The Suffield Observer (https://thesuffieldobserver.com/page/283/)
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 threatened rain postponed itself and the temperature was comfortably cool, so conditions during Suffield’s Memorial Day observance on May 28 were fine for the customary short parade up Mountain Road and traditional ceremony on Veteran’s Park.
Pedaling on Clay Creek Drive a week ago, along the field, I caught a flash of yellow in the corner of my eye and turned to see a bobolink perched on a stalk in full-throated glory. He’s jet black with white shoulders and back, and a brilliant yellow cap. He nests with his mate in the tall grass of the hay field. If they are quick about it, they will fledge their family before the farmer comes for the hay. And this bobolink is precious, strutting his stuff as only the beautiful can, blissfully unaware of politics in Washington, refugees in the Middle East, and the coming of the hay reaper.
The Suffield Fireman’s Association will hold it’s Family Day in conjunction with the Police Department’s National Night Out on Saturday, August 4th at Spaulding school from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
Meals on Wheels volunteers are the best, hands down. In the past year, over 10,500 meals have been delivered, averaging 29 meals a day to homebound seniors in town. All due to the dedicated folks who gather at Emergency Aid Association (EAA) every weekday, to receive, sort, pack and transport meals to the grateful recipients. EAA Executive Director Janet Frechette says “What is so special – so mind-boggling – is the longevity of those who are actively giving back to their town. These are local heroes stepping up for the community.” Some people have regular routes, on a regular basis.
Suffield Observer Chairman Jay Presser presents the newspaper’s scholarship award checks to 2018 winners: Marissa Guzzo, left, and Anna Mervosh, current graduates from Suffield High School.
Brian Claughsey has always been good at defense. As a high school varsity hockey goalie for four years, he was used to protecting the goal and fighting off slapshots. In September 2015 however, he was fighting off something far more deadly serious than slapshots. In the process he was awarded a Silver Star, the highest medal for combat valor not unique to any specific service branch and the third highest military award exclusively for combat valor. Brian graduated from Suffield High School in 2002 and from Western New England College in 2006 with a degree in business management.
The Observer’s newest feature appears here. In an earlier edition I had written that a friend suggested that our community would enjoy reading about the many people, either from or still residing in Suffield, who are making their mark in the world and have experienced success in their chosen field. The idea has received a favorable response and we have begun to receive excellent suggestions of potential candidates. One reader, Joanne Sullivan, suggested the column be named “Suffield’s Pride”, which we thought beautifully captures the goal of the feature. So, with thanks to Joanne for the name, we begin with the first column of “Suffield’s Pride” which we hope will become a popular mainstay of the Observer.
Want to reduce stress and maximize the sale of your home? Come hear from experts in the field during this short presention on Wednesday, June 6 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the First National Bank of Suffield at 30 Bridge Street. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited but all are welcome. Kindly reserve your seat by calling Toni at 914-420-1656.
Boy Scout Troop 66 Spring Vacation Trip
Troop 66 sent four photos from the spring vacation trip taken by eight adventurous Boy Scouts to Philadelphia and vicinity. Clockwise from upper left: the Scouts took the Observer along as they visited Rocky at the Museum of Art, saw some ships at the Navy Yard, toured the exhibits at Independence Square and learned some Revolutionary War history at Valley Forge.
At this year’s May Market, on the 12th of the month, Joyce Zein, right, contemplates the utility of an unusual narrow spade as Jan Piepul of Chicopee and Kathleen Horrigan discuss other matters.
Summertime Blues
According to the knowledgeable experts at Birds & Blooms, in a 2015 poll more than one-third of people surveyed around the world chose blue flowers as their favorite. Yellows, pinks and oranges bloom everywhere you look, but regal blue blossoms aren’t quite so prevalent. To me, that makes summertime blues all the more special. Blues look spectacular when paired with pink or yellow blooms. For real color punch, add orange. You will find orange across from blue on the color wheel, creating a complementary relationship.
What’s happening at the EAA this Month? Rental Rebate Program for Elderly & Disabled Kicks Off Another Year
State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing may be eligible for this program. The EAA is now taking applications for the CT Renter’s Rebate program. Call the EAA for more information!
Survivor Journeys™, a nonprofit organization offering support for cancer patients, survivors, their caregivers and families, is offering a free seminar entitled Cancer Survivorship 101—What Happens Next? at Max’s Tavern’s Julian Appleton Room at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield on Saturday, June 9 at 8 a.m.
Natasha Verma, an award-winning film director, philanthropist, television reporter/anchor at NBC Boston, and cancer survivor will be the keynote speaker. In addition a taped message from Hoda Kotb of the Today Show will be played at the session. The morning will begin with a continental breakfast followed by presentations by experts in their respective fields. In addition to the introduction and survivorship offerings by Dr. Jay Burton, Founder and President of Survivor Journeys™, topics will include the late effects of cancer treatment, anxiety and fear of recurrence, fatigue and sleep, nutrition issues, exercise and rehabilitation, and disability law as it regards cancer patients.
Make your Fourth of July special this year by attending an outdoor concert with The Kevin Prater Band! The free concert will take place on Wednesday, July 4, in the bandstand on middle green in the center of Suffield. Music will begin around 5 p.m. and will continue into the evening. There will be food and soft drinks available for purchase, or you can bring your own picnic. The Kevin Prater Band (KPB) bases their sound on strong vocal harmonies.
Did you know that the Observer, your community newspaper, is run by friendly and dedicated volunteers? If you are interested in helping to keep this vital community resource running smoothly, please consider volunteering your time and energy. Some of our volunteer jobs (which include training) are:
Downloaders – download articles from email and put articles into the computer system. Preppers – retrieve articles from the system and put them in column format. InDesigners – need to have computer system skills, but we will teach anyone who has the desire to learn.
Photographed on the White’s Pond Dam in Sunrise Park, a DEEP Instructor demonstrates basics to Jake Lamberti at the Family Fishing Fun program!
It is time to register for Summer Camps and Activities! We are looking forward to another great summer with a variety of offerings for Suffield youth. Visit our On-Line Registration Website: www.SuffieldRec.com. First create an account (if you didn’t already create one), then register for the camp or activity and pay by credit card, and you are done! Register early, as these programs fill up fast and there are limited spaces!
Babb’s Beach & Park will be opening this month for the second season. This gem of a park is located on Congamond Lake in West Suffield. Beginning June 23, patrons to the park will be greeted by gate attendants who will welcome you and point you in the right direction to park in the upper lot or to access the lower lot for handicap parking. The beach and park will be open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and earlier as the sun begins to set earlier in August. Suffield residents may visit the park free of charge with proof of residency and non-residents will be charged $20.00 per vehicle.
Join us to celebrate summer, local food and Connecticut history at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden! On Friday, June 15, from 6 to 9 p.m., savor farm-to-table offerings by The Federal, wine, and signature cocktails at Connecticut Landmarks’ signature summer event Cocktails in the Hatheway Garden. Tour the 18th-century Phelps-Hatheway House and splendid garden, lovingly maintained by the Suffield Garden Club for over 50 years. Enjoy music by The Chris Marolda Duo, who will have you out of your seat and dancing! Bid on a variety of Connecticut productions and experiences in our silent auction.
The Suffield Woman’s Club (SWC) proudly presented the Suffield Historical Society with a $7,200 donation to preserve the garments in the attic at the King House Museum. The SWC first learned about these garments from Pam Baldini, who did a presentation at a Club meeting last year. Ms. Baldini had been working on a catalogue of the garments for her degree at UConn. The project was researched by the SWC Giving Committee, who determined that the project would benefit the many visitors to the museum and future generations, and it would be devastating if these garments were lost. The Club members agreed by voting to donate the funds.