Peace, Love, Joy read the sign—and that’s exactly what more than 100 Granby residents came together to experience at the second tree lighting at the Town Hall Complex in early December.
Event goers celebrated lighting the beautiful spruce as well as hearing carols by members of the GMHS Chorus under the direction of Mindy Shilansky. Participants also got a close-up view of the hand-lettered sign created by Debby Reelitz and Lori Garcia.
The event was planned by the Granby Holiday Planning Committee, residents dedicated to making Granby festive and bright during the holiday season. Committee members Elise Garbeck, Elizabeth Kowal, Tracy Marlor and Mary Jo Toczydlowski, with help from family and friends, decorated more than 20 light poles along Route 10 from the Green to Salmon Brook Park. The group also planted the large spruce tree at the Town Hall complex in 2022.
The Holiday Planning Committee was formed by Elise Garbeck and Mary Jo Toczydlowski, who were inspired by the quaint towns and picturesque settings in the Hallmark Channel’s holiday movies. “We felt that festive lights, decorations and residents coming together to recognize all that is good about the town and the season would be great for Granby…so we got to work,” said Toczydlowski.
Realizing that Granby is rich in talented artists, student- and community-oriented organizations, Garbeck and Toczydlowski wanted to include them in the 2023 celebration and future events as well. “We knew we needed to start small, but we are a committed group and know that, with support, the possibilities going forward are endless,” said Garbeck.
The committee is looking to grow. For more information on how to get involved or make a donation, contact Elise Garbeck at elise.arredamento@gmail.com or Mary Jo Toczylowski at mjtocz@cox.net. Lori Garcia, Tracy Marlor and Debby Reelitz are members of the Granby Artists Association. For more information on their works as well as other members of the association, please visit granbyartists.org