During Suffield on the Green, leaders of the privately funded community bandstand initiative turned it over to the town in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Suffield’s Social Services Commission Chair, Robin Zatony, who spearheaded the 18-month project, and Natalie Donais, president of the Rotary Club and a major supporter and promoter, spoke about the impetus and process of building the new 20-foot bandstand, which replaced the rickety 15-foot bandstand, built in 1976.
Suffield’s First Selectman Colin Moll praised the two women, along with the more than 50 residents who Zatony named as donating services or funds. She thanked major donors Florence & Warren Packard and family, Elzear Roy and family, the Suffield Rotary, the Casinghino family, and the Suffield Woman’s and Garden Clubs. Those names, along with Zatony and her husband, another major donor, were inscribed on a bronze plaque that will be affixed to a large boulder next to the bandstand. The last line on the plaque reads, “Built by Community, for Community.”
The Barnyard in Ellington built the new $180,000 bandstand. Local builder Elzear Roy donated the foundation, stamped flooring and sidewalk.
Photo by Tony Peterson
With their hands on the scissors, Natalie Donais (L) and Robin Zatony cut the ribbon, dedicating the new community bandstand on the town green as other community leaders watched on September 12.