Government/Town

Parks & Rec Employee on Paid Leave

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On August 2, a town employee reported an incident of suspected child abuse or neglect to the Director of Parks & Rec of the Town of Suffield. The incident did not take place at a town-related activity or program but was reported to the town employee on July 2. The Director of Parks & Rec immediately notified the Suffield Police Department and the Department of Children and Families. Subsequently, the question of whether the town employee should have reported the incident sooner was raised. The First Selectman’s Office immediately began an administrative investigation and requested a criminal investigation into that issue, and the employee was placed on paid administrative leave during the process.

Government/Town

Upcoming Application Deadlines for Tax Exemptions

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Veterans

Veterans of any declared war period and current active duty military having not previously filed for an exemption must provide an original or certified copy of their Honorable Discharge or current orders or affidavit to the Suffield Town Clerk by September 30 to be eligible for a minimum exemption of $3,000 deducted from the assessed value of real estate or a motor vehicle. Each current member of the United States armed forces (including reserves and National Guard) is also eligible for the exemption from taxes of one motor vehicle upon application. Veterans with VA disability ratings must submit proof of the rating to the Assessor for an increased exemption benefit. Proof needs to be supplied once, unless the rating is changed. Disabled veterans age 65 or older are entitled to an exemption equal to that of a 100% disabled veteran upon providing proof of age to the Assessor.

Government/Town

Hazardous Waste Removed

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Clean Harbors was again invited to town to collect household hazardous waste materials brought to the pick-up location on Ffyler Place. That company, a large, multinational corporation, is paid to dispose of the material in various government-approved ways. Between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, an almost constant stream of residents arrived to bring their stuff. Drivers were advised to stay in their cars “For Safety” as white-suited workers unloaded and sorted it. The collection is done on a “pay as we dump” basis, with specific prices tallied carefully as each load is put into the appropriate bin.

People/Business

Greg Hall to Perform at Gateway Arts in Holyoke

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Greg Hall will be releasing a new album with a concert at Gateway Arts in Holyoke. He is a folk songwriter and his music resonates with people who enjoy both classic country and the modern singer songwriter. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and available online at www.gatewaycityarts.com/greg-hall. Greg graduated from SHS in 2009 and has been active in recording and touring music ever since. He may be reached at 860-810-2285 or at his email greg@greghallband.com. 

Food for Thought

Food For Thought

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“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Editorial

At The International Geography Bee

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Last spring I participated in the Connecticut State Geography Bee in Newtown, Conn. and qualified for the Varsity International Geography Bee World Championships hosted in Berlin, Germany. This event brings together 32 of the top geographic minds in the world, hailing from six different countries. For months, I was looking forward to competing in this event and I studied for it every day. Upon my arrival in Berlin, I was escorted on foot late at night with my luggage, in the rain, to my hostel in the eastern suburb of Kreuzburg where all participants were required to stay.