Organizations

Polish Heritage Society Meeting

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It was standing room only at the April meeting of the Polish Heritage Society (PHS)! Pat Cosma arranged to have Susan Urban, a Polish folk artist from West Springfield, talk about and demonstrate “wyncinaki”—Polish paper cutting. Then she coached attendees through the process of making one of their own. The PHS hopes to have her back next year to demonstrate “pisanki”—decorated Easter eggs. The May meeting of the PHS will be held on May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Ambulance Center.

History

Our Polish Heritage

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Last month’s Polish Heritage article referred to a time that the country of Poland did not exist on the map. For almost 150 years (1772 – 1918) the territory was seized by, and partitioned between, Russia, Prussia and Austria in a series of negotiations in 1772, 1793 and 1795. The neighboring countries took over Poland, imposed their own forms of government and attempted to dissolve what our ancestors knew as their Homeland. Since serfdom was the social order throughout most of this time period, our Polish ancestors, the peasantry, were oppressed not only by foreign entities but also by their own countrymen, the nobility. Throughout the decades Poles resisted and rebelled many times.

Organizations

Conservancy Spring Programs

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Suffield Land Conservancy’s Annual Spring Programs are a wonderful opportunity to connect with the outdoors, discover wildflowers, explore the forest and uncover different species of birds that are right in your very own backyards. Open to the public, please join us for each of these outdoor adventures with your friends and family members. Annual Bird Watching Hike will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 8 a.m., rain or shine. The location of our new property is on the east side of South Grand Street near the East Granby line (no sign for the town change) between houses at 1324 and 1466 where there will be a temporary sign marking the area for the walk. Drive down a short access road where you will find a place to park off the road.

History

Hidden in Plain Sight Suffield’s History in Architecture

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Architectural historian Rachel Carley will present an illustrated talk on Suffield’s rich history in buildings on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St. Under the auspices of the Town of Suffield, Ms. Carley has recently completed a study of historic resources in the second phase of a town-wide effort to document significant sites. Support for the project came from the State Historic Preservation Office with funds from the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut.  Her research, which concentrated primarily on the west side of town, uncovered an important architectural legacy represented by colonial-era farmhouses, tobacco barns, and early 20th-century shopfronts, among many other building types. The survey includes 201 homes and buildings on Blossom Street, Copper Hill Road,  Forest Road, Halladay Avenue, Hill Street, Mountain Road, North Stone Street, Phelps Road, Ratley Road, Russell Avenue, Sheldon Street, Spruce Street, and Taintor Street.  Ms. Carley’s findings have been compiled in a report for public use, to be filed in the Suffield Town Clerk’s Office.  Her presentation will also include a brief discussion of preservation opportunities. All are welcome to attend so please come join in for a pictorial tour of part of Suffield’s history.

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

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Sheila Roberts Craven March 8 Age 62 Brian Thomas Bentley March 17, Age 35  Judith M. Spaulding March 19 Age 79 Sheryl Woods March 20 Age 63 Mariette P. Kennedy March 25 Age 90 Harry James Corbett Jr. April 8 William Paul Wing April 8 Age 91 Diane M. (Whitaker) Mandirola April 9 Age 71

Organizations

Silver Tea Set Donation

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The Suffield Woman’s Club (SWC), formed in 1894, was pleased to donate their silver tea set to the West Suffield Village Improvement Association (WSVIA), formed in 1903, at the SWC March meeting. Both clubs have a history rich in community service. The SWC has donated a tremendous amount of money and service to the town of Suffield. Many thousands of dollars have been donated in scholarships and awards, first responders, EAA and more over the years and, notably, a recent donation of $10,000 to the Citizens Restoring Congamond. The ladies donated 3605.5 volunteer hours in 2016 alone.

Government/Town

Senior Center News

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Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation’s observance of Older American’s Month. The 2019 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities. Participating in activities that promote mental and physical wellness, offering your wisdom and experience to the next generation, seeking the mentorship of someone with more life experience than you are just a few examples of what being engaged can mean. No matter where you are in your life, there is no better time than now to start!