The leaves are turning, the days are getting shorter and the air has turned crisp and cool. Fall is in mid-swing and before we know it the holidays will be upon us. As we gear up for the winter season I would like to share with you some of the happenings over the past month and also offer a preview of what to look forward to in November.
- The Town has reached agreements with the DPW and Fire Union on the next Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- We have recently given the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association just over $50,000, using Opioid funds, to purchase new Stryker Lifepak’s that will integrate new technology into their cardiac monitors and upgrade their operations using them.
- Our Sustainable Suffield task force, along with the assistance of WPCA Superintendent Jamie Kreller, just received the State’s Bronze Certification through Sustainable CT. The required tasks demonstrate our Town’s commitment towards sustainability practices, environmental stewardship and public health. Thanks to those involved for their hard work and efforts achieving this certification.
- Our Economic Development Commission, Economic Development Specialist, Chad Kuzontkowski, and I have completed our second round of TIF (tax-increment finance) matching grant funds. Thanks to all the business owners who applied for funding to update facades and make indoor renovations. We approved over 25 grants within the district, distributing over $200,000 in funds to help support our local businesses.
- We recently received a very generous donation from resident and Social Services Commission Chairman, Robin Zatony. Her donation of $10,000 will cover the entire cost to outfit the Community Services Building (Senior Center, Parks and Recreation, Youth Services, and Mini Bus Departments) with streaming capabilities exactly like the Town Hall and Police Department. Not only will we be able to live stream more Board and Commission meetings, but we will also be able to stream events and programs that homebound residents may not have had access to in the past. Join us for our first live stream event there, “Parents Under Pressure” on November 14, hosted by the Barbara Dowd Memorial Fund, Friends of the Library, Youth Services and Suffield Local Prevention Council.
- A big thank you to residents and local business owners, Don Ledoux and Lisa Pepe of Turning Point Wellness, George and Kristie Fields of Suffield Hardware, Dave and Kim Shute, Angelo Marinone, and all other volunteers who supported and helped with gathering and sending supplies for Hurricane Helene relief to North Carolina and Tennessee. Thank you to all the residents who donated items and made this a successful endeavor.
- Election Day is near. Early voting is already underway at Town Hall. Don’t forget to get out and vote at the Middle School on Tuesday, November 5.
- Veterans Day is Monday, November 11 and there will be numerous ways to celebrate and thank your local veterans. From 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at all schools, the Town and schools will once again be partnering to celebrate our Veterans. All veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. More information and the RSVP can be found on the Town website. We will also host a Veterans’ Day event at the Veterans’ Memorial which will include the unveiling of the new monument to honor and recognize those who served in wars and operations after the year 2000.
Don’t forget to check out the great events and programs being offered through our Library and Community Services.
My First Selectmen Community Tour is underway. Visit the Town website for more information and to register for a home visit while I am in your area.
I wish you, your family and all your friends an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday, and as always, my door is always open.