Granby Drummer | February 2022

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Volume LII, No. 5 • February 2022

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Town Center construction continues despite winter chill

There is so much important and helpful information in The Granby Drummer.

As your new Town Manager, I will be writing a monthly article for the Drummer that I hope you find informative. It is meant to highlight the good work of our municipal employees and volunteers.

Great things are happening, and I hope to keep you up to date each month.

Granby Center Project The Department of Transportation (DOT) has cleared in Granby Cenbout trees ter in preparation for intersection work. own the Over the winter, it is expected the utility companies will work on shifting the utility poles. Roadwork is scheduled to start in the spring when the weather improves, and the asphalt plants with reopen. The town will Erica be working closely Robertson with DOT during Town Manager the project and will communicate project updates as they become available. Project plans, including a landscaping plan, are posted on the Community Development Department webpage under ‘News and Announcements’ for those interested in viewing them.

Affordable Housing Plan Committee update The Affordable Housing Plan Committee continues work on the creation of an

A T

Affordable Housing Plan for Granby.

Recently, the committee was fortunate to have a presentation by a housing developer, Reggie Kronstadt, who provided insights into the development process.

The committee also heard from Don Poland, PhD, with Goman+York, on the economics and financial feasibility of affordable housing. These presentations will help inform the committee’s recommendations and strategies to increase affordable housing in Granby.

Agendas for upcoming meetings are posted on the town’s website. granby-ct. gov/affordable-housing-plan-committee Police department staffing update There have been some staffing changes in the police department; congratulations to those who have retired or have been promoted. If you see one of our new officers, please give them a warm Granby welcome!

Captain William Tyler, a 40-year police veteran, is leaving the department this month. Tyler spent the last decade as the Captain of the Granby Police Department.

Detective Christina DelTatto left the Granby Police Department after eight years of service. DelTatto, a 30-year police veteran, served in Avon prior to her time as a Granby officer.

Promotions Sergeant Kurt LaFlamme has been selected to be the Granby Police Captain.

LaFlamme’s promotion was effective Jan. 21. LaFlamme has been a supervisor for 16 of his 20 years of service with the GPD. He leads the North Central

About Town cont’d. on p. 3

Granby Chamber board approves merger with Simsbury Chamber The Board of Directors of the Granby Chamber of Commerce has approved a merger with the Simsbury Chamber, scheduled to commence on June 1, pending approval by chamber members of the two neighboring communities.

“This is an historic occasion,” says current Granby Chamber President Bob Marx. “At a time when many of our member businesses are hurting financially, this will provide many new opportunities for growth, exposure and member engagement. We’ve been watching chambers from other towns partner with great success, and we have built up a tremendous working relationship with Simsbury. This

will be an equal partnership in terms of board member representation. We hope to evolve together as business communities by providing our members with more resources, support and advocacy. This is truly a win-win proposition.”

The Simsbury Chamber Board has also approved the merger. There will be two meetings in February where chamber members can get further details prior to the general vote in March. The Granby Chamber will be moving its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet to March, date TBD. Details will be available on the chamber website: granbycoc.org

How birds view the Center Rob Flanigan took this shot with his DJI Mavic Air Drone after the Jan. 7 snowstorm.

Need help identifying the center? The pink star marks the Drummer office in front of the police station on North Granby Road.

Managing the FY23 Budget will have challenges

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance The annual town budget process for fiscal year 2023 has begun with elected officials again seeking to find a balance between what people want with what people can afford in their property taxes. This balancing presents several challenges. The Boards of Selectmen, Education, and Finance met on Jan. 18 to discuss initial projections for the FY23 budget. The first cuts provided to Finance by the other two boards represent a 5.26 percent increase on the municipal operating budget and a 4.29 percent increase from education. The municipal estimate is driven by contracts in the 2-plus percent range, a projected increase in health plan costs of 20 percent due to experience and COVID, numerous increases in supplies and materials and a keener focus on updating the computer system and its security. On the education side the estimate reflects a 2-3 percent increase in contracts as well as a similar initial bump in health plan costs, rising special ed costs, and staffing adjustments for enrollment and program changes.

The multi-year budget planning sheet that Finance uses estimates annual operating budget increases at 3.0 percent overall, reflecting recent trends in year-to-year costs that impact local government budgets and utilizing additional revenues from Grand List growth, the state and other sources to manage

the mill rate impact to 2.0 percent or less over time. Over the past two years Granby’s officials have held the mill rate flat. That occurred because of a drop in the Debt Service line item of about $700K in each year as well as the above average growth in the Grand List from the first phase of the apartment complex across from Floydville Road on Salmon Brook Street. This year, the Debt Service line increases reflect the bonding costs from the bridge replacement and school projects approved in 2019.

The Plus One budget projections for FY23 as presented to Finance show a million dollars in expense greater than contemplated, offset by $400K in additional revenues.

If fully funded through taxes, this gap would generate a mill rate change of about 3.2 percent. Reductions in budget line-item requests could lessen the initial cost estimates by 1.25 percent. Hence, the challenge the three boards face over the next couple of months is to better understand the perceived needs while managing the mill rate into a more reasonable spot.

Two major pieces of information will come out shortly that are key to the revenue picture. By January 31, the assessor’s office will provide the Grand List growth number, and on the first Wednesday of February, the governor traditionally addresses the legislature and provides his budget, that includes most of the state revenue numbers for each town. A final item will evolve over

Town budget meeting calendar appears on p. 4

Budget

Read the Drummer online at GranbyDrummer.com

cont’d. on p. 3

photo by Kathy McDonnell

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The Granby Drummer

February 2022

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS DECEMBER 6, 2021 Present: Mark Fiorentino, Sally King, Fred Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Town Manager Erica Robertson.

Appointments Donna Nolan (R), 8 Olde Orchard Road, to the School Building Committee to fill a vacancy created by Jenny Emery. The term is indefinite.

Selectman Sally King was unanimously reelected as Vice Chairman.

Considerations • The board voted unanimously to support registration in the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification Program.

• The board voted unanimously to adopt the Resolution for the Homeland Security Grant Program, Region 3, which allows Town Manager Robertson to work on these grants and programs along with Emergency Management Director Eric Vincent.

• The Agreement Between the Granby Board of Education and the Granby Education Association (dated July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025) is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.

• The board voted unanimously to authorize an additional appropriation of $30,500 from the General Fund balance to upgrade the Granby server infrastructure and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. The current

hardware server infrastructure is extremely outdated and has recently caused multiple outages. It is no longer supported on both a hardware and software level. All town documents are stored on the server and without it the town cannot function. Granby has neglected its IT for some time, and something needs to be done now. Town Manager Robertson is requesting this infrastructure be upgraded as soon as possible to avoid a catastrophic outage. This upgrade was not planned for in the FY 2021-2022 adopted budget.

Town Manager Report Some highlights of the Town Manager’s Report include: • Re-Valuation is on-going.

• The Assessors are working on the Grand List for 2021.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Granby is entitled to $3,405,503.39 and has already received $1,702,751.69. The balance will be received in June 2022 and the best utilization of these funds needs to be determined.

• There are three vacancies in the Police Department. Recruitment for new officers is ongoing.

• The Griffin Road Bridge is scheduled to reopen to the public on Dec. 22, the first of five projects to be completed.

First Selectman Report Fiorentino thanked the town manager for getting him up to speed. On behalf of the Board of Education, he announced its need for substitute teachers. Individuals need to be 18 years of age and a high school graduate. The schools are also in desperate need of bus drivers and there are hiring bonuses.

Fiorentino would also like to develop some strategic goals. There will be an agenda item in January to kick off the process. He is also looking at how to obtain input from community stakeholders.

Executive Session The board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session to discuss the sale of real property.

DECEMBER 20, 2021 Present: Mark Fiorentino, Fred Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Town Manager Erica Robertson, John Bell, Student Liaison. Absent: Sally King Business Plus-One budget 2022-2023 Erica Robertson presented the Plus-One Budget 2022-2023 that outlines budget expectations, obligations, big ticket and mandated items that drive the budget. The

proposed budget is much higher than she would like, noting the following: The union contracts have been settled and they are in the budget.

The budget detail shows two years of raises in the departments: last year’s raises that were moved from reserves to the line item accounts and this year’s raises. The salaries look high because of two years of raises, as well as the COLAs. New costs related to the Police Accountability Act related to body cameras as well as a significant storage fee of $12,900 for the tapes to keep the data is included.

Gasoline and diesel fuel prices are up significantly from last year.

The largest increase is health insurance. The numbers provided from our insurance provider are up 20 percent, which equates to an increase of $200,000, as well as another $10,000 for other normal insurance renewals. The hope is to get those numbers down.

Contractual obligations increased to $460,000 due to the $210,610 increase in health insurance.

Unless mandated, there will be no new programs.

Department requests for new positions/staffing levels included two police officers, one part-time maintainer for DPW, one part-time to full-time conversion for the Town Clerk’s Office, and 100 percent increase in Human Resources (currently 10 hours per week) and consulting engineer (currently 10 hour per month). These could not be fulfilled.

Lost Acres Fire Department requested an increase to $35,000 and Granby Ambulance requested $20,000.

Robertson cut $440,154 from departmental requests and added $176,154 or 1.45 percent to Contractual Obligations.

Tipping fees are up significantly for solid waste.

They are expected to rise to $117/ton, possibly $120. In addition, software application contracts are increasing to $6,000.

Robertson summed up, saying the big drivers in the budget are currently health insurance, gas, utilities, and salaries. She noted additional hours are needed in IT. It is critical to town operations and additional discussion is needed.

It is something to consider for strategic planning.

In addition, staffing is at a bare minimum.

If projections are correct and we do only what we are obligated to do, we are close to 4 percent.

Robertson reported she will have a budget calendar soon and the Three Board Meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2022.

Discussion on a Strategic Plan for the Town of Granby The board voted unanimously for the Town Manager and First Selectman to come back to the board with a framework for the strategic plan.

Town Manager Report Cossitt Grant: The Friends of Cossitt Library have been awarded a $28,000 grant to complete Phase 1 of the exterior repairs. If the repairs of this project exceed the $28,000, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have approved additional funds up to $10,000 from the General Fund. This project will begin soon.

Budget Operations Tax collections continue to go well at 58 percent. The second collection is in January.

Re-evaluation for property taxes are ongoing and auto supplement bills went out this month.

Education cost sharing has received one of three installments. January and April should see payments due. The Town Clerk continues to receive a good number of recordings. Statutory collections are at 84 percent as of November.

Building permits are at 95 percent. Open Farm Day is at 52 percent of revenue collected.

Miscellaneous revenue received: CIRMA and FEMA reimbursements are over $20,000.

General Fund Revenues is at 53 percent.

Encumbered monies for General Government appear high as pertains to payroll. Payroll increases were in the reserves account, and it has been encumbered to the different department accounts. Building Inspection services are shared with the Town of Hartland for which they pay Granby. Overall, General Fund Expenses are at 55 percent for November.

First Selectman Report Fiorentino thanked Habitat for Humanity and

BOS Highlights cont’d. on p. 3

February 2022

Budget

The Granby Drummer

Page 3

cont’d. from p. 1

the next couple of months as health plan cost increase projections are updated… hopefully downward.

After the governor presents his budget, Finance will provide final operating budget guideline numbers to the two operating boards. The Finance Board will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the police station and take public input at that time. The public can also provide input via mail or email to Town Hall prior to that date.

Throughout the month of February, the town manager and the school superintendent will continue working on their proposed budgets for FY23. Once submitted to the two operating boards, the board members will review the pro-

BOS Highlights cont’d. from p. 2

all the volunteers for the work they have done, including First Church and South Church who helped bring the Habitat program to town. He also noted his intention to get IBAC (Intra-Board Advisory Committee) back together again in January to go through the ARPA funds to try to create efficiencies there.

Selectman Reports Mark Neumann mentioned he is a member of the Affordable Housing Committee and they are making good progress. They expect to have the plan ready for the board by June.

JANUARY 3, 2022 Present: Mark Fiorentino, Sally King, Fred Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Town Manager Erica Robertson, Absent: Student Liaison John Bell Presentation Director of Parks and Recreation Kristine Vincent presented an overview of the needs assessment survey administered by the Board of Parks and Recreation in the Fall of 2021.

About 650 responses were received and overall residents and program participants are very satisfied with the services offered by the Parks and Recreation department. A majority of respondents agree funding should be from user fees and some tax dollars, maintaining parks should be a high priority for the town and that parks are well-maintained. The top three improvement opportunities identified were: an ice-skating area, a splashpad/water spray park and ADA accessible walking paths. Top program expansion opportunities included: more special events including concerts and festivals, more fitness classes and more general interest classes.

First Selectman Fiorentino fully supports the consideration of using America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the larger projects and requested Vincent and the Board of Parks and Recreation present a prioritized, detailed plan to the Board of Selectmen. Town Manager Robertson reiterated that this is a continuous conversation, and she can act as a liaison between the boards.

Appointments Richard P. Roberts was appointed Town Attorney for a two-year term ending January 8, 2024.

John E. Adams was reappointed Town Treasurer for a two-year term ending Jan. 8, 2024.

posals in public meeting workshops. By late March, the Boards of Selectmen and Education will adopt for submission to Finance their actual budget requests with any revisions from the original administrative requests.

On Tuesday, March 29 starting at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center, Finance will receive the budget requests from the two operating boards. After reviewing the proposals and discussing the revenue picture and implications to the mill rate, Finance will recommend a budget package to be sent to public hearing. Per Town Charter, the budget public hearing will be held on April 11, with a referendum vote on Monday, April 25.

The following Republicans were reappointed: Jennifer Jalbert and Walter Mission, Commission on Aging; Martin Schwager, Development Commission; David Tolli and Nicholas Dethlefsen, Inland Wetland and Watercourses Commission; and Jennifer Bilodeau, Kevin Hobson and Sheryl Litchfield, Parks and Recreation Board.

Selectman King will present the Democrats for reappointment at the next meeting.

Old Business Consideration of Plus-One Budget 20222023 The Town Manager’s Plus-One budget with a 5.29 percent increase in its current form will be sent to the Board of Finance for discussion.

The Town Manager has identified the priorities and it is a fair representation of the current needs. Further work will be done at the budget workshops and there are many steps to go until the budget is finalized.

Business The board voted unanimously to approve holding the Three Board Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center Community Room.

The Board authorized an additional appropriation of $1,300 from the Recreation Fund balance to fund the self-closing gate for the Salmon Brook Small Playground Project and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.

Town Manager Report Town Manager Robertson presented the framework for developing a set of strategic goals to the board including the objectives for establishing the goals and the individual deliverables and deadlines. The process is expected to take about eight months but may be adjusted due to other priorities. The goals should be finalized before the beginning of the FY24 budget process.

The Board authorized Fiorentino and Robertson to develop a set of strategic goals for the town and to add the update as a standing item on the agenda.

The Intra-Board Advisory Committee (IBAC) will be reconvened primarily to discuss the plan for ARPA funds.

Respectfully submitted, Erica P. Robertson, Town Manager

Volunteer opportunity

Writers needed Do you like to write?

The Drummer is looking for a few writers to cover stories about Granby and its residents. Email us at editor@granbydrummer.org or leave a message at 860-653-9222.

Drummer

The

Your hometown volunteer newspaper.

Children’s hospital receives toys

The Granby Lions Club and the Granby Memorial High School Leo Club collected toys from its members to benefit the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Pictured from left are Granby Lions vice president Tony Cappelli, a surprise guest, and Granby Lions president John Spatcher. Submitted photo

About Town cont’d. from

p. 1

Regional Crisis Negotiation Team. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy–254th Session and the FBI Law Enforcement Command Development Leadership Institute.

New Officers Nichole Abalan started her career as a Granby Police Officer on Jan. 10.

Abalan was a three-year veteran of the Torrington Police Department before coming to Granby.

Addison Kupchik started his career with the Granby Police Department in October 2021. Kupchik was a Waterbury Police Officer for four years before joining the GPD. Library newsflash To better serve patrons, the main branch of the Granby Public Library will be open on Sunday afternoons through March 31. This decision, made in collaboration with the Library Board, will allow citizens to use the library in-person seven days a week in addition to the “always available” services provided through the library website.

The Friends of F.H. Cossitt Library have been awarded a $28,000 grant to begin the historic restoration of the Cossitt branch. This grant, which will support the first phase of the exterior repairs of the building, will be managed by the Cossitt Project Committee made up of Friends members, the Library Board Chair, and

town staff.

Upcoming new virtual programs—Plan B book club, a Writers group, a Health and Wellness program, a Garden Planning Session, and more! Check out these great new programs on the Library page at granby-ct.gov/granby-public-librarysystem Discover Granby!

We invite residents to Discover Granby.

Look for the town’s new Program Guide to all things Granby on your doorstep as an insert in the February Drummer. The Program Guide features activities and events from the Granby Senior Center, Youth Services, Social Services, Library and Parks and Recreation.

Do you hunt or fish?

The magazine-style guides for hunting and fishing that were published in previous years are being replaced with limited copies of text-only guides with no color images or advertisements. Outdoor users are encouraged to find the guides on the DEEP website as e-books or downloadable PDFs. For those that do not use computers or mobile devices to obtain information, a limited supply of guides will be available at the Town Clerk’s office and other license vendor locations.

Current news and information can always be found on the Granby web page: granby-ct.gov You can also find us on Facebook:

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The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

Support for GRR

Holiday lights in 2022

Something about white twinkling lights enhance the Christmas spirit in all of us.

They brighten the night and leave us with a sense of joy and wonderment. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could light up the group of trees in front of Town Hall, the trees in the center of Granby and various other spots in Granby Center. How about decorating the lamp posts on Salmon Brook Street with some green wreaths and red bows? Let’s bring some cheer into Granby center.

Since we’ve raised these questions, we are willing to spearhead this project for next year’s holiday season display.

We’ll be contacting a number of Granby officials and business leaders for advice on how we can accomplish these goals.

Thank you to the various businesses who displayed the happy snowmen that can be seen throughout Granby Center.

We noted the lights on the gazebo that livened up the Green, but the little tree needs some company as it stood all alone. Happy New Year and may 2022 bring all of us health and happiness.

Sandy Doiron and Rebecca Mikus

February 2022

My name is Megan Allshouse, and I am one of the first student members of Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) from Granby Memorial High School.

I am also a part of the NCCJ (National Conference for Community and Justice) Bridges program at GMHS. I have been dancing for 15 years, and I manage my high school’s field hockey team. I have a passion for equality of all races. With this, I am thrilled to be a student representative of GRR. GRR is a committee with a mission to raise awareness and speak on/foster racial justice in Granby. GRR has provided many opportunities to spread awareness to the community. For example, we are currently working on many Juneteenth activities. Juneteenth is a federal holiday, which is celebrated on June 19. It celebrates the freedom of enslaved people after the Civil War. GRR will be holding a celebration on Saturday, June 18, at Salmon Brook Park to celebrate this holiday. This is an all-day celebration with tons of music, entertainment and activities for all ages.

I am also excited to share that GMHS will be offering a new course that will begin at the start of the 2022 school year. The course is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/ Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the United States. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they (both separately and together) worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national and international contexts. The course is being offered as a full-year social studies elective course at the high school next year as required by State of Connecticut.

I hope you will join our efforts to spread awareness and knowledge about racial justice and the Juneteenth holiday.

More information about GRR can be found at granbydrummer.com/2021/08/ examining-racism-moving-towardsequity-and-a-thriving-community/ Megan Allshouse

CORRECTIONS Please tell us if you find an error in this issue of the Drummer. We’ll attempt to correct it in the following issue. Leave a message at 860-653-9222 or send an email to: editor@granbydrummer.org

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Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org.

Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com

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 ©2022 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved.

CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Jennifer Bell, Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff

Support cultivated-meat research

Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal can help create a slaughterfree America, with all the good that entails, by increasing federal funding for cultivated-meat research. For readers who are unfamiliar with the term, cultivated meat is grown from animal cells, without killing. This new protein will reduce animal suffering, pandemic risk and greenhouse-gas emissions.

In a sign of progress, the world’s biggest meat company, JBS, recently purchased a cellular-agriculture firm, BioTech Foods. The deal includes $41 million to build a factory capable of producing 1,000 tons of cultivated meat every year. According to Elliot Swartz of the Good Food Institute, this would be 5–10 times the capacity of similar facilities that have been announced.

More public investment in cultivated-meat research is needed for the technology to reach its potential. This will help address significant challenges, such as achieving price parity with slaughtered meat and developing wholecut products, like steaks and filets. If our legislators have the will, we can move toward a slaughter-free America that’s better for our fellow creatures, our health and the planet.

Jon Hochschartner

The Granby Drummer

Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages

Town Budget Meetings

Includes regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance Monday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.— BOS Regular Meeting in Town Hall.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.— BOF Regular Meeting in Police Department Community Room.

Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.: BOF Regular Meeting in Police Department Community Room.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.—BOS Regular Meeting in Town Hall.

Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m.—BOS Regular Meeting in Town Hall.

Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m.—BOS Budget Workshop I in Town Hall.

Monday, March 14 at 6 p.m.—BOS Budget Workshop II in Town Hall.

Thursday, March 17 at 6 p.m.—BOS Budget Workshop III in Town Hall.

Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m.—BOS Regular Meeting in Town Hall.

Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m.—BOS and BOE Budget Presentations to BOF in Senior Center Community Room.

Monday, April 4 at 7 p.m.—Regular BOS Meeting in Town Hall.

Thursday, April 7—Proposed Budget Available for General Distribution Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m.—BOF Public Hearing in High School Auditorium. Special Meeting of the BOF follows the Public Hearing.

Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m.— Regular BOS Meeting in Town Hall.

Monday, April 25—Annual Budget Machine Vote, 12 to 8 p.m. in Town Hall. Special Meeting of the BOF follows the referendum.

Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, T. Johnson, Jim Lofink, Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha John R. Nieb, Kristin Rice, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Jen Bell, Carol Bressor, Daneika Janski Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey

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

Board of Selectmen, see Town Budget Meetings article, above

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

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

Board of Finance, see Town Budget Meetings article, above Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, February 2 and 16 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, February 8 and 22 Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, February 9 Development Commission, 7 p.m.,Town Hall, Monday, February 14

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

@GranbyDrummer

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need Saltine crackers Near East rice mixes Canned sauerkraut Canned creamed corn Chunky peanut butter Salsa/Taco dinner kits Apple/cranberry juice Paper towels/tissues Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street

Website Manager Jake Kean Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus

LETTERS POLICY

The Drummer welcomes letters.

Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the CBG Board and the Drummer. The length of letters will be held to 500 words and less. To be published, letters must be signed and include an address and phone number. This information will not be given to anyone other than the necessary editorial staff. Letters from readers who do not reside in Granby will have the town of residence noted with the letter. The Drummer reserves the right to edit and shorten letters, and to run them in any electronic form. Letters become the property of the Drummer. Email your letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org

February 2022 Opinion

The Granby Drummer

Bye Bye American Pie?

The loss of innocence, freedom and morality

By Walter Mission A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.

My path recently crossed two icons of nostalgia in the arts: first, Don Mclean’s classic song, American Pie, as well as Rockwell’s Four Freedoms paintings, all serving as a picture to mourn the loss of baby boomer innocence. The song and paintings are a reminder that the loss of that innocence came with the loss of those freedoms. Ultimately, the greatest consequence in our lifetime is the loss of morality in only 60 years.

Now the halftime air was sweet perfume While the sergeants played a marching tune...

Rockwell’s Freedom from Want is the quintessential picture of a New England Thanksgiving with its unwavering joy, close-knit family gathered around the table, sumptuous food, and elegant crystal. However, we are now selfish more than we are thankful. Our affluence has tilted the scales opposite of the depicted scene leading to an arrogance that has resulted in a breeding ground for our own ignorance. Basic economics says you must pay your bills, not print more money when in debt. Further examples of spend-now pay-later include the use of COVID funds on things from gambling debts to state and high school football stadiums in Wisconsin.

But February made me shiver, with every paper I’d deliver, bad news on the doorstep.

Freedom of Speech is portrayed as the man with a lone dissenting opinion in a town meeting. These days political correctness and mob rule have silenced truth and isolated people rather than cultivate constructive discussion. Social media and other media of our day are designed to promote political and social division through venting, violence, tribalism and sexuality, because that sells more commercials and news stories than any other method.

Two of our nation’s most revered presidents warned us. George Washington in his Farewell Address warned against political parties: they arouse—to paraphrase—the spirit of revenge, leading to corruption and government despotism, corrupting individual liberty. Lincoln quoted Jesus saying that a “house divided against itself will not stand.” The premise of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” has been changed in our day to become “before they do unto you.” Though Lincoln spoke of the civil war then, we have replicated this civil unrest today with each keystroke warriors make in anger. Lincoln’s war was for the unity of the nation as “cessation from it was anarchy.”

Helter skelter in a summer swelter, the Birds flew off with a fallout shelter, eight miles high and falling fast.

Rockwell’s Freedom from Fear depicts a child being peacefully tucked in even as a war rages on. Our most prevalent fear

now is death, not war, as we have not seen global scale conflicts for some time. With the constant stress of self-preservation, we have been led to self-medicate rather than face problems. Entertainment, alcohol, drugs (“eight miles high”), music, behavioral and informational addictions are just a few of the many escape hatches from the inevitable.

Now for ten years we’ve been on our own, but that’s not how it used to be.

Why, in one lifetime are we here with loss of restraint, freedoms and the loss of morality? This leads to a discussion of the fourth freedom. Washington, once again in his Farewell Address, Jefferson in books on Jesus Christ and Lincoln in his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, as well as other speeches, tied the nation’s morality to an accountability to God Himself, coined by the phrase “Under God.” Did you write the book of love, and do you have faith in God above, if the Bible tells you so. Do you believe in rock and roll, can music save your mortal soul?

Our constitution, by design, includes the freedom for all citizens to worship as they choose or whether to worship a God at all and denounces coercion as with a state church. Rockwell’s painting, Freedom of Worship, depicts various religions and people praying. The caption says “Each according to the dictates of his own conscience.” Let us not ignore that they were worshipping, not in unity, but according to their own dictates. This is consistent with the New Testament of not imposing religion, but an environment encouraging religious self-restraint “under God.” And in the streets, the children screamed... but not a word was spoken, the church bells all were broken.

The problem is what I call the “God is dead” mindset, echoing back to the Time Magazine cover of 1961. The nation has divorced itself from the tether to an almighty God, and therefore from moral accountability. The removal of such a restraint in our culture has resulted in a house, once again, divided against itself, and as such, our nation will not stand. Religion, especially Christianity, as that was the country’s initial reference point, has been isolated and silenced for various reasons with the ensuing moral behavioral results.

Besides the “God is Dead” mindset, our courts sanctioned the new community standard over the founder’s wisdom privatizing religion with the various walls of church and state separation rulings. They silenced from public places the worship according to dictates of conscience with the removal of religion from government and education, only fueling the religious mocking of mob rule. That social engineering, coupled with our selfish affluence, has resulted in the loss of restraint and loss of a creator consciousness after just one generation.

Page 5

Opinion

Educational reform in our Connecticut schools

by Susan Patricelli Regan There are many facets to educational reform, but they originate primarily from one source—parents and, yes, grandparents as well. The concern is that what today’s youth are experiencing in their academic curriculum regarding books on sexual reference and Critical Race Theory (CRT). with less emphasis on classical reading, writing, arithmetic and actual American history.

The continued use of Common Core math along with virtual lessons has created a severe reduction in a timely learning curve requiring many students, particularly children in special education classes, to repeat a grade.

Further incitement has been incurred by the mandates for masking, testing and vaccine requirements and the continued aggressive oppression by school boards to shut down parents’ rights to present their issues at public meetings. Moreover,

Looking at the churches in trouble, it’s not God that is dead, but we are spiritually dead to Him as we are now in charge.

It’s as though God says, “Thy will be done,” to us and let our own immorality correct ourselves. As such we are no longer a nation “under God” but live a Christian mythology that does not affect our conscience or behavior.

And the three men I admire most, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, they caught the last train for the coast, the day the music died.

And they were singin’ bye-bye, Miss American Pie...them good old boys drinkin’ whiskey and rye, singin’ This’ll be the day that I die.

What is the solution? Can we go back?

We are poor students of history and it often does repeat itself. A study of Old Testament Israel’s demise closely parallels our current demise with its “I can do it myself” lip service to God. The

the Department of Justice has become involved in the relationship between parents and school administrators, which by normal standards is the domain of state and local governance. This has led to increased political debate.

Thus, it would appear that in order to improve the environment and future for students, there will need to be bipartisan discussion and leadership from the appropriate parties to mitigate the difference in perspectives relevant to providing the optimum life skills preparation to generate productive and prosperous citizens of the world. In order to do so, it will require educational reform.

Perhaps this will mean considering a different acronym for CRT...Critical Rational Thinking in the matter of what is best for all students no matter what their ethnicity.

This subject should be a bipartisan effort and not a further chasm that will be injurious for future generations.

solution starts with doing our homework and asking questions effecting our conscience. While 87 percent of Americans say they believe in God, our Biblical ignorance and defiance of what the Scriptures actually say are reflected in our behavior.

A second solution, ironically, might be to ask for history to repeat itself. There was a great spiritual awakening in the Connecticut River Valley, including the formation of Granby in 1740. Do we have the humility of heart to ask for “help” and sober up or will we continue drinking “whiskey and rye, singing this will be the day that I die”?

Editor’s Note: Walter “Skip” Mission occasionally teaches Bible classes at the Granby Senior Center.

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Page 6

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 17, 2021 Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives) Absent: David Peling Election of Officers Sarah Thrall was unanimously voted to continue as Board Chair. Donna Nolan was nominated and unanimously approved as Board Secretary. All new board members were officially sworn in.

Board Chair Subcommittee Assignments Rosemarie Weber will chair the Finance Subcommittee with Donna Nolan and Monica Logan will serve as members. David Peling will chair the Curriculum Subcommittee with Whitney Sanzo and Kristina Gilton as members.

Superintendent’s Announcements The Board received the CABE Level Two Leadership Award and the Bonnie Carney Communications Award for its Stronger Together Plan.

Middle school principal Taylor Wrye was invited to participate in a series of focus groups for the design of Virtual Learning Standards for Connecticut Public Schools.

The high school will participate in “Voice4Change”, a state-wide civic initiative.

GMHS is the only Farmington Valley high school participating in this program.

Still in need of bus drivers and substitute teachers. Please contact our business office.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report Jennifer Parsons announced the Screen and Stay program instituted by the Governor, which allows students to remain in school while parents monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

A signoff form needs to be completed and the nurse checks the form as well as the student.

Parsons said this does not apply to out-of-school exposures and areas where mask compliance may not be strong (i.e., lunch, chorus, band, PE).

She added that communications will shift to the building level and principals will communicate

with families going forward. The dashboard will continue to be updated on the website.

An average of 6-7 cases per week are being reported, and a vaccination clinic was held at the high school for 350 5- to 11-year-olds. Families are reminded to send their vaccination cards to the school nurse.

She said that there is continued discussion around the math program Grades K-10 as well as Readers and Writers Workshop up to Grade 6. She saw the Illustrative Math consultant at the middle school this week who is working on how to implement lessons. She has wrapped up goal setting and observation meetings and submitted the Perkins Grant that supports college and career programs. Granby has partnered with Canton on this grant.

Business Manager’s Report Business Manager Anna Robbins presented the October statement of accounts and there is a positive forecast of $161K, better by $43K over last month. Special education expenditures are projected to be unfavorable ($20K) and regular education is projected to be favorable ($181K).

The positive forecast is driven by continuing turnover in personnel. The Q and D Fund is projected to be favorable at $106K due to lower magnet school enrollment but also reflects a lower than budgeted enrollment in Open Choice students as well as not running summer school programs. Revenue to the town is better than projected by $21K. Excess cost funding from the state is projected to be lower than budgeted.

Projections for rental and pay-for-participation fees are uncertain currently.

Schools in the Spotlight Jessica Foskitt, Strings Teacher, and some of her 5th Grade students showcased the Strings Program at Wells Road Intermediate School. Katie Allshouse, Andrew Harvey, Britton Mahoney, Alana Maher, and Megan Rice informed the Board of various techniques when playing the violin. The group performed a few songs for the board. Ms. Foskit said that next year the viola and cello will be added to Wells Road and the Middle School with hopes for an

First Selectman initiates strategic plan for Granby Once the set of goals is drafted, those that overlap may be identified and comWorking closely with Town Manbined. For example, it is possible that one ager Erica Robertson, First Selectman of the goals of the Development ComMark Fiorentino has put together a mission, whose job it is to develop and program to identify what Granby’s sustain business, may very well overlap various “stakeholders” feel should be with one of the goals of the Agriculture its most important goals. The plan is an Commission, agriculture being one of unprecedented attempt to Granby’s most important coordinate and consolidate businesses. those goals wherever posFiorentino is looking sible. It is hoped that the to a final number of 10 plan can be finalized and to 15 items that will be adopted within the calendar presented to the external year of 2022. stakeholders. Unless there Fiorentino refers to the are important considermembers of the town’s variations that arise, the goals ous boards and commissions will be adopted at a BOS as the “internal stakeholdmeeting and announced The Town Seal adorns the ers.” He and/or Robertson to the various boards and front of the podium in the will be meeting with each of commissions, placed on Town Hall Meeting Room. these groups to explain the the town website (granbyPhoto by Shirley Murtha plan’s process and request ct.gov) and published in one or two goals, which will the Drummer. The identhen be presented to the general public, tification of these important goals will the external stakeholders, by way of allow the next budget to be developed public workshops or Board of Selectmen around them with regard to monetary meetings. and staffing needs.

By Shirley Murtha

orchestra being assembled by the time these students get to high school.

Pupil Services Department Continuous Improvement Plan Director of Pupil Personnel Services Angela Ehrenwerth presented her Continuous Improvement Plan for the Pupil Services Department and stated she is excited to share the work done so far this year. There are many parallels to the school buildings across the district and presented her goals as follows: Student Learning and Achievement, Community Engagement, Safety and Social Emotional Well-Being, Budget Development and Fiscal Management, Embracing Diversity, and Professional Learning.

Draft 2022-2023 School Calendar The draft 2022-2023 school calendar was presented to the Board. Dr. Grossman highlighted changes to the calendar as follows: school will start a few days later than last year on Aug. 30.

First Reading of Revised Policy 1110.1 Communications with the Public The major change is incorporating a virtual component for parent conferences. This policy will go to the board for a second reading and approval at the next meeting.

Board Standing Committee Reports A new Board member will be assigned to the CREC Council. Rosemarie Weber and Jenny Emery were honored for 10 years of service to the Board of Education at the CABE/CAPSS Convention this past Friday.

Granby Education Foundation Whitney Sanzo noted that the GEF is working with the high school on the broadcast studio, the GranBee will be held on April 22, and GEF will be a judge for the high school poetry jam in January.

Sarah Thrall stated a new Board member will be appointed to the GEF.

DECEMBER 1, 2021 Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto (Student Representatives).

Chairman’s Corner Sarah Thrall, thanked board members for volunteering to attend the following meetings: Monica Logan, Granby Equity Team; Whitney Sanzo, Granby Education Foundation; and, Donna Nolan, BOE Representative on the Building Committee.

Superintendent’s Announcements The high school roof project is slated to begin summer 2023. Awaiting state funding for the high school choral and band rooms, technology areas, commons, and kitchen.

The district still needs bus drivers and substitute teachers. Will bring an idea to the Finance Subcommittee Meeting on Dec. 15 regarding substitutes. Bus driver certification takes time; the district is waiting for State approvals.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report Jennifer Parsons updated the TV Production Studio as well as an equity update. The TV Production Studio sponsored by the GEF will

support other classes, clubs, and students as well as the community at large. In 202223, a news production will be integrated into an Advanced Communication Technology and Broadcasting course at the high school and continue the Broadcasting Club as a production studio. In 2023-24, the Audio Visual Communications course at the high school will be revised and the Broadcasting Club continued as a production studio. Parsons stated a $100,000 check was received by the GEF in August 2021.

Since then, internal planning meetings were conducted, and current space was reviewed.

Local architects were selected to support the project and meetings were held to finalize the design and craft a budget proposal. In January, all plans will be finalized, a desk will be built by high school students, and internal demolition will take place to remodel the new studio space. The grant will not cover the cost of the teacher and any professional development needed. About 30 hours of curriculum writing for a new course will also be in the budget.

Parsons also provided an equity update and shared the Equity Statement and Mission for the Granby Equity Team (GET). GET monitors, implements, and suggests revisions to the Anti-Bias Anti-Racism Plan and works with the Partners for Educational Leadership (formerly the Center for School Change) who attend 3 GET meetings to help develop an equity lens and tools for leading equity-focused discussions.

Parsons reviewed some highlights for the year including bringing back and expanding Bridges and Any Town student trainings, recruitment and retention efforts for the Open Choice Program, integration with the Vision of a Graduate, and connecting equity work with the work on Learning Environments.

Superintendent’s 2021-2022 Annual Goals Dr. Jordan Grossman presented his goals for the 2021-2022 school year. He presented a high-level view of the goals as follows: Student Learning and Achievement: implement new data-driven decision-making processes across the district; continue to assess current and future practices in special education services; continue to focus on learning recovery and learning acceleration for all students; and implement the new Vision of a Graduate.

Community Engagement: Implement the new Granby Public Schools’ Strategic Plan and Vision of a Graduate as well as work with the new Town Manager for continued collaboration with the town.

Safety and Social Emotional Well-Being: Implement Stronger Together: A Working Plan for the Granby Public Schools and implement a new Emergency Operations Plan for the Granby Public Schools.

Budget Development and Fiscal Management: Create an alternative school within the Granby Public Schools; continue to obtain all state and federal grants for which Granby Public Schools qualifies; and, develop a budget that supports the Board’s Strategic Plan.

Embracing Diversity: Continue to implement the Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Plan for the Granby

BOE Highlights cont’d. on p. 7

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February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 7

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS BOE Highlights cont’d. from p. 6

Public Schools and continue to support minority recruitment on the CREC Teacher In-Service Program.

Professional Learning: Mentor and model professional leadership for new administrative team members; Chair the Early Childhood State Committee, and participate in the CAPSS Early Career Advanced Leadership Program.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report Jennifer Parsons presented the monthly report including strings programming, FVHD meetings, and budget for curriculum. Three policies will be brought to the full board at the next meeting. Also reviewed the Graduation Requirements Policy, which will stay in subcommittee. Discussed two of four possible new courses. Advanced Communication Technology and Broadcasting and Black and Latino Studies were approved.

Student Representative Jacob Scotto inquired if there will be a course on gender studies and Parsons stated she has not received any; however, if there is potential interest by a student, this could possibly come through the Bridges Program.

Executive Session/Non-Meeting A motion was made by Rosemarie Weber and seconded by David Peling to enter into Executive Session to discuss a school safety issue. Jennifer Parsons was invited to attend the Executive Session.

DECEMBER 15, 2021 Present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Student Representatives Tess Bajek and Jacob Scotto Superintendent’s Announcements Granby is still experiencing a shortage of bus drivers and substitute teachers. Some changes were made to recruiting substitute teachers.

The district is also recruiting college students home on break.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Parsons provided an update on core academic areas and current work. At the mid-point of the year progress is being monitored. A winter benchmark test is given in ELA and Math, and she is curious

how this data will compare to the fall data.

There are positive trends in ELA and math across the grade levels and a renewed commitment with Teachers College with a Staff Developer working with the elementary schools five days per year. Parsons said planning the transition of Grade 6 resources to align with the reading/writing model is ongoing. All K-8 classes are testing a unit in Illustrative Math and Parsons has received positive feedback. Grades 6-8 are in the full implementation of Illustrative Math and students are quickly mastering it. Parsons is working with the Elements of Effective Instruction Framework, which is tied to equity and social/ emotional learning and its fit into the learning environment. It creates positive, interactive opportunities where student voices are valued.

Working on shared outcomes will be brought forward into the new year.

Schools in the Spotlight Elisabeth Diemer, Grade 2 Teacher, and Courtney Piotrowski, K-5 Literacy Coach, provided an overview of the new Phonics Units of Study from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Curriculum that have been implemented in Grades K-2 at Kelly Lane, and aligns with the current reading and writing program. Piotrowski reviewed the six foundational principles of the Phonics Units and Diemer reviewed the K-2 Scope and Sequence of the program including concepts about print, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, word knowledge/word solving, phonics, and highfrequency words.

Business Manager’s Report Anna Robbins presented the November statement of accounts and stated there is a positive forecast of $145K which is $16K lower than last month. Overall, special education expenditures are projected to be in the black this month. The forecast is the best information currently through the end of the year. Out-ofdistrict tuition is over-budget, but there are savings in out-of-district transportation and special education salaries. Regular education is projected to be favorable at $145K and because of personnel turnover. The Q and D Fund is projected to be favorable at $130K due to lower magnet school enrollment and reflects a

lower-than-budgeted enrollment of Open Choice students. Revenues to the town are projected to be better than budgeted by $232K. Excess cost funding from the state is projected to be slightly higher than budgeted due to a shift in out-of-district tuition projections. Rental fees reflect no income for the foreseeable future and pay-for-participation fees are on target.

FY23 Budget Timeline Grossman presented the FY23 Budget Timeline to the board and stated things start rolling with the budget beginning Sept. 30. He stated the timeline presented sets forth steps on creating the budget. On Jan. 5, Grossman will present the Plus One Budget. This is not the final budget; however, it is where the budget lies on Jan. 5 based upon administrative and teacher proposals. The Plus One Budget shows only those items moving forward. The number could be higher than the 2.25 percent BOF guideline.

The Plus One Budget is presented in memo form.

At the board meeting on Jan. 19 the board will decide if the Plus One Budget is accepted as-is or if changes need to be made. Thereafter, the Plus One Budget is forwarded to the BOF. The FY23 Administrative Budget is presented to the board on March 2. Grossman said he will not know at that time if the budget percentage will be higher or lower than the Plus One Budget.

After a Budget Workshop on March 9, the board will decide whether to accept the budget at its next regular meeting on March 16. If accepted, it becomes the FY23 BOE Budget and is forwarded to the Board of Finance.

First Reading of Revised Policy 3542.43 Food Service T h e C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 3542.43, Food Service, to the board for a first reading. This policy reflects changes in suggested state legislation language to allow a student who does not have paperwork on file to qualify for free and reduced lunch.

The student will be given the same meal as all students even if there is an outstanding balance.

First Reading of Revised Policy 4118.11/4218.11 - Personnel Nondiscrimination T h e C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communications Subcommittee recommended

revised Policy 4118.11/4218.11, Personnel Nondiscrimination, to the board for a first reading. The policy includes a statement of nondiscrimination practices and specifically calls inclusivity of ethnic traits historically associated with race such as, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.

First Reading of Revised Policy 4212.42 - Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers T h e C u r r i c u l u m / P o l i c y / Te c h n o l o g y / Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 4212.42, Drug and Alcohol Testing for Bus Drivers, to the board for first reading. The policy has been updated to reflect a required legal change to confirm that bus drivers clear all drug and alcohol screenings in addition to emergency training.

Finance/Personnel/Facilities This subcommittee met this evening and Rosemarie Weber thanked Anna Robbins for educating new board members on reading and understanding the statement of accounts.

Substitute teacher incentivization plan as well as fee structures in the district to include pre-k tuition, pay-for-participation, and rental and custodial event fees, were also discussed.

The subcommittee decided that all fees remain status quo based on the district’s finances as well as family’s current circumstances. The bus contract is coming up and the administration is considering the best course of action for getting an extension on the upcoming bus contract. A Family Engagement Specialist for community outreach was discussed, which would benefit Open Choice families and the entire community.

Calendar of Events The Three-Board Meeting is Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center and board members are encouraged to attend.

Executive Session/Non-Meeting The board entered into Executive Session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement.

Respectfully submitted, Donna Nolan Board Secretary

Page 8

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

GRR Committee welcomes youth members

Focus on Education Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D Community Conversation will be held February 24 The Granby Public Schools continues to be one of the best school systems in the State of Connecticut thanks to a supportive community, outstanding students and a committed staff. I have never been involved in a school system that is so committed to doing what is right for schools. When schools, families and the community come together in the best of children, student development and success will thrive. Since my arrival to the Granby Community two years ago, it has been very clear to me that there is shared responsibility in supporting our schools through meaningful partnerships that are essential for assisting students to achieve their maximum potential. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community for the support you have provided our staff and students this school year. We will always continue to provide the best possible education for our students that is grounded in the Granby Public Schools Moving Forward Together 2021-25 Strategic Plan.

The months of December and January were very exciting as we welcomed the community into the Granby Memorial High School auditorium for both high school and middle school band and choral concerts. We are extremely proud of our students and staff for continuing their musical talents and their creativity during the pandemic. The concerts were exhilarating and were well received by all in attendance.

The arts in the Granby Public Schools continue to thrive during the pandemic and public performances allow our students to showcase their wonderful talents. I encourage the community to attend our many artistic events in the next months that will offer you the opportunity to see our students and staff in action.

I am excited to inform you that Granby Memorial High School is one of a few Connecticut High Schools honored by the CIAC with a Michaels Achievement Cup Class Act Sportsmanship Award for the 2020-21 academic year. The Michaels Cup Committee recognized GMHS for exemplary sportsmanship and the high

school was formally recognized during the CIAC’s virtual Sportsmanship Conference on Jan. 28. The Michaels Cup was created in the early 1980s as the brainchild of Roy Michaels, the owner of Michaels Jewelry, in an effort to recognize outstanding athletic programs.

This is a wonderful recognition for our school district.

I invite you to look on our Granby Public Schools’ website at granbyschools. org/ for events that you and your family may like to attend. Some events that may be of interest to you are: Feb. 1– Kindergarten On-Line Registration Opens Feb. 2 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall Meeting Room/Zoom Feb. 3 – 8th Grade Parents’ Night, 6 p.m., Virtual Event (see website for details) Feb. 4 – Job Shadow Day Feb. 10 – Wells Road Band/Chorus Concert, 7 p.m., High School Auditorium Feb. 16 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Room/Zoom On Jan. 5, I presented the Plus One Budget for 2022-2023 to the Granby Board of Education. Each year, the Granby Board of Education develops and submits budget projections to the Board of Finance for use in the budget guideline. At that time, the projected request was 4.26 percent over current operating costs. On March 2, at 7 p.m., the Administrative Budget will be presented to the Granby Board of Education in the Town Hall Meeting Room and via Zoom.

A Superintendent Community Conversation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact Linda Powell at powelll@granbyschools. org to receive a link for this meeting. This is a time where the community and parents/guardians can ask questions about the district.

Thank you again for being so supportive of our work in the Granby Public Schools. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 860-844-5260. Also, please follow me on Twitter @GranbySuper

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courageous conversations in their circles of influence. This is visible in Megan’s In January, the Granby Racial Reconcilletter to the editor in this edition of the iation Steering Committee welcomed its Drummer. The depth and breadth of rafirst youth representatives, cial inequity requires the Grace Evangelista and Mework of building bridges gan Allshouse. Grace is a on the pathway to belongsophomore and Megan is a ing. GRR continues to junior at Granby Memorial seek other neighbors to High School. Both have a expand the conversations mind and heart for service and bring more opporto the community espetunities for co-creating a cially around racial equity. flourishing community for The members of the orall. For more information ganization are grateful go to granbyracialreconfor these young people’s Grace Evangelista (l.) and ciliation.com enthusiasm and desire to Megan Allshouse Submitted participate in and support photo

By Cathy Watso

Volunteers needed to celebrate GMHS senior class

By Kate Roy Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation (GPSG), an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that organizes a substance-free Grad Night celebration for Granby Memorial High School graduates, is seeking volunteers to help with the event.

For the past two years, due to COVID-19, GPSG has been unable to throw a party for graduates. It is hoped that the 2022 graduating class will be able to experience this event, and GPSG needs assistance to ensure our seniors are properly recognized.

The event can’t take place without volunteers to5make x 3 it happen. It is typically chaperoned by underclassmen parents, not the senior parents, so it is especially important for new volunteers to step up each year. Help is needed with food, room set up, decorations, chaperoning and other tasks. Volunteers are needed

both in planning and preparation for the event, and at the party itself.

The committee meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. through May other than during school vacations.

Meetings are held in the media center at GMHS. To keep up to date on committee happenings, follow the Facebook page found at: facebook.com/granbyctsafegrad/ Donations are also welcome. To make a donation, please send checks payable to “Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation” to Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation, Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 81, Granby, CT 06035. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact GPSG Chair Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com Please consider being a part of this special event honoring GMHS graduating seniors. Help us support this proud Granby tradition!

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February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Local high school seniors recognized level-headed. Maeve has been president The Abigail Phelps Chapter of the DAR of her class for her four years at GMHS. is pleased to announce the 2021 Good Sreekar Patti, a senior at East Granby Citizens Awards. Karen DiMenna, chair High School, has volunteered over 650 of the DAR Good Citizens Committee, hours to an organization called Power of recognized four area seniors for their Peace which has young people working dependability, service, leadership and with the goals of eradicating hunger, propatriotism. All four are academically acviding better living conditions and giving complished and members of the National under privileged kids a means to prepare Honor Society. for the future. Sreekar is active in Track Maeve Dingley is a senior at Granby and Field Memorial High and achieved School. Four black belt in years ago, she karate. received the Madigan DAR Good Dwyer, a seCitizenship nior at Avon Aw a r d a s a High School, freshman, and and Madias a senior she son Burgos, again is being a senior at recognized Simsbury by the local High School, DAR. Faculwere also recty describe ognized. her as caring, Maeve Dingley and Sreekar Patti were recognized by compassion- the local chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution. ate, honest and Submitted photo

Legislative Update

By State Representative Mark Anderson The state legislature convenes for the short, second session of the 2021-2022 term from Feb. 9 through May 4. According to Article III of the state constitution, even year sessions are for “budgetary, revenue and financial matters, bills and resolutions raised by committees of the general assembly and those matters certified in writing by the speaker of the house of representatives and president pro tempore of the senate to be of an emergency nature.”

One of the first items of business will be deciding what comes next regarding COVID-19 public policy. The governor’s current public health and civil preparedness emergency declaration expires on Feb. 15. Portions of 10 executive orders remain in effect. These orders cover regulation of early childhood and education settings, emergency procurement statutes, eviction procedures, masking requirements, and immunization information access. Orders also dictate vaccine and booster requirements for those employed by long-term care facilities, the state, schools, and childcare facilities.

The legislature could do any single or a combination of all three of these courses of action as the next step: extend the current emergency declaration; pass select executive orders into law; or approve a modified declaration of emergency.

According to the Office of Legislative Research, major issues that may be taken up during this session include pandemic recovery of businesses and the workforce; new education funding formulas; climate change mitigation; solid waste management; tax relief —property, income, gas, sales; community college consolidation changes, and juvenile justice.

ALTERATIONS On clothing, zipper repair, hems, cushion covers renewed, and reupholster bar stools, foot stools.

Call

860-930-1881

Under current rules, legislators may vote in the chamber or remotely from their offices. This rule will likely remain in place for the near future. Only the first floors of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building are open to the public, and no date has been set for full reopening. Last year, public hearings were all conducted remotely. This may change to a hybrid approach.

Residents can make their voices heard by submitting oral and written testimony to the committees during public hearings on pending legislation. Notice of these hearings is posted in the Connecticut General Assembly bulletin at cga.ct.gov/ Public hearings are scheduled to take place during the period of March 3-25.

Page 9

Kelly Lane kindergarten registration begins Parents must pre-register their eligible children for kindergarten on the Kelly Lane Primary School website beginning Feb. 1. Once pre-registered the parent will receive an email from Granby Public Schools with log in instructions.

Required forms: a copy of your child’s birth certificate; health assessment record including immunizations—the form can be downloaded from the school’s website; proof of residency, such as mortgage statement, rental

contract, or utility bill.

Children who will be five years of age on or before Jan. 1, 2023 must be registered for the 2022-23 school year.

Parents choosing not to enroll their eligible child for kindergarten must complete an option form exempting their child from school attendance. This exemption form is available on the school website.

If you have any questions, please call Kelly Lane Primary School at 860-8443041.

CT Press Club holds communications contest for high schoolers The Connecticut Press Club is holding its first Communications Contest for high school students, with entries being accepted in 23 writing, editing, broadcast and visual arts categories. Teens statewide are encouraged to enter work including op-ed columns, blog posts, news and feature stories, radio, video, photographs and cartoons.

All entries must have been published or broadcast between Feb. 1, 2021, and Jan. 31, 2022, by a publication in a recognized medium for the category. i.e., a school, local, or national newspaper, website, radio, or TV station, etc.

The deadline for high school entrants is at noon in the entrant’s time zone on Feb. 9, 2022, and the fee is $5.

Visit nfpwcontest.secure-platform.com for the complete list of categories.

The contest is open to all high school students in the state and recent graduates. This includes public, private, and

home-schooled students who reside in Connecticut.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of storytellers, journalists, and other creative teenagers to our annual contest and to honor them for their work,” said Michele Turk, club president.

The contest will be judged by communications professionals who are members of the Connecticut Press Club.

First-place entries in the state contest are eligible to advance to the national contest sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women.

The Connecticut Press Club’s popular Communications Contest, which rewards excellence in 61 categories, is also accepting entries from communications professionals statewide. For more information about the high school or professional contest, email CTPressClub@ gmail.com

Page 10

The Granby Drummer

Bordonaro receives CALA Award David Bordonaro, president of McLean Affiliates, received the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s Board Chair’s Award for 2021 on Dec. 1. McLean Affiliates includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care Assisted Living, Home Care and Hospice, Post-Acute and Outpatient Rehabilitation and a 4,415-acre Game Refuge.

Bordonaro has served McLean with grace, foresight, care and compassion for almost 20 years and has been instrumental in growing the strength of McLean especially in the area of Assisted Living.

Submitted photo

Granby groups enjoy Christmas music

The Granby Men’s and Women’s Breakfast Groups and the Civic Club were treated to an in-person Christmas Concert with Mindy Shilanski and the Granby Memorial High School Chorus on Dec. 10. Photo by Vince Tokarz

February 2022

Public Works Presidents’ Day, Feb. 21, is not a trash holiday. Please put your trash out on your regularly scheduled day.

Like us! Check out the DPW Facebook page: Granby CT Department of Public Works.

Recycling: questions on recycling?

Check out recyclect.com Better yet, follow them on FaceBook.

Bridges: The Griffin Road bridge is now open to all traffic. The bridge on Hungary Road near the Suffield line is closed for reconstruction. It is anticipated that it will reopen in June.

Textile recycling: Pink textile bags are still picked up by Simple Recycling but you must either call or go online to schedule a pickup. They will provide you with a specific pickup date. Bags can be placed near your front door. Simple Recycling accepts clothing, shoes, accessories and small household items. Simple Recycling can be reached at 866-835-5068.

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.

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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 of local grocery stores.

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

The Department of Public Works does its best to keep the roads passable and safe.

Please note the following suggestions, ordinances and rules to ensure a safe winter season for all.

Trash and recycling: Unless the roads are closed, Paine’s will be collecting trash/recycling on their regular schedule.

You must have your barrels out by 6 a.m.

If you choose not to put out your trash/ recycling due to a storm, your barrels will not be emptied until your next scheduled pickup day.

Barrels must be placed at the end of your driveway in a location accessible to the trash hauler and at least two feet from the roadway. Barrels must not be placed in the street or on top of a snowbank.

Paine’s has an email alert system that will notify you of any changes to your service schedule due to a holiday or inclement weather. Sign up at painesinc. com Driveways: Before your final cleanup, check to see if the street has been plowed all the way to the curb. If it has, you should be safe to clean the end of your driveway. If it hasn’t, rest assured the plow will be back to make another pass and fill up the end of your driveway. You can reduce the amount of snow deposited in your driveway by shoveling or plowing snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the street. Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. It creates a hazard, and you may be held liable in the case of an accident.

Mailboxes: It is inevitable that some mailboxes will fall victim to winter’s forces. In accordance with Granby Town Ordinance, the town will repair or replace a mailbox that is damaged as the result of direct contact with a town snowplow.

Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow thrown against them or mailboxes that are located closer than nine inches from the road are not eligible for repair. If your mailbox is damaged, you may report it to Public Works and a department employee will investigate the damage, determine the cause, and schedule repairs if applicable.

Parking: Granby Town Ordinance prohibits the parking of any vehicle on a town road from the start of a storm until 12 hours after the storm has ended.

Vehicles that violate the parking ban may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Sidewalks: Granby Town Ordinance requires a homeowner whose property abuts a sidewalk to keep it clean of snow and ice. Residents have up to eight hours after the end of the storm to clear the sidewalk. If the storm occurs overnight, residents have up to eight hours after sunrise to clear the sidewalk Sand: Sand mixed with salt is available at 166 Salmon Brook Street, the Granby Animal Shelter, opposite McLean Game Refuge. Residents of Granby may take one five-gallon bucket at a time.

Child Safety: Never allow children to play on snowbanks along the side of the road. The plow may return to push back snowbanks. Even in good conditions, it is difficult for a driver to see the children.

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 11

Almost four years later, Griffin Road bridge reopens

By Shirley Murtha It took almost four years, but town residents received a Christmas present when the Griffin Road bridge finally re-opened on Dec. 21. It was February 2018 when the State of Connecticut deemed that bridge to be unsafe for travel and it was closed immediately. It was determined that five other bridges also needed repair, but the Griffin Road bridge was given priority as the road would have to remain completely closed until the repairs were completed.

At the Dec. 21 bridge re-opening ceremony, Granby Public Works director Kirk Severance gave tribute to the late Town Manager John Ward, who was instrumental in getting the bridge bond through the local appropriations process, including the Board of Selectmen, the Bridge Building Committee, the Board of Finance and the Capital Program Advisory Committee (CPAC). Ward’s efforts resulted in getting the project funded with a 50/50 Matching Grant with the State of Connecticut in its State and Local Bridge Program.

Following all local and state guidelines,

Present for the Griffin Road Bridge re-opening ribbon-cutting were, from l., Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Scott Kuhnly, Kirk Severance, Kelly Rome, Sally King, Erica Robertson and Glen Cusano. Dave Demchak is behind Kuhnly and Jon Boardman is behind Robertson. Photo by Betsy Mazzotta

a building committee was created to secure construction and inspection services.

WMC Consulting Engineers fulfilled the design and inspection services; Arborio Construction was the selected contractor. Both firms met the challenges of the project and got the job done under budget

and under the unique circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A few minor items remain to be completed, but residents were happy to see the “closed” signs removed on the morning of Dec. 22—just in time for Christmas!

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 9, 2021 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also, present, alternates, Paula Johnson and Matthew Peters, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon, Considerations The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for illuminated building and freestanding signs and signs that exceed the maximum square footage allowed, 12 East Granby Road, Westfield Bank, CC Zone, with the following conditions: the freestanding monument sign Option 1 is approved; all other signs and proposed illumination as shown in the sign package dated Nov. 9, 2021 are approved. File Z-26-21.

The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve a 90day extension to file the mylars for an approved 1-lot re-subdivision for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road.

Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon reported building has started on the Murtha’s Way duplex project. On another matter, she stated the Department of Transportation (DOT) tagged trees that are to be removed as part of the Granby Center intersection project.

She noted there are plans to replant trees and landscape the area.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Boardman asked Kenyon if she knew the origin of a solar panel on the town green. Kenyon said it belongs to Pierce Builders and was used during relocation of the water lines in preparation for the DOT project.

DECEMBER 14, 2021 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Jonathan Boardman, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also present, alternates Paula Johnson and Matthew Peters, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon, Receive applications and set public hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.12.2 and 8.6.14 for a retail use and an illuminated freestanding sign, for property located at 281 Salmon Brook Street, CC Zone. File Z-27-21. The application is scheduled for public hearing on January 11, 2022.

The commission approved (7-0-0) an application seeking to modify a Special Permit for an existing farm store under Zoning Regulations Section 8.15.17 to allow indoor and outdoor music/entertainment and to change hours of operation, for property located at 29 Bushy Hill Road, R50 Zone, File Z-24-21, subject to the following conditions: The previous Special Permit conditions

granted for the property remain in effect unless modified herein: The farm store may open at 8 a.m. and must close no later than 8:30 p.m.; Light music is permitted inside the farm store, on the patio, and on the porch/deck as shown on Attachment 1.

Light music is any music played or performed at a level in which persons not located in the farm store, on the patio, or on the porch/deck can hold a conversation without unreasonably raising their voices; Light music is permitted between 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., seven days per week.

Per Zoning Regulations Sections 8.15.17, a farm store is permitted by Special Permit as an accessory use to a bona-fide farm operation.

Therefore, the primary use is a farm, and the farm store operation is an accessory use.

Nothing within this approval is intended to limit the Granby Zoning Enforcement Officer from taking any action where such ZEO determines that the number, types, or the hours of the activities occurring at the subject property exceed that which is customary and incidental to the agricultural use in accordance with the Zoning Regulations.

The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve a 90day extension to file the mylars for an approved 24-lot subdivision for property located at 76 West Granby Road.

Discuss Outdoor Dining Zoning Regulations and possible changes Kenyon explained that during the Covid pandemic, under Executive Order, restaurants were permitted to have outdoor dining regardless of whether outdoor dining was allowed under local zoning regulations or not. These outdoor dining areas approved under this Executive Order are allowed until March 31, 2022. Effective April 1, 2022, per legislation that was passed, towns must allow outdoor dining that is accessory to a restaurant by right. The zoning regulations can either require approval of a zoning permit by ZEO or a site plan review and approval by the commission for outdoor dining.

Granby’s current outdoor dining regulation must be updated to comply with this new legislation. She noted any outdoor dining that has already received Special Permit approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission can continue. Any other outdoor dining area will have to comply with the new regulation.

Kenyon explained because outdoor dining is subject to site plan review only, the conditions for outdoor dining must be very clear; the commission does not have the discretion to apply additional conditions as they would under a Special Permit. She read the items for the commission to discuss further. Those topics include: the size of outdoor dining area permitted; if tents will be permitted; the hours allowed for outdoor dining; and if the regulation should address any additional bathroom facilities that may be needed per the plumbing code.

Commission members raised other issues as

well including, parking requirements, safety of outdoor dining areas in parking lots, the need for a clear definition of accessory use, and criteria for the containment of areas where alcoholic beverages will be consumed. Mark Lockwood suggested the commission read the new legislation and discuss it further at the January meeting.

Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon reported work on the duplexes at Murtha’s Way continues, several foundations have been poured and framing has started.

She noted the Building Official and Fire Marshal completed final inspections at Westfield Bank, which will open soon.

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Matthew Lepowsky GENERAL DENTISTRY

JANUARY 11, 2022 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Jonathan Boardman, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers. Also present, alternates Paula Johnson and Matthew Peters, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon, The commission approved (7-0-0) an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.12.2 and 8.6.14 for a retail use and an illuminated freestanding sign, for property located at 281 Salmon Brook Street, CC Zone, File Z-27-21, subject to the following conditions: The sign lighting shall be dark sky compliant.

The specific sign lighting plan and sign location to be approved by staff; The retail use is limited to the area designated as the sunroom as shown in the application materials and as outlined in December 29, 2021 staff memorandum from the Director of Community Development.

Discuss Outdoor Dining Zoning Regulations and possible changes Mark Lockwood explained that in response to new state legislation, the commission needs to revise its current outdoor dining regulation to comply with the new rules. Kenyon reviewed the proposed changes, including outdoor dining being subject to site plan approval instead of special permit approval; the outdoor dining area shall not exceed 30 percent of the gross floor area of the indoor space; if outdoor dining is located in a parking space or driveway, it shall occupy no more than four parking spaces; the outdoor dining area shall be separated from parking areas to ensure the safety of diners; any lot, yard, court or open space abutting the restaurant may be used for dining providing written approval is received from the property owner; hours shall be limited to 9 p.m. except on Fridays and Saturdays when outdoor dining shall be permitted to 10 p.m.; and if a tent or temporary structure is used and more than 50 percent of the sides are down, it shall count as indoor space and the site shall comply with parking requirements.

The commission decided to change it to 40 percent, which is more in line with the size of

P&Z Highlights cont’d. on p. 12

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Page 12

The Granby Drummer

Granby’s state mandated revaluation inspections continue

Vision Appraisal Technology has contracted with the Town of Granby to assist the Assessors with its state mandated revaluation for Oct. 1, 2022.

The revaluation process is designed to eliminate inequities that may arise in assessments, as different properties experience appreciation or depreciation at varying levels over time. Its purpose is to value all property by similar standards at the same point in time. Once complete, citizens will be responsible for only their fair share of the cost for essential community services.

Data collection, the first phase of the project, has begun and will continue for four to six months. A data collector from Vision Appraisal will visit each property in town and physically measure the exterior. The inspection will take 10 to 15 minutes. Due to current health concerns the data collector will only measure the exterior of your home and any outbuildings on your property.

All Vision Appraisal representatives will carry proper identification and their

P&Z Highlights cont’d. from p. 11

outdoor dining spaces that have been approved to date. Parking requirements were discussed in detail. Kenyon noted under the legislation additional parking cannot be required for outdoor dining, and furthermore, municipalities must allow some outdoor dining in a parking lot if needed. The commission suggested additional modifications, including clarifying that while an engineered site plan is not required, the plan should be drawn to scale.

In response to questions, Kenyon stated restaurants with Special Permit approval for outdoor dining will not have to reapply when this regulation takes effect. The new regulation will apply to any restaurant granted temporary outdoor dining under the Governor’s Executive Order and that wants to continue to provide outdoor dining. It would also apply to a restaurant that wants to modify its existing approved outdoor space. It was noted outdoor music will still require Special Permit approval.

Kenyon will modify the regulation in response to the Commission’s feedback and a draft will be presented at the next meeting.

Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon reported work on the duplexes at Murtha’s Way continues, and an additional 40 building permits have been received for the project.

automobiles will be listed with both the Assessor’s Office and the Granby Police Department. It is suggested that homeowners request identification when anyone is at their door.

As part of the process, the Assessor’s Office will also compile information about the property from existing Assessment Records and previous house to house visits in the form of a Data Mailer. The Data Mailers will be mailed out in the future.

New assessments will not be available until November 2022. Once established, a notice of new values will be mailed to all property owners. All property owners will be given an opportunity to attend an individual informal hearing for the purpose of discussing any issue regarding the assessment process and valuation issues.

Thank you for reviewing this information. If you have any questions, please call the Granby Assessor’s Office at 860-844-5311.

Staff had a preconstruction meeting with the developer at 76 West Granby Road. Work is expected to start as soon as the required paperwork is received and mylars are filed.

The Department of Transportation began tree clearing in Granby Center in preparation for the intersection improvement project. Utility work, which will primarily consist of shifting the utility poles, will continue during the winter and roadwork will start in the spring when the weather improves, and asphalt plants reopen. Plans, including the landscaping plan for Granby Center, are posted on the Community Development Department webpage.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Lockwood stated in addition to the outdoor dining regulation, there will be changes needed to other regulations in response to recent legislation, including the accessory apartment regulation. These will be brought to the Commission at upcoming meetings.

Lockwood reported he and Kenyon have discussed preparing bylaws for the Commission.

It is expected this will be discussed with the Commission later.

Boardman announced the Griffin Road bridge is open and work has begun on Hungary Road bridge.

Abigail Kenyon, Acting Recording Secretary Editor’s note: For complete minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, visit: granby-ct.gov/node/219/minutes

February 2022

Girl Scouts Race in Pinewood Derby

By Whitney Sanzo On Jan. 8, families across Granby, East Granby and Hartland eagerly tuned into Facebook Live for a much-anticipated event: the Salmon Brook Service Unit Girl Scout Pinewood Derby. This was the second year that, due to Covid concerns, the race was live-streamed, but the third year that the Girl Scouts have held their own Girl Powered Pinewood Derby.

This year, 63 cars were entered into the race, including 58 Girl Scouts and five siblings. Each car was beautifully photographed and displayed on an online voting platform prior to the event, and families were encouraged to log in before the start of the race to vote for their favorite cars. Design categories included most complicated wood carving, most Girl Scout pride, best wedge and most bling, to name just a few. The design award winners were announced during the race.

At 10 a.m. the race began! There were multiple heats spread over two hours.

Medals were presented to the first, second and third place finishers in each Girl Scout level: Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes, and the top three overall finishers received trophies.

The event was beautifully broadcast by Christian Robinson of Robinson Imagery, who also provided video, streaming, technology and timing support.

The races were announced by Pack 70 Cub Master and Girl Scout dad Jonathon Matlach, who kept everyone engaged with his amazing emcee skills and epic Dad jokes.

The equipment used for the race was generously lent to the Girl Scouts by the East Granby Pack 70 Cub Scouts.

63 cars were entered in the Girl Powered Pinewood Derby. Submitted photo

This event could not have happened without the amazing organizational skills of Salmon Brook Service Unit volunteers Becky Hayes and Amanda Thompson.

These women put months of planning and organizing into this event, which was inclusive of not just Girl Scouts but their siblings who were invited to participate. They truly made this event a cherished family memory to all those who participated.

While volunteers are essential to the success of events like this, we cannot forget that the funds raised during Girl Scout Cookie sales allow the girls endless opportunities and support troop activities throughout the year. The Girl Scouts of Granby are also supported financially by periodic grants from the Granby Community Fund. Please remember the delicious cookies you enjoy help support these girls, and cookie season is in full swing now!

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

In Town Focus Men’s Breakfast

The next Granby Men’s Breakfast Zoom meeting is Friday, Feb. 11. We are fortunate to have Amy McCue, Granby’s Library Director, as our featured speaker. McCue is passionate about helping people learn to be their best selves by providing information, opportunity, and support. She is consistently looking to grow within the library science field via training, education, and hands-on experience.

The speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Men of any age interested in joining the Granby Men’s Breakfast e-Group should send their contact information to gmensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the invite list for the next breakfast meeting and to receive the Zoom link.

Art Gallery Exhibit

Frozen Assets— an art exhibit at 2 Park Place Art Gallery by GAA member Alexander Anisimov —will run from Feb. 1 to Feb 27. Artwork may be purchased, leased, rented, or obtained using crypto via Venmo. The Gallery is free and open to the public. For questions, call 860 436-8599.

Women’s Breakfast

The Granby Women’s Breakfast Group is planning the following programs at the Granby Senior Center.

To make a reservation, call the Senior

Center or log onto the Senior Center website. Cost is $4. Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. If you have any questions regarding the program being presented, please call Corinne Dickerson at 860653-9891.

Feb. 2: Women Power, with Erica Robertson, Town Manager and Abby Kenyon, Community Development Director.

March 2: The day-to-day life of an Animal Control Officer, Jennifer Abalan April 6: Native American Women— their past and impact on our lives today, with George Ducharme, Ph.D.

Empty Bowls

Granby’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Commons at Granby Memorial High School. Empty Bowls is a grassroots organization that works to fight hunger in local communities. Each year, students from Granby’s National Honor Society organize and run the event to fight local hunger. Attendees purchase handmade bowls as well as unlimited soup and bread donated by local restaurants. All of the proceeds go directly to the Granby and Hartland food banks. The cost will be $8 for soup, $15 for soup and a bowl, and $10 per soup and bowl for a family of 3+.

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

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

by e-mail:

@

editor@granbydrummer.org

Page 13

Out of Town NE Air Museum The New England Air Museum brings live theater into its hangars for the first time!

The Mystery of Clara Cloud, an original play by local playwright Betsy Maguire, is a fictional story drawing inspiration from one of the most thrilling periods in aviation history. The audience will learn about Clara Cloud, an early air mail pilot from Connecticut, who captured the heart of a nation with her daring nighttime runs. The audience will also meet the “ghosts” of Clara’s past —including several aviation legends —who will help untangle the mystery of her shocking and sudden disappearance in 1935.

The Mystery of Clara Cloud has three acts, taking place in each of the museum’s three large exhibit hangars, with a run time of about one hour. There will be four performances: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

The play is directed by Chris Bushey of Bloomfield. “I am very excited to be directing this extraordinary play by award-winning playwright Betsy Maguire. She truly brings the history of aviation and the New England Air Museum to life. Her words, our cast, and the one-of-a-kind setting make for a truly captivating evening.”

The cast includes Virginia Wolf of Farmington, Melissa Veale of Simsbury, Christy Donahue of West Hartford, Betsy Bradley of New Britain, Mark O’Donnell of Windsor, Gloria Gick of Simsbury, Karen Balaska of Somers, Stephanie MacGillivary of Enfield, and Mark Vogel of Hartford.

For more information about the show, including how to order tickets, please visit neam.org The museum has free parking and is located at 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks.

Suffield Players productions and auditions Almost, Maine in nearby Suffield The Suffield Players present Almost, Maine by John Cariani on Feb. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.

Welcome to Almost, Maine: a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada.

It’s not quite a town, either, because its residents never got around to getting organized. And on one clear, cold winter night, as the aurora borealis shines above, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways.

The director of this midwinter romantic comedy is Janine Corman, with a cast that includes Rachel Berezin, Ryan Bird, Steven Close, Hanna Madler, Amanda Marschall, Terrance Peters, Josh Prouser, Jamie Reopell and Kathleen Stango. Also, stage manager Dorrie Mitchell, lighting design advisor Jerry Zalewski, sound advisor Jason Fregeau, set design by Bob Williams, Kelly Seip and Konrad Rogowski. Original music by Michael Corman.

Ticket prices are $20 ($15 opening night) with discounts available for seniors, students, groups and season subscribers. Purchase tickets by calling 1-800-289-6148, or order at suffieldplayers.org Recommended for ages 13 and up. Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., N.Y. Visit suffieldplayers.org for the COVID-19 precautions that will be in place, as per CDC and local guidance.

Auditions for Steel Magnolias The Suffield Players announce auditions for their May 2022 production of

Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling. Based on events from his own life, Harling weaves a tale of friendship, love and laughter between six women who regularly meet at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, La. As the title suggests, these women are “as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel” as they navigate life’s many hurdles together.

There are six female roles ranging from age 20 to 60-plus. Truvy Jones, wife and mother of two grown sons, is sassy centerpiece whose salon provides the group with their home away from home. Shy young Annelle Dupuy-Desoto is the mysterious outsider who becomes Truvy’s assistant. Wealthy widow Clairee Belcher and her nemesis Ouiser Boudreaux, both mature women, spar hilariously with each other throughout the play. Socially prominent wife, mother and career woman M’Lynn Eatenton has a heightened awareness of how life “should” work, but her ideals are shattered through the actions of her beloved, beautiful daughter Shelby. All roles are open.

Auditions will be March 1 and 3, by appointment only. Interested actors may visit suffieldplayers.org to register for an audition appointment. Time and place for auditions will be confirmed after registration. COVID 19 precautions will also be in effect; all actors will be required to show proof of vaccination at time of audition.

The Suffield Players are an inclusive, non-profit community theater company founded in 1952. They regularly perform at historic Mapleton Hall on Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.

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The Granby Drummer

February 2022

Parks & Recreation Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going classes for toddlers and preschoolers throughout the winter including Jump Bunch: Big and Little Jumpers, Songs and Seasons Music Program and Soccer Shots. Please call us at 860-653-8947 to try one.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Granby Parks and Recreation Department has on-going after school programs. Your child can join any time. Programs include Rock Wall Climbing, Volleyball, Spirit Club, Hip Hop, Irish Step Dancing, Yoga, Food Explorers, Fashion and Modeling, Tennis Lessons and PE Games and Activities.

Valentine’s Day Cake Pops: Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For ages 3 and 4. Learn to roll cake pop dough and dip in chocolate. Make heart shaped cake pops along with classic cake pops decorated for Valentine’s Day. This class is being run by Mimi’s Cake School. You will be making 12 cake pops to take home. Fee $55.

PE Games @ Kelly and Wells: Mondays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane gym. For grades K-2. Join Miss Leslie and be active and have fun participating in PE activities such as capture the flag, climbing wall, tag games, floor hockey, kickball, basketball, and many other fun games that will promote the development of individual skills while instilling team work and confidence.

Fee: $115.

Rock Wall @ Kelly and Wells: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane rock wall. For grades K-2. Join Miss Leslie at Kelly and Mr. Migneault at Wells to learn ways to climb a rock wall while improving their muscular strength, endurance and balance for the essential skills, techniques, and important safety information of rock climbing. Through our daily activities students will have many challenges including timed activities, and use of different paths. Fee: $115.

Mad Science: Energy, Forces, Flight and Robots: Wednesdays, 4–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades K-6. In this exciting after school series, students explore inertia, gravity and centripetal force. They will learn about tension and compression as we experiment to see what the strongest shapes

are. Children will learn humans aren’t the only ones who build things—robots can too…once we build them! We will also learn through play about potential and kinetic energy. Fee: $186.

Spirit Club @ Kelly and Wells: Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane and Wells Road schools. For grades K-2 and 3-5. Join us for a 6-week after school cheerleading program.

This fun class is for boys and girls and is being held at both Kelly Lane School and Wells Road School. This program is being offered by All Star Certified Coaches from World Cup Connecticut.

The participants will have a great time learning cheerleading basics, such as beginner tumbling, stunts and jumps. Fee: $100.

Team Sports @ Wells Road: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Wells Rd school. For grades 3-5. Join Mr. Migneault for team sports like floor hockey, kickball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, rock wall and others! Whether you have played these sports or are a beginner, all are welcome to attend this fun hour of fitness and team sports games. Fee: $115.

After School Arts and Activities: Thursday, Feb. 24, 4–5:30 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. For grades K-2. Join Teri and Daphne at the Rec Dept for this fun after school program. We will do a craft and activity that will promote fun, wellness and creativity. Art projects will be a “make and take” and the cost of supplies are included in the fee. Fee: $20.

Art Adventures: Fridays, Feb. 4-March 25, 4–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Theme: Sticky, Shrinky, Shiny ART-ventures.

The amazingly imaginative 2- and 3-dimensional projects in this program will inspire children’s creativity as they experiment with a variety of unique art forms, tools, and techniques. Art explorers create sequined Mexican mirrors, macaroni mandalas, and shrinky dink animal pendants. Make funny felt monsters, paint ceramic snail banks, and create mini canvas paintings with easels. Design personalized pencil cases, sculpt sweet treat clay desserts, and learn how to draw perspective landscapes. Plus, paint goofy animals on canvases, create colorful pillowcases and sculpt clay flying pigs. These projects and more introduce children to a world of artistic wonder while we encourage their own original ideas and their own unique perception and interpretation of art. Fee: $165.

ADULT PROGRAMS Rec Basketball Program: Monday and Thursday evenings, 7–9 p.m. at GMHS community gym. For ages 18 and up. Join Granby Rec for our very popular men’s free play basketball program…pick-up games! $75 season pass or drop-ins, $5 for resident, $10 for non-resident.

TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–8:55 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join certified and motivating fitness instructor Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All levels welcome.

TAZ Low Impact Fitness: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join certified and motivating instructor, Terri Ziemnicki for this easy-to-follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises to fun and motivating music. This is a great class for all levels and especially for the senior population. Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Fee: $30.

Yoga for Strength: Monday or Friday, 8–9 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Develop strength and flexibility with this more challenging dynamic flow, integrating movement and breath with sun salutations, twists, back bends and core strengthening with an emphasis on proper alignment. Combine this with the cultivation of inner peace and the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. This program is being taught by Laura Fetzer/Seger. Fee: $100 per session/$15 drop-in.

Indoor Pickleball: Thursdays, 7:30–9 p.m. at GMHS main gym. Do you want to learn the game of pickleball, or do you already know how and are looking for a place to play this fun game with friends and also meet new people?

Join us for this 6-week indoor winter program.

All abilities are welcome. Equipment will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own racquet. Please wear sneakers and bring your own water bottle. Popular instructor Nancy Geaglone GMHS PE Instructor is running this program. She will be teaching the game/rules to any interested beginners and will set up tourneys if the advanced players would like. This lifelong activity is gaining a lot of popularity and fun for all ages. Fee: $65.

Gentle Flow Yoga: Saturdays, 10–11 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Join Rachel Little for an easy-to-follow yoga practice that will leave you feeling great! We will combine deep breathing with basic yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, to energize the body and to improve posture and confidence. Modifications are offered as building blocks or to accommodate past injury. After warming the major muscle groups, deeper poses and stretches are offered, using support when appropriate. We will also build community as we reconnect to ourselves and others in a safely spaced, friendly and accepting environment. Fee: $100 per session/$15 drop-in.

American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED: Thursday, Feb. 24, 6–8 p.m. or Saturday, March 12, 2–4 p.m., or Sunday, April 24. Different classes to choose from! This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending class. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. Fee: $100 per session/$15 drop-in.

Yin Yoga and Aromatherapy: Fridays, 6–7:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Gathering Room. Slow it down with this 90-minute sequence of yin yoga postures and aromatherapy. By combining the slower, deeper aspects of yin yoga with the healing properties of Wisdom of the Earth’s pure therapeutic grade essences used in aromatherapy, this practice will help to restore balance within the energy systems of the body, leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to face whatever life is offering you. Fee: $25.

Backyard Beekeeping: Saturday, Feb. 12, 1-3 p.m., Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Have you been thinking about starting a new hobby? Bee Keeping might just “bee” what you’re looking for. Bee keeping is a quiet, peaceful experience where you and your honey bees learn to work with each other and the end result is so rewarding. Granby resident Deb Beal will share her knowledge about all the things she has learned along the way about backyard bee keeping. Please join us and explore the amazing Honey Bee. Fee: $40.

Pawsitive Steps Dog Training: Beginners on Fridays, 10-11 a.m., Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., or Sundays, 4-5 p.m. Intermediates on Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. At Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

New sessions begin every six weeks. Join wellknown certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this great introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Time will be spent learning to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations.

Learn about normal canine behavior and how to problem solve to help your dog fit into our human world. Appropriate household behavior, handler attention, basic obedience and coming when called will be covered. Open to all dogs. There is no prerequisite for this class.

For the intermediate classes, please speak with Michalewicz prior to registering. Contact Michalewicz with any questions at 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com Fee: $170.

Granby man urges funding for cultivated meat Jon Hochschartner of Granby demonstrated outside of Congressman John Larson’s Hartford office on Dec. 3, urging the representative to support increased federal funding for cultivatedmeat research. Cultivated meat is grown from cells, without animal slaughter. Hochschartner believes cultivating meat for consumption is better for animal welfare, public health and the environment.

Submitted photo

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Youth Services Bureau

by AnneMarie Cox

What the Granby Youth Service Bureau has to offer Sometimes it feels as if the YSB is the best kept secret that’s not a secret in town. Most of our offerings are free to residents, and all focus on helping make our community stronger and healthier.

Topping the list is the counseling service provided free of charge to the youth and families of Granby. Prevention begins by addressing issues as they develop, and we are committed to supporting the children, teens, and families in town by providing free professional counseling and marriage and family counseling to residents in need.

Did you know that Connecticut teens have the right to access up to six counseling sessions before parental permission is required? This statute is designed to limit barriers a depressed or suicidal teen might encounter in seeking help.

In addition to counseling services, the YSB has a Certified Prevention Specialist on staff who is also one of our counselors. She is always looking for ways to share up-to-date information with the community on a wide variety of important topics. She can put together presentations tailored to specific groups, from scouts to churches, first responders to members of a local Lions Club. If you reach out, she will find a way to bring the information to you. Some of the presentations she gives are: • Community Suicide Prevention training • What youth and teens need to know about drug and alcohol abuse, teen brain development and why the legal age for marijuana and alcohol use is 21.

• Legalization of marijuana—it’s not your grandmother’s THC. What you need to know about modern marijuana products to make healthy decisions.

• What every community needs to know about the opioid crisis.

• Understanding adolescent brain development and how it impacts youth behavior and risk factors.

• Youth exposure to violence—how bullying has changed since the introduction of the internet and social media.

• LGBTQ, plus vocabulary, risk factors and ways to foster community support.

• Vaping: the latest research and cautions.

• Addressing relational abuse by exploring what makes a healthy relationship.

• Why anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in our country today, and how we can begin to take control of it.

If any of these topics are something your group would like to learn more about, please contact AnneMarie Cox at the YSB to set up a free presentation or workshop.

In addition to counseling and prevention education, the YSB also offers some small group positive youth development programming. The very popular program for girls in high school called WOW, or Women on the Way, meets weekly to break down social barriers and explore new interests and activities. It is about self-exploration and learning within a trusting group.

OWLs, Our Whole Lives, is a valuebased comprehensive sexual health program for seventh and eighth graders.

Going far beyond the birds and the bees, the participants explore culture, values and relationships. tHe vIBe is a Friday evening drop-in social-hang-out for kids in grades 8–10.

It is low key and quiet with the kids setting the pace. From cards to pool, creative collaboration on an art or writing project, or simply conversing with friends, it is all about the vibe.

For parents, the YSB offers a free

Page 15

Tuesday evening Zoom group called Parent Tips, Tweaks and new Techniques.

It runs in six-week sessions, with specific tips and tools covered each night. Parents who have registered for the program can drop back in any time to hash out an issue that has popped up or share some

parenting tips with other participants.

Registration links are on the YSB page on the town website.

For more information, please check out the Youth Services page on the Town of Granby website or call 860-844-5355.

You can also find us on Face Book.

Youth Services Advisory Board looking for new members

Why 21: The Youth Service Bureau’s mission to address youth exposure to potentially addictive substances and behaviors.

Why is this a concern in 2022? With the legalization of marijuana and THC for recreational use as well as the legalization of online gambling, the risks to those under 21 who partake are a significant prevention concern. Because of the specific brain development occurring in the teen years, adolescents exposed to drugs, alcohol, pornography, and gambling are at a significantly higher risk of developing an addiction as adults than peers who are not exposed to these things before the age of 21.

The Youth Service Advisory Board, which provides the Youth Service Bureau with the perspectives of our community, is looking for new members to help guide our programming as we face these current issues. From youth members to senior citizens, business owners and parents, we are interested in your perspectives and insights.

The YSAB meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. If you are interested in checking it out, please give AnneMarie Cox a call at the Youth Service Bureau 860-844-5355.

Al-Anon offers families help Do you worry about how much someone drinks? To find out if Al-Anon is right for you, visit ctalanon.org Alcoholism is a progressive disease that is widespread, debilitating and often hidden. When one person drinks too much the entire family is affected. It is therefore considered a family disease that can affect members both physically and emotionally. Family members often blame themselves for the turmoil in their lives and seek medical help for other stress-related symptoms. Unfortunately, alcoholism will continue to affect the family from generation to generation unless the pattern is interrupted.

Al-Anon is a worldwide recovery program where members who are, or have been, affected by someone’s drinking

share their experience, strength and hope.

Al-Anon protects the anonymity of all Al-Anon, Alateen and AA members.

Alateen is a program for young people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. The magazine, Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism, provides additional helpful insight.

During the pandemic, many Al-Anon meetings are held virtually at various times during the day. Meetings are held throughout the state and all over the globe at no cost. No appointment is needed. Those who attend are not obliged to share their story; they are welcome to just listen if that is more comfortable.

Current meeting information and much more is available at ctalanon.org or by calling 1-888-825-2666.

THIINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?

Demand for housing is the hightest it has been in CT in our lifetimes. If you or anyone you know is thinking about selling please call, text or email Santa Realty.

Rick Santasiere - Broker/Owner 860-930-1998 rick@santa-realty.com

—we hope to see you again very soon!

Page 16

The Granby Drummer

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

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

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): During the winter months, help is available to households to help pay for heating fuel in the form of oil, gas, or electric heat. Benefits are available to households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income.

Call Granby Social Services at 860-8445351 to see if your household qualifies.

Resources and Services Childcare: Additional resources and information regarding childcare can be found at the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-5050-1000 or visit ct.gov/oec/ site/default.asp Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@communications.childwelfare.gov Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888774-2900. Advocates available 24/7.

Housing Resources and Utility Assistance Eversource: There are COVID re-payment programs available. Contact our office for help with this or contact Eversource directly at 800-286-2000.

For more information visit the PURA webpage at portal.ct.gov/PURA/Consumer-Services/PURA-COVID-Actions Legal and Financial Information Legal Help: Greater Hartford Legal Aid is available to answer your questions about benefits that may be available to you, as well as other legal issues. For more information visit ghla.org/. You can also visit Statewide Legal Services at slsct.org or by calling 860-541-5070.

Mental Health and Emergencies: If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency

room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 211.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800273- 8255 When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: a campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct. com Unemployment: Guidance on applying for Unemployment can be found at dol.gov/ or by calling 860-263-6000.

Food Resources Granby Food Pantry: Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street. Hours are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Thursday, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Before using the Granby Food Pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department.

An appointment is necessary; call 860844-5350 to schedule.

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

Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1:30–2 p.m. Please park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Please remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather permitted cancellations visit CT Food Bank at ctfoodbank.org Weekend Snack Packs: Located at First Church, 219 North Granby Rd. Every Friday, 3-4 p.m. (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Modeled after Hands on Hartford’s Backpack Nutrition Program, each bag contains nutritious non-perishable weekend snack packs.

Please enter church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road. Exit via North Church Road. Questions: call First Church Granby at 860-653-4537.

SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone.

For help call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.

February 2022

Farewell to Father Carlos, pastor and friend

St. Therese parishioners bid a fond farewell to their pastor. From l.: Nancy and Chuck Brush, Bob and Linda McGurn, Shirley Blyther and Father Carlos Submitted photo

By Rebecca Mikus The news came unexpectedly—Father Carlos is leaving St. Therese Parish to minister to two parishes and a school in Derby. We were in a state of shock. He has been our pastor for only two years, and we thought he would be with us for a longer period. But God had other plans for this dynamic young priest.

St. Therese was his first church as a pastor. Father Carlos shepherded us through the difficult years of COVID, he spearheaded the installation of a much-needed new sound system and improvements to the church’s physical plant. Most importantly, Father brought us together by fostering many spiritual growth opportunities. This positive Spirit was manifested in many ways, especially in the many parishioners who volunteered their time and talents to the parish.

The relocation and renovation of the St. Therese and St. Bernard Chapel was an accomplishment that Father will be remembered for in the years to come. This chapel was a project of love completed

by volunteers who gave of their time to complete it. A very special thank you to Bob McGurn and his assistant Chuck Brush for the matching solid cherry chapel furnishings; to the very talented Shirley Blyther, for her design and construction of the stained-glass windows, and to Harry Attianese, for the donation of the new flooring and its installation.

The chapel was officially opened on Dec. 3 and Father Carlos and the faithful worshiped in the beautiful new chapel on weekday mornings.

There are people who come into your life and make an indelible mark on your heart. Father Carlos touched many people—not only in St. Therese Parish but also wherever he ministered. He has a pure heart, a gentle soul that is rooted in our Lord, and a love of family and friends that is strong and deep. His handsome smile and his positive demeanor welcome everyone who comes in contact with him. The people in Derby will love him as we do. We will miss him.

Adios, Padre Carlos. Hasta la proxima.

An Open and Affirming Church

Join us for on-line Sunday Worship Services @ 10 a.m.

On FaceBook Live or firstchurchgranby.org.

Service is also recorded for later viewing.

Upcoming Events: Complimentary Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs Fridays, 3 - 4 pm.

Granby Food Bank Collection Saturday, Feb. 5, at First Church parking lot, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

BLOOD DRIVE Feb. 8, 9am – 2pm 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 Telephone: (860) 653-4537 www.firstchurchgranby.org

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Grab ‘n Go Food Program celebrates one year First Congregational Church of Granby celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Grab ‘n Go Food Program on November 13, 2021. This program started out as an idea of its Vitality Team to help those in the community struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic.

Initially, the Grab ‘n Go Food Program began by handing out Weekend Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs, which consist of shelf-stable single-serve items that are purchased at stores like Costco and BJs. The bags contain enough food for two breakfasts and two lunches, along with snacks like granola bars, fruit cups and applesauce.

In fall 2020 the church applied to partner with FoodShare but due to the pandemic and the merger of FoodShare with the CT Food Bank, it took several months for the application to be considered. At the end of September 2021, First Church became official partners with CT FoodShare and is now listed on 211ct. org as “Open Cupboard at First Congregational Church of Granby.” The 211ct. org website serves as a resource for those seeking assistance with food, housing, mental health, etc., or those looking for volunteer opportunities.

Some may think that food insecurity is only a concern for those living in cities like Hartford or New Haven, but that is not so. According to the CT FoodShare website (foodshare.org), 1 in 9 of our neighbors in Hartford and Tolland Counties worry about having enough food and this affects people of all ages and backgrounds. “An estimated 41 percent of the food insecure people in Hartford and Tolland counties live in households with incomes too high to qualify for most federal nutrition assistance programs.”

A trip to any grocery store produces sticker shock due to the increased prices.

Some folks are having trouble putting food on the table after paying for rent,

Page 17

Christmas Farmers Market at Lost Acres Vineyard Photos by Shirley Murtha

Submitted photo

heat and utilities. By partnering with CT FoodShare, Open Cupboard at First Church helps those trying to put food on the table. For example, during their food distribution on Nov. 19, they gave away over 500 pounds of food – this included items from turkeys to toilet paper.

Volunteers keep this program on track since there is much work involved —from ordering, tracking inventory, picking up at CT FoodShare, to stocking shelves, packing food bags and distributing food on Fridays. A huge thank you to all those who volunteer their time to help and to those who support this ministry!

The Church also appreciates and thanks Lox Stock and Bagels in Granby for donating their leftover bagels on Thursdays that are given out on Fridays with the food distributions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, please stop by the First Church parking lot at 219 North Granby Road on Fridays between 3 and 4 p.m. for food distribution. Kerri Crough from Open Cupboard says, “as long as the roads are clear, we are here.”

If you would like to donate to this ministry or volunteer to help, please see the First Church website (firstchurchgranby.org) or call the church office at 860-653-4537.

Arlow Case from Sweet Wind Farm Nancy Butler from Lyric Hill Farm

Ellen Whitlow and daughters from Sweet Pea Cheese

Melody Smith and Sarah Lagan from Holcomb Farm

The Gran-Bee is BACK! On April 22, Granby’s favorite and longestrunning trivia contest, the Gran-Bee, is back after a two-year hiatus. The seventeenth annual Gran-Bee promises crazy costumes, tough trivia, busy bee businesses, and silly surprises!

Teams compete at the 2019 Gran-Bee. Submitted photo The Gran-Bee is a up, and check out past winners. free, family-friendly community event This annual fundraising event raises hosted by the Granby Education Foundamoney through team fees and sponsortion at the Granby Memorial High School ships from our loyal, local business auditorium. Teams of three contestants community and donors. All proceeds compete in swarms (rounds) for the from the Bee go to the GEF’s Community coveted Grand Bee Award and the YelGrants Program to buoy up its innovative low Jacket Crown Award for best team education programs for all ages, both costume. Team registration has begun so through the schools and local nonprofit “buzz” over to organizations. granbyeducationfoundation.org to sign

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Page 18

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

GRR seeks logo design for Juneteenth celebration

By Sarah Merrill On June 18, the town of Granby will enjoy its inaugural Granby Celebrates Juneteenth event, sponsored by Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR). The afternoon at Salmon Brook Park will include music, poetry, speakers, food vendors and activities for all ages. It will be a lot of fun and a very important day for the entire Granby community. More details will follow in future Drummer articles.

The GRR Steering Committee is seeking a visual representation for the celebration, and as such, is sponsoring a Logo Design Contest. The winning logo will be part of GRR’s advertising and outreach in preparation for and during this year’s Juneteenth event.

The contest is open to all Granby students from every grade. The deadline has been extended to Feb. 7. “We can’t wait to see what Granby’s students come up with!” said committee member Cathy Watso.

The digital artwork should have a transparent background. Include the following in your email: Name, Grade, Email address and phone number. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. via an invited Zoom link.

As an example of an effective logo, the GRR logo (pictured in the Logo Contest Advertisement on this page) is an impactful reflection of this organization.

It was designed by John Stevenson, a member of South Church and a retired graphic artist who worked for many years in the corporate world.

Note that the two Rs are facing each other—their “toes” touching—which serves as a visual representation of the relationships that GRR is building.

GRR member Ken Mouning chose the

Granby colors maroon and gold, with the black R in the middle. The facing Rs represent connecting and reconciling community members. GRR is grateful for the volunteers who brought this logo together—a simple, recognizable, meaningful design.

Students are encouraged to do their research on what Juneteenth is all about (see below for a start) and to submit their unique and impactful logo design by Feb. 7 to info@GranbyRacialReconciliation. com Send an email with any questions.

The word Juneteenth is a melding of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” the date on which, in 1865, a community of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned that they were free from the institution of slavery. This was over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but as the Civil War drew to a close, a large number of people remained enslaved, particularly in rural communities that had not received the news. Juneteenth celebrates the day that the Proclamation reached the most remote parts of the former Confederacy.

Juneteenth—also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day—has been observed ever since, with celebrations ranging from parades, cookouts, musical performances, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the singing of spirituals.

Juneteenth’s popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, depending upon the historical context. For example, during the Civil Right Era of the 1960s and ’70s, there was less celebration and more struggle.

There has been a renewed enthusiasm for the celebration of Juneteenth in

SAVE T HE D AT E !

JUNE 18, 2022

JUNETEENTH GRANBY CELEBRATES

IN SALMON BROOK PARK

But first we need a LOGO!

Logo Contest!

Cash Prizes!

1st-$75 2nd-$25

recent years. Towns and cities all over the country acknowledge the day in their own ways, and around a dozen states have made it an official state holiday (Connecticut did so last June).

On June 17, 2021—155 years since the first formal celebration of Juneteenth in 1866—the celebration achieved the status of an official federal holiday.

Importantly, Juneteenth is not a holiday just for the African American community.

While it is most definitely a celebration of African American culture and history and the end of chattel slavery, it is a holiday for all Americans. Juneteenth both celebrates racial progress in America and simultaneously highlights our country’s painful legacy and the need for continued awareness, education, and progress.

Granby’s Celebrates Juneteenth event is a natural extension of the work of Granby Racial Reconciliation, which started with a group of clergy and community leaders focusing on racial reconciliation in Granby, following several incidents of racial injustice, including the May 25,

Join the Granby Cribbage Club

By Robert Coughlin Play a fun game created in the 1630s that will sharpen your wits and meet new people in our community. The club meets at the Granby Senior Center on Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. and on Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m. Since its inception in March 2019, a variety of players have attended the club meetings including an 11-yearold, a Granby police officer, and players from Bloomfield, East Granby, Granby, Hartland, Cribbage Club members at play at the Senior Center.

Simsbury, Windsor and Windsor Submitted photos Locks. A number of the participants are familiar with the game, having learned the game from grandparents or other relatives, while others come to learn. No previous game experience is necessary to participate.

Cribbage is a card game that was created by English poet Sir John Suckling. Cribbage, based After suffering a stroke in 1989, I on the English game Noddy, develops turned to cribbage to help both myself strategy, counting skills, interpersonal and fellow patients overcome a number skills and problem-solving skills. of issues related to long-term hospiPoints are scored for card combinations talization. The game promotes mental that add up to 15, and for pairs, triples, sharpness and cognitive improvement. quadruples, runs and flushes. The objecThe club is looking to expand its memtive of the game is to be the first player to bership and invites anyone interested in score a target number of points, typically playing or learning the game to attend.

61 or 121. Scores are kept on a cribbage Two to four player cribbage boards and board. cards are available. For more information contact me at corgs77@gmail.com

Why We Should Be Your

All students are invited to design a “Granby Celebrates Juneteenth” logo!

Details: • Create digital artwork (vector format) with a transparent background • Email logo to: info@GranbyRacialReconciliation.com and include the following in the email: name, grade, email address and phone number • Deadline is Monday, Feb. 7, 2022 For more information, email: info@GranbyRacialReconciliation.com

2020 murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. GRR is committed to the ongoing work of racial reconciliation in and around Granby. GRR’s purpose is to raise awareness and continue the conversation on racial justice in our community, so that Granby can be a great place for everyone.

Since the summer of 2020, GRR has sponsored several events intended to encourage conversation and connection, including a vigil on the town green; a “courageous conversations” series; a drive-in movie viewing in Salmon Brook Park (followed by a discussion); a racial equity challenge in collaboration with Food Solutions New England and Nourish My Soul; and a Zoom call to Ask the Candidates Your Questions about Race. Juneteenth is a continuation of the hard work that GRR has been doing, and a way to include the community in celebrating what GRR has accomplished in our community thus far.

Visit GranbyRacialReconciliation.com for more information.

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February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Student Page

Page 19

CTVV speaks with AFL-CIO

Guests included are (L-R): Ed Hawthorne, near term CT AFL-CIO president; Shellye Davis, newly elected executive VP; Sal Luciano, current president of the CT AFL-CIO and Susan Patricelli Regan.

Submitted photo

Eyzalean’s Curse

“You thought you would be left alone?”

Asteria stopped in her tracks. She knew that voice, better than herself. The same voice she heard a month ago, on that fateful night. She knew only she could hear the strange voice, which was fine with her. Even an army of guards couldn’t protect her mind from unwanted visitors. Her long blonde hair gently blew in the soft breeze as she recollected her memories. “Is this really new to you?

I thought you enjoyed my company.”

Anger swelled in Asteria’s blood. That foolish Ghost Fae. Always ignorant.

“I don’t have time for your little games, Zephyr,” Asteria responded in her most cold tone.

Anyone around her would be wondering why the Queen, the most regal and proper person in the Kingdom, was talking to herself, but it didn’t concern her.

Besides, no one was here. Night was a dangerous time to be out. Especially after the attack last night. She continued to walk through the endless maze of what was the palace gardens. It relaxed her from all her “queenly” business. Also, from an evil mind speaker. “Remember us a year ago? I trained you. I gave you that crystal. You only have wings and magic because of me.” Asteria froze.

He does have a point. She pushed that thought away.

“Because of you, I am Corrupted. I have some of the most evil and dangerous magic in Eyzalea, because of you. My family is gone, because of you.”

Zephyr remained silent. Asteria could tell he was pondering over what to say.

Who’s right now, Ghost Fae? “Asteria, I’m-” Before he could finish, Asteria threw her heavy purple cape off her back, and spread her giant wings. They were beautiful, in a ghastly way. They were made of deep grayish-brown feathers, as if streaked by ash, and were jagged along the edges, as if someone had ripped them to shreds.

Without hesitation, Asteria took to the sky. She knew it was risky, flying so close to the palace, but she didn’t care. Getting away from Zephyr was more important to her than someone finding out she wasn’t indeed wingless. From there she flew, over the villages, past the sakura forests, until she reached Lunar Mountain—the tallest mountain in the Moon Kingdom.

Even without wings, it only would have taken her about half a day to walk there.

At least there is one upside to having Corrupted Wings.

Asteria landed gracefully at the very top, on a small patch of grass. Folding her wings back in gently, she sighed with relief. But that moment didn’t last very long. “If you’re really going to do this again, I might as well come see you myself.” Asteria was about to protest, but before a single word escaped her

mouth, a cloud of pale white smoke coiled around in front of her. Almost no moments later, the cloud dissipated, like the energy was sucked out of it.

Where the smoke was, now stood a tall man with a pair of foggy, white wings.

Zephyr.

His skin was a gray tone, with what looked like black battle paint on his face. His hair was a deep black, and a black beanie perched on his head, with his white horns poking out. His clothing style was very dark: He was wearing a black jacket that was rolled up to his elbows, and it was unzipped to reveal a deep gray shirt with the Ghost Fae crest. He also wore a pair of black baggy pants, which dangled with an assortment of buckled straps. While he was a tall person, his height drastically increased with the help of a pair of thick platform boots. To finish his look, a chain belt, choker, and black fingerless gloves. But what really stood out were his eyes. They were a deep, glowing amber, that seemed to look into your soul.

“I thought you already learned you can’t fly away from your own mind,” Zephyr responded. His voice was deeper than most, the type that sends chills down your spine. Asteria tightened her fists.

If he wants a fight, then he’ll get one.

Summoning all her energy, she activated her transformation. Her eyes turned a deep magenta, as well as part of her hair.

Her purple and blue silk gown had also transformed into a set of black, magenta, and gold armor.

She gazed at her left hand. It was covered in magenta and black veins, like a sickly virus. She focused her attention on Zephyr, who in turn activated his transformation to defend himself. One touch with this hand...and he’s done for.

She charged at him, swinging her hand.

“Asteria! I just want to talk!” Zephyr shouted while defending himself from Asteria’s death-hand.

“Isn’t that what you say all the time?!”

Asteria shrieked back, again swinging her hand toward Zephyr.

“I can tell you where the Ghost Fae have lived all this time!”

Asteria froze mid-swing. The secret to where the Ghost Fae have resided for the past five-thousand years? Where they get all their weapons and troops to attack Eyzalea? He would really tell me?

She averted her gaze towards Zephyr’s amber eyes.

“You’re lying, aren’t you?” Asteria questioned him.

“If you want, I can take you there now,” Zephyr responded. Before Asteria could answer, Zephyr continued: “But I don’t want any more fighting between us. I’m not asking to be friends, just to go our own separate ways.” Asteria pondered for a minute. She wanted to see the Ghost

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Connecticut budget talks continue to swirl inside and between the Democrat and Republican parties in the legislature. Key is resolving the current pension commitments in order to protect a balanced budget.

Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CT Valley Views, spoke recently with the Connecticut AFL-CIO management who expressed their concerns for the hard-working families of the state and their fiscal status and future. A highlight of this interview is the update on the AFL-CIO administration leadership transition in October.

This topic will be instrumental in Connecticut taxpayers’ voting considerations in the 2022 statewide elections, so don’t miss this segment: ctvalleyviews.com

CTVV interviews radio host Lee Elsi

Lee Elsi is a veteran radio host whose show on 94.9 FM airs Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 a.m. Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views TV show loves to turn the tables on media folks by providing her viewers with an up close interview reflecting her guests’ professional background as well as some insight into their personal commentary and views. Check your local PATV airing schedules to see this interview and all shows on ctvalleyviews.com

Fae’s home, to unveil its secrets, but Zephyr’s condition held her back. A sudden thought struck her: He was trapped, alone. Deep under the Moon Palace with only his other Ghost Fae companions, who were just as helpless as him. He would do anything for freedom. Asteria no longer saw Zephyr as a threat (or an evil mind speaker). She saw a helpless person, who only wanted to see his fam-

Lee Elsi and his dog Bailey.

Submitted photo

ily, his friends. His daughter.

“Okay, I accept your deal,” Asteria answered. Zephyr looked surprised, and even smiled, something he rarely ever did. Asteria smiled back. I guess friends never really part ways.

By Mariah Salvini 8th grade, GMMS Lisa Everett’s English class

Page 20

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

Don Shaw: photographer extraordinaire

By Shirley Murtha The Drummer has been graced by a few of Don Shaw’s photos recently, and if you check out the Granby Land Trust website, you will see a veritable gallery of his glorious pictures. You might think he has spent his lifetime taking photographs as a profession, but that is definitely not the case. He has been occupied with much more serious matters; it is only in retirement that the hobby has become a passion.

It is an understatement to say that Shaw is local: he grew up in Simsbury, where his ancestors have lived for generations.

After graduating from Henry James Memorial High School, he received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Hartford, both of which honored him with their Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Between his undergraduate years and his graduate education, he enlisted in the Navy, and that is where his interest in photography began.

Shaw purchased his first 35mm camera while on R&R from a ship in the South

China Sea. He discovered taking pictures was a great diversion during his infrequent down time. When he returned to the states, he took a basic photography course at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), where he learned that “a camera is a tool; it is up to the photographer to understand what it can and cannot do. It’s up to the person to use the camera’s technical capabilities to help make the image one hopes to achieve.”

We’ll get back to his wonderful photos in a while, but first a bit about Shaw’s career of service to others. His initial career was as an associate partner with Accenture, a global consulting firm. A highlight of his work is his commitment to affordable housing.

Since 1998, he has served Hartford area Habitat for Humanity in many capacities, including as chair of its board of directors. Under his leadership, Hartford Habitat built Swift Village, a 30-home community in one of Hartford’s northeast neighborhoods.

From 2003 to 2010, he worked for the City of Hartford as a senior executive directing city operations improvement initiatives. In 2008, Governor Jodi Rell recognized him for his excellence in

leadership and contributions to Hartford Habitat, the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut.

In 2011, Shaw co-founded the South Marshall Interfaith Coalition, a collaboration of diverse faith communities, non-profits and Hartford businesses organized to support revitalization of the city’s South Marshall Street area where Habitat eventually built 22 new homes.

During this time, he served as Hartford Habitat’s interim executive director.

Even before he retired in 2003 from Accenture, he was a crew member on former President Jimmy Carter’s Habitat construction projects. He worked in South Africa, Mexico, India, Thailand, Haiti, Canada and back in the states in Nashville. His most recent stint with Carter’s Habitat was in 2019. He led the initiative to build the Habitat home here in Granby in 2016, and that year, Hartford Habitat elected him Board Director Emeritus.

In addition to his work with Habitat, Shaw helped develop Hartford’s “Plan to End Chronic Homelessness,” and Journey Home’s 10-year “Plan to End Homelessness” in the Capitol Region.

He later served on the boards of Mercy

Photographer Don Shaw has the camera turned on him at one of his favorite places, the Granby Land Trust’s KatanEnsor Preserve. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Housing and Shelter, Community Housing Advocates, and Heads Up! Hartford.

In 2021, he received Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Spirit of Hope Award, which recognizes an individual who has exhibited a strong commitment to providing hope for the future of others in the community.

Now, back to the photos. For many years, while Shaw and his wife Peggy were raising their family, Shaw concentrated on making really good pictures of family life and travel, but in the past few years, nature and wildlife photography have been his favorite subjects. He has been coached by a good friend from the Hartford Audubon Society, taken YouTube lessons, and followed several excellent photographers online, some of whom are Granby-based.

He has created makeshift blinds to hide his presence: a white sheet works to cover him in the snow, and a Christmas present of a camouflage blanket helps blend him into the shrubbery. Sometimes he just stays in his parked truck. “Chasing after birds and other wildlife is frustrating and mostly futile,” notes Shaw, so he tries to learn where they might appear and waits there for them. He does enjoy hiking to places where that may happen, as well. He says he’s an amateur, “trying to learn and challenge myself,” but if you’ve seen his photos, you would take issue with the amateur part.

Although Shaw does not take photographs for any publications on a regular basis, he has had some published in non-profit print and online newsletters.

Several Drummer articles have been enhanced by his work. He says that his joy in photography is in creating images to share with others. He is happy to take special requests from friends and nonprofits, whose pleasure and thanks are all the compensation he needs.

In the past, Shaw has not had the inclination or time to enter competitions or do a show, but he says maybe this year he will. “I have many other interests,” he notes. He still volunteers with Hartford Habitat, he is active with First Congregational Church, enjoys reading history and of course there are still family photos to be taken, especially with four grandsons, ages 7 through 18. He and Peggy, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, try to spend as much time as possible with their daughters Sarah and Katie, who graduated from Granby Memorial High School and now live in New York and New Jersey.

It’s safe to say that Don Shaw has perfected the things he learned back at UCSD about understanding light and composition. To see his beautiful photos of nature scenes and amazing close-ups of birds, check out his Instagram page.

And if you are hiking up in Dismal Brook and come upon a white sheet or a camouflage blanket, do not disturb: Photographer At Work.

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 21

Browse & Borrow Adults and Teens

Old Growth Rising: Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Four hundred years after the arrival of Europeans and the intensive land use that followed, forestland is finally recovering throughout the Northeast. Join us for a virtual presentation by Connor Hogan, Director of the McLean Game Refuge, to learn about Connecticut’s aging forestlands and their potential to become old growth.

Register online for the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

Maximizing Space in the Garden— Creating More of a Good Thing: Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Horticulturist and author Tovah Martin shares innovative ideas to help you garden efficiently, prolifically, sustainably and beautifully. Martin will show how to create layers in varied habitats including the perennial, berry and vegetable gardens. Explore ways to find a balance between what you need and what nature needs. Register to receive the Zoom link and receive a handout to accompany the program. Print copies of the handout will also be available at the library.

Monday Funday: Feb. 7, 4–5 p.m.

For ages 10-18. Register for a virtual Valentine craft workshop led by student volunteers and library staff. Register online to receive the Zoom program link; then stop by the library the first week of February to pick up the craft supplies.

There is no fee and the craft kits will be available while supplies last. Sponsored

by Friends of the Library.

Writers’ Group: Tuesdays, Feb. 8 and 22, 5–6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Adult fiction writers are invited to hone writing skills with timed prompts and other creative writing exercises. Attendees have the choice of participating in critique sessions to gain helpful input from fellow writers. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.

Recipe Makeovers (Winter Wellness Series): Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. We all have recipes passed down from family and friends that we cannot live without. Unfortunately, many favorites are often enjoyed with a side of guilt. Join us and learn the simple three-step process to make over recipes with guaranteed delicious and healthy results. Presented by Anna Kazmierczak, nutrition consultant and owner of Manageable Pieces, LLC. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.

Author Talk with Anna Kacmierczak (Winter Wellness Series): Sunday, Feb. 27, 2–3 p.m. “Food enjoyment is a vital component of a vibrant life,” says the author of How to Eat Mindfully and

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM granby-ct.gov/library 860-844-5275 GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Main Branch Hours Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Sunday: 1–4 p.m.

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

Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website or call the library. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter in person, on the website, or by phone.

Mindlessly Lose Weight. Find out more about mindful eating practices from Anna Kazmierczak, wellness coach and nutrition consultant. Learn simple changes to transform your eating experience and avoid having to say goodbye to foods you love. Copies of the author’s book will be available for purchase though there is no obligation to buy. The program is free to the public. Registration required.

The Winter Wellness Series includes a total of five talks planned between February 9 and April 6.

Photo Workflow Organizing: Tuesdays, Feb. 8 and March 8, 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Sort and arrange your photos and folders using Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Mac laptops. Professional photographer and technology educator Andy Mars guides participants with step-by-step instruction. Registration required.

A Perky Pairing: Saturday, Feb. 12, 1–2 p.m. at Main Branch. Coffee and chocolate—what more is there to say?

Kim Larkin, Klassic Kreations, returns with another tasty and informative lecture. Registration required.

Crafters Café: Thursday, Feb. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Florists from Vine and Ivy Flowers will lead us in a virtual project that is sure to impress!

Visit the website for more information and to register. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Plan B Book Club: Evening Zoom meeting, date to be determined. Join us for a friendly Zoom conversation about one of our favorite things – books! Veteran discussion leaders Doug Soucier and Beth Morrell lead this fun monthly conversation about a new title each month.

Check the website or stop in to see what we’re talking about next.

For Children & Families Special Programs Celebrate International “Take Your Child to the Library Day!” Saturday,

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Feb. 5, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Main Branch.

Celebrate this special day at the library with activities, giveaways and more.

Check the Library website for details.

Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library Pokemon Legends: Granby: Saturday, Feb. 19, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Main Branch. For ages 7-12. Welcome to the world of Pokémon. Bring your partner Pokémon (stuffie, action figure, trading card) and join fellow trainers for a morning of all things Pokémon. Discover new regional form Pokémon, enjoy a trivia game, and more.

Family Yoga with Aubrey Schulz: Saturday, Feb. 26, 9–9:45 a.m. at Main Branch. For ages 5 and up. Learn some basic poses and enjoy some relaxing downtime with your family. Please register in advance through the website.

Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Main Branch. For ages 3-12. Stop by the Children’s Room and pick up a craft to take home and complete. We have crafts for all ages and abilities. No registration needed. Some crafts contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to age 3 and under.

Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library Story Times Good Morning Tuesday! and Good Morning Wednesday! with Miss Joan Tuesdays, 10:30–11 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch.

Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for story time. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. You choose which day fits better in your schedule—Miss Joan offers the same program twice each week. No registration needed. Sponsored

by Friends of GPL Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, 6–6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch.

Join Miss Heather as she welcomes chil-

dren ages 4-7 and their caregivers for story time. Pajamas encouraged. We’ll read stories and sing songs together. Each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt.

New and Ongoing Library Services

Personal Service: Need help choosing books (or other library materials) for yourself or your family? Our resourceful staff are always available to help. Please stop in or call for assistance in selecting your next favorite title: 860-844-5275 for adults and teens, 860-844-5285 for children.

Learning @ Your Library: Did you know that the library offers people free access to several online learning databases, ready to help people gain new professional skills, creative abilities, and job-seeking tips? Check out the library website’s “Online Learning” page to access LinkedIn Learning, CreativeBug, JobNow, and the Computer Skills Center to see what you can learn next!

Libby: Use this Library App to check out up to 10 titles at a time, and read or listen to best-sellers, old favorites, and new releases—all with the click of a button. With titles that can be read on nearly any device (including your kindle), there is something for everyone. This “digital bookshelf” allows you to place holds on popular titles and download the books people are talking about as easily as pulling out your Granby library card.

Hoopla! Granby library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your library card.

Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month, with no holds, and no waiting.

Take advantage of these free digital checkouts in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby.

Museum Passes: Granby Library Patrons can borrow museum passes that provide visitors with free or reduced rates for dozens of museums across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check the library website or call for more details.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together.

We provide everything you need. We would love to help you get started—ask for information at the Children’s Desk or give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the children’s librarian.

Page 22

The Granby Drummer

TOOTH TALK

February 2022

Granby artists at Holcomb Farm Holiday Gift Show

by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q. Why does my dental insurance pay so little?

A. Dental Insurance is not really insurance at all. It is more like a coupon or allowance. When I was younger, growing up with three siblings, my father used to give us an allowance each week. I remember when it was a nickel, then a dime and even a quarter as I got older.

Now, even if I asked or begged for more money that week, my Dad would not budge. You got what he gave you no matter what. So, I would save up my allowance and then when I got to go to the toy store, I pulled out my money to get what I wanted, but then my parents (usually my Mom) would say, “ You don’t want that, that’s a piece of junk,” or “that’s a waste of money.” And then they would refuse to let me buy it.

Doug Williams Aimee Gilbert

Sue Canavan (in red sweater)

Dental Insurance is like that allowance, as it gives you a certain annual maximum and even puts restrictions on each procedure you may need for your dental health. And many times they even restrict which dental office you can go to.

Now if this were true insurance, you would pay your deductible and then they would pay for everything else. That is usually how insurance works.

Fortunately, most dental offices offer flexible payment plans to make dentistry comfortably affordable with monthly payments to work into each individual’s budget.

At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer Membership Plans, which are available to all those with NO DENTAL INSURANCE. These are affordable plans that give large discounts and NO annual maximum or restrictions on the Dental Care you deserve.

The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Conebeam CT Technology allows us to view your head and neck in 3 Dimensions, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and early detection of problems and Computer-guided implant placement. At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength!

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 like like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at https:/www.facebook. com/GranbyDentalCenter/ Scan the QR symbol to learn more about our office.

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

Avis Chericetti (l) and Linda Yurasevecz

Sally Markey

Annukka Ritalahti

Laura Eden

Photos by Shirley Murtha

Ben LaVigne subbing for his mom, Debby Reelitz

Alyssa Coburn and baby

East Granby Library Events

Come to Your Senses Aromatherapy 101: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6–7:30 p.m. in the library’s main conference room. This presentation highlights the history and health benefits of essential oils and healing botanicals. Craft fabric aromatherapy dream pillows, create a healing foot salt soak, make deconstructed soaps, all using dried botanicals and essential oils.

Relaxing music and herbal teas add to this calming, creative experience! The cost is $10 paid in advance and will cover all the supplies. Registration is not complete until payment is made. Registration is limited; sign up at egpl.org then stop in the library to pay or you can use Venmo @EastGranbyPublicLibrary Chess Club: Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 3:30–4:30 p.m. For grades K–8. Parents/ caregivers are welcome to stay and join the fun. Former Connecticut State Cham-

pion, high school tournament player, and chess coach and instructor, Samuel Lumelsky will teach this introductory chess class. Class will include talking about the rules, opening play, closing a winning position, and tactics. Register once for the whole club session at egpl.org Magic Show: Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:30– 11:30 a.m. For ages 3 and up. Help us celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day with loveable magician, Ed Popielarczyk. He will perform a fun-filled family magic show. Be prepared to be amazed! Register online at egpl.org Tinker Tank: Mondays from 3:30– 5:30 p.m. Additional dates and times found on our calendar. For ages 5-12 years, with a caregiver. Drop in anytime during our sessions and explore our Tinker Tank. Rotate our interactive lab stations and explore science, technol-

ogy, engineering, and math. Stations may include: maker space, robotics, magnets, simple machines, rollercoaster design, construction, 3D pens, gears, button maker, nature exploration, and more! Select stations will be updated monthly offering new experiences for repeat visitors.

This is a drop-in session, no registration required. Participants to sign in upon arrival. Caregivers to supervise participants at all times. Tinker Tank will include small pieces and tools that are not suitable for young children.

Tinker Tank is made possible by the East Granby Greater Together Community Fund.

Sphero Bolt Course: Wednesdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 5–6:30 p.m. For grades 5–7. Students will use Sphero Bots to

E. Granby Library cont’d. on p. 23

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February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 23

From The Archives Historic Footnotes by the late Carol 1934 – 2021

Laun

Originally published December 2003

Before the Frigidaire, ice cutting provided refrigeration—and extra money for entreprenuers Remember iceboxes? Remember emptying the drip pan? Remember what happened when you forgot to empty the drip pan?

Before refrigerators and freezers, there was the icebox. Providing the ice was never a big, organized business in Granby. Enterprising men would take up ice cutting for a winter or two to earn some extra money.

Around 1915, the late Leon Gilbert and Frank Kearns spent a winter cutting ice on Cranberry Pond (Manitook Lake). In 1978, Gilbert, then 87 years old, told me about the techniques and tools needed to cut ice.

The first thing they had to do was measure the depth of the ice. If it were a foot thick, they would plan to make their cuts 10 inches deep. They always kept two inches to stand on. A horse

E. Granby Library cont’d. from p. 22 play games, create coding programs, and complete challenges with the guidance of Miss Erin Dugan. Students will learn step by step the basics of how to program BOLT robots to complete different tasks in addition to having time to explore and create on their own. Students to attend both sessions.

This program is made possible by the East Granby Greater Together Community Fund and the East Granby Public Library. Register online egpl.org Needle Felting Pastured Sheep: Thursday, Feb. 10, 6–8 p.m. Join us to make adorable pastured sheep. $10 fee

was used to pull a plow-like tool called a marker. It made two marks 12 inches apart. Another mark was made to make the piece one foot by two feet. Next, an ice plow about six feet long with teeth (like a long saw blade) was hitched to the horse. First a cut about six inches deep was made along the marked lines. Then a bigger ice plow was used to cut to the desired depth.

The ice cakes were then “barred out” by the men, using a bar with teeth to pry up the ice. Gilbert said the pieces usually broke off very clean and straight.

The men would pull the ice chunks to shore through a previously cut channel and sell it to the farmers who would come to the pond. After all their labor, the ice sold for only five cents a block.

But, as Gilbert said, a nickel went farther

for all materials and supplies. Space is limited so please register online at egpl. org and stop in the library to make your payment or you can pay via Venmo @ EastGranbyPublicLibrary. Registration is not complete until payment is made.

Type A Valentine! Monday, Feb. 14, 1–5:30 p.m. Sign up to use the typewriters in the historical room to create a unique valentine message for someone special including a cookie from our new East Granby bakery, The Craft. Adults, please sign up for a slot between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Children, please sign up for a slot between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

This circa 1922 photo shows (from left) Leslie Dewey, Lenny Dewey, Charlie Feyk, and William Henry Dewey cutting ice on Cranberry Pond—now known as Manitook Lake.

Photo courtesy of Salmon Brook Historical Society

in those days.

Granby did not have a large ice-storage house. Most farmers had their own sheds to store ice. The ice would last through the summer if it were kept well packed in at least six inches of sawdust.

Some farmers cut their own ice. There was a large pond where the Bradley Brook development is built. Most of the farmers in the East Street and Wells Road area got their ice from this pond. It was owned by Marcus Griffin who lived in the house on the southwest corner of Wells Road and East Street.

An ice storage house on Griffin Pond held between 4,000 and 5,000 cakes of ice. It was owned by Lester Clark, a butcher, who lived in the house on the northwest corner of East Street and Cooley Road. He needed the ice for meat storage in his store and for his peddler’s cart.

There was a big ice cutting industry on the Congamond Ponds that included

at least five ice storage houses, one an acre in size. Ice was shipped out daily to Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and other cities.

Gilbert worked cutting Congamond Pond ice for several years. He said he worked “nine hours a day, seven days a week, in any kind of weather—sleet or snow—for $18.50 a week.” He used to work overtime, marking ice by lantern light starting at 1 a.m., then work a full day to 6 p.m., so he could earn $55 a week.

The ice company later replaced the horses with one-cylinder gas engines, but the men were still needed to labor cutting ice.

Next time you get some ice from your automatic ice cube maker, think of how it used to be!

With thanks to Faith Tyldsley who researched the Salmon Brook Historical Society archives to select this article and photo.

Page 24

The Granby Drummer

NOT WANTED

February 2022

VFW makes donation to Foxfield F.A.R.M.

A campaign to raise awareness of and control invasive plants sponsored by Granby’s Conservation Commission

Why winter is a great time to take action on invasive plants

It’s tempting to take winter out of the relentless calendar of invasive plant removal. But invasive plants have become incredibly well-established since we brought them to our shores during the last two centuries and restoring our native balance is going to take a long time. Here are some reasons why invasive plant action and winter belong together.

Leaflessness For the bigger invaders, it’s all about structure: stems, trunks and roots. Once their leaves are gone, and protective thorns are easier to see and avoid, it’s a whole lot easier to target and cut the base of plants like Japanese barberry, MF rose, winged euonymus, and Russian and autumn olive. When the soil is not completely frozen, ax action can chop brittle roots more easily than during the growing season.

You’ve got time Lots of invasive plants are herbaceous—invisible and untouchable in the winter—and can be ignored. No need to put energy into garlic mustard, henbit, dame’s rocket, narrowleaf bittercress, bishop’s weed, leafy spurge, mile-aminute vine, among others.

Find your solitude Chances are, you’re the only one in your household who would consider venturing out in the cold to kill plants.

Invasive action is a great excuse to get away from tiresome relatives and overstaying houseguests. You will return rosy-cheeked and exuding virtue. The follow-up news stories, before-after photos, podcasts and social media posts are more opportunities to ignore your family while you create high quality content.

Find your soul mate Dating sites have begun to catch on to the emerging potential of invasive plant events such as “pulling parties” for forming long-lasting relationships based on shared values and manifested vigor.

Evolutionary scientists are documenting the role of invasive plant activism in the progression of our species from problem-makers who import invasive plants, to problem solvers who remove

them. Chemical changes have been seen at the cell and even DNA level. Plus, invasive plant people are fun to socialize with, any time of year.

Flattening There’s little more disheartening than cutting a mature MF rose or Japanese barberry at the base, then returning months later to find it a resilient, impenetrable mess. In winter, heavy wet snow crushes and compacts newly cut shrubs and starts the decay process. Boots and mowers can then make mulch of the enfeebled stems and branches.

Cut-and-Paint Dormant shrubs and trees too large to pull up by the roots may seem immune to poison. But there’s evidence that careful cutting and painting stumps with liquid herbicides during the winter does work, especially later in the season. Prime candidates for this last resort strategy are mature examples of autumn and Russian olive, Japanese barberry, MF rose, Asiatic bittersweet, and winged euonymus.

It’s also safer to cut and paint established poison ivy vines (a native plant) in winter than to spray their leaves during the growing season.

Health More and more studies are confirming the startling recent discovery that the most effective tool in fortifying the human immune system against a host of maladies—cancer, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, COVID and hypochondria to name a few—is to combat invasive plants. The key appears to be year-round activity because continuous production of the healthy anti-toxins is more effective than the shock of sudden high levels in the spring.

Girdle Suckering invasive trees like tree of heaven, and sumac, which is not invasive, may cause them to respond to the usually effective method of decapitation by sending up new shoots nearby.

Instead, use a sharp hatchet or chisel to chop continuous slices around the trunk, cutting through the bark and sapwood to the inner heartwood, all the way around.

Members of the Metacomet Post 1926, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Simsbury recently donated $500 to Foxfield F.A.R.M, made possible by the donations collected during three VFW Buddy Poppy Drives held in Simsbury during 2021. Foxfield F.A.R.M. is a non-profit established to provide an equine groundwork PTSD therapy curriculum for U.S. Veterans and First Responders. The program utilizes rescued/retired horses that are being rehabilitated and re-homed in a safe and productive new life.

Presenting on behalf of the Simsbury VFW Post 1926 are (L-R) Jon Blume, Post Quartermaster and US Coast Guard veteran, and Lee Wilson, Post Commander and Army veteran from Desert Storm. With them is Gloria, an 18-year-old mare, and Susan Regan, the founder of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Submitted photo

Thoughts for a New Year In a world filled with political vitriol and Covid worries, it is easy to be discouraged. Yet despite these concerns, the world is still Beautiful.

See it in the breathtaking colors of the sky’s winter sunsets, the purity and cleanliness of the pristine white snow, and the reassuring presence of the trees and the birds. In nature, Peace can be found, and in children’s smiles there is Hope. There is inspiration in the kindness and goodwill of others, for there, too, is Hope for our world.

Look all around, and you will find the goodness that gives life meaning and purpose.

The New Year has already begun—let us look for its Joy. —Bernadette R. Gentry The tree will die over time and not spawn a new generation.

Plan to plant Rosy-cheeked and virtuous after your winter killing spree, curl up with catalogues to plan sturdy native replacements. Check the June 2020 Not Wanted column for a list of alternatives at granbyinvasiveplants.weebly.com Sources for native seeds and plants include Earth Tones Natives in Woodbury, Nasami Farm in Massachusetts, Fedco in Maine, and Ernst Seeds in Pennsylvania.

For humans, it’s cold outside, but invasive plants don’t mind the cold and don’t

take the winter off. They scheme and plot their next moves and launch powerful new coalitions with allied plants yearround. If we could penetrate their thought processes, we might better understand their superpowers—and we might be less likely to hang up our pruners, loppers and saws ‘til spring.

Next Invasive Action Day Join us Saturday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to noon, to continue the fight. The second Saturday of the month is Invasive Action Day in Granby. Drop a note at granbyinvasiveplants.weebly.com for more information.

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 25

Celebrating Lovers’ Day over the years

By Todd Vibert On Monday, Feb. 14, more than 151 million Valentine’s Day cards will be sent to and received from husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and significant others across the country. Of those millions of cards, I wonder how many will be intact a hundred years from now. The Salmon Brook Historical Society has a fairly large collection of Valentine cards dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century with delightful verses to match.

One of our former members, Polly Hall, had a relative who was born in 1878 and starting teaching school at age 16. Hall gave her relative’s collection of homemade valentines to the Salmon Brook Historical Society in 1970. In the cards were cute little verses such as: When you are old and cannot see, put on your spec’s and think of me.

Another home-made valentine was a cut out heart with five little hearts dangling from it, reading:

Card from Dr. Russo collection

Five little hearts to send to you I think you’d like this big one too, And don’t you think it would be fine To be my own sweet valentine.

Dr. Russe, a retired optometrist, found century-old valentines in the attic above his office and graciously donated those valentines to the society in 2006.

One such valentine from daughter to her mother reads: I’ll send this with my dearest love, To you my dear mother mine To tell you that I’ll always be your faithful valentine.

Another valentine from one friend to another: Please accept this loving token From a little friend so true There is no one that I play with, That is half as nice as you.

Yet another valentine verse: A token of affection creating to my valentine, I have come to call To ask if I can call you mine, I like you best of all.

Another fond note from a Westfield friend: To; Mrs. Crouse, from your Westfield friend, Alvin: Oh, this would be a happy day, If you would but be mine, And if you’d kindly say, You be my valentine.

Amongst the cards Dr. Russe had, was also a small Valentine’s Day envelope letter address to May Ruic in 1882: I have enclosed here a kiss For you my dainty little miss, Keep it safely, close and tight, I’ll come and get it back tonight.

One of the largest collections of valentines the society received was from Mrs. A. J. Thoren in 1970. Thoren helped run a family store with her husband in North Granby where they sold Valentine’s Day cards. The cards pictured here dated

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Valentines from Mrs. J.A. Thoren collection Photos courtesy of Salmon Brook Historical Society

between 1901 and 1908. Thoren would send many of her cards to relatives in Flat Grass, Penn. We were fortunate her cards were saved and given to the Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Perhaps the valentine card you receive from a special person will one day make its way into the collection at the Salmon Brook Historical Society. To learn more about and see these valentine cards, join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713, or visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Don’t be caught off guard this winter Winter is here and the potential for storms, freezing temperatures and illness is high. Be prepared! There are a few things you and your family can do to ensure you are safe and warm this season. An excellent resource on how to be prepared for winter weather can be found at ready.gov/winter-weather or you may call 211.

Get ahead of any storm by taking these steps: Have enough food on hand for two to three days; check that your carbon monoxide alarm is functioning—especially if you may be using an alternative heat source; test your generator and have fuel available; keep cellular devices charged, replace flashlight and radio batteries. Don’t

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Page 26

The Granby Drummer

In mid-December, Dave Emery led a full moon hike on the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. A group of 30 GLT members joined Dave for a beautiful night in the woods, then finished the evening with Christmas cookies and hot cocoa by candlelight at the Glazier Cabin. Here, longtime GLT Board Member Put Brown is seen sharing a brief history of the cabin with all in attendance. Photo by Michael Puskar

February 2022

GLT Member Mark Kennedy, joined by his sons Thomas and Sean, relocated the Nuckols Family Preserve sign to the Nuckols Preserve trailhead entrance during the Work Day, making the property’s intended access point clearer. Photo by Dave Emery

A group of enthusiastic and dedicated Granby Land Trust members contributed their time and energy to clean-up the Nuckols Family Preserve on Simsbury Road in West Granby during an early December morning GLT Trail Workday. GLT Property Stewards Holly and Curt Johnson, along with GLT VP Dave Emery, led the effort that included tidying up the trail that leads to a beautiful view of the Salmon Brook. Photo by Dave Emery

The foggy view from Mary’s Rock on the GLT’s Mary Edward Mountain Property in North Granby on Dec. 31. This stunning photo was taken by Danny Cohan.

For the fourteenth year in a row, a group of hardy GLT members joined GLT Property Steward Fran Armentano for a New Year’s Day hike on the Mary Edwards Mountain Property in North Granby. This GLT tradition has become a popular way to kick off the New Year. The GLT is so grateful to Fran for his dedication to making it happen every year! Photo by Fran Armentano

Supporting a Caring Community since 1960

Providing emergency assistance, disaster relief and education Your donation to the Granby Community Fund helps support organizations, such as American Red Cross, that provide services to the Granby community.

Mark Brady Kitchens DESIGN & REMODELING Free Design Consultation!

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February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Page 27

Drumrolls

The December full moon, also known as the Cold Moon, was a sight to behold on Dec. 17. GLT member Don Shaw captured this dramatic picture of it rising over the weathervane on the GLT’s Katan-Ensor Barn in West Granby.

Westfield State field hockey placed 13 student athletes on the fall Little East AllAcademic Team, including Cheryl Latona and Morgan Wichmann, both from Granby.

The following area students were named to the dean’s list at the University of Connecticut for the fall semester. From East Granby: Cullen Beman, Steven Chen, Prasad Gosavi, Emma Griffin, Sean Griffin, Tiffanie Hill-Moreau, Maxwell Landolina, Madeline Moore, Tyler Nardi, Madie Peladeau, Ivana Prats Del Valle, Noah Swanson. From Granby: Ashley Coon, Lexi Cyr, Samantha Gove, Lauren Grashaw, Jacob Ivanov, Madisyn MacDonald, Amelia Mezger, Erin Moody, Catherine Mydosh, Sam Nguyen, Riley Noonan, Madeline Peling, Katherine Smith. From North Granby: Mark McWhirter, Andrew Phillips.

Physical education major Maddee McGee, GMHS 19, was named to the dean’s list at Eastern Connecticut State University for the fall semester.

Chase McGee, GMHS 21, majoring in chemical engineering and mathematics at the University of Connecticut, was named on the dean’s list for engineering and the dean’s list for liberal arts and sciences for the fall semester.

Quinn Higby was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at Western Connecticut State University are: Ana Bourque, a professional writing major; James Accetura, music education major; and Elliott Moberly-Lachance, jazz and performance major.

Claire Newhall, from East Granby, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Saint Anselm College.

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The Granby Lions Club would once again like to thank the community for supporting its largest fundraiser of the year—Christmas tree sales. The Lions never cease to be amazed by the support that helps raise money for scholarships, high school activity programs, services for those less fortunate, and many other valuable services. It was another record year and we all hope you have a wonderful holiday season—see you next year! Thank you.

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Page 28

Special Events

AARP Tax Service: By appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning mid-February. 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 860-844-5352 for an appointment. Free.

Valentine’s Day Lunch and Bingo: Wednesday, Feb. 9 at noon. Sponsored

by United Health Care. This fun event includes lasagna and salad with a chocolate dessert bar as well as Valentine’s Bingo with great prizes. Register by Feb. 7. Cost $5.

Lifetime Learning Academy

Survey of the New Testament: Wednesdays, Feb. 2–March 16 at 10 a.m.

Instructor, Skip Mission. This sevenweek overview of the New Testament will familiarize you with the key New Testament people, events and promises.

The discussion will include the Gospels and crucifixion of Jesus, the growth of Christianity, letters to the churches as well as the prophecy and eternal state in Revelation. Register by Jan. 26. Free Smithsonian Series via Zoom: Mondays, Feb. 7–Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.; no class Feb. 21. Take off on a thrilling flight across America. This epic series offers rare glimpses of our nation’s most treasured landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. From busy cityscapes to quiet landscapes, we capture the history and the pageantry of our amazing country, which is as diverse as the people who occupy it. Pre-registration required. Free.

In Memory of …

McDonald, Walter Paul, 70, husband of Catherine (Rust) McDonald, Nov. 18 Lacafta, Melvin James, 95, husband of the late Jean (Martin) Lacafta, Nov. 19 Cancelmo, Sophie (Blusiewicz) (Bitcauski), 87, wife of the late George A. Cancelmo, Nov. 22 Kingsley, Lester Raymond “Spike”, Jr., husband of Margaret Mary (Gilmartin) Kingsley, Nov. 29 Lepkowicz, Evelyn (Stafford), 96, wife of the late Theodore B. Lepkowicz, Dec. 2 Rebick, John A. “Jack”, 81, husband of Irene (Olszewski) Rebick, Dec. 1 Jacobs, Ingeborg (Wömpner), 92, wife of the late Jack Jacobs, Edward Firla and Wilhelm Frederick Weuste, Dec. 2 Morehouse, K. Elwyn, 89, husband of Berdina Faye (Hanscom) Morehouse, Dec. 25 Chamberlain, Tad, 64, husband of Vicki Chamberlain, Dec. 31 Copeman, Nancy (Ducharme), 58, wife of Mark Copeman, Jan. 2 Phillips, Arthur Elliot, 92, husband of the late Sheila (Pollack) Phillips, Jan. 7 Wooten, William B., husband of Barbara (Sutkaitis) Wooten, Jan. 7 Pettee, Richard Barnes “Dick”, 75, husband of Ann (Brookfield) Pettee, Jan. 10

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

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

The Granby Senior Center is open for many classes and programs. Masks are required at the time of publication. Status will be updated according to Health District guidance.

We are required to record attendance for contact tracing purposes. All persons entering the building must be members and scan in with their new membership card. If you haven’t received a new card you will be given one upon your return to the Center.

If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-8445352 to register.

Feb. 7, On the Water (soar above the rivers, wetlands and waterways of America); Feb. 14, Montana; Feb. 28, Natural Wonders (from the Appalachian Trail to the Rockies, from the Grand Canyon to the Great Lakes, see all the wonders of America).

Medicare B Benefits: How Can They Support You at Home? Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. Presented by Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice.

Learn everything you ever wanted to know about traditional Medicare A and B and how to maximize the benefits you have earned to live your best life as you age. Register by Feb. 16. Free.

Music Jam: Feb. 2 and 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun. This is an informal gathering for those who love music and play a non-wind instrument. Free.

Stamping: Thursday, Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Instructor, Sharon Holness. Enjoy making several beautiful cards for all occasions. Registration required. Cost $5.

Health and Wellness

Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.

Chair Massage with Bev Harris: By appointment, Tuesdays, Feb. 1 and 15;

CTVV interviews new GOP state chair

A candid and informative interview by Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CT Valley Views, with Ben Proto, who took over the helm as the Republican state chair in June. Proto is a longtime GOP operative and elections lawyer.

If you want to know the challenges, successes and anticipated opportunities Proto envisions for the Republican GOP in Connecticut over the next year, tune in at ctvalleyviews.com or check your local PATV listing for the show.

Submitted photo

15-minute massage is $10. Call 860-8445352 to register.

Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Call 860-844-5352 to set appointment for a free consultation.

Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by appointment only. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Call 860-8445352 to register.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others, like yourself, to share friendships, ideas, and tips on being a parent again. Free.

Hearing Screenings with Hearing Care Centers: Friday, Feb. 4 by appoint-

ment. Have your hearing checked by a professional audiologist. They will also clean and assess your hearing aids. By appointment only. Call to register. Free Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care. Friday, Feb. 25. A specially trained nurse will perform an assessment of the feet and lower extremities, trimming, filing and cleaning of nails. By appointment.

Call 860-844-5352 to register. Cost is $35 (not covered by insurance).

Ongoing Programs

You must be a Senior Center member to participate, and pre-registration is required. Sign up online at schedulesplus. com/granby or call us at 860-844-5352.

Knitting Group: Mondays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Set Back: Tuesdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Jewelry Making/Beading: Thursdays, 10 a.m.

Cribbage: Fridays, 1–3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m. Program: “Granby Women Power” with Erica Robertson, Town Manager and Abby Kenyon, Town Planner. Cost $4. To register call 860844-5352.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Program: Security and Library Activities and Programs with Amy McCue, Director of Library Services. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.

Exercise Classes New sessions will begin in March.

Refreshing the pumpkin patch

By Shirley Murtha Just before the December holidays began, the pumpkin field at the Coward Farm on North Granby Road took on a radiant green color! Too soon to be planting pumpkins—what was going on there? A cover crop was growing to keep the soil good and healthy for next year’s pumpkin patch.

A cover crop is one grown between the main plantings. It controls erosion, reduces compaction and suppresses weeds. The Coward’s cover crop is made of radish and wheat. Radish plants’ long taproots create deep channels that make it easier for the roots of the subsequent crop (in this case, pumpkins) to reach the water below the soil. Once the cover crop plants have decayed and/or are harvested, the channels left by the taproots also improve the aeration of the soil. This allows for increased earthworm and microbial activity, resulting in a very healthy soil.

The Coward Farm pumpkin field took on a distinctly bright green in December.

Photo by Shirley Murtha

Radish plants in particular are known to benefit nearby water quality by taking up nitrogen in the form of nitrates from the soil. This means less run-off of the nasty nitrates into nearby streams, ponds, or lakes, so these radishes are doing their part to help keep the water as well as the soil healthy. A round of applause for the radishes is deserved.

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

Shared Memories and Lessons Learned Do you ever do this? Do you ever think about something you’ve experienced with your kids and wonder how their memory of the event compares to your own? Or compare a lesson you tried to teach with what they actually learned?

I do, especially when it comes to fishing. I love fishing, and I’ve tried to share that love with my kids, especially when they were younger. We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the water together. I’m wise enough to know that they haven’t always enjoyed this time as much as I have, but just how far apart are our memories? Do they look back on these times fondly? Did I teach them anything?

Did they teach me anything?

I recently got some insight when I sat down to “interview” my daughter Ellie.

Ellie is 20 years old and a sophomore at UConn, studying environmental engineering. We started fishing together when she was four or five. In our interview, we discussed six topics: first fishing experience; largest fish; next bucket list fish; most fun; lessons learned; lessons taught. What follows is a recap of the questions I asked, her answers, and my take on each topic.

First Fishing Experience Mark: Where was the first place you fished?

Ellie: Umm…at our cabin in Utah?

Mark: Yes. How old were you?

Ellie: I don’t know.

Mark: What did you fish for?

Ellie: Trout, right?

Mark: Yes. I think you even won an award at the annual Duck Creek Days for the largest fish caught. Do you remember Duck Creek Days?

Ellie: Yes. It was like the Olympics.

They had a bunch of contests where you could win medals. Things like fishing, archery, crafts, etc. I think I ultimately won all of the medals available.

Mark: Did you win the medal for biggest fish, or did Gage (her older brother)?

I can’t remember.

Ellie: I did. As I said, I won all of the medals.

Mark: Any other memories of fishing in Utah?

Ellie: No. Wait…. I remember Gage and I used to catch dragonflies to use for bait. The blue ones worked pretty well.

My take: I can tell already that some part of me has rubbed off on Ellie.

“As I said, I won all of the medals” is something I might say if you questioned

me a second time about whether I won a fishing medal. I’m also glad Ellie remembered catching dragonflies. It’s one of my own favorite memories of Utah.

Partly because they had so much fun doing it and partly because it’s the first time my son Gage proved me wrong. I distinctly remember telling him: “That won’t work, Gage. The dragonfly is too fragile to stay on the hook.” Of course, he caught a beautiful little brook trout on his first cast.

Largest Fish Mark: What is the biggest fish you have caught so far?

Ellie: My state record pumpkinseed.

Actually, that’s not right. I’ve caught bass that were bigger. But they weren’t state records.

Mark: So, a bass is your biggest fish?

Was it a smallmouth or largemouth?

Ellie: I know I’ve caught both, but the largemouth was probably bigger.

Mark: Where did you catch it?

Ellie: Probably Lake McDonough. Or Congamond. Or that lake we take our kayaks. I really don’t know. But all three of those lakes have big bass and are fun to fish.

Mark: What bait were you using?

Ellie: A wacky worm, I think.

Mark: Do you remember any of the details?

Ellie: No, not really. I probably could barely hold the rod up.

My take: Ellie’s answers tell me what I already knew. For her, it’s not always about the fish. She enjoys an occasional fishing outing, and is proud to have caught a state record, but she isn’t obsessed with it. Who cares which lake produced her largest bass? They all have big fish, and they all are worth the trip.

Good for her.

Next Fish on the Bucket List Mark: What is the next fish on your bucket list?

Ellie: A pickerel. I mean actually land one, not just hook it.

Mark: Why a pickerel?

Ellie: They are so hard to catch. That’s the thrill, to get one on the boat before it cuts the line. And because you’re always catching them, making it look easier than it is.

My take: Here is an exception to Ellie not being obsessed. She has a bad case of pickerel fever. I understand because I had it for a long time. I caught my fever years ago at West Twin Lake. I was fishing

with Gage and one of his friends and was reeling in a nice bluegill. I had just got it above the weed line when, out of nowhere, a giant pickerel darted up and bit the bluegill in half. The water was clear, so I saw the whole thing. I even got to watch as the pickerel paused, suspended in the water column, and gulped down the back half of my bluegill. Pickerel are veracious predators and tough fighters.

And, as Ellie points out, they are difficult to land because they are adept at turning their heads to run your line across their very sharp teeth. It took me years to catch one. I occasionally still do, and though it may seem to Ellie that I’m making it look easy, it’s mostly luck. I’m glad she’s obsessed, though, because it guarantees that she’ll fish with me at least once or twice a year.

Most Fun Mark: What’s the most fun you’ve had fishing?

Ellie: The time we set out to catch two hundred fish in one day.

Mark: What made it so fun?

Ellie: I never had to wait for a fish. All I had to do was put my hook in the water.

It was bite after bite after bite.

My take: It makes me feel good that this is the day Ellie cited as the most fun.

Don’t get me wrong, we did have fun.

We caught 125 fish in just over six hours.

Mostly panfish that bit on everything. We experimented to see how far they would go. We caught fish that day on beef jerky, bubble gum, bits of candy and even bare hooks. But I thought Ellie would mention a trip we took with my friend Dave and his daughter Sidney. Sidney and Ellie were, and are, good friends. When the girls were 12, we camped at Otis Lake and had a blast. The girls got a kick out of frying and eating fish they had caught.

But we also did things that are usually more fun, and more memorable, for two young girls: we played cards, told spooky stories, and roasted marshmallows. It says something, I hope, that Ellie thought first of a trip with me and not one where her friend Sidney was with us.

Lessons Learned: Ellie Mark: What’s the most valuable lesson I’ve taught you?

Ellie: In fishing, or in life?

Mark: Either.

Ellie: I can think of two you’ve taught me about fishing. First: how to set the hook properly. You taught me that you can’t set it too quickly; that you have to be patient and make sure the fish really has the bait in its mouth. Second, you taught me how to fish with a wacky worm. Big fish like wacky worms, so it’s a good skill to have. You taught me how to let it sink slowly and how to jiggle my rod tip to raise it in the water, and then to let it sink again. If you do it right, it looks like a dying fish.

Mark: Any life lessons?

Ellie: You mean a fishing lesson that can carry over into life, or just in general?

Mark: Either.

Ellie: The lesson on setting hooks carries over well. Being able to exercise patience has helped me, especially in stressful situations. And the life lesson you’ve tried the hardest to teach: work hard. If something is important to you, always keep at it, no matter how difficult things get.

My take: It’s possible that Ellie was bulls***ing me, that she knew it was important to me that she had heard my message on the value of patience, hard work and perseverance. But I don’t think

Page 29

Ellie enjoying fishing.

so. She answered the questions quickly and directly, without time to think about what I might want to hear. Either way, I’m proud that she got the message. And trust me, it’s one I’ve repeated often. If the kids had a dollar for every time I told them: “Just put your head down and plow through it,” they’d be rich.

Lessons Learned: Mark Mark: What is one thing you hope I’ve learned from you?

Ellie: Open up. Be more vulnerable with your emotions.

Mark: How would I learn that from fishing?

Ellie: It’s easy. Start with something simple. You like fishing with Gage and me. So be honest about it. Instead of making some joke about how you always have to fish by yourself, say: “Will you go fishing with me? I enjoy your company.”

My take: Damn Ellie. She’s right. I do need to get better at this. I’ve tried, but I’m afraid I haven’t made much progress.

Either in fishing or in life. But perhaps she’s begun to nudge me in the right direction. Because if she had asked me what I’ve learned from fishing with her, I would have said: “Chill out. It isn’t always about catching fish.” For Ellie, when the fishing is slow, there is equal joy in having a snack, noticing her surroundings, or just taking a nap. In today’s vernacular, we would call that “being present”, and it’s as valuable as hard work and perseverance.

Ellie also enjoying fishing.

Submitted photos

Drumrolls Ellie and Mark fishing for trout, Swains Creek, Utah, circa 2007.

The following students from Granby were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Tunxis Community College: Tram Briggs, Jacob Camacho, Lindsey Henry and Samantha Yost.

Page 30

The Granby Drummer

February 2022

Happy 2022 from the Friends of Holcomb Farm February is hunker-down, tend the fire, bundle up, and order the seeds time for most of us in New England, and the Friends of Holcomb Farm are no exception. Still, there is much to be done to assure that this place will continue to serve the people of Granby, and its region, once the frost is gone. You may think all is quiet on the West Granby front, but in fact Farmer Joe O’Grady has been busy prepping and planning for the next big harvest. He called the staff out for some workdays and took advantage of the tree pruning throughout Granby to build up some resources. To quote: “A mountain of wood chips has accumulated over the holidays in the Farm Store parking lot, and we feel like kids on Christmas morning every time we see them. Especially since they are mostly ramial wood chips—from the small to medium sized branches that Asplundh has been clearing from power lines.

Ramial chips are the most desirable to use for stewards of soil and growers of food because of their chemical structure—they provide direct energy and nutrients to the soil biology—most importantly mychorrizae—and lead to a long list of benefits to any plants growing near them. Standard wood chips from larger branches and trees still have a use on our farm, but because of their high carbon to nitrogen ratio, anywhere from 400:1 to 750:1, they have fewer applications and must be used more cautiously.

Ramial wood chips have a carbon to nitrogen level of anywhere from 30:1 to 170:1—a desirable meal for soil life to metabolize and then make available to the plant roots lucky enough to be

Here the Farm Crew is readying the greenhouse beds for mulching with ramial wood chips and geeking out over mycelium networks and soil health!

Photo by Melody Smith

Town of Granby First Selectman and former Friends of Holcomb Farm Vice President Mark Fiorentino enjoyed a walk with his pups in the Farm’s East Fields.

Photo by Ellie Fiorentino Even in the dead of winter, there is much to be done to prepare for a successful growing season. On a crisp, cold day in late January, the Holcomb Farm Crew did some maintenance pruning so they could spread ramial wood chips in the aisles of the Farm’s beloved Bramble Patch. Ramial wood chips provide a long list of benefits to any plants growing near them. Photo

by Melody Smith

growing nearby. On mild days this winter you’ll find us puttering around the farm happily spreading ramial wood chips on the growing list of perennials we have at the Farm. We’ll even find a perfect place to spread the chips from larger trees; even though they won’t be of immediate benefit, in time they will break down, feed the soil life and improve the health of the plants. We’ll be farming these fields for a while, so we can wait for the delayed reward.”

O’Grady is hoping to have a February “pop-up” winter veggie sale but is waiting for the greenhouse greens to cooperate. Keep in touch with us on Facebook or Instagram or get added to our e-mail list by sending a request to cathy@holcombfarm.org, so you will be in the know when it happens.

Meanwhile, the Tree Trail volunteers have been clearing invasives and hoping for more snow for x-country skiing. And our Fresh Access folks are making plans for a fun-filled fundraising event at the farm on Sunday, June 26, so mark your calendars now.

Evidence of a great winter day: parallel sets of XC ski tracks cut into the snow at Holcomb Farm.

Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

An apple tree planted by Tudor and Laura Holcomb was rescued from invasives by dedicated Holcomb Tree Trail volunteers this year. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

Test your Holcomb Farm knowledge The Friends have adopted a strategic plan built around sustainability, and to inform our work, some of us have recently been knee-deep in Holcomb Farm history.

To that end, we thought a little history quiz might get Drummer readers’ juices flowing. Many thanks to Peggy Lareau’s Holcomb Farm Heritage: Struggles and Successes, ©2017, and all the contributors to it. Next month we will quiz you on more recent goings-on. If you have your own memories, comments, or questions, we’d love to hear from you at info@holcombfarm.org Tudor and Laura Holcomb were: a) Husband and wife b) First cousins c) Siblings d) No relation; the name was a coincidence The answer is c. Tudor and Laura were siblings, the only children of Samuel F. and Lizzie Dewey Holcomb; neither married nor had children. They attended school in the one-room red schoolhouse on the corner of Firetown and Simsbury roads. Over time, and after agricultural schooling, Tudor took over the farm and Laura kept the books. Much success followed.

Holcomb Farm is known to be the first New England Farm that: a) Had running water b) Grew corn c) Held barn dances d) Had electricity The answer is d. It is not clear exactly when the Holcombs added electricity to the barn—Granby, itself, was first electrified in 1914—but by the 1920s they had doubled their acreage to 400 and were using an old fire engine system to irrigate fields. Electricity was undoubtedly quite handy.

The farmhouse that still stands at 113 Simsbury Road, today, was built in 1790 by: a) Nahum Holcomb b) Lizzy Dewey c) Joseph Loomis d) The State of Connecticut The answer is a. Nahum, son of Reuben, who was born in 1763. He built and resided in the Farmhouse that still stands—and still houses our own Friends of Holcomb Farm farming family, includ-

ing Joe, Emma, and their two children—at the intersection of Simsbury Road and Day Street South.

The main barn at Holcomb Farm, with its large, beam-free loft, is known as the following style: a) Wisconsin b) Swedish c) German d) Connecticut The answer is a. Tudor and Laura’s father’s dairy barn burned in 1931, and Tudor and Laura replaced it with a “modern, gambrel-roofed Wisconsin Dairy Barn, which was built without any rafters in the huge open loft.” It was a place for dances and “political fund raisers.”

[Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to use that space for events, today? All it needs is some (very expensive) safety upgrades.]

Tudor and Laura became wealthy growing: a) Cannabis b) Shade Tobacco c) Dahlias d) Corn The answer is b. They were successful dairy farmers and potato farmers, amongst other pursuits, but it was the now-famous shade tobacco of the Connecticut River valley that allowed Tudor and Laura to become probably the most significant benefactors to Granby in history. By 1953, when they retired from growing tobacco, their final harvest employed 150 people.

For years after, the land continued to be leased for farming, generating income.

In 1976, Tudor and Laura bequeathed the farm to: a) The Town of Granby b) The Friends of Holcomb Farm c) The “people of West Granby” d) The University of Connecticut The answer is d. From the early 1960s to the mid-1970s, town records show the Holcombs gave the Town of Granby: 1) money to acquire the land and build the Town Hall complex; 2) land to build the West Granby Lost Acres Fire Department; 3) land and the old church in the triangle between Hartland Road (Rte. 20), Simsbury Road, and West Granby Road; and 4) a small piece of land and tobacco barn where Barn Door Hills Road crosses

Farm knowledge cont’d. on p. 31

February 2022

The Granby Drummer

Joy A. Marx

SPOTLIGHT ON

GRANBY ARTISTS

Insight into the creative process

Linda Yurasevecz

Medium: pottery Email: lgwhy@aol.com Member of Granby Artists since: 2005 Member of other art organizations: Expressions Pottery Workshop in East Granby What made you choose your primary medium? Do you work in other mediums?

My daughter wanted to take pottery lessons and they needed another person in order to hold the class. I joined and fell in love with making pottery. I try many techniques for making functional pottery, but I most enjoy making Raku fired pieces. When my children were young, I also did quite a bit of oil painting.

Does Granby have an influence on your art?

Granby is a very supportive community. I have met so many really nice people through my activities with the Granby Artists Association.

What is your most exciting aspect of being an artist?

It’s such a great feeling when people tell me how much they enjoy using and displaying my pieces. It’s really inspiring.

Do you take art classes, workshops and/or do you teach your craft?

Linda Yurasevecz at work in her studio.

Submitted photos

Raku lamp base

Raku pot

I took classes for about three years before I became a member of Expressions. It’s a continuous learning process and I attend many workshops each year.

I joined a group called Clay Share where they have hundreds of tutorials and where artists share all kinds of information and advice.

Medium: oil painting Address: 270 Simsbury Road, West Granby, CT Phone: 413-977-6306 Email: jmarx@lmtours.com Member of Granby Artists since: 2019, also member of the Painting Study Group of Granby What inspired you to become an artist? And/or what inspires your art?

I love to paint landscapes and my “artist eye” is constantly on the lookout for subjects to paint. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and although I haven’t painted a Granby scene yet, it is one of my goals to do so. In addition to landscapes, I have also painted many still-lifes, animals, and even a few portrait subjects.

What made you choose your primary medium? And do you work in other mediums?

Painting has become my favorite pastime. I not only produce paintings that I actually like, but I’ve found many new friends who share the love of painting as much as I do. Most of my work has been given to members of my family. And they always put their order in when they see my next project. I may never win an award, but the peace and comfort that painting affords me does not carry a price tag.

I consider oils to be my primary choice of medium. But I also work in colored pencil. Although not as forgiving as oils, it is a totally different experience which presents its own challenges. That work is easy to take with me when we travel. I find

Farm knowledge cont’d. from p. 30 Simsbury Road. They also gave the land and funding for the West Granby Methodist Church. Then, they worked with the University of Connecticut to transfer some 350 acres and buildings to the School of Agriculture, fulfilling UConn’s vision of a “campus west of the river.” According to long-time Granby resident Put Brown, who, as a young neighbor, was personal friends with the Holcombs, “this list only

Page 31

begins to scratch the surface of the generosity these people showed Granby and its residents.”

In 1991, ownership of the Farm transitioned to: a) The Town of Granby b) The Friends of Holcomb Farm c) The “people of West Granby” d) The University of Connecticut

Joy Marx in her studio. Submitted photos

The answer is a. The deed to UConn stipulated that, should UConn ever not use the farm for agricultural education, it should revert to the Town of Granby.

Again, according to Put Brown who participated in some of the discussions at the time, “It never occurred to anyone that

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

Winter scene with chickadees oil painting

both mediums to be incredibly relaxing and rewarding.

Do you take art classes, workshops and or do you teach your craft?

My first taste of painting in oils began in the early ‘70s in a “Mom’s” afternoon class. I began an oil painting and was transported into the “o-zone,” totally astonished when class was over three hours later—I was hooked. Over the years, I attended an assortment of classes, not quite finding what I was looking for: a teacher who would provide a learning experience that would broaden my knowledge in all aspects of art and enhance my technical skills. In 2009, I found such a class with my current teacher, Lynda Montafusco.

Her studio, A Touch of Color, is located in Suffield. I discovered that if I worked hard, attended workshops and seminars, exposed myself to the different styles of a variety of teachers and other artists, listened carefully and applied what I learned, I could continue to improve and develop as an artist.

Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years?

My goals are modest; I want to continue to paint and take as many classes and workshops as I can to hone my skills and be the best artist I can be.

UConn would really fail to use the property for the educational and agricultural purposes that were envisioned, and that it would ultimately become Granby’s.” But that is just what happened in 1991.

The Town’s Plan of Use for Holcomb Farm calls for it to be for: a) Education b) Agriculture c) Arts d) Passive recreation e) All of the above The answer is e. In 1991 and again in 1993, the Board of Selectmen commissioned study groups to determine the best use of the Farm by the Town of Granby. A Plan of Use was developed and adopted, reflecting the Holcombs’ vision along with what would best serve the people of Granby to whom this gift had ultimately come. Guided by the Plan of Use, the nonprofit Friends of Holcomb Farm was formed, assuming full responsibility for the buildings and acreage, until 2012.

At that time, a new relationship between the Town and the Friends allowed for the Town to assume responsibility for the main campus, where it could leverage the Leisure Services and Public Works resources to provide more community programming. The Friends operate the farm, build and maintain the trails, have developed the fledgling Tree Trail, and operate Fresh Access, which provides food grown on the property to people in need. Given all the changes in the past 50 years, we hope Tudor and Laura would be pleased with how their legacy is being stewarded.

Page 32

The Granby Drummer

Granby resident campaigns for governor Susan Patricelli Regan with Canton RTC Chair Dr. Arnold Goldman and Stephen Sedor, Canton RTC secretary and Canton selectman.

Submitted photo

Gubernatorial candidate Susan Patricelli Regan is reaching out to voters to inform them that there is an out-ofthe-beltway option for Connecticut’s hard-working taxpayers.

On Nov. 4, Regan met with the Pomfret Republican Town Committee to present her 2022 gubernatorial campaign platform and objectives. The committee vice chairman, Peter Mann, commented, “This side of the river often gets ignored by candidates,” so they were appreciative of her personal inter-

action with members. In addition, Mann said attendees were impressed with Regan’s ideas, particularly her critical thinking about fiscal management, children’s education curriculum and the current administration’s extended Executive Order status.

Regan attended a Canton RTC meeting on Nov. 15, a Bloomfield RTC meeting on Nov. 16 and spoke to the Hartford area Connecticut Republican Assembly on Nov. 17.

February 2022

Closer to Home

Support our advertisers while saving some gas and time.

Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer.

Advertisers Al-Anon Beman Hardware Berkshire Hathaway–Anam Zafar Berkshire Hathaway RE

ADS: Wednesday, Feb. 9 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, Feb. 14 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Feb. 8-20 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222.

Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at granbydrummer.org

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MeadowBrook of Granby

24

8

Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing

12

Morawski Cleaning

12

PremierEnergy

22

23

Ravenswood

27

2

27

Berkshire Hathaway–Nancy Reardon

Advertisers McLean

15

Alterations-Burr

7

Route 10 Tire

13

Cahill’s Motors

28

Salmon Brook Shops

21

Carmon Funeral Home

13

Sanditz Travel

15

Carter Robert Painting

21

Santa Realty

15

Brignole Bush & Lewis

Shaffer Beacon Mechanical

19

Chiropractic Care of Granby

12

Sig’s Plumbing & Pump

13

Christopher Bryant

18

Small Town Septic

24

D’Agata-Perry Granite & Bronze

16

South Congregational Church

Cetera Investors

Evans Automotive

8

5

Southwick Village

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16

State Line Propane Oil

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Granby Community Fund

26

Subseven

19

GEF Gran-Bee

17

Sullivan Hardwood Floors

13

Granby Chamber of Commerce

20

Swim Center at Westminster

25

Granby Dental Center–Dr. Ungerleider 22

Tom Sullivan Morgan Stanley

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Granby Food Bank

11& 27 4

Troiano Oil Company

25

Two Park Place

14

GRR Granby Racial Reconciliation

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Volunteers Needed

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Higleyville Coin

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Walsh Chiropractic Services

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Maple Corner Farm

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Mark Brady Kitchens

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Martel Transportation

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Westfield Bank

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Windsor Federal Savings

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First Congregational Church

Granby Dental–Dr. Kirschbaum

March 2022 deadlines

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