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Suffield Honors Victims at Town Vigil

More than 100 people gathered on the Town Green in Suffield Wednesday night to honor the children and teachers taken in the Newtown shooting last week.

The wind tried to blow out the candles lit on the green Wednesday night, but the children holding them refused to give up. Over and over, they ran to re-ignite them.

It was a metaphor, perhaps, for the hopes and prayers the gatherers shared for the victims and families in Newtown, Connecticut.

Police say a total of 26 people died on Friday, Dec. 14 2012 during and after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Suffield was one of the many towns across the state to hold candlelight vigils this week. It was quickly pulled together by the Suffield Interfaith Council, a group of religious leaders from the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Baha'i and Muslim faiths. 

Several clergy members read from their respective books of worship, the Bible, the Koran, and gave short sermons on the need for hope and support for the victims and each other during this horrific event.

Mel Chafetz represented the Jewish faith and spoke to the hectic pace and lifestyle of America. Perhaps, he said, we should spend time and give time to those we most love in our lives. 

Because sometimes "words cannot explain such sorrow" Sonia Hill, a member of the Third Baptist Church, lifted her voice in song to honor the victims. 

A bell was rung 26 times to honor the lives of those lost.

The ceremony finished with all present on the Green singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and extinguishing of the candles. 

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Maria Giannuzzi May 15, 2013 at 07:40 am
The problem is resurfacing all the roads in Suffield would cost a great deal of money. Suffield is aRead More big town. I do understand that some roads in Suffield do not have enough adjacent suitable land to create a separate bike lane, but I believe bike lanes could be constructed along sections of some scenic roads. Half a loaf is better than none at all. Salvatore, if you have not already been there, you may want to consider cycling on the island of Nantucket. I have not been there in years, but outside of its main town, Nantucket did offer good riding conditions and peaceful surroundings--at least when I visited.
salvatore iervolino May 14, 2013 at 09:13 pm
Thank you for your comment. Actually, I was simply suggesting that roads are resurfaced. There isn'tRead More probably enough room for bike lanes on most of these backroads, but if at least the pavement was brought to an acceptable condition, that would make biking much more pleasant (I should say "possible") and, let's not forget, much safer. Some particularly damaged areas represent a serious danger to bikers' safety.
Maria Giannuzzi May 14, 2013 at 08:10 am
There may be a solution--a compromise of sorts. Put a narrow, but well-maintained bike lane on largeRead More sections of each scenic road in town, the roads with fewer cars and trucks. Just having the bike lanes may be draw for out-of-town cyclists to visit Suffield and spend money at local businesses. Instead of attempting to change Suffield into a metropolitan area, with all the problems that brings, celebrate (and financially support) its original identity--a scenic, peaceful agricultural town with some nice amenities.
Nicole Turgeon May 17, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Are you interested in selling anything sooner? I am in the market for a lawn tractor and I'd beRead More interested to hear what you've got and how much you're asking! :)