The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/2020/02/page/6/)
What is the ultimate team “sport”? A handbell choir! You’ll be forgiven if that answer did not spring immediately to mind. Actually, in England, handbell choirs are known as handbell teams. Imagine a piano played by ten different people where each person plays two to four keys. Replace the keys with a set of bells and you’ve got a handbell choir.
Democracy is so highly prized in our society; it is the very fabric of our collective consciousness. Our handheld devices alight with global breakdowns, gridlock, and civil rights strife. If a threat to the democratic process occurs here in Suffield, it becomes pertinent to address it locally. This account was precipitated by questionable official actions made. It has hindered and thrown into confusion, affecting a binding resolution passed by voters in 2015.
As part of Suffield’s 350th Anniversary Celebration, the Kent Memorial Library sponsored an essay contest. The theme of the essay was Suffield: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. The winners, who each received $50 from the Friends of the Kent Memorial Library, were chosen from the four age categories. They are:
Third–Fifth Grade: Jack Conley, grade 4 wrote “Emily Sweeney”
Sixth–Eighth Grade: Marie Conley, grade 6 wrote “ Suffield on the Green”
Ninth–Twelfth Grade: Charlotte Arnold, grade 10 wrote an untitled essay
Adults: Rachel Spears wrote “My Suffield: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”
Rachel Spears’ essay is published here:
My Suffield: Yesterday,
Today, and Tomorrow
By Rachel Spears
“I know the Klan, and could call them if I want to.” That was one of the first statements said to me from a neighborhood boy when my family moved into West Suffield in the summer of 1994. As a nine-year-old African American girl, my parents had never had much conversation with me about race, but I knew this was terrifying information just relayed to me from a 13-year-old neighbor.
At the New England Air Museum on November 22, over 200 partyers tasted wines and beers and sampled victuals from six breweries, six restaurants, and two liquor stores. And the NEAM’s military hangar was a successful venue for such a party.
Visitors came out in 12-degree weather to enjoy the Tree Gala in the Phelps-Hatheway House Barn on five days in December. Several trees were sold for donations to Suffield Community Aid, and more than $1,000 was raised for Suffield’s 350th Anniversary celebration. Our thanks to everyone who donated a tree!
1. The Suffield railroad spur, two miles in length, which extends from just west of Main Street and Mather Street to just south of Mountain Road, and last owned by the Connecticut Southern Railroad, has not had a train traveling on it since
On the Southfield scenic road – Where merchants took their load –
Suffield on the Green – Where dreamers come to dream.
Lou Sorrentino of East Windsor was wandering as a minstrel through Suffield on the Green last September, singing with his guitar just for the pleasure of the experience, when Caroline D’Otreppe, a member of Suffield’s 350th Anniversary Committee, saw him and had an inspiration. She found that he enjoys entertaining, both for hire and volunteering, and he also occasionally writes ballads on demand. After some discussion, Lou agreed to put something together about Suffield. This experienced, multi-talented volunteer (who is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor often appearing in court as an expert witness) gets nice balance from his love of music. He set out to learn about Suffield, and his volunteer performance at the 350th Brew Fest included an evocative ballad full of references to elements of Suffield life over the years. It was a diverse compendium: eagles, cigars, farms, Graham crackers, canals, immigrants, and lots more.
The following table has been adapted from data provided by the Suffield Police Department.
We welcome Suffield’s new WPCA Chief Operator, Alex Kaminski. Mr. Kaminski was the Assistant Superintendent at the Farmington WPCA. He comes to our town with 12 years of experience and Class I, II, and IV certifications. This amiable young man works closely with Jamie Kreller, the WPCA Superintendent. When asked to discuss the differences in their roles, Mr. Kaminski stated that Mr. Kreller is the Administrator of the WPCA and thus he must make sure the sewer laws and ordinance for all buildings, compliance with sewer contractual expectations, safety programs, and staffing are in place.