The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/page/250/)
Trees have both common and scientific names, such as Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).
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.
The grand opening has not yet been scheduled, but progress in the Kent Memorial Library building was reported to be “moving right along,” and the goal has been set for the building work to be complete by the end of April or early May so the librarians can complete the job of moving back from Ffyler Place.
Congratulations to senior Gabrielle Zeller who was chosen to receive the ShopRite Kindness Award for December. Gabrielle was nominated by Suffield High School principal, Mr. James Blain. Mr. Blain stated, “Gabby Zeller has exemplified all of the Core Values at Suffield High School since I came to know her this summer. She was instrumental in planning Freshman Orientation, ensuring a smooth welcome to our school community for incoming ninth graders. Gabby is also a leader in the World Language Honor Society, where she coordinates many cultural events, as well as the National Honor Society, participating in Read Aloud to the elementary schools, being a ‘go-to person’ in the Toys for Tots Campaign, and leading efforts in many other school and community events.
Excellent voices, great dancing, an impressive set, enjoyable music by an immensely popular group, and a hilarious story of modern life in an attractive Mediterranean location — what more could an audience want, especially those in the audience whose kids were on stage.
The Suffield Wildcats boys co-op swim team are pictured at Windsor Locks High School, where they won the Nutmeg Conference championship.
Congratulations to Jared Sharp who was featured on Fox 61 in the CIAC Captains Spotlight. Jared is a junior at Suffield High School and has made All NCCC every season of his career. He finished third in the state decathlon last year. Jared has been on community service trips to Kenya, China & Ecuador. Congratulations to Jared for this well-deserved award.
Aces High, Team 176, our local collaborative FIRST Robotics team, got a great start in their initial meet this year at Wilby High in Waterbury on March 7-9. They had worked hard in the last few weeks, and their robot seemed ready. The team did well in the qualification rounds on Saturday and early Sunday, ending at the top of the rankings, in spite of problems with the vision system. These were fixed by late Saturday. As No.
The Suffield Middle School’s yearly Wax Museum is a two–morning program that’s been one of this reporter’s favorite assignments. All the sixth graders are asked to choose and learn about a prominent non–fiction figure from a biography and other sources. Then they prepare a tri–fold display panel telling about that individual and write a short presentation, which they deliver, costumed appropriately and speaking as the person they have studied. The presentations are customarily given in the school gymnasium, but the event was moved to the cafeteria this year because the gym was set up for a gymnastics event. During first period on February 27, the Blue Team made their presentations to visiting parents and others; in second period, the White Team students came in with clipboards and rating sheets to hear and evaluate their peers’ performances, a feature of the program that adds another bit of learning.
Suffield High School World Language department is pleased to acknowledge Jacob Ofsuryk as the World Language Student of the month for March.
Congratulations to Jared Lobo, who was selected as the Rotary Student of the Month for February 2019.
Celine Zaczynski is pictured with happy students at the Suffield Co-operative Preschool, to whom she was reading her new book, Where is Owen Going?
The Suffield Regional FFA Chapter will be holding an Ag Expo at the Suffield High School located on 1060 Sheldon Street West Suffield, Conn. The Ag Expo will run on Wednesday April 10 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides countless opportunities for hands-on activities related to all areas of agriculture.
Old timers in town will remember Little Orphan Annie from her radio program and her long-running comic strip, and many will remember at least one of her several movies and the popular musical play, Annie, as well as Annie, Jr., the adaptation for a young cast offered to Suffield in 2012 as the first musical play produced by Suffield Middle School. Annie, Jr. came to town again for three performances this year at the end of February and the start of March, and the town was delighted again. As Annie, Brynna Tinnirella showed the spirit and enterprising gumption that characterized cartoon Annie, and made it clear that she was in charge of her life. In the role of “Daddy” Warbucks, the bald, powerful, millionaire who eventually adopted Annie, Nick Dery carried the forceful personality and underlying good heartedness of the tycoon well.
In other lead roles, Miss Hannigan, the tyrannical, hypocritical, child-hating matron of Annie’s orphanage, was played to the hilt by Sophie Collins, whose musical voice was among the best. And, in needed balance, “Daddy” Warbucks’ loyal secretary, Grace Farrell (Sara Kudas), was warm to Annie throughout.
Spaulding School continued its annual celebration of Read Across America with several events the week of February 25. Monday was Wear Green Day – along with green clothing we saw some green hair! In addition, preschool was joined by Miss Connecticut, Bridget Oei, as a guest reader. Tuesday was Hat Day – we saw everything from baseball caps to Cat in the Hat hats! Wednesday was Wacky – the hairstyles and clothing choices definitely made it a Wacky Wednesday!
Identity thefts and scams are rampant in Suffield. The Suffield Police report that they receive calls concerning identity theft and scams daily!
plot size roughly 18′ x 25′ • in full sun • rainwater collected for irrigation
During April school vacation, FOFAH has organized a Spring Garden Party for children to explore pollinators and plants at Hilltop Farm.
The Connecticut Trolley Museum presents four Easter Bunny Fun Days on April 13, 14, 19 and 20.
Suffield Youth Services hosts a special screening of Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety on April 3, at Suffield Middle School. The documentary intends to open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts in a discussion following the 56-minute film. Dr. Laura Saunders, Psy.D. ABPP, psychologist from Hartford Hospital, will lead the talk. “I’m so grateful to Suffield’s Youth Services for providing an opportunity to tackle such an important topic,” stated Suffield First Selectman Melissa M. Mack. “Unfortunately, too many of our young people struggle with anxiety in their everyday lives.”
Producers Scilla Andreen and Karin Gornick hope to spark a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety.
Thank you, Observer, for the serendipity which surprised me in your March issue. Jane Shipp’s article and the photograph “warmed the cockles of my heart.”
The warming sent me to Wikipedia to refresh my memory about cockles. Along with the mussels which Molly Malone sang out to sell on the streets of Dublin (as her mother and father had done before her), cockles was familiar as a seafood. Wikipedia offered another meaning: ventricles of the heart, the “pumping system of the heart.” One can envision the heart’s connection with ventricles and cockles. Connecting with my own heart and deeply appreciated are Jane Shipp’s kind words about my being an educator.
