Melissa Mack
Thomas Jefferson espoused that, “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” To that end, I am taking this First Selectman’s Update as an opportunity to encourage residents to sign up to receive “Suffield News” via the Mailing List at www.suffieldct.gov/tools. Choose “ALL Town News” and you will be sent regular updates from my office with timely and informative news, direct from the source!
As an appetizer, the following is a sampling of recent “Suffield News” items:
Events
• Suffield Farmers Market – June 16 through Columbus Day Weekend from 9 a.m. to noon on the Suffield Town Green
• Household Hazardous Waste Day – Saturday, June 30 8:30 am to 1 p.m. at Town Highway Garage
• Suffield Arts Festival – Saturday, July 14 at Bruce Park with live performances from 2 to 9 p.m. and an activities fair from 2 to 6 p.m. The Town of Suffield is delighted to help spread the word about this inaugural event, pioneered by two Suffield High School students interested in supporting Suffield artists in our town. Mark your calendars and tell your friends!
• Babb’s Beach Opens for the Summer – beginning June 23!
Important Announcements
• Road Work – Road resurfacing project on Route 75 (Route 140 to Austin Street) to begin with milling from June 20 to June 25th; paving June 26 to July 2. All traffic lanes will be open and work will proceed during evening hours only from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Department Happenings
• Happy Retirement to Parks & Recreation Director Wendy LaMontagne!
• New Parks & Recreation Director Peter Leclerc and Facilities Manager Christopher Matejek join Town of Suffield
• Voter Registration – Registrar of Voters Darlene Burrell (D) and Lynn Joyal (R) held a high school voter registration session on May 21. A total of 29 students registered. Hats off to the registrars and congratulations to the new voters for taking advantage of the rights we all enjoy as Americans.
General Town News
• Eversource Energy Relocates Poles Along Hickory Street – In response to concerns voiced by residents and advocacy on the part of First Selectman Mack, Eversource Energy recently relocated eight poles on Hickory Street. The poles were moved several feet further back from the roadway for improved road safety. The often used cut through has experienced a number of car versus pole accidents in recent years resulting in property damage, injury and loss of power to adjacent homes.
• Board & Commission Vacancies – The Board of Selectmen plan to constitute a Charter Review Commission tentatively slated to begin this fall. One question will be discussion of the Town Manager form of government. At this point in the process, we are seeking candidates to serve on the commission. The position will require a significant commitment. As this undertaking will be a document intensive process, candidates should be proficient with basic technology (email, document sharing). If interested, forward resumes to kworthington@suffieldct.gov.
General State News
• Governor Malloy Announces launch of the Hartford Line, Providing Frequent Rail Service in the Central Connecticut Corridor
• Governor Malloy Announces Military Personnel and their Families Receive Free Admission to Over 50 Connecticut Museums this Summer
• Governor Malloy Reminds Residents that Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1st
Business Development
• Arcor Laser Expansion – Ribbon Cutting, June 13
• New Solar Farm – Ribbon Cutting, May 30
Hungry for more information about these events and more? Check out the Town website (www.suffieldct.gov) and like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/townofsuffield) in addition to joining the “ALL Town News” mailing list. Please let us know about additional areas of interest so that we can continue to do our best to keep Suffield’s citizenry informed and engaged.