Letter to the Editor

Pay To Play

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Our recent Town budget includes a potential Pay to Play option going into effect for future school years despite overwhelming comments at the last meeting to not have this happen. I believe the Pay to Play fees will pertain to athletics and potentially, clubs/activities at SHS and/or SMS.

My concern is that we are pricing some students out of participating in said activities. If you are familiar with Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, you know kids/teens that are able to pay for the elite teams (travel, premiere, private training) already have a distinct advantage over those that cannot afford it. In turn, their skill set will allow them more success and advantages. Think college scholarships.

Letter to the Editor

Local News is Important

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What would we do without The Suffield Observer? Many years ago, we could rely on Winnie Johnson, Eleanor Smith and Thea Coburn, who were local “stringers” for The Springfield Union, The Hartford Times and The Hartford Courant, to report local news every day as needed.

Letter to the Editor

Dog Rescue

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Dear Editor,

I am the owner of Falcon, the rescue Aussie that escaped from me on November 18, 2018 and was captured on November 23, 2018. I wish to thank the Town of Suffield, the two ACOs, the police, and the Suffield Forum. I especially want to thank the group of women on Hill Street that are the real reason why I have my dog back. If it was not for their patience and treats, I believe the dog would probably be cruising around the Oxen Hill Farm area. Special thanks to the Vet Tech who I observed taking her time to have the escape artist eat food out of her hand and slowly put her finger through his collar.

Letter to the Editor

A Town Treasure: Suffield Academy

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Dear Editor,

As a proud resident of Suffield (since 1970), I am writing to detail the positive impact that Suffield Academy has had on my children and other children who went through the Suffield Public school system. I coached travel basketball for boys and girls, grades 5–8. Gym space in Suffield was always limited. Not only did Suffield Academy allow us to practice in their gym, but the Academy staff and students were always welcoming. The teams I coached were able to practice in a better facility for longer periods of time and extra days during the week.

Letter to the Editor

Capital Project Management

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I’m compelled to share frustration with the management of capital projects. We’re asked to approve an additional $1.5 million for our Library – it’s a must do.

Letter to the Editor

Festival Comment

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On a warm Saturday afternoon, the Suffield Arts Festival was held July 14th at Bruce Park. My family and I had the opportunity to see Suffield Youth Theater’s talented members in action along with guest acts perform. They were comedic, talented and exciting to observe. The low turnout was a disappointment. The Suffield Youth Theater’s members worked hard to put this event together and I commend them for their valiant efforts!

Letter to the Editor

Meals on Wheels Lacks Funding!

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I have been a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Suffield for a number of years, and was shocked recently when I was advised that no new meal recipients could be added to the program. This apparently is due to lack of funding. I find this unacceptable, especially when I’m positive that the state budget includes funds for items that are far less important than providing meals for Suffield residents who are either unwell or unable to prepare them themselves. I feel strongly that we must reorder our priorities and make sure we address the real needs of those in our community. I understand that money is tight, but our first priority must be to take care of those in need.

Letter to the Editor

Bixler Picnic – A Huge Success!

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Dear Friends of Stephen,

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has made the Annual CPL Stephen R. Bixler Picnic another huge success this year. Although we were plagued with rain and cold winds all day, that didn’t stop anyone from coming to honor and remember Stephen. We would also like to thank Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Congressman Joe Courtney for caring and taking the time out of their busy holiday schedule to stop by the picnic, both remembering the sacrifice Stephen made for our country. And also a thank you to First Sgt. Grainger for the wonderful speech he gave.

Letter to the Editor

Capital Project Ignored

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I’ve been following the progress of utilizing the building and property of the former Bridge Street School. It’s accurate to say that there is no progress when there should be. I want to know why the First Selectman is evading to affect the result of a referendum. A proposal in 2012 to sell off the property was voted down 4 to 1. Next, town residents convened around developing this valuable town asset into a Community and Cultural Center for Suffield.

Letter to the Editor

The Solution Is Complicated

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My concern with the theme of the article [Beth Chafetz’s March Editorial No. No. Not Again] is that the crux of the argument centered on the tools that were used, rather than the root cause. If we continue down this argument road, we need to also speak about the use of automobiles/trucks, chemicals that can be used to create bombs and other items that can be used for violence. Instead, we need to shift the discussion to the mental makeup of those doing these unspeakable deeds so that we can stop the violence at the source.