The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/2020/03/)
We are sorry to reach out on a Saturday morning to inform you that the NCDHD confirmed that there are a number of staff and residents at Suffield House, Suffield’s sole skilled nursing facility, that have tested positive for COVID-19 with other tests pending.
I am saddened to report that the North Central District Health Department confirmed this evening an additional coronavirus case in Suffield. At this time, that is the extent of the information available. While this news is not unexpected, I share the community’s concern for one of our neighbors. I wish I was not ending your day with this news. Please continue to practice social distancing, take care of each other, and stay well. Melissa M. MackFirst Selectwoman
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Governor required businesses to suspend in-person operations for all non-essential functions via Executive Order #7J. In a statewide call on Friday, the Governor clarified that the order does not apply to municipalities and municipal CEOs should decide who are essential and non-essential town employees.
The State of Connecticut is coordinating donations of personal protective equipment through the United Way to address current shortages. Donations are being accepted from the general public, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
For one Suffield family, the first week in February was one they will never forget. On February 2, in London, native son Greg Butler, along with Guillaume Rocheron and Dominic Tuohy, won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for visual effects for their work on the WWI film 1917.
The Suffield Observer will sponsor two scholarships to Suffield residents who will be entering an accredited two-or four-year college in September.
Aces High, Team 176, our local team in the FIRST Robotics Competition, has been a great competitor ever since they were organized at Windsor Locks High School in 1995. Suffield joined in 1998, and the team won the National Championship in Florida the following year.
At the risk of being overly dramatic, I must say that without a reverse in direction, I fear that our society and democracy are in trouble. Self-interest, greed, hypocrisy, and the desire to beat one’s opponent at any cost seem to carry the day while civility, fair play, and a willingness to compromise are on life support in the public arena.
Recent events ranging from, among others, the problems with the Town Hall renovations, the development of Ffyler Place, the police department’s morale, and the stalled Bridge Street school/community center bring to a head the realization that complex problems face even a small town such as Suffield and that expertise in the area of public administration is needed.
The “NO” signs soon followed. This one was across from the West Suffield Post Office.