Drummer FO R I M ME DIAT E DE LI V E RY
*****************ECRWSS****
PAID
Local Postal Customer
The Granby
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE AVON, CT PERMIT NO. 466
Your
AWARDWINNING
Follow us on:
VOLUNTEER newspaper
Published by Citizens for a Better Granby a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
Volume LII, No. 2 • October 2021
www.granbydrummer.com
FREE
Celebrating milestones, new beginnings The Granby Road Race celebrates its 50th year! It’s one of the few left that towns support by closing major roads, briefly, for the safety of runners. That’s a great example of community spirit in action. Way to go Granby—health and safety are important, as is co-existence. Welcome our new Town Manager, Erica Robertson. After 20 years working in Farmington Town Hall, most recently Assistant Town own as Manager, Robertson offered and acall was cepted this important position alk leadership and started work here by Jim Lofink on Sept. 20. A UConn graduate, Robertson has a background in municipal finance including positions in West Hartford and Tolland. With deep Farmington Valley roots and in-state experience, Granby anticipates a seamless transition. Thank your Public Servants. Several long-time elected public officials are choosing not to run for re-election this year, including Scott Kuhnly after eight years as First Selectman, and Ed Ohannessian after 16 years continuous service on the Boards of Education and Selectmen. Bill Smith is also going back into a well-deserved retirement after returning as interim Town Manager. Expect many changes on the November ballots, covered in this issue’s special Election Supplement. Don’t forget to share your appreciation for all those who have volunteered their time and talent to help Granby thrive, both past and future.
T H T
Request your Absentee Ballot. If you do not want to vote in-person on Nov. 2, but do want to vote, you can via Absentee Ballot under COVID executive orders. However, unlike the Presidential election last year, everyone will not be mailed an application. Read the Registrars’ article on page 26 for options on how to exercise your right, and privilege, to vote, in-person or otherwise. Cannabis moratorium adopted in Granby. Like many Connecticut towns, Granby’s Planning and Zoning Commission has adopted a one-year moratorium to allow time to consider whether recreational cannabis establishments should be prohibited in Granby, or to establish local regulations and restrictions. Under current state regulations, Granby could have one micro-cultivator and one retail establishment, based on our population. Road paving done—bridges and town center underway. The Hungary Road bridge work, north near the Suffield line, will now start in the new year, but Griffin Road should be open to traffic in late November, if weather holds. Finally, the State DOT has begun the planned infrastructure work on the Town Center project, with minimal traffic impacts so far. Granby’s fall kicked off with a successful Open Farm Day, Granby Road Race and other in-person events around town. Let’s enjoy the many opportunities to meet and greet our neighbors—say hi and smile! Now we can see that smile! —Jim Lofink
Thank you, Granby
Kuhnly reflects on eight years of service I want to thank the people of Granby for the opportunity to be your First Selectman for the last eight years. I have been fortunate to work with a great group of professionals on the Board of Selectmen over the years and wish to thank Sally King for being the best Vice Chair anyone could ask for. It truly has been my honor to serve this town and give back to this great community. B. Scott Kuhnly Granby has given me and my family so much over the almost 30 years we have lived here, and we are forever grateful. The new corporate position I started just before COVID will have me traveling more and will not allow me to dedicate the amount of time needed to be First Selectman.
It has been my privilege to work with so many great and dedicated volunteers over my 25 years in town government. As residents we are very fortunate to have so many folks on our boards and committees who volunteer their time for the betterment of Granby. There are so many who had such a positive influence on my life in town government and helped me throughout the years. I wish I could thank you all but I would like to recognize Lowell “Whitey” and Paula Johnson, Diane and Roger Hernsdorf, Bill Simanski, Al Wilke, John Adams, Mike Guarco, and Bill Smith. I thank you all for your sage advice and encouragement over the years; your friendship means the world to me. I also can’t say enough good things about the town staff. They are the hardest working, most dedicated individuals I
Kuhnly cont’d. on p. 3
Granby Road Race celebrates its 50th Robert Flanigan and his drone captured the start of the 50th Granby Road Race on Sept. 18. The runners left the starting line on Route 10, heading to the center of town, led by a Granby PD vehicle with lights flashing. See story on p. 15
New town manager appointed Erica P. Robertson of Avon has been appointed Granby’s next town manager, effective Sept. 20. She replaces John Ward who served as town manager from July of 2017 until his passing in March of this year. Robertson was most recently the assistant town manager of Farmington, where she served in many capacities since 2001. Her experience includes labor relations, human resources, budgeting and finance operations, and sustainability efforts. Prior to working for the Town of Farmington she served in multiple finance capacities for the Towns of West Hartford and Tolland. Robertson received a master’s degree in public administration as well as a bachelor of arts in history and political science from the University of Connecticut. Her notable accomplishments include securing and administering a small city’s grant for a senior and disabled low-income housing complex, creating a green efforts subcommittee focused on energy conservation and sustainable environmental practices, improving the town website and administering many grants and municipal bonds for capital improvement. The entire board of selectmen was impressed with Robertson’s experience in
Read the Drummer online at GranbyDrummer.com
Connecticut municipal government, her knowledge of contract administration, human resources, environmental sustainability and financial operations, as well as her commitment to a high level of public
Erica Robertson
service to the community, the elected officials and town staff. Robertson is also very active in regional organizations such as the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), Connecticut Organization of Small Towns (COST), Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), and International Public Management Associations for Human
Town manager cont’d. on p. 3
Photo by Peter Dinella
Page 2 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
AUGUST 2, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m. Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Public Session
Kate Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, Granby spoke in favor of continuing to provide access to Town meetings through Zoom.
Business
Long-Term Recovery Plan Report Chairman David Watkins presented the final report of the Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC). The LTRC met the three-part charge assigned by the Board of Selectmen: to ascertain the unmet needs of the community and develop methods to recover; to coordinate federal, state and local government resources; and to create mitigation and reasonable risk reduction programs and policies. The committee identified two areas for potential improvement based on the survey results. The first recommendation is to implement an “opt-in” communication system to provide timely information to residents on non-emergency situations such as road closures and other issues affecting the community. It was also recommended that the system be used regularly so residents become familiar with the
communications. Secondly, the LTRC suggested the town obtain an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment in anticipation of future emergencies. The board voted (5-0-0) to accept the final report of the Long-Term Recovery Committee and dismiss the committee with thanks. Consideration of Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) Cost Share for Waste Water Treatment Plant Clean Water Fund (CWF) Project #392C-1 Smith provided the background on the GWPCA agreement with the Town of Simsbury, which requires Granby to pay its share for expansion and improvements to use 9.2 percent of its sewer capacity. The board voted (5-0-0) to adopt the fee schedule as set forth in the memo for the years 21-22, 22-23 and 23-24 and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. Consideration of Wild Flower Garden on Town-Owned Property on Salmon Brook Street Susan Ranstead, 53 Heather Lane, North Granby provided background on the proposed wild flower garden at 175 Salmon Brook Street. There will be no use of town funds for this project. The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the use of Town-owned land at 175 Salmon Brook Street to create a wildflower garden.
Consideration of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant Budget Amendment In June 2021, the Town of Granby was awarded the maximum amount allowed of $16,994 under the Institute of Museum and Library Services Grants to States to address specific high priority spending categories. The board voted (4-0-1) to increase the Miscellaneous Revenue and GPL-Misc Improvements line items in Capital Equipment/improvement Fund by $16,994 and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2020-21 Transfer of Accounts The Town budgeted personnel increases under Contingency in the Fiscal Year 2020- 2021 Adopted Budget as all union contracts were being negotiated. The board voted (5-0-0) to authorize the transfer of $89,880 from the Contingency Department to various departments as presented and forwards this request to the Board of Finance. Consideration of Additional Appropriation from Parks and Recreation Fund for the Purchase of Chairs The board voted (5-0-0) to authorize an additional appropriation of $10,500 from the Recreation Fund balance to fund the purchase of chairs for Holcomb Farm and forwards this request to the Board of Finance.
Town Manager Report
Budget Operations Smith reported that both the town and the BOE are in a very good position financially and are expected to return funds to the fund balance at the end of the year. Smith noted there has been no further progress on the sale of Kearns School; it was decided that Smith would contact the broker to request an update for the board.
AUGUST 16, 2021 Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark C. Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Public Session
Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, expressed his interest in the Affordable Housing mandate and feels there should be a place for that in Granby. Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, is interested in the marketing campaign for the Kearns School property. He believes over time, revenue from a private entity would be good for the Town.
Business
Resignations and Appointments to be Considered The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following appointments to the Affordable Housing Committee: Patty Sansone, a member of the Commission on Aging; Monica Logan, a member of the Development Commission; and Christine Chinni, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Kearns School Update Andy DiFatta of Goman + York provided a presentation of Phase I of the Kearns School development. Goman + York has found a qualified developer that is ready, willing and able to develop a “mixed-use” project that includes both the Kearns School and the land at 137 Salmon Brook Street, referred to as “the triangle”. There is an understanding with the developer that the proposed retail development in the triangle is tied to the development of the school property. It was noted the requirement for zoning changes may link both parcels together so the triangle cannot be developed on its own without the school property being considered. Developer Mark De Pecol presented his ideas to the board, including the proposed acquisition of 137 Salmon Brook Street (the yellow house). In order to pursue development of both parcels, the school property and the triangle, control over both parcels is needed. In addition, a potential zone change, and approval to market drivethrough capabilities for certain retailers and service providers are needed as well. Neumann thanked Goman + York for bringing in a developer. He was unsure if the town can go forward with the sale of the property or if a Town Meeting is needed. Smith said he will look into this, gather information and put together the steps necessary to proceed. Consideration of Additional Appropriation from Communications Fund for Purchase of Town Phone System Smith reported the town’s phone system is currently over 20 years old and has been repaired many times. He further noted breakdowns may well create a system shut-down for days or even weeks. The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the additional appropriation of $55,000 from the Communications Fund for upgrading the town phone system and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.
Town Manager Reports
Budget Operations – July 2021 Smith reported collections to be normal for this time of year. There are no concerns with expenditures. Asked if there have been any bear issues lately, the answer was no.
First Selectman Reports
Kuhnly reported the Town of Granby is a member of CIRMA (Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency). For the past 10 years they have given distribution checks to members for loyalty and good results. The town received a member equity distribution check for $31,093. Respectfully submitted, William F. Smith, Jr. Town Manager
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 3 Opinion
Keeping Granby fiscally strong and well positioned for tomorrow By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. In the last issue of the Drummer, it was reported that Standard and Poor—one of the key municipal credit rating agencies—had reaffirmed our rating at AA+. That allowed the town to recently borrow at a favorable rate of interest on its bonds (1.55 percent net). It also recognizes our carefully managed position of fiscal strength as a municipality, as well as the value and benefit of our longstanding practices of fiscal discipline and capital planning. Those have been the hallmark of managing the fiscal affairs of Granby government for decades. A steady hand on the tiller has seen our credit rating improve by a couple of notches over the past 20 years. That was reinforced by strong bipartisan consensus on the Board of Finance, as well as consistent cooperation from both operating boards. Through very choppy waters including economic downturns, threats of withholding state aid by former Governor Malloy and the recent and not-yet-over pandemic, Republicanmajority boards have effectively and efficiently met Granby’s needs while being sensitive to the financial impact on local taxpayers. At the same time, we have steadily increased our municipal fiscal strength as recognized by the bond credit rating agencies.
Kuhnly cont’d. from p. 1 have ever had the privilege of working with. The leadership team is second to none and I am grateful for all you have done, especially over the last two challenging years. Most importantly, I am blessed to have a wonderful family that has supported me and been understanding when I had to miss family events, end vacations early for meetings or one of the other sacrifices volunteers in this town make. I wish to thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and letting me vent when things were challenging. I have strived to build collaboration among town boards and leaders such as developing the Intra-Board Advisory Committee. Due to many people on the town staff, boards, and committees, and the small businesses who chose to be a part of this town, we have seen improvements in the town center and beyond. Many infrastructure projects have been completed including town center sidewalks, the North Barn at Holcomb Farm, the Salmon Brook Park House, the roundabout, and improvements to bridges and roads in town. We have hired two new town managers in the last eight years, both of whom have and will do great things for Granby. Our board improved avenues for providing information to the residents of Granby and continues to seek your input for budgets, policies, and procedures. We are laying the foundation for future projects and developments that will be positive for Granby. I have appreciated the feedback, encouragement, advice and even the criticism over the years. I believe it has helped me and the board in doing what is right for Granby. I’m confident in the slate of candidates that is on the ballot this fall and that they will promote a smooth transition of leadership and be solid contributors to lead Granby into the future. Thank you, B. Scott Kuhnly
This has been accomplished with consistent, conservatively constructed annual budgets run in the black. By not spending every dollar budgeted and allowing the accumulated surplus to build we can utilize it when it makes fiscal sense. The transfer into the Other Post Employment Benefits trust fund at budget time this spring is an example. That decision removed an expense from the next four years of operating budgets by transferring money from a loweryield bank account to one historically showing a much higher rate of return. We believe it’s best to take the long view in financial decision-making. Shortterm gimmicks may feel good but come up short in the long run. The better we manage revenues and expenses, the better we as a town can meet the needs of the citizens, children, and taxpayers of Granby. Those serving on the Board of Finance look to continue our work in keeping Granby strong, especially in these unique times. Our track record is a gauge of our effectiveness. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, and the record speaks for itself: • a decade of operating budget increases averaging below 2 percent • a decade of effective tax rate increases averaging less than 2 percent
Town manager cont’d. from p. 1 Resources and the Connecticut Town and City Manager Association. “I am extremely honored that the Board of Selectmen has selected me to serve as Granby’s next Town Manager,” said Robertson. She went on to say, “Granby is a special community that has retained its unique character and remains faithful to its agricultural roots. I have lived and worked in the Farmington Valley for 20 years. I am passionate about public service and I look forward to working alongside the volunteers, citizens and staff to continue to ensure Granby remains the ‘Pride of the Valley.’” First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly said, “We are very excited to have Erica join the Granby team and help lead us into the future. Her knowledge, skill sets, and experience will be a great fit for our community. We look forward to great things.”
• maintaining the same mill rate for the third year, even as costs continued to grow • holding a reserve of 15 percent of the budget, as recommended by the credit rating agencies • pension obligation is nearly fully funded • OPEB roughly 50 percent funded— markedly better than most Connecticut towns. One of the greatest threats to this stability—and to operations—comes from those who feel that greater rates of spending are always better. Granted, costs go up year after year. Yet at the same time there are limits to what the taxpayers can come up with year after year. An individual told me a couple of years ago that they thought we are shortchanging the taxpayers if we aren’t raising taxes 3-4 percent a year every
year! That’s anathema to me, and my view is the exact opposite—we would be short-changing the public if we did that year after year! There may be an instance when such an increase would be justified and, in that case, I would ask the taxpayers to consider it then—and only then. A steady diet of that would not go far, because in the end it is the taxpayers who vote Yea or Nay. There was a time when about every third year the budget was defeated. Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. We don’t need to step back in time, lest it also be a step backwards for Granby and to the detriment of the steady progress the boards have made in providing quality programs and services in recent decades.
News from
The Works
Transfer Station hours: In addition to Saturdays, the transfer station will be open Wednesday mornings (8 a.m. to noon) through Nov. 17. Shred-it event: A paper shredding event will be held Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Documents are shredded on site. Plastic bags cannot go into the shredder—please bring items in paper bags or in containers which can be emptied into the barrels. Household Hazardous Waste collection: Saturday, Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simsbury DPW facility, 66 Town Forest Road. A list of accepted items is available on the Town of Granby website. The following additional services will be provided: Electronics recycling (items with Freon not accepted) and document shredding, special hours 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until truck is full. Two box limit per resident. For information, call the Granby DPW at 860-653-8960. Hungary Road Bridge: Due to unforeseen permitting issues, the work on Hungary Road Bridge has been delayed.
It is anticipated the work will begin in January 2022. Textile recycling: You can still recycle textiles curbside but you must contact Simple Recycling to schedule a pickup. It can be done online at simplerecycling. com or by calling 866-835-5068. Plastic bag recycling: Plastic bags, wraps and mailers are recyclable—but not in your curbside bin! Please look for the Store Drop Off label and take your bags/wraps with this label to your local store. Along the same lines, please do not place your recyclables in plastic bags. Once the bag reaches the processing plant, they will assume it is trash and remove it from the recycling line. You’re simply wasting your recycling effort by doing this. Yard Waste: Yard waste is not allowed in your trash or recycling barrels. Yard waste has been banned from curbside barrels since 1998. Grass, leaves and brush should be composted on-site or brought to the Granby Transfer Station.
Where is Your Plan Taking You? The path to achieving your goals isn’t always straight. As a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, I can help you navigate. With a goals based approach, Morgan Stanley has the expert resources and experience, to help keep your plan on the right track.
Advice matters. Call us to learn more.
© 2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. FAS011 CRC 2644035 07/19 CS 9635814 09/19
Thomas D. Sullivan First Vice President Financial Advisor 433 South Main Street Suite 100 West Hartford, CT 06110 1-800-243-3154 thomas.d.sullivan@ms.com morganstanleyfa.com/willowgroup NMLS# 1853511
Page 4 The Granby Drummer
Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Thank you, Granby Community Fund For some, times of difficulty are ever present, as families live paycheck to paycheck; for others, tragedy strikes unexpectedly because of an accident, job loss, serious illness, or even death of a family member. To the extent that funds are available, The Salvation Army responds to unusual situations when people would otherwise fall between the cracks. In Granby the most frequent requests are for housing, energy and utility assistance. We help keep the lights on and the house warm! The COVID pandemic has made life challenging for so many. This year, to ease the burden of parents as their children return to the classroom, we are providing shoes for 25 Granby children through our Back-to-School Assistance. Working through Granby Social Services, duplication of assistance is avoided so that we may be careful stewards of your dollars. With continued and generous support from The Granby Community Fund and its donors, we are able to offer that hand up in times of crisis! Submitted with sincere gratitude, Kathleen A. Orfitelli, Director Service Extension The Salvation Army Southern New England Division
Cultured meat pet food I was happy to learn there will soon be options available for those of us who want to feed our pets without harming other animals. I’m talking about pet food made from cultured meat. For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughter. While some companies have been developing these products for human consumption, a Philadelphia-based startup—Because, Animals—has been making them for our furry companions. The company recently debuted its first offering, a cat cookie made from cultured mouse meat, at an industry trade show in Las Vegas. Compassionate voters should urge legislators to support federal investment in cellular agriculture. This will help bring cultured meat to market faster, at a competitive price, for both pets and humans. Besides the animal welfare benefits, this revolutionary protein is better for the environment and public health. Jon Hochschartner
The Democrats and TCI
FIND US
As some of you might know, the Democrat Legislative majority and Gov. Lamont failed to pass The Climate Initiative (TCI) bill during the regular session. They may try again during a Special Session. For those who don’t know, TCI will impose a new gas and fuel tax to pay for climate related infrastructure—more EV charging stations, transportation
editorials, commentary & letters to the editor Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.
improvements, etc.—in the name of reducing air pollution. The problem is that TCI will lock in gas and fuel price increases every year and limit the amount of product available for sale in Connecticut. This will directly affect the working people in Connecticut. Only Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. are current signatories—no state west of us. As our weather and air pollution come from the west, we’re cleaning the air for the fish in the Atlantic. A study by Tufts University concludes that air pollution will be reduced by 23 percent without TCI, so why the rush to implement it? Along with the new truck mileage tax, the price of food, and others. This is another example of Democrat majority overreach to stall our economy and hurt the people they claim to want to help. The Democrat agenda is dangerous and must be stopped! It starts with local elections to keep the Ds from infiltrating Granby. Bill Regan Editor’s Note: Mr. Regan is the husband of Gubernatorial candidate Susan Regan.
Support for Eastwood I would like to encourage all Granby residents to vote for Valerie Eastwood as First Selectwoman in this upcoming election. I met Val shortly after she moved to town, and was immediately impressed with her intelligent and engaged approach to how Granby functions. She’s an attorney with experience as a small business owner, and holds an advanced degree in tax law that compliments her ongoing commitment to constructive conflict resolution. I can’t think of a better background for the position. I’ve come to know her as a woman who is deeply committed to public service and was impressed by how quickly she quietly went about volunteering her talents to our local organizations. To me, she is the opposite of an ego-driven politician, incredibly qualified, and exactly what our community needs right now. Audrey Lampert
Support for Emery We have known Jenny Emery and her husband “Coach” Dave for many years and have worked with both of them on some of the civic projects with which they have been involved. They share the same passion for Granby and have donated thousands of hours to it. We also have marveled at all of the other things they do in our town. If you know and respect one of them, you understand the other one, too. Jenny, currently a member of the Board of Education, hopes now to serve on the Board of Finance, for which she is superbly well-qualified. Before she recently retired from her professional career, she spent decades working on public policy
Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer
October 2021
@GranbyDrummer
and financing projects for cities and towns across America. We recommend that everyone read her position paper which outlines some of the impressive things she has done. She will bring those years of experience to the BOF. Just as important as her impressive credentials is her approach to the issues Granby is facing. In her campaign materials, she has listed the most obvious questions she would ask and adds that, although she doesn’t know all of the answers, she knows what the questions are and how they should be asked. That is the attitude of a thoughtful listener and, as has been the case with her community activities in the past, is sure to lead to respectful dialog, collaboration and, where appropriate, compromise. Granby needs leaders who will act in that spirit. We will cast our enthusiastic votes for Jenny Emery and hope you will, too. Put and Nannie Brown Jenny Emery is running for the Board of Finance. This is a very good thing for our town. Why do I think so? Here are my reasons. First, she has a deep well of useful experience. In her long professional insurance career before retirement, she worked in finance and risk management for local governments. She learned how to make things happen, and how to avoid mistakes.
Letters
cont’d. on p. 5
ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT
The Granby Drummer reserves the right, without explanation, to reject any advertisement. Advertisers assume the responsibility for the content of all ads they submit for publication, including having authorization for all photos, trademarks and brand names used in their ads. The Granby Drummer will assume no liability for failure to publish an ad or for any typographical errors or omissions beyond the actual cost of the ad.
CORRECTIONS Please tell us if you find an error in this issue of the Drummer. We’ll attempt to correct it in the following issue. Leave a message at 860-653-9222 or send an email to: editor@granbydrummer.org
The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2021 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Jennifer Bell, Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Kathy Agresta, Mindy Borrego, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Nell Gorbal, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, T. Johnson, Jim Lofink, Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha John R. Nieb, Kristin Rice, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Jen Bell, Carol Bressor, Daneika Janski Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus
KEEP US IN THE LOOP Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org. Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com
GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need: Canned ravioli Canned peaches, peas Peanut butter cracker packs Coffee Ramen noodles Shake ‘n Bake pkgs Paper towels Laundry detergent
Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street
LETTERS POLICY
The Drummer welcomes letters. Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the CBG Board and the Drummer. The length of letters will be held to 500 words and less. To be published, letters must be signed and include an address and phone number. This information will not be given to anyone other than the necessary editorial staff. Letters from readers who do not reside in Granby will have the town of residence noted with the letter. The Drummer reserves the right to edit and shorten letters, and to run them in any electronic form. Letters become the property of the Drummer. Email your letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 5
LETTERS Letters cont’d. from p 4 Second, she has served on the Board of Education for ten years. Our town’s tax burden—the great majority—is devoted to our schools. We are educating the next generation. Jenny knows the lay of the land as well as anyone. Third, she has made the long-term commitment to our town. Her three kids all graduated from Granby High. Her commitment to the key values of our town—open space, agriculture and the environment—is shown by her many years as the volunteer executive director of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. I know how important this is because I am on the board and have seen her work. Jenny has served the town well. She will continue to do that on the Board of Finance. Eric Lukingbeal I write this letter as a native of Granby, with remaining family and close ties to many others. On Nov. 2, the residents of Granby can cast votes for people who have volunteered to offer their time and talents in leadership of this special community. I hope you will take that opportunity to put Jenny Emery on your Board of Finance. I have known Jenny for over two decades, both personally and professionally. She is forward-thinking, pragmatic, and evaluates solutions to problems with a big-picture, long-term focus rather than simply executing short-term fixes that appease the often-loud minority. Her emotional competency is exemplified in her ability to listen, read, and learn before reacting to a challenge. In other words, she is capable of stitching wounds that need them rather than using band-aids. In addition to her decades-long commitment to the town of Granby where she and her family have lived for over 40 years, she has operated a successful consulting business focused on risk and financial management for local governments and supports local and national charitable organizations/causes both financially and with her time, including service on numerous Boards of Directors and volunteering her time. Jenny puts her money where her mouth is and her time where her heart is. Jenny and her husband Dave raised their three children in Granby. Anyone that knows these children can see in them a perfect reflection of the phenomenal values that Jenny would bring to the Board of Finance. She is intimately
Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed. Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Mondays, October 4 and 18 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 25 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Wednesdays, October 6 and 25 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Tuesdays, October 12 and 26 Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 13 Development Commission, 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 13
aware of the weaknesses and challenges that the town faces—yet is always the first to champion and share the beauty and strengths that make the Town of Granby a gem within all of New England. A vote for her on Nov. 2 is a vote for pragmatic progress in my hometown. Jason J. Warnke, Avon
Support for Emery and Fiorentino I am a registered unaffiliated voter. Always have been; always will be. I like to vote for the people I think are best suited for the job, no matter their party affiliation. I usually stay out of politics other than to cast my votes, but in our upcoming town election, I feel very strongly about two of the candidates. In my mind, Jenny Emery and Mark Fiorentino have outstanding qualifications for the positions for which they hope to be elected. A candidate for Board of Finance, Jenny has had a remarkable 40-year career in the world of public sector finance and local government risk management. Her work in West Hartford as the Risk and Benefits Manager in the 80s and with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities led to establishment of a risk pool from which Granby benefits to this day. Since then, she has worked with national corporations, but her passion is helping towns and schools across the country form local insurance collaborations that have saved billions of taxpayer dollars. Recently, Jenny has taken the position of voluntary executive director of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. For 10 years, she has been an extremely valuable member of the Board of Education, through which she is a representative to the Granby Education Foundation, the Capital Program Priorities Advisory committee, the Intra-board Advisory Committee and the town’s Health Benefits Committee. She has worked diligently on the board’s annual budget. Since that budget comprises 67 percent of the town’s budget, she would bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of its needs to the Finance board. Mark Fiorentino is the perfect candidate for First Selectman. He may be registered in one party, but his views are very much bipartisan. Over the years I have known Mark, I have experienced first-hand how hard he works for our entire community. He has participated in/ worked for many varied Granby organizations. Most recently he is an eight-year member of the Board of Education, vice-chair for the past 4 years. He is also a vice-president of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, where he is runs the Fresh Access food program. He has served on the Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee, the Kelly Lane School Building Committee, the Conservation Commission, the Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee and has been the Granby representative to the Capital Area Education Council. As a parent of a daughter and son who graduated from GMHS, he has been a travel basketball coach, a Little League coach, and a football volunteer. (Who do you think was in that mascot costume?) He also writes the entertaining Waypoints column for this paper. His view for the town is to develop and implement a plan that sustains its success in a way that the taxpayers can support. He is a land-use lawyer with 30 years of experience working with and for businesses and government entities at local, regional, state and federal levels. His aim is to improve communications between town government and residents, and to collaborate on a set of goals that
continues the great things we have going in Granby, and the things on which improvements can be made. Mark notes, “Building consensus is what I do for a living.” That would certainly come in handy as First Selectman. Shirley Murtha
Support for Fiorentino I support Mark Fiorentino to be Granby’s next First Selectman. Since Mark moved to Granby in 2009, he has been active in many areas that have greatly strengthened our community. Mark has dedicated time and resources to many organizations, including Holcomb Farm, the Granby Education Foundation, the Granby Land Trust, the Granby Bears Football team, and the Granby Drummer. Mark has served on the Board of Education for almost eight years, currently serving as Vice Chairman. He and his wife Kristal have raised two children in Granby who graduated from GMHS and are attending college and graduate school. Mark is the guy you call when you need to get something done. He puts tremendous thought and passion into everything he does. His experience professionally and with his volunteer positions in town make him prepared to start from day one to improve all aspects of our town. Mark is a great communicator and will work to keep our citizens informed of vital information necessary for every citizen to make important decisions regarding our town. Please join me in voting for Mark Fiorentino for First Selectman on Nov. 2. John E. Adams First Selectman, 2003-2013 As a democrat and someone with liberal social views, I want to share with you why I am voting for Mark Fiorentino for First Selectman. Some of you may know that my husband and I own and operate Lost Acres Vineyard. Frankly, when we started, Kevin and I had little idea of what running a vineyard and the tasting room would be like. Four years into running our business, it was clear that our original special permit was not providing enough clarity for us, for the town and for some of our neighbors to feel protected. And, we were over our heads. In stepped Mark, who had a long and successful career as a Land Use Attorney. Mark worked with us for over a year to navigate Planning and Zoning and collaborate with our neighbors to successfully update our special permit. But that is not really why I am supporting Mark. The reason I am supporting Mark for First Selectman is the way he worked with us, the town and other interested parties during the process. There was no question of Mark’s commitment to us, but what says more about Mark was his commitment to finding a solution that worked not only for the vineyard, but also the town and the neighbors. Mark is, at his core, a fair person and isn’t satisfied until he arrives at a resolution that works for everyone. He will listen to all sides of a debate and consider all viewpoints. He is smart and able to craft a creative solution. He has integrity; he does the right thing no matter who is around. This intelligence, creativity and integrity will serve all Granby’s residents when he becomes First Selectman. Now some people might be saying, sure…but how can you vote for a Republican given some of their stances on social issues? That’s a fair question. I
have known Mark for over 10 years. I have watched Mark and I know from experience how hard he works to understand all viewpoints, even those from people whose life experiences are different from his own. He will represent everyone and will strive to enact policies that protect all people, including the vulnerable. My experience with Mark is that he is smart, he is fair, he listens and he considers all sides of a debate, even the ones he might not initially agree with, and he gets things done. Granby will be lucky to have him as our First Selectman. Thank you, Michelle Niedermeyer As a former First Selectman and State Representative, I wholeheartedly recommend Mark Fiorentino as an excellent choice for Granby’s First Selectman. His involvement in Granby’s governance during eight years on the BOE, with four years as its Vice Chair, provided a deep understanding of municipal budgets and more importantly, being attuned to our community’s feelings about educational needs and affordability. As Granby’s representative to the Capital Area Education Council, Mark also understands the bigger picture of Granby’s interaction with other school districts and the State of Connecticut. Both his children are now attending college and are proud graduates of Granby Memorial High School. His public service extends beyond just the BOE including VP of Friends of Holcomb Farm, Kelly Lane School Building Committee, Granby Conservation Committee and our Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee. Many residents recognize Mark as the author of the Drummer’s Waypoints fishing column and others know him from his involvement as coach of Granby’s Travel and Recreational Basketball teams, as well as a Little League coach and Granby Bears Football volunteer. Professionally, as a government affairs and land use attorney, with 30 years’ experience working with government entities at the local, regional, state and federal levels, Mark has demonstrated his ability to successfully interact with state government and thus is well suited to assure Granby’s involvement with the State of Connecticut is beneficial for our community. Personally, I have known Mark for several years and my wife and I know his wife Kristal through yoga. He is a thoughtful individual who is always concerned about other people’s viewpoints. Mark makes informed decisions that represent all sides of an issue and he effectively communicates his reasoning. As you can see, Mark Fiorentino has the experience and temperament to make an excellent First Selectman for Granby so I am proud to endorse him for that position. William Simanski
Support for King
I endorse Sally King as a candidate for the Granby Board of Selectmen. Sally is a positive, supportive, and competent person who has dedicated many years of service to Granby. Sally is an experienced and knowledgeable board member. Serving on the Board of Finance, I have observed Sally not only at BOS budget preparation meetings, but also at the combined meetings of all three Boards: Selectmen, Education and Finance. Her past service on the BOS allows for meaningful contributions and insightful input on issues of concern to Granby. Letters cont’d. on p. 6
Page 6 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
LETTERS
Letters cont’d. from p 5
Sally is very involved in visiting with her therapy dogs. She takes them to extended care facilities, Granby elementary, middle, and high schools and Bradley Field airport to interact with adults and children. Therapy dogs have positive effects and generate warm welcomes to those whom they greet. It demonstrates the positive value of a dog’s interaction with people. Sally will provide dedicated service to residents of Granby on the Board of Selectmen. Bill Kennedy
Support for Lofink In looking forward to this fall’s local elections, we all likely know how important financial planning is for Granby’s fiscal health. For the Board of Finance, I’d like to recommend Jim Lofink to voters as a thoughtful, experienced Granby policy leader who has consistently demonstrated his value in promoting intelligent and informed public discourse—exactly what we need to balance tax burdens with service needs. Jim would be a great Board of Finance member. Dave Russell On Election Day, we have choices! For Board of Finance, our first choice will be Jim Lofink. Jim has actively been involved in our Granby community, listening and learning of not just what we want but what we need! Jim is a hard worker, taking on projects for the betterment of Granby. He certainly would be a knowledgeable, contributing member of the Board of Finance. Please make Jim Lofink one of your choices for Board of Finance. Jim and Patty Sansone
Support for Logan I encourage everyone to vote for Monica Logan for the Granby Board of Education. Monica is committed to listening to all community members and is dedicated to ensuring that the Board of Education discussions and decisions are more open. Monica is informed and passionate. She knows that while high academic standards benefit all students, there is no one size fits all for learning, and that our schools must nurture each student in order for all students to reach their highest potential. She will advocate for excellence in academics that are inclusive and supportive for everyone in our school community. Our teachers are essential to the academic achievement and success of our students. They are also the adults that spend the most time with our children outside the home. Monica will make sure our teachers feel valued and supported. As a working parent, Monica’s role as an attorney and her role as the mother of two young boys in the school system means she is deeply invested in keeping our schools open and our students safe. Monica has demonstrated her commitment, strong work ethic, and openness to difficult conversations through her community volunteer activities. She serves on the Economic Development Commission and Granby Racial Reconciliation. In these roles she listens carefully to others and collaborates to address difficult challenges. Monica is a champion for our schools and our children. She will listen to students, teachers, parents, and the community to make our great schools even better. I strongly encourage you to vote for Monica Logan on Nov. 2. Valorie Hollister
I’m writing in support of Monica Logan’s candidacy for a seat on the Granby Board of Education. Monica is an active and committed citizen of Granby having served as chair and currently, as vice-chair of the Democratic Town Committee as well as being a member of Granby Racial Reconciliation and the Economic Development Commission. Clearly, she knows the issues of our Town. My experience with Monica is both personal and in volunteer collaboration. I’ve seen that she is calm under pressure and is willing to listen to all sides of an issue to find mutual ground for cooperation. She understands that investing wisely in our schools is a longterm investment in the future of Granby for all of us. She is committed to the idea that educating our students is never a one-size-fits-all proposition. On a personal level, Monica and her husband Matt Peters, are parents to two lovely boys who are thriving in our Granby schools. She knows the issues from the inside out! Professionally, she is an attorney who has been in practice for many years. Monica Logan has the experience, knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to improve our already good schools while understanding the needs of Granby outside of the school system. Monica Logan for Board of Education. Vote for her this November. Tannia Hotchkiss I endorse Monica Logan as a candidate for the Granby Board of Education. I have come to know and enjoy working with Monica over the past five years serving together on the Granby Democratic Committee. Monica served as chairman of the committee. During that time, I have observed her strong organizational skills. She has been prepared for meetings, completed tasks at hand, and provided a good sense of direction. Monica works tirelessly and would be a loyal and dedicated member of any group. Monica expresses her thoughts, but is also open-minded and shows respect for others and their ideas. She is a good listener and seeks input. I admire Monica for her sincere dedication to the DTC and firmly believe she will demonstrate the same dedication as a member of the Granby Board of Education. Bill Kennedy Granby voters are fortunate that to have the opportunity to vote for Monica Logan in the Nov. 2 municipal election to serve on the Board of Education (BOE). Let me first, though, thank the present town elected officials for their service. Never did they imagine when they sought election that they would serve their community under the circumstances of a global pandemic. Monica Logan brings a determined, creative spirit coupled with her ability to listen. Monica has unique abilities to bring resolution as an attorney specializing in negotiation and resolution. Her active engagement in the community makes her very aware of issues the BOE faces, such as masking, critical race theory, and, of course, taxes and special education. Indeed, it is time to explore the consolidation of extraneous services in neighboring communities in an effort to reduce costs while providing the best opportunities for our students. Monica, too, has experienced the unusual circumstances over the last year as a working mother who found herself with new responsibilities for her young
sons’ education in the virtual classroom. She brings those experiences and a strong skill set to improving our schools as a BOE member. Please elect Monica Logan on Nov. 2 to the Board of Education. Stephanie McGuire This letter to fellow Granbyites is my wholehearted endorsement of Monica Logan’s election to the Board of Education. In paraphrasing Granby Public Schools Vision/Mission Statements, “All students will become powerful thinkers, effective collaborators, and compassionate contributors, prepared for 21st Century Citizenship in a dynamic, interdependent world.” Monica lives and models what this statement hopes for our students. Monica is a fellow volunteer on the Granby Racial Reconciliation Steering Committee. I respect her thoughtfulness and clear thinking as well as her ability to communicate respectively and openly. Monica is receptive to a variety of views and takes the time to learn from and collaborate with people invested in building on Granby’s strengths while acknowledging where we can do better as we move further into 21st Century citizenship. Her ability to get tasks done towards this aim while working and guiding two young sons towards their bright futures motivates me to keep moving forward. She will bring that commitment to assisting all our public-school students towards their bright futures as well. Granby would be fortunate to come together and elect Monica Logan for the Board of Education. Thank you for your consideration. Cathy Watso
Support for Moffa I would like to endorse Fred Moffa as a candidate for the Board of Selectmen. Fred and I have served together on the Board of Finance for the past six years. During that time, I found Fred to make informed and productive contributions to the topics at hand. He is very openminded to new and different viewpoints on financial issues affecting Granby residents. Fred is knowledgeable and shows sound judgement. Fred also demonstrates business capabilities. I believe his ability to successfully manage his Granby Family Eye Care practice is a skill that will benefit Granby residents as a BOS member. Fred Moffa would be a excellent addition to Granby’s Board of Selectmen. Bill Kennedy
Support for Nolan We were pleased to read that long-time West Granby resident Donna Nolan is running for election to the Board of Education. Granby could certainly use a smart, tireless, responsible advocate like Donna to help strengthen the quality of education in our town with a level of fairness and fiscal discipline. Donna has that rare combination of highly relevant professional skills and strong personal qualities that will make her an ideal choice for the board. A former practicing attorney, she possesses considerable experience getting results and negotiating deals that bring diverse parties together—a skill that will undoubtedly serve her well in developing budgets that balance the educational needs of our students with the available financial resources of our town. If elected, Donna can also bring a true insider’s view to the Board of Education. A current teacher, she has worked as a substitute teacher within Granby schools for the past few years. She is
also the proud parent of two Granby Memorial High School honors graduates, and of one current student in his junior year. She has attended countless soccer, football and basketball games over the years—not to mention parent teacher meetings, awards ceremonies and Curriculum Nights! Knowing the value of a good education, she has even offered her home to Granby student athletes from Hartford as their home-away-from-home during the week to lessen their burden of long commutes and to make sure they had ample opportunity to study after long days of classes, practices and/or games. Over the years, Donna has also been a tireless fundraiser for local organizations and causes in our community. Whether it’s funding Safe Grad Night, selling discount cards to support the Granby Bears football team or chairing St. Mary’s Annual Auction, Donna gives it her all. And we’re confident she will do the same as a member of Granby’s Board of Education. We completely support her candidacy! Karen and Marc Belletsky
Support for Nolan and Thrall I write this letter in support of Donna Nolan and Sarah Thrall for the Board of Education. Sarah Thrall currently serves as Chairman and has navigated the Granby Public Schools through one of the most challenging times in history—keeping our schools open for in-person learning during COVID-19. Sarah’s experience and dedication to the board as a working mom of five means she shows up at every subcommittee meeting, board meeting, graduation, open house, convocation, PAC, SEPTO and PTO meetings and spends countless hours in service to the education of our students. Sarah’s board experience and dedication speaks for itself. Donna Nolan is a newcomer to local elections, but not to public service to our Granby students and school district. Donna is an environmental lawyer by training, and if you have students in our schools, you most certainly know Donna! Her tireless volunteerism and “let’s get this done” attitude will serve the Granby Public Schools well. Donna has worked as a substitute teacher in the district and has dedicated her time and talents as a coach for Granby Rovers soccer, St. Mary’s soccer, youth lacrosse and football. She has volunteered with the Granby Booster Club and for track meets. She serves as a board member for Granby High School Football Supporters and as a lector at St. Mary’s Church. She and her husband Terry cook and deliver meals for The Mercy Shelter. Terry and Donna have three children who attended or are attending Granby Memorial High School. As an illustration of Donna’s commitment to service on the BOE, Donna was the only candidate to attend the board retreat on Aug. 25 at the Senior Center. The board retreat is a critical public planning session to determine board priorities for the school year, as well as shape and refine the Vision of a Graduate. Donna is committed and ready to serve the Granby Public Schools as a member of the Board of Education. Service on the Granby Board of Education is a 200+ hour annual commitment. I support Sarah and Donna in their willingness to serve on the Granby BOE. Their track record of volunteerism, service, and community engagement speaks volumes, Granby would be lucky to have them both serve as members. Melissa Migliaccio
Letters cont’d. on p 7
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 7
Letters cont’d. from p 6 Support for Roberts We are writing to encourage all Granby residents to vote for Dave Roberts for the Granby Board of Finance in the Nov. 2 election. Dave and his family live in our West Granby neighborhood, and since retiring in 2017 he has been a very active volunteer throughout the Granby community. Whether supporting the Salmon Brook Historical Society, the Men’s Breakfast Group, Granby Conservation Commission, Lions Club, or volunteering in one of his children’s public schools, Dave is always willing to step forward and help. In addition to his commendable volunteer service, Dave has a remarkable financial background that will serve him well on the Board of Finance. His former professional work at the local, state and federal levels of government, in addition to his former work in both the non-profit and private sectors as a corporate executive, as well as his strong educational background in economics and finance make him a highly qualified candidate for the Board of Finance. On this Nov. 2, you can vote for up to three candidates to serve on our Board of Finance. We hope that you will join with us and vote for Dave Roberts as one of your three choices. In doing so, you will help maintain and improve the excellent quality of life for all Granby residents. Francis and Mary Brady As a Granby resident, retired school employee, active community volunteer and long-time member of Lions Clubs International, I am writing to strongly encourage each of you to support Dave Roberts for the Granby Board of Finance in the upcoming election. I have known Dave Roberts and his family, including his six children ages 8 to 26 years old, for a number of years
LETTERS
and he is the epitome of the energizer bunny. Since his retirement after a distinguished four-decade-long career with local, state, and federal government, the private sector, and as a non-profit executive, I know that Dave Roberts will make a great member of the Board of Finance and bring additional talent to this board. I also find it remarkable that Dave served as an appointed federal policy advisor in the administrations of both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Not many people can say that. Dave works so well with all people to make them feel heard and understood, and I know he will work tirelessly to preserve every Granby resident’s quality of life. As a small businessman, Dave knows the value of business to a small community’s tax base. Most importantly, Dave has a distinguished financial background and will be able to jump into this position on day one to serve our entire town. Please join me in voting for Dave Roberts for Granby Board of Finance. Jackie Martin
Support for Rome With a modest and endurable confidence, intelligence and genuine care for others, Kelly Rome has been an inspirational mentor in my life for as long as I can remember. As a young adult starting out in my career, it is important to have both female and male role models. Kelly has not only been a strong proponent for fiscal responsibility exemplified through her work on the Board of Finance, but she has also been engaged in the community positively through various endeavors, such as volunteering with Junior Achievement and the Granby Rovers as a member of their boards, and working with the board of finance in conjunction with other boards to keep the mill rate flat, just
to name a few. Kelly is the essence of what Granby strives to be—fiscally and socially responsible. Kelly is an inclusive leader. She has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years and is not only a leader for women but for all. Kelly isn’t afraid to do what’s right and does so in the most considerate and respectful way. She takes great care in using her knowledge, experience, skills, and common sense to negotiate positive results. I cherish her friendship and trust her to make decisions that are right for Granby today, with a vision for the future. I am looking forward to supporting and voting for Kelly Rome for the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby, and I hope that you will come out and vote as well! Lauren Grashaw
Support for Sanzo I’m writing in support of Whitney Sanzo for the Board of Education. Whitney and I connected nine years ago when our families were both fostering children. Over the years Whitney has been a huge support and advocate for other families, including mine. I’ve witnessed her navigate the system, supporting both neurotypical and neurodiverse children and their families. Whitney is someone who will listen to your concerns, even if they aren’t her own, and advocate for what is best. I will be voting for Whitney because I have confidence that she will do what’s best for our schools, children and community. I encourage you to reach out to Whitney, ask questions and show your support. Sue Laiuppa
Support for Thrall We are pleased to endorse Sarah Thrall for reelection to the Granby Board of Education. We have known Sarah for over 15 years and have always been impressed with her service to the community. She
has been on the BOE since 2017 and has always placed communication with parents and community members as one of her top priorities. She is opened-minded and always willing to listen to all points of view. In these challenging times, her steadfast leadership has assisted the town in maintaining our high educational standards. We encourage all residents to support Sarah for Board of Education. Brian and Donna Austin I would like to express my support for Sarah Thrall in her re-election bid for the Board of Education. Sarah has been a dedicated member of the BOE for the past four years, including stepping into the role of the BOE Chair in December 2020, as well as chairing the Curriculum Subcommittee from Nov. 2019 thru Dec. 2020. Sarah is selfless in giving of her time and experience to the community and the BOE has achieved outstanding accomplishments during her tenure. In particular, her guidance and diligence through the challenges of 2020 exemplified leadership which we are fortunate to have in our community. Granby has benefited in having Sarah on our Board of Education and she has demonstrated that she is a candidate who is highly qualified and acts to represent the best interests of our children. Cyra M. Kampfmann I am writing to enthusiastically endorse the candidacy of Sarah Thrall, who is running for re-election to the Board of Education. I have known Sarah for more than a decade now, as both of my children have been classmates with her children since kindergarten. Sarah has many attributes that help make Granby Public Schools stronger through her participation and leadership. Sarah has raised five children in town and
Letters cont’d. on p. 8
Page 8 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 Board Members Present: Jenny Emery (via Zoom), Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives)
Chairman’s Corner
Thrall reminded all present at the meeting that we are under an Executive Order per Governor Lamont to wear masks in school buildings and stated there were plenty of masks available if you do not have one.
Superintendent’s Announcements
• Grossman welcomed Tess Bajek, a junior at the high school, as the new Student Representative. • It has been a busy hiring season, hiring approximately 50 new staff members. • Congratulations to the Granby BOE for the Award of Excellence for Communication for our Stronger Together Plan. • Curriculum nights (formerly known as Open Houses) will be held in person with the guidance of the Farmington Valley Health District.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons commented that Granby
LETTERS Letters cont’d. from p 7 is a long-time resident of Granby. She is deeply knowledgeable about our schools, their strengths, and their challenges. Sarah is a veteran of the Board of Education, having served on the Board for the past four years. Sarah is always present and contributes to the Granby Board of Education in many ways. During her tenure, she has chaired the Curriculum Committee, worked on faculty contract negotiations, and now has served as our Board chair since last December. As you know, this past year has been very challenging for Granby students, faculty, administrators, and families because of the unprecedented difficulties related to COVID-19. Under Sarah’s leadership as BOE chairperson, our schools were one of only a few in the state that remained open during the last pandemic. To summarize, it is without hesitation that I endorse the candidacy of Sarah Thrall for the Granby Board of Education because of her deep and continuing commitment to our students, staff, and community. David Peling Sr.
Support for Tsaptsinos I have known James Tsaptsinos since he moved to Granby nine years ago. He is a great neighbor and he is a person that contributes to the community. His experience and background will make him an excellent member of the Board of Finance. Dean Blair We live in a community with many needs from our youngest residents to our senior citizens, which is why we are casting our votes for James Tsaptsinos for the Board of Finance, and we encourage you to do the same on Nov. 2. In the private sector, James is a Vice President of Global Sales with real world experience managing budgets, people, and a history of exceeding his sales goals. In the public sector, James is currently serving as an elected member of the Granby Board of Finance. He has successfully helped balance our communities wants and needs with fiscal prudence and the proof is in the pudding—0 percent tax increase since he took office two years ago. Prior to joining the Board of Finance, he served as a Granby Recreational Services Board member. Have you attended a comedy night at Holcomb Farm or movie night at Salmon Brook Park? James was an active leader planning these successful community events from A to Z. We encourage you to review James’ unmatched professional record and history of volunteerism in our community when making your decision on Nov. 2. Our town is lucky to have James and his family as active members of our community and we are blessed to call him a friend. Chester and Heidi Darling
I am writing in support of my friend, James Tsaptsinos, in his continued position on the Board of Finance. James and his family have been Granby residents for many years and in that time, he has been a contributing member of the community. He has consistently volunteered time to Granby both civically on town boards and in recreational activities that include a past position on the Parks and Recreation Board, as well as youth sports coach. In his profession, he is accountable for planning and finance, which are valuable skills for involvement in a community seeking volunteers to guide town management. He has embodied Granby’s Republican Town Committee promise by being a neighbor helping neighbors. On the Board of Finance, James takes the time to hear residents’ concerns and suggestions while ensuring the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education’s needs were met while driving for zero percent tax increase for the past two years. His open approach to feedback from residents is key to making sure all voices are heard regardless of political party. Personally, James has helped me become more engaged in town politics as he is always open to explain the many issues facing our town and discussing the decision-making processes. James’s dedication to our town’s residents while being fiscally responsible is the exact reason why he deserves your vote on Nov. 2. Kevin Hobson I am writing this letter in support of James Tsaptsinos’ candidacy for Board of Finance with a wholehearted belief that he is the best candidate for the position. In the many years that I have known James, I have known him to be one of the most trustworthy people I know who always has the good of others in mind before his; he is truly selfless. James has always been observed to value the sense of community and to looking for ways to strengthen that bond for the collective good. As a professional leader myself, there are key core skills I would look for in a person or candidate. Some of those skills include honesty, integrity, confidence and most important of all, kindness. I am proud to say James genuinely exhibits all the above while being a visionary, strategic thinker, analytic driver, and great communicator. Examples of James’ contributions to the community are abundant around town. All you have to do is look. A key component today’s leaders need is putting what’s best for the community ahead of their own personal interests. Another layer to this is being open to hear what the community has to say as well as educating the community on what they may not know. I can personally attest James has always put any political differences aside and looked for ways to do what’s right
Letters cont’d. on p 9
Public Schools is always overjoyed to welcome new teachers. The district welcomed back over 1,750 excited students and is 100 percent full inperson learning. Regarding COVID, many of the mitigation strategies that worked well last year are still in place. However, the district is relying less on cohorting, and some barriers from last year have been removed; they are no longer recommended as mitigation strategies.
Student Representative Reports
• Tess Bajek said she manages the football and wrestling team and is involved in choir and Chamber Singers. She is also the Secretary on the Executive Board of Student Government. She stated she wanted to be student representative so she can be a voice for students. • Jacob Scotto said he is a senior and manages the boys’ soccer team and is a member of the Granby Drama Club and State Championship Tennis Team as well as enjoys singing and is part of chorus and chamber singers with Tess.
Public Comment
Dave Emery, 71 Loomis Street, North Granby, stated he is a 40-year resident in town and expressed his gratitude to Grossman and members of the BOE and teachers for an extraordinarily difficult year last year. He was impressed with the frequent and high-quality communications sent to the community which provided a great source of information. Brett Barbee is relatively new to the area and is starting his second year in Granby and is also appreciative for the leadership Grossman and his staff demonstrated last year. He requested the board consider the level of risk that might exist for faculty members who choose not to vaccinate and the potential loss of those faculty members.
Old Business
Vision of the Graduate Approval The board discussed the approval of the Vision
of the Graduate for the Granby Public Schools. The board voted to adopt the Vision of the Graduate.
New Business
Summer School Programming Director of the Summer School Program Katie Busbey reviewed this past summer’s programming. She summarized the various camps that were held in-person and remotely. Moving forward, summer school session time programming can be set now for families to pre-plan for the summer and will also help with staffing and programming. Parsons mentioned the AP Boot Camp, which will be brought to a future board meeting. She said that about 30 students had the opportunity for summer school programming with funding available through grants. Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 The board discussed the draft Strategic Plan for 2021-2025.
Board Standing Committee Reports
C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communication Weber stated this subcommittee discussed activity from the end of the school year until the beginning of this year including summer school; credit recovery; AP boot camp; GMHS news studio; testing in Grades K-2; community engagement in the 21-Day Equity Challenge; work being done to showcase our district to potential Open Choice students; and, the onboarding of many new teachers.
Executive Session/Non-Meeting
A motion was made by Migliaccio and seconded by Peling to enter into an Executive Session to discuss a school safety matter with Parsons and the district’s attorney. This motion passed unanimously at 8:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber Board Secretary
Your local hometown oil company, serving you and your community!
Providing Home Heating Oil 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week
—2 Cents off per Gallon— Customer Loyalty, New Customers, Seniors, Veterans, Police, Firemen
www.premierenergyct.com
O’Brien
Call Today
860-693-6481
Nurserymen Open Garden Days October 8, 9 & 10 End of the Hosta Season Sale October October 29, 30 & 31 Amazing Fall Color of Japanese Maple, Ginkgo, Fothergilla, etc.
Thank you for another great season! Hours: Friday 10-5; Saturdays 10-5; Sundays 10-5 (On Above Dates Only) Also by Appointment – Please Call Ahead Directions: From Granby Ctr., Jct. Rte 10/202 & Rte 20; West on Rte 20 to first light; Right on Rte 189 North; 1 ½ miles, Right onto Wells Rd; #40 Wells Road, ½ mile on Right 40 Wells Road Granby, CT 06035 • (860) 653-0163 • www.obrienhosta.com
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 9
Focus on Education Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D
Strategic Plan sets four-year goals for Granby schools We opened the doors to the best school district in the State of Connecticut on Aug. 26. I have visited all of the schools several times since the start of the school year and it is so good to see students and staff back in the buildings, engaged and settling into routines. I have been impressed by the ability of staff and students to immediately start engaging in learning activities. The Granby Board of Education is in the final stages of developing its four-year strategic plan. This strategic plan will formalize the district’s vision, goals and strategic priorities and will have a foundation in the Board of Education goals that were developed last September: Student Learning and Achievement: Improve student achievement, academic performance and opportunity at all grade levels and for all ability levels and decrease achievement gaps on the path to college and career readiness. Community Engagement: Enhance communication and build trusting relationships with all stakeholders. Safety and Social Emotional WellBeing: Foster a safe and positive social emotional environment for everyone. Budget Development and Fiscal Management: Practice responsible budget development and management through transparency and maximize available financial resources through a balance of fiscal discipline and innovative educational investments. Embracing Diversity: Adopt and promote strong instructional, curricular and leadership practices that embrace and advance knowledge and acceptance of human diversity and that eliminate bias. Professional Learning: Develop the instructional skills and strategies of
our teaching staff through ongoing, meaningful and systemic professional learning opportunities. At its first meeting in September, the Granby Board of Education approved the Granby Public Schools’ Vision of a Graduate (VOG), which is also another foundation of the Board of Education’s strategic plan. Our Vision of a Graduate sets forth the 21st Century skills that we believe our students should embody and exemplify by the time they graduate from high school. The VOG is shown at right. Granby students continue to excel in all areas. The students in the Granby Public Schools are the heart and soul of the school system. Each day, from our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, students engage in amazing learning experiences at Kelly Lane Primary School, Wells Road Intermediate School, Granby Memorial Middle School, and Granby Memorial High School. I invite you to visit the Granby Public Schools’ website at granbyschools.org for events that you and your family may like to attend. A Superintendent Community Conversation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. at via Zoom. Please contact Linda Powell at powelll@granbyschools.org if you would like to register for this conversation. I want to thank the entire Granby community for supporting our work in making the Granby Public Schools one of the best school districts in the state. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 860-844-5260 and follow me on Twitter @GranbySuper As always, thank you for your support and partnership.
GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Vision of a Graduate All Granby Public Schools students will become resourceful learners and effective communicators who positively contribute at the local, national and global levels.
Resourceful Learners
❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Ask questions and identify problems or challenges Identify strategies and methods for personal success Explore and connect areas of interest Set goals and persist in achieving these goals Gather and evaluate a variety of sources and perspectives Synthesize information and create solutions Solve complex problems by applying approaches from multiple disciplines
Effective Communicators
❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Listen closely and respectfully participate in discourse Value diverse voices and viewpoints Prepare a message for an identified purpose and audience Express ideas clearly in a variety of ways Support arguments with evidence Adapt and adjust thinking based on feedback and new learning Use tools and technology flexibly and strategically
Positive Contributors
❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Develop meaningful connections with others Collaborate for a common goal Exhibit compassion and empathy Make healthy and responsible decisions Use personal talents and knowledge to contribute to society Demonstrate civic responsibility Understand that actions have impact on the local community, the country and our global society
In Memory of . . .
Adopted by the Granby Board of Education September 1, 2021
Davis, Megan, 40, daughter of Marilyn and Fred Davis, August 14 Mursch, Irmgard (Vogt), 98, wife of the late Horst Mursch, August 14 Walker-Grant, Judyth N., wife of Alan Grant, August 17 Kurweinz, Douglas Robert, 77, partner of Helen Turner and husband of the late Sharon D. Kurweinz, August 21 Johnson, Alice I., 94, wife of the late Norman P. Johnson, Jr., August 25 Ultee, Casper Jan, PhD, 93, husband of the late Lorraine Ultee, August 25 Bartrop-Babbit, Janice Marie, 61, partner of Don Mcilroy, August 26 Hickox, Olga Yasny, wife of the late Carlton Hickox, September 14
Mark J. Migliaccio Attorney at Law
Letters cont’d. from p 8 and in the best interest of the people. I have learned from James as he has from me due to his dynamic people person personality. I am absolutely confident, knowing how successful James is in his professional career, that the same success
will be a result for our town with James on the Board of Finance. With proud enthusiasm I support James and hope for his success which in turn will be our success. Ali Zafar
THIINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?
Demand for housing is the hightest it has been in CT in our lifetimes. If you or anyone you know is thinking about selling please call, text or email Santa Realty. Rick Santasiere - Broker/Owner 860-930-1998 rick@santa-realty.com
Personal Injury Workers Compensation Criminal Defense Wills – Real Estate Closings Cell: 860-906-8489 Office: 860-236-6951 Email: mmigliaccio@bnglaw.com 254 Prospect Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Page 10 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
Granby Road Race founders honored By Shirley Murtha Fifty years ago, David Bale, David Hildreth and Dennis Lobo met in the Bales’ kitchen and organized a race to be held on Earth Day that year. The year was 1971, it was the very first Earth Day, and the road race they planned started a tradition that celebrated its 50th year on Sept. 18. The race was Bale’s passion, and he made sure it included the McLean Game Refuge as part of its course, which it still does. For almost 30 years, Hildreth was the race chairman. He passed the baton to Dan Hausmann from East Granby for a decade, and then Dave Schupp took the job for a few years, but was happy to turn it over to the YMCA, which has continued its sponsorship for the past 10 years. The night before the race, Schupp invited friends and supporters over to his home to honor the founders of the race. Bale and Hildreth have passed on, but Lobo is still manning the starting line as he has done for 48 of the past 50 years and was present for the festivities.
Harold Sparrow, CEO of the Greater Hartford YMCA, spoke in praise of the three founders. Brian Liss, Executive Director of the Farmington Valley Y in Granby, presented individual proclamations from the State of Connecticut legislature and plaques from the YMCA honoring each of the three. Dave’s son, Ned Hildreth, came down from Maine to represent his dad; Rachel Lobo attended with her dad, and Vicki Bale was at the race representing her dad. Perhaps the most emotional of the honors was the announcement that the race committee had decided to name special places on the race course to honor both the founders and Dave Schupp, Jr. who lost his life 33 years ago when hit by a car while jogging. Signs were placed in September’s race indicating the Dennis Lobo Start Line, the David Schupp, Jr. Memorial Mile, Hildreth Hill and the David Bale Finish Line. Glasses of Trail Sipper Pale Ale, a special beer brewed by the Maple View Farm for the occasion, were raised in honor of the 50th race. It was a proper ending to a celebration 50 years in the making.
New door welcomes Cossitt patrons F. H. Cossitt Branch Library has a beautifully refurbished entry door! Stop by to admire the craftsmanship, learn about other works in progress and update your library account with our staff. The branch library is open to the public Tuesday and Thursday, 3–8 p.m. From left, Joel Faria, Deputy Director, Granby Department of Public Works; Amy McCue, Director, Granby Library Services; Paul Hahn, Furniture Maker, Paul Hahn Designs. Submitted photo
Granby Lions award scholarships
5x3 Ty de los Reyes
Madison Kennedy
Mark McWhirter
The Granby Lions awarded $2,500 scholarships to three Granby Memorial High School 2021 graduates: Ty de los Reyes, attending Central Connecticut State University; Madison Kennedy, attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and Mark McWhirter, attending the University of Connecticut. Submitted photos
Honoring the Granby Road Race founders included, from l., Anna Smith, committee chair; Ned Hildreth, son of founder Dave Hildreth; founder Dennis Lobo; Dave Schupp; and Executive Director of the Farmington Valley YMCA, Brian Liss. Photo by Shirley Murtha
Granby’s Pediatric Dentist!
Dr. Staci Allen
Board Certified Pediatric Specialist
Let’s Plant the Seeds Together for a Secure Future! Contact me: Matthew Tyo, RICP® Cetera Investors 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 300 East Hartford, CT 06108 860.282.4600 ext.316
Matthew.tyo@ceterainvestors.com
Cetera Investors is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and Insurance Products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.
Handicap Accessible Special Needs Patients Hospital Dentistry
General Dentistry, Implants, Root Canals, Orthodontic and Pediatric Specialists
ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!
Call or Text: (860) 653-7596 www.granbydental.com
New Home Construction
Fine homes exclusively built by Fitzgerald Builders. Priced from the upper $600’s. Contact us for details on design and lot opportunities. Maria Babicki Cell: 860-982-3073 mariababicki@bhhsne.com
Ed Cox Cell: 860-280-7239 edcox@bhhsne.com
DIRECTIONS: Rt. 20 or Rt. 189 to Day Street. Entrance is adjacent to the historic Dewey-Granby Oak Tree..
S H E P H E R D S W AY G R A N B Y C T. C O M © 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 11
GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 24, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan plus alternate Matthew Peters and Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon, Peters was seated for Boardman
Public Hearings
Application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.30 Temporary and Limited Moratorium on Cannabis Establishments. File Z-17-21. Kenyon said that, in response to legislation that went into effect July 1, 2021 regarding recreational cannabis establishments, it is recommended the Planning and Zoning Commission consider the adoption of a cannabis establishment moratorium to allow time to consider whether such establishments should be prohibited or regulated. Kenyon said an amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.30 was prepared by the Town Attorney for the commission’s consideration. During this temporary moratorium, cannabis establishments shall be prohibited in the Town of Granby and any and all applications submitted for the approval of any cannabis establishment shall be denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission or Zoning Enforcement Officer, as may be appropriate. This temporary and limited moratorium shall become effective on August 31, 2021 and shall remain in effect until August 31, 2022. Application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.3 Alcoholic Beverages to clarify the types of liquor permits that may be issued following Special Permit approval. File Z-16-21. Kenyon said the State of Connecticut recently changed its liquor permits, reclassifying several permit types. In response to these changes, it is recommended the commission amend its regulations.
RECIPE
Consideration of the above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing
The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.30 Temporary and Limited Moratorium on Cannabis Establishments. File Z-17-21. The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Section 8.3 Alcoholic Beverages to clarify the types of liquor permits that may be issued following Special Permit approval subject to correcting the numbering. File Z-16-21. Consideration of an application seeking a 1-lot re-subdivision to create one additional building lot, for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road, R2A Zone. File P-5-21. (Public hearing closed July 27) Kenyon said the commission closed the public hearing on the subject application at their meeting on July 27. After considering the testimony that was presented, staff was asked to prepare a list of considerations for review. The commission voted (6-0-1) to approve the above application, subject to adherence to all 10 conditions outlined in the memorandum dated August 17, 2021 from Abby Kenyon to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a modification to condition number one to clarify the licensed professional engineer is to be hired by the applicant. Lockwood abstained.
Staff Report and Correspondence
Kenyon reported an application seeking a site plan modification under Zoning Regulations 4.2.13, minor changes to parking and dumpster location, for property located at 12 East Granby Road. CC Zone was approved by staff on July 28. She said this is the Westfield Bank property. They have changed their parking configuration to angled parking and shifted the dumpster location. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary
FOR A HEALTHY KID
VBCC welcomes new staff In the past year, while starting an online campus and navigating the challenges of serving the congregation and community during the pandemic, Valley Brook Community Church hired two new staff members. Peter Gove was hired as the new Facilities Manager, and Patrick Fitzgerald was hired as the new Worship Arts Director. Pastor Clark Pfaff remarked, “It’s been quite a year and we’re thankful for the leadership that Peter and Patrick bring to Valley Brook.” Gove has extensive experience in buildings and grounds management after spending 15 years as the Facilities Manager at the YMCA’s Camp Jewell. He shares, “God has definitely blessed me in ways that I could not have imagined in the short time that I have been working at Valley Brook. He has provided abundantly for my family during a time when you would not expect it. It showed me that if you are willing to step out in faith, God will be there for you.” Gove oversees the care and maintenance of the church building and other structures and manages Valley Brook Church’s 80 acres of land that include trails, fields, a pond and a portion of the east branch of Salmon Brook. Gove works with an exceptional team of volunteers to maintain the grounds and facilities. “Peter is a great addition to our staff. Beyond his skills and knowledge in the maintenance of buildings and grounds, he is a strong and funloving leader to serve with,” said Pastor Clark Pfaff. Gove and his wife, Jodi, live in Colebrook and have one child. Peter Gove Fitzgerald comes Submitted photos to Valley Brook after
years of serving in the worship ministries of several churches, most recently at Life Community Church in Quincy, Mass. Fitzgerald grew up in Bristol and studied percussion at Central Connecticut State University. A talented vocalist, guitarist, and drummer, Fitzgerald works with a large team of volunteer vocalists, musicians, and technicians to lead the worship services on Sundays and special occasions. He also oversees the production and streaming of the Sunday service to Valley Brook’s online campus. Fitzgerald shared, “I was led first and foremost by God to find a job here at Valley Brook. Once I started coming here for interviews I was blown away by the beautiful grounds and by how nice everyone was, from the greeters on Sunday morning, to the staff. It was so great to find a church that was Bible centered and loving toward others, and even more amazing to have the opportunity to work here.” Pastor Clark says of Fitzgerald, “We are blessed to have such a gifted leader for both our worship ministry and our church.” Fitzgerald and his wife, Bronwyn, reside in Simsbury. Valley Brook Church is active in helping the community and seeks to serve people of all ages. It holds its worship service on Sundays at 10 a.m. at 160 Granville Road in North Granby and online. The church also offers small group studies for adults and Sunday morning and weekday evening programs for children and students. For more information about Patrick Fitzgerald Valley Brook visit valleybrook.cc
HEALTHY KIDS DAY • OCTOBER 23, 2021
Join us for a Free, Fun-Filled Family Event at Farmington Valley YMCA Saturday, October 23 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Check our Facebook, Instagram, and Website for activities! FARMINGTON VALLEY YMCA FarmingtonValleyYMCA.org 860-653-5524 97 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035
BELONG TO SOMETHING GREATER 21-09-003
Page 12 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
Parks & Recreation Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com is open 24/7
Parks and Recreation Survey
The Granby Board of Parks and Recreation is seeking input from your household to better understand the community’s parks and recreation needs, wants and satisfaction with current facilities and services offered. The parks board will send out an online survey in the next couple of weeks. Your participation will inform the priorities of the development of new programs, services, events and improvements. We look forward to your feedback and input to advance how Granby Parks and Recreation Department and its Board works to best serve our residents, businesses and visitors.
Toddler and Preschool Programs
Songs and Season Preschool Music: Thursdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 18, 4:30-5:15 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Come join us as we learn about music through play. During Songs and Seasons Music Time, children will experience the joy of making music together while building a foundation for lifelong music making. Class will focus on experiencing music fundamentals like in tune singing, high and low register, rhythm, tempo, and music history all though song, dance, and games. This is a parent and child class that is open to children ages 6 months - 4 years. Jumpbunch Big Jumpers: Mondays, 10:3011:15 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park. For ages 3-5 years. Classes are 45 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, parachutes, bubbles and maracas. Classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time and children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment each class. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, golf, etc.
Youth Programs
Chess Wizards One Day Chess Camp: Saturday, Oct. 9, 12-4 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. For ages 6–12. Join us for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle—your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a chess medal and puzzle folder. We include all of the materials necessary for your child to participate. Unleash your brain power and spend time with Chess Wizards! Spike Volleyball: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 19-Nov. 11, 4-5 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park. For grades 6–8. Join Coach Cindy for some volleyball fun after school. Because of a big success this past summer outdoors, we are taking the fall program outside too on our own grass courts at Salmon Brook Park. Whether learning to play for the first time or for those looking to have some extra reps, the program will move the young athletes toward their goals. Groups will be made by skill level. Both individual and small group instruction will be provided. Players will learn and refine volleyball skills: passing, setting, hitting, and serving. Spirit Club at Kelly and Wells: Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m. For grades K-5. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut. The participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps. Hip Hop Majorette: Wednesdays, Oct. 20Dec. 15, ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. At Salmon Brook Park. Hip Hop Dance Team is a team-style specific dance that specializes in hip-hop contemporary
movement and does not require technical training. Our hip-hop classes use primarily urban music and stay with the latest dance trends. This is an energetic and fast-paced dance class. This class helps students develop rhythm, musicality, coordination and precision. Irish Step Dance: Mondays, Oct. 18-Dec. 6, ages 8-12 from 4-5 p.m., and ages 13-17 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. At Salmon Brook Park. A style of performance dance with its roots in traditional Irish Dance. It is generally characterized by a stiff upper body and quick and precise movements of the feet. It can be performed solo or by groups. Mad Science: Tuesdays, Oct. 19-Dec. 7, 4-5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades 1–6. Students explore famous inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Archimedes, Ben Franklin and even Rube Goldberg, along with the contributions each made to science, engineering and society. Guided by our Mad Scientists, Junior Inventors use their knowledge and creativity to overcome a series of challenges using basic materials, simple machines, tips from famous inventors and the most important of all—their minds! Each student will also bring home a cool science take-away every week! While Thomas Edison said, “Invention is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration,” this program is 100 percent FUN! After School Yoga: Tuesdays, Oct. 19Nov. 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m., at Kelly Lane School library. For grades K-2. This yoga class, led by kid’s yoga instructor Aubrey Schulz, will help children feel peaceful in their minds, happy in their hearts and strong in their bodies. This 6-week playful class is filled with yoga, games, music and more. Students will improve strength and flexibility as well as learn how to focus and center themselves with various breathing and mindfulness techniques. They will also learn self-respect and respect for others through fun and challenging poses, partner and group poses and playful activities. There is no class Nov. 2.
Adult Programs
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Saturday, Oct. 23, 2-4 p.m., or Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For ages 16 and up. This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. Gentle Restorative Yoga: Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m., at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Gentle Flow Yoga: Saturdays in the fall, ongoing, 10–11 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy to follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great! We will combine deep breathing with basic yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, to energize the body and to improve posture and confidence. Modifications are offered as building blocks or to accommodate past injury. After warming the major muscle groups, deeper poses and stretches are offered, using support when appropriate. We will also build community as we reconnect to ourselves and others in a safely spaced, friendly and accepting environment. Yoga For Strength: Mondays and Fridays, 8–9 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Develop strength and flexibility with this more challenging dynamic flow, integrating movement and breath with sun salutations, twists, back bends and core strengthening with an emphasis on proper alignment. Combine this with the cultivation of inner peace and the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. This program is being taught by Laura Fetzer/Seger. Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: Friday, Oct. 8, 6–7:30 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By
combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels. Taz Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursday, 8–8:55 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join long time certified and motivating fitness instructor Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. Come be a part of this fun class and great workout! Taz Low Impact Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3-5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. This practice will bring peace and healing on so many levels.
Special Events
Fall Family Photo Session at the Holcomb Farm: Until Dec. 15. Check out our portraits at beautiful Holcomb Farm. You choose the location either inside near the fireplace or on the grounds with a beautiful New England backdrop. Capture your family in a memorable way with professional, high-quality photos. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available, and we love pets too! You will receive 3-4 digital photos that you can download and print. Once you register with us, Kristen Weldon Photography will contact you to set up a time that is mutually convenient. This is a perfect way to knock that holiday card off your list early! Last year’s event filled up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today. Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 30, 3–4 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park. Join the Parks and Recreation Department together as a community
and have a fun afternoon of “trick or treating” at Salmon Brook Park. We want YOU to come to the park at 1 p.m., decorate your trunk and be ready to start giving out goodies at 3 p.m. Get your neighbors, friends, civic groups, book club, coworkers, family and friends together to come up with a great theme—we will be giving out prizes for the best decorated, spookiest, and most creative trunk in the park. Register by Oct. 22. Octoberfest Scrapbooking Weekend: Friday, Oct. 22, 1-9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at Holcomb Farm’s North Barn Pavilion. The Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Friday into Saturday Crop/Craft Event. Friday’s 1–9 p.m. event is $25, and Saturday’s, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. event is $40. If you sign up for both days the cost is $60 (you save $5) and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Water and soda will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. You may contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net if you have any questions. She will also have demonstrations and crafting items for sale. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters! Pumpkin Run 5K at Salmon Brook Park: Sunday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m., open to all ages. Join us for our 4th Annual 5K Pumpkin Run (rain date Oct. 24). Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. This timed, two-loop course in beautiful Salmon Brook Park is mostly grass terrain around the soccer and baseball fields. Run your best 5K ever on a mostly flat course with this no pressure, low key event. Pumpkin medals for all participants. Open to all ages. Run, walk, push a stroller or walk your dog— whichever you choose—just have fun. Advanced registration $15. Day of registration $20. Moonlit Stroll at Salmon Brook Park: Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-9 p.m., open to all ages. Please join us with this new program. Meet at the Recreation Office at Salmon Brook Park to stroll under the moonlight and stars. This leisurely walk will take you around the park—feel the crisp autumn leaves under your feet and the cool fall breeze on your faces. Please dress for the weather, wear reasonable footwear, bring a water bottle and a hand-held flashlight. Our guide is Judy Cooper. We are meeting at 6:30 p.m. and will begin our walk by 7 p.m. or before if everyone is ready to go sooner. This is a free program, but we ask that you pre-register.
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 13
Out of Town Trolley Museum offers fall fun Take an express trolley ride to the Darkside As the fall chill fills the air, and on the darkest of nights, mournful cries of the abandoned dead are heard on the tracks at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor. Come for a scare if you dare! During this haunted experience, ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods for a fear that you will never forget. Listen to the tale of yesteryear, as you learn of a hastily moved cemetery whose bodies were left behind—their angry souls seeking their revenge. Will you survive? The event will be held on Friday and Saturday nights in October. This expe-
The Trolley Museum’s ride to the Darkside awaits. Submitted photo
rience is rated PG-13 and may be too intense for the squeamish. Hours are 7–9:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:15 p.m. for ticket sales). Admission is $20 per person and recommended for ages 16+. Pumpkin Patch is a family fun-filled adventure riding a trolley car out to the pumpkin patch field and each child picking a free pumpkin. On return to the museum you can decorate the pumpkins, get your face painted, play in the corn box, enjoy the outside play area and the entire museum. Admission includes the Fire Truck Museum, housed on the same property as the Trolley Museum. The event will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. Pumpkin Patch will also be open Monday, Oct. 11 for Columbus Day. Check website for hours. Admission is $13 for adults/ seniors and $11 for ages 2-12. Museum Members receive half off admission. All activities are included in admission. The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rte. 140) in East Windsor. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 860-6276540 or visit ct-trolley.org
Craft Fair The 27 Annual Holly Boutique Craft Fair and Luncheon will be held at the North Canton Community United Methodist Church Hall, Case Street (Routes 179 and 3) in North Canton on Oct. 14 through 16. Come see a wonderful selection of quality crafts made by more than 30 local th
juried artisans just in time for holiday gift giving. Payment by cash or check only; no cards accepted. Hours for Thursday and Friday are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be available on Friday and Saturday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free admission.
Suffield Players present The Dining Room A stately dining room is the only constant as six actors portray 57 different characters spanning six decades in this classic historical comedy by A. R. Gurney. Presented by the Suffield Players at historic Mapleton Hall, the play is directed by Denise Boutin with the talents of Rick O’Neil, Cynthia Claudio, Jamie Reopell, Nicole Murray, Gilana Chelimsky and
Tom Hebert. Opening night is Oct. 7, and performances run Oct. 8 to 23. For tickets visit suffieldplayers.org or call 800-289-6148. $20 per person ($15 opening night). COVID-19 precautions will be in effect; audience members are asked to present proof of vaccination and will be required to wear masks during the performance.
NEW PEDESTRIAN LAW ENACTED An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety (Public Act 21-28) became effective in Connecticut on Oct. 1. There are two key elements to the new law. Yielding to Pedestrian in Crosswalks: Under current law, drivers must yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk if the pedestrian has stepped off the curb or into the crosswalk. The new act expands the requirement to slow or stop if the pedestrian is within any portion of the crosswalk, or steps to the curb of a crosswalk and indicates intent to cross the road by raising their hand or arm towards oncoming traffic or moves any body part or extension of a body part into the crosswalk’s entrance. An extension of a body part includes a wheelchair, cane, walking stick, crutch, bicycle, electric bicycle, stroller, carriage, cart, or leashed or harnessed dog. Drivers who fail to yield at a crosswalk when required are subject to a $500 fine. Dooring: A person is prohibited from causing physical contact between a vehicle door and moving traffic by opening the door if the moving traffic is traveling at a reasonable speed and safely, or leaving it open longer than needed to load or unload passengers. Moving traffic includes motor vehicles, bicycles, electric bicycles and electric foot scooters while traveling on the road, and pedestrians, bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters traveling on sidewalks, shoulders or bikeways. Violations of this provision are infractions.
Dr. Lucia Coletta
Naturopathic Physician with 30 years of experience is now accepting new patients at 15R Hartford Ave. Suite 2J • Granby, CT 06035
860-653-6299
Let nature and science work together for you. Health Assessment • Nutrition Assessment • Food Allergy Testing Immune Disorders • Chronic Health Problems • Smoking Cessation Weight Loss • Hypnosis • Woman’s Health • And more Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Connecticare and other insurances accepted
In Town Focus 4-H Sign-up
Granby 4-H sign-up night is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Holcomb Farm Workshop. This open house from 7 to 8 p.m. will introduce the youthofficer team, leaders and project groups available for the 2021-2022 program year. Information will be provided for prospective new members on how this unique club works. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with individual leaders and sign up for their groups. Volunteer leaders are needed. Please consider what you have to offer. Everyone is encouraged to share knowledge with the 4-H youth. Commitment could be as little as one hour per month. All volunteers must complete an application and receive leader training. For questions about sign-up night or volunteering, please contact granbyct4h@gmail.com
Invasive Action Day
Granby’s next Invasive Action Day to remove invasive plants and plant alternatives is Saturday, Oct. 9. For more information, drop a note at GranbyInvasivePlants.weebly.com
SBHS News
The Salmon Brook Historical Society Research Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research fee is $25 per hour. Museum Store is open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. View items for sale at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com Merchandise includes books, maps, mugs, notecards, jigsaw puzzles and many more Granby items. Fall Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the society’s grounds, rain or shine. Please contact Dave at 860-653-3965 for vendor information. Flea Market donations to the Society will be accepted Tuesday and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon until Oct. 12. We look forward to welcoming our many vendors back along with our amazing patrons. Membership to Salmon Brook Historical Society offers many benefits including free tours, newsletters, annual dinner in April, Christmas house tour and wassail party in December and the opportunity to learn and help preserve Granby history. The society welcomes everyone. You do not need to be a Granby native, own an old house or be old. However, you do need to care about the history of Granby. Visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com or stop by the museum on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon for an application.
Cossitt Membership Meeting
The Friends of the Cossitt Library will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Friends’ president will give an Annual Report with an update on Friends projects and active Friends members will vote to elect Trustees for the next fiscal year. If you plan to attend the meeting, please RSVP to friendsofcossittlibrary@gmail.com and you will receive the Zoom invitation to the meeting. Please join us!
Food Safety Training
On Saturday, Nov. 13, the First Congregational Church of Granby will host a food safety training class and certification exam. The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized nationally and meets food service licensing requirements for the State of Connecticut. If you are affiliated with an organization that would like to host food-based events, or if you are a budding food entrepreneur thinking about starting a business, this certification is an important step. Cost of the class and exam is $140. Class size is limited and preregistration is required. Register for this class online at web.ctrestaurant.org/events/ ServSafe-Manager-In-Person-Class-Exam-November-13-Granby-608/details
Men’s Breakfast
The next Granby Men’s Breakfast e-meeting is Friday, Oct. 8. We are fortunate to have our friend Jerry Ledger discussing the Farmington Valley Greenway. Our speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Men of any age who are interested in joining the Granby Men’s Breakfast e-Group should send their contact information to gmensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the invite list for upcoming meetings. The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.
@
by e-mail:
editor@granbydrummer.org
Page 14 The Granby Drummer
From The Archives Historic Footnotes by the late Carol 1934 – 2021
Laun
Granby Heritage – The Granby Fair, Part II In 1900, Emma Reed Huggins of West Granby wrote her sister a letter describing the Granby Fair. “We are all well and for a wonder I went to the Granby fair yesterday. There was a very nice show in the Hall and everything you could think of outside, even Popcorn and Peanuts. Erwin got Mr. Reeds business wagon. We started from home with five in it and when we got up Kendall hill, took in another. I enjoyed it ever so much and saw almost everybody, Ellis’s folks, Maria Holcomb, Sabra, Sophie, and people that live around here I haven’t seen for a long time. They had a coloured quartet from Springfield and a band of music home talent, Base Ball, Horse trotting, Bycicles (sic) races. Three got throwed from their wheels, one went up into the air, his wheel after him, but none of them seriously hurt. M. E. Wilcox of Westfield took all the trotting money, and there was a Tally Ho, drawn by six horses, loaded inside and out with men and they did not forget their Bugle horn. I don’t believe there ever was so many people and teams on the grounds before.” (According to an 1890 picture book of wagons, a Tally Ho was a large wagon, open or stagecoach, with many seats, for giving rides at Fairs.) Emma Reed was born in West Granby in 1822, at 14 worked in a cotton mill in Chicopee, and married Lucius Huggins in 1846. Lucius ran a blacksmith and carriage repair shop and later bought the general store in West Granby. Emma died in 1916 at age 94, the oldest woman in Granby. Her son Erwin was the leader of the West Granby Fife and Drum Corps. The Premium Book for the Granby Agricultural Society Fair in 1904 listed 85 classes of exhibits and sternly set forth
the following rule: “No article or animal in any of the departments will receive any premium, if in the opinion of the Judges, it is palpably undeserving, even though no competitor appears against such article or animal.” An ad for the 1916 Granby Fair promised races and ballgames each day, “2 fast teams on Wednesday and 2 good teams on Thursday.” There was also a cattle parade, obstacle races and an exhibit of gentlemen’s driving horses. The Granby Civic Club donated prize money for the Boy Scout Field Day Drill. Music was provided by Fairfields Springfield Band. One fair attraction was remembered by the late Joe Petersen, “Moody the Guideless Wonder” a horse who would go around the track all by himself, no driver or rider. Joe said with a chuckle, “They probably had him checkreined so he could only go in a circle.” A 1921 letterhead of the Granby Agricultural Society proclaimed it had “the Only Agricultural Fair in Hartford County.” The fairground was now called Agricultural Park, but the fair was the same; agricultural exhibits, horse races and drawing contests of matched oxen, steers and horses. Crowds at the pulling pit watched the huge oxen strain to pull a boulder-laden stone boat the requisite 6 feet. Log sawing and horseshoe pitching contests were added to the bicycle races and baseball games. The Granby Agricultural Society dissolved in the 1920s and in 1929 the Granby Grange started holding fairs at the old fairgrounds. Fred Colton owned the land and raised shade tobacco there. There were still pulling contests and exhibits of livestock, vegetables, fruit and ladies’
Sulky race at the Granby Fair. Photo courtesy of Salmon Brook Historical Society
October 2021
domestic arts, but the excitement of racing sulkies was gone. The Grange moved their fair to the Town Hall Green in 1934. (The present Granby Grange building on Rte. 189 was then the Town Hall in Granby.) The Premium Book listed the rules for cattle drawing: “No abusive or profane language will be tolerated. No excessive whipping allowed and a 5-minute time limit.” The horse drawing rules also banned profanity, did not allow the driver to carry a whip and “no one under the influence of liquor allowed in the ring.” Apparently oxen drivers were allowed to drink.
In addition to the usual contests, exhibits and 4H awards, the Grange offered supper in the basement of the First Congregational Church for 25 cents. Later there was music by the Southwick Hill Billies and dancing from 8 to 12 for just another 25 cents. In 1983, the Grange is still holding an annual Fair in the same building on Rte. 189. There are still exhibits of fruit, vegetables, canned and baked goods, needlework and 4H awards. A delicious chicken barbecue is served with local corn, tomatoes and home-made pies. Granby has changed and the Fair has changed, but the tradition goes unchanged.
North Granby athlete honored for efforts to increase inclusivity for mobility impaired Helen Newman has been breaking barriers to help increase opportunities for athletes with disabilities at competitive events. The North Granby native and University of Hartford student will be honored for those efforts at the Eversource Hartford Marathon. While welcoming thousands of runners in person on Oct. 9, Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) is honoring nine activists who exemplify inclusivity efforts within their community as part of the 2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon Inspiration Team. Each team member will either be running the 5K, half marathon, full marathon or volunteering. “Highlighting exceptional participants through an Inspiration Team is a decadelong tradition of this event. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve deeper in our HMF community to highlight some participants making a significant difference to help the underrepresented here in Connecticut,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate our participants in person again this year and honored to bring attention to this inspiring group of individuals who dedicate so much effort to helping others.” Newman has been competing as a member of the Hospital for Special Care Adaptive Sports Program since she was three years old. While in high school, Newman helped to advance the platform of inclusion in high school sports by being one of the first wheelchair athletes in Connecticut to have points count for her team. When Newman is not training or racing, she can be found volunteering and mentoring the youngest members of the Adaptive Sports program. Joining Newman as members of the 2021 Inspiration Team are Meghan Freed
Helen Newman Photo by Michael A. Clubine
of Hartford, Toni Johnson of Bristol, Kristen Marcroft of Hartford, John Motley of Hamden, Garrett Murray of New Britain, Noemi Rodriguez of Wethersfield, Quyên Truong of Hartford and Ana Valentin of Manchester. In conjunction with the Run United theme for 2021, HMF launched the Lace Up for Social Justice campaign last month to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events. With support from Pratt&Whitney to cover costs, 100 percent from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading “I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE”, the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon.
“Let your dreams be your wings.” — anon
Dreaming Together in the Circle of Blessing Join us some Sunday to discover how living faithfully can make a world of difference. We are an Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! October Worship Schedule Oct. 3, 10:00 a.m. at South Church (joint service with FCC) Oct. 10, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. at South Church Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m. at South Church (joint service with FCC) Oct. 24, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. at South Church Oct. 31, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. at South Church Pumpkin Patch at South Church Oct. 3 -31 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 15
Celebrating 50 Years of the Granby Road Race
Granby Road Race, photo by Paula Johnson
By Anna Smith The 50th running of the Granby Road Race went off without a hitch in perfect weather on Sept. 18. The race, founded by David Hildreth, David Bale and Dennis Lobo in May 1971, is one of Connecticut’s oldest race events. It has been enjoyed by many runners over the past 50 years; this year being no exception. The race has 5K and 10K courses with portions of the race routes weaving through Salmon Brook Park and the McLean Game Refuge. This year’s race happened to coincide with Granby’s annual Open Farm Day, and an excellent opportunity to showcase the wonderful town of Granby. There were 290 total registered runners. Mary Anderson took 1st for the Women’s 5K at 21:20 and Brett Abbott took 1st for the Men’s 5K at 17:37 9, breaking his own record from 2020. The winner of the Women’s 10K, Jody DiCicco, came in at 42:02 while the Men’s 10K winner, Michael Paulin, completed the course in 39:51. The top Granby finishers were Daniel Owen for the Men’s 10K and Melody Smith for the Women’s 10K. The top Granby finishers for the 5K were Brody Landheer for the Men’s 5K and Mary Anderson for the Women’s 5K. Dennis Lobo, the surviving founder of the Granby Road Race, attended, as did Ned Hildreth and Vicki Bale Saunders on
behalf of their late fathers who were also founders of the race. David Schupp, longtime advocate and leader of the Granby Road Race joined in on the festivities. The Granby Road Race Committee would like to extend a special thank you to David for making the 50th race weekend a wonderful experience for committee members, volunteers, and runners. The race committee marked this 50th annual race by naming areas of the course in honor and recognition of Dennis Lobo and the other founders. The “Dennis Lobo Start Line”, “Hildreth Hill” and the “David Bale Finish Line” will forever be a part of the Granby Road Race course. By starting the race and helping it to continue year after year, the founders left a lasting impact on the race and the town of Granby. The Farmington Valley YMCA and the Granby Road Race Committee are thankful to them for their contributions over the past 50 years.
The Granby Road Race is run in honor of David A. Schupp Jr., and the committee is honored to announce that the “David A. Schupp Jr. Memorial Mile” will be a permanent fixture for all future races. The race committee is grateful for the stewardship and leadership of David A. Schupp throughout the many years he has been involved in the race. Hundreds of volunteer hours went into the successful race on Saturday and for that commitment the Granby Road Race Committee members, in particular, are recognized and thanked for their dedication and vision of the race. Without them and their efforts, the race would not be what it is. A huge thank you as well to the race day volunteers who spent the morning directing runners, providing water, and cheering on the 5K and 10K participants. And, the day would not have been complete without Brad Field at the microphone, announcing winners and acting as emcee for the special day. The Race Committee would also like to extend thanks to the local businesses and individuals who supported the 50th road race. Your generosity and dedication to our town’s race make the race possible. Donations from the sponsors support the Farmington Valley YMCA’s Annual Campaign and the race received over $30,000 in sponsorships and race entries. If you are interested in joining the Granby Road Race Committee or being a sponsor for the 2022 road race, please contact Brian Liss at granbyroadrace@ GHYMCA.org
GLT Annual Meeting for Members All current Granby Land Trust members are invited to the 2021 GLT Annual Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. on the GLT’s Katan-Ensor Preserve in West Granby. Refreshments will be served, and after the meeting we will conduct a guided hike of the GLT’s Old Messenger
Road Preserves. Hear about our recent acquisitions and activities, vote on our budget, elect new board members, and celebrate our land trust heroes. We are excited to be able to gather in person, outside this year. RSVP to Trish Percival at info@granbylandtrust.org
Winter is coming. But at Southwick Village, the forecast is food, friends and fun! Don’t spend another winter out in the cold. Come to Southwick Village and set aside the worries and responsibilities that keep you from living your best life. • • • •
Spacious cottages and apartments Chef-prepared meals Newly renovated Social House Daily activities and events
And with our pre-winter discounts, flexible lease options and no down-payment, it is easier than ever to live the life you’ve always dreamed of!
Call us today at 413.331.6089 to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.
TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D
Q. Am I too old for Invisalign? A. No! You are never too old to have your teeth straightened. As long as you are in good health, your body’s bone physiology will still allow your teeth to move into a beautiful alignment to give you that smile you’ve always dreamed about! The Invisalign process uses a sequence of custom made, clear, plastic aligners to slowly reposition and straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are completely removable, requiring no metal wires or brackets. Over 2 million people worldwide have chosen Invisalign to improve their smile quickly and unobtrusively. Everyone, ages 14-94, is a potential candidate for the Invisalign system. After your initial consultation, we will take digital records, including a scan of your teeth, photographs and a 3 D Conebeam CT x-ray. We send these records to the Align Corporation and they send us back a computerized series of images, called a Clincheck, that will show us exactly how the teeth will move and just how long the treatment will take. Once we approve the Clincheck, your custom aligners will be made and then shipped to our office within a few short weeks. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks,(or with the new VPro “turbo charger” just one week!), and you come in about once every 4-8 weeks for evaluation and to pick up the next sets of aligners. Most adults will find that their treatment time is under one year. Treatment is fast, simple, and subtle because the Invisalign system is designed to fit your life. Give us a call to set up a consultation today to see if you qualify for Invisalign. At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing high tech method that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength! With Cone Beam CT technology that our Granby Dental Center office has in-house here in Granby, we are able to see 3-D images instantly. This aids in a more accurate diagnosis and guided surgical planning for Implants. If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Granby Dental Center…remember the Center Have you missed your last dental visit? Making sure you get to your preventive cleaning visits is the best way to keep your dental health in check and lower your costs as well! Call now for your appointment 860-653-3220. Scan the QR symbol below to learn more about our office.
Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT
Page 16 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY: Our people, our farms, our schools, our businesses DEMOCRATS WORKING HARD FOR GRANBY!
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE United Nations’ Council of Organizations Granby Board of Selectmen Granby Board of Finance Granby Board of Education Granby Intra-Board Advisory Committee Granby Capital Programs Priority Advisory Committee Granby Health Benefits Committee Granby Economic Development Commission Granby Chamber of Commerce Granby Affordable Housing Commission Granby Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission Granby Democratic Town Committee Granby Conservation Commission Granby Racial Reconciliation
Sally King
Fred Moffa
Val Eastwood for First Selectwoman
BOARD OF FINANCE
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT Granby 4-H Friends of Holcomb Farm Salmon Brook Historical Society Granby Education Foundation Granby Land Trust Granby Community Fund Granby Public Schools Girl Scouts Boy Scouts Granby Horse Council Bearcats Youth Football Granby Road Race Granby Tennis Club Granby Men’s Breakfast Group Training service and therapy dogs Friends of the Granby Wildflower Meadow Lions of Hartford and Litchfield Counties Granby Lions Club
Jenny Emery
Jim Lofink
Dave Roberts
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Monica Logan
Learn more on
Whitney Sanzo
and at www.granbydems.org.
VOTE ROW A ON NOV. 2 Paid for Granby Democratic Town Committee, Audrey Lampert, Treasurer.
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 17
Granby Artists Open Studio Tour Oct. 16–17
By Lori Catlin Garcia
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Granby Artists Association at its annual Open Studio Tour Oct. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Meet the artists and see a wide range of artwork including glasswork, woodworking, painting, pottery, jewelry and more. This event, which is free and open to the public, offers an exceptional opportunity to visit working artists in a studio environment. Art lovers will also have the chance to see live demonstrations of how the artists create their own unique works. Visit granbyartists.org to preview the art and to plan your itinerary. A map is included in this issue of the Granby Drummer. Maps can also be downloaded online and will be available for pick up at Northwest Community Bank during normal business hours. Visitors are asked to wear masks and follow other posted COVID precautions, such as using provided hand sanitizer, at each venue. The participating artists and their locations: Alexander Anisimov—Painting, 2 Park Place Russian by birth, Alex was raised with sculptors, painters and mosaic artists. He loves challenging assignments and transforming the colors of nature into man made paints. He is known for his portraiture and his beautiful nature paintings. Sally Sargent Markey—Painting/Fimo Jewelry, 137 Wells Road Sally is a freelance artist and book illustrator, with work represented in shops and galleries in New England and in private collections across the country. She will present watercolor paintings along with her Fimo clay jewelry. In additional she will offer demonstrations of her Fimo clay techniques. Silver Street Glass—Blown Glass, 105 Silver Street Mark Gottlieb will be doing glass blowing demos of various techniques throughout the tour weekend. You will be able to watch how a blown glass vase is created. Annukka Ritalahti will offer flame working demos, making small figurines, blown hollow beads and marbles. Annukka’s studio is a place where different cold and hot glass techniques can be used and sample pieces of those are displayed.
Linda Yurasevecz—Pottery, 31 Barndoor Hills Road Linda loves creating Raku pottery. She fires her pieces at home using a small electric kiln. Her daughter helps to remove the red-hot pieces and place them in a container with combustibles, resulting in stunning sculptural and functional works of art. Avis Cherichetti—Pottery, 31 Barndoor Hills Road Avis shared, “Clay occurs naturally but for my work several clays are mixed at a supplier to give the properties needed for specific firing temperatures. I am happy to report that over 80 percent of the clay I use is recycled from clay trimmings that potters with whom I am acquainted are discarding. Look for a short video of that recycling process, coming soon to the Granby Artists website.” Barbara Schmitt—Chainsaw Carving, 2 Woodland Drive Barbara says, “Besides the love of the wood grains and 3D art, when I carve, I get a sense of flow and focus that I don’t experience very often, and it simply feels right. I love to imagine what a piece may be and see how it develops within the wood. My latest project was a Pug named Penny made from an ash tree.” Laura Eden—Painting, 11 Juniper Drive Laura’s work has been collected by over 1,400 private and corporate collectors throughout the U.S. and abroad. She is renowned for her egg tempera and fine art paintings. For the tour, Laura will showcase a collection of new ocean pebbles and shells paintings as well as her classic winter birch. George Mattingly—Painting, 349 Salmon Brook Street, 2nd Floor George specializes in oil painting. As an avid outdoorsman, he is drawn to the natural world and that has been the focus of his paintings to date. Lori Catlin Garcia—Jewelry, Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road Lori will be exhibiting jewelry made from a variety of mediums, including her signature sterling silver Granby Oak earrings. She also creates pieces from her handmade lampworked glass beads and fused dichroic glass cabochons. Most recently, she has added playful pieces featuring polymer clay in combination with 22k gold.
String of Pearls, by Laura Eden. Photo by Eden
Avis Cherichetti creating a slab built butter tray. Photo by Cherichetti
Granby Oak earrings by Lori Catlin Garcia. Photo by Garcia
Sally Sargent Markey working in her studio. Photo by Bob MacDonnell
Doug Williams—Painting/Shaker Boxes, Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road Doug’s oil paintings are often done en plein air or outdoors on location in an impressionist style, inspired by nature, water and light. Doug captures scenes throughout the New England states and from his world travels. He will also be showing his beautiful handcrafted Shaker boxes and clocks. Sue Canavan—Paper Flowers, Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road Finding inspiration from her own garden, Susan makes crepe paper flowers and foliage. These paper blooms never wilt and bring cheer in any season. All the petals and leaves are hand cut from high-quality crepe paper and additional coloring is achieved with pastels, paints, and dyes.
Trail’s Edge, by Laura Eden. Photo by Eden
Penny, a chainsaw carving by Barbara Schmitt. Photo by Schmitt
Page 18 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
Holcomb Farm footbridge washed out By Peggy Lareau On Sept. 1 and 2, the West Branch of the Salmon Brook had a wild time in West Granby, washing aside the 15-yearold footbridge that provides access to the popular Holcomb Farm west side trails. During the high waters of Tropical Storm Ida, the bridge’s underpinning in the east bank caved into the brook, with the span ending up on the west bank. Storm Ida dumped about 5.2 inches of rain at the Holcomb Farm, with varying amounts upstream. The Salmon Brook surged. It grabbed yet another large section of its east bank at the bridge site downhill from the main barns, along with the concrete bridge piers. In the years since this bridge was built on safe moorings, the stream bed has marched eastward incrementally, eroding the bank and the area around the piers. The span now lies on the west bank surprisingly intact. It appears from photos and accounts of observers that when the rocky earth around the heavy concrete pier on the east bank washed out, the piling tipped and sank, the bridge pivoted on its west piling, and the sturdy span was swept off. The metal bridge structure may be salvageable, along with much of the wood decking. The access trail from the Holcomb Farm crop field was chewed off into the waters. The setting The Salmon Brook that bisects the Holcomb Farm is constantly on the move. As late as the mid-1900s, it ran substantially to the west of its current stream bed, quite close to the esker that contains the “Boy Scout Stairs” to the Farm’s west side hiking trails. Simsbury Road residents who once worked on Tudor Holcomb’s farm recall a time when crops were cultivated where the washed-out footbridge recently crossed running water. According to West Simsbury residents, in the region’s infamous 1955 flood, the stream bed jumped far to the east of the esker, close to the sites where bridges were placed in 1999 and 2006. A bit of bridge history West Granby residents recount that, as early as 1972, when siblings Tudor and Laura Holcomb owned the farmland, there was a casual “hunter’s” simple foot-crossing over the brook made up of boards and a cable to grasp. The trees supporting the cables finally washed away in 1989.
In about 1996 and again in 2006, sturdy footbridges were built west of the main barns, providing ready access to west side trails. As detailed below, both were built under the watch of the nonprofit Friends of Holcomb Farm (previously called the Holcomb Farm Learning Center), which then held a license from the town to the entire 315-acre farm. The town took back control of the farm in about 2012. The 1999 storm washout and the fix In 1999 the first bridge was washed to the east bank by flood waters resulting from 6.3 inches of rain dumped by Tropical Storm Floyd on about Sept. 16. The bridge was hoisted back in place using a large construction boom under the oversight of Myron Stack, who was very active in the Holcomb Farm nonprofit. The 2005 storm event and replacement bridge In October 2005, that bridge again was washed away following torrential rains dropped by a subtropical depression that combined with the remnants of Hurricane Tammy. The replacement bridge over the widened brook was constructed in 2006, a short way upstream of the first crossing point. That Friends’ undertaking was funded by a $25,000 grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and by donated services. The project was led by Friends President Al Wilke, Director Bud Murtha, and others. The replacement bridge was engineered, designed and built by Hartland Building and Restoration company, with principal Lowell Kahn donating his oversight time. Piers were donated by Arrow Concrete. Local contractor Charlie Kraiza was contracted to clear and excavate the site. 2014 high waters and ramp realignment In 2014, the brook moved even further east in floods. High water dramatically undercut the bank that supported the ramps to the bridge. Crews from the Friends of Holcomb Farm and the town combined efforts to pivot the ramps to maintain bridge access. Accessing trails now No one knows right now whether the popular footbridge will be rebuilt, or where. Various people and entities are gathering the facts and looking at the options.
Bridge displaced by Ida, photo by Jack Lareau
Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS
Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS
Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Vince Steniger East bank, photo by Jim Szipszky
Access the west side trails by walking or driving to Broad Hill Road a mile north of Holcomb Farm’s main barns. Try to find a place to park if you drive and walk ¼ mile uphill past the chain gate on the abandoned stretch of the road, entering the trail system via the green trail on your left. Or hike further uphill to enter via the Northwest passage trails. Find a map here: holcombfarm.org/trails/
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Matthew Lepowsky GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dr. Jason Raney
ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST
Dr. Jason Raney
ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST
> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
Let’s partner for life’s moments. Together, we’ll help you prepare for the next one — big or small.
Dr. Staci Allen
PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST
General Dentists and Certified Specialists All Under One Roof!
860-653-7596
Jim Hammel 2 Park Place Suite 1a Granby, CT 06035 860-844-8515
MKT-13987-A-A2 © 2021 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WWW.GRANBYDENTAL.COM ……….
Appointments 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturdays!
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 19
Social Services The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandy Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Granby Local Assistance Program Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of State Median Income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented. Resources and Services Childcare: Additional resources and information regarding childcare can be found at the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-5050-1000 or visit ct.gov/oec/ site/default.asp Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@ communications.childwelfare.gov Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888774-2900. Advocates available 24/7. Housing Resources and Utility Assistance Eversource: Contact our office for help with this or contact Eversource directly at 800-286-2000. Legal and Financial Information Legal Help: Greater Hartford Legal Aid is available to answer your questions about benefits that may be available to you, as well as other legal issues. For more information visit ghla.org/ You can also visit Statewide Legal Services at slsct.org or by calling 860-541-5070. Mental Health and Emergencies: If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 211. Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800273- 8255 When it Builds Up; Talk it Out: With this campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com Rent Assistance: For those struggling with rent payments, Unite CT assists households in the 80 percent of area
median income range. For Granby, the income limit for single renters is $54,950; two persons is $62,800. Applications include both a renter and landlord component and is completed on-line at portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/ Programs/UniteCT Unemployment: Guidance on applying for Unemployment can be found at dol. gov/ or by calling 860-263-6000. Food Resources Granby Food Pantry: Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street. Pantry Hours: Tuesday 10:30 a.m.–Noon and Thursday 2–2:30 p.m. Before using the Granby Food Pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule. Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available as drive up to pick up service every Wednesday 3–5 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome. Mobile FoodShare: 1:30–2 p.m. every other Tuesday. Please park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Please remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather cancellations visit foodshare.org Weekend Snack Packs: Located at First Church, 219 North Granby Rd., 3–4 p.m. every Friday. Modeled after Hands on Hartford’s Backpack Nutrition Program, each bag will contain nutritious non-perishable weekend snack packs snacks for the weekend. Please enter church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road and exit via North Church Road. Questions: Call First Church Granby at 860-653-4537. SNAP: FoodShare will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP call 860286-9999 ext. 104. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and FoodShare will mail you a packet to sign and return.
Floors
Installation, Staining, and Refinishing Serving the Farmington Valley and beyond for 35 years
Owner Operated Fully Insured
Glenn Sullivan 860-712-9803
Larry’s Construction Co. LARRY KRAIZA OWNER
LIC. # 0552657
Free Estimates Fully Insured
• • • •
Site Work Septic Systems Garages & Additions Small Foundations
Office 860-653-6150 • Cell 860-490-3472
29 Hartford Ave, Granby, CT 06035 • 1LPK1@sbcglobal.net
Youth Services Bureau
by AnneMarie Cox
Happy Fall Granby! The Youth Service Bureau is pleased to announce some of its Fall programming. If any of these programs are of interest, please call 860844-5355 for registration information. OWLs Class We will be launching the Our Whole Lives Sexual Health (OWLS) class in October. OWLs is open to youth in grades 7 and 8. Studies clearly show that parental values plus comprehensive sex education lead to delayed sexual activity, reduced teen pregnancy and healthier relationships. WOW: Women on the Way Our beloved WOW began registration in September. For girls in grades 9-12, this is a positive youth development experiential group that helps break down barriers and create relationships. Drug and alcohol-related supports Youth or family members addicted to nicotine can schedule an appointment with Social Service’s Tobacco Treatment Specialist to develop a quit plan. Parents can refer teens to Social Service’s free Teen Intervene assessment that helps youth identify the degree and seriousness of substance use. If warranted, the teen will be advised about appropriate kinds of treatment. This is for parents who are concerned about a teen’s use. This evidence-based intervention helps confront a teen’s denial of a substance use disorder and has been shown to increase the likelihood of treatment being sought. SMART Recovery: For any youth or teen with addictive behavior, from
substance use to shopping, this recovery group uses Rational Emotive Therapy to help address the addictive behavior. This approach is evidence-based, and proven to be highly effective. The group will meet Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. The Gathering: A Social Skills Reinforcing Group For middle school-age youth, this small group recreation program will take students’ individual needs in social skills development into consideration as the clinical staff leads the kids in a variety of games, from pool to cards, crafts and Foos Ball. In this milieu setting, positive social connections and interactions will be reinforced, and gentle redirection will be used to guide appropriate interactions. Appropriate for shy, socially anxious, or on the spectrum youth looking for more social interaction but feeling left out and isolated. Please check out the Town of Granby Website for the most up-to-date prevention and parenting information available through links to podcasts and YouTube presentations. Six-Week Parenting Workshop Meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. The second session begins on Oct/ 28. Topics include: Please make the whining stop! Why am I so stressed about HIS mistake? How to ditch the reactive parenting (the yelling and screaming). So I just grounded my kid for life….what is an enforceable consequence? I’m too tired to be consistent! I’m in charge! Avoiding power struggles.
Page 20 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
Browse & Borrow Adults and Teens
Wings Over Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve: Tuesday, Oct. 5, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Despite its name, this new Granby Land Trust preserve is anything but dismal for lovers of winged wildlife. Longtime birder John Weeks offers a comprehensive presentation based on years of nature study, and photographer Don Shaw will showcase the beauty, adaptability and the, at times, comical behavior of the birds and butterflies of Dismal Brook. Thanks to the generosity of donor Jamie Gamble, this spectacular site will continue to offer a secure haven for over 50 species of nesting birds, as well as for nearly 100 seasonal migrants, not to mention mammals such as beavers, otters, opossums, coyotes and the occasional bear. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Granby Land Trust. Spirits of New England: Thursday, Oct. 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. With over 25 years of experience researching the unknown, paranormal rock star Dustin Pari chronicles some of his favorite New England investigations. As a part of SyFy television’s Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International, and appearances on Destination Truth and Ghost Nation, Pari has traveled the world looking for answers and expanding his understanding of the unseen realm. Join us virtually when he shares fascinating places rich with local history, folklore, and colored by chilling tales of the supernatural. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library Plan B Book Club: Monday, Oct. 18, 6:30– 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation, and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, who have led our popular in-person book discussions. Copies of each book are available for patrons to borrow at the library, via curbside pickup, or digitally via Overdrive/Libby. Register online or call the library to participate. Look for a confirmation email with a Zoom link and log-in information if you sign-up online. No computer/ internet at home? Join us on the phone—contact the library to learn how. Plan ahead for Nov. 29—In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. Artfully Yours: All Members Art Show and Artist Talks with the Granby Artists Association: Oct. 2 through 29, at Granby Public Library. All are welcome to visit the Main Branch to enjoy an extensive display of artwork created by members of the Granby Artists Association. Learn more about the body of work on exhibit when you meet the artists at two virtual Artist Talks, Oct. 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Find additional information on the website, Calendar of Events page, or via Facebook. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Artists Association. Writer’s Group: Tuesdays, Oct. 12 and 26, 5 – 6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Are you a writer preparing
GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
granby-ct.gov/library 860-844-5275 GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov Library Hours – Main Branch Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Library Hours – Cossitt Branch Tuesday and Thursday: 3 – 8 p.m.
Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter on the website or by phone. for November’s National Novel Writing Month? Join the library’s group of adult fiction writers and get ready for NaNoWriMo! There are new and different creative writing exercises and prompts at each session. The virtual, bi-weekly workshops are led by members of the group who excel at offering friendly and helpful support to the budding writer. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. EFT Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Monday, Oct. 4, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Life Coach Cris Jacobs reminds us to take care of our mental and physical health by using proven techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Jacobs offers an introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping, and answers questions throughout the virtual program. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
Children and Families
Story Stroll: All ages, at the Main Branch, lawn near the patio. Stop by anytime and check out our latest self-paced Story Stroll. Just follow the numbers on the signs to read this month’s picture book, The Teeny Tiny Ghost by Kay Winters. Monster Drawing with Matt Ryan: Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 4–5 p.m., at the Main Branch. Age 8-12. Love to draw? Want to learn how to draw cool monsters? Illustrator and cartoonist, Matt Ryan, of Free Lunch Studios in Granby, will be here to help you sharpen your skills. Registration required. Space is limited. You must be able to attend all four sessions when you register. Bring your imagination, a pencil and a sketchbook to the first session. All participants are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library Halloween Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesday, Oct. 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m., at the Main Branch, on the patio. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Joan for an extra special Halloween Story Time. Be sure to wear your costume! We’ll read a (not-so-spooky) story and sing a song or two. Then we’ll march in a Halloween parade around the library to show our costumes to the rest of the library staff. Every child will receive a candy-free treat bag to
Gary’s Lawn Mowing 15 years experience (one-time or seasonal) Spring and Fall Cleanups NO CREWS – DEPENDABLE SERVICE
Locally owned and operated
Call or text
860-392-8137
Same day response
take home. This program will take place outside on the library lawn, so please bring a blanket for your family to sit on. If it rains, we’ll move the party indoors to the Children’s Room. Patrons over the age of two must wear a mask. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., in the Children’s Room at the Main Branch. For ages 3 and up. Stop by the Children’s Room and select a craft kit from our Craft Box to take home and complete. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be provided. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Note: some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Coming in November
Blackletter Calligraphy for Kids: Mondays, beginning Nov. 1. Check the library’s online calendar for program details. Padawan Training: Saturday, Nov. 13. Learn how to become a Jedi knight! Save the date— registration info will be online soon.
Story Times
Good Morning Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12 and 19, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch, on the patio weather permitting. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for Story Time outdoors. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on. No registration needed. Program will be in the Children’s Room if it is raining. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 6–6:30 p.m. (new time), at the Cossitt Branch. Join Miss Heather as she welcomes children ages 4-7 and their caregivers for story time. Pajamas
encouraged. We’ll read stories and sing songs together. Each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library. Story Time on Your Time: All month at the Main Branch. No time to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or call the library and request a Story Time Bag for your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in our online catalog or by phoning.
New and Ongoing Library Services
Learning @ Your Library: Did you know that the library offers people free access to several online learning databases, ready to help people gain new professional skills, creative abilities, and job-seeking tips? Check out the Library Website’s “Online Learning” page to access LinkedIn Learning, CreativeBug, JobNow, and the Computer Skills Center to see what you can learn next! Libby: Use this library app to check out up to 10 titles at a time, and read or listen to bestsellers, old favorites, and new releases—all with the click of a button. With titles that can be read on nearly any device (including your kindle), there is something for everyone. This digital bookshelf allows you to place holds on popular titles and download the books people are talking about as easily as pulling out your Granby Library card. Hoopla: Granby Library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your GPL library card. Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month—with no holds, and no waiting. Take advantage of these free digital checkouts in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby—and use your Granby Library Card anywhere you are! Museum Passes: Granby library patrons can borrow museum passes that will provide visitors with free or reduced rates for dozens of museums across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check the library website or call for more details. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. We would love to help you get started. Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or call the main desk or 860844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.
EAST GRANBY LIBRARY EVENTS LIVEr: My Journey of Transplant Survival Talk with author John Hoffman: Monday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in the large Conference Room. “Born with a rare liver disease, biliary atresia, my only hope for survival was the untimely death of another young child and the success of a very experimental surgery. With the outcome never certain, my parents remained steadfast in the belief that I would get through this and live a long and healthy life. One thought continued to gnaw at me, ‘Two people have lost their lives to get me to this point, and what do I have to show for it?’ This is my story.” Register online today at egpl.org to meet Hoffman and hear his story. The book is available for check out at the library. Halloween Storytime: Saturday, Oct. 23, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. For ages 2-8 years, with caregivers, in main Conference Room. Come in your costumes! Contact Amy at 860-653-3002 or amyt@egpl.org Native American Games for Kids: Thursday, Oct. 7, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. For grades 3-7, in main Conference Room. Join us and play Native American games, such as the Pommawonga (spear the fish) game, Pugasaing (the bowl and counters) game and more! Contact Amy at 860-653-3002 or amyt@egpl.org Afternoon at the Movies: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Registration required, egpl.org Oct. 6: Senior Moment Oct. 13: Here Today Oct. 20: Lady of the Manor Oct. 27: Hampstead
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 21
Remembering Carol Laun By Todd Vibert In the June edition of the Granby Drummer, I wrote about Eva Dewey, the curator and archivist for the Salmon Brook Historical Society from 1959 to 1986, who saved much of Granby’s history. In her final nine years she had an invaluable assistant in the archives—Carol Laun, who would go on to transform the Salmon Brook Historical Society into what it is today. Carol, who passed away two months ago, was a dedicated historian and archivist at the Salmon Brook Historical Society as well as a visionary who led projects that would revolutionize how Granby history is preserved and celebrated. When Eva Dewey died in 1997, Carol wrote a eulogy for her: “She was my mentor, my teacher, my friend. She got me hooked on genealogy and I never knew to thank her or blame her. Recently when I visited Eva, she said it had been a while since my last visit. I replied, I’ve been busy doing your work. She laughed and said, ‘I knew you’d say that!’ But to me, she was the symbol of the Salmon Brook Historical Society.” Carol would go on to become as much a symbol of the Salmon Brook Historical Society as her mentor was. Carol was already writing her monthly column, Historic Footnotes, for the Granby Drummer before she teamed up with Eva. She was a dedicated student of Granby’s history, collecting oral histories from long-time residents James Lee Loomis, Helen Green, George Tuffin, Bill Hart, Tudor and Laura Holcombe, Seth Holcombe,
SI #0302317 PI #0202118
Mary Edwards and others. She spoke with descendants of notable Granby families such as the Dibbles, Holcombes, Hayes, Cases and Shattucks. As she researched genealogical information for others at the society, she absorbed more and more knowledge. As conveyed in her monthly column, Carol was always enthusiastic to educate others on Granby history as well as learn it herself. For 47 years, Carol’s Drummer column shared the town’s history on topics ranging from colonial medicinal practices to local school systems. In addition to these written histories, she also delivered talks to local organizations such as the Men’s Breakfast and the Civic Club. At the Salmon Brook Historical Society, Carol served on the Tobacco Barn Museum committee. In 1984, the society started raising money to make the old Colton barn a museum to demonstrate to visitors what Granby looked like during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Carol and the committee divided the barn into sections, creating small scenes of what a general store, a kitchen and washroom, a hospital and a harness maker’s shop would have looked like, along with displaying other artifacts. The Tobacco Barn Museum took 10 years to complete and tours were given to the public starting in June 1994. Once the Barn Museum was up and running, Carol started on her next project, an Archival Barn. The Archival Barn had been Carol’s idea since 1987. She originally worked out of the Enders’ house doing her re-
T
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1934
R CALL FO ! ! SAVINGS
H.O.D. #115
Se Dis nior cou nts
TROIANO OIL COMPANY • Automatic
search and knew there had to be a better way to store the documents and artifacts. Her goal was to properly store them, protect the numerous textiles collected over the years, and create a library, to welcome others conducting their own history projects of Granby. Carol headed a committee to start planning the possibility of an Archival Barn. After securing an architect, the committee planned to create a metal structure with air-controlled rooms to protect the fragile artifacts from damage. In 2005, the SBHS Board approved the project and, two years later, the Preservation Barn was opened. The Preservation Barn houses many of the historical books, artifacts, and textiles that the society owns. The quilts and clothing that the society owns are well cared for, as are the antique books and papers we have. The Preservation Barn was Carol’s vision come to life and for the next 14 years, she would spend hours upon hours in the archives she helped build, continuing to learn, research and educate. Over the past couple of decades, one could drive by and see Carol’s red Ford Escort parked at the Preservation Barn
Pumpkin Patch returns to Granby Again this fall, South Congregational Church is hosting a Pumpkin Patch in October, and looks forward to welcoming visitors from the Farmington Valley and beyond. The Pumpkin Patch will be set up on the front lawn of the church, in full view of Rte. 10/202, and will be open from Oct. 3 until Oct. 31, unless we sell out of pumpkins first. The pumpkins are grown on a Navajo reservation in northwestern New Mexico and are a valuable source of income for the inhabitants. Unlike many other produce growers, nearly 100 percent of the farm workforce is Native American. This project and others like it create roughly 25 full-time jobs and 550 seasonal jobs for Native Americans. After ripening, the pumpkins are loaded into a truck and travel across the country to Granby, where they are unloaded by youth and adult volunteers. Not only is the Pumpkin Patch a way to raise money for the mission and goals of South Church, but it also serves as a venue for fostering fellowship and family
in the community The church is hopeful that the 2021 Pumpkin Patch will build on successes from prior years and prove again to be a magical and colorful site and destination for area residents.
When you work with me, you become more than just a client, you become family. Your buying and selling dreams become my own. I will do whatever I can to make them come true!
Septic Company
Emergency Service 24/7
Chris & Bryan 1983
Ask your neighbors about us! We are: Family Owned and Operated Professional & Knowledgeable Fully Licensed & Insured CT License # HIC0559131
Anam Zafar
Buying a home is one of your biggest investments… All major credit cards accepted
Submitted photo
Emergency Service
777 ENFIELD ST. • ENFIELD, CT • 860.745.0321
LET US HELP YOU PROTECT IT!
or the Enders’ house and confirm her presence by her license plate “9Carol.” She spent countless hours at the society researching genealogy, setting up exhibits or writing articles. All of us at the Salmon Brook Historical Society deeply respected and admired Carol for her knowledge and dedication to Granby and its history. While Eva Dewey saved much of Granby’s history and archives, it was Carol who was able to use that knowledge to teach and inform others. To learn more about the legacy of Carol Laun, become a member of the SBHS by calling 860-653-9506 or go online at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com
• Boiler / AC Service • 24 Hour
Oil Delivery • Oil Contracts /Service Contracts
Why We Should Be Your
Carol Laun’s license plate. Submitted photo
(860) 651-7060
www.ChristopherBryantCompany.com
SEPTIC CLEANINGS * INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS * PUMP & PUMP CHAMBERS FIBER OPTIC VIDEO INSPECTION * SEWER CONNECTIONS * E XCAVATION & DRAINAGE
Call/Text: 631-704-3235 AnamZafar@bhhsne.com Licenced in CT, MA & NY © 2021 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity
bhhsNEProperties.com
Page 22 The Granby Drummer
Dear Readers, Please stop dancing! Signed, Joe the Holcomb Farm Farmer In the May 2021 Drummer, we spoke of the continuing drought conditions in our region and encouraged believers to embrace the practices of our indigenous peoples and do a rain dance. Well, that was then, and this is now. On top of a normally wet summer, the remnants of Hurricane Fred, followed by Henri, and finally capped off by Ida, have taken their toll. Growing food in wet fields—especially absent the use of chemical fungus-fighting agents, as is our practice—is a challenge. Farm Manager Joe O’Grady and his team have done what magic they can, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Produce-wise, we are looking at curtailing the popular CSA winter shares, to assure that commitments to summer shareholders and Fresh Access partners can be met. Fortunately, our middle name is “sustainability,” and this applies to financial strength, as well. The Friends will get through this season; further, future plans and farming practices will increasingly take into account the changing climate. We want to thank all the members and supporters who have reached out with concern and encourage all who want to support us to do so through an upcoming Fresh Access fundraising effort, and the year-end Annual Appeal. Donations are welcomed any time at holcombfarm.org Then there was the bridge. Behind the main campus and barn, a lovely footbridge built by the Friends in 2006, through grants and in-kind contributions, is no more. Ida did it in. Its loss eliminates easy access to the trails on the western hills, and efforts are already underway, working with the town, to determine how to resurrect it. The Friends’ own expert hydrologist, Jack Lareau, opines that the stream itself is moving east, bridge or no bridge, so issues beyond trail access may come into play. We will continue to report on plans to replace and/or relocate the bridge, as we work with the town.
No Fresh Access Harvest Dinner With the delta variant taking its toll, we have made the tough decision, again this year, to forgo the Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction fund raising event for the Fresh Access Program. Still, our work goes on and people who otherwise would not have access to fresh local produce do—because of the Friends and its donors. A special appeal will be happening soon, so watch for the opportunity to contribute. Every dollar donated to Fresh Access translates to $1.40 worth of fresh produce; money really does grow in the (albeit wet) fields of Holcomb Farm. Lessons from the Holcomb Tree Trail The first trees on the Tree Trail at Holcomb Farm were planted in October 2018. We chose trees by following the advice of a retired high-ranking executive at the Arnold Arboretum near Boston, Gordon DeWolf, who told us to plant trees with spring bloom and/or fall color. That’s what the public likes. Of the more than 60 trees planted since, the one with the most potential to be spectacular in both spring and fall is the sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum). Ours is not very big—only a bit over six feet, and it is slow growing. It was planted in 2020. It is not native to Connecticut but is found from Virginia to Kentucky and then south to Western Florida and Louisiana. It is not common in Connecticut, either, though there is a 20-footer on the west side of Day Street. You’ll see it if you slow down after passing the Granby Oak heading north. O’Brien Nursery and Bosco’s Garden Center do carry it.
The sourwood tree on the Tree Trail is a stunner. In early summer, it is covered with long-lasting white flowers, which bloom after the leaves are fully out. In the fall, it boasts among the brightest colors of any tree—red, yellow, maroon, purple— and the colors last a long time before the leaves fall. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal At its Annual Meeting, the Friends of Holcomb Farm recognized volunteer Shirley Murtha (l.) for her years of devoted service and support of the farm. She is pictured with Bob Bystrowski and Jack Lareau. Photo by Sue Canavan
Recognizing Shirley Murtha Also on this page is a report by our ever-ready reporter and tireless volunteer, Shirley Murtha, on the Friends’ Annual Meeting, held Aug. 21. What that report does not mention is that her considerable and ongoing volunteer contributions to the Friends of Holcomb Farm were recognized with a Holcomb Farm Friend award. The award—a sign made of 100-year-old original barn board—was created and donated by town artist Debbie Reelitz, for which we offer our thanks.
The sourwood is not a big tree; 30 feet tall by 20 feet wide is the norm in the landscape here, but it grows much taller in the warmer south. The book, Connecticut’s Notable Trees (Glenn D. Dreyer) says the tallest in our state is a 35-footer in Greenwich. Sourwood seems a poor name for this tree. It’s rarely-used other names are lily-of-the-valley tree, sorreltree, and arrowwood. In the southern Appalachians, sourwood honey is much prized but rarely available in commercial markets. It must be bought by knocking on a farmer’s door. There, the trees are called “bee gums.”
October 2021
Progress on all fronts reported at Friends of Holcomb Farm annual meeting
Friends of Holcomb Farm annual meeting. Photo by Shirley Murtha
By Shirley Murtha The Friends of Holcomb Farm board president Bob Bystrowski opened the annual meeting on August 21 with the proclamation that the Farm has kept us all focused and stable as we head into the third calendar year of the pandemic. The physical place and its mission—to preserve, promote and utilize an historic working New England farm—continue to be a focal point for the board, the farmer and the crew. The Farm has sustained for hundreds of years prior to its recent iteration, and decades in its current form; the goal is to keep this going for the decades to come. In lieu of treasurer Rocky Piccirillo, Bystrowski gave the financial report. It was a challenging year since our most important fund-raiser, the Harvest Dinner and Auction, had to be canceled due to the pandemic. The Friends were grateful, however, to secure a $15,000 COVID relief grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and members responded well to an appeal for help funding the Fresh Access program. In total, Fresh Access used over $50,000 in donated and grant money to provide some $80,000 worth of farm-grown produce to people in need. Together with CSA and retail store sales each year, including this recent seventh one, Joe O’Grady’s farming practices have led to increasing revenue. Reserve accounts have been established for not just the farm itself, but also the Fresh Access program and the Tree Trail. Regarding this summer’s challenges, O’Grady remarked that a large part of the Farm could accurately be called a swamp, thanks to the overabundance of rain, but the crew is working through it. He noted that there are many options for folks to get fresh produce in the summer, such as home gardens and many farm stands. He has been increasing the winter options
On Open Farm Day Holcomb Farm offered special activities and presentations all day, including a cooking demonstration by Chris Prosperi of Metro Bis Restaurant in Simsbury and a nature scavenger hunt for kids. Photo by Shirley Murtha
by highlighting the numerous fall storage crops: having sales at Thanksgiving, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, as well as participating in seasonal farmers’ markets at Lost Acres Vineyard. A plant sale in the spring has proven to be a good source of revenue, as many home gardeners appreciate a local source of organic seedlings. O’Grady is working with the board to possibly establish an annual share for those who purchase both the summer and winter shares, which will still be available separately. He is also eager to incorporate more no-till farming practices which decrease the amount of soil erosion. “We are helping a lot more people,” reported Mark Fiorentino, who heads the Fresh Access program in which people who do not have the resources to enjoy fresh produce are given that opportunity. In its 6th year, the program has continually grown and now supplies produce for both local organizations and what Fiorentino calls surrounding “food deserts.” In addition to Granby’s Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, the Senior Center and the Healing Meals Community Project, produce is supplied to the Hispanic Health Council of Hartford and the Wheeler Clinic, both of which distribute the food in Hartford and, in the case of Wheeler Clinic, a broader region. Increasingly, the food is accompanied by nutritional information and cooking instructions. There are plans to extend the distribution later into the fall, and Fiorentino is working with the Clark Farm to provide some apples along with the farm’s produce. Distribution is a lot easier now that a delivery van has been purchased, thanks to part of a grant from the USDA COVID Relief Fund. In reporting on the Tree Trail progress, Eric Lukingbeal noted that Tudor Holcomb specifically suggested that having a tree trail or arboretum was a good use of the property. The all-volunteer Tree Trail group has planted over 60 trees. Labels have been affixed to them, as well as to several of the trees growing naturally on the property. Interpretive signs along the trail explain aspects of the farm, geography and facts about some of the plants. In addition to maintaining the trail, volunteers steward the hiking trails in the woods on both the east and west sides of the Farm. Lukingbeal noted the help provided by Steve Perry and the Lions Club with the kiosk, Kirk Severance and public works crew for wood chips, removal of some invasives, Walter Ford with mowing) and those who have made donations for the
Annual Meeting
cont’d. on p. 23
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 23
Special Event
Autumn Dinner: Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. Entertainment by East Chicago Joe. Sponsored by Home Helpers of the Farmington Valley. Join us for chicken potpie, mashed potatoes, vegetable and apple crisp for dessert. East Chicago Joe will be singing many of your favorite tunes including favorites from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Register by Oct. 13. Cost $10.
Lifetime Learning Academy History and Culture
Hauntings in CT: Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. Instructor, Joe Ouellette. Moving objects, random noises, poltergeists and apparitions, perhaps of a time lost long ago. Our state has long claimed to have more hauntings than any other. Join us for this spooky presentation. Register by Oct. 21. Cost $5.
Music and Arts
Karaoke/Sing-a-Long: Thursdays, Oct. 7 and 21, 1–3 p.m. Emcee, Nick Faraco. Join us for this fun, informal event where you can sing karaoke if you dare, or just sing-a-long in the audience. Either way, it will be a blast! Pre-registration required. Event will be held at Ahrens Park, Hungary Road, Granby. Free. Music Jam: Wednesdays, Oct. 13 and 27, 11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m. Join in the fun. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play an instrument. Pre-registration required. Free. Fall Luminaries: Thursday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m. Instructor, Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice, will be teaching you how to make beautiful luminaries to decorate your house for fall. Register by Oct. 7. Free.
Annual Meeting
Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. The Granby Senior Center is open for many classes and programs. Masks are required at the time of publication. Status will be updated according to Health District guidance. We are required to record attendance for contact tracing purposes. All persons entering the building must be members and scan in with the new membership card. If you haven’t received a new card, you will be given one upon your return to the Center. If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352. Stamping: Thursday, Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Preregister. Cost $5.
Support and Health
Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call 860-844-5352 to set up an appointment for a free consultation. Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others to share friendships, ideas and tips on being a parent again. Free. Flu Clinic: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2–5 p.m. Farmington Valley Health District offers this flu clinic for seasonal flu vaccines. You must call 860-651-3539 to make an appointment. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Mondays,
cont’d. from p 22
purchase of trees and maintenance of the trails. A concern involves the advancing age of the volunteers. Recruiting younger generations is a high priority. Jack Lareau noted that another priority of the Friends is to provide more educational programs. To that end, St. Joseph College’s hydrology class met on the Farm at the Salmon Brook on Sept. 25. Additional efforts are being explored through St. Joseph professor, and new Holcomb Farm Friend, Joshua Anderson. Grants coordinator Donna Snyder reiterated the treasurer’s report’s good news that the federal government (USDA) replied to the Farm’s applications for COVID-19 relief funds, which allowed for the purchase of a cargo delivery van and replenishing the Farm’s capital reserves that had become depleted due to the purchase of a tractor in 2019. Fresh Access in particular received grants from the First Congregational Church, the Granby Community Fund and the Hartford Foundation’s Fischer Family Fund. Also contributing to Fresh Access, the Hartford Foundations for Public Giving’s Granbyfocused Pomeroy-Brace Fund awarded the Farm grants for the purchase of farm equipment and improvements to the Tree Trail. The Granby Lions Club helped to fund the construction and installation of an informational kiosk near the start of the Tree Trail. The Connecticut Ornithological Association provided money to purchase over a dozen native shrubs to improve bird habitat on the Tree Trail. Sue Canavan explained that the Friends of Holcomb Farm now provide two ways of becoming members. The original method of simply contributing a minimum $25 annually still holds, but anyone who purchases a CSA share is now automati-
cally recognized as a member, increasing our membership as of June 2021 to 697. Canavan noted that in addition to the Farm’s website, the organization also has a presence on FaceBook and Instagram, where there are separate accounts for the CSA. Trail maps are available online, and QR codes are being established on the trails for both general information and specifics for particular trees. In presenting the candidates for election or re-election to the board, Bystrowski introduced two new members. Keturah Kinch, the site director at The Wheeler Clinic Family Health and Wellness Center in Hartford, helps at the organization’s Fresh Access distribution table, where she regularly hears comments of appreciation for the produce. Wheeler recently decided to incorporate more holistic practices into its behavioral health services and Kinch’s election to the Friend’s board will facilitate that as well as help Fresh Access. Amy Eisler, a master gardener and Food Share volunteer, assisted O’Grady with Fresh Access distribution in West Hartford and he knew she would be a good addition to the Friends board. She has had a lot of experience with non-profits, including counseling and supervision of volunteers. She will be working in various capacities with the board, including as a liaison with the volunteers in several program areas. Reporter’s note: Subsequent to this meeting, because of hurricanes Fred, Henri and Ida, the farm has suffered significant crop losses and will be scaling back winter 2021-2022 CSA share plans. Still, it reports that with its commitment to sustainable farming and financial practices, its long-term strategic goals recently described in a previous issue of the Drummer remain intact.
Oct. 18 and 25. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. By appointment. Call 860-8445352 to register. Cost is $35 (not covered by insurance). Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free, courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. By appointment only. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Chair Massage with Bev Harris: By appointment, Tuesdays, Oct. 5 and 19. 15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-844-5352 to register.
Ongoing Programs
Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Oct. 6, 8:30 a.m. Things that Go Bump in the Night, with Ginny Apple, Master Wildlife Conservationist. Cost $4. To register call 860-844-5352. Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Oct. 8. Our friend Jerry Ledger will discuss the Farmington Valley Greenway. Men of any age interested in joining the Granby Men’s Breakfast should contact Howard Berg, Membership Chair at 860-2185260 or howardberg@gmail.com Knitting Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Set Back: Tuesdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Cribbage: Fridays, 1–3 p.m.
Outdoor Activity
Hike at Dismal Brook: Tuesday, Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. Guide, Judy Cooper. Approximately 2.5 miles on woodland trails that include two healthy, but short uphills. Use 253 Loomis Street for directions to parking. Pre-registration required. Bring a rain jacket, snacks and bottled water.
Exercise Classes
Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, Oct. 7–Nov. 18, 9 a.m. No Nov. 11. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In this new, 6-class beginner course we will learn some of the fundamentals of Tai Chi and eight of the many forms. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for all abilities. Although this class will focus on standing exercises it is possible to do this class seated. Cost $36 residents, $42 non-residents. New sessions for other exercise classes will begin in November.
Dreaming of taking a vacation again?
With an abundance of optimism, the Granby Senior Center is partnering with Collette Travel to offer some exciting travel destinations in 2022. National Parks of America: May 14–25, 2022. Twelve days including Scottsdale and Sedona Arizona, The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon in Utah, Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, and Rapid City, South Dakota. Includes 10 breakfasts and six dinners. Cost $4,699 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby. Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights: Oct. 22–28, 2022. Seven days to see all the magical wonders of Iceland: The Northern Lights, massive glaciers, Geysir thermal areas, double cascading waterfalls, the crest of the Mid-Atlantic ridge, natural rock formations, volcanic sand beaches, floating icebergs, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal pools and so much more. Includes five breakfasts and five dinners. Cost $2,999 per person, double occupancy. Includes round trip transportation to the airport from Granby.
Agricultural parcel donated to Land Trust Eric Lukingbeal and Sally King recently purchased 11 acres of land at 172 Day Street and generously donated the parcel to the Granby Land Trust for the purpose of permanent preservation and protection. Eric and Sally are longtime GLT members and Eric serves on the GLT’s board of directors as well as the board of directors of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. Sally serves on Granby’s Board of Selectman and spent 13 years on Granby’s Inland, Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Eric and Sally asked that the property be called The Brockett Preserve, in honor of the Brockett Family, who owned the property, along with their house on North Granby Road, for 55 years and who contributed immeasurably to the town through their involvement in the Granby Grange, Granby 4-H, and First Congregational Church, among other Granby organizations. The parcel includes a farm field and woodlands. The GLT has signed a lease with the Hayes Family of the House of Hayes to farm the field, and they now are growing corn on the property. This will, in effect, return this parcel of land to its agricultural roots, as it previously had been farmed by generations of the Hayes Family in support of their local dairy operation. In compliance with GLT policy, all farming of the property will follow best practices. The preservation of agricultural land is part of the GLT’s mission. Productive
Eric Lukingbeal and Sally King at the Brockett Preserve. Photo by Don Shaw
agricultural land is a finite and irreplaceable natural resource that provides food, helps control flooding, protects wetlands and watersheds, and maintains air quality. This parcel of land contains prime farmland soils, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prime farmland soils have “the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops.” Thanks to Eric and Sally, this field and adjacent woodlands will be preserved in perpetuity. It will be returned to its former life as healthy, productive land that supports our local food system and our local economy. We are so fortunate to have such forward-thinking townspeople and we thank them for their incredible generosity.
Page 24 The Granby Drummer
October 2021
Meet Rusty, a special miniature horse By Shirley Murtha A very special guest visitor attended Granby’s Open Farm Day, held on Sept. 18, courtesy of Pam Traun’s Angel Horse Rescue. Rusty, a sweet little 11-yearold mini, happily accepted the pets of children and adults alike, who were
Rusty greeting visitors on Open Farm Day. Photo by Shirley Murtha
astounded to learn the little guy’s story. Owned by Mary Adams and Gary Gudinkas of On Target Miniatures in West Suffield, Rusty has some very comfortable quarters in a barn with other horses. One night in November 2013, what apparently was a bobcat broke into the barn and attacked Rusty. It was discovered during the normal 10 p.m. bed-check that he was badly wounded, with “blood everywhere.” One of the other horses had kicked open a door, allowing the attacker to escape, likely saving the lives of the other minis, but the incisions on Rusty and the scars they have left behind indicate that the perpetrator was almost certainly a bobcat. Rusty was rushed to Tufts Veterinary Hospital in Grafton, Mass. He was near death, and spent many days in the equine ICU, receiving blood transfusions, wound flushing and IVs of all kinds. He was placed in a sling because his neck was so badly wounded that he couldn’t hold his head up. Miraculously, Rusty
For the Love of Bees and Butterflies and Ourselves Over the past 30 years, the world’s pollinators—birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and small mammals—have been declining at a disturbing rate. Considering that our food crops rely on pollination, human’s existence is tied to that of the pollinators, making their decline as important to us as it is to them. According to the USDA, “Our nation’s pollinator populations have suffered serious losses due to invasive pests and diseases, such as mites and viral and fungal pathogens, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, loss of habitat, loss of species and genetic diversity and changing climate.” Many species of pollinators are now extremely rare or nearly extinct. Albert Einstein once said that “If bees disappear, humans would have four years to live.” To combat this life-threatening problem, Seattle artist Sarah Bergman began what she called a “pollinator pathway,” a one-mile-long, 12-foot-wide corridor of pollinator-friendly native gardens to sustain pollinators. The idea has spread, with way stations running from Maryland to Vermont, from Oregon to Ontario. Think of the Mass Pike with its rest stops, but with insects and birds instead of cars, and native plants instead of Mc-
Donald’s. Areas along roads, bike paths, in private yards and public parks, and on church and business properties have been transformed from grass lawns into native wildflower gardens, each creating a link along the pollinators’ migratory chain. In Granby, a project is underway to transform a town-owned fallow field into a major link along this chain. Now named the Granby Wildflower Meadow, the five-acre parcel, located along Rte. 10/202 just south of the town center, is slated to be overseeded with native flowering plants late this fall. Next spring, plant plugs will be placed in the meadow to augment the seeds. The Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow will soon be a non-profit organization tasked with raising money for seeds and plants and maintaining the meadow. Anyone is welcome to join, and donations are greatly appreciated. Please go to granbywildflowers.org for more information, to join FOGWM, and to donate. You, whether a private citizen, corporation, school, or town can also help our beleaguered bees and butterflies in several ways: Plant native flowering trees; shrubs and flowers; provide a water source; leave
October’s Gifts October’s Beauty calls us outdoors and surrounds us with the magnificent colors of her leaves. The air feels warm in the sun but cool in the shade—we wear a light jacket or sweatshirt. Children dance and twirl in the falling leaves. They laugh and have fun—oh, to feel the wonder of children! Their joy makes us dance, too, if only in our memories. Each month, each season comes bringing us its own gifts. We must be open to them, for we do not know how many more there will be…
Rusty greeting a nursing home resident. Photo by Mary Adams
recovered and never lost his sweet disposition. In fact, he has become quite an ambassador of his breed when he dons his special booties (actually Build-a-Bear shoes) and visits residents of nursing homes. He has a few remaining scars, one particularly large one hiding under his bountiful mane, but there is no denying he is one beautiful soul. Imagine the stories his barn-mates tell about the night Rusty got attacked!
—Bernadette R. Gentry
Yes, I want to join Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow! Mail this form with a check made payable to Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow. 10 Haven Dr., Granby, CT. 06035. Or sign-up online at granbywildflowers.org
Name(s)______________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________________ Phone #______________________________________________________________________
___ Yes, let me know about volunteer opportunities! ___ Individual $15 per year ___ Senior 65+ $8 ___ Student $8 ___ Family= $35 =Parent(s) and minor children
DONATION PATRON LEVEL* ___ $25 ___ Bronze $250 ___ $35 ___ Silver $500 ___ $50 ___ Gold $750 ___ $75 ___ Platinum $1,000 ___ $Other FOUNDER LEVEL** ___ Titanium $2,500 ___ Obsidian $5,000 Cash ________ Check # ______ *Acknowledged online and in Annual Report. **Above plus online advertising
dead wood and bare patches of soil for nesting bees; mulch and not bag your clippings; using them as natural fertilizer; leave the leaves in your gardens until spring for overwintering insects; mow less often; use organic fertilizers;
use alternatives to pesticides; don’t be too quick to eradicate nesting bees. Ask a local beekeeper for help first. For more information, please go to pollinator-pathway.org
Join us in person for Sunday Worship Services 10 AM • • • • •
October 3, Joint service at South Church October 10, at First Church October 17, Joint service at South Church October 24, at First Church October 31, at First Church
Please check our website for the latest Covid protocols. You may also join us remotely on FaceBook Live or firstchurchgranby.org. Service is also recorded for later viewing.
Upcoming Events:
Complimentary Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs Fridays, 3 - 4 pm. Granby Food Bank Collection Saturday, October 2, First Church parking lot, 9:30 - 11 a.m. 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 Telephone: (860) 653-4537 www.firstchurchgranby.org
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 25
Granby Open Farm Day ~ Sept. 18, 2021 Photos by Shirley Murtha, except where noted.
Coward Farm
Lost Acres Orchard
Angel Horse Rescue
Clark Farm
Addison Farm Valkyrie Equestrian Center, photo by Meghan Mahoney
Sepe Farm, photo by Paula Johnson
O’Brien Nursery Lyric Hill Farm Hayes Farm, photo by Ellen Whitelow Lost Acres Vineyard
Team spirit is alive in Granby By Whitney Sanzo
The Granby Grange Maple View Farm
In 2018 Ashley Puglise entered GMHS as a freshman. After years of being on the Bearcats elementary- and middleschool-aged cheer squad, it made sense for her to continue cheering at the high school level. Ashley also opted to volunteer her time helping coach the Bearcats and has continued to do so over the years, earning a lot of adoration and respect from her student cheerleaders as well as her cheer co-coaches. She managed to balance her education and her own cheer schedule while staying committed to the Bearcats and its rigorous schedule, always with a smile and a helping hand. Last season was cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions, so everyone was especially excited to start a typical cheer season in 2021. This also marked Ashley’s last year of cheering at the high school level as she was a senior. Ashley, along with Dorothy Locke and Lauren Josefek, began planning for and training the Bearcats for the upcoming season.
It was during one of these practices that Ashley revealed to them that her high school cheer coach had suddenly left and they were not going to have a senior year cheer squad. Locke and Josefek couldn’t believe that, after all the time, kindness, and generosity Ashley had given the Bearcats cheer squad, that Ashley herself would be missing out on her senior year of cheering. They decided to step up and take over coaching for the high school squad. The women are spending every day together, some days coaching the Bearcats and on alternate days, coaching the Granby High School Bears. Seeing Ashley volunteer over these years has been a joy to watch and, in turn, to see Locke and Josefek volunteer as coaches for the high school while balancing coaching the Bearcats is nothing short of inspirational. All three coaches encompass a strong feeling of community and truly define good sportsmanship. We wish both the Bearcats and Bears a wonderful and successful season. If you make it to any of the games make sure to cheer on the cheerleaders and their coaches, they deserve it!
Page 26 The Granby Drummer
REGISTRARS Absentee Ballots Available for All Registered Voters An important change from 2020— there will NOT be any mass mailing of applications this year, due to lack of state and federal funding. Thanks to an extension of the 2020 executive orders, all registered voters can opt to obtain and fill out an absentee ballot application, vote absentee, and use the black Official Ballot Drop Box located in front of Town Hall to deposit their completed applications and ballots as was allowed in 2020. Voters must act now to get an absentee application form for the Nov. 2 election. The form is available at Town Hall or will be mailed upon request. If you have access to a printer, you can download the application form at: portal.ct.gov/-/media/ SOTS/ElectionServices/ Absentee-Ballot-Application-ED-3/ ED-3-1202-Rev-2021-fillable.pdf Absentee Ballots are handled through the Town Clerk’s office, and represent a complete ballot, identical to the ballots used by voters on Election Day. They are printed on a different color paper because they are tallied separately. Send in a completed application for your absentee ballot at least two weeks before the election and return your completed ballot immediately after you receive it to ensure your vote will be counted. Return via mail, by dropping it in the Official Ballot Drop Box at Town Hall, or comple the process in person at Town Hall. Ballots received by the Town Clerk after Nov. 2 are not counted. In Person Registration Deadline is Oct. 26 The Granby Registrar of Voters will hold an all-day voter registration session on Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall offices. Residents are encouraged to stop in or call to verify their voter registration. You can also check your voter registration 24/7 online at sots.ct.gov Same day voter registration has been passed in Connecticut. The State Legislature has changed the state statute so that U.S. citizens who are 18 by Nov. 2 can register to vote on Election Day. To implement, unregistered voters must go to Town Hall (not the town’s polling site) on Election Day to register. Proof of identity and proof of residence to vote must be presented to register. If registered by 8 p.m., they will get to fill out a ballot and place it an envelope. If their ballot is uncontested at 8 p.m., it will go to Granby’s polling site at the high school and be counted separately from the official ballots and the absentee ballots. The Registrar of Voters strongly encourages everyone to register before Election Day, so you can directly
place your ballot into the machine to be counted and avoid potentially long lines at Town Hall. Voters need to be aware that voter registration is non-transferable. If you moved from another town or state, you need to fill out a new registration card, with your current address to vote. Online voter registration is available for new voters or to make changes 24/7 at voterregistration.ct.gov One Polling Site For the Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, the polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. All Granby residents will vote at the Granby Community Gym, located in Granby Memorial High School in the center of town. Traffic is anticipated to be light to moderate. It is recommended that drivers access the polling place using the high school entrance off North Granby Road/Route 189, next to Public Works, and leave the polls from Salmon Brook Street/Route 10/202, next to the middle school. All Granby schools will be closed on Election Day. The Registrars strongly recommend voting between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you can, because the heaviest voting will be between 6 and 10 a.m., and the second rush between 4 and 8 p.m. All COVID-19 protocols will be in place—six-foot social distancing and facial masks are required for everyone within the polls. Voter ID To check in quickly at the polls, please bring an ID—a photo ID if possible. If you do not have an ID on election day but verified your ID when you registered, or when voting previously, plan to spend a few minutes at the Moderator table, because the state requires you to fill out a form. If you are a brand-new voter, and your confirmation letter noted that you have not proven your identity, you must bring an ID to vote on Election Day, preferably a photo ID. Provisional ballots are not available for Municipal Elections. Calendar Review Currently: Absentee Ballot Applications are being collected by the Town Clerk for those who would like an absentee ballot. The application form is available at Town Hall or on the Secretary of State’s website. Friday, Oct. 1: Absentee Ballots are available from the Town Clerk (for completed applications) Wednesday, Oct. 20: Public Testing of the Optical Scanner Voting Machines at 1 p.m. at Town Hall Tuesday, Oct. 26: Deadline to postmark a Mail In Registration Tuesday, Oct 26: Last Day to Register to vote in person Tuesday, Oct. 26: Voter Registration Session at Registrars’ office in Town Hall, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 2021
Things that go Bump in the Night The Granby Women’s Breakfast Group will rejoin for the first time since COVID on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Reservations are a must since seating is limited. Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. followed by a program entitled Things that go Bump in the Night, presented by Ginny Apple. Call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891 to reserve your spot. When the sun sets and night is upon us, all sorts of critters emerge from their hiding places and begin to forage, hunt—even play! From the opossum to the porcupine to the great horned owl, these creatures can teach us lots about the animal world if we just watch and listen. Hear more from Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple as she talks
about these animals, their habits, their howls and their homes. A move to the middle of the woods in Barkhamsted 15 years ago brought Apple into an environment filled with bears and other wildlife. Apple’s focused expertise is on bears, bobcats, bald eagles, beavers, coyotes, fisher, wild turkeys, Things that Go Bump in the Night and owls.
Helping restore power after Ida Eversource sent a large contingent of crews and support personnel to Louisiana to assist with the massive power restoration after Hurricane Ida. Andy Ouellette (in yellow vest), an Eversource lead safety advisor from East Granby, is shown with the team in Raceland, a community hard hit by Ida. Ida’s hurricane-force winds were destructive, bringing trees down onto power lines, snapping utility poles devastating the electric system and leaving more than a million people in the state without power. Submitted photo
What is left after the elves dance? Matt Huebner spotted a massive ring of mushrooms at Stop & Shop in Granby and did some research. It seems that in English and Celtic folklore, fairy rings were caused by fairies or elves dancing in a circle. There is also the belief that they bring good luck, and that there is a fairy village underground. Submitted photo
Wednesday, Oct 27: Filing of Certified Voter Registry List with the Town Clerk Monday, Nov 1: Last Day to Register in person for brand new residents, military service and just turned 18 years old. Special Office Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall. Tuesday, Nov. 2: Municipal Election, polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Granby Community Gym, Granby Memorial High School Tuesday, Nov. 2: Same Day Election Day Registration and voting at the Registrar’s office at Town Hall for those
eligible and who need to register before voting only. Stop by to register to vote, to determine your voting district or to make corrections in person at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday (regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Please note that voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov Questions? Contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860844-5322 or lwolfe@granby-ct.gov or ssmith@granby-ct.gov
—we hope to see you again very soon!
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 27
Ritalahti exhibit at the Vineyard
Waypoints By Mark Fiorentino
Who knew?
Test your knowledge of Connecticut fishing records I fish for lots of reasons: quality time with friends and family; the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature; the satisfaction of eating a fish I caught and prepared. But I am also drawn to the possibility of catching a remarkable fish, maybe even a state record. So, every once in a while, I study information about records in Connecticut. Notice I said study and not read. As a consequence, I know a lot about the records. And you? Take the following quiz to see where you stand. If you’re not a fisherman or fisherwoman, or even if you are and get more than three right, I may ask you to write next month’s column. 1. How long ago was the state record set for white catfish? A. 12 years B. 6 years C. 21 years D. 6 weeks 2. How many records were tied, set or broken in 2020? A. One B. Two C. Thirteen D. Four 3. When Leslie Slater caught her record-tying northern pike last year, what was she using for bait? A. A bladed jig B. A roostertail C. A live shiner D. A swimbait 4. True or False: there are two ways to qualify for a record in Connecticut: by weight and by overall length. 5. How many current Connecticut records are also world records? A. Zero B. Four C. One D. Two 6. What body of water boasts the most freshwater records? A. Connecticut River B. Farmington River C. Lake McDonough D. Shenipsit Lake 7. My daughter Ellie holds the state record for pumpkinseed. How big was it? A. 9.75 inches B. 11.4 ounces C. 10.0 inches D. 1.2 pounds
8. Which weighed more, the state record tiger trout or the state record smallmouth bass? 9. White perch can be caught in both fresh and salt water, and there are separate records for each. Which record fish was bigger? The one caught in freshwater or saltwater? 10. Which of the following is the smallest record fish? A. rock bass B. pumpkinseed C. banded rudderfish D. windowpane flounder Answers are on page 28.
Annukka Ritalahti’s first solo art exhibition was in 1981. Now after 40 years she is celebrating her journey as an artist exhibiting new stained-glass pieces and a collection of glass jewelry at Lost Acres Vineyard through Oct. 10. Ritalahti has worked with glass since 1980. She had her shop and studio in Tampere, Finland until 2014. Ritalahti has lived in North Granby since 2015 and is an active member and vice president of Granby Artists Association. She is also a member of the board at ISGB (International Society of Glass Bead-makers) New England Chapter. She teaches and creates new glass art together with her husband Mark Gottlieb at Silver Street Glass, LLC. Ritalahti’s main public works are in Finland, but her art has found its way to private residences around the world. She has had several private art exhibitions in galleries in Europe and her art has been accepted to several juried art shows, having been displayed as invited artist on many occasions. Lost Acres Vineyard is open Fridays and Saturdays, 12–6 p.m., and Sundays 12–5 p.m., at 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby.
Annukka Ritalahti at work in her studio.
Ritalahti’s stained glass, submitted photos.
Windsor Federal 21 Hartford Ave., Granby | 860.653.4548 | WindsorFederal.com
Family Owned
Since 1985
A state record pumpkinseed. Submitted photos
Visit TJBarkMulch.com for Coupons 18 Different All Organic Double Ground Mulches
Pine • Spruce • Hemlock • Cedar • Red, Black & Brown Playground • Forest Blend • Topsoil • Firewood Find Us on Facebook
Now Carrying Decorative Stone Not a state record
We are a mulch manufacturer, not a resaler of other people’s products. This means no middleman, and you save on the best product around. Come visit us on the web for great deals!
860-654-1975
| 25 Sam West Road, Southwick, MA | 413-569-2400
G D 3 ( 4 c t
Page 28 The Granby Drummer
GAA All Member Art Show, Oct. 2-29 The Granby Artists Association is excited to present the GAA All Member Show Oct. 2 through Oct. 29 at the Granby Public Library. In a continuing effort to create a vibrant and supportive community for the arts, the GAA invites its entire membership to show off their talents. A request went out in September to all new, emerging, and accomplished artists who are GAA friends, have a family membership, or are an exhibiting artist, to exhibit their work at the Granby Public Library for the entire town and all visitors to admire. The show runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 29. We hope to have an amazing spectrum of community art to share with friends, family and visitors. To participate in the GAA All Member shows, visit granbyartists.org, and under “About Us and Membership,” click on “Membership Application Form” to become a member of GAA.
October 2021
HEALTH NOTES
By the
Farmington Valley VNA
Flu immunizations are very important this year
Painting of Schupp’s Barn by Stu Browning, submitted photo
Please visit the show and support all Granby artists in October during regular library hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Sunday. Many of the pieces will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you there.
With another season of the seasonal flu and continuing COVID concerns, questions arise regarding when to immunize and general safety. Being immunized for both COVID and the flu is very important. Last year we were quarantined, social distanced and wore masks, and flu was minimal. This year we are not universally adopting the same safety measures. By getting both flu and COVID shots, you reduce the risk of severe illness when both viruses may be present. Previously, the CDC recommended waiting 14 days between the COVID vaccine and any other vaccines, but it now recommends that you may get both the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine at the same time. You will want to have them administered in different arms in case you have a localized reaction. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should speak with a health care provider.
NEIGHBORS Working For and With NEIGHBORS H
BY GR AN ans lic Repub
OUR PLEDGE TO VOTERS:
We will put the interests of Granby residents FIRST. Above our own personal interests, and H Above partisan politics. We will be accessible, Granby-centered, and fiscally responsible.
Because the flu comes in many different varieties, the most common flu shot in the U.S. protects you against four strains of influenza. Some flu shots also contain ingredients called adjuvants that create a stronger immune response, and flu shots for people over age 65 come in a high dose version to stimulate the immune system even more. Dangerous complications of the flu include pneumonia and other severe respiratory issues especially dangerous to the older population. The flu shot usually is given by injection into the upper arm. It’s a quick, relatively painless procedure. The VNA Community Nurses who administer the immunization recommend that you shake out and dangle your arm to relax it before and during the shot, and then keep your arm moving all day to minimize discomfort. Some people should talk to their doctors before getting a flu shot. For example, people with a severe gelatin/egg allergy or those with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should check with a primary care doctor for specific advice. It takes a couple of weeks after both the COVID and flu shot for you to be protected. You should not wait for flu activity to be rising or high to get a flu vaccine. September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated and ideally, everyone should be vaccinated before the end of October. Generally, if you actively have COVID, the flu vaccination should be deferred until you are no longer acutely ill. If in doubt, check with your doctor or the Farmington Valley Health District. To schedule a flu vaccine with the Farmington Valley VNA, please go to farmingtonvalleyvna. org or call 860-651-3539.
Waypoints quiz Answers to quiz on page 27.
From left: John Adams, Eric Myers, Liam O’Leary, Sarah Thrall, Mark Neumann, Mark Fiorentino, Donna Nolan, Dorcus Forsyth, Al Wilke and Bob Lindeyer. Not pictured: Kelly Rome and James Tsaptsinos.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD OF FINANCE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Donna Nolan Sarah Thrall
Mark Fiorentino for First Selectman Mark Neumann Kelly Rome James Tsaptsinos Al Wilke
Eric Myers
BD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS Dorcus Forsyth
TOWN MODERATOR
John Adams
Follow us on
ZONING BD OF APPEALS Bob Lindeyer
ZONING BD OF APPEALS ALT Liam O’Leary
Contact us at: granbyrtc@gmail.com : Granby Republican Town Committee and at www.granbyrtc.com
VOTE REPUBLICAN ON NOV. 2 Paid for by the Granby Republican Town Committee, Dave Tolli, Treasurer
1. D. Ben Tankunas caught a 21.3-pound white catfish at Coventry Lake on August 21, 2021. Officials believe it may also be a world record. 2. C. That’s right, 13 records were tied, set or broken in 2020. Whether or not the pandemic had anything to do with this, it’s a great sign. 3. B. Leslie was jigging a roostertail, not a lure or method commonly used for pike. 4. True. Weight is used for fish that are harvested; length is used for fish that are caught and released. 5. D. The state record for striper (81 pounds, 15.2 ounces) and clearnose skate (9 pounds, 8 ounces) are both world records. Ben Tankunas’s white catfish may become a third world record. 6. A. The Connecticut River is home to a diverse population of fish. Record species caught in the river include American shad, common carp and bowfin. 7. C. Ellie caught and released the record pumpkinseed at Lake McDonough in 2012, when she was 10 years old. 8. The tiger trout. It was 7 pounds, 14 ounces. The record smallmouth bass is 7 pounds, 12 ounces. 9. Freshwater. It was caught in Crystal Lake in 2018 and weighed 3 pounds, 1 ounce. The saltwater record is 2 pounds, 3 ounces. 10. D. The record windowpane flounder weighed 11 ounces. The other record weights are: rock bass: 1 pound, 3 ounces; pumpkinseed: 1 pound, three ounces; and banded rudderfish: 1 pound, 5 ounces.
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 29 The Granby
Drummer
20 21 ELEC T ION G U I D E 10 races to be decided by the Nov. 2 municipal election
Voters will have the opportunity to vote for 22 open seats. In the past, the Board of Selectmen race has caused some confusion. All five seats are open every two years but voters can only choose one candidate for First Selectman and
two candidates from those running for the board. This year there are two candidates running for First Selectman and four candidates for Selectman. By state statute, the losing First Selectman candidate is added to the pool of candidates
running for Selectman. All candidates were invited to submit a brief bio and answer the question. What in your past experience makes you a good candidate for the office you seek?
Twenty of the 26 candidates responded. No information was received from Erik T. Lohr, Margaret Q. Chapple, Eric Lukingbeal, Matt Peters, Thomas J. Caputi and Wayne E.Chapple.
FIRST SELECTMAN
businesswoman, I have spent my career tackling difficult business and regulatory problems and finding solutions. We need a BOS that is outwardfacing and transparent, and that works together for the good of the town and its people. Our BOS must promptly take action when needed. As First Selectwoman, I will guide the BOS to be more responsive, agile and representative of our community and its goals. And I promise to work hard to listen to BOS members, our professional Town staff and YOU, the residents of Granby.
done on the BOE, including keeping our schools open during the pandemic. My other public service includes Vice President, Friends of Holcomb Farm; Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee; Kelly Lane School Building Committee; Granby Conservation Commission; Granby Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee; Granby Representative to the Capital Area Education Council; Granby Travel Basketball Coach (Boys and Girls); Granby Recreational Basketball Coach (Boys and Girls); Granby Little League Coach; Granby Bears Football Volunteer and Granby Drummer monthly columnist. Granby is a great place to live and we have a lot going for us. We need to work together to develop and implement a plan that both sustains our successes in a way that taxpayers will support; and capitalizes on them. I think my combination of work experience and record of service to Granby makes me best suited to lead our efforts. I am a government affairs and land use lawyer, with 30 years of experience working with, and for, businesses and government entities at the local, regional, state and federal levels. My work has provided me with an extensive amount of experience building consensus among various diverse stakeholder groups. Building consensus is literally what I do for a living. My initial priorities will include improving communications with town residents; and
working collaboratively to establish a set of townwide goals that recognize both the great things we have in Granby and those other things that we can improve upon.
One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)
VAL EASTWOOD - DEM
My husband and I have lived in Granby for five years and are delighted to be part of this terrific community. We have two adult sons who live in the Washington, DC area, and one dog, Murphy (who, as many of you know, was recently attacked by a bear here in Granby—and Val Eastwood lived to tell the tale). I am a lawyer, mediator and businesswoman, and have practiced law more than 25 years. My husband is a minister at a church in West Springfield and I enjoy church activities, including serving on the Music Team. I am a member of Granby Lions Club and also serve as Treasurer of the recently formed Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow. Our Board of Selectmen and our town are changing—it’s up to us to make these changes meaningful. As an experienced attorney and
MARK FIORENTINO - REP
My family and I moved to Granby from Las Vegas in 2009. My wife Kristal is a small business owner, yoga therapist and wellness coach. Our son Gage is pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Louisville. Our daughter, Ellie, is a sophomore at UConn. Both are proud graduates of Granby Memorial High School. I am completing my eighth year on the Granby Board of Education. I have served as the board’s vice chairman the last four years. I am proud Mark Fiorentino of the work we have
BOARD OF SELECTMEN Four Openings 2-year term (vote for any two)
SALLY KING - DEM
Sally is a New England native and a resident of Granby since 1984, having settled in the area in 1979 to start her career as a lawyer with the Hartford firm of Robinson and Cole, where she practiced as an associate and partner until 1993. She has served on the Granby Board of Selectmen since 1993. As a member of the Board of Selectmen, Sally has worked to protect open space in Granby and has been Sally S. King a supporter of Holcomb
Election Guide cont’d. on p. 30
Page 30 The Granby Drummer
Election Guide cont’d. from p. 29 Farm. Sally believes that, in a town of Granby’s size, it is important for our various boards and commissions to work together to preserve Granby’s rural character while maintaining excellence in education and providing necessary services for its citizens. Sally and her Australian Shepherd therapy dogs are frequent visitors to the Granby schools and Bradley Airport. I have served on the Granby Board of Selectmen since 1993. I am familiar with the issues that have faced our town and can draw on that long background to help Granby face similar issues in the future. I have recently been involved in the process of interviewing candidates and selecting our new Town Manager. This year’s election will be an important one, as three members of the Board of Selectmen are not running for re-election, and we will have a new Town Manager. I believe that my background and experience will be of great help in guiding our new Board and insuring continued good governance for our Town.
FRED MOFFA - DEM
Fred is a native son who graduated from Granby High School in 1988. He went on to the University of Hartford and then the New England College of Optometry. Fred and his wife, Jennifer, a pharmacist and also lifelong Granby resident, raised their three children in Granby. All three Fred Moffa attended the Granby schools where they received an excellent education that prepared them for higher education and rewarding careers. In August 2000 Fred founded Granby Family Eye Care, where he provides comprehensive eye care to Granby and the surrounding communities. As a small business owner providing health care, Fred hears from Granby residents every day about their concerns, joys, and appreciation for life in a small town. He is a frequent “pick up” basketball player in town, and enjoys hikes with his dog Sharlet, on Granby’s open space trails.
Fred brings a unique perspective and qualifications to his run for the Board of Selectmen. Fred, who lives in and owns a small business in Granby, feels the daily impact of the decisions the town makes on the mill rate, replacing bridges, clearing snow, and keeping the schools strong and safe. He served on the Board of Finance for more than 15 years, helping to craft the flat mill rate budgets during the economic downturn in 2007 and most recently, during the uncertain economic times due to the Covid pandemic. Fred understands the competing interests of providing needed services and responding to tax payers. He has worked to successfully pass bond measures to improve the schools’ capital needs, purchase open space, and improve pedestrian access to the center with more sidewalks. On the Board of Selectmen, Fred will provide vision and knowledge of Granby to help impact the Town’s direction and future. As a town we will have to choose how to upgrade our communication infrastructure, rethink our waste and recycling choices, and lessen our impact on our environment. As a science minded, small business owner who served on the Board of Finance, Fred will lead Granby through these choices.
MARK NEUMANN - REP
Mark is a native son of Granby and is grateful to find a home here with his wife Karen. He is committed to giving back to the community and has dedicated time and resources to a number of organizations, including the Granby Land Trust and Granby Cemetery Inc. Mark is an Engineer at Collins Aerospace with 25 years of experience in support projects for the International Space Station program. Mark is completing his ninth term on the Granby Board of Selectman. His other public service includes the Granby Board of Selectman, Granby Mark Neumann Board of Assessment Appeals, Town Constable, Town Owned Land Use Committee, Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee, and the Kearns School Study Committee.
I was born and raised in Granby. My family, neighbors, and friends looked out for me as I grew up. The Granby school system educated me from 1st through 12th grade and prepared me for a fine college education and my first job, but when an opportunity to work locally arrived, I happily moved back to Granby. The people, and more generally the town, supported me when I was young. When I came home it was my time to give back to the town. Granby is blessed with many citizens who give back to the community through school, civic and church organizations. I choose to give back to Granby by serving on its boards, commissions, and committees. Most of my time has been on the Board of Selectmen where I have followed a fiscally conservative approach to meeting Granby’s needs while planning for the future growth of the town. I am asking for your vote this election so I can continue making Granby a better place for everyone to live and prosper.
KELLY O’MEARA ROME - REP
I grew up in Granby and returned with my husband Randy, to raise our two sons. Tyler is pursuing his Ph.D. at Georgia Tech, and Bryan, is a senior at Westfield State University. I hold a BA in Economics from UConn and an MBA in Organizational Development from the University of Hartford. I am currently the Head of Product and Portfolio Management for Prudential Retirement, where I lead a multifaceted team charged with setting product strategy and driving execution. Kelly O’Meara Rome I believe strongly in giving back to the community where I work and live. I currently serve on the board of Junior Achievement in Hartford, where I chair its Investment and Pension Committees. In Granby, I have served eight years on the Board of Finance
October 2021 and currently serve as Vice-Chair. Before joining the Board of Finance, I served eight years on Granby’s Zoning Board of Appeals. I held several other not-for-profit board and volunteer positions for the PTO, Granby Rovers, Simsbury Youth Hockey, and Labrador Retriever Club of the Pioneer Valley. I believe my past corporate, not-for-profit, and municipal roles have prepared me well to serve as a Selectman. In addition, growing up, I was active in sports and learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and finding common ground. These skills have served me well in public and private sectors in leading large teams and projects. While on the Board of Finance, I gained deep insight into the town’s finances and helped drive flat mill rates for the past two years. My top three priorities are: modernizing how the town communicates to residents; keeping the quaint small town rural feel of Granby that attracts so many people to our great town; and finding innovative ways to increase revenue to lessen the tax burden on residents. I am excited to serve in a new capacity and look forward to connecting with town residents, hearing their thoughts on how to continue making our town the best town in the valley!
BOARD OF FINANCE Three Openings 4-year Term (vote for any three)
JENNY EMERY - DEM
A native of Wisconsin with strong mid-western values, Jenny met her future husband, Dave, in college, and followed him back to the Farmington Valley. In 1981 they discovered Granby and rented part of an old farmhouse across from Holcomb Farm, where she now volunteers as Executive Director. Since 1992 she has resided in North Granby—the “old Kellogg Place” now known as Emery Farm. This is where they
Election Guide cont’d. on p. 31
Mark Brady Kitchens DESIGN & REMODELING Free Design Consultation!
860-306-5867
By appt. 490 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT
www.markbradykitchens.com
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Dr. Barry Walsh • Dr. Peter Markowicz
Do phrases like
“Oh, my achin’ back” or “My neck feels really stiff today”
Depend on State Line for Your Comfort
sound familiar?
Explore endless fireplace possibilities.
Let us help you make those phrases a distant memory. Dr. Barry Walsh Certified in Cox Technic®
Black Ornage PMS 144
Dr. Peter Markowicz
860-844-0444
Certified in Acupuncture
Propane • Heating Oil • Fireplaces • Heating • Hot Water HVAC • Generators • Service Plans • 24-Hour Emergency Service Visit our Hearth Showroom to see working fireplace displays!
15R Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT • Open M-F, 1/2 Sat.
Chiropractic Today for a Healthy Tomorrow
StateLinePropaneOil.com Lic. S1: 303179 • P1: 204150 • HOD: 737 • 478
OIL/AC — 860-653-7241 PROPANE — 860-653-8076 500•514 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 31
Election Guide cont’d. from p. 30 raised and launched their three kids—all proud graduates of Granby Public Schools, where the five (so far) grandkids love to visit, and where she and Dave plan to stay to the bitter end. After retiring from a career in local government risk management, Jenny agreed to serve on the Granby BOE, and is now in her tenth year, Jenny Emery including the past six as its Finance Committee chairperson. She also serves as its liaison to the Granby Education Foundation. Jenny believes the Board of Finance can and should be a stronger force for collaboration among Granby’s town boards and throughout the region, and a more engaged communicator with the public. That is why she is asking for your vote. Jenny’s entire 40-year professional career involved local government risk management and finance. As Risk and Benefits Manager in West Hartford in the early 80’s, she helped launch CIRMA, an insurance pool that Granby benefits from to this day. In ensuing years, through various corporate leadership positions, her passion was her pioneering work with thousands of towns, schools, counties, and states across the U.S., as they collaborated in “risk pools” estimated to have collectively saved billions of taxpayer dollars. Since retiring, this experience and expertise has been re-focused on Granby, notably through her 10 years on the BOE. Her deep understanding of Granby’s finances, coupled with her love of the place and its people, is best channeled, now, through the Board of Finance. She promises to give to the BOF what she has given to all she has done: clear communication, expert-informed analysis, pragmatic and strategic vision, transparent actions, and passion for the people served.
JIM LOFINK - DEM
Jim and his family chose Granby in 2005 because of its great schools, farms, open spaces and mix of rural and residential character. With community and public service as central themes in his life. Jim has kept those core values foremost in his mind as he has served Granby in many capacities, including five years on the Board of Selectmen. Jim has also served on the Town Charter Revision Commission, Jim Lofink the Plan of Conservation and Development Committee, two building committees, the Senior Center accreditation team and on several community organizations and clubs. Jim is a US Army veteran, UConn graduate, former vice president of a Connecticut manufacturing company and currently teaches at the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business. Jim’s Hidden Acre Vineyard grows grapes for making white wine, and he enjoys the out-of-doors and working on anything mechanical—including his MGB and VW bus. After 15 years in Granby public service, I have learned a lot about Granby values. And I believe I have shown, through my actions, that I believe in listening, teaming, and moving forward to community consensus and action. I also gained a deep understanding of how Granby functions, and how to influence the decisions of a public board. Most importantly, perhaps, I have gained immeasurable knowledge about the views of our residents and business owners through many public hearings and neighbor-to-neighbor discussions throughout the six-month-long Charter Revision Commission, the two-and-half year process of building a Plan of Conservation and Development and five years serving on the Board of Selectman. Our residents want us to be very planful about our financial future and avoid the wild up/down swings of many other
Is your septic sick of you being home? Time for a cleaning.
Connecticut towns. On the Board of Finance, I plan to maintain Granby’s strong fiscal position and invest in the values we all hold dear in Granby—our education, our safety, and our roads and bridges. Quality of life is important to us, as are town services such as libraries, parks, and senior/youth centers. I believe we can do that, while stabilizing our financial future.
DAVE ROBERTS - DEM
Connecticut native Dave Roberts is a retired businessman now dedicating his time to his family, church and serving the Granby community. His love of history led him to join the Salmon Brook Historical Society where he serves as secretary of its board of directors. His commitment to preserving our quality of life led to his appointment to the Granby Conservation Commission where he was recently elected Dave Roberts chairman and his service as a Granby Justice of the Peace. Dave is active in his local church as a Sunday school coordinator. In 2020, Dave was appointed to represent Lions Clubs International’s 1.4 million members on the United Nations’ Council of Organizations. He has volunteered at many of his six children’s Granby schools and he is on the leadership team of the Granby Men’s Breakfast Group. Dave and his family reside in West Granby and are certified service dog home handlers. Experience matters! As a former appointed advisor to both a Republican and Democratic U.S. President, Dave knows how to work collaboratively with those holding differing viewpoints. As a former financial analyst for the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon and overseas, and a former professional aide on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee, Dave understands the impacts of state and federal budgets and how local communities can leverage outside funds. As a former corporate executive and a small business owner, Dave has the right public and private sector budget experience to successfully serve as a member on the Board of Finance. With a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in public financial management and as a former elected official for over 12 years in another community, Dave has over four decades of directly relevant experience analyzing and overseeing financial matters to make critical recommendations. He understands how to balance competing community priorities to preserve Granby’s quality of life under tight fiscal constraints. His outgoing personality and strong work ethic have made him a key leader in a number of local organizations and his strengths make him an ideal candidate to serve on our Board of Finance. Experience matters!
JAMES TSAPTSINOS - REP
James and his family moved to Granby from Long Island, N.Y. in 2012. James is a vice president of Global Sales in the musical instrument industry with a strong background in planning and finance. James is a volunteer who has served on the Granby Recreational Services Board and was elected to the Board of Finance two years ago. In addition, he volunteers as a Youth Sports
Coach for lacrosse, baseball, basketball and soccer. He is a proud Freemason who enjoys the philanthropic activities as well as the history of the organization. James’ wife Jessica, is a paralegal and executive administrator. Jessica volunteers her time as president of the G r a n b y P TO a n d serves as head of the James Tsaptsinos fundraising committee. Their son Demetrios is in 4th grade at Wells Road School and participates in Granby Rec Basketball, Granby Little League and Granby Rovers. The Tsaptsinos family has actively served the community for over five years. It is their belief that it takes the whole community to participate in the Granby experience and they look forward to many more years of volunteering and creating a better life for all our residents. My priorities at the macro level are driven by our residents. I believe that as an elected board member my support for processes and initiatives needs to be primarily reflective of our neighbors wants and needs over my personal opinions. As a Recreational Services Board member, I helped drive community gatherings, striving to bring all residents together inclusively. As a Board of Finance member, I am proud that through the budgeting process we have ensured the town’s and school board’s needs were provided for, while delivering a zero percent tax increase for our residents for the past two years. I will continue to be accessible to communicate information regarding current projects and listen to all resident’s feedback on any subjects pertinent to the town.
AL WILKE - REP
After an extensive search, my wife Helen and I made Granby our home and we have been proud residents for over three decades. Helen has dedicated many years to the care of horses and my daughter Michelle attended college and pursued equestrian activities. My professional career with General Electric included a variety of businesses and locations. I also held senior management Al Wilke positions at the Travelers in Hartford. My career has provided me with a broad overview of how successful organizations plan, budget, raise revenue and control expenses—all of which has been invaluable in my service to the citizens of Granby. My work on behalf of Granby includes over 18 years on the Granby Board of Finance, President of Holcomb Farm Learning Center and the co-chair of a successful capital campaign to support the farm’s infrastructure, being instrumental in bringing the YMCA to Granby and serving as its president, member of the GMHS Building Committee and Kearns School Utilization Committee, member of the Granby
Election Guide cont’d. on p. 32
Page 32 The Granby Drummer
Election Guide cont’d. from p. 31 Education Foundation, heading the local United Way Budgets and Admissions Committee, and a driver for the Senior Center’s van. I was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Granby Chamber of Commerce in 2008. Most Granby residents would agree that our town is a great place to live, great place to raise and educate our children, and finally, to enjoy our “golden years.” As a member of the Board of Finance, I know how to get the maximum value from every tax dollar expended because we have developed a strategic and disciplined methodology to budgeting, expenditures and financial accountability. We have made the prudent investments in our town that will pay handsome dividends for decades to come. The ability to meet the town’s needs without raising taxes the past two years demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategies. You have my commitment to keep taxes affordable, and I pledge to serve with integrity to meet the interests and needs of the citizens of Granby.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Three Openings 4-year term (vote for three)
MONICA LOGAN - DEM
Monica Logan moved to the Farmington Valley in 2003 and she and her husband chose Granby to raise their family in 2016. They have two young sons who attend Kelly Lane Primary School. As a healthcare attorney, Monica worked at Chubb Insurance rising to AVP and Senior Claims Technician. She was active in Chubb’s community outreach committee and served as Chair for two years. She currently works for The Doctors Company Specialty Underwriters. Monica Logan Since moving to Granby, she has been active in the community. She joined the Democratic Town Committee in 2018 and has served on the Economic Development Commission since 2019. Recently, she was appointed to the newly formed Affordable Housing Commission. She is a founding member and serves on the steering committee of
Granby Racial Reconciliation, a group of local religious and town leaders focused on fostering honest and open communication and solutions regarding racial reconciliation. Monica Logan strongly believes that a robust education system helps our community in endless ways - from providing opportunities and guidance for our children to the value of our homes to the health of our community. One of her greatest strengths, honed through years of negotiations, is her ability to listen to different opinions and try to structure a solution from varying thoughts. She has so much appreciation for this community and is proud to raise her children here. As a parent, attorney, and strong supporter of the best education we can provide to our children, she will offer a listening ear and strong voice for our community. She considers a diverse education to be the biggest foundation for our children to live happy and successful lives. She is passionate about the importance of education and how it impacts every student. As a high school student, she was fortunate to have two devoted and influential educators guide her path in life. The impact was enormous and genuine. Each student should be given the opportunity to find the path and skills that give them the most life satisfaction.
DONNA NOLAN - REP
Donna Nolan has lived in Granby for over 10 years with her husband, Terry, and their children Tim (GMHS class of 2018), Maria (GMHS class of 2020) and John (GMHS class of 2023). Donna received her BA in political science from Rutgers College in 1991 and her JD from Seton Hall School of Law in 1994. Donna practiced environmental litigation for over 12 years. She retired from the law when she moved to Connecticut in 2006. Since moving to Donna Nolan Connecticut, Donna has been active in her church, St. Mary’s in Simsbury. She taught fitness classes at the Farmington Valley YMCA for almost 10 years. She has been a soccer coach (St. Mary’s and Granby Rovers) and a member of the Granby Memorial High School Football Supporters. She was a substitute teacher for Kelly Services for the past two years where she was a long-term sub at GMHS last year. Donna recently accepted a full-time teaching position at St. Mary’s School.
The 50th Annual Granby Road Race would like to thank our sponsors for their support! PRESENTED BY
SPONSORED BY
October 2021
Donna is especially passionate about the need to encourage and foster proficiency in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to make Granby students more competitive in our technological world. As a lawyer, I bring my writing, legal and people skills to the board. As an educator, I bring my knowledge and understanding of the importance of an education that works for all. We need to educate and prepare our students to be well-rounded, educated, socially conscious, self-sufficient members of society. I uniquely appreciate that this looks difference for everyone. I have raised students in Granby who have gone on to college. I also have a current student at the high school and a nephew that my husband and I steered into a machinist program where he could best utilize his technical skills. Finally, I am a Granby taxpayer who manages a household. As such, I desire to see Granby provide the best education for our students while being fiscally responsible.
WHITNEY SANZO - DEM
Whitney Sanzo is a long-time area resident who grew up in Hartland and has resided in Granby since 2009. She is a mom to seven children who all attend Granby schools and is a former Director of Operations at a utility company. Whitney’s unique experience gives her the ability to get things done. She has a history of working with a team approach to produce optimum outcomes while remaining within policy, ensuring safety, and minding a budget. Whitney Sanzo She has also served the community as a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Granby Community Fund, the Granby Education Foundation, Connecticut Association for Foster and Adoptive Families, and on the Connecticut Regional Advisory Council for DCF. She makes an excellent candidate who would serve Granby proudly. Whitney and her husband have been foster and adoptive parents for the last 11 years with at least 30 children finding safety in their home. In doing this, she has learned how to tirelessly advocate not just for her children, but all children in her care to ensure their health, wellness and educational needs were being met. With children in grade K-9, she has a firsthand understanding of how early intervention and robust curriculum enabled her children to succeed and explore different passions that can lead to success in higher education, trades, internships, or agriscience. While passionate about education and children, her drive and organizational skills come from her degree and expertise in management. As director of operations of a local water utility, Whitney handled day to day operations as well as ensured compliance with various entities such as the Health Department, DEEP, and the board of directors while staying within budget. Her professional experience planning and executing on budget as well as complying with regulatory oversight are all skills that would translate well on the BOE. If elected, she would offer a unique combination of skills as a dynamic board member accessible to all.
SARAH THRALL - REP
My husband, Spencer, and I moved to Granby in 2006 with our young children. While I was born, raised and educated in Maine, the Thrall family has been in Connecticut for over 375 years where they continue to farm the same land in Windsor since they settled there 12 generations ago. We chose to raise our family in Granby because of the quality of the schools and the small-town character of this close-knit Sarah Thrall community. It has been a perfect fit. In addition to serving on the Granby Board of Education for the past four years —I am currently the Chair— some of my service to our community includes the Farmington Valley YMCA, Granby Education Foundation, Good Company Theater, Valley Pre-School, Granby Little League, Junior Achievement, Granby PTO and PAC, and as host to French and Spanish exchange students. I also served as a Registrar of Voters and continue to volunteer on Election Day. I believe I am a good candidate to continue serving on the Granby Board of Education because not only is my background in Education, having earned my degree in Psychology and Education from Bowdoin College, but my five children have been educated in the Granby Public Schools, with students currently at GMHS and GMMS. My two GMHS graduates consistently remark on how well-prepared they were for college. My goal is to ensure that all of Granby’s students are prepared for success after graduation: for career, college, military, or whatever path they may take. I am proud of the accomplishments the Granby BOE has made during my first term; we’ve hired an outstanding superintendent, kept a flat budget for the past two years, approved projects that will improve our school buildings and facilities, developed a Vision of the Graduate, and begun a strategic plan that focuses on student learning and achievement, equity, and fiscal responsibility. However, I am most proud that Granby was one of only a few districts that opened to full in-person learning during the pandemic.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Three Openings 4-year term (vote for any three)
ERIC MYERS - REP
Eric has lived in Granby for more than 38 years. He and his wife Mary raised their three children in Granby and their youngest is still in GMHS. Eric is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a bachelor ’s degree in Business Management. He works at the Hartford Insurance Group and will celebrate his 30year work anniversary Eric Myers in 2022.
Election Guide cont’d. on p. 33
subseven Locally Owned
860.653.6630 info@subseven.net Antonucci Electric Beman True Value Hardware David Schupp Alfred Wilke
Supporting the Farmington Valley.
Digital Workflow. Computers. Networks. Digital Security.
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 33
Election Guide cont’d. from p. 32 Eric has served on the Conservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission as both an alternate and full member. Eric’s other interests include working on his 200-plus year-old home, gardening and being a licensed commercial rotorcraft and private airplane pilot. I have lived in Granby for nearly my entire life and I’ve seen the town grow and change first hand. I understand the town’s needs and how the ever-changing environment impacts those needs. I grew up in a construction family and have strong skills related to land use and building. My service on several town commissions has further helped me to understand the needs of the landowners and business owners in town. I want to serve because I’ve lived in Granby for most of my life, I’m passionate about landowner’s rights, and Granby has given my family what we’ve needed to be successful. My service to the town allows me to give back to the community, and by sharing my time and experience on Planning and Zoning, I hope to help the town continue on its path of prosperity.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Two Openings 4-year term (vote for any two)
BOB LINDEYER - REP
My parents moved to Connecticut from Holland in 1951 because of the great opportunities presented to them after the ravages of WWII. Needless to say, I am a first generation American. My parents instilled in me the virtue of participating in one’s community as well as a strong work ethic. These virtues extend to my participation in groups and in local government. It was important to always give back with humility and gratitude. This is Bob Lindyer the reason I joined the Zoning Board of Appeals in the late 1990s. I have learned quite a lot about our town and zoning rules. It is my opinion that the judgments made on each request is a balance of adherence to the zoning laws and the wishes of property owners to improve and or modify their land. I grew up in Windsor, graduated from LoomisChaffee and attended the University of Hartford for my bachelor’s degree in biology. While at UH, I got a job at Hartford Hospital. I started in the lab and after six years transferred to the Radiation Oncology Department in 1983. I am now a clinical engineer responsible for the radiation treatment equipment. My job allows me to participate in helping people survive the devastation of a cancer diagnosis. It also has provided me an incredible opportunity to keep learning. Medical technology is always changing with new advances in diagnosis and treatment. I am proud to be a part of this. In total I have been at HH for 43 years.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE
State of Connecticut Official Ballot
E L P M SA LOT L A B
Granby, Connecticut
2021 November Municipal
1 First Selectman
2 Selectman
3 Board of Finance
4 Board of Education
5 Board of
Vote For One
Vote For Up To Two
Vote For Up To Three
Vote For Up To Three
Assessment Appeals Vote for One
1A Valerie J. Eastwood
2A Sally King
3A
2A
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Frederick Moffa
4A
James C. Lofink 3A
Whitney Sanzo
Commission Vote For Up To Three
5A
Commission Alternate Vote For One
6A
Erik T. Lohr
Senatorial District 0,7,8
Margaret Q. Chapple
Assembly District 0,62 Probate District 0,9
6 7 Planning and Zoning Planning and Zoning
4A
Jenny Emery
Congressional District 0,1
November 02,2021
8 Zoning Board of
Appeals Appeals Alternate Vote For Up To Two Vote For Up To Two
7A
Matt Peters
9 Zoning Board of
8A Thomas J. Caputi
10 Town Moderator Vote For One
9A
10A
Wayne E. Chapple
6A
Monica Logan
Eric Lukingbeal
3A
Dave Roberts 1B REPUBLICAN
Mark Fiorentino
PARTY WRITE IN
2B Mark Neumann
3B
2B 1C
4B
Alfred G. Wilke
Donna M. Nolan
3B James Tsaptsinos
Sarah Thrall
2C
3C
4C
Over the years, even with the gradual change in ZBA electees, I have been able to participate in many requests for a variance to the established rules. I have to say that the final decisions to either grant or deny a variance have all been unanimous, except for one. I believe that to be quite an astounding fact. It shows that the committee members share a similar perspective on the needs of the people of Granby.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATE Two Openings 4-year term (vote for up to two)
WILLIAM P. (LIAM) O’LEARY - REP
I emigrated from Ireland in 1967. I worked on a farm, training and riding horses, planting and harvesting hay and grain. In 1971, I was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation in 1975, I did an internship and one year of residency at New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the Veterinary School. In 1977, I joined Salmon B r o o k Ve t e r i n a r y Hospital, where I worked as a large animal veterinarian for 38 years. I am now enjoying retirement in the wonderful rural town of Granby with my Liam O’Leary wife Jo. We have three adult daughters, Miriam, Niamh, and Keara, and four wonderful grandchildren. I have extensive community service and leadership experience. I served on the school boards at St. Mary’s School in Simsbury and Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford. I chaired the Parents Development Committee at Northwest Catholic High School. I served on the
6B
Eric W. Myers
5C
6C
7B
8B
9B
10B
Robert M. Lindeyer
William O'Leary
John E. Adams
8C
9C
10C
4B
Kelly O. Rome
VOTE ON THE QUESTION(S)
5B
Dorcus S. Forsyth
board of Equistrides in Granby. Most recently, I served as an alternate on Granby Zoning Board of Appeals. I am seeking this position to help the residents of Granby meet their zoning needs, while ensuring that the zoning rules and regulations are respected.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS One Opening 4-year term (vote for one)
DORCUS FORSYTH - REP
Dorcus has resided in Granby since the age of 10. Her husband, Tom, and his family have lived in Granby for many generations. Dorcus and Tom both attended Granby schools and were members of the first graduating classes of Granby Memorial High School. They raised their family here and are now enjoying their retirement years. They have two sons who also reside in Granby with their families. Dorcus retired from the Town of Granby Dorcus Forsyth in 2018 after 31 years serving as the Assistant Assessor. Dorcus is a member of the Hartford Area Assessor’s Association, Connecticut Association
7C
Be sure to read the of Assessing Volunteer for the instructions on Officers, the Registrar’s Office for each election and town reverse side of this referendum, and past recording secretary for the ballot.
Planning and Zoning Commission for 28 years. As a Certified Assessor, I feel I can best represent the citizens as well as the Town of Granby, because of my knowledge and years of service.
TOWN MODERATOR One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)
JOHN ADAMS - REP
John has been a resident of Granby since 1990. He and his wife Cindy raised two children in town. John has served as First Selectman, Selectman, Chairman of the Charter Revision Commission and as Vice Chairman of CPPAC. He is active statewide serving on the Board of the Material Innovation and Recycling Authority and the Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals. John John Adams i s a S e n i o r Vi c e President at Tetra Tech. He is the Town Treasurer and is currently seeking his fourth term as Moderator. My community service makes me well suited to continue as the Town Moderator.
ROBERT CARTER PAINTING QUALITY COMES FIRST • Interior • Exterior • Insured • Written Estimates
860-653-5859 RobertCarterPainting.com
20 Pendleton Rd. Granby, CT 06035 CT Lic. # 00559744
Page 34 The Granby Drummer
SPOTLIGHT ON
GRANBY ARTISTS
Insight into the creative process
Bill Bentley
Media: watercolors Member: Exhibiting member since 2020 I joined the Granby Artist Association a few years ago as a supporting member and was invited to be an exhibiting member in 2020. My art journey has not been direct, but the evolution of an avocation rather than vocation. Like many youngsters, I received art training in school, had a few private art lessons and was encouraged to “do” art by my mother. I tried many art forms— watercolor, oils, pottery, sketching and so on—and I took part in the rich local art communities of three midwestern university towns. I continued to sketch from time to time after I left the academic world for a private-sector career path. However, my time and energy were largely directed toward career and parenting. In 2003, Ann, our two boys and I bought Wilhelm Farm from her parents and moved from Syracuse, N.Y. Except for some consulting, I was retired and shifting to volunteer work. Ann suggested I develop a serious hobby that could absorb my energy and interests. She furthered this idea with a gift of watercolor classes with Laura Eden. I began in spring 2013. My early results were horrible, but right away I was totally absorbed while painting—not thinking or worrying about anything else. Laura is a marvelous cheerleader and firm coach. I now do a lot of work on my own ideas and sources, but I continue lessons with Laura to learn better techniques and innovative ways to tackle a new project. Much of my work focuses on land-
scapes and capturing the color tones. In the photo, I am looking at a Tuscany landscape that I painted in a Laura class from a photo she took in Italy. What I recognized immediately were the tones
Bill Bentley at Lost Acres Vineyard exhibiting his Tuscany Landscape from a Laura Eden class. Photos by Bill Bentley
Asian Vine on Stucco Wall, painting by Bill Bentley from photo by Michael Bentley
October 2021
of a Mediterranean landscape. I grew up in California with its hills, mountains, and valleys dominated by the climate— rain in the winter months and long, dry summers. This is in great contrast to the vibrant summer greens, fall golds and reds, or stark greys and whites of New England landscapes. My love of our bright fall colors was a running joke in Laura’s watercolor classes. I am concentrating more on flowers, individual arrangements and abstract interpretations of nature. My Asian vine is from a photo my eldest son took in Alameda, Calif. It reminded me of a Chinese watercolor class I took in about
seventh grade and several Japanese prints that Fred Wilhelm gave to his children. Abstracts of sunflowers, thistles and other colorful exhibits of summer are fun to paint, and the results give me joy. Interestingly, painting the abstracts has helped me use a looser style on landscapes where the tone is more important than the details. An example is an early morning scene on a lake in New Hampshire where the loose reflections of foliage on the lightly ruffled water is more central than the background foliage. I cannot wait for fall colors to emerge, and I try more abstract interpretations of my favorite reds, golds, and yellows!
Laura J. Eden
Medium: Watercolor and egg tempera paintings Website: www.lauraedenart.com Member of Granby Artists since: 2001 (charter member) What inspired you to become an artist? I think art is in my genes! Since I was five years old, or younger, I have created. My maternal grandmother was an artist and my mom majored in art in college, though she didn’t pursue it as a career. It was still in her blood. For me it was never really a choice, it was a given. I don’t think I ever considered any other life path. What inspires your art? I am completely inspired by the natural world and its intricate beauty. Granby offers an abundance of amazing woodland inspiration with the many wonderful Land Trust properties. I have also always been drawn to the sea. Most of my galleries over the years are close to the coast, which affords me the opportunity to paint many ocean-inspired landscapes. I just completed a large commission inspired from the Cape that I am very happy with. I will have a new print of it ready for Open Studio coming up Oct. 16-17 from 10-4. Please come to my studio and see! What made you choose your primary medium? Watercolor has always suited me. I am too impatient to work in oils. I love
Summer at the landing painting. Photo by Laura Eden
Laura works on Summer at the landing. Photo by Meg Pascucci Photography
its sensitive luminescence, how quickly it dries, and how there is no waste or cumbersome cleanup. My style is extremely detailed for this medium so I moved into egg tempera in 2002, which is also water based, but more permanent and allows for much more detail. It was
Spotlight cont’d. on p. 35
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION Saturday, October 16, 2021 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Swim Your Stress Away in the
Valley’s Best Water Simsbury Public Works Facility 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury
Open to residents of Simsbury, Avon, Farmington, Canton, Suffield and Granby. Proof of residency required. Personal document shredding will be available from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm or until truck is full. Two box limit per resident. Latex and oil paint do not need to go the hazardous waste collection. They are accepted at the Granby Transfer Station during hours of operation.
Questions? Call the Granby DPW (860) 653-8960.
Swim Center at Westminster School Crystal-Clear Water Lap Swimming Swim Lessons Water Fitness Monthly Memberships Masters Swimming Family Fun!
860 408-3021 www.SwimCenter.net 995 Hopmeadow Street (Route 10) Simsbury
October 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 35
Spotlight cont’d. from p. 34
a natural evolution. My knowledge of both mediums has recently merged in a new way. I have employed many egg tempera properties in my watercolors, and watercolor techniques in my egg temperas. This keeps my work fresh and keeps my brain growing. Do you teach your craft? Teaching keeps my creative brain alive and flexible. I love to share my excitement for painting and the knowledge I have gained from 40 years of creating and teaching art. Covid has changed my teaching quite a bit, forcing me to learn Zoom to teach. Surprisingly there are many benefits to online teaching. I can teach students from far away and I record my lessons so my students can review the
techniques and watch the class at their convenience. I missed the live interaction and have just returned to in-person classes, but I am still zooming simultaneously for those not able to return live. What is your most exciting aspect of being an artist? I love interacting with my clients and students and seeing how my art helps make their world richer. Tell us about a satisfying art accomplishment you have had. In the 1980s I couldn’t paint fast enough. The economy was amazing and I was young and energetic. I am humbled to say that I sold enough paintings to be able to purchase my first home. That was a very proud moment.
Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM
Connecticut Humane Society I was wondering if it is a myth that there was a COVID-19 effect of open kennels at animal shelters due to increased demand. So, I called the Connecticut Humane Society and spoke to Susan Wollschlager, the marketing and communications manager. She was lovely, very informative, and a true animal lover. Since we live in the Granby bubble, I have never visited any of the three society locations. I had, of course, heard of the Fox Memorial Clinic in Newington where they provide excellent veterinary care for the shelter animals but was not aware of the two other locations in Waterford and Westport. The answer to my question was “yes”— there was increased demand for pets during the pandemic. The real change at the animal shelters was that fostering increased as a safety measure to minimize volunteer contact in the buildings. The pet populations are now back to prepandemic levels in the humane society facilities and in the foster homes. I never realized that foster care families are the true heroes and that they account for 50 percent of all the pet caregivers at CHS. When a pet is removed from the shelter and finds a shelter home, kennel space naturally opens up for a new pet in need. There are over 200 pets in foster homes associated with the CHS. There are always plenty of opportunities for fostering a variety of pets, from Great Danes to Guinea pigs. During kitten sea-
Holcomb Farm manager to talk with Granby women’s group
The Granby Women’s Breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 3, will host guest speaker, Joe O’Grady, Farm Manager of Holcomb Farms, discussing Holcomb Farms past and future. Since 2014, Joe and his family have been living and farming in Granby. Joe came to West Granby from Long Valley, N.J. where he started an organic vegetable farm that serves as the pharmacy for a holistic family doctor. Prior to that, Joe worked for seven years on the fertile fields of the south fork of Long Island. Before he got into farming, Joe taught English in Rietavas, Lithuania as a Peace Corp volunteer. He is an avid hiker, having thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia in 2003 and walking 2,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Train in 2008.
Joe O’Grady, photo by Shirley Murtha
Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. and Joe’s talk will begin at 9 a.m. Reservations are needed as we are operating at a reduced capacity. Call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891. Cost $4.
son there is demand for volunteers who will take a litter home and bottle feed the babies around the clock. A significant amount of training is necessary to become a foster volunteer at CHS with an application process and a commitment of six months. There are some pets with medical and behavioral issues that can be a challenge. Not everyone is able to pill a cat or follow canine training regimens. For those who chose to become foster families, the rewards are awesome when the pet finds a new home. A trip to the website cthumane. org gives a great deal of information for other volunteer opportunities at CHS. There are hands-on duties like cleaning cages, helping with laundry, playing with pets, maintaining the walking trails, and helping to take photos. CHS has fun events such as food drives and fundraising get-togethers. The website describes the adoption process, especially with the changes due to COVID-19. It is also a great resource for potential volunteers. There is no government funding and all of the pet services and facilities are made possible by donations. The mission of CHS is to try to “place safe, healthy companion animals in responsible, loving homes.” Can’t beat that for a great Connecticut institution.
The Granby Lions Club thanks the following sponsors who have contributed to the success of our Annual Golf Tournament PLATINUM SPONSORS
FS Funds
Franklin Templeton Funds Windsor Federal Savings
Lincoln Financial
GOLD SPONSORS
Eric McPheat – Norcom Mortgage Peter L. Brown Co. State Line Propane Arrow Concrete Products
R&R Power Equipment Pierce Builders Inc. Northwest Community Bank
YARDAGE MARKER SPONSORS
Ahrens, Fuller, St. John & Vincent Inc. Hayes-Hulling & Carmon Funeral Home
Beacon Mechanical Services Lori Riiska, CPA, LLC
Holloways’ Appliance Center Wholesale Auto Supply
TEE SIGN SPONSORS
Cahill Motor Cars Edward Jones, Granby Maximum Tree Service New England Pizza Signs Plus Tim’s Automotive
Copper Court Executive Center Granby Dental Center Nancy Reardon, Berkshire Hathaway Paine’s, Inc. Small Town Septic Westfield Bank
LONG DRIVE AND PAR 3 SPONSORS
Beman True Value Hardware Edgewood Golf Course Simsbury Farms Golf Course Tallwood Country Club
Blue Fox Run Golf Course Hopmeadow Country Club Suffield Country Club
Cambridge House Grass Roots Ice Cream Monrovia Pacer ETF’s Snelgrove Florists Swedes Jewelry Thomas Hooker Brewery
Geno’s Pizzeria Jakes Wayback Burgers Morgan Stanley Rancho Viejo Sotelo’s Pizza TJ Maxx Village Cork and Keg
Eaton EyeCare Grass Helper Lawn Care Meadowbrook of Granby Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital Starling Physicians
Evans Automotive, LLC
Lost Acres Vineyards
SILENT AUCTION SPONSORS
Copper Hill Golf Course Oak Ridge Golf Club Tekoa Country Club
RAFFLE SPONSORS
Granby Package Store Kane’s Market Nationwide Insurance Resolute Fitness Stephen Simard Realty The Whisk
Granby Liquor World Lox, Stock & Bagel Neo Nail & Spa Rt 10 Tire Stop and Shop The Zen Group
Page 36 The Granby Drummer
Sunrise on Schlicht Preserve
On Aug. 27, a group of 16 hardy Granby Land Trust members met in complete darkness at the Katan-Ensor Preserve trailhead and hiked by the light of their headlamps to Scarlet Tanager Lookout on the GLT’s Schlicht Family Preserve. From there, they watched dawn break over Granby. Don Shaw captured the magical moment with this stunning photograph. The Schlicht Family Preserve is located in the GLT’s Old Messenger Road Preserves. It can be accessed via the Katan-Ensor Preserve at the end of Strong Road in West Granby. A trail map is available at granbylandtrust.org, via the Avenza app on your mobile device, and at the trailhead kiosk at the Katan-Ensor Preserve.
November 2021 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Oct. 13 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, Oct. 18 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Oct. 12-25 Call or email for times. The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at granbydrummer.org
October 2021
Closer to Home
Support our advertisers while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertisers Page Action Carpet 29 Beacon Mechanical 35 Beman Hardware 30 Berkshire Hathaway-Anam Zafar 21 Berkshire Hathaway-Nancy Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway-Shepherd’s Way 10 BNG Law 9 Brady Mark Kitchens 30 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Cahill’s Motors 14 Carmon Funeral Homes 12 Carter Robert Painting 33 Cetera Investors 10 Chiropractic Care of Granby 12 Christopher Bryant 21 Coletta, Dr. Lucia 13 D’Agata-Perry Granite & Bronze 24 Democrat Town Committee 16 Edward Jones-J Hammel 18 Evans Automotive 19 First Congregational Church 24 Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow 24 Gary’s Mowing 20 Granby Artists 17, 33 Granby Dental Center - Dr. Ungerleider 15 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 10,18 Granby Food Bank 4 Higleyville Coin 26 Granby Artists INSERT Larry’s Construction 19 Lions Club Golf Sponsors 35
Advertisers Page Martel Transportation 20 MeadowBrook of Granby 33 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 25 Morawski Cleaning 25 O’Brien Nurserymen 8 Old Farms Landscaping 31 Premier Energy 8 Republican Town Committee 28 Route 10 Tire 13 Sanditz Travel 25 Santa Realty 9 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 25 Small Town Septic 31 South Church 14 Southwick Village 15 State Line Propane Oil 30 Subseven 32 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 19 Swim Center at Westminster 34 Thomas Sullivan Morgan Stanley 3 TJ Bark Mulch 27 Town of Granby-Hazardous Waste 34 Town of Granby Public Works INSERT Troiano Oil Company 21 Two Park Place 19 Walsh Chiropractic 30 Westfield Bank 36 Windsor Federal Savings 27 YMCA of Greater Hartford 11 YMCA-Granby Road Race 32
Bank your way
Online n App n In-person
Get up to a $300 Bonus* And make a change for the better.
Ready to experience what better banking’s all about? Open a Westfield Bank checking account online or in-person and get up to $300* as our welcoming gift to you. To learn more or open an account, visit westfieldbank.com or call 800.995.5734. Bloomfield | 337 Cottage Grove Road Copaco Shopping Center Enfield | 47 Palomba Drive Granby | 10 Hartford Avenue West Hartford | 977 Farmington Avenue
What better banking’s all about . sm
westfieldbank.com
*One offer per person available to new WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account customers only. Order a debit card and enroll in online banking to receive $50. Enroll in eStatements and receive $50. Sign up for direct deposit and receive $200. The bonuses will be deposited into your account within 45 days after the criteria is met, which must happen within 60 days of account opening. Minimum balance to open a WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account is $10. As of 7/2/21, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the WB Portfolio Checking account is 0.10% and may change after the account is opened. Minimum balance to earn the APY is $10. Fees may reduce earnings. Offer available at the following locations only: Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Offer may be rescinded at any time. Promotional code: $300CTConsumer
Member
FDIC