Parks and Rec

Sign Up Now for Suffield Parks and Recreation Winter Programs

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Suffield Parks and Recreation releases its 2019 winter programming with registration which is beginning now at www.suffieldrec.com. The lineup includes a focus on family fitness and wellness with activities like Cheerleading Fun and Adult CrossFit joining perennial favorite, Men’s Recreational Basketball. 

“We are particularly excited to kick off recurring Family Friday Nights with a Frozen Sing-a-Long on Friday, January 11,” noted Parks and Recreation Director Peter Leclerc. “These events promise fun for the whole family.” The sing-a-long is open to the public and free of charge, with donations accepted to benefit Suffield Community Aid. In addition to fitness, enrichment, cooking, arts and crafts, Suffield Parks and Recreation continues to meet the needs of all Suffield residents by offering inclusive special needs programming like the Bowling Buddies and Outing Group. 

The group fosters friendships, socialization, community involvement and independence. 

“I am very proud of the staff and the work they do to fill this important need in our community,” stated First Selectman Melissa M. Mack. The department welcomes volunteer help.

Government/Town

Another Highway Garage Proposal

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At the December 12 selectmen’s meeting, Developer Mark O’Neill, of Hamlet Homes, presented another alternative for a possible relocation of the Town Highway Garage. As reported in the Observer’s December-January issue, three locations have already been considered for the garage, all involving a new or newer building, but most importantly, freeing Ffyler Place from what is considered an impediment to attracting advantageous commercial development there. The new alternative is Parcel 4 of the tract on East Street South that Hamlet has been marketing for several years. The ten-acre parcel is the northernmost part of the original 30-acre tract that Hamlet had acquired in 2014. Parcels 1 and 2 of that tract are now owned by the developers of Brook Hill Village, a new apartment complex with 36 apartments now occupied and 48 more soon to be offered.

Government/Town

An Industrial Revolution Locally

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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.

Government/Town

SPD Operations Study Initiated

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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.

Government/Town

Elderly and Totally Disabled Homeowners’ Tax Credit Filing Offered

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The Assessor’s office reminds elderly and totally disabled homeowners that the filing period for the state and local homeowners benefit program opens on Friday, February 1, and will end on Wednesday, May 15. This program will allow a credit on the June real estate tax bill to qualified taxpayers. The income limits are $36,000 for an unmarried homeowner and $43,900 for married homeowners, who must also be residents of this state, be age 65 by last December 31, or totally disabled and live in the home. New applicants must file an application by May 15. Any current recipient of the benefit who has received a letter from the assessor’s office reminding them to apply this year must also apply no later than May 15, to continue to receive the benefit.

Government/Town

Town to Hold Free Small Business Seminars

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The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Suffield and East Granby’s EDC will hold a series of four, free small business seminars over the next four months. These hour-long “best practice style” seminars are for the small business owner, to offer advice and guidance on challenges they face with limited resources. Topics will include: Financing, Marketing, Hiring Practices and Technology. The first session: “Financing for the Small Business” will show how to access capital to begin or grow a business. It features a panel of business financial experts from the CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC), Community Investment Corporation (CIC), local commercial institutions, and a local entrepreneur who successfully utilized funding to take his business to the next level.

Government/Town

Warning about Scams

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Every once in a while I remind everyone, but particularly seniors, about all the scams we receive on our phone. I too am a senior and even though I am careful, once in a while I almost fall for one. Just remember if it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. And you will never be called on the phone by the IRS, your insurance company, for anything about your health, or for any personal information. If it is from any of the above, they will send you something in the mail.

Government/Town

350 Anniversary Committee Unveils New Logo

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The new logo, designed by Windsor Marketing Group, reflects Suffield’s agricultural heritage. It features the sun rising behind a tobacco barn, with a plowed field and tree. The tree evokes Connecticut’s Charter Oak. A descendant of that famous tree stands in front of the Suffield Town Hall. 

The image is consistent with the vision of the 350th Anniversary Committee that Suffield is a community of farms.

By coincidence, the new logo is similar to the reverse of a medallion that was pressed for the 300th anniversary of the town. There a tobacco barn dominates the image, with rows of tobacco planted on its side.