Organizations
Observer Volunteers Recognized
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The Suffield Observer owes its existence to a large number of volunteers, as well as other friends who send us news and photos (and opinions!), so we get together occasionally to give thanks.
Suffield’s History and Notable People Honored
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Trees have both common and scientific names, such as Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association Receives Prestigious National Honor
The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) has been recognized on the national stage as the 2026 EMS Agency of the Year by the National EMS Management Association.
Government/Town
Proposed Budget Passes
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On May 8, Suffield residents approved a $59.3 million Town budget, which is an increase of 1.64 percent. The vote was 69-46 in favor.
Library
Books Moved, Library Opening Scheduled
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On April 23, immediately after the Observer’s May issue went to press, First Selectman Melissa Mack announced that the Kent Memorial Library would reopen on Saturday, June 29. There were still a number of tasks to complete, but it looked as if the June 29 date would work, including word from principal donor Michael Zak that he could be present. Many library aficionados looked forward to the end of their long wait. At press time for this June issue, nothing has caused a change in that schedule. On Saturday April 27, books that had been stored in big cases in a box trailer at the highway garage and in a storage pod next to the temporary library were brought to Bank Lane and unloaded, in a welcome respite in the spring rains.
Columns
Where in the World is the Observer?
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Suffield travelers turn their backs on the view of Lake Garda and the looming Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy for their portrait with The Suffield Observer.
Organizations
SFES Gala Rocked!
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The Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools hosted Fire and Ice, a rollicking fundraiser on Saturday, March 23, at the Sheraton Hotel at Bradley. With WMAS radio personality Chris Kellogg doubling as both disc jockey and auctioneer, the party goers danced the night away after getting down to the business of raising $35,000 for the Suffield Public Schools. The dinner dance auction included silent auction, and featured mobile bidding for the first time. Being able to vote with your phone and getting notices when you had been outbid resulted in spirited competition among the participants, especially on some of the more popular items. Auction items ranged from the reasonably priced to big ticket items. From homemade soup to a hayride picnic to Legends seats at Yankee Stadium with a night on the town in New York, to original art, there was something for everyone. A special feature of every SFES auction is “Raise the Paddle,” wherein guests are asked to underwrite a specific expensive grant.
Organizations
Pack 266 Cubs Cross Over
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When Cub Scouts complete their career in the early years of the overall Scout program, those who want to continue – and almost all of them do – “cross over” to become Boy Scouts in a very nice ceremony held in the Cub Pack’s annual Blue & Gold Banquet.
Organizations
Girl Scouts Get Their Day
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As part of the Selectmen’s meeting on March 6, First Selectman Melissa Mack proclaims that March 12, 2019, was to be Girl Scout Day.
Government/Town
Senior Center & Mini Bus News
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First Selectman, Melissa Mack, will proclaim May 2019 to be Older Americans Month during the first Board of Selectmen meeting in May!
Government/Town
Healthy After-School Snack Program was a Hit!
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Learning how to make delicious recipes that are quick, healthy, inexpensive and fun to prepare is a specialty of the very talented Michelle Mattia – Registered Dietitian of the Enfield ShopRite that has partnered with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department once again.
Government/Town
Parks & Rec News
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March 20, the first day of spring, is a date I look forward to every year with much anticipation. That day brings with it renewed energy and hope for nicer weather around town. Usually, it has been about four months since many of us were able to enjoy warmer weather, work in the yard or just get out for a walk. Every day I see more and more people out walking by my office on Mountain Road, playing in the parks and enjoying spring sport; people seem to have just a bit more cheer! Be sure to get out and enjoy all that Suffield has to offer.
Organizations
May Market Coming
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The Garden Club’s Market this year will be held on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Phelps-Hatheway House Barn in Suffield. Admission is free!
Organizations
SGC Business Meeting
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The Suffield Garden Club will hold a meeting on Monday, May 6, at 11:45 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea and a light lunch will precede our annual business meeting. All who are interested are welcome to attend.
Suffield Garden Club
History of Mother’s Day
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Mother’s Day is revered in many parts of the world, generally in March or May. Pink carnations are the most gifted flower for Mother’s Day.
Farming/Nature
Brooks’ New Home
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Brooks, abandoned in Stony Brooke Park in February, has made a full recovery and has been adopted by Bill and Pamela Gaines of Enfield. We are delighted that Brooks has a new family! The investigation into who abandoned Brooks is continuing.
Organizations
Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association Honors Volunteers
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The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) held its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on April 6 at Crestview Country Club. Organized by a committee comprising Kathy Dunai, Joan Perrone, Ashley Godin, Kirstin Carr, and me, the event is held to honor the many volunteers, both from in–town and nearby towns, who volunteer to serve the community. While all the volunteers deserve recognition, the dinner ceremony offers special recognition to individuals whose efforts stood out in whatever role they played. The ceremonies opened with bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award, given to a member who has shown tireless desire to go above and beyond on a regular basis. It is considered the highest level given by the SVAA, given only in those years when an individual clearly deserves this special honor.
Farming/Nature
May Bird Migration Has Begun!
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Each spring, thousands of birds make their annual trek north from their winter grounds in South or Central American or the Caribbean to their “summer homes” in the North via one of four flyways through the United States. In the eastern U.S., the birds follow a route referred to as the Atlantic Flyway.
Farming/Nature
Palm Warblers and Other Strangers
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When my brothers and I were growing up, my parents were not on orange alert about strangers. While my friends were all being lectured about the dangers of unknown people in their lives, my parents were throwing caution to the wind. In fact, their eyes would light up whenever we encountered an interloper in our travels. My dad would roll down the window in the rental car and offer the unsuspecting hitchhiker way more than a ride. The stranger would be given the opportunity to “show the kids around the area” and to earn 10 dollars while doing so.
People/Business
A Promise to Astrid
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The New England Premiere of the movie A Promise to Astrid will take place on June 2, at 6 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church, 580 Main Street in Agawam. Admission is free and tickets are not required.