Government/Town

Highway Garage Plan Nixed

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Or should the headline be “Ffyler Place Project Nixed,” because the two projects are inextricably joined. But the November 6 tri-board Special Meeting of the Boards of Selectmen and Finance and the Permanent Building Committee discussed only the purchase of the existing warehouse/office building at 1160 South Street to become the highway garage. That would free the Ffyler Place property for developer Kevin Casey to build apartments there, which have already received several key approvals. At the tri-board meeting, developer Casey explained how problems in the South Street building would be corrected. With the help of architect David Quisenberry of QA&M Architects, he told how six inches of added concrete would make the floor strong enough for the heaviest highway trucks.

Government/Town

Police Pension Issue Resolution Pending

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A festering dispute relating to a police officer’s pension resulted in disputes between the local Police Union and (some members of) the Police Commission (including our regular cartoonist Rick Stromoski), and the First Selectman’s Office. At this time, it appears that the dispute, while not fully resolved, has come to a head. And the resolution of the dispute may lead to greater clarity regarding the administration of the town’s pension. The underlying dispute involved whether an employee absent from work due to workplace injury covered by workers compensation is entitled to receive pension credit for that time. Officer Jeff Reynolds was out of work from October 2008 until October 2010, following serious injuries suffered as a result of being struck by cars while making police stops.

Opinion

Stromoski’s Skews

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Rick Stromoski was a member of the Police Commission and voted with the majority in support of a grievance filed by a police officer seeking pension credit for time absent due to an on-the-job injury. The First Selectman declined to honor the vote. The issue is addressed fully in the article on this page.

Government/Town

SPD Captain Sworn and Pinned

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Captain James Canon, Jr. was welcomed into the Suffield Police Department several months ago (September Suffield Observer, Pg. 7), but it took a few weeks to get the paper work settled. Finally, on the afternoon of November 7, the Department’s Zak Community Room was packed with friends and family and a diversity of visiting police officers ready to honor and celebrate the next step in the impressive career of this new Suffield leader. First Selectman Melissa Mack said she was happy to have such an experienced officer to assist the Department in its continuing improvement. Police Commissioner Kenneth Pascoe said he thought Canon’s selection was an excellent choice.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

1869 Suffield Map Reissued

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A careful reproduction of the 1869 Baker & Tilden Atlas map of Suffield has been pubished on fine, archival paper for sale by the 350th Committee. The map shows homes, schools, churches and businesses, along with owner’s names (not necessarily the residents). The 11 school districts are shown with various pastel colors. Of the map’s two printed versions, this one shows the planned route of the Suffield branch line railroad from Windsor Locks, but not quite where it was built the following year. Sale locations are listed at the right. 

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Shop 350

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Looking for Suffield themed gifts for the holidays? The 350th anniversary committee is selling logo sweat shirts and ball caps, a collectable ornament, and the Suffield 1869 map reproduction.

Organizations

Polish Heritage Society News

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A Christmas Szopka

In November, the Polish Heritage Society (PHS) enjoyed a fascinating presentation about the Christmas tradition of “szopka,” hand-made nativity scenes within a colorful castle. The presenter, Marek Czarnecki, annually guides the children in Hartford-area Catholic schools who build these structures using everyday household items such as paper towel rolls, boxes, foil, plastic bottles, and wrapping paper. The szopka reinforces the concept that Christ is born every day, not just on December 25. Adults and children enter these creations into an annual competition held at the Polish National Home in Hartford. This year the event will be on Sunday, December 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 60 Charter Oak Ave.