Yes, We Like Green Eggs & Ham!

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PictureLeft: From l.: Daphne Mathews, Cassandra Earl and Allie VanRyn enjoy the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.

By Sheri Litchfield

The Granby Recreation and Leisure Services and the Granby Early Childhood Council hosted a green eggs and ham breakfast early Saturday morning on March 5. This third annual fun family event was held to celebrate the National Education Association, Read Across America Day and to honor the birthday of the beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904. At the time of his death in 1991, Dr Seuss had written and illustrated 44 children’s books, including such all-time favorites as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Socks, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages and spanned several generations. Over 200 million copies have found their way into hearts and homes around the world.
In July of 2015, a new Seuss book was released called, What Pet Should I Get? It is a story written by Dr. Seuss more than 50 years ago, but later found by his widow amongst his belongings. Emmons Tropical Fish and Pond, a Simsbury pet store, helped to celebrate this newly released book by donating two fish aquariums to this event.  Two lucky families went home that morning with a new pet.
This early morning Seussical event was a huge success due to the collaboration of many in Granby. Tom Tyburski and Daphne Shinder from Granby Recreation and Leisure Services handled reservations, while David Shinder, Merv Cooley and Stuart Young from the Public Works Department cooked the green eggs and ham. Joan Beatson and Brittany Saunders from the Granby Public Library shared not only Seuss books, but Brittany brought fresh green eggs from her Granby chickens.


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Rocky, the dog as Thing 2. Photos by Judi D’Errico

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The Cat in the Hat (aka Dr. Alan Addley) with a couple fellow “cats” aka Kayla and Zoe Eustace.

The Cat in the Hat (a.k.a. Dr. Alan Addley, Superintendent of Granby Schools) greeted guests at the door and read some of his favorite books to eager listeners. Brightly colored Truffula Trees lined the sidewalk outside, and Deana David, a GECC volunteer painted colorful Seuss murals to decorate the room and serve as a perfect background for photos. Granby Early Childhood volunteers Karen Hamley helped to organize the event, and Mara Noak and Jody D’Angelo worked tirelessly to decorate the tables and room with Truffula Trees, Seuss quotes and inspirational sayings. Every book that was written by Dr. Seuss, from his first to his last, was displayed on the tables and throughout the room for all to enjoy. Looking around the room was a great reminder of what Seuss wrote a long time ago:
“The more that you read,
the more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
Over 130 guests were treated to a breakfast of green eggs and ham, toast, juice and coffee and served by GECC volunteers, Judy, D’Errico, Nancy Dyen, and Brenda Logie. Many of the young, and young-at-heart even came back for seconds with,
“Say! I like green eggs and ham!
I do, I like them, Sam-I-am!
 I will eat them here and there.
I will eat them ANYWHERE!”
  -Dr Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham
As guests left the Pond House that morning, one more quote sent them happily on their way:
“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
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Kennedy Cummings.Photos by Karrie Smallcomb VanRyn