Government/Town

Poster Contest Winners Announced

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When the food scrap recycling program at Suffield Middle School began in September, a student member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter suggested a poster contest to draw attention to the program’s benefits.

Government/Town

45th Annual Parks and Rec Road Race

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The Suffield Parks and Recreation’s 45th Annual 10K Road Race, 21st Annual 5K Run, 2 Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run, presented by PeoplesBank, was held on Saturday, September 6, starting at Suffield Middle School for all four races. It was an outstanding day, filled with sunshine, excitement, and community pride — the perfect weather to kick off the beloved Suffield on the Green Weekend. We lucked out at the race as the weather held off in the morning before the storm clouds rolled through. We are thrilled to share that this year’s event broke attendance records, with over 300 participants and local vendors joining in to celebrate this cherished town tradition. Families and friends lined the courses and gathered at the event hub, where children had a blast in the incredible bounce house sponsored by Wilcox Rentals, and many enjoyed face-painting by Joelle’s Skincare and Makeup of Suffield.

Government/Town

Building a Voter’s Guide

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We thought you might find it helpful to understand the process we undertook to produce the Voter’s Guide. To begin, questions were drafted for the candidates based on information we thought would be helpful for voters to know. Then we sought contact information from the chairmen of both political parties. Final edits were made and all candidates were emailed the questions and allowed ten days to respond. The volunteer production staff at the Observer spent numerous additional hours preparing this month’s edition for 40 pages in order to fit the Voter’s Guide and ballot into the paper.

Government/Town

Suffield Voter Guide

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Town Election, November 4, Suffield Middle School 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Observer asked all candidates: “What are your qualifications for this office?” Candidates were also asked another relevant question. Responses were limited to 200 words. FIRST SELECTMAN – Vote for up to OneQuestion for First Selectman: What do you think is the most pressing issue in Suffield? How would you address it? JIM IRWIN – DI am no stranger to public service.

Government/Town

Discover Suffield’s Local Business Spotligh

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Suffield is home to an incredible variety of businesses, each bringing unique services, flavors, and experiences to our community. To celebrate and support these businesses, the Town of Suffield features a Local Business Spotlight each month on the town website – SuffieldCT. gov/business_hub. The spotlight introduces residents to different businesses in town, sharing their stories, specialties and the value they bring to our local economy.Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant, a new shop opening downtown, or a service provider offering something unique, the Business Spotlight is a great way to learn more about what’s right here in our backyard. By taking a few minutes to explore the monthly feature, you can discover hidden gems, support local owners, and strengthen the vibrant business community that makes Suffield such a special place to live.Be sure to visit the Town of Suffield website each month to check out the newest Local Business Spotlight—you might just find your new favorite spot!

Government/Town

Town News You May Not Know

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Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from the minutes of various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more details, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings. Board of Education – August 11Foreign Exchange Students for the 2025-2026 School YearSuperintendent Dunbar shared that the district would like to welcome three international students for the upcoming school year from Spain, South Africa and Germany. Each student has a host family in Suffield.

Government/Town

Suffield Municipal Election

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The Municipal Election will be held on November 4 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Suffield Middle School.Early Voting – In-person early voting will be held at the Suffield Town Hall from October 20 through November 2 (Monday through Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on 10/28 & 10/30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)”Absentee Ballot Voting – For electors who expect to be unable to appear in person to cast their vote because of active military service, absence from town, sickness, religious tenets or physical disability. Applications are available on line or from the Town Clerk.Voter Registration – For U.S. citizens who will be 18 years old by Election Day, In-person registration is available at Town Hall: (1) during regular business hours, (2) October 17 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and (3) on Election Day at Same Day Registration held in the Registrar’s office from 6 a.m. to 8p.m. Mail-in and on-line registration deadline is midnight October 17 (VoterRegistration.CT.Gov). To verify your voter registration on-line go to portaldir.ct.gov/sots/Look-Up.aspxPermanent Absentee Ballot Status – Voters with permanent disabilities may file an application with the Town Clerk, along with a physician’s certificate stating that they are unable to appear in person at their polling place due to a permanent disability. Once filed, the voter will automatically receive an absentee ballot for all elections, primaries, and referenda they are eligible to vote.Curbside Voting – Voters unable to enter the polling place due to a disability may request curbside voting assistance by calling860-668-3850Ballot Marking System

Accessible voting systems are available at all voting locations. It features a touch-screen display and offers alternative input options such as audio instructions, tactile keys, sip-n-puff, and a jelly-bean button.

Government/Town

Captain’s Corner: Lithium – Ion Battery Safety

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The October National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week slogan for this year is “CHARGE into Fire Safety – Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home.” Lithium-Ion batteries are used to power many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, cordless vacuum cleaners, power tools, vehicles, and countless other items. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. If not used correctly or damaged these batteries can catch fire or explode. Please consider the following safety tips:BUY only listed products• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. CHARGE devices safely• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it.• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.

Government/Town

SUFFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT REPORT – August 2025

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REASONSStructure fireMobile property (vehicle) fireNatural Vegetation fireEmergency medical service (EMS) incidentCombustible/flammable spills & leaksChemical release, reaction or toxic conditionElectrical wiring/equipment problemService call, otherPerson in distressWater problemSmoke, odor problemPublic service assistanceUnauthorized burningDispatched and canceled en routeWrong location, no emergency foundSteam, other gas mistaken for smokeFalse alarm and false call, otherSystem or detector malfunctionUnintentional system/detector operation (no fire)TOTAL: 53# OF CALLS11122122221111142917

Mutual Aid Given: 1Mutual Aid Received 2