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.

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.

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.

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.

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…