulash, tossed salad, roll and butter

Wed, June 25 - Ham and pineapple pizza, cantaloupe and watermelon, chips

Thurs, June 26 - Honey garlic pork tenderloin, oven roasted red potatoes, vegetable

Mini Bus trips require five passengers and are weather permitting. Reservations for June trips opened on May 20. Call (860) 668-3844 to make a reservation.

We would like to remind you that you must make all extra stop requests to the minibus by 8:00 a.m. via the minibus phone line at (860) 6683844. The only exception to this is medication pick-ups. Our minibus drivers will do their best to get you any prescriptions, but please do not ask them to make additional extra, unplanned stops. Thank you for your cooperation!

Ruby Tuesday & Dairy

Cream - Tuesday, June 3Pickups begin 11:30 a.m.

IKEA & Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Tuesday, June 10 - Pickups begin 8:30 a.m.

Shopping at Walmart -

West Suffield Academy Hall Wants Your Ideas

By Joanne Neilson

We, The West Suffield Village Improvement Association, owners and operators of West Suffield Academy Hall, are asking for your help. Twenty-five years ago, we started our adventure of renovation and opening the hall for public gatherings. Except for major projects, we do all the work with a small group of volunteers. We are very proud of our building and many lovely events have been held here. At this point we are at another juncture on our road to save the building and keep it active. Our bookings for events are not enough to pay for yearly expenses. We have tried a va-

riety of options, but our bottom line is not healthy. We have worked hard and think this old school building is an amazing place. So now we are looking for new ideas from you, association members or not. Will you please let us know if you have possible solutions/ suggestions for use of this building. We will consider any input that we receive.

Maybe another non-profit group would like to share this space with us, or an organization needs space for events on a regular basis. The sale of the building is not out of the question.

If you have any questions or answers, please contact me at: 860 668-2920. z

Thursday, June 12 - Pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

Lunch at Saybrook Fish House - Tuesday, June 17Pickups begin at 11:30 a.m.

Picnic Brunch at Sunrise Park - Friday, June 20 - Pickups begin at 10 a.m.

Shopping at Trader Joe’sTuesday, June 24 - Pickups begin at 8:30 a.m.

Lunch at Suffield PizzaFriday, June 27 - Pickups begin at 11:30 a.m.

Name That Tune

Tuesday, June 3 - 1 - 2 p.m.

FREE! How well do you know your music?! Prizes for winners and door prizes.

Art Hour

Thursdays 10 - 11:30 a.m. FREE!

June 5—Create a Summer Wreath

June 19—Card Making with Shaped Hole Punchers

June 26—Pressed Flower Bookmarks for yourself, as a gift, or to donate to the library! Intergenerational - consider bringing your grandchild to this activity!

English High Tea

Friday, June 6 – 2 – 4 p.m.

This event is sold out. Don’t

forget to wear your hat or fascinator and bring money for the raffle!

Card Making Class

Tuesday, June 10 - 9:30 –10:30 a.m.

Hosted by Karenoughcrafts & Boutique. $15 per person. To register, please call (860) 836-1326 by the Sunday before.

Coffee & Donuts

Thursday, June 12 - 9 - 10 a.m.

FREE! Sponsored by Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol. Enjoy coffee and donuts with friends while chatting about donut trivia.

Suffield Summer Fair

Friday, June 13 – 5 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 14 – 129:30 (Fireworks 9:30 p.m.)

Sunday, June 15 - 12 - 5 p.m.

Our annual town fair will be on the field by the middle school. Enjoy carnival rides, food, vendors, live music, and more!

Armchair Travel to Brazil

Monday, June 16 - 11 a.m.12 p.m.

FREE! We will be virtually traveling to Brazil while trying Brazilian snacks! Educational and delicious!

Picnic Brunch at Sunrise Friday, June 20 - 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

FREE! 12 spots are available on the minibus, all others need to drive themselves. Max 25 people. Must register with Bethany. Pastry, mini quiches and a yogurt parfait station.

Themed Lunch: Hawaiian Beach Party

Wednesday, June 25 - 1112:45 p.m.

Included with lunch sign up on this day. Photo booth, game of chance, and more! No bikinis/speedos requested.

Ice Cream Social

Friday, June 27 - 1-2 p.m.

FREE! Sponsored by Hartford Healthcare’s Independence at Home. Register ahead to enjoy ice cream with friends!

AARP Safe Driver Courses

Upcoming Classes: July 23, Sept 10, Nov 19

For more information, please visit suffieldseniorcenter.com or call (860) 6688830. z

Daughters of the American Revolution Awards

By Judith Hanmer

Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter of the NSDAR presented Good Citizen Awards to two deserving graduates from both the Suffield and Windsor Locks High Schools. On Sunday May 18 a ceremony was held at the King House Museum of the Suffield Historical Society to celebrate and honor Rowena Catherine O’Sullivan from Suffield and Benjamin Nicholas Palmer from Windsor Locks.

This award recognizes leadership, dependability, service to others and patriotism as shown to the guidance departments at each school who chooses a stu-

dent for this honor.

DAR members, family and guests gathered that day and enjoyed the award ceremony, the refreshments and the beautiful museum. z

Photo submitted by Judith Hanmer

State Representative Tami Zawistowski, Rowena O’Sullivan, Benjamin Palmer and State Representative Jane Garibay at the SIbbil Dwight Kent DAR Good Citizen Award Ceremony at the King House Museum on May 18.

Book Review

By Jane Shipp

Birnam Wood

By Eleanor Catton

FSG pub 2023 432 pgs.

This "thriller," as it is described on the cover, is not for the faint of heart. It is set in New Zealand in the present time, more or less, and is the story of a group of left-wing young people who are out to save the world. They have begun by planting vegetables on vacant lots, often illegally; their organization is called Burnam Wood, hence the title of the book.

The leader of the group is a strong-minded young woman called Mira; her second in command is Shelley. A third main character is Tony, the most extreme member of the group; the fourth is a super-villain who accidentally stumbles across the Burnam Wood activity. The first few pages of the novel are slow; there is a great deal of dialogue, skillfully done, but deliberately tedious; the reader feels like abandoning the whole thing. Then the pace picks up, until it is not possible to stop reading; the sobriquet "page turner" is an accurate and even literal description of this book's style.

Intermingled with the political issues and with the main plot are side stories which add to the feeling of accuracy the reader absorbs. There is a romantic subset, having to do with the relationship between Mira and Tony, but it is by no means the main focus

of the narrative. Other characters also come and go, notably Owen and Jill Darvish--or, as they might prefer, Lord and Lady Darvish. The advanced technology used by all the characters, most notably the villain, is almost a character in itself, enabling incredible maneuvering which leads to the climactic scene in the last few pages.

In a sense good wins over evil in this book, but only at an enormous cost. And on top of everything else, the villain is an American, which makes it that much more uncomfortable for readers like us. On the other hand, he is so vile that he is almost a caricature, while the young do-gooders are more believable in their well-intentioned naivete. The totality of the book feels like a piece of classical music, building slowly in a crescendo to a startling climax. Is it a good read? Yes, it is, but its suspense is far from the usual, and the reader is left with the haunting feeling that this sort of thing could really happen. z

Looking for Baseball Players

By David Farr

American Legion baseball is looking for 12/13-yearold players.

We also need one coach for U17. If interested, contact Dave Farr at 860-819-0992 z

By Abby Wolcott

The Beating Sun

I grew up before sunscreen was a thing. We were outside all day every day in the blazing sun without a care in the world and definitely not wearing hats or long-sleeved shirts. No Coppertone was ever rubbed on our limbs before we headed out the door. We swam in all sorts of ponds and brooks and pools and oceans, and the adults around us were all vigilant enough to make sure we did not slip below the surface, but sun exposure was the least of their worries. They chalked all of our sunburns up to a healthy glow. I watch my own children slather sunscreen on the grandchildren as the half pints race around the table screaming. In the event that they miss a spot or two, the children are well covered with huge bucket hats and rash guard shirts covering any exposed flesh. I can’t help but think of my dad when I see all of this. He threw caution to the wind and was a sun worshiper, spending hours outside with only a dab of nose coat on his face. He did develop a great tan back when that was a thing, and my sidekick was known to refer to him as Duke, short for Duke Kahanamoku, as he kind of looked the part of the famous Hawaiian surfer. No one would ever confuse my pasty complexion with that of a surfer. So, when I am seeking that healthy glow, I look to the treetops for song birds who might fill the bill. In the spring and summer, many of them can be found on the top of a tree singing their hearts out awash in sunlight. One of my favorites, the Scarlet Tanager loves the tops of the trees, especially oak trees, and we are always craning our necks to catch a glimpse when we are on the New England Trail. The tanagers can be found in large tracts of deciduous forests where they grav-

Chris Colli Broker/Owner

Cell: (860) 716-7168

itate towards oak trees and all the food oaks provide in terms of caterpillars and insects. The birds make a simple nest high in the trees with access to an easy fly route and lay 3-5 eggs in just one brood over the summer. You can hear their nasally call from the treetops and spot the male with his scarlet plumage or the less flashy female with her yellow ensemble. It is definitely worth a look. And if the tanager can be located on a branch in the sun, he is as splendid as any bird in these parts!

So, unlike some of the local birds and my father, I am mostly avoiding the beating sun. I have heard enough “tsk tsking” from my doctor about sun damage and have struck up a relationship with a dermatologist. I suppose that goes with the territory of being a pasty girl slathered in baby oil and lying in the sun many moons ago. These days, environmentally friendly sunscreen and hats and visors have replaced my throw-cau-

tion-to-the-wind attitude from my earlier years. I have even succumbed to having a few suspect spots removed from my face in the past few years, and I have the scars to prove it.

But I have to hand it to the most recent surgery as the doctor spent extra time stitching me up while we talked about pickle ball. It was a topic right up his alley so he was in no hurry to get to his next patient. And I was the lucky one because he stitched me up with a real flourish employing all these exotic types of embroidery stitches way beyond the basics taught in med school. The end result is that I now have this caterpillar- like scar crawling across my cheek, I am fine with that but the icing on the cake is that this raised scar feels just like the night crawlers that I spent my childhood catching. I can barely keep my hands off of it, and I hope I do not wear it down with excessive fondling. What a way to go! z

Photo by Joan Heffernan

The male Scarlet Tanager rests high above in an oak tree after his long night flight across the Gulf of Mexico from South America. He will spend the breeding season here and then return south in winter plumage (greenish color with black wings).

Connecticut Landmarks’ Seven Historic House Museums Welcome Visitors back for the 2025 Season

From a press release

Connecticut Landmarks’ historic house museums are emerging from their winter hibernation to welcome visitors back to explore Connecticut's history. With a new strategic plan recommitting the nonprofit organization to its longheld values of preservation, storytelling, and education, staff have worked diligently to prepare engaging public programs, special events, and immersive tours at the organization’s museums. Current and planned preservation projects taking place are ensuring that the museums look their best leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States next year.

Connecticut Landmarks’ historic properties include the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden in Bethlehem, the Isham-Terry House and Butler-McCook House & Garden in Hartford, the Hempsted Houses in New London, the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, the Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam, and the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden in Suffield. Discover more about each property at ctlandmarks.org/properties.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary next year, Connecticut Landmarks’ museums have

been places of dialogue, reflection, and discovery for decades. Connecting people to the state’s revolutionary contributions and complex past so we can continue to move forward has been, and will remain, an integral component of the visitor experience. The public is encouraged to read more about Connecticut Landmarks’ strategic priorities at ctlandmarks.org/about-ctl.

Looking for the perfect summer itinerary or road trip?

Visitors can plan their journey through history at each museum, where they will find stunning gardens, architectural gems, and fascinating stories told in the places where history happened. Join museum interpreters to learn more about how industry has reshaped public health and the city of Hartford, to understand 20th-century LGBTQ+ history through the life of an East Haddam preservationist, to examine the ways architecture reflects and shapes culture in Suffield, and much more.

In addition to tours, visitors can engage in workshops, demonstrations, panels, free summer concerts and art exhibits, holiday events, walking tours, and garden programs. Be sure to check out new programs including “The History

of the Martini with Litchfield Distillery,” “Basket Making Workshop – Make Your Own Kitchen Cleaning Set,” “Historic Hartford Walking Tour: Hartford Women,” “Music from A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Stories of Freedom: Suffield's Black History” walking tour, “Queer Independence Discussion Panel,” and “Pirate Days.”

Returning favorites include the Hempsted Houses’ “Juneteenth Celebration,” the Palmer-Warner House’s “Pipes & Cider,” “Holiday Lantern Walking Tours” at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden, “Sunset Sounds Concert Series” at the Butler-McCook House & Garden, “Things That Go Bump in the Night” at the Nathan Hale Homestead, and “Lilac Walks” in the Bellamy-Ferriday Garden. Details and registration for all events can be found at

ctlandmarks.org/events/.

Connecticut Landmarks’ digital program guide, which introduces members and other stakeholders to all the programs planned for the operating season, can be found at ctlandmarks.org/programguide.

Tours of the seven historic house museums are available from May through December. Days and times vary by location. For open tour hours, please visit ctlandmarks.org/ properties/.

Visitors are encouraged to convert their tour admission into a yearly Connecticut Landmarks membership. Members experience the richness of all seven historic house museums as often as they wish; choose from more than 85 programs, special events, and behind-thescenes tours each season; and enjoy discounts on program tickets and in museum stores.

The highest-level membership tiers offer exclusive access to an annual Members’ Reception, luncheon with Executive Director Robert Brock, rental discounts, private group tours for members and their friends, plus more. North American Reciprocal Membership (NARM) tiers are also available, granting access to over a thousand cultural institutions across the nation.

Public libraries, historical societies, and universities can open the doors of history to their students, volunteers, staff, and patrons with organizational membership levels that offer free admission to all seven of Connecticut Landmarks’ historic house museums, among other benefits. For more information and to purchase a general or organizational membership, please visit ctlandmarks.org/memberships/. z

Photo by Connecticut Landmarks

Photo collage of activities at Connecticut Landmarks’ historic house museums.

Suffield’s Legends Over-40 Soccer Team

By Matt Auchy

In the quiet town of Suffield, Connecticut, where wellworn cleats still meet fresh-cut grass, a group of men over 40 continue to live out their passion for soccer. At the heart of this enduring team is 62-yearold Coach Mark Cervione—a steady leader, inspiring coach and central figure in a story that spans decades of dedication to the beautiful game.

The Suffield Over-40 Soccer Club took shape in 2004, forged from the bond of players who had previously competed together on an over-30 team in East Granby. Driven by their love of the sport and their desire to keep competing, a few core figures—John Merrill, Tom Gaffney, Raj Gosh and Coach Cervione— came together to start something new. What they built was more than a team; it was a legacy.

While they started on Cervione Field, the team now plays their home games on the Suffield High School turf field—a fitting upgrade and a place many consider Coach Cervione’s second home. The

transition symbolizes not just growth, but a continuation of the deep connection between Cervione, the sport and the Suffield community.

Coach Mark Cervione brought to the team a wealth of experience and a rare commitment to the sport. Over the course of his career, he coached club soccer for 12 years, led high school girls in the summer league, and spent 21 years coaching high school soccer as a JV Coach, Assistant, and Varsity Head Coach. He also brought a fierce per-

sonal dedication to the field— continuing to play even after undergoing two ACL replacements and now facing the possibility of a knee replacement. His resilience and passion have become the spirit of the Suffield team.

However, the story doesn’t end with the over-40 team. In recent years, the group has grown into something even bigger: the creation of a new Over-50 team, offering yet another way for players to stay in the game. The expansion reflects not just aging players,

but an enduring spirit—proof that soccer doesn’t have to stop with time.

The team holds Wednesday night practices under the lights, where the focus is on fitness, fun and sharpening skills. Practices are family-friendly, and fathers are encouraged to bring their kids— many of whom end up playing alongside or scrimmaging with the adults, passing the love of the game to the next generation.

This is a men’s league, and both the Over-40 and Over-50

Suffield teams are actively looking for new players who are passionate about the sport and ready to be part of a supportive and tight-knit soccer community. If you're interested in joining, reach out to Matt Auchy at mattauchy@gmail.com. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or dusting off your cleats after years away, we always welcome new teammates.

The Suffield teams are living proof: no matter your age, if you’ve got the heart, there’s still a place for you on the field. z

Photo provided by the author

Mark Cervione holding the ball stands with members of the “Over 40 and Over 50” soccer team (and kids).

The Most Important Meal (Part 2) Recipe: Baja Ice Cream Sundaes

By Kacy Colston

More local breakfast spots! Some from my list and others recommended by our readers:

Airways Restaurant

A huge menu with interesting omelets!

541 Spring St #2, Windsor Locks, 860-623-0074

Weekdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 20 p.m.

Autumn Mist Farms

Breakfast at a farm store! Take-out or eat on the covered patio.

1157 North Westfield St., Agawam, MA, (413) 7862333

Open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., closes at 3 p.m. Sunday.

DJ’s Hash House

Check the board for specials!

784 College Hwy, Southwick, MA, (413) 831-6082

Daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dom's

Broad Street Eatery

Dom’s was just officially crowned CT’s Best Breakfast Spot by WFSB!

330 Broad St, Windsor, (860) 298-9758

Daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday closes at 1 p.m.

The Gathering Ground Crazy good hash!

482 Spring St, Windsor Locks, (860)254-5522

Weekdays 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., Weekends 6 a.m. to noon.

Little George’s Outstanding ham & eggs! Be sure to check the specials. 2648 Westfield St, West Springfield, MA, (413) 7882120

Weekdays 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekends 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mahaney’s

Breakfast & Lunch

Try the pastrami!

1775 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, (860)298-9006

Weekdays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1 p.m. on Sunday

Mark’s Restaurant

Wonderful cinnamon rolls!

37 Pleasant Street, Enfield, (860) 990-2051

Thursday 7 to 11 a.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weekends 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Memo’s Coffee Shop Homemade muffins to die for!

1272 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA, (413)7398420

Weekdays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weekends 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the Hill

Family Restaurant

Try the Belgian waffles

37 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, MA, (413)786-2252

Daily, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Partners Restaurant

Try the skillet breakfast with hash browns (or home fries)

485 Springfield St., Agawam, MA,(413)786-0975

Weekdays 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday to 1 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m.

Have

Serapes Restaurant Mexican and American breakfast specialties.

95 High Street, Enfield, (860)745-7781

Weekdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., 8 a.m. Saturday, 7 a.m. Sunday

Skooters Restaurant

A classic 50’s diner serving breakfast all day

50 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Windsor Locks, (860)6236100

Daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Three Brothers II Great breakfast sandwiches and crispy home fries!

58 Rainbow Rd, East Granby, (860) 413-3435

Weekdays 5 a.m to 2 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sunday.

TJ’s Burritos Burritos and bowls plus classic breakfast items and flights of flavored coffees!

3 Turkey Hills Rd Suite 3L, East Granby, (860)423-3473

Monday thru Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yankee Village Restaurant Old favorites like chicken fried steak and creamed chipped beef on toast!

63 Southwick Rd, Westfield, MA, (413)572-1224

Daily at 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekends close at 1 p.m.

I hope this list helps you find a new favorite! z

By Lynette Roy

One of the key ingredients in this month’s recipe is cinnamon. Cinnamon, (Cinnamomum verum), comes from the bark of a bushy evergreen tree. The tree is native to Sri Lanka, the neighboring Malabar Coast of India and Myanmar. It is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies. Cinnamon is used to flavor a variety of sweet and savory foods, from confections to curries to beverages, and it is popular in baked goods in many places. Essential oil is distilled from the bark fragments for use in food, liqueur, perfume, and medications.

Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold. In Egypt it was sought for embalming and religious practices. In medieval Europe it was used for religious rites and as a flavoring. It was once the most profitable spice in the Dutch East India Company trade.

The cinnamon tree grows in moist well-drained soils and rarely reaches more than 49 feet in height. The thick simple leaves are usually oval. The fruit is a dark drupe. A drupe is a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed, e.g., a plum, cherry, almond, or olive. Cinnamon is harvested during the wet season by cutting the shoots close to the ground. The bark is peeled and dried for 4-5 days.

Ground cassia is reddish brown in color. Chinese cassia—one of the ingredients in China’s famed five spice powder—is less aromatic than that from Vietnam and Indonesia. Cassia from all three countries has a sweet, aromatic, and pungent flavor. Vietnamese, or Saigon, cassia is particularly highly esteemed.

Ingredients

• Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup or brand of choice

• Caramel sauce or honey

• Whipped cream in a can or whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla.

• Vanilla ice cream (caramel, butter pecan, or chocolate chip ice cream also work well)

Cinnamon Tortilla Triangles

• 6 medium flour tortillas

• 1/3 cup butter

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in the microwave. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together.

Lay 2 tortillas flat and brush butter evenly over it. Sprinkle the tortillas generously with cinnamon sugar.

Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the tortilla into 6 triangles and place it on a baking sheet with parchment.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and light brown.

To make the tortilla cups: Warm 4 tortillas in the microwave. Brush with butter and coat with the cinnamon sugar. Place each tortilla in a greased large-size muffin tin, gently folding the tortilla to make it fit. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Let cool.

To assemble the sundae: Place the 4 tortilla cups in bowls or on plates and fill with your ice cream of choice. Drizzle chocolate sauce side to side over the ice cream. Slightly warm the caramel sauce or honey and drizzle over the ice cream, as well. Place whipped cream around the inside edges of the tortilla cup.

Place 2-3 tortilla triangles point down inside each tortilla cup. Serve. z

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

By Peter Leclerc/Donna Carney-Bastrzycki/Pam Cocca/Dan

By Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Director of Special Programs

Bowling Buddies Season

End Luau Was A Hit!

The Jimmy Deren/ Suffield Bowling Buddies group celebrated their fantastic thirty-week long season at our year-end Banquet at beautiful Sunrise Park on May 13.

The weather was beautiful, and we transformed the Sunrise Pavilion into a Hawaiian themed tropical paradise for an evening of fun. It was a huge gathering with over eighty participants in attendance!

Our special banquet was a celebration of all the fantastic achievements that the Bowling Buddies and volunteers have achieved throughout the season.

Good times and smiles were abundant as the group danced, did the limbo, conga dances and enjoyed a delicious BBQ with all the fixings. Everyone really enjoyed the terrific BBQ prepared by Margo and Tom Burns. It was fantastic to

see all the camaraderie and smiles.

Each of the athletes was awarded a special trophy engraved with their High Game Score and Special Partners/volunteers were also recognized. The overall team winners were also awarded with very specially engraved plaques. The team, “Alley Cats” took the overall team win over the nine other teams and the members are: Amanda Rabideau, Dashon Foster, Rocco Marotta and Charlie Davis.

Special trophies were also given to both James Mark who received the Overall League High Game Score for then men with a score of 220 and Amanda Rabideau-174 for women.

Jerilyn Denson received the outstanding sportsmanship plague for being a star team player each week. Elizabeth Mack received the Perseverance Award for all her remarkable efforts throughout the season. Diane Leroux-High Game Score- 183 and Dave Nealon--High Game Score-207 both received the Overall High Game Score for the volunteer/Special Partners.

Special thanks go out to Dinn Brothers of West Springfield for the terrific trophy engraving, and to Spare Time lanes for helping make the season so great. Lastly, a huge thank you goes out to our Special Partners and volunteers and volunteer DJ-Kevin Landolina who all help make the program possible.

The Bowling Buddies Group would also like to give a very special thanks to all of the dancers, volunteers and the Fred Astaire Dance

Studio of Suffield for helping put on such an amazing Dancing Stars of Suffield Event that makes events like this possible.

The Parks and Recreation Department’s weekly Bowling program is the longest in duration program offered through the department, and the group diligently practiced each Tuesday for thirty weeks at Spare Time Lanes in Windsor Locks since September.

Many of the participants also competed and trained in the Special Olympics Competitions earlier this year and represented Suffield well while winning many gold medals and achieving high scores.

If you are interested in participating as an athlete or volunteering as a Special Partner for the 2025/2026 season please contact Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs at dcarney@suffieldct.gov or 860- 668-3862. We have

many other fun activities and outings planned throughout the year for the group.

2025 Fishing Derby

On Saturday, May 10, the Suffield Conservation Commission and Suffield Parks & Recreation Department held their 4th Annual Fishing Derby at Sunrise Park on White’s Pond.

We had many residents stop by. Youth aged one to sixteen years old competed with each other to catch the biggest fish of the day.

There were many types of fish caught including sunfish and bass. 12-yearold Farren Mol, caught the largest fish of the day weighing in at .74 pounds and 11 inches long. Aiden Bolduc finished in second place after catching a .68-pound fish that was 12 inches long.

The winner’s names were shared with a jubilant crowd when prizes were awarded to youth participants at 11 a.m. during the conclusion of the Fishing Derby. We would like to congratulate all the participants and their big catches.

Special thanks to all companies and individuals for their donations and sponsorships of the Fishing Derby!

All prize donations and sponsors include: New England Premier Adjusting Company, the Law Firm of Spellman, Kelly and Fanoos, Suffield Village Market, Zantos, Beth Fanoos, Norm Noble and Cayden O’Brien. Thanks to all the families and individuals that came out to enjoy a fabulous day outdoors celebrating an amazing event! z

Photo by Pete Leclerc

The Bowling Buddies Group

Photo by Daniel Leonard

Aaron Simmons assists his son Connor as they fish together during the 2025 Suffield Fishing Derby at Sunrise Park

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, Ray Dalrymple, Tom Frenaye, Will Hermann, Krystal Holmes, Ann Kannen, Dave Kannen, Elizabeth Kaplan, Scott Miller, Tony Peterson

Editorial Board

All directors and editors plus Johanne Presser

June Editors

Don Miner and Amy Reay

July/August Editor Will Hermann

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

Amber Dawne Bigley, Ellie Binns, Anne Borg, Darlene Burrell, Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Beth Chafetz, Anna Cierocki, Kacy Colston, Mary Curtin, Ray Dalrymple, Tom Frenaye, Hollie Garrity, Judy Hanmer, Jackie Hemond, Karen Jason, Peter Leclerc, Sue Mayne, Lynn Mervosh, Scott Miller, Fran Milliken, Colin Moll, Mary Ann Muska, Jack Muska, Lisa Parker, Ellen Peterson, 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 Amy Abo

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, McKayla Mills, Lynette Roy, Renée Wood

Production Team

Beth Chafetz, Kacy Colston, Julie Dodds, Dian Friedman, Ben Fuller, Elizabeth Kaplan, 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, Ray Pioggia, Laurie Tavino, Becky Tobiasz

Janet Winter

Proofreaders

Manager......Margery Warren

Beth Chafetz, Jan Peake, Johanne Presser, Jane Shipp, Kerry White, Renée Wood

Deadlines for July/August 2025 Issue

Submissions for articles should include the author’s name, address, telephone number and email. If applicable, include photographer’s name. Please send by email to: inbox@thesuffieldobserver.com

Submissions for ads should include the contact person, business name, billing address, telephone number and email 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, submit a flashdrive 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 Email Deadline: June 12

Articles Hard-copy only Deadline: June 10

Articles Email Deadline: June 12

Ads All Ads Deadline: June 10

Photos All Photos Deadline: June 12

Publish Date: July 1, 2025

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.

Volunteers: 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.

Guidance for all submitted articles: All Observer submissions must conform to the following criteria: They must be reasonable and civil, free of libelous or slanderous content, timely and of community interest. Any criticism must be directed at ideas, actions or decisions, not people. When writers don’t adhere to the criteria, the Observer will attempt to contact them. If writers do not agree to make necessary changes, the Observer reserves the right to reject the article. Articles attacking the actions of an individual or organization must be submitted by the 9th of the month to allow for the affected parties rebuttal, or that party is allowed a rebuttal in the following issue. The choice is up to the affected party. Responses must be in kind.

Letters to the Editor/OpEds: The Observer accepts letters/OpEds that are factual and of interest to the community. We strive to print a balance of all sides of an issue. Letters should not exceed 250 words, OpEds should not exceed 500 words. Only one letter /OpEd per writer is allowed every three months.We do not accept Letters to the Editor endorsing political candidates.

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.

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.

Articles: We look forward to content on community issues or topics which would contribute to the benefit of residents of the community. Contributions include poetry, community interest articles, short stories, personal profiles, etc. Article length typically ranges from 100 to 600 words depending on the subject.

Photos: Photos enhance articles, and sometimes a stand-alone photo with a good caption beats a short article. Please send photographs as attachments (not embedded in a document). For quaility printing send good resolution of 300 pixels per inch or higher.

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

Subscriptions 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. Price: $50 per year (10 issues) Mail your check with your name, address and telephone number to: Subscriptions,The Suffield Observer, P.O. Box 424, Suffield, CT 06078

www.SuffieldGardenClub.org

Garden Club Awards Agriscience Students

By Lisa Parker, Suffield Garden Club

On May 14, two deserving SHS AgriScience seniors were recognized by the Suffield Garden Club Memorial Fund committee for their dedication to conservation and environmental science.

Katherine (Katie) Cross from West Suffield will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at the University of New England. Her volunteer projects included the creation and upkeep of two community gardens and cleaning the trails at Sunrise Park and Stony Brook Park.

She and her fellow students competed at UConn in the Nursery/Landscape competition where they placed second as a team and she came in first in the individual competition. Local

veterans will recognize her as one of the cheerful volunteers at the Suffield VFW breakfasts.

Kouther Wehelie from Suffield is known to the Garden Club as she assisted with several projects, including planting flowers at local cemeteries. During her junior year, Kouther and her fellow students won first prize for their landscape design in the Big E Landscape Competition.

Passionate to help and educate others, Kouther gave tours to enthusiastic kindergartners and first graders of the AgriScience facility and large animal housing units.

She will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Wisconsin in the Fall.

The SGC Memorial Fund committee is thrilled to

recognize students whose dedication to our environment aligns with the Garden Club’s mission. Awards are presented annually at the Suffield Regional FFA Awards Ceremony at Suffield High School.

The Club has been awarding AgriScience seniors since June of 1987.

The Suffield Garden Club, organized in 1934, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural environment as well as the beautification of Suffield.

New members are welcome! Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. To see updates and photos, follow us on Facebook. To become a member or see the full calendar, visit www.SuffieldGardenClub. org z

Photo by Joan Heffernan Young American Robin

Photo by Joan Heffernan Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Photo by Suffield Garden Club

There were smiles all around as two deserving SHS students received Garden Club awards. From left to right, student Kouthar Wehelie, Garden Club members Lisa Parker and Rita Chmura, and student Katie Cross.

Look No Further

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 860-6687442 z

King House Art Exhibit

From a press release Come visit the King House Museum to view the varied, historical art by Suffield

A variety of art, highlighting local artists including sculpture (as shown on the right), will be on display on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. through October.

FOFAH Golf Tournament

By Eileen Moncreif

We are happy to announce that FOFAH (The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop) is hosting the 12th annual “Bald Eagle Golf Tournament” on Saturday, September 13 at Suffield Country Club.

We invite you to join us as

a player, sponsor or both! This is a very social event. Spouses and friends are invited to join the players for dinner. The golf tournament has been a successful major fundraising and social event for FOFAH since 2013. The financial support will help the non-profit

Attention Book Lovers

organization maintain Hilltop Farm as a community resource.

Registration forms will be found on the FOFAH website:www.hilltopfarmsuffield. org or info@HilltopFarmSuffield.org . We would love for you to join us. z

Photo by Beth Chafetz

Various sculptures at the King House exhibit.

Photo by Foley Family Grace and James Foley stand in front of the Lincoln Memorial holding the Observer on a recent trip.

Joan and Tom Heffernan holding the Observer while visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, France .