Calling Colonial Campers

Travel back to 18th-century colonial Suffield for a week of summer fun! Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2 children ages 8 – 12 can don period costumes (or wear their everyday summer clothes!) and participate in the activities that took place at the Phelps–Hatheway House & Garden each and every day. Campers will learn about creating textiles (dyeing wool and cloth, knitting, sewing, spinning and weaving), westward expansion and trade (exploring maps and uncharted land), and school and home activities (classrooms, gardens and crafts). Best of all is the opportunity to learn about the toys and play games of the past. Meet historic figures and campers will design their own tours of the museum to share with family and friends.

Suffield Sings

Suffield Sings will return with its second annual concert on Sunday, April 7 at 4 p.m. in the Suffield Middle School auditorium. Singers from Suffield Middle School, Suffield High School, Suffield Academy, First Church of Christ UCC, Sacred Heart Church, and Second Baptist Church will join together for a concert celebrating the joy of choral music in Suffield. Come join these choral singers of Suffield for an afternoon of great music and community. Admission is free and open to the public.

NEAM Announces Women Take Flight Event

The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Women Take Flight event on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in commemoration of Women’s History Month and in conjunction with Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate women’s contributions to aerospace history through a variety of hands-on activities, special events, and lectures. This year’s keynote speakers include Shaesta Waiz, Founder and President of Dreams Soar, Inc. In 2017, Ms. Waiz became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single engine aircraft when she completed a journey that took her to 22 countries in 145 days. Born in an Afghan refugee camp, Ms. Waiz is the first female certified civilian pilot from Afghanistan. Ms. Waiz will speak about her experiences at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and will be available to meet with visitors from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Additional keynote speakers include Mary Anne Cannon, Vice President of Commercial Programs at Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut; and Kristi Fleischmann, Managing Director of Acrojet Aerospace Solutions in Stratford.

Sports Equipment Collected for Reuse

In November, I attended the first ever Student Athlete Advisory Board meeting hosted by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). As one of three representatives for our area, I was tasked with sharing what we are doing in Suffield to promote sportsmanship and community involvement and bringing home new ideas. At the conference, students got together into small groups to discuss possible community service initiatives for our Class Act Councils. My group came up with the idea of a used sports equipment drive. I thought this would work well at Suffield High School because most students play sports throughout their whole lives, so I took the idea back to SHS, and we decided to offer the incentive for students to bring in used gear for free admission to any home basketball game.

FOS Egg Hunt and Bunny Visit

It’s back! By popular demand, the “Welcome Spring! Egg Hunt and Bunny Visit,” hosted by the Friends of Suffield, returns to town this year. Perfect for families with young children, the activity-filled event takes place Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Spaulding Elementary School. Volunteers are busy planning a variety of hands-on fun, which will be posted on www.friendsofsuffield.org.

SGC Accepting Grant Applications

If your town organization has a new or ongoing project which supports Suffield Garden Club’s purpose, we invite you to apply for a grant of up to $300. Projects which “stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening and the art of flower arranging; aid in the protection of trees, plants and birds; encourage civic beautification or instill a respect for the environment” are all eligible. In evaluating applications, priority will be given to projects that emphasize benefits to the community and/or community involvement and participation. Applications must be submitted through a non-profit organization. Scouts, students and teachers should apply through their troop or school.

Valentine Couple Crowned

Suffield’s new Valentine King and Queen smile to their subjects. Bill Brennan and Margaret Matuck won the draw and held their royal audience on February 9 following a generous mid-day dinner presented at the Senior Center by the Friends of Suffield and served by student volunteers to approximately 80 celebrants.

Lily House under New Ownership

Lily House Bed and Breakfast, the only remaining Suffield B&B, has new owners as of November 2018. Lorraine and Mike Mancini sold their 15 year-old business to Suffield residents Tiffany and Camile Hannoush. The Hannoushes feel Lily House, on Bridge Street right in the heart of downtown with history dating back to 1720, is rich with charm, character, and uniqueness. Guests visit from all over the world and include Suffield Academy parents, business travelers, and folks just looking to relax at a place offering all the comforts of home. Lily House also hosts events and special occasions, including local business meetings, family showers, and even a book signing which is scheduled for March.