Editorial

Facebook: More Than It Appears to Be

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Mark Zuckerberg’s grilling in Congress about how Facebook treats personal information about data privacy and his responsibility to users caused me to also give this some thought. For some people, any amount of lack of privacy is bad on principle. I am closer to the other extreme: what does it matter if Facebook knows my preferences in books, movies, clothing, political leaning, food, group activities, friends, age, name, etc., etc. My major life dependencies, such as bank account, are secure. So what’s the big deal?

Editorial

Kindness and Respect

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The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and its  members, including the Suffield Woman’s Club, recite this ‘prayer for the day’ written by Mary Stewart in 1904 at each meeting. Also known as ‘the Collect for Club Women’ (but appropriate for everyone) it reminds us that we may disagree on some topics, but that doesn’t preclude us from being kind to each other. I believe if we ask each other why we disagree or how did we come to that conclusion or belief, we would gain a greater, deeper understanding of our fellow human beings. And wouldn’t that little step help seed a kinder world. A Prayer for the Day
Collect for Club Women
Keep us, O God, from pettiness;

Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

Editorial

It’s About Time!

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I have lived in Suffield since late 1984. I worked in the Suffield Public Schools for 23 years as a school administrator and was Acting Superintendent of Schools in 2016. I have served on the Board of Selectmen for four years, and still have another one and half years left on my term. In 1984-85 when I arrived in Suffield, the annual town expenses not including debt or school budget were $3,970,902 according to the 1984-85 Annual Town Report. This year the Selectmen are recommending a budget approaching $16 million, subject to approval by the Finance Board and a vote at the Town Meeting.

Editorial

Want To Better the World? Be a Volunteer!

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One of the most rewarding things anyone can do is volunteer for something. It can often be difficult to fit volunteering into our busy lives, but research has shown that it’s good for us. “Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day.

Editorial

No. No. NOT Again!

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Another school shooting. More than 400 people shot in over 200 school shootings since Sandy Hook (New York Times, February 15, 2018).

Editorial

Performance Reviews Make Sense

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While attending a Town Meeting on the budget, I happened to notice that employees who were not unionized, were given raises that varied significantly from one to another.

Editorial

The Power of Flour and Zest

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This is all about using the right ingredients, the right tools, and the right techniques…

Editorial

Blowing in the Wind

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Before and during January’s Blizzard Brody, many of us weather-watchers heard forecasters toss about terms that we have never or rarely heard.

Editorial

Take a Lesson from Churchill

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I am often annoyed, even disgusted, by the movies promoted in the Coming Attractions at nearly every movie theater.

Editorial

Fall in New England

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Doesn’t everybody in New England love the fall season, even when it isn’t the most beautiful one on record?