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CRC News - November 2008
By Linda M. Champagney

Autumn’s glorious burst of color fades into November’s calm before the snow. Ice fishermen await the first ice while those in boats squeeze in as many trips out before taking their boats out of the water as the weather will allow. And the final CRC meeting of the season, including elections for Secretary and Treasurer, brought renewed excitement for events still on the schedule. We’re not done yet, folks!

Next up is Button Up Babb’s! This event is an invitation to you, the Community, to help rebuild history. How often do you get a chance like that? The Historic Babb’s Roller Skating Rink, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, is a community resource, so we seek to rally the community to come button it up for the winter so that work may continue indoors over the colder months. What do we need? Carpenters with tools and equipment, a framing crew for a day would be greatly appreciated, and just plain folks, with or without carpentry skills, who could be carpenter helpers for a day to pull nails, sweep, install joist hangers, move materials, or any other tasks that present themselves. What’s in it for you? Free lunch! Perhaps you’ll learn a new skill in the process of helping out. Camaraderie. Fun! And the good feeling that comes from being a part of your community in action. We start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 8th. If you’ve ever admired the Amish for pitching in and helping their neighbor raise a barn, we’re not doing anything that requires being up so high, but the need is there to enclose the rink and protect the skating floor from the weather. If you’re thinking you’re too young, too old, too unskilled, you’re not. Our current volunteers range from age 10 to age 79. There is something you can do to help. We’ll be looking for you on the 8th.

December 6th brings our Holiday Party at The Cove. For $35/person, you will receive a sumptuous dinner in a beautifully decorated building, followed by great dance music from the ‘40’s to the present by a great DJ. Keep an eye on our website for ticket locations.

January 24, 2009 is our 2nd annual ice fishing derby. There will be cash prizes. Stay tuned for more details!

CRC is pleased to announce that Pam LaBarre has once again agreed to be our Secretary, and was unanimously reelected. We’re in need of a Treasurer, though. Our thanks go to Betty Ayotte, who just stepped down as our interim Treasurer. She improved our bookkeeping greatly.

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly authorized Non-Profit organization, dedicated to the protection and betterment of the Congamond Lakes. You may contact us at www.congamond.org or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.

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July 9, 2008
See Photos from CRC's Boat Parade Sat. July 5, 2008

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July & August 2008 CRC News
By Linda M. Champagney

Summer is in full swing on Congamond, and we’ve had our first events for this season. Thank you to all of our volunteers who reported for Lake Clean Up and Beautification Day on Saturday, June 7th. Some folks were dispatched to the canal, others found some debris in North Pond, but for the most part, people have been more thoughtful, so Beautification became the order of the day. When you see the attractive plantings at the North Boat Ramp, and other areas, think of Janeene Crane and her Beautification Team.

The lake was treated for invasive weeds on May 27th. About 30 acres were treated, including South Pond on the East side from 168 to the CT cove, and the west side of Middle Pond from the North boat ramp south to about opposite the sandbar. At this point, if you have weeds around your dock, they’re native.

Connecticut’s Department of Tourism’s annual state-wide Historical Buildings Open House was June 14th and our own Babb’s Roller Skating Rink, as well as the entire Babb’s property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was included. Thanks to all who visited! We had a work day that day, as usual, so people could see work in progress, ask questions, reminisce, and view the “Reflections on Congamond” DVD. Scott Feron, our Babb’s Project Manager, took visitors in stride as always, and our Hospitality Team, including Phyllis Dunn, was on hand to welcome guests.

Next up is The Boat Parade, Saturday, July 5. We’ll be sailing from Saunders Boat Livery at 6 pm! The theme is Vikings on Congamond and as always, just being in the parade is free. However, if you’d like your craft to be judged, there is a $5 registration fee. Register online at www.congamond.org or at Designer’s Edge Salon and Spa, or on the day of the parade at the old town beach , Berkshire Avenue, Southwick.

Also coming up on August 9th is our extremely popular Poker Run. If you’d like to be a sponsor, your business or family name will be displayed on a banner all summer at Crabby Joe’s. Be sure and check our website for details!

September 1 will see the return of Cruise Congamond, Kevin Maloney’s awesome car show! We had a blast last year with an amazing number of cars, visitors, music and food. You won’t want to miss that!

Our last CRC meeting featured Ann Capra, speaking on Lake Friendly Landscaping. Remember, if you buy fertilizer for your lawn, it’s eventually going to end up in the lake. If you absolutely have to use it, be sure the middle number (phosphorous) is zero. Best to avoid it altogether.

Our next CRC Meeting is July 8th, 7:30 pm at Crabby Joe’s, and our speaker will be educating us on Dark Sky lighting around the lake. Everyone is welcome!

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Babb’s Update for June 4, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday June 7th, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday June 8th, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish

Saturday
We will continue working on the Rink while others are volunteering for our annual Lake Cleanup. We can use your help at both functions. For more info on other volunteer projects please visit www.Congamond.org

Sunday
Interior work may proceed with our Town of Suffield Permit # 08-00286

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter by the day!

Volunteers wishing to help out at times other than the above, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We have a special need for framers and/or Carpenters with rough framing skills tools and equipment!

Our guest book has NEW messages since May 17th; please visit read them and add to the History of Babb's. Visitors are always welcome to come and reminisce! Please visit our guest book

We had 5 volunteers this weekend. The weather was great and so ..... We forged ahead. Last weekend we closed in the roof over the snack bar / restroom area. The felt paper was installed to keep the weather out. We took down the temporary walls associated with that area, thus opening up the rink floor even more!

I invited George Hasting our Fire Marshall to do a preliminary walk thru. He showed where we should place fire extinguishers. Steve Ferrari and Dave Machete stopped by to see our continued progress, and to look at the stage. Steve is also loaning us fire extinguishers to have on hand during construction. We still have a lot of work to do before the Stage Restoration can be done. This is good Rainy day work.

We still have visitors occasionally stopping and walking around touring the project. Feel free to come by and watch as we continue with this Historical Restoration. This weekends visitors: Gloria Rosetti and Dan Segee who were both former skaters. Gloria has offered to do a dance fundraiser for Babb's! I look forward to talking with her and getting her ideas. If anyone is interested we could start another committee!

With more framing / carpenter volunteers we could have another team plumb up the southwest wall, and install these rafters and associated bridging. We could have this area of the shed closed in by the end of June!

We're on a roll here.... let's keep it moving. This weekend looks great. I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend with air tools and associated skills which are always appreciated!

The Babb's Road Show is on the move!

We have put together a presentation to show our continued progress, including the history of the rink and the lake to show other civic organizations in the area. If you're interested in seeing our presentation, please contact Jerry Crane at: 860-668-5783 or respond to this email.

To date we have presented the Babb's Road Show to the Suffield Woman’s Club & Suffield Rotary.

Thank you!

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks our volunteer photographer: Bob Billieux

Babb's Restoration Committee

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June 2008 CRC News
By Linda M. Champagney

Are you ready? I hope so, because CRC plans a full schedule of events this year, we’re just getting started, and we hope to see you there!

Our May 13 meeting was well-attended and included two presentations, one by Friends of The Suffield Library on plans for the new building and why we need one, the other by Southwick Police Chief and Harbormaster, Mark Krynicki on the Local Permitting Process and Lake Patrols. We look forward to next month’s meeting on June 10th at 7:30 at Crabby Joe’s Bar & Grill, when our speaker will be Ann Capra speaking on lake friendly landscaping.

On June 7th, please join us at the North Boat Ramp (near Louie B’s) for our annual lake cleanup and beautification event. We’ll start at 8 a.m. and go until about noon, with coffee and doughnuts for our volunteers. This is a worthwhile event and it helps keep our lake clean and obstruction free. The more, the merrier!

In conjunction with the CT Department of Tourism, we’ll host our annual Babb’s Rink Open House on Saturday, June 14th from 8-4 pm. Please stop in to see all the progress we’ve made over the last year, and to view the DVD, “Reflections on Congamond,” which is a collection of memories from senior residents of the area about the lake.

June 21st will see something new: An Art Show/Sale and Wine Tasting at the Babb’s Rink property. This runs from 1-6 pm, with free admission for the Art Show/Sale, and $10 for the Wine Tasting. Ginny Graves is in charge of this event and we look forward to her success. All profits benefit the Babb’s Project. Please join us for the art, the wine, the lovely view, and hopefully the first of many events like this.

Throughout the month of June, Kevin Maloney’s Membership Committee will send volunteers into the lake neighborhoods to encourage membership in Citizens Restoring Congamond. You may not be aware that CRC has spent over $93,000 on lake treatments and programs since 2001. The cost of these programs is divided among Southwick, Suffield, and CRC equally. The CRC share is funded by memberships and donations. A household membership is only $25.

Remember that there are Babb’s Work Days scheduled every Saturday from 8-noonish and every Sunday from noon-4-ish. Come by to help, come by to peek, come by to share your memories. Just come on by! We’re still looking for framers/carpenters. Please also bring your tools.

In case you’re working on your entry for the July 5th boat parade, the chosen theme is Vikings on Congamond!

Lots more events coming for this year! Please join us at our next meeting and join in the fun! All of our meetings are open to the public. Come and see what we’re up to!

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly authorized Non-Profit organization, dedicated to the protection and betterment of the Congamond Lakes. You may contact us at www.congamond.org or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.

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Babb’s Update for May 7, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday May 10, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday April 11, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish

Volunteers wishing to help out at times other than the above, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We're on a roll here.... let's keep it moving. This weekend looks a little damp; however there is plenty of work to do inside. I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend with air tools and associated skills which are always appreciated!

With more framing / carpenter volunteers we could have another team plumb up the southwest wall, and install these rafters and associated bridging. We could have this shed closed in by the end of May!

We have a special need for framers and/or Carpenters with rough framing skills tools and equipment!

We had 5 volunteers this weekend. The weather wasn't the best yet we forged ahead. Last weekend Craig Keough and Roy Johnson continued working on the transition of the East shed and the Mens Room area roofing. Bill Norcross continued his demolition and prep work on the left side of the stage. We still have visitors occasionally stopping and walking around touring the project. This weekend’s visitors were passing thru from New York City back to Maine and decided to take a slight detour to see the progress being made.

The Babb's Road Show is on the move! We have put together a presentation to show our continued progress, including the history of the rink and the lake to show other civic organizations in the area. Recently we put on a show for the Suffield Rotary. If you're interested in seeing our presentation, please contact Jerry Crane at: 860-668-5783 or respond to this email.

Our guest book has messages however nothing since March 8th though, please visit read them and add to the History of Babb's. Visitors are always welcome to come and reminisce! Please visit our guest book www.babbsrink.org

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks our volunteer photographer: Bob Billieux and Craig Keough

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for April 30, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday May 3, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday April 4, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish

Great news…. We have received our complete building permit to allow the interior rebuilding to begin! Town of Suffield Permit # 08-00286

Special thank you to Ted Cutler and his team from Tecton Architects of Hartford CT., for working with all the local and state agencies to make this happen. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter by the day!

Volunteers wishing to help out times other than the above, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We have a special need for framers and/or Carpenters with rough framing skills tools and equipment!

Visitors are always welcome to come and reminisce also! Please visit our guest book www.babbsrink.org

We had 5 volunteers this weekend. The weather was great 79 degrees and sunny YES!!!!!! Last weekend Craig & Cindy began installing the plywood on the roof over the bathrooms / snack bar area, with the 5/8" plywood and clips. Roy Johnson is diligently working on the custom cuts needed for the east gable end of the bathroom roof not only on Saturday but Sunday too, with his wife looking on from the car, occasionally walking around with other visitors and touring the project.

With more framing / carpenter volunteers we could have another team plumb up the southwest wall, and install these rafters and associated bridging. We could have this shed closed in by the end of May!

We're on a roll here.... let's keep it moving. This weekend looks a little damp; however there is plenty of work to do inside. I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend with air tools and associated skills which are always appreciated!

The Babb's Road Show is on the move. We have put together a presentation to show our continued progress, including the history of the rink and the lake to show other civic organizations in the area. If you're interested in seeing our presentation, please contact Jerry Crane at: 860-668-5783 or respond to this email.

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Retro skating rink being rebuilt
Source: Westfield Evening News, April 11, 2008

Read the complete article here

Retro skating rink being rebuilt
By CHRIS PUTZ, Staff Writer
WEST SUFFIELD. CONN.

There are distant sounds of Big Bands the likes of Artie Shaw and the Dorsey brothers wafting through the air across Congamond Lake as volunteers continue to resurrect one of the area's historical venues, Babb's Roller Skating Rink.

As one walks around the plywood, insulation, and windows piled high inside the old building, the dust settles and it becomes apparent that there is something magical at work here.

Slowly, but with much determination, volunteers have begun to restore the lakeside facility that once held ballroom dancing in the 1930’s and - as the era nf Big Bands faded - became a skating rink nearly a decade later.

A nail here, a timber there, and the structure slowly begins to resemble the one that brought generations of people from Southwick, West Suffield, and neighboring communities together under one roof.

Close to a half dozen or so volunteers have been contributing their time - mainly on weekends - for the past five years helping to restore Babb's Roller Skating Rink. From pulling and hammering nails to sweeping or clearing debris to installing ledger boards and rafters, there is no project too tough for the team of volunteers that make- up Citizens Restoring Congamond. "I have a passion for quality craftsmanship which you don't see any more." said Scott Feron, who has donated his time for the last three years since an accident derailed his career. "And, now, to be involved with a project like this - I'm speechless." Feron is the site manager for the project.

Thus far, much of the structure has been gutted with non-conforming sheet rock and old wiring removed, and walls have been reframed as volunteers continue to recreate the outer shell of the building.

Memories set to come alive
Above, a stockpile of construction material now fills the inside of Babb`s Roller Rink in West Suffield, Conn., where hundreds of volunteers are working to restore the former landmark. Right, "sweetheart" graffiti from decades ago was revealed as the inside walls of the practice rink were dismantled for restoration. Below right, this stage was the home for many local bands which provided music for dancing at the site. Below center, the original seating that was first purchased by owner Nelson Babb and recently obtained from the Lincoln Theater in Springfield awaits restoration. Below left, hundreds of old serving containers were found when the concession stand was dismantled. (Photos by Frederick Gore) Above, an old sign indicating Babb's Beach and dancing was discovered after volunteers cleaned an outside storage building. Right, workers continue to restore the "practice rink" room that will now be home to private parties. Below, work continues on the outside of the structure.

Grants and donations, in the form of materials and money, have enabled volunteers to further their efforts, but those monies have quickly eroded. "We need $900,000 more to finish the building," said Feron. "Residents of the area around the lakes don't want to see it go down the pipes."If people, businesses, and the like come forward with financial donations and six to 10 volunteers continue to dedicate about 16 hours a weekend of their time for the next year or so, Feron said the roller skating rink, which closed in 1996,
would reopen in October 2009.

With nearly 6,000 square feet and an occupancy of 1,108, Babb's Roll Skating is being redesigned as much more than just a skating rink. According to design plans created by Tecton Architects, Inc., of Hartford. Conn., the rink is also expected to house lectures, exhibitions, movies, and dance productions. An activity room, gallery, two party rooms, arcade, snack bar, lounge, and skate rental area is planned. LED lighting, neon lighting, and reflective lights are expected to enhance the setting. The facility will also be fully handicap-accessible.

But, at this point, the main concern for volunteers is removing the interior ceiling and the electrical wiring, a big undertaking, according to Feron. "No one in their wildest dreams knew (this project) would be this involved," Feron said. When the time comes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing jobs will be bid out to contractors and will be the remaining
focus of the project, in addition to the upper roof portion of the building. For the time being, Citizens Restoring Congamond is planning a list of fund raising efforts to keep their dream of restoring Babb's alive.

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer is asked to contact Scott Feron at (860)-982-7342 or see www.babbsrink.org

Read the complete article here

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CRC News - April 2008
By Linda M. Champagney

Lake activity is increasing by leaps and bounds as the sunshine and flowers entice everyone back outdoors. At our Post-Hibernation meeting on April 8th, we noted the room was packed and enthusiasm and interest were evident.

April and May will see our membership committee encouraging new memberships and renewing existing ones. CRC members voted and approved our $7500 operating budget for this year, which is funded entirely by memberships. If you’re able to contribute more than the standard $25 for dues, you should know that for donations of $100 or more, you will join the Captain’s Club, and for donations of $250 or more, you will become a member of the Admiral’s Club. Remember that your donations are tax deductible.


A concern was expressed about certain people visiting certain establishments by boat and returning home at 2 a.m. Sound travels extremely well over water and especially in the silence at that hour. Patrols would be appreciated and are necessary to preserve the peace. If you are out there at these hours, please abide by the rules and be respectful of lakeside property owners.

Future CRC meetings will feature speakers on various subjects of interest. In May we will host the Friends of Suffield Library who will explain the plans for the new building. In June, landscaping and lighting on the Lake.

Scott Feron thanked all the volunteers, especially Tom Talamini and Rick Crosby, who have helped at Babb’s in all weather this winter. There was a propane heater donated so people could warm up and in foul weather there was work to do inside the rink. The east side is enclosed and we continue to work on enclosing the shed roof. Framers and carpenters are still badly needed! Please join us on Saturdays from 8-noon, Sundays from noon to 4:00 or so, and if you can come at other times, please call Scott. His number is on the website, www.babbsrink.org. Please see the website for our guest book feature, where you can share your memories, and check out work pictures and updates.

The annual lake cleanup is planned for Saturday June 7th, and we will host an Open House at the rink in conjunction with the other CT Department of Tourism Open Houses. Stop in on June 14th and see all the progress that has been made!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 13th at Crabby Joe’s Bar & Grill at 7:30 pm downstairs. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and be a part of the fun! We’re looking for people to be involved on the various activities, as well as to fill a board position for funding options. See you there!

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly authorized Non-Profit organization, dedicated to the protection and betterment of the Congamond Lakes. You may contact us at www.congamond.org or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093. 

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Babb’s Update for April 1, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday April 5, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday April 6, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish 

Volunteers wishing to help out times other than the above, or have questions, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We still have a special need for framers and/or carpenters with rough framing skills tools and equipment!

We had 8 volunteers this past weekend and we installed the last of the new rafters over the bathroom / snack bar area, and built the interior bearing wall associated with these rafters. Special Thanks to Ed Malley and Josh Branson!

Some volunteers pulled nails from the old timbers and another team worked on cleanup, raking and sweeping.

I will not be here this weekend so Steve Schmid and Tim Pratt will continue to install bridging to the rafters over the snack bar / bathroom area and install hurricane clips to the eaves in this same area. Also square up the rafters and install 5/8" plywood with clips and cover with 30# felt.

With more framing / carpenter volunteers we could have another team plum up the southwest wall, and install these rafters and associated bridging. The ledger beam has been bolted to the main building so this can be accomplished.

Steve & Tim hope to see a lot of folks this weekend!

Thank you!
Babb's Restoration Committee 

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Babb’s Update for Mar. 27, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday March 29, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday March 30, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish

Volunteers wishing to help out times other than the above, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We have a special need for framers and/or carpenters with rough framing skills tools and equipment!

On Easter weekend, including Sunday, we pressed on installing more rafters. We had 8 volunteers and made it about 2/3 the way across the bathroom area. Another team worked on cleanup, raking and sweeping.

The weather looks good ahead and we will continue hanging the rafters over the snack bar / bathroom area.

The next item is to build the interior wall associated with these rafters.

With enough volunteers, tools and equipment we can have another team plum up the south wall, and install these rafters.

The ledger beam has been bolted to the main building so this can be accomplished.

I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend!

Thanks you!

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions - 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb's Restoration Committee 

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Babb’s Update for Mar. 19, 2008:

Even though it’s Easter weekend….. We’re still working:

Saturday March 22, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish

Sunday March 23, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish Happy Easter!

Volunteers wishing to help at times other than the above, please call Scott 860.982.7342

We have a special need for framers and/or carpenters with rough framing skills, tools and equipment!

This weekend I would like to see us finish hanging the rafters over the snack bar / bathroom area, build the interior wall associated with these rafters. The ledger beam has been bolted to the main building so we can continue with the rafters and get the lower shed area enclosed.

All this can be done in multiple teams.

There is sweeping to be done inside and windows on the north wall to be reframed, and installed.

I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend!

Thank you!

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb's Restoration Committee

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CRC News - Friday, 14 Mar 2008
By Linda M. Champagney

The lake is melting. Spring is here. Really! And with spring comes our first CRC meeting at 7:30 pm on April 8th at Crabby Joe’s. The Board is meeting ahead of time to organize some of the activities we plan for this year and begin to form committees that will get started on the night of the meeting to hit the ground running! We’ll be having our Membership Drive in April and May, Lake Clean-up in June, the ever-popular Boat Parade in July, another Poker Run, another Car Show, both of which were very popular events last year, and we hope to hear your wonderful ideas for more events.

Thank you to Corey Gauthier, who conducted the Ice Fishing Derby on North Pond on March 1 in the snowstorm. Yes, it snowed the entire time, which apparently didn’t dampen the spirits of the entrants. First place went to Chuck Dumeer (2 lbs. 9 oz.); 2nd place to Brien Aylward (2 lbs., 6 oz.); and 3rd prize was won by Larry Sway (2 lbs., 1 oz.).

Some members of the Babb’s Project Committee spoke at the Suffield Women’s Club Meeting, telling of the history of the property, as well as of progress made and what is needed to continue. The presentation was well-received. It was a pleasure to speak to such an interested audience.

Speaking of the Babb’s Project, we’re still in need of framers, so if you have that skill, please do drop by the rink and guide our volunteers in the proper techniques. Saturdays we’re there from 8-noonish, and Sundays from noon to 4-ish. If you can come at another time, or if you have questions, please call Scott. His number is on the www.babbsrink.org website. Also on the Babb’s website is a new feature: a Guestbook where you may write your memories, etc. And we also have a Wish List where you can see what we need and possibly donate something on our list.

We’re looking forward to seeing YOU at the April 8th CRC meeting!
Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly authorized Non-Profit organization, dedicated to the protection and betterment of the Congamond Lakes. You may contact us at www.congamond.org or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.

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Babb’s Update for Mar. 13, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday March 15, 2008 8:00 am to noon'ish
• Sunday March 16, 2008 12:00 noon- 4pm'ish

We still have a special need for framers and/or carpenters with rough framing skills!

This weekend I would like to see us finish hanging the rafters over the snack bar / bathroom area, build the interior wall associated with these rafters. The ledger beam has been bolted to the main building so we can continue with the rafters and get the lower shed area enclosed.

All this can be done in multiple teams.

There is sweeping to be done inside and windows on the north wall to be reframed, and installed.

I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend!

Thank you!

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Mar. 5, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday March 7th 2008 8am-Noon or later if volunteers can stay!
• Sunday March 8th, 2008 12:noon- or earlier and or later as your schedules allow.

We have spent quite a bit of time shoveling this winter, I hope we have a great turnout so we can close in the shed (Lower) roof. We have already sent out the Invitation to Bidders for the Lower standing seam roof, and we had 2 units of 5/8 Plywood delieverd last thursday for the roof. Now what we really need is an all out group effort to finish closing in the lower area.

If anyone has time other than whats posted ... please don't hesitate to call

Thank You,
Scott 860-982-7342

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Feb. 27, 2008:

Next scheduled work party:

• Saturday March 1, 2008 8am to noonish
• Sunday March 2, 2008 10:am- 2pm'ish

We have a special need for framers and/or carpenters with rough framing skills!

This weekend I would like to see us finish hanging the rafters over the snack bar / bathroom area, build the interior wall associated with these rafters. We also need to continue installing the lag bolts binding the ledger beam to the main rink bldg.

As the crew continues to do the bolting others may work on the southwest wall. It needs to be plumbed up and readied for new rafters.

All this can be done in multiple teams.

If the weather is not safe to work outside..... We can continue building the west wall inside and carry it out into place as we have in the past.

There is sweeping to be done inside and windows on the north wall to be reframed, and installed.

I hope to see a lot of folks this weekend!

We were all plowed out from the big storm, by Rick LaBarre, Nick ? and James Grannells.

Thanks you!

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Feb. 8, 2008:

Next Work Party: Saturday Feb. 9th and Sunday Feb 10th 8am-Noon'ish

This year brings new faces. We have 3 new volunteers so far in 2008. Last weekend we were able to continue framing on the traditional main entrance. Come visit us on Saturdays and Sundays 8am-12noon, the rink will be open to visitors while the other volunteers are working. We can always use more volunteers! Especially rough framers / carpenters to help close in the lower roof area.

This weekend we will be working on rebuilding the bathroom / snack bar area.

Outside work:
Ed from EJM Construction will be our forman on Saturday.
Adjust Rafter template and build new wall to support the rafters over the rest rooms / snack bar.
Install Bolts on the ledger board.
Install collar ties in the Main Entrance Rafters

Inside work:
Sweeping, pull nails on the recycled wood pile including the large timbers, that’s next to the table saw.

Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to this year’s volunteer photographer: Bob Billieux

Babb's Restoration Committee

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News - Feb. 5, 2008

The Babb’s Rink restoration committee will be hosting an update at the Kent Memorial Library in Suffield this Monday the 11th. Starting at 7:00 pm we will be presenting how & why CRC is involved with the rink and the overall plan for the improvement and opening of the entire park, including the beach. Representatives from the town will also be in attendance to help with the presentation and answer your questions. This will be a great opportunity to see for yourself what is happening at this historic property… (Did you know it’s on the National Register of Historic Places??) and find out what the plan is to bring it back to its original glory.

Hope to see you on Monday
Babb’s Rink Restoration Committee

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CRC News - January 2008
By Linda M. Champagney

In the snow-shrouded stillness of winter, when hibernation is the name of the game in many cases (football, basketball, or hockey in others), the intrepid volunteers continue to work on the Babb’s Project. We’ve made considerable progress considering the fact that when the project began, we were thinking of sprucing up the place, cleaning, updating the electrical, and painting. Our current need is for framers. We need someone to guide our volunteer workforce in framing the lower shed roof around the outside of the building. If you are a carpenter or framer, please come to Babb’s to help us out. If you’re available on a Saturday or Sunday morning, we’re there from 8-noon. If you’d rather come during the week, that can also be arranged. Just call Jerry at 860-668-5783, or contact us through the Babb’s web site, www.babbsrink.org.

Are you curious about what’s going on at Babb’s? Please join us on Monday, February 11 in Suffield’s Kent Memorial Library’s auditorium at 7:00 p.m. for an informational meeting on the progress on the rink, the plans for the park, and the beach. Town officials, CRC, and the architect on the project will be available to present their reports and to answer questions afterward, and we’ll also be showing “Reflections on Congamond,” a DVD presenting some history of the lake through the memories of people around the lake who grew up there, and in some cases have been there for generations.

There aren’t many invasive weeds around the lake at this time of year visible to identify, but that doesn’t mean Tom Burke and Steve Schmid have ceased all activity. Tom, our Director of Pond Ecology, has provided Steve with “tons of information” which Steve is now trying to wade through. In addition, Steve is taking a 15-part online course through the EPA on watershed management. Tom has provided Steve with some very detailed books on weed identification in preparation for working with Tom to identify those suspicious weeds you’ll be asking about come spring. Tom and Steve will be working together regarding runoff around the lake, water clarity and quality, and weed identification. Steve says he has a long way to go to learn even a little of the information that Tom knows.

CRC’s Board of Directors and the Babb’s Restoration Committee continue to meet over the winter, discussing fundraising ideas and project plans. Before you know it, the annual CRC Winter Vacation trip (this year to Curacao) will be over and our first CRC Meeting of the year will take place in April. We’re looking forward to another sparkling year on the lake. We hope you’ll join us!

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly authorized Non-Profit organization. You may contact us at www.congamond.org or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.

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Babb’s Update for Dec. 25, 2007:

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Next Scheduled Work Party Sat. January 5th and Sun. the 6th 2008, 8Am- Noon.

This year we had accomplishments, and disappointments. We had many volunteers in the beginning of the year and we were able to get a lot done. However it does seem like we get more volunteers after the holidays, and thru the winter! We hope that trend continues!

As work progressed, we found we needed a 'lil more professional guidance. Going back to the towns building department to check proper procedures, we found we needed to hire an architect. This might have seemed to be a long set back, yet we stepped back, took another look and moved forward.

In the end we hired Tecton Architects of Hartford CT. Ted Cutler along with his team spent many hours at the rink. They went over what we had accomplished, worked up our vision allowing us once again to move forward with a complete set of architectural drawings.

Then came a leak in the upper roof! Our roofing contractor, Jim Shields of Shields Enclosures Inc. Southwick MA., along with his partner Adam Quenneville of Adam Quenneville Roofing Inc. of South Hadley MA got the job of installing new shingles done, overcoming many scheduling delays. Thank you both for your patience! The rink roof was believed to have only 3 layers of old shingles, when in fact it had 4. Their team ripped all the old shingles off the rink roof and replaced the damaged sub structure. The roof has now been replaced with a 50 year architectural shingle! It really looks great!

Now that the upper roof has been replaced, we can work our way down to the shed roof and so we did. We even had a volunteer from California that is thinking of relocating his family to Suffield! Jerry McMahon came and shared his carpentry knowledge with us for a few days. Thanks Jerry! I hope we made a good impression!

Now on to the ledger board...... remember the ledger board? Well it was finished off by our mystery crew…. Ok, they're not exactly a mystery, but these guys came to work on the rink weekdays after they got off work from their regular jobs. So by the weekend, other volunteers wondered who did the job.

The rafters we put in place quite some time ago on the east wall were ready for the bridging, plywood and 30# felt. Tyvek was installed on the walls and .....................wait for it... ; the first of the new windows were installed!! Now all the windows as well as another temporary exit door have been installed. We were finally able to see the first of the temporary walls come down.

Moving right along to the south side of the shed area. In order for us to make the move, we needed a little more help. Clayton Cigal of Cigal Masonry Inc. Southwick Mass. came to our aid. Clayton and his crew were able to install some concrete blocks as needed, thus allowing us to begin framing the south shed area over the bathrooms and snack bar!

We also had volunteers install the State of Connecticut Sign. Using a bobcat and an auger on loan from B.R.F. Inc Windsor Locks… Thanks Ben! Paint and supplies for the State Sign was donated by Family True Value Hardware in Granby CT. Thanks Pete!

We also want to thank All-Gas Company in Hartford CT, for providing temporary heat for our volunteers to warm up… Thank you, Tom!!

We hope to see a lot of visitors sharing their memories of dancing, skating, and swimming in the lake this coming year of 2008. There is a lot of interest here, lets keep the momentum going! There are sooooo many people to thank, visitors who came from afar, some like Ernest Schneider of Bristol CT., who helped not only moving and stacking lumber.... but sharing memories of he and his wife and the wonderful times they had at Babb's.

We have the entire staff of the Town of Suffield for believing in this project. Especially Patrick McMahon and Scott Lingenfelter. Then on to Gary Pitcock from the State of Connecticut .......... Thank you all.

Special Note: Please feel free to call Scott Feron if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to this year’s volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Happy Holidays & We hope to see you all back again next year!
Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Oct. 18, 2007:

Work Party: Sat 10-20.
Morning showers clearing throughout the day. Low: 55. High: 69.

We have a lot of work to do to get the building closed in for the winter. We need lots of help with framing. If you’re experienced with this please consider helping.

Thank you all for all your time and dedication. Last weekend we had 7 volunteers and began installing the bridging on the east side of the building.

Stop by some Saturday

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Oct. 3, 2007:

This has been a very busy and exciting week at the rink! The rink now has a beautiful new architectural 50 year roof thanks to Jimmy Shields www.ShieldsEnclosures.com  and Adam Quenneville Roofing. www.1800NewRoof.net 

This week we also had volunteers install the State of Connecticut sign.

Equipment and supplies for the sign were donated by:

Family True Value Hardware in Granby CT. for paint and supplies. Thanks Pete!

B.R.F. Inc Windsor Locks for the use of a bobcat auger Thanks Ben!

We had 2 volunteers show up this past Saturday. Even though there was no scheduled work party! Roy Johnson was able to continue the sign painting project he started without the roofers bothering him. Thank You Roy!

A couple of weeks ago, our team started in the old woman’s bathroom and skate repair section of the rink. We started to prep this area for new fire stops and a firewall to be built. This will also be done on the other side of the platform as well as many points around the rink.

We are all looking forward to the Tag Sale / Flea Market / Craft Sale this weekend on the rink grounds. I hope to see a lot of shoppers and visitors with lawn chairs overlooking the lake.

Now we need to keep our momentum going strong and close in the rink. We have wood, windows and materials... just need more volunteers.... winter is coming fast... lets close in the building so we can continue to work inside when it gets cold!

Next Scheduled Work Party Saturday, 10-6, 8Am- Noon

Bring your carpentry and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Indoor Work:

Cut up bridging to be installed on the shed roof rafters, also cut up and install fire stops around the rink.

Outside work:

Install bridging onto east side rafters, Install 5/8" plywood onto east side rafters. Install felt paper onto the plywood for weather protection.

Install tyvex on east wall.

The next large project is to brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters. Sweeping/Raking.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Sep 21, 2007:

We now have the roof permit!
The shingles have been moved back to the rink and installation is scheduled to start Monday 9/24/07
Starting at approx. 9:00 am
Spectators Welcome!
Come see the new roof installation. I've been busy getting ready for this, and that’s why my bulletins have been a 'lil late.
Scott, Babb's Building Committee
 

 Next Scheduled Work Party Saturday, 9-22-07, 8am-Noon

Sorry for the short notice, it’s been a very active week!

Saturday: Mostly sunny, breezy, warm, and more humid. A slight chance for a shower or thunderstorm in the late afternoon or evening. Low: 60. High: 85.

Bring your carpentry and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

We had 4 volunteers this past Saturday. Thank You!
Come share stories, there is work to be done inside and out.

Last weeks team finished preparing the old woman’s bathroom and skate repair section of the rink to make ready for the air-conditioning equipment. We started to prep this area for new fire stops to be built. This will also be done on the other side of the platform as well as many points around thee rink. Safety First!

The surveyors have stakes around the property. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon.

As you know, the town of Suffield Parks & Rec. has solicited for a study, architectural rendering and site plan of the entire Babb’s Park. This week the interviews were held and we had a tough choice to make after all the presentations were made. Tecton Architects move on to the next level.

Special Note:
Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled workdays. Don't forget to sign-in!
Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Indoor Work:
If it does rain we can layout the west shed wall. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers there are also more fire stops to be cut and installed. More headers to be installed on the north wall.
Sweeping and general cleanup.

Outside work:
The next large project is to brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.
Pick up debris and place in dumpsters. Sweeping/Raking.
There is still some, debris...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!
Please visit the website at www.BabbsRink.org to view our continued progress and our wish list!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers:
Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Sep 13, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party Saturday, 9-15-07, 8am-Noon
Weather: A chance of showers in the morning, then becoming mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s. Northwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Bring your carpentry and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

We had 4 volunteers this past Saturday. Thank You!
Come share stories, there is work to be done inside and out.

Last weeks team started in the old woman’s bathroom and skate repair section of the rink. We started to prep this area for new fire stops to be built. This will also be done on the other side of the platform as well as many points around thee rink. Safety First!

We had a great turn out for the 1st Cruise Congamond held at the rink. Many folks wanted to know if we were going to have a car show every month! It was awesome to see countless people with their lawn chairs camped out overlooking the lake. There is a lot of interest here, lets keep the momentum going! Many folks came in for the open house at the rink, sharing their stories and learning about the Restoration Project. We also had the video “Reflections of Congamond” playing at the open house. In the end we actually had to turn people away.

During this week you may have seen some caution tape across the driveway, we had some volunteers working on the backside of the rink taking down some of the small trees and didn't want visitors to get hurt. Once again..... Safety First! The surveyors have stakes around the property. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon.

As you know, the town of Suffield Parks & Rec. has solicited for a study, architectural rendering and site plan of the entire Babb’s Park. Approximately 15 Landscape Architects came to get a walk thru of the property. This is the beginning stage of a project to develop the park as a whole, keeping the rural atmosphere intact. The town has many steps to take so look for updates. The bids are in and are being reviewed and interviews are being scheduled.

Our volunteers did some weed trimming and general cleanup on the north side of the Rink. There is still a lot to do!

Special Note:
Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled workdays. Don't forget to sign-in!
Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

Indoor Work:
If it does rain we can layout the west shed wall. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers there are also more fire stops to be cut and installed. More headers to be installed on the north wall.
Sweeping and general cleanup.

Outside work:
The next large project is to brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.
Pick up debris and place in dumpsters. Sweeping/Raking.
There is still some, debris...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Aug 22, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party Saturday, 8-25-07, 8am-Noon

Weather: Partly cloudy, hot and humid… Slight chance for a late day thunderstorm. Low: 70. High: 91.

Bring your carpentry and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

We had 6 volunteers this past Saturday. Thank You!

Come share stories, we will be working all around the rink inside and out.

Our team removed the old arcade floor and piers; this will make it easier for the new piers to be installed.

We exposed the remaining base sideboards of the multipurpose room. It is clear to see the way the old piers have deteriorated. These parts of the old building we found were only set upon cinder blocks thus leaving the multi purpose room in such disrepair.

The town of Suffield Parks & Rec. has solicited for a study, architectural rendering and site plan of the entire Babb’s Park.

Approximately 15 Landscape Architects came to get a walk thru of the property last week. This is the beginning stage of a project to develop the park as a whole, keeping the rural atmosphere intact. The town has many steps to take so look for updates.

This weekend we will be setting up and designating areas to be roped off for safety reasons, as we have the first annual CRC Cruise Day on Sunday September 2nd, and a Tag Sale in October at the rink. We will be offering tours of the rink.

Look for Southwick Comcast Channel 15 for an updated interview as well as next issue of the Suffield/Southwick news.

Our volunteers did some weed trimming and general cleanup on the north side of the Rink. There is still a lot to do!

The surveyors have put more stakes around the property. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon.

 

Special Note:

Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled workdays. Don't forget to sign-in!

Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342


Indoor Work:

If it does rain we can layout the west shed wall. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers.

Sweeping and general cleanup.


Outside work:

The next large project is to brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters. Sweeping/Raking.

There is still some, screens, wire...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Don't Forget the Cardboard Boat Races at Louie B's Sunday!  http://www.louiebs.com/id10.html

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for Aug 2, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party 8-4-07 Saturday 8am-Noon

Drive right in COME TO THE LAKE SIDE OF THE BUILDING TO FIND US!

We had 6 volunteers last weekend! Thank-you.

Our volunteers cleaned up and reorganized some items inside the rink. We are getting ready to start installing more of the shed roof as soon as the upper roof is completed. The old fans still work and we had them working to move out the dust we created while cleaning.

Our mystery framers were on hand even in the rain to help out this weekend. They built a temporary endwall that can be used to close in the shed area as we remove the temporary walls from around the rink and install that plywood up on the new shed rafters.

Some weed trimming and general cleanup on the north side of the Rink and park is working out great. The more we get done, the faster the upper roof can be done with no obstructions.

It's always nice to see folks stop by and chat of old times. Some have shared their stories while others are working.... it helps pass the time away!

You will see some Grade Stakes in the Lawn area. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon. Please stay clear of them.

Special Note:
Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled work
days. Don't forget to sign-in!
Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

As we progress you will see our Architect and their team do occasional
on-site inspections.

Bring your Carpentry tools and or Lawn tools including chain saws and
lawn trimmers if you have them!

Saturday: Partly to mostly sunny. Hot, but turning a little less humid. Low: 68. High:

Indoor Work:
Sweeping and general cleanup.


Outside work:

Demolish the old Arcade platform and put in dumpsters.

If it does Rain we can layout the west shed wall. Build it and keep it aside. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers.

There is still some, screens, wire...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters

Sweeping / Raking Bring them if you have them.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE!, who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for July 24, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party 7-28-07 Saturday 8am-Noon

Drive right in COME TO THE LAKE SIDE OF THE BUILDING TO FIND US!

We had 5 volunteers last weekend…. Thank-you!
It's always nice to see folks stop by and chat of old times. Some have shared their stories while others are working.
Our mystery framers came by once again to do additional work on the ledger board. It looks like the end is near for that!

One of our local companies donated some additional safety gloves, glasses and other supplies.
SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! Thank You Mark!

The weed trimming and general cleanup on the north side of the rink and park is working out great. The more we get done, the faster the upper roof can be done with no obstructions.

You will see some grade stakes in the lawn area. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon.

Special Note:
Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled workdays. Don't forget to sign-in!
Please feel free to call Scott if you have any questions 860-982-7342

As we progress you will see our Architect and their team do occasional on-site inspections.

Bring your carpentry and/or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Saturday: Mostly cloudy and humid. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low: 69. High: 85.

Indoor Work:
Sweeping and general cleanup.

Outside work:
Demolish the old arcade platform and put in dumpsters.

If it does rain we can layout the west shed wall. Build it and keep it aside. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers.

There is still some, screens, wire...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

Sweeping / Raking. Bring them if you have them.

Nice Surprise!
If you read this far I thought it was only fair to give you some good news.
On Thursday July 19 the application for a roof permit was officially filed accompanied by a stamped set of drawings as requested.
We hope to have the actual permit in approximately 7 days. I have spoken to the contractor and they could have a crew on-site within 7-10 days of obtaining the permit. Stay tuned for Eureka! This will be the Babb’s Update when we have the roof permit.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for July 17, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party 7-21-07 Saturday 8am-Noon

Drive right in COME TO THE LAKE SIDE OF THE BUILDING TO FIND US!

We had 9 volunteers last weekend! Thank-you!

Visitors came by to see all the progress. One was just on a bike hike from Granby.

It's always nice to see folks stop by and chat. Some have shared their stories while others are working.

One of our Local Companies donated some additional safety gloves, glasses and other supplies.

SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT! Thank You Kevin!

Our mystery crew trimmed the plywood and installed the first layer of the ledger board on the west wall

This was done on yet another non-scheduled work day. Thanks once again and great job!

You will see some grade stakes in the lawn area. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon. Please stay clear of them.

Some weed trimming and cleanup around the Rink and park is working out great.
 

Special Note:

Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled workdays. Don't forget to sign-in!

Please feel free to call Scott if you have ANY questions 860-982-7342

As we progress you will see our architect and their team do occasional on-site inspections.

Bring your carpentry tools and or Lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with lingering showers possible to start, then becoming partly cloudy during the afternoon.

Low: 66. High: 82.

Indoor Work:

Sweeping and general cleanup.

Outside work:

Continue installing the ledger board on the south wall and hopefully the west wall also!

Demolish the old arcade platform and put in dumpsters.

If it does rain we can layout the west shed wall. Build it and keep it aside. This can be built and placed out of the way of the roofers.

Brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

There is still some, screens, wire...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE, who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for June 27, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party 7-14-07 Saturday 8AM to noon

COME TO THE LAKE SIDE OF THE BUILDING TO FIND US!

We had 6 volunteers last weekend! Thank-you!

Our mystery crew installed plywood on the west wall on another non-scheduled, mid-week work day! This was the first step. Next is to trim it off and then install the ledger board. I see they have their lines in place and ready to go!

The other work around the rear base of the building was completed! Thanks Bill!

The holes were dug along various points of the foundation / slab to see actual footings etc....

You will see some grade stakes in the lawn area. Please be cautious of them. They are flagged with ribbon. Please stay clear of them.

Some folks stopped to see what’s going on! They'll be back....

Special Note:

Check the Bulletin board for work to be done on non-scheduled work days. Don't forget to sign-in!

As we progress you will see our architect and their team do occasional on-site inspections.

Bring your carpentry tools and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Saturday:
Some morning clouds then partly to mostly sunny. Low: 60. High: 82.

Indoor Work:

Sweeping and general cleanup

Continue framing the west wall

Outside work:

Continue installing the ledger board on the south wall and hopefully the west wall also!

We may now be able to layout the west shed wall. Build it and keep it aside.

Brace up and replace old timbers on the north side of the building as necessary. We are still recycling the timbers from the old shed structure.

The multipurpose room is 1 3/4" - 4 1/4" out of Level. To level the floor and bring it to the same level of the main building may be more than what we thought. We are working with the architect on possible options for the multipurpose room. We may put a full foundation under it for future storage… Just a thought at this point!

There is still some, screens, wire...etc that needs to be cleared from the back of the rink.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters. Sweeping / Raking… Bring them if you have them.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE! who have given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for June 27, 2007

Next Scheduled Work Party 6-30-07 Saturday 8AM to noon
Saturday: Partly cloudy, slight chance for an isolated afternoon t-storm. Low: 54. High: 79.

Come help us close out June with another great progress report.

We had another awesome progressive work party last weekend. Our crew filled up a 40 yard dumpster with debris from all around the rink. However there is still more to clear out!

Another crew did weed trimming around the rink. This keeps the new construction upbeat and not looking like an abandoned building.

Yet another crew took down the temporary walls on the west side to prep the area for the new ledger beam. We also started putting up the tyvek house wrap on some of the south wall.

Special Note:

We have a new bulletin board mounted outside the door of the Multi-purpose room. (It’s the smaller building on the lake side of the

Rink.) Please feel free to check it for work to be done and a sign in sheet for volunteers doing work outside of the scheduled work days

Another Note:

Donations of Safety supplies are needed and requested to be replaced. Gloves, dust-masks, etc. for Volunteers. Please contact Scott to arrange for pick up if needed 860-982-7342


As we progress you will see our Architect and their team do occasional on-site inspections.

Bring your carpentry tools and or lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Indoor Work:
Sweeping and general cleanup.
Continue framing the West Wall

Outside work:
Continue installing the ledger board on the south wall and hopefully, the West Wall too!

There is still some, screens, wood and debris under the back of the rink, the old arcade and the multi-purpose rink that needs to be removed.

The multipurpose room is 1 3/4" - 4 1/4" out of Level. To level the floor and bring it to the same level of the main building. This will ultimately mean hand digging and pouring 15 new concrete piers and replacing the posts as necessary.

We also need to dig down on the concrete piers of the main building as well as the multi-purpose building to check actual depth and foundation.

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux & Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for June 22, 2007:

Next Scheduled Work Party - 6-23-07 Saturday 8AM to noon

Saturday: A beautiful day! Mostly sunny and breezy with very low humidity.

Sunday: Partly sunny with a slight chance for a shower or thunderstorm.

Special Notes:

We have a new bulletin board mounted outside the Multi-purpose room. Please feel free to check it for work to be done and a sign in sheet for volunteers doing work outside of the scheduled work party days

Donations of safety supplies are needed and requested to be replaced. Gloves, dust-masks, etc. for volunteers. Please contact Scott to arrange for pick up if needed 860-982-7342

We had another great progressive Work Party last weekend. We were able to begin building the last window section on the south wall, west end and raising the window header into place. We had some additional cleanup on site, keeping safety in mind. We also set the marks with a laser-level for the west wall ledger beam to be installed.

As we progress you will see our Architect and their team do occasional on-site inspections. We have a conference table and chairs on loan from the Feron family, for on-site meetings.

One new volunteer suggested the Army Corp of Engineers is always looking for construction projects to allow their team to work. So if we have any site work to be done in the future, we may want to keep this in the back of our minds.

The Lake clean up went well and if anyone still sees flyer's posted please take them down ...... we might have missed a few!

SPECIAL THANKS !! to SUFFIELD HARDWARE FOR PROVIDING THE STAPLES TO POST FLYER'S ON THE EAST SIDE OF ALL 3 PONDS of Lake Congamond

Bring your Carpentry tools and or Lawn tools including chain saws and lawn trimmers if you have them!

Indoor Work:
Sweeping and general cleanup.

Outside work:

We are now ready to FINISH installing the new ledger board on the south wall and hopefully the West Wall too!

Walk the north slope of the building and remove the debris so we can clear the underbrush. We want to clear the area of rocks, bottles, metal, etc for safe operation of Cals brush cutting equipment.

We have wood and debris under the rink, old arcade and the multi-purpose rink that needs to be removed and placed in dumpster.

Once again we would like to thank EVERYONE! who have given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Bob Billieux Barry Roberts

Babb's Restoration Committee 

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Babb’s Update for June 14, 2007:

Thanks to all that helped with the lake clean-up last Saturday. Even with the rink worked cancelled due to the clean-up we were still able to get some tasks accomplished. The past couple of weekends have been productive and we even had some volunteers working Wednesday afternoon. We continue to work on the installation of the new ledger board across the South wall.

Teams have walked the hill behind the rink removing debris to allow Cal Chunglo to come back with his machine and clear away the underbrush.

We shored up the front overhang of the old arcade building. The door was hung on the practice rink.

We had a meeting with CL&P as well as Northeast Utilities. They walked the area with us to gain a better perspective of our future electrical needs. We will continue to follow up.

We also had a meeting with the new architect, Ted Cutler from Tecton Architects, to discuss critical items to be addressed. Our focus is still with the upper roof drawings to permit. Updates as we get them!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Barry Roberts & Bob Billieux

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for June 9, 2007:

Thanks to all that helped with the lake clean-up last Saturday. Even with the rink worked cancelled due to the clean-up we were still able to get some tasks accomplished. The past couple of weekends have been productive and we even had some volunteers working Wednesday afternoon. We continue to work on the installation of the new ledger board across the South wall.

Teams have walked the hill behind the rink removing debris to allow Cal Chunglo to come back with his machine and clear away the underbrush.

We shored up the front overhang of the old arcade building. The door was hung on the practice rink.

We had a meeting with CL&P as well as Northeast Utilities. They walked the area with us to gain a better perspective of our future electrical needs. We will continue to follow up.

We also had a meeting with the new architect, Ted Cutler from Tecton Architects, to discuss critical items to be addressed. Our focus is still with the upper roof drawings to permit. Updates as we get them!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers: Barry Roberts & Bob Billieux

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update for May 5, 2007:

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Babb’s Update April 19, 2007:

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Babb’s Update April 5, 2007:

March '07 closed out with the majority of the south east wall being framed and raised into place. We also braced up the west wall from inside to allow for additional supports to be built to receive the shed roof rafters.

Some volunteers opened up the multipurpose room and began building a temporary door for construction access

Spring is in the air, so we removed the tar paper from around the rink to allow some fresh air ventilation.

Work party this weekend Saturday 8:00 to noon

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for flurries. Continued breezy and cold. Low: 25. High: 40.

Easter Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy. Breezy and cold. Low: 25. High: 43.

Outside work:

Take down the temporary walls; make adjustments and continue to install the new ledger board across the southwest wall.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters

Indoor:

Re-frame west wall to accommodate new SHED ROOF structure and arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers Bob Billieux and Barry Roberts. There are many photos on the site now and more coming from a disc that Barry made.

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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CRC News
By Linda M. Champagney
Sun, 15 Apr 2007

Wow! CRC’s new year is starting off with a bang! If you weren’t at our first meeting, you missed a lot of enthusiasm. Committees are forming now for some fun events and you don’t want to miss out! This promises to be a great summer for everyone.

Our annual Lake Clean-up and Beautification event is June 9th, North Boat Ramp, 8 a.m. Bring work gloves. As each year goes by, we spend more time beautifying than cleaning, and that’s great. Many hands make light work, so please join us.

Dennis Goldie announced the annual Boat Parade’s theme: “Pirates of the Congamond.” Judges will be at the North Boat Ramp pier. The event will begin at Saunders’ cove with the singing of the National Anthem (any singers out there?) at 6:00 pm. Aye, Matey, as usual, the boat parade itself requires no doubloons to enter, but if you want your boat to be judged, an entry fee will apply. Thanks to everyone who participated last year, $1,250 was made. The parade committee meets weekly on Thursdays. Contact us at the website if you’d like to be involved. More details follow!

Dick Grannells reports that the tunnel between Middle and South Ponds is half done. The old tunnel remains open until the new one is finished, which should be in mid-June.

Jerry Crane tells us 25 people went to the Dominican Republic on the annual CRC vacation and had a great time! They’re looking into next year’s destination. Golf and a casino are being considered for inclusion in the plans, and Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a preliminary possibility. As always, all-inclusives are being considered.

We’ve made a lot of progress on the Babb’s project, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we need more people to help each Saturday and most Sundays, and remember that the reason behind the Babb’s Project is to make it a consistent fundraiser for the CRC’s prime directive: lake maintenance activities. The movie director has agreed to postpone filming the Babb’s scenes until October so as to give us more time to get things together. A “Big Tag Sale” is being planned, date to be determined. Start putting aside those treasures! Spaces will be for sale for $15 ahead of the sale, and $20 the day of, all proceeds to benefit the Babb’s Project.

See you at the next CRC meeting, May 8th, 7:30 pm, Crabby Joe’s. This is your lake. Get involved!

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly recognized, volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the Congamond Lakes. We can be reached at www.congamond.org, or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.
 

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Babb’s Update March 29, 2007:

We're Back!

Work Party this weekend: Saturday March 31st 8am / Sunday April 1st…. No Joke! 8 am

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 60.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy and cooler with a chance for rain. High: 52.

Outside work:

Take down the temporary walls; make adjustments and continue to install the new ledger board across the southwest wall.

Pick up debris and place in dumpsters

Sweeping / Raking… Bring them if you have them.

Indoor:
Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.

Sweeping

Install insulation on walls

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration! See ya in the Movies!

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers Bob Billieux and Barry Roberts. There are many photos on the site now and more coming from a disc that Barry made.

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update March 15, 2007:

NO WORK PARTY Saturday or Sunday March 17th or 18th

All of our building crew supervisors, have other obligations this weekend. We also have a Winter Storm on our horizon. We are expecting a lot of rain today followed by a Nor' Easter Friday into Saturday .... With 6"-7" of SNOW!!!

For the first time this winter....We can ALL take a break!

We will regroup next weekend!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

Parade in Hartford 11:00 am

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thank you to our volunteer photographers Bob Billieux and Barry Roberts. There are many photos on the site now and more coming from a disc that Barry made.

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update March 1, 2007:

Next Work Party: Saturday and Sunday March 10th & 11th 8AM

Saturday: Increasing cloudiness with a chance for rain showers toward evening. Turning milder. Low: 22. High: 46.

Sunday: Lingering rain or snow showers in the morning, then partly sunny and mild. Low: 33. High: 50.


Outside work:

We will install the plywood on and raise up 50' of the NEW south west wall at 10am we will need a lot of volunteers to help lift this into place.

We will NOT be building any more walls until after the upper roof is replaced. This will be approximately 2 weeks. Don't despair... there's still plenty to do! Just watch for our updates.


Take down the temporary walls; make adjustments and Continue to install the new ledger board across the southwest wall.

Indoor:

Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Special thank you to our volunteer photographers Bob Billieux and Barry Roberts. There are many photos on the site now and more coming from a disc that Barry made.

See ya in the Movies!

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update March 1, 2007:

The month of February concluded with our 8 Volunteers Raising the Old Front Entryway Wall on the south side of the building as well as building and raising into place the New West Wall of the Old Entry. We were also able to demolish and load the old arcade roof into the dumpsters. There was also another load of lumber delivered on Saturday and brought inside.

Ted Flanders came out to look over the project today Thursday March 1st, everything looks good so far. Once we get some more walls up, he'll come back for another look.

In case you haven’t heard, Babb’s is in the running to be featured in a movie. Keep your fingers crossed that Hollywood comes to West Suffield, Connecticut, on Beautiful Lake Congamond MA. It's not final yet! But we're still in the running. Just to have Babb's being considered for this is very exciting! More details to come. For those interested, we were able to take some photos of the "Attic". This is the area above the arched ceiling yet below the roof structure, showing the buildings structure. The Director and Producer were interested in this vast amount of space up there, as it would also add to their movie!

Next Work Party:

Saturday and Sunday March 3rd & 4th

Saturday: Partly sunny, then mostly cloudy during the afternoon with a chance for a rain or wet snow shower. Low: 29. High: 47.

Sunday: Partly sunny, breezy, and colder. Low: 25. High: 37.

Outside work:

We can build and raise up the NEW south west wall. This wall and all remaining walls can be built inside and carried out into place, in case of bad weather.

Build the Temporary hallway wall to receive the new rafters over the bathroom / kitchen area.

Take down the temporary walls; make adjustments and Continue to install the new ledger board across the southwest wall.

Indoor:

Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.

Special thank you to our volunteer photographers Bob Billieux and Barry Roberts. There are many photos on the site now and more coming from a disc that Barry made.

See ya in the Movies!

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update Feb. 23, 2007:

Last weekends snow storm might have looked like we wouldn't get much accomplished, however with a small crew of 5, we were able to finish the southeast hip and begin the layout of the longest rafters that will span the south hallway to the exterior of the bathroom wall.

We were able to remove the last section of the shed roof by the practice rink, and add it to the dumpster.

With the donation of a bobcat from Jim Shields, we were able to clean the slab of snow and the entire work area. This made access to the rink nice and dry.

We even had a Mystery Framer stop by this week! Someone framed up the south entrance wall. It’s ready to raise into place! Even when we're not working we're getting work done! Thanks to whomever you are!

This just goes to show the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers!

The bids are out to have the upper roof stripped off and replaced with a new 30- 50 year shingle. The Bid opening will be on the 28th of February 10AM. The bids will be reviewed and awarded in writing soon thereafter.

Next Work Party: February 24th and 25th

Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Lows 15 to 20.
Sunday: Mostly sunny in the morning, then mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of snow 40 percent.

Outside work:

Break up / Cut up the arcade roof and stuff it in the dumpster.

Take down the temporary walls, make adjustments and continue to install the new ledger board across the southwest and west walls.

We can also frame up the west wall around the front entrance then the south west wall. These walls and all remaining walls can be built inside and carried out into place, in case of bad weather.

Indoor:


Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.


Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

CRC Winter Vacation to the Dominican Republic is March 3-10

We look forward to their refreshed energy upon their return! We'll keep working while you’re all relaxing in the sun..... Have a Great Trip!

See ya in the Movies!

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update Feb. 16, 2007:

February 10th and 11th, 2007, brought very nice working weather... temps in the 30s. We had a crew of 12 and we were able to remove the remaining 100 feet of the old piece of the shed roof. We were also able to finish and set the south east lounge wall.

The Microlams were laid out and set in place for the southeast hip. Sunday was yet another great day. We were able to remove the remaining wall section of the arcade area and then we brought down the roof. The old arcade area, once cleaned up, will be ready for new construction.

The only section of shed roof is the area straight out from the practice rink (multipurpose room) this area is now prepped for demolition. The crews are now ready to continue installing the new ledger beam and rafters.

This was yet another one of our most productive weekends! There are many great things coming up and our hope is that this pace will continue.

Next Work Party: This coming weekend the 17th and 18th.

Saturday: Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Saturday Night and Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Lows around 15. Highs in the lower 30s.
Sunday Night and Presidents Day: Mostly cloudy. Lows around 15. Highs in the upper 20s.

Outside work:

We will need to spend some time on the south east hip, so this may slow us down a bit.

As we continue to install the new ledger board, we can continue to install lag bolts across the ledger board.
If someone has an impact gun this would be helpful.

Now that the little section of roof (pork chop), is cleaned out, we can piece in used wood siding. We have wood cut to install in this area already. With this done we can continue installing the ledger board.

We can also frame up the walls around the front entrance. These walls and all remaining walls can be built inside and carried out into place.

Indoor:

Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall. Now that the area is clear of demolition debris this can be completed easier.

Remove, frame and board up the old window on the north wall to the right side of the stage.

Reframe the existing window on the east wall to the right side of the stage to allow for a new single window.

Remove, frame and board up the old windows on the north wall to the left side of the stage.

Remove and reframe the existing window on the west side of the left side of the stage to allow for a new window.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

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Babb’s Update 9 Feb 2007:

Well, we started February 2007 with a good crew. We were able to build another wall for the lounge area. We were also able to set the remaining rafters on the east wall. Now that these rafters are in place we were able to begin laying out the new interior hallway wall. On Sunday we had yet another productive day. We laid out and set the next 45lft of ledger beam in place. I know this doesn’t seem like a lot .... but come see for yourself! Cheer us on...watch us and share your stories.

Saturday: Partly sunny with a chance of flurries. Highs in the lower 30s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows around 13. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

We have an ongoing list of projects to complete, and are still in need of additional volunteers. I have been deleting then as they are completed.

Outside work:

We will need to spend some time on the south east hip, so this may seem to slow us down a bit. We can have another couple of volunteers install lag bolts across the ledger board. If someone has an Impact Gun this would be helpful.

We can also continue to remove the little section of roof (Pork Chop), clean out the old roof shingles and tar in that area. Once this next section is removed, we can piece in used wood siding. We have wood cut to install in this area already. With this done we can continue installing the ledger board.

We can also frame up the walls around the front entrance.


Indoor:

Remove, frame and board up the old window on the north wall to the right side of the stage.

Reframe the existing window on the east wall to the right side of the stage to allow for a new single window.

Remove, frame and board up the old windows on the north wall to the left side of the stage.

Remove and reframe the existing window on the west side of the left side of the stage to allow for a new window.

Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

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Babb’s Update Jan. 31, 2007:

We closed out January 2007, a little cold but not without showing more progress. Our carpenter, Tom Talamini, came back to give a hand. Welcome back Tom! Together we were able to finish installing the top plate on the new walls and be continued to raise the new roof rafters into place. The original walls were not square with the main building and this has posed some delays, as we need to custom cut most of the rafters, to maintain a straight building line. We have the first 25 feet of rafters in place, and now the next challenge we are heading for is the south east corner HIP.

Our Indoor crew finished the tedious job of removing the sheetrock, another great accomplishment! Thanks to all who helped!

Dean Davis was on hand to give us a shopping list of electrical needs. This will allow us to work more efficiently, having more outlets and circuits to work with once this is complete. We will have temporary outlets on the east wall, midway in the South wall and additionally on the north wall by the stage.

Next scheduled work party:

Saturday February 3rd and Sunday the 4th as volunteers are available.

Weather looks favorable once again.

Bring your snow shovels and brooms, looks like light snow [x] crossed fingers!

Saturday: Partly sunny, windy, and cold. Low: 21. High: 29.

Sunday: Partly sunny, breezy, and cold. Low: 13. High: 25.

Outside work:

This weekend we hope to have the shed rafters installed to complete the east side. We will need to spend some time on the south east hip, so this may seem to slow us down a bit. We can have another couple of volunteers install lag bolts across the ledger board.

We can also continue to remove the little section of roof (Pork Chop), clean out the old roof shingles and tar in that area. Once this next section is removed, we can piece in used wood siding. With this done we can get our next true building line across the south wall, and then begin installing the new ledger board.

We can also frame up the walls around the front entrance.

Indoor:

We can continue to vacuum up the loose paint.

Remove, frame and board up the old window on the north wall to the right side of the stage.

Reframe the existing window on the east wall to the right side of the stage to allow for a new single window.

Remove, frame and board up the old windows on the north wall to the left side of the stage.

Remove and reframe the existing window on the west side of the left side of the stage to allow for a new window.

Reframe west wall to accommodate new arches. The thought is to mirror the arches on the east wall.

Once again we would like to thank everyone who has given their time and energy to this historical restoration!

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update Jan. 24, 2007:

Saturday January 20Th, we had 12 Volunteers.

We worked with the east temporary wall for the first time. We were able to take down the plywood with ease, as we had installed it with screws for just that purpose. With the temporary wall down we were able to make way for, and install, the new ledger boards. The ledger board is used to receive the new shed roof rafters. We were then able to put the temporary wall back up.

With due diligence late Saturday afternoon, Rick came back after his hockey coaching duties and this proved to be an astounding achievement. Rick spent some time laying out the new rafters the first new shed roof rafters were installed! Thank you Rick Crosby!

This paves the way for us to continue installing the rafters and plywood roof this coming weekend. We also had another crew inside the rink that continued to remove the old sheetrock. This task too, is just about completed.

Next Work Party: Saturday 1-27-07 8am and Sunday 1-28-07 as Volunteers are available.

This weekends Weather:

Saturday: Partly cloudy with a chance for flurries. Not as cold. Low: 10. High: 33.

Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy, chance for flurries or a snow showers. Turning colder again! Low: 20. High: 31.

Outside:

Continue installing the new shed roof rafters and plywood on the east side. Cover with felt paper as needed. Demolish the remaining West side area of the shed roof by the Arcade. The Arcade walls will all be demolished also to make way for the multi-purpose room roof to be reframed and tied into the main building. This work will allow us to have the rink roof all re-done at the same time. We hope to put together a bid package soon.

Inside:

We can continue to remove the sheetrock. We have some wall repairs to do and we can also begin to layout the NEW west wall arches to mirror the rest of the rink.

Electrical:

Install new breakers and outlets

We are still in need of carpenters to assist in our re-construction. If anyone knows of a framing crew that is willing to layout and build the remaining exterior walls please contact our project manager Rick Crosby at gotabme@juno.com  or 860.982.7342 our volunteers are ready to assist!

As always we welcome donations of time, materials and safety equipment.

I encourage everyone to visit Babb's share their stories and cheer us on as we re-build the past. Visit the website www.babbsrink.org to view pictures of our continued progress.

Thank you everyone, for your continued hard volunteer work and support of this project.

Babb’s Restoration Committee

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Babb’s Update Jan. 20, 2007:

Last weekend January 13Th and 14Th 2007

We had 6 volunteers on Sat. and 4 on Sunday

It rained on and off ... but that didn't stop us! We were able to build the new southeast wall in sections on the rink floor, and carry them outside into place. We added the plywood and braces.

We had a few new volunteers show up! A father and son team Mark and Craig Keough of East Granby CT. removed a lot of sheetrock and exposed more bee hives! 84 year old Ernest Schneider from Bristol, CT. helped move the windows to gain access to the left side of the stage as well as continued cleanup…. Thanks!

We have a roof leak in the old woman's bathroom area to the left of the stage. Now that we have better access there we were also able to hang some temporary lights in the area above the ceiling but below the roof. Now we and other contractors can see the ceiling structure. We have a serious mold issue with the existing ceiling. The tiles are moist and tend to be absorbent.

We had the town’s environmental company come out; Bob Roberts from New England Environmental. The ceiling tiles are not asbestos. The loose paint in the walls will need to be vacuumed up and placed in plastic bags. Then Bob's company will bring a special dumpster for that haz-mat removal. We have dust masks, gloves and safety glasses available for use as we do these various projects.

We have had contractors look at the existing roof on the rink. From the outside. It would appear that we need to replace it, and the suggestion would be to remove the existing shingles and replace the plywood or sub structure as needed. Then install a new shingle roof. Now that we have access, contractors can inspect the roof structure from inside as well.

When the decision is made this may have to go to bid thru the Town of Suffield. I encourage potential contractors to contact the Bill Norcross wrnorcross@cox.net to be placed on the bidders list.

Interior Ceiling:

Bill and I met with a couple of ceiling contractors at the rink. We have a few options.

1. Replace the bad tiles with pegboard because these tiles are no longer manufactured. Spray on a kilz type product to seal and cover the stains, then spray on the fire retardant and then spray on the paint. This would have a 1 year warranty!

Note: the Architect, John Morgan, tested the existing ceiling panels and doesn't believe they will withstand the additional weight of these applications. I Agree! I have tried this in the past with another job, same type ceiling. After painting ........ The tiles absorb like a sponge and they start to peal apart because they are fibrous panel and can’t withstand the additional weight.

2. Install a drop ceiling, however it would be boxed in certain areas because of the contoured ceiling. Wherever boxed... would create shadows with lighting.

3. Hang a new drop ceiling FLAT across the rink just above the stage following the line above the 13 pane windows.

4. Revert back to the original design and have no interior ceiling panels.

We still need an electrician to install new breakers and outlets

We are still in need of carpenters to assist in our re-construction. If anyone knows of a framing crew that is willing to layout and build the remaining exterior walls please contact our project mgr. at gotabme@juno.com  or 860.982.7342 our volunteers are ready to assist!

As always we welcome donations of time, materials and safety equipment.

I encourage everyone to visit the website www.babbsrink.org to view pictures of our continued progress.

Thank you everyone, for your continued hard volunteer work and support of this project.

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CRC News
By Linda M. Champagney
(Mon, 15 Jan 2007, article for the February issue of the Suffield Observer)

We started the new year off with a bang! Volunteers have been hard at work continuing the reconstruction at Babb’s. Exterior walls are going up, interior sheetrock is coming down, bids are out for roofing, volunteers of all ages and abilities are showing up and pitching in. Won’t you be one of them? We’ve been working on Saturdays and Sundays while the weather holds. When it rains, we work inside, for the most part. Usually it’s too cold by now, but since we’ve had such mild weather, the work continues!

Saturday, January 13 saw two new pieces of the south wall built inside the rink, carried out, put up and nailed into place, encompassing both bathrooms and the concession stand. Fifty percent of the old sheetrock has been taken down. Two of the old speaker stands have been removed, since newer speakers are much smaller. The outer walls will continue to be built and put up as long as volunteers are available to help.

While we were taking down the lower “shed” roof by hand, Cal Chunglo of Southwick came by with his machine with a grappling claw and within a day and a half, the project was complete. The Town of Suffield took 4 dumpsters full of debris away as a result. As fast as we filled them, the Town hauled them away.

The Town of Suffield has also been getting a lot of inquiries as to when Babb’s Beach will be open, which has caused them to look into the possibility of reopening the beach this summer. Cross your fingers!

I hope you all received your copy of the Airport News, which the Town of Suffield mailed to you. On the back page, they paid for a full-page ad about the rink. It’s great to have their constant support.

Visitors continue to stop by and tell us their stories. Recently a couple from Pennsylvania, who met at Babb’s, while skating in 1942, were in the area visiting family and came to the rink to see what was going on. We are very interested in stories of how people met at Babb’s, so if you have one, please contact me at P.O. Box 148, West Suffield, CT 06093. You are a part of Babb’s history, and we’d like to document your story for future generations.

As always, everyone’s help is greatly appreciated! This is our opportunity to make a difference in our town. There’s plenty to do and as long as the weather allows, we’ll be there.

Citizens Restoring Congamond is a duly recognized, volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the Congamond Lakes. We can be reached at www.congamond.org , or P.O. Box 117, West Suffield, CT 06093.

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Babb’s Update Jan. 11, 2007: