Granby Living Aug2018
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FEATURE STORY<br />
Regarding their neighborhood, Mara says, “We love it! We live on a<br />
pretty popular intersection, and many people will wave and say hi as they<br />
pass our house.”<br />
Chad (45) notes, “When the bad winter storms hit, neighbors will help<br />
each other shovel and plow. One couple even went door to door with<br />
water jugs for those in need.”<br />
The family has close ties to the South Congregational Church community.<br />
Chad, who has been at UTC Aerospace for 21 years, has served<br />
as a youth group mentor and on the<br />
property board while also helping<br />
with the Salmon Brook Music<br />
Series at the church. Meanwhile,<br />
Mara is transitioning from Christian<br />
education to the membership<br />
committee.<br />
For recreation, the family has<br />
a membership at Hampstead Hill<br />
Club in West <strong>Granby</strong>, enjoys hitting<br />
the slopes at Ski Butternut in<br />
Massachusetts, and travels each<br />
summer to Mara’s family’s house on<br />
the Maine coast.<br />
“It’s fun to unplug, look for sea<br />
glass and play in the very cold waves, kids and dogs together,” says Mara<br />
(47).<br />
The dogs are two golden retrievers — Pippa (4) and Passion aka Pash (6).<br />
The menagerie is rounded out by 10 chickens of various breeds and names.<br />
The key to strong family bonds? “Be kind, listen to each other and be<br />
present,” Mara affirms. “Carve out time to be a family and know when to<br />
appreciate the little things. And no matter how bad the joke is, laughing<br />
is key!”<br />
Another popular vacation destination: Illinois, home of the Cubs and<br />
Bears.<br />
“Since we both have ties to Illinois, we try to get back and see family<br />
and friends as often as we can,” Chad says.<br />
Of course, their home in <strong>Granby</strong> is sometimes frequented by real-life<br />
bears ... and their cubs.<br />
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in<br />
one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at bdeckert@bestversionmedia.com.<br />
VALK YRIE<br />
EQUESTRIAN<br />
CENTER<br />
Boarding / Training / Lessons<br />
ENJOY<br />
RIDING<br />
WITH US<br />
860-653-0288<br />
175 Barn Door Hills Rd., <strong>Granby</strong> | vec.info@snet.net | www.ValkyrieEquestrianCenter.com<br />
6 | AUGUST 2018
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