Looking for great programs for your family to make this summer the best ever? You don’t have to travel far to make the most beautiful memories. We have a variety of fun programs for the whole family right here in Suffield with the Parks and Recreation Department. With affordable prices, attentive staff and programs that will make you and your family smile, summer is sure to be unforgettable. For a full listing of all of our programs-please visit www.suffieldrec.com. You can register and pay online! If you have any questions please contact 860-668-3862. There are a variety of fun programs for the whole family.
Parks & Recreation Bowling Buddies BBQ Banquet Was A Blast!
The annual season end banquet for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Bowling Buddies Group was held at Sunrise Park on Thursday, May 17. We had a Luau party theme and transformed the Pavilion at Sunrise Park into a “Tiki Hut!” The weather ended up being perfect for the party despite the huge storm that had rolled through on Tuesday when we were originally going to have the party. The tropical atmosphere was terrific for the BBQ, Luau and awards ceremony at beautiful Sunrise Park. Everyone dressed in beach/tropical attire and sang and danced the evening away as volunteer DJ-Kevin Landolina spun great music. Sunrise Park is the perfect spot for special reunions and parties like this!
The Bowling Buddies group practices diligently for thirty weeks at Bradley Bowl. The season starts in September and ends with the season end banquet in May. Many athletes in the group also participate in two Special Olympics tournaments during the year and represent Suffield exceptionally while bringing home many awards. The banquet was held to recognize the dedication and hard work of the athletes and Special Partners. Each athlete received a trophy to recognize his or her impressive athleticism throughout the year highlighting the highest score they achieved during the season. The overall team winners were also awarded with plaques. The team-“Give It Up”-Aland Krupa, Michelle Kopec, Patti Kopec and Mary Ellen Katfiasz were the overall winners for the second year in a row! Russ Weaver received the Overall High Game Score-246 for men and Amanda Rabideau-180 for women. Eric Haas was awarded the outstanding sportsmanship plaque. Everyone really loved the delicious BBQ, music and awards ceremony in a fun, tropical environment.
Many thanks to the volunteers and Special Partners who help throughout the year and everyone that helped with the banquet. Special Thanks to DJ-Kevin Landolina, Bernice Hollander and the many volunteer Special Partners that make this program possible. We also want to thank Bradley Bowl (now called Spare Time) for the donation of high quality trophies and plaques each year for the group. Award and More Enfield also does an incredible job of helping us with our trophies.
If you are interested in participating as an athlete or volunteering as a Special Partner for 2018-2019, please contact-Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Special Programs Coordinator at 668-3862.
For the full listing of all of our offerings-please visit suffieldrec.com
Farewell and Thank You!
Wendy LaMontagne’s Retirement Party.
Photo by Lester Smith
Wendy LaMontagne, retiring from her 28 years as director of the Suffield Parks & Rec Department, displays a lovely springtime photo of Town Hall she received, signed by her co-workers and friends. Impressive recitations of her achievements in office given by First Selectman Melissa Mack and Commission Chairman Brian Casinghino highlighted her retirement dinner on May 22.
The Suffield Country Club was filled with friends and fond memories on Tuesday, May 22, to celebrate the retirement of Wendy LaMontagne, the Suffield Parks and Recreation Director. Wendy served the town for the past 28 years with dedication, kindness and exceptional leadership. Some of the highlights of her career have been providing quality, affordable and accessible programs for the town along with updating and designing numerous fields and facilitates including:
Bruce Park
– installation of pavilion (grant)
– construction of Becky Field
– construction of Packard Field
– renovation of Field Hockey Field
– irrigation to fields
– dug outs at Baseball & softball fields (grant/donation)
Family Recreation Complex
– new construction – with Sports Council of:
– four lighted tennis courts, two basketball courts, at one point an ice skating rink and also a sand volleyball court and four new mini tennis courts – the first of its kind in Connecticut
– adjacent pavilion (grant donation)
– pickleball courts design
Sullivan Fields
– renovation of entire field area, improved drainage
– pavilion (grant donation)
Copper Hill Fields (aka Cervione fields)
– work with developer/town planner – fields in lieu of $$ three soccer fields
Babb’s Field
– construction of two soccer fields, one baseball field, (former Wilson property)
Babb’s Beach
– closure in late 1990s and renovation and re-opening in 2017
Skate Park
– construction of park – 1997
Windsor Locks Canal Trail
– secured grant with DEEP for trail improvements & equipment – early 2000’s
Throughout her 28 years of service, Wendy also served on numerous boards and Committees including: the Juvenile Review, Sports Council, Health & Safety Committee Youth Task Force, Millennium Celebration, Suffield Sports Hall of Fame, Community Center Committee, Cultural Council, North Central Health District Coalition, CRCOG Bike and Pedestrian Sub-Committee and has been a liaison to numerous Suffield clubs & civic groups.
Wendy was also an active member of many Parks and Recreation and municipal organizations including: Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association, National Recreation & Parks Association, Connecticut Parks Association, New England Parks Association, New England Regional Council Member, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, Recreation and Athletic Liability Task Force Member, and Risk Control Advisory Committee. Wendy was also awarded the highly coveted Outstanding Professional Award from Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association.
Under Wendy’s leadership, many children, families, friends, colleagues and staff benefited from the quality programs and services that she provided. We offer her congratulations and good luck on her retirement. Her efforts will be always remembered. Many thanks, Wendy LaMontagne, for your 28 years of dedicated service.