Churches

West Suffield Congregational Church

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West Suffield Congregational Church will be participating in Suffield on the Green, a long standing tradition for this church. This year the 275th Anniversary Committee will have a display at Suffield on the Green on Sept 8th and 9th. The committee is raffling off several baskets, including a LEGO basket, dog basket and a “locally made” basket. Welcome Sunday, the first worship after summer vacations, will also be September 9. Our children will help lead worship.

Churches

First Church Events

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Worship, Sundays, 10 a.m., Sanctuary- All Are Welcome!, beginning September 9. 9/5: Communion Luncheon in the Ebenezer Gay Room. Choir rehearsals begin – every Wed, Pilgrim Choir at 5 p.m., and Chancel Choir at 7 p.m.

9/8-9/9: Suffield on the Green. Stop by the Church booth and Bake Sale, information on services, programs, and support group availability. 9/12, 19, 26: Bible Study, 10 a.m. in the Ebenezer Gay Room

9/16: Kick-Off Sunday at First Church!

Government/Town

350th Anniversary Committee at the SOTG

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Visit the 350th Anniversary Committee at Suffield on the Green. Please stop by the Town’s booth at Suffield on the Green and talk with members of the 350th Anniversary Committee and see what’s in the works. Plans are coming together but we are still in need of volunteers to help organize and run events. Sign up for the first annual Suffield 350th Anniversary Celebration Golf Tournament to be held on October 13 at the Suffield Country Club. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Suffield350.

Government/Town

Suffield Prevention Efforts

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For 42 years members of the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance have been taking sick and injured people from Suffield to the hospital and teaching first aid and CPR on the side, but the world we live in is changing and we are changing with it. No longer is it realistic to just be reactive. In an effort to be more proactive, we have been working on a number of important prevention and preparedness initiatives. In the area of prevention, we have partnered with the Suffield Local Prevention Council in several programs since its inception almost two years ago. • We helped sponsor a forum with Eric Staton, a local paramedic and EMS/police trainer on identification of illicit drugs and how parents can deter use by their children.

Suffield Observations

A Fresh Start

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A new school year is upon us, providing a chance to shed all those bad habits and start the year right. My fellow parents, I am talking to you. For those of us who drive our children to any of Suffield’s fine schools, there are procedures for the safe and efficient drop off of students. Why are there people who don’t follow them? Consider the situation at the McAllister Intermediate School.

Government/Town

Black Bear Population Increases

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There has been a lot of talk in town with the warmer weather coming in, having more frequent interactions with our resident Black Bear population. There were nearing thirty calls for service between May and June of this year that had dealt specifically with problem bears. Wildlife encounters can be a very beautiful and exhilarating experience. Just remember that when dealing with Black Bears, their behaviors can be wild and unpredictable. Please do your part in helping us keep them wild.

Government/Town

Police Investigation Regarding Child Abuse

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On May 22, The Office of the Chief of Police was notified by staff of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that an allegation had been reported to DCF which involved members of the Suffield Public School District.

Government/Town

Parks & Rec Employee on Paid Leave

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On August 2, a town employee reported an incident of suspected child abuse or neglect to the Director of Parks & Rec of the Town of Suffield. The incident did not take place at a town-related activity or program but was reported to the town employee on July 2. The Director of Parks & Rec immediately notified the Suffield Police Department and the Department of Children and Families. Subsequently, the question of whether the town employee should have reported the incident sooner was raised. The First Selectman’s Office immediately began an administrative investigation and requested a criminal investigation into that issue, and the employee was placed on paid administrative leave during the process.

Government/Town

Upcoming Application Deadlines for Tax Exemptions

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Veterans

Veterans of any declared war period and current active duty military having not previously filed for an exemption must provide an original or certified copy of their Honorable Discharge or current orders or affidavit to the Suffield Town Clerk by September 30 to be eligible for a minimum exemption of $3,000 deducted from the assessed value of real estate or a motor vehicle. Each current member of the United States armed forces (including reserves and National Guard) is also eligible for the exemption from taxes of one motor vehicle upon application. Veterans with VA disability ratings must submit proof of the rating to the Assessor for an increased exemption benefit. Proof needs to be supplied once, unless the rating is changed. Disabled veterans age 65 or older are entitled to an exemption equal to that of a 100% disabled veteran upon providing proof of age to the Assessor.

Government/Town

Hazardous Waste Removed

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Clean Harbors was again invited to town to collect household hazardous waste materials brought to the pick-up location on Ffyler Place. That company, a large, multinational corporation, is paid to dispose of the material in various government-approved ways. Between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, an almost constant stream of residents arrived to bring their stuff. Drivers were advised to stay in their cars “For Safety” as white-suited workers unloaded and sorted it. The collection is done on a “pay as we dump” basis, with specific prices tallied carefully as each load is put into the appropriate bin.

People/Business

Greg Hall to Perform at Gateway Arts in Holyoke

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Greg Hall will be releasing a new album with a concert at Gateway Arts in Holyoke. He is a folk songwriter and his music resonates with people who enjoy both classic country and the modern singer songwriter. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and available online at www.gatewaycityarts.com/greg-hall. Greg graduated from SHS in 2009 and has been active in recording and touring music ever since. He may be reached at 860-810-2285 or at his email greg@greghallband.com. 

Food for Thought

Food For Thought

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“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Editorial

At The International Geography Bee

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Last spring I participated in the Connecticut State Geography Bee in Newtown, Conn. and qualified for the Varsity International Geography Bee World Championships hosted in Berlin, Germany. This event brings together 32 of the top geographic minds in the world, hailing from six different countries. For months, I was looking forward to competing in this event and I studied for it every day. Upon my arrival in Berlin, I was escorted on foot late at night with my luggage, in the rain, to my hostel in the eastern suburb of Kreuzburg where all participants were required to stay.