People/Business

Interview with a Long-Time Suffield Native

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BAfter talking to Ed Chase, it is easy to believe that he is somehow descended from all 30 of Suffield’s original proprietors. On his father’s side, Ed can count back to seven generations in America, tracing them from Hampton, New Hampshire, the Connecticut River Valley, Springfield and then Suffield. Ed’s longer Suffield bloodline comes from his mother’s side. She was a clear descendant of Anthony Austin, an original proprietor, and she was also a descendant of lots of other Suffield families.  Marguerite Ford Chase, Ed’s mother, lived on what is now the Hastings Farm on Hill Street.

Churches

First Church Events

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The following events are happening in February at First Church of Christ, An Open and Affirming Church of the United Church of Christ. Worship is held every Sunday at 10 a.m. All are Welcome! First Church is currently under renovations. Access and location of events are subject to change. Please call 860-668-7223 and leave a voicemail with any questions, concerns, or to RSVP for an event.

People/Business

Music for the Holidays

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Many folks of a certain age may have owned a Walkman, but probably not an ear bud or two and they no longer spend much time with their hi-fi’s (if any such survive), but they still enjoy music. And when the December holiday season comes around, they delight in the opportunities in town to be part of great music. The seasonal music started this year with the Christmas tree lighting on the Green at the end of November, missed by this reporter, but it certainly must have included a carol or two, and the a cappella group “Time Was” performed at the Kent Memorial Library. First Church joined Second Baptist on Sunday morning December 8 for their “Advent Breakfast and Carol Sing,” and that afternoon a small contingent of hardy folks gathered in the unheated First Baptist Church for the very traditional carol sing there, followed by hot cocoa by the stove in the anteroom. On December 12 following a school concert, the Middle School Elite Singers visited that school’s Christmas Boutique for an impromptu concert.

Churches

Handbell Choir Concert

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What is the ultimate team “sport”? A handbell choir! You’ll be forgiven if that answer did not spring immediately to mind. Actually, in England, handbell choirs are known as handbell teams. Imagine a piano played by ten different people where each person plays two to four keys. Replace the keys with a set of bells and you’ve got a handbell choir.

Government/Town

A Call to Reconcile a Valuable Town Asset

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Democracy is so highly prized in our society; it is the very fabric of our collective consciousness. Our handheld devices alight with global breakdowns, gridlock, and civil rights strife. If a threat to the democratic process occurs here in Suffield, it becomes pertinent to address it locally. This account was precipitated by questionable official actions made. It has hindered and thrown into confusion, affecting a binding resolution passed by voters in 2015.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

350th Anniversary Celebration Essay Contest Winners

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As part of Suffield’s 350th Anniversary Celebration, the Kent Memorial Library sponsored an essay contest. The theme of the essay was Suffield: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. The winners, who each received $50 from the Friends of the Kent Memorial Library, were chosen from the four age categories. They are:

Third–Fifth Grade:     Jack Conley, grade 4 wrote “Emily Sweeney”

Sixth–Eighth Grade: Marie Conley, grade 6 wrote “ Suffield on the Green”

Ninth–Twelfth Grade: Charlotte Arnold, grade 10 wrote an untitled essay

Adults: Rachel Spears wrote “My Suffield: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”

Rachel Spears’ essay is published here:

My Suffield: Yesterday,

Today, and Tomorrow

By Rachel Spears

“I know the Klan, and could call them if I want to.” That was one of the first statements said to me from a neighborhood boy when my family moved into West Suffield in the summer of 1994. As a nine-year-old African American girl, my parents had never had much conversation with me about race, but I knew this was terrifying information just relayed to me from a 13-year-old neighbor.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Chilly Tree Gala

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Visitors came out in 12-degree weather to enjoy the Tree Gala in the Phelps-Hatheway House Barn on five days in December. Several trees were sold for donations to Suffield Community Aid, and more than $1,000 was raised for Suffield’s 350th Anniversary celebration. Our thanks to everyone who donated a tree!

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Suffield Trivia

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1. The Suffield railroad spur, two miles in length, which extends from just west of Main Street and Mather Street to just south of Mountain Road, and last owned by the Connecticut Southern Railroad, has not had a train traveling on it since

People/Business

A Folk Song for the 350th

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Lou Sorrentino of East Windsor was wandering as a minstrel through Suffield on the Green last September, singing with his guitar just for the pleasure of the experience, when Caroline D’Otreppe, a member of Suffield’s 350th Anniversary Committee, saw him and had an inspiration. She found that he enjoys entertaining, both for hire and volunteering, and he also occasionally writes ballads on demand. After some discussion, Lou agreed to put something together about Suffield. This experienced, multi-talented volunteer (who is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor often appearing in court as an expert witness) gets nice balance from his love of music.  He set out to learn about Suffield, and his volunteer performance at the 350th Brew Fest included an evocative ballad full of references to elements of Suffield life over the years. It was a diverse compendium: eagles, cigars, farms, Graham crackers, canals, immigrants, and lots more.

Government/Town

New Chief Operator at WPCA

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We welcome Suffield’s new WPCA Chief Operator, Alex Kaminski. Mr. Kaminski was the Assistant Superintendent at the Farmington WPCA. He comes to our town with 12 years of experience and Class I, II, and IV certifications. This amiable young man works closely with Jamie Kreller, the WPCA Superintendent. When asked to discuss the differences in their roles, Mr. Kaminski stated that Mr. Kreller is the Administrator of the WPCA and thus he must make sure the sewer laws and ordinance for all buildings, compliance with sewer contractual expectations, safety programs, and staffing are in place.

Government/Town

Holiday Moonlight

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The full moon peeks through some branches as it rises above Suffield’s new Christmas tree lights on December 12, while a small, golden tree competes with bright icicle lights on the bandstand.

Government/Town

New Street Signs Coming

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Have you noticed? The Town is gradually replacing its street name signs to meet modern standards. Many have already been changed, and this batch, created by the Highway Department’s sign-maker, was photographed in November stored neatly next to the Highway Garage on Ffyler Place. They are to be installed when time and conditions permit.

Government/Town

WPCA Election Revote Ordered

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It’s been a long time since a tie vote delayed the results of a Suffield Town election, but that’s what happened on November 5. The following events included a few twists and turns. As first announced, all the votes had clear winners, especially First Selectman Melissa Mack, who ran unopposed. But the Water Pollution Control Authority vote hit a snag. Six candidates were vying for the four seats to be filled (three members of the WPCA were continuing in office), and the vote produced three clear winners plus a fourth possible winner whose count was just one vote more than the next candidate on the list: 1,484 for Scott Guilmartin vs.