Granby Drummer November 2017 by Granby Drummer

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Volume XLVIII, No. 3 • November 2017

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Board of Ed eyes potential cuts if state budget isn’t passed By Debora Timms The Granby Board of Education met on the first and third Wednesdays of October at the Town Hall Meeting Room. At both sessions, the pressing issue was the budget crisis in the state capital. The first deposit of the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant was not made to towns, so the district is currently holding off on all non-essential programming. During the Oct. 18 meeting, it was noted that the district administration has started looking at cuts that might be needed depending upon the resolution that the state comes to. The situation threatens to be a setback to Connecticut’s educational system. “It’s not going to be pretty,” Dr. Addley warned. “The options aren’t great.”

The state is supposedly moving closer to passing a budget, but recently announced agreement on the framework for a bipartisan deal, key details including the distribution of town aid remain unresolved. Addley pointed out that this means that, though planning continues for lesser outcomes, there is still hope a deal will be struck allowing Granby’s state funding to hold or even improve. Some of the initiatives underway in Granby schools were discussed during both sessions. During the first meeting, Assistant Superintendent Christopher Tranberg made a presentation on the district’s gifted and talented student programming. He addressed identifying gifted and talented students; 24 students have cur-

Board of Ed. cont’d. on p. 2

Municipal Election on Nov. 7 There are 11 different races to be decided by the Nov. 7, 2017, municipal election including first selectman, board of selectmen, board of finance, board of education, board of assessment appeals, planning and zoning, zoning board of appeals and town moderator. Voters will have the opportunity to vote for 24 open seats. It takes an extralong, one-sided ballot to include all of these offices. 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. The Board of Education has been getting additional attention this year because six candidates are running for three open seats.

Candidates for the Nov. 7, 2017 Municipal Ballot First Selectman 1 Opening 2-yr. term (Vote for 1) B. Scott Kuhnly – R Board of Selectman Four Openings 2-yr. term (Vote for 2) James C Lofink and Sally S King – D Edward E. Ohannessian and Mark Neumann – R Board Of Finance Three Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 3) Frederick A. Moffa – D Alfred G. Wilke and Gordon C. Bischoff – R Board Of Education Three Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 3) Brandon C. Webster and Valorie A. Hollister and Kimberly L. Becker – D Melissa E. Migliaccio and Stephen Royer and Sarah Thrall – R Board Of Assessment Appeals 2 Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 2) Daniel Chapple – D Celia Eggert – R

Planning and Zoning Commission 3 Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 3) Eric Lukingbeal and Margaret Q. Chapple – D Eric W. Myers – R Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate 1 Opening 4-yr. term (Vote for 1) Christine L. Chinni – D Zoning Board Of Appeals 2 Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 2) Wayne E. Chapple – D Robert M. Lindeyer – R Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates 2 Openings 4-yr. term (Vote for 2) Suzanne L. Yucha – D William O’Leary – R Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates 2 Openings 2-yr. term (Vote for 1) David Hennessey – D Town Moderator 1 Opening 2-yr. term (Vote for 1) John E. Adams – R

See Election guide, page 29

Inside Historic Footnotes............ 11

Humans of Granby............. 17

Daylight Savings Time....... 12

Election Guide.................. 29

Striking a bargain at the SBHS Flea This youngster finally got the toy she wanted after 10 minutes shopping at this table, as her father looked on and paid for it. Photo by Peter Dinella

Governor vetoes budget; legislators try again By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance Early in October the Governor vetoed the budget proposal passed by the legislature in September. His reasons centered on a lesser amount allocated for pensions than he sought, as well as lesser amounts to UCONN and the state college system. He also condemned what he views as other budget gimmickry that seems to be contained in all proposals to date, regardless of source. In the meantime the impasse casts a long shadow, causing great angst amongst municipal leaders statewide, with places big and small—Hartford and Scotland, talking about going under if resolution doesn’t materialize shortly. In mid-October the leaders of all four legislative caucuses continued budget negotiations to find and create common ground to resolve this fiscal fiasco. This was without the Governor in the room, as he seems to be more part of the problem than the solution. In recent days the lead legislators came forward saying they believe they have agreed upon a revised framework for this bi-

ennial budget albeit months late. While information is scant at this writing, it appears that under this proposal, Granby will get basically what we budgeted for from the state in this fiscal year. Each of the legislative proposals did the same over the past few months, though the Democrat proposal would have given Connecticut more in the way of tax and fee increases and less structural change going forward than the Republican proposal did. That’s one reason that some brave Democrat legislators chose to not support their leadership’s proposal and instead joined in supporting the Republican budget proposal last month. As the Democrat state rep from Branford said on the floor of the House, she was tired of being punished by her leadership for going against the party line, and wouldn’t vote for the Democrat proposal that had more rats (pork) in it than the London subway system. As we await the actual numbers lineby-line, town-by-town, we also watch for what else is in the budget proposal, both for the FY19 revenues to towns, but also in terms of mandate relief or

Board of Finance cont’d. on p. 3

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

November 2017

Board of Selectmen

Residents have opposing views on Evonsion property By Shirley Murtha In response to the previous Board of Selectmen’s discussion of developing a Request for Proposal for the Evonsion Farm, two residents gave their views on the future of the 107 East Street property. Susan Regan opposes selling the farm for agricultural use, preferring the board to “look to unload this 125-acre farm” by engaging a global marketer such as Sotheby’s to investigate more far-reaching clients. She encouraged considering selling some of the land for commercial use or for development of upscale homes or condominiums that would attract “higher end” residents. Peggy Lareau, on the other hand, urged the board to go slowly and to read again the pages of the Land Use Study Committee that enumerated the results of the poll in which Granby residents were in favor of keeping the land for agricultural use. “The land won’t depreciate,” she commented, noting that the board should consider the town’s needs not just in the near future, but rather 75–100 years ahead when today’s young families will have children and grandchildren, perhaps changing the demographics of the town. The board is currently studying this issue in executive sessions, to which Town Manager John Ward and Direc-

tor of Community Development Fran Armentano are invited. Update on Unfinished Business Tax Abatement Issue The board decided to table the call for a public hearing on the tax abatement issue for properties involved in 501(c)3 charities brought up by the Regans at the previous meeting. Town Manager Ward noted that at this time, the town does not track who does the leasing of such properties, so it is necessary to wait until this information is determined by the Town Assessor after receiving the November personal property declarations. Herbicide Study Committee The charge to the Herbicide and Pesticide Study Committee was amended to note that this committee will research and make recommendations regarding only glyphosate (RoundUp) for the upcoming season but the door will be left open for this committee or another one to study other herbicides and pesticides that are in use in Granby. Also in the public session of the meeting, Jim Glenney distributed literature on the use of glyphosate to the board members and expressed his desire to serve on the study committee Audit Ongoing Auditors are in town gathering infor-

mation for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Frozen Funds Town Manager Ward and Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli are holding $216,000 of expenditures until further state budget information is available. As of the third week in October, no state budget has been passed. Ward thinks that if one is not passed by the end of the month, it may be February before work resumes on the process. He noted that the state’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM) says it is prepared to help towns in distress if no budget is approved until next year. Ward also said that in the Governor’s latest proposal, there is a possible slight increase in Education Cost Sharing, but it remains to be seen whether that will remain in a final budget. Funding for Senior Center Bus Driver The board approved the application to the State Department of Transportation for a $28,641 matching grant, for which the Town has already budgeted. The proposal was forwarded to the Board of Finance. Closing Out of Funds At the suggestion of the town’s auditor, the board approved the closing of three funds that have been dormant for

Board of Ed. cont’d. from p. 1 rently been identified He spoke about designing instruction to meet the needs of all students. In particular, how to support students when they already know the content in front of them. The board, while supportive of the goals of the gifted and talented program, had some disagreement as to its effectiveness. They asked Tranberg to advise on ways this could be objectively measured. He asked the board to indicate whether they were looking for quantitative or qualitative measures of accomplishment. In other words, how students were achieving using state accountability measures or anecdotal reports of the program’s success from those involved. There was similar discussion of measuring outcomes for GMMS Advisory Program during the board’s second meeting. Assistant Principal Chuck Hershon outlined the program that centers around helping students to make connections with the school, as well as their teachers and peers. At this stage, the success of the program is being judged by the levels of student engagement and teacher feedback.

An advisory committee has been developed to discuss issues around student growth and success. Hershon noted the desire for this committee to include not only administrators and teachers, but also students and parents. He encouraged anyone interested in taking part to reach out to him. Susan Henneberry, principal of GMMS, and Michael Dunn, principal of GMHS, also presented their school improvement plans to the board. Both plans aim to help the schools effectively meet the district’s stated mission of helping all students to become “powerful thinkers, effective collaborators and compassionate contributors” by creating personalized learning for all students. Henneberry’s presentation described the middle school’s efforts to develop a cohesive, team-based middle school. Students are assigned to academic teams and multiple data points are utilized to monitor student progress and plan instruction. The teams are all named for bears, for example grizzly, Kodiak, and so on. The Unified Arts team chose the name Gummy Bears because, as Hen-

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH

You are needed

Granby residents are needed to fill positions on boards and commissions. There is one vacancy on the Agricultural Commission; one on the Park and Recreation Board, and five on the Herbicide and Pesticide Study Committee. If you are interested in serving your town in any of these positions, call the Democratic Town committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-810-0274; republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-653-9668; or the Town Manager, 860-844-5300. neberry said, “they hold us all together and they’re sweet.” Dunn’s presentation discussed developing “equitable systems and practices.” The board asked him to define what that meant, and he spoke about it in relation to achievement and opportunity, the things that indicate college and career readiness, college prep and career readiness. To help focus what could be a broad umbrella, Dunn spoke about narrowing it down to two things: Providing opportunity for revision and providing feedback that helps students to revise. These make up their instructional goals for the year. Also, the student representatives on the board, Maddie Attianese and Sarah Cusano, made reports highlighting, among other things, the success of the first out-

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door pep rally held at GMHS and record attendance at the Homecoming Dance. They also spoke about the GMHS college fair that 133 colleges participated in. Maddie and Sarah also piggybacked off Dr. Addley’s opening comments about PTO fundraising with the Fall Festival and online auction. They thanked the PTO for its efforts and support. Board member, Jenny Emery also thanked the Boosters Club for its donation of a new sound system to the high school. If you would like to view the BOE meetings in their entirety, please visit Granby Community Television online at gctv16.org. The next BOE meetings are scheduled for Nov. 1 and 15, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

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two years. Two of the funds (Energy and Tri-town Cable) are empty, and the third (Agricultural) contains $177, which will be transferred to the General Fund. Alcohol in Park Approval The board approved the use of alcohol at a wedding reception in the Park House on Saturday, Nov. 18. All the necessary rules and insurances have been vetted by the Police Chief and Parks and Recreation Director. Resignations and Appointments The board accepted the resignation of Susan Lasota from the Park and Recreation Board and approved the appointment of Valerie Eastwood to the Library Board. Registrars Update At the Oct. 16 BOS meeting, Registrars Paul Willis and Laura Wolfe reported that they have been attending educational sessions at the Secretary of State’s office in Hartford in an effort to learn possible ways to make the voting process go even more smoothly than it already does in Granby. They noted that there is a record number of newly registered voters. They expect over 3,000 to vote in the upcoming November election, which averages out to around 200 per hour. They are hoping for more poll workers to assist in the process on election day.

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November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 3

Thoughts on cycling

Granby’s support of agriculture ranks high in state By Shirley Murtha

By Eric Lukingbeal Just how hard would it be to make bicycle commuting practical for the ring of suburbs around our major cities? Drivers’ negative or even hostile attitudes toward cyclists is, in my book, a large reason why it isn’t more popular. For 40 years, I worked in downtown Hartford about 20 miles from my home in Granby. Cycling was—and still is—my chosen form of daily exercise. I probably average 5,000 miles per year on country roads, but I tried commuting to work only a few times. Each time, I ended up saying that it was too dangerous. Part of the problem was timing: I found it impractical to leave before rush hour started or to head home after rush hour ended as drivers are in a hurry going to and from work! In my experience, courtesy and patience are rare, and driver distraction by technology has become commonplace. To some extent, we all become different people when we are behind the wheel: walkers and cyclists are annoying impediments to our progress. On two occasions drivers threw bottles at me, neither one being a clumsy attempt to litter! Both missed. One driver forced me off a rural state road in Massachusetts as I was descending a curve at about 30 miles per hour. His intention was unmistakable. I road off onto a lawn into a backyard. I acknowledge that these are just three incidents in nearly seven decades of bike riding but a few of my cyclist friends have been hit by cars, one of them dying only a few miles from his home in broad daylight. I have observed that many drivers are ignorant of bicycle laws. Twice drivers have told me that it is illegal to ride on the road when a bike path is nearby. Some drivers believe that cyclists are required by law to ride to the right of the white lines painted on the side of the road. According to others, riding two abreast is always illegal, and still others believe

that it is illegal for cars to cross the center line to get around a cyclist safely. All of these are wrong. Connecticut law only requires drivers to give cyclists three feet of room when passing. I am not sure this law is wise, as it gives some drivers the idea that three feet is plenty. It is not. Experienced cyclists can ride in a straight line on good pavement; children and inexperienced adults usually cannot. Careful, patient drivers give cyclists a wide berth. We are grateful and when possible wave our thanks. In Europe, where bicycle commuting is more common, both accident and fatality rates are much lower than here in the United States. Apparently this is because drivers are accustomed to seeing bicyclists. In Italy, drivers are said to be very patient, even with large groups of cyclists on narrow roads. Perhaps part of the solution to our problem is to encourage more cycling. Let me balance my comments by offering a criticism of some cyclists. They should not wear all black or dark clothing. I even found fluorescent yellow shoes, which catch more drivers’ eyes. Fluorescent stripes on jackets are also helpful. Bikers in packs should form a line so cars can pass; not to do that is rude and dangerous. Riding on the wrong side of road (against traffic) is illegal and hazardous. I maintain that more accidents are caused by car drivers, and in a collision, the cyclist pays the price almost every time. I guess we can hope that a technological solution is on the horizon, as cars may someday have systems to avoid cyclists. When that happens, I hope that many more people will consider commuting. Originally published in Connecticut Woodlands, the magazine of the C o n n e c t i c u t F o re s t a n d P a r k Association, of which Lukingbeal is president and is published here with its permission.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

South Church: Growing Hope Together! Join us some Sunday to discover the hope that flows from beyond us, wells up within us, rises between us and waters the world. An Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! Salmon Brook Music Series presents: Natalie Gelman on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Healing Day/Labyrinth at South Church Dec. 2, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bruce Porter Music Series presents: The New England Handbell Ringers on Dec. 3 at 4:00 p.m. Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday school and childcare at 10:00 a.m. 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

Representing Granby’s Agricultural Commission, chairman Michelle Niedermeyer distributed copies of the Planning for Agriculture publication assembled jointly by the American Farmland Trust and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities to the Board of Selectmen at its October 2 meeting. Acknowledging the important contributions farming makes to many state communities in terms of quality of life, economy, preservation of land and leveraging federal and state grants, the authors of the report assessed how well Granby’s agriculture met the 25 criteria they instituted. Granby either fully or partially met 22 of the 25 criteria. Another way of saying this is that Granby is 88 percent supportive of agriculture. The many farms and farm stands around town, Open Farm Day, national tours at O’Brien’s Nursery, activities at farms such as the educational programs for children at Maple View and music and art programs at Lost Acres Vineyard all point to the importance of Granby’s agriculture in terms of attracting people to the town and contributing to the economy. Additionally, agriculture is a prominent feature in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the town has an agricultural commission, and several representatives on various town boards are farmers. In spite of all the positives, the report shows that there are areas for improvement and makes some recommendations. Among these,

the first is for the town to adopt a “Right to Farm” ordinance. Although this ordinance would not confer any additional protections to local farms beyond what is already provided by state statues, it “reaffirms the town’s commitment to agriculture and identifies farming as an accepted and valued activity.” Also recommended is to permanently preserve both the Evonsion and Holcomb Farms, as these properties have prime farmland soils; if developed, their potential would be forever lost. A conservation easement would endure that they remain farmland as town management and board memberships change. In addition, it is suggested that infrastructure such as sewer lines not be extended to these farming areas as another way to prevent development. Also suggested to encourage and support farming would be for the town to consider implementing tax abatements on farm land, buildings, tools, animals and nursery products . This is probably not something that could be undertaken in the current fiscal crisis, but worth thinking about for the future. Also, it is hoped that the schools would add education about farming into its state-mandated nutrition curriculum. Ideally taking field trips to local farms would drive home the fact that the pure whole foods produced by local farms is the very best nutrition available. A copy of the full report is available in Granby Public and Cossitt libraries, or you can read it online at www.ct.gov/ doag/lib/doag/farmlandpreservation/20 12planningforag.pdf.

Board of Finance. cont’d. from p. 1 added cost. We hear that one proposal would completely eliminate the car tax next year, which would automatically create a hole of roughly $2.8 million in our local property tax budget. This loss would be handled by shifting that burden onto the remaining components of real estate and business personal property, by spending reductions or some combination. It is bizarre that while these proposals talk of broadening what the existing state taxes may be applied to, they now look to reduce one of the few long-standing categories the municipalities can tax per statute. At the same time they are heading towards reducing funding to the towns over time because of the state’s own ongoing fiscal straits. Indeed, even under the more conserva-

tive budget passed last month at the Capitol, FY20 and 21 each is projected to have a $1-plus billion hole in it. This is to be addressed in no less than 18 months when the legislature begins to take up the next biennial budget. This latest twist of getting rid of the car tax completely appears to be a payoff to the cities that tend to have the highest mill rates. The action removes a whole swath of local taxpayers who may not own real estate and who therefore only feel the cost of services through the local property tax on their vehicles. Talk about having no skin in the game… Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw a few years back that said, “They call it democracy but it’s really an auction.”

Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

November 2017

Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher.

Remember: We are all volunteers

The Granby Drummer is a volunteer community newspaper. It is not the Hartford Courant. It does not endorse candidates or political parties, nor does it take positions on political issues. The paper’s only goal is to present the information as fairly as possible for you, its readers. Recently we were faced with a dilemma when one of our reporters decided to run for a position on a town board that reporter had covered for the Drummer for the past five years, and we could not find a replacement to write up the summer and September meetings. We had two choices: no report at all or allow the reporter to continue. We chose the latter, to keep readers informed on the impact of the state budget crisis on Granby. The byline was omitted for those reports to avoid the appearance of a candidate endorsement. We have heard from several citizens who were upset that the reporter-turned-candidate could have used those reports to leverage an advantage over other candidates, but we believe the reporter’s work was as fair in these two issues as it has been last five years. In a recent issue, a letter to the

editor endorsing a candidate was inadvertently omitted. We apologized to the writer for the error and assured that the letter would appear in the following issue. The writer suggested the omission was intentional. It was a simple oversight, nothing more. We are human. Mistakes occur, and we learn from them. When the Drummer began publication 47 years ago, its purpose was to bring information on government proceedings (board of selectmen, board of education, board of finance, planning and zoning, etc.) to Granby residents who chose not or could not attend meetings. A group of volunteers formed Citizens for a Better Granby. They went to the meetings, wrote the reports and assembled them into a newsletter that was then distributed to the community. What started as small newsletter grew into a free tabloidsize newspaper supported by local advertisers. To this day, the Drummer exists because of citizens who volunteer their time to attend meetings, write reports, edit copy, proofread boards, manage advertising and layout pages for the 10 monthly

issues each year, plus the annual budget supplement. Volunteers are the Drummer’s lifeblood. We need more of them. The same is true of our town government. Those who aspire to Granby’s elected or appointed offices are also volunteers who invest their time, talent and skills for the good of our community. We need more of them, too, as evidenced by the dearth of contested town races in recent years. It seems that volunteering is waning, while faultfinding of those who serve in volunteer capacities is increasing. We wonder if the use of popular social media, with its quick, sometimes hurtful comments, makes potential volunteers—whether in a political or community setting—think twice about stepping into roles where they may be vulnerable to public intimidation. Granby has a strong appreciation of history, and volunteerism has always played a meaningful role in the development of our town. Going forward, consider how you could give your time, talent or skills in a positive way to keeping Granby the special place it is.

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 ©2017 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 Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Brian Colton, Photo Editor Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard, Joan Griswold, Janet Hendricks,

Letters to the Editor Thank you, First Responders Although I may not personally know you and you may be thanked multiple times a day, I would like to take a moment to thank you for everything. No matter the hazard or situation, you decide what is best to keep citizens safe. Furthermore, you follow through with actions, which save the lives of multiple people when a crisis occurs. For example, my family and I were once driving down the street when we spotted flashing sirens, vehicles, and a blazing, orange fire. We may have been delayed a few minutes but we were thankful and grateful to know that regardless of the situation, help was on the way. Two days later, you wouldn’t know a fire had occurred due to the smiles on the faces of the families affected. So all in all, thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Chase Alexander, 6th grade student at GMMS

Support the Turkey Trot

As Thanksgiving approaches, we can all join together to help those in need once again with Jack Bannan’s Memorial Turkey Trot on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mr. Bannan was a World War II veteran and retired educator of the Simsbury Public Schools who single-handedly started this turkey drive in 1992. A group of volunteers sponsors this frozen turkey drive for Thanksgiving, with Jack’s daughter, Marianne who coordinates this effort. Food Share distributes the turkeys and canned food to local families in need. An 18-wheel refrigerated truck will be parked at the main parking lot (near the soccer field) at Henry James Middle School at 155 Firetown Road in Simsbury.

Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.

You can deliver your turkey there, or purchase it at one of the following stores and delivery will be arranged. The participating merchants are Miller Foods in Avon, Fitzgerald’s and Kane’s supermarkets in Simsbury, Geissler’s in Granby and Bloomfield, Stop and Shop in Simsbury and Granby, Shop Rite in Canton and Big Y in Avon. For more information or to volunteer, contact Bob Gauthier at 860-658-2071. Margaret Keating, Member of the Jack Bannan Memorial Turkey Drive Committee

Library Book Sale The Friends of the Granby Public Library’s 35th Used Book Sale was a great success with over $9,650 raised. The funds will allow for additional purchase of museum passes and magazine subscriptions as well as support for various programs that are scheduled during the year.

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need:

canned fruit pasta sauces juices hearty soups & stews toilet paper Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street

We received a record number of book donations, and had a significant number of volunteers who helped with the sorting and at the sale, as well. Board members each contributed time, effort and muscle alongside the volunteers. I could not ask for a more dedicated crew who spent many a Monday night at Holcomb Farm processing all of the donated books. When it came time to move the 750 cartons of books to the sale location, we were assisted by the Granby Memorial High School Girls’ Field Hockey Teams. True community service! We received additional help from the Granby Public Works and Recreation departments, and once again were

Karen Cleary, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Ken Mouning, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Lou Urban, Kay Woodford Reporters & Contributors Alan Addley, Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Sarah Cramer, Marisa DeLuca, Peter Dinella, Bernadette Gentry, Jay Harder, Rachel Hennessy. Carol Laun, Kelly Marszycki, Shirley Murtha, John R. Nieb, Tim Nolan, Tim Rickis, Lisa Salazar, Emma Smith, Debora Timms, Tayloranne Vibert, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Tom Tyburski, Paul Willis, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Carol Bressor, Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey, Karen Eustis, Advisor Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus

Letters cont’d. on p. 5 ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

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

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.

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.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Support for Migliaccio

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 loaned special tables by the Friends of the Cossitt Library. Both the YMCA and Geissler’s Supermarket provided collection space for donations. Wine ETC saved their empty cartons for us and along with Beman’s Hardware provided help and encouragement all along the way. We are also thankful to those who allowed us to place signs on their property and the additional kindnesses from the people at Stop & Shop and Geissler’s. Many thanks to those of you who donated books and other items for the sale and for those who showed up at the Used Book Sale. In closing, we owe the most gratitude to the entire staff of the Granby Public Library who do so much while books are being donated, for help during the sale and other support. Del Shilkret, FOGPL President

Misinformation from BOE candidate I have lived in Granby for 15 years and have never written a letter to the editor; however, I feel that I must make this known before the November elections. I am a registered Independent so I consider myself to be a person who assesses the candidates and facts and votes without a strong party affiliation. In the course of canvassing for the BOE positions, one of the Democratic candidates came to my house on two occasions and I did speak with this person for quite a bit of time to hear what the three Democratic candidates were promoting. This person made a statement about one of the incumbent BOE members that was very surprising to me. I was told that the incumbent had never gone to any BOE meetings. I found this to be shocking so I asked again and had this confirmed by the Democratic candidate. Subsequently, I discussed this with Granby residents who are actively involved in the Granby educational system and board meetings and found out that this is NOT TRUE. I do not know if the Democratic candidate is misinformed or exaggerating; however, I will not support any of the three of them, based on this conversation. I suggest you take their statements with a grain of salt. Beth Carroll

Granby residents are fortunate to have Melissa Migliaccio running in the Nov. 7 election for the Board of Education. My wife, Shelly, and I are products of the Granby public schools and our three children attend Granby schools. I am a former high school teacher and two of my sisters are educators. So it goes without saying that the quality of the Board of Education is very important to us. Having grown up in Granby, I have seen the Granby schools continually improve. I am especially proud that the high school was ranked the 11th best Connecticut high school by U.S. News and World Report for 2017! Our children are receiving a world-class education with a great 13:1 student-teacher ratio at one of the lowest costs per student in our District Reference Group. Melissa is currently the Vice Chair of the BOE, bringing years of dedication to the education of Granby students. Her commitment to our students as well as the Granby community is evident in her well-reasoned and thoughtful approaches to the critical issues our school system faces. I feel confident that I can approach Melissa as a friend and board member and she will listen and take appropriate action. With the Board of Education playing such an important role in shaping our children’s lives and strengthening the Granby community, I urge you to vote for Melissa in the upcoming Board of Education election. Chris Cramer

Support for Webster Granby is a great town, filled with so many wonderful people. I can say this with absolute confidence as not only someone who has lived in town for over 20 years raising a family, but also as someone that operates a nonprofit working closely with families and schools. I see the individuals that go above and beyond to better their community, putting in countless hours and always showing up where and when they are needed. Brandon Webster is one of those individuals. I have witnessed Brandon quietly and diligently working behind the scenes to make Granby even better, whether that is with our schools or our town as a whole. Not for accolades, but because he cares deeply about our town. I have been so impressed by Brandon’s genuine desire

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to hear the concerns of Granby residents, to sincerely listen to the perspectives and frustrations of our community members and his motivation to act upon what he hears. We need to have someone at the table that is actively engaging with residents, is easily accessible and willing to hear concerns, and is deeply committed to our community as we face some incredibly difficult times. It is for these reasons that I enthusiastically support Brandon Webster for Granby Board Of Education and I hope you will join me. Alicia Newton

At a time when public education is being threatened nationally, it’s more important than ever to elect local candidates who will stand behind our children. Brandon Webster is that candidate for Granby Board of Education. He is passionate about our schools, and cares about our children. He wants to make sure all of our kids are afforded an excellent education, and believes in improving the curriculum so that all students are ready to succeed in life after high school— whether it’s through vocational school, military service, community college or a four-year university. I’ve spoken to Brandon and I know that if he’s elected he will focus on being transparent to the community and will make sure our schools perform at the highest level possible; and as our students flourish, our community will also grow strong. Saverio Mancini

Support for Becker I have known Kim Becker for seven years as a consistent community volunteer, school leader and friend. Many people in town know her name from over five years of reporting about the Board of Education for The Granby Drummer. Her commitment to our schools and students is well documented in her thoroughly researched articles. Kim wants what we want—good schools so our kids have the skills they need to succeed in whichever path they choose. She understands that stagnant test scores reflect a lack of creative thinking that hampers teachers’ efforts in the classroom. When teachers are encouraged to give feedback to administrators, the results are more effective student learning and better outcomes. It’s time for new BOE leadership, and Kim is part of the innovative team that will bring much-needed Board accountability.

With state-wide funding cuts, Kim’s ideas about evaluating programs and listening to teachers, parents and students to find no-cost improvements are needed. Please join me in voting Kim Becker for Board of Education on Nov. 7! Tami Brown As a teacher and a parent, I am all too aware that our schools are facing numerous educational obstacles. The Granby school district is trying to keep up with all these challenges while keeping the system in high standing. And that’s before the state budget mess that will cost Granby schools dearly. While some BOE members want to stay the course, Kim Becker wants to evaluate our programs so we can make strategic cuts, strengthen our core academics, and keep the Granby educational system attractive to families. Kim also deeply believes that our teachers need to be heard as we seek to improve areas of concern and build stronger academics that challenge all of our students. She has spent many hours as a room parent and even brought History Day to Wells Road as an enrichment cluster. Through those experiences, she knows how competent and committed our teaching staff is. Working with them will serve to build our programs in ways that work for students. For almost six years, Kim has written about the issues facing our schools, sought out opinions from experienced people and listened carefully to community concerns. She is energized to work with teachers, parents and administrators to meet our challenges. I am voting for Kim Becker for Board of Education. Scott Spencer

Support for Hollister

As an educator and parent, I believe that our public schools are facing serious challenges as budget crises and political agendas loom large. As a college advisor and test preparation professional, I am keenly aware of the importance of providing a quality education for all students. This is why the BOE election on Nov. 7 is an especially critical one. I am writing this letter to support Valorie Hollister as a candidate for the Granby Board of Education. I have known Valorie personally for almost 10 years and, during that time, I have observed her commitment to our schools and community.

Letters cont’d. on p. 6

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Letters cont’d. from p. 5 As a parent of two Granby students, Valorie has worked actively in support of public schools. She advocated strongly for early world language instruction and Granby now has Spanish instruction in both elementary and middle schools. She volunteers in our schools and attends most BOE meetings. Valorie shows her dedication to the Granby community in many ways. Each spring, I see Valorie as she leads a group of volunteers that bring awareness to the town budget vote. She is an active participant in many organizations and attends town meetings regularly. Valorie not only has a passion for our community and our public schools, she also has the skills to be an effective advocate on the Board of Education. Her qualifications include a financial background, with over 17 years working in corporate and nonprofit positions, experience building community networks, and creative problem solving. I believe that Valorie Hollister will bring a much needed fresh perspective to the Granby BOE. Linda Markee

Support for Democrats Granby is fortunate to have so many dedicated people interested in serving their community, even if it means entering the often-daunting world of politics. This year, Granby’s Democratic Caucus had a record turnout that endorsed many incumbents for continued service, and also supported several residents who for the first time wanted to do the hard work it takes to become elected, and then serve in unpaid, often unrewarded, roles in civic government. Especially thankful for your support this election cycle are Board of Education candidates Kim Becker, Val Hollister and Brandon Webster, and Zoning Board of Appeals candidate Daniel Chapple—all newcomers to elected public service, but who have helped Granby in other meaningful capacities over the years. Please give your support and your vote, to them and the other nine Democratic

incumbents on the ballot who dedicate a large part of their time, energy and talent to helping make Granby the wonderful town we all chose to live in. Jim Lofink, Granby DTC Chair I strongly support the Democratic slate for Board of Education, Kim Becker, Brandon Webster and Val Hollister. The BOE has some tough decisions ahead, and all three of these individuals have the highest level of integrity and passion for Granby public schools. Our schools will not only face budget challenges in the year ahead, but if we are to be the town of choice, we must address the shortcomings in our schools. Standardized test scores (SBAC and SAT) are starting to slip. A recent equity study showed students are receiving a different educational experience in Granby schools depending on whether they are from Granby or East Hartland or Hartford. I am concerned that the incumbents don’t see any cause for alarm or a need for any curriculum change. Public education is the legal obligation of government. It is in our town’s best interest to ensure not only that we do it well today, but that we continuously seek to improve the quality of instruction all students receive. Please join me in supporting the three people on the ballot who will always put the students at the forefront of their decisions—vote for Becker, Webster and Hollister on Nov. 7! Frederick A. Moffa, OD

Support for Republicans

Board of Education candidates Melissa Migliaccio, Stephen Royer, and Sarah Thrall provide years of positive experience in many diverse areas of community service that will continue to bring quality management skills to our schools and to our students. Their efforts on behalf of our Town and its students will maintain Granby’s reputation as one of the finest school districts in the entire State of Connecticut. All three candidates have shown their commitment to Granby in various areas that include youth sports, YMCA,

November 2017

Granby Education Foundation, Girl Scouts, 4H Club, Planning and Zoning, E. H. Volunteer Fire Dept. The proven leadership of these Board of Education candidates should be endorsed by all Granby residents on Election Day, Nov 7 by honoring them with your support at the polls. Please join with me by voting for these candidates who are dedicated to keeping our schools strong. Roger Hernsdorf

Hornish was wrong I am writing to respond to the disappointing and inaccurate statements made by Annie Hornish in her letter published in your last edition. It baffles me why a former state representative and resident of this town would take such a narrow view that a school district’s success is based on how many of its graduates attend an Ivy League school. Hornish’s comments demonstrate a lack of insight into the important decisions that go into making that college choice and what makes a school district successful. Hornish’s views suggest to me that she does not appreciate the economic reality of college costs for working families in Granby. While not the exclusive reason for choosing one college over another, financial considerations play a large role in what college a student may ultimately attend. For example, in Connecticut, our best and brightest students can graduate college virtually debt free from UConn through the Nutmeg Scholarship program. The truth is, we are fortunate in Granby to have an award winning school district that provides a rigorous and highly competitive education to all of its students while remaining fiscally responsible to the town and its taxpayers. Granby Memorial High School is ranked #11 in US News and World Report out of

163 high schools in Connecticut. (2017) Granby Memorial High School, Wells Road School, and Kelly Lane School were named Schools of Distinction by the Connecticut Department of Education. Wells Road School received the Connecticut Association of Schools Award for Exemplary School Climate. Granby’s SBAC test scores rank in the Top 10 according to Hartford Magazine. (2017) SAT scores are up 56 points in aggregate performance. In relation to our cost per pupil rate, Granby students outperform most districts in almost all academic areas. Our graduates attend over 170 universities across the United States. To suggest, as Hornish does, that our school district is stagnant, is insulting to the parents, tax payers, and voters of this town. These facts do not suggest stagnation. On the contrary, they demonstrate growth and success, even in a challenging economic climate. That is why I will vote for Sarah Thrall and Melissa Migliaccio on Nov. 7. Sarah, through her work with Junior Achievement, helped to enrich Granby’s curriculum with lessons in financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Melissa, as the current Vice Chair of the Board of Education, is a zealous advocate at the state and local level for Granby schools and is committed to equity and achievement for ALL Granby students. These candidates are fiscally responsible, innovative, and vibrant. They are the people we need to ensure that our school district remains strong and successful. Rosemarie Weber I am writing in response to the letter from Annie Hornish that was published in the October edition of The Drummer. After connecting two unrelated facts, Ms. Hornish then blames the Republican representation in an attempt to mislead voters into supporting the Democrats for the Board of Education.

Letters cont’d. on p. 7

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Letters cont’d. from p. 6 Her letter opens bemoaning the fact that Granby high school graduates are no longer being offered opportunities at Ivy League schools. In the next paragraph she attributes part of the reason for this due to the current representation not securing Education Cost Sharing grant (ECS) funding. What nonsense. The lack of ECS money is due to the current Democratic governor’s refusal to sign a bipartisan legislatively passed budget and has nothing whatsoever to do with Granby’s students’ inability to gain entry into Ivy League schools. The lack of educational opportunity is correlated to Granby’s declining support for advanced academics, in favor of sports and other non-academically related pursuits. We’ve been in town about 28 years. For the first fifteen or so years, our taxes supported a gifted and talented program. That program was eliminated due to cost constraints. Two years later, the push for football began. During the initial

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, November 6, November 20 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, November 27 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, November 1, November 15 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, November 14, November 28 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, November 8

meeting to discuss football, the subject came up about first restoring the gifted and talented program. Then-chairman Heminway made a number of derisive comments to the individual who brought up the issue and then went back to the subject of football. At that time, many more students had been identified as gifted and talented than had expressed an interest in football. Here we are about ten years later. Over $3 million has been spent on a football field. About half of Ahrens Park is also a football field. Several teachers on the employee roster are identified as coaches. Still we have no gifted and talented program, even though the cost was less than $100,000. In order to have high school students capable of gaining admission to the more selective schools, academics need to be supported at all levels. The gifted and talented program was essentially a feeder system to provide capable students with the background needed for greater achievement once they were in the higher grades. Without it, two things are happening: 1) Parents with higher performing students are looking elsewhere, and 2) Parents stuck in Granby with more capable students are withdrawing their children from Granby schools and enrolling them in private schools. Ms. Hornish now wonders why Granby students aren’t being accepted at Ivy League schools. And instead of looking to the root causes of the problem, she attempts to make a political issue out of it. Granby’s school population is down about 20 percent over the past five years, yet our school taxes keep increasing. No amount of money will fix a fundamentally flawed approach that skews funds away from the best and brightest. Harold Forbes

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Keon Lawrence #12 breaks through to gain some yards in the Bears 14-7 victory over Ellington Sept. 29. Photo by Jay Harder, Granby Camera Club

Maria Nolan #11 scores a goal against Stafford. The Bears won 4-2 and currently are 12-1. Photo by Jay Harder, Granby Camera Club

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November 2017

Get outside and enjoy the fall festivities By Rachel Hennessy

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Recently the days have been getting darker earlier, the nights are becoming colder, and the leaves are turning into brilliant shades of rust and amber. After months of humid and heavy air, fall has finally arrived in Granby. For many, fall is their favorite season because it is the perfect temperature for bringing out sweaters and scarves. Heading further into the season, here are some fall festivities you can try with your family. There is absolutely nothing better than smelling the mouthwatering aroma of fresh apples wafting around your home. Therefore it is a necessity to make a trip to Clark Farms at Bushy Hill orchard to pick beautifully ripened apples. Not only is apple picking enjoyable, but the product created from the fruit is a delicious dessert! With Halloween at the end of the month, house decorations must be addressed. Mums add charisma to any home and can be paired nicely with Indian corn husks or fall wreaths from just over the border at Meadowview Farm in Southwick, Mass. Not to mention, pumpkins are arguably one of the most important decorations for the season. Size, color, and shape The lawn at South Congregational Church turned pumpkin patch. should all be judged to pick out the perfect one for carving or Photo by Peter Dinella decorating at the South Congregational Church. The fresh, crisp air of autumn presents the perfect seasonal start to think about your Thanksgiving pie orders by visiting entertainment. In North Granby there is the Hayes Corn Maze Lost Acres Farm. There is a fantastic selection of pies and that is worthy of viewing. Stumbling through the corn stalks cider and other quality foods to order. with friends and family close behind not only creates a sense This fall spend family time carving pumpkins, picking of bonding, but it is also challenges even those that are the apples, going on hikes, and decorating the house. Before you best with directions. Besides corn mazes, McLean Game know it, the days will become much colder, the tree branches Refuge is a fantastic location for lengthy hikes in the woods. will be bare and the activities you love most about fall will Surrounded by the environment of changing leaves and the be gone. Therefore grab your pumpkin spiced latte and enjoy peaceful sound of crunching leaves beneath your feet, a hike these fall festivities while they last. is a great way to venture outside to enjoy the weather. Finally,

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Students pose questions during BOE candidate forum By Debora Timms Students from Granby Memorial High School had the opportunity to question candidates seeking election to the Board of Education during an hour-long candidates’ forum on Sept. 27. The event was held to honor National Voter Registration Day and was hosted at the Town Hall by Registrars Laura Wolfe and Paul R. Willis and moderated by John Adams. All of the candidates on the ballot for the Nov. 7 municipal election participated in the forum. They received a list of questions drafted by GMHS civics students in advance of the event, but were not informed of the specific questions they would be asked. Kimberly L. Becker, Valorie A. Hollister and Brendan C. Webster represented the Democratic slate. Republicans were represented by Melissa E. Migliaccio, Stephen Royer and Sarah Thrall. Both Migliaccio and Royer are incumbent BOE members. GMHS seniors Nez Ahmad, Karly Fisher and Tiana Drossel asked the candidates questions over three rounds. The first two rounds were devoted to programming and budget questions, while the final round consisted of questions important to the students that didn’t fit into a single subject area. Every candidate was asked a different question, with the exception of a ‘bonus’ question written and asked by Drossel to finish the night. This question was not presented in advance and candidates were afforded the opportunity to answer it if they wished to. The event drew community members interested in hearing the candidates address a number of issues, as well as having a chance to learn more about the candidates themselves with their opening and closing remarks.

Registrars Laura Wolfe and Paul R. Willis with Board of Education candidates at the Candidates’ Forum. GMHS students crafted and presented questions in honor of National Voter Registration Day. Photo by Debora Timms

Round One programming questions were asked by Ahmad. She covered the need for advanced art classes, special education programs, Granby schools’ curriculum, programs for English language learners, whether the gifted student program will ever come back and thoughts on Granby’s One-to-One Computing Program. Candidates made opening statements following Round One due to an oversight by Adams, before the program moved on to Round Two and budget questions from Fisher. She covered candidate priorities with regard to class size, renegotiating teacher salaries, the way to adapt to a lack of funding from the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant, how extracurriculars such as music, drama and sports will be treated when considering cuts, declining enrollment numbers and increasing foreign language offerings.

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Drossel presented the Round Three questions, covering graduation requirements and the importance of Capstone, issues with the school dress code, weighting grades for AP and ECE classes, possibilities of instituting a No Homework policy, ways the BOE can improve anti-bullying efforts and the level of support Granby schools provide to the LGBTQ+ community. The bonus impromptu question from Drossel asked whether candidates saw lack of diversity as an issue in Granby, and how they might seek to increase diversity in both the faculty and the student body. Candidates Becker, Webster and Royer each offered answers. Becker pointed out that a recent seminar put on by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education had listed diversity as a statewide issue and identified the need to ensure support structures for minority staff and students were in place. Webster added that having more diversity

helps minority students because they are able to see themselves reflected in their teachers. It also exposes both the schools and the wider community to different cultures and ethnicities. Royer agreed that it is good when classrooms represent the diversity seen in real world situations such as the workforce, but also pointed out the importance of hiring the best, most qualified staff. During closing statements, all of the candidates agreed that Granby is facing a budget crisis that will require the board to make hard decisions over the coming school year. They each hoped to make their case for why voters should choose them in the municipal election. Another area where there was unanimous agreement was the importance of voting. Throughout the forum there were reminders to register to vote and take an active role within the community. Registering to vote in the Nov. 7 election must be done by Oct. 31. For eligible voters who miss this deadline and wish to vote, Election Day Registration (EDR) is available. To be eligible, unregistered voters must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older and able to provide proof of identity and proof of bonafide residence in Granby. EDR will take place at the Registrars’ office in Town Hall on Election Day. Those whose registrations are complete by 8 p.m. will be able to vote at Town Hall. For some in attendance, hearing the candidates’ sharing what they would bring to the board was enlightening. For Drossel, it helped her to make up her mind. “I definitely know who I’ll be voting for,” she said at the forum’s end. The forum was filmed live for Granby Community Television and can be viewed at: http://gctv16.org/viewshows/view/ granbyboardofeduca5/

Page 10 The Granby Drummer

TOOTH TALK

Our Town set for Nov. 3-5 at GMHS By Kate Hosack Granby Memorial High School announces its fall play, Our Town by Thornton Wilder, Nov. 3-5, in the school’s auditorium. The play is directed by Nikki Currie-Huggard. The students have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into this influential and introspective work that reflects on the gravity of simple everyday life. The play follows the lives of ordinary citizens in Grover’s Corners, N.H. Twelve years worth of ups and downs, stagnation and change. The whole story (which is my story, and your story, and everybody-you’ve-evermet’s story) is narrated by the “Stage Manager.” Senior Griffin Ware offers a

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November 2017

compelling performance as the “Stage Manager,” a demanding and impactful role, in his last GMHS play. Other seniors in the show include Conor Drennan (Mr. Webb), Jake Barrows (The Constable), Kurt Bryant (Dr. Gibbs), and Jacob Yoder (Professor Willard), Sam Nguyen (Man Among the Dead). Performances will be Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. We hope to see you there and thank you for your support of the performing arts! Coming in the Spring: GREASE!! March 16,17,18!

Senior Griffin Ware plays the “Stage Manager” in the 2017 GMHS production of Thornton WIlder’s Our Town.

Our Town

Performances Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 at 3 & 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. $10 for students and seniors $12 for adults

The cast of the GMHS 2017 production of Our Town. (Not pictured: Melena Kopf, Hunter Chicoine)

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 11

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

8 East Granby Road 10 acres with dwelling house and barn. Silas Higley, also a lawyer, only lived in the house for a few years. Adding to the tangled relationships in the neighborhood, his daughter Mary Theresa married Dr. Jairus Case, who eventually bought 4 East Granby Road. In 1822, the 10 acres and buildings were sold to Joshua R. Jewett for $1,400, “the place where Silas Higley now lives.” Jewett came to Granby in the 1790s and was a prominent man in town. He had a tavern license 1806 to 1808. He was Treasurer of the First School District. He was a Justice of the Peace and a Judge of Probate for many years. He also was a Representative in the General Assembly in 1813. Joshua R. Jewett married three times and had nine children. His first wife, Sybil Pettibone grew up in the Ozias Pettibone house n e x t d o o r. S h e gave birth to six children before her death in 1813. He then married Sarah Pelletreau Hillyer, daughter of Pliny Hillyer who lived on Salmon Brook Street. She died in childbirth in 1817, with her infant. His Frank, son of Charles and Mary Coffey in his fancy touring car. third wife was Mary Cossitt and they had three sons. A contemporary of Jewett described his for his coming marriage. In 1805, he character, “Judge Jewett was at one time married Betsey Pettibone, daughter of a leading man among the Free Masons of General Chauncey Pettibone and grandConnecticut. His mind was of a superior daughter of Ozias Pettibone, who was order and he possessed to a great degree building a house next door. the esteem and confidence of his fellow Andrew and Betsey Hillyer had four citizens.” children, Richard in 1806, Andrew Jewett remained in his home on East in 1808, Picton in 1810 and finally a Granby Road until his death in 1867. His daughter, Betsey Harriet Pettibone in daughter Harriet and son-in-law Grove 1814. Andrew, a lawyer, died of typhoid A. Pease, a tinsmith, were living in the fever in 1816, only 36 years old. His house in 1869. The next owner of the brother-in-law, William Lewis (married house was Charles Coffey. to Betsey’s sister Harriet Pettibone) was Coffey, born in 1852, was a poor boy named guardian of the four young chilwho lived with and was brought up by dren. All the people living in the area Anson Cooley. At first he worked on were related – Pettibone, Hillyer, Lewis Cooley’s farm. He married Mary Colton and Jewett. William Lewis lived nearby in 1877 and by 1880 had his own farm in at 18 East Granby Road (now the site of the Wells Road area. Charles and Mary the Medical Building). had two sons. He was First Selectman In 1820, in a complicated series of land in Granby in 1888, State Representative transactions, William Lewis, as guardian in 1891-2 and State Senator for the 3rd to the four Hillyer children, sold their District 1893-95. He had a keen intershares to Silas Higley and then Silas est in public affairs and was a man of Higley sold the property back to William marked ability. His wife Mary, taught a Lewis for $1,047.69. It was described as The center hall house at 8 East Granby Road was probably built about the same time as the neighboring houses (4 East Granby Road and 2 Park Place were both built in 1805). It was a Federal style when new, but many changes and alterations through the years caused people to think it was a Victorian structure. A lot of 9.5 acres was sold by Heamon Holcomb to Andrew D. Hillyer in 1804 for $161. 14. It was located “a little east of the head of Salmon Brook Street.” No house was mentioned in the deed. The following year, Hillyer bought an additional half acre to make his home lot 10 acres. Hillyer was 24 years old when he bought the property. He needed a home

Sunday School class at South Congregational Church, and members of her class formed a club that became the Granby Civic Club. He bought the house at 8 East Granby Road around 1892. In 1895, he decided to remodel his home, including the addition of indoor plumbing. Local papers reported “Senator C o ff e y i s m a k i n g his house look like a modern and new one.” 8 East Granby Road prior to renovations. “Senator Coffey comthe General Assembly as well as State menced remodeling his Senator. He was chairman of the Salmon house Monday. H. E. Cooley having the Brook Lighting District, helped with fire contract. The nails used in the construcprotection, was a deacon in South Church tion of this house were made in Newgate and a director of the local YMCA. Lilprison, and are sought after as relics.” ian was also active in the South Church In the early 1900s Coffey became a Women’s Society, a DAR member and speculator in apples and in 1913, he a member of the Woman’s Club of Hartmoved to Lyons, N.Y., where he started ford. They lived in the house until their a produce business, organizing the Lyons deaths, Clement in 1941 and Lilian in Cold Storage Company. He continued 1957. his interest in politics and in 1928 was Their son Storrs and wife Talitha (Tila presidential elector on the Republican ley) inherited the house. Storrs was also ticket. an insurance company executive. The The next resident of the house was Brighams lived there until 1963, when Clement H. Brigham, a Hartford fire inthey built a modern home behind the old surance agent (and later a vice-president) homestead. The property was then sold to who traveled the suburban areas. He bePeter and Sarah (Redi) Leake. They were came enchanted with Granby as an ideal the last to live in 8 East Granby Road as a country town in which to live. In 1902 private home, and followed the tradition he rented the old Granby Hotel for the of active community involvement. summer. From 1909 to 1912 he rented the At least eight different families lived house next to the parsonage. Finally, in in this home and the laughter of their 1913, he purchased the Coffey property. children may still echo in the halls. Before moving in, he hired W. E. Connell The house has been standing across “to make a thorough renovation of the from the Green for 212 years and Brigham house.” through many renovations. It is an inClement and Lilian Brigham were tegral part of the history of our town. active in church, town and community. He served as Granby Representative in

2018 GMHS Grad Night help and support needed By Thérèse Mulvey The GMHS Grad Night is held at the Granby YMCA every year on graduation night and offers a free, fun-filled, substance-free event in June of next year. The 2018 event cannot happen without volunteers to help with food, room set-up, decorations and chaperoning. If you are interested in volunteering, please join us for the Nov. 14 meeting at 7 p.m. in the media center at GMHS. The event is chaperoned by underclassmen parents not by the senior parents so volunteers are needed. If you can’t attend but want to help, please contact the following individuals: Room set up: Contact Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com

Food (set up or pick up from businesses): Contact Michelle DeGagne at mdegagne@cox.net Chaperones: Contact Joan Kuhnly at joan.kuhnly@gmail.com In addition to volunteering, you can also contribute to this great event with a fun activity—Flocking! Help raise money for the 2018 Safe Grad Night by surprising your friends with a flock of Pink Flamingos roosting on their lawn for 48 hours. The birds mysteriously migrate when the time is up and go on to roost at another address. To participate in the Flocking, make a small donation of $25 to the Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation. For more information, please email Michelle DeGagne mdegagne@cox.com to schedule a flocking for fun and fundraising.

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November 2017

The History of Daylight Saving Time and how it began By John R. Nieb Setting the clocks ahead one hour in spring begins Daylight Saving Time for the year. The change from standard time during the summer months, and back one hour to Standard Time in the fall takes better advantage of natural daylight. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. When people set their clocks ahead one hour, they lose an hour of sleep, but gain an hour of sleep when they set their clocks back one hour. In 1784, Benjamin Franklin, one of the country’s founding fathers, was living in Paris the summer he wrote an essay titled An Economical Project, which suggested the idea of Daylight Saving Time. Franklin was not practicing going to bed early and waking up early. One morning he was awakened by the summer sun at 6 a.m., which lead him to write the essay suggested that Parisians should wake up at dawn so they could rely on sunshine instead of candles. That was one of Franklin’s ways of saving money. Even though Franklin proposed the idea of changing sleep schedules and not time itself, some people give him the honor of inventing Daylight Saving Time. In 1895 New Zealand, George Hudson, an entomologist, worked at the post office during the day and did a majority of his bug hunting after work. Hudson was irritated by the fact that the sun set early during standard time. Hudson wrote a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society proposing that clocks should be set two hours ahead to gain more daylight time for bug collecting and people could enjoy evening activities in daylight. Clocks could be switched back to “standard” time during the winter when people and insects were less likely to be outside. People rejected the idea at first because they thought it was pointless and difficult to understand. In 1905, William Willett, an Englishman and promoter of “Summer Time”, was on an early-morning horseback ride around the deserted outskirts of London when he came up with the idea that the United Kingdom should set its clocks ahead 80 minutes between April and October so people could take advantage of having more natural daylight in their days. In 1907, Willett proposed the idea to the British Parliament in a brochure titled The Waste of Daylight. Willet spent a lot of personal time on getting

the best use of “summer time.” As the years went by, Parliament turned down the idea of Daylight Saving Time. Since Willett died from influenza at the age of 58 in 1915, he never saw his idea passed as a law. In 1908, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, was the first town to put Daylight Saving Time into effect. Germany was the first country in the world to use Daylight Saving Time when it changed its clocks on April 30, 1916. Germany switched to save on electricity. Weeks later, the United Kingdom started taking advantage of “Summer Time.” On March 19, 1918, the United States passed its first law on Daylight Saving Time to save money on fuel. It passed the year after the United States entered World War I. It was implemented on March 31, 1918 and was observed for seven months. The United States Chamber of Commerce was in favor of the law because people could leave work in daylight, which meant there was a higher chance that they would go shopping in the evening. Many people believe that Daylight Saving Time was implemented to give farmers more daylight to work in the fields. However, Daylight Saving Time was implemented in the United States as a wartime measure, and the agricultural industry was against the time change. It is the sun and not the clocks that determine the farmers’ schedules, which meant that Daylight Saving Time disrupted their work schedules. Farmers waited an hour longer for the dew to dry before harvesting hay. They worked fewer hours because everyone still ate dinner at the same time. They couldn’t meet shipping schedules because the cows were not ready to be milked an hour earlier. In 1919, the agricultural industry fought to revoke national daylight saving time, and Congress responded by repealing the law. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the repeal and, in return,

Congress overrode his veto. Standard Time returned. After the 1919 national repeal, some states and cities, such as New York City and Chicago, stayed in the habit of changing clocks. During Wo r l d Wa r I I , Daylight Saving Time returned, but was revoked three weeks after the war ended, which left people confused about how to set their clocks. States could choose when to begin and end Daylight Saving Time on a yearly basis. In 1963, Time Magazine referred to this as “a chaos of clocks.” In 1965, there were 23 different start and end dates in Iowa. St. Paul, Minn. started its Daylight Saving Time schedule two weeks before Minneapolis. The 35-mile bus route from Steubenville, Ohio to Moundsville, W.Va. went through seven different time changes. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized Daylight Saving Time to the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. However, states could choose to stay on standard time all year long. Hawaii and Arizona, except for the Navajo Nation, the United States territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, remain on standard time all year long. There are also some Amish communities that don’t observe Daylight Saving Time. In 1972, Congress revised the Uniform Time Act allowing states with two or more time zones to observe Daylight Saving in one zone and not the other. About one-quarter of the world’s population in 70 countries observes Daylight Saving Time. The rest don’t because their daylight hours don’t vary from season to

NOTCH ROAD APPLIANCE

653-7147

P r o v i d i n g

EXPERT APPLIANCE REPAIR t o G r a n b y a n d s u r r o u n d i n g t o w n s f o r m o r e t h a n 4 0 y e a r s

season, especially closer to the equator. On the equator, daylight and nighttime hours are always equal in length. When the oil embargo went into effect in 1973, President Richard Nixon wanted Daylight Saving Time observed all year long. On January 4, 1974, Nixon signed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act of 1973. With that law, Daylight Saving Time started on January 6, 1974. On October 5, 1974, Congress changed the Act and Standard Time began once again on October 27, 1974. The following year, Daylight Saving Time lasted from February 23, 1975 to October 26, 1975. It was only a brief trial because people were afraid of children getting hit by cars when it was dark outside. In 1986, the United States observed Daylight Saving Time for seven months. From 1986 to 2006, Daylight Saving Time lasted from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Daylight Saving Time lasted from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The extension of Daylight Saving Time took place in 2007. Even though Willet sought Daylight Saving Time as a way to save energy, a United States Department of Transportation study held in the 1970s proved that the total electricity savings affiliated with Daylight Saving Time was about one percent during the spring and autumn months. When Indiana started to observe Daylight Saving Time in 2006, economists at the University of California at Santa Barbara concluded that the state was spending one percent more money in residential electricity use because of air conditioning during the summer and heating from the late autumn to the early spring. Before going to bed on the night of November 4, 2017, don’t forget to set the clock back one hour.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Women’s Breakfast

Intonations, a Simsbury-based singing group with Granby residents, will perform at the Granby Women’s Breakfast at the Senior Center on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m. Breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $4. Call Corrine Dickerson 860 653-9891. Remember to bring a Food Bank donation.

Swedish Pancake Breakfast and More

The Youth from Pilgrim Covenant Church are hosting a Swedish Pancake Breakfast and Scandinavian Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 18, 8–10 a.m. at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook Street. This is a donation breakfast benefiting the youth groups. Swedish pancakes, bacon, sausage and breakfast beverages will be served by the youth, and delicious Scandinavian and other home-baked goods will be available for sale. The Senior High Youth Group (grades 9–12) meets Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and the Junior High Youth Group (grades 7–8) meets Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the church. Youth Pastor Matt Gillis can be reached at 860-392-8160.

Veterans Honored

Granby Public Library will sponsor a Veteran’s Day Conversation on Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at the flag memorial at the town’s municipal complex entrance for a ceremony honoring military veterans, then head inside to the library to join in a conversation with local veterans. Light refreshments.

Civic Club

The Granby Civic Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. in the Senior Center, with guest speaker Sherry Danalis from the Nehemiah House. Sherry and her husband, Stephen, are the founders of the Nehemiah House. According to Sherry, “At Nehemiah House we are empowering women who are facing unplanned pregnancy and homelessness, giving a home during pregnancy and help to change the trajectory of their outcomes.” Guests and new members are welcome to come and hear about the inspiring and uplifting work that is going on in our community. For more information please contact Ginny Wutka at ginny@lostacres.com.

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

MS Support

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets at the Senior Center at 1 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Meaghan at 860-428-2463.

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Nov. 6, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The meeting topic will be Painting with Light. The scavenger hunt words are: ablaze, polygon and favorite. To learn more about the club, please visit www.GranbyCameraClub. com.

FV-VNA Blood Pressure Screenings

The Farmington Valley VNA’s free blood pressure screenings are available without appointment Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9–10:30 a.m., at the YMCA in Granby; Monday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., at East Granby Senior Center; Monday, Nov. 20, 1–2 p.m. at East Hartland Town Hall; Thursdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at Granby Senior Center.

by e-mail:

by post: The Granby Drummer P. O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165

editor@granbydrummer.org

Out of Town NEAM announces Veterans Day program The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks will hold its annual event, A Tribute to our Veterans, Servicemen and Servicewomen, on Saturday, Nov. 11. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to meet and talk one-on-one with veterans of WWII, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Visitors are encouraged to bring new personal hygiene products that will be donated to a local veteran’s home. An area will be set aside for children to make holiday cards for veterans. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, and closed on Mondays

during the winter season. Admission is $12.50 for ages 12 and up, $11.50 for seniors 65 and up and $7 for ages 4 to 11. Members, children under 3, veterans and active duty personnel are admitted free. For more information and directions please visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305.

Copper Hill Church Events

Copper Hill United Methodist Church, 27 Copper Hill in East Granby, will host several events this month. All area residents are welcome.

Turkey Dinner A turkey dinner will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. The menu includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, bread stuffing, peas, turnip, rolls, butter, hot and cold beverages, and apple or pumpkin pie. Cost for adults is $12; under 12 is $6; pre-schoolers are free. Call Susan at 860-668-1031 to make reservations. Holiday Bazaar The holiday bazaar will be Friday, Nov. 17, 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Home made crafts and home-baked food will be available for sale both days. A soup luncheon is available on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Faith Matters Paying Attention “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” ~ Mary Oliver How many “devices” are demanding your attention right this moment? Is it the radio? TV? A fitness tracker reminding you to get up and walk? Are the three books you downloaded last week on your Kindle calling out to you? Did you just hear your smartphone ping, alerting you to a new message? While our relationship to technology continues to advance, so does our dependence on it. I no longer have to subscribe to a newspaper to learn of yesterday’s news. I rarely use a postage stamp since contacting friends and family is as easy as my messaging app. And that meeting I attended last week? No need to drive, since we convened in an online conference room. With technology we can meet people, raise funds, or advocate for a cause we believe in with a simple swipe, tap, or click. I LOVE our communication technology. But how often do we pause to consider what’s being lost? I learned a new word this week. “Phubbing” is when you ignore the person you are with because you are looking at your phone. Ouch. We’ve all been there, either as the phubber or phubbee. It’s become such a normal part of life that we scarcely notice. Studies show it’s not harmless. The constant interruptions we allow disrupt our actual, present-moment, in-person relationships—which tend to be our most important ones. If you are in conversation and see the other person’s eyes wander, you intuitively understand that their mind is wandering. We feel unheard, de-valued, disrespected. Paying attention is hard, especially in our high-tech, social media rich environment. But the present moment is worthy of our full attention—whether it’s our 14 year old breathlessly recounting the afternoon’s field hockey practice, the tang of the late autumn air, or simply washing the dishes. For all the positive benefits our technology brings, our reliance on it has the potential to rob us of what is of most value. Paying attention does not mean you accept every moment as perfect or even desirable; but before you update your status, engage your present surroundings. Pause to take it in, and feel grateful for the gift of the present!

Ginny McDaniel Senior Minister

Worship Sundays 10am The Harbor - Sundays 5:30pm GCrew - Sundays 7pm

First Congregational Church of Granby 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT

860-653-4537

www.firstchurchgranby.org

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Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. COSSITT PUBLIC LIBRARY Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 to 5 p.m. Find us online Town of Granby (www.granby-ct. gov); use the links to join us on Facebook and Pinterest. Pre-registration is required for many programs: 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt); gplibrary@ granby-ct.gov (email). Closings Both libraries will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. BUDGET IMPACT UPDATE Because of the spending freeze and pending budget cuts the library will not have Sunday open hours this year; other reductions in public service hours are pending. The library will drop several online databases (InstantFlix, OnePlay and Bookflix). Reminder that patrons can order materials, renew materials and pay fines through the Encore Online Catalog. The Holds limitations have been lifted and delivery service reinstated, so please don’t hesitate to use this capability. We thank you for your patience during this difficult time.

Granby Public Library

Book Clubs These clubs are free and open to the public. Copies of the selected titles or author’s works available at the main library. Something About The Author: Monday, Nov. 6, 1:30 p.m. Discussing author P.D. James. Copies of James’ works are available before the meeting. Around the World: Monday, Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. Reading House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout (Country: Somalia). Copies available for registered participants. SciFi/Fantasy: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Reading Embassytown by China Mieville. Copies available for registered participants. Adult and Teen Programs Come Write In: Meeting at both GPL and Cossitt for your convenience. Thursdays, Nov. 2 and 16, 6 – 7:45 p.m. at Granby Library. Tuesdays, Nov. 14 and 28, 6 – 7:45 p.m. at Cossitt Library. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-yourpants approach to creative fiction writing. Thursday sessions feature Writing Sprints; Tuesday sessions are Write-Ins with fellow scribes. Call or check the library calendar for more free events scheduled with our NaNoWriMo partners, Simsbury and West Hartford public libraries; raffles and light refreshments for attendees. Money and My Honey: Mondays, Nov. 6 and 13, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Need help getting on the same financial page with your partner? Nancy Fellinger, CFP, will explain how to organize and manage personal finances. Pick up tips for creating a financial plan, cash flow system, and net worth statement; learn more about estate planning and

understanding future tax considerations. Registration recommended. Awesome Appetizers: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Looking for new appetizers to serve family and friends this holiday season? Join Julie Wern, food blogger and chef instructor, for a cooking demo featuring tasty and delicious appetizers that are easy and fun to make. Registration required. Veteran’s Day Conversation: Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. What does it mean to be a veteran? Find out when you hear local veterans share their stories and recollections first-hand. All ages are invited to join a community conversation. Meet at the flag memorial at the town’s municipal complex entrance for a ceremony to honor the special occasion, then head inside the library for the community conversation. Attendees have the opportunity to listen and ask questions of our honored guests. Light refreshments will be served. Winter Weather with meteorologist Brad Field: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Meteorologist Brad Field shares his thoughts about the coming winter season—more snow? warmer temps? Get the scoop from an expert, and remember author Mark Twain once opined, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.” Registration recommended. The Art of Chainsaw Carving: Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 – 3 p.m. on the library lawn. Foul weather date is Sunday, Nov. 19.) Meet local artist and landscape architect Barbara Schmitt and watch as her skill with a chainsaw transforms a block of wood into art. All ages are welcome on the Reading Terrace for hot beverages and tasty treats while Barbara works her magic. Registration encouraged. Crafters Café, Holiday Bags and Tags: Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Create festive bags and tags to adorn holiday packages. Paula Montes, crafter extraordinaire, offers decorative inspiration in this free workshop for adults. All materials supplied; space limited. Registration required. Coming in early December Author Talk with Steve Rushin: Monday, Dec. 4, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Steve Rushin, award-winning writer for Sports Illustrated and 2006 National Sportswriter of the Year, shares his story and most recent release, Sting-Ray Afternoons. It’s a story of the 1970s, a memoir of growing up in a landscape of Mr. Clean, Bic pens, disaster movies, and those oh-so-coveted Schwinn StingRay bikes. Registration recommended. Children’s Program Music Explorers with Jessica Pietrosanti: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. Sing, clap and move to music! Preschoolers with caregivers can sing songs, experience steady beat, and perform rhythms as we move to familiar tunes and new music. Please register. ZUMBA, ages 5–11: Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Join us for a fun-filled session. Preregistration is required as space is limited to 12. R.E.A.D. Dog, all ages: Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sign up for an individual session to read to Shukuru, a 9-year-old blind cocker spaniel. Shukuru is a certified R.E.A.D. dog that loves to listen to stories or have children tell him about the pictures in a book.

Call 860-844-5284 to register or sign up in person at Granby Library. Craft Week: Monday – Saturday, Nov. 13–18. Drop in anytime during the week and create a fun project to take home. All materials supplied. Preschool Story Time, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. Children with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome. Wee Ones Story Time, for birth to 2 years: Thursdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. (No Nov. 23). Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for babies and toddlers, with a caregiver. Drop-ins welcome, space permitting. Family Movie Nights: Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29 (no Nov. 22) beginning at 6 p.m. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film, we’ll even provide the popcorn. Movie titles are posted 1–2 weeks in advance. No registration needed, all ages welcome. COSSITT LIBRARY Cossitt Craft Days: Thursday, Nov. 2; Saturday, Nov. 4; Tuesday, Nov. 7; Thursday, Nov. 9. Who, who, who hoots for you? Drop by the Children’s Room at Cossitt Library to create a friendly woodland owl. Suitable for young children with a caregiver’s help. All materials supplied; no registration. A Long, Long Way to Tipperary: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 – 3 p.m. New England Experiences the War to End All Wars is a presentation by historian Dennis Picard. Trenches, barbed wire and No Man’s Land are all associated with

World War I. Through artifacts and anecdotes Picard explores the war on a personal scale. Learn more about the war’s impact in New England as we mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. military entering WWI. Registration recommended. Do-Re-Mi: Tuesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2 – 2:30 p.m. We’ll start at the very beginning; it’s a very good place to start. Enjoy songs, rhymes, finger plays and more with Miss Jessica. Preschoolers are invited to join the musical merriment with a caregiver. Registration recommended. Astronomy for All: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2 – 3 p.m. All ages are welcome to explore the universe with Scott Tracy, retired science teacher and member of the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford. Black holes and meteorites, constellations and dark matter, and an introduction to the telescope—it’s all in this first session. Registration recommended. Miss Heather’s Special Craft Time: Saturday, Nov. 11, 3 – 4 p.m. Saturday afternoons at Cossitt are fun for little ones when Miss Heather brings her crafting talents to the library. All materials supplied for this seasonally appropriate project. No registration. Author Talk with Heather Lagace: Friday, Nov. 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Heather Lagace is a licensed professional counselor, adjunct professor, and author. Her most recent book, I Am in My Life for Keeps: A Course in Thriving, is a helpful guide that focuses on building habits that influence wellbeing. Registration recommended.

Smile for your Friends

Did you know that you can donate money to the Friends of Granby Public Library buying things you would normally buy, and making your purchases on smile.amazon.com? The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate .5 percent of each qualified purchase to the Friends. Items are marked as being eligible for this donation. By logging onto the smile.amazon.com website, and choosing the Friends as your designated charitable organization, every time you make a purchase, the ch-ching rings and money goes into the Friends account. It’s a painless way to make donations to the Friends. With back to school needs, holiday purchases and every day needs, please consider this simple step. The Friends will thank you!

Friends of Granby Public Library had a great 35th!

Now that the Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) Used Book Sale is in the books (pun intended), the 35th was one to celebrate! Netting over $9,800, this was one of the best years yet in terms of revenue. It was also a record year for donations accepted, volunteers involved and fun. Accepting donations all summer, sorting and boxing up the books, and then setting up for the book sale is a huge endeavor. There are many people to thank. Donors from all around brought their gently worn books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, games, toys and puzzles, among other things. These items were carefully examined, sorted into many specific categories and then presented for sale in an organized, beautiful manner. As the primary fundraiser for the Friends, everyone looks forward to this used book sale. Dealers with online businesses, homeschoolers, bibliophiles and everyone in between shops at the threeday sale every year.

With state budget pressures and an uncertain fiscal future, the Friends will be even more heavily involved in supporting GPL. You’re invited to continue to support the Friends by shopping at the book table which is set up at GPL. Throughout the coming months, books, puzzles, games and other items will be featured on the table. Look for specials to cover gift items for the holiday season, Mother’s and Father’s days, and all those special holidays to come. These items are in excellent condition, and are a tremendous value. Membership in the Friends is another way to support GPL. Please visit the GPL website (www.granby-ct.gov/granbypublic-library-system) and look for the Friends link. Membership forms are also available at the library desk. Many thanks for a great book sale, and thank you for your support.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Stony Hill Village board president retires June 2 marked the end of an era at Stony Hill Village, one of Granby’s low-income housing facilities. Longtime Granby resident Ted Christensen, the president of the board of directors at Stony Hill, tendered his resignation to the other board members. Ted’s 42-year career at Stony Hill very nearly spanned the existence of the village, which was founded in 1972. Ted became president of the board in 2000. Ted’s responsibilities extended beyond leading the board in overseeing the maintenance of the facility, to serving as master of ceremonies, running resident events and sometimes providing entertainment by performing a song or telling a joke. Ted’s skill and enthusiasm in serving in these various capacities will be missed. On Sept. 17, a party was held in Ted’s honor at the home of Maggie and Bill

Percival. Ted and his wife Sandy, who moved to Granby in 1961, joined family, current and past board members and Stony Hill staff to celebrate Ted’s long and illustrious tenure. Percival, who is succeeding Ted as president, read a poem that culminated with, “Ted, we know how you like to get your own way, so we all pitched in and got you your own way!”

Ted was then presented with a street sign reading, “Ted Christensen’s Way.” The sign will mark one of the walkways or driveways at the Village, forever a reminder to residents, staff, board members and visitors of the man who has done so much for that community.

Give Granby History for Christmas

On Saturday Dec. 2, the Salmon Brook Historical Society will be Decked Out for Christmas. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the public is invited to tour the main floors of both the Weed-Enders House c. 1790 and the Abijah Rowe House c. 1732. The Abijah Rowe House has an 1800’s appearance and has been furnished from the Mary Edwards’ Bunce Collection. You will see both original architecture and early 19th century remodeling in this house. Come view the elegant Victorian Parlor in the Weed-Enders House. Also located in the Weed-Enders House you will find The Museum Store featuring many Granby history books, maps, post cards, note cards and other Granby memorabilia. The Salmon Brook Historical Society is located at 208 Salmon Brook Street. On this day tours are free to the public. Photo by Peter Dinella

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First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly then presented Christensen with a proclamation, proclaiming September 17, 2017, “Ted Christensen Appreciation Day.” Kuhnly further extended “the Town of Granby’s gratitude for his many contributions made to Stony Hill Village and the Town of Granby.” Stony Hill Village comprises 49 apartments. Recently, and largely through the efforts of Christensen, a community development block grant was awarded to Stony Hill Village that will be used for refurbishment of buildings and grounds that are not 45 years old. Ted and Sandy Christensen with 1st Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly. Submitted photos

GLT Art Talk: Learn about the artistic process Join us on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 7-9 p.m., for a fun, casual and free event, where we will discuss a number of the works of art that are part of this year’s Granby Land Trust Juried Art Show, Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty. Complimentary light refreshments will be served and Lost Acres Vineyard wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Artists Laura Eden and Bill Simpson will lead an interactive discussion with a number of artists who are in the show, giving you an opportunity to hear the artists’ perspectives on what inspires them and on the artistic process. The event will be held at Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery, 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby. Space is limited so PLEASE REGISTER with Laurie Schock at sgschock@cox.net or by calling 860-989-3430.

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November 2017

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bhhsNEproperties.com bhhsNEproperties.com Granby | 22 Hartford Avenue | T 860-653-4507 Granby | operated 22 Hartford Avenue | T 860-653-4507 © 2016 An independently member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2016 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity.

November 2017

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 17

LAUREN YARGER

cially Come from Away, were based on true stories. For this show’s initial performance the actual p e o p l e from Gander came to watch the actors portray the events they had lived through. What is the most challenging part of being a theater critic? It is difficult to be completely fair at times. I must be truthful. Theater tickets are very expensive and audiences need and want to know a bit about what they are coming to see. If I show disappointment, I am very careful to give a thorough explanation of my viewpoint. From having written plays myself I know that playwrights are sensitive and one must tread lightly. Oftentimes, though, writers are glad for feedback from a reliable source. I have to walk the line between harsh, unjustified criticism and the mother who loves everything a certain author writes. Critics as a whole tend to be in line with each other’s thinking; it is rare that they are far off base. A number of playwrights do learn from the pieces we write. What is something you are currently involved in? I enjoy my time as a playwright and I am busy forming a theater company with a partner. I have been writing an adaptive autobiography of Jennifer O’Neill. You may remember her from the film, Summer of ’42. She was a model, cover girl and still is an actress. Recently her mother passed away and this, of course,

Theater critic, playwright and producer Member of Drama Desk Outer Critic’s Circle, NY and CT Age: 57 Tell about your job… I cover Broadway and off-Broadway shows in New York City along with Connecticut professional theater. I write critiques for the Bushnell, Goodspeed, Westport Playhouse, Theater works, Hartford Stage and playhouses in New Haven. My busiest season is the spring, then summer and fall. Winter is quieter as often the venues are having seasonal productions. Recently, I attended an offBroadway play called, The Treasurer, and completed its write-up. I did the same for a classic stage production of As You like It. Come from Away was one of my favorite shows last year. I liked the messages it presented, especially that mankind will find a way to reach out in time of great need. The story was about a little town in Newfoundland and it reminded me of the people in Granby. It showed how people going about their everyday life had to drop everything and help out so that those stranded on the planes that landed there could be fed and taken care of. (This story is about planes full of passengers that had to land in Gander, Newfoundland order to clear airspace on 9/11). Everyone who has seen this play liked it. People come out of the theater filled with positive emotions. One of my friends went to see it and then called me and said, “Lauren, you didn’t warn me!” because she became quite emotional while watching the show. There were some other really good musicals last year and this made for a lot of competition. Part of the appeal was that some productions, espe-

has had an impact on her life story. I know Jennifer and also knew her mother personally; this will truly be a sad part. How would you describe Granby to someone who has never been to New England? Small town. Very rural in nature. People who live here are nice, caring individuals. It is not necessarily a typical New England town with a downtown that has antique shops, seafood shacks and ocean water. Granby is quiet and peaceful. I love the signs on the town green and feel that people here are very willing to come to the aid of others. Visually, it has five roads that converge in what would be

termed the epicenter of the town. Near this epicenter are plenty of older homes, (100-plus years old). There aren’t any sidewalks and the best features of the town are rather spread out. By that I mean its shops, vineyards, horse farms, etc. Although it has this rural nature the people are essentially quite sophisticated as one can easily get to Hartford, New York or Boston from Granby. This is what makes our town quite unique. I myself can commute to New York on Metro North railroad and then come home to a quiet, relaxed town. It is not a suburb but a town that truly has its own identity. To read Lauren’s reviews, visit ctarts. blogspot.com

Salmon Brook Music Series begins Nov. 11 By Carole Bernard As the holidays approach, and winter will soon be upon us, mark your calendars for some lights at the end of those long, dark days. The Salmon Brook Music Series at South Congregational Church is ready to rock in the new year and beyond. After Natalie Gelman brings a combination of folk/country/pop performs on Nov. 11, Albino Tree will kick off 2018 with their show on Saturday, Jan. 27. Described as having an Elvis Costello vibe, their show is sure to entertain. Following them on March 10 will be Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood, two incredible artists who combine their talents into a two-man show. Winning acclaim all over Europe, these two performers will be touring around New England. They will warm the night and kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Granby. South Church also encourages youth talent by having students from local

schools perform as openers at these concerts. Showcasing their amateur skills to a hometown crowd is a great way for these artists to gain experience and show their friends and family what they’ve got. Please come and support them. The Salmon Brook Music Hall, located at 242 Salmon Brook Street (Rts. 10/202) in Granby (South Church), is a relaxing and casual environment, especially family friendly and fully accessible. Check out the website at www.southchurchgranby. org for more information. Tickets for these concerts are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. The doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 shows, which will feature an intermission with refreshments available. Tickets can be reserved by calling Arlene at 860-916-5066 or purchased at www.salmonbrookmusicseries.com. Funds raised at this concert support the mission and goals of South Congregational Church, which include local, regional, national and international projects.

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

Public Works Transfer Station hours: the transfer station will be open Wednesday mornings (8 a.m. to noon) through November 15, 2017. Trash Holiday: Please be aware that Thursday, Nov. 23, (Thanksgiving) is a holiday for Paine’s and all Thursday and Friday trash/recycling pickups will be delayed by one day that week. It can be confusing to remember which holidays delay trash service but there are a number of places you can find the answer. Trash holidays are listed on the yearly recycling schedule and also on the Public Works page on the town website. You can call the DPW during business hours or sign up for e-mail alerts from Paine’s Inc. Don’t worry they won’t swamp your inbox. Notifications are only sent if there is a holiday or weather event that will affect trash service. Sign up at www.painesinc.com Extra Trash: What do you do if you have extra trash? In these instances, town approved “extra trash” bags are

available for purchase. The bags are $2 each. Paine’s will pick up ONLY these designated purple bags. Place the purple bags next to your trash barrel on your regular trash day. The “extra trash” bags are available at Granby Public Works, 52 North Granby Road from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or from the Transfer Station attendant during Transfer Station hours Out by 6: Please remember that trash and recycling barrels need to curbside by 6 a.m. on your scheduled day of pick up. Please do not assume that the truck will arrive at the “usual time”. Routes start at 6 a.m. and the time it takes to get to your home can vary due to a number of factors. Recycling questions?: There is a great new resource to support Connecticut residents with their recycling efforts. www.recyclect.com. Sign on and try out the recycling wizard. Simply type in the name of an item and you will be directed on how to dispose of it properly.

Auxiliary to hold guided hike through McLean Game Refuge

McLean Game Refuge. Photo by Peter Dinella

The McLean Auxiliary will hold a guided hike in the McLean Game Refuge on Saturday, Oct. 28. Hikers will gather at the Barndoor Hills picnic area, 150 Barndoor Hills Road, at 9:30 a.m. The easy-to-moderate hike, which is open to the public, will be led by Connor Hogan, Game Refuge Director. Hikers will learn about the history of the McLean Game Refuge, management practices of the refuge, flora and fauna, ecology and ge-

ology of the refuge, and other items of interest to the hikers. Attendees will also learn about the McLean Auxiliary after the hike when simple refreshments will be served in the picnic area. There is no charge for this hike, but donations to the McLean Auxiliary will be accepted. The hike will be held rain or shine, except in cases of extreme weather. To RSVP or for more information, call 860-658-3710.

November 2017

Team Stop & Shop aids relocated pets from Houston storm

With the help of its wonderful customers, Stop & Shop employees collected over 1,000 pet products for the Connecticut Humane Society to help with the pets relocated there from Houston. Stop & Shop thanks all who helped make this happen!

Gaia’s Lament Harvey, Irma, and Jose Three historic, horrific, humongous hurricanes One right after another And another and another Wreaking havoc wherever they wandered Islands, big and small Peninsulas, even the mainland, too. Natural occurrences? Yes . . . but Augmented and enhanced by the warm ocean waters. What is happening to the beautiful land I gave to you, my beloved children? Jungles, forests, woodlands, even meadows to give you oxygen hold the soil in place allow the earth to absorb rainfall provide food and shelter for people and animals BUT . . . . What have you done? You are destroying it! You have cut them down Or plowed them up. Replacing them with buildings, parking lots, roads But none of these can absorb rainfall, As a result: You now have mudslides, sinkholes, floods Dried up forests consumed by fire Wildlife unable to find shelter and/or food So they look for food where people live Invading your backyards. And that’s just a fraction of the damage You are doing to Mother Earth. You must change your ways NOW Or it will be forever too late! — Emily Messenger, September 2017 Note: In ancient Greece Gaia was the ancestral mother of all life: the primal Mother Earth goddess.

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Happenings at the Center THE “SKINNY” ON NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES Here Comes the Judge! Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Presented by Judge Robyn Johnson and the State of CT Judge Speakers Bureau. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a judge? You will learn about the appointment process, types of assignments, different experiences they have had, biggest challenges and the most interesting and challenging cases. No charge. Korean Culture and Lotus Flower Lantern Project: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m. The members of the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project will help you make a lovely lotus flower lantern using colorful paper and wire frames. A short documentary film on Korean artistic tradition will be shown as an introduction to the aesthetics of Korea, and traditional Korean refreshments will be served. Cost $5. Register by Thursday, Nov. 2. Choosing Wisely When Antibiotics Are Prescribed: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1 p.m. Presented by Qualidigm, the program will help you understand the problem of antibiotics resistance, how you can effectively talk to your doctor about prescribed antibiotics and how this class of drugs should be used. Register by Nov. 7. Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 16, 12 p.m. We will serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and pies. This is a favorite so sign up early! Entertainment will be provided by local musician Tim Mayock. Cost $7. Register by Thursday, Nov. 9. Connecticut’s Earliest European Settlers: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m. Presented by Brian Jones, CT State Archaeologist. During the past three years, archaeologists have unearthed clues about Connecticut’s early colonial past at three different sites. Learn about the state’s earliest European settlers and how modern radar-based surveys are helping to find these long-forgotten sites. Cost $5. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 21. Commission on Aging: Monday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. The Commission on Aging proposes and evaluates programs and services for the elderly in the community, and assists the town staff in the development, initiation, coordination, and implementation of programs and services for the elderly. Meetings are open to the public. Veteran’s Coffee: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. Presented by Hartford HealthCare at Home. A monthly coffee to learn about benefits, entitlements and other services. Veteran liaison Wayne Rioux will facilitate the discussion. Refreshments provided by MeadowBrook of Granby. No charge but registration is requested; drop-ins are also welcome. Call 860-844-5350. Lunch for the Mind: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12:30 p.m. Poetry, a Reflection of Life, presented by Laura Mazza-Dixon. There will be poetry and open mic time for sharing. Register by calling 860-844-5350. Bring your own lunch, dessert and beverages will be provided. Cost is $5. Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (www.daysforgirls.org) sewing for women in need of sanitary products around the world. Need sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860653-5752 or josiklein@sbcglobal.net.

JUST FOR FUN! These events are free and drop-in unless otherwise noted. Monday Morning Coffee: Mondays, 8:45 a.m. Mexican Train: Mondays, 9:45 a.m. Coloring Class: Tuesdays, 10 a.m., supplies provided. Setback: Tuesdays, 2 p.m. Artist Group: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Poets: Wednesdays, Nov. 8 and 22 at 10:30 a.m. Needleworks: Thursdays, 10 a.m. Beading: Fridays, 9:30 a.m. Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. Do you want to make lovely, original hand-crafted greetings cards? Learn the basics of creating your own greeting cards, no experience necessary. Register by calling 860844-5350. Cost $5.

Grab-n-Go! or Sit-n-Stay! Every Friday the Granby Senior Club Café offers soup and sandwiches for only $5. Lunch includes a cup of soup and your choice of one of two sandwiches. Eat your meal at the center or take it to go. Menus are posted at the Senior Center and on website (www.granby-ct.gov/senior-services). This is a great way to enjoy the company of friends throughout the winter months. Walk-ins are welcome, though we will serve those who pre-registered first. Tell your neighbors or better yet, bring them with you. To sign up, please call 860-844-5350. Veteran’s Tribute Concert On Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., please join us for this tribute concert to honor veterans. The Governor’s Foot Guard Band will perform many patriotic favorites as well as other well-known tunes. We hope Granby will come out in full force to show our veterans our thanks. The free concert will be held at Valley Brook Community Church, 160 Granville Road. Limited van transportation will be available. CLUBS Camera Club: Monday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Camera Club annual fee is $10. Senior Club: Thursday, Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m. Annual membership is $5. Remember to check out the Senior Club Café on Fridays. Please join them at their next meeting and bring your ideas to make a difference for seniors in the Granby community. Civic Engagement Team: Thursday, Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m. Civic Club: Thursday, Nov. 16, 1 p.m. Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. Call 860-844-5352 to reserve your spot. Speaker is Patricia Meiser, retired athletic director at University of Hartford. Cost $2. Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. Call 860-653-9891 to reserve your spot. Featuring the Intonations Senior Chorus. Cost $4.

SENIOR VAN The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. SHOPPING West Farms Mall, Macy’s & Trader Joe’s on Friday, Nov, 17 departs at 9:30 a.m. $4 Dine and Drive on Monday, Nov. 13, to Chowder Pot in Hartford. Cost of ride $4, lunch is on your own. Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick, every Tuesday, departs at 1:30 p.m. Big Y’s 10 percent senior discount every Tuesday. Geissler’s every Wednesday. Call to arrange time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount every Wednesday. Stop & Shop every Thursday, departs at 1:30 p.m. TRIPS Grounded Goodwife, Medicinal Chocolate Truffle Workshop: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. Let’s make medicinal chocolate truffles at the Grounded Goodwife in Woodbury. This workshop will be presented by an herbalist and historian duo. You will have samples to bring home. Your day includes a tour of the 1770 farmhouse and lunch. Cost $48. Register by Nov. 3. Tour Fox 61 News Studio: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. Get a look behind the scenes of Fox 61 TV in Hartford. Enjoy the history of the station, tour the studio and control room. Lunch on your own at Francesco’s Ristorante. As a special treat we will be stopping at Mozzicato’s Bakery for shopping. Cost $4. Adventure Club at Puzzle Theory: Monday, Nov. 20, 12 p.m. The Escape Room offers an interactive experience, one where you and your group are thrust into a thematic and sometimes absurd story for 60 minutes. Explore the room, find clues, and work together to solve riddles and find all the keys. Communication and teamwork is extremely important. Please note we will not be stopping for lunch. Cost $32. Register by Nov. 9. The Vermont Country Store: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 8 a.m. Take a stroll down memory lane at the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, Vt. Toys from your past, penny candy, Vermont cheeses

and more. Shop for great holiday gifts. Lunch will be on your own at a local restaurant. Cost $8.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Community Café: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 p.m. Complete hot meal is served for seniors through the Community Renewal Team nutrition program. Suggested donation of $2.50. Monthly menus are available. Call 860-844-5350 by Friday noon to make a reservation for the following week. Healthy Minds: By appointment. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health, strained family relationships or the stress of deciding to leave a home that is too big to manage can be daunting to face alone. Call 860-844-5352 to schedule a confidential appointment. Suggested donation is $20 per session. On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Nov. 8 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. Whether your loss is recent or not, you will find support in this group facilitated by Jane Johnson, Granby resident and creator of Bryan’s Landing and the Our Children’s Garden in Salmon Brook Park. Drop in/Free. Hearing Clinic: Thursday, Nov. 2, starting at 9 a.m. No charge , please call to make an appointment 860-844-5350. Farmington Valley VNA Blood Pressure Check: Every Thursday from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Free. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Monday, Nov. 20. Cost is $29 at time of service (not covered by insurance). Reiki Sessions: Tuesdays, Nov. 14 and 28 by appointment. Half-hour session $20. Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Nov. 7 and 21 by appointment. A 15-minute chair massage for $10. Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Learn how to cope with changes in behavior, changes in your relationship, and understand how to handle it all. Led by Peggy Coburn from McLean Home Care and Hospice.

MS Support Group: Mondays, Nov. 13 and 27, 1 p.m. This is a self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers. Raising Grandchildren Support Group: Thursdays, 12 p.m. Support for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. CHOICES Counselor: Wednesday, Nov. 15. Do you need help in understanding Medicare and its supplements? The counselor will help you weigh the medical plan options to find the right plan for your needs. Call for an appointment. Free. Medical Equipment Loaner Closet: If you are ever in need of a wheelchair, walker, cane, tub seat or other durable medical equipment contact 860-844-5352. Donations accepted by appointment only. Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, Nov. 1, by appointment. Call 860-844-5352. Generic situations can be discussed.

STAYING FIT Classes are available six days a week and are ongoing. To register or to discuss which class best fits your abilities and needs, call the office at 860-844-5350. Drop in $8. Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Rise and shine with this gentle yet effective yoga flow class. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Gentle Movement & Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Iincrease strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Cardio Circuit Training: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Timed stations, core work and stretching will invigorate you and get your metabolism heated. Instructor, Gina Marecki. Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Enhanced breathing, increased blood flow, reduced tension and better posture are achieved through the various yoga poses. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Yoga: Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. Thoughtful breathing and controlled postures. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Move to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s in this low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. This workout does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Straight Forward Workout: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. A cardio with step, weight work and stretch class designed to get your heart pumping with this classic workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, lowimpact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Learn to line dance from the Boot Scootin’ Boogie to the Cha-Cha. Appropriate for beginners as well as advanced line dancers. Instructor, Jim Gregory. Peak: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Vigorous aerobics and weights. Instructor, Jen Dzielak.

$1,180

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November 2017

Parks & Recreation www.GranbyRec.com for program registration. Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: www.GranbyRec.com. Accepting MasterCard/Visa/Discover for payments. The online registration system and website allow you to register for programs at any time of the day or night. Find out right away if a program still has space, check your account to see what activities your family members are signed up for, and print out a year end receipt for tax purposes. Program/Trip Registration: All programs/trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Scholarships: Program scholarship information is available upon request. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence; apply early.

EVENT PLANNING Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm. The Salmon Brook Park House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace and central air. Holcomb Farm’s North Barn Pavilion is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people a day to remember. Dates fill fast so visit online to see pictures and rental info then call to arrange a tour.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES NYC On Your Own: Enjoy the holidays in the Big Apple. See Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop, just use your imagination. Depart Town Hall at 7:30 a.m. Drop off points in the City: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Pickup time is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Coach Tavern, 7th Ave between 53rd and 54th Streets. Saturday, Dec. 2, $45pp. Tree Lighting and Carol Sing: Nov. 30, 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Join the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Carol Sing when the Wells Road Chorus will lead us in holiday carols heralding Santa arrival to Salmon Brook Park. There will be family entertainment immediately following the carol sing. Have your picture taken with Santa and please remember to help us fill Santa’s sleigh with non-perishable food items to be donated to the Granby Food Bank. Granby Night at The International Skating Center: Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:50–7:50 p.m. Venture out of the house on a cold winter’s night to celebrate the winter season with your friends and neighbors for a fun night of ice skating at ISCC. Free admission for Granby residents, with a non-perishable food donation or $5 that will benefit the Granby Food Bank. Skate rentals are free while supplies last. Refreshments including hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Due to the popularity of this event, admission is limited to Granby residents only.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Music Time with Miss Carrie, ages 6 months to 4 years: Nov. 9 – Dec. 21, 10–10:50 a.m. Children with a caregiver will enjoy learning basic melody, finger play, rhythm skills, dancing and music and movement in this entertaining and lively atmosphere. Join Carrie Johnson and start your toddler’s day with singing, dancing, laughter and especially fun! $108pp at SBP Gathering Room. ARC When I’m in Charge Class, ages 8–12: Nov. 18, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. This course is for boys and girls, 8 and older, who are ever home alone. The course will cover safety concerns parents have when their children are by themselves, such as arriving home, responsibilities, phone and Internet safety, fire and gun safety. Book included in the price of the class and a certificate will be issued upon completion. Parents are welcome to attend. $70pp, at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Holiday Cookie Decorating Class: Dec. 10, 1:30–3 p.m. Learn how to beautifully decorate holiday- themed cookies with your friends.

Decorate both gingerbread and sugar cookies that are shaped like Christmas trees, angels, ornaments, Christmas lights, mittens, candy canes, gingerbread houses, snow globes, snowmen, snowflakes, gingerbread men/women, Santa hats, holly, etc. Class includes instruction, cookies, icing and decorating candies/sprinkles will be provided. All participants will take home their drying cookies in a bakery box. $27pp at SBP Gathering Room. Ski Sundown After School Ski Program: Registration for the Wells Road and Granby Middle/High School After School Ski Programs is underway. There are a limited amount of spaces in these programs. When registering online you will be prompted to print out and complete Ski Sundown’s waiver form; this form will need to be returned to the Rec Dept. within two weeks of online registration date in order to be fully confirmed. Failure to return the signed form to the Rec Office will result in your child’s spot in the program being forfeited and fee refunded. Registration ends by Nov. 9 or when all available spots are taken, whichever comes first. Granby Youth Basketball League: Dec. 4 – March 3. Register now for the Winter Youth Basketball Program, open to girls and boys in grades K – 8. Leagues consist of co-ed grade K; co-ed grade 1; grades 2 girls and boys divisions (will combine if necessary), boys grades 3&4, 5&6, 7&8; girls grades 3&4, 5&6, 7&8. Games are scheduled for Saturdays; practices for grades 2 – 8 are scheduled during the week beginning Dec. 4, grade K–1 begins Jan. 6. Games or practices that are canceled due to no-schooldays, poor weather conditions and/or last-minute school scheduling conflicts may be rescheduled dependent on coach and facility availability. Noncoaching parents will be asked to help monitor the facilities during weeknight practices. The fee is $105 until Nov. 12. On and after Nov. 13 the fee is $130. Head coaches will receive a refund for their child’s registration fees after the sixth week of the season. Indoor Field Hockey Clinics, grades 5&6 and 7&8: Jan. 8 – Feb. 5. Basics of passing, receiving, stick skills, shooting, defensive concepts and game strategy will be covered and games will be played to utilize these skills. Instructors will be Sandy Wickman Mason, current Granby HS varsity coach and players. Limit 15 players/ session. 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of game play. At Wells Road school. Grades 5&6 at 6–7 p.m. Cost $105pp. Grades 7&8 at 7:15–8:30 p.m. Cost $130pp. Indoor Field Hockey League, grades 5–8: Feb. 12 – March 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Four teams will be created to play 6v6. Each night there will be two 25-minute games, each team is guaranteed two games; maximum eight players on each team. Games will be played in GMHS’s main gym using modified indoor rules. $55 pp. Indoor Field Hockey League, grades 9–12: March 1–15, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Four teams will be created to play 6v6. Games will be played in GMHS’s main gym using modified indoor rules. Each night there will be four 25-minute games, each team is guaranteed two games; maximum eight players on each team. $55 pp.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT KELLY LANE, GRADES K–2 Mad Science, Secret Agent Lab: Nov. 20 – Feb. 12, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Explore inertia, gravity and centripetal force by launching race cars and spinning bike wheels, and hurling ping-pong balls with rubber band powered catapults. Learn about tension and compression, experiment to see what the strongest shapes are, and even make an earthquake proof building from toothpicks and marshmallows. People aren’t the only ones who build things—robots can too once we build them. See how a robot can follow a maze of lines, pick up toys, or even listen and react to sounds. Build your own robot hand to continue the exploration at home. Discover different aspects of energy, such as potential and kinetic energy. $140pp. F.A.S.T. Super Sports: Nov. 21 – Jan. 23,

3:20–4:20 p.m. This all new program will offer a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, flag football and kick ball. Program will include proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day will end with a high-energy game with the sport played that day. $110pp. Soccer Shots: Nov. 8 – Jan. 17, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Kids will learn the fundamentals of soccer while focusing on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship. Children will be challenged through fun games and team interaction, and introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. Please have your child wear sneakers (no cleats) and bring a water bottle. $100pp. Kids Yoga and Mindfulness: Nov. 16 – Jan. 18, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Bring a yoga mat or towel and have some fun while learning beginner yoga poses and meditative breath work through age-appropriate instruction. Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows free movement and bring a water bottle. $100pp. Art-ventures for Kids: Nov. 3 – Dec. 15, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Sail the high seas on a fantastical art adventure through a world of pirates and princesses, fairies, sea monsters and talking parrots. Children will really get into character, donning handcrafted pirate hats and swords or fairy tiaras and wands. Create wooden rowboats and set out on a search for buried treasure, then create gem-studded treasure chests to hide the riches, and build castles and sculpt clay dragons to guard them. Design pirate flags or fluttering fairy wings, paint a froggy note holder—perhaps he’ll turn into a prince! Princesses and Pirates explore painting, beading, fabric, clay art and more. Humorous stories are included each week, as well as surprises and laughter. Don’t miss the Art-rageous fun! $99pp. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT WELLS ROAD, GRADES 3–5 Adventures in Creativity: Nov. 13 – Feb. 5, 3:20–4:20 p.m. This program is for students who would like to have fun developing their thinking skills and creativity. Students will engage in a variety of activities that will enhance their abilities and build confidence in trying new things; topics include creative problem solving, logic and strategy, improvisational theater games, higher order thinking skills, psychology and philosophy, communication, collaboration and teamwork. $100pp. Art-ventures for Kids: Nov. 1 – Jan. 10, 3:20–4:20 p.m. This all new art-rageous program is truly like a trip to the zoo. Design stuffed Teddy bears, create cool owl paintings on canvas, and sculpt clay peacocks with zany feathers. Color real rubber duckies, make wooden animal puzzles in the style of Oaxacan alebrijes, and even travel back in time to paint dancing dinosaurs with watercolors. We’ll also stop at the zoo food court to create mixed media sandwich collages, and visit the gift shop to design sticker resist T-shirts, make cardboard mustache masks, and build wacky mix-and-match character

blocks. Art-explorers experience painting, drawing, sculpting, fabric design, collage, and more. A trip to the zoo that you’ll never forget! Art explorers bring home exciting handmade souvenirs each week. $129pp. Kids Yoga and Mindfulness: Nov. 8 – Jan. 17, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Bring a yoga mat or towel and have some fun while learning beginner yoga poses and meditative breath work through age-appropriate instruction. Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, and bring a water bottle. $100pp. Mad Science, Secret Agent Lab: Nov. 30 – Jan. 25, 3:20-4:20 p.m. Explore inertia, gravity and centripetal force by launching race cars and spinning bike wheels, and hurling ping-pong balls with rubber band powered catapults. Learn about tension and compression, experiment to see what the strongest shapes are, and even make an earthquake proof building from toothpicks and marshmallows. People aren’t the only ones who build things—robots can too once we build them. See how a robot can follow a maze of lines, pick up toys, or even listen and react to sounds. Build your own robot hand to continue the exploration at home. Discover different aspects of energy, such as potential and kinetic energy. $140pp. F.A.S.T. Super Sports: Nov. 10 – Jan. 19, 3:20–4:20 p.m. All new program that will offer a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, flag football and kick ball. Program will include proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day will end with a high-energy game with the sport played that day. $110pp.

ADULT PROGRAMS Yoga for all levels, ages 18 and over: Nov. 14 – Dec. 19, 8:15–9:15 a.m. Mixed level yoga class. Stretch, strengthen and restore. Class begins with a gentle warm-up, builds to an invigorating flow and ends with deep stretch and peaceful relaxation. Perfect to help gain flexibility, balance, and strength. $65pp at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Christmas/Holiday Card Making Class: Saturday, Nov. 11, 1–4 p.m. What can be more fun than spending some quality time crafting with friends while you create beautiful, hand-made Christmas/holiday cards? The best part of all is that you will have your cards done before the holidays. Please bring double-sided tape/ adhesive and scissors of your choice. $32pp at SBP. Comedy Night At Holcomb Farm, ages 21 and over: Saturday, Nov. 11, 7–10:30 p.m. Come out for a night of laughs featuring NYC comedians Richie Byrne and Pete Dominick. $40 per person. Cash Bar will be available throughout the evening. Limited Seats remain, don’t wait! Next comedy show will be held in late winter, look for details soon. Paint Glass Night: Nov. 16, 7–9 p.m. Pick two glasses to paint (refer to the link on the web site). We will have all the supplies needed to create beautiful glasses. Bring your own snacks and beverages. $35pp at SBP.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 21

HEALTH NOTES

By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Breast cancer: myths, facts and the importance of early detection Did you know that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (skin cancer being a close second)? It can occur at any age, but the risk goes up with aging. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association is raising awareness while discussing myths and facts and the importance of both, early detection and prevention. Every woman should know about breast cancer, including the facts. Here are some breast cancer myths debunked (sources: breastcancer.org, ww5. komen.org, breastcancer.org): MYTH: Only women can get breast cancer FACT: A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000, with approximately 450 men dying from the disease each year. MYTH: If I find a lump in my breast during a self-breast exam, it means that I have cancer FACT: 80 percent of lumps in one’s breast are caused by benign (noncancerous) changes such as cysts, injury, or natural hormonal cycles (i.e., Menstruation, menopause). MYTH: I’m not at risk if there’s no history of breast cancer in my family FACT: A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer; however, roughly 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. MYTH: I’m too young to be diagnosed with breast cancer FACT: Although women under 50 have experienced a larger decrease of occurrence of the disease due to the result of treatment advances and earlier detection, 25 percent of women with breast cancer are under the age of 50. MYTH: Radiation from screening tests increases the risk of developing breast cancer. FACT: Although mammograms do give off a small amount of radiation, the exposure from the radiation from a mammogram is less than a standard chest

x-ray. Keep in mind MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasounds, which may also be used to screen for breast cancer in some women, contain no radiation at all. Prevention While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, adoption of certain lifestyle choices may lower your likelihood of getting it—whether you have a family history or not. Maintaining a healthy weight from both a healthy diet and exercise, is ideal. Walking briskly for 1.25-2.5 hours a week reduces cancer risk by 18 percent. Other key factors in protecting your breast health: increase your vitamin D intake (limited sun exposure, tuna, salmon, fortified cereals), limit alcohol (having more than 2 drinks/day increases the risk), avoid or limit hormone replacement therapy (speak with your doctor about all the options available to control menopausal symptoms) and break the habit or decrease smoking. Lastly, the best defense in finding breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s small and easier to treat, is “early detection” from screening tests. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 4044 should consider annual breast cancer screening with mammograms, those age 45-54 should get mammograms every year, and women 55+ should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening as recommended by their practitioner. Trust your gut—a personal story from a patient Women should also be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a health care provider right away. A personal story shared by a patient “Jane”, who is in her late 30’s, reported that a few weeks into breast-feeding her infant, she felt a small lump. While her health practitioner suspected it to be a clogged milk duct informing her that they’d “keep an eye” on it, Jane informs that she didn’t feel right by this statement and decided to get a second opinion, which resulted in her stage 2a breast cancer diagnosis. Jane had reason to believe that she may

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MeadowBrook staff participates in disaster drill MeadowBrook of Granby participated in a regional disaster drill on Wednesday, Oct. 4. During the drill, the facility in collaboration with the Connecticut Hospital and Long-Term Care Region 3 Mutual Aid Plan, simulated the evacuation of two long-term care facilities within the region. MeadowBrook of Granby acted as a receiving facility. The exercise began at 9 a.m. when MeadowBrook of Granby received notification that two local long-term care facilities would be evacuating and it should be prepared for an influx of residents within a one-hour time frame. The leadership team activated the facility’s emergency preparedness plan in anticipation of an influx of residents. They quickly set up a Granby Police Department Officer Michael Joseph command center, triage area and with Director of Staff Development Lawrence overflow rooming in preparation Jaggon, RN working to identify a “Jane Doe” for arrival of patients. patient admitted during the disaster drill. Shortly after, mock patients began arriving at the facility and were The exercise required extensive greeted by a calm and organized triage team knowledge of emergency procedures that quickly identified the needs of each and teamwork by all departments. patient, assessed their immediate needs, For more information on Meadensured they had appropriate equipment owBrook, please visit our website at and medications and then assisted them to athenanh.com/meadowbrook. become settled in the nursing center for the remainder of the drill.

Thanksgiving Thoughts We gather around our Thanksgiving tables today with family and friends to give thanks to the Creator for the blessings in our lives. We also fondly remember loved ones who once shared this day with us. We give thanks for the food that nourishes us and gives us strength. We give thanks for our homes that will shelter us from the coming winter, and for the clothes that will keep us warm. We give thanks for our work and our health, and we ask God’s blessings on all those who are sick or in need in anyway. We give thanks for our pets that offer us their love, and bring us joy. Wherever we may share this day —in our homes, in community center, on military bases, in hospitals or nursing homes, we are thankful to be together for love is God’s greatest gift of all. — Bernadette Gentry, 2017 have been higher-than-normal risk due to a genetic tendency within her family, and also went further to have genetic testing, MRI and ultrasonic screening. As part of her treatment in recovering, Jane found a visiting nurse (also called a “homecare nurse”) to be tremendously beneficial in the days after her chemotherapy and surgery—where she stated she often felt “woozy”—in reviewing her surgeon’s post-discharge instructions, medication regime, assessing her post-surgical site, and providing updates to her physician

on Jane’s behalf. Jane realizes that it will take time to adjust to what she calls her “new normal” self, but she is forever grateful that she had the wisdom to know to trust her gut, and her cancer was detected early. To learn more about the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association’s inhome services and community services, visit us at www.farmingtonvalleyvna. org or contact us at 860-651-3539. — By Christine Ringuette

LOWIN P W O G N NEW S ACCOUNTS WELCOME Call Jim

* Registered Representative. Securities offered through Cambridge Investments Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered investment Advisor. Cambridge & Schoenrock Financial & Associates are not affiliated. Cambridge does not provide tax advice.

860-305-2155 NORTH GRANBY

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

November 2017

CTVV covers Connecticut’s political scene Oz Griebel: potential run for governor

Oz Griebel, President and CEO of Hartford Metro Alliance spoke with Susan Patricelli-Regan, Host of CT Valley Views about his 16-year tenure with Hartford’s “Chamber of Commerce”, its accomplishments and his decision to step down at the end of the year to pursue other leadership opportunities. “Oz”, a Republican, is a prominent figure in the capital’s business arena working constructively for the past decade and Oz Griebel with Susan-Patricelli-Regan a half with the administration and both sides of the isle. In this interview, Griebel outlines his thoughts and perspective on a potential run in the 2018 gubernatorial race that is shaping up to be a well-contested venue given national and state budgetary challenges.

Sean Connolly steps down from commission to run for governor

Former Commissioner for Veterans Affairs Sean Connolly, despite a national condemnation of the treatment of US veterans over recent years, led and developed an effective department dedicated to broadening the state’s benefits and support opportunities for our brave military Susan-Patricelli-Regan with Sean Connolly men and women. This bright star in Connecticut’s cap was recognized at the recent September 2017 “Stand Down” Day at the facility in Rocky Hill that featured 100 service vendors and attended by over 1000 veterans. Susan Regan, CT Valley Views, interviewed Commissioner Connolly in 2016, which initialized establishing a 501C3 equine therapy foundation on property owned by her and her husband in Granby (www.foxfieldrecoverymission.org). As Connolly shifts gears, Susan is pleased to have him once again as her guest to discuss his vision for the Nutmeg State. Be sure to watch for the airing schedule in your town.

Steve Obsitnik wants to reinvent Connecticut

Steve Obsitnik is a notable Navy Veteran, having received eight medals for distinguished service while deployed on the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Ray. He is an entrepreneur and CEO of several successful technology companies that have global impact and is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Sacred Heart University. He has a strong vision for driving job growth, fiscal sensibility, investing in education and infrastructure, and rebuilding Connecticut’s reputation as a great state in which to live and work. This exclusive interview with Susan Regan on CT Valley Views is available on its website ctvalleyviews.com in November or see your local airing PATV station schedule in December.

AG George Jepsen: a status update

Connecticut’s destiny rests on the governing administrative leadership body, but also on its offense and defense teams in the realms of local and national challenges. George Jepsen, Connecticut’s AG since 2011, has capitalized on the successes of his broad and proficient litigation bench. With the media spotlight naturally focused on his commentary, he is quick to defer any personal success to his department associates and external legal support coalitions. Susan Regan, of CT Valley Views recently had her third interview with the AG to ascertain current activity with regard to DACA, opioid and generic drug concerns, campus sexual assault victims, military transgender service parameters, the Equifax data breach and the state budget crisis. This is a can’t-miss program. Be sure to see all CTVV programs on ctvalleyviews.com

Stand Down Day 2017 and Foxfield F.A.R.M. Veterans’ Foundation

Bill Regan, Vice President of Foxfield F.A.R.M. greets Chuck Leone, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator for the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs who coordinated Stand Down Day.

On Friday, September 22, Foxfield F.A.R.M. of Granby joined 100 other charity organizations at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill, for its annual Stand Down Day, which has been held since 1992. Initially, this event addressed the issues of homeless veterans, but now it encompasses a broad range of support including medical, dental, legal, career, insurance and social services, among many others and it is enthusiastically attended by 1000 current and former military personnel during the 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. gathering. Foxfield F.A.R.M. (For A Recovery Mission) enjoyed reaching out and speaking to a multitude of attendees in the Social Services tent, giving Susan and Bill Regan, founders of the 501C3 organization, an opportunity to explain

the equine therapy program for veterans with PTSD that is offered free to approved participants on their private farm. The couple’s objective is to not only alleviate issues related with this mental health challenge, but to also reduce domestic violence and the risks associated with opioids aligned with the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the long-range goal gained through this research is to legislate that this method of therapy be included under the federal health care coverage plan and to establish the organization’s format as a template to expand to other regions of the U.S. To find out more about the program or make a donation (all donations are tax deductible) see the website foxfieldrecoverymission.org

Foxfield F.A.R.M. opens new guest lounge Foxfield Farm has completed its new guest barn lounge that is welcomed by the veterans who participate in the facility’s equine therapy program. The spacious, high-ceilinged room with fireplace and a view to the indoor arena provides a warm and comfortable spot for the coming winter months. Cable and Internet will soon be available for visitors. Work continues on the new office/tack room as well as the feed and hay storage area. The large, well ventilated, doubleentrance stalls with southern exposure and direct access to open pasture pro-

vides optimum comfort for the farm’s equine family. As the veterans become more accomplished with their groundwork education they have the opportunity, through the farm’s partnership with the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard, to extend the equestrian experience through riding lessons at the Guard’s facility in Avon and the option to join the mounted unit. Visit the website www.foxfieldrecoverymission.org to make a donation and for more information on the program and its objectives.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 23

Artists’ 10th annual Holiday Gift Show at Holcomb Farm By Annukka Ritalahti The Granby Artists Association will host its 10th annual Holiday Gift Show, Dec. 2-3, at the Holcomb Farm Learning Center. This is truly a “buy local” event! Eight of the association’s talented members will have an array of items including paintings, prints, note cards, lamps, bowls, jewelry, calligraphy, glass art vessels and ornaments. Jean-Luc Godard will show new designs etched on medallions cut from storm-damaged limbs from the Granby Oak, and an illuminated Lotus Flower. Avis Cherichetti has a new bowl series inspired by flowers and seed pods. Linda Yurasevecz has new horsehair raku pieces, and cell phone and sponge holders. Annukka Ritalahti and Mark Gottlieb have new ornaments, blown glass vessels and unique glass jewelry. Laura Eden will show her new 5x7 original paintings and will unveil her 2017 hand-painted glass ornament of mountain birch. Sally Sargent Markey will show paintings, prints, note cards, holiday ornaments, and her whimsical stray-sock animals. Debby Reelitz will

have calligraphic art, organic t-shirts and a new holiday ornament, as well as new cards and a series of works around the theme of courage. The show will run from 10 am to 4 p . m . o n S a t u r d a y, Dec. 2, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. There is no admission charge. Children from Granby middle school and Granby home school will perform holiday music. Come for lunch and enjoy hearty fare from Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen including soups and snacks. Holcomb Farm is located at 113 Simsbury Road in West Granby. Visit www.granbyartists.org for directions. This annual community event is a great opportunity to purchase unique and affordable art for holiday giving and is a wonderful way to kindle holiday spirit.

Annukka Ritalahti and Mark Gottlieb

Jean-Luc Godard

Debby Reelitz

Local therapist pens guide for effective living By Laura Mazza-Dixon The celebration of the publication of Heather A. Lagace’s latest book, I Am in My Life for Keeps: A Course in Thriving will be held at F.H. Cossitt Library on Friday, Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A licensed professional counselor and an adjunct professor at both the University of Hartford and the University of Connecticut, Lagace has written a book that offers practical suggestions for ways to reflect on our lives and inspiring ideas for creating the conditions for making them purposeful and fulfilling. Her decades of experience in the field of counseling are evident in Lagace’s pragmatic and straightforward approach to the questions of how our own decisions affect

the course of our lives. But it is the stories of her own personal experience that bring depth and understanding to the exercises she presents in the book. Lagace is a gifted and reliable guide, one who knows how to help the reader learn to help themselves. In this book she has managed to share her hard-won wisdom in a way that invites the participation of the readers, and allows them to choose their own best options. She encourages her readers to nurture habits of thinking and behaving that will enable them to thrive: to grow and develop vigorously. I Am in My Life for Keeps: A Course in Thriving clarifies how you can use your time, money and energy; engage in purposeful action; learn techniques to reduce

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physical and emotional distress; enjoy the present moment; become more resilient; and build healthier relationships. Lagace has said that I Am in My Life for Keeps teaches how to be self-observant and self-led so that you can be your own primary caretaker and effectively contribute to others.” In the introduction she states, “What I share in this guide has taken me a long time to uncover. It has been my arduous and marvelous journey. If you come along, not just out of curiosity, but with determination and commitment, you will

find your voice and your calling. Then, the world within your reach will be more whole.” Registration for this event is recommended. For more information, call Granby Public Library 860-844-5275 or email gplibrary@granby.ct.gov. Books will be available for purchase and signing. You can find the book as an ebook available on Kindle www. Amazon.com. Find out more about the author through her website: www.heatherlagace.com.

Page 24 The Granby Drummer

FARM NEWS FOR NOVEMBER

Winter CSA Yes, summer is over. But did you know Holcomb Farm offers a Winter CSA Share? And that’s not all, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy Holcomb Farm produce and the camaraderie of Holcomb Farm’s community. Refuse to

give up on eating delicious, nutritious, locally grown veggies just because summer is past; get a Winter CSA Share now as shares are limited and always sell out. Farmer Joe O’Grady and his crew have been busy harvesting carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes and more, and they will keep fresh greens growing for shareholders as well. Visit www.holcombfarm.org to sign up for six pick-ups at the CSA Barn at 111 Simsbury Road in West Granby, beginning Nov. 4 and ending in early February. If you miss Nov. 4 and there are any shares left, Joe will work it out with you. Fresh Access Support neighbors in need by joining the Friends of Holcomb Farm to raise funds to assure access to Holcomb Farm’s nutritious produce for people who are food-insecure or battling illness, through our growing Fresh Access program. Check the website to see if there are tickets left for the Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction on Nov. 4 at Metro Bis in Simsbury. Chef Chris Prosperi will use our produce, which he agrees has superior flavor, to create a gourmet meal for your enjoyment. Use your night out to do good, and enjoy fine dining in a beau-

November 2017

tiful setting. The Silent Auction promises to offer something for everyone, as well so don’t miss it! From the “in case you missed it” files, Prosperi once again shared his tal- Lynette Simpson staffs the Holcomb Farm and Granby Ag Commission ents with an al booth at Celebrate Granby. Photo by Peter Dinella fresco cooking It has been a busy and successful sumdemonstration at the barn last month. mer growing season at Holcomb Farm, Participants also enjoyed music and and we want to thank the CSA shareholdfamily fun, courtesy of the Anti-Division ers, Farm Store patrons, and participating League, a Hartford-based group of artists restaurants who help us continue to susdedicated to promoting social justice and tainably produce food on the land Tudor addressing inequality through communiand Laura Holcomb gifted to the people ty-bridging arts events in Connecticut. of Granby. We also thank our members (www.antidivisionleague.org) This was and donors, who support the work of the the last of a whole season’s worth of freeFriends to steward the land and promote to-the-public community events hosted the farm, and who support Fresh Access, by Holcomb Farm, and plans are in the which allows us to provide our nutritious works for even more next year. produce to organizations and individuals Thanksgiving Plans in need. Make locally-grown produce part of Photos of Farmer Joe and Chef Prosyour Thanksgiving table. Lost Acres peri by Sarah Nunes. Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road, will host its annual Thanksgiving market on Nov. 20, 1 to 7 p.m. and Farmer Joe will be there, along with other area farmers, to help you make this Thanksgiving your most healthy and authentic yet. Holcomb Farm will again offer fresh turkeys through Ekonk Farms Turkeys. The deadline for orders is Nov. 10. Go to our website, contact us at info@holcombfarm.org, or call 860-844-8616 to order your turkeys. Celebrate Granby Celebrate Granby 2017 was a huge success and the Friends were there representing all of the farms through the Granby Agricultural Commission. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to get a taste for what Granby’s farmers have to offer—from wine from the Lost Acres Vineyard, to fabulous plants and shrubs from O’Brien Nursery, to beef and pork from Maple View Farms, and of course Holcomb Farm produce.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 12 Meeting

The public hearing for an application seeking an amendment to the Zoning Regulation Section 8.5 Accessory Apartments, which would allow by Special Permit an accessory apartment in a separate, detached structure on lots with a minimum of two acres, opened at 7:02 p.m. Fran Armentano explained that this amendment was previously adopted by the commission with a four-acre minimum requirement. That action is now being re-considered with a two-acre minimum requirement. This has been reviewed by CRCOG and it is in full agreement. There was no public comment. An application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages for property located within an existing commercial plaza at 9 Bank Street was discussed in public hearing. Fabiola Bowles Higby of Oakridge Drive and James Chen propose to open an Italian Restaurant, to be known as Garlic and Olive, at 9 Bank Street. They propose to combine the former McDonald’s and Action Carpet for the new, approximately 5,000 sq. ft. restaurant. It is expected to seat 150 people, will have a full bar, and a wood fired oven. The application proposes that the restaurant be open seven days a week, with the hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Designer Dante Boffi, explained the layout and combining the two spaces. Windows will be added for natural light and an additional door at the back of the

building will give better access to the dumpster. A flu will be installed through the roof for the wood fired oven. HVAC issues will be addressed. A staff review of the proposal noted compliance with the parking regulations and addressed the traffic, noting that the plaza has adequate access and egress and traffic is controlled by existing traffic signals at both ends of Bank Street. A separate traffic analysis for this proposal was not recommended. J. Sansone asked about the need for a special hood, to help eliminate some cooking odors, because this building is close to a residential neighborhood. Estimated opening is February 2018. Brennan Sheahan of Heather Lane, voiced concern over the lack of lined parking spaces in this corner of the parking lot. Bowles Higby stated she would address this with the property owner. A public hearing for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant and signs and site plan for 2 and 4 Park Place, Grassroots, was continued to the next meeting. Ed Lally, from Ed Lally and Associates in Windsor presented an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a six-lot FRD re-subdivision for property located at 35 Cider Mill Heights. P. Johnson and E. Lukingbeal recused themselves from this matter. Lally acknowledged that his partner, Tom Fredo, was also in attendance. He

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explained that this application is the final phase of Cider Mill Heights and provided background on the changes over the years (from the first phase to this the fifth and final phase). In 2005, 13 lots and additional open space were proposed for this area, along with an easement for access and passive recreation in favor of the Granby Land Trust. The current plan, in addition to the proposed six lots, includes a small sliver of land to be added to existing property of the Granby Land Trust. Eight residents spoke, some more than once, stating concerns about drainage and the possibility of the Granby Land Trust creating a parking lot in the neighborhood (which is not part of this application). There was a question about an existing HOA and a question on the marketability of the new lots. Concerns were voiced about the builder leaving behind construction debris for a very long period of time, making the neighborhood look messy. Land clearing was also a concern. Lally responded saying that the drainage is adequate. He reviewed the HOA’s background and explaining how they were established. In response to why six more lots are being proposed, he noted they are permitted and in compliance with the regulations. He commented that he does not feel changes in home values have anything to do with empty lots, but more to do with the continually changing state of the real estate market. He stated all the lots will stay forested until a buyer is found and plans are prepared for a specific type of home. The FVHD has determined that the lots are capable of supporting septic systems and wells in accordance with the Conn. Public Health Code. The public hearing for an application seeking approval of a one-lot resubdivision for property located at 33 Moosehorn Road, opened at 8:31 p.m. Ed Lally explained this application. The application proposes to establish a 27-acre lot and a 19-acre lot on the property, with the required frontage located along Hartland Road. Hartland Road is inaccessible due to an extremely steep slope, so access is proposed from Moose Horn Road. The plan proposes to create an oddshaped parcel of 3.6 acres and 200 feet of frontage along Hartland Road. Lally explained this and the proposed transfers of other small parcels of land near the Moosehorn Road cul-de-sac. He noted this was done in cooperation with the neighbors. It is proposed that open space containing 13.9 acres be given to the Town of Granby. An additional 6.5 acres are to be preserved as a conservation easement along Hartland Road. The open space was further discussed and Armentano commented that he had no

assurance that the town or other entity would agree to acquire the open space. Lally will look into this and may agree to pay a fee in lieu of open space. He spoke about the location of an existing driveway and its relationship to the driveway that will serve the proposed new lots. He discussed proposed drainage in the driveway area. These comments were in response to the Town Engineer’s memo. Tim Chamberlain, 25 Moosehorn Road, shared his concerns about erosion and drainage. He is concerned, based on past experience, that the proposed drainage may not be adequate to handle run off. He provided pictures to the commission of past problems. There is a catch basin and collection box at the end of the existing driveway, but historically excessive storm waters have overwhelmed the system. Lally responded by explaining the proposed modifications to the existing drainage system that should eliminate the issue and noted the Town Engineer’s review of the matter. The commission discussed the need to hear from the Town Engineer. Paul Willis, 23 Moosehorn Road, offered his support for Chamberlain’s concerns. This public hearing was continued to October 10, 2017. The following applications were received: Special Permit for a freestanding sign at 514 Salmon Brook Street, State Line and CES Design, File Z-12-17 Site plan modification for 566 Salmon Brook Street, JRL Construction, File Z-13-17 Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment at 97 Quarry Road, File Z-14-17 Special Permit for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages at 261 Salmon Brook, Brignole, File Z-15-17 Site plan modification for LandTech 356 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-16-17 Discussion of Drive through windows: Fran Armentano submitted a draft zoning regulation addressing drivethrough windows as requested by the commission at a previous meeting. He noted that the draft was prepared with consideration of regulations from other towns and upon speaking with the Town Engineer. The members discussed the matter with concerns for safety, buffering, noise and overall design and policy. Upon further discussion, some Commission members expressed their view that the current regulations are adequate and no change is necessary. Others members supported the special permit process that would provide for the commission to consider drive-through windows on a site-by-site basis. Armentano will review the draft, make additional changes, and bring it back to the commission,

P&Z Minutes Sept. 12 cont’d. on p. 26

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November 2017

Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes P&Z Minutes Sept. 12 cont’d. from p. 25 prior to referring it to CRCOG and moving it forward to public hearing. Consideration of application seeking an amendment to the Zoning Regulation Section 8.5 Accessory Apartments, which would allow by Special Permit an accessory apartment in a separate detached structure on lots with a minimum of two acres. On a motion by J. Boardman, seconded by E. Meyers, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve an amendment that will allow by special permit an accessory apartment in a separate detached structure on lots with a minimum of two acres. Consideration of application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages for property located within an existing commercial plaza at 9 Bank Street. On a motion by M. Chapple, seconded by J. Boardman, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the special permit for a restaurant at 9 Bank Street, as proposed. Consideration of application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.20 of the Zoning Regulations for a 6 Lot FRD re-subdivision for property located at 35 Cider Mill Heights. On a motion by J. Sansone, seconded by E. Myers, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the six-lot FRD re-subdivision application, an outlined on maps titled Cider Mill Heights, Section V, Prepared for TFHB, LLC – Granby, Connecticut, dated March 28, 2017 and revised to 9-1-17, sheets 1 through 7, with the following conditions:

1. The clearing of vegetation shall be limited to the specific areas as shown for each lot on sheets 1 and 2 of the above referenced plans, except as approved by the Granby Building Official, and following a review of a specific building permit application. 2. The final mylars shall be modified in conformance with the Town Engineer’s memo of August 22, 2017. Staff Reports and Correspondence: • Armentano reported that the Small Cities application for Stony Hill Village was approved, although for less than the amount requested. The grant received is $450,000. An additional $40,000 will be obtained from the Housing Rehab account. This project should go out to bid in a few weeks. It is possible that a future application will be filed in an effort to continue with improvements. • The center sidewalks continue to be worked on. It is now expected that the project will go out to bid in 2017, with construction starting in the spring of 2018. • The Copper Brook housing development off Salmon Brook Street is moving along, with three building permits issued. • The installation of the traffic light at Floydville Rd. and Salmon Brook St. has begun. • A State DOT public information session on the proposed round-about at East Street, Notch Road and Salmon Brook Street is anticipated in the near future. From minutes by Susan Christian,Acting Recording Secretary

SEPTEMBER 26 Meeting Public Hearing: The public hearing for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant and signs per Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 and site plan for 2 and 4 Park Place, Grassroots, file Z-11-17, opened at 7:03 p.m. Dante Boffi, Designer, appeared representing Grassroots. He stated the barn has now been demolished and removed. The applicant proposes to add an addition to the existing building and construct a parking lot with exterior lighting. The use of the building will change by adding a restaurant use to the existing retail/ service use. The drainage, grading, access, and parking design were discussed and appear to be in conformance with the regulations. Proposed lighting was discussed and the Commission made suggestions for modifications to bring it

into conformance with the regulations. The restaurant, counter space, entrance and exit, and the kitchen/creamery area were all pointed out on the plans. The latest proposal includes three apartments, but the legal notice did not include this request and therefore, the Commission cannot consider the apartments at this meeting. A Grassroots sign is proposed. Matt Newton, CES Design, 514 Salmon Brook Street appeared and explained the dimensions, positioning, and lighting of the sign. Hours of operation were questioned, and Eliza Florian, Grassroots owner, answered that she anticipates the operating hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon further discussion she indicated a desire to have the hours recorded as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the business being open seven days a week, in an effort to plan for future uses.

P&Z Minutes Sept. 26

cont’d. on p. 27

November Lunch for the Mind: Poetry, a Reflection of Life Poetry has a long history as early poems evolved from folk songs to the epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey and beyond. Whereas, modern poetry is often less structured and is used to inspire, heal and often portrays the poet’s feelings and state of mind. If you are interested in poetry or have written your own poems, the November Lunch for the Mind program will satisfy the poet in you. Granby’s own Laura Mazza-Dixon, poet, musician and teacher, will present Poetry, a Reflection of Life on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 12:30 at the Granby Senior Center. Join the Civic Engagement Education Team and Mazza-Dixon “for a workshop on how our lives have been influenced by poetry, and how we can share poetry with others, whether we ourselves have written poetry or not.” Mazza-Dixon says “I will read from my own work and share my experiences with writing poetry.” Participants

are invited to bring their favorite poems and/or poems they have written themselves to share with the group. Mazza-Dixon wrote Forged By Joy and it will be available for sale and signing. It is also available at the Granby Pharmacy. She was recently invited to read for the Simsbury Historical Society Author’s Tea in June; at the Peabody Memorial Library Meet the Author Series in Jonesport, Maine in July, and at the Simsbury Library Poetry at the Pond event in Sept. She plays and teaches both guitar and viola da gamba. She is a force behind the Bruce Porter Memorial music series and the Granby family dance series. In her spare time she hikes the woods of Connecticut and relishes the life of coastal Maine. Please register by calling 860844-5352. Cost is $5. Bring your own lunch. Beverage and dessert provided.

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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes P&Z Minutes Sept. 26

cont’d. from p. 26

Public comment: Janice Crane, 13 East Granby Road lives next to the proposed parking lot. She has concerns regarding privacy, noise, lights, traffic/foot traffic, liability, the location of the dumpster, and snowplowing. There is no visual line distinguishing the property line along the yard there. She asked that the owners install a fence. Boffi responded, showing the location of the house and parking on the plans. A snow stockpile area was identified and it was noted there is plenty of room. The location of the dumpster is due to accessibility for emptying the dumpster. He stated there are no plans for a fence or plantings along the property line at this time. A public hearing for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a freestanding sign, per Section 8.6.13 of the Zoning Regulations for property located at 514 Salmon Brook Street, State Line and CES Design, Matt Newton, CES Design, 514 Salmon Brook Street, explained that his business is located behind State Line Propane. The business cannot be easily seen from Salmon Brook Street. The proposed sign identifies both CES Design and State Line Propane/Oil. Mr. Armentano worked with Mr. Newton to come up with an acceptable 22 square foot sign for the location which will blend with other signs located north and south of the site. Public comment: There was no public comment. Public hearing closed at 7:38 p.m. The public hearing for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 97 Quarry Road,

file Z-14-17 opened at 7:39 p.m. Justin Ayotte, Lake Road, Suffield, appeared on behalf of the property owner, Lester Ayotte. Mr. Armentano has worked with Lester Ayotte regarding this matter. The property is a large rear lot with a 1,000-square-foot apartment located in an existing building. It was originally a workshop, with an approved furnace, full bath, and septic system. The apartment is in compliance with the revised accessory apartment regulations. There was no public comment. The Commission considered an application seeking approval of a site plan modification for 566 Salmon Brook Street, JRL Construction. The applicant, Jason LaChance, has the flu and is not in attendance. Mr. Armentano outlined the application plans to build a building to accommodate equipment for this business. The building won’t be seen from the road and no septic system or well is proposed for the storage building. There was no public comment. . Consideration of application seeking approval of a site plan modification for 566 Salmon Brook Street, JRL Construction. On a motion by J. Sansone, and seconded by E. Lukingbeal, the Commission voted unanimously (7- 0-0) to approve a site plan modification for JRL Construction at 566 Salmon Brook Street, to build a building to house equipment, as proposed. The Commission considered an application seeking approval of a site plan modification for LandTek, 352 Salmon Brook Street. Shaun Levesque, LandTek owner, explained that he’d like to modify an

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existing site plan previously approved by the commission. The modification involves moving the primary building 43 feet closer to the front yard line adjacent to Salmon Brook Street. Mr. Levesque explained that once the property was cleared it became evident that this would be a better location. There was no public comment. Consideration of application seeking approval of a site plan modification for LandTek, 352 Salmon Brook Street. On a motion by C. Chinni, seconded by E. Myers, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the site plan modification for LandTek at 352 Salmon Brook Street, to relocate a building previously approved by the commission, as shown on the subject map, revised to 9-11-17. All previous conditions, as attached to the original approval, shall remain in place. Set public hearing date for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages and live entertainment at 261 Salmon Brook Street, File Z-1517. Fran Armentano noted that the application has been received by the commission and that a public hearing on the matter was being considered for 10-10-17. A traffic analysis is included in the application. Armentano has discussed it with the traffic engineer and asked for additional information and clarification. He recommends that a peer review of the traffic study be done by an alternate traffic engineer. This is permitted under the Zoning Regulations, with the applicant responsible for the cost of the review. Armentano noted that the state DOT is currently working on a redesign of the center intersections and that the redesign could impact the entrances and exits to this property. Based on the time it will take to receive additional reports on this matter, Armentano recommended that the public hearing be set for October 24, 2017. The commission received the following application: A Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment at 98 Granville Road, property of Norm Laverdiere, File Z-17-17 Consideration of application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant and signs per Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 and site

plan for property located at 2 and 4 Park Place, Grassroots. On a motion by C. Chinni, seconded by C. Kraiza, the Commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the special permit for a restaurant, sign, and site plan for property located at 2 and 4 Park Place, Grassroots, including a waiver for the placement of parking spaces as shown on the plan, with the following conditions: Hours of operation will be 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week. The exterior lighting shall be modified to comply with the Zoning Regulations and shall require an approval by the Director of Community Development prior to installation. The applicant shall construct a tworail, split rail fence, which shall extend along the eastern property line from the northeast corner to the northwest corner of the property located at 17R East Granby Road. The final mylar shall include the sheet notes #1 as shown on the plans. The commission noted that the apartments, as shown on sheet A-2.0 are not approved. Consideration of application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a freestanding sign, per Section 8.6.13 of the Zoning Regulations for property located at 514 Salmon Brook Street, State Line and CES Design, On a motion by E. Lukingbeal, seconded by J. Boardman, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve the Special Permit for a freestanding sign at 514 Salmon Brook Street for State Line Propane and CES Design as proposed. Consideration of application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 97 Quarry Road. On a motion by E. Myers, seconded by J. Boardman, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to approve a Special Permit for an accessory apartment at 97 Quarry Road, as approved. The commission noted that the requirements of Section 8.5 of the Zoning Regulations run with the approval and stipulate the property owner must live on the premises for the life of the permit. Staff Reports and Correspondence: Mr. Armentano reported the Copper Brook housing development off Salmon Brook Street is moving along, with three building permits having been issued.

P&Z Minutes Sept. 26

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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes P&Z Minutes Sept. 26

cont’d. from p. 27

Road paving is expected to be done before winter. Maps for the Ridgewood Development have been received and the mylars are expected next week. A state DOT public information session on the proposed round-about at East Street, Notch Road, and Salmon Brook Street is anticipated in the near future. Com-

mission member C. Kraiza asked about the size of the re-located cul-de-sac on Mill Pond Drive. Armentano will look into this. Susan Christian, Acting Recording Secretary

OCTOBER 10, 2017 Meeting Public Hearings: The continuation of a public hearing on an application seeking approval of a 1 Lot re-subdivision for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road, opened at 7:04 p.m. No testimony was taken and the public hearing was continued to October 24, 2017 to allow the applicant Mr. Lally more time to prepare. The public hearing for an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 98 Granville Road, opened at 7:06 p.m. Norm Laverdiere, property owner, stated he is requesting a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment. He anticipates that the apartment will be used by a farmhand resident. The proposed apartment will contain 1,152 square feet and be located in an existing barn to the rear of his property. There was no public comment. Consideration of an application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 98 Granville Road. On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Eric Lukingbeal, the commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve an application for a Special Permit for a

detached accessory apartment for property located at 98 Granville Road, File Z-17-17. Additional Agenda Item: Discussion of outside lighting for Grassroots, 4 Park Place. Fran reported that Eliza Florian, owner of 4 Park Place, has asked if the site could have a shoe-box-style outside lighting fixture on a 20-foot pole, located at the center of the proposed rear parking area. An additional two outside lights would be in compliance with the standard outlined within the regulations. The consensus of the commission was that the standard town lighting style, as outlined in the regulations should be used. The regulations seek lighting design consistency within the town center in an effort to unify the center properties. Staff Reports and Correspondence: Armentano briefly commented on developments and inspections. Commission discussion of items or concern: A brief discussion was held concerning the size of the cul-de-sac at Mill Pond Drive. Chairman Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. —Dorcus S. Forsyth Recording Secretary

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HIC.0557564

November 2017

Buy your Cookies by the Pound Dec. 9 at South Church By Carole Bernard As the busy holiday season looms, a timesaver is as welcome as a foot massage after a day at the mall. The little elves at South Church are busy and can help you cross cookies off your to-do list! At the annual Cookies by the Pound sale this year, you can satisfy your sweet tooth, be prepared with a short-notice hostess gift, or simply provide a bakedfrom-scratch dessert for the family. A wide variety of sweets will be available, from crunchy to soft, with or without nuts, as well as a selection of gluten free treats! Made from scratch with attention to detail, including taste and appearance, cookies sold at this annual event are eagerly anticipated. Offerings are

well-organized, beautifully displayed and carefully priced to sell. Since the event has gained a loyal (and hungry) following, shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, since the cookie collection typically sells out quickly. Every year, the baking elves are placed under more pressure to produce in order to meet the rising demand. On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the cookies disappear), Cookies by the Pound will be held at South Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street. For further information, check out the website at southchurchgranby.org. Proceeds from the cookie sale go to support the mission of the church, including local, regional, national and international projects.

The Cookies by the Pound sale at South Church is Dec. 9. Submitted photo.

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 29

2017

Drummer Election Guide The Granby

Published by Citizens for a Better Granby

Eleven races will be decided by the Nov. 7, 2017, municipal election: the office of First Selectman, and consequently the Board of Selectmen; Board of Finance; Board of Education; Board of Assessment Appeals; Planning and Zoning; Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Moderator. Voters will vote for 24 open seats. Candidates are listed below in the order they appear on the ballot. The Drummer asked all candidates to supply a photo of themselves and a 150-word bio. In addition, Board of Education candidates—the only contested seats—were asked to respond to two questions. See the questions and their responses on pages 32-33.

FIRST SELECTMAN

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)

Four Openings 2-year term (vote for two)*

to have boards and commissions that can and do cooperate with one another to achieve long term planning goals and financial stability. If re-elected, it will be my goal to see that the Board continues this careful planning and cooperation, so that it can preserve and protect what makes Granby such a special place to live, while being fiscally responsible and mindful of the input of our citizens.

see their local property taxes go up. The Board worked to have small increases in the operating budget to maintain the current tax rate. Balancing the needs of the town with the available funds is the task I will take on if reelected.

BOARD OF FINANCE Three Openings 4-year term (vote for three)

B. SCOTT KUHNLY – REP.

I am honored and excited to be running for re-election as the First Selectman of Granby. I was born and raised in the Farmington Valley and moved to Granby over 25 years ago. My wife Joanie and I have raised our five kids here and we love the sense of community Granby offers. I have been involved in many activities through the years such as coaching, church activities and have been an active parent in the school district. I was honored to serve as the Republican Town Committee Chair for over 11 years, a former member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, as well as the Board of Finance and most recently an eight-year member of the Board of Selectmen. I will use that experience, as well as my professional management aptitude, to work with the other selectmen and boards to make informed and innovative decisions for our great community. My desire to run again for First Selectman stems from wanting to give back to the town that has given me and my family so much. My past experiences both professionally and personally have given me a skill set of problem solving, innovation and budgeting and I want to help make a positive impact by serving with the Board of Selectmen. I believe we are fortunate to have the volunteer leaders we have in this town that step up and serve our community. I am honored to work with our Board of Selectmen; we each bring unique and similar skill sets to our positions and a strong desire to do what is right for our town. We are faced, like many towns within the state, with rising costs for practically everything, mismanaged state government, unfunded state mandates, reduced or improperly directed state funding that all results in increased taxes on all our citizens. As your First Selectman I will continue to work with our local boards, regional leaders and state representatives in letting them know exactly what the needs are of our community and work with them in developing effective, collaborative solutions. Communication is also an area I will continue to work on in my third term. Finding new and innovative ways to communicate the needs of our community as well as letting our citizens know the challenges we face so that together we can make informed decisions that have a positive outcome for Granby.

JIM LOFINK – DEM.

Hello Granby – I’m Jim Lofink. I moved to Granby in 2005 with my wife, Celia, and our twin boys. Currently serving on Granby’s Board of Selectman, I have been engaged in municipal service since 2007 including positions on the Charter Revision Commission, Plan of Conservation and Development Committee and on several building committees. My other civic interests include the Granby Land Trust, Granby Senior Center, Salmon Brook Historical Society, Friends of Holcomb Farm and the Granby Tennis Club. Retired from a corporate career, I now teach at the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business. What drew me to Granby were the schools, farms and open spaces. Why I love it now is the tremendous community spirit within Granby. It’s an honor to serve Granby and continue to build its reputation as the premier rural residential community in the greater Hartford area. Granby has tremendous natural resources, a premier educational system and a talented and engaged community. This makes it a highly desirable location to raise a family and enjoy life. It is one also facing changes over the next decade with state budget woes and demographic changes of more seniors and less school-age children. With a good long range planning process to support these changing conditions, Granby will continue to be the Pride of the Valley. I ask for your support on Election Day.

SALLY KING – DEM.

I am running as a Democrat for re-election to the Granby Board of Selectmen. I have lived on Day Street in Granby with my husband, Eric Lukingbeal, since October of 1984 and have served on the Board of Selectmen since 1993, and as its Vice Chair for over 10 years. I am a graduate of Wesleyan University (1973) and Western New England College School of Law (1978). I spent 14 years at Robinson and Cole in Hartford, as an associate and then partner. I have also been active in nonprofit governance at the Village and the United Way in Hartford and with various other community organizations. Given the current budget crisis in Connecticut, I believe that the board is facing a greater challenge than ever in balancing fiscal restraint while meeting its responsibility to provide necessary services and support for its citizens. We must operate in an open and transparent manner, keeping citizens informed and giving them the opportunity to be heard, and listening to their input. Granby is a unique community, with its large areas of open space and agricultural bounty. Granby is also lucky

ED OHANNESSIAN – REP.

Ed has lived in Granby since 1999 with his wife Cindy and three children. Ed has served two terms on the Board of Selectmen. Prior to the Board of Selectmen, he served on the Granby Board of Education for eight years including serving as its Vice Chairman and as Chairman of the Finance, Personnel and Facilities subcommittee. In addition, he has volunteered in many business and community organizations including: past board member of the Private Placement Industry Association, past president of the Hartford CFA Society, past board member of Holcomb Farm and past board member of Granby Little League. I firmly believe in balancing fiscal responsibility with the demanding needs of our growing and vibrant town. As a member of town boards and a parent who raised children in Granby, I have experienced the growing and changing demands on today’s citizens. Granby’s success has been rooted by conservative fiscal policy with clear goals. However, we are entering a new phase with demand for increased services and additional financial stress as citizens resist increasing tax burdens. We must continually review our current practices and develop innovative methods to meet the needs of Granby’s citizens. As an investment professional, I clearly understand the conflict of diverse financial needs that must be met within constrained budgets. As a taxpayer and member of our town government, I am pleased with our conservative fiscal policies and our ability to continually improve town services within a challenging fiscal environment. I am committed to ensuring that the Town of Granby continues to provide a high level of service to its residents and remains an attractive place to reside. I am enthusiastic about continuing to serve the residents of Granby as a member of the Board of Selectmen and would be grateful for your vote.

MARK NEUMANN – REP.

For the last 14 years I have served on the Board of Selectmen, and prior to that I served on the Board of Assessment Appeals and as Town Constable. I am a graduate of Granby Memorial High School and a Granby native. Currently I work at Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks. The Board of Selectmen’s challenge in the coming term is how to maintain Granby’s current services with decreasing support from the state. Granby’s taxpayers are feeling the burden of increased state and federal taxes. No one wants to

FREDERICK A. MOFFA – DEM.

Dr. Frederick Moffa has served on the Board of Finance for the past 12-plus years. He has helped steer the town budget during many difficult years, where budgets have been tight and difficult choices were made. Dr. Moffa has lived in Granby since 1987. He and his wife Jennifer (and their 3 children ) are Granby high graduates. Dr. Moffa started his business in Granby in Aug. 2000 and has enjoyed providing care for residents of Granby and the surrounding towns. He looks forward to continuing guiding Granby’s budget through another difficult year.

ALFRED G. WILKE – REP.

Granby’s three boards work together, to find a balanced way of meeting our town’s needs and its ability to pay. Connecticut’s financial situation has deteriorated and Granby cannot count on the same level of municipal and school aid from the state. As an incumbent, I realize this will be a trying time that will require new ideas to meet the new challenge. I bring experience, a commitment to fiscal responsibility to the BOF and seek improvement in Granby’s fiscal standing and growth.

GORDON C. BISCHOFF – REP.

Granby has been widely recognized in the state as a model of fiscal responsibility due to the willingness of its three operating boards, along with our unique Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee, to work together to balance our needs with our ability to pay. Connecticut’s financial situation has deteriorated and Granby cannot count on the same level of municipal and school aid. As an incumbent, I realize this will require an openness to new ideas, including increased cooperation with other towns. I bring experience, a

Election guide cont’d. on p. 30

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Election guide cont’d. from p. 29 commitment to fiscal responsibility and the right temperament to drive for continuous improvement in Granby’s fiscal standing and growth. My wife Florence and I have lived in Granby for the past 32 years, and we have two adult children, both graduates of Granby schools.

BOARD OF EDUCATION Three Openings 4-year term (vote for three)

BRANDON WEBSTER – DEM. for Board Of Education

My name is Brandon Webster and, along with my wife Amanda, I’ve been a Granby resident for the past five years. I, like many residents, came to Granby for the acclaim of the school system. I have two young boys: Henry, a kindergartner and Theodore, a pre-kindergartner. I have a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, a minor in Advanced Mathematics, and I want to bring a career of professional engineering experience to the board. I have served as the UTAS Young Professionals Organization Chair for two years and as the Fundraising Chair of the Granby PTO. We need to evaluate our new and existing programs and fix those that are stagnant, as well as tailoring all our programs to maximize student outcomes while keeping spending down. We need to be working closely with the teachers to optimize our programs, and make our school system the best it can be.

Member of Valley Pre-School; Girl Scout Leader since 2009; Board Member for Granby Educational Foundation since 2016; Education reporter for the Granby Drummer since 2012; Granby Rovers Team Treasurer since 2015. As a reporter, I attended BOE meetings for over five years and I understand the regulatory, policy and budget realities faced by Central Services. At VPS, she had to implement these rules in a realworld environment. As a deeply engaged parent, I understand how these decisions impact the teacher-student-parent relationship where outcomes are achieved. These perspectives fuel my passion for wise investment and realized student outcomes.

MELISSA MIGLIACCIO – REP. for Board Of Education

My husband Mark and I chose Granby to raise our family, and we love this town and community. Our son Andrew attends UConn, David is a junior at GMHS, and Will is a 7th grader at GMMS. I practice higher education law in Hartford, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut and proud UConn alumni. Over the years I have volunteered with many organizations: Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, Region 15 Perpetual Fund, Open Choice Host Parent, CT Appleseed Education Project, Town of Granby Charter Review Commission, Just the Beginning Foundation – Law Concepts for Inner City Students, Granby Land Trust, Granby High School Football Supporters, and the GMHS Principal Search Committee. Our Granby public schools are high ranking and award winning. I have the experience and record to continue on the Board of Education, and would be honored to receive your vote for re-election.

November 2017

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Three Openings 4-year term (vote for three)

SARAH THRALL – REP. for Board Of Education

Sarah and her family have made Granby their home for over 11 years and my husband’s family (the Thralls) has been in Connecticut for over 375 years. Born and raised in Maine, the Yankee values of hard work, commitment, and community have been instilled in Sarah her entire life. She earned a degree in psychology and education from Bowdoin College. Sarah and her husband, Spencer, a 12th generation farmer, have five children, all of whom are being educated in the Granby public school system. Some of Sarah’s service to the community includes work with the Granby PTO and PAC, YMCA, Granby Education Foundation, Good Company Theater, Valley Pre-School, Granby Little League, and host to French and Spanish exchange students. Sarah also served as a Registrar of Voters and continues to volunteer on Election Day. Professionally, Sarah works for Junior Achievement to bring financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial skills to students.

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS Two Openings 4-year term (vote for one)

ERIC LUKINGBEAL – DEM.

A retired trial lawyer, Lukingbeal served on either PZC or Inland Wetlands the past 29 years, 33-year resident, board member of Granby Land Trust and Friends of Holcomb Farm, married to Sally King, Army veteran. There is no easy answer to balancing economic growth with keeping the Town’s character. Economic growth is happening—look at the new restaurants we have, or will have soon, and two new housing projects recently approved, with one under construction. But, economic growth on the scale of a large business or manufacturing facility is unlikely. Why? We are too far from 91. We should stop agonizing over a geographical fact we cannot change; instead, we should keep working on what brought us here, and what keeps us here. Rural values, open space, horses a common sight, and thriving agriculture, together give us something that towns with a bigger commercial grand list can only dream about. We are, and ought to be, green, quiet, dark at night, and full of volunteers. We have a really good school system. Let’s keep our sights on what drew us here, and what keeps us here. Our land use regulations, and our 2016 plan of conservation and development, both stress rural values, agriculture, and conservation. They have gotten it right. I’ll work to keep it that way. Last point: we should remember the wisdom of the Dalai Lama: “It is better to want what you have, than to have what you want.”

DANIEL CHAPPELLE – DEM.

VALORIE HOLLISTER – DEM. for Board Of Education

Seventeen years ago, Val and her husband, Todd, choose to settle in Granby because of the schools and rural, farm character. They have two children, Max (9th grade) and Kate (8th grade). Val grew up on a farm Michigan. Her parents were both teachers: her father, a high school science teacher and her mother, a pre-school teacher. They instilled in her a deep appreciation for public education. Once her children started school, Val began regularly attending Board of Education meetings. Since that time, she has advocated for positive changes in our schools. Granby students have world language in K-6 grade curriculum due in part to Val’s efforts to build community support. Val is also an active volunteer with local organizations/initiatives, including Cub/Boy Scouts, PTO/PAC, youth football, and the get-outthe-vote for the annual town budget. Val is currently the director of finance for a global, high-tech non-profit.

KIM BECKER – DEM. for Board Of Education

Nine years ago, the Becker family choose Granby as the best environment to raise their children, Alexa (13) and Matthew (10), and to be close to family. Over that time, Kim has focused on contributing to the community: Events committee member for Celebrate Granby 225; 3-year Board

STEVE ROYER – REP. for Board Of Education

Steve is a graduate of Granby Memorial High School and has lived in town off and on for 25 years. After high school he earned his BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in English from Norwich University. Steve did four years in Army ROTC and then worked as federal law enforcement officer for various agencies in Washington, D.C., including the Pentagon and Homeland Security. He is currently a regional manager with a national steel manufacturing company. Steve and his wife Melissa, a middle school guidance counselor in West Springfield, Mass., have two young children in the Granby schools. They love the school system and the wonderful teachers and administrators that work here. Steve’s commitment to the town and the community runs deep. With parents, family, friends and neighbors to support him, Steve feels a strong desire to volunteer and give back to the Granby community. He has served as an alternate on P & Z, volunteered on the building committee and is a first responder on the East Hartland Fire Dept. I believe in providing the best possible education for our children and students while remaining responsible to the fiscal management the people in Granby expect. The majority of our state reps in the House, Senate and Governor’s office have continuously let the people of our state down with bad policies and irresponsible spending of our tax dollars. We need qualified and experienced representatives on our boards to make the best decisions and that reflect the interests of the citizens of Granby.

Dan was born and raised in Granby. He is a 2011 graduate of Granby Memorial High School and graduated from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in 2015 with a degree in Business Administration. For the past two years, he worked as a legal assistant for a law firm in New York City that represents owners of commercial, residential, retail and industrial properties in matters involving real property valuation and the administration and review of property tax assessments. He recently returned to Granby to begin his legal studies at the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he is a first-year law student. Dan hopes to use the knowledge and experience that he gained in the field of real estate valuation to assist the town on the Board of Assessment appeals.

CELIA EGGERT – REP.

My name is Celia Eggert and I am running for re-election to the Board of Assessment Appeals. I have been a member of the Board since 2006. I have lived in Granby since 1993. I received a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut; a M.B.A. from the University of Hartford; and a J.D. from Western New England College. I am employed as a trial attorney. I am seeking re-election to serve in this volunteer capacity because it gives me the opportunity to interact with town leaders; work with these leaders to keep Granby strong; and to give back to the town that I have enjoyed living in for more than 20 years.

MARGARET CHAPPLE – DEM.

Margaret (Peggy) Chapple has lived in Granby for over 30 years and has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for over 20 years. She is currently the vice-chairperson of the commission. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law and held various positions with the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office until she retired as an Associate Attorney General in 2015 after nearly 30 years of service. She and her husband, Wayne, have four children and seven grandchildren. She has served on a number of P and Z subcommittees and most recently chaired the Kearn School Study Committee. As a member of P & Z, she believes it is important to balance the need for expanding the town’s commercial tax base with the residents’ interest in preserving the town’s unique rural character. In addition, she expects that the commission will continue to consider the issue of increasing the array of housing options in Granby and looks forward to being a part of that conversation.

ERIC W. MYERS – REP.

Eric has lived in Granby for 33 years where he and his wife Mary have raised their three children. He is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a

Election guide cont’d. on p. 31

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Election guide cont’d. from p. 30 bachelor degree in business management. Eric works at the Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. He has served on the Conservation Commission and on the Planning and Zoning Commission as an alternate. I want to serve because I’ve lived in the great town of Granby for 33 years and Granby has provided my family what we’ve needed to be successful and now it’s time to give back. Sharing my time and experience by serving on P & Z will help the town continue on its path of prosperity. I believe economic growth can be achieved via responsible development with minimal impact to Granby’s character by focusing on areas of town that are best suited to meet the towns needs as outlined in the Plan of Conservation and Development.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ALTERNATE One Opening 4-year term (vote for one)

CHRISTINE CHINNI – DEM.

I am a candidate for the four-year alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have served in this capacity for the past four years, and am running for a second term. I have enjoyed serving on Planning and Zoning, and look forward to continuing. I feel that our Commission performs a valuable service to the Town of Granby, giving careful consideration to the proposals that come before us. I am a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a B.A. in Political Science, the University of California, with an M.A. in Political Science, and of Western New England University, with a J.D. I am a member of a small law firm. My law partner and I exclusively represent public schools in Connecticut. My 25 years of experience as a practicing attorney is an asset to me in dealing with the legal and regulatory issues that come before the Commission. My husband, John Weeks, and I moved to Granby in 2003. We love the rural character and natural beauty of the town. We lead the annual spring bird walk for the Granby Land Trust, and enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities that Granby offers. I am happy to give back to the town, and serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission as a alternate allows me to make a contribution.

native of Vermont, he is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law and practices immigration law at his firm in Hartford. He and his wife, Margaret, have four children and seven grandchildren. As a member of the ZBA, he strives to apply the regulations governing variances and appeals in a way that best serves the Town of Granby and its residents. The members of the Board do their best to make reasoned decisions based on the facts and regulations and are usually in agreement on the outcome. Recognizing that the granting of a variance has a long-term impact of the property involved, Board members take their responsibilities very seriously. Wayne looks forward to continuing his service to the town on the ZBA. Our board decisions are mostly unanimous, a sign that we all work very well together as a team. As a point of clarification, our decisions are not appealed to Planning and Zoning nor are their decisions appealed to ZBA. We operate under the same regulations, an appeal of either board’s decision goes to the Superior Court of Connecticut. Although there are many uncontested races, please exercise your right to vote. It is a precious right and it must never be taken for granted.

ROBERT LINDEYER – REP.

Robert has been a resident of Granby since 1990. All four of his children have gone through the Granby school system from kindergarten through high school. Since 1997 he has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals as a full member or as an alternate. He has also served on the Community Fund, Granby Land Trust as well as being an officer in social clubs and in his church. He is committed to serving the Granby Community and believes that his experience both professionally and as a past Zoning Board of Appeals member qualifies him to serve another term.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES Two Openings 4-year term (vote for two)

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Two Openings 4-year term (vote for two)

SUZANNE YUCHA – DEM.

WAYNE E. CHAPPLE – DEM.

Wayne has lived in Granby for over 30 years, has been a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for over 20 years and currently serves as chairman. A

Suzanne Yucha has lived in Granby with her husband for over 34 years. They have raised two children and have been involved with numerous town activities. She has been an alternate for Zoning Board of Appeals for over 12 years. She is also a board member of the Granby Parks and Recreation board. I enjoy being a part of Zoning Board of Appeals because I feel it is important to balance the Granby zoning rules with residents’ personal needs.

VOTE Nov. 7

WILLIAM P. O’LEARY – REP.

William P. (Liam) O’Leary emigrated from Ireland in 1967 and attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation in 1975, he did an internship and one year residency at New Bolton Center at the University. In 1977 he moved to Granby and joined the Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital as an equine veterinarian where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 2015. Liam served on the school boards at St. Mary School in Simsbury and at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford. He also chaired the Parents Development Committee at Northwest and served on the board of Equistrides Therapeutic Riding Center in Granby, and as an alternate on the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals. Liam and his wife, Jo, have three daughters, Miriam, Niamh, and Keara. He is seeking this position to help the residents of Granby meet their zoning needs, while ensuring that the zoning rules and regulations are respected.

Connecticut companies work well with the communities within which they operate. I have lived in Granby with my wife and two children for seventeen years. During that time, we have supported local organizations such as the Granby Land Trust and the Granby Education Foundation. We have also been staunch supporters of careful development and improvement of Granby and its environs, with focus on preserving the nature and history of the town and community. The Zoning Board of Appeals determines whether to permit a variance or exception to town zoning requirements. As an Alternate to the Board, I have had several opportunities to review and weigh in on variance applications. I feel that by continuing my participation in this process, I can better assist in the attention and care given to growth and changes to the town, local businesses and community, and can share in husbanding those changes without sacrificing key elements of the town’s unique nature.

TOWN MODERATOR One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES Two Openings 2-year term (vote for one)

DAVID HENNESSEY – DEM.

I was appointed in January 2017 as an Alternate for the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals, and now seek election to that position. I am an attorney by trade, and have devoted over 30 years to helping

JOHN E. ADAMS – REP.

John has lived in Granby for the past 25 years. He and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Ben and Hanna. He is a Senior Vice President at Tetra Tech, a worldwide environmental and engineering consulting firm. He holds a BS and MS from the University of Rochester in Biology and Geology, and an MBA from UConn. Adams served five terms as Granby’s First Selectman from 2003 to 2013 and as Vice Chairman of the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) since 2006. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority since July 2012. As Granby’s First Selectman, John worked cooperatively with the Boards of Education and Finance to maintain Granby’s solid financial position. As moderator, it is my goal to provide a transparent exchange of information for the public to understand the topic of discussion and conduct town meetings in a civil and effective manner.

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November 2017

DEM OC R ATI C C AN D I DATE S AN S W E R OUR QUES T IO NS Each of us has our own gifts, talents and abilities. How can our high school best guide each student on the path that is right for him or her? Do you think the national push toward “college for all” is doing more harm than good? Kim Becker: At the district level, we must be willing to meet students where they are and ensure they are prepared to move to the level. Forcing students who aren’t ready or interested into college to meet arbitrary expectations does not help them find their passion or offer them employment stability after high school. To date, the Republican-led board has not shown much leadership in this area. It has been lax in building on partnerships with Asnuntuck Community College and the Suffield Agriscience Center, and Granby’s vibrant farming community is an obvious student mentorship opportunity that has yet to be utilized. Partnerships such as these should be urgently sought and expanded to meet the needs of students who will be successful in these critical professions. Also, the administration should be actively seeking ways to engage students in these fields and connect them to both internship and post-graduation opportunities such as Connecticut’s Office of Apprenticeship Training. Public education is meant to prepare students for either college or career. We need people who are interested in trade careers to grow our manufacturing base, maintain our homes and cars, cut our hair, and create restaurant meals. As I have spoken with voters over the last few months, I hear continually from parents whose students weren’t ready for college and instead found opportunities in good paying technical jobs. I have also spoken to many people in manufacturing who can’t find qualified people to fill those good-paying jobs. This stunts the state’s growth and keeps young people from finding stable and high-paying jobs in Connecticut. Moving forward, the board needs to actively seek and expand student opportunities in technical and trade work. If elected, I will work to implement solutions that improve the outcomes—and the futures —of our children. Valerie Hollister: Our high school should ensure that all students, both college-bound and undecided, are aware and exposed to a range of career options. There are many high paying careers that do not require a college degree, but may require very specialized knowledge, training and skill development.

Exposing students to those options and providing an opportunity to explore them is a critical component of their time in high school. I would like to see the Granby high school engage more with the state of Connecticut’s Career Pathways Initiative, which is a set of career and technical education (CTE) courses that prepare students for careers or continued training/education. In addition, our district should foster closer relationships with area community colleges and technical/vocational schools, providing students an opportunity to explore a wide range of career options. I do not believe it is up to our teachers, school administrators or Board of Education to determine whether or not “college for all” is good or harmful. Our schools should provide our students with a well-crafted curriculum around what comes after high school, that exposes them to a full range of their options, and encourages them to challenge themselves and ultimately prepares them for whatever they chose to do following graduation. Brandon Webster: It is critical that we find ways that support the individual talents of each student, so that when they leave our schools, they have a plan and the skills necessary to be successful; whether that be college, community college, a technical program, the armed forces, or the workforce. When we understand each student’s needs, we can more effectively tailor the student’s course load with the proper objectives. By having a supportive guidance department that meets with each student individually, we can build strong and trusting personal relationships. It is our duty to help the students become the owners of their own future by helping them understand the options available to them and providing them the necessary support along their academic journey. While it is of utmost importance to ensure each student has maximized their potential, let us not overlook the many respectable jobs available to those where immediate entrance into the workforce is the best option. I look forward to collaborating with our local community colleges, job training programs and our state schools to expand on our offerings, and to facilitate strong partnerships that prepare our students for post graduate success.

If school spending needs to be significantly reduced because of state municipal aid cutbacks, what steps should be taken to maintain the quality of education in Granby?

Kim Becker: This Republican-led board has been surprisingly uninterested in taking the first step to ensure both fiscal responsibility and academic rigor: program evaluation. As a former program manager in nonprofits, I know the benefit of scrupulously reviewing programs to trim away what isn’t working and to strengthen what is. Our district has made large investments in many new programs over the last several years: one-to-one computing in K-12, world language in K-12, instructional coaches for teachers, and more. However, the Board has not sufficiently reviewed the data, including surveying our very competent teachers, to determine whether these programs are actually increasing student outcomes. They have not asked the questions necessary to guarantee that our tax dollars are well spent or certify that our students are performing to their potential. Also, with low math scores, “flatlined” SBAC scores, and a 5-year decline in SAT scores, this board has not been actively engaged in promoting the district’s academic rigor. It is critical to high school success to have a strong foundation built in grades K through 8. Given that 80% of our middle school population receives Honors or High Honors each quarter, the district has plenty of room to increase the rigor and no-cost means to implement a more rigorous course for all students, especially advanced learners. By raising the standard, the district will increase student outcomes without spending more money. Combined with effective program evaluation, the district would be able to build a stronger academic program and allow students to grow at their own pace. For FY18, $485,855 was budgeted for high school athletics, representing almost 70% of the Student Activities line item. If the worst-case scenarios happen at the state level, the district would likely need to cut back its considerable investment in athletics, potentially asking parents to pay more. Valerie Hollister: Unfortunately, cuts are coming to the Granby schools. We don’t know yet how much, but none of the cuts will be easy. Our other big challenge is that the Granby schools are stagnating. Our students standardized test scores (SBAC) are flat and in some areas, like math, the scores are low. There is also a declining trend for our students SAT scores over the last 5 years. The very difficult task for the next Board of Education is to help make changes that address both of these challenges. A key part of tackling both our funding challenge and ensuring that we continue to improve student outcomes is the necessity for a thorough evaluation of all the new programs that have been implemented in recent years (1-to-1 computing, enrichment clus-

ters, etc.). There has never been a comprehensive review of these programs to determine how effective they are at improving student outcomes. After evaluating these programs, we can determine which programs are worth saving. We should also look at how extracurricular activities are funded. It may be that a greater share of the costs need to be shifted to the parents of the players/ participants who directly benefit. The one area I strongly believe we need to protect is the funding for our teaching staff. We cannot risk larger class sizes or fewer course offerings for our students as a result of cutting teachers, because this will directly impact the quality of education in Granby. There are tough challenges ahead with tough decisions to be made. I regularly attend the Board of Education meetings and I know the issues we face. I’ve spent my professional career in finance. I love our town and I’m passionate about public education. I’m confident that we can meet the challenges ahead. For more info visit my FaceBook page: facebook. com/hollisterforboe. Brandon Webster: As the state budget crisis overflows into our community, the time is now for innovative thinking that balances fiscal responsibility alongside making the necessary improvements to our schools. Implementing program evaluation will assist us in understanding where the shortfalls are in the current curriculum, as well as guide us in the necessary direction to stay competitive. It is imperative that we correct our stagnant programs, as our residents (and their tax dollars) deserve the highest level of education being provided to our students. An example of effective program evaluation would be reviewing programs like that of 8th grade Algebra. Currently, our students’ test scores show that nearly 4 out of 10 students are not proficient in mathematics, and these numbers are declining in our lower grade levels. This is an example of the worrisome data that shows the critical need for a full evaluation, to see how we can be better serving our students and utilizing our tax dollars. In my conversations with math teachers and parents, they do not feel this program is providing our students the skills they need for the next level of mathematics. As a professional engineer with advanced degrees in science and advanced mathematics, I’m going to bring a background to the board that is not currently represented, and with the goal of addressing our stagnant scores, so that Granby’s education reputation is attractive for young families to move to Granby again.

Becker | Webster | Hollister Granby Board of Education

Our Priorities

Proven Leaders

Growing Schools Granby OAK Strong

Candidates your town already depends on

Outcomes Introduce outcomes-driven evaluation to achieve greater student success

Access Create transparency and openness in the decision making and budget process

Knowledge Work together with our teachers & families to capture & implement innovations

Kim Becker

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Brandon Webster

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Valorie Hollister

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Vote Nov 7th Paid for by the Granby Democratic Town Committee. Lynn Guelzow, Treasurer

native priorities (from Val): ening to you - the Granby voters, parents, educational professionals and ents

Drummer Education Reporter, PTO Fundraising Chair, UTAS Young Professionals President, Valley Preschool Board Chair/ Fundraising Chair/Compliance Officer, Granby Education Marketing Committee, Granby Rovers Treasurer, PTO Room Parent, Advocate/Organizer of History Day, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Girl Scout Gold Award Mentor, Cub Scout/Boy Scout Leader, Mother’s Connection of the Farmington Valley Executive Director, Youth/High School Football Volunteer, Parent Representative on District Committees, Advocate to extend world language curriculum, Advocate/Organizer of town budget get out the vote

November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 33

R EPUB L I C AN C AN D I DATE S AN S W E R OUR QUES T IO NS Each of us has our own gifts, talents and abilities. How can our high school best guide each student on the path which is right for him or her? Do you think the national push toward “college for all” is doing more harm than good? Melissa Migliaccio: I agree that each student has their own talents and abilities, and the challenge is to match the student with their best path forward after graduation from GMHS. The College and Career Center at GMHS has increased their offerings and opportunities to our students to help them determine the path that is right for them, not a one size fits all approach. The Center is doing a wonderful job guiding our students to the right choice for their postgraduation plans. Granby boasts a 98 percent graduation rate. Our Guidance Department has a Director, and four guidance counselors, as well as a College and Career Center Coordinator. The Center offers cooperative work education programs, job shadow day, and mentoring programs where the student partners with a local business or mentor to explore career paths. They also offer College guidance, from the highly regarded College Explorations Seminar, to the Naviance software program which is the cornerstone of our counseling center. Naviance provides college matching tools, career assessment quizlets, and personality tests. Every GMHS student has full and free access to Naviance. The Center also hosts a wide variety of technical schools, colleges and universities on-site – in September 2017 alone the Center hosted twenty one schools. No, college is not for everyone. However, furthering your “education” by definition should not be limited to attending a college or university. That is a disservice to our students who pursue advanced manufacturing, or attend trade school, or serve as an apprentice. A 21st century workforce is only successful when we design, manufacture and produce things that our economy needs. The critical question is instead: “What opportunities are we offering to students when college is not right for them?” And at GMHS, we are offering those opportunities. Stephen Royer: I believe the path for our students should start before high school, and more importantly should be a foundation built at home. Parents, guardians and families need be coaching

and encouraging their children to explore and build upon their gifts and talents. The elementary and middle school should further expose students to what career opportunities and higher education prospects can offer them to enhance their interests. The high school is the launching pad for the work we have invested in our students from day one. Anytime we use all-inclusive words such as “for all,” we are doing a disservice to our students. College is a great next step for our graduating seniors, and it is important that as a country we maintain a highly educated workforce in the global market. We also need to recognize the importance of skilled labor trades, something that we all need in our daily lives. The calling for military service that some young people have is a great source of community investment and often leads to expanded learning and continued education opportunities. Sarah Thrall: Our public schools are charged with the difficult task of creating learning environments in which an individual student can develop and thrive, but also ensuring that the basic fundamentals of an education are attained. As the mother of 5 children, I can appreciate the fact that each child has a different path and that “one size fits all” is not in the best interest of the child. Granby Memorial High School provides students with a variety of options to pursue different opportunities for both college and career; independent study, AP classes, an active College/Career center, and Cooperative Work Education programs that include internships, Job Shadows, and exposure to worksite based programs. College isn’t for every student and those who are looking for an alternative to college should be ready for success when they graduate from Granby Memorial High School.

If school spending needs to be significantly reduced because of state municipal aid cutbacks, what steps should be taken to maintain the quality of education in Granby? Melissa Migliaccio: Make no mistake, municipal aid will be cut to Granby this year, and every year in the near future. Despite the two largest tax increases in State history (2011 and 2015), the State again faces an enormous budget deficit due to underfunded pension obligations and health care costs. The Governor’s Executive Order slashed aid to Granby and as of this writing, Governor Malloy vetoed the bipartisan budget that would have restored all but $330k of our

municipal aid to Granby. To preserve the quality of education in Granby, we need to explore opportunities to share our services and students. We currently offer opportunities to Hartford (K-12) and Hartland (9-12) students to attend our schools. The BOE must continue to actively pursue partnerships with other local towns to create revenue. In the “tough choices” category, we may need to ask parents to pay more for our exceptional extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, clubs, etc. I would hate to see those opportunities disappear. Capital improvement projects that are not critical will need to be delayed. The last thing I would want is for Granby to cut teachers because of the mess in Hartford. Teachers are the linchpin of our district success – they are simply fundamental to the quality of the Granby Public Schools. Stephen Royer: Those are hard decisions where you need experienced representatives with a proven track history. The BOE showed its ability to make tough decisions when it closed Kearns School. This wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right, responsible, and difficult decision that had to be made for the benefit of the school system and our town. The state has paved a difficult road ahead for us, not just this year, but for years to come. We need representatives that can make sensible, albeit sometimes unpopular, policies that strengthen our schools while remaining cognizant of budgetary constraints. The board needs

to work in unison to find creative ways to make ends meet while not impacting student’s education and the great investments we have already made into our district. There is no list of cuts prepared at the moment, it is a process that takes place if and when needed, and by the people you choose to make those decisions. Sarah Thrall: As of Oct. 13, the State of Connecticut has yet to approve a budget for fiscal year 2018 and the State is being run by an executive order from Governor Malloy. Granby is one of 85 school districts that is facing “zeroed out” Education Cost Sharing for FY18, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars of State funding. Fortunately, the Town of Granby has been fiscally responsible and has already implemented cost savings such as a hiring freeze and other efficiencies. The role of the Board of Education is to work collaboratively with the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen as the Town faces difficult decisions. The Board of Finance will provide the BOE with budget guidelines and the BOE, along with Superintendent Addley, will be charged with looking at the current budget line-by-line and take an already lean budget and make it leaner. Granby’s schools are a huge attraction for families to move into town and it’s critical that we maintain the quality of education that is expected; however, some tough choices and hard decisions will be necessary.

Poll Workers are Needed

This is an important election year with a record number of newly registered voters for a municipal year. New poll workers are needed for data entry, for helping at Town Hall and working at the polls in the Community Gym where over 3,000 voters are anticipated during the day – over 200 voters per hour. The Registrar’s office is actively recruiting new workers and has set up an extensive list of options for training to try to make it easier to participate. There will be morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes. In October a bulk email/sign up genius went out with when and where training will be held for the classes with several options offered for November – only one class is required to participate as an official poll worker. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid, and must be 16 years or older. If would like to be added to the list or if you did not receive the poll worker information and signups, please e-mail the registrars at: vr.granby@po.state.ct.us

COMMITTED TO ACHIEVEMENT VOTE REPUBLICAN

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION Ranked 9th of 50 Hartford Area Towns for English and Math (2015-16 SBAC Scores, Hartford Magazine)

11th Ranked High School in Connecticut (2017 US News & World Report)

VOTE THE 2ND ROW Stephen Royer

Melissa Migliaccio

Sarah Thrall

COMMITTED TO GRANBY Paid for by the Granby Republican Town Commi ee, David Tolli, Treasurer

Page 34 The Granby Drummer

Registrar of Voters Seven Day In Person Registration Deadline is Oct. 31 for Municipal The Granby Registrar of Voters will hold a special last day, all day voter registration session from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their Town Hall offices. Residents are encouraged to stop in or call to verify their voter registration. You can also check your voter registration online using the Secretary of State’s website: www. sots.ct.gov Same-day voter registration has been passed in Connecticut and debuts this November. The State legislature has changed our state statutes so that US citizens who are 18 by Nov. 7, can register to vote on Election Day. To implement, unregistered voters will need to go to Town Hall (not the town’s polling site in the Community Gym) on Election Day to register. They must bring proof of identity and proof of residence to vote. If they are registered before 8 p.m., they will get to fill out a ballot and then place it an envelope. If their ballot is uncontested at 8 p.m., then it will go to Granby’s polling site at the High School where it will 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 any potentially long lines at Town Hall. Unregistered voters in line at Town Hall at 8 p.m. will not be able to vote on Election Day. Voters need to be aware that voter registration is NON-transferable. If you moved from another town or state, you still need to fill out a new registration card, with your current address, in order to vote. Online voter registration is available for new voters or to make changes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: voterregistration.ct.gov Voter Registration can be verified 24/7 at: www.dir.ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx Election results reporting continues to improve statewide using an improved two-step process. Machine read ballot totals will be announced immediately and the additional calculations including hand counted ballots will have 48 hours to be processed. With this new method over 90 percent of both local and statewide results can be posted much quicker. You can see past results as well as current

election results as they are reported at the Secretary of State’s website: ctemspublic.pcctg.net/#/home One Polling Site For the Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the polls will be open from 6 am to 8 p.m. All major town boards have seats up for election/re-election: Selectman, Finance, Education, Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Moderator. All of Granby residents will vote at the same location, in 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 Community Gym using the high school’s 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, but the Registrars strongly recommend voting between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you have the option to do so, as the heaviest voting will be between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the second rush will be between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Curbside Voting Physically disabled or handicapped voters can choose to vote using an absentee ballot through the Town Clerk (see below) before Election day. For voters who have a temporary medical issue on Election day, such as a severe arthritis flare up, they can participate in a program called curbside voting. This involves making a request at the polling site for help from two assistant registrars, a Democrat and a Republican, while the curbside voter waits in a designated parking space. The assistant registrars will then check in the voter and get issued a ballot in a privacy folder that they will jointly carry to the car of the voter to fill out. After filling out the ballot, the two Assistant Registrars will then jointly carry the completed ballot, in a privacy folder, to the optical scanner voting machine to be counted. This service is not available to people who are not temporarily physically handicapped. Senior Van Service Available on Election Day Homebound registered voters can arrange for transportation to the polls by calling the Social Services department at

November 2017

the Senior Center at 860-844-5353. The service is planned from 9 a.m. to noon on Election Day and voters should call now to arrange for a ride before Nov. 7. Voter ID To check in quickly at the polls, please bring a photo ID. Should you not have a photo ID on election day, but have previously proven your ID, either at the time of your registration or when voting previously, you will need to spend a few minutes at the Moderator table, as there is a state required form to fill out. New Voting Equipment for Everyone Voters will have the option to vote privately and independently using a touch screen or audio ballot marking system. This new equipment is designed to allow people who can’t or would prefer to not use a marking pen to fill out their ballot, to be able to vote on Election Day privately and independently at the polling site using this specially set up system. To actually cast a vote using this touch screen system, you need to be a registered voter and come to the polls on Election Day. We encourage all town residents to try out this system by calling IVS. At the time of this writing, the phone numbers for District 1 and 2 current ballots were unavailable for test voting. However, you can vote on a generic test ballot, 24/7, using the IVS demo line at 1-888-661-6366. Listen to the instructions, use the * key to go to the sample famous names ballot, and follow the voting instructions to make ballot selections. It will take a little patience to listen to all of the information, but be aware you can vote quickly once you are familiar with this phone system, which allows you to skip past instructions or hearing the entire ballot. Absentee Ballots 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 just on a different color paper, as they are tallied separately. Connecticut has specific guidelines for the use of Absentee ballots; essentially the voter must testify on their Absentee ballot application that they have a reason for not voting at the polls. The

form is available at Town Hall or on the web at www.sots.ct.gov Send in an application for your absentee ballot at least one month before the election and mail your completed ballot immediately after you receive your ballot to ensure your vote will be counted. If you can come to the Town Hall, you can complete the process in person after Oct. 6. Ballots received by the Town Clerk after Nov. 7 are not counted. Calendar Review Absentee Ballot Applications are being collected now by the Town Clerk for those who know they will be away from home on Nov. 7 or otherwise qualify for an absentee ballot The application form is available at Town Hall or on the web at www.sots.ct.gov Tuesday, Oct. 31 - Voter Registration Session Registrars’ office in Town Hall from 9 a.m. –8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Filing of certified voter registry list with the Town Clerk Monday, Nov. 6 – 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. 7 Municipal Election – Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Granby Community Gym, Granby Memorial High School Tuesday, Nov. 7 Same Day – Election Day registration and voting at the Registrar’s office at Town Hall for those who are eligible and need to register before voting only. Feel free to 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, (our 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: www.sots. ct.gov Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis, our office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and our e-mail address is: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com

In Memory Of…

Kinney, Kristopher J.D. “Kris”, 46, Sept. 20 Griffin, Charles Fleming ‘Chip”, 62, Sept. 22 Rebula, Benita Rosa “Rosina”, 87, wife of the late Guido Rebula, Sept. 22

Holcomb, Geraldine (Cormier), 95, wife of the late Proctor B. Holcomb, Oct. 5 Seidman, Randy William, 45, former husband of April Renee Seidman, Oct. 6

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November 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 35

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

Celebrating 30 years practicing in Granby On Nov. 1, Dr. Kirk and I mark our 30th anniversary of practicing veterinary medicine in Granby. There have been many changes in our profession in 30 years and a few changes in Granby. When we arrived here in 1987 there were two stoplights and eight active dairy farms in town. Now there are six lights (soon to be seven) and only two farms. We came to town to join a mixed practice i.e. one that treats large and small animals. Granby is still rural enough to support our brand of practice but our large animal veterinarians have to travel farther and farther to treat their patients. Granby has done really well for itself. We can boast about our great schools, excellent town management and quality of life. With active groups like the Granby Land Trust, the Granby Education Foundation and Holcomb Farm leading the way, we can be certain that our town is on the right path. Now that the rear lots along route 10 are beginning to fill in, we can see that development is inevitable. Still the original rural character is intact and the vision going forward seems to be in keeping with the past.

The real changes for us has been in our profession. When we arrived there were just two emergency hospitals (one in Springfield and another in West Hartford). This was a long way to travel so we were on call 24/7 to serve our clients. This is still true today with our large animal practice but as for small animals there are five fully staffed 24 hour emergency clinics within 30 minutes of Granby. There are board certified “criticalists” in veterinary medicine and technicians that are well trained in emergency procedures to help pets after hours. There are different types of emergencies now. The typical “HBC” (hit by car) case of years ago with fractured bones to repair is much less common today. Pet owners install “invisible fences” and they work great to keep the dogs out of the road. Most cats are kept in the house now. We see more dogs tangling with wildlife and treat the bite wounds that occur. Dog park altercations are common as well. Poisonings still frequently occur but it isn’t just rat poison, chocolate and antifreeze. We now see different toxicities like xylitol chewing gum, grapes, marijuana and medications. Pet owners are much more

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likely to seek emergency care now and do not hesitate to call after hours and on weekends. The environment outside has changed as well with the proliferation of ticks and their diseases. The tick borne diseases are dangerous for our pets and for us; our pets bring these ticks into the house. Thank goodness there are safe new oral meds (nexgard, bravecto) to kill these parasites and prevent illness. The lyme vaccine has proven to be very helpful in reducing severe lyme disease cases. We worked with many dog and cat breeders over the years. There were plenty of reproductive and preventive problems to sort out (breeding issues, c-sections, hip x-rays, etc.). It was always fun to see the puppies and kittens and vaccinate the litters. Today the breeders are mostly gone and we take care of “rescue” dogs from the south. These are fine dogs that make excellent pets. Most of the surgery and preventive care has been already taken care of at the shelters. These dogs do tend to have parasites and occasionally bring us contagious diseases that are uncommon in Connecticut. Torn cranial cruciate ligaments are very common especially in large breed dogs. We repair about one knee a week compared to about one a month in the 80’s. These dogs generally do quite well after surgery especially if the owners bring the patient to rehab and follow the protocol. Veterinary “physical therapy” is one of our newer services and is very successful. Other modalities such as laser, chiropractic care and massage therapy are always helpful to older pets even if they haven’t had recent surgery. Veterinary diets have changed dramatically. The number and variety of prescription diets are always growing.

There are three pet food companies (Hill’s, Purina, Royal Canin) that conduct research and perform feeding trials to develop diets for a multitude of conditions. These therapeutic diets are useful in preventing and treating diseases (kidney failure, GI problems, skin conditions). It is always satisfying to solve a problem with a change in diet. There are always excellent new medicines that are developed for pets. It was common to borrow meds from the human side and test for results. Veterinary medicine is big business now and the drug companies are investing in animal pharmaceuticals. Here are a few: Apoquel (not a steroid) really stops allergic dogs who suffer from itchy skin. Cerenia is a wonder drug for nausea and vomiting. There are new nsaids that are safe and treat pain and inflammation (Equiox for horses, Galliprant for dogs, Onsior in cats). Vetmedin is a great heart medication that can extend the lives of dogs in heart failure. One big change is the number of women in our profession. When we graduated the classes were comprised of about 50 percent men and 50 percent women. Most veterinary schools today are 90 percent women. Also the cost of a veterinary education is astronomical today. Sometimes the amount of debt accrued is more than starting salaries can service. This makes for an imbalance that is untenable. The veterinary schools are beginning to address this challenging issue. Granby is a great place to live and practice veterinary medicine. We have appreciated working with our excellent clientele and all their pets large and small. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store in Granby and in veterinary practice.

In Memory Of… Therkelsen, Patricia Anne (O’Connor), 94, wife of the late Alfred James Therkelsen, Oct. 6 Oliva, Sharon (Lindgren), 72, wife of Paul J. Oliva, Oct. 13 Johnson, David Erik, 65, husband of Donna G. Johnson, Oct. 12 Joakim, Marie C. “Mary”, 91, Oct. 14

Soldate, Francis J. “Frank”, 78, husband of Josephine “Josie” L. (Schillaci) Soldate, Oct. 16 Towey, James P., Sr., 76, husband of Charlotte Towey, Oct. 18 Schools, Andrew R., husband of Sandra (Cameron) Schools of FuquayVarina, NC, Oct. 18

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Page 36 The Granby Drummer

November 2017

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertiser Page Ashley’s Jewelers 27 Beacon Mechanical 15 Beman Hardware 2 Berkshire Hathaway 16 Berkshire Hathaway CopperBrook 34 Berkshire Hathaway Reardon 7 Best of Breed 28 Brad McDougall Knife Making 6 Cahill’s Motors 6 Cambridge House 35 Carmon Funeral Home 25 Carter Robert Painting 23 Center Grill 23 Chiropractic Care 5 Christopher Bryant 2 Coldwell Banker 36 Command Corporation 9 Companions and Homemakers 11 Creative Learning Preschool Center 11 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 12 Debbie Finney Sewing 12 Democrat Town Committee 32 Dr Lucia Coletta 6 Ensle Painting 26 First Church 13 GMHS drama Our Town 31 Granby Artists 8, 23 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 8 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 10 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Package Store 19 Granby Pharmacy 9 Granby Village Health 15 Judy Guarco 17 Higleyville Coin 6

Advertiser Page Jim Clark Snow Plowing 21 Keir Construction 25 Larry’s Construction 25 Mark Brady Kitchen 28 MeadowBrook of Granby 18 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 12 Morawski Cleaning 28 Notch Road Appliance 12 O.P. Painting 8 Old Farms Landscape & Design 24 Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 13 Pierce Builders–Meadowgate 19 Premier Energy Co. 10 Republican Town Committee 33 Riches Jewelers 24 Route 10 Tire 26 Sanditz Travel Management 12 Schoenrock Financial 21 Seniors Helping Seniors 24 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 12 Small Town Septic 17 South Church 3 State Line Propane Oil 9 Strain Family Equestrian Center 25 Subseven 35 Swim Center 35 Tom Sullivan–Morgan Stanley 26 Troiano Oil Company 27 Two Park Place 5 Valley Brook Com Church 22 Valley View Cabinetry 27 Walsh Chiropractic 18 West Granby Methodist Church 3, 34 Windsor Federal 10 20 Windy Hill Guitar

Art show to support Granby Land Trust through Nov. 26 at Lost Acres Vineyard Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty, an Art Show hosted by the Granby Land Trust and the Granby Artists Association, will run through Nov. 26 at Lost Acres Vineyard. There is no better way to spend a chilly fall afternoon than sipping wine by the fire with friends, surrounded by beautiful artwork. And who knows, maybe you’ll find something to take home with you, as all of the art is for sale and a portion of sales benefit a good cause: the Granby Land Trust. To

date, the Land Trust has protected more than 2,500 acres of open space, forests, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, water buffers, ecologically-sensitive areas, and scenic vistas in Granby. The show will run through Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery, 80 Lost Acres Road, in North Granby. Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit granbylandtrust.org

December 2017 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Nov. 8 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org. ARTICLES: Monday, Nov. 13 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Nov. 7-20 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: www.granbydrummer.org.

Coldwell Banker residential Brokerage

Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

Laurie Bertrand 860.833.6164

GRANBY $499,900 If you are looking for open space & a retreat from the daily grind, this is your oasis. 5BR, 2.1 BA, 3090 SF. Caroline Leite 860.995.4255

GRANBY $469,900 English Tudor w. Bavarian touches. Welcome to your private retreat. Master suite w/private balcony. 4BR, 2.1BA, 3273 SF. Gina McDonald 860.712.8171

GRANBY $400,000 Custom built Salt Box Colonial. Open flr living space. 4BR, 2.1BA, 1 Fireplace, 2510 SF. Chris Pope 860.305.2178 Katie French 860.977.3802

GRANBY $379,900 Open flr plan, updated KIT, mstr BR w/vaulted ceilings & mstr BA. Lrg deck w/ hot tub 4 BR, 2.1 BA, 2436 SF. Pam Spica 860.558.8834

Ariel Brignole 860.202.4314

Bill Christie 860.614.2249 Pam Broderick 860.729.2725

Els Fonteyne 860.878.4188

EAST GRANBY $374,500 Floor to ceiling fireplace, studio w/sep entrance. Enclosed greenhouse. 4BR, 3BA, 2FP, 3800 SF. Katie French 860.977.3802

GRANBY $349,000 Private home has a new kitchen, master BR w/walk in closet & full bath. First floor study and living room w/fireplace. 4 BR, 2.1 BA. Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

EAST GRANBY $279,900 Must have Colonial in Spoonville Nhood! EIK, large deck, 2 car attch garage. Open flr pln, mstr BR w/mstr BA. Matt Christie 860.490.2090

GRANBY $279,900 Big personality. Charming 3 bedroom Colonial built in 2008. Open floor plan, gas fireplace & finished media room. Katie French 860.977.3802

Matt Christie 860.490.2090

Gina McDonald 860.712.8171 Chris Pope 860.305.2178

Maura Hammick Sales Manager

GRANBY $232,500 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & newly finished basement. Fully fenced-in backyard, granite kitchen and remodeled baths. Gina McDonald 860.712.8171

EAST GRANBY $139,900 3 BR condo. Overlooks pond from LR & back deck. Walk-in closet, remodeled kitchen, and attached garage. Sarah Neighbours 860.778.1408

GRANBY $89,900 Land for sale. Don't miss out building your very own custom dream home. Lovely neighborhood on a cul-de-sac. Bonnie Call 860.916.5688

GRANBY $74,999 Build your dream home on this private 7.95 acre lot. Westerly views and convenient to local amenities. Matt Christie 860.490.2090

Granby Office | 10 Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT 06035 | 860.844.0135

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©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. 97673CT_10/17

Pam Spica 860.558.8834