Editorial

The Coming of the Reaper

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Pedaling on Clay Creek Drive a week ago, along the field, I caught a flash of yellow in the corner of my eye and turned to see a bobolink perched on a stalk in full-throated glory. He’s jet black with white shoulders and back, and a brilliant yellow cap. He nests with his mate in the tall grass of the hay field. If they are quick about it, they will fledge their family before the farmer comes for the hay. And this bobolink is precious, strutting his stuff as only the beautiful can, blissfully unaware of politics in Washington, refugees in the Middle East, and the coming of the hay reaper.

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.

Editorial

Learn Life’s Lesson While Young

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After coaching softball for over 25 years at recreational, Little League, travel, and high school varsity levels, I have a few tips for parents and coaches. First, let me say that 99% of the girls’ parents (and the girls!) were a delight to deal with and some remain good friends long after their daughters have given up the game. For the most part the parents were realistic about their daughter’s talent and sincerely cheered on her teammates. As somewhat of an athlete myself before the days of Title IX when girls’ sports were at the bottom of the heap both in funds provided and opportunity, I relished the chance to be on a team, and to strive with others to accomplish a common goal. It was disappointing to me that the softball team my senior year played a schedule of 7 games while the baseball team played 21.

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

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.

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.