East Barnard
Village Crier

Sue Schlabach, East Barnard Crier. A woman with long hair, glasses, and a bright smile wearing a pink cardigan and green earrings, holding a cup of coffee, sitting in a cozy cafe with a landscape painting on the wall behind her.

In a world that is instant, the East Barnard Village Crier serves as a unique and thoughtful community conduit of information and support.

But it is made by a human, and it is not instant (though aims to be timely).

The East Barnard Village Crier is an e-newsletter for local residents to learn about events in the village, share items to give away or sell, learn about the safest mud season routes, and keep connected.

I put out the Crier when I receive news to share. All members of the community are welcome to send in news items, events and photos. More questions? See the FAQs below.

To submit an item or photo, write to me at ebvillagecrier@gmail.com.

—Sue Schlabach

Subscribe to the Crier

FAQs

  • I am Sue Schlabach and I live in the center of the village in the brick house. The Crier was started by my mother, Virginia Glass Schlabach, and I carried it on in her memory after her death in 2019. My father, Abner, lives on Broad Brook Road and helped Mom with many early Criers. You can read more about the Crier here.

  • Once or twice a month—sometimes more. I write it and send it when I receive enough things to share.

  • Anyone on the list or within the region can send me events, pictures, road news (the mud report in mud season is a Crier essential), items to sell, give away or that you need… You get the idea. To submit, email me at the EBVillageCrier@gmail.com address.

  • Please write it as you’d like it to appear. Keep it short, if possible. I like to edit minimally, but will do so if needed. Be sure to include any important dates and times and your preferred contact information.

  • The Crier is a volunteer effort. I will share it as soon as I’m able, but if you need an instant answer, you should start with the Barnard ListServ (for instance, if your dog is missing). Still send it to me, but know that I may not get to it right away.

  • If it’s summer, walk around. If it’s winter, read the Crier to find out where we’re gathering! Come to village potlucks and events. Join up for volunteer requests. We look forward to meeting you.

Street sign with arrows pointing right to Royaltown and Sharon, situated on a grass patch beside a road, with a brick house in the background and trees around.

Becoming the Village Crier

Published by State 14

by Sue Schlabach, March 2020


This is how we honor our mothers.  And learn to be like them.

Last night at the dinner table we all lamented the changing times. My daughter’s senior year hangs suspended on a thinning thread and she’s grieving the loss of the milestones she’d anticipated: projects, classes, prom, and graduation. All of these things feel swept out from under her.  We talked about the needs that will come for our elderly neighbors and those who may get sick. To this, my daughter said, “Grandma would know what to do.”

Since my mom’s death in November I’ve missed her immeasurably.  And now, in this time of international crisis, I need her creativity and optimism. She was the consummate community organizer.

In December, about a month after her passing …

Continue Reading on State 14