Granby Drummer | April 2024

BUDGET issues inside!

Drummer

Vessel still seeking IWWC approval

Septic system versus sewer hookup a critical issue

By Chris Levandowski

In late 2023, Vessel RE Holdings, LLC and Vessel Technologies, Inc., applied for an Inland Wetlands and Watercourses (IWWC) permit for a septic system and groundwater runoff system as part of a 47-unit multi-family development at 37 Hartford Ave. The 2.5-acre site abuts an extensive wetland that extends to Salmon Brook. The possible pollution from storm runoff and septic seepage containing nitrates, requires IWWC permits before the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) can consider the proposal.

The original application was withdrawn. An amended 42-unit plan was submitted, including a reengineered septic system and a revised parking lot location. Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD) and Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) approvals for the reengineered system, were missing.

Vessel’s attorney, Timothy Hollister, answering commissioners’ questions, has repeatedly stated Vessel was awaiting DPH and FVHD approvals. On March 13, Hollister reversed that statement saying that Vessel engineers were finalizing the septic system design and would submit the plans to DPH and FVHD soon. He requested the hearing be continued to April.

With the IWWC decision pending, Vessel representatives met with Gran-

by’s Development Commission and scheduled, and then withdrew from, a meeting with P&Z on March 12. P&Z has penciled in a presentation and public hearing in late April on the condition IWWC approves and issues the required permits.

The proposed septic system versus a town sewer hookup is a critical issue being questioned by abutters and the public. Vessel contends that connecting to the sewer at Bank Street, as was required for Rushford Meade, is excessively expensive. A resident, Curtis Johnson, disagrees and presented a construction cost breakdown to back his opinion. Hollister was asked how many of the four Vessel developments in Connecticut have septic systems. He replied, “none.”

Most of those other projects met vehement disapproval from townspeople. Two towns denied approval and were sued by Vessel. Both towns ultimately negotiated approvals. Granby is the only application dependent upon wetland impacts and protecting Salmon Brook, a Federally designated and protected stream.

The IWWC may reach a decision at its next meeting on April 10. Further information on this project can be found at granby-ct.gov Click on Agendas and Minutes and scroll to either IWWC or P&Z.

Town Hall News

Warmer weather is almost here, and the sun is setting at 7 p.m.! Enjoying the longer daylight hours and spending time outdoors is easy to do in our wonderful town. Read on for more information about activities in and around town.

The Town Registrars have been busy facilitating Early Voting days for the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary for the Democrat and Republican political parties on Tuesday, April 2, at the

New town manager takes the helm

By Shirley Murtha

Mike Walsh may be new to town, but it isn’t taking him long to get to know the staff at town hall and the leaders of the boards and commissions that make up our government. This interview will help all Granby residents to learn a little bit about him.

Now living in East Hartford, Walsh was raised in Wethersfield. He attended Central Connecticut State College, receiving his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Charter Oak State College in New Britain.

Why accounting? During his senior year in high school, he took a class

called Cooperative Work Experience, in which students were allowed to be dismissed at noon to work. The firm that hired Walsh was a public accounting firm. The managing partner took Walsh under his wing, allowing him to work with clients preparing payroll, completing tax returns, creating financial statements and auditing municipalities.

That finance was a natural fit for Walsh is evident in the jobs he has had in his 40-year career: accountant/auditor in the manufacturing company Homecraft Industries; assistant director of health plan accounting at CIGNA; municipal finance director for the town of East Hartford; Undersecretary of Strategic

Granby Memorial High School community gym, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit myvote. ct.gov.

Granby Town Hall staff was excited to welcome Town Manager Mike Walsh. After being sworn in on March 4, Walsh had a busy schedule getting acclimated to Granby and meeting with staff here at Town Hall. Walsh’s meetings have emphasized communication with the community and collaboration between departments. Additionally, Walsh and many board members have been busy at the budget

Town Hall cont’d. on p. 3

Town Manager cont’d. on p.

First Selectman Mark Fiorentino congratulates Town Manager Michael Walsh at his swearing in at the March 4 Granby Board of Selectmen meeting. Introducing the new town manager, Fiorentino noted that, “Pairing Walsh with our wonderful town staff will be great for the Town of Granby.” Walsh replied that “Granby is a lovely town. It was a hard place to say ‘no’ to. It is hard not to love what the community has done; volunteers are the heart of the town.” Photo by Shirley Murtha

Photo

BOARD OF SELECTMEN HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Present: M. Fiorentino, M. Neumann, K. Rome, F. Moffa, M. Chapple, Student Liaison B. LaVigne, Town Clerk S. Nolan, Public Works Director K. Severance, Finance Director K. Cheng, Director of Human Services S. Yost, Community Development Director A. Kenyon, Police Chief S. Sansom.

Draft Capital Improvement Program 2025-2034

Fiorentino, working with staff has been developing a Capital Improvement plan for 20252034. The goal is gathering known projects on one list for the purpose of discussion. Staff was asked to include everything they thought should be considered whether a source of funding could be immediately identified, and to identify projects regardless of the estimated cost, so there are items on the plan that would not normally meet the parameters of the small-cap planning process. Rome noted that it would be helpful to have the list sorted by funding source.

Neumann asked if any of the bridges needed to be moved up in the current schedule. Severance said he’s been working with the state to get bridges on the state/local program. Potentially, five other bridges may fall under the federal program, which could be 100 percent reimbursable.

Land Use Commission Training Requirements

Kenyon spoke of the state statute requiring all members of the Planning & Zoning Commission

and the Zoning Board of Appeals to complete four hours of land use training. The annual training must include at least one hour focused on affordable and fair housing policies and the other hours may consist of process and procedural matters; Freedom of Information Act; interpretation of site plans; the impact of zoning on the environment, etc.

MARCH 4, 2024

Present: M. Fiorentino, M. Neumann, K. Rome, F. Moffa, M. Chapple. Also Present: Town Manager M. Walsh, Finance Director K. Cheng, Town Clerk S. Nolan, Student Liaison B. LaVigne, Public Works Director K. Severance, Director of Library Services A. Wyzik.

Appointments

Maureen Eberly (R) was appointed to the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee for a term beginning immediately.

Fiorentino introduced Michael P. Walsh as Granby’s town manager and administered the oath of office.

FY 2024-25 Budget

Fiorentino noted that the Town Operations, Debt Service, and Capital Budgets show a 12.04 percent, or $2,040,414, increase over the current year, which includes $1,277,243 for the board of education capital increase request.

For more details on the budget discussion please see the minutes on the town website.

Secretary of State visits Granby for poll workers appreciation event

By Shirley Murtha

February 28 was a cold windy day, but when Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas stepped inside Granby’s Town Hall Meeting Room, everything brightened up. The charming and friendly government official immediately began chatting with guests and posing for photos.

Thomas was in Granby to conduct a poll worker appreciation day. At a meeting in Greenwich some time ago,

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas (c.) was greeted on her arrival by (from l.): Deputy Registrar Sandy Lee, Registrar Paul Willis, Registrar Laura Wolfe and Town Clerk Scott Nolan.

an attendee remarked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some way to honor the many hard-working poll workers across the state?” Thomas replied, “I can do that!” and went about setting up appreciation events in all Connecticut towns.

After remarks by Senator John Kissel and First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, Thomas addressed the crowd. She stressed the importance of voting as one of the foundations of democracy, and how important all the volunteer poll workers are to the process. Her intelligence, humor and passion for her job came through loud and clear.

Certificates were presented to poll workers who have been on the job for a minimum of 20 years. Terri-Ann Hahn was honored for her 20+ years of service as head moderator. It was noted that she is frequently finishing up after an election at 2 or 3 a.m. Patty Sansone was honored for her 37 years of service, during which she has trained every new poll worker. Finally, Laura Wolfe was honored for her 28 years of service as a Registrar.

Refreshments followed the presentations. The vivacious Thomas continued to chat and pose for photos until her retinue suggested it was time to move on to her next event.

Town Manager cont’d. from p. 1

Initiative and Accountability at the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management; and the elected mayor of East Hartford. In East Hartford, the mayor is the town’s CEO.

When asked what was perhaps the one particular thing that made him see Granby as a good place to land, Walsh replied, “Compared to Connecticut’s other 168 towns, what jumped out at me as a finance guy was the extraordinary care over many years that the elected officials have taken to strengthen the town’s finances.

While he enjoys working, Walsh says his most important titles are husband and dad. His wife Janice is a medical technologist at Hartford Hospital. Daughter Erin is an occupational therapist in West Hartford, and daughter Sharon is a social worker in Enfield. Five years ago, the family adopted Luna, a rescue dog, “who seems to have rescued the family with her unbridled affection,” notes Walsh. They also have two cats, Dak and Zek.

When he’s not working, Walsh enjoys golf, and especially bowling, a skill he learned from his dad, a league bowler at Pratt & Whitney for 70 years.

For more about Walsh, see page 3.

Photo by Shirley Murtha

Meet new Town Manager Mike Walsh

By Michael Walsh

Hello, Granby! Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mike Walsh, and March 4 was my first day of work as your town manager.

After a comprehensive search and an intensive vetting process, I was extended an offer by the Granby Board of Selectmen. It was an easy decision to accept their offer and join the ranks of the many capable employees who work for this vibrant community. Granby is a special town, as I found out when I did a little research. Here are some analytics that I’d like to share with you.

In Connecticut, there are 169 cities and towns, and the State produces a financial compendium of information on all of them. Because I’m an analytical guy by training, let me share the story of why Granby is special by the numbers.

As I unpack the numbers, I see a community with an impeccable bond rating, low bonded indebtedness, a fully funded pension plan, a solid fund balance, a string of annual balanced budgets, and a community with above average per capita and household incomes that delivers educational excellence. In short, I see that Granby is a very well-run com-

munity that should be the blueprint for other cities and towns.

In fact, compared to the other 168 Connecticut communities, the financial condition of Granby is a testament to the hard decisions on spending and taxation that your elected officials have made. Based on the data, it was easy for me to see how Granby is the “Pride of the Valley.”

Let me ask for your help as I begin my job. You’ll quickly find that I am a public servant who enjoys public service, and while I come equipped with a toolbox full of municipal experience and ideas, I need to better understand the community of Granby from your perspective.

How I’ll begin that education is by listening. First by listening to your elected officials, then by visiting businesses, attending high school football, soccer, and basketball games to talk to the parents, and by accepting invitations from civic groups to hear from you. Please, my door is open, and I consider everyone a friend, some of whom I just haven’t met yet, so come by and say “hello”!

As clocks move forward and weather gets increasingly warmer, the Granby Police Department extends a kindly reminder to drivers of increased vehicular activity on roads. From motorcycles and student drivers, recreational vehicles and bicycles, as vehicular volume increases, so too does the risk of increased motor vehicle accidents.

Motorcycles are everywhere, and you will see them more as we move toward warmer weather. Sand on the road, grass clippings and debris are all a hazard for a motorcyclist. Looking twice for a motorcycle may save a life.

Spring brings proms, graduations, and new drivers on the road! The patience of seasoned drivers goes a long way as new drivers maneuver their newfound

freedom and responsibility of sharing the road. Campers and other recreation vehicle volume increases, as well. The driver of an oversized recreational vehicle may have years of experience, or it could be his or her first time behind the wheel.

All vehicles, whether two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel, have a duty to obey the rules of the road, share the road and be on the look-out for each other. Let’s travel safely together.

The Granby Police Department will be organizing a food drive for our local food bank. “Hop Into Spring” will be forthcoming. Be on the lookout at a local supermarket for Granby Police staff collecting food and essential items. Stay tuned for details!

Community garden plots for Granby residents

Residents working on their gardens during the 2023 season.

Submitted photo

If you want to get outside and start planting but don’t have the land or are disturbed by the high price of produce—and want to meet some new friends—the Granby community garden is the answer.

Granby residents can now sign up for

Town Hall cont’d. from p. 1

workshop meetings, preparing for the board of finance budget public hearing on Monday, April 1.

The Annual Budget Machine Vote takes place on Monday, April 15, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Granby Town Hall Meeting Room. The budget requires a majority of “yes” votes to pass and be in effect. Your input throughout the process, and your vote, are very important. If the proposed budget does not pass, the process is repeated until the budget is approved with a majority vote.

Granby Parks and Recreation is gearing up for the summer season with posted openings for summer camp counselors, lifeguards, concession staff at Salmon Brook Park and a waterfront director. There are also openings for seasonal groundskeepers, working out of the department of public works. Apply or find more information at ctgranby.civicplus.com/Jobs.aspx

Parks and recreation has two offerings for April vacation programs: Music Camp and Granby Bears Youth Basketball. Both are co-ed.

The third annual Junk in Your Trunk Community Tag Sale event will take place at Salmon Brook Park on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s free to

shop, free to swap, and $25 to set up and sell. The organizers have announced that, in addition to the well-loved community tag sale aspect, there will also be a space to swap out gently used sports equipment. Crafters and small businesses are also welcome to set up.

Parks and recreation is organizing a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, May 11. The bus will pick up at 7 a.m. and drop off at: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. The pickup at the end of the day will be 6 p.m. Spots are limited and fill quickly, so please register early.

The renovations and reorganization of Cossitt Library as the Cossitt Creation Station are almost complete. There was a soft opening in mid-March, and a grand opening will be held in April. Visit granby-ct.gov/157/Library for more information about this exciting event coming soon.

The Granby Public Library hosts Travel Talks several times a year, many given by residents. People interested in sharing their adventures are encouraged to contact Holly Johnson, program coordinator, at hjohnson@granby-ct.gov

a 20 x 20-foot plot at the community garden on Hungary Road. The cost is just $10. What a great way to get your family eating healthy.

Visit PlanetEandMe.com/granbycommunity-garden to download an application.

Granby to participate in Neighborhood Assistance Act Program

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has announced the 2024 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program Proposal.

This program provides tax credits to businesses that make cash investments in qualifying community non-profit programs. Past approved projects have come from public service departments such as police, fire and ambulance; health service agencies, land trusts and more. Requests have included energy saving measures such as new windows, boiler and fuel-efficient vehicles, programs for youth, parents and seniors, and more.

To be considered, community organizations must submit an application to Sandra Yost, Director of Human Services, Town of Granby, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 by May 15. Selectmen will have a public hearing on May 20 to approve proposals for submission to the DRS by July 1.

Applications and information about the NAA Tax Credit Program can be found on the DRS website at ct.gov/ DRS, searchable by entering “Neighborhood Assistance Act”.

For assistance, contact Sandra Yost at 860-844-5351 or syost@granby-ct.gov

Drumbeat editorials,

commentary & letters to the editor

Why we need an updated emergency services radio system

By John Horr Jr., Chief, Lost Acres Fire Department

At this year’s annual budget referendum, town residents will be asked to approve the transfer of $4.6M from the general fund to a special fund for the Town Radio Systems Improvement Project. All the emergency services — Granby Police Department (GPD), Granby Ambulance Association (GAA), Lost Acres Fire Department (LAFD), Granby Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) — are asking for your approval for this critical upgrade to our emergency services infrastructure. If approved, this will start a long-overdue, two-year project.

Granby’s emergency services organizations have been using antiquated radio equipment for more than 20 — and in some cases 30 — years. There has been some new equipment purchased including portables at the PD and LAFD and new mobile radios for new ambulances/fire trucks/cruisers, but none of our infrastructure, towers, base radios or dispatch console, have been updated.

Granby Dispatch Center is using a dispatch console that is 24 years old, installed when the current building was built in 2000. The console is all outdated technology and is currently in disrepair. It does not function properly when parts are no longer available to repair it. Our

current radio provider has made repairs, but they are only temporary.

There have been significant adjustments in the dispatch center over the years, with addition of the Granby Schools’ camera/security systems, new 911 systems, updated computer-aided dispatch tools and additional cameras/ monitoring throughout the town hall complex. All of these have been added as best as possible but can be likened to adding square items into a round hole.

The proposed project will completely upgrade the dispatch center, console, furniture, lighting, and organization, bringing the center into compliance with current emergency services standards.

The GPD radio system was installed new when the station was built in 2000.

It is currently a two-repeater tower system, using copper wires routed through the phone system to allow the towers to communicate. Barely 50 percent of the town is covered, allowing an officer to talk to dispatch by portable. In the “dead spots,” only a mobile radio in a cruiser can reach dispatch, and there are some areas of town where even that is not possible. Support from surrounding towns is also challenged as many of them have moved to newer systems, with which the GPD equipment can’t communicate. This makes inter-agency support difficult and potentially dangerous.

Letters to the Editor

What Jefferson said

I want to correct a statement printed in A Conversation Piece by Skip Mission in the Feb. 2024 issue.

Mission’s article contained the following statement: “Jefferson was not a proponent of the separation of church and state that we have today.”

In fact, it was Thomas Jefferson who coined this very phrase. It was in his letter to the Danbury Baptists on Jan. 1, 1802, that Jefferson wrote, “with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people” (namely, the First Amendment to the Constitution) “build[s] a wall of separation of church and State.”

There is much misinformation about this issue that is spread by religious zealots. As a years-long subscriber to

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

Drummer

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, I am aware of many cases where religious groups have attributed sayings to the Founding Fathers that AU found to be false. Such statements advocating Christianity were attributed to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others. When confronted with the facts, the groups removed the statements.

I will leave with the following quote from Jefferson: “But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god.” These are not the words of a man who believes that America is a Christian nation.

Russ Salk

Windsor Locks

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: granbydrummer.com

The proposed system will cover 95 percent of Granby, allowing an officer to talk by portable to dispatch. The new radios will allow communication with all the surrounding departments.

GAA is the primary responder to medical calls in Granby, East Granby, and East Hartland. It also provides mutual aid support to surrounding towns that reciprocate when needed in Granby. It transports to hospitals as far away as Bay State in Springfield and Charlotte Hungerford in Torrington.

The current radio system is spotty at best, even though it was upgraded to a new tower location in 2001. There are currently even more limitations on its portable use, especially when operating in East Granby and East Hartland. During medicals, while working on a patient, conditions can change requiring a call for additional help, which currently requires a GAA member to go out to the ambulance and use the mobile, due to the poor coverage by portable.

The current system is also a shareduse channel, between CMED, (medical control in the State of Connecticut), Litchfield and Middlesex County us-

Emergency radio cont’d. on p. 5

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed.

Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, April 22, Special Meeting

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Dept. Community Room, Tuesday, April 15

Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, April 3 and 17

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, April 9 and 23

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, April 10

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, April 8

Budget Public Hearing, 7:30 p.m., GMHS auditorium, Monday, April 1

Budget Referendum Vote,8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, April 15

GRANBY FOOD BANK

VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE

We currently need

Jarred spaghetti sauce

Crunchy peanut butter

Cold cereals for children

Salsa

Taco dinner mixes

Dish soap/laundry soap

Paper towels/tissues

Shampoo/toothpaste

Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Copy Editor

Dave Tolli, Photo Editor

Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Karen Handville, Rick Handville, Rita Isaacson, Patricia Kovaleski, Andrea Leshinskie, Eileen Longhi, Nicole Muller, Patty Sansone, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley

Reporters & Contributors

Chase Alexander, Jennifer Benson, Kate Bogli, AnneMarie Cox, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, C.J. Gibson, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Holly Johnson, Brian Liss, Kim Periera, Nicole Muller, Shirley Murtha, Scott Riley, Faith Tyldsley, Todd Vibert, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Amber Wyzik, Sandy Yost

Advertising Team

Deneika Janski, Advertising Coordinator

Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey

Website Manager

Jake Kean

Subscriptions & Delivery

Sam & Rebecca Mikus

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

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

The Granby Drummer reserves the right, without explanation, to reject any advertisement. Advertisers assume the responsibility for the content of all ads they submit for publication, including having authorization for all photos, trademarks and brand names used in their ads. The Granby Drummer will assume no liability for failure to publish an ad or for any typographical errors or omissions beyond the actual cost of the ad.

Targeting state legislators during the election season

By Bill and Susan Regan

State Treasurer Erick Russell recently penned an op-ed in the Hartford Courant calling out Reps. Mark Anderson of Granby, Anne Dauphinais of Killingly, Joe Hoxha of Bristol, Brian Lanoue of Griswold and Donna Veach of Southington for supporting proposed legislation “targeting” transgender children—bills that call for parental notification and maintaining same-sex sports participation. Russell stated, “These policies hurt kids. It’s up to all of us to prove to those pushing the bills …that doing so is also harmful to their own political futures.” His threats are out of place for a state official and his facts regarding suicide are unproven. The youth of today are facing stress and social pressure of a

Emergency radio cont’d. from p. 4

ers and the Town of Glastonbury. This causes interference during times of radio use, delaying the transmission of critical messages. GAA has upgraded its radios as new ambulances have been purchased, but the underlying tower/radio system is woefully inadequate.

The proposed system will cover 95 percent of their primary response area allowing a medic to talk by portable to dispatch. The new radios can communicate with all the surrounding towns they respond to and reach the hospitals they transport to. This new system will have no other users on it, eliminating the current interference.

The LAFD uses a radio system developed during the 70’s. They can no longer purchase new equipment compatible with it and have resorted to buying used equipment off eBay or from other departments. The portables only have a range of several miles, requiring that all communication back to the dispatch center be done with a mobile radio.

The system is completely standalone, no other departments in the area are using it. This created a situation requiring the purchase of additional mobiles and portables to allow LAFD responders to communicate with surrounding towns. Mutual aid has increased over the years as staffing levels have decreased, driving this need.

The oldest mobile radio in emergencyresponse use was installed 33 years ago. Mobiles used by the officers are over 30 years old. There have been updates in some equipment with the last new mobile and portable purchased in 2007. Newer portables have been purchased for the chiefs and our new squad, but the rest of the fleet still has outdated equipment.

The LAFD applied for and was granted

magnitude unknown to previous generations—online bullying, harassment and shaming.

Notifying parents when their children are questioning their gender or undergoing medical treatment is a complex issue. Here are some reasons why parents should be notified:

Informed support: Parents can provide emotional, psychological and medical support for their children during a potentially challenging time.

Legal and ethical considerations: In many places, legal and ethical guidelines require parental involvement in medical decisions for minors.

Medical history: Parents can provide important medical history and information to healthcare professionals to

a new frequency from the FCC, but we now need the towers and infrastructure to fully utilize it.

This proposed system replaces all our radios with new ones, compatible with all surrounding departments and our new frequency. It provides for 95 percent coverage with a portable; provides an emergency “Mayday” function to help when a firefighter is down or trapped. It also provides a new paging system to alert our members, replacing the ones on our current system.

DPW upgraded its radio system in 2009, with a single tower/repeater, getting it off the old frequency it had. The system has significant gaps in service, critical when the team is working at remote sites, doing snow removal, or assisting with storm damage mitigation and assessment. DPW also provides assistance to surrounding towns and can’t communicate with them. This new system will allow it to remedy that gap, provide improved coverage/ clarity throughout the town of Granby. It will upgrade all their portables/mobiles.

The CERT team provides Emergency Shelter services during times of need. Currently it uses a walkie talkie system based on GMRS radio, a public system with limited range. CERT also provide traffic control assistance at key events in town. This new system will provide it with its own system with full portable coverage for all its operational areas and provide radio communication ability to the Dispatch Center as well as with GAA, GPD, DPW and LAFD.

The system will allow the leadership of all the emergency services to talk with other emergency services leaders. Previously this could only be done on a limited ability through the Dispatch Center. With this new system, information transfer is

Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer

ensure safe and effective treatment.

Mental health: Keeping parents informed can help address mental health concerns and ensure proper counseling and therapy for both the child and family.

Consent: Parents’ consent may be legally necessary for medical procedures and treatments, especially for minors, state statutes notwithstanding.

Since we were all young, we were taught that differences exist between males and females. Until the age of 8 or 9, boys and girls are about equal in physical abilities. After that, the divergence is notable. As an example, the US Women’s National Soccer Team was defeated by a team of 15-year-old males.

more efficient with direct communication to the members who need it, reducing gaps and improving response. This interoperability will also extend to our State and Federal partners, filling a long overdue need that was identified during the 9/11 attacks.

The expected lifecycle of the system is between 10 and 15 years after installation. With proper planning, the system will be upgraded over time, in sections, avoiding the need for another one-time expenditure of this magnitude.

To accomplish all these improvements, a tower system was designed that keeps the recurring costs to a minimum, provides expandability for the future, allows for remote monitoring and management, and establishes all sites with a backup system that is emergency services qualified.

Towers had to be chosen that had a good, direct line of site to each other to use a point-to-point radio system to communicate, eliminating expensive fiber cable runs between the towers. All the tower sites in the proposal are existing radio sites. Two are commercial cell tower sites, one is a site operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, one is an existing ham radio site, and the last is the existing tower behind Granby Town Hall.

The approval to access all the sites has already been established/granted. The ham radio site will be purchased by the Town of Granby, this will facilitate the removal of the old and the installation of a new emergency-services-only tower. All these costs are included in the $4.6M.

We greatly appreciate the help and support of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance. Their vision and support have put Granby in a solid position to execute this project. The funding is coming from the general fund of the Town of Granby. The BOS and BOF are also investigating other funding options that would allow the Town to reduce the resources from

Carli Lloyd: “They should beat us. Bigger, stronger, faster! Boys always gave us a run for our money! It was great prep.”

Title IX, the most used name for federal civil rights law in the United States, was enacted in 1972. It prohibits sexbased discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government. Because there are only two genders, allowing males to participate in female designated sports violates the provision of Title IX.

It is not the responsibility of the government to determine what is best for our children unless unlawful acts are being committed against them.

the general fund, but we need to start this project immediately.

The emergency service providers of the Town of Granby implore the public to vote “yes” on the annual budget and allow us to execute this long overdue project. Members of the TOG Radio Committee started working on these issues as far back as 2015. The Committee believes we have a solid design, based on tried-and-true technologies, that offers the best, most cost-effective solution to keep our responders safe and allow them to provide you with the best possible services.

Chief Horr is chair of the Town of Granby Radio Committee.

Code required to open outdoor AEDs

A bit of information has to be added to last month’s article on the town’s new AEDs. The new cabinets installed outdoors have a keypad on them. The user must call 911 to get the code to punch into the keypad to open the cabinet and access the device.

Earlier AEDs installed indoors do not need a code; one simply opens the cabinet to remove the device. Of course, 911 should be called immediately in any case, so that professional help is on the way while the defibrillation is being performed.

By Shirley Murtha

Correction:

In the February issue of The Drummer, the last sentence of the article entitled To Granby, with Love should have read: To Granby, with Love is available from the author at ftsnouthouse@gmail.com

PLANNING & ZONING HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Present: Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steven Muller, Eric Lukingbeal, Brennan Sheahan, and Alternate Paula Johnson, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Johnson was seated for Christine Chinni.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.29.1.3 for a residential ground-mount solar energy system for property located at 200 Simsbury Road, R2A Zone: File Z-25-23.

The property owners are looking to install a hybrid solar array, which would consist of 26 roof-mount panels on a detached garage and 21 ground-mount panels on the adjacent lawn area. The ground-mount system would be 436 square feet in size, 12 feet in height, consist of anti-glare coated panels on black framing, and require the removal of two trees. Staff noted that abutter notifications were mailed, a permit was granted by the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission on Feb. 13, and the proposed system meets the zoning regulations. There was no public comment.

The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve.

Application seeking a Site Plan Modification and Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.5.4.3 for three storage structures, outdoor commercial activity/display, and other site improvements for a property located at 563 Salmon Brook Street, C2 Zone: File Z-1-24.

Applicant and property owner Jan Kahn, of New England Pine Timber Company is seeking permission to erect three carports; two measuring 13’x12’, and one measuring 80’x40’ to the rear and side of the building, which would be used for additional storage of equipment and material. Outdoor display areas are proposed along the street line to showcase equipment and products for sale, along with a wood privacy fence to the north of the building, which would help screen the storage areas from Salmon Brook Street. The applicant sells forestry equipment, chainsaws, firewood, and milling equipment, and offers custom mill and dry slabs to create tabletops, shelves, and mantles. Kenyon received an inquiry about outdoor activities and with the Building Official met with the property owner and explained that the outdoor storage areas require Special Permit approval and no such approval was granted and the applicant needed to apply.

Public Comment

Paul Bleimeyer of 18 Sawmill Road had concerns regarding increased noise levels, the potential for pollution, and questioned the Commission’s consideration for abutting residential property owners.

Jeff Salinardi of 17 East Street expressed concerns about the level of activity that has already occurred on-site since the property was purchased in June of 2022. He stated that numerous pieces of equipment have been brought on-site and listed for sale, questioning whether the property owner is operating a wood business or equipment sales business.

Commissioners’ Comments

Sheahan questioned the proposed outdoor display areas, which have since been reduced to two areas, instead of the three shown on the submitted site plan. Myers had concerns regarding the use of wood chips to assist with drainage issues behind the building, questioned

a recent fire call to the property, and asked if the applicant would consider a different type of building instead of the carports.

Commissioners expressed the need for a more definitive plan including a full-size site plan drawn to scale indicating the exact size and location of all display areas, storage buildings, landscaping berms, fencing, outdoor commercial activity, parking, and dumpster. A business plan that provides details about hours of operation, trash management, and a description of the overall activities must be submitted. The public hearing was continued to March 12.

Application seeking Site Plan approval under Connecticut General Statutes Section 8- 30g for a 42-unit multi-family development and associated site improvements for property located at 37 Hartford Avenue, COCE Zone: File Z-4-24.

The above application was presented to the commission on March 12 and the public hearing will be on April 9.

Informal/Pre-Application Discussion:

Proposed 2-lot subdivision at 200 Case Street (formerly part of 186 Case Street) and open space

Kenyon provided a memorandum to the commission to offer background information on the properties, as well as the owner’s request. In the fall of 2023, the property owners filed a first cut from 186 Case Street, which split the property into two pieces; one piece is 66.165 acres (known as 186 Case Street) and the other 20.073 acres (to be known as 200 Case Street). The property owner(s) are now proposing to subdivide the 20.073-acre piece to create two lots; a 5-acre lot that would be sold as a building lot and the 15-acre lot would be retained by one of the property owners and farmed.

Stanley Kardys of 201 Case Street discussed the possibility of utilizing an agricultural easement through the State of Connecticut to satisfy the requirement for the dedication of open space as part of the subdivision approval process. Since an approval from the state can take up to two years to receive, the owners are looking to post a bond with the Town. The bond would be the same amount that would be required if the applicant were proposing to submit a fee in lieu of open space to satisfy the open space requirement. If the easement is not approved, then the bond can be used to satisfy the fee in lieu of open space. Kenyon stated that this proposed subdivision does not constitute a phased development under the regulations and explained the open space requirements outlined within the subdivision regulations.

It is staff’s opinion that the potential subdivision application would require four acres of dedicated open space, which could be in the form of an agricultural easement through the State of Connecticut; however, that would have to be completed prior to filing the mylars. The commission stated that the property owner(s) could consider applying for a text amendment if they would like the commission to consider another method to satisfy the open space requirement, or the applicant could follow the current regulations and either propose a fee in lieu of open space or dedicate open space.

Informal Discussion: Special Event Venue/ Banquet Facility at 335 Salmon Brook Street

Sarah Cowles-Gentile of 80 Haven Drive and John Orszulak of 157 Wells Road would like to open an event space at 335 Salmon Brook

Street to host events and activities such as, instructional classes, paint nights, fundraisers, meetings, celebrations, etc. The space would be available for booking by appointment only, for gatherings under 50 people between 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Outside alcohol would not be permitted but could be provided upon request through a licensed caterer.

Staff stated that event spaces are not specifically included in the zoning regulations, nor is one of the uses currently listed in the regulations considered comparable. Typically, such spaces have been treated as an accessory use to an existing restaurant; therefore, it is recommended that a restaurant use be established or a text amendment to the zoning regulations be proposed.

The commission recommended that the parties work with town staff on moving forward with an established restaurant use, where the event space would be accessory.

PUBLIC WORKS

Transfer Station extended hours: The Transfer Station will be open Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon beginning Wednesday, April 10th. The extended hours will be in effect through Wednesday, May 22nd.

Shredding event: In conjunction with the Granby Lions Club, a shredding event will be held at the Granby DPW, 52 North Granby Road, on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Household Hazardous Waste: Granby will be working with local towns to host hazardous waste collections. The first collection will be Saturday, April 20 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 10 Monteith Drive, Farmington. For a list of accepted items, please check the Public Works page on the Town of Granby website granby-ct. gov The next collection will be June 8 in Simsbury.

Yard Waste: Yard waste cannot be disposed of in curbside barrels. Grass and leaves are accepted free-of-charge at the transfer station. Brush is accepted for a fee; the charge is based on the size of the load. If possible, compost yard waste on-site.

Recycling: If you have questions regarding recycling, check out the website recyclect.com. Try the recycling wizard – a tool that allows you to ask about a specific item. If you still have questions, call Public Works 860653-8960.

Do not bag your recycling: Plastic bags and plastic film are a major source of contamination for the recycling plant. No plastic bags should go in your bin. To see how to recycle plastic film, check out: www.plasticfilmrecycling.org

Cooking oil: Granby DPW accepts cooking oil from residents at 52 North Granby Road between 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Like us! Check out the DPW Facebook page: Granby CT Department of Public Works.

Scott Hamilton’s Sk8 to Elimin8 Ice Show Returns

By Kimberly Pereira

On April 26-27, 2024, Scott Hamilton’s Sk8 to Elimin8 Ice Show and Frozen 5k will return to Simsbury’s International Skating Center of Connecticut. Last year’s wellattended event raised $50,000 for cancer research, with a portion of the funds supporting the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. This year, the proceeds will benefit Scott Hamilton’s CARES Foundation and the Connecticut Children’s Foundation. With nearly $12,000 raised of the $40,000 goal, the Sk8 to Elimin8

Cancer 2024 event presents an opportunity for family, friends and ice-skating fans to enjoy a fun-filled two-day affair while supporting cancer research.

Scott Hamilton, founder of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, is himself a famous figure skater, having won four consecutive U.S. championships (1981-1984), four consecutive World championships (1981-1984), and gold at the 1984 Olympics. Hamilton is also a cancer survivor, having overcome testicular cancer in 1997. Diagnosed with his third brain tumor in 2016, Hamilton has opted to forego treatment. While he was able to serve as Master of Ceremonies last year, Scott is unable to make it this year, and Mike Stacy from Mike and Mary Morning show on Lite 100.5 will be stepping in as the Master of Ceremonies.

The event includes a Public Skate and Frozen 5k on Friday, April 26 and then an Ice Show on Saturday, April 27th, from 6–8 p.m. Performers in the ice show include Katia Gordeeva, a two-time Olympic Champion (1988 and 1994), four-time World Champion (1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990), and a three-time European Champion (1988, 1990, 1994), among many other accolades. Also featured is Victor Petrenko, an Olympic Champion (1992), World Champion (1992),

and three-time European Champion (1990, 1991, and 1994). Members of Team USA will also perform, including Simsbury native Maxim Naumov, Alisa Efimova, Misha Mitrofanov, Ava Ziegler, Junior Skyliners, and Jimmy Ma. Rounding out the list of this year’s skaters is Kirk Haugeto, a 15-year-old U.S. Junior National Competitor. Registration for participating and fundraising costs $35 and includes a free t-shirt. Tickets for the main ice show event are for sale online, with average prices ranging from $45–65 per person. More details can be found online at https://fundraise.scottcares. org/simsbury

Granby Artists Association and Chamber of Commerce host

Business After Hours

Granby Artists Association hosted an After Hours Meet and Greet with the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce on March 14. The event was held at the Simsbury Public Library where the Granby Artists were displaying work for their annual Art Exhibit.

GAA’s Debby Reelitz with Ray Lagan, the executive director of the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce.

GAA’s Carolyn Dittes and Kirsten Hocker, Chamber member. Photos by Don Shaw, Jr.

STEAP grant provides funds to renovate Senior Center kitchen

The Town announces the recent award of a grant from the State to renovate the Senior Center kitchen facilities. The grant is provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), which delivers grants to small towns for capital projects.

The Center offers its 1,100 members a wide range of services and a variety of innovative programs.

The Granby Senior Center kitchen was built in 2001 and there have been no renovations since then. The STEAP funds will be used to upgrade the 22-year-old kitchen to commercial grade status, allowing for greater usage opportunities. Currently, the limitations of the equipment do not permit full meal preparation on-site, per the local health district. Meals are prepared off-site and

reheated on-site.

Upgrades will allow the Senior Center to partner with local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to prepare meals using locally grown produce. Thanks to a partnership with the Granby Community Fund, the Center was donated CSA shares through the Holcomb Farm Fresh Access Program. This program provided fresh fruit and vegetables to over 100 members a week, for 20 straight weeks.

For more information or updates on the project, please contact Sandy Yost, Director of Human Services, visit granby-ct.gov, or check in on the Town of Granby Senior Center Facebook page. Renovations are expected to begin in the spring 2024.

REGISTRARS

Presidential Preference Primary

Connecticut Democrats and Republicans will have the opportunity to choose delegates for their Presidential Conventions this summer. Each party has five options on their ballot. Four Presidential candidate’s names representing the four delegates who are committed to them, or you can choose an uncommitted delegate.

For the presidential primary on Tuesday, April 2nd you must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote your party’s ballot. Voters are encouraged to check their party affiliation online at portaldir.ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx In Connecticut those who are currently 17 years old but will turn 18 by Nov 5 can

participate in the primary if they register with a party. For all primaries in the state of Connecticut, you MUST be a party member of the party you wish to vote for. State party rules prohibit cross voting in another political party’s primary. Unaffiliated or Independent voters are NOT allowed to vote in primaries. The unaffiliated and new voter in-person deadline is noon the day before voting.

FYI: Party membership does not cost anything, nor are party members obligated to vote along party lines. Unfortunately, the deadline to switch from one party to another has already passed. There is a 90-day waiting period for those switching political parties to attain party privilege. Anyone switching

Granby girls finish season as champs

political parties between January 2 and April 2 would be ineligible to vote in either primary.

Poll Worker Class April 10

Lots of poll workers will be needed for 2024! If you are good at typing, there are 21 days of Early Voting (mid-August, Late October- Early November.) Poll workers will also be needed for the April 15 Budget Referendum, as well as the August 13 Federal Primary and of course for the Presidential Election November 5th. If you would like to participate, please register for the next training class on April 10 by sending an email to the Registrars at: registrarofvoters@granbyct.gov Classes will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 15 North Granby Road. All are welcome.

Calendar Review:

Monday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium.

Tuesday, April 2, Presidential Preference Primary Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the GMHS Community

Gym located at 54 North Granby Road

Wednesday, April 10, Poll worker Class at 2 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room

Wednesday, April 10, Public Test and Sealing of the Voting Machines for the Budget

Monday, April 15, Granby Annual Town Budget Referendum held in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Polls are Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m..

Monday, April 29 is the potential date for a second budget referendum at Granby Town Hall, if needed.

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 from 9 am to 4 p.m.. Please note that voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov

Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars at registrarofvoters@ granby-ct.gov or 860-844-5322 or -5323.

April

April

April

April

The 6th Grade Granby Girls team defeated Suffield on March 3 at Suffield High School to become the NCC Travel Basketball Division 1B champions. The 29-26 victory ended a great season of hard work by the team. Front, from left: Noelle Forneris, Cadence Jabaily, Madison D’Angelo, Carina Martins. Back, from left: Coach Bob D’Angelo, Coach Paul Martins, Kensi Fijolek, Julia Tetreault, Ella Canfield, Elizabeth Burns, Kathleen Sterling, Coach Jon Sterling. Submitted photo

Koteen

Kids’ Race at the Granby Road Race

By Aubrey Schulz

Like many things in life, it started as an idea; wouldn’t it be great if there were a kids’ race at the Granby Road Race? That idea blossomed into fruition with the time and talents of hard-working volunteers. Now in its third year, the Granby Road Race Kids’ Race continues to draw excited, and maybe a little bit nervous, youth-runners for a onemile fun run.

To make it an event for the whole family, the kids’ race starts at 9:30 a.m. on May 4. This allows family members to run the 5K (3.1 mile) at 8:30 a.m., with time to run their race and make it for the start and watch their little ones run their own race. If you want to run the 10K (6.2 miles) you’re going to need to run fast, but it’s possible. Both races start and finish near the Granby Memorial Middle School.

As the start time approaches, you’ll see the kids milling about wearing their race bibs, with a wonderful twist: each child is wearing Number One. With a few minutes before the start, the runners are led through a warmup and then it’s ready, set, go.

Starting in front of the middle school, the kids run to the baseball fields in the back of the school where they are greeted with cheers and bubbles by volunteers from the Granby High School Honor Society. The runners run multiple laps around the fields, so adults can keep their kids in sight. All types of abilities

are on display. Some power through the entire course; others start strong and then fade; and some are happy to jog, walk and talk with friends. Be on the lookout for J.Koteen Photography taking pictures of the event. Once the laps are complete, kids dash back around the side of the building and sprint to the finish line. At the finish, each runner gets a medal to award their efforts.

For many families, this is a highlight and a must-do part of the spring season. The Blanchard family of North Granby is an example. Scott Blanchard says, “Our three kids absolutely loved the Granby Road Race last year. They look forward to it for at least a month, going so far as to measure out an exact mile in our neighborhood so they can train. We will definitely be back this year.” We look forward to seeing Owen, Lydia and Phoebe out there on race day. Phoebe says, “It’s good fun!” Lucy Lawton of North Granby says, “It’s really fun! And everyone gets a medal!” Come join these kids and many others on race day Saturday, May 4!

Thanks to our sponsors and the Farmington Valley YMCA the Kids One Mile Race is free. However, advance registration is required. Visit https:// www.ghymca.org/events/granby-roadrace to register. Register before April 19 to get a youth-size T-shirt. We hope to see many youth runners out there on race day!

Support GMHS grad night party fundraising

By Deneika Janski

Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation (GPSG), an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, organizes a substance-free Grad Night celebration for Granby Memorial High School (GMHS) graduates. Full swing planning for this fun-filled event is happening now!

GPSG will hold a fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s in Simsbury on April 29. A portion of its sales from 5 – 9 p.m. will go toward the Grad Night celebration.

Spring is in the air, which means the flamingos are coming! Want to send a frolicking flock to grace your friends’ front yard? GPSG will surprise them with a “flocking” for a $25 donation. Email granbyparentssafegrad@gmail. com for more details or to order your flocking!

The party, held graduation night, June 7, absolutely cannot happen without volunteers! Volunteers are needed for planning, day-of-event preparation, and

In Memory of…

Beeman, Phyllis “Jill” (Cleaveland), 95, wife of the late Elmer (Al) Beeman, Feb. 12 Tuczinski, Dale Martin, 59, husband of Christine Tuczinski, Feb. 22 Gracey, Marjorie Bacon, 88, wife of the late Jerry Gracey, Feb. 27 Fitzgerald, Heidi Robinson (Eldred), 65, wife of Robert J Fitzgerald, Feb. 28 Lavender, Judith Karen, 78, partner of Charles Porter, March 2 Stafford, Priscilla Jane, 90, wife of the late Theodore Stafford, March 4 Rugland, Walter S., 86, husband of Amelia (Milly) M. Rugland, March 8 Ambrosi, Richard (Dick), 86, March 12

chaperoning the party itself. The event is typically chaperoned by underclass parents —NO senior parents allowed — so it is important for new volunteers to step up each year. To learn more, email granbyparentssafegrad@gmail.com

GPSG is also collecting contributions for raffle prizes. Through the generosity of local businesses and community members, each student goes home with a prize. If you would like to donate to the raffle, GPSG recommends gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, Amazon, Door Dash/Grub Hub, Visa — remember that Granby students’ post-graduation plans take them across the country and sometimes the world.

Cash donations to fund the party are always welcome. To make a donation, please send your check payable to “Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation” and send to Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 81, Granby, CT 06035.

The GPSG Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Farmington Valley YMCA (except during school vacations). Stay up-todate by following the GPSG Facebook page: facebook.com/granbyctsafegrad. Please consider being a part of this 38-year tradition and help celebrate the Class of 2024!

Drumrolls

Shane Gove, of West Granby, was named to both the president’s list and the dean’s list at the University of Hartford for the fall semester. Anna Montoney, of East Granby, and Jack Steele, of Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Endicott College for the fall semester.

Help Wanted – Servers & Dishwashers

3 evenings 3:30pm-7:30pm or 4pm-8pm

Great hours in a beautiful, rewarding environment!

Additional 15% weekend differential.

Call McLean, Simsbury, 860-658-3724. EOE.

Simon Calendrillo crosses the finish line in the 2023 race. Photo credit: J.

Photography

Granby Rotary Club announces scholarships

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Simsbury Granby Rotary Club High School Scholarship program. There are three scholarship categories: The Ed Dodge Scholarship, Rotary College Scholarships and Rotary Vocational Scholarships. This year the club will award $24,000 in total academic scholarships, including an Ed Dodge Scholarship for $7,000 to a senior from either Simsbury or Granby high school. Four $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to students attending four-year college programs—two from Granby and two from Simsbury.

Two vocational (trade school) scholarships in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded to a resident of Simsbury or Granby planning to attend a one- to two-year vocational program.

Scholarship applications are available at the guidance departments of

both high schools and online at portal. clubrunner.ca/3376 The deadline for all applications is May 3. For questions, contact the committee chairperson, Dr. Jerry Graham at gfgdds@gmail.com

April meetings

Each week the Rotary Club has interesting guest speakers at its Thursday morning meetings. On April 4, the club welcomes Bill Ross, and Martha Miller from the Salmon Brook Historical Society. Karen Moulton of the Farmington Valley Lost Pet Prevention and Recovery will speak on April 11. On April 18, May Jane Foster from Interval House, a domestic violence shelter, will be the featured speaker.

To learn more about the Rotary Club, please contact Karen Young at karenyoung@cox.net

Golf League athletic scholarships available

By Troy Baillargeon

May 1 deadline for Community Scholarship Association applications

The Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) has been awarding scholarships to deserving high school seniors since 1958. Along with the David A. Schupp, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, established in 1992, CSAG has awarded more than $650,000 in scholarships to nearly 400 college-bound Granby Memorial seniors, making a significant impact on their young lives. Scholarship applications are available online through Naviance, at the College and Career Center or through the high school guidance counselor. Completed applications should be submitted to Mrs. Caruso in the GMHS counseling office no later than May 1. Applicants must be Granby residents who will graduate from high school

this spring and be accepted at an institution of higher learning approved by the selection committee. The David A. Schupp, Jr. Memorial Scholarship will be specifically awarded to a student pursuing a STEM major. Additional scholarships take into consideration need, initiative, character, responsibility and higher than average involvement in the Granby community.

With the continually rising costs of a college education, CSAG asks former scholarship recipients, as well as the Granby community, to consider making tax-deductible contributions to CSAG so that the organization can award more scholarships and provide more substantial awards. Checks should be made out to CSAG and mailed to Ted Cormier, 12 Silkey Road, West Granby, CT 06090.

Granby Artists Scholarship Deadline approaching

by Tracy Marlor

The scholarship committee expects to award up to two scholarships of $500. The deadline to submit applications is May 15.

Applications can be accessed at granbymens.golfleague.net/website/home/ home.html

The Granby Men’s Golf League has a scholarship fund for a senior at Granby Memorial High School or a Granby resident who attends a different high school, who is an athlete and / or intends to pursue a career in an athletic-related field and who will be entering first year of college, university, or technical/vocational school as a full-time student.

Final reminder— don’t forget to apply! Graduating high school seniors who are permanent residents of Granby are cordially invited to apply for the Granby Artist Association (GAA) 2024 annual scholarship. The scholarship is a cash award of $1,000 given to a student of higher artistic skill to be utilized toward upcoming college expenses. Seniors expecting to graduate this year with acceptance to a college-degree program or further educational programming are eligible to apply, including students from Granby Memorial

High School, private schools and homeschooled students. Scholarship details can be found at granbyartists.org.

Applications must be submitted by May 12, 2024, for consideration. Submissions are juried by the exhibiting artist members and the scholarship is awarded based upon the quality of work represented in the student’s portfolio and how experiences and achievements have solidified the student’s desire to pursue art in the future. Family members of the GAA exhibiting artist members are not eligible.

Sponsor an American flag

By Deborah Klotzman Granby Lions Club Flag Committee

The tradition of posting American flags in Granby has existed for more than 17 years and reminds our citizens of the dedication and sacrifices made by our veterans, our families, friends and neighbors. The Granby Lions Club is again offering residents the opportunity to dedicate a new flag in memory of a beloved veteran or private citizen. Donations enable us to continue this tradition and also assist in the maintenance or replacement of damaged poles, flags, and mounting hardware. Our goal is to continue this time-honored practice for generations to come. In cooperation with Granby’s Public Works Department and American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182, the Granby Lions Flag Committee inspects each American Flag and pole that has flown in and around Granby’s center from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day. The committee looks for anything that might warrant the need for replacement or repair such as a bent or broken pole, and a torn or soiled flag. Items deemed beyond repair are re-

placed. The American Legion properly disposes of damaged American flags, and when warranted, assists us in ordering new flags and/or poles.

For a donation of $100/each, your dedication will be placed on a flag pole and remain there in perpetuity. Because there is a limited number of flags available, multiple dedications may need to be placed on one flag in the future. To accommodate this, we ask that you limit your dedication’s wording to “In memory of (name)” or “In honor of (name).” You may include a service branch but due to space and the number of flags available, please adhere to these wording limits. If you have further questions, please email dhkhome1@ gmail.com. Dedications can be submitted via email, or can be mailed with your donation made out to Granby Lions, to Granby Lions Flag Committee, P.O. Box 191, Granby CT 06035. Be sure to include your email or phone number.

The following is a listing of the existing dedications currently on our Town flags.

ORIGINAL FLAG DEDICATIONS

(Taken Exactly From Existing Labels)

In Memory Of SPC Richard C. Emmons III –7/8/88 – 5/31/2011, Enduring Freedom

In Honor Of Granby Veterans

Ted Lepkowicz

Melisa K. Fusick

Jim Jones

William F. Hart

Atty. & Mrs. Philip D. Main

Stephen Olivieri

Jimmy Morin

Rod And Janice Reynolds

Ed Zdun

Barbara/Robert Merrick

Howard W. Gore

Beckett, Ani, Harry Cashman

Michael F. Fusick

Andrew L. Mangold

Jeffrey R. Fusick

Lt. Col. David E. Hunn, WWII

Kenneth McFarland, Vietnam Veteran

In Memory Of Seth Holcombe

In Honor Of Robert N. Beman

In Honor Of Oliver Ellsworth

Robert Purinton & Beverly Purinton

In Memory Of Matteo T. Mignone

In Honor Of Bill Sproull

In Memory Of Tommy Basil – US Navy

In Memory Of Rozell Stidd

In Memory Of George F. Havens

In Honor Of Air Force SSGT Peter S. Goff

In Memory Of Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class

William C. Austin

Luke Milan, Killed In Action – Afghanistan 2007

In Loving Memory of our Father and Grandfather Lt. Commander Edward J. Wilmont

William T. Conroy Sr., William T. Conroy Jr., William T. Conroy III

Sgt. David J. Spatcher Jr. -- 5/18/21-7/21/44, WWII, Pacific Theater

In Memory Of Ralph J. Stupak, WWII Veteran

Elizabeth/John Cavanaugh, East Granby Republican Town Committee

2022 Dedications

In Memory of Justus N. Arnold, U.S. Army

In Memory of Michael J. Arnold, Sr., U.S. Air Force

In Honor of Michael J. Arnold, Jr., U.S. Army & CT Air National Guard

In Memory of Al & Nancy Benyi

In Memory of Whitney Maus

In Memory of Edward Hodgson, Army Air Corps, WWII

In Memory of Robert D. Horne, U.S. Navy

In Memory of Paul Schneider, Army Medics, WWII 2023 Dedications

In Memory of James W. Malor Sr., US Army Air Corp, WWII

In Memory of Richard J. Nystrom, US Navy, WWII

In Memory of Daniel Martino, US Army, WWII

In Honor of Louis J. Gerner, WWII, Battle of the Bulge

In Honor of Frank E. Mydosh, Korea, USS Smalley DD565, Tin Can Sailor

Social Services

The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandra Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elderly (65+) or Disabled Homeowners Tax Relief: Applications are accepted through May 15. Income qualified applicants may receive up to $1,250 for married couples, and up to $1,000 for singles. A SSA 1099, or its equivalent, is required to be provided by each applicant. To apply contact the Assessor’s office at 860-8445312.

Elderly (65+) or Disabled Renters Rebate: Applications will be accepted beginning April 1 through Oct. 1. Applicant must have turned 65 years of age by the end of 2023. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security Disability are also eligible.

Renters Requirements (not comprehensive):

Must have rented in Granby, CT during 2023 and currently reside in Connecticut.

Provide proof of rent paid in 2023. (Receipts from landlord or cancelled checks).

Provide proof of actual bills paid in 2023 for electricity, gas, water, and fuel.

Bring in proof of income, for example, Form SSA 1099, pensions, etc.

Granby Local Assistance Program: Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of State Median Income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented.

Affordable Connectivity Plan: This U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps lowincome households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Find out more by visiting affordableconnectivity.gov

Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@communications.childwelfare.gov

Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888-774-2900. Advocates available 24/7.

Mental Health and Emergencies: If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 211.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-2738255

When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: Through this campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com

State of Connecticut Department of Social Services: For assistance with applying for benefits, such as Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, call 860-724-6443 x 275 for the Benefits Enrollment Center.

Senior Job Bank: A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find part-time work in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns. Jobseekers are connected with part-time job opportunities in businesses, municipalities and nonprofits as well as per diem work with individuals. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org or call 860-521-3210.

Granby Food Pantry: Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street, Food Pantry hours are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon and Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m. Before using the pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule.

Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available as drive up to pick up service every Wednesday, 3–5 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.

Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1:30–2 p.m. Call for 2024 dates. Park behind South Congregational Church only and remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather cancellations visit ctfoodbank.org/ get-help/connecticut-food-banks-mobile-pantry-schedule

Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: Located at 23 Griffin Road, the food pantry is open on Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Please bring your own bags. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.

Open Cupboard Pantry at Granby Congregational Church, North Campus: Located at 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays, 3–4 p.m. on a drive through basis. Please enter the church parking lot via north entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with any questions.

SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP, call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.

Out of Town

Line dancing at Simsbury Grange

The Simsbury Grange and the Simsbury Public Library will sponsor a line dancing event on Friday, April 12, at the Grange. Meet downstairs at 6 p.m. for free chili and cornbread and then come upstairs at 7 p.m. for line dancing until 8:30 p.m.

Mary Root will take us through some fun coordinated moves. Line dancing helps increase flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular health and memory. No

experience is necessary and it’s a lot of fun!,

Register through Simsbury Public Library. Maximum is 75 people so register soon. Grange location is 236 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury. Parking in Farms Village Plaza, to the left of the Grange building. Event is free, but donations are always welcome.

Musical Club’s April concerts

The Musical Club of Hartford’s programs are free to club members and students, and a small fee is charged for the general public. The concerts are held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Hartford.

On Thursday, April 4, at 10 a.m. the Adaskin String Trio with Sally Pinkas will perform a program of string trios and piano quartets. $10 admission for the general public.

On Thursday, April 11, at 10 a.m. club member musicians and guests will

perform Baroque and Beyond: Chamber Music for a Spring Morning. $5 admission for general public.

On Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. club member musicians will perform another wonderful sampling of chamber music works including a suite for Baroque flute and basso continuo by Hotteterre, songs by a variety of 19th20th century composers for bass and piano, a suite for piano duo by Barber and a cello sonata by Beethoven. $5 admission for general public

New England Air Museum Summer Camp

New England’s premier STEM summer camp is held at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks. Campers from ages 9 to 12 learn valuable skills and explore the realm of aviation

science and history through hands-on activities under the guidance of retired aerospace engineers and pilots. Visit the NEAM web site (neam.org/pages/ summer-camp) for details.

CT Trolley Museum April school vacation activities

Vacation weeks in the area are April 8–12 and April 15–19. The Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Road (Rte 140) in East Windsor will hold vacation week activities.

The Fire Truck Museum has more than 15 fire trucks dating back to 1923. Learn more about the Fire Truck Museum’s collection along with historic fire fighting equipment. (Admission to Fire Truck Museum is included in the Trolley Museum admission ticket). LEGO workshops will be held on Fridays, April 12 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Included with the workshop is an age-appropriate tour, trolley

ride and snack. The workshop is geared towards ages 8–12 and costs $25 per person, which includes admission. Registration is required for the workshop. Pack a lunch and relax awhile as you watch the trolleys arrive and depart from North Road Station.

Connecticut Trolley Museum admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors 62 and up, $11 for youth ages 12–17 and $9 for ages 2–11. Museum members and children under 2 are admitted free of charge. For more information or to register for the workshop, visit cttrolley.org or call 860-627-6540.

Amp up your guitar IQ

The modern guitar has come a long way from its 15th-century beginning as a literal instrument of rebellion in southern Spain. Join University of Hartford Professor Christopher Ladd as he tracks the guitar’s evolution to Bach, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Ladd will both tell and show how the construction of the guitar itself has

changed, with each incarnation opening up new musical expression. Music demonstrations are included.

Sponsored by Presidents’ College Lifelong Learning at the University of Hartford, on Mondays, April 15, 29 and May 6, from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Visit hartford.edu/pc for more information.

You Can’t Take It with You will have captioned shows

In a bid to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, The Suffield Players announced three subtitled performances for its upcoming production of You Can’t Take It with You. These special performances will take place on May 2 and 3 at 8 p.m., and May 12 at 2 p.m.

Patrons attending the subtitled performances will have the opportunity to experience the magic of live theater while enjoying synchronized captions displayed directly above the stage. This innovative approach ensures that audience members can fully immerse themselves in the performance without having to choose between watching the stage or reading captions.

Feedback from our patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, with patron Amy Reay stating, “They display the

captions directly above the stage so you don’t have to look away from the stage and choose between watching one or the other…It’s the best captioned theater I’ve been to.”

Rissa Fregeau, house manager of Suffield Players, said, “We are committed to making strides towards having live theater accessible to all members of our community. Operating out of a historic building provides many challenges to this mission. We have worked diligently to be able to offer subtitled performances that represent one step toward realizing that goal.”

Tickets for the subtitled performances of You Can’t Take It with You can be reserved online at suffieldplayers.org or by calling the box office at 860-6680837.

Lively Lore and Legends bus tour

The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network presents the final bus tour in the series introduced in 2022. The tour takes place on Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine, with visits to three historic sites in Farmington.

The first stop is Riverside Cemetery where Joanne Lawson of the Farmington Historical Society will talk about the founding of the cemetery and notable burials that took place there.

Next is the Stanley-Whitman House, where author, local historian and museum researcher Kate Linsley Rodgers will present a history of Thomas and Mary Smith, early residents of the house. Following this presentation, participants will enjoy lunch at the Whitman Tavern.

The final bus stop is at Hill-Stead Museum where participants will hear the

story of Theodate Pope Riddle, a devoted spiritualist, pioneering architect and agriculturalist who survived the sinking of the Lusitania.

The cost of the bus tour, including all admissions and lunch, is $50.

To prepare for the tour, participants are invited on Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m., as Betty Coykendall presents “Bad Boys and Wicked Women of Farmington,” at Stanley-Whitman House. The lecture is included in the price of the bus tour. For those only attending the April 25 lecture, $5 is payable at the door.

For more information and to reserve a place on the bus, please contact Nancy Weiner-Anstey, nancy@farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org or 860-680-5298.

Gifts of Love Charity Golf Tournament

Gifts of Love, a non-profit that helps individuals and families in 43 Connecticut towns regain self-sufficiency after a crisis, is challenging golfers across the state to demonstrate their “chari-tee” spirit at the organization’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament. The event will be Monday, May 20, at the Golf Club of Avon and proceeds will directly assist local residents with vital basic needs such as food and clothing.

Lisa Gray, executive director of Gifts of Love, notes that the tournament is a fun day of golf for players of all levels, complete with coffee, lunch and access to the Hooker Brewery Draft Beer Truck and the Litchfield Distillery carts. Immediately following the competition, participants will have the opportunity to network and enjoy dinner at the clubhouse, while bidding on amazing live auction and raffle prizes, with beloved NBC-CT Meteorologist Bob Maxon as the official emcee. The tournament opens for registra-

tion at 10:30 a.m. and begins with a shotgun start at 12 p.m. To increase the competitive spirit, there will be various on-course contests and activities, including a putting contest, a longest drive contest, and a closest to the pin challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each contest during a special awards ceremony during dinner.

Registration is open at giftsoflovect. org/golf-tournament-2024/ The cost is $275 for an individual golfer and $1,000 for a foursome. For non-golfers who still want to participate, dinner including open bar is $75. Deadline for registration is Saturday, May 11. Various and customized partnership opportunities at all levels are available for businesses and organizations and most include the opportunity to play the course. Contact info@giftsoflovect.org or call 860-676-2323 for more information.

In Town Focus

Empty Bowls at GMHS

The GMHS National Honor Society’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be Friday, April 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The event unites delicious soups, handmade artisan bowls and a silent auction to support food banks in Granby and Hartland.

Each ticket comes with a hand-made ceramic bowl and unlimited soups and bread generously donated by local restaurants. The bowls have been made and donated by local artists or by students, alumni, and teachers. The silent auction will have various pieces handcrafted by local artists. The cost is $8 for soup only, $15 for soup + bowl. Families of 3 or more, $10 each for soup + bowl.

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, April 3, the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group welcomes retired veterinarian Dr. Harry Werner, who will entertain the audience with humorous animal anecdotes. Register early to enjoy an entertaining talk and a great breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Werner’s presentation.

To register, call the Senior Center at 860-844-5350 or log into the schedule section on the Granby Senior Website. Cost $5. Let your friends and neighbors know that women of any age interested in joining the Granby Women’s Breakfast Program should send their contact information to gwomensbkfst@gmail. com

SBHS News

The museum store at the Salmon Brook Historical Society has books, maps, mugs, t-shirts, notecards, jigsaw puzzles and many other Granby items. Granby author Faith Tyldsley’s most recent book, To Granby, with Love, chronicles the Drummer articles submitted by beloved genealogist and archivist Carol Laun. This amazing book is available for sale in the museum store for $20. The store, located in the Enders House, is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. On Tuesdays purchases can be made at the Preservation Barn, 9 a.m. to noon. Items for sale can also be viewed at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Trivia Night

The society will be participating in the Gran-Bee contest sponsored by the Granby Education Fund on April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Team members are Dave Roberts, Martha Miller and Todd Vibert.

Annual Meeting

This members-only event will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at the Granby Congregational Church (north campus),

219 North Granby Road. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, business meeting and guest speaker and/or entertainment.

Spring Flea Market

On Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the society’s grounds. Please contact Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 for vendor information. Flea market donations will be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon through May 14.

Civic Club

The Civic Club will meet at the Senior Center on April 18 at 1 p.m. for a “Remember When” program. The history of the club will be discussed, including reminiscences from long-time members. The Civic Club began 111 years ago and the purpose continues to be serving the community for “A Better Granby.” The meeting is open to all women and friends of Granby and surrounding communities.

Refreshments will be served. Please contact Ginny Wutka (ginny@lostacres. com) for additional information.

Camera Club

Granby Camera Club will meet at the Senior Center on Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Ed Hodgson will lead a discussion on Beyond the Camera based on the premise that most of us will not leave a legacy of our photos hanging in galleries, museums and private collections when we lay down our cameras and tripods but are still interested in sharing our images and having an impact.

This is intended to be an interactive group discussion of ways to get our photos out there so they are not just data files on our hard drives and prints in our attics, file drawers, and scrapbooks. Scavenger hunt words are: new, colorful and favorite.

Men’s Breakfast

The Granby Men’s Breakfast on Friday, April 12, welcomes Police Chief Scott Sansom who will introduce himself and discuss Scams, Identity Fraud and Senior Safety, among other subjects. If you wish to attend, please register as soon as possible by calling the Granby Senior Center at 860-8445352. Early registration helps the cook team plan for food orders and table setup. Arrive between 8 and 8:15 a.m. to check-in and pay the $5 fee. While waiting for breakfast at 8:30, enjoy coffee, and hear some announcements. Breakfast will be served at your table. The program starts at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center.

Women’s Breakfast to feature hiking the Appalachian Trail

On Wednesday, May 1, Jo-Ann Smith will speak to the Granby Women’s Breakfast group regarding her 2,194mile hike on the Appalachian Trail with her husband, Jim Fergione. Fergione, who now drives the senior center van, but will be walking the Appalachian Trail again from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, beginning in April.

Smith will talk about her memories from the hike, the year-long research and preparation they did regarding

supplies, healthy diets and dehydrated foods and the multiple seminars they attended sponsored by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association. Please come to this fascinating talk and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast at the Granby Senior Center on May 1. Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. and presentation starts at 9 a.m. The cost is $5. Register by calling 860-844-5352.

Granby singers perform with chorale on April 6

Farmington Valley Chorale, under the direction of Artistic Director Ellen Gilson Voth, presents the Connecticut premier of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Joseph and His Brethren. The concert takes place on Saturday, April 6, at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick/St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. Guest artists include two of UConn’s elite music groups, Ensemble Origo and Collegium Musicum, as well as professional vocal soloists assuming the leading roles in the Joseph story. Adult tickets are $25, students are free. Tickets available from chorale members, at the door, or through the chorale website, farmingtonvalleychorale.org

This concert is made possible with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Libraries Book Sale July 26-28

by Brian Tomasino

Mark your calendars, this year’s Friends of the Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) 41st annual Used Book Sale will be held at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Preview Night is on Friday July 26, 5-8 p.m. with a $10 entrance fee. The regular sale is on Saturday July 27, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Last chance sale is on Sunday July 28, from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with $10 per bag or donation.

The collection of all book donations for the sale will take place on specified days starting in late June into July at Holcomb Farm. Book sale donations will not be accepted at the library. The exact days and times for collections will be announced at a later date.

What to donate: gently used hardcover and paperback books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, LP records, puzzles, games, learning toys, comic books, trading cards, newer textbooks, sewing/quilt patterns, music sheets and other book related items.

We cannot accept: items with any kind of odor (smoke, mold, or musty smell), VHS or cassette tapes, magazines, Reader’s Digest condensed books, older travel guides, and encyclopedias.

If you have questions, contact us at Friends.GPL@gmail.com Also stay up-to-date with what’s happening by visiting and liking our Facebook page, Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

As always, we appreciate your support and look forward to another successful sale in July.

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words. Send notices by email to: editor@granbydrummer.org

Granby chorale members from left, Leon Rippel, Williams Boyle, Lori Catlin Garcia, and Susan Samuel.

Photo by Debra Carey

A friendship both political and personal Mary McLeod Bethune & Eleanor Roosevelt

By Sarah Merrill, GRR Volunteer

As we approach the first Granby Racial Unity Festival on June 29, Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) will profile interracial relationships that are models of racial unity. For more information on the Racial Unity Festival, visit: https:// www.granbyracialreconciliation.com/ racialunity

One such groundbreaking relationship was that between civil rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune (7/10/1875-5/18/1955) and political figure and humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt (10/11/1884- 11/7/1962). For over a quarter century, these two influential women cultivated a friendship that was somewhat radical for the time—a mutually beneficial connection both personal and political. Roosevelt once said to Bethune, “I have come to admire and respect you–and to love you–for the spirit that goes into all of your work for all people.”

While Eleanor Roosevelt is relatively well-known, Mary McLeod Bethune is a rather obscure figure. This is surprising because Bethune was one of the nation’s most powerful Black political figures through the 1930s and ’40s. At a time when Black Americans had no role in federal policymaking, she was an advisor—both official and unofficial— to no fewer than five U.S. presidents.

Born in South Carolina in 1875 to formerly-enslaved parents, Mary McLeod was among the younger of 17 children. She was the first child in the family to learn to read and she earned a spot in a local school run by missionaries. Her parents had very few resources, but Mary showed promise and determination, and she won scholarships to continue her education. She attended seminary and missionary schools and came to clearly see the tremendous “lifting” power of education, particularly for Black girls and women.

Mary married fellow educator Albert Bethune in 1898 (separated in 1907) and they had one son. Bethune’s plan had been to work as a missionary in Africa, but there were no positions available for Black women. So, Bethune became an educator, teaching at several small Southern schools for Black students. In 1904, with just $1.50 in her possession,

she founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In just two years, the Florida school grew from five students to 250. In 1923, Bethune’s school merged with the Cookman Institute for Men to become Bethune-Cookman College. Today it is the private BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach.

Bethune gained influence through the 1920s, working on commissions under both President Coolidge (National Child Welfare Commission) and President Hoover (Commission of Home Building and Home Ownership). From 1924 to 1928, she was the president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC), with a motto of “Lifting as we Climb.” In 1935, she founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), a national coalition of women’s organizations, and was president from 1935 to 1949. She was also an early member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Given her high-profile work, it was just a matter of time before Bethune crossed paths with Eleanor Roosevelt, who was increasingly involved in political activism. In contrast to Bethune’s story, Eleanor Roosevelt was born into a life of wealth and privilege, becoming First Lady when FDR won the presidency in 1933. Despite her privilege, Mrs. Roosevelt was an early and vocal advocate of the rights and needs of the poor and of minorities.

Bethune and Mrs. Roosevelt met for the first time in 1927, at the home of FDR’s mother Sara Roosevelt, at a meeting of the leaders of the nation’s most influential women’s groups. The story goes that the white women at this meeting were not willing to eat their meal beside the only Black guest in attendance, but the Roosevelt women made a point of making Bethune feel welcome. Here began a friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt that would have positive impacts on the country for years to come.

While speaking to the Commerce Department in 1934 about inequities in Black education, Eleanor Roosevelt said, “We must wipe out the feeling of intolerance whenever we find it…We

must go ahead together, or we go down together.” Immediately after making this speech, she pointedly shook hands with Bethune and the other Black speakers in attendance. This was a significant moment, as there were still racial codes in place that made even formal contact between Whites and Blacks essentially forbidden.

This friendship led to Bethune’s unprecedented access to FDR throughout his presidency (19331945), and she became a trusted advisor regarding the specific challenges facing Black Americans. While FDR did not appoint Black leaders to top positions in his administration, he did appoint them to lower posts to show his support for political and economic equality. A group of about 100 Black scholars, intellectuals, and political leaders became the unofficial “Black Cabinet.” Their input, though never officially acknowledged, would significantly influence FDR’s New Deal policies. Bethune led this “Black Brain Trust,” which is said to have laid the groundwork for the modern civil rights movement.

Bethune was the first Black American to lead a federal agency when she was appointed the director of the Negro division of the National Youth Administration (NYA). Hundreds of thousands of Black Americans would find jobs, and Black colleges would gain funding, thanks to Bethune’s efforts. In 1945, Bethune accompanied President Harry Truman to a conference on the founding of the United Nations. As a representative of the NAACP, Bethune was the first Black woman to be included in such a high-profile meeting among world leaders.

First Lady Roosevelt was open and public regarding her warm friendship with Bethune. There was criticism from Whites who felt that lines were being crossed, but Roosevelt did not allow this to alter her behavior, always welcoming Bethune at the front entrance of the White House, walking with her arm in arm, and sitting beside her at meetings. Roosevelt even stayed at Bethune’s home from time to time, where she had her own guestroom. Historian Martha Jones called their relationship, “A conspicuous rejoinder to Jim Crow.”

Upon Bethune’s death in 1955, Roosevelt dedicated her syndicated column “My Day,” to this “really great American,” writing that she would “cherish the spirit that (Mary McLeod Bethune) lived by and try to promote the causes she believed in, in loving memory of a very wonderful life.”

Bethune was honored in 2022 with a statue in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection, where her likeness represents her home state of Florida. You can read more interracial stories by visiting RaceAmity.org.

April

Yellow sunshine Flowering bulbs Color and Beauty Return to the world Giving us Hope.

Bernadette R. Gentry 2024

Eleanor Roosevelt

Mary McLeod Bethune

Lady Carrie returns to Granby

By Granby Racial Unity Festival Committee

For the second year in a row, Granby Racial Reconciliation is happy that Lady Carrie, executive director of Jada Foundation CT Double Dutch League, accepted its invitation to direct the Double Dutch exposition at the Granby Racial Unity Festival Saturday, June 29. Her program was well received at last year’s Granby Celebrates Juneteenth Arts and Education Festival.

Lady Carrie is the CT state representative for the American Double Dutch League. She was instrumental in bringing the 2019 World Invitational Double Dutch Exhibition back to Connecticut at the Star Hill Family Athletics Center in Tolland. The Double Dutch Exhibition welcomed jumpers from all over the world.

Lady Carrie’s motto is “I can teach anybody how to jump.” Participants at last year’s event can attest to her skill and enthusiasm and the great fun had by all.

This year, Lady Carrie has invited a friend from Hollywood to join her. Celebrity, actor and director of television shows and feature films, Dennis L.A. White will be joining the festivities.

Valley Brook CC welcomes new director

Valley Brook Community Church welcomes Brian Rooney as Director of Discipleship. Brian is a native of Simsbury and graduated from the Master’s School. He completed his undergraduate work at Gordon College and went on to get two master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Theological Studies from Gordon Conwell Seminary. Prior to coming to Valley Brook, he worked for Wheeler Health as a child outpatient therapist in the Bristol school system. He is pursuing ordination as a pastor and when his clinical hours are complete, he will be a Licensed Professional Counselor. Brian lives in Granby with his red Labrador retriever, Koda, and he is getting married in June of this year.

Dennis L.A. White special guest at festival basketball tournament

Dennis L.A. White, Hollywood actor, writer, and producer, will be the special guest at the Granby Racial Unity Festival on Saturday, June 29. You may know White from his breakout role as Damian-Roc’ Butler in the critically acclaimed film Notorious or his powerful portrayal of Kennedy in The Family Business. White can also be seen in the #1 film on Peacock, The Pass. During the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Skills Contest, he’ll play basketball on one of the adult teams, and he’ll introduce the community to his new film Careful What You Ask For Registration is now open for children ages 12 – 18 and adults to play in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The $100 per team registration fee covers four players. Each player will receive a Tshirt and food voucher. The basketball tournament and skills contest will begin at 11 a.m. It is part of Granby Racial

Reconciliation’s first Granby Racial Unity Festival that begins at 2:45 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. The festival will include various genres of music including: Native American drumming, Latin Dance, Indian Classical Dance, a Granby high school Blues/ Rock band, Music of the African Diaspora as well as a featured Interracial Jazz/R and B band.

Additionally, there will be a Double Dutch contest hosted by Lady Carrie from Jada Foundation. Multicultural food and other vendors will be available throughout the day to serve the community.

The deadline to register for the 3-on-3 basketball tournament is April 30. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. For more details and to register for the tournament visit: GranbyRacialReconciliation.com/gruf-3on3

Granby Racial Unity Festival Sat., June 29

Lady Carrie, submitted photo

Dennis L.A. White

Brian Rooney

What can you create in a Makerspace?

Granby Public Library is looking for fellow “makers.” A “maker” is someone who enjoys creating things from scratch, whether it’s electronics, crafts, or inventions. They like to tinker, experiment, and build, often using tools and materials to bring their ideas to life.

DVD, CD, slides, film strip and more.

Makers thrive on hands-on learning and enjoy sharing their projects and knowledge with others in a collaborative and creative community. If you, too, are looking for fellow makers, the Cossitt Creation Station (CCS) is the place for you.

This reimagined space in the lower level of the F.H. Cossitt Library hosts a variety of equipment for creating that anybody with a library card can use free of charge. This includes two 3D Printers, a Glowforge Laser Cutter, a Cricut cutting machine with a mug press, hat press, and heat press, four sewing machines, an embroidery machine, a serger, a sublimation printer with tumbler press, a professional photograph printer, tons of crafting tools and materials and all the equipment you need to digitize your old media such as VHS,

All this equipment is free to use and some materials for making are available for purchase right at CCS. You may bring your own materials, but these will need to be approved by our Makerspace Technician before using with the equipment. You do not have to be a Granby resident to use this space, but we do ask that you have a library card from your home library. We recommend you make a reservation for the equipment prior to visiting CCS so we can be certain the equipment is available for you. This can easily be done through the Granby Public Library website. Visit granby-ct.gov/library and click on “Reserve CCS equipment.” Walk-ins may be accepted based on current reservations and availability. This space is designed for patrons ages 16 and up but is available to ages 10 and up with strict parent/guardian supervision.

The upper level remains the same fully functioning library that you’ve always known. You can return books, check out books, place holds and complete all your usual library tasks.

Cossitt Creation Station

Open House/Grand Opening

April 13, 10 a – 2 p Demos, tours of the space, “making” activities and more!

Submitted photos

Karen Yourous shows a mug that she will take with her when she goes to see upcoming eclipse.

Brian Klotzbier is Cossitt’s Makerspace shop technician; he joins Ken Kuhl by the Glowforge Pro Laser Cutter.

Chris Klemmer, Judy Guarco and Dr. Rick Kirshbaum at a demo of the digitization work station.

Left, Birds cut out from the Glowforge Laser Cutter and Wolf cut out (above), created by Brian Klotzbier

Blue vase and flower printed on the Bambu 3D printer, printed by Brian Klotzbier

Sarah Tackett and Amber Wyzik display a mug created by the Cricut at a mug press demo.

Guatemalan community benefits from church mission

By Clark Pfaff

In March more than a dozen folks from Valley Brook Community Church traveled to Sumpango, Guatemala, to serve in mission work alongside Simsbury native, Jaylyn Perry. Perry, a 2014 graduate of Simsbury High School, felt the calling to serve as a Christian missionary after serving in a mission program called “Youth with a Mission” immediately after graduating.

That calling led Perry to seek out further education and training to serve others in Christ’s name. She found that education at Liberty University where she graduated in 2019 with a double major in global studies and social work. During her summers in college Perry sought out internships with international mission programs. One summer she was led to apply for a position with a ministry in Sumpango, Guatemala called Rompiendo Ciclos in English, Breaking Cycles. Perry was accepted and, grateful for the Spanish she learned in high school, headed to Sumpango.

At Breaking Cycles, Perry discovered a ministry that resonated with her. The mission of Breaking Cycles is to help the people of the community by cultivating meaningful

relationships that strengthen and restore the faith and hope of local Guatemalans. As the name implies, Breaking Cycles works with people in this impoverished community to break the destructive cycles in which many residents are trapped, including physical and sexual abuse, alcoholism, addictions, poor nutrition, poverty and illiteracy.

Breaking Cycles is a ministry founded by Betty Merida. Merida was born and raised in Guatemala, and she was able to break the cycles of poverty in her life and graduate from college. After she found faith in God, she felt called to start Breaking Cycles to help her fellow Guatemalans break the cycles of poverty in their lives.

Perry fell in love with the Guatemalan people and loved serving God with Breaking Cycles, so when she graduated from college, she moved to Guatemala to serve as a social worker with Breaking Cycles. She moved to Sumpango in 2021, where she has watched the impact and the reach of the ministry grow.

While the ministry works daily to break the cycles mentioned earlier through three projects, they also invite short term mission teams to come to Sumpango and participate in hands on mission work with Breaking Cycles. And that’s what the team from Perry’s home church did.

On the day the team arrived they participated in the Healthy Families Bunk Bed Project. One of the ways the ministry seeks to break the cycles of abuse, addictions, poverty and illiteracy is through education. Families attend a series of workshops on these

topics, the parents in one class and the children in another class, learning the same topics, age-appropriately. After completing the four classes, each child in the family is given his or her very own bed.

In this part of Guatemala, many families sleep on dirt floors in shacks with walls of corrugated steel and tarps or all members of the family share one bed, so it is very special for a child to receive his or her own bed. After finishing the classes, the children received their bunkbeds, and the team from Valley Brook helped the families load them in trucks to be delivered to their homes.

For the rest of the week, the team from Valley Brook was divided into two groups. Some went with local masons to help build houses for families that had applied and been approved by Breaking Cycles to receive a home. To receive a 12- by 16-foot cinder block home, families must own the land, contribute a portion of the cost of the construction and work alongside the masons. Families that have applied for a home are visited by a social worker to assess their need for the home. Once approved, Breaking Cycles uses funds from donors and the family to pay

for the home. Through the generosity of the people of Valley Brook, three homes have been given to families.

The team from Valley Brook was able to work alongside the Guatemalan builders to move the homes to completion in just four days. Starting Monday morning, the team wired rebar together, mixed concrete, shoveled dirt, laid cinder blocks and did whatever else was needed to keep the projects moving. The work culminated on Thursday afternoon with a dedication ceremony of each completed home, all with windows, a door and a metal roof.

The other group from Valley Brook went with Perry to her local church in Sumpango. At the church they accompanied the pastor and his wife on visits within the community and prayed with them. Perry translated and helped everyone build relationships with one another. This team also ran a three-day program for 75 children where they helped with teaching, singing, dancing, crafts and games.

Perry and the staff of Breaking Cycles also had the entire Valley Brook come to Breaking Cycles’ Ministry Center where they run a scholarship program that provides after-school support to 42

Simsbury native Jaylyn Perry

The Valley Brook team with a family and their new home.

(photos by Breaking Cycles staff)

Guatemala mission cont’d. on p. 19

Parks & Recreation

Daphne Shinder, Rec. Supervisor

Terri Ziemnicki, Rec. Supervisor

Jamie Savva, Spec. Events Coord.

Telephone: 860-844-5289

Website: GranbyRec.com

Open 24/7 at GranbyRec.com for program registration!

Special Events

Junk in your Trunk Community Tag Sale/Sports Equipment Swap

Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Welcome to Granby Rec’s third annual Junk in your Trunk Community Tag Sale! This year, we are so excited to expand our junk celebrations. In addition to our well-loved community yard sale, we are also providing a space to swap out those gently used and outgrown cleats, gloves, bats, helmets, etc.

Kiddos in need of some new season gear? Donate what doesn’t fit and grab something that does! Crafters and small businesses welcome, too!

Paint Night with Paint Craze: Spring Gerber Daisies

April 17, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., $40 per person

Please join us for a taste of spring! Join your Parks and Rec staff along with artist MaryBeth Read from Paint Craze for a fun evening of creating and socializing. All supplies and instruction are provided. No artistic skill required! All supplies will be included. Feel free to bring food and beverages to enjoy while you paint. This program is being held at Holcomb Farm in the beautiful North Barn Pavilion. Hope you can be a part of this fun evening!

Summer Day Camps

Salmon Brook Park Preschool Day Camp (ages 4-5)

A full-day preschool summer day camp program committed to serving your child’s needs. This traditional day camp fills each day with active games, special events, sports, arts and crafts, teamwork, group interaction and the wonders of nature. Salmon Brook Park has a playground, soccer fields, baseball fields, outdoor basketball hoops, picnic pavilions and tennis courts. Your child will have the opportunity to make new friends and have a lot of fun! Camp is scheduled in one-week sessions beginning June 17 to better meet your and your child’s needs. Need to get to work early or extend your child’s time at the camp? Check out our Extended Day Program.

Salmon Brook Park Day Camp (gr. 1-5)

Register by May 15 and receive a $10/ week/camper discount. A summer day camp program committed to serving your child’s needs. This traditional day camp fills each day with active games, special events, sports, arts and crafts, teamwork, group interaction and the wonders of nature. Salmon Brook Park has a playground, soccer fields, baseball fields, outdoor basketball hoops, picnic pavilions and tennis courts. Your child will have the opportunity to swim at our waterfront, make new friends and have a lot of fun! All children are grouped by age/grade and all activities are age appropriate. Camp is scheduled in oneweek sessions to better meet your and your child’s needs. Need to get to work early or extend your child’s time at the camp? Check out our Extended Day Program.

Mission: Adventure Camp (gr. 6-9)

The area’s most popular day camp for students in grades 6-9. We know that kids this age don’t always think it’s “cool” to go summer camp... until they have been here. Mission: Adventure will have the campers traveling to exciting destinations three days every week and spending the other two days on-site adventuring right here at Salmon Brook Park. They will participate in scavenger hunts, team building activities, sports, swimming and so much more.

Youth Programs

After School Childcare at Kelly and Wells Schools

Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Granby Parks and Recreation is now offering after school care to be held at Kelly Lane School for children in grades K-5. Kelly Lane students will be dismissed from their classrooms after school and brought directly to the cafeteria and Wells Road students will be bussed over to Kelly Lane School. The program’s director is Melissa Young, current media teaching assistant at Kelly Lane School. During the two hours of after care, your child will be kept busy with many fun games, crafts and gym time.

After School Art Class with Mrs. Lankford @ Wells Road School

Grades 3-5 Mondays, April 1 to June 3, 3:20 p.m.–4:20 p.m.

Students create and build with clay, paint, printmaking, fiber arts and more. They learn about different artists or types of art and use that as inspiration for their own art work. Students will continue to build on their drawing, painting and sculpting skills they have from art class during the school day and have the opportunity to try new materials and techniques that they probably have not had the chance to try before. They will come home with new art work each week. All supplies are included. The class will be held in Room 26 (Art Room) at Wells Road School.

MPower Youth Sports: Youth Running

Ages 6 – 14 Wednesdays, April 17 – May 29 at Salmon Brook Park Band Shell

Finishing a 5K is an impressive achievement at any age. Imagine the Parks & Rec con’t. on p. 19

sense of accomplishment and pride your child will feel when crossing the finish line of the “Celebrate! West Hartford” 5K on June 9. MPower Youth Running will do just that. Modeled after popular Couch-to-5K plans, MPower’s training program is designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced racers. We will concentrate on proper form and pacing while we build endurance over the weeks through a combination of running drills, games and core-strength exercises. For more information, please visit: www.MPowerYouthSports.com

Adult Programs

Aroma Yoga

Thursday, April 18 and Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Join instructor Aubrey Schulz for immersion in a yoga class designed to delight your senses and unwind your body. Experience the wonderful synergy of yoga and essential oils. Open to all levels. Bring your own yoga mat and water and dress comfortably.

Pickleball: Adult Spring Program

Mondays, April 15 to May 20, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. Tuesdays, April 16 to May 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursdays, April 18 to May 23, 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m. or 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Do you want to learn the game of Pickleball, or do you already know how to play and are looking for a place to play this fun game with your friends and also meet new people? All abilities are welcome! Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Instructors Nancy Geaglone, Eric McPheat and Kim Chamberlain teach the game/rules to interested beginners and will set up tourneys for experienced players. This lifelong activity is fun for all ages!

Scrapbooking Spring Weekend/ Crafting Event

The Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a two-day Crop/Craft Event: Friday, April 26, 1–9 p.m. for $25 and Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. for $40. If you sign up for both days you save $5 and the cost is $60 and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility.

Demonstrations and classes will be offered. Please feel free to bring your own food and beverage. This event is being held in the North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm. Contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net with questions. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters! Pawsitive Steps Dog Training Beginner and Intermediate Classes

Beginner Classes: Thursdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park

Intermediate Classes: Mondays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park

Join well-known certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this great introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Time will be spent learning to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations. Learn about normal canine behavior and how to problem solve to help your dog fit into our human world. Appropriate household behavior, handler attention, basic obedience and coming when called will be covered. Open to all dogs. There is no prerequisite for this class. Please contact Kim with any questions. 860.614.6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com

Combination Safe Boating / Personal Watercraft Course

Tuesday, May 7, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Thursday, May 9, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

We are pleased to offer this 8-hour Safe Boating / Personal Watercraft Class just in time for the upcoming spring/ summer boating season. Upon completing this course and passing the exam (which is given during the last class), the participant will have satisfied the DEEP’s requirements and will be able to apply for their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). There is a separate cost for the Certificate and is NOT included in the $10 class fee.

A Safe Boating Certificate/Personal Watercraft Class (SBC/CPWO) is required by individuals 10 years of age and older to operate any recreational vessel registered in Connecticut except a personal watercraft (“Jet Ski” type vessel) on Connecticut’s waters (additional regulations apply).

Guatemala mission cont’d. from p. 17

provides academic tutoring, Christian education, counseling, recreation and nutritious meals. While at the center the team was able to help the students with their English, make crafts and play games with them.

On the team’s last day, Perry took them on a little sight-seeing tour in nearby Antigua, and then they returned to Breaking Cycles for their last meal and worship service led by some of the students in the scholarship program.

For more information about Breaking Cycles or to connect with Jaylyn Perry, visit breakingcyclesguatemala.com

by

Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q: I broke my tooth right to the gum line… what can I do?

A: If your tooth is deemed hopeless, the best solution is a dental implant. Implants have a 98% success rate and hygiene is very simple, similar to natural teeth. Implants do not require cutting down or preparing adjacent teeth and there are no metal clasps used, which can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to loosen.

Natural teeth allow you to chew with about 200 pounds of force, denture wearers only chew with 50 pounds of force, and only 5 pounds after 15 years with dentures. Dental implants can help patients re-gain 90% of chewing ability.

More great news: Now you can have a hopeless tooth removed and replaced with an immediate implant and temporary crown in the same day! This is usually only done with a front tooth which is not used for heavy chewing. If a back tooth is lost an immediate implant can still be placed, but it won’t have the tooth on it for a few months. Most times there is no reason to delay placement of an implant. Many times, even an infected tooth can have an immediate implant.

If you feel that you or a loved one can benefit from implant dentistry, call now for a free consultation or second opinion from the Granby Dental Center, dedicated to State of the Art Dental Solutions to Clinical Dilemmas.

The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Lasers can eliminate the need for injections and the sound of the drill! CEREC CAD-CAM technology allows us to make crowns in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! Cone Beam Computerized Tomography(CBCT) allows us to visualize your whole mouth and jaws in Three Dimensions (3D) which allows improved Diagnosis and greater precision of treatment. INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces—we are your Invisalign connection!

At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION!

“Smile Vision” allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with straighter, whiter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION!

If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us or visit our website: www. granbydentalcenter.com

Granby Dental Center... remember the CENTER

Have you missed your last dental visit? Making sure you get to your preventive cleaning visits is the best way to keep your dental health in check and lower your costs as well! Call now for your appointment 860-653-3220

Above: Granby natives Rick and Trey Santasiere building one of the homes in Sumpango. Below: Jaylyn presenting a family with the keys to their new home. Photos by Clark Pfaff

Holcomb Farm gears up for Spring

As I write this, the official arrival of Spring is next week, but the birds, trees, wood frogs, peepers and all the rest of the life that we recognize as signs of spring have jumped the gun. Sugaring season (turning sap into maple syrup) has run its course, and yesterday our bluebirds were selecting their preferred residences for their 2024 brood.

While the Friends of Holcomb Farm never really sleep, the atmosphere at the Farm is distinctly energized. Please mark your calendars to join us for some of the coming events, described below. Or strap on your boots and hit the trails anytime; they are there for you. – Jenny Emery

Arbor Day Event on the Tree Trail

“While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty — all for a better tomorrow.” This wisdom comes from the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org), and the Tree Trail at Holcomb Farm is part of our effort to live this wisdom and

share it with the community.

To that end, come celebrate Arbor Day on the Holcomb Tree Trail at 10 a.m. on Saturday April 27 (rain date April 28). Tree Trail members and UConn Master Gardeners Barry Avery and Eric Lukingbeal will talk about the history of Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our environment. They also will discuss how to determine the trees best suited to your environment and demonstrate the correct way to plant a tree. Participants should meet at the main campus parking lot at 10 a.m. and then join in the 10-minute hike up the road to the Tree Trail, where the planting demonstration will take place. Children and leashed dogs are welcome.

Since 2018, the Tree Trail crew has planted more than 100 trees and numerous shrubs and flowers on the trail. This is a great opportunity to see what a group of dedicated volunteers can accomplish.

Upcoming Events

May Plant Sales: Farmer Joe and his crew held a two-day sale of fresh greenhouse greens in early March, and the hunger for fresh, local produce was truly palpable, leading us to sell out early. Thanks to all who helped us clear out the greenhouses to make room for getting the next round of plants growing, which we

Center

look forward to sharing with you in May:

May 10-11: just in time for Mother’s Day, we will have herbs, early flowers, and cold-hardy veggies,

May 24-25: come back for the warmer weather plants, including all of the above PLUS tomatoes, melons, zucchini, cucumbers, basil, peppers, and more.

Volunteer Appreciation and Annual Meeting: For 2023, we developed a rough, and likely understated, estimate of volunteer hours that contributed to the stewardship of the trails, the development of the Tree Trail, the raising of funds and harvesting and delivery of food through Fresh Access, and even help in the farm fields, themselves, of over 2,500 hours!

If you were a part of these efforts, watch for your invitation to a thank you breakfast in your honor on May 19, at 10:30, at the North Barn. This will be followed, at noon, by the Friends Annual Meeting of members. Members include anyone, and their immediate family, who has donated $25 or more to the Friends of Holcomb Farm, and/or purchased a CSA share during the preceding July 1 – June 30 period. The timing has changed — moved earlier in the year — to better align with closing the books on 2023 and sharing plans for 2024.

All members are welcome and invitations will be sent. If you are not a current member, and would like to be, you can join anytime by making a donation online (holcombfarm.org) or by contacting Cat Kadrle, our administrator, at kadrle@ holcombfarm.org

Save these Dates

May 18: Rotary Club Workday at Tree Trail

May 20: FOHF Annual Presentation to Granby BOS

June 1 (rain date June 2): CT Trails Day Hike

June 15 or June 22 (estimate): Opening Farm Store and Summer CSA Launch

Aug. 24: Fresh Access Fundraiser @ the North Barn

Sep. 14:

Oct. 19:

Recent Goings-Ons to Share

Thanks to Granby Land Trust: Once again, the Granby Land Trust (GLT) has stepped up as a tremendous community partner, making some fields just to the north and south of the east side of the Simsbury Road bridge over the Salmon Brook available to the Friends. We have potatoes in mind, and just received news of a State of Connecticut grant to help us purchase a potato digger and irrigation tools. We are excited to be putting these fields back into agricultural production. The Friends Meet the Grand: Granby’s relatively new neighbors at The Grand invited us to visit in March, so Farmer Joe and Board Member Lori Armentano bagged up some fresh greens and headed to the south side of town. We had a great time meeting so many new

Melody Smith inspects some of the supplements that will replenish our lifegiving soil. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Open Farm Day @ the CSA Barn

Harvest Dinner in Support of Fresh Access @ Healing Meals Project, Weatogue, Conn.

residents, and encouraging them to head north and west to the Holcomb Farm, and get to know the great community they have joined.

We Got Supplements: The excessive rains of 2023 are a double whammy for us: they undermined the harvest and forced the cancellation of our Winter CSA—a financial blow to the Friends and a loss to our many patrons. The rains also depleted the soil which could hurt future harvests. Fortunately, we secured grants from the state and Northwest Community Bank Foundation that, together with our own reserves, have funded the purchase of significant compost and other soil supplements to repair the damage. Farmer Joe is also “Dr. Joe” when it comes to soil health, and this is just one of the ways we are facing the changes wrought by climate change.

Joe’s Excellent Adventures

We couldn’t be prouder of our Farm Manager, Joe O’Grady, who has been

1.

recognized through two recent opportunities for continuing development. First, through a scholarship, Joe attended the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Lancaster, Penn. The focus of the conference was Climate Change: mitigation and adaptation strategies.

He came away with many ideas on how to help our farm remain working and sustainable despite the volatile weather of the recent seasons. Other important workshops addressed the challenging task of producing strawberries organically, improving the performance of our winter greenhouses and making our own biological amendments here on the farm through the brewing of native microbes with compost tea.

Then, through the American Farmland Trust, Joe was selected as part of a twoyear cohort of “Farmer Led Innovations in Reduced Tillage”. Along with five other progressive farmers in Connecticut, Joe will be planning and executing experiments in reducing tillage and will share his findings through seasonal meetings and site visits to each farm. Reducing tillage is the goal of all farms — to improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions. However, scale-appropriate techniques for mid-size and large farms, absent chemicals and herbicides (which we don’t use) are slow in coming.

We are thrilled that Joe’s talents are not only being recognized, but also leveraged to provide value to others, as all in the agricultural community fight for sustainability in a challenging environment.

The Y — Serving our community

by Brian Liss, Executive Director

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely. Safety Around Water is free to participants. It is open to anyone in the community who wants their children to learn how to be safe in and around water. Call the YMCA, 860-653-5524 to register. The program will be held in the evenings, April 8-11. Space is limited.

being program for cancer survivors which meets at the YMCA twice a week for 12 weeks for 90 minutes each session. The Farmington Valley YMCA creates a welcoming community in which cancer survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.

To continue the aquatic safety theme, the Farmington Valley YMCA Aquatics team will be heading to Kelly Lane on May 23 for Water Safety presentations for all K-3 classes. Knowing that so many of our children have access to pools, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, it is so important they know how to be safe. We look forward to presenting to East Granby and Simsbury schools as well. In the end, over 750 kids will learn how to be safe near water.

LiveSTRONG at the YMCA is a free small-group physical activity and well-

The program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Participants work with YMCA staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve goals: building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; improving balance; improving confidence and selfesteem; improving emotional wellbeing of survivors and their families; and connecting with other survivors during and beyond treatment. All participants receive a FREE 12-week family membership during the program. Our next session starts April 8th. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to the YMCA, 860-653-5524.

Mac ‘n’ Cheese: pure comfort food

By Judy Guarco

This “homemade” recipe came from one of my mom’s Irish cousins years ago. Besides my own mom, Mae Garvey was one of the best cooks I have ever met—everything she did seemed so effortless and was always delicious.

A treasured legacy!

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

1 lb sharp cheese, grated

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

½ cup butter

Salt to taste

½ teaspoon ground dry mustard

½ cup flour

3 cups milk

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup onions, chopped (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)

Directions

Cook macaroni per package directions, drain and pour into bowl. Add cheeses and mix. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter, stir in flour until smooth. Add milk and seasonings and stir until very thick. Add sauce to macaroni mixture and mix well. Spoon into a large greased casserole. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Master Gardener Eric Lukingbeal demonstrates proper tree planting technique at the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail.

Photo by Sue Canavan

Hanna Malzenski, left, and McKenzie Piehl help Farmer Joe O’Grady get the greens ready for the pop-up sale on March

Photo by Shirley Murtha

Holcomb Farm cont’d. from p. 22

SPECIAL EVENT

Tulip Dinner: Wednesday, April 17, 5 p.m.

Enjoy a catered meal from Tucker’s Restaurant and entertainment by Willie and Jan Band. Entertainment has been sponsored by McLean Home Care and Hospice. Cost: $5.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party: Monday, April 8, 1 p.m. Join the Senior Center and Library staff for fun and games on the front lawn of the library to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Participate in fun space-themed activities and games prior to the viewing. Special glasses will be provided for viewing the eclipse safely. Free event sponsored by SEAL and Star Net.

Medicare Made Perfectly Clear: Monday, April 12, 1 p.m. at Senior Center, hosted by Madison Roberson. This event is designed to empower you with the knowledge to make decisions about your healthcare coverage. This event promises to be enlightening and beneficial.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the different parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, and D). Learn about eligibility criteria and enrollment periods. Discover supplemental coverage options available to enhance your Medicare benefits. Ask questions and engage in discussions to clarify any doubts you may have.

Spymistresses-A Story of Allied Women

Spies of WWII: Monday, April 22, 2 p.m. Spies belong to a special group of people with flexible identities, elastic morals and what has been referred to by some as situational ethics. Many take dangerous risks, complete their missions and live to tell the tale; others don’t.

During WWII, several women risked their lives to work within the enemy territory to uncover secrets. They covertly served the Allies and made significant contributions to the war. Learn about some of these women who worked in the European and Pacific theaters of the war. Free.

TRIPS

Lunch at Granby Memorial High School: Wednesday, April 3. Depart center on bus at 10:45 a.m. or meet at high school at 11 a.m. The culinary arts students at the high school will prepare a delicious lunch for you and the Leo Club will provide fun and games. Free.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory: Tuesday, April 30. Depart center at 8:45 a.m. The Lepidoptera source in Western Massachusetts, featuring an 8,000-square foot indoor conservatory, is home to some 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies in a tropical environment. Magic Wings focuses on butterfly-related education, recreation, entertainment and gardening needs. Have lunch at Bub’s BBQ. Cost: $20, lunch paid on your own.

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.

If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352

See the Center Life Newsletter for monthly Shopping/ Dine and Drive Trips.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

CRT Hot Lunch: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12–1 p.m. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. All participants are required to complete a one-time informational survey. A donation of $3 per meal is suggested to help cover costs; however, no one is denied a meal if unable to pay. Reservations are accepted until noon on Friday for the following week by calling 860-844-5350.

Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, April 3, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. by appointment. Judy Guarco has worked for more than 20 years representing both buyers and sellers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Her goal is to be a trusted advisor to help navigate the ever-changing world of home ownership with good advice, solid market knowledge, customer service and attention to detail. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Cribbage: Fridays, 3–5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Join this lively group, experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.

Set Back: Tuesdays, 1–3:30 p.m. Free.

Music Jam, Back in Time: Wednesdays,11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s–80s. Open to any type of musicians. Free.

photography enthusiasts, each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10.

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, April 3 at 8:30 a.m., with program at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, April 12 at 8:30 a.m., with program at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Chair Massage: Tuesdays, April 2, 16 and 30, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. by appointment only.

Bev offers 15-minute chair massages for $10. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Healthy Minds: By appointment only. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be daunting to face alone. Working with a marriage and family therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.

EXERCISE PROGRAMS

See current Center Life newsletter for cost of exercise programs.

Gentle Movement: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Next session: April 1–May 20. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Next session: April 2–May 28. Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic Yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Makers Club: Mondays at 10 a.m. Bring your latest project to work on and enjoy some great conversation. Free.

History Revisited: Tuesdays,10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor, has a way of bringing history to life. Join this informative and fun view of events from pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Free.

Camera Club: Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. For

Yoga: Thursdays at 4 p.m. Next session: April 2–May 28. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. Next session: April 3–May 29. Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally di-

rected to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joins and bring balance to our emotions. Beneficial to all skill levels. Instructor: Mary Ellen Mullins.

Line Dancing with Jim: Each Wednesday,1:30–2:30 p.m. Currently in session. Instructor Jim Gregory has been teaching dance full-time for 40 years. His expertise will have you learning the steps in no time and having a blast too. This class is for beginners to advanced dancers.

Tai Chi Yang Style 24 Forms 1-6: Wednesdays, 2:45–3:45 p.m. Next session: April 3–May 29. This class is suitable and encouraged for beginners. Tai Chi is a practice that involves a series of slow, gentle, low impact movements, a relaxed, meditative mind set and controlled breathing. People of all ages, especially seniors can benefit from Tai Chi such as improved balance, flexibility, and increased energy. The balanced work of Tai Chi can also help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, chronic pain and increase longevity. It takes time and a commitment to learn Tai Chi as the forms are linked together and progressive. This first session focuses on Forms 1-6. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays at 9 a.m. Next session: April 4–May 30. Continuing the forms, this class will move on to learn Forms 9–12 of the Yang style Tai Chi. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for abilities. Experience in first eight forms required to participate. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.

Everybody’s Exercise: Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Currently in session. Suitable for anyone and everyone! This class will include strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Mary will personalize your routine based on current flexibility, strength, etc. Instructor, Mary Root.

All About Balance: Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. Currently in session. This class focuses on strength for balance efficiency, such as squats, handheld weight maneuvers, and walking drills, as well as core conditioning. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Know of a candidate for a future Familiar Faces column? Please email your suggestions and contact information to Nicoleoncapecod@ gmail.com

Familiar Faces

By Nicole Muller

This early bird makes a difference: Jonathan Lynch

While not exactly a Granby resident, Jonathan Lynch is a familiar face around town, especially if you’re out and about early.

A Barrington, R.I. native, Lynch is a graduate of Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., where he learned that “trying is an act of bravery, learning comes from struggling, and succeeding is going beyond what you thought possible.”

Lynch quietly lives by this credo, enriching lives without notice or fanfare.

When Lynch was a senior at Norwich, a friend who was working at Hamilton Standard (now Collins Aerospace) encouraged him to apply for a job there.

looking for a place in Granby, but back then I couldn’t afford it here.”

Jonathan Lynch is a familiar face at the Granby Starbucks, where his late wife Gloria worked from 2003 to 2014, and where Lynch first gathered dayold baked goods for shelters and food pantries. Photo by Nicole Muller

“I interviewed, I was hired, and a week after graduation I had an apartment in Manchester and was sitting in an office in Windsor Locks,” Lynch recalls. “I am a finance person by education, but the company had me writing proposals for airlines to buy their jet engines.”

Lynch met his wife Gloria through a high school friend who was fishing buddies with her father. “We would all go fishing off Point Judith,” Lynch says. “Gloria’s father introduced us, and we were married in 1980. When Gloria finished her nursing degree, we moved to East Hartland. I had been

After retiring from nursing, Gloria took a job at the Granby Starbucks when it opened in 2003, quickly becoming a familiar face there. “That was where everyone in the community gathered to share news and relax over coffee,” Lynch says. “I started volunteering to clean up after closing, and that’s when I saw all the day-old goods that were discarded by the armloads every night and decided to do something about it.”

What began as an effort to help feed the needy while eliminating

waste evolved into a daily routine that included Geissler’s Supermarket. In the beginning, Lynch would make an early pick-up at Starbucks, deliver the goods to Hands On Hartford and head to work in Windsor Locks. But within a few months, Lynch approached Geissler’s to engage their support for this cause.

“It was hard to find a place that was open early enough for me to pick up and deliver before I had to be at work,” he says. “Gloria shopped at Geissler’s and she knew the people who worked in the bakery. They were taking bread that was approaching its expiration date to a farm for the animals. I asked if they would consider donating it to feed hungry people, and they agreed. If it’s out of date, I get it: bread, rolls, pastries and sometimes vegetables.”

Now retired and a widower, Lynch continues his mission. Every morning at 7:30, he walks into Geissler’s and finds a cart or two waiting for him, filled with the day’s donations. After transferring the food to clean boxes, he heads to Hartford. Three mornings a year, when Geissler’s is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, Lynch gets to sleep in.

“For the clients’ dignity, you want to deliver early, before they come to the building,” Lynch says. “What I do is a very small thing. My upbringing taught me that if it’s something that needs doing and you are able, then you should do it. If everyone did some little thing to help others, this world would be a better place.”

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Seniors cont’d. from p. 22

Getting to Know Us: Introducing Martha Miller

By Faith Tyldsley

As the curator of Salmon Brook Historical Society, Martha Miller is responsible for collecting, exhibiting, maintaining and protecting objects of historic importance to Granby. She meets with people wishing to donate items, and coordinates with more than 20 volunteers on fund-raising events including the spring and fall flea markets and Appraisal Day. She plans the society’s annual meeting and dinner in April and the Holiday Wassail Party in December.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, when SBHS is open, Miller will be found in the middle of an activity, a meeting, or a decision-making group. Her involvement does not end at noon on these days. It is rare that she is not called upon to handle a SBHS matter

on other days of the week, including weekends.

A specific interest of Miller’s has been her involvement with Granby Art Conservator David Kimball in the creation of a catalogue raisonné for the paintings of Granby artist Aaron Draper Shattuck (1832-1928). Miller has displayed the 16 Shattuck paintings owned by SBHS on the walls of her office, creating a mini-gallery.

Most recently she has been intimately involved with the planning and work, currently in progress, to prepare the Captain Sadoce Wilcox House (built in 1800 and acquired by SBHS in 2020) for public viewing. In particular, she successfully oversaw the delicate process of moving the 18th-century loom found in the attic of the house to the first floor. She located people who had the specialized skills to restore the loom to working order — and searched out weavers who demonstrate their art on the loom on visitor days.

SBHS is indeed fortunate to have Miller in their midst. She embodies the upbeat personality, energy, and patience so critical for success in a people-intense position. In her spare time, Miller visits with daughters and friends, shops at T.J. Maxx, and plays cribbage. She and Petunia, her cuddly little pup, can often be seen welcoming the day at Salmon Brook Park.

Philanthropic sisters donated land, left a legacy

By Todd Vibert

The Salmon Brook Historical Society (SBHS) is fortunate to have such extensive facilities to run its operation. Prior to 1966, SBHS worked out of the basement of the Granby Library (now the Visiting Nurse Association) and hosted exhibits there. In 1966, the society had to move because the library needed the room to expand.

In the same year, two sisters and SBHS members, Mildred Colton Allison and Carolyn Colton Avery donated the Abijah Rowe House to the society. Ten years later, they donated the Colton Barn, which included the property that

SBHS sits on today. Since that time, SBHS has acquired the Enders House, the Cooley one-room schoolhouse and built the Preservation Barn for research and displays. On Sunday afternoons, the SBHS offers tours of all these buildings to educate the public about the town’s history.

This was not the first time the Colton sisters were so generous to a group or organization. Carolyn Avery was the chairman of the board of education in 1949. Two years earlier, the town had decided to close the one- and two-room schoolhouses in Granby, West and North Granby and replaced them with the Consolidated School, which would soon become Memorial School. The long brick building that faces Salmon Brook Street opened in 1948 and is now part of Granby Memorial High School. When the town needed land to build the new school, the Colton sisters stepped forward and donated the large parcel.

Did they think that in donating the land they also assured that future Granby students wouldn’t have to go out of town for high school? For many decades students, including the Colton sisters, went to either Simsbury or Hartford. The consolidated school would grow with the town, and in 1958 the first GMHS graduating class received its diplomas.

In their youth, the Colton sisters lived at 251 Salmon Brook St. and walked to a red two-room schoolhouse on the corner of North Granby Road and Salmon Brook Street. The school had two rooms;

SBHS cont’d. to p. 26

Mildred Colton Allison Submitted Photo

Martha Miller displaying Salmon Brook Historical Society items at the Granby Grange Fair, Summer 2023.

Photo by Faith Tyldsley

each had a woodstove and a blackboard. One room had students from first grade to fourth grade, and the other room had students from fifth grade to ninth grade. School would start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., with an hour for lunch. The sisters walked home for lunch, then returned to school for afternoon classes. For recess, the children played on the hill next to the cemetery. If they needed water, they went to the house across the street, which had a well, and brought back buckets of water.

During their high school years, Mildred went to Hartford Public High School and Carolyn went to Simsbury High School. Each took the train from the Granby train station on Hartford Avenue to get to their respective high schools. Mildred and Carolyn each stayed with a family during the week and took the train home on Friday after school. Following high school, Mil-

dred went to Mount Holyoke College to study history and economics, and Carolyn went to Lasell Junior College to study business and then to Bouve School of Physical Education.

After college, Mildred worked at Connecticut Mutual for a few years, then married Nathan Allison, who worked for the State of Connecticut for 25 years as a civil engineer and later ran the family tobacco business and became the superintendent of the Granby Cemetery. Carolyn Colton married Paul Avery, who owned his own insurance agency representing many of the large Hartford companies.

In 1937 Mildred and Carolyn’s mother Mary Colton died, and their father Fred followed two years later, leaving the sisters with a good deal of wealth including a lot of land. Fred Colton was a tobacco farmer who provided work to many Granby residents, especially during the Great Depression. The sisters donated the farmland he worked to the town and provided space not only for the high school, but also for the Salmon Brook Historical Society, the Town Hall, the police station, and the library. They also gave land to Stony Hill and the Lost Acres Fire Department.

As a member of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, I always recognize the generosity of the Colton sisters. And as a Granby resident, I am grateful to the Colton sisters for the gifts they gave this town. Their obituaries imply that they were unassuming women leading quiet lives, but now you know how much they gave to this town.

To learn more about Mildred Colton Allison or Carolyn Colton Avery, please join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9506, or go online at salmonbrookhistoricalsoiety. com

Getting Ready for Tax Season?

As April 15th approaches, there are a number of important items to consider that don’t always come up in every day conversation. Here we’ll cover 3 categories: investments, fees, and retirement plans.

Investments: As we have discussed in our previous columns, the investment world is still dominated by mutual funds. So why does that matter? In addition to generally costing significantly more than their exchange traded fund (ETF) counterparts, mutual funds are also very tax-inefficient. Here’s why: when you sell an ETF, there is nothing for the portfolio manager of the fund to do. It is a transaction between you and another investor. With a mutual fund, however, the fund has to redeem your shares. That means the manager of the fund has to sell securities to raise the cash to buy back your shares. That creates a taxable event for you and everyone else who owns that fund. So even if someone else didn’t sell anything, they will still receive a 1099 and have to pay taxes on their portion of that capital gain.

Fees: One of the changes that took effect with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was

www.metricfin.com

The power of laughter... and community theater

It all started on a cold and dark Friday night last December.

I was home alone, and tired of reading, quilting, and watching TV on Friday nights, I grabbed my coat and headed to Granby Congregational Church’s South Campus where Good Company Theater was hosting an open mic night. I entered alone, and seeing no available seats at the occupied tables, I shed my coat and settled at the only empty table, right in front of the stage, to enjoy the talents that the evening had in store. Lucky me, I thought. I get a front-row seat!

Just Thinking...

By Nicole Muller

charge to tell him how much I enjoyed the evening. That’s how I met Bryan Moreau, Good Company Theater’s board president. We, too, exchanged phone numbers. Bryan encouraged me to audition for the upcoming production of Murder by Indecision, and I said I’d think about it. Hmm, I thought on the short drive home, Granby people are definitely friendly.

the elimination of the tax deduction for investment advisory fees. Financial advisors charging high fees (in our opinion 1% or higher) benefitted from that. Clients cared less about their fees when they knew they could be written off their tax bill. Since 2017, it has flown below the radar. But we suggest those using a financial advisor think more critically about fees, especially since they are no longer deductible.

Retirement Plans: Employer plans are valuable as they are usually pre-tax dollars. But it is important to think about how everything will be taxed in retirement. Employer plans and IRAs will be taxed as income. Roth IRAs are after-tax now, but will never be taxed again. Taxable brokerage account withdrawals will be taxed as capital gains, which is generally a lower rate than income. Having a plan in place is crucial. And if you’re a business owner or a contract employee, don’t forget about SEP IRAs, which are a great way to lower your tax bill and invest for your future.

Data sourced from Morningstar, unless otherwise noted.

For more information, a description of Metric Financial and disclosures, please visit metricfin. com.

Well, Granby being Granby, I was not alone for long. Within minutes, I was invited to pull up a chair and join the group behind me. Just like that, I met four more people in my new hometown.

During intermission, I met Cheryl King, who welcomed me warmly on behalf of Good Company Theater’s board. I guess being a newcomer in a small town, I stood out. I told Cheryl that I write for The Granby Drummer, and I asked if it would be okay to take a few photos of the local talent in action. She said of course. We exchanged phone numbers.

When the lively event ended, I approached a man who appeared to be in

A month later, Bryan texted me a reminder to come audition on either January 8 or 9 at 6:30 p.m. I planned to be brave and go audition, but on Sunday, Jan. 7, Mother Nature dumped close to two feet of snow on Granby. Monday and Tuesday were frigid and icy, so I stayed safe at home, foregoing the auditions. I couldn’t risk falling at night on black ice. I also learned that Granby people are persistent. Later that week, I was shopping at Ocean State Job Lot in Southwick when my phone rang. I recognized a Massachusetts area code but not the number, and I did something quite out of character — I answered the call. It was Meaghan Farrell, who said she is directing Murder by Indecision and would like to offer me a small part. I told her that I have no stage experience, but she insisted. “I am the director. It’s only 11 lines, and I will help you. People told me that you’d be great for this role.”

People? What people? Ahhhh...Cheryl

Carolyn Colton Avery

Submitted Photo

Actors and director of Good Company Theater’s upcoming production of “Murder by Indecision” take a break during a recent rehearsal. Seated, from left, Pat O’Connor of Westfield; Nasha Schmitt of Hartford; Director Meaghan Farrell of Chickpee, Mass; Madison Bailey of East Granby; Beth Goodwin of Windsor; Margaret Campbell of Granby. Standing, from left, Robert King of Granby; Ray Pinault of Windsor; Cheryl King of Granby; Nicole Muller of Granby; Nick Parisi of Simsbury. Photo by Katie Dunnington

Theater cont’d. to p. 27

Welcome spring with asparagus

By Nina Jamison

On an unusually warm day in February, I noticed a purple violet pushing up through winter’s fallen leaves. This tiny harbinger of spring cheered me up after a season of gray skies, record-breaking rain and very little snow. Sometimes I think I’m solar-powered, to the extent that I crave sunlight for energy and joy.

As I write this in mid-March, a howling wind has tree branches smacking the windows and I think about that little violet I protected with a berry box. Spring will soon arrive with the goldfinches turning butter yellow, bees seeking burrows and birds building nests as the earth breathes and blooms again. Yet April can be a capricious month, as captured in this excerpt from Robert Frost:

Two Tramps in Mudtime

The sun was warm but the wind was chill You know how it is with an April day When the sun is out and the wind is still You’re one month on in the middle of May

But if you so much as dare to speak

A cloud comes over the sunlit arch

A wind comes off a frozen peak And you’re two months back in the middle of March.

Theater cont’d. from p. 26

King and Bryan Moreau, of course. Well, I thought, nothing ventured, nothing gained. So I agreed.

Quite honestly, I am delighted that I decided to give play acting a shot. I have had a winter filled with laughter, three nights a week, when we gather at South Congregational Church to rehearse. The play is a riot. The cast members are fun, interesting people with a shared interest in theater. We are all amateurs, doing something we enjoy.

Now when I say this play is hilarious, I mean it. Meaghan Farrell has directed this show before. She knows it cold. She is also partial to cherry Coke, and for a few rehearsals, she arrived with a big bottle of it in hand.

That stopped when poor Meaghan spontaneously laughed so hard at what was happening on stage that she choked on her favorite beverage. “It went up my nose, you guys,” she wailed, still laughing uncontrollably. Since that night, the

I hope the images in the poem make you smile—it’s one of my favorites. With my focus directed back outside I look for simple recipes. My sautéed asparagus has only five ingredients and is easy to put together as a side dish.

Ingredients

2 T. olive oil

1 lb. asparagus, tough ends trimmed and stalks chopped in three pieces Salt and pepper

Lemon juice

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus, salt, and several grinds of pepper and sauté, stirring often, for 3 to 6 minutes or until tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan (if desired) and serve.

bottle of cherry Coke sits in Meaghan’s car during rehearsal. She can’t risk another choking episode.

Murder by Indecision is a comedy, a murder mystery, and a play within a play. It is also a serious attempt to put on display the secret inner lives of the characters that Agatha Crispy creates at her typewriter.

And one more thing. We have been rehearsing three nights a week since early February, and we still make Meaghan— and ourselves—crack up during rehearsals. Let’s hope we have that under control by mid-April. Our audience will depend on it.

When this show is behind us, I will need to find another source of uproarious humor. It releases tension. It erases frown lines. It’s good for the soul.

Come see our show and get yourself a generous dose!

Fiorentino named Granby’s Republican of the Year

First Selectman Mark Fiorentino received this year’s Granby Republican of the Year Award at the 7th Senatorial District Annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Pictured here are Mark Fiorentino, and Mark Anderson, 62 District State Representative. Submitted photo

Good Company Theater presents Murder by Indecision

By Becca McCord

Good Company Theater is delighted to present its first theatrical production of the 2024 season from April 12 to 14. Directed by Meaghan Farrell, Daniel O’Donnell’s Murder by Indecision will play at Granby Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall.

Murder by Indecision

Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m.

Granby Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall, 242 Salmon Brook St. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Available at goodcompanytheaterct.org

The story follows Agatha Crispy, an elderly murder mystery playwright, as she attempts to write the last play of her career. As she creates her story on her typewriter, the characters come to life on stage in this hilarious play-within-a-play.

Granby’s local theater group is excited to work with Farrell, an experienced

director. Her past credits include Sniffing the Pickup and The Wedding Story at Westfield Theatre Group, Murder by Indecision at Westfield Theatre Group, and Legally Blonde at Exit 7 Players Theater. Of her vision for the show, Farrell says, “Murder by Indecision is a comedic murder mystery and Agatha Christie spoof. It will bring the community together for lots of laughter!”

Good Company Theater is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and has been active in the community for over a decade. Please visit goodcompanytheaterct.org for more information about this production.

Please join the Granby Land Trust (GLT) in its 3rd Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup, April 18-22 – an easy way to make a positive difference for the animals and humans who call Granby home. Last year, GLT members and friends picked up more than 1,500 pounds of trash. Let’s do even better this year.

Gather your friends, invite your book club, organize your youth group, Boy Scout Troop, or soccer team — or just get out there on your own! You pick the street, you pick the friends, and you pick the time; we’ll provide the dumpster

Earth Day Weekend 2024 — Help Keep Granby Beautiful!

so you can easily dispose of it all. The dumpster will be in the back parking lot at Holcomb Farm in West Granby from April 18-22.

Please email us at info@granbylandtrust.org to let us know where you plan to work to prevent doubling up and so we can track our reach. And, if you’re willing, please send us pictures of yourself and your fellow volunteers — and the trash you’ve collected -- so we can share them on social media to inspire others.

Once your work is done, reward yourself with a relaxing afternoon at Lost Acres Vineyard. Show a photo of yourself and your trash to our friends at the tasting counter, and they’ll give you a free glass of wine and a 10 percent discount on bottles as a way of saying thank you. Thank you, Lost Acres Vineyard!

Mother’s Day spring migration bird walks

Join us for a Land Trust tradition: our Mother’s Day weekend spring migration bird walks led by expert birders John Weeks and Christine Chinni on May 11 and 12 on the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, 253 Loomis Street in North Granby. They start promptly at 7 a.m. You’ll see a variety of birds at this time of year, as they return from a winter away. You don’t have to be a birder to enjoy this quiet morning in the woods.

Please register in advance for this event. Space is limited and priority will go to GLT members We will offer two walks again this year to accommodate as many guests as possible. Participants should be sure to bring binoculars. Children old enough to handle binoculars are welcome to participate. Please leave your dogs at home.

To register, email John Weeks at aerie. john@cox.net or call 860-844-8965.

To learn more, go to GranbyLandTrust.org and click on events. We have organized this event as part of the Great Global Cleanup®, a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighborhoods, beaches, riv-

ers, lakes, trails, and parks — reducing waste and plastic pollution, improving habitats, and preventing harm to wildlife and humans. The Granby Land Trust thanks you in advance for your efforts!

CTVV Interviews

CTVV investigates growing popularity of homeschooling

Susan Regan, host of CTVV, discusses the growing popularity of homeschooling and an organization providing extensive opportunities for current public-school children and parents to improve the current educational curricula.

The benefits include a better one-onone experience for students, renewal of a positive relationship within the family and the elimination of the classroom health risks, transgender subject matter and age-inappropriate sexual materials found on a majority of public-school agendas.

Regan’s guest is Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, a program created by parents for parents in a family-friendly approach to homeschooling. It concentrates on an historical format to provide comprehensive preparation for any secondary education institution, internship venues and/or career pursuits. In many cases the test score results of homeschooled students nationwide far

exceed those who have only experienced a public-school syllabus.

This interview is important and informative for every mother, father and guardian who wishes to have a constructive educational option for their family and further underpins the objective for parents to take back the constitutional right to have authority regarding the youth of America.

CTVV interviews Kopacz about Constitution Party

Susan Patricelli

A third political party, the Constitution Party, is being developed for the national ballot in November. Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views, interviewed Dave Kopacz, Eastern region chair for the Constitution Party, about its objective to reestablish the fundamentals of the original U.S. Constitution to put power and fiscal authority back in the hands of legal American citizens.

Regan, CTVV host

See these CTVV segments on your local PATV airing schedule or always available to view on ctvalleyviews.com

Summer Forest Ranger – McLean Game Refuge

10-week paid program – applicants must have completed or be pursuing a college degree in forestry, environmental studies, biology, botany, outdoor recreation or a related field. Please supply resume, cover letter & 1page statement explaining why you are interested in this position, how it will help with professional goals, and how their qualifications will support the initiatives of the Game Refuge Applicants must submit their materials to Jody Smith at employment@mcleancare.org by April 26.

McLean, Simsbury, 860-658-3724. EOE

Help Wanted – Cook

11:30am - 7:30pm – 40 hours

Must have previous experience with large volume cooking. Regular schedule, full benefits with an extra 15% differential on the weekends. Tired of the restaurant schedule and late nights? Bring your talent and love for cooking to Call McLean, Simsbury, 860-658-3724. EOE

Volunteers help clean up Granby’s roadsides in the 2023 GLT Roadside Cleanup.

Some photos from the 2023 Granby Land Trust Spring Migration Bird Walk. The 2024 walks will take place on May 11 and 12.

Browse & Borrow

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

granby-ct.gov/157/Library 860-844-5275

GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Library Hours–Main Branch

Mon., Wed., and Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tues.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fri. and Sat.: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cossitt Library

Tues., Wed., and Thurs.: 1 – 6 p.m.

And the second Saturday of the month (April 13) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Registration is required for most library programs. To register, visit granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

APRIL 2024

Registration is required for most library programs. To register scan the QR code, visit www.granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter.

Book Clubs

Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Register online or call the library at 860-844-5275 to reserve your seat.

Something About the Author Book Club: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, April 1, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Ages: Adult.

The book club will discuss the novel Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai. Set during the war and in present-day Viet Nam, past and present converge in this suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma, and forgiveness. Leading the discussion is John Rusnock. Registration is requested.

Millennials Read: In-Person, Puerto Vallarta, Avon CT, Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Ages: Adult.

At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk about current book picks. You do not need to be reading anything specific, come and fill up your reading list. A partnership between Bloomfield, Simsbury, and Granby libraries makes this open to all.

Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday, April 24, 6 – 7 p.m.

Ages: Adult.

The book club will read and discuss The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson. A paid universe traverser travels to different versions of Earth that simultaneously exist in parallel. However, traveling can be deadly. Traversers cannot co-exist in the visited reality with a different version of themselves. One of them must either be already dead, or the traverser will die upon entering it. Leading the discussion is Jim Gorman. Registration is requested.

Adult Programs

Crafters Cafe: Mood Mingle Watercolor and Zen Art: In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday, April 3, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Ages: Adult.

Explore the enchanting medium of watercolors and the meditative art of zen drawing with instructor Katherine Tolve. Create a 4”x6” masterpiece showcasing an Alpha Tangle—a unique pattern that mirrors your artistic expression. Take home your beautifully framed artwork. All materials provided. Register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

The History of Public Libraries: InPerson, Main Branch, Thursday, April 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Ages: Adult.

In celebration of National Library Week, you’re invited to hear the story behind the people, communities, and buildings that fuel America’s imagination. Learn how early book clubs and subscription libraries evolved into the modern library we know today. Author and historian John Cilio offers an illustrated presentation with special attention to Connecticut library milestones. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Passion For Papercraft: Floral Heart Greeting Card: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, April 22, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Ages: Adult.

Celebrate Mother Earth by creating a quilled floral greeting card that includes wildflower seed paper. All materials provided. Space is limited; register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Movie Matinee: Coda: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, April 8, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Ages: Adult.

Coda is the story of Ruby Rossi, a Gloucester, Massachusetts child of deaf adults who struggles to navigate challenges and choices in her life. The comedy/drama earned two Academy Awards in 2022. Space is limited; register to save a seat and a complimentary treat.

Cossitt Creation Station Grand Opening: In-Person, F. H. Cossitt Library Branch, Saturday, April 13 (Rain Date: April 20), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ages: Adult, Teen, Tween (youth 10 years and older).

Visit F. H. Cossitt Library to browse Granby’s newest makerspace! Learn about 3D printing and laser equipment, check out digitization components, be amazed by the Cricut heat press, the sewing machines, button makers, laminator and more! Visit us outside under the tent for hands-on maker activities with local artists. Find details about activities and demonstrations on the library’s webpage. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Sew Simple: Intro to Patterns: In-Person, F. H. Cossitt Branch, Wednesday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 24, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Ages: Adult, Teen (16 years and older).

Learn to read and understand a sewing pattern, and then make your own pair of pajama-style pants or shorts, your choice, in this two-part tutorial. You’ll receive guidance to select and purchase appropriate fabric for the project. All other materials and equipment will be provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Kids Programs

Weekly Storytimes

Check the library calendar to confirm weekly dates. Unless noted, all these programs take place at GPL

Baby Rhyme Time: In-Person, Main Branch, Tuesdays, April 16, 23 and 28, 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Ages: Birth to 14 months. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and baby sign language. Registration required.

Mother Goose on the Loose: In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesdays, April 3, 17 and 24, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Ages: 2 – 4 years.

Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Registration required.

Nightfall Stories and Stretch: In-Person, Main Branch, Thursdays, April 4, 18 and 25, 6 – 6:30 p.m. Ages: 4 – 7 years.

Children are invited to join us for an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches, and an interactive activity. Registration required.

Toddler Time: In-Person, Main Branch,

Thursdays, April 4, 18 and 25, 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Ages: 15 months – 24 months.

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and sign language.

Mini Movers: In-Person, Main Branch, Fridays, April 19 and 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Ages: 14 months – 4 years. Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for this fun, interactive program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and egg shaker activities.

Solar Eclipse: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, April 8, 1 –2:30 p.m. Ages: All Ages. Families are invited to join us on the front lawn to view the 2024 Solar Eclipse! Bring a picnic lunch and join in fun space themed activities, and games prior to the viewing. Special glasses will be provided for viewing the eclipse safely. Registration required.

Pumpernickel Puppets: In-Person, Main Branch, Tuesday, April 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Ages: 4 years and up.

Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you’ll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry, everything ends happily in this fun show. Presented with large colorful hand puppets and live voices and sound effects. Registration required.

Celebrate Money Week! In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday, April 10, 11 – 12 p.m. Ages: 6 –10 years. We are celebrating money week! Learn how to budget money by playing a fun game of “Don’t Break the Bank,” and decorate your own ceramic cow bank to take home!

Across The Page Poetry: In-Person, Main Branch, Thursday, April 11, 1 –1:45 p.m., Grades: K – 2. Join us in celebration of National Poetry Month! Learn about different types of poetry, create your own acrostic poem based on your first name, and engage in fun poetry themed games. Registration required.

Between The Lines: Poetry: In-Person, Main Branch, Tuesday, April 16, 4 –4:45 p.m., Grades: 3 – 5

April is National Poetry Month! Join us as we share some silly poems and engage in a variety of poetry themed games. Registration required.

Simply Art: In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday April 24, 4 – 4:45 p.m. Grades: 4 and 5. Registration required.

Earth Day: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, April 22, 4 – 4:45 p.m. Grades: K-4. Join us in celebration of Earth Day with a story and a plant themed activity! Registration required.

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

If You Love Me Like You Love Me

I can say without hyperbole, and with all due respect to the humans in my life, he was my best friend. For almost fourteen years, he was a rock in our family. Always at my side. Always smiling. Always, many times on purpose, sometimes without knowing it, teaching me lessons. He came to us as a promise fulfilled to our son Gage. When we moved to Granby from Las Vegas, we told Gage he could get a dog of his own. It was Gage who shaped his early life with us. Gage selected his breeder, met him at the airport when he arrived, and guided him through his initial training and socialization. And it was Gage who gave him his

name: Apollo.

Of course, Gage had a special bond with Apollo. But boys grow into teenagers and then into young men. Things like girls, sports and college gradually replace time spent with your dog.

If you’re lucky, it can be the opposite when you get to be my age. If you’re lucky, other things in life slow down and you can find more time to appreciate the blessings you’ve been given.

Apollo was one of those blessings. The best way I can describe it is to share a conversation I had with my father-in-law, Jim, near the end of his fight with cancer. We were sitting on the back porch, with Apollo lying between us. Apollo wasn’t doing anything special: just being present. His presence was comforting, and he knew it.

“He’s a great dog, isn’t he, Jim?”

Jim, who had lots of experience with dogs, said, “Yes he is. And let me tell you something. You can have a lot of good dogs in your life, but you only get one great one. He’s yours.”

Jim was right. Apollo and I were kindred spirits. So much so that we had our own song, which I would periodically sing to him. When I did, he would look at me with a special twinkle in his eye. The one he seemed to reserve only for me. Through that look, that twinkle, he would say: “You know.”

The song is one you’ve probably never heard of, by an artist named Gilbert O’Sullivan. It’s called If You Love Me Like You Love Me.

I can no longer listen to or sing the song without getting tears in my eyes. But I will share portions of it with you to honor and remember my friend.

Here are a few of the opening verses: Who can tell when I’m not well, And have no place to go?

Who can see what I can see, Before I even know?

Who can climb up any mountain, For no other reason than the view?

If you love me like you love me, Love me like you love me, It’s you.

Who can wait when I am late, And not go on alone?

Who can queue an hour or two, Without a single moan?

Who can measure up to me, In more ways than its’s necessary to?

If you love me like you love me, Love me like you love me, It’s you.

Apollo did all of these things for me, every day of his life.

He did it in the way he would lie next to me when I wasn’t feeling well, staying by my side even on Thanksgiving Day, when the house was full of the aroma of turkey, stuffing and pies. He did it in the way he would run with reckless abandon through the mud, for no other reason than to get muddy. He did it in the way he would greet me when I came through the door, curling his lips to literally give me a smile.

I knew his passing would be hard. It was harder than I thought. Much, much harder.

Last spring, at his annual checkup, the vet gave him a clean bill of health. “He’s in good shape. Strong for a dog his age.”

But then, a few months later, without warning, he started to limp. He couldn’t put any weight on one of his back legs. We thought maybe he just pulled a muscle. When he didn’t get better after a few days of forced rest, we took him in again.

This time the diagnosis was stunningly, brutally different. “He has cancer in his leg. It has metastasized there, but we’re almost certain it originated somewhere else.”

My wife Kristal was at my side when they delivered the news. She understood what it meant before I did, squeezing me tight as I started asking about how to care for him, how to help him recover.

“Mark,” the vet said, “You need to focus on making him comfortable. He doesn’t have more than a few days to live.”

In those last days, we tried our best to repay him for all the gifts he had given us. Gage Facetimed him from Louisville. Our daughter Ellie came home from UConn. We made him his favorite meal: scrambled eggs. Hobbs, our other golden retriever, brought him toys.

I talked to him about what he wanted me to bring when, someday, I joined him on the other side. On the “Yes” list: his tug, a stew bone, lots of squeaky toys for him to eviscerate and cheese. The “No” list: his leash, his harness and the vet’s phone number. “Maybe”: his collar.

And, of course, I sang him our song. The last verse of which goes like this: Who can smile when I get riled, And make me do the same?

Who can sense when I am tense, And gently ease the pain?

If you love me like you love me, Love me like you love me, It’s you.

The day Doctor Lisa was set to come to our house and help Apollo with his passing, he found a comfortable spot near the fireplace and stretched out. He could no longer stand. I alternated between lying beside him on the floor and on the couch a few feet away.

I tried to sleep when he slept, but it was hard to do on the floor. The couch wasn’t any easier. I tossed and turned, worried that he would wake up and wonder where I was. He deserved to have me by his side.

I did eventually fall asleep, only to wake up to find Apollo lying next to the couch. He had somehow crawled his way over to be closer to me. Panic stricken, I spoke to him: “I’m sorry, buddy. Are you okay?”

He raised his head and placed it on the cushion beside me. In his eyes, I expected to see fear and sadness. Instead, I saw that special twinkle. I saw his desire to comfort me and to gently ease my pain. I saw what I have always known. He loved me liked he loved me.

Apollo

The Garden Corner

By Cindy Dixon

Welcome to April. April finds us looking forward to spring cleaning, watching the robins return to the dormant grassy fields and putting away the shovels and snow boots. But today, while still cool outside, we are thinking “planting time!” We are thinking about new growth, small buds, seedlings, and the excitement of the flowers to come. So, we are pulling out the seedling trays, garden gloves and watering cans.

It’s time to plant the petunia seeds, which happen to be my “go to” favorites, or another flower or herb you may be interested in growing.

Starting with the seed tray, fill it a little more than half full with a seed starting medium. Lightly firm the soil with your hand or small shovel. Time to sow our seeds. While some seeds require light to germinate, others need to be covered. The seed packet should have instructions on starting your seeds. If seeds need light to germinate, then sprinkle them over the top of the

soil. If not, lightly cover the seeds with a small layer of planting medium, and gently firm the soil.

Water your seed trays well. I use a handheld multipurpose pump sprayer. I set it on a light mist to ensure the least possible damage to new seedlings. Be sure to label your seed tray with the type of seed and the date you planted your seeds. Cover with a clear plastic tray lid. This helps to keep the heat and humidity inside the tray. If your seedlings require light, place the tray in a sunny spot, or use a grow lamp, and keep the lamp approximately 4-5 inches above the tray cover. Germination varies among different seed types, ranging from 7-14 days. To speed up germination time, place your seed trays on a heated seedling mat or in a warm place. Be sure to peek at your seed trays daily to check on soil dampness. If the soil looks and feels dry, give it a light spray.

Once you get sprouts, remove the cover and watch them grow. Once the sprouts get a few inches high, thin them out into small pots with potting soil. Be sure to give the roots plenty of room. You will be ready to bring them outdoors once the threat of frost is past. I like to mix my petunia colors to make ornate arrangements for my planters and add different greenery for fillers. Once they bloom, your young seedlings will provide a display of beauty and color to your summer planters, and supply beneficial pollen to local bees and butterflies. Happy gardening everyone, and be sure to add a touch of spring with some early seed planting. Next we will talk about hardening off your indoor Plants.

Cindy Dixon is the proprietor of the Higley Garden Cart.

News from the Granby Grange

Granby Grange #5 continues to rebuild its membership and programs in Granby and was recently honored by National Grange as the first-place winner in the Community Garden contest for 2023. In addition to Grange activities, members volunteer at Waste Not Want Not, Stony Hill Village, Salmon Brook Historical Society and several other community groups.

Recently, Connecticut State Grange Special Deputy Debbie Vail visited Granby Grange on behalf of Connecticut State Grange Vice President Ted Powell. She presented an historic Grange Hall dedication plaque to President Philip Marshall to honor the Grange on the substantial progress it has made over the past year.

Connecticut State Grange Special Deputy Debbie Vail (r.) presented a plaque to President Philip Marshall to honor the Granby Grange. Submitted photo the last!) across the finish line will each win a prize. To sponsor a duck, contact any Granby Grange member or event co-chair Dave Roberts at Granbydavidroberts@gmail.com or 860-469-5067.

Granby Grange will hold its Annual Rubber Duck Race to raise funds for repairing the historic Grange Hall on Saturday, April 20, from noon to 3 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park, Pavilion 2. The event is open to the public with planned fun activities for the entire family. The race will start precisely at 1:15 p.m. in Salmon Brook. Winners will receive more than $1,350 in awesome prizes, including Michael Kors merchandise, numerous gift cards, a Disney train set, local maple syrup and so much more.

To participate in this fun race and support Granby Grange you can sponsor one rubber duck for $5, or five rubber ducks for $20. The first 12 ducks (and

On Saturday, May 11, Granby Grange will host an open house at the Grange Hall, 212 North Granby Road, to showcase some of the renovations, to dedicate the new handicapped access ramp, to have property tours and to distribute free fruit and vegetable seeds to those who want to grow plants either in their gardens or in the Granby Grange Community Garden.

For more information on Granby Grange, please contact Secretary Kara Marshall at kararodgers@gmail.com

Women’s group enjoys risotto after breakfast!

May 2024 deadlines

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ARTICLES: Monday, April 15 at noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org

WORK DATES: April 7-21 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos to The Drummer 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 on the website at granbydrummer.com

Closer to Home

The March 6 cooking crew (above) headed by Paula Johnson and Peg Giles, provided pancakes and sausages. Chris Prosperi (right) demonstrated how to make pumpkin risotto for more than 60 attendees at the March 6 Granby Women’s Breakfast.

Attendees were treated to small servings of Prosperi’s creation after the demonstration.

Photos by Joan Ducharme