The Suffield Observer (http://thesuffieldobserver.com/)
It is no surprise to anyone in Suffield to read that our library has suffered extraordinary tumult in the last few years, with much repair work and many code requirements needing to be met and less than stellar temporary accommodations during the interim. We all rejoiced when it reopened last summer, its beautiful new Mary Anne Zak entrance offering much-needed handicapped access.
On the fourth weekend of February the walls of Suffield Middle School’s Sisson Auditorium bulged with delighted applause and laughter as a great bunch of enthusiastic students presented Peter Pan, Jr.
Aces High, Team 176, the Suffield/Windsor Locks team in the FIRST Robotics Competition, attended its first meet in Waterbury on the first weekend of March and things just couldn’t seem to go wrong. This was a New England regional qualifying meet that Aces High hoped would start them on the road to the World Championship in Detroit in late April.
The manner of financing the planned renovations to the Suffield Town Hall has been under study by the Town administration. As reported in last month’s issue, part of the $5.13 million voted by the Town in 2015 has been spent in architectural studies and other pre-construction payments.
As confirmed cases of COVID-19 have made their way into our community, it has been our desire to apprise residents quickly. In our last update, we stated, “the Town will not report on each confirmed case going forward.”
Some of you may have heard recently about large deliveries of donated surgical type masks to Suffield House and Suffield by the River, as well as smaller donations to Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association and other organizations working with the public during the COVID-19 outbreak.
I want to thank each of you for the extra efforts you are taking to keep our community safe during this challenging time.
We are deeply saddened to report that the first of our residents has died from COVID-19 as confirmed by The Suffield House. Though the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) has not made the official verification yet, in the interest of timeliness, we felt it appropriate to inform the public.
We are sorry to reach out on a Saturday morning to inform you that the NCDHD confirmed that there are a number of staff and residents at Suffield House, Suffield’s sole skilled nursing facility, that have tested positive for COVID-19 with other tests pending.
The Friends of KML book collection, normally held the first Saturday of each month, will be put on hold until the library is open. Save your books.
I am saddened to report that the North Central District Health Department confirmed this evening an additional coronavirus case in Suffield. At this time, that is the extent of the information available. While this news is not unexpected, I share the community’s concern for one of our neighbors. I wish I was not ending your day with this news. Please continue to practice social distancing, take care of each other, and stay well. Melissa M. MackFirst Selectwoman
I struggled this month. What is the right topic and tone during this “new normal” with worry high and residents tackling work, home, family, financial and health issues all at once?
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Governor required businesses to suspend in-person operations for all non-essential functions via Executive Order #7J. In a statewide call on Friday, the Governor clarified that the order does not apply to municipalities and municipal CEOs should decide who are essential and non-essential town employees.
The State of Connecticut is coordinating donations of personal protective equipment through the United Way to address current shortages. Donations are being accepted from the general public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
Timothy Dunn, Age 60, Died January 23rd
Joel J. Michaud, Age 85, Died February 16th…