History

Hidden in Plain Sight Suffield’s History in Architecture

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Architectural historian Rachel Carley will present an illustrated talk on Suffield’s rich history in buildings on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St. Under the auspices of the Town of Suffield, Ms. Carley has recently completed a study of historic resources in the second phase of a town-wide effort to document significant sites. Support for the project came from the State Historic Preservation Office with funds from the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut.  Her research, which concentrated primarily on the west side of town, uncovered an important architectural legacy represented by colonial-era farmhouses, tobacco barns, and early 20th-century shopfronts, among many other building types. The survey includes 201 homes and buildings on Blossom Street, Copper Hill Road,  Forest Road, Halladay Avenue, Hill Street, Mountain Road, North Stone Street, Phelps Road, Ratley Road, Russell Avenue, Sheldon Street, Spruce Street, and Taintor Street.  Ms. Carley’s findings have been compiled in a report for public use, to be filed in the Suffield Town Clerk’s Office.  Her presentation will also include a brief discussion of preservation opportunities. All are welcome to attend so please come join in for a pictorial tour of part of Suffield’s history.

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

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Sheila Roberts Craven March 8 Age 62 Brian Thomas Bentley March 17, Age 35  Judith M. Spaulding March 19 Age 79 Sheryl Woods March 20 Age 63 Mariette P. Kennedy March 25 Age 90 Harry James Corbett Jr. April 8 William Paul Wing April 8 Age 91 Diane M. (Whitaker) Mandirola April 9 Age 71

Organizations

Silver Tea Set Donation

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The Suffield Woman’s Club (SWC), formed in 1894, was pleased to donate their silver tea set to the West Suffield Village Improvement Association (WSVIA), formed in 1903, at the SWC March meeting. Both clubs have a history rich in community service. The SWC has donated a tremendous amount of money and service to the town of Suffield. Many thousands of dollars have been donated in scholarships and awards, first responders, EAA and more over the years and, notably, a recent donation of $10,000 to the Citizens Restoring Congamond. The ladies donated 3605.5 volunteer hours in 2016 alone.

Government/Town

Senior Center News

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Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation’s observance of Older American’s Month. The 2019 theme, Engage at Every Age, emphasizes that you are never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities. Participating in activities that promote mental and physical wellness, offering your wisdom and experience to the next generation, seeking the mentorship of someone with more life experience than you are just a few examples of what being engaged can mean. No matter where you are in your life, there is no better time than now to start!

Organizations

KML Gallery to Showcase Allyson Rowe

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The Suffield Arts Council will feature the debut of Suffield artist Allyson Rowe during the month of May in the Kent Memorial Library, located at 61 Ffyler Place. A recent graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Ms. Rowe holds a B.A. in New Media Studies, a major that combines Communication, Graphic Arts, and Computer Science. While at Eastern she collaborated with local organizations including the Windham Senior Center, Generations Health Insurance, CLICK Community Kitchen, and the No Freeze Project: Windham Region, to create logos, flyers, and brochures. Her show will be featured in the Pinney Gallery from May 1 through May 30. Allyson looks forward to this, her first public show, and will host a “Meet the Artist” Reception on Thursday, May 17, from 6 – 8 p.m. featuring light refreshments.

Farming/Nature

Large Farm Bought

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A recent land purchase in Suffield, the second largest parcel sold in recent decades, caught the attention of residents who feared a new subdivision was coming. They were pleased to learn that the buyer was a tobacco grower, and he was already preparing the land for planting. It was Robert P. Nowak, who has seed beds on Suffield Street and fields in that vicinity near Windsor Locks, who recently bought the 157-acre Bissell Farm, extending north from Mountain Road across from Spaulding School. Located in the geographic center of the town, the new Nowak parcel, once part of the Consolidated Cigar Corporation, has an interesting history. In the heyday of shade tobacco growing almost a century ago, the Bissell Farm (named for L. P. Bissell, the most prominent tobacco baron in town at that time) was a profitable shade tobacco plantation.

Farming/Nature

Nothing Proper About the English Sparrow

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Like any decent anglophile, I’m pretty attached to all things British. What’s not to love about their polite queuing, scones and clotted cream, the royals, the BBC, a good block of Stilton and, of course, the Beatles. In fact when I am listening to the voice in my head which narrates my days, it is none other than that of David Attenborough. So it would make sense for me to embrace another export from the Motherland, the English Sparrow. But this little bird boils my blood and does not hold any affection in my heart.

Organizations

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Trolley Museum

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The Connecticut Trolley Museum is excited to honor mothers and grandmothers free admission with a paid adult or child admission on Mother’s Day, May 13. Spend a few hours with the family while enjoying all the museum has to offer. Take as many trolley rides as you would like operated by period dressed motormen. Learn historic information about each car you ride and how the museum began. Inside the Visitor Center you will find more static trolley cars and artifacts, a theater showing a short film about trolleys and a gift shop to buy that special souvenir.

Organizations

Calling All Campers!

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Travel back to 18th century colonial Suffield for a week of summer fun!  Monday, July 30 through Friday, August 3, children ages 8 to 12 can don period costumes (or wear their everyday summer clothes!) and participate in the activities that took place at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden each and every day. Campers will learn about creating textiles (dyeing wool and cloth, knitting, sewing, spinning and weaving), westward expansion and trade (exploring maps and uncharted land), and school and home activities (classrooms, gardens and crafts). Best of all is the opportunity to learn about the toys and play games of the past. Meet historic figures and design your own tour of the museum to share with family and friends. A special surprise will await all on the final day when music and dancing fill the air!

Organizations

Attic Tours at Phelps-Hatheway House

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At the start of each month from May through September, take the ever-popular 1st Saturday Attic Tour at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden! Guests will be permitted to venture beyond the museum stanchions with Connecticut Landmarks’  (CTL) staff for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Phelps’ servant and attic spaces. View objects and collections from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and learn about historic Connecticut and the role the Phelps-Hatheway house played in the Suffield community. The series begins on Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 p.m. Take the Phelps-Hatheway House tour as well, and be sure to check out Lynda Montefusco’s art exhibition in the Visitor Center. 1st Saturday Attic Tours occur on May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4 and September 1.

Organizations

Stroke of Color at Phelps-Hatheway

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Welcome spring and Connecticut Landmarks’ 2018 season! The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden is delighted to welcome Lynda Montefusco to our gallery with her exhibition, A Stroke of Color. The exhibit includes a selection of Lynda’s favorite paintings which explore various themes and techniques. On Friday, May 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., meet Lynda, enjoy her colorful works, and discuss her passion for painting while sampling an elderflower spritzer and spring treats. Admission to the Opening Reception is free.

Organizations

Daytrip To Battleship Cove

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The New England Air Museum (NEAM) in Windsor Locks, is offering a daytrip to Battleship Cove in Massachusetts on Saturday, May 19. The motorcoach will depart from the museum’s parking lot at 8 a.m.

Join NEAM as we journey to Fall River and the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. Journey through time from WWII to the Cold War as you trace the footsteps of the sailors aboard the Historic National Landmarks berthed at Battleship Cove! Discover the rich legacy of the brave men and women who served America in uniform, and the technology, firepower, and human sacrifice it took to preserve our freedoms! New this year, discover “The Story Behind the Steels and Sails – A Sailor’s Life,” at Battleship Cove and “Closing the Gap, The Role of the Azores during World War II,” over at the nearby Maritime Museum.

Organizations

The Amazing History of Pratt & Whitney

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Over the years, Pratt & Whitney has patented hundreds of innovations, from heat-resistant coatings to aero-dynamic blades – technologies that make air travel more cost effective, comfortable and dependable. Today Pratt and Whitney engines provide power for everything from land based power stations, business jets and helicopters to large commercial aircraft, fifth generation fighters, and manned and unmanned space vehicles. Mark P. Sullivan, former communications director for Pratt & Whitney, provides insight into one of the most iconic names in aviation. Pratt & Whitney rising from humble beginnings in a former cigar warehouse to become one of the most recognized symbols wherever people fly. The program will be held at the New England Air Museum on Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m. in the museum’s conference room.

Schools/Sports

Winning Programmers Honored

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Three Suffield students went to Washington, D. C., on their spring vacation, but not for a holiday. As reported in the March issue of the Observer, Marissa and Gianna Guzzo and their team-mate Alexandra Smith were the 2017 Connecticut Second District winners of the Congressional App Challenge, a national program now in its third year in which about 4,900 students participated last fall. The Suffield team was invited to visit Washington on April 11 to 13, and on April 12, Demo Day, the House of Representatives became the House of Code. Along with over 200 winners from 39 states, they presented their app to members of congress in a ceremony in The Rayburn Congressional Office Building, and Representative Joe Courtney of the Second District honored them with certificates of achievement. The team demonstrated their app to the lawmakers and pitched it to industry experts from the tech field, including Microsoft and Amazon, and participated in interactive sessions with tech leaders.

Organizations

Scout District Names Eagle of the Year

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Suffield Boy Scout John Cremins earned his Eagle Scout Award in January 2017 and was honored at Troop 260’s Eagle Award ceremony in March. He was happily surprised many months later, when he was named by the Matianuck District as the Emil Huyghebaert Eagle Scout of the Year for 2017. The award is named after a notable, much-appreciated Scout leader of years past. The Matianuck District, comprising twelve towns including Suffield, and 53 Scouting units, held its annual Recognition Dinner on March 17, when the award was presented. John is now a freshman at Suffield Academy and has continued his interest in Scouting and the troop.

Organizations

New Eagle Scout Follows Family Tradition

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The young man who received his Eagle Scout Award on April 3, recognizing his advancement to the highest progress rank in the Boy Scout program, was the third generation in his family to achieve the Eagle rank. Sam Sikes’ grandfather, Eagle Scout Art Sikes, Jr., has been a Scout leader in Suffield for about 45 years, most of them as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 260. Chris Sikes, Sam’s father, is also an Eagle Scout and is now also an Assistant Scoutmaster. So Sam is following a great tradition. In addition, Sam’s great-grandfather, the late Art Sikes, Sr., was a member of the Town Forest Commission and for over 50 years cared for the Jesse Fowler Smith Town Forest across the street from his home on Halladay Avenue, West.

Organizations

SFES Online Auction Results

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The Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools (SFES)would like to sincerely thank all those involved with our online auction last month. The auction ran for eight days showcasing more than a dozen items including a “big red fire truck ride”, high school graduation tickets, games and recess with our Assistant Superintendent, several donations from local businesses and more. We were able to raise over $3000 that will be awarded back to Suffield Public Schools in the form of grants. The generosity of our donors, as well as the members of the community who participated in the auction is truly appreciated. A special thanks also to the SPS Central office and the Principals at all four Suffield Schools for their participation and donations.

Schools/Sports

Agriscience Update

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On March 29, our Suffield Agriscience Program hosted Accepted Student Day, where all accepted eighth grade students from various towns came for one huge shadow day. During the school day they learned about FFA, the student leadership organization, and had the opportunity to ask students on a panel about life at Suffield High School. The FFA Officer Team and the eighth graders participated in a school scavenger hunt, giving these incoming students the opportunity to tour the school and meet some of the teachers. This was the program’s first Accepted Student Day and visiting eighth graders all seemed excited about the program and excited to become a Wildcat next year!