Granby Drummer | March 2021

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Volume LI, No. 6 • March 2021

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Winds of change; weather, taxes and road construction Well, Mother Nature and Old Man Winter sure have combined forces, haven’t they? It’s felt like a real New England winter lately, one of our four clearly distinct seasons here in Granby. That is part of the charm, even if you don’t (or can’t) travel, the world around us is always presenting us with new views. And own that’s true in other aspects of our lives; all change is inevitable. in Granby we alk Here too change, perhaps by Jim Lofink too slowly for some, and too quickly for others. Read on for what’s happening. Thank the DPW for keeping us mobile this winter. Sanding, road pre-treatment and snow plowing: DPW crews have been working long hours keeping the roads clear this February. It’s a 24 houra-day team job, running heavy equipment in hazardous conditions, often through the cold and lonely hours of the night. But that is what is needed, and done, so you can get through what would otherwise be snow- and ice-covered roads. When trees fall, and you have to get to the store, or bring your children to the doctor, they clear the way. They don’t expect much in the way of appreciation, so a “thank you” makes an impression.

T H T

Granby Public Library continues to actively serve the community. While the library buildings have remained closed for patron and staff safety, curbside pickup and online resources are available and staff is working Monday through Saturday. During January, approximately 650 curbside pickups and 70 technology appointments were kept, an increase from December. Programming was vibrant with over 480 patrons attending 21 virtual programs via Zoom, including such topics as Owls in New England, co-sponsored by the Granby Land Trust; Cooking with Katie—Cinnamon Rolls; and First Chapter Fridays, for school-aged youth. Program registration is online at granby-ct.gov/granby-publiclibrary-system, and there’s something for everyone’s interests. Budget work continues, looking like a second year with no tax increase. The Board of Finance has been receiving and integrating the latest information from the Governor’s budget and the updated Grand List revisions. So far, planning stays on track including modest increases in anticipated state aid and the planned use of some reserves to avoid taxpayer rate increases. The operating boards are working to stay within the budget guidelines. The budget presentation is still planned for April 12, and Town Budget

Town Hall Talk cont’d. on p. 5

Granby veterinarian honored

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital’s Dr. Christopher Weber, center, was one of the Best Veterinarian winners featured in the March 2021 Horse Illustrated magazine. Pictured with him are Ashley Sharpe, left, and Lisa Dinsmore, right. See story p. 13. Submitted photo

Our sentiments exactly!

Some creative snow artists on Route 20 west of town built this icy PacMan ready to take a bite out of COVID-19. Photo by Robert Flanigan

On target to hold mill rate flat By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. At its February meeting, the Board of Finance set guidelines for FY22 operating budgets that freeze the mill rate at the same level as it has been for the past two years. The action reflects the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Initial guidance targets a 1.5 percent operating increase plus the new OPEB expense as well as an increase in special education expenses due to caseload and pandemic needs. (See BOE minutes on page 6.) That translates to guidelines of roughly 2.5 percent overall for municipal and 3.5 percent for education given special education needs. Working to keep things on target to hold the mill rate flat will mean better than expected offsetting revenues. These factors include Grand List growth, flat state aid, projected increases in tuition from other towns and higher special education excess-cost grant money.

A challenging year to raise library funds By Brian Tomasino The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) raises the majority of its funds through the annual book sale that usually takes place in September. Unfortunately, the 2020 book sale was canceled—but we are determined to hold the book sale in 2021. As we get closer to the date, more announcements will be made for both donating items and volunteering for the book sale. To help make up for some of the lost book sale funds, the Friends have started a new source of revenue by selling some books online, mostly through Ebay, and has raised over $2,500 to date. We also held a holiday sale outside in December and, despite the rain and cold, raised $250. In this month’s Drummer you can find our membership form for the year that begins on April 1. The form can be mailed or dropped off at the library circulation desk when open to the public. Renewing or becoming a member means you are helping to support numerous

activities and purchases for the Granby Public Library throughout the year. You can be assured that 100 percent of the membership contributions go toward fulfilling our mission in support of the Granby Public Library. This past year, virtual programming replaced many in-house programs when the library was closed to the public. Virtual programming will continue to be important in 2021. Other items such as magazines, prize winning books, and museum passes still were purchased for the library. During these times, the Friends of Granby Public Library board would like to give a huge thank you to the library staff for continuing to provide access to the library and all the assistance provided to patrons. And a big shout out to Holly Johnson for continuing to arrange programs both in person and online for everyone to enjoy. For more information about the Friends of Granby Public Library, visit granby-ct. gov and go to the Friends page. Thank you for your support.

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

March 2021

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JANUARY 4, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING Present via Zoom: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and John D. Ward, Town Manager First Selectman Kuhnly opened the public hearing and stated that the purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment regarding the proposed sale of townowned land at 4, 11 and 15 North Granby Road and 3 East Granby Road for the intersection improvements at US 202/Route 10 at Route 10 and Route 189. Ward read the Legal Notice as published. Ward reported there were no written communications. There were no questions from the board. No other public addressed the public hearing. Kuhnly closed the Public Hearing at 6:47 p.m.

JANUARY 4, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Scott Kuhnly at 6:47 p.m. Present via Zoom: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager; and John Bell, student liaison.

Report from Long-Term Recovery Committee

David Watkins, chairman of the Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) addressed the board regarding the committee’s progress. He explained the committee established a structure-based system with 10 functions to reflect the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA) response models. These include Social Services, Communications, Residents, Health, Schools, Economic Development, Spiritual Needs, Volunteers, Unmet Needs Population and Professional Services. A survey was conducted to determine the needs of residents and the business community. Under the ten functions, three rose to a high significance: Health, Economic Development and Social Services. The survey results indicated the most significant way COVID-19 has impacted respondents was their inability to socialize with others. In addition, their concerns included contracting the disease, the impact on education, as well as putting others at risk of contracting the disease. Most respondents were very satisfied with the level and availability of medical services and also felt the business community has done a good job of maintaining services. At the time the survey was conducted, Social Services had not yet experienced a large increase of demands. It is believed that individuals and businesses sought services directly through state and/or federal programs. While data showed that 80 percent of respondents and businesses believe the level of communication from the town was satisfactory, the open-ended questions revealed social media platforms are not the preferred ways of receiving information. The respondents prefer to receive information through texts, emails and telephone calls. Since the fourth quarter of last year, the committee has been involved in meetings with the Connecticut Regional Council of Governments (CRCOG) and the Department of Emergency Management and

Homeland Security (DEMHS Region 3). In addition, the state has contracted with two vendors to develop a needs assessment. It is expected that information will be available by the end of the second quarter of 2021. FEMA and the DEMHS are looking to finalize their preferences for long-term recovery policies by the spring of 2021. Everyone agrees it is important to assess needs. Watkins noted that at this point, each of the 10 functions will break down the results from their group and provide a deeper assessment of information. The committee, along with the Town Manager and Emergency Management Director, will determine if there is a need to establish a separate annex to the town’s Emergency Management Plan. There was a brief discussion regarding the survey. Kuhnly inquired about the emergency alert system the town looked into a few years ago. Watkins noted the police department contracted with the state for a reverse 911 system. The company that ran it offered it for non-emergency alerts and Granby declined it at that time. The state no longer offers the service for non-emergencies. Residents can now sign-up for non-emergency alerts through the town website. Ohannessian inquired how many responses were received and what the committee will be doing now. It was noted a total of 565 responses to the questionnaire were received. Going forward, each of the sectors will create 8 to 10 questions to bring to the committee for discussion. Watkins explained the purpose of the committee is not how to deal with COVID-19 in particular, but how to deal with similar long-term events in the future. There was an inquiry as to the response of local businesses. At this time, the survey

addressed how residents perceived businesses were doing. Information from the businesses’ perspective will be addressed in the next survey.

Unfinished or Tabled Business

Consideration of Call for Three Board Meeting Ward reported that at last week’s Board of Finance meeting, the chairman felt that due to the size of the group, Zoom is not the best vehicle to conduct a Three Board Meeting. In addition, the BOF has already communicated their budget guidelines to the board of Selectmen and Education. As such, they felt a Three Board Meeting was not necessary at this time. Consideration of Sale of Development Rights for East Street Property The state would like to partner with the town for development rights on the East Street property. They have made an offer to purchase the rights for the town-owned property at 107 East Street for a sum of $412,500, which is one-half of the appraised development value of $825,000. The property consists of 125 acres and the state provided a map that shows two proposed agricultural easements on the property; one easement area is 70 acres and the other 55 acres. The Town would like to retain a portion for future town use, and that portion would be excluded from the easement. The Department of Agricultural has been contacted to determine if the town could retain a portion of the property and there has been no response received as of yet. The state has offered to purchase the development rights for $412,500 (50 percent of the value of $825,000). In discussions with the state, another option was presented that would require a partnership with the state along with USDA involvement. Under this option, the state would be willing to pay more. The town would have to execute an agreement with a farmer to purchase the land. A commitment to pursue this option is required by March 2021. Previous studies have been done on this property to explore opportunities for use. The results indicated residents were in favor of keeping the land open or for possible agricultural use, balancing that with the town population’s ability to use it. King inquired what needs to be done by March. Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon indicated the town needs to commit to the state. A buyer would be needed within two years and the state would assist with that. No money is required until the sale. There was discussion amongst the Selectmen, as well as questions regarding splitting the property, i.e. would the State be interested in less than the entire property, could the town still preserve a piece for its use? It was decided more information is needed. On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to table this item.

Business

Resignations and Appointments to be Considered On A Motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following reappointments: Commission on Aging: Jean A. Donihee-Perron, Katheryn M. Miller, Patricia E. Sansone Park and Recreation: Suzanne L. Yucha, Kathy D. Ungerleider Consideration of Modification to Existing Lease for 83 Salmon Brook Street At its meeting of April 20, 2020, the Board of Selectmen recommended the Town Manager modify Freshies’ lease to waive the rent for the months of April, May and June 2020 due to hardship as a result of the pandemic. It was noted only two months of the three-month waiver were used at that time. As a result of the ongoing pandemic and the resulting financial hardship, it is the administration’s recommendation that the rent be waived for the months of January and February 2021. Ballard indicated it looks like the town is playing favorites by granting this waiver. Ward responded the town has an investment in this property and does not want to see the current lessor close its business. If this isn’t done, the town will lose money. On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (4-1-0) to authorize Ward to modify the existing lease and sub-lease to waive the rent for the months of January and February 2021. Selectman Ballard voted no. Vote on Town-Owned Land On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve that portions of the properties known as 4, 11 and 15 North Granby Road and 3 East Granby Road be sold to the state subject to approval of the Board of Finance and a Town Meeting.

Town Manager Reports

Ward reported the Board of Finance appropriation for the STEAP Grant Holcomb Farm project was approved. The BOF did not approve the full amount for the brokerage services for Kearns School. They

BOS Minutes cont’d. on p. 3

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 3

BOS Minutes cont’d. from p 2 did approve $18,000 for brokerage services to get us through this fiscal year and the balance will be included in next year’s budget. The thinking was that if we were not pleased after the fifth month we would terminate. Ohannessian asked if the broker could attend a meeting in a month or so to provide an update, which would allow the board to determine if they are making progress or not. Ballard inquired if this contract is a public document and if it would be put on the website. Ward said he would have it put on the website. On A Motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m.

FEBRUARY 1, 2021 Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King (arrived 7:20 p.m.), Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager.

Unfinished or Tabled Business

Consideration of Sale of Town-Owned Land At its Dec. 7 meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved a Public Hearing on the sale of portions of four town-owned properties at 4, 11, and 15 North Granby Road and 3 East Granby Road. The Public Hearing was held on Jan. 4 and the sale was approved by the Board of Selectmen on the same date. At its Jan. 25 meeting, the Board of Finance approved the sale of portions of all four pieces of property. Normally by Charter, the next step would be approval by the attendees at a Town Meeting. However, the Governor’s Executive Order 7JJ allows for the legislative body to approve when time is of the essence. The town has been notified by the state that if approval is not immediately forthcoming, the project will be delayed. This project is designed to enhance the safety of the center roadways; thus a delay will be harmful to the safety of motorists and pedestrians. The Selectmen had some concerns of overriding the Town Meeting and had questions for Ward. Cheng indicated Ward is having trouble connecting to the internet and not available for questions at the moment. It was suggested to table this item for the time being.

Business

Resignations and Appointments to be Considered On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (4-0-0) to approve the following Republican Town Committee reappointments and new appointments. The length of the new term varies from two to four years depending upon the board or commission. Agricultural Commission: Shirley B. Murtha and Ellen L. Whitlow, whose terms will expire Jan. 13, 2025. Commission on Aging: Philip D. Main, whose term will expire Jan. 9, 2023. Development Commission: James K. Caldwell, Kenneth O. Kuhl and Robert J. Rome, whose terms will expire Jan. 9, 2023. Library Board: Judith A. Guarco, whose term will expire Jan. 8, 2024. Park and Recreation Board: Anthony McGovern replacing Peter Gunn, whose term will expire Jan. 9, 2023. Inland Wetlands Watercourse: Nicholas Dethlefsen, filling a vacancy in which the term will expire Jan. 10, 2022. Library Board: Kristal Fiorentino, filling a vacancy whose term will expire Jan. 8, 2024. Consideration of 2021 Bond Refunding Resolution Finance Officer Kimi Cheng reported that Underwriter Piper Sandler and Company approached our financial advisor, Dixworks, LLC with a proposal to refund a portion of the 2013 bond issue. The cost of issuance and underwriter’s discount are $71,971.50 and $23,647.50 respectively. The potential debt service savings to the town would be a net amount

of approximately $180,000 over the remaining terms of the bond (FY2022-33). The spread of this savings will realize a reduction of around $15,000 from next year’s Debt Service payments. On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (4-0-0) to adopt the attached resolution for appropriation of $5,600,000 to refund certain of the town’s outstanding bonds and authorizes the issuance of refunding bonds to finance such appropriations. Kuhnly asked for discussion. Ballard inquired about the total savings. Cheng noted it would be a total savings of $180,000 after the discount and the fees. Ohannessian had questions about the savings, i.e. was it front or back loaded. Ward reported it is back loaded. We have already spent the majority of the principal. Ballard asked how much of the principal would we have to pay early to achieve the same amount of savings. Neumann responded that money would have to come from the General Fund in a block that would be 11 years of bond payments in the General Fund. Ohannessian noted there could be prepayment penalties. Kuhnly asked about getting additional information. Ward noted looking into these inquiries and putting it off until the next meeting would be another two weeks and it is not within the original time frame. Neumann did not want to withdraw his motion. Based on the information presented, he feels comfortable with the refunding and obtaining $185,000 savings over the current bond payments. Ward responded if this goes to a motion and it is not going to pass, it won’t look favorable with the rating agency. He is meeting with the underwriter tomorrow and the rating agency on Wednesday. On a Motion by Neumann, seconded by Ballard, the board voted (4-0-1) to table the agenda item. King abstained. Consideration of Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Budget Amendment The town recently received notification from the state that $3,332 has been awarded to Granby for the maintenance of burial grounds and cemeteries. The funds will be used to clear weeds and bushes, trim back small trees, and mow lawn areas in Lee and Cooley Cemeteries. The work will be completed by the Department of Public Works. Per grant guidelines, this work will be done outside of the regular workday, meaning overtime charges would be occurred. Since clean-up will increase the overtime expenditure line items in the General Fund, which was not budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 adopted budget, a budget amendment is required according to the Town Charter. The grant reimbursement will increase the Miscellaneous Revenue line item by $3,332 and will increase the Payroll-Overtimes line item in both General and Equipment Maintenance and Infrastructure Maintenance Departments by $1,585 and $1,747, respectively. On A Motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (4-0-1) (abstention King) to approve increases of the following accounts in General Fund budget: miscellaneous revenue by $3,332; payroll-overtime in General and Equipment Maintenance Department by $1,585; and payrollovertime in Infrastructure Maintenance Department by $1,747; and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. Consideration of Cossitt Library PreDevelopment Studies Project Budget Amendment The town recently received a check from The Friends of F. H. Cossitt Library (FOC), for the Cossitt Library Pre-Development Studies Project. The check was given to the town to pay for the balance due to Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) beyond what the grant funds will cover. The non-grant unfunded amount for the project is $3,199.59. With approval, this donation will allow the project to be completed without any cost to the town. Since the additional amount for the project will increase an expenditure line item in the Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund, which was not

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, CT are seeking a new Executive Director due to retirement. The Director will oversee two state sponsored housing programs: a 40-unit congregate housing facility and 70 units of independent living. Applicants should have experience in and a strong commitment to affordable public housing for the elderly and disabled. The small office and staff require a leader with diverse skills and an enthusiasm for the mission and vision of the larger community. Excellent working environments exist with staff and commissioners. Salary is commensurate with experience. Application letters and resumé should be mailed to:

The Simsbury Housing Authority 1600 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 Attention: SHA Search Committee

Enjoying winter in Granby

Granby snowshoers enjoying a February outing in the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Granby Land Trust, McLean Game Refuge and Holcomb Farm properties have been terrific this year. Photo by Don Shaw, Jr. budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 adopted budget, a budget amendment is required. The FOC donation check will increase the Miscellaneous Revenue line item in Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund by $3,199.59 and will increase Cossitt Library PreDevelopment Studies Project Expenditure line item in Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund by the same amount of $3,199.59 On A Motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve increases of Miscellaneous Revenue and Cossitt Library Pre-Development Studies project line items in Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund budget by $3,199.59 and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. Consideration of Additional Appropriation to Farmington Valley Health District Farmington Valley Health District is requesting from its member towns additional support for the Health District because of COVID-19. They are looking for additional funding for hiring temporary part-time staff (28 weeks) to conduct contact tracing and support vaccination, and to purchase supplies and equipment that are required for contact tracing and vaccination. Ward is requesting an appropriation from the General Fund balance in the amount of $13,578 to fund the support. Ballard asked if they are breaking new ground with this request. How do we know they won’t come back for more? Kuhnly commented the FVHD has never asked for money before. Ohannessian indicated that if we get federal COVID funds that would in a sense off-set this. He is for going ahead with this request. Ward responded there hasn’t been any funding request he knows about in the past. He doesn’t expect they will come back. This is strictly voluntary. On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize an additional appropriation of $13,578 from the General Fund balance to fund the additional funding request from Farmington Valley Health District and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve. Consideration of the Sale of Town-Owned Land

Why We Should Be Your

Discussion resumed from earlier in the meeting, as Ward has joined the meeting. Normally there would be a Town Meeting, however Governors Executive Order 7JJ allows for the legislative body to approve when time is of the essence. The Town has been notified that if approval is not immediately forthcoming, the project will be delayed. The proposed start date for construction is April. There was discussion amongst the Selectmen in regards to bypassing the Town Meeting. Having a Town Meeting would be very cumbersome to say the least, with the amount of people logging into Zoom as well as all the boards. Kuhnly indicated he is comfortable with this sale. We have followed the process up to now and there has been no written communication about this. King agrees, there has been no controversy. Neumann agrees, we have not heard from any property owners. Town people would enjoy the redesign. Ballard agrees, take advantage of this opportunity. Ohannessian indicated the state wants it now. He doesn’t like jumping over the Charter. There has been no controversy so we have the authority and it is good for the Town. He is in favor. On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (4-1-0) (Ballard voted no) to find the following: That there is a need to act immediately and during the period of the declared public health and civil preparedness emergency, in order to avoid endangering public health and welfare or prevent significant financial loss, And that such action is otherwise necessary for the protection of persons and property within the municipality. On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize the sale of a portion of the properties at 4, 11, and 15 North Granby Road and 3 East Granby Road to the Department of Transportation for $27,700 and authorizes Town Administrator to sign all necessary document(s).

Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward Town Manager

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Not all heroes wear capes. Granby Community Fund is very aware that community agencies, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the Granby community during this time. The Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen is one such non-profit group. WNWN Community Kitchen provides a weekly nutritious meal to its drive-in

Drumrolls Ashlie Novak, of North Granby, was named to Springfield College dean’s list for the fall semester. Sophia Speliopoulos, of Granby, earned dean’s list honors at Roger Williams University for the fall semester. Maddee McGee, of Granby, a physical education major at Eastern Connecticut State University, was named on the dean’s list for the fall semester. Heather Salter, of Granby, has been named to the University of Delaware dean’s list for the fall semester. Emily Brewer, of North Granby, a senior majoring in creative writing, and Alana King, of Granby, a first-year student, were named to the dean’s list at Hamilton College for the fall semester. Russell Stone, of Granby, was named to the American International College dean’s list for the fall semester. Lindsay Gilton, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Connecticut College for the fall semester. Jake B. Barrows, of Granby, and Kyle Brandon Desjardins, of North Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the fall semester. Jessica Marie Gerace, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Hartwick College for the fall semester. Claire E. Newhall, a fine arts major from East Granby, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Saint Anselm College. Megan Trask, of Granby, received the 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager Award. The following students were named to the dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College for the fall semester: Sydney Longley, of East Granby; Matthew Heller, of Granby; Hanna Mulhair, of West Hartland.

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.

Letters to the Editor Kudos for Community Kitchen

participants but it is much more than that. Those who come by on a weekly basis find new friends, an attentive listener, or someone who might know which agencies can help them in their time of need. Recently, a person who had lost their home was in need of shelter. They were referred to local agencies who could assist with their concerns, such as Granby Social Services and Granby Food Bank. Since reaching out and speaking with the staff at WNWN Community Kitchen, this person has found housing, and their pantry was filled with the help of the Granby Food Bank. The Community Kitchen has run on a very small budget based on donations and their annual fundraiser that has been cancelled for the second year due to the pandemic. They were previously providing 150 meals or more before the pandemic. Now, over 350 meals are distributed weekly as takeout meals, in addition to a bag of groceries for participants. WNWN Community Kitchen’s many community partners have stepped up to meet the need of the food insecure. Foodshare, local restaurants and grocery stores have significantly increased their donations to to help meet this more-thandoubled demand for food.

The Granby Community Fund offers grants to agencies such as WNWN Community Kitchen and Granby Social Services for their continued work in caring for the Granby community. Barbara Bosso

Reallocate subsidies Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal should support reallocating the billions of dollars a year in subsidies the federal government gives to animalexploitation industries to cultured-meat research. For readers who aren’t familiar with the term, cultured meat is grown from cells, without killing. It is better for animal welfare, public health and the environment than slaughtered meat. Since nonhumans are removed from production, cultured meat is a compassionate choice that eliminates the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases. It requires a fraction of the land, fresh water, and greenhouse-gas emissions that slaughtered flesh does. Congress should support development of this new protein, instead of propping up animalexploitation industries. Jon Hochschartner

The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2021 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Mindy Borrego, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski,

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Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date and time, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed. Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Mondays, March 1 and 15

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 9 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 16

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Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 10

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

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Town Hall Talk cont’d. from p. 1

Opinion

Depraved Indifference By Susan Patricelli Regan The depraved indifference law and legal definition (USLegal, Inc., definitions.uslegal.com/d/depravedindifference) is: “To constitute depraved indifference, the defendant’s conduct must be so wanton, so deficient in a moral sense of concern, so lacking in regard for the life or lives of others, and so blameworthy as to warrant the same criminal liability as that which the law imposes upon a person who intentionally causes a crime.” We might normally attribute this description to an intentional corporal action by a person or group of individuals. However, it could also be interpreted as rhetorical demand, order or incitement that could cause harm both physically, financially or without regard to incurring collateral “quality of life” damage. It can also mean simple wanton disregard for protecting from or preventing harm. Could we identify examples of this during the past year, particularly with the COVID-19 challenges nationally and globally? Certainly! We could find fault, not limited to certain political parties or cultural segments or even historical events. However, the purpose of this article is to focus on local and statewide economic status for residents in both the public and private sectors. Let’s consider the 2022 elections first by the best candidates by virtue of their previous political or public contributions but also by deliberating on candidates’ platform

issues that have been or are detrimental to Connecticut’s future. What have been the serious errors in omissions or commissions that we want to avoid? There is a learning curve to be noted—doing the same old, same old and expecting a different outcome is not common sense. A party supporting the candidate in their roster who can self-fund “because it saves some work” for fundraising, is not the wisest choice. Remember, it is you, the voter, who determines your and your family’s future success. Speaking of voters, those of you registered as unaffiliated cannot currently vote in the 2022 gubernatorial primary. You can make a significant difference by registering with a specific party. You can reverse your action post primary should you choose. The unaffiliated segment has an ever-waxing population. Those of you who are not yet registered voters, this is a chance to make a difference. Do not stand by with depraved indifference, as your future can be in your hands as you head to the voting booth. Susan Patricelli Regan is the host of CT Valley Views, and founder of the Sylvia Davis Fine Arts Scholarship. Editor’s Note: Of Granby’s 8,325 registered voters, the largest bloc is Unaffiliated with 3,189 voters; on Nov. 3, 86 percent voted. Republicans have 2,512 registered voters; 90 percent voted on Nov. 3. Democrats have 2,473 voters; 92 percent voted on Nov. 3. Many thanks to Granby’s Registrars for providing this information.

Vote will be April 26 unless Executive Orders forego that, as done last year. State plans to start work in April on the town center intersections. The town is preparing for the start of the long-planned widening of state roads around the town center. Routes 20, 189 and 10/202 may be impacted for two construction seasons (18 months), while roads are re-aligned and turning lanes added. The state is reimbursing Granby $27,700 for four slices of roadside land needed for the project, after approval by Planning and Zoning and the Boards of Finance and Selectmen. Watch for construction signs, soon. The former Kearns School marketing efforts presented. Mike Goman, the broker retained by the town to help find a buyer for the property, explained to the Selectmen his efforts over his first

six weeks on the job. His three-pronged approach has included reaching out to about 2,800 real estate professionals and developers in the region, providing detailed information to about 30 firms identified as having the capacity and funding for a project like this, and working the phones with any contacts who express interest. Market conditions are weak in office, hotel and retail space in particular, but logistics/warehousing and apartment sectors are more active and capital is available for qualified opportunities. He anticipates a 90- to 120-day review of progress and then a discussion of alternatives based on market feedback and conditions. Be safe and well, and enjoy winter while it lasts. Change is inevitable. Spring awaits! Jim Lofink

Opinion

Wear red on Equal Pay Day By Karen K. Needham Recognize Equal Pay Day and wear red on March 24 to symbolize how far women are “in the red” with their paycheck. This is the point in the new year to which a woman must work to earn the wages paid to a man in the previous year. Women across the United States will join in a national day of action called Equal Pay Day. In 2019, median annual earnings in the U.S. for men working full time was $57,456, compared to just $47,299 for women, according to the most recent census data. That means women working full time in the U.S. are paid 82 cents to every dollar earned by men. Congress must act by passing legislation that will enable all women to take home a fair paycheck.

• The Paycheck Fairness Act would protect workers by updating and strengthening the Equal Pay Act of 1963. • The Pay Equity for All Act would prohibit employers from using salary history to set pay. • The Fair Pay Act would require employers to provide equal pay for work of equivalent value. John Larson is the U.S. Representative for the 1st District, serving Granby and surrounding towns. The wage gap in 2019 in the 1st District was 86.2 percent—women’s earnings of $55,401 were only 86.2 percent of men’s earnings of $64,239. Tell Rep. Larson that you want women to receive fair pay and ask his support for legislation to close that gap.

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Page 6 The Granby Drummer

March 2021

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES JANUARY 6, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery (via Zoom), Mark Fiorentino, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber and Brandon Webster, Superintendent Jordan Grossman and Student Representatives Jack DeGray and Jacob Scotto. Absent: Melissa Migliaccio Thrall, as new Chair, re-assigned board members to subcommittees. Weber was named Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee, Migliaccio will join the Finance Subcommittee and Peling will move to the Curriculum Subcommittee.

Superintendent’s Announcements

Grossman said that when he came on board a year ago, he gave the board a card and a M&M candy stating it would be a “Magical and Memorable” year, which it certainly was. This year, he gave the board a 100 Grand Bar candy bar and thanked board members for their hard work over the past year. The recent PJ Day fundraiser was incredible. Approximately $4,000 was raised, and Wells Road collected 157 pairs of pajamas for children in need.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Jennifer Parsons also informed the board about the Waking Up White virtual discussion and stated the event is open to the public and there are still a few seats left. She also updated on COVID; students and teachers are happy to be back. The district is upholding the 14-day quarantine in the school-base setting. There were some cases coming off of the break. Families are using the screening tool and keeping students at home when necessary. A daily assessment of schools is used to determine if there is a need to change models. Two questions asked: 1) Is there enough staff to safely open schools? 2) Are the cases of COVID-19 impacting schools?

Business Manager’s Report

Anna Robbins presented the November statement of accounts that reflects the cost of reopening schools during the current pandemic. The forecast also projects the receipt of the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund as well as the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The general fund forecast is negative $180K. Special education is over $205K and regular education is better than budgeted by $25K. Administration is working closely with food service vendor Fresh Picks Café, to manage the service during the pandemic. The program is projected to run at a loss this year because of implementation of additional health and safety measures. The balance of the Q&D Fund is forecast to be over budgeted by $49K, and expenses are projected

to be $115K lower due to pandemic restrictions, such as summer school, afterschool activities and a PreK enrollment reduction. Revenue to the town is unfavorable by $67K. Over $750K was spent during this budget year for unbudgeted items related to COVID. Thanks to Robbins and Grossman in securing grants, the district has offset the COVID expenses in the general fund. The overage is all due to special education expenses.

Old Business

High School Building Committee Update Robbins provided a High School Building Committee update. Architects and town and school administrators have met on a regular basis. The middle school roof is close to completion. The design process for the high school stairwell and science classrooms is complete and work tentatively scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2021. This month, the cafeteria, music space and technology education space are the focus. The grant will be submitted in June 2021 for these projects. The high school roof replacement will begin in November 2021 with actual replacement tentatively scheduled for summer 2022. Food Service Program Update Grossman and Robbins discussed an opportunity to expand the Food Service Program to the East Granby public schools. East Granby does not have a food service program at this time. Grossman pointed out that one of the board’s goals is to form cooperative relationships with other towns. The timing is appropriate because all breakfasts and lunches are free for the remainder of the school year. The district will get reimbursed for every meal. He said that this has tremendous support from Fresh Picks and can be accomplished with current staffing. He has asked our attorneys to draft a Memorandum of Understanding, which is in the final stages and he is still in conversations with East Granby. If Granby needs to pull out due to financial risk, this will be delineated in the MOU and East Granby has also agreed to this. Lunches would be made and delivered to East Granby. Piloting this program is a win/win for both towns and it doesn’t lock the Granby Public Schools into the 202122 school year to provide lunches. Collaborating with other districts is something the BOE has been looking at for several years. Emery commented that the lunch program is volume-driven and it works only if enough students buy lunch. She is hopeful it will prove to be viable even beyond the national program.

New Business

FY22 Plus One Budget Grossman presented the FY22 Plus One Budget and stated this is not the final budget and the current number may not be the number presented on March 3. He would like board members to send any questions to him, Robbins and Powell by Jan. 13. He explained how the Plus One Budget is composed of small capital, large capital and new personnel and program items. Grossman reviewed the new board goals used to develop the budget. The Board of Finance unapproved budget guideline is 1.5 percent. The budget is currently at 3.71 percent without OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) and 4.5 percent with OPEB. He described a standing-still number that adds nothing new. It includes salaries, transportation, health and benefits, fuel and contracted services. With just those items, there would be an increase of 2.24 percent and when Q & D and special education are added, the increase would be 3.24 percent. Additionally, he explained there are pandemic-related expenses that are not included in this budget—$60K for additional cleaning supplies and $285,250 for additional custodial staff. Peling inquired if there is an obligation on OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) that if the town doesn’t pay now, we will pay later. Grossman said, yes, that is correct. Peling also inquired “exactly what is OPEB.” Robbins explained that OPEB is a requirement to provide ongoing health insurance for our retirees. They do pay into the fund, however, there is a cost. OPEB ensures the town does not run out of money. Webster inquired if the OPEB cost can be deferred. Robbins responded she would need to refer to the BOF and town for an answer. Fiorentino added that there is some flexibility in funding it and that it was advisable for Grossman to call it out separately as the BOE works with the BOF and BOS.

JANUARY 20, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling (via Zoom), Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Brandon Webster (via Zoom), Superintendent Jordan Grossman. Absent: Student Representatives Jack DeGray and Jacob Scotto

Superintendent’s Announcements

Grossman noted that over 100 people joined the virtual conversation for Waking Up White last week

and thanked Webster and Fiorentino for working with Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Parsons to make the event happen. Congratulations to Lily Vincento, Grade 6 second place recipient, and to Sierra Ashe, Grade 8 third place recipient, in the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest. Congratulations to Jody Bascetta and Gina Magennis who will retire at the end of this school year. Mrs. Bascetta has also announced that she will be retiring from coaching field hockey as well. The high school was recently awarded the Michaels Cup for athletics. Grossman stated Brian Maltese will explain exactly what the reward is and stated it is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a school district. Conversations are continuing with East Granby Public Schools regarding collaboration on our food service program. There is a potential start date of Feb. 1. Schools in the Spotlight Kelly Lane Primary School teachers Lindsay Sessions (Grade 1) and Ingrid Budlong (Grade 2), presented Writing Instruction in the Primary Grades, sharing how students are empowering their learning through the writing process by using rubrics, mentor examples and goal setting to develop a final piece of writing. Kelly Lane teachers are working with Teachers College in New York using different resources for our students. She stated the art of writing is complex and the art of teaching writing more so. First grade and second grade students were introduced, and a video shared their writing and showed how students take ownership of their writing with various tools, such as goal setting, editing checklists, transition words, etc.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Parsons provided COVID updates, saying a slight uptick in positive cases over the holidays had very minimal impact at the schools. She reiterated if anyone in your home is testing or quarantining, all members of the household should stay home. School nurses have been vaccinated and Granby Public Schools is prepared to upload a list of employees for the vaccine when the Governor’s Order and State Department of Health determines it is time to do so. In other news, she stated a meeting was held today for the vision of the graduate and the committee is working to determine

BOE Minutes cont’d. on p. 7

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March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Youth Service Bureau

by AnneMarie Cox

Help Wanted

Are you, or do you know, a high school student with access to after-school transportation who might like to pick up some extra cash next winter? The Youth Service Bureau connected some area senior citizens with a high school student who shovels their decks and sidewalks after significant storms. She is a senior who will be away at college next winter. The YSB is looking for one or two high school students interested in helping these folks with snow clearing next year. This is not shoveling entire driveways—it is clearing sidewalks, decks, or around a car after the

driveway is plowed. If interested, please call the Youth Service Bureau. Parental permission is needed. 860-844-5355.

Please share your opinion

Do you live or work in Granby? If so, the Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau would like to know your thoughts regarding our town’s substance abuse prevention and mental health help needs. The YSB hopes to make programming and support services even better by tailoring them to meet the needs identified by the community. Please consider taking a few moments and completing the needs survey found at tinyurl.com/Granbyysb

BOE Minutes cont’d. from p. 6 what the essential skills our students need in order to graduate. Skills will be broken down into sub-skills and statements as to what it looks like for students to be effective collaborators in second grade, fifth grade, eighth grade, twelfth grade and when connecting to capstone projects. Parsons also met with Taylor Wrye, GMMS principal, regarding the schedule. The biggest impact will be on world language and math. Wrye will attend a subcommittee meeting in the near future to discuss this.

Business Manager’s Report

Anna Robbins, business manager, presented the December statement of accounts and stated it continues to reflect the costs of reopening schools during the pandemic. After receipt of the grant funds, the general forecast is negative $62K, which is better than the previous month by $118. Special education is over-budget $121K which is also better than the previous month by $84K. Regular education has a positive forecast of $59K and is better by the previous month by $34K. Expenses are expected to be $118K lower than budgeted and revenues are projected to be $66K lower than budgeted due to the change of activities related to the pandemic. Revenue to the town is unfavorable $97K. Although special education revenue from other towns has a positive forecast, all other line items are unfavorable at this time.

Old Business

Athletic Update Brian Maltese, athletic director, shared an update on the fall and upcoming winter sports seasons. He reviewed the fall successes. The cross country teams did extremely well with the girls’ team placing fourth overall and the boys’ team placing second; volleyball won the regional regular season and the regional tournament.; boys’ soccer won the regional tournament and girls’ soccer won the regular season regional championship and the regional tournament and finished the season with a perfect record 13-0; field hockey had a great season – and advanced to the finals of their regional tournament with an overall record of 11-3. Cheerleading stepped up when needed most for teams and attended many of the soccer and field hockey games. The football team did not play in the fall and were hopeful for a winter season or an alternative season; however, the CIAC decided that football was a high-risk sport and would not be played this school year. Maltese informed the board that livestreaming home events were a great thing to come out of COVID. The goal this winter is to continue during basketball season and perhaps ice hockey. Granby is working with other schools in our league to offer these options and will communicate with parents to see if a parent(s) or students would attend and live-stream away games. Maltese stated winter sports have officially started

CTVV Interviews Granby Schools’ Superintendent Based on the fact that the education department of any town or city makes up a majority of that municipality’s annual budget, it is important to be educated on its status, both fiscally and operationally. This has been particularly true with the challenges of COVID-19 while educating our youth and maintaining safety for parents, students, teachers, institutional staff and external support such as transportation service workers. Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CT Valley Views, recently interviewed Dr. Jordan Grossman, Superintendent of Public Schools in Granby, who provided a comprehensive overview of all aspects relative to the above subjects. Whether

residents have children in Granby schools or not, it is important to watch this program as it relates to the current and economic picture for Granby and its tax paying citizens. Granby has, over the past several years, delivered admirably relevant to the ROI (return on investment) in the success of students academically versus cost per child. To keep up with the latest updates on all subjects relating to Granby’s public education schools see granby.k12.ct.us/ See this valuable segment and all of CTVV’s shows at ctvalleyviews. com and contact the host at ctvalleyviews@cox.net with any questions or comments.

with the primary focus on health and safety. The first games will be played the week of Feb. 7. One change from the fall season is that students are now required to wear face masks at all times during practices and games. Mask breaks are built in. Equipment is sanitized after each use. Each level—Freshman, JV, Varsity—of teams will have their own bus to and from events. He said wrestlers are allowed to condition and do skill-specific, non-contact drills; however, there will be no competitions. Cheerleading is permitted to do sideline cheers only. The start date for spring sports is March 29. Maltese proudly announced that GMHS received the CIAC Michaels Cup Award. This award recognizes exemplary athletic programs for their willingness to subscribe to the Class Act Sportsmanship standards, empowering students to take an active role in their school climate and their continued support for community service. GMHS will be formally recognized during the CIAC’s virtual Sportsmanship Conference on Feb. 10. FY22 Plus One Budget The board continued to discuss and consider the

approval of the FY22 Plus One Budget. Grossman reminded the board and community that the Plus One Budget is just a snapshot of today. He reviewed the current budget increases at 3.71 percent without OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) or 4.5 percent with the OPEB contribution. If all current expenses were rolled over to next year, it is a 2.24 percent increase and adding in the special education increase it comes to 3.24 percent. There were a few questions about enrollment increases and class sizes. Grossman confirmed that enrollment will increase over the next five years. Migliaccio felt it was important to note that $1M was returned to the town last year and inquired if we ever calculated what the budget increase was after that fact. Grossman stated he would get that number. A motion was made by Fiorentino, and seconded by Emery, that the Granby Board of Education approve the FY22 Plus One Budget to be forwarded to the Board of Finance. This motion passed unanimously at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber Board Secretary

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

Focus on Education Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D

A school community to be proud of February was an exciting month for the Granby Public Schools! I cannot believe that half of the school year is complete. Our students and staff are excelling in all areas of our incredible school district. Below you will find specific highlights that happened in our district during January and February: • Granby Memorial High School (GMHS) was one of 16 Connecticut high schools honored by the CIAC with the Michaels Achievement Cup Award. This award recognizes exemplary athletic programs that follow Class Act Sportsmanship Standards, empower students to take an active role in improving climate and foster community service. GMHS was formally recognized during the CIAC’s Virtual Sportsmanship Conference on Feb. 10. • Granby Memorial Middle School (GMMS) students, Lily Vincento and Sierra Ashe, were recognized for their impressive writing in the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest. • All schools participated in activities honoring Black History Month. • Congratulations to Mason Nagy, GMMS’s 2020-21 Geography Bee Champion. Also, congratulations to Becket Malone for placing second. • Kindergarten registration began on Feb. 1. • A virtual 8th grade Parents’ Night was held on Feb. 4. • State Legislators met with the Board of Education to talk about the current state of the district and the upcoming legislative session. • A Superintendent’s Community Conversation was held on Feb. 24 to discuss the budget and issues relating to education. • A very successful PJ Day Fundraiser was held and over $4,000 was raised for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

• Kelly Lane Primary School and Wells Road Intermediate School students kicked off the Kids Heart Challenge, which runs Feb. 1 through March 12. There is so much for the Granby community to be proud of – we are fortunate to have talented, creative and enthusiastic students led by a dedicated team of staff members. The level of commitment our Board of Education and town provides the school district on a daily basis is integral to our success. Granby Public Schools is a “community” school district that always strives for everyone to be a part. I urge you to visit the district’s website (granbyschools. org), which is a wonderful way for you to discover what is happening in our schools. Below you will find a list of the exciting March happenings that may be of interest to the community at large: • March 3: Board of Education Meeting and Administrative Budget Presentation, 7 p.m., High School Auditorium/ Zoom • March 10: Board of Education Budget Workshop, Time and Place TBD • March 17: BOE Vote on the FY22 Budget, Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., High School Auditorium/Zoom The next Superintendent’s Community Conversation will be held on Wednesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. via Zoom. The focus will be on the Superintendent’s proposed budget. This will also be a time when community members can ask any questions they may have regarding our schools. I want to thank the entire Granby community for supporting our work in making Granby Public Schools one of the best school districts in the state. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 860-844-5260 and follow me on Twitter@GranbySuper

March 2021

CSAG announces scholarships The Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) offers annual scholarships to graduating Granby Memorial High School seniors. Applicants must be Granby residents who are soon-to-be graduates that have been accepted at an institution of higher learning approved by the selection committee. The largest scholarship, the David A. Schupp, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, will be awarded to a student pursuing a STEM major. The primary basis for selection is scholarship, with consideration given to need, initiative, character and responsibility. CSAG has been performing this service since the first graduating class of Granby Memorial High School. To date, CSAG manages contributions of all kinds, but particularly funds from a Holcomb family endowment and annual fundraising in conjunction with the Granby Road

Race. CSAG has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to nearly 400 students, making a significant impact on their young lives. With the always rising costs of a college education, CSAG asks former scholarship recipients, as well as the Granby community, to consider making tax-deductible contributions to CSAG so that the organization can award more scholarships and provide more substantial awards. Contributions should be made out to CSAG and mailed to Steve Schock, Treasurer, 19 Moosehorn Road, West Granby, CT 06090. Scholarship applications are available online through Naviance, at the College and Career Center or through your guidance counselor. Completed applications should be submitted to Mrs. Caruso in the GMHS counseling office on or before May 1.

Joanna Jerin 1946-2021 On Jan. 26, Joanna Jerin, loving wife, mom, friend, and Mimi left this life at the age of 74. Joanna was born on Nov. 4, 1946, to Lawrence and Jennie (Comparone) Schermerhorn in Bristol. Joanna worked primarily as an administrator in various medical practices for nearly 20 years before accepting a role in the Granby public school system, where her welcoming smile and humor became a fixture to students and teachers alike. Joanna spent her free time working in her gardens, on countless home renovations with her husband of over 40 years, William Jerin, Jr., and on raising her sons David Corey of Torrington, and Christopher Jerin of Granby, to whom she read every night, spent hours on school projects, and cheered for at every sporting event. She also leaves a beloved daughter-in-law, Kerry Jerin, with whom she formed an everlasting bond, and a treasured granddaughter, Nora Jerin, who brought a shining light into her life when it was most necessary. She was predeceased by her younger sister, Laurene (Schermerhorn) Nuzzo. Joanna always gave to others exactly what they most needed, be that a smile, a laugh, a hug, or a shared tear—often all at once. She leaves a legacy of empathy, kindness and emotional connection that

will continue in the hearts of her family and friends. Joanna was a lifelong lover of animals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either in her or her beloved dog Cooper’s name to the local animal rescue organization of your choosing.

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The American Legion and Shannon-Shattuck Post 182—a shared mission By Curt Johnson Whether family members, relatives, friends or neighbors, most of us know someone who wore or continues to proudly wear the uniform of one of the five military branches—six with Space Force, of the U.S. Armed Forces. Spanning the decades, men and women have heroically and honorably served our country, with too many sadly encountering casualties leading to disability, or loss of life—the highest sacrifice of all. Gratefully, individuals and organizations step up to support our veterans; The American Legion is one such organization. Chartered by Congress in 1919, it was formed as a non-partisan, nonprofit entity. A “patriotic veteran’s organization” with focus on “service to veterans, service members and communities.” The American Legion emblem and meaning of each of the six rings is noteworthy. Membership of The American Legion now stands upwards of two million men and women operating through approximately 13,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. A Devotion to service members and veterans, Honor, strong National Security and Patriotism are its enduring values. Throughout the extensive network of active American Legion Posts, volunteerism is a core element. Assistance is offered to veterans, their families, children, and youth. Projects and programs, with a spotlight on the wider community, are also considered for funding and/or manual labor support. Through collaboration, The American Legion has achieved many important mission objectives such as: • Partnered with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to “care for Gold Star families” and sustain “support for families of America’s fallen heroes.” • Established the national Oratorical Contest for high school youth that dates back to 1938, and affords youth the challenge to build leadership, and establish clear communications. • Broadened the database for Sites of Re-

membrance in honor and remembrance of U.S. conflicts and those who fought in them, as well as their families. • Two notable legislative achievements of The American Legion were signing into law of the GI Bill of Rights of 1944 and the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. In keeping with the non-partisan spirit of The American Legion, The ShannonShattuck Post #182, Incorporated was registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State in 1949. Post 182 is composed of men and women representing the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and possibly someday Space Force. Notably, Post 182 remains a “dry post,” shared only by a small number of American Legion Posts throughout the United States. In step with the patriotic leadership of Adjutant James O. Hall, Veteran, U.S. Naval Construction Battalion/Navy Seabees, and Commander Kenneth Rafoss, Veteran, U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Post 182 members continue to honor their core values. They have steadfastly volunteered within the Granby community to ensure a successful Memorial Day Parade, Veterans Day and 9/11 Remembrances. Members have loyally placed flags at the graves of our veterans and maintained local veteran memorials. Post 182 has also offered high school scholarship funds, funding support for scouting programs and the Marquis of Granby Ancient Junior Fyfe and Drum Corps. Decorating the tree on the Granby Town Green is a long-standing holiday event of Post 182. Members of Post 182 have also volunteered individual specialty trade skills

and funds to help veterans, non-veterans and their families experiencing hardship within Granby and the region. Moving forward, Post 182 would like to accomplish and sustain the following three core objectives: • Continue community outreach and offer higher education scholarships to eligible GMHS seniors. • Maintain adequate funding for veterans, non-veterans and their families experiencing hardship. • Preserve the Veteran Memorials and also Post 182, a museum of Granby’s military history and relics. Quoting some of the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion— “We associate ourselves together for the following purposes”: “To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United

States of America”, “to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community” and “to promote peace and good will on earth.” Post 182 has always relied on fundraising events and donations from individuals and the business community. With the pandemic shuttering public fundraising events in 2020 and beyond, Post 182 is seeking assistance to reinforce its efforts to carry on with its mission. Please make checks payable to The Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 Incorporated, and mail directly to: P.O. Box 182, Granby, CT 06035. Your willingness to support Post 182 (a non-profit organization) and its 71 years of service will be valued. Post 182 encourages veterans to join its membership ranks.

And then there were three

Bruno Brown in the 1955 Granby Memorial Day parade, seated and wearing his SpanishAmerican War uniform. Jeep driver is Pete Peterson. Also in picture are Don Beckwith and Paul Hearns. Photo courtesy of James Hall, American Legion Post 182.

By Todd Vibert Last month I discussed two native Granby residents, Harry Wilcox and William Case as having served in the Spanish-American War in 1898. They

were born in Granby, but lived outside of Granby after the war. Bruno Brown lived in Granby after the Spanish American War, but was not originally a Granby native. Brown was born in Germany and moved to the Three cont’d. on p. 10

H onor in g Me mo ri es & M ak ing Way for the Fu ture P art On e - I tems of Valu e Clearing out? Our next four articles provide a breakdown of steps we’ve found helpful: Items of Value, Re-sell, Donate and Recycle/Dispose. After gifting items according to your loved one’s wishes, focus on items of value for family and friends. We find it helpful to: Pull everything out of cupboards/closets to display. Give each person their own colored sticker to identify things that are meaningful to them. (If 2 or more people want the same thing, figure out how you’ll ensure fairness.) ·Set a timeframe (maybe a week or two) and begin the process with the opportunity to select items given to the children of the loved one first. Groups to follow could be grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Deliver items to their new owners before allowing the next group to select items. Allow extra time to explore memories as part of the grieving process. Take lots of deep breaths and make space for laughter and tears. You can count on:

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

This is just the beginning, so stay tuned! In the meantime, if you have other real estate needs, give us a call. We have lots of experience and are happy to answer questions or help you put a plan together. Robin, Melanie, Cyndie, Jill and Roland

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Page 10 The Granby Drummer

Granby Community Garden is looking for gardeners

Spring is coming, and with it all the joys of gardening. If you love to garden, but don’t have a sunny garden spot, the Granby Community Garden might be just the place for you. Our gardeners, from beginners to seasoned veterans, grow a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. You will find a friendly community of growers who share their enjoyment of gardening with each other as well as ideas and growing methods. Each year we try to improve our garden. Last Fall we started a No-Till garden experiment to see how it works

and what we can incorporate in our own gardens. We will be watching to see how the plot evolves. If you like gardening and enjoy sharing this joy with others, consider applying for a 20’ x 20’ plot at the Granby Community Garden, located on Hungary Road. You may even wish to consider sharing a plot with a friend. To learn more and to fill out an application, visit PlanetEandMe.com/ granby-community-garden We look forward to meeting you!

Three

cont’d. from p. 9 United States in 1881. For the duration of the war, Brown served in the Army coastal artillery forces at Fort Williams, Maine. One of his duties included looking for the Spanish Navy coming up the Maine coast. After the war, he married Annie Gertrude and had two children. His first born, Bert, was born in Portland, Maine and his second was Margie, born in Warren, Ohio. In 1919 Brown moved to Granby and in 1941 became a citizen of the United States. According to his immigration

papers, he lived in North Granby and was a farmer residing in a small cabin on Silver Street. Shown in the photograph, Brown served as the Honorary Marshal in the 1955 Granby Memorial Day Parade. Bruno Brown died at the Rocky Hill Veteran’s hospital three days before his 83rd birthday. He is buried in the Granby Cemetery with a military tombstone. Want to learn more about Bruno Brown or about Granby history? Join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713 or visiting salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

March 2021

Land Trust and library host conservation author in virtual discussion The Granby Land Trust and Granby Public Library will host best-selling author Douglas W. Tallamy on Monday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m., for a virtual discussion of his book, Nature’s Best Hope. Tallamy’s first book, Bringing Nature Home, awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. Nature’s Best Hope shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard. Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 80 research articles and has taught Insect Taxonomy, Behavioral Ecology, Humans and Nature, and other courses for 32 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. Here’s what the experts have to say about Doug Tallamy and Nature’s Best Hope:

“Doug Tallamy lays out all you need to know to participate in one of the great conservation projects of our time. Read it and get started!”—Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sixth Extinction “Your yard can provide the margin to keep species alive. Mow less, think more.”—Bill McKibben, author of Falter If you are concerned about doing something good for the environment, Nature’s Best Hope is the blueprint you need. By acting now, you can help preserve our precious wildlife—and the planet—for future generations. To register for this virtual event, go to the Granby Public Library website or call the library at 860-653-5275.

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Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Daphne Shinder, Recreation Supervisor Terri Ziemnicki, Program Supervisor Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com is accessible 24/7 for program information and registration For all programs held indoors, face masks will be worn and social distancing will be in place.

Children’s Programs

Salmon Brook Park Day Camp and Mission Adventure: A summer day camp program for ages 6–14, committed to serving your child’s needs. This traditional day camp fills each day with active games, special events, sports, arts and crafts, teamwork, group interaction and the wonders of nature. Salmon Brook Park has a playground, soccer fields, baseball fields, outdoor basketball hoops and picnic pavilions, and tennis courts. Your child will have the opportunity to swim in Salmon Brook Park Pond, plus participate in exciting special events, and see spectacular entertainers. Children are grouped by age/grade and all activities are ageappropriate. Register by May 1 and save $10/child/week. Many new summer programs have been added, so visit the website for a complete listing, with more to come. Kids Craft Series, Sew Your Own Pillow Case: Saturday, March 13, 2–4 p.m. Kids in grades 5–12 learn how easy it is to sew 5 xyour 3 own pillow case using your sewing machine. Fabric will be provided. We’ll outline and go through the assembly process step-by-step and then sew. This is a great project to make for others too. Bring your sewing machine ready with white bobbin,

thread and regular needle. Held at the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Fee: $25pp.

Adult Programs

Craft Class Series, Sunflower Wreath: Saturday, March 6, 2–4 p.m. Get into the “zing” of spring by creating this beautiful eye-catching sunflower wreath. Using colored burlap and a wire form you will fold and secure the petals to make a picture perfect flower that never requires watering. All supplies will be provided—you just bring your sunny self. Wreath is approximately 20” wide. Held at the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Fee: $45pp. Yoga with Rachel Little: Drop In on Saturdays, 10–11 a.m., and on Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. A yoga practice in the park appropriate for all levels of experience. A yoga experience incorporating breath, balance, flexibility, focus and fun. Rachel will lead the group through movements and yoga postures both standing and down on the mat that build strength, balance and mobility while encouraging relaxation and release. Bring a yoga mat, blanket/towel and water. Optional items: yoga blocks and strap. All fitness levels welcome. Come be a part of this fun class and great workout. Due to state health guidelines during the pandemic, the class limit is 10 people and social distancing will be in place. Held at the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Fee: $15pp per class. Yoga for Strength with Laura Fetzer-Seger: Drop in on Mondays 8–9 a.m. 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

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

the mindfulness of breath awareness. A complete practice for sure. Modifications always offered. Listening to your body always encouraged. Held at the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Fee: $15pp per class. Pawsitive Steps Dog Training Beginners Class: Tuesdays, March 1–April 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Join well-known certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this great introductory seven-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Learn to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations. Learn about normal canine behavior and problem solving techniques to help your dog fit into the human world. Appropriate household behavior, handler attention, basic obe-

dience and coming when called will be covered. Held at the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Fee: $170pp. Plan your Party or Special Event with Granby Rec Have your next family or other private event at SBP or Holcomb Farm. The Salmon Brook Park House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace and central air. The North Barn Pavilion at the Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn, but this gorgeous building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people, a day to remember. Dates fill fast. Call for more information or visit GranbyRec.com to see pictures and rental info.

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Page 12 The Granby Drummer

March 2021

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

Winged Euonymus / Burning Bush Euonymus alatus Find it A colorful, apparently innocuous shrub that can grow over 10 or 15 feet tall, the winged euonymus displays wild fall color ranging from light pink to fire red. In March, before leaves sprout, it’s easily identified by unusual “wings” on side branches. In full sun it grows densely and vigorously, responds well to trimming, shaping and even shearing, is easy to mulch, forms a dense root mass that crowds out competitors and casts a deep uniform shade. These convenient qualities have resulted in widespread mass plantings along highways and as

Childhood Memories of Spring When I was a little girl, I knew it was spring when I no longer had to wear my snow pants and red rubber boots or brown rubbers. It felt glorious! Soon, I knew, I would see the robins returning.

hedges in commercial and residential landscapes. In shadier settings such as mature forests and field edges, euonymus grows less densely but multiplies rapidly, creating vast colonies that choke out native plants and reduce plant diversity. Why it’s a problem Humans imported euonymus to Europe and the U.S. from China before 1900 and it continues to be widely planted in many states, including Connecticut. Like most invasive imports, euonymus has some built-in qualities that help it gain control over large areas of woodlands and open spaces. Deer don’t like it, preferring its endangered neighboring natives. Birds eat the seeds and help distribute them. It tolerates a wide range of light, soil and moisture conditions. It is monoecious— male and female reproductive parts are present in each flower—so that one plant can alone produce many more. And we humans crave dramatic fall colors in simple dependable plants. What to do Don’t plant it. All varieties that produce seed contribute to invasive dominance.

On Easter Sunday, my father would take pictures of my mother and me in our Easter outfits. If it was a warm day, my cat, Blackie, would sit out on the step and have her picture taken, too! Even in my old age, each spring still offers me renewal, rebirth, and Hope. I wish the same for you. —Bernadette R. Gentry

For hardcore lovers of euonymus, there is hope: a UConn team led by Professor Li Yi has developed a sterile (triploid, seedless) version that can be safely planted without spreading unchecked. Apparently, however, it is not yet commercially available. Instead, plant native alternatives that increase diversity and feed insects and mammals. These include the American wahoo (euonymus atropurpureus), dwarf fothergilla (fothergilla gardenia), spicebush (lindera benzoin) and highbush blueberry (vaccinium corymbosum). Pull or dig out small euonymus plants, weakest in the early spring before leaf growth starts. For larger shrubs, cut to the ground, and then cut the regrowth for several years to gradually exhaust the nutrients stored

in the plant’s roots. Or cut and carefully paint stumps with small amounts of liquid herbicide, mid-summer to early fall, when nutrients are being transmitted to the roots but not in spring, when nutrients flow the opposite direction. Do not spray herbicides, as this will likely harm struggling nearby natives. Invasive action! February’s Invasive Action Day was cancelled due to a superabundance of snow. Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m. to noon, is the next opportunity for Granby neighbors to combine efforts to bring back balance to our fields, forests and farmlands. All are welcome. For more information, call or text David at 860508-0107, or visit GranbyInvasivePlants. weebly.com

WE LCO MI NG

Every other Easter, I would get a new spring coat and a straw hat for church. I usually chose a hat with a red band and with red ribbons hanging down the back. Most Easters, all the spring flowering bulbs were blooming. In our tiny yard, we had tulips of all colors, sweet fragrant hyacinths of white, blue, and pink, bright yellow daffodils, white narcissus with yellow centers, and tiny grape hyacinths. After the drabness of winter, the display of rainbow colors took my breath away.

Euonymus's unique branches are easy to spot before leaves appear. Photo by David Desiderato

Dear Friends, We hope that this finds you well and in good health. As we accomplished our objectives during the dark hours of the COVID 19 crisis this past year I begin to question how we would take care of our clients if something happened to myself or my staff. I had reached the pinnacle of my career and was looking for a relationship that would take the firm to the next level. I reached out to firms in the area to develop a relationship and up to the plate stepped Uday Patel from Glastonbury who has purchased the firm. Our firms share the same level of passion and hard work, ethics service and treating you like family as I have over the past 25 years. Uday and his wife started the firm part time (they were working full-time jobs) almost three decades ago. Their son, Savan, is a CPA and a major part of the firm; he gained his experience with Ernst and Young. I am pleased to announce that Schoenrock & Company, CPA has been acquired by Uday Patel CPA, LLC and that Ryan, Lorinda, and I have joined their team. We are excited to provide a wider range of services - including bookkeeping and payroll - and to be working with a team that is as passionate, compassionate, and results-driven as we are. For 25 years I have treated my clients and associates like family; that will never change. Schoenrock Baranowski Financial Group, LLC will continue to operate unchanged: Sandy, Angela, and I will serve your Investment and Financial Planning needs independent of the new CPA team. I am always available for questions on my cell phone at 860-916-1369. Our new office number for investments services will now be 860-432-5604, and we look forward to the promise of 2021. Thank You and God Bless, Frank Schoenrock, CPA 34 East Granby Road • PO Box 805 • Granby, CT 06035 • 860-432-5604

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 13

Granby veterinarian honored Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital is proud to announce that Dr. Christopher Weber was one of the Best Veterinarian winners featured in the March 2021 Horse Illustrated magazine. Weber, a Granby resident, has been with Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital since 2005. He attended veterinary school at Tufts University. He grew up on a Nebraska farm with horses and cows that taught him about animals and inspired him to want to care for them. He is most driven by teaching people— from a child in 4-H to an equestrian competitor—how to best care for their animal. Weber finds all aspects of his work rewarding, from working through

complex medical cases to delivering a calf. The care and compassion he has for his clients is the same as he shows to his co-workers and their pets. Weber was nominated by his longterm veterinary technician Ashley Sharpe CVT. She writes that she is lucky to call Dr. Weber her vet and her boss. Weber helped get Sharpe’s horse back on track with training and riding after a difficult diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease of the small intestine. Weber worked with Sharpe and the barn manager where her horse is boarded, to create a treatment plan to get the horse back to normal.

Foxfield F.A.R.M. receives new horse Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation for Veterans and First Responders with PTSD is proud to have received a donation of an Argentine thoroughbred mare named Turca from the Cornell University Polo program. Cornell University varsity polo coach, Brandon Van Loon, had also donated an Argentine mare, Gloria, when he was Yale University’s polo coach a few years ago. Van Loon feels that Foxfield Farm in Granby is an exceptional facility for semi-retired high-goal playing ponies because its owners, Susan and Bill Regan, are experienced equestrians and he admires the purpose for which the charity utilizes equines to mitigate PTSD issues. To donate to the foundation, visit foxfieldrecoverymission.org Turca. Submitted photo

Registrar of Voters Annual canvass of voters underway The annual canvass of voters is in full swing. If you receive an envelope with this warning printed in bright red DO NOT RISK YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE, open it immediately. Inside you will find a response form and postage paid envelope. Please check the appropriate boxes, personally sign, date and return to Town Hall. Each year some voters call Town Hall about this process, asking “Why did I get this?” There are five reasons: 1. the post office reported that you moved within town; 2. the post office or other state agency have reported that you moved out of town; 3. you haven’t voted in any primary, referendum or election during the last four years (including two federal elections); 4. the post office returned a mailing sent to you from the Registrars’ office as undeliverable; or 5. we received information from another state that flagged you as a potential duplicate voter. Please note that only the addressed voter can fill out the form and sign it. Family members and current residents can forward the mailing directly to the voter or send it back to the Post Office, which will return it to the Registrars. As of this writing only 58 replies have been returned and over 500 letters were sent. 2020 Census Delay may impact 2021 Connecticut Redistricting Delays in the collection of the 2020 Census data due to the pandemic may impact Connecticut’s timeline for

N EW OW NE R S UDAY K. PATEL, CPA LLC Greetings, Granby, We are delighted to be working symbiotically with the team at Schoenrock & Company, CPA LLC. Everyone at UKP CPA, LLC greatly appreciates the opportunity to get to know you and to assist with servicing your changing needs through the pandemic. Frank has consistently relayed great things about his clients and we plan to demonstrate our gratitude by continuing to provide the same level of service you are accustomed to, improving upon those foundations, and we look forward to our future endeavors. Like Schoenrock & Company, CPA, Uday K Patel, CPA is a small family-built firm with very similar values. We both take pride in the various clients we service – our clients are our support system and vice versa. As Frank’s letter explains, he, Ryan and Lorinda will continue as an integral part of the team. We will be working together to ensure a smooth onboarding experience and to formally introducing ourselves. Our firm constantly looks to improve processes to help our clients work efficiently, so we will look forward to incorporating your feedback and improving your experience. Please feel free to reach out to us in the interim – we appreciate you and your business and we are optimistic about our shared futures. Sincerely, Uday K. Patel, CPA Uday Patel

Savan Patel

Frank Schoenrock

Ryan Mavros

Uday K. Patel, CPA LLC 18 School Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 Uday’s email: uday@ukpcpa.com Savan’s email: savan@ukpcpa.com Shared mailbox: ukpshared@ukpcpa.com Tel: 860-430-5875 | Fax: 888-659-2043

redistricting. Every ten years lines for all statewide offices and political geographic lines are reassessed based on changes in population. All of Granby is currently in the Connecticut Congressional District 1 and the Connecticut State House 62nd. Granby is divided into two districts by the current State Senate lines with most of the town in the 7th District, and a small portion in West Granby in the 8th District. Every ten years the lines for each political district are debated and redrawn by the State Legislature’s Redistricting Commission. By statute, the deadline to complete the process is Sept. 15, 2021. Failing to meet this deadline, a backup commission has until Nov. 30, 2021, and failing the November deadline, the Connecticut Supreme Court would step in. Redistricting will have serious consequences for all statewide elections held in 2022 should the process be delayed. Annual Town Budget Please attend the Public Annual Budget Hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 12. All three town boards, education, finance and selectmen, will do a joint presentation of the budget as part of the annual public hearing. Due to the pandemic, we anticipate this meeting will be virtual—please check the town website in April for the details and a link. By town charter, the budget is scheduled for an in-person vote on Monday, April 26. It is anticipated that a machine vote at the Town Budget Referendum will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room in Granby’s Town Hall, 15 North Granby Road, and the polls will be open from 12 noon to 8 p.m. However, due to the pandemic, we may need to alter the budget process. Check the town website in April for the latest information. Voter Registration Voter registration is a public record, and it is easy to confirm your voter registration. From the Town of Granby website there is a link to the Secretary of the State’s website’s online voter registration look-up tool: dir.ct.gov/sots/ LookUp.aspx There is also a link to Online Voter Registration to enroll or to make party, name, or address changes to an existing voter registration. Go to voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/ welcome.do Posted office hours for the registrars’ office are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paper voter registration forms are also available at any town hall, public library or DMV office and online at the Secretary of State’s website. Questions? Please contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860-844-5322 or registrarofvoters@ granby-ct.gov

Page 14 The Granby Drummer

In Town Focus Men’s Breakfast e-Group

At the next Granby Men’s Breakfast e-Group on Friday, March 12, the guest speaker will be Dale Picard, co-founder of Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). This award-winning non-profit organization began in Granby over 25 years ago, and is now headquartered in Winchester, with facilities in Connecticut and New York. ECAD trains service dogs for people with physical and mental challenges, including veterans with PTSD. The group meets remotely starting at 9 a.m., with time for members to chat virtually; 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 Zoom meeting link.

MS Support Group

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will resume when the Granby Senior Center reopens. Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Meaghan at 860-4282463. The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

@

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

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

March 2021

What’s for Supper? Easy Peasy Shrimp Bake By Pamela Scherrer Well, 2021 is off to an interesting start—instead of going to Florida as I had planned at the beginning of February—I decided to fall down a step and go to the ER. No broken bones, but some messed up tendons and muscles in my leg. Needless to say, I have not been cooking much lately. I do, however, have a new recipe that is super easy and fabulous if you are a shrimp lover. This is easily adjusted for personal taste; you can make more crumb mix if you like, or add/subtract garlic, or adjust herbs for preference. Personally, I always make a recipe as written the first time and then make adjustments the next time I make it. I hope you enjoy this and stay well. Ingredients 2 lbs. medium sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. (If frozen, thaw before baking.) 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 2 Tablespoons white wine 1 shallot, minced

5 Tablespoons melted butter, divided use 1/3 cup plain panko or breadcrumbs 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and white pepper (you may use black pepper if you don’t have white) Directions Heat oven to 425 degrees. Combine the shrimp with the lemon juice, white wine, shallot and 2 Tablespoons of the melted butter. Spread into a shallow baking dish that is big enough that shrimp are not piled more than two-deep. In a bowl, combine the panko with the garlic, cheese, red pepper, parsley and 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Add dash of salt and white pepper. Cover the shrimp evenly with the crumb mixture and bake for 12 minutes or until bubbly and shrimp are cooked through. Buon Appetito!

Easy Peasy Shrimp Bake. submitted photo

TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

MY DENTIST SHOWED ME A PHOTO OF MY TOOTH WITH A CRACK IN IT. DO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT?

The biggest difference between your bone and your tooth is that a bone can repair itself, but a tooth can not. Therefore, when a tooth becomes cracked, it will only get worse. If the crack is only in the outer enamel layer, it will not hurt, as there are no nerves in the enamel. (the hardest and strongest part of your body.) Over time, with the extreme forces of chewing the crack will typically grow larger and deeper. Bacteria that cause cavities, invade the crack and burrow down toward your pulp (the center of your tooth with the nerve chamber) The longer you wait, the more likely the bacteria will damage the nerve and you will need a Root Canal. However, even before that occurs, you might bite on a hard nut or shell or even a bagel or pizza crust and CRACK, the tooth will break. If you are lucky, the tooth could still be saved with a crown, or maybe a root canal and a crown. But if you are unlucky, the split tooth will have to be extracted and then you would need an implant. So, if the Doctor shows you a crack in your tooth, follow their recommendation and get the crown before further damage results. 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 look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! There is no obligation, just see what’s possible! If you have a question you would like answered, or would just like a tour of our modern office to see our state of the art infection control measures and discover some of the exciting new procedures we offer, 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/.

Supporting a Caring Community since 1960 Your donation to the Granby Community Fund helps support multiple organizations providing programs and services to residents in Granby, West Granby & North Granby. Watch the mail for your opportunity to contribute. Learn more or donate through our website granbycommunityfund.com

Scan this QR code to find out more about our practice! Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Car shopping locally By John Nieb Granby residents looking to buy a car, sell a car or have service performed on their cars without having to leave town, can visit Cahill’s Motorcars. The dealership, conveniently located at 360 Salmon Brook Street, is a family business owned and operated by Patrick and Ann Cahill. Cahill’s Motorcars offers a variety of services including diagnosis and repair of domestic and foreign automobiles, the sale of used cars and the purchase of vehicles people want to sell. Cahill’s services also include evaluations and safety inspections on cars people are contemplating purchasing from other sources. In addition to these services, Patrick can work with customers to locate a car by using their specifications at dealer auctions. Patrick grew up in the automobile business. His father, Bill Cahill, owned a Lincoln-Mercury dealership and he spent most of his free time, after school and weekends, at the dealership. Bill sold the dealership in 1983 and retired, but soon realized he missed it. Bill and Patrick started Cahill’s Motorcars in 1983 and worked as a team until Bill passed away in 1999. At that point, Ann stepped in to help and they have been a team ever since. Although the business

started out in Windsor Locks, it has moved twice. When the current location became available in 1993, the Cahills jumped at the chance to be in Granby. “Granby is a great town—filled with wonderful people,” Ann said. “It is just the right size and we love being able to develop long-term relationships with our customers.” COVID-19 has affected business, but because of the strong relationships between the Cahills and their customers, they are meeting the challenge. They strive to provide a safe and clean environment for their customers and have made modifications to their service to make sure everyone feels comfortable. The Cahills goal is to provide personalized service. They believe in putting the customer’s best interest first and that drives their philosophy: “Where Great Service and Great Savings Go Together.” Pat, Ann and their mechanic, Chip, are happy to answer any automotive questions. Cahill’s Motorcars is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are variable and afterhours appointments for car sales are available, but people are advised to call first. To make an appointment or ask questions, call 860-653-0840 or email cahillsmotor@gmail.com

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2021 Present: Chair Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon, Alternates Paula Johnson, Matthew Peters. Per Executive Order, this meeting was held remotely.

Public Hearing

Application seeking to amend Zoning Regulations Section 5.2.7 pertaining to placement of lot square and Subdivision Regulations Sections 1.4, 3.2.6, 4.4.1.4 and 4.8.1 to define loop street, placement of lot square, culmination of dead-end streets and road curve design speeds. File Z-1-21. Applicant Guy Hesketh, of Hesketh and Associates, and Attorney David Sherwood, of Moriarty, Paetzold and Sherwood, were present. Addressing the commission, Hesketh explained the proposed changes. Current Zoning Regulation Section 5.2.7 requires a lot square to be placed along the required lot frontage. The proposed change to this regulation would allow the lot square to be placed along the reduced front yard when the commission approves the reduction. Other changes include adding a definition of loop street to clarify it is considered a deadend street and to state a dead-end street can culminate in a cul-de-sac or be designed as a loop street. Lastly, the applicant proposes changing the design speed for a dead-end street from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. Sherwood added this proposal is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development, citing several sections pertaining to the design of roads. Answering questions, Kenyon stated that while the application is needed to allow the applicant to move forward with a loop-road-design configuration for a proposed subdivision at 76 West Granby Road, the regulation changes will apply to future applications. She has reviewed all proposed changes with the town engineer and no unintended consequences have been identified. Staff is comfortable with the changes as presented by the applicant. With no public comment, the public hearing closed. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension granted by Executive Order.

Receive applications and set public hearings

Kenyon reported that an application for 33 Moose Horn Road, which was scheduled for public hearing on Feb. 9 has been rescheduled to March 9 at the request of the applicant. Consideration of above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing. On A Motion by Myers, and seconded by Chapple, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking to amend Zoning Regulations Section 5.2.7 pertaining to placement of lot square and Subdivisions Regulations Sections 1.4, 3.2.6, 4.4.1.4 and 4.8.1 to define loop street, placement of lot square, culmination of dead-end streets and road curve design speeds, File Z-1-21, as proposed, finding the application is consistent with Plan of Conservation and Development.

Discuss Alternative Energy and Utility Zoning Regulations

Kenyon presented an overview of Zoning Regulations Section 8.25 Utility Uses. She suggested the commission consider minor changes to the existing regulation and draft a new section to address alternative energy systems, including solar, wind and geothermal. The commission agreed, discussed the systems in more detail and what should be considered when drafting a new regulation. Members agreed ground mount solar should be allowed by right if certain criteria are met; anything that does not comply could be handled through a Special Permit. Wind turbines could be approached similarly, with some being allowed by right and others through a Special Permit depending on the conditions. It was noted geothermal systems may warrant a different approach as such systems are typically discrete, with little equipment visible above ground. Kenyon noted that the regulations should address decommissioning procedures for all three systems. She will draft language for the commission’s review at the next meeting.

Staff Report and Correspondence

The DOT Granby Center project is on schedule. Kenyon noted utility cost estimates and finalizing property acquisitions are underway. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

Making good use of COVID down time By T. Johnson Sick of COVID? I know I am. It started bagful of items and deliver to whatever out okay—lots of time at home. Time to organization can use them. both work from home and start getting We found out that we were not the only to long overdue projects in and around ones filling some of our time with fiber the house. With the spring weather ahead crafts. Many stores around here that offer of us, the annual cleanup went into full yarn were very low in their stock. Online swing. Mulching, mowing, trimming, was no better. People seem to be knitting yup, got it all done. Then summer came and crocheting more than ever. Lucky for and the heat and humidity drove us inus, a lot of the yarn we have was donated. doors or under a tree to keep cool. A knitting and crochet group in HarwinSo, time for a hobby and time to get ton had to terminate their program and some more people involved. I was hoping we were the recipients of their yarn stash. to do something that would help others Start a hobby! Maybe not a fiber one, as well as make good use of my down but there has to be something out there time. I’ve been crocheting for several that is calling your name. It helps make years now and talked a few friends and you feel productive. Remember, no one family members into joining me. We’ve knows if you cleaned your house today— made all kinds of things: blankets, hats, it can wait. gloves, scarves. While the weather was good, we met on someone’s front porch, yard, Salmon Brook Park or the Town Green. It was nice to catch up with friends while still maintaining the six-feetapart decree. Now that the weather is too cold to meet up outside, we have a hard time finding a warm enough day to meet up. But the crocheting continues! However, what to do with these created items? We started calling around to see if/where there was a need. We found out that because of COVID, the need is very high. Windsor and East Granby were very happy to receive our crocheted items, as was Holy Trinity Church in Hartford. Now we know there is a need, we continue to crochet away. Every few weeks we gather up a Crocheting or knitting is a delightful hobby that can fill a need as well as fill your downtime in these days of COVID.

March 2021

HEALTH NOTES

By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Guarding and defending your immune system By Nancy Scheetz Your immune system is your body’s version of a strong military defense. It has some fascinating soldiers that help make you less vulnerable to attack by fending off the infiltrators of illness. Protecting against disease, infection and supporting recovery after an injury, a healthy immune system is critical to good health. In this pandemic era, we all search for ways to help fend off COVID. There are no magic swords, but we can do things to mount the most vigorous defense possible. Defense rests in a few key areas. The soldiers fighting infection are white blood cells carried in the lymphatic system. To take an active role in boosting white blood cell production, we need more than five hours of sleep per night to rejuvenate, at least 20 minutes of sun exposure daily to naturally acquire Vitamin D, and some relaxed laughter each day to help bust stress. Also, did you know that fever can be a friend? It is a sign your white blood cells are ramping up to fight infection. Choosing foods that help boost overall health and the immune system is very important. One of the most accessible and pleasurable ways to help your immune system is by choosing quality foods that contain vitamins and minerals that boost our defense. Most people turn straight to vitamin C after catching a cold. It is thought to increase white blood cell production vital in fighting infections. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. It’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal or to your water. Grapefruit, oranges, clementines, tangerines, lemons and limes are all delicious additions to your diet. In addition to citrus fruits, kiwi, papaya and red bell peppers all have a big punch of vitamin C. The recommended amount for most adults is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. If you opt for supplements, avoid taking more than 2,000 mg a day. Broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables are also great combatants. Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins A, C and E, as well as fiber

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and many other antioxidants. It’s one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate. Steaming is a great way to keep more nutrients in food. Cook it as little as possible—or better yet, not at all. Spinach is not just rich in vitamin C—it’s also packed with antioxidants and beta carotene, both of which may increase the immune system’s infection-fighting ability. Add a kick to vegetables with chopped garlic, turmeric or ginger to boost immune fighting agents. Early civilizations recognized the value of garlic in fighting infections. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds. Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses and may help with nausea as well. Turmeric has curcumin an antiviral, as well as compounds that help with osteoarthritis. Vitamin E is also a heavy hitter in boosting immunity. Almonds and other nuts, sunflower seeds, avocados and leafy greens all supply a good dose into your system. Adults only need about 15 mg of vitamin E each day. A half-cup serving of almonds, which is about 46 whole, shelled almonds, provides 100 percent of the recommended daily amount. Sunflower seeds are full of nutrients, including phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamins B-6 and E. Sunflower seeds are also incredibly high in selenium. A variety of studies, primarily performed on animals, have looked at its potential to combat viral infections such as swine flu (H1N1). A cup of tea is not only calming; the tea itself provides viral busters. Both green and black teas are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that protects cells. Where green tea really excels is in its levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), another powerful antioxidant. In studies, EGCG has been shown to enhance immune function. The fermentation process of black tea destroys a lot of the EGCG. Green tea, on the other hand, is steamed and not fermented, so the EGCG remains to stand duty. Proteins such as poultry and shellfish also pack a wallop in defending your immune system. Chicken and turkey are high in vitamin B-6. About three ounces of light turkey or chicken meat contains nearly one-third of your daily recommended amount of B-6. Vitamin B-6 is an essential player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It’s also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells. The broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients helpful for gut healing and immunity. Shellfish contain zinc, which doesn’t get as much attention as many other vitamins and minerals, immune cells need it to function as intended. Variety is the key to proper nutrition. Eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help fight off infections, even if you eat it constantly. But keep in mind that while vitamin C and other vitamins might help you recover from a cold quicker, it cannot be relied upon alone to prevent illness. The combination of a healthy lifestyle, immunizations, and following CDC protocols of masking, hand-washing, and distancing in addition to these nutrientdense foods will take us a long way in defending against and preventing illness.

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Granby siblings make history as brother–sister Eagle Scouts By Valorie Hollister Last month, as one of the first brother– sister sibling pairs in the country, Max and Kate Hollister of West Granby officially earned the highest rank in Scouts BSA, formerly Boy Scouts of America. Max, a senior, and Kate, a junior at Granby Memorial High School, were each awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Max was tempted into scouting in first grade at Kearns Elementary School, when he attended a Granby Pack 325 Cub Scout recruiting night that showed photos of fun adventures and parties. After only his first few pack meetings, Max set his sights on the goal of becoming an Eagle Scout someday. In February, 12 years after his first pack meeting, many adventures, outdoor skill development, leadership training, and hours of community service, Max attained his goal. As Max’s sister, Kate was a regular, unofficial attendee at Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities including camping, hiking in the White Mountains, sailing in Greece and scuba diving in Honduras. While Kate was allowed to participate in these adventures as Max’s sibling, like many young girls for the last hundred years, she was not allowed to officially join. Kate wished she could be a scout and have the same opportunities as Max: to learn the scout life skills, develop leadership, and participate in community service. In February 2019, she got her chance when Scouts BSA allowed girls to join its ranks for the very first time. Last month, after only two years in scouting, Kate accomplished what usually takes scouts five to seven years, and earned a spot in the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. In the summer of 2019, Max, Kate and their parents, along with Troops 175 and 1175 from Simsbury, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the continent of Africa at 19,341 feet. Kate had the distinction of being one of three female Scouts BSA members to make the summit. Both Max and Kate have been deeply involved in the leadership of their respective troops. In 2019, they were each elected by their peers to hold the highest leadership rank of Senior Patrol Leader of their brother–sister troops. Max was in charge of 90 boys, planning and organizing troop meetings and activities. Kate

was the very first Senior Patrol Leader for the 14 female scouts in her brand new, trailblazing troop. In addition to planning and organizing troop activities, Kate worked hard to help establish a supportive and inclusive culture. For his Eagle Project, Max built a bridge on the Granby Land Trust’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property in North Granby. The project included re-routing a portion of the yellow trail. Kate’s Eagle project consisted of building 10 portable herb gardens for the Simsbury Senior Center. To add to the challenge, both projects were completed during the pandemic and required strict protocols to protect the scouts, scout leaders and the Eagle Project beneficiaries. Max is grateful for all his experience in scouting, saying, “Scouting changed my life. I use what I’ve learned every day, especially about leadership and relationships. I’ve even put the first aid skills I’ve learned to use in real life. My fellow scouts are my brothers, and together we’ve had experiences that felt like we’ve gone to hell and back. We all learned together that we are capable of accomplishing much more than we ever thought we could.” As part of the very first class of female Eagle Scouts, Kate recognizes the privilege of making history. “The girls in my troop inspired me to learn new skills—usually half an hour before I had to teach them—and to keep going even when things got hard. I want to show the scouts in my troop and other girls that they can accomplish things that haven’t been done before.” Max and Kate are proud to have achieved the Eagle rank and both feel that scouting has changed the trajectory of their lives. Of course, they made good friends and had a lot of fun. The leadership training and experiences—including leading other scouts , planning and organizing activities, communicating clearly, understanding group dynamics, and getting everyone working toward a common goal—has been invaluable. Both Max and Kate are grateful for their experience and look forward to the charge of all Eagle Scouts: to give back to scouting and to their community.

Kate and Max Hollister are one of the first sister and brother pairs in Scouts BSA who also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Submitted photos

For boys or girls ages 11–17 interested in finding out more about Scouts BSA, please contact Brad Mead at bradmead@ deltanow.com (Troop 175 for boys) or Dru Breslav at dbreslav@icloud.com (Troop 1175 for girls). While many youth

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Left: Kate Hollister displays the portable herb gardens she made for the Simsbury Senior Center. Below: Max Hollister on the bridge he built on the Granby Land Trust’s Mary Edwards property. Submitted photos

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

Lifetime Learning Academy

American History, Revisited: Tuesdays, March 2–April 27, 10 a.m. Jerry Perkins has a unique way of bringing history to life. Join this informative and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Survey of the New Testament: Wednesdays, starting March 3, 10 a.m. This seven-week overview of the New Testament will familiarize you with the key New Testament people, events and promises. The discussion will include the Gospel of Jesus, the growth of Christianity and letters to the churches as well as the prophecy and eternal state in Revelation. Thomas Jefferson: Fridays, March 5 and 12, 1 p.m. Revered as the author of the Declaration of Independence (the most sacred document in American history) yet condemned as a lifelong owner of slaves, Thomas Jefferson remains the enigma that is America. This film, produced by Ken Burns, takes you from a young Jefferson through the end of his remarkable life. The Life of Christ: Tuesdays, starting March 9, 10 a.m. With this sevenweek class, take a chronological walk through the life of Christ including His three-year ministry and teachings, key events, miracles, parables and people; in order to bring out His humanity and the divine. Register by March 2. Stories from the Attic: Thursday, March 11, 1 p.m. Join urban archeologist Greg Van Antwerp for Stories from the Attic—Military Memories in honor of those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country. Van Antwerp will reveal some of the best of his discoveries of hidden military history while searching through the attics and basements of New York and New England. Get ready for firstperson accounts from major battles with artifacts and images including a tale of unrequited love and the sacrifice of a fellow soldier to fall on any kind of grenade for a brother in arms. There’s a lot to see and much of it has remained away from the public eye for decades. Register by March 4. Lewis & Clark: Fridays, March 19 and 26, 1 p.m. This extraordinary film, produced by Ken Burns, tells the amazing story of the entire Corps of Discovery.

March 2021

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. All programs are currently being held online via Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, or to become a member, please call 860-844-5352. For anyone eligible under the State COVID-19 vaccine rollout who is having difficulty registering to get a vaccine, please contact the Granby Senior Center, 860-844-5350.

Enjoy Free Programming

The Granby Senior Center will be offering all special events and Lifetime Learning programs free to all current members during March and April. Exercise classes are excluded. You must register for all programs in order to receive the Zoom log-in information. To register, visit SchedulesPlus.com/granby

Special Events

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo: Wednesday, March 17, 1 p.m. Will the luck of the Irish be with you as we play St. Patrick’s Day Bingo? We will play 10 games for fun gifts and prizes. Register by March 10. Bagels and Coffee Drive Thru: Wednesday, March 24, 10–11 a.m. The Senior Center will be handing out bagels with cream cheese and coffee. Sponsored by Stonebrook Village of Windsor Locks. Come by just to say hello. Register by March 17.

It is not about just the two famous captains, but also the young army men, the French-Canadian boatmen, Clark’s African-American slave, and the Shoshone woman named Sacagawea, who brought along her infant son. Journey with them across a breathtaking landscape. The Golden Age of Comic Strips: 1930 to 1970: Thursday, March 25, 10 a.m. Jared Day will take you through the world of Comic Strips from their inception through the 1970s. Register by March 18. Carousel Carvers, An American Immigrant Story: Wednesday, March 31, 1 p.m. Did you know that most Golden Age carousel artists immigrated from abroad? Get an in-depth look at the lives of some of the most well-known immigrant carvers and factory owners and the obstacles they overcame in order to achieve the American Dream. Through examples of their work, we hope to instill an appreciation not only of their contributions to the amusement industry, but to the fabric of American life. Register by March 24.

Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call 860-844-5352 to set up an appointment for a free consultation. CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at Noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

Senior Van Service

The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Outof-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10.

Call 860-844-5353 to schedule a ride or to get more information.

Exercise Classes

All classes are via Zoom, so pre-registration is required—no drop-in. Must have a minimum of eight participants per class. Yoga: Mondays, March 1–April 26, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Cost for 9 classes: $45 residents; $54 non-residents. Chi Gong: Wednesdays, March 3– April 28, 8:30 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Chi means “energy” and Gong means “to activate.” In this gentle, low impact, standing (or seated) class we activate our vital life force or energy with a series of breathing, stretching and balancing techniques. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. It is also wonderful for healing and pain management. Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost for 9 classes: $54 residents; $63 non-residents. Cardio and Strength: Fridays, March 5–April 30, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. This is a quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost for 8 classes: $40 residents; $48 non-residents. Tai Ji Quan: Mondays and Fridays, April 12–Sept. 30, 9 a.m. Instructor,

Sr. Skinny

cont’d. on p. 19

Ongoing Programs

Knitting Group: Every Monday at 11 a.m. Open group for anyone who likes to knit.

Support Services

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

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March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Out of Town NEAM announces Women Take Flight 2021

presents Easter Eggspress Motorwoman Cotton-Tail will be roaming the Connecticut Trolley Museum grounds and posing for pictures distantly on March 27 and 28, and April 2 and 3, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Each child will receive an Easter egg with a surprise inside when they complete a Scavenger Hunt, make a Bunny Ear Craft or visit the Fire Truck Museum. Collect up to three filled eggs! Take a trolley ride operated by period-dressed motormen. Learn historic information about each car you ride in and how the museum began. Inside the Visitor Center you will find more static trolley cars and artifacts, a theater showing a kids’ Easter movie and a gift shop to buy that special souvenir. On the same grounds is the Connecticut Fire Museum complete with antique fire trucks and apparatus. All activities and Fire Truck Museum entrance is included with the admission price. The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Rte. 140) in East Windsor. Admission is $13 per person (any age); museum members receive half off admission. Visit ct-trolley. org for hours of operation, to purchase tickets and to read the COVID-19 visitor policy, or call 860-627-6540 with questions.

Join the New England Air Museum in commemorating Women’s History Month with Women Take Flight 2021, a month-long celebration of the past, present and future of women in aerospace. With a combination of virtual and inperson experiences, this year’s Women Take Flight event features something for everyone. In-Person Experiences Women Take Flight offers opportunities for visitors to discover the history of New England women in aerospace by connecting one-on-one with women employed in the aviation industry. This year we’re offering the following socialdistanced, in-person experiences for museum visitors as part of Women Take Flight 2021. All activities are included with general admission and are subject to change. Join us every Saturday in March from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an opportunity to meet a local woman in aviation. From pilots to engineers to aerospace industry professionals, we’ll have a special guest onsite each Saturday for socially-distanced chats with visitors on a drop-in basis. March 6: Kristi Fleischmann, Managing Director, Acrojet Aerospace Solutions March 13: TBA March 20: Peggy Loeffler, CFI-I, AGI, DPE Chief Flight Instructor and Kathy Wadsworth, Aeronaut March 27: MSgt. Dana Willette, 337th Air Lift Flight Engineer, 439th Air Wing Flying Safety NCO

Sr. Skinny cont’d. from p. 18 Mary Ellen Mullins. Moving for Better Balance® is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults and people with balance difficulties. You will learn the movements over 24 weeks in classes

held twice a week. Classes are taught virtually by trained instructors in a supportive environment. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. No charge to participate but you must pre-register. Check out the Facebook Page facebook.com/GranbyCTSeniorCenter and the website granby-ct.gov/seniorservices for updates on exercise classes.

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Future astronaut? Submitted photo

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

March 2021

Browse & Borrow In-Person Library Programs

Winter Reading Fun: March 1–31. Take a break and escape the winter blahs with a fun activity for the whole family. Pick up a copy of the Winter Reading Fun sheet curbside by request, or look for the link on the library’s website. Complete the challenges, then return the sheet to the library. You could win a gift certificate to Necker’s. Take & Make Crafts: Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Curbside at GPL. Calling all crafty kids—stop by the main library’s curbside pickup area and select a craft kit from the Craft Box placed outside. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be provided. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Note: some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under.

Live Virtual Library Programs (Via Zoom)

Register online to receive the Zoom program link for each of these programs. EFT Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Monday, March 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Be good to yourself by learning more about the techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Find out how to carve out several minutes of calm during a stressful day and then reap the benefits. During the session, certified instructor and Life Coach Cris Jacobs guides the group in Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as “Tapping,” and includes introductory meditation practices. Handouts are available. Plan B Book Club: Tuesday, March 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, both experienced book club leaders who know how to keep the conversation fun and interesting. At the March meeting, we will discuss Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. Too late for this month’s reading? Join us April 6 and discuss The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. No computer/internet? Join the conversation by phone—call the library for information on how you can participate. Fierce Females In Art: Sunday, March 7, 2–3 p.m. Women have long been the subject of art, often depicted as nothing more than objects of desire. How do images of women change when women become the creators? Find out from Jane Oneail, art educator and curator, when we explore the lives, careers and works of several major women artists from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Mary Cassatt. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Writers Group: Tuesdays, March 9 and 23, 5–6:30 p.m. Adult fiction writers are welcome to attend bi-weekly workshops to hone skills using a variety of creative writing exercises and prompts. The group is focusing on critiquing each other’s work this month, and finishing short pieces for a local story writing contest. Financial Planning For Families With Special Needs: Thursday, March 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. The financial concerns of families with

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

Website: granby-ct.gov/library Telephone: 860-844-5275 Email: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov Library Staff Support is in the building and available to answer questions, provide recommendations, fill holds, schedule curbside pickup and technology appointments, and assist with online research/resources six days a week: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. New! Library Browsing Appointments: Browsing appointments are available for Granby Public Library patrons. Please call the library for more information or to schedule a time to come in to browse the library collection and check out materials. Curbside Library Pickup: For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, curbside library pickup continues to be a great option. Library materials can be reserved online through the catalog or by telephone, and then patrons can schedule a pick-up appointment—no need to come inside. Call the library for details. Technology Appointments: Available for Granby Library patrons. Please call the library for more information or to schedule a time to use a library computer, printer, fax machine or photo copier. Book Bundles/Reader’s Assistance: Not sure what to read next? Contact the library for help finding something new to love or ask for a random assortment and we’ll surprise you with some staff favorites. Need help choosing books for your children? Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian, is happy to help. Call 860-844-5285, leave a message with a callback number and she will respond as quickly as possible. Creativebug Classes: Granby Library Cardholders can now access hundreds of art, craft, maker, and creativity classes online for free through this excellent resource. Follow the link from the library website and enter your card to start learning how to paint, sculpt, draft, knit and more.

loved ones who have special needs can be as unique as the care needed for their loved ones. Many families are challenged to navigate the special-needs landscape. A financial advisor can help with financial considerations and a legal professional can advise the appropriate estate planning solutions. Learn more from Jim Hammel, Financial Advisor, CFA, and Attorney Steven M. Zelman, Judge of Probate (Ret.), for an information session on working with families of special needs individuals. Daffodils By Design: Tuesday, March 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fine paper florist Sue Canavan guides and demonstrates how to make crepe paper daffodils. Learn to make this quintessential spring bloom and create your own paper blossom during the session. Register early as virtual space and materials are limited. Then visit Granby Public Library’s main branch to pick up templates and enough supplies to make 3-4 flowers. Participants will supply their own scissors and white glue, and will need to attend virtual program for live instruction. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Pubic Library. Power To The Pollinators: Monday, March 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Emma Hoyt, environmental biologist and Holcomb Farm farmer, introduces not only the bees and butterflies, but a swarm of pollinating insects that are vital to a healthy and diverse food-production system. Learn about the multiple threats facing our pollinators and ways we can protect and restore their health and habitat. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Agricultural Commission as part of the Granby Grows program series. We bring the experts to you with webinars featuring local farm and garden professionals and environmental educators. Each program in the series speaks to agricultural and environmental topics, and

includes opportunity for live or texted chat with the host, presenter and other program attendees. Booby-Trapped: The History Of The Bra In America: Wednesday, March 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. In a 2014 survey of 3,000 women, 92 percent rated their bra, “An enemy. I wish I had never met her.” Hear more about the evolution of the American brassiere in an enlightening and humorous tale with Grounded Goodwife presenters Velya Jancz-Ruban and Ehris Urban. Learn more about women in history as we travel through the evolution of women’s underpinnings. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Author Talk with Douglas W. Tallamy: Monday, March 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Doug Tallamy is a Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware and the author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. In his latest book, Tallamay outlines his practical and easy solutions for turning your backyard into a wildlife habitat corridor. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the author speak and respond to specific questions and comments. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust. Let’s Talk: A Guide To Conversation In Challenging Times Thursdays, March 4, March 18, March 25, 6:30 – 7:30 PM Navigating conversations with family, friends and neighbors that include sensitive and controversial topics can be difficult and awkward. Pick up pointers for more effective and less stressful communication at one or all of these important programs facilitated by Linda T. Darcy, equity consultant and trainer. Darcy grew up in Granby and attended Granby Memorial High School, Class of ’85. She’s returning virtually and looking forward to spending this time with

the people of Granby. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. What Is Social Identity And Why Do I Care? March 4. As people, we are all more than the sum of our parts. We identify ourselves in myriad ways: race, gender, religion, nationalist, ethnicity, etc. These aspects of self are simply ingredients…not the whole recipe. We’ll delve further into this concept during the program. What Is The Impact Of Culture? March 18. In this session, as we build on the concept of social identity, we will discuss how our many social identities combine to create our culture. We’ll explore how culture impacts behavior and how that behavior impacts the interpretation of other people’s behavior. The Words We Use: March 25. “The pen is mightier than the sword.” We know that words have power. We can use them as weapons or as shields. Words are also abstract and can be interpreted differently by different people in different contexts. In this final session, we will discuss how we can be mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have.

Programs For Teens and Tweens

Snack Attack III-Lemon Bars With Raspberry Sauce: Friday, March 19, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Learn to make a sweet treat to share with family and friends when Katie Shepherd, registered dietitian and founder of Food Explorers, shows you the fun and simple steps. Bake in the comfort of your kitchen while tuning into the Zoom program. Space is limited so be sure to register early. The ingredients list and other kitchen prep tips are available on the library website. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Programs For Children and Families

Good Morning Story Time: Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m. For ages 3–5 with caregiver. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her to sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Register by 10 a.m. on the day of the program.

Watch When You’re Ready…

These virtual programs do not need registration. GPL On YouTube: The library has a YouTube channel, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the GPL channel to view archived library programs, story times and helpful videos to improve your library experience. Find the page by searching for “Granby Public Library” on the YouTube page, and subscribe to know when we post something new. It’s Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! Tuesday, March 2. Everyone has a favorite Dr. Seuss book— what’s yours? Miss Joan will be reading her favorite, Green Eggs and Ham, and posting it to our Facebook page and YouTube channel for fans to enjoy. Our library staff has chosen their favorites, too. Keep an eye out for staff photos, quotes and more. First Chapter Fridays: Fridays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, for ages 6–12. Miss Joan reads the beginnings of some favorite, or soon-to-be favorite, books. There will be a new video posted each Friday at noon. Please check the library’s online calendar for book titles. “I Survived” Fan Club: For ages 7–10. Books in this popular series by Lauren Tarshis tell thrilling stories from history through the eyes of a child who lived to tell the tale. A different title

Library cont’d. on p. 21

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A few of the Pinewood Derby contestants, poised to race. Submitted photos

Granby Cub Scout Pack 325 holds virtual event Granby Cub Scout Pack 325 safely held the annual Pinewood Derby on Feb. 6 thanks to the careful planning and execution of the leadership team. This year’s event was broadcast live so scouts could watch at home and featured multiple camera angles, including an up-close view of the finish line.

Scouts spent weeks preparing by designing, cutting, assembling and decorating their cars—all with the hope of being the fastest to the finish line. Each den also worked together to make a car that competes against other dens to be the slowest car. Congratulations to Den 7 for taking home the Golden Hub Cap trophy, for the slowest car!

This year the pack benefitted from a brand-new timing system, thanks to a generous donation from the Granby Lions Club. At last year’s derby, the timing system quit hours before the race, making for a very stressful event for organizers. The Scouts greatly appreciate the donation from the Lions Club that made possible a state-of-the-art system that allows scouts to see their time and the rank as their car crosses the fin-

Andrew and Ryan Harvey, second and third overall winners, respectively.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Granby Lions Club, the Scouts have a brand new timing system. Matthew Brissette, first overall winner.

Library cont’d. from p. 20 will be featured each month. Sign up to receive new book news, fun activity sheets, videos from the author and other exclusive online features.

New and Ongoing Library Services

Story Time On Your Time: Too busy to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Call the library and request a Story Time Bag for you and your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in the Online Catalog or by calling the library. eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMagazines: Download the free Libby or Overdrive App and access tens of thousands of eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMagazines using your Library Card. The entire catalog is available for Granby residents, just by registering at the library. Book Bundles: Looking for books to celebrate Women’s History Month? St. Patrick’s Day? Passover? We will be happy to put together a bundle of age-appropriate books for your family with any theme in mind. Please call Miss Joan directly at 860-844-5285 and leave a callback number.

New! Book Bundles Just For Tweens: Did you know we have a special section of books just for Tweens? And right now, we have tons of new Tween books, just waiting to be checked out. Call to request a New Tween Book Bundle, chosen specifically for you by Miss Joan. Call 860-8445285 and leave a callback number. Family Puzzle Packs: Short days and chilly nights mean longer evenings inside at home. It’s the perfect time for puzzles. All month, the library will be handing out free paper puzzle packs with crosswords, word games, mazes, dot-to-dots and coloring sheets for children of all ages. Packs are available for curbside pickup and during Browsing Appointments - Just ask! Give your family a screen-time break and relax with a puzzle or two. 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. Just give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.

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ish line. The system’s software keeps track of all the times and heats. The Scouts look forward to many years of competitive racing. Thank you, Granby Lions Club! Congratulations to all the scouts and to Matthew Brissette (1st overall at 213.13 mph), Andrew Harvey (2nd overall at 210.31 mph) and Ryan Harvey (3rd overall at 210.23 mph).

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Page 22 The Granby Drummer March 2021

Introducing Trail Tenders

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for so many, and the Friends of Holcomb Farm sends its heartfelt hope for comfort for all with loss. We also know from the snowshoe and ski trails throughout Holcomb Farm that many have found some consolation in their (re)discovery of all that Granby has to offer in open spaces, woodland trails and scenic views. This is a blessing we expect will endure well beyond the tragedy of the pandemic. For those who have been enjoying this town-owned, volunteer-stewarded property, and others who might yet explore, this seemed an ideal time to update you on the work that the Friends do to make these trails a tremendous public resource. While agriculture is the centerpiece of Holcomb Farm, it is only a fraction of the 300+ acres left to the Town of Granby by siblings Tudor and Laura Holcomb. Some 15-20 acres along the west branch of the Salmon Brook are fertile ground for the tons of produce Farmer Joe O’Grady and his crew produce annually. Most of the land, as is typical of a traditional New England farm, is hilly, rocky and best suited to early-successional habitat for birds and turtles, and new and mature woodland homes for Granby’s bears, bobcats, deer, cayote, fox, rabbits, martins—but we digress. The point is for you to discover it for yourself. That is where the Friends’ Stewardship Committee and Trail Tender volunteers come into play. Over the years, some 10 miles of hiking trails have been built and maintained, and more recently meadows have been restored and a Tree Trail launched, with markers and educational displays. How do the Friends of Holcomb Farm help maintain the well-used miles of Farm trails? Right now, it’s with re-energized volunteers—almost 20 of them—working solo or in pairs, tending to their adopted trails. In past years, the Stewardship Committee would walk the trails when it could, calling in reinforcements when needed. As activity has increased, so has the

willingness of people to help: thus, our Trail Tenders. This new designation adds a personal connection for individuals to specific trails and allows us to promptly address obstructions. Of course, both the Stewards and the Trail Tenders will collaborate when needed, and call-in reinforcements after storms, or seasonally when extra hands will lighten the work. Trail Tenders who have adopted trails on the east and west sides of Simsbury Road include: hiker/horsewoman Lee Shaw of Barndoor Hills, Jillian Juarez from Holcomb Hill and a band of youth and supervisors from the local LDS church, Peggy and Jack Lareau from Reed Hill, a Day Street South contingent including Mike and Deb Gantt, Rob and Cat Kadrle and Walter Ford, Dave Desiderato and Val Raggio of Simsbury Road, and Lee Barba of Higley Road. Also helping the effort: Ellen Thompson from the center of town, Jay and Holly Ely of West Granby Road, and Bill and Lynette Simpson of Reed Hill, along with Stewardship Committee co-chairs Jack Lareau and Eric Lukingbeal. If you are not yet familiar with the Farm trails, you can learn more at holcombfarm.org/trails/ and you can find a trail map at holcombfarm.org/trail-map/ If you see trail obstructions that need tending, please contact us at 860-8448616 or send a note to holcombfarm.org/ contact/ Your information will be routed to stewardship co-chairs Jack Lareau and Eric Lukingbeal or steward Peggy Lareau. Please enjoy the trails, and please join us in thanking the volunteers.

CSA and Farm Store News

Meanwhile, back on the farm, Farmer Joe has ordered his seeds, has some new equipment on order, and is busy preparing for an even bigger and better season. The sold-out winter CSA closed out with its final pick-up on Feb. 10–13. The summer CSA will sell out again this year, so if you want in, get your share at Join Our CSA – Holcomb Farm. You do not have to wait until June to get Holcomb Farm produce, though: here’s the upcoming Farm Calendar:

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There’s more than a foot of snow outside, but in here, the Holcomb Farm CSA crew continues to grow beautiful, delicious greens for lucky Winter Shareholders. Photo by Georgia McDougall

March 10–13: Veggie sale at the CSA Barn/Farm Store. Drive thru pick up of root crops, greens and more. April 1, 4 to 7 p.m.: Spring Farmers Market at Lost Acres Vineyard May 6–8: Plant Sale at the CSA Barn/ Farm Store June 15: CSA begins, Farm Store opens Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct. 30. Specific times will be announced via social media and email, so if you are not already getting notices from the Friends and wish to, you can sign up at holcombfarm.org or email cathy@ holcombfarm.org We hope to bring back a slate of cooking demonstrations and other events at the farm this season, but it is too early to put anything on the calendar. Here’s hoping we can begin gathering regularly again, long before the next big harvest season.

Clear—if jumbled—evidence of folks out enjoying perfect conditions on the east fields at Holcomb farm. Photo by Susan Canavan

It may look like Sasquatch has visited the trails at Holcomb Farm, but really these tracks were left by Evelyn Danke and her dog, Maisy, enjoying the open spaces. Photo by Susan Canavan

Who’s Who on the Friends of HF Board

Introducing Eric Lukingbeal By Shirley Murtha Having been born in Farmersville, Ohio near Dayton, and having two sets of grandparents who were farmers, Eric Lukingbeal is no stranger to agriculture. Although his first job was not what you’d call romantic (picking big green cutworms off of tobacco leaves), he developed what would become a life-long appreciation for farming. He and his wife Sally King moved to Granby from Barkhamsted in 1984. King was, and still is, on the Board of Selectmen, and came to know about Holcomb Farm in the early 1990s when UConn conveyed to the Town of Granby the 300+ acres that Tudor and Laura Holcomb had earlier left to the university. Too far from campus to be useful, the farm’s buildings were beginning to deteriorate and the fields filled with invasives. In 2005, then Holcomb Board President Al Wilke asked Lukingbeal to serve on the board, he agreed because of his affection for farms and especially the idea of community supported agriculture (CSA.) Now, as secretary of the board, Lukingbeal is charged with keeping notes and writing up the minutes of the monthly board meetings. He notes that, “As members of a small working board, we are always looking to find ways to fulfill our mission to ‘preserve, promote and utilize’ an historic working farm.” As with almost all small non-profits, the

Secretary of the Friends of Holcomb Farm Eric Lukingbeal. Photo by Shirley Murtha

board has to communicate with the public to raise money, and to provide components that please the public. In the past, the Farm had a substantial educational program, but dwindling and uncertain state funding led to its demise. Today the big three components of the Farm are the CSA run by farmer Joe O’Grady, the arboretum and the Fresh Access program run by Mark Fiorentino. In addition to the folks of Granby and surrounding towns being able to purchase an amazing variety of organic products, Fresh Access provides about eight tons of fresh vegetables every year to folks in Hartford, Bristol, New Britain and Waterbury, as well as the Farmington Valley who could not otherwise afford or obtain it.

Lukingbeal cont’d. on p. 23

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 23

Being the best version of herself By Kristin Rice Mairead Spellacy, 17, a junior at Granby Memorial High School, will be competing in the Miss Connecticut Teen USA pageant in Farmington, the weekend of April 30. Contestants who are accepted to compete in the pageant must have good grades and be involved in community service projects. Currently, Mairead supports the Salvation Army in Hartford and the Best Buddies program, where people with special needs are matched with a nondisabled peer to participate in sporting events. Mairead is also initiating a diaper drive in Granby with the goal to raise 100 boxes of diapers by the weekend of the pageant for people in need. This will be Mairead’s first pageant, and although she has some nerves since she will be competing with other experienced competitors, Mairead reflected

Lukingbeal cont’d. from p. 22

The arboretum, which Holcomb calls the Tree Trail, came into being through the persistent work of Lukingbeal, who saw the East Fields as a prime spot for a collection of trees and shrubs for public enjoyment, education and scientific study. In fact, Tudor Holcomb himself suggested it when, in his late 1970s deed of the gift, he refered to “arboretum purposes” as appropriate for the Farm. Lukingbeal and a group of hardy helper volunteers planted, staked and watered the first bare-root specimens in the fall of 2018 and have done so every year since for a current total of 54 trees. “Watering is most interesting in droughty times,” says Lukingbeal. The group drives five-gallon buckets of water uphill in the back of a Subaru or lawn tractor—a true labor of

Mairead Spellacy, 17, a junior at GMHS, will be competing in the Miss Connecticut Teen USA pageant in Farmington, the weekend of April 30. Submitted photo

that she has been enjoying the experience so far. A friend she met convinced her to watch the Miss New York pageant, which she says “hooked” her from that moment. The pageant’s date has changed several times due to COVID restrictions and Mairead and her mother, Kim, are hopeful that the April 30 date will stick. Aside from sportswear and evening gown portions of the pageant, Mairead must be ready to answer on the spot questions related to current events. Mairead must also be ready to talk about her platform—a topic that she is close to and wants to spread awareness of due to her title. The topic Mairead chooses to support is Tourette Syndrome. Tourette Syndrome is “a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled.” (Mayo Clinic). Mairead was diagnosed with Tourette

Syndrome when she was 8 years old. Her mother added how fortunate they were to be in Connecticut, close to Yale’s Childhood Center where Mairead got the support she needed to overcome her challenges. Mairead shares that, “People would look at me and assume that I don’t have Tourette’s.” Mairead said that because of her title as Miss Granby Teen USA and due to the pageant, she will be able to give back to people with Tourette Syndrome. “I know

love. Because the average age of the volunteers is higher than would be considered ideal, recruiting some younger bodies is an important concern. Identification labels have been applied to the newly planted trees, and also to about 70 matures ones living on the Farm’s several miles of trails in the woods. A variety of interpretive signs has also been installed. These placards are installed near an identified tree or shrub and explain in about 300 words more about that particular plant’s characteristics, how it is suitable for that particular environment, its world-wide distribution, how it is used in different cultures, etc. Some of the signs also give information about the Farm’s history, geology and invasive plants. All of this work is done with the per-

mission of the Town of Granby and the support of individual donors, a grant from the Granby Education Foundation, and a grant from the Pomeroy Brace Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Kirk Severance and the staff at Public Works have been very helpful when the use of machinery for the removal of large downed trees is required. “To get our Holcomb Tree Trail on firm footing for the long haul” is Lukingbeal’s personal goal. An arboretum can last hundreds of years if tended properly. His substantial efforts to that end are to be admired, and possible partly because he is now retired from his 40-year career as a trial lawyer with Robinson and Cole in Hartford. Although in his early days there his cases included dog bites and

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what they are going through,” she says. “The pageant organization is about being the best version of yourself and what makes you unique,” Mairead said. More information on Mairead’s diaper drive can be obtained by emailing Kim Spellacy at kspellacy82@gmail.com Information on Tourette Syndrome information can be found at tourette.org/

divorces, he eventually specialized in environmental cases such as groundwater contamination. When Lukingbeal is not working on the Tree Trail, he enjoys biking the roads of Granby, planting trees, daffodils and lilies at his home on Day Street and walking his dogs. He serves on the board of the Granby Land Trust, and stewards the Trust’s Granby Oak property where he oversaw the planting of hundreds of daffodils last year. He also volunteers as a Master Gardener in Simsbury and Torrington, and serves as one of Granby’s representatives on the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River committee, and, oh, yes—he’s on Granby’s Planning and Zoning Commission!

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer March 2021

Waypoints By Mark Fiorentino

Misery Loves Company If you’re like me, you pause every once in a while, to question your sanity. Come on. You must have that one thing you return to, time and again, even though it rarely provides satisfaction and often ends in humiliation. I probably have several of those things, but only one I’m willing to talk about: ice fishing. On paper at least, I don’t have what it takes to be an ice fisherman. I’m intolerant to cold, I’m easily bored, and, most significantly, I quit drinking more than 10 years ago. And yet, I’ve been out four times already this year, with predictable results. In more than 12 hours on the ice, I have a grand total of zero bites. Not just zero fish, zero bites. What’s more, the average feels-like temperature for these outings has been well below 20 degrees. Each time I left my house with high hopes and a spring in my step, and each time I returned dragging cold feet and hoping only to get the feeling back in my fingers. Insanity, right? My friend Dave summed it up best with this text he sent after our first trip of the year: “Ice fishing is such a cold, miserable waste of time... can’t wait to do it again!” The text was sent to a group of four of us sufferers. And although I think Dave was partially kidding, the rest of us immediately responded that we would be up for trying again the following Sunday. It was on that next trip that I began to understand what fuels the insanity. It’s primarily two things. First is what I think can be properly called “pike envy.” As one of freshwater’s apex predators, northern pike have a special allure. They viciously attack baits, regularly use their razor-sharp teeth to cut through line, and can get very big. It also seems that the really big pike are often caught under circumstances where you would least expect it. Take the case of Leslie Slater, who tied a state record last summer by catching a 46-inch pike that weighed 29 pounds. Leslie was fishing for trout from her kayak, in a lake where pike were not known to be present. Let that sink in. She caught a state record pike in a lake where even the Connecticut DEEP was surprised to find a pike. These are the kind of things that trigger obsessive behavior in guys like me and my fishing buddies. When news of Leslie’s catch came out, a friend described his thoughts this way: “On the one hand, I want to be happy for her. That’s the catch of a lifetime. On the other hand, I hate her guts. It’s not fair given all of the hours I’ve spent specifically targeting pike and having never caught one of any real size.” My response: “I’m going to spend a lot more time fishing that lake this year.” That’s pike envy in a nutshell: the belief that, if you’re catching pike, I can too; and that, no matter how big yours is, I can catch one bigger. Call it confidence or delusion, it drives us to do things we normally wouldn’t. So, when we got reports that pike were being caught at a local lake that has managed to produce trophy-sized fish, we had no choice. We were going ice fishing, even though forecasts called for bitterly cold winds. Which highlights the second source of ice fishing insanity: the need to be miserable. Or, more accurately, the opportunity to experience someone more

miserable than you. There was plenty of misery to go around that day. The forecasts were accurate: the wind was constant, and gusted at over 30 miles per hour. Holes in the ice began to freeze over shortly after being drilled. My line immediately froze to the side of the hole, or to the guides on my jigging rod, or sometimes to both. Twice, I was blown to my knees. We watched in awe as the wind blew a shelter across the lake, with one fisherman inside dragging his feet through the door in a desperate effort to slow the disaster, and another running helplessly after him. When the shelter finally slammed into the opposite shore, we all laughed as somebody said: “He’s going to have to break that down to get it back across the lake, and even then, it will take him hours.” But in the end, it was Dave, our ace in the hole when it comes to misery, who made the day worthwhile. All week Dave had been texting about how bad he wanted to catch a pike big enough to keep and filet. So, he was thrilled when a young man we were fishing with offered to let him keep a large pike he had just pulled through the ice. “Just be sure to measure it and doublecheck the regulations to make sure it’s big enough.” I watched Dave measure it: 28 inches. And then I watched him pull the regulations up on his phone. “Yes,” he declared. “The minimum length is 26. Fish fry tonight!” Dave let the fish rest on the ice as we continued fishing. Every once in a while, he would get out his tape and remeasure the fish. “Twenty-eight inches, clearly legal,” he confirmed at least twice. When it was time to go, Dave placed the fish in his sled, on top of what seemed to be a hundred pounds of gear. There it lay, openly and majestically, as we stepped off the ice into the parking lot, where we found a DEEP officer checking to make sure everyone had a valid fishing license. A number of fishermen were leaving the ice all at once, so it took a couple of minutes for the officer to reach our group. When he did, we each, in turn, dutifully handed him a copy of our license. I don’t think any of us spoke until he got to Dave, who was last in line. To Dave, he said: “Nice pike.” “Yes sir,” Dave responded. “It doesn’t look big enough to legally keep. How long is it?” “Twenty-eight inches. I measured it several times to be sure. Twenty-six is the minimum.” Then the officer asked what seemed like an odd question: “Do you have a copy of the regulations with you?” “No,” Dave answered, looking and sounding perplexed. But he added confidently, and to his credit, respectfully: “I checked on my phone. I was very careful. I would never keep a fish illegally.” “Pull the regulation up on your phone for me.” There was a tense moment or two when Dave had some trouble getting a signal, but he eventually handed his phone to the officer. “Hmm,” the officer said as he handed it back. “Go ahead and measure it in front of me, using your tape measure. I have one, but I want you to use yours.”

Even I, who watch a lot of North Woods Law, began to wonder where this was going. Dave, again respectfully and confidently, dug out his tape measure and laid it by the pike. “Yep,” the officer confirmed, “28 inches. Here’s the deal, though. This is a Pike Management Lake. There are special restrictions that apply here, and this time of year, a pike needs to be at least 36 inches.” For Dave, who I know to be extremely conscientious when it comes to following the fishing regulations, the misery was real. “Ice fishing is such a cold, miserable waste of Even though this clearly topped time...” the suffering I endured because of the extreme cold, I felt bad for him. “I think you made an honest mistake, so I’m just going to issue you a warning. But I can’t let you keep the fish.” The officer scooped up the pike and headed to his truck to do the paperwork. Although he was being eminently reasonable, there was a distinct air of authority to both his voice and movements. As we waited for him to return, Dave said: “That sucks. They should make the rules clearer. Even he wasn’t sure what the applicable minimum is.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “That’s why he had me pull it up on my phone and why he had me measure it in front of him. He’s up there now confirming whether I was right.” “I don’t think so,” I said. “I think he was just testing whether you really were diligent about trying to comply.” “I guess you’re right. He’s being a little preachy, but this could have been “... Can’t wait to do it again.” a lot worse.” The officer returned, and with the same “You have dog crap on your boots. You air of authority, said: “Again, I could should wipe it off before you get in your have issued you an expensive citation. truck.” Then, he spun on one heel and It’s your responsibility to know the headed on to the ice to check for more regulations, even if they are hard to find licenses. on your phone. I strongly recommend It took everything I had to avoid falling you always carry a hard copy with you.” to the ground and laughing hysterically. “Thank you, officer,” Dave said. That is the kind of someone-else’s-mis“There’s one more thing,” the officer ery that can inspire dozens of ice fishing said as he looked coolly at Dave. trips. “Yes sir?”

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March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

30 Acres in Granby Center For many years, the only building on the main intersection in Granby was the Meeting House built in 1736 on the northwest corner hill, which once was much closer to the corner. The cemetery was established around the Meeting House. Pliny Hillyer In 1773, a house and barn were built on the southwest corner of Salmon Brook Street and Rte. 20/189. Pliny Hillyer bought this 30-acre property, where he built a tavern and a store. Pliny Hillyer was a prominent and wealthy citizen of Granby. He was a lawyer, a judge and a businessman. He served in the State Legislature and held many Granby offices. When Granby was incorporated as a town in 1786, he was chosen to be a selectman at the first Town Meeting. He was president of the Granby Turnpike Company, and built a toll road that is now Rte. 189. Hillyer had a tavern license and he also was in partnership with Ozias Pettibone in a general store. A Simsbury account book from the 1770s shows Pettibone and Hillyer selling John Owen a singing book, indigo, a brass weathervane, a stone cup and a skein of silk, as well as more than 20 pounds of steel. The original Pettibone and Hillyer store later became the ell when the store was enlarged many years later. The formerly empty land on Salmon Brook Street now had two thriving businesses. Pliny also owned a cider mill and a distillery to make cider brandy for his tavern, which was located south of the store. In the late 1780s and the early 1800s, Pliny had a new partner for his general store, his son-in-law, Jeptha Curtiss. Hillyer and Curtiss sold an amazing variety of items—Irish linen, coffee, spices, china tea sets and tea, buttons, cloth, silverware, hats, salt, imported spirits, tobacco, tools and much more. Jeptha Curtiss died in 1806, and Pliny eventually gave the store operation to his youngest son, Maltby. Maltby took over the business at an unfortunate time. The economy had already been damaged by the War of 1812 embargo. After the war, England flooded American markets with cheap goods and the economy got worse. There was a nationwide bank panic around 1820. Maltby

Hillyer went bankrupt and lost the store. His father, Pliny, had just retired and had to deal with the creditors. In 1822, Pliny sold his land and buildings to Col. Isaac Phelps for $2,500. Four years later, when Pliny died, his estate was insolvent, although he once had been one of the wealthiest men in Granby. His finances had also suffered because of his investment in two expensive ventures that failed—another turnpike on Rte. 20 and the Farmington Canal. Col. Isaac Phelps Col. Isaac Phelps probably bought the property as an investment. He lived farther south at 239 Salmon Brook Street in a beautiful gold colored house with a unique fence, where he and his wife Rhoda raised five children. He was a wealthy farmer and large landowner in Granby. Isaac’s son Erastus Phelps took over the tavern operation. Isaac and his sons Alonzo and Aralzia became storekeepers. In 1828, Aralzia Phelps was the sole proprietor and advertised his new “Cheap Store,” selling black Barcelona handkerchiefs, heavy silk stockings, calico, buckskin shoes and groceries. Strangely, he advertised his prices in English money—shillings and pence. Boots cost nine shillings and six pence. He requested cash, domestic manufactured articles and farmer’s produce in payment. Unfortunately, Aralzia Phelps died a year later, only 30 years old. The Phelps family then started leasing the store to others. Hillyer and Clark rented the store for several years. Then Holcomb and Sanford took over. The tavern was leased to Frederick M. Hayes. In 1839, Isaac Phelps died from a fall in his barn. A Granby diary said, “he fell through the scaffold of his barn and expired in one hour.” The ad selling his property described a valuable estate including the “Tavern Stand formerly kept by Erastus Phelps and at this time by Frederick M. Hayes, and the Mercantile store nearby and various outbuildings.” There were mortgages on the property. Isaac Phelps died without a will, so a Simsbury lawyer was appointed administrator. He sold the land and buildings for $500 (with mortgages) to five men—Ambrose Adams, Allen

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Photo (taken about 1865) from Salmon Brook Historical Society. First Loomis Bros. Store located in front of today’s Stony Hill Village. The original c.1775 store is now an ell to the north. The house on the right is 261 Salmon Brook Street, the home of James Newton Loomis.

Pinney, Daniel Hayes, Nathaniel Pratt and Charles T. Hillyer. 1840 and 1841 brought several quick sales. The five men first sold the store and ¼ acre to Almeron Pratt. Then four of the men sold the land with the tavern to the fifth man, Daniel Hayes, for $2,600. Daniel Hayes then sold it to his son Frederick M. Hayes for the same amount. The Tavern Within the next 30 years, the tavern changed hands several times. Each time it was sold for a higher price. It was called the Hayes Hotel until Miles Godard Gaines bought it and called it the Gaines Hotel. While the general store was thriving, the Gaines Hotel was in difficulty. Miles G. Gaines sold the property to Samuel Benjamin Jr. in 1873. Benjamin was a local traveling salesman and involved in many real estate transactions and mortgages. He sold the hotel to Ira Hull in 1876. Ira and his wife, Marietta Hayes Hull, operated the newly named Granby Hotel and also a Livery and Feed Stable to rent or board horses. There were several mortgages on the property. The Store After buying the store with ¼ acre of land, it seemed that Almeron Pratt didn’t want to be a shopkeeper and he leased his store to John J. Phelps, of Windsor.

In 1846, a 14-year-old boy named James Newton Loomis came from Southwick, Mass. and asked for a job as a clerk. He was hired, paid $35 a year plus board, living with the Phelps family. J. N. Loomis was evidently very good at his chosen profession. After a few years, he announced that he was going to leave. Instead, Phelps made him a partner. Loomis was just 20 years old. At first the new company was called J. J. Phelps and Co. and then it became Phelps, Loomis and Co. The store changed ownership several times until J. J. Phelps bought it in 1853 for $250. Three years later, in a sale that would have a remarkable future impact on Granby, J. J. Phelps sold the store to James Newton Loomis and his younger brother Chester Peck Loomis, for $600, still with less than an acre of land. The first Loomis Brother’s Store was now in operation. The brothers started to buy more land around their store, an acre or an acre and a half at a time. Then there was a strange development in 1859. J. J. Phelps and a partner, William Shelton, both of New Haven, came back to Granby and leased the old Hayes Store across the street from the Loomis Store. They paid the owner, Daniel C. Hayes, $85 a year. In a move to avoid the competition, the Loomis brothers took over the lease early in

Historic Footnotes cont’d. on p. 26

Page 26 The Granby Drummer March 2021

Public Works

Changes to trash service: Did you know that Paine’s has an alert system that will notify of any changes to service? This includes reminders as to whether a holiday will affect service. Sign up at painesinc.com Snow removal: Please do your part in keeping our roads safe by not moving snow into or across the street as you clean your property. This creates hazardous conditions for motorists and additional work for our plow crew Plastic bags/film: Plastic film, including bags, is the number one contaminant in our recycling stream. Yes, these items are recyclable but not in your single stream barrel. Plastic bags and film must be placed in the collection container located in your local grocery store. Along the same lines, do not place your recycling in plastic bags. Cooking oil: Granby DPW accepts cooking oil from residents. The oil

Historic Footnotes cont’d. from

should be brought to the Public Works office at 52 North Granby Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Do not leave cooking oil in the motor oil shed. Large quantities and oil from commercial operations will not be accepted. Please call Public Works with any questions. Transfer Station: The Granby Transfer Station is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring proof of residency. Fees may apply. Check out the Public Works page at the Town of Granby website (granby-ct.gov) or call 860-653-8960 for more information. Household Hazardous Waste: During 2021, there will be three hazardous waste collections for Granby residents. The first will be held April 24 at the Farmington Town Hall. Paper shredding will also be offered during the event. Please check next month’s Drummer for more details.

p. 25

1860 and used the building for storage. They finally bought the old store a few years later for $1,000. The young Loomis brothers, only in their twenties, managed to buy two stores, build a large house to the north for James Newton Loomis and have a business profitable enough to greatly enlarge their store in 1864. The photo shows the new store with the small original store an ell to the north. The three-story building had an apartment on the second floor where Chester Peck Loomis and his family lived. There was a public hall on the third floor used for Town Meetings, a private school and for meetings by local organizations such as the Mason’s. The building was located in front of present-day Stony Hill Village. The Loomis Brother’s Store was the most important building in Granby. It housed the Post Office, the Town Clerk’s Office and the Probate Court. The townspeople gathered here, not only to shop, but to get their mail, exchange views on politics and hear the latest town gossip. It was a store where you could buy (on credit) everything from pins to plows. Everyone had a small book listing their purchases and the amount owed to the store. When a crop was sold, the farmer would come to settle his debts for that year. The Loomis brothers also served as a liaison with banks and insurance companies for the citizens of Granby. The Fire On Feb. 18, 1877, a very cold and windy Saturday night, after a Masonic

Lodge meeting, there was a disastrous fire in Granby Center, destroying the Granby Hotel, the Loomis Brother’s Store, Post Office, and adjoining buildings. There was no fire department and there was little that could be done to fight the fire. People managed to save the Town Record Books from the Town Clerk’s Office and also to save some of the contents of the store. Then the wind changed and unfortunately, three books of Granby Land Records, thought to be safely removed, were burned and lost. After the fire, Ira Hull lost his hotel property due to mortgage foreclosures. The Loomis brothers fortunately were insured and collected $5,600. They quickly moved into the “Old Hayes Store” they owned across the street and were open for business in less than a month after the fire. Goods and clothing saved from the fire were on sale for cash only. The Loomis brothers stayed in the old store until 1891, when they built the third Loomis Brother’s Store just to the north—a Granby landmark until it was taken down in 1975 Epilog The burned tavern was replaced with the present mansard-roofed house at 255 Salmon Brook Street. The former Loomis Store land is now part of Stony Hill Village. The James Newton Loomis house is still there at 261 Salmon Brook Street and is now a lawyer’s office. The original 1773 white Colonial house on the corner was moved to its present site at 265 Salmon Brook Street.

In Memory of . . . Lynch, Gloria Jean (Nadeau), wife of Jonathan D. Lynch, Jan. 13 Michaud, Edmond G., Sr., 79, husband of the late Johanna (Clark) Michaud, Jan. 20 Karaffa, Daniel A., 85, husband of Theresa (Blouin) Karaffa, Jan. 21 Newhall, Norman “Norm” Howe, 78, Jan. 21 Brusa, Carol (Hopkins), 60, wife of Michael Brusa, Jan. 22 Salls, Theresa Frances (Bergeron), 80, Jan. 24 Adams, Mildred Holcomb, 93, wife of the late Charles “Curt” Adams, Jan. 25 Goslee, Terrance “Terry” Patrick, 74, husband of Cindy Fowler Goslee, Jan. 25

Olson, Bernice A. “Bernie” (Needham) Schremmer, 95, wife of the late Leroy Olson and the late Herbert Schremmer, Jan. 25 Jerin, Joanna, 74, wife of William Jerin, Jr., Jan. 26 Grisevich, Jean Ann, 98, wife of the late Leon H. Grisevich, Jan. 27 Duncan, Ronald “Ron” Stuart, 91, husband of Janet S. Duncan and the late Nancy (Hall) Duncan, Jan. 30 Morris, Frederick K., 85, husband of the late Sue Mackay Morris, Feb. 2 Wielgoszinski, Jacqueline Ann (Kontrack), 67, wife of Robert Wielgoszinski, Feb. 3 Meyers, Anita Eloise Lindsey Vieweg, 80, wife of the late Frederick Vieweg, Feb. 10

March 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Kid’s Page Emma Watson and the Yummiest Case By Nell Gorbal Chapter 1 “Emma!” “Coming mom!” Today was the week before Valentine’s Day and Emma and her mom were going present shopping. Emma and her brother got out of the car and ran to the store. They all split up and agreed that they would all meet back up at 10 in their mom’s car. “It is 9” Emma muttered to herself, “So I have an hour.” Reader, you should also know very well that Emma inhaled chocolate. Whether it was white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, she loved it. Chapter 2 Emma checked her watch. It was 9:40, and she still didn’t have a present for her mom or dad. She already had a balloon for her little sister and a drum book for her brother. All of the sudden she saw a beautiful sweater that was pink with red hearts. Her mom would love that! Then she put it in her basket and went hunting for a present to give to her dad. Now, reader you must know that it was already after 10 and Emma didn’t know. Chapter 3 When her mom was starting to get worried, she searched the entire store especially the chocolate sections, because as you already know, Emma loved chocolate almost more than anything. Emma at that time in fact was in the chocolate section, but she was covered by a lady that was also looking at the chocolate. Her mom knew better than to just leave the section, so she looked from the other side of it, but Emma was already in the other one. But reader, you should know that Emma wasn’t looking for a present to give to her dad. Instead, she was admiring all the beautiful chocolate on the shelves.

Chapter 4 As soon as Emma got a good look at each and every chocolate, she looked at her watch. “Goodness Gracious! It’s 10:15, and I still don’t have a present for my dad!” She was panicked. So, Emma without even noting what she was doing, went to the tools section, picked up a random screwdriver, and paid what she owed the store. Reader, you must know that that very screwdriver had a destiny, and it is your destiny to find out what it was. Chapter 5 As soon as Emma got to the car, she got a good scold, and then they drove back home. When they got there, Emma ran up to her room, and admired each and every one of the presents she bought. But then she noticed something on top of the screwdriver. It was a tag, Emma read it. It read, “Congratulations! You have won a Valentine’s Day prize! Please meet up with us at the town square at noon on Feb. 7.” That was today! And right now! So, without even thinking that it was her dad’s present, and not hers, she ran her dog Princess to the town square. Chapter 6 When Emma got there, there were two men dressed in heart suits, holding a whole box of chocolates just for Emma! Emma ran up to them, showed them the tag, and snatched the chocolates from the man’s hands. Then she ran to the nearest bench and sat down. She opened the box but then saw a snowman being built, and she ate one chocolate, and ran over to help the kids who were building the snowman. But reader, you should know that the dog was left behind. Chapter 7 As Princess was playing with the box, the chocolates spilled out. Princess got

My name is Nell Gorbal and I am 10 years old. I am a fifth grader in The Masters School. I love crafting, playing the piano and saxophone. I also love to read and write. My all-time favorite author is Kate Dicamillo. I spend most of my free time coming up with crafts, paintings, and drawings. In addition to that, I enjoy cooking with my mom in the kitchen, building things and skating with my dad.

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really scared, and she leaped away from the box. She then ran over to Emma, and wrapped her tail around her feet, and she couldn’t move. Emma reached down and unwrapped Princess from her feet while having a carrot in her hand. When she was done, she reached up to put the carrot on the snowman, but before she got a chance to, Princess leaped up, and snatched the carrot out of Emma’s hand. Chapter 8 When Emma and her friends finished building the snowman with a new carrot, she went back to the bench only to find Princess gnawing on the box of chocolates. But that of course was not what she saw first. She first saw the spilled chocolates on the ground, and they were all either halves, or torn up pieces. Emma snatched the box out of Princess’s mouth. Then she saw her detective buddy John Adams. They loved solving mysteries. From stolen ice cream, to a secret admirer, anything was possible for Emma Watson, and John Adams. Then, Emma ran over to John and his cat Whiskers. Chapter 9 When Emma told John about the chocolates, he was stunned. “Who would wreck chocolates on the ground?” “No clue.” replied Emma. So, they went over to Kate’s bakery, and got a cup of hot cocoa. Kate was their favorite chef in all of New York City. When they finished, they thanked Kate and went for a walk, and Emma held Whiskers. She patted his head and fed him a treat. A little while later, John asked Emma if she wanted a piece of hard candy. “Of course!” replied Emma with no hesitation. When John went to give Emma the hard candy, he stopped like he would’ve been frozen.

Chapter 10 “Are you gonna give me the candy or what!?” Emma shouted impatiently. “I will, but once you tell me what that thing is on your hand.” Emma looked at her left hand. “No!” “The right one!” “So which hand is the right hand, the left one or the right one?” This time John just pointed to the hand that had the mark on it. “Ah. That hand.” “Yup. That one right there.” John replied exasperated. “Well, John Adams, detective and spy of the crew, I’ll tell you one and only one thing. I do not have a freckle on my right hand.” Emma said sternly. But the only thing that was wrong with that sentence was that she had a freckle on her right hand, which was perfectly in sight. And with that, they did what they always did. They retraced their steps. “Well, I had gloves on when I was building the snowman. In fact, I had gloves on all day!” said Emma. “The only time I took them off, was when I was petting Whiskers.” “Wait a second. This mark is brown, and so is chocolate, so that must mean…” Well reader it is your job to find out what that means. Chapter 11 “It’s chocolate!” both detectives shouted at once. So, with that, they searched Whiskers high and low until he was screeching. “Found it!” shouted Emma. There was chocolate all over Whiskers’ paws, and some on his whiskers! “Well now we know who our thief is!” And then Whiskers got his scold. “This case is closed!” shouted Emma, pumping her fist in the air. “It sure is,” said John. “It sure is.” The End

WILL YOU BE A LUCKY WINNER LIKE EMMA?

Write a message to the Drummer (editor@granbydrummer.org) saying what you think the next mystery should be about. Please include your first and last name, email address, and your home address. If I pick you, your idea will be what the next mystery will be about, and I will send you a prize related to the mystery. Happy reading and good luck! May the best topic win!

Page 28 The Granby Drummer March 2021

Local artist’s work on display in Old Lyme

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer.

Granby Oak, an oil painting by Granby Artists Association member Alexander Anisimov, is on display in the historical Old Lyme Art Association gallery through March 14. View online or visit in person, free to the public. Photo courtesy of Alexander Anisimov

Drumrolls Endicott College named the following students to the dean’s list for the fall semester: Sarah Bennett and Tyler Grashaw, both from Granby; Mackenzie Dowd, Lyndsey McNeill, Ryan McNeill and Erica Presbie, all from North Granby. Quinnipiac University named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Brandyn Garcia, of East Granby; Erin Kulcsar, of Granby; and Brianna Dorbuck, of North Granby. Northeastern University named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Colby Langer, of

Barkhamsted; Katherine Hosack and Lindsey Smith, both from Granby; Chloe Gosselin, of East Granby; and Abigail Cotsonas, from North Granby. Ashley Barry, of East Granby, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at The College of New Jersey. Evan Clark Hutchinson, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Norwich University for the fall semester. Haley Terva, of Granby. was named to the Little East Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll for Keene State College Women’s Lacrosse.

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Action Carpet 23 Beacon Mechanical 15 Beman Hardware 14 Berkshire Hathaway – Becky Pope 11 Berkshire Hathaway – Nancy Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway – Shepherds Way 22 Berkshire Hathaway – Anam Zafar 15 6 BNG Law Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Cahill’s Motors 21 Carmon Funeral Homes 10 Carter Robert Painting 18 Cetera Investors 11 Chiropractic Care of Granby 15 Christopher Bryant 3 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 26 Dowd Group Realty 9 Evans Automotive 20 First Congregational Church 5 Gary’s Mowing 11 Granby Community Fund 14 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 14 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 10, 19 Granby Food Bank 4 Higleyville Coin 26 Larry’s Construction 21

MeadowBrook of Granby 18 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 12 Morawski Cleaning 27 Premier Energy 18 Route 10 Tire 26 Sanditz Travel 6 Santa Realty 8 12-13 Schoenrock UKP Scott Jones Psychologist 5 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 13 Simsbury Housing Authority 3 Small-Town Septic 14 South Congregational Church 25 State Line Propane-Oil 8 Subseven 11 20 Sullivan Hardwood Floors Swim Center at Westminster 24 Thomas Naro PT 21 Thomas Sullivan Morgan Stanley 19 TJ Bark Mulch 17 Troiano Oil Company 10 Two Park Place 25 Volunteers Drummer 3 Walsh Chiropractic 6 Westfield Bank 28 Windsor Federal Savings 16

April 2021 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, March 10 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, March 15 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: March 9-21 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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