The Polish Heritage Society normally meets in the morning on the first Wednesday of each month from September to June. Unfortunately that is an inconvenient schedule for second and third generation Polish Americans who work, but would like to participate in the goal of learning about and perpetuating our Polish Heritage. This month there will be an evening meeting in addition to the morning session. On Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the library, Sara Zak will talk about the evolution of the Polish community in Suffield which started in the 1890s. She will share her findings from the Federal Censuses taken in 1900, 1910 and 1920 using her Zak-Kreczko Family as a theoretical example of a typical Polish immigrant family.
Norma Phillips, a life-long resident of West Suffield, had the honor of being specially requested to be a flower girl at a recent ceremony. Norma has extended family of three generations, and it was an exciting time for all present to have Norma, fondly referred to as the “Amp,” fulfill this special role.
The Economic Development Commissions of Suffield and East Granby co-hosted a workshop on Manufacturing, Workforce Development and Education in November at the New England Air Museum. 125 attended from the area, including manufacturers, educators, and professionals from banking, real estate, and government. Sponsors were: MB Aerospace, Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Bradley Development League, Connecticut Dept. of Economic and Community Development, and Hartford Business Journal. Opening remarks were made by Bart Kollen, Deputy Commissioner, DECD.
The Music on High community music program is excited to present Calliope Brass and their special children’s program, What’s Your Story? (WYS), on Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Suffield. WYS is a fun and frolicking music program for children of all ages! WYS is an interactive performance narrated by Calliope, a dragon-fairy puppet who excitedly leads audience members through an exploration of the power of storytelling through music. Calliope is an original character created for and by Calliope Brass with the help of Sesame Street puppeteers Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (“Abby Cadabby”) and Haley Jenkins (“Zari”).
ByPete Leclerc, Donna Carney-Bastrzyki and Pam Cocca |
The Suffield Parks and Recreation Department’s Bowling Buddies group and families celebrated at their annual Holiday Banquet on Tuesday, December 18. It was held again this year at the Suffield Country Club’s Sunset Tavern. The Sunset Tavern is a terrific location for the party. The staff are wonderful and the food was delicious and plentiful. The holiday party was filled with excitement as everyone celebrated the holidays with friends and family.
Congratulations to Sarah Johnston – World Languages Student of the Month for December. Sarah is a senior at Suffield High School, currently enrolled in Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course. Sarah is a talented language learner with an unbeatable enthusiasm for linguistic challenges and cultural diversity. Her effort and dedication to the study of French have resulted in a high level of competency in the language. In April of 2017, Sarah was inducted into the National French Honor Society, and currently serves as the President of the chapter.
It is easy to think that there is not much kindness in our very divided world. I looked up a simple definition of “kind” in Merriam Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary, which is meant for use by new English language learners. Their definition is “… showing a gentle nature and desire to help others….wanting to do good things and to bring happiness to others.”
About two months ago, I was surprised when a gentleman ahead of me in the checkout line of a dollar store, swept my few items into his pile and said “I got this”. Not expecting his kindness, I first reacted with “Oh, those are mine.” Then I realized he meant to pay for my items. I felt really touched and also had the desire to “pay it forward,” so I paid for the few items the woman behind me was buying. She too was surprised and repeatedly thanked me, telling me the items were to decorate her classroom for special needs students.
The Town of Suffield and the Chief of Police, in consultation with the Suffield Police Commission, recently announced the implementation of an operational study of the Suffield Police Department to begin immediately. Conducted by the Daigle Law Group, LLC, (“DLG”) the effort includes a review of law enforcement best practices relative to the department’s day-to-day procedures. The process, estimated to last between three and six months, will culminate in data-supported recommendations designed to enhance the workings of the department. The decision to proceed with the assessment coincides with a concern raised by a resident and possible litigation discussed in executive session at a special meeting of the Police Commission on January 3. Although executive sessions are confidential in nature, First Selectman Melissa M. Mack stated, “This is a next step in proactive measures taken to support the Police Chief’s goal of making the Suffield Police Department a model of 21st century policing.” Chief of Police Richard Brown also commented that, “The department is committed to embracing modern police practices and a community policing philosophy to improve our level of service.”
Attorney Eric P. Daigle, in his presentation for police consulting services on behalf of DLG, noted his firm’s “focus is on police best practices, specifically in the areas of policy development, training, investigation, and operations.” A former Connecticut State Police Detective, Mr. Daigle provides combined expertise in both law enforcement and civil rights.
ByPete Leclerc, Donna Carney-Bastrzyki and Pam Cocca |
The Parks and Recreation Department is offering an entry-level course intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. The course focuses on safety with emphasis on prevention. Basic first aid and obstructed airway management for a conscious choking adult/child and infant will be covered. Other topics include hand washing, diapering, bottle-feeding, personal safety, interview skills and many more topics. The course is four hours.
