The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/category/opinion/page/23/)
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!
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.
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.
The editorial cartoon reflects the view of the creator and is not necessarily endorsed by The Suffield Observer.
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.
The editorial cartoon reflects the view of the creator and is not necessarily endorsed by The Suffield Observer.
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?
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.
The editorial cartoon reflects the view of the creator and is not necessarily endorsed by The Suffield Observer.
