Scout District Names Eagle of the Year

Suffield Boy Scout John Cremins earned his Eagle Scout Award in January 2017 and was honored at Troop 260’s Eagle Award ceremony in March. He was happily surprised many months later, when he was named by the Matianuck District as the Emil Huyghebaert Eagle Scout of the Year for 2017. The award is named after a notable, much-appreciated Scout leader of years past. The Matianuck District, comprising twelve towns including Suffield, and 53 Scouting units, held its annual Recognition Dinner on March 17, when the award was presented. John is now a freshman at Suffield Academy and has continued his interest in Scouting and the troop.

The Amazing History of Pratt & Whitney

Over the years, Pratt & Whitney has patented hundreds of innovations, from heat-resistant coatings to aero-dynamic blades – technologies that make air travel more cost effective, comfortable and dependable. Today Pratt and Whitney engines provide power for everything from land based power stations, business jets and helicopters to large commercial aircraft, fifth generation fighters, and manned and unmanned space vehicles. Mark P. Sullivan, former communications director for Pratt & Whitney, provides insight into one of the most iconic names in aviation. Pratt & Whitney rising from humble beginnings in a former cigar warehouse to become one of the most recognized symbols wherever people fly. The program will be held at the New England Air Museum on Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m. in the museum’s conference room.

Daytrip To Battleship Cove

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) in Windsor Locks, is offering a daytrip to Battleship Cove in Massachusetts on Saturday, May 19. The motorcoach will depart from the museum’s parking lot at 8 a.m.

Join NEAM as we journey to Fall River and the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. Journey through time from WWII to the Cold War as you trace the footsteps of the sailors aboard the Historic National Landmarks berthed at Battleship Cove! Discover the rich legacy of the brave men and women who served America in uniform, and the technology, firepower, and human sacrifice it took to preserve our freedoms! New this year, discover “The Story Behind the Steels and Sails – A Sailor’s Life,” at Battleship Cove and “Closing the Gap, The Role of the Azores during World War II,” over at the nearby Maritime Museum.

Stroke of Color at Phelps-Hatheway

Welcome spring and Connecticut Landmarks’ 2018 season! The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden is delighted to welcome Lynda Montefusco to our gallery with her exhibition, A Stroke of Color. The exhibit includes a selection of Lynda’s favorite paintings which explore various themes and techniques. On Friday, May 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., meet Lynda, enjoy her colorful works, and discuss her passion for painting while sampling an elderflower spritzer and spring treats. Admission to the Opening Reception is free.

Attic Tours at Phelps-Hatheway House

At the start of each month from May through September, take the ever-popular 1st Saturday Attic Tour at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden! Guests will be permitted to venture beyond the museum stanchions with Connecticut Landmarks’  (CTL) staff for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Phelps’ servant and attic spaces. View objects and collections from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and learn about historic Connecticut and the role the Phelps-Hatheway house played in the Suffield community. The series begins on Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 p.m. Take the Phelps-Hatheway House tour as well, and be sure to check out Lynda Montefusco’s art exhibition in the Visitor Center. 1st Saturday Attic Tours occur on May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4 and September 1.

Hang ‘em High

Container plantings are a wonderful way to display flowers and greenery which adds curb appeal and charm to a home. I love to see classic window boxes brimming with vigorous florals. Traditional urns showcasing shrubs/flowers are a huge favorite of mine too. Hanging planters are popular and likable as well; the caveat here is to hang ‘em high to prevent knocks to the noggins. Have fun creating your own floral displays in containers filled with a commercial potting mix.

Calling All Campers!

Travel back to 18th century colonial Suffield for a week of summer fun!  Monday, July 30 through Friday, August 3, children ages 8 to 12 can don period costumes (or wear their everyday summer clothes!) and participate in the activities that took place at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden each and every day. Campers will learn about creating textiles (dyeing wool and cloth, knitting, sewing, spinning and weaving), westward expansion and trade (exploring maps and uncharted land), and school and home activities (classrooms, gardens and crafts). Best of all is the opportunity to learn about the toys and play games of the past. Meet historic figures and design your own tour of the museum to share with family and friends. A special surprise will await all on the final day when music and dancing fill the air!

Delayed Delivery

Copies of the The Suf-field Observer destined for West Suffield Post Office box holders are customarily delivered by the printer to the Suffield P. O. and then forwarded to the West Suffield P.O. for the boxes there. That did not happen for the April issue. After receiving a number of complaints, we checked and confirmed the situation. When the West Suffield box problem was discovered, we carried a supply of papers to the West Suffield P. O., but it was more than a week later than the normal schedule. We are very sorry for the inconvenience.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Trolley Museum

The Connecticut Trolley Museum is excited to honor mothers and grandmothers free admission with a paid adult or child admission on Mother’s Day, May 13. Spend a few hours with the family while enjoying all the museum has to offer. Take as many trolley rides as you would like operated by period dressed motormen. Learn historic information about each car you ride and how the museum began. Inside the Visitor Center you will find more static trolley cars and artifacts, a theater showing a short film about trolleys and a gift shop to buy that special souvenir.

Scholarships Deadline Extended

The Observer is looking for worthy high school students interested in a $1,000 college scholarship.  The Sam Fuller and Robert Warren one-year scholarships are for full-time students residing in Suffield and attending a four-year or accredited community college in the fall.  They should be planning to study history, communications, journalism, creative writing, political science or research and should have community service experience. The application can be obtained from the SHS or Suffield Academy guidance offices or online at http://thesuffieldobserver.com/scholarship-information/. The deadline for applications has been extended to May 15.