ByBy Suffield Fire Department Captain Brian Gauthier |
REASONSStructure fireMobile property (vehicle) fireNatural Vegetation fireEmergency medical service (EMS) incidentCombustible/flammable spills & leaksChemical release, reaction or toxic conditionElectrical wiring/equipment problemService call, otherPerson in distressWater problemSmoke, odor problemPublic service assistanceUnauthorized burningDispatched and canceled en routeWrong location, no emergency foundSteam, other gas mistaken for smokeFalse alarm and false call, otherSystem or detector malfunctionUnintentional system/detector operation (no fire)TOTAL: 53# OF CALLS11122122221111142917
ByBy Suffield Fire Department Captain Ron Carlson |
The October National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week slogan for this year is “CHARGE into Fire Safety – Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home.” Lithium-Ion batteries are used to power many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, cordless vacuum cleaners, power tools, vehicles, and countless other items. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. If not used correctly or damaged these batteries can catch fire or explode. Please consider the following safety tips:BUY only listed products• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire. CHARGE devices safely• Always use the cables that came with the product to charge it.• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.
The Municipal Election will be held on November 4 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Suffield Middle School.Early Voting – In-person early voting will be held at the Suffield Town Hall from October 20 through November 2 (Monday through Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on 10/28 & 10/30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)”Absentee Ballot Voting – For electors who expect to be unable to appear in person to cast their vote because of active military service, absence from town, sickness, religious tenets or physical disability. Applications are available on line or from the Town Clerk.Voter Registration – For U.S. citizens who will be 18 years old by Election Day, In-person registration is available at Town Hall: (1) during regular business hours, (2) October 17 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and (3) on Election Day at Same Day Registration held in the Registrar’s office from 6 a.m. to 8p.m. Mail-in and on-line registration deadline is midnight October 17 (VoterRegistration.CT.Gov). To verify your voter registration on-line go to portaldir.ct.gov/sots/Look-Up.aspxPermanent Absentee Ballot Status – Voters with permanent disabilities may file an application with the Town Clerk, along with a physician’s certificate stating that they are unable to appear in person at their polling place due to a permanent disability. Once filed, the voter will automatically receive an absentee ballot for all elections, primaries, and referenda they are eligible to vote.Curbside Voting – Voters unable to enter the polling place due to a disability may request curbside voting assistance by calling860-668-3850Ballot Marking System
Accessible voting systems are available at all voting locations. It features a touch-screen display and offers alternative input options such as audio instructions, tactile keys, sip-n-puff, and a jelly-bean button.
Too busy to look up what’s going on in town? This article covers selected information from the minutes of various Town Boards and Commissions. If you want more details, it can be found by going to suffieldct.gov, Agendas, Minutes, Recordings. Board of Education – August 11Foreign Exchange Students for the 2025-2026 School YearSuperintendent Dunbar shared that the district would like to welcome three international students for the upcoming school year from Spain, South Africa and Germany. Each student has a host family in Suffield.
Every day the world seems more worrisome, so it’s important to remember that the way we treat others, the way we speak to and act around our kids, is an important model for them. Whether it’s the vocabulary we use, the emotions we demonstrate, the empathy we show or even the interests we practice, children imitate and learn from us whether we are aware or not. So, as a grandmother of five, I can fully appreciate the humor in the following short anecdotes. And thought you might appreciate them, too.How children perceive their Grandparents……from For Funny Grandmas
She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she’d done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!”
Suffield is home to an incredible variety of businesses, each bringing unique services, flavors, and experiences to our community. To celebrate and support these businesses, the Town of Suffield features a Local Business Spotlight each month on the town website – SuffieldCT. gov/business_hub. The spotlight introduces residents to different businesses in town, sharing their stories, specialties and the value they bring to our local economy.Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant, a new shop opening downtown, or a service provider offering something unique, the Business Spotlight is a great way to learn more about what’s right here in our backyard. By taking a few minutes to explore the monthly feature, you can discover hidden gems, support local owners, and strengthen the vibrant business community that makes Suffield such a special place to live.Be sure to visit the Town of Suffield website each month to check out the newest Local Business Spotlight—you might just find your new favorite spot!
The Friends of Kent Memorial Library are pleased to report that we have had another successful book sale this year. All the money made from the sale is used to support Kent Memorial Library programs and purchase materials for the library throughout the year. Photo by Matt Auchy Books stored at Second Baptist Church were loaded for their ride to Father Ted Hall. Many “hands” go into making this sale happen. First, thanks to Second Baptist Church for providing us with space to sort and store the thousands of books that are donated to us during the year.
This year’s Suffield on the Green had the feel of a typical fall weekend, however there was some rain on both Saturday and Sunday that closed the SOTG early at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, although, the sun did eventually come out on Sunday. The crowds, crafters, musicians, local charities and food booths were resilient!!! The 54th “Suffield on the Green” continued to bring smiles, give fairgoers a chance to meet with family and friends, as well as the opportunity to purchase unique items and enjoy some of the BEST food around! Photo provided by the author The friendly-faced train brought young and old to their destinations on the Green. The “Suffield on the Green,” brought to you by the Suffield Knights of Columbus and the Suffield dough, pulled-pork and of course, the Rotary Chicken BBQ – are YOU looking forward to next year already???Walking the Green, the fairgoers savored the opportunity to visit numerous booths filled with handmade arts and crafts plus local organizations sharing their information, services and food!
Photo provided by Gayle Demko Suffield On The Green dog photo boot
On Sunday, September 7, Suffield On The Green will feature a photo booth in lieu of the canine contest. Bring the family including your pet and visit our dog photo booth from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for your free 4 x 6 photo!.
The Friends of Kent Memorial Library’s annual book sale will take place again this year at Sacred Heart Church’s Father Ted Hall located at 446 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT. There’s plenty of parking and you don’t have to worry about bad weather.
Saturday, Sept 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bounce houses – Alpacas – Free Train ride – Live Music – Crafters – Food Galore – Rope Walk – Face Painting – Performers and much more…. https://www.suffieldonthegreen.org/
Sunday Chicken BBQ
Rotarians are up well before the crack of dawn to get the chickens on the pit every year. Rotary Families and the Interact Club (Suffield High School Rotary) comes together at daybreak to put together 800 chicken dinner boxes in preparation of the chickens coming off the grill. Photo provided by Amy Reay
Starting with this month’s recipe, I’m planning to find recipes
which include a key ingredient from a particular state. So, starting with Alabama, this month’s recipe contains pecans.
Local Farmer and Garden Club Team Up to Bring Cheer to Suffield House ResidentsFor many years, volunteers from the Suffield Garden Club have met with residents of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities to create colorful flower arrangements together. Garden Therapy Director Sally Peters assists Suffield House residents with flower arranging.All Photos by Lisa Parker
Volunteers help participants arrange flowers into fresh bouquets that they can bring back to their rooms or put on their dining tables. “This is one of our most popular programs,” commented Suffield House Director Scott Emmons. “Residents look forward to it all week long!”
Julie Harrison (left) and Garden Club volunteers prepare blossoms for the Garden Therapy program at Suffield House. Volunteers (l to r) Larry Peters, Joyce Zien, and Betty Gilbert.
Photo provided by Judith Hanmer Sibbil Dwight Kent Chapter of the DAR cared for our Veterans in the Old Cemetery this past summer. Honored and resting in peace.
ByDonna Carney-Bastrzycki, Dan Leonard and Pete Leclerc |
It Was a Fantastic #SummerinSuffield
From sunny days to starry nights, #summerinsuffield was packed with fun, friends and fantastic programs as we offered a wide variety of events that showcased the town’s community spirit.
Photo from Connecticut Landmarks Ebenezer King built this elaborate Federal-style mansion, with two porticos in 1795. In 1811, he sold the house to William Gay, the son of Ebenezer Gay and a prominent lawyer and postmaster of Suffield, who ran the post office from his house. The house came to be known as the Gay Mansion and remained the possession of descendants of the Gay family until 1916. The house is now the official residence of the headmaster of Suffield Academy. Photo from Connecticut Landmarks This house was built in 1850-1870 by Ephraim West.
Photo by Sharonm Bruno In May, Suffield’s Vocational Agriscience Center students gather at the Suffield Senior Center to plant beautiful flowers that they had grown in the raised flower beds that they built. The two raised flower beds were donated by Home Depot along with all the soil to fill the beds.
The Pinney Gallery of the Kent Memorial Library in Suffield will feature a collection of work by a fine artist and teacher from East Granby, Lori Rapuano.
