Granby Drummer | February 2020

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Volume L, No. 5 • February 2020

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Four issues facing the town boards

The New Year started off with a big bang in Granby with at least four important issues working their way through Town Hall and various municipal Boards and Commissions.

While meeting minutes are published in this issue, and detailed information is

by Jim Lofink available on the town websites, here’s my Cliff Notes version of what’s up in Granby, including: Termination of the Solar Project at Wells Road School This time last year, the Board of Education (BOE) brought forward a proposal to build a seven-acre solar array on Wells Road school property, which was ultimately approved by voters in June.

Now the project has been terminated, along with the potential for $4.3 million

Town Hall Talk

in energy savings over 25 years. What happened? Quite simply, Granby placed a bet (perhaps against the odds) hoping several key factors would go our way, and they didn’t.

In particular, an engineering study found wetlands at the site, including vernal pools, shrinking the allowable solar array size to one-third of the original proposal, and reducing the maximum savings to less than $1 million. Further, several regulatory approvals were still pending, which required significant spending but no sure outcome except for a drastically smaller project than presented to residents.

Consistent with its original explanation to taxpayers, the Board of Education recommended that the much-reduced project not go forward. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) also concluded the project no longer met the description approved by voters, and unanimously

Town Hall Talk cont’d. on p. 3

Confused over who can vote in the presidential primaries?

To be eligible to vote in the presidential primary on Tuesday, April 28, you must be registered as a Democrat or Republican. Voters are encouraged to check their party affiliation online at portaldir. ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx. It is available nearly 24/7. In Connecticut those who are currently 17 years old but will turn 18 by Nov. 3, can participate in the primary if they register with a party by the cutoff dates listed below. For all primaries in Connecticut, you MUST be a party member of the party you wish to vote for; state party rules prohibit cross voting in another political party’s primary. Unaffiliated or Independent voters are NOT allowed to vote in primaries. In Granby, 39 percent of voters are currently Unaffiliated, 31 percent are Republican, 28 percent are Democrats and one percent are minor party members.

To gain party affiliation, go to voterregistration.ct.gov/ and fill out a voter registration, checking the box marked “party enrollment change” and write in a political party. The website is available 24/7 until the postmark and online

deadline to register to vote on April 23.

The in-person deadline is noon on April 27; the registrar’s office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. FYI: Party membership does not cost anything, nor are party members obligated to vote along party lines. The deadline to switch from one party to another has already passed.

There is a 90-day waiting period for those switching political parties to attain party privilege, so anyone switching parties between Jan. 29 and April 27 would be ineligible to vote in either primary.

Unaffiliated and new voters who register as Democrat or Republican by noon on April 27 can participate in the April 28 primary.

On Feb. 14 the Secretary of State will announce the candidates qualified to be on the ballot. Petitioning candidates have until March 6 to file their petition pages. On March 24, Denise Merrill will announce the order that the national candidates will appear on each ballot and sample ballots should be available for viewing on the SOS website, sots.ct.gov

Inside Marquis awards................. 17

Granby Artists Open House.26

Waypoints....................... 18

Celebrating 50 years.......... 28

Snow creature “invades” West Granby

Recent snow fall brought out the creative snow sculptors along Route 20. This happy character reminds us of illustrator Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Photo by Deb Kulwich

Celebrating 50

The 70s: a decade that changed the world and our town

By Chris Levandowski

What happened to Granby during the 1970s—that globally transformative decade now a half-century past? Its population exploded, it changed physically, it lost some farms, and it struggled with the forces of national and global influence. As a result, the Granby Drummer came into being as a forum and means of community communication and it has survived for 50 years as an all-volunteer publication. While the news it covers is local, that news was influenced and a part of the history unfolding globally.

A recap puts Granby and its responses in perspective: Two gas and energy crises drove worldwide crippling inflation that dramatically changed international economies and relations. The worst

stock market in decades. Kent State.

Consumer prices almost doubled, but average paychecks went from $9,350 to $17,550. The divisive war in Viet Nam ended. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed by 43 nations. The 747 made its maiden flight. The 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18. Walt Disney World opened. The Watergate scandal began. HBO was introduced. The Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade was handed down. Under threat of certain impeachment, President Nixon resigned.

India became the sixth nuclear power.

Jaws opened. Gates introduced Microsoft. Intel built the first microprocessor enabling the home computer. The microwave oven invaded the kitchen. Saturday Night Live debuted. Jobs and Wozniak

Celebrating 50: cont’d. on p. 28

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2019 A brief recognition ceremony for former Selectman James Lofink took place prior to the regular Board of Selectmen meeting. First Selectman Kuhnly honored him by recognizing the boards and commissions that he has served on over the years. Holcomb Farm Inc.’s Board of Directors President Robert Bystrowski also spoke of Jim and all of his accomplishments at Holcomb Farm. First Selectman Kuhnly presented Jim with a plaque, as well as a bouquet of flowers to his wife Celia.

A Public Hearing regarding Wells Road Solar Project began at 7:05 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7:45 p.m.

Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, Town Manager John D. Ward, and Student Liaison Jillian Thrall Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting On a motion by Selectman Neumann seconded by Selectman King, the board voted (4-0-1), to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Nov. 18, 2019 as presented. Selectman Ballard abstained as he was not sworn in as an official board member until Nov. 19, 2019.

On a motion by Selectman Ohannessian, seconded by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda placing Consideration of Collective Bargaining Matters (item deemed appropriate for executive session) to follow selectmen reports.

Unfinished or Tabled Business Budget Summit/Discussions Departmental Presentations: Town Clerk Karen Hazen presented the Board of Selectmen a broad overview of duties and responsibilities of the Town Clerk’s Office. The office maintains and provides access to public records, as well as records, indexes and preserves municipal records, surveys, maps,

and registers and maintains original Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates. The staff serves and assists town residents, attorneys, title searchers, state officials, relatives searching family history, and genealogists. Many different kinds of documents are recorded and indexed, including deeds, mortgages, releases, special permits, variances, property surveys and subdivision maps, to name a few. The Clerk’s Office issues sport licenses of all kinds directly from the State DEEP WebPos. This is done mostly as a service to residents who do not want to order directly from the DEEP website. The list of offices to be filled and candidates for upcoming elections are prepared by the Clerk’s Office, as well as all ballots and supplies for upcoming elections, and the legal notices for elections and primaries. The office works very closely with the Registrar of Voters to make sure each election is successful. The Town Clerk also issues certified copies of vital records to applicants who meet the requirements, maintains town Justice of the Peace positions, prepares and issues dog licenses, maintains current rabies certificates, with June being the busiest month for the office. The office maintains agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions, as well as maintaining Charters, Ordinances, Oaths and Appointments. The Clerk’s Office does many other things too numerous to mention. Future challenges will be shelving for Land Record Books, maybe in ten years.

Chief John Horr of Lost Acres Fire Department reported they currently have three stations, 35 members, and 14 cadets. The cadet program has proven to be very successful, with 80 percent of the recruits becoming volunteers. The department receives 180 to 240 calls per year. Recently there were two major structure fires. Chief Horr reported once a fire starts, it moves so quickly you have less than four minutes to get out of a house before it is untenable. The department is always looking for more people. They are all volunteers, no paid staff. Eventually

they will have to go to a paid service. The Chief was asked how many years until that time and he believes it to be five or six years. The radio system is failing and needs to be replaced. There were radio failures four times this year. The selectmen inquired if the capital allocation was underfunded last time. Chief Horr stated they managed.

Their oldest vehicle is 28 years old. The pump is being replaced in the brush truck at a cost of $20,000. They will know more about what their needs are around budget time. A central dispatch is still being discussed although it would not be cheaper.

Kate Coupe, Chief of Service and Paramedic at Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) addressed the board providing background information regarding herself and the GAA. The association has four ambulances, two stations, and seven full-time staff members. They receive approximately 1,850 calls per year. Granby is a Heart Safe Community including the Granby Police Department. Coupe provides instructions to groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts to help them earn their badges.

She also teaches certification courses and assists with the Community Emergency Response Teams. The Granby Ambulance Association is always looking for support.

The Police Department was rescheduled to the next Board of Selectmen meeting.

Further Consideration of Solar Farm at Wells Road School Town Manager Ward indicated to the board that it can take action tonight by approving the continuation of the project at the reduced size, cancelling the project outright, or continuing the discussion to another meeting.

Selectman King indicated she would like to give everyone time to think about what was discussed tonight and have the opportunity to discuss it at the next meeting.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-

0-0) to postpone making a decision on the Solar Farm Project at Wells Road School until the next Board of Selectmen meeting.

Business Resignations and Appointments to be Considered On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (50-0) to accept the resignation of Suzanne L. Yucha (D) as Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate due to her recent election as a member of that board.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (50-0) to appoint Thomas J, Caputi (D), 74 East Granby Road as Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate, through Nov. 16, 2021 to fill the remainder of the term due to the recent resignation of Suzanne Yucha.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (50-0) to accept the resignation of Christine Chinni (D) as Planning and Zoning Alternate due to her recent election as a member of that commission.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (50-0) to appoint Matthew M. Peters (D), 15 Cone Mountain Road as Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate, through Nov. 16, 2021, to fill the remainder of the term due to the recent resignation of Christine Chinni.

Consideration of Election of Vice Chair On a motion by First Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by Selectman Ohannessian, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Selectman King as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

Consideration of Review of Board of Selectmen Rules of Procedure.

Traditionally, the board reviews its Rules of Procedure following the town’s municipal election. If changes are recommended, voting is to be made at the next succeeding meeting. The rules were last revised in December 2013.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the Rules of Procedure as presented.

Consideration of Kearns School Property Town Manager Ward reported that so far, there has been no funding available from the State in regards to the proposed Community Center.

Other options for the property were presented and reviewed. They included: demolish the building and sell the land for development of housing lots, keep the building for municipal offices, sell for any purpose, sell for educational use, sell for senior and/or affordable housing, or sell for the development of apartments or condominiums. The two strongest options are to demolish the building and sell the land for development of housing lots, or keep for municipal offices. There was discussion amongst the Selectmen, and also the mention of bringing in a professional broker. The idea of updating Kearns and using it as a municipal building led to a discussion of space requirements and needs of the specific departments. Town Manager Ward was asked to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the updating of the building and to discuss additional square footage needs with department heads.

Consideration of Collective Bargaining Matters GMEA (Item Deemed Appropriate for executive session) Town Manager Reports Budget Operations Report- November 2019 Town Manager Ward reviewed the November Budget Operations. Everything is on target for this time of year and no accounts are on the watch list at this time. The Plus One Budget will be on the agenda for the next board meeting.

First Selectman Reports (B. Scott Kuhnly) A letter was received from Jim Hall of the American Legion, stating the annual Christmas tree in the center has been decorated for the holiday season and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Selectman Reports (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and Jillian Thrall (Student Liaison} Selectman Ballard thanked the public for their support at the most recent election. He stated some things that he would like to get accomplished with the help of the other selectmen include creating a planning calendar for special projects, i.e. timelines, priorities, etc.; publish a list of things to change and/or improve per constituents; reorganize items on the town website by topic, and departmental reviews.

First Selectman Kuhnly congratulated Selectman Ballard on his successful election. He also indicated that the selectmen already do all of the things he mentioned.

Jillian Thrall reported the girls soccer and field hockey teams won State Championships.

First Selectman Kuhnly recessed the meeting to closed session at 9 p.m.

Closed Session First Selectman Kuhnly called the executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 9 p.m.

Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, and John D. Ward, Town Manager The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Collective Bargaining Matters—GMEA. Respectfully submitted, Town Manager John D. Ward

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 3

BOARD OF SELECTMEN PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2019 The Public Hearing regarding Wells Road Solar Project was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7:05 p.m.

PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, and John D. Ward, Town Manager First Selectman Kuhnly read the posted notice of the Public Hearing and the committee member names: Jamison Scotto, Kevin Riggott, Mark Fiorentino, and Stuart Browning. Also in attendance were Anna Robbins, Board of Education (BOE) Business Manager, and Abby Kenyon, Director of Community Development.

Town Manager Ward gave some background information on how the solar project came about and where it stands today. In 2015, the Intra-Board Advisory Council (IBAC) comprised of members of the Boards of Selectmen, Education, and Finance wanted the town to explore solar power opportunities. After some investigation, it was determined that in order to receive reimbursement from the State Department of Education (SOE), expected to be 39 percent, the board had to site the project on school property. In 2017, the BOE applied to enter into the Renewable Energy Credit Auction with Eversource and the Virtual Net Metering (VNM) program, also with Eversource.

Initially there was no room in the VNM program. However, in October 2018 they were notified that an opening had occurred in the program. The BOE then activated its application.

In the fall of 2018, the BOE brought this project to the Granby Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee

(CPPAC) seeking Capital Funding. It was approved in February 2019 and forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for its consideration.

On March 27, 2019, a public hearing was held at the Senior Center regarding the solar project. In April 2019, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) voted four to one to approve the project and send it to the voters in a referendum. A Public Hearing was held on May 28, 2019. On June 4, 2019, the voters approved this project by a vote of 731 to 436.

The project’s original proposal called for the installation of approximately 4,500 solar panels behind the Wells Road School which would result in the generation of 2.3M kWh of electricity. The project would generate revenue for the town through the generation of green energy credits, more specifically referred to as LRECs, and by its participation in the VNM program. The LRECs would be purchased for 15 years by Eversource with the revenue going to the town anticipated to be $84,000 per year. Through the VNM program the town would receive $0.135 per kWh generated with an annual cap of $399,000, which would be applied to the BOE’s electric bill. This credit was expected to be $256,000 per year. With construction costs of $3,300,000 and finance costs of $1,200,000, the project was expected to generate a net revenue of $4,300,000 over 25 years.

Preparing this project for the necessary regulatory approval, the firm of VHB was hired to investigate the impact, if any, of vernal pools and wetlands. As a result of their findings, the location of four vernal pools within direct proximity of the area earmarked for the solar array and also the impact it would have on the wetlands, the project

would have to be reduced by two thirds to 1,500 panels.

This would dramatically reduce the expected revenue from $4,300,000 over 25 years to $900,000 over 25 years.

The project is at a critical stage in that money will need to be spent on engineering designs, storm water systems, plus connection fees of $40,000. Additionally it faces more uncertainty, expenses and lower revenue than originally anticipated.

The BOS has the authority to approve the continuation of the project at the reduced size, or to cancel the project outright, if it so wishes. It may opt to take no action, which would have the effect of cancelling the project. If the board wishes to have voter approval to reduce the cost or to rescind the resolution, then it would need to pass a resolution, followed by a BOF resolution, then a Town Meeting and a Referendum.

Comments from the public included: Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road, indicated she does not understand why the issue of the vernal pools was not investigated further before the project went to a referendum vote. She is concerned about the $80,000 that has already been spent. The reduced project should go to another vote.

Nelson Toussaint, 279 Granville Road, questioned what the cost would be to continue with the project, pay the legal fees and any additional costs. He indicated there is always some risk to a project but in the end, there is a good reward.

The board needs to find a way to get it done and do it.

Shirley Domin, 31 Fern Follow Road, indicated she purchased her home because the location would allow

her to enjoy nature all around her. With this project, she is afraid nature will be ruined and she will lose her privacy.

She anticipates a decreased house value as well.

William Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, was in favor of the original project and the revenue it would draw. With the new information presented, he is no longer in favor. The project needs to go to another vote.

John Bastiaanse, 120 Wells Road, stated he lives next to the school. There must be another use for the land. The project was a bad idea from the beginning.

Margaret Bastiaanse, 120 Wells Road, indicated she was disappointed in the whole process. The town should have presented more information and made the risks more clear.

Brennan Sheahan, 6 Tow Path Lane, noted the project should be cancelled and possibly look at other available properties.

Town Manager Ward indicated that before his time here, other solar sites were looked at years ago, including the Evonsion property, but that no favorable town sites were found. In addition, there is no guarantee these Virtual Net programs will be here in two years.

No other comments were made.

First Selectman Kuhnly closed the Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward, Town Manager

been explored for town or community use but none have proven financially viable yet.

An appraisal completed in May 2019 indicated a market value as high as $2.6 million, but estimated 24 months to find a potential buyer. While this means the Town will now seek buyers for the Kearns property, it’s important to note that a Town Meeting must approve the sale of any townowned real estate, including a school. So stay tuned.

Developers seek approval of a 235-unit apartment project just north of the town center While we are on property…on Jan. 13 and 14, Roswell Development LLC presented plans to the Economic Development Commission and the Planning and Zoning

Commission for a 235-unit apartment project at 276-280 Salmon Brook Street, just north of Granby Center. This would be the second largest apartment development in Granby, and reflects housing construction trends across the region: more high-density housing, fewer new single-family homes on two-acre lots. Roswell states that one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts will target millennials and those downsizing, creating a walkable community with easy access to local businesses, adding to the town’s tax revenue base and generating over $500k in building permits.

The proposal includes seven apartment buildings, six garage buildings, 451 parking spaces, a pool, a pavilion, and a dog park.

Several residents expressed concerns about size, density, accessibility, traffic, trash and sidewalks. One key difference from the first apartments under construction at The Grand, this proposal does not require any Special Permits because apartments are a permitted use “by right” in the Center Commons Zone. It does need an approved Site Plan that complies with those zoning regulations, and review by the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission and the Town Engineer. The applicant’s only special request is a 10-foot reduction of the required front yard, to 40 feet from 50, to accommodate parking. The continued P&Z Public Hearing on Jan. 28 may be the last opportunity to learn more and express your opinions to the developer and the commissioners.

Budgeting 2021 starts with a ThreeBoard meeting As always at this time of year, budgeting for next year is in process and the Boards of Finance, Selectmen and Education met on Jan. 21 to share preliminary information on operating cost increases for next year’s budget. The BOS and BOE chairs, Scott Kuhnly and Melissa Migliaccio, informed the BOF that they are looking at increases of 4.65 percent and 3.23 percent, respectively, to continue at current service levels or “steady state.” After some adjustments reflecting changes in student populations and other needs, the “Plus One” operating

cost projections are 5.22 percent and 3.69 percent respectively with increases driven by labor contracts, trash-tipping fees and special education costs. BOF Chair Mike Guarco noted that changes in operating costs are not directly related to changes in tax rates. Tax rates are also affected by changes in the tax base, income from the state and other sources, and capital or debt payments. Those additional factors will become better known by early February, and BOF will seek to keep the overall change to taxpayers under 2 percent, as reflected in the long-term budget plan. As stated by BOF member Al Wilke, it will require “sharp pencils” once more to keep the budget within the means of taxpayers, who ultimately vote on the budget in April.

So, where does the process go from here and how do you find out more? The BOF meeting on Jan. 27 will review operating budget guidelines and discuss the other non-operating factors. On Monday Feb. 10 the BOF plans to meet to review the impact of the Governor’s state budget and the updated Grand List, and to set the final budget guidelines. The BOS and BOE will hold budget workshops in February and March, open to the public, culminating in transmission of final budgets to the BOF at the end of March.

The Public Hearing on the budget will be held April 13 and the Budget Referendum (vote) will be on April 27. So watch the town websites for more details and meeting schedules. All meetings are open to the public and there are opportunities for public comment, and you can send in written communications.

As a relative newcomer to Granby (only 15 wonderful years!), I know it takes work to stay informed. Engagement is how communities thrive, and Granby has a tremendous number of people volunteering in town roles and service organizations that contribute to our community wellbeing.

Join me in thanking them all for their service (you know who you are!), and please … seek your own opportunities to contribute.

It does take a village.—Jim

Town Hall Talk cont’d. from p. 1 decided to terminate it on Jan. 6. While this specific good faith effort to reduce costs and move to solar energy did not prove out, both boards indicated that alternative energy projects will continue to be investigated and pursued.

Commercial broker sought to market the former Kearns School On another front, at the same meeting, the Selectmen directed the Town Manager to release an RFP to select a commercial broker to market the former Kearns School.

It is expected to take at least a month to obtain and review responses to the RFP, and applicants will be requested to submit a marketing plan for the property. The Kearns school was closed in the summer of 2016, and several options have since

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Registrars’ Calendar Review Wednesday, March 23: Noon deadline for unaffiliated and new voters to register with a party to participate in the March 24 caucus. Registrars’ office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 24–31: Both town committees will hold caucuses to nominate delegates to the May conventions. Only registered party members may attend.

Tuesday, April 7: First day absentee ballots for presidential primary are available.

Monday, April 13: 7 p.m. public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium.

Thursday, April 23: Online and postmark deadline for new and unaffiliated voters to register with a major party to be eligible to vote in the presidential primary Monday, April 27: Noon in-person deadline for new and unaffiliated voters to register to enroll in a major party to be eligible to vote in the presidential preference primary. The registrar’s office will hold special office hours 9 a.m. to Noon.

Monday, April 27: Granby Annual Town Budget Referendum in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Polls are open from 12–8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28: Presidential preference primary in the GMHS community gym. Polls are open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Only open to registered major party members Monday, May 11: Potential date for a budget referendum at Granby Town Hall, if needed.

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. Voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website, portal.ct.gov/en/SOTS/ Questions? Contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860844-5322, lwolfe@granby-ct.gov or ssmith@granby-ct.gov 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.

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

Remembering Ray Yankauskas

Raymond P. Yankauskas Raymond P. Yankauskas’ palette turned to black on Jan. 13, after 87 extraordinary years of art, family and community involvement. Born in Hartford, on Nov. 18, 1932, he was a cherished son to the late Peter and Anna (Motiejunas) Yankauskas and brother to four sisters. Raymond grew up in Hartford and was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, Class of 1950. After high school, he continued his education

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 ©2020 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved.

CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Elaine Girard, Karen Cleary, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Jay Harder, Carol Laun, Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, John R. Nieb, Camden Robertson, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Emma Smith, Jessica Tsaptsinos,

CORRECTIONS

Yankauskas’s Grelf was designed as the mascot for the Granby Community Fund.

The Grelf’s feather was a nod to the United Way, its coalition partner.

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need:

Assorted box cereals Mayonnaise Mustard/ketchup Apple/cranberry juices Instant potato mixes Jello/pudding mixes Toilet paper Paper towels Dish/laundry soap Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street

FIND US

at the Hartford Art School, now a part of the University of Hartford, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts. After graduation, he served in the Army as a telegraph specialist stationed in Germany.

Returning to the States, he began his graphic art career beginning at Hamilton Standard where he was part of the team that designed the first Apollo space glove, and ended his career at The Hartford Courant in 1995. In between, he devoted his art skills to several Granby civic organizations, which included being the creator of the first Granby Grelf, the long-time mascot of the Granby Community Fund, and as a member of the team of community members who started The Granby Drummer.

Raymond was a very passionate artist of painting, sculpture and textiles. But, Raymond would say his finest creations were his five children with his wife of 47 years, the late Rosemary L. (Livcaket) Yankauskas: Hilary True of Granby, Jann Yankauskas and her spouse Cindy Stewart of Alexandria, Va., Stephen Yankauskas and his girlfriend Jennifer Devine of Simsbury, Jay Yankauskas and his girlfriend Karen Vezina of Granby, and Raye Ann Yankauskas and her spouse Scott Delano of North Andover, Mass.; five grandchildren, Andrea True and her fiancé Erik Glidden, Joshua Yankauskas, Jakob Yankauskas, Brett Yankauskas and Scott Delano; two sisters, Irene Petkaitis and Elizabeth Yankauskas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Granby Community Fund, P.O. Box 94, Granby, CT 06035. To leave an online condolence, please visit carmonfuneralhome. com.

February 2020

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Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, February 3, Tuesday, February 28 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, February 24 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, February 5, February 19 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, February 11, February 25 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, February 12

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Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Sandy Yost

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, February 10

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February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 5

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2020 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m.

PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, Town Manager John D. Ward, and student liaison Jillian Thrall Pledge Of Allegiance Introduction Of Superintendent Of Schools First Selectman Kuhnly introduced Jordan Grossman, the new Superintendent of Schools as of Jan. 1. Grossman has a career that spans over 25 years. He was educated in Connecticut schools and received his doctorate degree in educational administration from the University of Connecticut. His most recent appointments before coming to Granby were assistant principal at Canton High School, principal at Canton Intermediate School, and assistant superintendent of Canton Schools.

Grossman thanked the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen for their invitation to attend the meeting and shared his appreciation of the warm welcome he has received from the community. He stated it is important to continue the wonderful relationship the school district and the Board of Education has with the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.

Public Session Gerry Ledger, Bushy Hill Road, brought attention to a volunteer program in town called TAP (Transportation Alternative Program). The program offers free rides to medical appointments for residents. Anyone interested in being a driver or needing a ride can contact TAP at 860-374-3957. Ledger would also like the town to reconsider the voting hours for referendums. Currently the hours are from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. He would like to see them changed to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the same as most of the surrounding towns.

Bill Scheel, Silkey Road, suggested Kearns School would be an ideal place for a solar­based facility. The roof could support it and the road faces south. In addition, he believes the building is ideally suited for high-speed fiber data transmission, which is connectivity between all of the regional high schools in the area, although he is unaware of how one hooks up to it.

Minutes On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the public hearing of Dec. 16, 2019.

On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Dec. 16, 2019.

Departmental Presentations Police Chief Carl Rosensweig addressed the board announcing it is his 40th year in police work. He stated his current staff is the best he has ever worked with.

The department is responsible for the preservation of the public peace, the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminal violators. The department serves to regulate traffic, investigate motor vehicle collisions and to enforce the laws of the State of Connecticut and the municipal ordinances of the Town of Granby. The Granby Police Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The department acts as the first responder to requests for emergency medical assistance within the Town of Granby.

All officers are certified by the State of Connecticut as Emergency Medical Responders and many have advanced certification as EMTs. Each officer is trained in the use of intranasal naloxone for the treatment of opioid overdoses. The Granby Police Department operates a multi-town Public Safety Answering Point providing professional police, fire, and emergency medical service dispatch services for the Towns of Granby (police, fire and EMS), East Granby (fire and EMS) and Hartland (EMS).

The department is staffed by 16 sworn officers; a chief, a captain, four sergeants, nine patrol officers, and one detective. In addition, there are eight civilian dispatchers (four part-time and four-full time.) and two support staff (a records clerk and an administrative assistant). The Granby Police Department also participates with the Towns of Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, Farmington Simsbury, Suffield, Windsor and Windsor Locks in the North Central Municipal Emergency Services Team and the North Central Municipal Accident Reconstruction Squad. Chief Rosensweig is looking to increase his staff. He would like to see two officers, one sergeant, and one supervisor on duty at all times.

Administration Finance Officer Kimi Cheng reviewed some details regarding the Finance Office. They are responsible for the audits, including the town comprehensive audit, the annual federal and state single audits and insurance audits. The audit was completed in December and preparation of the budget began in November. The department is responsible for the development and management of the Plus­One budget, the Town Manager’s budget, General Fund Operations, the Capital Improvement program, as well as other funds. Other responsibilities include department reports, banking and investments, cash flow control, bonding and debt management, pension management and defined contribution plan and 457 Plan, as well as the bi-weekly payroll for 110 employees. The Finance Department is also responsible for benefit administration that includes health and dental, life insurance and disability, as well as insurance/risk management, town and school liability, workers compensation, professional liability and special coverage. Capital assets control, contract negotiations, purchasing, and accounts payable and receivable are also part of Finance. Cheng noted she establishes and monitors financial policies and procedures and will began reviewing and updating them at the end of the budget season. In addition are the daily activities of the office, such as responding to phone calls, fax transmittals, walk-ins regarding personnel, public relations, public records requests and technical support on matters of finance and reporting.

Town Manager John Ward reviewed administration, which includes the town manager position and his assistant. The town managers office is a support service for the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance. Administration oversees town departments and the hiring of department heads, as well as labor issues. They also provide support to building committees and maintain and support the town website. There is currently an open position in the Finance Department that is being temporarily handled by the three remaining staff members.

Further consideration of Solar Farm at Wells Road School After being drastically reduced in size from the original project that was voted on at the town referendum, the Solar Farm project is being brought back to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration. A public hearing took place on Dec. 16, 2019 to receive comments from town residents. Most of the residents who spoke were not in favor of continuing with the project as it had been reduced in size and that is not what they voted on. In addition, the Board of Education also advised the project should not continue. Selectman Neumann and Selectman King noted they appreciate the Solar Committee’s feedback.

Selectman Ohannessian indicated he was not comfortable with this when he voted the first time. We do need to continue to consider and explore other solar opportunities.

We should not go forward with this project as it is now.

Also, we should not tap the bond for the $80,000. It should come out of the operating budget. Selectman Ballard inquired about the $80,000 that is already spent and wondered if it would be usable towards another project. Town Manager Ward indicated if the project is discontinued we need to terminate the bonding. First Selectman Kuhnly reminded everyone the question at hand is should the project go forward. He also stated the Intra-Board Advisory Committee needs to come back and have more discussions. There may be other land available for a project like this.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to stop the solar project at Wells Road School and revoke the bonding.

Selectman Ballard suggested the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education and Board of Finance get together to brainstorm some ideas. Selectman Kuhnly stated that is what the Intra-Board Advisory Committee (IBAC) will do.

Consideration of how Kearns could help address municipal spacing needs As requested at the previous Board meeting, Town Manager Ward put together some figures gathered from Department heads that show their space needs. As requested, he also put together a Request for Proposal (RFP) for real estate broker services if that is what the board chooses to do. Those departments requesting more space are Parks and Recreation, Senior Services, Library and Emergency Management. An estimation of additional costs to reopen Kearns for municipal offices, capital and operational, was presented. The estimate is $945,000.

Town Manager Ward stated it would not be beneficial to have departments split into two different locations, particularly the library and the senior center. It would be confusing for residents to know which location they would need to go to. Additional staffing would be needed as well, i.e. Senior Center and Department of Public Works. If the building was upgraded for school use, the requirements would be extensive and expensive. Selectman Ballard suggested moving the whole Town Hall Complex to Kearns and retro-fit the current campus. Town Manager Ward indicated the Selectmen need to decide which way they want to go with Kearns School. There was discussion amongst the Selectmen and the Town Manager.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) for Town Manager Ward to issue the RFP for Real Estate Broker Services for the Kearns School property.

Consideration of Approval of GMEA The town has reached a tentative agreement with the Granby Municipal Employee Association (GMEA), Local 339 of the American Federation of State, County, and Local Municipal Employees Association (AFSCME).

Summary of tentative changes to the existing agreement are: • Wages for 2019-20 are at +2.25 percent • This was only a wage re-opener. Other terms of the contract remain the same. The whole contract is open for renegotiation on July 1.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the changes to the existing agreement of the Granby Municipal Employee Association (GMEA), Local 339 of the American Federation of State, County, and Local Municipal Employees Association (AFSCME) upon the terms of the Tentative Agreement.

Resignations and Appointments On a motion by First Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following reappointments: Town Treasurer: John E. Adams (R), for a two-year term through Jan. 10, 2022. Town Attorney: Richard P. Roberts for a two-year term through Jan. 10, 2022. Vacancies: Conservation Commission (1) and Capital Project Priority Advisory Committee (1) Consideration of Plus-One budget 2020-2021 Following past suggestions from the Selectmen to develop a budget that will sustain town operations, Town Manager Ward developed a Plus-One budget that shows requirements to do just that. Namely, budget expectations for salary and wages for employees, including step increases, preliminary cost estimates for employee benefits, and items of a contractual nature or deemed important to adequately maintain operations.

Minimal requirements for existing town operational needs in 2020-21 are: $546,900 or 5.22 percent. This amount includes two add-back items: IT Operations and General

and Equipment Maintenance Maintainer II. Open Items of concern: Town Aid Funding ($256,644) and LoCIP ($80,258) have not yet been authorized by the Legislature or Bond Commission for FY 21.

• Finance staffing: overworked department due to state mandates and rules/regulations/volume • Human Resources Services: loss of human resource full-time person • Police Department: additional officers needed for proper staffing levels • Staffing for all departments: need to plan for future needs in general • Kearns School: need to monitor for future use • IT: need to review estimated cost of developing an IT Department for ongoing and future needs Town Manager Ward reminded everyone this is just a starting point. The next step is the Three Board Meeting and then the budget workshops.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to move the Plus One budget forward.

Consideration of Call for Three Board Meeting On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to hold a Three Board Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at the Senior Center Community Room.

Town Manager Reports Town Manager Ward announced the appointment of a new building inspector, Jim Keppler, who will begin Jan. 13, to replace retiring building inspector Bill Volovski.

Kimi Cheng, Administration Finance Officer, along with Ward, attended a CCM seminar on budgets this past weekend.

According to a CAFR Financial Report, we are making progress in increasing our General Fund balance as recommended.

First Selectman Reports First Selectman Kuhnly reviewed the annual reportcalendar for 2020 and all the important information it includes such as meeting times, town appointed officials, elected officials, appointed boards, town services, phone numbers and much more. These are available to pick up in the Town Hall.

Selectman Ballard indicated he would not be available for the next meeting. First Selectman Kuhnly suggested the option of being connected remotely by phone.

Student Liaison Jillian reported there is not a lot going on right now as they just came back from their winter break.

The Empty Bowls fund raising event will be coming up in April. It is their biggest fundraiser of the year, helping to support the food bank for those in need.

Adjournment On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Granby Democratic, Republican town committees will hold party caucuses February is a busy time for potential November candidates to gain party support and campaign funds. In March, each town will hold two caucuses, one Republican and one Democrat, for party members to vote on the town delegates to send to their State and District party conventions in May. At these conventions the party candidate endorsement selections are made.

A primary in August will occur should a potential candidate choose to contest their party’s nominee from these state conventions. This year, with so much interest in the November presidential election, the registrars are predicting at least one race will be contested in August for both parties. The town delegates chosen in the March caucus to attend the May conventions can be committed to a particular candidate, or can be unaffiliated. To participate and vote in the March caucuses, you need to be a party

member. Unaffiliated and unregistered voters can register with a party by noon the day before the caucus to be eligible to participate. (Switching parties requires a 90-day waiting period before attaining party privilege.) The caucus must be held between March 24 and 31, inclusive. Legal notices will be printed in local newspapers a minimum of five days before these meetings. On the ballot in November will be seats for the U.S. House, 62nd Representative, State Senate (7th for District 1 and 8th for District 2) and Registrar of Voters. As of Jan. 2, the Secretary of State is issuing nominating petitions for any minor party or unaffiliated candidates to petition for a slot on the Nov. 3, ballot. The delegates to attend the national conventions to choose a presidential candidate are selected in the presidential preference primary held on Tuesday, April 28.

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

PLANNING & ZONING MEETING MINUTES NOV. 26, 2019 Present: Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Mark Lockwood, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also present was William Volovski, Building Official/Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Election of Officers Mark Lockwood nominated Eric Myers as Chair Pro Tem of tonight’s meeting. Jonathan Boardman seconded the nomination. The commission voted (7-0-0).

Brennan Sheahan nominated Mark Lockwood as Planning and Zoning Commission Chair. Jonathan Boardman seconded the nomination. The commission voted (7-0-0).

Christine Chinni nominated Margaret Chapple as Planning and Zoning Commission Vice Chair. Mark Lockwood seconded the nomination. The commission voted (7-0-0).

Mark Lockwood and Margaret Chapple thanked the commission for electing them as Chair and Vice Chair.

Action on the minutes of Nov. 12, 2019 ON A MOTION by Jonathan Boardman seconded

by Eric Lukingbeal the Commission voted (5-0-2) to approve the minutes of November 12, 2019. Margaret Chapple and Christine Chinni abstained.

Public Hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for an accessory apartment for property located at 15 Barkhamsted Road. File Z-19-19.

Sean Sabella, owner of 15 Barkhamsted Road, addressed the commission. Sabella would like to construct an in-law apartment in the basement of 15 Barkhamsted Road. The proposed apartment will be 564 square feet and will contain a kitchen, living room, one bedroom and one bathroom. There will be

two means of egress to outside. A driveway provides access to the property. Answering questions, Sabella stated there is space for four vehicles in the driveway; the main entrance of the accessory apartment would be behind the garage; the driveway is to the right of the garage with a walkway along the garage to the front of the house; there will be exterior lighting on either side of the door to the apartment and motion sensors at the garage. Sabella stated he will be living on the property. W. Volovski commented as Building Official that there are no issues.

The public hearing closed at 7:08 p.m.

Receive application and set public hearing.

Application seeking a site plan modification for an emergency gate for property located at Windmill Springs, Windmill Drive and Salmon Brook Street.

File Z-21-19.

The commission is not required to hold a public hearing for a site plan modification, however, the Commission agreed it would be in the best interest for Windmill Springs residents for the commission to hold a public hearing.

The public hearing has been set for December 10, 2019.

Application seeking Site Plan approval for a 235 unit multi-family development for property located at 276 and 280 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-21-19.

The public hearing has been set for Jan. 14.

Consideration of above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing.

ON A MOTION by Eric Myers seconded by Margaret Chapple the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for an accessory apartment for property located at 15 Barkhamsted Road. File Z-19-19.

An audience member asked to address the commission. Lockwood asked the Commission to reopen Public Session.

Guy Hesketh, of F. A. Hesketh and Associates, East Granby and resident at 36 Granby Farms Road, addressed the commission. Hesketh asked for clarification regarding the scheduling of the public hearing for the application seeking Site Plan approval for 276 and 280 Salmon Brook Street. The commission stated since the application contains an abundance of information to review, the public hearing has been set for January 14 to allow ample time to review the materials. Hesketh is not required to attend the December meeting.

Review and discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Tasks Lockwood opened the discussion. The Conservation and Development Committee developed a comprehensive task list, identifying, outlining, prioritizing and sub-prioritizing goals. Each task was assigned a priority category. The commission reviewed and discussed its thoughts on the plan schedule. Items recognized as a top priority are marked “A” and are a 0-3 year priority; items marked “B” are 3-6 year; “C” are 6-10 year; “O” is ongoing; “G” is goal/general principle; “F” for further consideration and lastly “E” as Education.

Lukingbeal commented that task item B.4 Utilize the Conservation Commission’s Natural Diversity Database, currently classified as a “C” priority, should be a higher priority. Lockwood suggested reclassifying B.4 as “O”/ongoing. Lockwood suggested tapping into other committees for their expertise.

Moving forward, the commission identified the following steps: Make item I.6 ‘Reviewing all proposed regulations for any negative impact on the farming

community’ a top priority and include expertise from the Agricultural Commission; review all “A” priorities and advertise for sub-committees to review any proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations; look at the environmental database and other bodies in town; item B.10, clarify the definition of “native vegetation”; and include input from Kenyon.

Review and discuss Zoning Regulations Section 8.25 Utility Use and solar arrays The Community Development Department recently received an inquiry regarding a ground-mounted solar array as primary use on a property. Abby Kenyon’s memo requested feedback from the commission of Section 8.25. Currently, ground-mounted solar arrays are treated as an accessory use. Zoning regulations Section 8.25 Utility Use was adopted by the commission in 1999 and the definition as it is written is open ended. The commission recognizes the increase in popularity of solar use and the need to update Section 8.25 Utility Use and solar array regulations. Eric Myers suggested commencing work immediately with regards to permits, setbacks, screening and other issues. Commission members suggested handling the discussion at a separate special meeting as was done for drive-thru regulations.

The commission agreed wind power should be included in this discussion.

Staff Report and Correspondence W. Volovski stated he will be retiring in January.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence A comment was made that the roundabout project preliminary work is in progress with construction starting in the spring of 2020.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

PLANNING & ZONING MEETING MINUTES DEC. 10, 2019 Present: Mark Lockwood (Chair), Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Paula Johnson, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also present was Abby Kenyon, Director of Community Development Paula Johnson was seated for Margaret Chapple.

Mark Lockwood requested an amendment to the agenda.

ON A MOTION by Christine Chinni seconded by Eric Lukingbeal the commission voted (7-0-0) to amend the agenda to add application acceptance and schedule public hearings.

Action on the minutes of Nov. 26, 2019 ON A MOTION by Eric Myers seconded by Eric Lukingbeal the commission voted (6-0-1) to approve the minutes of November 26, 2019 with the following change: under section “Review and discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Tasks” in addition to the Agricultural Commission, the Development Commission should also review proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations. Paula Johnson abstained.

Public Hearing Application seeking a Site Plan modification for an emergency gate for property located at Windmill Springs, Windmill Drive and Salmon Brook Street.

File Z-20-19.

Michael Bourgoin, 30 Windmill Drive, addressed the commission. Bourgoin explained the Windmill Springs condominium development is accessed by two driveways, one off Hartford Avenue and the other off Salmon Brook Street. The Hartford Avenue driveway allows two-way traffic while the Salmon Brook Street driveway is designated as a one-way-only to allow vehicles to enter the development from Salmon Brook Street. The complex has seen increased traffic and speed as vehicles use the road as a cut-through.

Therefore, the Windmill Springs Board recommends closing the Salmon Brook Street entrance with a chain.

Emergency responders have commented on the application and while none have a notable objection, they have stated response time may be affected with the closure. The commission discussed other barriers that may be used, noting the proposed chain was not

in keeping with the aesthetics of the Historic Overlay District and suggested another method of closing the driveway should be explored. The proposed locking mechanism and placement of the barrier were also discussed. Bourgoin noted that the decision to close the entrance, if approved by the commission, will be brought up at the Windmill Springs annual meeting later this month.

Consideration of above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing.

ON A MOTION by Eric Lukingbeal seconded by Eric Myers the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve closing the entrance located on Salmon Brook Street with a barrier that must be approved by the Director of Community Development considering both safety and the aesthetics of the Town Center and Historic Area.

Receive applications and set public hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.4 for a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet for property at 70R Day Street. File Z-22-19.

Application seeking a site plan modification and Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.8.2.3 to place two additional 30,000 gallon propane tanks underground for property located at 500 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-23-19.

The public hearings have been scheduled for January 28.

Review and discuss the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Tasks In response to questions that were raised at the last meeting regarding the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Tasks, Abby Kenyon, Director of Community Development, reported she is unable to locate a copy of the Conservation Commission’s Natural Diversity Database but she has contacted the chair to see if someone on the commission has a copy. Regarding native vegetation, DEEP has a list of native plants, that may be used when evaluating landscaping plans; and with regards to the farm store and agritourism regulations, the Development Commission will be noted on the table as a partner and member of the subcommittee. The commission had no other changes to the tasks that

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were assigned to them. The revised tabled will be sent to the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee for its consideration.

Review and discuss Zoning Regulations Section 8.25 Utility Use and solar arrays As a follow up to the discussion regarding solar arrays and utility uses from the last meeting, Kenyon noted CRCOG and surrounding communities have solar regulations that can be used as a model for the commission when drafting its own. The commission agreed solar arrays should have their own section in the Zoning Regulations, separate from other utility uses. It was also suggested wind turbines be

addressed with a specific regulation. In the meantime, the commission will review the existing utility use regulation and will make minor modifications to correct cross references and clarify what is permitted by right and what requires special permit approval.

The commission will look at this in more detail at its February meeting.

Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon stated the DOT will soon begin test pits in Granby Center as part of the intersection improvement project.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

New twist on spring voter canvass

To protect the rights of voters during the presidential primary, no canvass letters can be mailed prior to April 28, which means that registrars throughout the state will have to complete their mailing within a three-day window, as the last day to send is May 1. Every year the registrar’s office is required to identify those names on our official voter registry that may need to be removed through an annual, selective canvass of voters. You can help the town by letting the registrars know if you, or your grown children, have moved out of Granby. The DMV and other town agencies also regularly let the registrars know about people who have moved to and from Granby. But this is not enough, and most out-of-state moves are not reported. Granby identifies those who no longer belong on their voter registry by using a National Change of Address ser-

vice. This service identifies people who have filed a change of address with the post office. From this listing, the registrars expect to send out about 200 letters to people that are likely to have moved out of town. Another 100 potentially former residents will receive canvass letters based on no activity, i.e. people who have not voted or registered to vote in the last four years. The third source of information is ERIC, the Electronic Registration Information Center which compares national and state databases to Granby’s voter registry.

Why is this canvass information important? Because the number of ballots ordered is based on Granby’s total numbers of active voters, and this is now a significant part of the town’s budget.

By keeping the town’s voter list as accurate as possible the registrars are able to minimize printing costs.

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February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 7

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES NOV. 20, 2019 Board Members present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino; Melissa Migliaccio, Dave Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Jack DeGray (Student Representative).

Board Members absent: Dwaritha Ramesh (Student Representative) Organizational Meeting - Election of Officers Mr. Winzler called for nominations for the position of Board Chair and stated no second is needed. The by-laws for the Granby BOE call for written votes for board elections. After the Board Chair is elected, the meeting is handed off to the newly elected Board Chair. Rosemarie Weber nominated Melissa Migliaccio for Board Chair. There were no other nominations.

Melissa Migliaccio was elected Board Chair. She stated she looks forward to working with the board to continue its good work and listening to the community.

Melissa Migliaccio asked for a nomination for Vice Chair.

Mark Fiorentino was elected as Board Vice Chair.

Melissa Migliaccio asked for a nomination for Board Secretary. Rosemarie Weber was elected as Board Secretary.

Board Chair Subcommittee Assignments Subcommittee assignments and Chairs of the Subcommittees were appointed by Melissa Migliaccio as follows: 1) Finance/Personnel/ Facilities Subcommittee will be Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino and Dave Peling with Jenny Emery appointed as the Chair; and, 2) Curriculum/ Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee will be Brandon Webster, Rosemarie Weber and Sarah Thrall with Sarah Thrall appointed as the Chair.

Administrative Reports Superintendent’s Announcements Mark Winzler, Interim Superintendent, welcomed Wells Road Intermediate School students and staff who were in attendance to present for Schools in the Spotlight this evening.

Congratulations to the board again for receiving the CABE Level Two Leadership Award. Each Board member is eligible for one free workshop.

Christopher Tranberg did a great job presenting with consultants from the Center for School Change on Equity at the CABE/CAPSS Convention on Saturday.

The high school vestibule project is moving along but a bit behind schedule. Hopefully the project will be complete by mid-January.

Veterans day celebrations were held and well attended by local veterans. Mr. Winzler thanked Rosemarie Weber for attending the celebration at the middle school to honor her service.

A new Physical Education Teacher, Jill Kozieradzki, from Waterbury Public Schools has been hired and will begin in Granby on Jan. 1.

Budget meetings have been completed at all of the schools.

Superintendent-Elect, Dr. Jordan Grossman, has attended meetings with cabinet members and also attended a meeting on Monday with administrators. Dr. Grossman will present the Plus One Budget to the Board on January 2.

Student Representative Reports Field hockey won their semi-final game in double overtime against Westbrook. The final game will be held this Saturday at 10 a.m. in Wethersfield.

The girls’ soccer team is competing right now to play in the championship game this Saturday.

The Boosters Club is contributing to rain covers for the bleachers on the turf fields which is being organized by the boys’ soccer coach Dave Emery.

Any team that makes it to the finals from now on will get a coach bus due to the Boosters’ efforts.

Boosters is also attempting to enclose the upper stands of the stadium seating to allow the microphone and audio equipment to remain there without damage.

The salad bar has returned to the high school and students can get salads, sandwiches or wraps.

Mark Fiorentino added the football team will be playing on Friday night at home. If they win they will secure a playoff spot.

Additionally, Melissa Migliaccio shared with the board that Dave Emery led the entire boys’ soccer team in a fall clean-up on Saturday for a Granby family who recently lost their dad.

Afterwards, the Emerys had the entire team to their house for dinner. She also shared that the board received an email from a parent on the Gilbert/Northwestern football team. There is an autistic player on the team and the parent complimented

that not only was our JV team exemplary by letting him tackle the quarterback but they all congratulated him after the game by patting him on the back. The parent stated she has rarely seen that type of sportsmanship.

Business Manager’s Report Business Manager Anna Robbins presented the October statement of accounts. The BOE continues to show a negative forecast $196K. Special education expenditures are projected to be unfavorable $318K and regular education expenditures are expected to be favorable at $122K. Spending in the regular education category is on target. Salaries and benefits represent 76 percent of the budget and show a slightly favorable forecast. The Quality and Diversity Fund shows a favorable forecast based on a decrease in magnet school tuition and higher attendance at Asnuntuck and the Suffield VoAg Program. Revenue to the town reflects additional revenue for regular education tuition from other towns at $40K but excess cost funding from the state is expected to be lower than budgeted by $65K. Ms. Robbins stated it is still early in the year. Jenny Emery stated the Finance Subcommittee reviewed the numbers this evening and had a robust discussion about the volatility of special education.

She stated there are a number of kids participating in the Asnuntuck program for welding and the agricultural program at Suffield. The bad news is it’s higher than we budgeted for but the good news is that students are interested in attending these programs.

Schools in the Spotlight Fourth Grade students in Mrs. Pestana’s class at Wells Road Intermediate School shared with the board what they have learned about why the topography changes across the United States and showed how they actively engage in scientific exploration to take ownership of their learning.

Amy Lupoli, Elementary Science Coach, stated the unit studied was primarily on National Parks. Students informed the board how questions are asked and students take notes.

The question was then asked, “How does topography change across the U.S.?” Students explained how they performed activities in class and found out that wind and erosion changes topography. Students did a lab on erosion using sand to simulate land erosion; a lab on water erosion using chips;

and a lab using a straw to simulate wind erosion by blowing on sand through a straw. Additionally, students performed a lab for mass and speed and also learned how an oxbow is formed and shared a model with the Board to show it is formed. The students interviewed some of their classmates in Mrs. Pestana’s class about science and shared some of those comments with the board.

Minutes A motion was made by Rosemarie Weber and seconded

by Jenny Emery to adopt the consent agenda. This motion passed at 7:45 p.m. with one abstention (Dave Peling).

Other Board-Related Reports CREC/CABE Mark Fiorentino reported CREC gave a brief legislative update. Starting in February, a shorter version of the legislative session will begin. Discussions might include legislation on shared services, model school climate policy, a push to change vaccination law to remove non-medical, later school start times, and some discussion on policies for undirected play (recess). Migliaccio stated the board will follow the legislation on school start times closely since this topic was recently reviewed by the board.

Mark Winzler stated the keynote speaker at the CABE/ CAPSS Convention was very riveting. His name was Dr. Derrick Gay and he spoke about equity and inclusion in a way that opened people’s eyes. Winzler stated he will share a link to the video if provided by CABE. He also noted the attendance at the conference this year appeared to be down and that it may be due to budget cuts for districts.

Fiorentino stated he will meet with CABE representatives to see what the time constraints are for a legislative group and will join if he feels he has the capability to do so.

Granby Education Foundation Jenny Emery reported she is happy to be involved but if another board member would like to be a board liaison that would be fine. As an Ex-Officio Board Member you would actively serve on the Grant Committee to ensure that items funded by the GEF should not be funded by the BOE. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES DEC. 4, 2019 Present Board Members : Jenny Emery, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Jack DeGray (Student Representative).

Absent Board Members: Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio and Dwaritha Ramesh (Student Representative).

Administrative Reports Superintendent’s Announcements Mark Winzler, Interim Superintendent, welcomed Amber Wyzik, Kim Narciso and Kelly Lane students who were here to present Schools in the Spotlight this evening.

Congratulations to the girls’ soccer and field hockey teams on their state championships. Also good luck to the football team this evening as they play in the quarterfinals.

Congratulations to Dr. Heidi MacDonald, Granby 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year, who is being honored at the Bushnell this evening escorted by Assistant Superintendent, Christopher Tranberg.

With yesterday’s snow day, the district has used three of its five emergency days. Currently, the last day of school is Friday, June 12.

The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be December 18.

All conference reports were released: Boys’ soccer: Matthew Ligouri, Teddy Courmier, and Grady Kelly (Matthew Ligouri was selected to All-State). Girls’ soccer: Natalie Schock, Maria Nola, Tessa McMillan, Sarah

Cramer, and Samantha St. Pierre (Samantha St. Pierre and Maria Nolan selected to All-State). Girls’ field hockey: McKenzie Pederson, Alana King, Lauren Roy, Morgan Wichmann, Avery Bryanton, Abby Cotsonas, and Julie Olchowski (McKenzie Pederson and Alana King selected to All-State).

Schools in the Spotlight Amber Wyzik, Media Specialist, and Kim Narciso, First Grade Teacher, shared how students and teachers use Seesaw to engage with families and communicate learning and Kelly Lane students shared how they take ownership of their learning by using Seesaw. Seesaw is a platform for students to use creative tools to capture their learning by

drawing pictures, recordings, etc. and work can be sent to parents. It also can be used as a portfolio to show student progress. Wyzik explained Seesaw is a school-safe social media site. A student’s work can be shared with just the student’s parent or with other parents in the class. Narciso stated Seesaw is a great way for parents to give feedback right away and also informed the board that goal-setting can also be done in Seesaw. Additionally, parents can hear their students reading, Students have many options in Seesaw and can take ownership of their learning. Before students post any of their work, it needs to be approved by the teacher. Teachers have full control as to what can be

BOE cont’d. on p. 9

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

Granby’s Got Talent 2020 set for April 4

By Stacey Kroninger The Granby Memorial High School Athletic Booster Club will host its second annual Granby’s Got Talent (GGT) competition on Saturday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the GMHS auditorium. The entire Granby community, as well as students from Hartland and Hartford, are welcome to attend and participate in the talent show. Cash prizes will be given to the top three acts: $50 for third place, $100 for second place, and $250 for first place.

Registration is open from Feb. 1 through March 1; the contestant entrance fee is $20 per act. To register, go to GMHSBoosters.com.

Hayden Mueller, last year’s GGT winner, has continued to impress audiences with her vocal talent. Mueller, a sophomore at GMHS, fulfilled a dream she’s had since a little girl—to audition for American Idol. Mueller traveled to Pittsburgh last summer where she witnessed the behind-the-scenes process of the American Idol auditions. “Waiting felt like forever but I met so many amazing and talented artists and it really was so much fun,” said Mueller. Mueller’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “To Make you Feel my Love” earned her a callback for a second round of auditions in Chicago. Although Mueller did not make it to the next Hayden Mueller, 2019 GGT winner

round of auditions, the producers gave her great feedback and encouraged her to come back to audition again. Mueller said, “Even though I didn’t make it to Hollywood week, they will see me again and I will keep working to fulfill my dreams.”

Mueller’s talents have been on display closer to home in several local performances since GGT last spring: GMHS’ Fall production of James and the Giant Peach, Good Company Theater’s Fall production of God Spell and this spring’s GMHS’ production of Mamma Mia. She is a member of the GMHS Chamber Singers and was selected for the Connecticut Music Educators Northern Regional Select Choir for the fifth year in a row.

The GMHS Athletic Booster Club is a group of parent and student volunteers dedicated to supporting and enhancing the high school athletic community.

The club’s mission is to aid and assist in the enhancement of the school athletic programs and to promote GMHS. Parents and students are invited to join the Booster Club meetings held on the first Thursday of each month in the GMHS Media Center at 7 p.m. The Booster Club support includes the GMHS Homecoming Week games; sports programs; game-time concessions; away game student fan bases; and athletic necessities such as a golf cart, weight room equipment, scoreboards and pole vault mats.

For more information on GGT or the GMHS Boosters Club, please visit GMHSBoosters.com, or, email info@ GMHSBoosters.com.

Local scouts learn about careers in architecture Girl Scout troops 66192 and 66261 are pictured with Erika and Tom Fairlie of Fairlie Architecture.

The scouts thank the Fairlies for showing them the path to become architects.

Submitted photo

GMHS Safe Grad event volunteers wanted

By Kate Roy Entering 2020, the Granby Memorial High School Safe Grad Committee is busy preparing for a successful Safe Grad Night event for graduating seniors in June. But it can’t do it without the help of GMHS parents.

Planning for the 2020 GMHS Safe Grad Night is well underway and volunteers are needed. Safe Grad Night is a free, fun-filled, substance-free event offered to graduating seniors every year the night of graduation at the Granby YMCA. The committee is asking parents of underclassmen students to volunteer for the event so that parents of seniors can enjoy graduation festivities with their families.

For this reason, it is especially important for new volunteers to step up each year.

Help is needed with food, room set up,

decorations and chaperoning. There are also several tasks required in advance of the event, if a parent is able to help but isn’t available for the party itself.

The committee holds meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., through May. Meetings are held in the media center at GMHS. Meetings are posted on the GMHS website and included in the weekly GMHS eblasts.

To keep up to date on committee happenings, follow it on Facebook at facebook. com/granbyctsafegrad/ Interested in learning more or signing up for a volunteer position? Please contact Safe Grad Committee Chair Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com Please consider being a part of this special event honoring graduating seniors and support this proud Granby tradition.

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Focus on Education Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community for welcoming me with open arms to this incredible town. I truly feel fortunate and proud to serve as your Superintendent of Schools.

From my first day riding the bus with students, to presenting the Plus One

Budget to the Board of Education, each moment positively reflects the Granby culture. Attending a variety of meetings, sporting events, concerts, and student recognition ceremonies provide daily insight and opportunities to pause and celebrate successes. The district’s commitment to

BOE cont’d. from p. 7 posted. Students can see each other’s work so that they can review their work and give feedback.

Teaching and Learning Chuck Hershon, Middle School Assistant Principal, shared outcomes from the 2018-2019 District-Wide PLC Collaborative Action Team and highlighted areas of focus for PLC 2.0. He stated PLC is being re-vamped in the Granby School district this year and explained that PLC starts with asking the four key questions: 1) What do we want students to learn? 2) How will we know if they’ve learned it? 3) What will we do if they didn’t learn it? 4) What will we do if they already know it? The district was trained in PLC 17 years ago by the Dufours who led the professional development and felt an urgency for new learning for teachers who were not part of that professional development experience. There is a need to streamline PLC and to focus around the four questions.

Hershon reviewed the PLC Collaborative Action Team recommendations to revise a continuum to the four guiding PLC questions; utilize a new continuum formatively throughout the year during PLC; and, consider developing a PLC handbook. The district is under a curriculum revision process which will include PLC collaboration as well. Recently, professional development focused on jobembedded professional learning and the keynote speaker was Dr. Acosta from Marzano Research. There were also opportunities for teachers to focus on various topics presented by coaches, such as, Tier 1 conversations for addressing challenging behaviors and enriching student learning, Rosemarie Weber inquired if there was dedicated PLC time set aside at the middle school for teams. Hershon stated all schools have time set aside for collaborative time and the middle school is during X block. The middle school also sends some teachers over to the high school to collaborate with those teachers. Dave Peling inquired how many hours do teachers typically have in a week and Hershon stated middle school teachers have 55 minutes each week. Brandon Webster inquired if there is a plan to validate if the changes are effective two years down the line and Hershon stated, yes, surveys will be used to evaluate if they find that the increased focus has helped improve practice over the course of this year. Webster also inquired if other areas in the district will be measured for efficiency.

Hershon stated we are working very closely to evaluate our practices within the Administrative Council to identify what processes are working or not but stated this should be shared by Central Office or administration. Webster inquired if this is something that administration will share with the board. Mark Winzler stated Christopher Tranberg is probably the best person to answer that because he is working on this as a whole continuum but he will make sure to let him know this is a question from the board.

New Business FY21 Draft Budget Goals The Board considered adoption of the FY21 draft budget goals. Jenny Emery inquired if the budget goals can be deliberated more at a Finance Subcommittee Meeting.

The budget goals are designed to categorize budget items under each budget goal. A motion was made by Sarah Thrall and seconded by Dave Peling, that the Granby Board of Education adopt the FY21 Budget Goals. Brandon Webster stated he agreed with Emery that it would be good to take a little more time to review them. This motion did not pass with one (1) yes vote (Sarah Thrall), three (3) no votes (Jenny Emery, David Peling, and Brandon Weber) and one abstention (Rosemarie Weber) at 8:04 p.m.

Calendar of Events The calendar of events was as presented. Jenny Emery inquired if the date for graduation was set yet. Mark Winzler stated the date for graduation has not been set as of yet but the date could be the 180th day of school when the calendar was passed.

Action Items Brandon Webster: Will other efficiencies/processes in the district be evaluated in addition to PLC? Executive Session/Non-Meeting There was no need to enter into an Executive Session/ Non-Meeting this evening. A motion was made by Jenny Emery and seconded by Brandon Webster to adjourn the meeting. This motion passed unanimously at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber Board Secretary

Feb. 6: Grade 3 and 4 Chorus/Grade educating our students is extraordinary 4 Band Concerts, 7 p.m., High School and something for which to be proud.

Auditorium Our schools in Granby are a true treaFeb. 13: Kindergarten Registration, 4-7 sure that represent one of the best school p.m. Kelly Lane Cafetorium systems in the state of Connecticut. We Feb. 22: Winter Coffeehouse, 7 p.m., are fortunate to have a remarkable Board High School Commons of Education that makes decisions in the As stated earlier, on Jan. 2, my first best interest of children. I am honored to day as your Superintendent of Schools, I work with such committed individuals. presented the Plus One Budget for 2020In a short period of time, I have learned 2021 to the Granby Board of Education. that the staff of the Granby Public Schools Each year the Granby Board of Education works tirelessly with students to achieve develops and submits budget projections their highest potential in both academics to the Board of Finance for use in the budand social and emotional development.

Students in Granby are excelling in get guideline. At that time, the projected all areas. I am impressed with how welrequest was 3.69 percent over current operating costs. On coming students are March 4, at 7 p.m., across the district. Our students in the Granby Superintendent-Community the Superintendent’s Budget will be prePublic Schools are the Conversation heart and soul of the sented to the Granby Wednesday, Feb. 19 school system. Each Board of Education 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. day, from our youngin the Town Hall Central Services Meeting Room. est learners to our A Superintengraduating seniors, students engage in dent-Community amazing learning experiences at Kelly Conversation will be held on Wednesday, Lane Primary School, Wells Road InFeb. 19, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at central services’ office at 15-B North Granby termediate School, Granby Memorial Road. This is a time where the community Middle School, and Granby Memorial and parents can ask questions about the High School. I invite you to look on our district. Future dates will be posted on the Granby Public Schools’ website at granby.

District Calendar. k12.ct.us for events that you and your famThank you again for such a warm welily may like to attend. Some events that may be of interest to you are listed below: come to Granby. If you ever have any Feb. 4: 8th Grade Parents’ Night, 6:30 questions, please do not hesitate to contact p.m., HS Auditorium me at 860-844-5260. Also, please follow Feb. 5: Board of Education Meeting, 7 me on Twitter @GranbySuper. p.m., Town Hall Meeting Room

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Granby student wins young poets competition

GMHS to present Mamma Mia

Granby Memorial High School Performing Arts is proud to present Mamma Mia, March 13, 14 and 15.

When young Sophie is getting married, she decides to try to find out who her real father is. She invites three former boyfriends of her mother to investigate. This is a romping, rock ‘n’ roll hit! The musical includes ABBA hits Super Trouper, Lay All Your Love on Me, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, Take a Chance on Me, Thank You for the Music, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes It All, Voulez-Vous, SOS and Mamma Mia. Mamma Mia is one of the most produced musicals of our time and was just released last year for high schools. The show will be presented on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for seniors and students, and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Parental discretion is advised. Come to support our wonderful cast and have a great time.

February 2020

By Alison Rudolph Nature’s Music, a poem by Noelle Tackett, daughter of David and Sarah Tackett, was selected by composer Ellen Gilson Voth to be set to music in a new piece commissioned by the Farmington Valley Chorale. To mark its 50th anniversary in 2020, the chorale looked to young poets for an original poem that explores a theme related to how music affects us or has an impact on our lives.

Noelle’s poem was selected, with one other, from student submissions in the Greater Hartford area.

Noelle, who is 14 and home schooled, moved to Granby with her family in April 2019. She told Voth, “One of the things I love about poetry is that I can express

myself with no boundaries.”

The musical composition will premiere in Simsbury on May 9 at the chorale’s anniversary concert.

Noelle Tackett with Ellen Gilson Voth Submitted photo

Kindergarten registration begins

Granby Cubs players represent team in All-Star Game

The third annual Connecticut North Men’s Senior Baseball League (CNMSBL) All-Star game was held on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford. After a several hour rain delay, four Granby Cubs players and one coach represented the team at this year’s game. Hazen Sturtevant, Jason Mele, Jonathan Gentile, and Chris Mele were voted by their teammates to represent their team in the game and Mike Agogliati was selected as a coach representative. The Cubs played on the Americans team with other players from the Rocky Hill/Newington Caps, the Colchester Thunder, and the Bristol Mustangs.

Together the team jumped out in front with seven runs in the first inning and never looked back, winning the game 8-2. This game is the CNMSBL’s biggest fundraiser and all proceeds from the game were donated to the league’s charity Wounded Warriors. The Granby Cubs thanks its 2019 “double” and “triple” sponsors: Signature Flight Support, Tim’s Automotive, Route 10 Tire, Carmon Funeral Home, and Beacon Mechanical Services.

Submitted photo

There are new procedures for registering kindergarten students.

Beginning Feb. 1, parents must preregister their child for kindergarten on the Kelly Lane Primary School page of the Granby Schools website: Granby. k12.ct.us Once pre-registered, the parent will receive an email from the Kelly Lane office with instructions on how to complete the registration process.

Kindergarten registration will be held at Kelly Lane Primary School, 60 Kelly Lane, on Thursday, Feb. 13.

Come to the school anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. to register.

Children who will be five years of age on or before Jan. 1, 2021, must be

registered for the 2020-2021 school year. Parents choosing not to enroll their eligible child for kindergarten must complete an option form exempting their child from school attendance.

This form is available on the website.

Children do not have to be present for registration.

Please bring with you at the time of registration: 1) A copy of your child’s birth certificate, 2) A health assessment record including immunizations; download this form from the website 3) Proof of residency, such as mortgage statement, rental contract or utility bill.

If you have any questions, please call Kelly Lane Primary School at 860-844-3041.

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February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 11

Granby men enjoy breakfast and holiday fun at December meeting

TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

(Right top)The GMHS chorus, under the direction of Mindy Shelansky, performs for the men’s breakfast bunch.

Is your child a mouth breather?

Q: What is the effect of Mouth Breathing on my child’s growth & development?

A: The inability to breathe through the nose, primarily because of allergies causes Mouth breathing.

Children with chronic or severe congestion find it difficult to breathe through the nose, and get in the habit of breathing through the mouth. Other causes of mouth breathing are long-term use of a pacifier and thumb sucking, which cause the lower jaw to become recessed, resulting in a constricted airway, which leads to mouth breathing.

(Bottom left) Mario DeiDolori, left, wins the Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.

President Duncan Rowles presented the award.

(Bottom right) Once an engineer, always an engineer. Don Rethke employs a power drill and a potato peeler to mix the egg slurry for French toast. Yum!

The tongue plays a large role in influencing how the mouth and jaws grow. An infant thrusts the tongue, which is the force that drives the horizontal or forward growth of upper jaw to express milk from the mother’s breast. The tongue acts like a natural tooth retainer when the mouth is closed, gently pushing the top teeth into their correct position.

When the mouth is open, the tongue rests on the floor of the mouth instead of the roof and causes narrowing of the upper jaw, which in turn prevents the lower jaw from fitting properly, setting up a malocclusion (crooked teeth and an unhealthy bite.)

Photos by Nat Kennedy

Lukingbeal honored for environmental service

Connecticut Woodlands, the publication of the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CPTA), recently recognized Eric Lukingbeal for his service to the organization. Lukingbeal served as president for the past eight years and has been a member since 1997. An environmental attorney, he will remain on the board. He was quoted in the article, “I’m not aware of another non-profit in Connecticut that gets as much done with as little fanfare as CPTA. Year after year, well over 800 miles of trails are kept clear, bridges are built, and erosion controls are installed.” Thanks, Eric, for being a champion of the environment!

Fire Marshal’s Office to bolster prevention efforts with grant

By Harold Holmes The Town of Granby Fire Marshal’s Office has received a $2,429 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.

FM Global representatives presented the award to Fire Marshal Harold Holmes. The award will be used to assist with fire prevention activities that help educate the community and reduce the number of fires.

Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 40 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service orga-

nizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Connecticut-based organizations.

“At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable,” said Michael Spaziani, assistant vice president and manager of the fire prevention grant program. “Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent those organizations working to prevent fire from being as proactive as they would like to be.”

To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program and other resources for the fire service, please visit fmglobal.com/fireservice

Presidential visits to Granby

By Todd Vibert President Calvin Coolidge came to Granby in May of 1932 to go fishing with his good friend, Senator George McLean of Simsbury. Senator McLean owned a lot of land and cared about the environment. He designated some his land that he owned in Granby, Simsbury, and Canton toward a refuge for animals. We know this area as the McLean Game Refuge. The former President did catch a fish wearing a three-piece suit and boots to go fishing. Apparently, Senator McLean had the pond stocked with fish before the President’s fishing trip to ensure the President would have a good shot at catching a fish. Gee, little old Granby, with approximate population of 1,400 people in 1932 and today a population of

12,000 people, had a Presidential visit.

The Simsbury senator not only hosted President Coolidge to fish at the refuge, but also Presidents Taft and Hoover. Of the thousands of towns in the United States, Granby residents could boast in 1932 that three of the 33 presidents at that time had visited their town, a remarkable distinction.

Do you want to learn more about the history of Granby?

Come join the Salmon Brook Historical Society as it celebrates its 75th year as non-profit organization this year. To become a member, call 860-653-9713 or go to salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com.

The society is always looking for members and volunteers

to help with flea markets, the car show, the tractor and engine show and other events. Granby, which started out as a small farming community has a neat history- so come become a member and help celebrate the society’s 75th anniversary.

If your child is a mouth breather, you may notice the following: Dry lips, Dark circles under the eyes, swollen tonsils, crowded teeth, Gummy smile, High incidence of upper airway infections, Tongue thrusting, Front teeth don’t touch together, and Snoring.

Enlarged adenoids or tonsils in younger children are one of the primary causes for persistent childhood snoring. As the adenoids become bigger, the nasal passage become smaller and smaller.

What is the treatment for mouth breathing?

Treatment for mouth breathing is available and can be most beneficial for children between the ages of 4-10. A dentist can check for mouth breathing symptoms and swollen tonsils. If the tonsils and adenoids are swollen, they can be surgically removed by an ENT specialist.

Allergies should be treated Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking habits should be corrected Dr. Ungerleider treats myofunctional integrated orthodontics with the Myobrace® system. By incorporating this fun technique you can help your child to becoming a lifelong nose breather.

The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to bring your child in for a complimentary evaluation to see if your child is a good candidate for the Myobrace®.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month….Are you overdue for your child’s check up?

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 discover some of the exciting new procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our new and improved website: www. granbydentalcenter.com

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In May 1932, President Calvin Coolidge caught a few fish here during a visit with his good friend, Senator George McLean.

Book sale tables at Granby Library feature romance for February

By Brian Tomasino The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) book sale table for the first two weeks of February will have books centered on romance and special price books for Valentines. Starting on Feb. 15, there will be a special discount sale of DVDs at $1.50 and CDs at $1.

For the month of December, the FOGPL holiday book tables realized over $1,000

in sales that all goes towards supporting the library. Thank you to everyone who helped out and purchased items to make it so successful.

Looking for something to do while staying warm inside? Check out the Granby Library Facebook page for the current list of events to attend throughout the month. The Friends of the Granby Public Library helps sponsor many pro-

grams at the library, including museum passes, DVDs, magazines, and more.

The annual membership year starts on April 1. We would love to have you join us or renew your Friends membership.

Membership forms for 2020-21 will be available online on our Facebook “Friends of Granby Library” page beginning March 1 and will be an insert in the March issue of the Drummer.

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town

NCCHP re-creates 19th Century Ice Harvest

The Suffield Players present Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike The fun’s back in dysFUNctional as The Suffield Players present the clever comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang on Feb. 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, *23, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. (*2 p.m. matinee) at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, Penn., where they’ve spent years bickering with each other, and caring for their demented parents, recently deceased.

Dramatic movie star sister Masha swoops home for a visit with her new

boy-toy Spike, and old resentments flare up. A zany soothsayer servant and a sweet innocent young actress get mixed up in the mayhem, not to mention a blue heron and some wild turkeys. If you enjoy way-out and wonderful, this is the show for you!

Ticket price: $20 ($15 Opening Night). Discounts available for groups, seniors and students, as well as season subscribers. For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit suffieldplayers.org

Bradley Regional Chamber hosts Business After Hours

Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 Board of Directors (Standing L to R) Mike Keiser, E Circle Marketing; President Leslie Marques, My Advertising Works, LLC; David Iannucci, Windsor Federal Savings; Tom Landry, Landry Communications; Chris Bafumo, Cruise Planners; Vice President Shelly Knowles, Homewood Suites; Secretary, Kashema Jennings, East Granby Public Schools; (Seated L to R), Executive Director Gina Maria Alimberti; Treasurer David Renouf, Bardaglio, Hart and Shuman, CPA, and Margaret Byrne Attorney at Law. (Absent: Dori Serrano, People’s United Bank and Jessie Lavorgna, Windsor Locks Public Schools.) Submitted photo

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Bradley Chamber hosts a Tobacco Valley Chamber Alliance (TVCA) Business After Hours at Luppoleto Brewing Company, 20 Main St. in Windsor Locks. Networking with six chambers, beer or soda drink ticket, appetizers, raffle prizes and cash bar. Spotlight your business with a sponsorship. Free for Bradley Chamber and TVCA members, $20 for non-mem-

bers. Contact us at 860-653-3833 or admin@bradleyregionalchamber.org.

The Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic, industrial and professional needs of the East Granby and Windsor Locks business community. The TVCA consists of six chambers working together— Bloomfield, Bradley Regional, Granby, Suffield, East Windsor and Windsor.

Organic Gardening The Gardeners of Simsbury will host Trade Secrets: Plant Selection and Organic Lawn Care with Karla Dalley on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Simsbury

Public Library in the large meeting room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free to the public. The library is located at 725 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.

Drumrolls

Michael Chase, an attorney with Shipman and Goodwin LLP, was promoted to partner.

He represents organizations and individuals in government investigations, internal investigations and both criminal and civil litigation.

Michael Chase

Floors

Installation, Staining, and Refinishing Serving the Farmington Valley and beyond for 35 years Glenn Sullivan 860-712-9803

February 2020

Owner Operated Fully Insured

On Saturday, Feb. 1, the Noble and Cooley Center for Historic Preservation (NCCHP) will re-create a small-scale ice cutting on the pond at 42 Water Street, off of Route 189, in Granville, Mass. The event is co-sponsored by the Suffield Historical Society, the Suffield Land Conservancy and the Granville Cultural Council.

Dennis Picard, former director of Storrowton Village Museum, will organize the harvest. Picard owns a complete collection of antique ice cutting tools. During his presentation he demonstrates the finer points of ice cut­ting and explains how to use the specialized tools. Visitors will also have an opportunity to join Picard on the ice to use an ice-saw or pike pole and learn first-hand about a harvest that provided an extra cash crop for local farmers.

The program will run between noon and 3 p.m.; visitors may participate anytime between those hours. A video on ice harvesting in New England will also be shown continuously in the NCCHP Museum. The museum will be open for tours that focus on the skills and art of drum making. “We hope to bring people together to rekindle the community spirit of the farm communities and industrial villages that were common in most of New England.

The center invites everyone with an interest in ‘living history’ to join us at the museum,” said Liz Smith, NCCHP clerk/treasurer.

There is no charge for the ice harvesting demonstration but donations will be gratefully accepted. For last minute information on ice conditions and status of the harvest visit ncchp.org or call

Drumrolls

Thomas Edwards, class of 2020, was named to the dean’s list at Providence College.

Katrina Wheeler, an accounting major, played on the women’s rugby club at Eastern Connecticut State University which claimed the New England Collegiate Cup (NECC) championship at the 2019 Plymouth Rock Bowl, capping off their undefeated season.

Cheryl Latona, a member of the Westfield State field hockey team was named a Little East Conference AllAcademic selection. Latona is a forward majoring in nursing. She finished the 2019 campaign with six goals and three assists for 15 points, ranking second on the team in all three categories. The Owls finished 2019 with a 5-15 record.

Melena Kopf has been named to the Nazareth College dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester.

413-357-6321 on Jan. 31.

This area of New England has a long history of ice harvesting and produced a great deal of natural ice during the early 20th Century. Commercial ice harvesting in Southwick and Suffield began right after the Civil War ended.

Prior to that time the Hudson River was the major source of ice.

For several years the polluted Hudson produced poor harvests and the ice companies looked around for a new source. The Congamond Lakes, favored with good rail transportation on the nearby New Haven-Northampton railroad line, offered a unique business opportunity. The spring-fed Congamond Lakes produced a pure, high quality ice that found a ready market. It wasn’t long before the ice harvesters were cutting big blocks and loading them into boxcars for shipment to New York.

The Congamond operation became the largest ice harvesting operation in New England from 1900 to 1925.

In addition to the large commercial ice operations, many local farmers harvested ice from their ponds for personal use or as a source of extra income.

Cassandra Miller has been named to the Assumption College dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester.

Andrew Martin Jennings graduated from Clemson University with a BA in English.

Nathan Betsch has been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the fall 2019 semester. Betsch is a marketing major.

Karissa Gaughan was named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at Lasell University.

Russell Stone has been named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at American International College.

Brian Boyle, Mckenzie Huot and Georgia McDougall were named to the dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2019 semester.

Tyler Rome, a Mechanical Engineering major, and Abigail Thrall, an undeclared major, were named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University.

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Cossitt Puzzle and Game Sale

This very popular fund raiser will continue in 2020, with games as well as puzzles. Donations can be dropped off at the Cossitt or at Granby Public Libraries. Please be sure puzzles and games are in good condition and complete.

The sale will run at Cossitt through Feb. 1 and any remaining puzzles and games will be moved to Granby Public Library until Feb. 15. Donations are welcome any time, even while the sale is ongoing.

All proceeds go to support programs at the Cossitt Library.

Granby Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Feb. 3, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The program for the evening is Painting with Light. Please bring your camera, tripod, remote (if you have one), and a flashlight. The scavenger hunt words are: bird, depth of field and favorite. To learn more about the club visit GranbyCameraClub.com.

Men’s Breakfast

Join us Friday, Feb. 13, at the Granby Senior Center. Dave Roberts will talk about a fascinating life and work in government. Breakfast is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. If you are a new participant, please arrive by 8:15 and ask for Nat. After the morning welcome and news update, we enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, followed by a 45-minute presentation.

The breakfast typically includes eggs, pancakes or French toast, sausage, home fries, coffee and orange juice.

Pollworkers urgently needed Lots of pollworkers will be needed for the April 27 annual Granby budget referendum and April 28 presidential preference primary, as well as the Aug. 11 federal primary and for the presidential election Nov. 3.

Training sessions will begin in March and are held prior to each event as needed. If you would like to participate, please register for the training with an email to the registrars at lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and/ or ssmith@granby-ct.gov

Donate your car Donate your car, truck or van and help raise funds for a local private school. Free, fast, tow away. Running or not running.

Your donation can be used for a charitable tax deduction. Call Charter Oak Education dba Sterling Education at 860-643-1100.

Women’s Breakfast

Eliza Floran will present “From Grassroots Ice Cream to Deep Roots Street Food in Granby” to the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Senior Center. Door prizes will be given. Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $4. Newcomers are welcome and regular attendees are requested to bring a friend. Donations to the Granby Food Bank are always welcome. Call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891 to reserve a spot.

Volunteers Needed

Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find “fur-ever” homes. If you love cats and have time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon contact the shelter at 860379-4141 or through maryskittykorner. org. Currently, the greatest need is for Monday and Thursday mornings.

Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Bake Sale

Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook St., will hold a Swedish pancake breakfast and Scandanavian bake sale on Saturday, March 7, 8–10 a.m. Come for pancakes, lingonberries, bacon, sausage and fellowship. Cost is a free-will donation; proceeds benefit an upcoming mission trip.

MS Support Group

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

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations.

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

VPS Tag Sale

The annual Valley Pre-School Sale tag sale is Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at First Church, North Granby Road. Early Bird access to sales from 8 to 8:30 a.m. is $10. Items to be donated may be dropped off on Friday, March 27 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m.

SBHS Events

The Salmon Brook Historical Society has a big year ahead marking its 75th anniversary. Members encourage everyone to come celebrate with us at various events this year and, as always, tours are offered every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. starting Memorial Day. Spring Flea Market May 16 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Vendors from all over selling everything from antiques to plants to food. The society will be opening its concession stand as well, with Mrs. Murphy’s donuts, hot dogs, and more.

Car and Engine Show June 6 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Rain date is June 13: Free car show with all types of classic cars, from Model Ts to Corvettes, on display as well as tractors and small engines.

75th Celebration Ice Cream Social June 20 from 1–4 p.m. All are welcome to celebrate with us at an Ice Cream Social. We are offering tours, free ice cream, games, and a photo booth; don’t miss it.

Fall Flea Market Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. If you miss the Spring Flea Market, no need to fear, vendors will be back in the fall with a variety of goods to sell. The concessions stand will be cooking the best hot dogs in town.

@

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

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Staci Allen

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Dr. Jason Alliger ENDODONTIST

GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT The Granby Public School District, 15B North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035, invites bids from qualified food service management companies for providing the services to operate child nutrition programs for the Granby Public School District, RFP#2020. The bids should take into account all applicable U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requirements.

Bids will be received at the Office of the Business Administrator,15B North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035, until March 16, 2020, at 9 a.m.

Specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Business Administrator, located at the above-mentioned address, or online at: granby.k12.ct.us/o/gps/page/business-office--78 It is suggested that all prospective bidders attend a pre-bid conference and site visitation to be held on Feb. 19 at 10 a.m., in the Business Office,15B North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. If the pre-bid conference needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather, it will be held on Feb. 26 at 10 a.m., at the Business Office address noted above.

Dr. Matthew Lepowski GENERAL DENTISTRY

General Dentists and Certified Specialists

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

February 2020

The skinny on bobcats in Connecticut

Taking care of your pet’s teeth

February is National Pet Health Dental Month, which helps raise awareness that the number one health issue in our pets is periodontal disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will develop dental disease by the age of three. Pet owners are often not aware of the severity of dental disease in their pets until the periodontitis progresses.

Signs of dental disease include: poor appetite, bad breath, preferential chewing on one side, excessive drooling with discolored discharge and facial swelling.

Teeth are held in position by the periodontium, which is made up of the gums (or gingiva), periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone in the mouth. When the periodontium becomes infected or inflamed because of plaque bacteria the result is periodontitis. This condition affects all three areas resulting in tooth attachment loss, gingival recession and bone infection. The result of this condition is often painful gum disease and tooth loss. Oral surgery is necessary in many cases to extract the loose teeth and eliminate the infection. It is important to stay on top of periodontitis going forward because the bacteria

can invade the bloodstream and cause systemic infections involving the liver, kidneys and heart.

The gold standard for managing periodontal disease is: diagnosis by an oral exam, treatment under anesthesia, administration of antibiotics and pain relievers, followed by daily toothbrushing and dental diets. Daily brushing is very effective. Plaque is soft and easily clean with a brush or wipes. If the plaque is allowed to accumulate for a few days it will mineralize and form tartar that is difficult to remove. There are pet toothbrushes that are angled which helps for brushing the back molars. Cats and small dogs often prefer finger brushes.

Pet toothpastes have enzymes that are much more effective at dissolving plaque and also have abrasives to help with calculus (tartar).

There are many products on the market for oral health in pets such as oral rinses and gels. Be sure to check for the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Some dental chews have proven to be effective, especially the rawhide chews that are impregnated with medications. The medically proven dental diets are large

Faith Matters Happy February, Granby!

Ginny Apple, a Master Wildlife Conservationist and volunteer for the department of environmental protection, presented a very interesting program on bobcats in Connecticut at the Jan. 8 Women’s Breakfast held at the Senior Center. Photo by Joan Ducharme.

kibbles that have fiber strands which are aligned to mechanically scrub the teeth and remove plaque and tartar.

If you suspect your pets have dental disease and could use a good cleaning, make an appointment with your veterinarian to have an oral exam. Early treatment will certainly keep your pet healthy and free of dental infection and pain.

CitySingers of Hartford present Celtic Fire!

By Laura Mazza-Dixon The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series welcomes CitySingers of Hartford as they return with their Celtic Fire! program on Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m., at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. Celebrating the timelessness of the Celtic soul with captivating melodies, choral arrangements, and entrancing poetry, the 2020 Celtic Fire! program will trace the evolution of Celtic music from its ancient roots in melodies from the Celtic regions of Galicia (northern Spain), Norway, and other parts of Europe to Irish fiddle tunes and music by celebrated composers such as Turlough O’Carolan, Sean O’Raida, and Michael McGlynn. Accomplished musicians on Irish harp, wooden flute, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, concertina, bodhrán, double bass, pipe organ and Highland pipes will support and enhance the singers.

Founded 34 years ago with patronage from Trinity College Chapel, CitySingers has expanded to a chamber choir of 25 singers who have presented programs

CitySingers of Hartford will present its CelticFire program March 1. Submitted photo

every year in churches in the greater Hartford area.

Come a little early for a good seat.

The BPMMS is supported by South Church and an annual grant from the Granby Education Foundation. The

church is wheelchair accessible from a side door. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $15. For more information call the church office at 860-653-7289 or visit southchurchgranby.com

Conservation Commission challenges Granby residents to scavenger hunt

By Rebecca McCord In an effort to raise awareness about Granby’s hiking trails and open spaces, the Conservation Commission will be challenging the public to a scavenger hunt event through the fall of this year.

“The Conservation Commission would like to motivate Granby residents to explore our beautiful trails and open spaces,’’ says Commissioner Kent McCord.

The rules are simple—get to the target locations, take a selfie photo, and submit the photos to the Commission along

with the date of the visit and the names of Granby residents in attendance.

The event will be an excellent opportunity for families to explore what Granby’s natural landscape has to offer.

Five easy-to-find sites will be identified on marked trails at Holcomb Farm, McLean Game Refuge and Granby Land Trust properties. Participants who reach all sites will be awarded a certificate and a small recognition.

Details about the event, including target locations and how to participate, will be released in February on the Conservation Commission website at

granby-ct/gov/conservation-commission.com and the Granby Recreation and Leisure Services programs page at granbyrec.com. The Commission hopes the Explore Granby scavenger hunt will help build a stronger appreciation for the beautiful natural resources of our town.

This winter at First Congregational Church we’re thinking spring. I grew up in a farming family. We spent winters repairing equipment, milking the cows (which never stops) and preparing for spring planting. At FCC we’re preparing for a year of growth.

As always, you are a vital part of that conversation. Where do you see sprouts of new growth in your life? In the town? In your business? In your family?

In your career? What are you doing to nurture and protect that budding potential? What can we do as a congregation to support that growth? We’d love to hear your stories. Email the office at admin@firstchurchgranby.org, or share with us what you’re excited about on our Facebook page.

To get us in the spring spirit, you are invited to a “Fat Ash Wednesday” event on Wednesday evening, February 26 in our fellowship hall at First Church. We’re combining Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday for a family event. There will be a pancake dinner and activities for the kids along with a moment to reflect on the holy season of Lent, a time of preparation for the great celebration of Easter. Contact the church office for more details. Let’s be in touch!

FAT ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26 Pancake Dinner, Activities & More!

No matter who you are or where you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Worship Sundays 10am Coffee Hour 11:15am

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

860-653-4537

www.firstchurchgranby.org

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 15

What’s for Supper? Salsa Almond Chicken

By Pamela Scherrer I hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season and that 2020 is off to a good start for you. I have been enjoying trying some new recipes and making some old favorites. I had to dig deep into my Mom’s recipe box to find this one. I don’t know where she got it from, but she would always put her own spin on everything anyway. It is an interesting mix of flavors that you might not think would go together, but it really is quite good.

This dish can be served over couscous or rice. My Mom would serve it over Carolina Black Beans and Rice with seasonings, that is found in the rice section of the grocery and comes in a bag.

It adds even more flavor to the dish. It is the only way I have served it, but I am sure anything else would be good too.

This is a pretty easy recipe that tastes much more complicated.

Salsa Almond Chicken Ingredients 1 Tablespoon slivered almonds 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken breast cut into small pieces 1 medium size jar of salsa (mild, medium or hot; your choice) ¼ cup water (or white wine) 2 Tablespoon golden raisins 1 Tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar)

Public Works Presidents’ Day (Feb. 17) is not a trash holiday. Please put trash out on regularly scheduled day. Stay tuned—Like us on the DPW Facebook page, Granby CT Department of Public Works.

Textile recycling: Pink textile bags are picked up on the same day as your recycling. The bags should be placed next to your barrels. Simple Recycling accepts clothing, shoes, accessories and small household items. If you need additional bags, you can either call Simple

Recycling at 866-835-5068 or stop by the Granby DPW. Plastic film: Plastic bags and plastic wrap should not go in your single stream barrel. Plastic film is recyclable but only in designated collection boxes. Plastic shopping bags, clean plastic wrap, wrap from products such as toilet paper, napkins, etc. can be placed in collection containers located at the entrance or bottle recycle area of local grocery stores.

Winter storms and snow removal can be a challenge for all Granby residents.

We do our 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 Please be aware that 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 should be placed at the end of your driveway in a location accessible to the trash hauler and at least 2 ft from the roadway. Barrels should 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: During the winter season, 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 snow plow.

Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow thrown against them or mailboxes that are located closer than 9-inches to 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 the sidewalk 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 (Granby Animal Shelter), opposite McLean Game Refuge. Residents of Granby may take one 5-gallon bucket at a time.

Child Safety: Do not 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.

WINTER HINTS

Directions In a large skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat, add chicken breast and stir until chicken is just cooked through.

Add the salsa, water (or wine), raisins, honey, cumin and cinnamon to the pan.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Top with the almonds and cheese just before serving.

Buon Appetito!

Windsor Federal 21 Hartford Ave., Granby | 860.653.4548 | WindsorFederal.com

Start With a Strong Foundation.

Page 16 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

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Granby | 22 Hartford Avenue | T 860-653-4507 ©2020 operated member of BHH Affiliates.

Housing Opportunity. © 2016 An An independently independently operated member of BHH Affiliates.

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Length of ad reduced to 13”

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February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Marquis of Granby celebrates 50th season

By Polina Crotty

Marquis of Granby Ancient Jr. Fyfe and Drum Corps held its annual banquet on Jan. 11 at Cook Hall, First Congregational Church. In reflecting on the year, it celebrated the achievements of its members and expressed thanks for the extraordinary commitment on the part of corps’ music instructors, its board and director, and the many parents and members of the community that have contributed their time and resources to the organization.

The banquet is a special and beloved event. A potluck of delicious dinner and desserts, it brings together current members and their families, directors and teachers—all sharing in a common interest and commitment to a rich historical musical tradition that has been kept strong by Marquis since it was founded now over 50 years ago. It is also an exciting reunion for members who are in college, as well as for past directors, instructors and alumni. The banquet is an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and appreciate the culture of this organization. An extraordinary highlight of 2019 was the Corps’ 50th anniversary muster in September at Viets Farm.

Members and guests enjoyed a slide show of the event, reliving its excitement and success.

The corps opened the evening with a short concert—a medley of tunes selected for the occasion. Following the performance, the director of the corps, Kimberley McCord, gave a warm welcome and thanked the First Church, instructors and broader community for their support and commitment to the Marquis and its mission. A Special Parent Recognition award was given to Rob and Kassy Seger for the many ways they have stepped up to help the corps, be it driving the bus, bringing the equipment trailer to every practice, chaperoning, or stitching the elaborate Peacock Award.

The official award ceremony began with the following rank promotions: Da-

vid Crotty, Ashley Hodgkin, Maria Peterson were promoted to Marching Recruit. Amelia Bielawiek, Abby Caruso, Ezra Holt, Addison Landheer were promoted to Private (flag line). Nairobi Mouning, Josh Prignano, Anna Sprecher, Brody Landheer were promoted to Private (playing line). Shannon McCord and Lizzy Cappelli were promoted to Major, the highest rank members can achieve during their years of service in the Marquis of Granby.

Several members reached important service milestones. Nate Abrahamson, Katherine Benoit, Allison Christensen, Jack Darling, Shannon McCord and Nick Rondeau have been members for five years; Shannon Leydon, Sam Askew, Evelyn Brooke and Lizzy Cappelli reached seven years; and Noah Greer and AJ Newman, both of whom were on college break, were recognized for being with the corps for 10 years.

Membership in the corps takes a true time commitment. With over 20 parades throughout the year, attaining 100 percent attendance is an outstanding accomplishment. Katherine Benoit received that recognition for the second year in a row.

There were also quite a few members with an attendance rate of above 90 percent: Sam Askew, Lizzy Cappelli, Allison Christensen, Jack Darling, Alyssa Groneman, Brayden Mandeville, Katrina McCord, Shannon McCord and Keith Seger. Members with such extraordinary attendance records receive either a credit to their travel enrichment account, or a scholarship to fyfe and drum camp.

Next, the instructors presented awards for marching and musical accomplishments. Most Improved Marcher award went to Maria Peterson. Most Improved musicians awards were received by Josh Prignano (Beginner Fyfer), Allison Christensen (Playing Line Fyfer), Ezra Holt (Beginner Drummer). Stand-Out Playing Line Drummer awards went to Katrina McCord and Keith Seger.

One of the favorite awards is The Jacky Award. It is given to honor the memory

Newly elected Junior Board members, from l.: Lizzy Cappelli, Sam Askew, Katherine Benoit, Shannon McCord and Keith Seger.

Photo by Kent McCord

Rosalie McKenney (r) accepts the Marquis Peacock Award on behalf of East Granby Parks and Rec, from Director Kim McCord. Photo by Kent McCord

of Jacky Welsh, a Marquis member from East Granby who passed away in August 2011. The corps at that time wanted to establish a kind of memorial that would pay tribute to Jacky. It was decided that an annual travel scholarship would be given to a member of the corps who shared those characteristics of Jacky that the members admired: smart, witty, engaged, mature, confident, passionate, dedicated, quiet, respectful, considerate, caring and brave. The recipient of this award is therefore voted on by the corps members. Katherine Benoit was presented the Jacky Award by last year’s recipient, Lizzy Cappelli.

A newer award adopted by the corps and also voted on by members is the Knight of Knipton. The recipient is presented with a canteen that was used and worn by Everett Miner, one of the corps first fifers and majors and who later marched with the Old Guard. Everett is buried in Granby Cemetery, where the corps pays tribute each Memorial Day. This canteen, recently passed on to the corps, will forever-more be worn by the Knight of Knipton during his or her first year of service, someone who exemplifies the corps values of a great attitude, overall contributions and willingness to act as an Ambassador of the Corps. The 2018 recipient, Abby Caruso, presented the award to Ezra Holt.

The Junior Board Members representatives were also voted on, and they are Keith Seger, Shannon McCord, Lizzy Cappelli, Katherine Benoit and Sam Askew.

The Marquis Director’s Award recognizes the accomplishments of an

exceptional member. It is always a difficult choice, as there are many corps members who stand out in different areas. The corps senior ranking members and Majors always display tremendous leadership and take initiative to help in many ways both during practices and performances—running playing line practices during instructor absences, reviewing playing lists, making suggestions. Keith Seger received the Director’s Award as recognition for his growth within the corps, his dedication, reliability as well as his musicianship. Keith is also a very well-liked and trusted friend to many of his fellow corps members.

The final award presentation was the Marquis Peacock Award, which recognizes long-standing commitment and support for the Marquis by an individual or organization in the community. The corps could not be more thankful to the East Granby Parks and Recreation department for its help with the Muster in September. Viets Farm was a perfect location, and the staff who maintain the facility made the event fantastic. Rosalie McKenney accepted the Marquis Peacock Award on behalf of East Granby Parks and Rec. The Marquis is generously supported by the community through donations to the Granby Community Fund. Membership in the Marquis of Granby Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps is open to youth ages 9-21 from Granby and the surrounding towns. Prospective members are always welcome to attend a practice at the First Congregational Church on Wednesday evenings. For more information, visit marquisofgranby.org

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

I Can Explain It’s a guy thing. We turn everything into a no-holds-barred, winner-take-all affair. Even our favorite pastimes become competitions. We demand winners and losers. Except when we are one of the losers. Then, we demand explanations.

Take, for example, our annual trip to Lake Champlain. Every year, we spend the last week in June fishing from a base in North Hero, Vt. You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to experience the joys of fishing. There are dozens of catchable species: everything from northern pike to bass, to trout to more exotic fish like bowfin and sheepshead. Bass exceeding three pounds are common, and fifty-fish-catch days are generally limited only by how long you break for lunch. In the last two years alone, we have landed at least four fish that qualified for Vermont’s trophy fish program.

Sounds awesome, right? If you’re a group of guys that enjoy fishing and each other’s company, what more could you want? The answer, of course, is the right to claim superiority over your buddies.

So, years ago, before anyone made a single cast, we decided the trip should double as a tournament. It would be more fun, and more interesting, the thinking went, if we competed for bragging rights.

The first order of business was to agree on a set of rules. This took a good deal of thought and negotiation. We needed something that contemplated: 1) the wide variety of species that Lake Champlain

has to offer; 2) the relative scarcity/difficulty in catching each species; 3) the real and perceived strengths, weaknesses and preferences of each fisherman (Dave believes, for example, that panfish are unworthy of tournament status, while I’m happy to target them all day long); and 4) the unspoken desire to have something to argue about.

The result was a detailed, but sufficiently ambiguous, point system with as many as 20 categories, including: catfish-10 points; smallmouth bass-5 points; largemouth bass-3 points; panfish, other than listed-1 point; sea lamprey-25 points; sea lamprey, when attached to another fish-50 points; and other-10 points. Every year, on the drive to North Hero, we review, modify and reapprove the rules.

And yet, we always have some controversy to resolve, which we do by majority vote of the participants. Some examples:

Two five-pointers.

February 2020

get under Dave’s skin. Dave won that *Does a foul-hooked fish count? This year by 12. mattered because the fish in question was ****If you catch a sea lamprey attached the largest bass caught and, therefore, to another fish, do you get points for both worth 10 bonus points. Dave, who landed fish? This was also mostly academic the bass with his hook imbedded in its because sea lampreys are not generally side, argued it should count. I, who had known to inhabit the areas where we fish. the second largest bass, argued it should But one year we noticed a number of bass not. Ruling: look to the relevant state and pike scarred with perfectly circular fishing regulations. In Vermont, it turns bite marks, and we knew we better clarify out, you can keep a foul-hooked fish, so the rule. Sea lampreys are bizarre. They long as you didn’t snag it intentionally. are long, eel-shaped and have dozens of Dave won the tournament that year by sharp, horned teeth, arranged in concenseven points. tric circles inside a suction-cup mouth. **Does a freshwater clam count? Now, They attach themselves to a host fish, before you go saying “of course not, it’s carve a hole in it with their tongues, and a fishing tournament and clams aren’t slowly eat it alive, feeding on its blood fish,” let me repeat the arguments I made and bodily fluids. They are well worth at the time. First, the rule says “other,” the points assigned to them. But what not “other fish.” Second, clams are a type if, heaven forbid, Dave caught one atof shellfish. And finally, on a previous tached to a smallmouth bass and I one trip (during an especially slow period of attached to a largemouth? Ruling: both fishing), we had decided that, although fish count. So, even in my hypothetical, no one had ever caught one, turtles would I lost. Dave’s sea lamprey would beat count as “other.” If turtles count, why mine, 55-53. wouldn’t clams? Ruling: although there I think you see where I’m going with was some sympathy for my arguments, this. Four interpretations, four rulings it was determined, on a split vote, that that favored Dave’s position. It’s no wonclams don’t count. I lost that year, to der Dave has won more tournaments than Dave, by eight points. me. He’s better at swaying votes. What ***Do bullheads count as “catfish” or other explanation can there be? “panfish?” This was mostly an academic question; we have never caught a bullhead at Lake Champlain. I posed it because I wanted Dave to worry about me targeting them. Under the right conditions, you can catch a lot of bullheads in a short amount of time. Ruling: nothing for Dave to worry about. While, scientifically, bullheads are part of the catfish family, most states, including Vermont, treat them as panfish for purposes of determining how many you can keep. With me dissenting, we voted to count them as panfish. As a result, I lost both an opportunity to close a substantial point gap and to The clam that didn’t count. Submitted photos

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Pet food drive another success Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital’s seventh annual pet food drive was a huge success. Thanks to community generosity, it collected 2,859.7 lbs. of dry cat and dog food along with 2,323 cans. Salmon Brook is matching your donations pound-for-pound, bringing the grand total up to 5,719.4 lbs. of dog and cat food. The food Salmon Brook collected was divided up and distributed to Mary’s Kitty Korner, Southwick Food Bank, Granby Food Bank, and Kane’s Krusade. They will use the match to keep the local food banks, shelters and pet organizations stocked with food throughout the year. The match from Salmon Brook will be delivered in the spring and fall to the same organizations. SBVH also collected $2,467.85 that was donated to America’s Vet Dogs to help care for and train service dogs for veterans and first responders.

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hos-

pital would like to especially thank Stop & Shop and Horses & Hounds for being drop off points throughout the food drive.

They could not have collected all the pet food they did without them. A huge thank you to Starbucks in Bloomfield for spending the day at Salmon Brook and bringing coffee and pupachinos for everyone. Thank you to Purina and Hills for their donations to the food drive. It is great that the community can come together and support one another.

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Weber and two office techs collect food. Photo by Cara Greaney

Music series presents fiddler-songwriter Feb. 8

By Steve Miltmore Based out of Brooklyn, N.Y,, Andrea Asprelli is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. She has released two albums of original music as the front woman and songwriter for Cricket Tell the Weather, alumni winners of the FreshGrass Award. She began performing her own songs after her song, Remington, co-written by musical collaborator Jason Borisoff, won the Podunk Bluegrass Songwriting Competition in East Hartford.

Asprelli’s music has been called, “down to earth” and “refreshing” by New York Music Daily, with a “refreshing lack of pretense” by That Music magazine.

In her latest endeavor, she comes to the stage with a round of new songs and a

Drumrolls

Taylorann Vibert, a junior, and government and history major at the University of Maryland has made the dean’s list for the fall semester.

Emily Brewer has been named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at Hamilton College.

Luke Jennings was named to the fall 2019 president’s list at Siena College.

knack for clawhammer banjo, performed with guitarist Jason Borisoff. She is currently working on a solo EP of original music.

Come to South ConAndrea Asprelli gregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., on Saturday, Feb. 8. Show starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at salmonbrookmusicseries.com for $15 or by calling Arlene at 860-916-5066. If not sold out, tickets may be purchased at the door for $18.

The venue is cozy but small, so buying tickets in advance is the best way to ensure that you see this remarkable show.

Proceeds go to support the mission of South Church.

Lindsay Courser achieved President’s List status for the fall 2019 semester at Nichols College.

Angela Cappelli has been named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at Siena College.

Shelby Elizabeth Zorick was named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at University of Hartford.

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GEF supports arts and education programs

By Ann Prokop Happy New Year from the Granby Education Foundation. 2019 was a busy year for GEF as it continues to support innovative educational and arts programs throughout the community.

One particular standout is the new robotics team at the middle school. GEF granted $4,000 for the purchase of two competition robot sets so that middle schoolers can compete in FIRST Robotics competitions. FIRST Robotics competitions offer a unique blend of science, technology, engineering, and math principles. Approximately 30 students currently participate at the middle school level. Many will likely continue with Robotics by eventually joining the highly successful Granby Grunts High School Robotics Team.

As a supplement to the Poetry Out Loud poetry recitation program that GMHS runs each year, GEF granted $650 to sponsor two teaching artists in December. Two award-winning performers and poets (Abioseh Joseph Cole and Tarishi Midnight Shuler) worked with nearly 250 high schoolers during poetry workshops.

Students practiced the skills needed for an effective recitation, including physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic interpretation, and overall performance.

GEF also provided $750 in seed money for the GMHS marketing program, which funded the first order of Granby Gear. High schoolers in marketing classes and the highly successful DECA Club will learn how to market goods, track sales and profits, and analyze supply and demand. Items currently for sale include lanyards, reusable grocery bags, keychains and apparel.

In December, the New England Ringers, a 15-member community handbell ensemble, performed at South Congregational Church as part of the Bruce Porter Music Series.

This unique performance, funded in part by a $4,000 GEF grant, delighted the audience with its festive handbell playing on a sixoctave set of chimes and bells. Be sure to mark your calendar for March 1st 4 p.m., when CitySingers of Hartford return to Granby with their Celtic Fire! performance.

GEF also proudly supports The Better World Book Club program, a new monthly book club for all ages, grades K-12 and their families, that meets several times a year with a focus social justice themes. In November, a representative from Soccer Without Borders participated via Skype to discuss soccer’s role in creating community. January’s topic was entitled “Finding Your Voice.” Books (and snacks) are provided free, courtesy of this GEF mini-grant.

Contact your school librarian for more information about the February program.

Finally, GEF’s annual “Gran-bee” fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the GHMS auditorium. This trivia contest is a night of silly antics and brain teasing fun for all. More information as to how you can participate in this community wide tradition will be forthcoming.

The Granby Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that continues to thrive thanks to generous donations from the public. Donations can be made online at GranbyEducationFoundation.org or sent to GEF at P.O. Box 351, Granby, CT 06035. Working together, the GEF will continue to enrich our community with quality arts and education programming for Granby residents of all ages.

New England Ringers perform.

Poet Abioseh Joseph Cole

Page 20 The Granby Drummer

Winter Highlights

LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY

Pieces of an African American Life: Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Presented by Noah Webster House. In honor of Black History Month we will explore the heroic story of one man who struggled to gain freedom. This multimedia presentation pieces together the life of West Hartford resident Bristow and helps share part of the African-American experience during the Revolutionary War era. Register by Feb. 4. $6 members, $8 non-members.

American Lives Biography: Explorers Lewis and Clark: Tuesdays, Feb. 18, 25, March 3, 10 at 1 p.m. Based on the Award Winning Ken Burns Series, we will tell the remarkable story of the entire Corps of Discovery, not just the two famous captains, but the young army men, French-Canadian boatmen, Clark’s African American slave and the Shoshone woman named Sacagawea. Journey with them all across a breath-taking landscape in an unforgettable experience that explores both the history and promise of America. Register by Jan. 31. Light refreshments will be served. $15 members, $20 non-members.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:30 a.m. From Grassroots Ice Cream to Deep Roots Street Food in Granby, Eliza Florian, Owner/Creator. Cost $4. To register call 860653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Feb. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

The Adventures of a Connecticut Yankee, Dave Roberts. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.

Stamping Class: Thursday, Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Make four beautiful cards for $5.

Lend A Helping Hand: Helping Hands needed the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. Please join Days for Girls International (daysforgirls.org) who will sew for women in need of sanitary products. Need sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Reiki Sessions: By appointment, the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Tannia Hotchkiss, Reiki Practitioner. Reiki promotes healing, stress relief and relaxation in a calm, quiet setting.

Alzheimer’s Support Group: The second Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. Peggy Coburn, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Learning to cope with the changes in behavior and understanding how to handle it is sometimes best explained by those who are dealing with a similar situation. Free.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

UNICO donates to Food Bank At its annual holiday party in January, members of the Granby UNICO Club arrived with donations of canned food, paper products and other items needed by the Granby Food Bank. Karen Rutigliano (far left) coordinated the donation. UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian-American service organization and the Granby chapter has been active in the community since its charter in 2003. Photo by Kate Sulzenski

February 2020

GET FIT GRANBY!

Please visit our website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. To register for a program please call 860-844-5352.

AARP Tax Preparation By appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the first week of April.

AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest tax assistance and preparation service.

These trained volunteer professionals will assist those 60 years and over with Form 1040 and the standard schedules, including A and B. Electronic filing is available. Call 860-844-5350 to set up an appointment.

Valentine’s Day: How Did it All Get Started?

Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. (snow day Feb. 13). Presented by Joe Ouellette, Ellington Historical Society. Learn the origins of Valentine’s Day and the evolution over the last decades. The presentation will be followed by a wonderful dessert bar including cookies, candies, cupcakes and other sweet treats. Register

by Feb. 5. Cost $7 members, $9 non-members.

Kelly Lane Third Grade Chorus Winter Concert Thursday, Feb. 20, at 12:15 p.m. The third grade chorus from Kelly Lane will perform songs from their Winter Concert at the Senior Center. Come support these budding singers. Register by Feb. 13. Free.

Shades of Ireland: 10 Day Ireland Tour Informational Session Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m., presented by Collette Travel. The Senior Center is excited to be partnering with Collette Travel to offer Shades of Ireland, a 10 day tour in November 2020. This presentation will include information on the Ireland trip as well as the Canyons of the West trip. This event is free and will give you the opportunity to find out more information. Register by Feb. 27. Light refreshments will be served. Free.

NEW Singing Group Forming Mondays, March 16 – May 4. Jennifer Fijal, director from Hartt School of Music, will lead a Choral singing Group here at the Granby Senior Center. This 8-week session is designed for anyone who enjoys singing. No experience necessary. We must get 15 people to join in order to hold the class. Please call 860-844-5352 for more details. $45 members, $50 non-members.

MS Support Group: The second and fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.

Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: By appointment. Friday, Feb. 28. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost is $29. (Not covered by insurance). Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of the month, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Chair Massage with Bev Harris: The first, third and fifth (when applicable) Tuesdays of the month. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.

TRAVEL

For extended tours and travel please visit granby-ct.gov.

Senior Van Service And Excursions

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling.

Trips

CT Flower Show: Friday, Feb. 21, departs 9 a.m., returns 2:30 p.m. Award-winning landscape exhibits in full bloom measuring from 300 to 2,000 square feet occupying more than 45,000 square feet of the Convention Center Exhibit Hall. You will have two hours to visit booths filled with plants, soils, fertilizers, garden tools and other floral and garden related products and services. Extensive floral and garden-related Artisan area. Lunch on your own at Tapas. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Feb. 14. Cost $23.

Shopping

CT Commons—Marshalls, Kohl’s, DSW Shoes, on Monday, Feb. 10. Departs 9:30 a.m., returns 3 p.m. Cost $5

The Granby Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week for anyone 25 and older. Only $6/ class for Granby residents when you pay the session price. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee.

Yoga Flow: Mondays at 9:45 a.m. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement.

Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Designed to gently stretch muscles and joints to promote flexibility.

Leg and core strengthening to help with Fall Prevention. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m.

Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. A low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. Does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing.

Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Body Blast: Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. This fast paced class gives you an all-around great workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, low-impact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Chi Gong is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.

Cardio Combo: Fridays at 9:45 a.m.

Quicker pace and more aerobics. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Get a solid hour workout while enjoying many musical forms. Learn steps and sequences, develop balance and your own personal style.

Professional instruction by Jim Gregory.

HIIT: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. This high intensity interval training class incorporates strength and cardiovascular training for a great full body workout that will increase strength and maximize your calorie burn.

Instructor, Jennifer Dzielak.

Dine And Drive

Lattitude, in Springfield, on Friday, Feb. 28. Departs 10:45AM, Returns 2:30PM Cost $5.

Sound of New England Chorus to deliver Singing Valentines

This Valentine’s Day, let the Sound of New England Chorus deliver your heartfelt message with some songs—in person or in a video.

On Friday, Feb. 14, the Sound of New England Chorus will deliver or send Singing Valentines—a cappella musical messages of love and friendship—to your loved ones in person or as an e-gram. For in-person deliveries, quartets will travel throughout Greater Hartford between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Quartets can be scheduled to go to offices, private residences, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, restaurants and hospitals—singing to spouses, parents, friends, children, even bosses. In-person Singing Valentine packages include two songs, a personalized card, and chocolates. Egrams can be sent to any email address anywhere and will contain a video of

the chorus performing two songs, as well as a personal message from you to your recipient. Choose from two video packages: romantic or platonic.

To order your Singing Valentine, please call 860-249-1840 or email sonevalentines@gmail.com. In-person Singing Valentine deliveries are $40, and e-grams are $10. Ordering deadline is Feb. 11.

The Sound of New England Chorus is a non-profit, award-winning Sweet Adelines chorus that fosters a cappella barbershop harmony through education, competition and performance. This dynamic and entertaining female chorus is based in West Hartford, and rehearses every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Saint Mary Home auditorium on Steele Road.

Visit SoundofNewEngland.org for more information.

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Main Branch

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cossitt Branch

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 2 – 5 p.m.

Holiday Closing

Both libraries will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 for Presidents’ Day. To register for any program, call 860-8445275, email gplibrary@granby-ct.gov, sign up online at granby-ct.gov/library, or visit either library branch. Library programs will be cancelled if Granby schools are cancelled due to bad weather.

ADULTS AND FAMILIES

From Seneca Falls to the 19th Amendment: Songs Of The American Woman’s Suffrage Movement: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30–7:45 p.m. (snow date Feb. 11) at Cossitt Branch. To commemorate the centennial of a woman’s right to vote in America, Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle perform some of the most engaging songs of the movement and provide anecdotal historical commentary. Registration required.

Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Sketching: Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Adults and teen artists of all abilities are invited to attend one or more sketching workshops with local artist and art educator Suzanne Roz Magoon.

No fee; attendees bring their own art supplies.

Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.

Trek To Mount Kilimanjaro: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (snow date Feb. 11) at Main Branch. Every year thousands of people travel to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Last year two of those hikers included Granby resident Brian Tomasino and his son Bryce.

Hear about their seven-day trek to the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest peak. Registration required.

Selling Your Home: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (snow date Feb. 20) at Main Branch. Granby realtor Anna Sogliuzzo shares hints and tips for selling your home in today’s market. Gain an understanding of the appropriate steps to take to ensure a successful sale. Ample opportunity provided for questions and answers.

Registration recommended.

Stop The Bleed: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 3–5 p.m. at Main Branch. Granby Ambulance Association offers the nationally recognized Stop the Bleed program for students, parents or anyone who wants to learn basic tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency situation. A bystander’s ability to quickly step in before first responders arrive may make a life-saving difference. Learn how to help. Registration required. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Ambulance Association.

In A Word With Rob Kyff: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (snow date Feb. 26) at Main Branch. Rob Kyff is perhaps best known as the Word Guy in several weekly publications. A

teacher, writer, editor and language columnist, Kyff is a witty and clever humorist with a knack for “turning a phrase.” Don’t miss this entertaining and informative visit from a word expert.

Registration required.

Genealogical Resources to Grow Your Family Tree: Saturday, Feb. 22, 2:30–3:30 p.m. (snow date Feb. 29) at Cossitt Branch. Tap into resources that contain details about your family history with the help of an expert. Professional genealogist Jennifer Zinck offers research tips and advice. Learn to follow the record trail and unearth clues to the lives of your ancestors.

Registration required.

Understanding Tree And Forest Health: Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (snow date March 2) at Main Branch. Insects, diseases, invasive plants, and climatic factors influence the health of trees and forests. Connor Hogan, McLean Game Refuge Director, speaks about managing forestland resources in the face of these stressors. Registration required.

Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

Leonard Bernstein: The Rise To Fame: Thursday, Feb. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (snow date March 5) at Main Branch. Leonard Bernstein was a gifted, famous, popular and successful American musician, composer and conductor. He was well-known as a lecturer, educator, author and TV personality, as well as a composer of music ranging from Broadway musicals to the classical repertory. Celebrate the early years of this American treasure with Jeffrey Engle, an accomplished musician and lecturer in his own right. Musical illustrations, amusing anecdotes, and entertaining audio make for a program notto-be missed. Registration required. Sponsored

by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Winter Wellness Series

Learn how to maintain and improve personal health at weekly talks with wellness professionals.

Join us Wednesday afternoons (1:30–2:30 p.m.) at the Main Branch. Registration requested.

Beating The Winter Blues: Feb. 5, (snow date Feb. 6). Pick up helpful tips for boosting energy, mood, and outlook during New England’s cold, dark winter months. Nancy Frodermann, RN, MSN, Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association, helps you find ways to thrive this winter.

Healthy Gut Equals Happy Gut: Feb. 12, (no snow date). The arithmetic is simple: adding prebiotics and probiotics to your diet equals a sum total of better overall health. Learn how to improve your wellness odds with Lori Love, Granby Village Health.

Is Acupuncture For You? Feb. 19, (snow date Feb. 20). Find out how acupuncture is used to treat pain and reduce stress. Ginger Harris, Connecticut state-licensed and nationally board-certified Acupuncturist (NCCAOM) shares information about this traditional form of Chinese medicine.

Eye Health For 2020: Feb. 26, (no snow date).

There is no better time to learn about protecting your eyesight. Hear important information about vision and eye health from Dr. Frederick Moffa, Granby Family Eye Care.

TEENS AND TWEENS

Music Improv and Composing, for teens and tweens: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at

East Granby Library Happenings Pizza and Preplanning Thursday, Feb. 6, at noon. Join us for a slice of pizza and a brief presentation to learn more about the benefits of planning a funeral in advance. A representative from Carmon Funeral Home will be here to present and answer any questions you might have. Register online at egpl.org.

Savvy Social Security Planning Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.–noon. An educational workshop hosted by Matthew Tyo on what baby boomers need to know to help maximize retirement incomes.

Afternoon at the Movies Wednesdays, 1 p.m.

Feb. 5: The Art of Racing in the Rain Feb. 12: Ad Astra Feb. 19: Love and Sunshine Feb. 26: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Main Branch. Let instructor Beth Galloway help you find your voice and learn basic music skills.

Try music apps like SoundForest, Band Lab and GarageBand to create original drum beats and put those rhythms to music you compose.

Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Mostly Makers, for teens and tweens: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Kids 10 and older are welcome at monthly maker sessions to design, build, mix and tinker. All materials are provided at no fee.

Register to save your place at the table; dropins welcome when space allows. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

RECURRING PROGRAMS

GPL Book Groups are free and open to the public; new members are welcome. Copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing. Register online, call or just come.

Something About The Author: Monday, Feb. 3, 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Chosen author is W. E. B. DuBois with a focus on the book The Souls of Black Folk.

Around The World Book Group: Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch.

Everything is Illuminated, by Jonathan Safran Foer (Ukraine).

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Group: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7–7:45 p.m. at Main Branch. The Fifth Season,

by N. K. Jemisin.

Writers Group: Tuesdays, Feb. 11 and 25, 6–7:45 p.m. at Cossitt Branch, Upper Level.

Adult fiction writers meet the second and fourth Tuesday of the month for writing sprints, exercises and critique opportunities. Registration recommended; drop-ins welcome.

Chess, Anyone? Thursday, Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. at Main Branch. All are welcome to play friendly, competitive matches the second Thursday of the month. Register or drop-in.

Movie Matinee: Tuesdays, Feb. 11 and 25, 1–3 p.m. at Main Branch. Enjoy free films on the library’s big screen. Upcoming titles are listed on the library’s calendar and in the library’s eNewsletter. Registration recommended.

Crafters Café: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. (snow date Feb. 26) at Main Branch.

Adults and older teens are invited to enjoy seasonal crafts at no cost or at a minimal cost.

Project descriptions are posted at the beginning of the month. Registration required. Sponsored by both Library Friends groups.

Coming In Early March

A Cossitt History: Tuesday, March 3, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. (snow date March 10) at Cossitt Branch. Curious about the origins of the little library in North Granby? Join local historian and

Friends of Cossitt Library Trustee Ken Kuhl for a look back at Frederick H. Cossitt’s gift to Granby.

Registration required.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Children’s library programs will be cancelled if Granby schools are closed due to bad weather.

Take Your Child to the Library Day Treasure Hunt: Saturday, Feb. 1 (snow date Feb. 8) at both Main Branch and Cossitt Branch. All ages. We’re celebrating this special day with a Treasure Hunt. Pick up a Treasure Map at either Children’s Desk and start hunting for clues in the library. Find all the clues and claim your treasure! Drop in any time during the library’s open hours—Main Branch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cossitt Branch, 2 to 5 p.m.

Yoga For Kids, ages 5–11: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:15 a.m. at Main Branch. Learn some basic poses, stretch and relax with instructor Aubrey Schulz. Please bring a towel or a yoga mat.

Register in advance.

Crafternoon, ages 8 and over: Thursday, Feb. 20, 4 – 5 p.m. at Main Branch. Stop by after school and make a fun craft project. We’ll supply the instruction and all the materials. Please register in advance.

Crafts For Kids at Cossitt: Stop by anytime during open hours and create a cool winter craft.

All materials provided. All ages welcome. No registration needed.

Pokémon Club: Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 4–5 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. All ages are welcome to bring cards to swap or play a game with a fellow fan.

Family Movie Night: Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 beginning at 6 p.m. Main Branch.

Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film. Popcorn provided! All ages. Call for titles.

Craft Week: Monday to Saturday, Feb. 10-15 at Main Branch. Drop in anytime during the week and create a simple craft to take home.

All materials supplied.

Story Times

Preschool story time, ages 3-5, Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. (no Feb. 18) at Main Branch. Preschoolers with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft.

Drop in.

Wee Ones Story Time: Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Main Branch. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for birth to 2 years with caregiver. Drop in.

Bedtime Stories For The “I’m-Not-Tired”: Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Ages 4–7 (siblings welcome) with a caregiver. Drop in for picture books, songs, stories and a craft. Pajamas encouraged.

Share your talents with the VNA It’s the little things we do that can make the biggest impact on the lives of others.

If you are looking to bring new meaning to your free time, you can make a difference by volunteering at the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association. Share your skills and talents with our hospice patients, their families, and caregivers through a variety of volunteer opportunities, and the life you change may be your own.

The hospice volunteer training process typically takes about a month or two from interviewing, completing an application, and participating in classes. We recommend waiting 12 months before applying if you have recently experienced the death of a loved one.

Volunteer opportunities There are many opportunities to share your skills and talents as a volunteer to support hospice patients, their family, and caregivers. Opportunities include: musical interactions, pet therapy, companionship, bereavement/grief support, office support.

Volunteers who work directly with

patients are considered part of the care team and typically work independently.

It is important that direct volunteers feel comfortable making visits independently and are dependable and responsible.

Volunteers support patients living in our service area which includes West Hartford, Bloomfield and all towns in the Farmington Valley. We care for patients wherever they call home, including private homes, assisted living centers, skilled nursing homes and group homes.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to make a big difference. Consider volunteering and enjoy the many personal benefits derived from helping others. If interested, please contact Pam Gordon, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 860-651-3539.

The Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association is located at 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, providing care of the recently discharged or sick, rehabilitative, community, palliative, and hospice care. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the greater Farmington Valley area since 1908. More information is on the website at farmingtonvalleyvna.org

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

CTVV Programs State’s Public Utility Regulatory Authority

Marissa P. Gillett is chairman of PURA (Public Utility Regulatory Authority), the department statutorily charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut’s investor-owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state’s cable television companies.

In the industries that are still wholly regulated, PURA balances the public’s right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider’s right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are

protected from unfair business practices.

Gillett was appointed to her position by Governor Lamont in April 2019 and has been assigned by the Governor’s Executive Order strategic objectives including making Connecticut totally carbon-free by 2040. Additionally, a critical objective is alleviating an issue that concerns the state’s residents: that Connecticut ranks as one of the most expensive for energy costs in the lower 48 states. In her interview with CT Valley Views Host Susan Patricelli Regan, Gillett outlines her position and tactics by which this challenging goal will be met.

See your local public access TV airing schedule for this informative segment or view on ctvalleyviews.com where all shows are always available.

February 2020

Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists moves to Mill Pond Road

The new home of CTPTS, 11 Mill Pond Road. Submitted photo

Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists (CTPTS) announced that its Granby physical therapy clinic moved next door to 11 Mill Pond Road on Jan. 20. The new location was once a dance studio and provides the clinic with twice the area to expand its services and treatment space to better serve its patients. Owner David Bostic thanks all current and past patients who have entrusted their care to his practice.

CTPTS services include: physical therapy (orthopedics, sports related injuries,

pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, dry needling, vertigo and concussion management, workers compensation and personal injury rehabilitation); performance training (improving functional movement required for athletes and individuals interested in fitness); educational seminars; and employer services (onsite safety and ergonomics training, injury prevention programs, job analysis, preemployment physical ability testing and injury care). For more information, call 860-413-9969, or visit ctpts.com.

Waiting and Watching

L-R - Marissa P. Gillett, chairman of PURA and host of CT Valley Views, Susan Patricelli Regan. Submitted photo

Connecticut cleans up its act Along with Governor Lamont’s recent Executive Order to have Connecticut be carbon-free by 2040, there are new regulations for recycling and trash for private and commercial customers. For those who don’t adapt, there will be fines for not complying. This will require adjustments both by Connecticut residents and those companies that provide services for private, municipal and business clients.

Michael R. Paine, Sr., president of Paine’s Inc., was the guest of Susan Patricelli Regan, on CT Valley Views.

Paine’s is a family-owned recycling and rubbish removable service since 1929, and is headquartered in East Granby.

Paine explained the challenges the business faces when meeting the current expectations of both State standards and citizens’ expectations without compromise. Moving forward, we can expect that a cost to all will be involved.

Be sure to see this informative CTVV segment available soon on your local public access TV station and always accessible on ctvalleyviews.com. Also, for viewers reference see: recyclect.com for the update on how to handle the disposal/ assignment of your trash responsibly according to the newly established requirements.

Michael R. Paine and Susan Patricelli Regan. Submitted photo

Their wings and bodies drenched with cold, winter rain, my friends, the blue jays, patiently perch in the trees by the house by my back door.

There, they await the tiny pieces of peanut butter toast I offer them each morning.

No matter the weather: snow, ice, rain, fog, or sun, they wait for me to open the door and give them this breakfast treat. While I might like to sit and linger with my tea and newspaper, I know they are depending on me.

Each day they gift me with their presence as do all the many birds who come for seeds throughout the day. The squirrels, of course, partake too, but when the weather is very bad, they spend more time in their nests, and only the birds spend the day with me.

When the cardinal comes, his red color stands out, and I admire his Beauty.

Many times throughout the day I go to my window to watch the birds.

The chickadees, always cheerful, make me smile.

In all the birds I feed, I sense their gratitude.

In this wondrous gift of nature, I know and see the hand of God. —Bernadette Gentry

Drumrolls The following students were named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at the University of New Haven: Timothy McDonald, a cybersecurity and networks major; and Zachary Ziemnicki, a national security studies major.

Adam Outlaw graduated from Vermont Tech with a BS in business technology and management.

McKayla Hoover graduated with a BS in biology at the December commencement ceremonies at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

Jack Donald DiMeo, majoring in aeronautical engineering/mechanical

engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2019 semester at Clarkson University.

Ashlie Novak, a health science/occupational therapy major; Jessica Storch, a health science and pre-physical therapy major; and Bryce Alexander, a sport management major, were named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at Springfield College.

Griffin Barrows, an interactive media design major, and Nakiska Vaughan, a veterinary science major, were both named to the Becker College fall 2019 dean’s list.

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 23

NOT WANTED A campaign to raise awareness of and control invasive plants sponsored by Granby’s Conservation Commission

Invasive of the Month: Multiflora Rose (Rosa Multiflora)

Find it Multiflora Rose is an extremely vigorous shrub that is nearly impossible for humans to control because of its supersharp thorns borne on long, arching branches that can grow six feet a year in every direction. It thrives best in full sun but persists in partial shade, in a wide range of soil, as long as it has adequate draining. When it blooms in the spring, it has an intoxicatingly sweet scent and bright white flowers.

Why it’s a problem Multiflora Rose is a native of Asia. It was imported 150 years ago as a rootstock to aid in propagating ornamental roses. Because it’s so difficult for even large animals to penetrate, it was widely planted as a living pen around fields. Its very vigorous growth habit, ability to grow in a wide range of soil, water and light conditions, and lack of known controls have enabled it to rapidly take over fields and open areas, forming dense, nearly impenetrable mazes that crowd out other plantlife. Birds and other wildlife eat the small red hips and distribute the seeds. It often grows together with other invasive plants such as Oriental Bittersweet; in combination they are harder to approach and control.

What to do Remove it. Like many invasive plants, controlling Multiflora Rose often takes several steps. For small plants, pull or dig them up by the roots during the growing season before they get larger.

Seeds can linger for many years, so pull them again next year. Mature shrubs are difficult because their thorns make them hard to approach. Winter is a great time to tackle them: once the leaves have fallen, their woody central stems, some over two inches thick, are more visible. Use a pole saw, or a brush cutter with a circular saw blade, to reach through the thorny branches and cut the stems. Do this early in winter so that multiple snowfalls will flatten the dead branches. In the spring, the central stems can be removed either with hand tools or with a chain-equipped vehicle, removing as many of the roots as possible. In late summer and early fall, carefully paint freshly cut stumps with liquid herbicide. Large areas can be cut several times a year with a bush hog and tractor; this gradually weakens the shrubs as it prevents them from flowering, but usually does not eradicate them.

Want more information on invasive plants, events and the NOT WANTED campaign?

Drop us a note via the Granby Conservation Commission webpage.

International artists at Hampstead Hill Club

By John R. Nieb

non-profit club, the board members set a low price that encourages participation but covers event costs.

“It was a very intimate event in a classic New England setting. We were extremely fortunate to have these world-famous artists perform at our club,” Myers said.

“It was a fun-filled evening for all attendees.”

“It far exceeded our expectations to have show-quality musicians at our humble establishment,” Myers said. “If they tour in our area next year, we will ask them to come back.”

Founded in 1935, the Hampstead Hill Club is a swimming, recreation and social club.

On Oct. 19, 75 people came to see Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher from Prince Edward Island perform their first fiddle concert at Hampstead Hill Club in West Granby. Wood has performed across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Wood has also made many celebrity guest appearances, including Good Morning America, The David Letterman Show, and at Carnegie Hall.

“Wood has quite the following in Granby,” said Eric Myers, a board member at Hampstead Hill Club, “and we were excited to host him at HHC.” Bill Ross, a member of the Hampstead Hill Club, knows at least one of the fiddlers and in the past, he has hosted them at his formerbed and breakfast when they were touring on the east coast.

Ross asked the fiddlers if they would perform at a small venue because they had a rare night off while touring in the Granby area.

They agreed to do the concert for a Richard Wood (l) and Gordon Belsher performing at Hampstead nominal fee.

Hill Club.

It was the first time that the Hampstead Hill Club held a fiddle concert that featured international artists rather than a local band. Myers said that beyond that, they try to do a few things each year for the members that help make the club special. Hampstead Hill club members enjoying the concert. Submitted For events at this photos

Getting to a Better Place

by Living Simply To create the life you want, you must take action. (Don’t worry, we can help.)

Moving into a larger home is exciting and fun for Buyers. But “down-sizing” in an effort to “Live Simply” is intimidating and challenging. It’s hard to know where to begin. Here’s what we’ve learned.

Getting Started: You’ll need – 3 empty laundry baskets, 1 trash basket, a set of colored dot stickers and energy because you’ll want to move quickly so you don’t over-think. a) b) c) d)

Choose one room... any room Tag your “keepers” – items that are useful or hold sentimental value (red sticker) Invite loved ones to tag things that are meaningful to them (a different color sticker for each) Go back through the room and place everything else in one of your baskets a. Items that belong in another part of the house b. Items to be donated (to be delivered or arrange pick-up) c. Items no one wanted, but you just can’t part with…yet d. Anything else that may no longer serve a useful purpose (trash) e) Repeat!

You can count on:

Truth in our Words Humility in our Actions Kindness in our Hearts

This process will help you simplify. (It can also prepare your home for sale, leaving room for buyers to imagine their own favorite belongings.)

If you would like more help on this topic (or anything else in real estate), give us a call! We are very happy to answer questions or help put a plan together!

Robin, Melanie, Cyndie and Roland

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer

HEALTH NOTES

By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Pet Therapy: VNA canine volunteer brightens days for many

Visitors are always a bright spot when you are not feeling well. Perhaps even more special is a visit from a very large soft dog who patiently allows you to pet his thick fur and look into his understanding eyes.

Yulee is a Leonberger, a giant breed, who works as a hospice and home/ facility bound companion volunteering along with his owner Vic Neumann at the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association. Yulee follows in the tradition of his dad, Vikahn, who recently passed away. Vikahn provided comfort to the families in Newtown following their school tragedy; now Yulee is walking in his father’s pawprints by providing comfort to patients at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), nursing facilities, in hospice settings and schools,

Vikahn and Yulee. Photo by Vic Neumann

and in private homes. All dogs who visit patients need to be certified pet therapy dogs; Yulee is certified through Therapy Dogs International.

Dogs offer the comforting power of physical contact, says VNA Volunteer Vic Neumann. “The warmth of touch improves moods and reduces anxiety,” he explains. Therapy dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. “Your therapy dog has to be up to lots of hugs,” notes Vic. Unconditional love is important for patients’ well-being and furry visitors act as a nonjudgmental listeners and quiet friends.

Recently Yulee visited the home of a 91-year-old who, following a prolonged illness, had been noncommunicative, sleeping through most days, and not eating well. When Yulee arrived, the patient smiled for the first time in weeks as she watched Yulee’s life story on a video. The patient began talking to Vic while petting Yulee; the change in her overall demeanor was amazing.

In the days to follow the woman experienced a renewed appetite, increased alertness, and a renewed interest in events, hobbies, and animal stories. Yulee’s visit has become the highlight of her week.

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February 2020

interact with the pet therapy animal as The use of pets in medical settings they would with most any pet by tossing a dates back more than 150 years. Florball or toy for the animal to fetch, silently ence Nightingale, the founder of modern enjoying the dog’s presence, talking to, nursing in the 19th century, recognized petting, hugging, holding, or cuddling that animals provided emotional support. with the animal or giving a treat, and Studies reveal that contact with dogs and enjoying the dog’s playful response to cats reduces blood pressure and anxiety commands such as sitting, rolling over, through the release of the so-called “feel or shaking hands. good” hormones, including serotonin, Encounters with these special dogs prolactin and oxytocin. Meeting with encourage conversation and emotional a pet-therapy dog provides a long list of connection between patients and their mental health benefits, including reduced families. Whether a therapy dog visit aids feelings of isolation, alienation, anxiety, in reminiscing, eases loneliness, or calms and depression. Such visits can break anxiety, or simply provides enjoyment, up what may be a dull daily routine, the benefits of visits with hospice patients stimulating the mind in dramatic ways.

While some of Yulee’s friends need their spirits lifted through conversation and laughter, others simply soak in the quiet comfort this dog gives in giant measure.

Leonbergers, such as Yulee, are particularly well-suited as therapy dogs. They weigh up to 170 pounds and can be over 30” tall. A lushcoated giant breed of German origin, they exude a gentle demeanor Yulee visits a patient at CCMC. Photo by Erin Blinn Curran/ and pervasive serenity CCMC. well suited to providing and their families are priceless. companionship in many situations. They “Yulee has a life-altering effect on bask in companionship with people, sitso many people. It’s his calling, and ting or standing patiently for longer times mine as well, to be a volunteer with the than most dogs would. Yulee is so tall that Farmington Valley VNA ,” asserts Vic patients can pet him right at their bed or Newman proudly. chairside; his gentle nature encourages To contact the Farmington Valley VNA physical interaction. regarding any of our services, please Often, the dog’s presence alone procall 860-651-3539 or visit our website vides positive effects. However, patients, at farmingtonvalleyvna.org. caregivers, and family members can

Is it time for new floor covering?

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Drummer volunteers eschew the printed word and deadlines for a night of comraderie and pizza At the gathering, Kathy Norris, chair of Citizens for a Better Granby, the publisher of the Granby Drummer, outlined the board’s accomplishments in 2019. Managing Editor Rita Isaacson thanked and praised the volunteers for their continued commitment to assuring that each issue has quality and timely news.

From l. Carol Bressor, Lew Noble, Amanda Lindberg, Susan Regan, Bill Regan, Faith Tyldsley and Patty Kovaleski

From l. Frank Moon, Sam Mikus, Flo Bischoff, Becky Mikus, Kathy Norris and Karen Cleary

From l. Tom Wutka, John Ward, Jim Lofink. Ginny Wutka and Carol Laun and Dave Laun (back to the camera).

Photos by Deb Kulwich and Rita Isaacson

Ralph Eustis and Rick Rathey.

Does your money need a professional trainer?

The right coach can help an athlete reach his or her goals.

The same can be said of your finances. With guidance from a Financial Advisor, you can follow a path of fiscal responsibility and create a strategy that can help you maximize the potential of your investments.

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The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2019 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

Granby Artists enjoy open house

Artist Laura Eden completes a sale of one of her paintings

Edward Jones’s Doreen Campbell and Jim Hammel

Members of the Granby Artists Association enjoyed the Open House on Nov. 22, hosted 5 x 3 co-owner of One Park Place, next to Grass Roots Ice Cream. The event

by Eric Mainardi, kicked off the holiday season for all of the building’s tenants. Wine, cheese and a variety of appetizers pleased the artists and visitors alike. Mainardi noted that Granby has a thriving art community and he is happy to support the association’s gallery in the building.

Photos and text by Shirley Murtha

Eric Mainardi (l.) and Gary Magoon enjoy some conversation at the Artist’ Association Gallery Open House.

Let’s Plant the Seeds Together for a Secure Future!

Painters Sally Markey and Alex Asimovic

Robin Muckie of Valley Cork & Keg explains the properties of the wimnes provided for the Open House to Laura Eden.

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February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Parks & Rec Header bw.indd 1 Recreation and Leisure Services Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com (open 24/7) Party or Special Event Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm. The Salmon Brook Park House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace and central air conditioning.

The North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people a day to remember.

Dates fill fast, call to get more information or visit GranbyRec.com to see pictures and rental info.

Adult Rec Basketball Mondays and Tuesdays at the high school, 7–9 p.m. Pick-up games for ages 18 and over. Granby residents have two options to pay: $80 for the entire session, includes both nights (which comes out to only $2.58 per night) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-resident drop-in fee $10 per night.

Holcomb Farm Playgroup Wednesdays at Holcomb Farm, 9:30– 11 a.m. Kids stay, you play at the big red barn at Holcomb Farm. Parents and caregivers can relax and enjoy adult conversation, while participating with their children to play, learn and explore a variety of fun activities. Infants can enjoy soft toys and some tummy time together in the baby area, while toddlers and older children can participate in more physical activities like climbing, sliding, ride-on toys and a ball pit. $5 per day drop-in.

After School Writing Club Mondays, Feb. 2–March 30, at Wells Road School, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Is your imagination full of stories that you just can’t wait to share? Come join us at Creative Writing Club, a place that brings together students that love to write and wish they had more time to spend crafting stories. We will play writing games and create works from across genres including realistic fiction, fractured fairy tales, poetry and comics. Come join us in a supportive community where we can share our work with each other to grow as writers. Fee: $85.

Basic Self Defense Course Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 4– March 12, at Holcomb Farm, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This is a beginner course for those wishing to learn the basics of selfdefense. Each class will comprise warm ups, blocking, strikes, punches, kicks, and defense against grabs and attacks.

Through repetition, these self-defense actions taught in class become internalized, thus gaining muscle memory and improved reflexes. As classes progress the moves increase in complexity to mimic real life scenarios to help escape to a safe area. Twelve classes, meeting twice a week. Fee: $200.

Aroma Yoga Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Holcomb Farm, 6:30–7 p.m. Immerse yourself in a yoga class designed to delight your senses and unwind your body. Experience the wonderful synergy of yoga and essential oils. Open to all levels.

Bring your own yoga mat and water. A minimum of three people is needed to run each class. Fee: $17.50.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Salmon Brook Park, 7–9:30 p.m. Prepare to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This

is a blended learning course including 9/19/19 19:15 an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Fee $95.

Yoga For All Levels Tuesdays, Feb. 25–March 31, at Holcomb Farm, 8:15–9:15 a.m. Join us for a mixed level Yoga class. Start the day with this wonderful program to stretch, strengthen and restore. Class begins with a gentle warmup, builds to an invigorating flow and ends with deep stretch and peaceful relaxation.

Perfect to help gain flexibility, balance and strength. Fee: $65.

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Salmon Brook Park, 6–8 p.m. Respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies for adult, child and infant victims. Consistent with the 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR/ ECC, BLS is the foundation CPR/ AED program typically required for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. Through lectures, skills demonstration and practice, case-based emergency response scenarios, and reflection and debriefing activities with a focus on team-based response, BLS builds the key critical thinking, problem solving, and team dynamic skills that are needed to result in better patient outcomes. Fee: $90.

Dedicating the Cossitt Library

By Ken Kuhl In the Winter of 1891, a committee worked on plans for the dedication of the new library, which was scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 1891. Due to the overwhelming interest in the event, it was held at the First Congregational Church.

The program included musical selections by a “double quartette” (an eight-piece ensemble) and prayers offered by the Reverends James Crofut and Dwight Moses. The celebration also included several speeches, including the major address by the Honorable William C. Case, former Speaker of the Connecticut Legislature.

Case began his eloquent speech stating, “In the whole history of the town there has been no similar occasion; in the whole history of the town there has been no event of equal importance and interest.” He included a brief biography of the man who “remembered the soil from which he sprang.”

“Frederick H. Cossitt, the founder of this library, was born in Granby, December 18, 1811, on the place diagonally across the highway from this library building, where Mr. Willis Phelps now lives. His boyhood was mostly spent in Granby, though for a time he lived with

his father’s family in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he attended the academy.

He returned with his parents to the old Cossitt homestead in Granby, where his father was born and where his grandfather still lived. Here he remained until 1826, when his father died. Shortly after this, his uncle, George Germain Cossitt, then at Clarksville, Tennessee, requested that young Frederick should commence the business of life under his instruction.

At the age of 15 he bade Granby a farewell, which was practically final.

“From 1826 to 1842 he engaged in business in several southern states and in the latter year moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There he carried on a successful wholesale business in dry goods.

He remained (in business) in Memphis until 1861 and there the energy, integrity and the administrative ability of the man triumphed and assured his success in life.

“He always felt a great interest in Memphis and among his papers after his death was found a request that $75,000 should be given to that city for a Public Library. His children have complied with his request and the library building is now in process of erection.

“New York became his permanent home in 1859 and until his death, September 23,1887, his was one of the busiest and most useful lives in the highest business circles of that city.”

Judge Case also spoke of the elevating influence of books and urged his audience to read books somewhat above them. He mentioned the effect that the few books of his early boyhood (no-

An early photo of the Cossitt Library.

began the addition of children’s rooms. tably The Pilgrims Progress) had upon She also hired Hartford Library’s first him. He also made a strong plea for good dedicated children’s librarian in 1907. novels, because they open the world of For more than fifty years she contributed imagination to the reader. to the expansion of children’s library “The opening of this library,” said services across the U.S. It was indeed an Case, “marks an era in the intellectual honor to have her attend this dedication history of this community. Granby is at this critical time in the formation of the indebted to the thoughtful generosity of public library system in Connecticut. In one of her sons.”

1995 she was honored by being added to The final presentation, Story of a Town Connecticut’s Women’s Library was made by C. M. Hall of Fame for her Hewins. Catherine Hewins work with children’s was the librarian at the Hartlibrary services. ford Young Men’s Institute, After the closing which is today’s Hartford benediction, all presPublic Library. The followent for the dedication ing year, Hewins oversaw were invited to view the library’s change from a the new library, where private, subscription service a supper was served in to a free public library, and the New Hall from 6 to the Hartford Public Library 9 p.m. Many members was born. Suddenly the of the Cossitt family library went from only 600 attended the ceremony. paying members to thouFrederick H. Cossitt’s sands of patrons with free daughters (Mrs. Helen access.

Catherine Hewins Cossitt Juilliard and Miss Hewins is most ofMrs. May Cossitt Dodge) and their ten credited for her contributions to families came from New York. children’s library services. Hewins’ This was only the beginning of a close programs for children, along with her and warm relationship between the Cosscholarly articles and lists of recomsitt family and the Cossitt Library that mended children’s books, influenced continues to this day. generations of children’s librarians as Major elements of this article were well as publishers of children’s books taken from Carol Laun and Gladys and bookstores. Before her time, library Godard’s book Centennial, Frederick H. services to children barely existed. When Cossitt Library 1891-1991 she began her career, children younger Historical photos from archives of the than 12 years old were often not allowed Salmon Brook Historical Society to visit libraries. Despite this, one of her https://www.cwhf.org/inductees/caromost significant accomplishments before line-maria-hewins the end of her career was her success in adding a children’s room in 1904 before the end of her career at the Hartford Public Library.

The idea of having a children’s room at a library was very influential. Soon after, other libraries followed her example and

Page 28 The Granby Drummer

February 2020

1970 1971 Visiting the Granby Drummer archives

What happened in Granby in the early 70s?

Celebrating 50: cont’d. from p. 1

created Apple Computer Co. NASA introduced the Enterprise. Jimmy Carter won.

MRI was invented. Garfield debuted. The Camp David Accords were signed. A nuclear accident occurred at Three Mile Island. Sony introduced the Walkman.

Ayatollah Khomeini returned to power in Iran. The Waltons ruled TV. Fashion was bright and eclectic — and its “look” is expected to appear on show runways and retail racks for the 2020 spring season! The ‘70s influence is still with us.

A compilation of “headline” news from the Drummer’s first four years follows.

Interesting facts, events and milestones — and sometimes an ironic consistency — in the issues that come up as a town grows and matures.

VOL. I OCTOBER – DECEMBER 1970 The second Charter revision gave reporting responsibilities for the Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Chief of Police to the newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer (Town Manager) David Russell. The changes were approved in a November referendum as was a compulsory referendum to pass the town budget.

The BOS adopted regulations for parks and the open space area (now Salmon Brook Park).

The town library board presented rec-

The first issue of the Drummer was an 8.5x11-inch newsletter, published in October 1970.

ommendations for a central library in a new building near Town Hall.

A committee studied the possibility of high school regionalization with East Granby and Hartland for the second time.

VOL II JANUARY – DECEMBER 1971 Superintendent Pasquale E. Starble proposed reorganizing the Junior High School into a middle school in the old Memorial School building to include Grade 6.

BOS and BOE were asked to keep gross increases to 5 or 6 percent. “… the town might be able to hold the existing mill rate of 56.745 if budget increases were kept to 5 or 6 percent.”

A conceptual development plan for the center presented by William Stewart included open spaces, an internal traffic-carrying road and hoped-for improvement of the state highway intersections.

The BOE postponed a decision on the proposed middle school until mid-June, leaving classes in place for 1971-72, to prepare curriculum, programs and administrative set-up. The proposed middle school opened in the original memorial building in 1972.

Three new boards and commissions were given formal status: Parks and Recreation Board, Development Commission and the Advisory Committee on the Environment. The Library Board increased to nine members.

Through the Civic Club’s efforts, Granby started recycling in 1971. Residents brought items to the parking lot of the Grand Union grocery store, now Granby Commons that houses Granby Village Health and Westfield Bank. By January 1972 Granby was a leader in recycling. Photo by Chris Levandowski

CAO Russell’s BOS budget was presented still needing permanent funding of the new HS buildings. At $624,792, the budget was 14 percent above the previous year.

The combined BOS/BOE budget that totaled $2,224,990 was a 7 percent increase over the 1970-71 budget with a mill rate up 3.75 to 60.5 passed 546 to 430.

The Civic Club asked the BOS for assistance with its recycling project.

The board furnished trucks and drivers for the June 19 pick up and asked the environmental advisory committee to consider the long-range implications of recycling. Regular town-wide recycling began when the BOS agreed to truck glass to Dayville, Conn. for $64 a trip.

By January of 1972, Granby was leading most Conn. communities in recycling.

First Selectman Neumann and CAO Russell went to New York City to establish a new bonding classification for Granby. Subsequently, six bond bids were opened and Schweichkart Co.’s low bid was accepted; an effective net rate of 5.5646 percent.

A third town referendum rejected a

5 percent increase in teacher salaries.

At mediation, the GEA proposed a 6.2 percent increase including increments and the BOE wanted increments only, for a 2.7 percent increase overall. State arbitration began on Dec. 8 and recommended a 6.7 percent increase. BOE and GEA adopted the arbitration decision and a fourth town meeting was scheduled.

GEA petitioned for a referendum. On Feb. 28 the referendum, with a 47 percent turnout, adopted the contract.

VOL III JANUARY – DECEMBER 1972 At the Jan. 13 BOS meeting, the town’s first CAO David Russell presented his letter of resignation saying, “I feel my personal style of management and management philosophy are not suited to the town at this time.”

The State’s proposed realignment of Routes 189 and 20 around a larger green drew comments: It would “alleviate congestion on Route 10 caused by the closeness of the present multiple intersections of Routes 189, 10 and 20.”

In February the advisory committee on the environment announced the creation of the Granby Land Trust.

In May, 30-year Granby resident Donald Flannery was hired as the town’s new CAO replacing David Russell. His salary was set at $13,000.

BOS took under advisement the Parks and Recreation Board suggestion to name the open spaces area Salmon Brook Park.

The BOS announced an elderly housing development on donated land in the center of town. A steering committee sought $300,000 in funding from the Farmers Home Administration.

State Redistrict-

The late Gerry Palmer energetically participated in the early recycling efforts in Granby.

File photo

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 29

1972 1973

Researched and compiled from early issues of the Drummer by Chris Levandowski

ing for representation in the Conn.

General Assembly created two voting districts in Granby. District I created the 16th Assembly District, and District II, the 62nd Assembly District.

VOL IV JANUARY – DECEMBER 1973 In January, the Nixon administration’s FHA froze housing funding and endangered the elderly housing, but in February the FHA notified the Town Manager it had been approved.

A proposal to replace rural zoning with cluster zoning for an 87-house development on Loomis Street drew a disapproving standing-room-only crowd to a P&Z meeting.

Parks and Recreation voted to sponsor the second Granby Road Race.

In March, the BOS presented four capital projects costing between $500-600,000 to the BOF: 1. Correct drainage on Canton Road and at Canal and Hungary Rds. Possible replacement of a one-way bridge on East Street. 2. Develop a Center Plan to include shopping centers and drainage. 3. Purchase the old Powers Garage for a new town garage. 4. Develop the

Open Space Area for expanded recreational use. These were separate line items on the budget ballot and the town’s first capital improvement bond issues. Bond issues had only been used for schools. All four items and the budget passed with strong support in May. We l l s R o a d , Kearns and Kelly Lane students competed to see who could collect the most gypsy moth eggs. Gypsy moth infestation was rambent throughIn 1973 the Girls Field Hockey Team led by Coach Dot Johnson became the first Granby Memorial High School out the region. The team to win a state title. The team beat every school in the state. The game was held at the Yale Bowl with top winner at each Granby beating Guilford 2-1. GMHS 1974 yearbook photo courtesy of Coach Johnson school received a Agency presented a Center Development sewer capability. Applicants were asked silver dollar.

Plan to P&Z that would create a unified to resubmit in one year.

Two applications for apartment or shopping center using eminent domain In September, Selectmen named the condo complexes in the center were when necessary to obtain private properOpen Spaces Area “Salmon Brook Park.” turned down to allow P&Z to study traffic ties and work with a contractor to build The Land Trust accepted its first gift of issues on Route 10 and town water and new commercial buildings. It sought land from Mary Edwards; ten acres on permission to take the plan to a public Broad Hill Road in West Granby. hearing. P&Z scheduled the hearing for Applications for subdivisions on Case Dec. 6.

Street and Silver Street were approved The Girls Field Hockey team became with restrictions because of drainage the first Granby Memorial High School issues. team to win a State Title.

Reverend Arthur Teale, pastor of the Two residential developments totaling South Congregational Church, retired 100 new homes on Loomis Street and having served for 37 years. He, his wife off Buttles Road near Canton Road were Lillian and their children came to Granby proposed to P&Z. on a “temporary assignment”. He also On Dec. 10, Power’s Chevrolet opened served as Chaplain to the State Supreme its new dealership south of the center Court for 25 years. where Stop and Shop and TJ Maxx are The BOE voted to reject the use of Nornow located. man Mailer’s The Naked and the Dead In December, the BOS heard a proposal for a GMHS elective course. for a center Historical District that would After new building permits were issued extend from the cemetery to the Abijah for a development started in 1958, P&Z Rowe House on Salmon Brook St. considered accepting Basile and HemThe BOS created a seven-member lock Roads as town roads. The builder Environmental Board. and CAO agreed upon improvements Next month: we continue with more necessary for acceptance. headlines from the 1970s In November, the Redevelopment

A development plan for Granby center included an internal traffic-carrying road and hoped-for improvement of the state highway intersection. The 1971 plan never was implemented.

“Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

— Mark Twain

South Church: Faith = Hope Enacted 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!

Salmon Brook Music Series presents: Andrea Asprelli on February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Sunday school and childcare at 10:00 a.m.

242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

Thank you, Granby, for supporting your hometown newspaper and each and every one who volunteered, contributed and advertised over the years to make this 50th celebration possible.

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

Allen’s Cider Mill—another landmark is gone Arthur E. Allen of West Hartford bought the North Granby cider mill property in 1919. One hundred years later the roof and upper floor of the old mill collapsed and the south wall of the building fell down. (The mill collapsed either late Sunday, August 11 or early Monday, August 12, 2019.) Many Granby people expressed sorrow at the loss of another Granby landmark. Buying cider at Allen’s was a tradition, and the memories remained, even though the mill had been closed in recent years. There is so much history here.

The mill has had other owners, but the one remembered by residents today is Allen’s Cider Mill. Arthur Allen, his son, Francis B. Allen, and his granddaughter Lois Allen Longley, had been making sweet cider there for most of those hundred years. In the fall, families would make their traditional trips to the mill to purchase pumpkins and cider. In the 70s and 80s, every child in pre-school or kindergarten would visit the mill to see how cider was made and then have a delicious taste of freshly made cider.

The cider mill building, however, has a much longer and varied history than just 100 years. Historian Mark Williams traced the history in an application that placed the building on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally on the north side of Mountain Road, it was a house and a tavern. It was probably moved across the street to the present Post Office location around 1858 and used to house paupers. In the early 1870s it was moved a short distance to the west and remodeled for a dance hall. A few years later it was moved to its last location and cabinets were added to be used for the newly organized (1875) Grange meetings.

The first owner to make cider and cider brandy was Silas Cossitt. He built his house on the northwest corner in 1783.

He had a “sider mill” and a distillery, probably supplying cider brandy for his father Rene’s tavern. Cossitt also owned the southwest corner, but there were no

2

buildings on that land. Williams believes that it is the frame of this 1783 Cossitt house that was eventually moved across the street.

Silas Cossitt joined the exodus to Ohio in 1804 and the property was sold to Eber Clark of Hartland. He used the cider mill and distillery to supply the tavern he opened in his house, but then he also emigrated to Ohio in 1810. Deeds now show a barn on the southwest corner.

There were several short-term owners of the property until 1813, when John Willey bought it and lived there for 19 years. Willey was a blacksmith and became a very wealthy and respected citizen. He not only had the cider mill, distillery and tavern in North Granby, but also was part owner of the Crag gristmill and a sawmill, a Justice of the Peace, a Representative to the General Assembly and the Postmaster.

After Willey died in 1832, his heirs sold his property to his former business partner, Abner Case, who now owned most of North Granby. Case was wealthier than Willey and not only had all the same positions and businesses, but was also a militia captain, storekeeper, clothier and held numerous mortgages. His home was on the northeast corner and he probably had employees in the Willey house and tavern. Case continued to make cider brandy, which lasted longer than sweet cider and brought in more money. There were at least 40 stills operating in North Granby at this time.

The next owner of the property was Wilbert Reed, who bought it from Horatio, son of Abner Case, in 1857. Reed replaced the 1783 Cossitt house with a new house in the Italianate style, twin to his father’s house across Granville Road.

He most likely dismantled the old house and moved the massive hand-hewn post and beam frame to the southwest corner.

In 1860, Reed was housing 17 paupers and they were probably living in the relocated Cossitt house.

Reed died in 1865 and the next owner was Willis Phelps. He moved the cider

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mill building a short distance west and made it into a dance hall on the second floor. In the late 1870s, he moved it again to the west and added features suitable for Grange and other public meetings.

The hall was in the upstairs of the mill building. The wide pine floor boards of Phelps Hall resounded to the echoes of dancing feet. The paneled and plastered walls had stenciled decoration.

There was a circular recess in the low ceiling, with a half barrel set in and plastered inside. A kerosene lamp hung high in the recess so dancers wouldn’t hit their heads on it. The neighborhood was known as Phelps Corners.

When Cossitt Library was built in 1891, Phelps was put under considerable pressure to donate his land, but he held firm and asked a high price, and the library was built across the street. His reluctance was understandable since it was planned to build a hall in the basement of the library to compete with his. The Granby Grange used to meet in Phelps Hall, but later moved its meetings to Cossitt Library Hall.

The next owner was the first to use the building as a cider mill. George O. Beach bought the property in 1899 and moved his cider brandy distillery from West Granby. Beach built an addition on the south side of the mill for a stillroom and strengthened the upper floor so he could store and age the huge barrels of brandy there. He had a steam powered screw press and two large tanks (about 40,000 gallon capacity) used to ferment the sweet cider.

This is interesting, because after decades of conflict over alcohol, Granby finally voted to go dry in 1900. Beach evidently ignored that inconvenient fact.

He continued to distill cider brandy until 1912.

During World War I, when metal was scarce, the copper still was dismantled and sold for scrap. It was the eve of prohibition for America and legal cider brandy was on its way out.

February 2020

When Arthur Allen bought the property in 1919, he named it Allenhurst.

He started making sweet cider using the old steam engine powered equipment.

Farmers would drive their wagonloads of apples to the mill and if two teams approached at the same time, an impromptu horse race often ensued to see who would be first in line.

Francis Allen took over his father’s business and in the 1940s converted to an electric hydraulic press for the apples. Refrigeration was also added to prevent the fermentation that was once encouraged.

Lois Allen started working with her father at age 10, and was happily involved in the cider making business for many years. In 1970, the old Wilbert Reed house burned, but the mill and sales barn were untouched. The full operation of the mill was taken over by Lois Allen Longley in 1973.

The well-known Allen Cider was widely distributed throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Lois estimated that her business was about 75 percent wholesale. In her father’s and grandfather’s day, the opposite was true, with the bulk of the business being retail.

Through the years there were changes.

Plants and a greenhouse were added to the cider, apples and vegetables. A new partnership formed. But time affects both buildings and people. The business closed and the mill was silent until one windy, rainy night in August 2019.

Information from the National Register of Historic Places application by Mark Williams.

In Memory of…

Barnes, David Elton, 82, husband of Nancy Jean (Blakely) Barnes, Nov. 20 Gero, Genevieve “Gen” Alice, 69, Nov. 22 Nelson, Gordon L., 91, husband of Mary Reynolds Scouller Nelson, Nov. 22 Han, Amy Leslie (Shannon), 49, former wife of David Khin M. Han, Nov. 25 Lindgren, Robert H., 86, husband of the late Mary Jo Palen Lindgren, Nov. 25 Plante, Susan F. (Williams), 53, former wife of Lawrence R. Plante, Nov. 25 Attardo, Tyler P., 40, Dec. 1 Fritz, Beverly Ann, 68, Dec. 2, 2019 Nelson, Mary Reynolds Scouller, 91, wife of the late Gordon L. Nelson, Dec. 2 DeGray, Edward Paul, Sr., 78, husband of the late Diane (Banas) DeGray, Dec. 5 Gardow, Margery “Margie” Hart Peters, 85, wife of the late Ernest Bernhard Gardow, PhD., P.E., Dec. 7 Klemonsky, Steven F., 56, Dec. 8 Voskowsky, Edward John, Sr., 92, husband of the late Barbara (Johnson) Voskowsky, Dec. 13 Chase Freese, Marie Grace (DeFronzo), 92, wife of the late George Freese and James H. Chase, Dec. 18 Oliver, AnnaLou (Brackbill), 93, wife of the late Walter J. Oliver, Dec. 24

Seaton, Audrey (Hollis), 98, wife of the late LeRoy B. Seaton, Dec. 26 Attianese, Ryan Anthony Joseph, 45, former husband of Patricia Attianese, Jan. 2 Lambert, Ward Emerson, 91, husband of Katherine (Judson Burr) Lambert, Jan. 4 Hansen, Frederick P., 91, husband of the late Phyllis Stedman Hansen, Joan Marshall Hansen and Mabel Allen Taylor, Jan. 5 Mgrdichian, Lynn M., 48, wife of William Sullivan, Jan. 6 Cunha, Michael Leonard, 76, husband of Ellen Cunha, Jan. 12 Yankauskas, Raymond P., 87, husband of the late Rosemary L. (Livcaket) Yankauskas, Jan. 13 Katan, Charles, 95, husband of the late Joan Katan Stoltze, Joan E. (Loesch), 88, wife of the late Leon Stoltze, Jan. 11 Munsell, Peter Mathew, 55, husband of Mary Wexford (Pierce) Munsell, Jan. 13 Nichols, Thomas Joseph, 88, husband of the late Virginia (Donnelly) Nichols, Jan. 12

February 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 31

This will warm you right up The cold depths of New England winter offer a (relatively) quiet time for its farmers, yet the Friends of Holcomb Farm are kept warm by the good things happening in our community. We think you should be, too.

Fresh Access Food for Many Once again, in 2019, the Fresh Access program, supported by our members, donors, farm customers and grants, made tons (literally, tons) of fresh produce available to people who might not otherwise have had access. We recently received feedback from two of our partners and want to share it with all of you, who make this possible.

From the Town of Granby Human Services (Youth and Seniors): We had 10 families utilize the gifted shares.

We had an average of 33 seniors each week during the program, with a total of 552 participants for the season. One recipient sent the following email: “My husband and I have been able to stretch the vegetables that we have picked as well. We have fresh stewed tomatoes and several quarts of fresh tomato sauce in the freezer; as well as beans, peppers, and eggplant. In addition, I have made soups from the vegetables. Holcomb Farm’s CSA, which we have always appreciated beyond words, really has made an unimaginable impact on our lives this year. Going from a two-income household to one, the groceries being one less thing to cause me concern has been a true blessing.”

From the Healing Meals Community Project: We use the wonderful produce from Holcomb Farm to prepare and deliver healthy meals to families going through a health crisis. Being able to have local, fresh, nutrient-dense produce that is picked on Tuesday and we are preparing into meals on Wednesday and our clients are receiving on Thursday is fantastic. We know we are giving our clients, who need the healthiest meals to support them during their health crisis, the very best.

A great 2019 growing season has made for a superb winter bounty for Holcomb Farm Winter Shareholders. Photo by Tom Spatcher

Fresh Food Through the Seasons Through grants and volunteer efforts, we have been working to “grow the growing season” at Holcomb Farm.

Evidence of our success—thanks to Farmer Joe O’Grady and his crew, and a great 2019 summer season—is best reflected in the bounty being provided through 125 CSA Winter Shares, the most ever. One shareholder recently wrote to thank Joe for the beautiful and delicious carrots; “I know you know what your carrots look like, but I made them for my family who are not used to them and they were amazed. And every time I make them, it’s all we can talk about.”

Carrots never looked so good!

The family declared them “amazing.”

Photo by Jessica Fritz-Peters

If this has you salivating, keep an eye out for notice (through social media or website) for a possible flash sale of winter produce this spring. Also, go to holcombfarm.org and sign up for your 2020 summer share. Sales are ahead of prior years and may well sell out.

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Dr. Barry Walsh • Dr. Peter Markowicz

Do phrases like

Before Clearing and After Clearing — Thanks to Eric Lukingbeal, Walter Ford, and Walt Zultowski, one of the recent “work parties” that tackled invasives and interlopers along the Holcomb Farm east fields. Photos by Eric Lukingbeal

Winter Work Parties for Volunteers Our stewardship volunteers have been busy restoring fields, renovating trails and eliminating invasives. The Tree Trail continues to evolve, to include a variety of species, labels and interpretive signs. A complete update is available on the website.It has all the information on how this great resource has emerged through the dedication of many volunteers, Work parties have been building up a sweat even on cold winter days, clearing invasives, recapturing fields and freeing trees. Eric Lukingbeal has developed a system to offer two- to three-hour projects for people willing to offer their time and effort. If you want some work that will “warm you twice”—once while working the trails and fields, and

again basking in the glow of a job well done—contact Eric Lukingbeal at elukingbeal@rc.com. He promises to match the work to the effort you can offer.

Growing Membership Our Annual Appeal is generating a great response this year, including some 30 new members of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. A member is a person (or a family) who donates $25 or more each year to this nonprofit association.

What are the benefits of membership?

Simply put, the warm feeling we all have knowing that we are helping to preserve, promote and utilize an authentic New England farm—the Holcomb Farm—this public treasure that honors the gift and legacy of Tudor and Laura Holcomb. Thank you and stay warm.

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“Oh, my achin’ back” or “My neck feels really stiff today” sound familiar?

3 HEATING 3PLUMBING 3COOLING 3OIL 3 Yes! We do that!

Let us help you make those phrases a distant memory.

Dr. Barry Walsh Certified in Cox Technic®

Dr. Peter Markowicz

860-844-0444

Certified in Acupuncture

15R Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT • Open M-F, 1/2 Sat.

Chiropractic Today for a Healthy Tomorrow

SERVICE & REPAIR | ANNUAL MAINTENANCE | NEW INSTALLATIONS FULL PLUMBING SERVICE | WELL PUMP INSTALLATIONS+REPAIRS

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE:

860.844.0111 beaconmechanical.com

CT Lic# S1-0397099, P1-203890, HOD-0000787, MA Lic # 062090

your comfort Experts in Heating, cooling, Plumbing, and oil

Page 32 The Granby Drummer

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time.

Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer.

Advertisers Page Action Carpet 24 Beacon Mechanical 31 Beman Hardware 25 Berkshire Hathaway Copper Brook 26 Berkshire Hathaway Nancy Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway New England 16 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Cahill›s Motors 22 Carmon Funeral Home 6 Carter Robert Painting 17 Cetera Investors 26 Chiropractic Care 19 Christopher Bryant 17 Command Corporation 15 Creative Learning Preschool Center 28 D›Agata Granite & Bronze 5 Dowd Realty 23 First Congregational Church 14 First Look Med Spa 32 Granby Schools–Food Service RFP 13 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 11 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 13, 18 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Insurance 6 Granby Package Store 19 Higleyville Coin 29

Advertisers Page Larry›s Construction 3 Main Street Door 18 Maple Corner Farm 19 McLean 10, 32 Meadowbrook 18 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 4 Pierce Builders–Meadowgate 22 Route 10 Tire 5 Salmon Brook Shops 17 Sanditz Travel 28 Santa Realty 9 Sig›s Plumbing & Pump 13 Small-Town-Septic 26 South Congregational Church 29 State Line Propane/Oil 9 Subseven 26 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 12 Swim Center at Westminster 9 Thomas Sullivan Morgan Stanley 25 Troiano Oil Company 26 Two Park Place 30 Valley Brook Community Church 3 Walsh Chiropractors 31 West Granby Methodist Church 12 Westfield Bank 8 Windsor Federal Savings 15

February 2020

March 2020 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Feb. 12 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org.

ARTICLES: Monday, Feb. 17 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Feb. 11-24 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222.

Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at: www.granbydrummer.org.

Early Stage Social Engagement Program - GAP Giving Alzheimer’s Purpose Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter

February 19 • March 18 April 15 • May 20 • June 17

Call 860-658-3941 for more information.

75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury

A limited number of spots are still available.

Visit Alz.org/ct to learn more about caregiver programs and resources.

To further extend your network of support, visit ALZ connected®, our online community, at alzconnected.org.

800.272.3900 | alz.org®

Build a support system with people who understand.

Alzheimer’s Association® early-stage support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to:

• Develop a support system.

• Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions.

• Talk through issues and ways of coping.

• Share feelings, needs and concerns.

• Learn about community resources.