The final school bell has rung, classes have ended, and for some students, it was their last walk through our doors. Saying goodbye to friends for the summer—or even longer—can be bittersweet. But it also signals the start of a new season, a time to shift gears and embrace everything summer brings: beach days, boating, hiking, camping and outdoor adventures with family and friends.
Congratulations to all our graduating seniors! We’re proud of you and wish you the very best in all that lies ahead.
Another successful Suffield Summer Fair is in the books! A big thank you to Frank Campiti and his team for organizing a weekend full of rides, games, food and everyone’s favorite finale—fireworks. Special thanks also go to Pete Leclerc, Kris Lambert, the entire Community Services staff, the Public Works Department and all the volunteers whose hard work made the event possible. We’re especially grateful to the local businesses that generously donated to this year’s fireworks display: Dowd Realty Group, Breezy Way Farm, People’s Bank, Windsor Federal Bank, and Berube & Associates. Your support helps make this beloved community tradition shine!
The new decorative planters filled with colorful blooms have been installed on the islands in the center of Town. Thank you to the following for your donations: Artioli Realty, Edward Jones, Grand Street Liquors, Heritage Funeral Home, Linde, Suffield Village Market, Trend 2000 Real Estate, Turning Point Wellness Center, Chrisel’s Affordable Care, Coldwell Banker Realty, West Side Oil, Wilma’s Scoop Du Jour, Karenough Crafts and Boutique, Suffield Wine and Spirit Shop, Northern Nurseries and Suffield Veterinary Hospital.
The Town has successfully reached new Collective Bargaining Agreements with both the Police and Dispatch Unions. Notably, this marks the first time in decades that the Town and the Police Union have finalized a contract before the previous one expired—avoiding delays and arbitration. The agreement includes a significant wage increase for union members, helping to ensure our compensation remains competitive with neighboring and comparable communities. In turn, the Town secured important changes to insurance provisions that will result in substantial long-term cost savings.
The Board of Selectmen recently approved creating a task force to explore and provide further options for expansion of the Suffield Housing Authority. The State of Connecticut continues to mandate affordable housing options. After spending the last two years assessing our Affordable Housing report with our Affordable Housing Commission and the Board of Selectmen, we feel the best option for Suffield is this. It meets both a State mandated need, but a need for residents on a long waiting list at the Housing Authority. More details to come as our work progresses.
Our work on the Facilities Master Plan continues. The Permanent Building Commission has been tasked with putting an RFP out for consulting work to guide us through the entire process in order to avoid typical planning pitfalls encountered by other towns. The two main buildings of focus are still the Middle School and Fire House Headquarters.
With fall elections approaching, residents interested in running for any elected Board or Commission positions are encouraged to reach out to the respective party chairs: Tom Frenaye of the Democratic Town Committee and Mike Haines of the Republican Town Committee.
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of former Fire Chief Tom Bellmore. Chief Bellmore dedicated over four decades of service to our Town, thirty of those years as Fire Chief. His unwavering commitment as a First Responder played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We were truly fortunate to have such a devoted public servant. Thank you, Tom, for your many years of service and for all you gave to Suffield. You will be deeply missed.
Everybody enjoy the summer and as always, my door is always open.