By Sheri Litchfield
The Granby Parks and Recreation Department and the Granby Early Childhood Council hosted a GREEN EGGS and HAM BREAKFAST early Saturday morning on March 7th. This 2nd annual fun family event was held to celebrate the National Education Association, READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY and to honor the birthday of a 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 15 languages and spanned several generations. Over 200 million copies have found their way into hearts and homes around the world.
Truffula trees stood in the snowbanks at Salmon Brook Park as more than 100 people, young and old, were served scrambled green eggs, ham, toast, juice and coffee. Many came back for more 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
The walls inside were decorated with Seuss quotes and inspirational sayings, and his books were displayed on the tables and throughout the room for all to enjoy. Children were reading to adults, and adults were reading to children while they enjoyed breakfast. Granby Superintendent of Schools, Alan Addley dressed as The Cat in the Hat, gathered the children in front of the fireplace and read some of his favorite stories, as the children sat spellbound listening to his every word. Looking around the room it was a great reminder of what Dr Seuss wrote a long time ago,
“You’re never too old,
Too whacky, too wild
To pick up a book
And read to a child.”
-Dr Seuss
This early morning family event was a huge success due to the collaboration of many Granby resources, including Superintendent of Schools, Alan Addley; Granby Library, Joan Beatson; Granby Recreation Department, Tom Tyburski, Daphne Shinder, Deanna Shinder as THING, and Mia Litchfield as THING 2. Special chefs from the Public Works Department, David Shinder, Merv Cooley, Wayne Caruso and Stuart Young made sure that the eggs and ham were just right and there was plenty to eat for everyone. Many thanks to Karen Hamley and JudyD’Errico from the GECC for decorating and serving the food.
As families left the Pond House that morning, one more quote sent them 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!
