Organizations

Phelps-Hatheway House to Host Teas

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Please join the staff of the Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden for two delightful occasions sure to make your holidays bright! On Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at 11 a.m., the door to our historic Pine Room will open to welcome families to a Teddy Bear Tea. Bring your beloved bear for a sweet treat and celebration of the holidays. Tea sandwiches, a variety of cookies and a tasty herbal tea will warm the heart and body. A short story dedicated to the bear you love and a visit from a special North Pole resident will finish our time together.

History

The Hanukkah Story

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According to Jewish custom, Hanukkah is considered a “minor” Jewish festival, but today it ranks—along with Passover, Purim and High Holidays—as one of the most beloved Jewish holidays, full of light and joy and family celebration. Unlike many Jewish holidays, Hanukkah (also known as the Festival of Lights) is not mentioned in the Bible. The historical events upon which the celebration is based are recorded in Maccabees I and II, two books contained within a later collection of writings known as the Apocrypha. As the story goes, in the year 168 B.C.E., the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes sent his soldiers to Jerusalem. The Syrians desecrated the Temple, the holiest place for Jews at that time.

Library

Art Show Helped

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Local artist Barbara Coffin, left, discusses one of her paintings with a visitor during the well-attended opening reception on November 1 for her month-long exhibit in the Gallery at Kent Memorial Library, the first exhibit since the library reopened.

Churches

A Suffield Holiday Music Tradition Continues

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The Second Baptist Church of Suffield is pleased to announce its Annual Community Christmas Concert. This annual event will take place Saturday, December 14, at 3 p.m. at the church at 100 N. Main Street – so plan to come for some fantastic music and a great time with your neighbors!

West Suffield Fire Mark

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In 1853 not having a fire mark could be disastrous. A hapless home-owner could find himself arguing price with three fire chiefs while his house burned to the ground. One fellow not only lost his house, he lost his life when the argument became as heated as the fire. A fire mark would have prevented all that by indicating which fire company would fight the blaze. Those were the days when insurance companies practically owned the fire companies.

Editorial

Volunteers at the Observer

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When people ask me what I am doing in my retirement, one of the first answers I give–proudly–is that I occasionally write for my town’s local newspaper, The Suffield Observer. I do it because I enjoy writing, and also because the very concept of a local volunteer newspaper pleases me. I love the fact that well over 100 of our friends and neighbors in Suffield give generously of their time to this paper. There is only one “regular” paid employee, and she is part time; she is assisted by a webmaster and a graphic designer who are even less part-time. All the rest of us are amateurs who enjoy being part of our community in this way.