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Published by Citizens for a Better Granby a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
Volume LII, No. 4 • December 2021
www.granbydrummer.com
Granby elects new officials
Enthusiastic candidates and hardworking supporters motivated many new voters to go to the polls on Nov. 2. Detailed results for the election are available on the Secretary of State’s website. A total of 8,237 voters are currently registered in Granby, and there was a 37.17 percent turnout for this election. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of well-trained poll worker staff of Granby residents and the superb cooperation of the Granby Memorial High School staff, the Town Clerk and Town of Granby Public Works Department, the election ran smoothly and there was a steady day of voting. The candidates elected are: First Selectman, with 2-year term: Mark Fiorentino Board of Selectman, with 2-year terms: Frederick Moffa, Sally King, Mark Neumann and Kelly O. Rome Board Of Finance, with 4-year terms:
Jenny Emery, Alfred G. Wilke and James Tsaptsinos Board Of Education, with 4-year terms: Whitney Sanzo, Donna M. Nolan and Sarah Thrall Board Of Assessment Appeals, with 4-year terms: Erik T. Lohr and Dorcus S. Forsyth Planning and Zoning Commission, with 4-year terms: Margaret Q. Chapple, Eric Lukingbeal and Eric W. Myers Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate, with 4-year term: Matt Peters Zoning Board Of Appeals, with 4-year terms: Thomas J. Caputi and Robert M. Lindeyer Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates, with 4-year terms: Wayne E. Chapple and William O’Leary Town Moderator, with 2-year term: John E. Adams
TOWN OF GRANBY BOARDS Incumbent
Party
FREE
Granby girls rock!
3 GMHS girls teams progressed to state semifinals
Granby Memorial High School Girls Volleyball Team progressed to the semifinals of the Class S state tournament. See article on p. 17. Photo by Katie Krajcik
as of November 2021
Expires Incumbent Party Expires FIRST SELECTMAN - 2 yr term Mark Fiorentino R 11/21/23 BOARD OF SELECTMEN - 2 yr terms Mark C. Neumann R 11/21/23 Kelly O. Rome R 11/21/23 Sally King D 11/21/23 Frederick Moffa D 11/21/23 BOARD OF FINANCE - 4 yr terms Jenny Emery D 11/18/25 James Tsaptsinos R 11/18/25 R 11/18/25 William J. Kennedy D 11/21/23 Alfred G. Wilke Michael B. Guarco, Jr. R 11/21/23 Kevin G. Hobson R 11/21/23 BOARD OF EDUCATION - 4 yr terms Whitney Sanzo D 11/18/25 Sarah Thrall R 11/18/25 Donna M. Nolan R 11/18/25 Monica Logan D 11/21/23 David Peling R 11/21/23 Kristina G. Gilton R 11/21/23 Rosemarie T. Weber R 11/21/23 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION - 4 yr terms Margaret Q. Chapple D 11/18/25 Eric L. Lukingbeal D 11/18/25 Eric W. Myers R 11/18/25 Christine L. Chinni D 11/21/23 Mark W. Lockwood R 11/21/23 Jonathan T. Boardman R 11/21/23 Brennan J. Sheahan R 11/21/23 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ALTERNATES - 4 yr terms Matthew Peters D 11/18/25 Paula H. Johnson R 11/21/23 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - 4 yr terms Thomas Caputi D 11/18/25 Robert M. Lindeyer R 11/18/25 Suzanne L. Yucha D 11/21/23 Ann Crimmins R 11/21/23 Steven E. Muller R 11/21/23 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES - 4 yr terms Wayne E. Chapple D 11/18/25 William P. O'Leary R 11/18/25 David J. Hennessey D 11/21/23 BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS - 4 yr terms Erik T. Lohr D 11/18/25 Dorcus S. Forsyth R 11/18/25 Lowell C. Johnson R 11/21/23 TOWN MODERATOR - 2 yr term John E. Adams R 11/21/23
Thirteen seniors led the way for Granby’s varsity soccer team to reach the Class M state semifinals. See more photos on p. 8. Photo by Kelly Hennessey
Granby Field Hockey had an impressive run in the State Tournament losing 3-2 in a hard fought semifinal battle to North Branford. More photos on p. 7 Photo by Kelly Hennessey
PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL! The staff of the Drummer wishes you a blessed holiday season. Read the Drummer online at GranbyDrummer.com
photo by Robert Flanigan
Page 2 The Granby Drummer December 2021
Registrars of Voters
The Barry family outing to vote absentee: parents Michelle and Jared, children Jenson and Julia. Photo submitted
Town Committee Elections in January 2022
Both major parties will be hosting a caucus in mid-January to elect their Town Committee members. Details will be posted as soon as the dates are announced. You must be a member of a major party to participate. New and unaffiliated voters have until noon the day before the caucus to join a major party; however, there is a three-month waiting period for those who are switching political parties to attain party privileges. Online voter registration is available for new voters or to make changes seven days a week at: voterregistration.ct.gov Voter Registration can be verified at: dir.ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860-844-5322, lwolfe@ granby-ct.gov or ssmith@granby-ct.gov
GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 18, 2021 Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and Town Manager Erica Robertson
Minutes
The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Oct. 4 meeting as presented.
Business
Resignations and Appointments to be considered The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the appointment of Mark Neumann to the Affordable Housing Plan Committee. The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the appointment of Erica Robertson to the board of the Farmington Valley Health District. Holcomb Farm Update Bob Bystrowski, president of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, shared the history of the farm, the mission of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, and this year’s accomplishments in the areas of farming, Fresh Access, stewardship and grants as well as plans for next year. Kearns School Presentation Mike Goman of Goman+York Property Advisors presented an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the commercial real estate market as well as an update on the property. Advice for municipalities in the market includes: be proactive, revise permitting and zoning criteria, utilize incentives and focus on creating tax revenue. Granby’s small market, commuting distance and proximity to a major interstate make the Kearns property undesirable for retail.
Town Manager Report
Robertson reported on the budget operations for September 2021. All accounts are on track and the tax collection rate is on target. Revenue items to note include PILOT funds of $11,460 for state-owned property, which was more than expected due to the state’s change to a tiered program. The Miscellaneous account also includes $32,000 of profit distribution from CIRMA. The OPEB transfer will be completed in November.
First Selectman Report
Kuhnly announced that the Department of Transportation Center Project is set to begin Nov. 15. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. This being the final meeting of his term, Kuhnly said that he was honored to serve the Town of Granby and thanked the community and members of the board for their support over the past eight years.
Selectman Reports
Ohannessian, also not seeking reelection, thanked the citizens of Granby for their confidence in him over the past 16 years, eight on the Board of Education and eight as a Selectman. He shared that it was a difficult decision not to run again and hopes that the new officials will continue to keep his vision of doing what is best for Granby now and in the future.
Executive Session
Kuhnly called the Executive Session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:40 p.m. Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, Erica Robertson, Abigail Kenyon, Mike Goman and Andy DiFatta. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the consideration of a real estate transaction. Respectfully submitted, Erica P. Robertson, Town Manager
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 3
Making the 9-1-1 call By Chief Katherine Coupe Calling 911 for a medical emergency can be stressful for the patient, the family members or the bystanders who want to help during a chaotic time. While there are occasions when calling 911 is the right call to make—such as a fall that leaves someone unconscious, an overdose of prescription medications or illicit substances, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing— there are times when it might not be so obvious. Granby Ambulance Association is to here to reassure you that if you are in doubt—make the call! Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) provides 24/7 emergency medical services (EMS) coverage to East Granby, East Hartland, and Granby with basic and advanced prehospital care. Allow our teams of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to assess and begin treatment as soon as possible in your home, on the street, on a hiking trail or at a local business when the emergency occurs. Our EMS teams can provide care to help reduce pain, quell nausea, ease breathing and stabilize injuries. They can be reassuring, calming and helpful about your questions and give you peace of mind when you need it most. People assume that when an ambulance arrives, it results in an automatic ride to the hospital. While many patients who receive initial prehospital care will also need to transport to the hospital, GAA may provide treatment on scene when there is no need to transport to the hospital. During the assessment process, EMS team members will use the best information available at the time to assist the patient or family in making a transport
decision. Our medical teams will evaluate the medical complaint, the medical history, and the medications the patient is taking, the results of on-scene vital signs and physical screenings, and much more. When a patient or family chooses not to go to the hospital in the ambulance, the team will have a conversation about the risks of refusing and the benefit of receiving additional care. Ultimately, GAA teams will obtain a signed release of liability from the patient or family that declines further care and transport by GAA. Beginning in January 2022, when a patient receives treatment without transport to the hospital, GAA will bill health insurance providers for basic and advanced life support care rendered as applicable by state regulation. Patients will never be turned down for care based on their insurance status or ability to pay. Our field teams will not ask for insurance provider information until the non-transport decision is finalized. Not all non-transport emergencies can be billed. Specific medical assessments and treatments must be performed to apply for insurance invoicing. Rates of insurance reimbursement are set by the State of Connecticut, not individual agencies, and are covered by many health insurance providers. Patients who have difficulty with a GAA invoice have payment options available through our insurance billing agency. GAA wants to continue to be there when you “make the call” for medical emergencies in our communities. No matter the severity of the call, if it’s a ride to the hospital or a simple house call, our team looks forward to supporting you in your time of need. We hope that the rapidly approaching holiday season is healthy, happy, and safe for all!
South Church receives duck eggs
Susan and Bill Regan of Foxfield Farm donate fresh, free-range duck eggs on a regular basis to the South Congregational Church for meals and distribution to those in need in the community. L-R: Susan Patricelli Regan and South Congregational Church volunteers Sandra Flagg, David Langdon and Lenny Bergeron. Submitted photo
Floors
Installation, Staining, and Refinishing Serving the Farmington Valley and beyond for 35 years Glenn Sullivan 860-712-9803
Owner Operated Fully Insured
Donations from a prior year to Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital’s annual pet drive. Submitted photo
Pet food drive set for December 11 Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital will hold its 9th annual pet food drive on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dog and cat food donations will go directly to local food pantries, shelters and rescues. Monetary donations are always welcomed, and this year will be sent to Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, an organization that gives draft horses a second chance at life, saving them through intercepts, auctions and kill pens, as well as providing a home for horses whose owners can no longer provide care for them. For more info visit ctdraftrescue.org SBVH will accept food donations from Monday, Dec. 6 to the day of the food drive, Saturday, Dec. 11. There will be storage containers at the front of the building labeled for pet food donation drop offs. On the day of the food drive,
there will be a tent set up with a table for pet food drop off and staff to assist you. Food can be delivered to SBVH directly from Chewy’s as well. There will also be collection bins for pet food donations at Horses & Hounds, 15 Mill Pond Road, and the Granby Stop & Shop—both businesses have supported this pet food drive year after year. Many thanks! As in past years, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital will match the food donations up to 3,000 pounds. At the request of the food pantries and shelters, preferred donations of dog and cat food are bags of kibble 30 pounds or under and canned food. Further information to follow on SBVH’s Facebook page. Please support your neighbors and the pets they love. Thank you for your continued support!
Think safety first when buying or installing a woodstove By Joel Skilton, Building Official, Town of Granby It is the time of year when homeowners are looking for alternative ways to heat their homes. Wood-burning stoves can be a way to lower fuel costs and aid in heating a residence. If not properly installed, woodstoves can present life-threatening hazards. A building permit is required for any alternative heating appliance prior to its installation. These stoves are generally required to be a listed and labeled appliance. The installation requirements, as specified, are what has been tested and is required by the manufacturer for clearances. The installation should be inspected and approved by the building department prior to the use of the heating appliance. There are floor and wall protection requirements to prevent heat buildup and to minimize the risk of fires caused by
heat exposure. The chimney connector and the chimney also have requirements for clearances from combustibles. The chimney has height requirements to properly remove exhaust from combustion from the house. Routine maintenance is required to prevent the buildup of creosote, a product of combustion, in the chimney connector and the chimney. Any ashes removed from the heating appliance must be completely out and cool prior to removal or disposal. Use only a metal receptacle for ashes removed from your stove or fireplace. These ashes may remain a fire hazard for many hours after the fire “has gone out.” They must be removed from the building and not be in contact with materials that will burn. Every heating season, improperly disposed of ashes cause fires. The Granby Building Department urges safety when using any appliance and is available to answer questions at 860-844-5318.
Page 4 The Granby Drummer December 2021
Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Concern over Kearns property I am writing with concern that the Town of Granby is considering selling the former Kearns School property. With all the recent town real estate approvals for residential housing and apartments, it seems that town officials haven’t given enough thought and foresight to consider the additional families who will be moving to Granby. Developments recently approved are the $50 million apartment complex planned for property just north of Routes 20 and 10-202, the large complex of duplex housing within the Murtha Way development and the residential development on Route 20 across from the Salmon Brook Park parking lot. Other residential developments will be proposed in the future on many of the agricultural properties in town. Young families will be occupying these residences and another school will have to be planned to accommodate the increased student population. Space in the existing schools is limited as it is. The Kearns School site would be the logical site for a lower grade school. If determined by consultants that the present buildings need to be replaced, at least the town owns the property and surrounding property could be purchased to accommodate a new expanded design layout. More thought needs to be considered before this ideal site is sold. John W. Flynn
Cultivated meat research A significant portion of the agricultural-innovation funding announced at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, should be directed toward cultivated-meat development. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, cultivated meat is grown from cells, without slaughter. We must address the greenhouse-gas emissions caused by animal agriculture in order to meet our climate goals. Cultivated meat requires a fraction of the environmental impact that raising livestock does. Further public investment in research will help bring it to market faster, at a competitive price with slaughtered meat. The 45 governments at COP26 which pledged more than $4 billion toward food-sector innovation should prioritize development of this revolutionary protein. Jon Hochschartner 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
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Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org. Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com
editorials, commentary & letters to the editor Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.
Opinion
Riding the Bus: Granby to Hartford By James Rice Imagine, for a moment, your perfect community. What does it have? Public transportation, a good education system, parks, public works, restaurants, shops and businesses? These are all things that make our communities prosper and make us, their citizens, happy. Let’s focus on the first item on the list: public transportation. Yes, Granby has a bus line that goes into Hartford, but how many of us use that bus line when we need to go to Simsbury or make a trip to Hartford? My guess is very few. The 912 bus route (Simsbury-Granby Express) starts at First Congregational Church in Granby and ends between Travelers and the Old State House in Hartford. It stops in Simsbury on Hopmeadow Street across from Walcott Road, on Iron Horse Boulevard behind Fitzgerald’s, and then at the intersection of Canal and Hopmeadow streets near The Riverview. After taking Route 185 through West Hartford, past the University of Hartford, and onto Asylum Avenue, the bus stops at Asylum Avenue and Woodland Street near Saint Francis in Hartford. Its penultimate stop is on Asylum Street at Bushnell Park right next to Union Station, before finally ending its route on Central Row between the State House and the Travelers Tower. The best part is that for an all-day pass, the cost maxes out at $12. A ten-ride ticket covering the ride from Granby to Hartford costs just $36.90. That’s less than $4 per ticket. The only real drawback of the Simsbury-Granby express is that it only runs on weekdays. It is meant as a commuter bus. The last bus leaves Hartford in the evenings at 6:30 p.m., potentially cutting short any evening excursions. But the bus runs most of the weekday afternoons, leaving First
Congregational Church at 1:10 p.m., 3:10 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. In the mornings the bus leaves First Church at 5:50 a.m., 6:20 a.m., 6:50 a.m., 7:20 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. For commuters, and those who take the bus often, it can be an important means of getting where you need to go. For others, who may not take the bus, it is an important sign of community and connectedness to the closest area that can be called metropolitan. There seems to be a certain stigma in Granby associated with riding the bus. We seem to have an aversion to parking our cars in the designated lot, checking our timetables and schedules and boarding the bus. This need not be the case. Riding the bus should be for everyone, not just those concerned with their carbon footprint. With more flexible schedules and running times, it might be possible to head into Hartford for a weekday meeting, to Simsbury for an early night out at your favorite restaurant, or to the Bushnell for a holiday matinee. This is something that we, as a community, should push for. Even now, consider taking the bus, knowing that not only will you save money on gas, parking and wear and tear on your car, but you will be contributing to your community by using the services that, in part, are paid for by your tax dollars. Vital public services like transportation are things we need more of in our community. Connecting people and places, even over the weekend, is a necessary public good that is far too often overlooked in the public forum. Call on our elected officials to expand public transportation, and consider voting for those running for office who will expand the public services which so many already rely on. Tickets, schedules and more can be found on cttransit.com
The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2021 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Jennifer Bell, Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Kathy Agresta, Mindy Borrego, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Nell Gorbal, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, T. Johnson, Jim Lofink, Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha John R. Nieb, Kristin Rice, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Jen Bell, Carol Bressor, Daneika Janski
Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed. Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, December 6 and 20
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.
Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., PD Community Room, Monday, December 27 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, December 1 and 15 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, December 14 and 28 Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, December 8 Development Commission, 7 p.m.,Town Hall, Monday, December 13
Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer
@GranbyDrummer
GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need
Asst’d holiday treats Saltine/Ritz crackers Canned peaches/pears/ oranges Coffee/Asst’d teas Apple/cranberry juice Paper towels/tissues Laundry detergent Dish soap
Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street
Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky 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
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 5
West Granby United Methodist Church closes By Lola Murray
WGUMC members are so grateful for all the supporters from Granby and others who attended Chicken Pie Suppers, the Strawberry Festivals, Blueberry Pie Suppers and Tag Sales as a means of raising money for various charities throughout the years. Weddings, baptisms, and funerals have all been performed within those walls. Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Christmas Pageants, Easter Breakfasts, Cub Scout campouts in our back field, and various music concerts have all been a part of the events held there. The community is sad to see all these wonderful events left to history. Over the years the church has donated to the Heifer Project, Samaritan Christmas shoeboxes, UMCOR flood buckets, Granby Food Bank, Granby Fuel Bank, Farmington Valley VNA, Christian Children’s Fund, World Vision and many others. Pastor Karen Cook, who also preaches at North Canton, invites those would like to continue worshipping to come to her Methodist church in North Canton. The church’s history started with a walk to North Canton to obtain a circuit rider minister and ends by returning the current minister to North Canton. The circle of church life is complete.
The West Granby United Methodist Church closed on October 31, 2021, due to a variety of factors including the COVID pandemic reducing the number of members attending, roof issues, expensive electric heat, and financial constraints. The church traces its history back almost to the beginnings of Methodism in this country. The Methodist Episcopal Church was formally born at the Christmas Conference at the Lovely Chapel in Baltimore in 1784. In 1799, two women walked over Broad Hill in West Granby to North Canton where a circuit rider was preaching. They convinced him to add West Granby to his circuit, which he did. The first services in the 1800s were held in a barn at the corner of Simsbury and Wilcox Road. In 1845, a new structure was built near the center of West Granby complete with a white exterior and a bell in the tower. After having structural problems and water in the basement due to underground springs, it was decided to find a new setting and demolish the original building, however, the bell was preserved. In the 1970s, through the generosity of Tudor and Laura Holcomb, the church was gifted with a parcel of land complete with a barn. Fortunately, with gifts from many church members and friends, a new structure was built at 87 Simsbury Road where it stands today. The bell from the former church was moved there. Both the bell and a picture of the 1845 structure have been donated to the Salmon Brook Historical Society West Granby United Methodist Church has now closed. as well as other items. Submitted photo
Granby Horse Council Scholarship The Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee is accepting applications for 2022. The $500 scholarship is awarded to a senior student enrolled in their current high school program for at least two years. Membership in Granby Horse Council is not required. Scholarship funds are intended to be applied to tuition, books or fees for a student planning to attend a university, college or junior college in at least a two-year program in the field of animal studies. The accepted fields include, but are not limited to, pre-veterinary school, veterinary technician or assistant, equine studies, stable management, animal husbandry or equine assisted therapy.
Consideration will also be given to a student with educational expenses in animal studies or training programs that are not part of a college degree program. A Scholarship Application form can be found on granbyhorsecouncilct.com under “Links and Forms.” Students may call Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee member Peggy Lareau for directions on submission at 860-6534464 (land line). Return completed applications to the Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee, Peggy Lareau, Scholarship Chair, Granby Horse Council, P.O. Box 162, Granby, CT 06035. Applications must be received by March 31, 2022.
New Board of Selectmen sworn in
Above, from left: Newly elected First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, Selectmen Kelly Rome, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and Fred Moffa. Below, from left: outgoing Selectmen Ed O’Hannessian and Glenn Ballard, Town Moderator John Adams, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, outgoing First Selectman Scott Kuhnly, Selectmen Kelly Rome, Sally King, Mark Neumann and Fred Moffa.
Granby Lions support blood drive
The Granby Lions Club is sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The First Congregational Church of Granby, located on Rte.189, has graciously allowed use of its hall for this drive. Residents of Granby and surrounding communities are encouraged to help ease the significant need for all blood types and/or plasma. The Red Cross assures all potential donors that it is safe to donate blood. You should be in good health, weigh over 110 lbs., be at least 17 years (or have parental/
guardian permission), and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Donors should wait at least two weeks following any vaccination, be well rested, have consumed iron-rich foods within 24-hours of donation, know their medical history, including any current medications or chronic conditions, and be well hydrated. Wear a face mask, bring photo identification and your COVID vaccination card. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/donate/blood to book an appointment (search by date—Dec. 7) or contact the American Red Cross.
Holiday gift sale at GPL By Brian Tomasino During the month of December, the Friends of Granby Public Library will have several tables set up for gift giving this holiday season. There will be several gently used donated items for sale, including CDs, DVDs, books, puzzles, games and various holiday decorations. Many items will be wrapped up in holiday ribbon ready for gift giving, at reasonable prices, for that special someone. We will also have the Granby themed dog collars and leashes for sale. All sale items are available when the library is open. Sale begins Monday,
The book tables at the library display a great selection of holiday gifts. Submitted photo
Dec. 6 and will continue throughout the month during regular hours when open to the public. Check out Friends of Granby Public Library’s Facebook page for more information on the event.
Page 6 The Granby Drummer December 2021
GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 6, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives). Absent: Melissa Migliaccio and David Peling
Superintendent’s Announcements
Dr. Jordan Grossman said that budgets for FY23 and budget meetings are underway.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons reported on professional development with Teachers College for reading and writing projects as well as math work with CREC consultants. Started committees for wellness education, development committee, STEAM, Equity Team, and the newly formed committee for Social/Emotional Learning. Parsons stated the requirement for all schoolbased staff including bus drivers and food service workers to either be vaccinated or provide weekly testing was successfully implemented.
Schools in the Spotlight
Rodney Scudder, a GMHS social studies teacher, and students Ally McDonald and Natalie Ehrenwerth, showcased the Early College Experience Program, which began at the high school in 2007 with 40 students. Last year, there were 119 students in the program.
New Business
2021-2022 Secondary Continuous Improvement Plans Taylor Wrye, GMMS principal, and Michael Dunn, GMHS principal, presented their respective Continuous Improvement Plans for the 2021-2022 school year.
Old Business
2021-2025 Strategic Plan for Granby Public Schools The board continued its discussion of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for the Granby Public Schools. Grossman stated much of what the middle school and high school presented tonight are integrated in the Strategic Plan. Grossman stated this is a new process and the next alignment the board will see is where the elementary principals are with regard to the Strategic Plan. Approval of Revised Policy– Face Masks/Coverings The board discussed and considered the approval of revised Policy 4118.237/4218.237/5141.8, Face Masks/Coverings, as recommended by the Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee. This policy was revised to reflect the extended Executive Order stating masking will stay in place. The committee voted unanimously to approve the revised policy.
Board Standing Committee Reports
C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communications Weber reported the subcommittee discussed getting college recruitment back on campus, graduation requirements, what goes on at all grade levels and how certain assessments correlate to SBAC testing. Two additional policies, Vision-Mission-Goals and Communications with the Public, will stay in subcommittee. Four other
policies were tabled. She briefly spoke about the Teachers’ Writing Project which will be moved into 6th grade.
Other Board-Related Reports
Granby Education Foundation Emery reported the first mini grant of the year was approved for Kelly Lane for an introduction to Native American speakers.
OCTOBER 20, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives). Absent: Brandon Webster.
Superintendent’s Announcements
Dr. Jordan Grossman said that monthly meetings with the Granby Race and Reconciliation Group are beginning next week. The Granby Education Foundation stated that they are planning to do the GranBee this year. Have been meeting with our music staff to coordinate in-person concerts for this winter and spring. Guidance just changed from the CSDE and DPH allowing students to perform 3-feet apart instead of 6-feet apart, which will allow all chorus and band numbers to be on the stage. Weber inquired if there was an expected date of completion for the production studio. Grossman said Parsons will report on that in December. Currently, design drawings being done and work should begin once those drawings are rendered.
Business Manager’s Report
Anna Robbins stated as of Sept. 30 the BOE is showing a positive balance of $119K. Special education expenditures are unfavorable $32K and regular education is favorable $150K. The driving factor of the positive forecast is personnel turnover. Special education expenses are forecast to be over budget. The Quality and Diversity Budget is projected to be favorable $148K. The positive FY21 budget was carried over to FY22 due to not as many programs being run as well as no summer school expenses. Revenue to the town is under budget $6K. There will be more accurate information once the tuition from other towns are calculated. Excess cost funding from the state is expected to be slightly higher than budgeted. At this time, the athletic program is expected to proceed as normal.
Schools in the Spotlight
David Pickhardt, technology teacher, along with 7th grade students, Emma Wiltshire and Ryan Coxon, presented Onshape, which is the new 3D modeling and drafting software. He stated Granby has always been proactive with regard to technology and the innovation of 3D printing, and 3D modeling forever changed the thinking in Granby Technology Education. Pickhardt reviewed the software history of Tinkercad to SolidWorks and now to Onshape. Onshape is a 2D design program that allows you to do 3D.
Old Business
Approval of 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for Granby Public Schools The board discussed and considered the approval of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for
“Those who dream change everything.” — A Sanctified Art LLC Dreaming Together in the Circle of Blessing Join us some Sunday to discover how living faithfully can make a world of difference. We are an Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! December Worship Schedule Dec. 5, 10:00 a.m. at South Church/Union Service Dec. 12, 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. at South Church Dec. 16, 7:00 p.m. at First Church/Blue Christmas Dec. 19, 10:00 a.m. at South Church/Christmas Pageant Dec. 24, 5:00 p.m. at South Church/Outdoor Service Dec. 24, 8:00 p.m. at First Church/Union Service Dec. 26, 10:00 a.m. at First Church/Union Service 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org
Granby’s new Board of Education
From left, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, Sara Thrall, Whitney Sanzo and Kristina Gilton. Missing from photo: Rosemarie Weber and David Peling. Photo by Linda Powell Granby Public Schools. Grossman stated in a year-and-a-half the board has experienced a lot, and this Strategic Plan is one of the most important things created to move the district forward. The board will be able to see how the Continuous Improvement Plans will align with this plan. The board approved the 20212025 Strategic Plan for Granby Public Schools unanimously.
New Business
Granby Association of School Administrators’ Agreement Ratification The board discussed and considered the ratification of the Granby Association of School Administrators’ Agreement effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. Migliaccio stated the total increase over the life of the contract is 8 percent with 2.36 percent in the first year; 2.69 percent in the second year and 2.95 percent in the third year. The board unanimously ratified the agreement effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.
Board Standing Committee Reports
Finance/Personnel/Facilities Emery reported on the September statement of accounts; bus contract that expires at the end of this year; and the significant increase in both lunches and breakfasts served between Granby and East Granby. In discussions now with the architect for the high school roof.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives). Absent: David Peling.
Superintendent’s Announcements
Dr. Jordan Grossman reported that three students from Wells Road entered the Kid Governor’s Challenge: Allyson Phinney, Eva Bragoni and Sara Brenson. Sara was the winner of the primary, but did not make it as a final candidate.
Twenty-eight students were inducted into the World Language Honor Societies for French, Spanish and Chinese.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jennifer Parsons said the district is continuing to see some COVID impact and all students are being accommodated. Middle school teachers and students in grades 6-8 are using Illustrative Math this year, working with CREC consultant on implementing that resource. All K-5 teachers will have a trial of at least one unit of Illustrative Math.
New Business
Elementary Continuous Improvement Plans Colleen Bava, Kelly Lane Primary School Principal, and Pauline Greer, Wells Road Intermediate School Principal, presented their respective Continuous Improvement Plans. Grossman thanked both principals for their tremendous work and leadership and informed the board the principals have aligned their goals with the Strategic Plan.
Board Standing Committee Reports
C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communication Weber reported there will be budgetary implications for the Illustrative Math program to consider during the budget process. Revisions to existing courses are forthcoming, such as: Grade 6 ELA Workshop Model, Wellness course at the high school, and the Broadcasting course to reflect the news studio.
Board Member Announcements
Thrall said it is bittersweet to say goodbye to current board members and she acknowledged Brandon Webster, Melissa Migliaccio, Jenny Emery and Mark Fiorentino, commenting on each of their roles and commitments with the board over their terms. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 7
GMHS Field hockey advanced to Semi Finals of the Class S State Tournament Ends the season with a record of 13-6
Granby forward Fran Caley is tough to beat. Photo by Kelly Hennessey Senior Captain Haley Kaczka leads the way for Granby. Photo by Kelly Hennessey
New coach Sara Pliszka brought the Granby field hockey team to the Class S state semifinals. Photo by Kierstan Pestana
Jacquie Thibodeau helped Granby to a 1-0 win against rival Suffield. Photo by Kelly Hennessey
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Page 8 The Granby Drummer December 2021
Varsity soccer kept the winning going to the Girls Class M state tournament
Senior captain Natalie Scanlon controls the mid-field for Granby. Photo by Maria Scanlon
Sophomore Alyssa Mackowski is unstoppable for the Bears. Photo by Kelly Hennessey Captain Savannah Rijkse creates scoring opportunities for Granby with her big corner kicks. Photo by Kelly Hennessey
Drummer lauded by CT Press Club The Connecticut Press Club’s 2020 awards contest recogizes some of the state’s most accomplished journalists, writers, editors, and other communications professionals. The Drummer staff is honored to be in such great company.
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Honorable Mention Feature story, Magazine, newsletter/other publication – Preserving His Heritage: Michael Guarco in the Kitchen Faith Tyldsley Personality Profile – More than 500 Words – Jennifer Abalan: A voice for the voiceless Faith Tyldsley
Citizens for a Better Granby Chair Kathy Norris congratulates Drummer staff on awards From back left, Norris, Dave Laun, Amanda Lindberg, Mark Fiorentino; front, Rita Isaacson and Chris Levandowski. Insert, Faith Tyldsley.
Well done, Drummer volunteers!
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 9
Boys varsity soccer ends season 12-4-1
Granby boys varsity team. Photo by Alexa Bajek
Senior/Captain Eli Dehner, Sept. 22 game.
Senior/Captain Steven Peterson, Oct. 23 game vs. Northwest Catholic.
Senior Liam Heinze, Sept. 27 home game vs. Suffield.
Senior/Captain Noah Kroninger Peterson, Oct. 23 game vs. Northwest Catholic after scoring a goal.
Game photos by Kathy Brown Senior Trevor Howard, Oct. 6 game vs. Rockville.
Page 10 The Granby Drummer
December 2021
Public Works
Remember the October '11 storm?
Winter storms present challenges to the Public Works road crew. Make sure to read the Winter Hints at right to keep you, your family and town workers safe this winter. Photo by Fred Hogaboom
Trash holidays: Christmas and New Year’s will not affect trash service this year. Monday, Jan. 17, (Martin Luther King Day) is not a trash holiday. Did you know you can receive an email alert if a holiday or weather event will affect your trash service? Sign up at painesinc.com Transfer Station holiday closures: The Granby transfer station will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. It will be open Wednesday, Dec. 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas trees: Public Works will pick up Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January. Weather permitting, trees will be picked up on the same day as your trash. Please make sure the tree is visible and accessible. Recycling calendar: The 2022 recycling schedule is included in this issue of the Drummer. Please clip and save. The calendar is always available on the Public Works page on the Granby website. Extra trash and recycling: If your trash is piling up this holiday season, extra trash bags are on sale at both the DPW office and Transfer Station during hours of operation. Bags are $2 each and
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can be placed next to your trash barrel on your pickup day. Extra recycling can be brought to the transfer station. Hungary Road bridge: Replacement of the Hungary Road bridge is scheduled for January 2022. At this time, the road is scheduled to be closed as of Jan. 13.
WINTER HINTS Winter storms and snow removal can be a challenge for all Granby residents. The Department of Public Works does its best to keep the roads passable and safe. Please note the following suggestions, ordinances, and rules to ensure a safe winter season for all. Trash and recycling: Unless the roads are closed, Paine’s will be out collecting trash/recycling on their regular schedule. You must have your barrels out by 6 a.m. If you choose not to put out your trash/ recycling due to a storm, your barrels will not be emptied until your next scheduled pickup day. Barrels must be placed at the end of your driveway in a location accessible to the trash hauler and at least two feet from the roadway. Barrels must not be placed in the street or on top of a snowbank. Paine’s has an email alert system that will notify you of any changes to your service schedule due to a holiday or inclement weather. Sign up at painesinc. com Driveways: Before your final cleanup, check to see if the street has been plowed all the way to the curb. If it has, you should be safe to clean the end of your driveway. If it hasn’t, rest assured the plow will be back to make another pass and fill up the end of your driveway. You can reduce the amount of snow deposited in your driveway by shoveling or plowing snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the street. Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. It creates a hazard, and you may be held liable in the case of an accident. Mailboxes: It is inevitable that some mailboxes will fall victim to winter’s forces. In accordance with Granby Town Ordinance, the town will repair or replace a mailbox that is damaged as the result of direct contact with a town snowplow. Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow thrown against them or mailboxes that are located closer than nine inches from the road are not eligible for repair. If your mailbox is damaged, you may report it to Public Works and a department employee will investigate the damage, determine the cause, and schedule repairs if applicable. Parking: Granby Town Ordinance prohibits the parking of any vehicle on a town road from the start of a storm until 12 hours after the storm has ended. Vehicles that violate the parking ban may be towed at the owner’s expense. Sidewalks: Granby Town Ordinance requires a homeowner whose property abuts a sidewalk to keep it clean of snow and ice. Residents have up to eight hours after the end of the storm to clear the sidewalk. If the storm occurs overnight, residents have up to eight hours after sunrise to clear the sidewalk Sand: Sand mixed with salt is available at 166 Salmon Brook Street, the Granby Animal Shelter, opposite McLean Game Refuge. Residents of Granby may take one five-gallon bucket at a time. Child Safety: Never allow children to play on snowbanks along the side of the road. The plow may return to push back snowbanks. Even in good conditions, it is difficult for a driver to see the children.
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 11
GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 12, 2021 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal. Also present: alternate Matthew Peters; Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Matthew Peters was seated as an alternate. The commission voted (4-0-1) to approve the minutes of Sept. 28. Peters abstained.
Public Hearings
• Application seeking to modify a Special Permit for an existing farm store under Zoning Regulations Section 8.15.17 to allow indoor and outdoor music/entertainment and to change hours of operation, for property located at 29 Bushy Hill Road, R50 Zone. File Z-24-21. The public hearing is postponed to Nov. 9. • Application seeking a Special permit under Zoning Regulations Section 9 for earth excavation to remove 700,000 yards of material, for property located at 67, 87 and 95B Notch Road, R50 Zone File Z-23-21. The applicant, Hal Pierce, explained Pierce Builders has been hired by the property owners, Tilcon and Notch Road Properties, LLC, to remove sand from 67, 87 and 95B Notch Road and replace with top soil, preparing the properties for farming when completed. The proposed hours of operation would be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no work on federal holidays. The project would take five years and the plan is to complete it in phases. All materials within one phase would be completely removed and the work area stabilized before moving to the next phase. The hearing was open for public comment at 7:14 p.m. Mark Alex, 65 Notch Road; Judy Koonz, 95R Notch Road; and Jason and Courtney Landheer, 69 Notch Road, raised multiple concerns including effect of blasting on their properties if ledge is found; the effect of the activities on existing wells and the risks to groundwater; excessive dust during the operation; loss of wildlife habitat; heavy machinery noise; increased traffic; safety of children; and the overall impact of activities on quality of life. Pierce said there would not be any blasting, there would not be an impact on the water table as excavation activities will be at a higher elevation than where groundwater is located, Notch Road would not be used as all traffic will be on a temporary haul road which will be restored once all phases are complete, water trucks will be on-site for dust control, the equipment that will be used is very quiet with back-up alarm noise minimized, and trees will not be removed near Notch Road. David Guarco, owner of the property reminded the public the end-use will be farming. The public hearing closed at 7:32 p.m. Kenyon will draft a list of conditions for the commission’s consideration at their next meeting.
Staff Report and Correspondence
Kenyon stated the newly adopted Farm Store and Agritourism Regulations are included in the commission’s packet for their reference. Kenyon outlined five areas the commission will have to discuss in the near future and
consider changes to the Zoning Regulations: the square footage of multi-family units; accessory apartments; outdoor dining; recreational cannabis and parking space requirements. The commission will discuss outdoor dining in January. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary
OCTOBER 26, 2021 Present: Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Eric Myers, and Brennan Sheahan. Also present: alternates Paula Johnson and Matthew Peters, and Abby Kenyon, Director of Community Development Chapple called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Johnson and Peters were seated as alternates. The commission voted 3-0-3 to approve the minutes of Oct .12. Johnson, Myers and Sheahan abstained.
Public Hearings
• Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.4 for a garage in excess of 1,000 feet, for property located at 8 Duncaster Circle, R50 Zone. File Z-25-21. Christopher Jerin, the property owner, explained he would like to construct a 1,152 square foot, three-bay garage on his property. The garage will be a Morton building and is designed to be compatible with the surrounding area. There will be lights over each garage bay and a light over the side entry door. Jerin stated the garage will be for personal use. The hearing was open for public comment at 7:06 p.m. John Orszulak, 157 Wells Road, spoke in favor of the application. The public hearing closed at 7:07 p.m. The commission voted 6-0-0 to approve the Special Permit as proposed. • Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for illuminated building and freestanding signs and signs that exceed the maximum square footage allowed, for property located at 12 East Granby Road, Westfield Bank, CC Zone. File Z-26-21. Lynda Laureano and Lawrin Rosen, representatives from ArtFX Signs, the applicant, presented a unified sign plan for Westfield Bank, 12 East Granby Road to install a 21-square foot freestanding sign in the front of the property, two additional 6-square feet freestanding directional/ incidental signs on the site, and two building signs, one on the front and one on the rear of the building, that are 45 square feet and 17 square feet respectively. Special Permit approval is required because these signs exceed what is allowed under the Zoning Regulations in terms of size, type and illumination. The hearing was open for public comment at 8:05 p.m. Jennifer Craver and Jim Leitao, 10 Hungary Road, stated they own the property that directly abuts the Westfield Bank to the north. They are concerned about the lighting in the back of the building and the lack of landscaping. Kenyon responded that the property will be inspected before a Certificate of Occupancy is granted and all landscaping must be completed
Granby Memorial High School Leo Club
honors our veterans
according to the approved site plan. Craver will follow up with the Community Development office to submit photos and other information for the next review of the application. Eric Mainardi, 2 Park Place, encouraged the commission to address the concerns of the neighboring residents and find a balance between the commercial and residential properties in the center of town. The commission asked the applicant to present revised designs for the freestanding sign and the support columns at the next meeting. The public hearing was continued until Nov. 9. • Consideration of an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 9 for earth excavation to remove 700,000 yards of material, for property located at 67, 87 and 95B Notch Road, R50 Zone. File Z-23-21. The commission voted 6-0-0 to approve the Special Permit subject to the following: The operation shall not deviate from the plan as specifically outlined in the applicant’s narrative, except as noted herein. The conditions outlined below and the limitations outlined within the applicant’s narrative are in addition to the requirements set forth within Section 9 of the Zoning Regulations and provide additional restrictions beyond those specified within Section 9. All trucks shall use the temporary haul road shown on the plan. There shall be no use of Notch Road. This shall not apply to the removal of building materials, building debris, farming equipment or other materials not related to this earth removal project The operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays. No machinery (trucks, excavators, graders, loaders, etc.) will be started before 8 a.m. and no machinery will remain running after 4 p.m. within the site. There shall be no blasting on the site. The haul road shall be temporary. Once the excavation activities are completed and the site restored, the haul road shall be restored with topsoil and seeded so that it matches the surrounding area. Dust shall be controlled at all times through the use of water trucks and/or by other means as may be necessary. All trucks and equipment used on the site shall be up-to-date with Federal, State, and Local Regulations to reduce noise and emissions. The Director of Community Development shall be notified when excavation activities are to start on a particular phase and when the phase is completed. Excavation on the next phase may not begin until the prior phase is complete, which shall mean final grading is complete, topsoil spread, and the area seeded, as allowed based on the season and weather conditions. The operation shall be overseen by the Granby Town Engineer. The Town Engineer shall visit the site to assure that the operation is proceeding in accordance with this approval. The Town Engineer may require updated surveys and grade stakes on the property. The applicant shall reimburse the Town of Granby for all payments made to the Town Engineer for overseeing this project at a rate of $120 per hour. The applicant shall deposit with the Town of Granby the sum of $3,000 to be
P&Z Highlights cont’d. on p. 13
TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D
ONE VISIT CROWN Q. I have been told I need a crown on a tooth. Is there a quicker way than the traditional two visits? A. Yes, in the past, the process of making an onlay or crown involved a series of appointments in our office, with a temporary crown for weeks, followed by the fabrication of the restoration in a dental laboratory. Today, we have modern technology called CAD-CAM that allows us to custom create toothcolored restorations, crowns and veneers right here in our office. In a single appointment we can prepare your tooth, create the restoration, and bond it in place! The advantages of using the CAD-CAM fabrication technique include: • Extremely accurate restorations can be produced • The procedures can be completed in a single appointment • There are no messy impressions • No temporary crowns that might fall off or be sensitive • The restorations are tooth-colored and natural looking, and they’re bonded in place. The procedure involves the use of a special optical camera which is used to record the exact dimension of your prepared tooth. After we carefully design the restoration, we select an appropriate size and shade of porcelain to match your teeth. The material is placed into a miniature milling machine, followed by a special oven, and in less than 30 minutes, it’s carefully and meticulously shaped into a beautiful, custom restoration that fits your tooth precisely. This revolutionary CAD-CAM unit allows us to preserve more healthy tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength! Patients are amazed at this incredible technology and can watch the entire process right in front of them. The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we 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! 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
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Page 12 The Granby Drummer
Out of Town Holiday Tours at Historic Ellsworth Homestead The Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution are pleased to announce the return of Christmas Open House tours at the historic Oliver Ellsworth Homestead Museum, 778 Palisado Av e n u e i n Windsor, on S a t u r d a y, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided tours of the 18th century home of one of America’s Founding Fathers will include festive holiday decorations, descriptions of Revolutionary War-era life by docents in colonial attire, and an array of antiques
and collectibles, including a recently acquired important and rare clock. Walk-ins are welcome, and free parking is available onsite. COVID protocols in place at the time will be followed. Tickets can be purchased by guests and members of the public for $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, and children under age 10 free. For more information, please contact Alice Schroeder at alice.d.schroeder@gmail.com or 203-273-5388.
December 2021
Holiday Fun at the Connecticut Trolley Museum Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights Winterfest 2021 and the Tunnel of Lights will be held from Nov. 26 through Dec. 19 from 5 until 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The museum will be open from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights is celebrating its 43rd year as a family holiday tradition. Halls are decked both inside and outside with over 15,000 lights. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. For an open-air view of the Tunnel of Lights, one open sleigh car is entirely lit up with holiday lights. Be sure to dress warm and bring blankets. Inside, the Visitor Center is decorated like a Winter Wonderland with multiple model train layouts and lights galore. A food vendor will be onsite serving hot cocoa, coffee, donuts and cookies up until Dec. 19. Admission prices are $15-$20 per person; museum
NEAM celebrates the holidays The New England Air Museum will get a visit from Jolly Saint Nick on Saturday, Dec. 11. Santa will be here for the final day of the Toys for Tots Drive and our first ever Ugly Sweater Contest. Bring in a new unwrapped toy for area youth in need, get a selfie with Santa in his Doman helicopter, and compete in our ugliest sweater contest to win a flight crew membership. You will be able to talk with Santa in a safe environment and make those special holiday memories from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The New England Air Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $18 for ages 15 and up, $15 for seniors 65 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 14. Museum members and children under 3 are admitted free. Free admission is available for veterans thanks to our partnership with KeyBank. For more information and directions to the museum, please visit neam.org or call 860-623-3305. The museum is located in Windsor Locks, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.
A Christmas Carol in Suffield The Suffield Players are ready to impart some holiday cheer with our annual holiday benefit featuring the classic tale by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, adapted for stage by Ryan Bird. One weekend only, Dec. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Ave. in Suffield. See the power of redemption as we follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who learns that it’s never too late to change. Director Lisa Parker shares, “If you look around, you’ll see numerous productions of A Christmas Carol in the area. That’s pretty amazing for a story that’s over 175 years old. But its familiarity is its appeal, especially this year when our traditional holiday celebrations are still in flux due to the pandemic.” Keeping to the Players’ tradition of
holiday shows with a minimum of rehearsal and a maximum of fun, some of the actors will perform with scripts in hand. “Not having to memorize lines gives the cast more freedom to explore these classic characters,” Parker added. “Dickens wanted us to see our own human nature in these characters, however funny or flawed we may be.” General admission, no reservations needed. $10 suggested donation with all proceeds for maintenance of historic Mapleton Hall. All audience members must wear masks inside the theater. Adults must also show proof of COVID vaccination. Children under 12 welcome if they are fully vaccinated or if they have a negative COVID test. See suffieldplayers.org for COVID-19 guidelines.
members receive half off admission. All ticket sales must be made in advance at ct-trolley.org Storytime Trolley with Santa and Elf A great program for younger visitors. Storytime trolley with Santa and Elf will run on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12. Visitors will enjoy a ride in a decorated vintage trolley car where Santa will visit with each child. Also, while on board, Santa’s elf will read a holiday story and each child will complete a holiday craft. Following the trolley ride, museum guests will head to the Visitors Center, which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland with multiple model train layouts and lights galore. The cost is $25 for any age; ticket sales must be made in advance at ct-trolley.org Holiday Centerpiece Workshop This workshop will take place at the museum inside the beautifully decorated Visitor Center from 6 to 8 p.m. Please call for dates. Enjoy the views of Winterfest while building your centerpiece. Broad Brook Gardens will demonstrate how to build the centerpiece and all supplies are included in the cost. The cost is $45 and registration must be made in advance at ct-trolley.org The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rte. 140), East Windsor. For more information, please call 860-627-6540 or visit ct-trolley.org
Windsor Historical Society hosts holiday events Give a little piece of history and experience some for yourself this holiday season at Windsor Historical Society. Stop by Windsor Historical Society’s Gift Shop and bookstore on Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. for Holiday Shopping Night. Enjoy a cheery bonfire and hot cider while finding the perfect gift for that special someone or those Windsor friends who are far away this holiday. Browse the society’s selection of Windsor and Connecticut history books, unique posters and tee shirts, maps, artwork, stoneware, jewelry and more. Gallery Day on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature a special free showing of the society’s two changing exhibit galleries. Experience A Home Away from Home: Greater Hartford’s West Indian Diaspora and Bound To-
gether: The Complexities of Black-White Relations in Early Windsor at the stately Chaffee House museum as well as 100 Years of Windsor Historical Society in the main museum building. Open for a rare self-guided experience, society staff and docents will be on hand to answer questions and discuss these evocative history experiences. Admission is free for both of these special events. For more information contact the society at 860-688-3813 or info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org The Windsor Historical Society’s museum, historic houses and research library are located at 96 Palisado Avenue (Route 159) and are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Visit windsorhistoricalsociety.org for directions and more information.
Old St. Andrew’s Church Christmas Bazaar The Old St. Andrew’s Church Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured will be “homemade cookies by the pound” along with many craft vendors: specialty items such as unique holiday gifts, fresh wreaths, eclectic/ gently loved jewelry, art
photography, specialty foods, Ariston oils and vinegars, decorative glassware, hand crafted gifts, silent auction/raffle items and much more. Come join us for this festive event at the “Church Worth Finding” located at 59 Tariffville Road in Bloomfield. For further information or directions visit OldStAndrewsChurch.org or call 860-242-4660.
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December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 13
Social Services The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandy Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Granby Local Assistance Program Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of State Median Income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): During the winter months, assistance is available to households to help pay for heating fuel in the form of oil, gas, or electric heat. Benefits are available to households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income. Processing will be delayed if required paperwork is missing. Call the office at 860-844-5351 to see if your household qualifies. New for this heating season: SNAP recipients and SSI beneficiaries are categorically eligible. The liquid asset test has been eliminated. Eversource Assistance Programs Winter protection for income eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1, 2021, and May 1, 2022. NuStart Program offers forgiveness of overdue balances as on time, monthly budget payments are made. Matching Payment Program offers monthly payments as low as $50 for qualified customers. Call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/ BillHelp Resources and Services Childcare: Additional resources and information regarding childcare can be found at the Office of Early Childhood at 800-5050-1000 or visit ct.gov/oec/site/ default.asp Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@communications.childwelfare.gov Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888774-2900. Advocates available 24/7. Housing Resources and Utility Assistance Eversource: Contact our office for help with this or contact Eversource directly at 800-286-2000. Legal and Financial Information Legal Help: Greater Hartford Legal Aid is available to answer questions about benefits that may be available to you, as well as other legal issues. For more information visit ghla.org/ You can also visit Statewide Legal Services at slsct. org or by calling 860-541-5070. Mental Health and Emergencies: If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911
or proceed to your nearest emergency room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 211. Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800273- 8255 When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: Campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com Unemployment: Guidance on applying for Unemployment can be found at dol.gov or by calling 860-263-6000. Food Resources Granby Food Pantry is located at 248 Salmon Brook Street, and is open Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, and Thursdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Before using the Granby Food Pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule. Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available as drive up to pick up service every Wednesday, 3–6 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome. Mobile FoodShare: Dec. 14 and 28, 1:30–2 p.m. Please park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Please remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather permitted cancellations visit ctfoodbank.org/get-help/connecticutfood-banks-mobile-pantry-schedule/ Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: Located at 23 Griffin Road, the food pantry is open on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Due to COVID safety concerns, we have a drive through service. Volunteer staff will place boxes of food in the trunk of your car. Each box weighs approximately 50 pounds. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308. Open Cupboard Pantry/Weekend Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs: First Congregational Church, 219 North Granby Road. Distributions on Fridays between 3 and 4 p.m. These packs contain nutritious nonperishable food items. Please enter the church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road. Call First Church at 860653-4537 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.
In Town Focus 4-H Bottle/Can Drive
Please consider donating your bottles/ cans to the Granby 4-H Robotics program. Your donation of returnable bottles/cans will help the program continue for the 2022 robotics season and help offset some of the registration costs for the 2022 World Championship. The next bottle can drive will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the South Congregational Church.
Christmas Concert
The Granby Women’s Breakfast Group, the Granby Men’s Breakfast Group and the Granby Civic Club will gather at Granby Memorial High School on Friday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. to hear the GMHS Chorale perform a Christmas concert. Please pre-register through your group. Transportation will be provided from the Senior Center as there will be no parking available at the high school due to lack of parking spaces. Additional details will follow via phone calls and email notifications to attendees.
Granby Living Calendar
The Granby Living Facebook Group calendar for 2022 will be available throughout December. This is your annual fundraiser with all profits donated to the Granby Food Bank and the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen. Many thanks to Beman Hardware, the Granby Dental Center and Route 10 Tire for helping with distribution, and to all the group members that sent in so many beautiful photos of our lovely town.
Men’s Breakfast
The Granby Men’s Breakfast group will meet at the Senior Center on Friday, Jan. 14. Granby’s Town Manager Erica Robertson will speak on the status of the town. Breakfast begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Men of any age interested in joining the Granby Men’s Breakfast group or attending the Jan. 14 meeting should send contact information to gmensbkfst@ gmail.com
Women’s Breakfast
The Women’s Breakfast Group will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 5 for On the Road Again with Charmaine Glew. The February meeting, on Wednesday, Feb. 2, for Granby Women Power, with Town Manager Erica Robertson and Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon. Breakfast at the Senior Center will start at 8:30 a.m. and the programs will begin at 9 a.m. Cost $4. Please register in advance by calling the senior center or registering on the senior center website. The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.
@
by e-mail:
editor@granbydrummer.org
P&Z Highlights cont’d. from p. 11 applied to the costs as described herein. Should the costs exceed this amount, the applicant will be billed for the difference. Any funds not used for the project will be remitted to the applicant at the conclusion of the project. The applicant shall file with the Town of Granby a $30,000 cash bond to assure installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures during the project. The applicant shall file with the Town of Granby a $171,412.50 performance bond to assure that the proposed excavation and removal will be undertaken as approved and to assure that the site will be fully restored as outlined within the plans.
Any violation of these conditions of approval may be grounds for an immediate halt to the operation. Prior to the removal of any material from the site, payment for the Town Engineer, the erosion and sediment control bond and the performance bond must be submitted to the Town and mylar copies of the complete map documents shall be signed by the Commission and filed in the Office of the Granby Town Clerk. This approval shall expire on Oct. 26, 2023. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Mazzotta Recording Secretary
Page 14 The Granby Drummer
December 2021
Parks & Recreation Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com
Granby Youth Basketball
Still taking registrations. Granby Parks and Recreation strives to provide a positive recreational basketball program for youths in grades K-8. Coaches develop individual skills, foster teamwork and proper sportsmanlike attitudes and strive to establish a foundation of basics for future support of the high school programs. Most importantly, we create an opportunity for children to be with their friends, make new friends and have fun. We are following all state and local COVID policies and masks will be required by all indoors. This program is open to girls and boys in grades K–8. Fee: $130.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENTS Santa at Salmon Brook: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2–4 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. It is a great beginning to the Ho-Ho-Holiday season. Change your game from “naughty” to “nice” before it is too late and spend some time with Santa before he embarks on his annual journey around the world. Bring your wish list and your camera and snap a selfie with jolly old Saint Nick. Activities include a craft, holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate, make reindeer food and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around the park. Children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap for parents to take photos. Preregistration is required at GranbyRec.com and register early as space is limited. This is a free program limited to Granby residents. Holiday Marketplace: Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 at Holcomb Farm. The Granby Artists Association and Granby Recreation are collaborating to offer you a wonderful holiday shopping event. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and check out this fantastic marketplace and art sale, featuring work from Granby’s finest artists. You will find treasures to wrap, handmade cards, stocking fillers and much more. Fall Family Photo Session: Ready to pause time with a beautiful memory? Check out our portraits at beautiful Holcomb Farm. You choose the location either inside near the fireplace or outside on the grounds with a beautiful New England backdrop. Capture your family in a memorable way with professional, high-quality photos. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available (and we love pets too). You will receive three or four digital photos that you can download and print. Once you register with us, Kristen Weldon Photography will contact you to set up a time that is mutually convenient up to Dec. 15. Last year’s event filled up quickly so be sure to reserve your spot today. Holiday House Decorating Contest: Do you decorate your home or business every year? Why not enter a contest to get rewarded for all of your hard work and creativity? Join the Granby Recreation Department for the second Holiday House Decorating event to spread some holiday cheer. This free event is for Granby residents only. Last year’s response made this a huge success. One winner will be selected in each of the following categories: Griswold Award: Because you can never have too many lights! A Christmas Story Award: Best display that has an organized appearance or theme The Norman Rockwell Award: Best traditional display The winner in each category will receive a $50 account credit towards any Granby Recreation program and bragging rights. Your house will be featured on the Granby Rec Facebook Page. Registration by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13. This year we are opening up the voting to any town resident. Please email your votes to recreation@granby-ct.gov by 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20. Winners will be notified, announced on our website and posted on our Facebook page
Tuesday, Dec., 21. We will post a link with the map of all entries on Dec. 14. Create Your Own Holiday Centerpiece: Tuesday, Dec. 21, 6–7 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Create your very own Holiday Centerpiece to put on your dining room or living room coffee table this holiday season. It will brighten up your room and your guests will be in awe that you created such a masterpiece. Join us with professional florist Jessica from Long Stem Floral Shop in East Granby. The Do-It-Yourself project includes a candle, fresh winter greens, fresh flowers and berries. We will also add a bow, pinecones or small ornaments. Everything you need will be proved for you. Please feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages. Great night out to be creative and share some fun holiday time with friends. Fee: $48. Food Explorers Christmas Break: Monday, Dec. 27, 2–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades 2–6. Join Food Explorers for an afternoon of holiday recipes. You’ll learn how to make a tasty Peppermint Bark Dip and Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Santas, plus you’ll play some fun games and activities about food. Each child will make their own individual portion. All recipes are nut free but do contain dairy. Fee: $52. Holiday Modeling and Fashion Camp with Photo Shoot: Monday through Thursday, Dec. 27–30 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. John Casablancas’ Modeling and Fashion Camp provides girls and boys ages 5–11 years with a wonderful experience of learning the tips of looking like a model, developing their etiquette skills for a setting, feeling good about themselves by strengthening their confidence inside and out and tapping into their fashion talents. This four-day camp over the school holiday break consists of a different activity each day. Makeover Monday: campers will learn about one another, walking the runway, and practicing makeup and hair. T-Shirt Tuesday: campers will design their own t-shirts. Bring runway shoes. Photo Famous Wednesday: campers will get to work with a High Fashion photographer. Bring an extra outfit just in case it is needed. Fashion Show Thursday: campers will do their hair and makeup for their fashion show performance. Fee: $122.
TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going classes for toddlers and preschoolers. Please call 860-653-8947 to try one out. Jumpbunch: Tuesdays, Jan. 4–Feb. 22, 4:15–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Little Jumpers (18 months to 3 years) at 3:20-4 p.m. Big Jumpers (ages 3–5) at 4:15-5 p.m. Each class includes warm-ups, floor exercises, the sport/activity of the week, stretching and then cool down. A different sport or fitness activity is introduced each week. We strive to have little or no “sit and wait” time. Children will have the chance to touch and experience each sport with their own piece of equipment for each class. Classes also include use of creatively scripted songs to open and close class that include ribbon wands, rhythm sticks, stretch bands, maracas, and scarves. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, etc. Fee: $139 Little Jumpers/$155 Big Jumpers. Songs and Seasons Preschool Music Class: Thursdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17 at the Workshop at Holcomb Farm. Join us as we learn about music through play. Children ages 6 months to 4 years (with caregiver) will experience the joy of making music together, all while building a foundation for lifelong music making. Class will focus on experiencing music fundamentals like in tune singing, high and low register, rhythm, tempo, and music history all though song, dance, and games. Fee: $125.
YOUTH PROGRAMS Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going after school programs. Your child can join any time. Programs include Rock Wall Climbing, Volleyball, Spirit Club, Hip Hop, Irish Step Dancing, Yoga, Food Explorers, Fashion
and Modeling, Tennis Lessons and PE Games and Activities. Chess Wizards Chess Camp One Day Program: Saturday, Dec. 11, 12–4 p.m. at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Chess Wizards has been teaching the game of chess since 2002. Children aged 6–12 can join us for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle—your brain. The camps include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a chess medal and puzzle folder. We include all of the materials necessary for your child to participate. Fee: $65 After School Spirit Club: Thursdays, Jan. 27–March 3, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Wells Road and Kelly Lane schools. Join us for a six-week after-school cheerleading program. This fun class is for boys and girls in grades K–5 and is being held at both Kelly Lane School and Wells Road School. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut. Participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps. Fee: $100
ADULT PROGRAMS Adult Basketball: Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 3–April 21 at the middle school gym. Granby Parks and Recreation is again offering the very popular adult, co-ed pick-up basketball program. Granby residents can either pay $75 for entire season, both nights (which comes out to under $2.75 per night) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-residents will pay a drop-in fee of $10 per night. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Sunday, Jan. 30, 2–4 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. This course for ages 16 and up will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. The course includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. Gentle Restorative Yoga: Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Gentle Flow Yoga: Saturdays, 10–11 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy-to-follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great. We will combine deep breathing with basic yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, to energize the body and to improve posture and confidence. Modifications are offered as building blocks or to accommodate past injury. After warming the major muscle groups, deeper poses and stretches are offered, using support when appropriate. We will also build community as we reconnect to ourselves and others in a safely spaced, friendly and accepting environment.
Yoga For Strength: Mondays and Fridays, 8–9 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Develop strength and flexibility with this more challenging dynamic flow, integrating movement and breath with sun salutations, twists, back bends and core strengthening with an emphasis on proper alignment. Combine this with the cultivation of inner peace and the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. This program is taught by Laura Fetzer/Seger. Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: Friday, Dec. 17, 6–7:30 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures (deep stretches held for 3–5 minutes) and aromatherapy (Wisdom of the Earth therapeutic grade essences). By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8–8:55 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join long time certified and motivating fitness instructor, Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. TAZ Low Impact Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Indoor Pickleball: Thursdays, Jan. 6–Feb. 17, 7:30-9 p.m. at the high school gym. Do you want to learn the game of pickleball—or do you already know how to play and looking for a place to play this fun game with your friends and also meet new people? Join us for this 6-week indoor winter program. All abilities are welcome. Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Please wear sneakers and bring your own water bottle. Popular instructor, Nancy Geaglone, GMHS PE instructor is running this program. She will be teaching the game/rules to interested beginners and will set up tourneys for advanced players if they would like. This lifelong activity is gaining a lot of popularity and fun for all ages. Fee: $65 Scrapbooking Weekend/January Crafting Event: Jan. 21–22 at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Friday, Jan 21, 1–9 p.m. for $25 and Saturday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. for $40. Sign up for both days for $60 and save $5 and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Water and soda will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. You may contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net if you have any questions. There will be demonstrations and classes. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters.
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 15 On the first day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: A big bass from a downed tree.
Waypoints
On the second day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree.
By Mark Fiorentino
The Twelve Days of Christmas—Fisherman’s Version
I was deep in thought the other day regarding the approaching holiday season, and I got to wondering: what was Frederick Austin thinking? As you may know, Frederick is responsible for the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. He was, apparently, a clever guy, taking the words of a children’s story written by an unknown author in the late 1700s and turning them into the Christmas carol we all know so well. It’s a holiday favorite for sure. But if Frederick were alive today, I’d have some questions for him. Like: why these words? If you’re going to create a song about me receiving a number of gifts over a twelve-day period, why not make the gifts something I might actually use and/or enjoy? Think about it. What am I going to do with leaping lords? At least ten of them, no less. And although I can see the potential value of five golden rings sold on eBay, wouldn’t I have to disclose to buyers that they came from the inside of a goose?
Also, Frederick, did you mean to be so ambiguous? Do I get both the partridge and the pear tree, or do I have to extract the bird? Most importantly, and I don’t want to over-lawyer it, but are these gifts cumulative? Do I get, for example, one partridge/pear tree or twelve? Is it nine dancing ladies or thirty-six? With the music and Christmas industries being what they are, and with the fact that Frederick passed away in 1952, it’s not likely that I will get satisfactory answers to my questions. But no worries, I have taken the time to write a different version of the song, one that fishermen and fisherwomen can both appreciate and sing joyfully. Two quick notes. First, you will enjoy this much more if you actually sing the words and not just read them. Second, I leave it to you whether you want the gifts to be cumulative. In my Christmas dreams, they are.
On the third day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the fourth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the fifth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the sixth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the eighth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Eight monster tautogs, Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the ninth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Nine snapper bluefish, Eight monster tautogs, Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the tenth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Ten Z-Man jigheads, Nine snapper bluefish, Eight monster tautogs, Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits,
Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the eleventh day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Eleven packs of Senkos, Ten Z-Man jigheads, Nine snapper bluefish, Eight monster tautogs, Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree. On the twelfth day of Christmas, My true love gave to me: Twelve lucky crankbaits, Eleven packs of Senkos, Ten Z-Man jigheads, Nine snapper bluefish, Eight monster tautogs, Seven schoolie stripers, Six pike a-chasing, Five spin-ner-baits, Four giant smallies, Three Ugly Stiks, Two Zebco reels, And a big bass from a downed tree.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
On the first day of Christmas,
Mark J. Migliaccio Attorney at Law
Merry Christmas from a Fisherman Deep in Holiday Thoughts. Photo by Mark Fiorentino
12th Annual Craft Bazaar Now through New Year’s!
Who is on YOUR list? þ Co-workers to your sweetest baboo
þ Family near & far þ Teachers, service people, neighbors þ Gift baskets & bags!
Open 12/24 & 12/31!
þ We can ship for you! Discover dozens of crafters & artisans from across New England & USA ~ Treasures in wood, ceramic, glass, woven & knit cloth, & more added weekly
Ravenswood Natural Health
Personal Injury Workers Compensation Criminal Defense Wills – Real Estate Closings Cell: 860-906-8489 Office: 860-236-6951 Email: mmigliaccio@bnglaw.com
1606 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury CT ] 860.264.1587 Tues. 9.30–5.30; Wed. Thurs. Fri. 9.30–5.00; Sat. 10.00–5.00; Sun. 10.00–3.00
254 Prospect Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Page 16 The Granby Drummer
December 2021
Left to right: Savannah Castle, Jenelis Viera, Gus Gotberg, Colin Samalus, Oliver Thrall, Gavin Baron, Abby Rice, Emma Lynch, Aiden Konieczny and Jennifer Weber is in the front. Photo by Kristin Rice
Left to right: Coach Wally Hansen, Gus Gotberg, Colin Samalus, Aiden Konieczny, Oliver Thrall, Gavin Baron, Coach Melissa Wabble, and Coach Colleen Nisbet in front. Photo by Tara Konieczny
Members of the Granby Memorial Middle School cross country team ran in the Connecticut State Middle School Cross Country Meet on Nov. 6. This
either a 1.7-mile or a 2.3-mile race, with a dramatic finish at the top of an incline. Congratulations to all who ran, and many thanks to coaches Wally Hansen,
Middle school’s cross country team finishes season culminating event for middle school runners was held at Wickham Park in Manchester with hundreds of runners from across the state. Runners ran in
Melissa Wabble and Colleen Nisbet for preparing these runners throughout the 2021 cross country season.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of time. Jennifer Weber (left) and Jenelis Viera finished in the top 50 runners for the 1.7mile race. Photo by Colleen Nisbet
The hectic holiday season is upon us. If you’re responsible for taking care of a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the crunch on your time becomes even greater. Colin Samalus (left) and Aiden Konieczny finished in the top 50 runners in the 1.7mile race. Photo by Colleen Nisbet
Drumrolls Jake Barrows, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the summer semester. Melanie Nash, GMHS class of 2015, received a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island. Senior forward Cheryl Latona, of Granby, was named to the Little East Conference All-Conference first team as Westfield State University field hockey capped its 2021 season
Our 30-Day trial program and respite stays give you the opportunity to relax and provide the extra time to take care of holiday responsibilities.* You’ll have the added peace-of-mind knowing your loved one will be receiving around-the-clock care from specially-trained professionals. Call today to discover how Arden Courts can help you and your loved one. 100 Fisher Drive Avon, CT 06001
860-678-7500 *Minimum 14-day stay required for respite. Images taken prior to mask requirements. © 2021 ProMedica Health System, Inc., or its affiliates
arden-courts.org/avon
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 17
Granby Girls Volleyball team has outstanding season By Susan McDiarmid Each fall inside the Granby Memorial High School gymnasiums, the athleticism and grit of the female volleyball student-athletes are showcased. On average, 40 players span the freshman, junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams each season. The teams can be seen and heard enthusiastically practicing, competing and cheering for one another during both practices and games. The 2021 season has been no different! The 2021’s team leadership includes senior captains setter Elizabeth Squier and senior outside hitter Emma Hansen. The Bears have a well-rounded varsity offense including senior middle Nora Metcalfe, junior right side Alyssa Rossi, sophomore middle hitter Anouk Jansen, and freshman outside hitter Jayne Hiatt. The defense is led by senior libero Sarah Maher and senior defense specialist Kylee Disabella. On Oct. 29, the 2021 lady Bears capped off their regular season against the Canton Warriors with an overall record of 19 wins and one loss, earning the Northern Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC) championship banner for the second consecutive year. Last year, the 2020 varsity girls team performed to perfection with an impressive undefeated season of 13 wins, 39 set wins and the NCCC championship title. The 2021 lady Bears progressed deep into the state tournament. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Bears were ranked #2 in the Connecticut Inter-
scholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC)’s Class S state tournament affording them a first round bye. On Nov. 10, the team defeated Plainfield High School in three sets in the second round of the state tournament. The Bears then beat East Hampton High School in three sets in the quarterfinals of the state tournament on Nov. 12. Granby concluded its 2021 season with a heartbreaking loss to #3 ranked Lyman Memorial High School in the semifinals of the state tournament on Nov. 16. Numerous 2021 volleyball studentathletes have already earned season honors. The All-Conference (NCCC) players are Squier, Metcalfe, Jansen and Hiatt. The NCCC tournament players are Hansen and Maher. The volleyball program was established in 2007 by head coach David Sprowson. Per state rules for a new sport, the volleyball program began as a club sport before entering varsity competition in 2009. In 2010, the volleyball team earned its first birth into the CIAC’s state tournament. Since then, the volleyball program won the state title in 2014 and has been the NCCC conference champions in 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2021. The current coaches are David Sprowson, Brian Liu and Molly Hammack, an alumnus of the Granby volleyball program. In the program’s short history, two athletes (Casey Hunt and Marieke van der Mark) have been recognized as high school All-Americans, a national status. Additionally, there have been 16 athletes recognized with All-State awards
Student-athletes from all of the GMHS girls volleyball teams. Photo by Katie Krajcik Five of the seven seniors on the varsity team—left to right: Sarah Maher (white shirt), Kylee Disabella, Emma Hansen (hitting the ball), Elizabeth Squier and Nora Metcalfe. Seniors not in photo are Maggie Thrall and manager Julia McHugh. Photo by Cheryl Disabella
and dozens of athletes honored with All-Conference (NCCC) honors. Many alumni of the volleyball program have continued their play at the collegiate level. Granby athletes span Division 1 to Division 3 schools including Marieke van der Mark who is currently playing for #6 ranked NCAA Division 1 Baylor University. Despite the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the volleyball teams have persevered, with success in both 2020 and 2021. The accomplishments of the volleyball program result from the players’ and coaches’ hard
work, both in season and off-season. The student-athletes have overcome obstacles they faced during the pandemic including mandatory CIAC masks requirements during practice and all games. The 2021 Granby volleyball season has certainly been a one to remember— Go Bears!
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Page 18 The Granby Drummer
December 2021
1908 headline: Granby Sheriff and 12 others charged and convicted of White Capper violence By Todd Vibert Had kids been selling newspapers in Granby in 1906, as they did in the major cities such as New York or Boston, that February they would have been yelling “Read all about it! White Cappers drag Willis Griffin out of town!” Citizens would have flocked to buy a newspaper to read the details of the civil suit brought by Willis E. Griffin against former Deputy Sheriff Charles Allshouse and other Granby residents. In January and February of 1906, Griffin had separated from his wife and was renting a room at the home of Dr. Alfred Weed and his wife, near Mechanicsville in Granby. In return for staying in their home, Griffin did chores around the farm to pay the rent. Weed knew Griffin as he had treated him as a patient a few years prior, but he was getting tired of seeing him around the house. Legally, Weed saw no way out of it—Griffin had signed a lease with Mrs. Weed to rent two rooms in the house. Weed considered how he might get rid of Griffin, mindful of the lease. Someone suggested Weed rough him up, which might force him out. Weed attempted this with a stick to strike Griffin from behind. However, his plan was foiled when he tripped during the attempt and fell on top of Griffin. Griffin, realizing what Weed’s intentions were, got up and hit Weed in the face, giving him two black eyes. Weed fled the house and his friends upon seeing him, wanted revenge on Griffin. On the night of February 6, 1906, 13 men walked to Mechanicsville Road from Salmon Brook Street in search of Griffin. But when they got to Weed’s house, Griffin was nowhere to be found. The men quickly learned that Griffin was at John Barden’s house two miles away and made their way there. Not only was Griffin at Barden’s house, but Mrs. Weed was as well. As she was leaving, she overheard two men lurking outside talking about getting Griffin. She doubled-back to warn Griffin and Barden about what she heard, causing both men to leave the house with shotguns to find the men Mrs. Weed had overheard. As they headed out, Barden and Griffin ran into the group of 13 men, which included Deputy Charles Allshouse. Allshouse told Griffin and Barden to put down their guns, as he would protect them. Once they placed their weapons down, Allshouse told the men, “Take him and do what you are a mind to with him.”
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The gang first roughed up Barden before turning to Griffin. The group placed a noose around his neck and proceeded to kick and horsewhip Griffin until they got to the Massachusetts line. Here, they told him not to come back to Granby or else they would tar and feather him. After the beating, Griffin walked five miles to his brother’s house in East Granby to recover. His injuries were extensive; he had several teeth knocked out, his face and neck were scratched and cut up and his legs were bruised so badly, he could barely walk. When Griffin’s sister found out about the beating led by Deputy Allshouse, she complained to Sheriff Smith and demanded an investigation. The Griffin family hired Joseph Barr as their attorney and Griffin sued the “white caps” (referring to the early 20th century movement of farmer vigilantes) for $10,000. Deputy Sheriff George Wilson of Enfield served papers on Charles Allshouse, Lucius Allshouse, H.L. Cowles, Frank Green, Eugene Godard, Edward Godard and Louis Gregory as well as attached real estate liens to their property. Other men charged in this case were George Avery, Jesse W. Ruic, Phillip Devnew, Martin Case, James Drake and Fred Drake. All these men were represented by Attorneys Theodore Maltbie and James Lee Loomis, who asked the judge for a speedy trial because many of their clients had an economic hardship with property liens. The judge tried to accommodate; however, the trial took place nearly two years later. The trial itself lasted one week. When Griffin took the stand, Maltbie tried to find inconsistencies in his testimony. After all, it had been nearly two years since the beating. To his frustration, he was not able to shake the plaintiff. Maltbie tried to call his character into question, Maltbie called Griffin a “moral leper” and said that he deserved to be thrown out of town. Maltbie stated it was the defendants’ “duty to remove the cancer from town” and proceeded to tarnish Griffin’s reputation by calling other witnesses to the stand who stated that Griffin had no moral character, he was worthless and deserved what he got. Judge Shumay, who was presiding over this case instructed the jury before deliberations, “that a man had been disarmed, tied with a rope, run up the road and whipped for two miles. It was for the jury to decide whether that was necessary for the defendants to protect themselves
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Evening News, and the Hartford Courant. While many people may say nothing ever happens in Granby—that certainly would not have been said in 1906 and certainly not in a court room in 1908. Want to learn more about the GriffinAllshouse civil suit or the people involved with this case? Join the Salmon Brook Historical Society; call 860-653-9713 or visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com
Granby Artists events in December The Granby Artists Association and Town of Granby Recreation will join forces to host a traditional Gift Show and Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Both the old and new barns at Holcomb Farm at 113 Simsbury Rd in West Granby will be full of artists and vendors with plenty of inventory. The Season of Joy art sale at Lost Acres Vineyard from Dec. 3 through Dec. 31 is a new event. Exhibiting artists in this show are Tracy Marlow, Carol Hartwell, Annukka Ritalahti, Mark Gottlieb, Debby Reelitz, Alexander Anisimov, Laura Eden, Bob Grandahl, Avis Cherichetti, Bill Bentley, Rita Law-
Carol Hartwell will display her paintings at Lost Acres Vineyard in December. Submitted photos
A piece from Avis Cherichetti that will be displayed at the Season of Joy sale.
McConaughy, Aimee Gilbert, Rosemarie Mendes, Katherine Tolve, John Salling, Pam Jones, Sally Sargent Markey, Lou Cherichetti and Joy Marx. This is a wonderful opportunity to see work of many different artists and purchase local art. Mediums that will be presented are oil, egg tempera, watercolor and pastel paintings, pottery, wood work, glass, soft materials and other. Granby Artists welcome everyone to the Meet the Artists Reception on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby.
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from assault.” The jury took a long time to come to a decision but ultimately ruled in favor of Willis Griffin. While they didn’t agree with the $10,000 in damages Griffin asked for, they awarded him $300 from the defendants. This case got national attention as newspapers from various states reported on it, including the Atlanta Constitution, the Birmingham News, the Bismarck Tribune, Boston Globe, Fall River Daily
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December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 19
Father Carlos invites one and all to Saint Therese By Barb Blanchette Saint Therese Roman Catholic Church is just beyond Route 20’s initial rise toward West Granby. The church has a long history and its new pastor, Father Carlos Castrillon Castro, is adding another chapter to that history. He came to Granby during a most difficult time to “shepherd a flock.” On Dec. 9, 2019, Father accepted his new role as our permanent pastor. Father Carlos was born in Columbia outside the city of Medellin. He was raised Catholic, one of seven children with a constant and abiding focus on Jesus. For the typical Colombian native, life is marked by seminal Catholic moments, such as baptism, first communion, confirmation, marriage, and the anointing of the sick. It would not be surprising if he became a priest. When asked about that, he laughed and shook his head. “No, no it was not my first choice in planning my future.” Father Carlos was planning a future in medicine. While attending pre-med courses in Columbia, his days often ended with a feeling of emptiness or boredom that was difficult to define. “Something just… was missing…there was something like a giant hole, a piece of emptiness in my heart that would leave me searching.” Instead of hearing the proverbial call to a vocation as many priests do, he had more of a personal awakening, and soon thereafter, he enrolled in seminary. From day one his life took on meaning and the missing piece filled with a future devoted to serving Christ. Little did he know that becoming a priest would bring him to the United States in 2012. Here he faced his first
challenge—the barrier of language. Knowing very little English, he was forced to learn by immersing himself into the culture, first as an assistant pastor at Holy Family of Enfield for two years, and then at St. Juniper Sera until 2019. Remembering his first days in Granby, Father Carlos’ face lights up and you can feel his joy: “I just love this rural area, the farms and trees…it feels more like home to me. The people here are easy to get to know and even during the pandemic, there was a feeling of connectedness, always.” How difficult it must have been for the young priest navigating a foreign country and settling abruptly into a small community amid a global pandemic to lead his first parish. Yet, here is a wonderful man who loves everyone, is an avid mountain biker and runner, loves basketball, cooking, coffee and playing the guitar. It was hard, even lonely at times, but his love for Christ, combined with his fun and energetic spirit, carried him and our church through the pandemic. You don’t have to be around him very long to feel his passion for Christ, and his hope in the future of our church and the greater community. He looks off, at the hills behind the church and ponders a moment… a long moment. He preferably would rattle off what he is trying to say in Spanish. Instead, he leans forward, smiles, and says, “You know? I feel so blessed! I was raised by a family who taught me how to pray, prayed with me, prayed for me, and still pray for me. My family is so important to me.” In fact, during the pandemic his mother and sister were able to come from Columbia for an extended visit. He adds, “I cannot imagine growing up without faith, without hope, without a constant connection to our Lord.” He spoke a bit about looking around the church, seeing many new faces, many young families, and this truly warms his heart. But where are those other faces? During the pandemic, many families were not able to attend Mass for months, but with vaccines and life returning to normal, and kids back in school, why have they not come back? “Oh, I want to reach out to them, to all people—old and Father Carlos (back center) is one of seven children born and raised near Medellin, Columbia.
Father Carlos with Lucy Perry, daughter of Devin and Regina Perry of Granby. Submitted photos
young and especially to the teenagers. As a young priest I have so much to offer them, life with hope and direction and gratitude.” Since his assignment to the parish, many positive changes have taken place. There is a renewed vibrance and energy to the church, a more welcoming space to worship and socialize with others. There’s a new music director, a new parish manager, an enriched religious education program for families, and most recently, a new state-of-theart sound system. Father’s homilies are clear and deeply meaningful. Each one is rooted in humility, echoing Father’s roots in a place far simpler than the way of life in this affluent town.” When asked what he would like to say to readers here in Granby and our surrounding towns? He quickly responded by saying, “Oh! Well, the beautiful season of Advent and Christmas is upon us, and this is a time when families all come together. I would like to invite all to come and celebrate the gift of Christ in our life. Our church here is a place where those who are inspired Father Carlos celebrates Mass at St. Therese.
by Jesus feel called to grow with others and be light and salt of the earth. I feel like my heart is so inspired by our patron saint, Saint Therese o f Lis ieu x . From the first day I arrived here … I felt her presence. We are alike Father Carlos with a pet in this way: rabbit at the Blessing of she felt like the Animals service. her mission was to love, love simply and I feel like my mission is the same and is about to begin…to help others love God as I love Him.” Saint Therese Church will hold Christmas Eve Masses at 4 and 8 p.m., and Christmas Day Masses at 8 and 11 a.m. For more information, visit sttheresegranby.com
In Memory Of... Saunders, George W., 91, husband of the late Betty M. Saunders, October 16 Williams, Douglas H., 72, husband of Pamela (Slavis) Williams, October 26 Minnich, Rev. Donald L., 85, husband of Dorothea (Packard) Minnich, October 30 Cole, Martha Ann, 83, partner of Alfred “Al” Hunt, November 1 Genis, Joseph, 88, November 3 Logie, Brenda Lee (Nielsen), 71, wife of David Logie, November 7 White, Kenneth C., 93, husband of the late Beatrice (Bolduc) White, November 7 Cobb, Ruth (Terry), 89, wife of Leland D. Cobb, November 7 Cody, Daniel R., 33, husband of Tracy.
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Page 20 The Granby Drummer
Enjoy a hike on new bog bridges With the footbridge over the Salmon Brook washed out by Hurricane Ida, the Holcomb Farm trails to the east of Simsbury Road are suddenly getting much more traffic. The good news is that there is so much to see up there: the Holcomb Tree Trail, the new interpretive signs and the gorgeous views. But there is also a muddy reminder of the 40 inches of rain we have had since July 2021. Who you gonna call? The Bog Walk Crew! Head up there for a walk today and you will encounter more than 200 feet—with another 100 feet in the works—of handmade “bog bridges,” allowing people to pass through wet areas, while still leaving room for our four-legged friends to tread through the wet stuff. In case you aren’t familiar with bog bridges, here is a good explanation: “Any hiker who has spent time in one of New England’s many conservation lands has encountered the humble bog bridge. Also known as an Alaskan boardwalk, puncheon or split log bridge, the deceptively simple structure keeps our feet dry and protects soft soils and wetlands. The bridges open up a portal into some of New England’s unique wetlands and give visitors the chance to see rare plants such as predatory pitcher plants, x3 enormous5cinnamon ferns and the spectacular blooms of giant rhododendrons. Bog bridge anatomy consists of two base logs, or sills and large boards or half-logs called stringers. The stringers rest on top of the sills and are held together by spikes or long screws. Bog
December 2021
She keeps the Holcomb Farm Store looking spiffy! By Shirley Murtha
Members of The Bog Crew, from left: Jim Szipszky, Jack Lareau, Dave Tolli, Jim Lofink. Missing from photo, David Desiderato. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal.
bridges can pass over short muddy spots or link together to extend deep into wild marshes.” (source: naturegroupie. org/story/stewardship-tip-biology-bogbridges) The Bog Walk Crew includes Jack Lareau, Jim Szipszky, Dave Tolli, Jim Lofink, Dave Desiderato and Eric Lukingbeal. Think of them fondly as you tread the dry bog walks. New kiosk installed To ensure you don’t get lost on the Holcomb Tree Trail, an information kiosk, complete with a map, is finally installed—and it is as beautiful as it is informative. Find it past the gate at the junction of Simsbury Road and Day Street South, some 100 yards up the dirt road. Thanks again to the local Lions Club for its financial contribution.
Raised in Ellington and a recent transplant to West Granby, Melody Smith found herself at Holcomb Farm looking for fresh organic vegetables. Although she had a degree from St. Joseph College in nutrition and dietetic sciences, she found the clinical setting in which to pursue that type of career a bit stifling. Smith’s frequent trips to Holcomb Farm made her realize that agriculture was a much better fit and she soon was hired to help in the store. Melody occasionally helps in the field, or with prepping the veggies for the bins in the store, but her main job has been to greet CSA participants and other patrons and to make sure that everything looks neat and inviting. Her cheerful demeanor and big smile have been noticed by many, as has her helpfulness when patrons have questions or are checking out. The store is now closed for the season as the summer storms wiped out any chance of having the usual widely popular winter shares, so Melody will spend her time teaching yoga and helping behind the scenes at the Farm when necessary. You might even see her at some of
Melody Smith, smiling face of the Holcomb Farm Store. Photo by Shirley Murtha
the pop-up sales that will be taking place during the holiday seasons. If the name Melody Smith rings a bell with you, it may be that you remember reading her name here in the Drummer as the first Granby woman to cross the finish line in this year’s Granby Road Race. She is affectionately referred to as “the fastest woman in Granby” by her boss, Farmer Joe O’Grady. Yup, she is a runner, and engaged to Josh Welch, the manager of the Fleet Feet shoe store in West Hartford.
Holcomb Farm cont’d. on p. 21
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December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 21
The new informational kiosk provides a map of the mowed paths and woodland trails that make up the Tree Trail. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal
Holcomb Farm cont’d. from p. 20 Other trail improvements Taking advantage of the lovely November weather, volunteers, including some of those who built the bog bridges, planted 500 daffodil bulbs in 2.5 hours. And the Tree Trail continues to evolve. Thanks to Shawn Bosco of Bosco’s Garden Center for the donation of the Kousa dogwood and a variegated sweet gum, hardy volunteers got them safely into the ground before the first frost. Stewarding this property for the benefit of our community is a labor of love for these folks, so join us in thanking them. Better yet, join them! People interested
On Nov. 6, this crew planted 500 daffodils on the Holcomb Tree Trail. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal
in volunteering to help with trail and tree management should contact cathy@ holcombfarm.org Farm veggies available this winter The Farm has continued to provide sustenance to our Fresh Access partners into the middle of November, with plans to extend the season even further in the year in 2022. And, while we had to cancel winter CSA shares, we have been able to provide substantial winter veggies and fresh greens through weekend openings of the Farm Store. If you missed the November opportunities, stay tuned for drive-by bag pick-ups in December, as well as a Farmer’s Market at Lost Acres Vineyard on Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us and other local farmers to be sure your holiday table is healthy and local. Thank you for supporting Fresh Access Our ability to extend the season for our Fresh Access partners depends on two things: how much we can grow and how much money we can raise. The Farm Crew did heroic work in 2021. Community support for the special Fresh Access fundraising drive in October, in lieu of the pandemic-cancelled annual Harvest Dinner and Auction, showed that we—and you—aren’t going to let the pandemic get in the way of providing food to people who need it. We hope the Harvest Dinner and Auction will be back next year, but in the meantime, we thank you for your support of neighbors in need, here in Granby and throughout the greater Hartford region. Year-end thoughts We finish up another successful year of the Friends of Holcomb Farm stewarding this town treasure as we always do, with our Annual Appeal and huge thanks to the people of Granby. Our administrative expenses are kept very low, under 5 percent of annual revenue, while the food produced for Fresh Access is worth
Volunteers have built more than 200 feet of bog bridge on the east side trails so far. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal
at least 40 percent more than what it costs us to produce. The land is being improved—invasive plants removed, trails built and maintained, new trees planted —all through volunteers. We pay to lease, and support upkeep of the town-owned infrastructure we use—the CSA barn and farmhouse—so taxpayers don’t have to. “We” are the volunteer board, and more than 700 members of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. If you aren’t a member already, you can and should join. Please help us continue all the good through your contribution to the Annual Fund Drive. A $25 contribution in response to the mail campaign, or online at Holcomb Farm.org/donate, gives you the gift of engagement and connection with this special place: Granby’s own Holcomb Farm. Thank you.
A newly planted Kousa dogwood shows off its fall plumage on the Holcomb Tree Trail. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal
On a final note of 2021, we bid a fond farewell and huge helping of gratitude to Mark Fiorentino who has served on the Friends of Holcomb Farm board for the past 12 years. Fiorentino has been hugely instrumental in reenergizing the Friends’ Fresh Access program that, if all goes according to plan, will be providing fresh produce and fruit worth close to $90,000 to people in need in 2022. The Friends’ loss is Granby’s gain, as Fiorentino was elected Granby’s First Selectman in November. Thank you, Mark, for your passion for the cause.
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Join us in person for Worship Services
Dec. 5, Joint service at South Church, 10 am Dec. 12, at First Church, 10 am Dec. 19, Joint service at South Church, 10 am Dec. 24, Christmas Eve ➢ 5 pm Outdoor Service at South Church ➢ 8 pm Candlelight Service at First Church • Dec. 26, Joint Service at First Church, Pajama Sunday • All January services will be held at First Church. Please check our website for the latest Covid protocols.
You may also join us remotely on FaceBook Live or firstchurchgranby.org. Service is also recorded for later viewing.
Upcoming Events at First Church:
Special Community Blue Christmas Service, Thursday, Dec. 16, 7 pm Sponsored by Carmon Funeral Homes Complimentary Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs, Fridays, 3 - 4 pm. Granby Food Bank Collection, Sat., Dec. 4, 9:30 - 11 a.m. 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 Telephone: (860) 653-4537 www.firstchurchgranby.org
Page 22 The Granby Drummer
December 2021
Browse & Borrow ADULTS AND TEENS Pet Portrait Watercolor Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at the Workshop at Holcomb Farm. Paint a lasting memento of a cherished family pet. Keep it for yourself or gift it during the holidays. Adults are invited to transform a photograph of a favorite pet into a watercolor work of art with artist and instructor Nancy Roman. Simply bring a 5”x7” photograph or image of your pet and take home a personally painted memento. All materials will be provided, as well as step-by-step instruction. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Buone Feste! Italy’s Happy Holidays: Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. While Italy is a relatively young, unified country, its festive celebrations have been influenced for centuries by different religious and secular practices. Hear more from presenter Mariann Millard, who recently returned from the Mediterranean peninsula. Find out how Italy embraces the last month of the calendar year with gusto! Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library Dashing Through the Snow: The Real History of Christmas in New England: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The reality of Christmas in early New England may be disappointing to some and unbelievable to many, but the actual historical celebration—or lack of celebration —of Christmas is a very interesting tale. Join historian Dennis D. Picard when he shares the story of how the holiday blended the heritage and spirit of many cultures and many lands. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Book Historical Society. Crafters Café: Crepe Paper Poinsettia: Thursday, Dec. 16, 2–3:30 p.m. at F. H. Cossitt Library Branch. Paper floral artist Susan Canavan leads a live, in-person, workshop handcrafting the colorful poinsettia. Adults and older teens are invited to create floral art using the highest quality Italian and German crepe paper. All materials are provided; there is no fee. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library. Writers Group: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5–6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Adult fiction writers gather virtually each month on the first Tuesday. Hone your writing chops with timed prompts and other creative writing exercises. Enjoy the helpful critiques and friendly conversation with other writers. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Monday Funday: Monday, Dec. 6, 3:30–4:30 p.m., at Main Branch. Teens and tweens are invited to make a cute and colorful gnome ornament to keep or give for the holidays. There is no fee; all materials and instruction are provided. Register online to save a seat; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Plan B Book Discussion: Monday, Dec. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. This month’s Plan B virtual book discussion title is All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Copies are available in the library, via hoopla or through curbside pickup. Connect online through reading, conversation and good books. No computer/internet at home? No problem—join in by phone. Contact the library to learn how. Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, lead the friendly, fun discussions. Register online for the Zoom program link. Check the library website in December for programs for Adults and Teens in the New Year.
GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM granby-ct.gov/library 860-844-5275 GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours at Main Branch Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Hours at Cossitt Branch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3–8 p.m.
Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website, granby-ct.gov/library, or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter in person, on the website or by phone.
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Special Programs
Mail a Letter to The North Pole: Dec. 1–23, at Granby Public Library. Drop your letter for Santa into our special red mailbox located outside the library, right next to the book drops. Still need to write your wish list? We have paper and everything you need inside at the Children’s Desk. We’ll make sure your letter gets to the North Pole in plenty of time. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Decorate a Mini Gingerbread House: Saturday, Dec. 4, choose 10–11 a.m. or 1–2 p.m., at Granby Senior Center Community Room. Come get in the holiday spirit! We supply everything you need to decorate a mini paper house with candy, frosting, licorice and other goodies. Space is limited and registration is required in advance. All participants age 2 and older are asked to please wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at Main Branch: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. Join Miss Joan for a very special reading of the holiday classic by Clement Clark Moore. All children who attend will receive a holiday treat to take home. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at Cossitt: Thursday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. Miss Heather reads the Christmas classic for all ages. Holiday pajamas encouraged! Special treats will be given to all attendees to take home. Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., at the Children’s Room, Main Branch. Calling all crafty kids, age 3 and up—stop by and select a craft kit from our Craft Box to take home and complete. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be provided. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Craft kits and activity sheets are also available in the Children’s Room at Cossitt Library during regular open hours. Note: some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Stuffie Sleepover: Friday, Jan. 14, drop off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, pick up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Special Sleepover Story Time at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14. Snow dates Jan. 21–22. Main Branch. Drop off a favorite (but maybe not the MOST favorite) stuffed toy on Friday for a sleepover at the library. Join us at drop-off for an optional Sleepover Story Time to send your huggable friends off with style. We’ll make sure your stuffie has lots of fun during their stay with us! Come
back on Saturday for some donuts and juice and see what your stuffie was doing while you were sleeping. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Family Yoga: Saturday, Jan. 29, 9–9:45 a.m. at Main Branch. For ages 5 and up. Time to unwind and relax! Instructor Aubrey Schulz guides us through some basic poses. Please bring a towel or yoga mat. Registration required in advance. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Special Programs for School Vacation Week
Worried that long school vacation week will feel too long? Break up the week and bring your family to the library! There’s a new activity for every day of the week. No registration needed. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. LEGO Challenge: Monday, Dec. 27, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 3 and up (small pieces may be a choking hazard). Love LEGOS? Love a challenge? Join us to test your skills—we provide the LEGOS and the challenges. Pony Bead Creations: Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1:303:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 6 and up. Use our beads and fuzzy sticks to craft a snowflake or 3-D ornament. Materials and instruction provided. Build a Marshmallow Snowman: Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 3 and up (small pieces may be a choking hazard). Build a snowman with our marshmallows and toothpicks. How tall can you make him before he falls down? Winter Tiny Town: Thursday, Dec. 29, 1:30– 3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 6 and up. Create a miniature town with paper templates and your imagination. We’ll display your tiny buildings in our display case in January.
Story Times
Good Morning Tuesday Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25. 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for Story Time. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Children will receive an easy craft or activity sheet to take home and complete. No registration needed. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Good Morning Wednesday Story Time with Miss Joan: Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and
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Personal Service: Need help choosing books or other library materials for yourself or your family? Our resourceful staff are always available to help. Please stop in or call for assistance in selecting your next favorite title: 860-844-5275 for adults and teens, 860-844-5285 for children. Learning at Your Library: Did you know that the library offers people free access to several online learning databases, ready to help people gain new professional skills, creative abilities, and job-seeking tips? Check out the library website’s “Online Learning” page to access LinkedIn Learning, CreativeBug, JobNow, and the Computer Skills Center to see what you can learn next. Libby: Use this Library App to check out up to 10 titles at a time, and read or listen to best-sellers, old favorites, and new releases—all with the click of a button. With titles that can be read on nearly any device (including your kindle), there is something for everyone. This digital bookshelf allows you to place holds on popular titles and download the books people are talking about as easily as pulling out your Granby Library card. Hoopla! Granby Library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your GPL library card. Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month with no holds, and no waiting. Take advantage of these free digital checkouts in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby—and use your Granby Library Card anywhere you are. Museum Passes: Granby Library Patrons can borrow museum passes that will provide visitors with free or reduced rates for dozens of museums across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check the library website or call for more details. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.
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Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26. 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. Same program as on Tuesdays. Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27. 6–6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Join Miss Heather as she welcomes children ages 4–7 and their caregivers for story time. Pajamas encouraged! We’ll read stories and sing songs together. Each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library. Story Time On Your Time: No time to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or call the library and request a Story Time Bag for you and your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy, and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in our online catalog or by calling 860-844-5275.
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December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 23
From The Archives Historic Footnotes by the late Carol 1934 – 2021
Laun
Originally published December 1982
Christmas Past
(From an interview with the late Edna Spring Messenger) “I think we fussed more about Christmas in those days (c.1895). On Christmas Eve, Dad would hitch two horses to the bob sled and we would ride to church, the Copper Hill Methodist Church in East Granby. There was always a church entertainment; the children would recite appropriate pieces. “ We d i d n o t have a Christmas tree at home, there was a big tree set up at church for all the church families. All the families took their Edna Spring Messenger, gifts to church and hung them on the age 6, 1893. Courtesy tree. There was no of SBHS fancy wrapping paper then, all the presents were in brown paper. They were the only trimming on the tree. “The older men would then call off the names on the gifts. There was a sort of a contest to see whose name was called the most times. One neighbor had no children, but used to try to have his niece’s name called the most. We received gifts like sleds, skates, clothes, umbrellas and games like checkers, dominos and Pit. There was always an orange and a bag of candy for each child. “I think this was just the Methodist
method of celebration. We had no big celebration at home, no big family dinner. We did hang up our stockings on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve. I don’t remember why we hung them up on New Year’s Eve. We would find mittens and candy, nuts and oranges in our stockings. On Christmas Day we would play with our new toys.” (From an interview with the late Helen Cotton Howland) “It was Christmas Eve about 1898 when my family went to Granby’s Universalist Church to attend a Christmas service for children and parents. The church seemed filled with children who rendered Christmas stories, verses and songs. Following this, the children lingered around the Christmas tree to receive oranges while parents visited. “The ride home in the big sleigh was one of the most impressive and memorable experiences I can recall. I didn’t know that the world seemed so big. Perhaps it was the first evening ride I ever had in winter. The pure white crusty snow seemed to cover the whole world. In the quiet of the night with no traffic and nothing stirring, the full moon topped the snow with its golden light, while high above, our eyes encircled the glittering stars which seemed to want to speak. No sounds except for a jingle of sleigh bells and quiet conversation. An illustrious picture to remember through the years. “The real excitement came Christmas
New Life Members of the Granby Lions
At a recent meeting, the Granby Lions Club presented Life Membership awards to Lions Phillip D. Main (left) and Michael B. Guarco (right). Life Membership awards are based on outstanding service as a Lion. Both men have been Granby Lions for almost 60 years! Presenting the award is Connecticut Lions District 23-B 2nd Vice District Governor Peter Nevers. Submitted photo
Why We Should Be Your
Cleaning ice for skating at Riverside Park, Hartford. January 1915. Courtesy Connecticut Historical Society Museum, Hartford
morning. We could hardly wait to run to the Christmas tree to open packages and empty our stockings. We had few gifts, but perhaps we appreciated them more. There were toys we had never seen before and books that held our attention throughout the day. My parents and older half brothers and sisters would get down and play with the little ones. Once my father attached a wire to the ceiling and we had a toy monkey that would climb the wire. We had such fun and played with that the longest time. We also had oranges and Christmas candy canes. We always had a tree and would go back on the mountain to cut it. It was a time of family fun. “The day’s excitement increased when cousins and aunts and uncles arrived for dinner. Our long black walnut table with many leaves would be set up for Christmas dinner, always very special for holidays. It was big enough to seat 20 or 21 people and there was so much food! We usually had a huge old-fashioned chicken pie and all the additions.
How could a day pass so soon? “I still recall, how in the early evening after company had gone, I stood alone by the long kitchen table admiring the long white table- Christmas greeting from the cloth and the past. Courtesy SBHS two beautiful lighted kerosene lamps, one a Rochester, the other a Gone With The Wind lamp. I said to myself, ‘Why can’t we have this every night?’ And so the most important day of the year came to an end.”
With thanks to Faith Tyldsley who researched the Salmon Brook Historical Society archives to select this article and photos.
Christmas Memories When I think back to my memories of childhood Christmases so many years ago, I see the tree my father and I decorated on Christmas Eve. It stood in its familiar corner of the living room with its blue lights sparkling, its silver tinsel lovingly hanging on its branches, its bright gold, silver, red, and green balls in just the right spots, and its golden topper like a crown. It would only be up until New Year’s Day, so all its beauty had to be absorbed in a short time. I see the swag wreath on the front door. Its branches were cut from the pine tree in the yard and tied with the red ribbon bow that was saved from year to year. It was my job to wrap the presents. We didn’t have gift bags or stick- on bows back then, so wrapping required some skill. When we opened our presents, we had to try and save the paper so my mother could iron it and use it again the following year. I would use the blunt edge of scissors to curl the ribbons on the packages. My mother made gingerbread men with raisins for the eyes and buttons, and also a big apple pie with a lattice topping. She also washed and ironed my dolls’ clothes and set the dolls on top the couch to welcome Christmas morning. But what especially stands out in my mind, is the fat, red candle in the kitchen window, lit to welcome the wayfarer, the stranger who might, like the Holy Family, be seeking shelter and warmth on a cold, dark night. To me, it’s the simple things that make Christmas meaningful. The love and caring of family and friends, the sharing of good food, love and laughter, and having others know that the Stranger is always welcome. —Bernadette R. Gentry
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Page 24 The Granby Drummer
What is the difference between a National Register of Historic Places and Connecticut’s State Registry? By Ken Kuhl The best way to summarize the difference is that the National Register District identifies worthy properties and historic areas, and the local district protects them. Both National Register districts and locally designated historic districts or properties can be used as effective preservation tools, either independently or together, to help preserve a community’s historic resources. Connecticut’s State Register includes districts; sites; buildings; structures and objects of national, state, or local significance. The term “resources” is used for all types of historically important property or places. They must possess integrity for their location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association and: 1. are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the history or the lives of persons significant in our past; or 2. that display the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; or that represent the work of a master craftsman, that possess high artistic values, and that represents a significant entity; or 3. that have yielded, or might be likely to yield, information important in history. As an example, the National Register program might be used as a convenient and credible way to identify a community’s historic resources, followed by local district designation, which would further protect and enhance those resources through the process of design review. Conversely, a local survey to establish a local historic district might also be used as the basis for a National Register
district nomination, which would afford additional preservation incentives, including rehabilitation tax credits, to properties protected in the local district. Local district designation might also be used to selectively protect portions of National Register districts considered especially significant to a community or subject to particularly strong development pressures. The local designation also might be afforded to an area larger than a National Register district to provide an even greater degree of protection to the historic resources within the National Register district. Some communities’ preservation needs may be met entirely with either a locally designated district or a National Register district; there are many examples in Connecticut of both situations. Other communities may believe that a package involving both types of districts works best. Remember: local districts and National Register districts are different, but complementary, and can work effectively by themselves or together to meet a community’s historic preservation needs. The State Register DOES • Identify historically significant buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts according to the State Register Criteria for Evaluation. • Encourage the preservation of historic properties by documenting the significance of historic properties and by lending support to local preservation activities. • Enable State and local agencies to consider historic properties in the early stages of planning projects. • Provide for the review of State-funded
December 2021
or assisted projects which may affect Register. The historic districts include historic properties. the West Granby District and the Granby • Make owners of historic properties Center District. The private residences eligible to apply for tax credits and nonare the Samuel Hayes House on Barndoor profit or municipal owners eligible for Hills Road and the Nathaniel Holcomb restoration funds. House on Bushy Hill Road. • Provide for special consideration Unfortunately, the Town of Granby under State Building and Fire Codes for has lost two very important properties historic properties. recently—the Allen’s Cider Mill in North • Provide for special consideration unGranby Center and the Judah Holcomb der the Americans with Disabilities Act. House on North Granby Road. • Provide for review under State Lead The Allen’s Mill was built in 1783 and Poisoning law for historic properties was listed on the National Register in requiring abatement. 1992. At the time it was one of the last remaining cider mills in the State of ConThe State Register DOES NOT necticut. It operated as a mill until 1857, • Restrict the rights of private owners in during which time it was one of Conthe use or development of their privately necticut’s largest cider brandy producers. owned historic property. The Judah Holcomb House was built • Lead automatically to historic district in 1776 and was one of the finest exdesignation amples of late Georgian architecture in • Force Federal, State, local or private Connecticut. It was especially known projects to be stopped. for its elaborate entry surround and its • Provide for review of local or priwealth of interior woodwork. It was vately funded projects which may affect listed on the National Register in 1988. historic properties. Judah Holcomb was Granby’s original • Guarantee that grant funds will be First Selectman at the town’s founding available for all significant historic in 1786. Before its demolition, due to properties. fire, the Connecticut River Doorway was • Provide automatic tax benefits to ownremoved and is now preserved at Historic ers of historic properties. Deerfield, Mass. At this time only properties in the southern part of Connecticut have been listed on the SHPO (State Historic Preservation Offices) website. In order to find out which Granby properties have been listed on the State Register, a call to SHPO is required. Besides the Frederick H. Cossitt Library, Granby currently has two historic districts, two private homes, and two buildings located on the grounds of the Salmon Brook Historical Image courtesy of the Mark Twain House and Museum Society listed on the National
TOWN OF GRANBY
2022 Recycling Pickup Schedule
(recycling weeks indicated by shaded areas) Trash and recycling barrels must be curbside prior to 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022
Su
2 9 16 23 30
No trash holidays this month
M
Tu
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
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F
Sa
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29
Su
Su
M
1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30
Tu
3 10 17 24 31
W
Th
F
Sa
Su
M
4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26
Tu 6 13 20 27
W
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F
Sa
No trash holidays this month
Su
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Tu
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F
W Th F Sa 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28 29 30 1
Su 2 9 16 23 30
M 3 10 17 24 31
Tu 4 11 18 25
W 5 12 19 26
M
Tu
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1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30
Sa
Su
Th
F
Sa
3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31
Th F Sa 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
Independence Day – 7/4/22
Su
3 10 17 24
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa
Su
31 7 14 21 28
November 2022
Su
Thanksgiving – 11/24/22
M
Tu 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29
W 2 9 16 23 30
No trash holidays this month
M
Tu
F
Th F Sa 3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26
No trash holidays this month
M
Tu
Sa
W
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F
Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 December 2022
Su 4 11 18 25
No trash holidays this month.
M
Tu
W Th F Sa 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31
Paine’s 2022 observed holidays
Labor Day - September 5, 2022 Thanksgiving Day - November 24, 2022 Christmas Day – no change in service
When in doubt, put it out!
Th
1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30
Trash/recycling pickup will be delayed by one day if your pickup day is on or after the holiday.
New Year’s Day - no change in service Memorial Day - May 30, 2022 Independence Day – July 4, 2022
W
August 2022
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
October 2022
No trash holidays this month
No trash holidays this month
July 2022
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September 2022 Su
Tu
June 2022
4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
Labor Day – 9/5/22
M
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
May 2022
Memorial Day – 5/30/22
No trash holidays this month
December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 25
Granby Land Trust explores Wilhelm Farm woodlands By Shirley Murtha Granby Land Trust members Ann Wilhelm and Bill Bentley graciously invited the Granby Land Trust to join them and DEEP forester David Beers for a walk at Wilhelm Farm on Nov. 14. Providing food for the Wilhelm family from 1936 to 1990, the farm has now switched its emphasis to a managed forest that provides timber, songbird, deer, and small mammal habitat, and most important
in this time of climate change, carbon sequestration and storage. Of the more than 45 acres, 31 are managed for white pine, oak, and maple. There is also some birch, which is particularly valuable as a veneer provider. Over seven acres are being converted to silvopasture, in which goats are happy to munch their way through invasives and other brush. Along the walk, Beers, Wilhelm and Bentley provided commentary regarding the different types of trees and their
growth requirements. Land Trust member and expert birder John Weeks noted various bird habitats and most enjoyably was able to coax a ruby-crowned kinglet to reply to the song on his bird identification app. Wilhelm Farm is protected by a GLT conservation easement donated to the Land Trust in 1992 by Ann’s parents,
Fred and Edith Wilhelm. Fred and Edith were recipients of the Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust award in 2009. To learn more about Wilhelm Farm and its Farm Demonstration Project, visit WilhelmFarm.com Thanks to everyone who made this informative hike possible.
Getting dirty for a good cause
Ann Wilhelm and Bill Bentley hosted about 35 GLT members for an informative tour detailing the benefits of managing forestland at Wilhelm Farm. Photo by Don Shaw.
Sunrise at the library Paul McDonnell was in the right place— Granby Public Library— at the right time— sunrise—for this lovely photo.
About 20 Granby Land Trust members spent a Saturday morning in late October working to clean up the trails on the GLT’s Godard Preserve with its trail head located off Donahue Road in North Granby. GLT relies on a full cadre of volunteers, with almost 50 property stewards, a 17-member all-volunteer board, a Youth Conservation Corps and rotating crew of members-at-large who are willing to get dirty on a weekend morning to help the GLT manage its properties. With 2,113 acres of land under our management and another 794 acres under easement, caretaking is a big job, and we are so grateful to our Land Trust volunteers for all the help they provide! To learn more about future events, visit GranbyLandTrust.org Photo by Rick Orluk
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December 2021
Granby Land Trust holds Annual Meeting
Named in memory of Olof Stevenson, who served as the caretaker on the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve for more than 50 years when it was privately owned, the new Olof Stevenson Award celebrates exemplary stewardship work by a member(s) of the Granby Land Trust. The inaugural Olof Stevenson Award was presented by GLT Vice President Dave Emery to Olof’s daughter, Karen Saunders, and her husband, Bob, at the Annual Meeting. Pictured with them is Rick Orluk (l.). Karen and Bob now serve as property stewards for the GLT’S Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, and as such they walk, monitor and care for the property on an almost daily basis. Photo by Don Shaw.
Granby Land Trust President Rick Orluk welcomed more than 70 GLT members to the Granby Land Trust Annual Meeting on the newly opened Katan-Ensor Preserve in West Granby on Oct 16. Submitted photo
Orluk recognized GLT board member Eric Lukingbeal (r.) and his wife, Sally King, for their generous donation of 11.5 acres of wildlife habitat and agricultural land to the Granby Land Trust. Eric and Sally purchased the land located off Day Street—to be known as The Brockett Preserve—for the express purpose of ensuring its permanent preservation; and the GLT has signed a five-year lease with the House of Hayes to return its open fields to working farmland, using sound farming practices. Photo by Don Shaw
The GLT presented the Ann Pelka Unsung Hero Award to GLT member Don Shaw. This award recognizes an individual who has worked tirelessly and behind the scenes on behalf of the Land Trust. In this case, the recipient has worked tirelessly behind the lens of his camera, capturing the beauty of the GLT’s properties, and helping tell the story of the land. The GLT is grateful to Ann Pelka for her generous, selfless and benevolent act on behalf of the Land Trust (she gave 150 acres to the Land Trust in 2017), and the organization is likewise grateful to Don Shaw for his generosity and selflessness. Don Shaw in center, GLT President Rick Orluk on left and longtime GLT board member Put Brown on right. Photo by Shirley Murtha
GLT Annual Meeting Guest Speaker Mark Williams, author of Tempest in a Small Town, the Myth and Reality of Country Life: Granby, CT, 1660-1940, shared stories with the Land Trust membership about the Messenger Family, who settled on Popatunuck Mountain in 1750 and carved out a living on this remote and rugged land for more than 150 years. Messenger Homestead foundations are located on the GLT’s Old Messenger Road Preserves and now can be accessed via the GLT’s new trail through the Richard P. Garmany Preserve. Submitted photo
Trish Percival, pictured here with GLT Board Member Put Brown, works with the Land Trust on a broad range of projects, including marketing and communications, membership (where the Land Trust has seen tremendous growth over the last several years), accreditation renewal and other special projects. Percival was honored at the GLT Annual Meeting for her years of dedicated and thoughtful service to the Land Trust and the Granby community. Submitted photo
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Steve Perry (on right), who manages the organization’s GIS mapping projects, builds the GLT’s trail head kiosks, serves as a property steward, and provides general property management services, received special recognition for his hard work and dedication to the Granby Land Trust at the GLT’s Annual Meeting. Submitted photo
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December 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 27
Art for Rent! By Shirley Murtha Alex Anisimov has a solution to the problem so many of us have. We love art, but new works are expensive, and we don’t really have any more room for them anyway. Anisimov has created a new way for locals to solve this problem: pick a spot where you are willing to rotate your art and rent one of his paintings. Anisimov, a member of the Granby Artists Association, runs the Granby Art Gallery at 2 Park Place in Granby Center. He considers the small gallery a museum of sorts for his oils and drawings. He cre-
ates works of various styles and sizes, often using unique framing material. If you visit there and see something you love but can’t afford, you can work out a plan with Anisimov to rent one of his works of art (for as little as $1 a day) for a given length of time. When you are in the mood for something different, you return the piece and select something else. Anisimov believes in the freedom and flexibility of decorating and feels his plan could be a big help to many households. Contact him by texting or calling 860-4368599, email at anisimov123@hotmail.com or visit alexanderanisimovstudio.com Alex Anisimov shows one of his modern style paintings.
What’s for Supper? Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon
A traditional floral painting by Anisimov. Photos by Shirley Murtha
Good news for Granby birds
By Pamela Scherrer This month I am sharing a recipe that my good friend Jen made for me recently. It is very easy to make and is the ultimate comfort food as it has BACON in it! The recipe is from the Pioneer Woman, and as usual I made some modifications which I note in parenthesis below. This is my new favorite butternut soup. Ingredients 8 oz. thick cut bacon (I used Wright brand from Big Y) vegetable oil as needed 1 sweet onion, diced 2 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded and cut into large cubes (I used two packages of pre-cut squash) 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, coarse 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 cup water ½ cup heavy cream (I used half & half and it was still very creamy) ¼ cup maple syrup Directions Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces, place in a large pot over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. If you have less than ¼ cup of drippings, add a little vegetable oil to the pan. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized, about 7-8
O’Grady talks Holcomb Farm history with breakfast group
minutes. Add the squash and 1 teaspoon salt and toss to coat well in the onion mixture. Add the chicken broth and water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes. If you have an immersion blender, place in the pot and blend until smooth. Or transfer to a regular blender in batches—don’t do all at once or overload as it is very hot. Put mixture back in pot once blended smooth. Add the cream, maple syrup and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Serve with the crispy bacon pieces on top. Buon Appetito!
On the morning of Nov. 13, from left, John Spatcher, Drake Klotzman, Jay Martin and Paul Keary filled the cars and trucks waiting to pick up a wide variety of birdseed that had been ordered from the Granby Lions Club a few weeks earlier. Thanks to Pierce Builders, as always, for the use of a storage bay to facilitate this event. Photo by Shirley Murtha
May you be wrapped in the Simple Joys of this Holiday Season
o
Judy Guarco 860-651-2127
JudyGuarco@bhhsne.com JudyGuarco.bhhsneproperties.com This Granby Girl Knows GRANBY!
Joe O’Grady, Farm Manager of Holcomb Farm, spoke to the ladies attending the November Women’s Breakfast about Holcomb Farm’s history and this year’s crop challenges. Photo by Joan Ducharme
Resident for 60+ years Customer Service Awards for 10+ Years Five-Star Professional Realtor Award for the last 7 years Awarded the 2020 “President’s Circle” Top 4% Nationally for Berkshire HathawayHome Services © 2021 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity
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Erica Maglieri 860-324-6842
EricaMaglieri@bhhsne.com EricaMaglieri.bhhsneproperties.com This Simsbury Girl Knows SIMSBURY! Born and Raised in Simsbury Expert in New Construction including Excavation, Architecture and Interior Design Awarded "Leading Edge Society” -Top 10% of the Network Nationally for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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Page 28 The Granby Drummer
Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM
Drug-resistant hookworms are spreading in dogs
Parasitologists are now warning us about multi-drug resistant hookworms that are spreading from dog to dog in the United States. This is mostly an issue in retired racing greyhounds. There is also a concern that these hookworms are spreading from greyhounds to the general dog population. It is a rare but well-known problem that hookworms can also threaten human health by releasing larvae that can penetrate our skin and cause infection. Some of these hookworm isolates are resistant to all three classes of dewormer. The three medications that are typically prescribed are: fenbendazole (panacur), pyrantel (strongid), and moxidectin (advantage multi). Racetrack workers are able to buy these medications without prescriptions and have produced drug-resistant hookworms from improper dosing. There are also poor husbandry practices at these facilities. Most of the resistant parasites have been discovered in Georgia and Florida. Racetracks have closed in Florida and elsewhere. There
are only five remaining tracks operating in the United States: two in West Virginia and one each in Arizona, Iowa and Texas. There is one de-wormer that is showing some promise for eliminating hookworm called emodepside (profender). This product is an oral medication that is available in Europe for canine hookworm. Unfortunately, emodepside is only licensed as a topical product for cats in the U.S. Some off-label use of this medication has been effective when given orally in the dog as a last resort. Hookworms are spread by ingesting stool in contaminated areas such as pet day cares and dog parks. It is always important to pick up and dispose of stool from your dog. Owners that use heartgard and interceptor as monthly heartworm preventatives are also preventing intestinal parasites that include hookworm. Remember to have your dog’s fecal sample checked at least annually to be sure your pet doesn’t have worms. If you have a retired greyhound, be sure to check the fecal at least twice a year.
—we hope to see you again very soon!
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December 2021
November 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 29
SPOTLIGHT ON
GRANBY ARTISTS
Insight into the creative process Susan Canavan
Medium: Paper Instagram: @mrsthankyou_studio Email: susanccanavan@gmail.com Member since: 2019 What made you choose your primary medium? And do you work in other mediums? I started making crepe paper flowers several years ago. I had read about a new instructional book and decided to give it a try. Once I figured out where to buy quality paper, I was hooked. Professionally, I worked as a graphic designer and still do design work for the Friends of Holcomb Farm and the Granby Education Foundation, including most recently, the signage on the new trail kiosk at the Holcomb Tree Trail.
Canavan assembling crepe paper gingko branches. Submitted photos
What inspired you to become an artist? And/or what inspires your art? As a kid I liked to draw and make things. In college, I was drawn to illustration and graphic design because I liked the structure and problem solving. My graphic design work is both collaborative and purpose driven; how can I make an engaging design to inform or persuade. Making
paper flowers is a different sort of problem solving. I enjoy the challenges of figuring out how to build the flower, from deciding how best to represent its unique features to actual construction methods. I’m inspired by my own garden flowers and the amazing flowers made by the Café au lait dahlia made paper flower from doublette crepe community. paper. Do you take art classes, workshops and/or do you teach your craft? I have taught classes at the Granby Public Library and will be teaching a class at the library in December. I have also taken workshops from some of the best paper flower artists, which have been essential in improving my craft—there’s always more to learn! Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years? There are many new flowers I’d like to make. I would also like to spend more time experimenting with different methods of altering the color of the paper before cutting and constructing. I’ve recently been dip dying to create ombre paper which mimics the changes in colors on petals. I also want to keep participating in Granby Artists Association events. I will be joining many other Granby artists at the Holiday Gift Show at Holcomb Farm on Dec. 4 and 5.
George Mattingly
Medium: oil paintings Website: artbygeorgebmattingly.com Email: gmattingly4@gmail.com Member since: 2019
Mattingly at work. Submitted photos
Membership in other artist organizations: West Hartford Art League, Connecticut Plein Air Society, New Britain Museum of American Art What inspired you to become an artist? And/or what inspires your art? Drawing and painting was always a passion, copying Sunday comics to comic book art. I was obsessed with perspective and shapes. I had every John Nagy kit and Walter Foster art book out there. I sold my first oil to my art teacher in fourth grade. What is inspiring to me is when I look at art and get that feeling that takes my breath away, that is what I want to give to others. Do you take art classes, workshops and/or do you teach your craft? I take classes at times with accomplished artists who are my mentors like Shauna Shane in Storrs, Jean Manzelli of Windsor and Bill Simpson of Granby. I stopped doing art when I was 18 years old and almost lost my life to alcoholism and drug addiction. I got clean on Cape Cod at age 23 and started studying with the Provincetown Art Association. Instead of following up with that, I took up carpentry and didn’t do art for 40 years. I just started painting again in 2018 and have 100 framed oil paintings. I just had a hugely successful art show last month at the Salmon Brook Park House.
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Page 30 The Granby Drummer
Special Events
Holiday Dinner: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Sponsored by Arden Courts of Avon, with entertainment provided by Airborne Jazz. This holiday favorite starts off with hors d’oeuvres followed by a baked ham dinner, cheesy potatoes, vegetables and dessert. Seating is limited. Register by Dec. 8. Cost $10. Holiday Sing-a-Long with Lori: Thursday, Dec. 16, 1–2 p.m. We will be singing many familiar favorites as well as some new Christmas songs. Register by Dec. 9. Free. Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance: Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 7 through June 29. Instructor: Marcey Hickey. The program is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults and people with balance difficulties. You will learn the movements over 24 weeks in classes held twice a week. Classes are taught by trained instructors in a supportive environment. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. This program is provided for free by a grant from the State Unit on Aging.
Lifetime Learning Academy
Smithsonian Series—Aerial America: Tuesdays, Jan. 11 through March 29 at 1 p.m. Take off on a thrilling flight across America. This epic series offers rare glimpses of our nation’s most treasured landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. From busy city scapes to quiet landscapes, we capture the history and the pageantry of our amazing country, which is as diverse as the people who occupy it. Sign up for one or for all. Pre-registration required. January Schedule: Jan. 11, Connecticut; Jan. 18, Made in the USA (see the crowning achievements and the people behind them); Jan. 25, Washington DC. Winter Wonders: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Presenter, Margery Winters. Learn the many ways winter transforms gardens and landscape, why snowflakes have six sides, and how strangely beautiful and startling winter can be in this fun visual presentation. Register by Jan. 19. Cost $5.
Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. The Granby Senior Center is open for many classes and programs. Masks are required at the time of publication. Status will be updated according to Health District guidance. We are required to record attendance for contact tracing purposes. All persons entering the building must be members and scan in with their new membership card. If you haven’t received a new card you will be given one upon your return to the Center. If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352 to register.
Music and Arts
Music Jam: Dec. 8 and 22, Jan. 5 and 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun, this is an informal gathering for those who love music and play a non-wind instrument. Free. Intermediate Suzuki Violin Lessons: Friday, Jan. 7–April 29, 9 a.m. No April 15. Instructor, Selah Kwak. Violin lessons (16-week session) will continue for those who are at an intermediate level with the Suzuki Method. Minimum of five people needed to hold the class. Registration required. Cost $210. Stamping: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Dec. 16 and Jan. 20. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5. Crafting with Tully: Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. We will be making conversation heart magnets just in time for Valentine’s Day next month. These creative magnets let you share your sentiments in a fun way. Register by Jan. 5. Free.
Health and Wellness
I Can’t Hear My Phone Calls: Thursday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Presented by CaptionCall. Do you have trouble hearing on the phone? Do you keep asking people to repeat themselves? Come learn what captioning services are all about, how it works and how you may be eligible for a no-cost phone. Register by Nov. 23. Free. Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented by Hearing Care Centers. Jack Felix will answer questions about hearing health including: What’s new in hearing aid technology? When do I need hearing aids? What about the costs of hearing
aids? Why do hearing aids sometimes end up in the drawer? Come learn everything you need to know. A light lunch will be served. Register by Dec. 1. Free. Medicare Fraud Patrol: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. Presented by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, the presentation will cover types of fraud and the steps that seniors can take to protect themselves. Register by Jan. 12. Free.
Support and Health
Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Friday, Jan. 28. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. By appointment. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Cost $35 (not covered by insurance). Chair Massage with Bev Harris: By appointment, Tuesdays, Dec. 7, 21 and Jan. 4, 18; 15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Call 860-844-5352 to set appointment for a free consultation. Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment only. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Call 860-8445352 to register. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others, like yourself, to share friendships, ideas, and tips on being a parent again. Free. Ongoing Programs You must be a Senior Center member to participate, and pre-registration is required. . Knitting Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Set Back: Tuesdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Jewelry Making/Beading: Thursdays, 10 a.m. Cribbage: Fridays, 1–3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Jan. 14, 8:30 a.m. Status of the Town of Granby, with Erica Robertson, Town Manager. Cost $2. Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Jan. 5, breakfast at 8:30 a.m., program at 9 a.m. Program is On the Road Again with Charmaine Glew. Cost $4. Windsor Center River Trail Hike: Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. This hike, guided by Judy Cooper, will lead you on a 1.25-mile flat loop along the Farmington River. Parking and trail head just north of 10 Palisado Avenue in Windsor.
November 2021
Exercise Classes via Zoom
Chi Gong: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m., Jan. 5–Feb. 23, eight classes in session. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
Exercise Classes at Senior Center
Low Impact Cardio I: Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 3–Feb. 28, no Jan. 17 or Feb. 21, seven classes in session. Instructor, Marcey Hickey. Includes warm-up, cardio, strength training and stretching as well as interval training for an overall great body workout to great music. Cost: $42 residents; $49 non-residents. Low Impact Cardio II: Fridays at 10:45 a.m., Jan. 7–Feb. 25, eight classes in session. Same class as Mondays, but adding another day gives your heart that much more of a great workout. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents. Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m., Jan. 3–Feb. 28, no Jan. 17 or Feb. 21, seven classes in session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Cost $42 residents; $49 non-residents. Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., Jan. 4–Feb. 22, eight classes in session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. 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. Cost: $48 residents; $56 nonresidents. Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Jan. 4–Feb. 22, eight classes in session. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents. Tai Chi/Qi Gong December Session: Thursdays at 9 a.m., Dec. 9–30, four classes in session. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. In this new, beginner course we will learn some of the fundamentals of Tai Chi and eight of the many forms. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for all abilities. Although this class will focus on standing exercises, it is possible to do this class seated. Cost: $24 residents; $28 non-residents. Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays at 9 a.m., Jan. 6–Feb. 24, no Jan. 13 or 20, six classes in session. Same class as offered in December, but with two extra days in session. Cost: $36 residents; $42 nonresidents. Line Dancing: Fridays, 1:30–3 p.m., Jan. 7–Feb. 25, eight classes in session. Instructor, Jim Gregory. This class is a great workout while having a lot of fun. Appropriate for beginner to advanced dancers. A minimum of 12 students needed to hold the class. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.
November 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 31
HEALTH NOTES
By the
Farmington Valley VNA
UNICO NEWS
The Role of the Caregiver: What does it mean for your health? Caring for a loved one can bring incredible rewards—both physical and emotional. Caregiving roles take on countless shapes and forms. It can be assisting older adults, the ill, and disabled friends and family members, and every day help in small and big tasks. Caregiving can ignite all sorts of positive emotions as well, from compassion to satisfaction to “a vicarious happiness at being able to help,” says psychologist Michael J. Poulin. It can even sometimes help strengthen the caregiver’s physical and cognitive performance as they age themselves. “Many family caregivers report positive experiences from caregiving, including a sense of giving back to someone who has cared for them, the satisfaction of knowing that their loved one is getting excellent care, personal growth and increased meaning and purpose in one’s life,” says the American Psychological Association. But the role isn’t without its struggles, which can take a toll on the caregiver’s own health. If the caregiving responsibilities become too demanding over time, caregivers become exhausted and stressed. Because most people in this role are women, dealing with caregiver stress has emerged as an important part of women’s care. Doctors are seeing an increasing number of women whose health has been depleted by the challenges of caregiving. What is caregiver stress? For most caregivers, the day-to-day tasks they perform for a loved one are piled on top of an already busy schedule, leading to feelings of stress, depression and can be overwhelming. At least 19 percent of U.S. adults provide unpaid care for the elderly in their lives—and as Baby Boomers continue to age, that number is expected to grow. Many caregivers are aging themselves; roughly a third of adults age 50-61 are family caregivers helping a spouse, child, parent or grandparent. Most of these caregivers are women. Three-fourths have jobs on top of their caregiving duties, and many still have children at home. Trying to hold onto a job while caring for a family member is a juggling act. One has to frequently arrive late or leave early, be interrupted at work with medical phone calls, cut back to part-time work, and decline travel or promotions. Nearly 20 percent take a leave of absence, and others end up leaving the workforce entirely, interrupting careers and causing financial difficulties. Feeling pulled in so many directions often leaves caregivers feeling stressed and can manifest in various ways. There is often little time for friends and other family members, and often there are financial hardships. If one is fortunate enough to find health aides from an agency or privately, they require oversight and if their schedule changes suddenly or there is a conflict with the care they are providing that adds stress. Overall, one in six reports that caregiving has caused their health to decline. How to manage caregiver stress Caregiving typically becomes harder and more complex, so it’s important to bolster your support system now. It’s
easy to get so caught up in day-to-day caregiving that one does not find help along the way. Seek out community resources. Most communities offer a host of helpful services such as hot lines, senior centers, day programs, and meals on wheels, which can help take the stress off caregivers. Join a support group. Caregivers often feel isolated and may struggle with feelings of frustration, exhaustion, resentment, or guilt. A support group provides a safe place to express these emotions as well as learn how others cope. If unable to leave the house, there are caregiving support groups online, often specific to the condition such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, autism, and heart conditions. Take time off. It may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but selfcare becomes more important than ever when you’re caring for others. Regularly taking some time for yourself can go a long way toward managing caregiver stress. Maintain the daily practices that help keep you balanced, such as meditating, talking to friends or another family member, or taking walks if possible. Enlist backup. Even if you’re the primary caregiver, that doesn’t mean other relatives can’t pitch in. Work with family members to create a plan. When friends and neighbors offer to help, take them up on it. You often feel indispensable as you know your person best and can anticipate their needs. But not taking a break can cause you to become ill yourself or be so mentally depleted that you are not a positive caregiver. Do not feel guilty about asking for help, and try not to have your loved one become so dependent upon you that they do not accept help from others. Let them know you will be back, but you need a little time for yourself. Then do just that.
The Granby chapter of UNICO—the nation’s largest Italian-American service organization—inducted its new officers at a recent chapter meeting. From left: Brian Guarco, founding member and national officer; Mary Anne Guarco (treasurer), Rich Savino (president), Adrienne Perry (vice-president) and Mary Smoolca (secretary). The Granby chapter was formed in 2003 and it actively supports local charities and needy families in the Granby community. Submitted photo
The Granby chapter of UNICO awarded five scholarships and welcomed four of the winners to a recent Chapter Meeting. From left: Scholarship chair Mario Dei Dolori, Nicholas Boyd, Gianna Grimaldi, William Pagliaro, Mark McWhirter and Chapter President Joy Marx. Missing from photo is Natalie Schock.
TIPS FOR NEW CAREGIVERS • If you are new to the caregiving role, acquaint yourself with the position and seek help. • Learn more about the family member’s diagnosis to help you understand and plan ahead. • Talk with the care recipient about their healthcare wishes. Start conversations about finances and healthcare early. To better prepare for emergencies, complete a Durable Powers of Attorney for finances, and healthcare proxy. • Get the whole family involved in a discussion about what is needed, including the family member who needs care. This is an opportune time for everyone to say what they need, make plans and ask for assistance. • Connecticut Home Care for Elders provides state paid homecare for those on Medicaid who medically qualify. Call 855-626-6632.
Windsor Federal 21 Hartford Ave., Granby | 860.653.4548 | WindsorFederal.com
Page 32 The Granby Drummer
November 2021
Closer to Home
Happy 90th Birthday, Roger!
Support our advertisers while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertisers Page
Everyone at the Drummer congratulates Roger Hayes on his 90th birthday and thanks him for the many years he has contributed as treasurer of the Citizens for a Better Granby board and his service with many other important town organizations. If you see him around town, wish him a happy birthday!
Roger Hayes Submitted photo
As a reminder, the Drummer isn’t published in January.
Merry Christmas!
Action Carpet 25 Arden Court 16 20 Beman Hardware Berkshire Hathaway- Nancy Reardon 7 BNG Law 15 2 Brignole Bush & Lewis Cahill’s Motors 6 Carmon Funeral Home 12 Carter Robert Painting 22 Cetera Investors 20 Chiropractic Care of Granby 5 Christopher Bryant 23 D’Agata-Perry Granite & Bronze 30 Evans Automotive 3 First Congregational Church 21 Granby Community Fund 20 GMHS Leo Club 11 Granby Artists Association 9, 20 Granby Artists Sponsor Thank You 28 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 11 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 21, 29 Granby Food Bank 4 Guarco, Judy & Erica Maglieri, BHHS 27 Higleyville Coin 5 Maple Corners Farm 14 Mark Brady Kitchens 22 Martel Transportation 11 McLean 10
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MeadowBrook of Granby 19 11 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing Morawski Cleaning 12 Necker’s Toys 21 Premier Energy 8 Ravenswood 15 Route 10 Tire 13 Salmon Brook Shops 25 Sanditz Travel 28 Santa Realty 8 Shaffer Beacon Mechanical 9 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 11 Silver Street Glass 19 Small Town Septic 18 South Church 6 State Line Propane Oil 25 32 Stonebrook Village Subseven 26 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 3 Swim Center at Westminster 28 Thomas Sullivan – Morgan Stanley 23 Town of Granby Recycle Schedule 24 Troiano Oil Company 18 Two Park Place 13 ValleyBrook Community Church 29 Walsh Chiropractic 26
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February 2022 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Jan. 12 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, Jan. 17 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Jan. 11-22 Call or email for times. The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at granbydrummer.org
What should you look for in your loved ones this holiday season? Is their home environment well-maintained? Do you see any unopened mail or unpaid bills? How is their balance and mobility? Do you notice any weight loss? Are they experiencing loneliness? Are they taking their medications? If you notice these changes let Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks be your solution! We provide Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. LARGER APARTMENTS
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