People/Business

People/Business

Local Equestrian Honored

By From a press release | March 1, 2019

“I’m very proud of Gabriella and her horse. This is such a prestigious show and it’s an honor to qualify, much less to attend with your own horse and achieve so much together,” said trainer Danielle Barrasso, referring to her student, Gabriella Santaniello, a junior at Suffield High School who added the Premier Equestrian Award to her list of achievements at the 2018 International Friesian Show Horse Association World Show, October 2-7, in Springfield, Ohio.  Trainer Barrasso worked with Gabriella at the Sunny Hill Farm on North Street. In their very first IFSHA World Show appearance together, the Suffield teenager and her five year-old purebred Friesian mare, Rajasahara (Steffan-S x Senko Zon D), earned nine World Championships, 12 reserve championships, and a Top 5 in classes including costume, halter, (hunter and western) dressage, (hunter and western) equitation and pleasure, and showmanship. “She started riding at age five, and became my student when she was seven. She started out doing hunter/jumpers on my ponies before her parents bought Raja and waited for her to grow into her new horse.”

The wait, this Premier Equestrian Award winner has certainly proven, has been worth it.

People/Business

Pentimento Brings Beauty to Inaugural Ball

By Johanne Presser | February 1, 2019

Being a floral designer is not all a bed of roses. Just ask sisters Tamara Pezzente and Paula Gallo, owners of Pentimento, a Suffield floral design company, who are regularly up before the crack of dawn to get to the 5 a.m. opening of the Boston flower exchange. The Suffield residents, who started the business about 30 years ago, have been catering to the rich, famous, and politically connected as well as every-day folks who appreciate their artistic touch and aesthetic. Their artistry and easygoing way, combined with their knowledge of all things that grow and an ability to translate a bride’s vision into memorable arrangements led them to be chosen a Best of the Knot (wedding publication) in 2016. Gallo, who loves her job, credits her sister with being “the artistic one” who started out doing the flowers for her church, but Gallo is likewise creative.

People/Business

A Story of Sweetheart Farmers

By Beth Chafetz | February 1, 2019

Carol and Harrison Griffin were high school sweethearts who will soon be celebrating their 50th anniversary! Carol grew up on a farm here in Suffield, Harrison grew up on a farm in East Granby, and they met in high school when they both were in 4-H. Harrison’s Polish family farm dated from 1647 (the farm has been recognized as having been in the same family since the birth of the Constitution), and Carol’s family came from Ireland in the late 1800s. They dated and then graduated from Suffield High School (since East Granby didn’t have a high school at that time) when the high school was what is now McAlister Intermediate School. Both Harrison and Carol went on to college at the Hartford Branch of UConn.

People/Business

Praxair Tour

By Kevin Bielmeier | February 1, 2019

Praxair, formerly known as Union Carbide, is a global company headquartered in Danbury. Their Suffield facility, opened in 1966, operates 24-7, producing three cryogenic liquids: nitrogen, oxygen & argon. The facility has many clients across the northeast, serving many markets including aerospace, with such clients as Pratt & Whitney and other divisions of UTC. A Suffield delegation recently visited Praxair as part of an ongoing initiative by the Town to visit businesses, learn about them and examine how the Town can best serve the business community. Businesses interested in being visited are invited to contact Kevin Bielmeier at kbielmeier@cerc.com

People/Business

Suffield Welcomes Another New Business

By Kathleen Werth | February 1, 2019

NE Tactical Training Academy opened doors in Suffield at 801 Thompsonville Road on October 1. Founder John Viscomi brings over six years of experience training law enforcement on tactics and techniques to his new business. Professionally trained instructors lead class sizes of 5–7 in Suffield, ensuring that both basic and advanced participants receive the individual attention needed to leave their training with the confidence to defend themselves. Among the training delivered is a Conn./Mass. Dept.

People/Business

Stonegate Takes Shape

By Lester Smith | February 1, 2019

Stonegate, the subdivision being developed off North Main Street, was first announced at the September 2017 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, when Ray Daddario described his plans in a pre-application conference. The project then worked its way through Conservation Commission and Historic District Commission approvals and finally the Planning and Zoning Commission public hearings, deliberation, and final approval on February 28, 2018. As the property includes two notable homes in the Town Center Historic District that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Stonegate elicited considerable local concern and some opposition. The development comprised two parcels. The first is the 20-acre property at 480 North Main.

People/Business

Never Too Old to Be a Flower Girl

By The Suffield Observer | February 1, 2019

Norma Phillips, a life-long resident of West Suffield, had the honor of being specially requested to be a flower girl at a recent ceremony. Norma has extended family of three generations, and it was an exciting time for all present to have Norma, fondly referred to as the “Amp,” fulfill this special role.