First Selectman’s Update

First Selectman’s Update

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It has been said that “good things come to those who wait.” The patient people of Suffield have certainly waited long enough for the Town Hall renovation. Here I offer the fruits of over 13 years of the Town’s labor, expended in the form of discussions, studies, plans and proposals, and that the “good things” are finally near at hand. The Permanent Building Commission (PBC) and I support housing the majority of town employees under one roof. Reasons include:

• Improved customer service

• Ease of use for residents and those doing business with town

• Greater collaboration among employees

• Savings of over $100,000 annually in leased space

• Freeing commercial space to contribute to real and personal property tax rolls

To that end, PBC considered three options on May 10. Two plans renovate the existing building and incorporate an addition.

People/Business

Brewery Progress Snagged

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The caption of a photo in last month’s Observer reported that completion of the new Broad Brook Brewery (BBB) being constructed on South Street had been delayed. It turns out that the delay was prompted by a stop work order issued on March 28 by Suffield Building Inspector Ted Flanders. The underlying matters are complicated. Excavation for the 12,000-square-foot building on a small parcel in Mach One Industrial Park began in August or early September, and the foundation footings were poured later in September. A ceremonial “groundbreaking” was held on September 28, with Suffield officials and company officers happily celebrating the new business coming to town.

Organizations

Farmer’s Market Begins

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Suffield’s Farmers Market begins its 2018 summer season on Saturday, June 16. We have a number of familiar vendors that return each year to provide a wide assortment of locally grown fresh fruits, produce and hand crafted products. Our returning vendors are Cupola Hollow, Merry Mite Wild Gardens, Easy Pickins, Maplewood Farms and Bielonko Farms. We have some new vendors coming on board, so check our web site for more details. Kent Library will be “popping up” at the Farmer’s Market with kids activities and items to check out on June 30, July 14 and 28 and August 11 and 25. This season we will have visors, bags and farm boxes for the children and materials for them to take a plant home to make them a special part of the Farmer’s Market experience.

Government/Town

Reminder to Register Your Dog

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Connecticut State Law requires that all dogs six months of age or older be licensed in the town of residency. Proof of current rabies vaccination and spaying or neutering, if applicable, must be provided at the time of the application. Rabies tags alone are not an accepted proof of vaccination. After June 30, by law there will be an additional charge of $1.00 per month for each month the dog is not licensed. The yearly dog registration period set by State mandate runs from June 1st through May 31.

Editorial

Learn Life’s Lesson While Young

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After coaching softball for over 25 years at recreational, Little League, travel, and high school varsity levels, I have a few tips for parents and coaches. First, let me say that 99% of the girls’ parents (and the girls!) were a delight to deal with and some remain good friends long after their daughters have given up the game. For the most part the parents were realistic about their daughter’s talent and sincerely cheered on her teammates. As somewhat of an athlete myself before the days of Title IX when girls’ sports were at the bottom of the heap both in funds provided and opportunity, I relished the chance to be on a team, and to strive with others to accomplish a common goal. It was disappointing to me that the softball team my senior year played a schedule of 7 games while the baseball team played 21.

Government/Town

The Town Hall Saga

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More than two and a half years ago on October 8, 2015, the Town voted at referendum to “appropriate $5,130,000 for renovations and improvements to Suffield Town Hall and authorize the issue of bonds, notes or temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $4,385,000 to finance said appropriation.” Since that time, movement towards a renovated Town Hall has taken several turns. The most recent is the Permanent Building Commssion’s (PBC) proposal to raze Town Hall and replace it with a new, more efficient building. The following timeline, based on information from the minutes and attendance at PBC meetings and minutes of the Board of Selectmen (BoS) from 2015-2018 illustrates the history. From October to December of 2015 PBC met and discussed hazardous material abatement in Town Hall (asbestos, lead, etc.) and where to move town offices when abatement started. The need for “swing space” was necessary, and locations such as 203c Mountain Road, Ffyler Place and the old CVS building were among the possibilities.

Organizations

PMC Kids Hit New Record

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The variable light rain on May 12 drove the post-ride activities of the PMC Kids Ride indoors, but a great batch of Suffield youngsters – 207 in all, ages 3 to 16 – weren’t deterred from their commitment. And the pre-event fundraising to provide the entrance fee and much more had been completed in the preceding months, so this year’s Kids Ride brought in $52,541 for cancer care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This was a new record for the Suffield event. As before, the Ride began in the McAlister-Middle School parking lot, under the Suffield Fire Department’s giant American flag. Older kids rode their bikes up Hill Street to Russell Avenue and back, about two and a half miles.

Schools/Sports

SHS Principal Named

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It is with pride and great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Mr. James Blain as the incoming Principal of Suffield High School. Mr. Blain was interviewed and approved by the Board of Education after a rigorous process. Three finalists were interviewed by a committee of 19 members including BOE members, students, parents, an administrative assistant, faculty, and school and district administrators. The process included focus groups to characterize the desired candidate qualities, a structured interview, a performance task and interview, and small groups to engage in conversation. Mr. Blain’s authentic leadership skills and passion for educating the whole child make him a great fit for Suffield Public Schools.

Organizations

EAA News

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What’s Happening at the EAA This Month? James F. Coggins, Jr. Community Service Award Open to Applicants:

In memory of our late volunteer and Board Member, James F. Coggins, Jr., the EAA offers a $1,000 award to a graduating Suffield High School senior who demonstrates selflessness, generosity and concern for the community through his/her volunteer activities. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay supporting their selection to the EAA at 450 South Street, Suffield 06078 or email to janetf@suffieldeaa.org. The deadline to apply is midnight on Monday, May 14. Jane Purtill Fuller Scholarship for Nursing or Social Service Candidates:

To recognize the many contributions of our past employee and long-time supporter of the EAA, the Board of Directors dedicates an annual needs-based scholarship in memory of Jane Purtill Fuller.

Organizations

A Year in the Home and Garden

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The Suffield Garden Club will hold a monthly meeting on Monday, May 7, at 11:45 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.  Coffee, tea, a light lunch, and a short business meeting are followed by a guest speaker at 1 p.m.

This month we’ll hear from Julie Harrison, a horticultural expert with years of experience in landscape design. Julie’s talents with plants and design don’t stop at the garden because she has a passion for interior decorating as well. Her work inside the home blends subtle luxury with botanical influences to create a natural bridge between the home and garden. Her business, Natural Elegance Design, is based on the principle that a good design has a natural look and elegant feel. Julie will present creative and imaginative designs infused with her own unique sense of style, both in the home and the garden.

Suffield Garden Club

Hang ‘em High

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Container plantings are a wonderful way to display flowers and greenery which adds curb appeal and charm to a home. I love to see classic window boxes brimming with vigorous florals. Traditional urns showcasing shrubs/flowers are a huge favorite of mine too. Hanging planters are popular and likable as well; the caveat here is to hang ‘em high to prevent knocks to the noggins. Have fun creating your own floral displays in containers filled with a commercial potting mix.

Organizations

It’s May Market Time!

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Spring is a busy time for everyone, and the Suffield Garden Club is really busy right now. Our members are getting ready for our annual May Market at the Phelps-Hatheway House Barn in Suffield. As always, our May Market is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Saturday, May 12 before Mother’s Day. And yes, admission is free. Members are making unique garden ornaments, casting tufa planters, and digging and potting up plants from their perennial gardens.

Organizations

Volunteers Needed at the Observer!

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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.