The Best of Brooksvale

Hummers are Here

Kirsten Walker — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:51:52 +0000

photo by kay walker

With high hopes that the last frost is gone and the temperatures would finally rise I took my geraniums out of the dining room and put them on the patio. Then I hung the Hummingbird feeder filled and ready for when the Hummers arrive. I didn’t expect them to show up on Mother’s Day!

CT Trails Day

Kirsten Walker — Sat, 11 May 2013 11:36:04 +0000

Join the largest National Trails Day celebration in the nation on June 1st at the park.

Meet park maintainer & FOB member Ed Colavolope at the barn at 9am ready to invest some sweat equity into the park. He will have ready an outdoor trail maintenance project and needs your help!

FOB has participated each year in CT Trails Day since incorporating in 2003. Without your volunteer help, well…you know what happens to parks.

More details to follow.

Groundbreaking 10am Today!

Kirsten Walker — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:06:12 +0000

It’s sunny and not raining! Let the celebration begin! 10am prompt, groundbreaking ceremony for the New Animal Barn! Thank-you to all who got us to this day.

TOMORROW

Kirsten Walker — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:40:30 +0000

Volunteers are coming today to set up a tent and chairs and such for the official groundbreaking ceremony that will take place at 10am tomorrow. If you can make it great! If not and you’re the praying sort, pray there is NO RAIN. at least from 9:30-Noon if possible.

10 years ago this month, the Friends of Brooksvale incorporated and started their work at the park. On the wish list then was Ranger Vinny’s desire for a new animal barn to properly take care of them and educate the children of Hamden about the Brooks family farm and it’s importance in Hamden’s history.

We are excited for this project to get off the ground, or is it get in the ground as our shovels dig in? The foundation pour will start next week and the materials for the barn ordered through Mark Calabro of American Country Barns. With town officials being supportive, Al Gorman has worked tirelessly alongside Fred McCarthy (NEW FOB President), Vince Conte and Ranger Vinny to get all necessary permits, forms, permissions, plans, etc. Gail Traester (NEW FOB VP) and her husband Jim (Treasurer) have kept the details flowing and the records straight. Ed Colavolpe, Mike Gibson and many volunteers have helped to ready the barnyard for the construction.

As a matter of fact, I’m excited to report that the Brooksvale Poor Farm, Brooks Family Homestead (Ranger’s house) and the Corn Crib (Sugar Shack) now, have all recently been added to the State of Connecticut’s list of historic places!

NEW Groundbreaking Date!

Kirsten Walker — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:18:58 +0000

Friday, May 10th at 10am is the NEW date for the official groundbreaking ceremony for the NEW Animal Barn at the park. Join town officials, park staff and the Friends of Brooksvale on this special occasion. Take your coffee break or lunch a bit early and come to the barnyard at the park to be a part of the history! If you’d like to bring a snack to share, we’ll have the coffee brewed. Questions? Call the park or email staff@brooksvale.org

In the mist

Kirsten Walker — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:58:06 +0000

Hard to believe sugarin’s been over a month now. A friend just sent me this.

Groundbreaking

Kirsten Walker — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:13:01 +0000

Raise the Roof groundbreaking for NEW ANIMAL BARN changed to May 10 at 10am. More details TBA.

DATES to Note

Kirsten Walker — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:13:47 +0000

TRAIL WORKDAY – April 6

Come work alongside park maintainer Eddie and a crew from QU’s BIG EVENT this Saturday Morning on the trails. Meet by the barn at 10am.

Friends member Steve Updegrove would like to do regular work on the trails so even if you can’t help out this time, contact him so you can let him know when you’re available and the skill set you have. His email is supdegrove@snet.net

RAISE THE ROOF – May 3

Groundbreaking for the new animal barn. Details TBA.

STAR GAZING – June 8

Meander over to the park at dusk on the evening of June 8 and take a look at the heavens through some awesome telescopes courtesy of the Astronomical Society of New Haven. This is a relaxed evening where their members share their love the stars and skies. Free.

Save the Date

Kirsten Walker — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:19:51 +0000

Ceremonial Ground-Breaking for the NEW Animal Barn on Friday morning May 3. Time TBA. Tell your boss you need to take an early lunch break to commemorate this wonderful occasion. More details forthcoming!

Great News!

Kirsten Walker — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:05:46 +0000

Just wanted to let you know that the Friends of Brooksvale Park has received the exciting news they were awarded a matching grant of $45,000 toward the NEW Animal Barn and received the check last week! They want to thank the New England Family Foundation who generously challenged them to Raise the Roof. Each and everyone of you who gave of your time and finances to raise the initial $45,000 can give yourselves a pat on the back. Well done!

You are welcome to continue donating to Raise the Roof as there are always a few unexpected expenses and it would be nice to replace some aging items used in the care of the animals.