Jamie Savva, special events coordinator, has joined the team at Granby Parks and Recreation to help plan, coordinate and execute special events for the town as well as private events and weddings at Holcomb Farm.
Jamie, what brought you to our area?
My husband, Nik, and I grew up just up the road in Southwick. The last 16 years, we have been traveling the country with our daughters Kaileigh and Brianna due to his job in the U.S. Coast Guard. I feel really lucky that we were able to see and experience so many different areas around America; from New Jersey to Alabama and even the Oregon coast. We just moved back to Southwick and are celebrating Nik’s retirement from the Coast Guard and his 20 years of service by finally putting down roots near family and friends.
How has your previous experience prepared you for this new position?
I received my bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bay Path University in 2007. Because of our many military transfers, my work experience is varied. I have spent time in merchandising management, marketing, bartending, large-scale event collaborating and working with elementary special education students. I am also a certified yoga instructor and was the co-founder of a studio in Astoria, Oregon. This might not be a traditional trajectory to Special Events Coordinating, but I feel like each element of my work history contributes to my role here in Granby. I love working with people and children and feel strongly about building community.
What do you plan to achieve in this new role?
This new role is very exciting for me. It allows me to stretch creatively and work with a team that feels just as passionate about working for the community as I do. When it comes to special events, my hope is to build off the amazing work my teammates have done in the past years. With this role committed specifically to community events, I hope to involve more businesses, community leaders, and residents in making Granby an even more wonderful place to live. Understanding that we all need/get to work, live, and thrive together is a great motivating force for me. In a world where divisiveness is on a rise, I love the opportunity I have to bring people together—celebrating diversity, inclusion, exploration and adventure all within our beautiful town.
What are some of the events that are coming up this spring and summer?
We recently hosted a hugely successful Easter Egg Hunt with over 200 kids plus their families and over 4,000 eggs! We incorporated local businesses as service providers as well as sponsors.
We just launched the #keepgranbygreen campaign on Instagram. People can follow us @granbyrec for more details. To summarize, this campaign celebrates Earth Day on April 22—and encourages people to get outside, enjoy nature, take care of the world around them, and be part of the solution.
On May 13, we will host our second Junk-in-your-Trunk community yard sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SBP. Last year this was a big success and we are still taking registrations at www.GranbyRec.com. If you have items to sell or are a local crafter—this event is for you!
We are also looking forward to a big event on June 10—Touch-a-Truck is coming to Salmon Brook Park! We will welcome a large variety of trucks for kids to explore, ask questions and enjoy. Stay tuned for details!
People should follow us on Facebook and Instagram for new programs and events launching all the time. Details and signup information can be found at granbyct.myrec.com
Tell me about special events at Holcomb Farm and Salmon Brook Park.
Being a part of planning private events is a passion project for me. I love being of service to people during the planning process. Whether it is a beautiful autumn wedding or a causal family reunion or even a last-minute celebration of life—each day and each interaction is unique and special. I believe Holcomb Farm is truly distinct and the land it is on is even more so. My goals for this space are to celebrate it even further; bring in more events that can contribute not only to the farm itself but pour back into the community. While the event space at Holcomb Farm can accomodate weddings and parties up to 125 people, the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park provides an event space for a smaller number.
These spaces are available for weddings, engagement parties, showers, mitzvahs, corporate events, and so much more. Anyone interested in booking either facility should reach out to me at jsavva@granby-ct.gov
Any concluding remarks?
I feel so grateful to have joined this rock star team at Granby Rec. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming, and I feel a huge amount of support not just from Terri, Daphne and Kristine, but from the local community as well. I believe we all succeed when we all realize we are on the same team. I look forward to what we are doing and where we are going.