Politics & Government
Spring Cleaning with Ron Vidal and Carl Freeman
Tree Warden Ron Vidal and Department of Public Works employee Carl Freeman are busy sprucing up Suffield in time for Spring.
Ron Vidal and Carl Freeman are good buddies and self proclaimed “highwaymen.”
This time of year, when the weather gets warmer and the trees begin to bud, you’ll find them up and down Main Street cleaning up, mulching and filling town planters with colorful flowers.
As employees, they have many jobs, but the one that they like the most is making Suffield beautiful.
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“Really, the whole department is working full-board to clean up Suffield and get ready for spring,” Vidal said humbly on an overcast Tuesday morning.
Vidal is the tree warden for Suffield, and as such he keeps an eye on the town greens, roadways and public areas.
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“I love what I do. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty,” he said holding out hands already caked with a morning’s dirt.
Recently, Vidal and Freeman spent the mornings giving some attention to the flowering dogwoods planted by the . Their findings indicate some are growing well, and some are suffering damage from mowers and lawn equipment.
“The dogwoods are a theme of Main Street. When they flower it’s very beautiful,” Vidal said. “We put effort into it to ensure they are growing properly.”
Vidal has 12 years with the DPW and lives in Windsor Locks with wife, Michele, two children and two grandchildren.
When not taking care of Suffield, he enjoys hiking, photography, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to care for nature.
Freeman, a former marine sergeant major, has been with the DPW for 23 years and lives in Suffield with his wife, Grace. He has three children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Vidal is quick to point out his friend is a talented woodworker and a master at the scroll saw. “He’s very, very good at that,” Vidal said.
As proof, a self-made wooden pin of praying hands adorns Freeman’s hat.
Freeman also spends his off time collecting donations and delivering items to families in need. Both men enjoy fishing together and hope to explore new waterways for native trout this summer.
But for the immediate future, it’s back to work on Suffield grounds. Keeping the town looking good inspires everyone else to do their part, they said.
“Everybody here has pride in making Suffield look the best it can,” Vidal said. “And doing this job you meet the nicest people.”
