With the hottest days hopefully behind us, I’m looking forward to the cooler days of fall. This summer was one of the hotter ones I can remember in recent years so hopefully everybody stayed cool and was able to enjoy themselves. Lots of events happened, and I’m happy to report, more to come. This summer has seemingly gone by so quickly, but I’m more than happy to welcome in my favorite season.
Before I took office, I was told that nobody really read the Observer, and that I shouldn’t waste my time writing articles. When I first started writing and submitting my updates I thought maybe I was wasting my time. However, over the course of this entire year and even more recently, if I had to pick one thing that people will mention to me, it’s always my articles in the Observer. In a time when so many things are digital, I’m glad to hear that plenty of people still read the local paper that so many hardworking volunteers help put together. And to those volunteers, thank you for your time and dedication. The Town is lucky to have such a devoted group. I can attest to the fact that the Observer is still well read.
Here’s what’s going on for the month of September:
- It’s the last full month for the Suffield Farmers Market. Come out and support all of our local vendors. While you’re there, don’t forget to grab your free “Suffield Town of Farms Passport” and get it stamped throughout the Town at all of our local farms. Thank you Ellie Binns and Kacy Colston for the great idea and highlighting our local agriculture community!
- The 51st Annual Suffield on the Green and Craft Fair is September 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and September 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (see flyer on page 15.) Look for me at various groups’ tents as I’ll be helping and supporting as many of our Town committees as time will allow.
- Our first responders did a fantastic job with their mobile open house tours throughout the Town. If you think that your street, children and neighbors would enjoy an evening with our First Responder members and vehicles, please reach out to them to let them know for next time. Thank you to all of our first responders who made these nights possible.
- America’s Night Out was a great success. Thank you again to all of our First Responder Units, the Rotary, DPW, Knights of Columbus and Suffield Community Aid as well as all of the businesses and groups that donated for coming out and making this possible!
- I am happy to announce that after many months of searching we finally hired a new Library Director. I’d like to welcome Julie Styles to Suffield. Julie was previously the Assistant Director of Public Services for the Hartford Library. She will be starting August 29 and we are excited to see what new and fresh ideas she will bring to the Kent Memorial Library. Please come out that week and welcome her to our town. I’d also like to thank Jackie Hemond, the interim Library Director, who helped us bridge the gap up until this point. Thank you Jackie!
- The 18th Annual Suffield Parks and Recreation 5k Road Race and 42nd Annual 10k Road Race will be September 10 at the Suffield Middle School. Still plenty of time to register!
- We are at the beginning stages of planning an Oktoberfest at Hilltop Farm for October 15. The event will include German style beers, music, and food. It will be a ticketed event so be on the lookout when sales start! More information to come as we get closer.
- We are looking to build a dog park at Stony Brooke Park by Remington Street. Discussions will take place during the next few Board of Selectmen meetings to decide if we should. USA Recycling has been kind enough to agree to donate half the costs for the fencing which is the bulk of the project costs. Please come out if you want to show support or have concerns.
And finally, good luck to all of our Suffield students as you embark on a new school year!
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and as always, my door at Town Hall is always open.