Granby Drummer | November 2018

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Volume XLIX, No. 3 • November 2018

www.granbydrummer.com

State DOT holds meeting to discuss roundabout By Shirley Murtha A full house greeted members of the State Department of Transportation on Sept. 26 in the Senior Center to hear the latest on the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Rte. 10/202 with East Street and Notch Road. At the time of this meeting, approximately 30 percent of the design of the project had been completed. Very clear photographs with the design overlayed were shown on the screen and in handouts. Back in 1995, the town asked the state for a traffic light for this intersection, but study showed that there was not enough volume to warrant installing one, according to a federal manual of traffic control devices that the state uses for guidance. In 2010, Notch and Quarry were re-configured and the town once again requested a traffic light, but again the state study indicated that there was not enough volume to justify it. Because of continued safety concerns, in 2016 the state offered the roundabout solution, which will also eliminate the

vertical sight line problem when a driver from Notch Road or East Street attempts to enter Rte. 10/202 while looking back toward Granby center. The presenters reported that from 2013 to 2017, there were 27 crashes at this site. Most of these were “angle crashes,” and 14 of them led to serious injuries. Roundabouts are similar to traffic circles, but roundabouts are smaller and tighter, which keeps speed down, and drivers yield to traffic coming only from their left. There is no weaving or lane-changing as in traffic circles. Connecticut lags behind all the other New England states except Rhode Island in numbers of roundabouts, with Maine leading the way at 22 and Massachusetts at 20. Connecticut has six at this time. A s o p p o s e d t o t r a ff i c l i g h t s , roundabouts do not lead to long lines of cars waiting for the light to turn. The lack of idling saves time, gas and reduces pollution. The DOT speakers

Roundabout cont’d. on p. 2

Last chance to register to vote before state election

The last day to register to vote is one final all-day voter registration on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Granby Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Registrar of Voters encourages everyone to register before Election Day, so you can place your ballot into the machine to be counted at the high school community gym, and avoid long lines at Town Hall. One Polling Site For the Gubernatorial Election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Granby residents will vote at the same location,

Inside GLT Art Show.................... 9 Ballot Questions & Sample..11 Almost, Maine at GMHS...... 34 Granby Bears Fall Sports.... 32

in the Granby Community Gym, located in Granby Memorial High School in the center of town. Traffic is anticipated to be moderate to heavy and voters should plan for extra time to vote, as this is a long ballot. It is recommended that voters access the Community Gym using the high school’s entrance off North Granby Road (Route 189), next to Public Works, and leave the polls by way of Salmon Brook Street (Route 10/202, next to the middle school). All Granby schools will be closed on Election Day, but the registrars recommend voting between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as the heaviest voting will be between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the second rush will be between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Ten offices and two state constitutional questions to be decided There will be ten races on each of the November ballots. The town of Granby is divided into two districts. District 1 will vote for the 7th State Senate seat and District 2 will vote for the 8th State Senate Seat. See the sample ballot for all of the candidates/races on page 11.

FREE

The Pumpkin Patch returns!

The Pumpkin Patch at South Church is an annual event that covers the lawn with Halloween fun for the month of October. Shop by the 31st for your Jack o’ lantern. Photo by Peter Dinella

BOS authorizes BOE request for high school roof repair by Shirley Murtha At its Oct. 15 meeting, the Granby Board of Selectmen approved the Board of Education’s request to ask the Board of Finance for an additional $275,000 for an emergency repair to the roof of the high school. In a situation not related to any damage caused during the spring hail storm, the underlying membrane of part of Granby Memorial’s 20-yearold roof is separating and needs to be replaced before the winter weather sets in. Speaking for the BOE, Mark Fiorentino noted that a new roof for the school was already on its capital improvement list before the disruption in the roof’s integrity was discovered. There is money in the general fund that will cover this. There are some funds (possibly around $19,000) available from the state, but the process of obtaining them will take too long considering that winter is fast approaching. However, much of the $275,000 remains will be returned to the general fund. The middle school did sustain damage from the hailstorm, but insurance is covering the repair. Bridge Work Town Manager John Ward reported that CPPAC (Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee) had asked questions regarding the town’s bridge

repair needs. Before approving funding, the committee wanted to know if the work could be done by Granby’s public works department by itself or with the aid of local contractors. After discussions with Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Ward determined that the department does not have the equipment or manpower to undertake this project. Each bridge repair is expected to take a full season and require several workers at a time. It would not be cost effective for the town to take on this burden, plus the expense of obtaining necessary equipment. Depending on the size of the bridge, anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of the cost will be provided by state programs. The Moosehorn, Simsbury Road and Donohue bridges qualify for 80 percent funding; Griffin, Hungary and Enders will receive 50 percent funding. As with the roof situation, complete funding for the three smaller bridges is available from the state but the town would have to cede all design specifications and work would proceed on the state’s schedule. Ward and Severance determined that the town should go out for bids on its own, selecting multiple contractors so that the jobs can be done simultaneously. Ward will take this decision back to an

Roof repair cont’d. on p. 3

Photo by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

Roundabout cont’d. from p. 1 noted that traffic lights actually result in more rear-end crashes and other crashes caused by drivers trying to “beat the light.” There is also a high number of head-on and turning crashes. In a roundabout, speed is reduced to 15-25 mph but traffic keeps moving and all turns are right-hand, eliminating multiple decision-making instances. The roundabout is designed with aesthetics and safety in mind. It will consist of a central landscaped island and splitter islands in each of the approaching roads. The landscaping in the splitters helps to “channelize” the approaching drivers. Lighting will be consistent with that already installed in Granby. There will be sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists, and an apron around the central island to accommodate large trucks or cars with trailers. For safety purposes, the roundabout is constructed tightly, presenting a problem for oversized loads coming through town. The drivers of such loads must apply for a permit to pass through a town, at which time the drivers will be directed to an alternate route so as to avoid difficulty in the roundabout.

November 2018

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

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ROUNDABOUT ON ROUTE 10/202 AT EAST STREET AND NOTCH ROAD TOWN OF GRANBY

10 10

The cost of the project is estimated at $4,100,000 of which 80 percent is covered by the federal government and the remaining 20 percent by the State of Connecticut. The money is budgeted for 2020, the year in which the project

is scheduled to begin. Construction will take place during off-peak traffic hours, at times utilizing alternating one-way passage. The project necessitates acquiring property from those owners at the

intersection. The procedure begins with the owners receiving a letter of intent, followed by valuation of the property to be acquired. Then, during a private meeting with the property owner, an offer of just compensation will be made; negotiation may ensue. The owner has six months to appeal, after which, if there is an impasse, according to state and federal statutes, the land may be taken by eminent domain. The amount of land expected to be acquired for the rights of way from each owner is quite small — described as “partial slivers” and easements. The presentation was followed by a question and answer period during which several residents expressed concerns about various aspects of the project. Many were of the opinion that this project is not needed. One resident had accessed the state data for accidents at the intersection since the re-alignment of the roads in 2010, saying that 15 crashes had taken place during that time, seven of which had resulted in minor injuries. This does not match the higher numbers and more serious instances reported by the presenters. Some residents felt that lack of attention (cell phone use) was as much to blame as anything else for these accidents and that this will continue to occur whether a roundabout or straight road. It was questioned why a four-way stop-sign installation wouldn’t be just as effective and far less expensive. The answer continued to be the safety factor of the roundabout. Some residents also questioned the state spending the large amount of money when it is having such severe budget issues. The answer was that the money is already budgeted, as stated above. Residents were encouraged to submit comments on the handouts available. It was requested that these comments be sent in the next two weeks. There was no timetable given for when the town would receive information on the results of the input.

YOU ARE NEEDED A Granby resident is needed to fill a vacancy on the Agricultural Commission. If you are interested in serving on this commission, contact the Democratic Town Committee Chair Christine Chinni at GranbyDemocrats@gmail.com, the Republican Town Committee Chair Mark Neumann at 860-653-9668, or the Town Manager at 860-844-5300.

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 3 Op-Ed

Op-Ed

Getting a grip on state spending

Kearns School—asset or liability?

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. A democracy can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury… with the result of collapsing as victim to loose fiscal policy. The observation summarized above is generally attributed to Lord Woodhouselee of the late 1700s but is just as relevant today in our chronically ill state of Connecticut. The state is projected to face a $2 billion deficit next year and $2.6 billion the following year. Unless and until state government flattens out the rate of spending growth, it will continue being unable to meet the real needs of the people because it has over-obligated itself. Its revenue curve can’t keep up with its recent expenditure growth of around 5 percent annually. The recent blue ribbon commission on economic stability called for the state to get a grip on its spending. It urged the legislature to stop raising tax rates year after year as that becomes counterproductive as a revenue source. Increases have driven business and people to vote with their feet. After some of the biggest tax hikes in the history of Connecticut under Governor Malloy’s administration, even he weighed in against raising tax rates further for the very same reasons. As former Prime Minister of Great Britain Margaret Thatcher said in the 80s, socialism is great until you run out of other people’s money. To our north, the state of New Hampshire has neither the income nor the sales tax—yet it seems to be doing better than Connecticut in many respects. When the income tax was introduced in Connecticut nearly 30 years ago, it was supposed to solve all our fiscal problems. But as one often finds in government, without exercising fiscal restraint, more money just fuels the fire of more spending for the wish lists of those in government—and the special interests that help them get into office. In the end, with a myriad of perceived needs—some that are real and others just what some wish for—there is only so much money to go around. In our state’s case the greater rate of growth in funding to the municipalities is to the cities and not to the towns, the rural and suburban areas. These urban areas and the public sector unions in Connecticut feed well at the trough in Connecticut, and deliver the votes to keep the Democrat party in power in the legislature where the state budget is hammered out. For 40 years they have run it and bear

Roof repair cont’d. from p. 1 upcoming CPPAC meeting. Town Manager Report Ward was pleased to announce that he, Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon, and Selectman Mark Neumann participated in the ribbon cutting for Granby’s newest restaurant, La Figata, located in the Geissler’s plaza. Ward expressed appreciation to James Chen for bringing yet another fine restaurant experience to our town. PUBLIC SESSION Susan Regan spoke again regarding a marketing plan for not only the East Street property, but also the Kearns School. She noted that the recently proposed center by the Kearns School Community Steering Committee would be a non-profit and therefore provide no revenue for the town. Anna Sogliuzzo inquired as to whether

significant responsibility for the high cost of state and local government, and the growth rate of state expenditures. Simply put, the state needs to get its fiscal house in order and flatten out its own cost curve. Given the deficits forecast for the next two years and beyond—essentially being short 10 percent+ in each year—the legislature just doesn’t have money to spend on new programs or increasing aid to the towns. It needs to pare expenses to balance out the budget, or raise taxes on the people of Connecticut. Even Governor Malloy made the point that the recent tax hikes really just went to cover the increase in public sector personnel costs (wages and benefits) rather than for new programs. At the same time the state employee count has been decreasing. Do we really want to see state taxes increased on ourselves as taxpayers when we only see about 20 cents on the dollar returned to the town as state aid for every buck the state collects from us? Does one think that throwing more money at the state, given its track record of fiscal irresponsibility, really makes sense? What we need is to elect more individuals who advocate fiscal responsibility. Only with a solid fiscal foundation can needs be effectively prioritized and met. Those candidates who say they will do everything for everybody are simply hustling for votes, and haven’t got a clue how difficult it is to break the public sector union stranglehold on their own Democrat leadership at the Capitol. The Speaker of the House is a paid employee of a major public sector union and it was only a few years back that the head of the Connecticut AFL-CIO was also head of the Democrat Party. Talk about having the fox right in the hen house. The best hope for Connecticut is for more Republicans to get elected from the towns across the state. The Senate is tied 18-18, and the House has only a slim D margin. Send our current GOP state legislators—Simanski, Kissel and Witkos—back to the capitol this election, and ask your friends and family around the state to do so as well. Connecticut can change… but only if the majority changes hands in Hartford. Connecticut can do better. It has to. Send more Ds up there? Well, I think Einstein said it best with the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Mr. Guarco is the chair of Granby’s Board of Finance. an official policy regarding the use of Roundup had been formed. Ward replied that he and Severance have agreed to minimize, not completely ban, the use of the pesticide. Severance said that they are still studying the situation, noting that the major use of the chemical does not occur until late summer/early fall. Sogliuzzo also requested that with the expiration of the current contract at East Street, there should be a policy in place that no further Roundup or chemicals like it be used on the town property. Resignations and Assignments Victoria Dirienzo resigned as Chairman of the Conservation Commission in order to be appointed to take the place of Richard Van Nostrand on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. David Desiderato was appointed to Dirienzo’s place on the Conservation Commission.

By Susan Patricelli Regan On Oct. 15, I made another public comment presentation to the Granby BOS to re-address the ongoing concern for the status of the closed Kearns Elementary School. The critical points are below. • No further actions have been initiated by the Board of Selectmen since the Town of Granby Kearns School Study Committee submitted an initial overview of the facilities status in January 2017, an interim report in February 2017 and a final report May 11, 2017. This report is available at the link: granby-ct. gov/sites/granbyct/files/uploads/finalreportcomplete.pdf • The committee was charged with recommending “the highest and best use of the [Kearns] facility.” The committee agreed that it was important that its recommendation reflect the opinions of residents and be fiscally viable. • The result included options for redevelopment, sale as is, or retention for town/community use. • The committee stated that, “if the board chooses the redevelopment option, we believe that a realistic, aggressive, and adequately funded marketing strategy is crucial for the success of the redevelopment approach. We also suggest that the board pursue such a strategy without further delay…” • Its conclusion was that regardless of the option that was selected, time was of the essence, as delay would result in additional expense to the town. Committee members were available to discuss their finding with the board at its request. • Additionally, in my PowerPoint presentation, reference was made to the current online status of Connecticut’s mill rates. Not only are Granby’s higher than other towns in the vicinity (Farmington, Suffield, Simsbury and E. Granby) but are 2.27 points above the next highest. It isn’t going to take much to be at 40 in the near term if action isn’t taken to generate major capital revenue. • Note on the Connecticut mill rates: the only (out of 169) towns higher than Granby are New London, Norwich, New Haven, Stratford, Middletown, Hartford, Bridgeport, Naugatuck, Middletown + Fire. This further reasserts our rather vulnerable mill rate position. Eighteen months have passed since the study committee submitted its report to the BOS. No action has been taken with the exception of entertaining a Kearns School Community Steering Committee’s recent solicitation for a 10-year lease of the property from the town for $1/year, attainment of maintenance costs, upgrades and establishment of a facility that would provide a diverse spectrum of community services and recreational/educational options to residents of Granby and surrounding towns. Readers may refer to the Steering Committee’s Facebook page, contact kearnscommunitycenter@gmail.com,

or contact the co-lead of the project Elliot Altomare at 908-528-7915. • As happened with the former Evonsion farm on East Street, there is an unsolicited proposal on the table. The Kearns School Community Steering Committee stated that its objective is to have a $2.7 million funding objective/ commitment to establish the contract with the town within six months or less. If Granby does not aggressively pursue a marketing strategy to sell the property or take the next steps with the steering committee, ongoing maintenance costs, further physical deterioration and property value decline will result and we will be looking at this two years down the road. The 2019-20 budget planning is just around the corner; Connecticut is in economic emergency mode. Unless we have strong, fiscally astute state and town leadership with an eye to maximizing our revenue, Kearns School and such property assets as Granby has will become unjustifiable liabilities. • An update or review of the current appraised value should be done. A broadly-targeted RFP should be established and perhaps an offering to the various real estate companies in town to seek potential buyers would be warranted. • Kearns School, as a non-profit facility, would generate no property tax revenue to the town. • Susan Patricelli Regan and her husband, William Regan met with the Kearns School Community Steering Committee co-leaders Elliot Altomare and Gennie Busse on Oct. 16 at their request. They were aware that Regan had proposed a somewhat similar community center recommendation to the BOS a number of months ago and they were anxious to seek some direction because the Regans have been aggressively seeking the best marketing strategy for many months. They also were cognizant of the fact that the Regans’ concern was for a prime outcome for the town as concerned taxpayers. The meeting was very productive and there is a proposal in consideration by the steering committee to make a more lucrative offer to the town that may expedite next steps or at minimum open discussion on a value-added negotiation to meet the respective parties’ objectives. Time is of the essence because the building is deteriorating, the maintenance costs continue, and we are facing budget challenges internally and externally not seen in decades. The BOS must act now. Remember the old axiom “Lead, follow or make way.” Susan Patricelli Regan is the host of CT Valley Views (ctvalleyviews.com), president of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation (foxfieldcoverymission.org), founder of the Sylvia Davis Fine Arts Scholarship (sylviadavisart.com) and former VP Marketing and Community Trade Relations for DIAGEO N.A.

Interested in helping Granby?

Granby Democrats are seeking people interested in helping Granby by serving on advisory boards or commissions. As of this writing there are vacancies on the Library Board and the Agricultural Commission that will be filled by appointment, not election. These bodies meet once a month, and provide advice and assistance to the operation of the town. The Democratic Town Committee will be interviewing interested candidates in November. Other board and commission appointments may be available in January. If interested, please contact us for consideration. Send an email to granbydemocrats@gmail.com, visit GranbyDems.org, or follow us on Facebook @ GranbyDemocraticTownCommittee.

Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Granby schools NOT in decline

FIND US

After reading Kim Becker’s October letter to the editor, I must make a number of comments in support of the Granby Public School System. In her letter, she states that “Granby schools are not stagnant; they are in full decline.” Ms. Becker bases this opinion statement solely on the recent standardized test scores, namely, the SBAC and the SAT. Assessments are important to drive curriculum to support student learning and pinpoint a child’s strengths and weaknesses, but standardized tests do not give us the whole story. These tests measure what the child is able to answer on a timed sequence of questions that are presented on a computer screen. The tests fail to measure whether the child is creative, artistic or talented in other areas. Neither do the tests measure whether the child has a specific interest in a certain area of learning. Standardized tests are limited: they cannot measure determination, work ethic or success in future endeavors. My husband and I have lived in Granby for 40+ years and in those years our children attended Granby Schools K to 12, graduated from fine colleges and are successful professionals. I taught at Granby Memorial Middle School for many years so my perspective of what makes a good school system is not based on just standardized test scores. Our granddaughter attends Wells Road School, and I have witnessed her growth as a reader, writer and math student. What she is doing in the area of math is cerebral and requires not just an answer, but how and why. As a Language Arts Consultant trained at Columbia Teachers College, I am delighted to see her work in the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. This is authentic work, not filling in worksheets. Granby Public Schools offer enrichment programs, after-school programs and summer programs that are well-developed, child-centered and tailored to further learning in specific areas of interest. I must give credit to my daughter and her husband for being involved in their daughter’s learning and to all Granby parents who support their child’s schooling. Parent involvement is the key for the continued success of our schools. If our schools are in decline, certainly these parents would raise the alarm. I am distressed that Ms. Becker made a politically biased statement in her assessment of the Granby Public School System. Surely the members of the board of education and administration, some of them parents of school-age children, would not sit idly by and watch as our schools in the last six years declined. Ms. Becker states that “Together we can strengthen our schools.” Absolutely! The people of Granby have always worked toward the common good. That’s what makes this town so special. Instead of tearing down, let’s build up. Be positive. There is no place for politics—as well as negativity—especially when it comes to the education of our children.

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.

Rebecca Mikus

Vote YES on Question 2 Last month, Eric Lukingbeal wrote an important op/ed piece describing how, as it currently stands, the legislature can sell, swap or give away public lands such as state parks, forests and even state-owned farmlands without public knowledge or input. Protocol calls for a public hearing, but at the end of a legislative session, the rules can be ignored, and that is when many of these transactions take place. The only way to make sure there is a public hearing before any of our land is taken away is to amend the State Constitution to require the public hearing. The amendment also contains the clause that any proposed legislation must pass by at least two-thirds of the House and the Senate. Legislators cannot ignore the Constitution. That’s why it is so important for you to vote “yes” on Question #2 on your ballot on Nov. 6. The question appears on the front of the ballot, bottom right corner. Shirley Murtha

Thanks from FOGPL The Friends of the Granby Public Library completed its 36th Annual Used Book Sale in September on a beautiful weekend that included other major events both in Granby and Simsbury. I am pleased to note that we had the best book sale ever, raising $10,600. We started with a record number of donations, a large and enthusiastic sorting staff that operated during June and July, and a board that worked side by side with all throughout not only the sorting time, but the sale itself. When it came to moving books from one location to another across the road, the volunteers were there to accomplish the task even though our normal help from students was not available due to the holiday. Our friends at Cossitt Library once again loaned us their special sale tables, the town departments of recreation and public works worked with us as we prepared for the sale, the YMCA and

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need: Rice/potato mixes Toilet paper/paper towels Pasta sauces/spaghetti Crackers/jellies Canned peaches Fruit cocktail Canned raviolis/ Spaghettios Stuffing/gravy Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

November 2018

Geissler’s Supermarket provided book collection space for us, and Wine, Inc. saved empty boxes for us to use as we sorted and stored books by category for the sale. Others helped by allowing us to post signs on their premises to publicize the event. We appreciated the donation of books and other items for the sale and for those who attended the event. A number of local businesses provided sponsorships in various ways for the sale: Salmon Brook Dental Associates, Judy Guarco (Berkshire Hathaway), Beman True Value Hardware, Cambridge House Brew Pub, the Chen Group (Han, @the Barn, Farmer’s Kitchen), Granby Village Health, Village Cork and Keg, Windsor Federal Savings, Geissler’s Supermarkets, Lox, Stock and Bagels, Grass Roots Ice Cream, Stop & Shop, Wine, Inc. and Big Sky Fitness. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the entire staff of the Granby Public Library for their patience and help during the donation months and their ongoing support. Special appreciation to the dedicated FOGPL Board who helped to make it all happen. Del Shilkret, FOGPL President

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 ©2018 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor

Letters cont’d. on p. 5

Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer,

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

KEEP US IN THE LOOP Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org. Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com.

Elaine Girard, Joan Griswold, Karen Cleary, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley, Lou Urban, Kay Woodford Reporters & Contributors Alan Addley, Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Peter Dinella, Bernadette Gentry, Jay Harder, Rachel Hennessy, Carol Laun, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha, John R. Nieb, Lisa Salazar, Emma Smith, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Paul Willis, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Carol Bressor, Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey, Karen Eustis, Advisor Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

LETTERS

Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, November 5, November 19

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

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, November 26 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, November 7, November 21 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, November 13, November 27 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, November 14

@GranbyDrummer

The Granby Drummer

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesday, November 13

POLICY

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 Kearns Community Center Our family is very excited about the proposed Kearns Community Center. We have spent some time with the members of the steering committee and the ideas they’ve generated are fantastic. As an IT professional, I often work from home so I love the idea of having a community space where I can work when I feel isolated. As the cold weather approaches, we’re particularly excited about the idea of the large, indoor park when cabin fever hits. My son is eager to see the large Makerspace and gaming options. Kudos to the steering committee for coming up with such a wonderful idea for this empty space, especially one that will be accessible to everyone in the community, young and old. We are excited to volunteer and be a part of it. Cori Griswold

Support for Democrats I recently heard a local talk show host suggest that most people cannot name their state representative or senator. If you live in Granby, your state representative and state senators have been in office for a very long time. If you don’t know their names, maybe it’s time for a change. Annie Hornish, Amanda Webster and Melissa Osborne have been working tirelessly for several months to meet Granby residents and hear your concerns. If they are elected to represent us, you can be sure that you will remember their names. They will be engaged and accessible year round, not just at election time when they want your votes. They are independent thinkers who will always advocate for us, not just go along with the party line. I hope you will join me in supporting Annie Hornish, Amanda Webster and Melissa Osborne on Election Day, Nov. 6. Peggy Chapple

Support for Republicans This is an extremely important election for the citizens of the State of Connecticut and for our town. For decades, our legislature has spent too much and saved too little to pay for the state’s obligations. We need to elect representatives and senators that have the restraint and will power to hold the line on state spending. State Senators John Kissel and Kevin Witkos and State Representative Bill Simanski are three individuals who can be counted on to right the out-of-control policies of the past. As Granby’s First Selectman (1994-2002) Bill balanced budgets and moved our town forward with projects and maintenance of town facilities that were well conceived and within our means. As members of the evenly divided senate these past two years, Senators Kissel and Witkos have been instrumental in passing bipartisan budgets that rein in spending without punishing well-run towns in favor of state grants to cities with out-of-control spending policies. A vote for their opponents will only continue the policies of Dan Malloy that have brought our state to its knees. The change we need in the legislature is a move to a new majority. This can only be accomplished by voting for Senators John Kissel, Kevin Witkos and Representative Bill Simanski. These public servants have the knowledge, experience and determination to solve the very difficult problems our state is facing. Your vote will count on Election Day 2018. John E. Adams

Support for Hornish I write in support of the candidacy of Annie (Wosko) Hornish for the position

of State Senator. Annie has demonstrated her qualifications for this position through her strong local commitment and her effective state experience. I was fortunate enough to work with Annie as a fellow commissioner on the Granby Charter Revision Commission. She contributed significantly to the success of that commission. Moreover, she did so by working across party lines to help develop the best charter for the town of Granby. Beyond that commission, Annie has served her town, among other ways, as a member of Granby’s Agricultural Commission and as chair of the Elections Committee for the Granby Democratic Town Committee. Annie’s town service has been complemented by her state service as our former State Representative (2009-10). At the legislature, she worked effectively to streamline government by cutting waste through encouragement of regionalization measures. She spearheaded proposed legislation supporting the creation of high tech jobs, including “green” jobs, in our state. Moreover, Annie did so by again drawing upon her capacity to work across the aisle. That attribute is increasingly rare, yet fundamentally important, to our political discourse at all levels of government. Please join me in voting for Annie Hornish on Nov. 6. Francis J. Brady I will vote for Annie Hornish on Nov. 6, because she is the hardest-working candidate I’ve ever met. Granby will be lucky to have someone that will work for us in the State Senate. Annie knows the challenges our seniors face—she is a caregiver to her elderly mother and aunt—and she supports property tax credits so our parents and grandparents can stay in their homes. Annie also recognizes how important a strong school system is to the health of our economy. But the cost of maintaining our schools has to be reformed, too much burden is placed on the local property tax base. We have to fix school funding as a top priority. Please get to know Annie Hornish and how she stands on the issues you care the most about—and then remember to vote on Nov. 6 for the woman that will work for Granby! Lynn Guelzow

Support for Kissel State Senator John Kissel is a strong advocate for the rights of the disabled. Here are some of the ways that he has worked for these people. He chaired a committee studying transitional services for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. He was recently a leading advocate for Bill 7254 to have Special Ed teachers complete a program that would benefit their students with dyslexia. This legislation was brought to Sen. Kissel’s attention by one of his constituents. The bill passed both the Senate and the House and is on its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed. The Arc of Connecticut is an advocacy organization committed to protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Sen. Kissel signed the 2018 Candidate Pledge in which he promises to work with individuals with I/DD, families, providers, and The Arc of Connecticut to promote budgetary and policy initiatives to improve the lives of people with I/DD and to support their full rights. He was recognized this spring by the North Central Regional Mental Health Board for his work with their Annual Legislative Award. Suffice it to say Senator John Kissel has

a heart for the disabled and continually fights for them! Mary and Larry Laureno East Granby I want to encourage fellow Granbyites to support John Kissel for reelection this fall. It is no secret (even the Hartford Courant agrees) that our state faces a fiscal nightmare. Out-of-control spending supported by a population suffering one of the highest tax rates in the country have made Connecticut a business unfriendly destination driving jobs and retirees to more tax friendly destinations. John has consistently fought to rein in spending and curtail tax increases. We need him in Hartford now more than ever as Connecticut faces the reality of its prior fiscal sins coming to roost. He has consistently been accessible to his constituents through many sidewalk events and has supported legislative changes I proposed. Please join me in support of John to keep the hope for a prosperous Connecticut alive. Paul Anderson

Support for Griebel In this trying time for the state of Connecticut, I urge everyone to consider voting for Oz Griebel for Governor on Nov. 6. Oz is a serious, policy-oriented leader who considers issues based on the needs of the citizens, and without a political agenda. I worked with Oz for several years when he was the chairman of the Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board and found him to have an open and thoughtful mind, listening to all perspectives, and seeking creative ideas to solve problems. He was a quick study and a solid thinker on the issues we faced, and always sought common ground to gather consensus wherever possible. Oz treats everyone with respect. I think that these traits, combined with his freedom from the political baggage that stifles so many of our discussions at the state level today, suggest that Oz would be a great leader for our state. Dave Russell

Support for Simanski We have been blessed by the efforts of Bill Simanski working on behalf of the 62nd District of the State of Connecticut for a number of years. Prior to that he led Granby as First Selectman of Granby for eight years. Throughout his career serving the people of Connecticut, Bill has approached issues as we have approached household decisions, asking What is the need; Is there value added; Can we afford it without hurting our credit rating; Can we re-prioritize our efforts? Decisions made reflect values held. Bill worked for The Hartford before retiring after 43 years of service. For all of us who followed similar careers we know you need to do the job you are hired to do or your career will be cut short. So we learned what is expected, perform as expected, and all the while learned from our experiences and those around us. Connecticut needs leaders with analysis and decision-making skills that years of experience in both the public and private sector can bring to the table. Connecticut needs Bill Simanski. We urge you to vote Republican on Nov. 6. Rich and Mary Zlotnick I am urging all the great people of Granby to vote to re-elect Rep. Bill Simanski to the Connecticut House of Representatives. I have served with Bill for several years and without a doubt he is a gentleman, well informed, and a tireless champion for the people of Granby and the rest of his district. Bill is thought-

ful, sometimes soft-spoken, but he is indeed a crusader. Frankly, I have been awed by personally witnessing some of his speeches on the floor of the House. He is honest, thoughtful and passionate about Connecticut’s plight. Bill knows one-party rule in our legislature for over 20 years has been thoroughly destructive to the hopes and dreams of our children, seniors and employers. Bill wants to help turn Connecticut around. I have been so honored to work for the people of Granby in our state senate, but Rep. Bill Simanski will help make the structural changes in our state’s government we so desperately need. Please vote for Rep. Bill Simanski, a voice of compassionate proven advocacy for all of us. Re-elect Rep. Bill Simanski. State Senator John A. Kissel As a Granby and Connecticut taxpayer, I am writing to show my support for the re-election of Bill Simanski as our State Representative. He has worked hard for us for many years, first on Granby’s Board of Selectmen, including eight years as our First Selectman, and most recently as our representative in the Connecticut House of Representatives. There he helped restore Granby’s Education Cost and Sharing funding that was lost due to the Democrat party; he worked to create a common-sense budget to start Connecticut’s path back to fiscal health, and strives to keep businesses and jobs in Connecticut. He has earned endorsements by many non-partisan groups. Bill has been a powerful voice for lower and middle class taxpayers, and we need to let him keep working for us. In addition, as a woman, and as a survivor of sexual assault, I am showing my support for Bill because he, unlike other candidates and political figures recently, has not hijacked the #MeToo movement and the pain of sexual assault survivors for his political gain. I find that action morally reprehensible and an insult. Bill is far from the anti-women ogre some try to paint him as. The support and respect I have gotten from Bill, his efforts to keep jobs in Connecticut and to lower our taxes are all part of his PRO-women outlook. I am against any platform that includes highway tolls and legalizing recreational marijuana. While we may be the only state in New England without highway tolls, neither I-91 or I-84 are toll roads elsewhere. We don’t need to spend millions on another study, nor millions to implement the plan. Tolls are just another tax on Connecticut drivers. Legalizing marijuana might bring in much needed revenue, but at what cost? Colorado and surrounding states have experienced a large increase in DUI accidents and citations and increased business costs due to the need for drug testing in many industries. Despite his opponent’s claim, regulating it will not keep it out of the hands of our teens. In reality, it will make it far more accessible to them. Bill is an honorable, hard-working man. Granby and Connecticut need to keep him as our State Representative. He will continue to fight for us to reduce our taxes, provide more jobs, and make it possible to keep living in Connecticut. Susan Ranstead As a former life-long Democrat, I’m endorsing Bill Simanski for Representative of the 62nd District. This decision is based on many factors: Mr. Simanski’s in-depth working knowledge of the political system, proven diplomacy, his honesty and transparency. There is no mystery regarding Representative Simanski’s intentions of serving the public. During the 2018 year, his at-

Letters cont’d. on p. 6

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

Letters cont’d. from p. 5 he co-signed 29 bills in the House and Senate. In a predominantly Democratic based legislature, Mr. Simanski worked diligently and tirelessly with legislators and forged ahead. Clearly, there is no shroud of doubt, mystery or drama needed regarding where Mr. Simanski was educated, his employment history, and his personal life’s experiences. In this particular election, voters need the reassurance that longevity matters. Mr. Simanski’s family values and honesty reflect support for his constituents and coincide with the Constitution, Federal, and State laws. Representative Simanski’s military experience, his career at The Hartford Insurance Company, which among other positions included that of a training consultant. As his interest in government grew, he served on numerous town commissions and boards: Inlands and Wetlands, Board of Selectmen and as chair for eight years, First Selectman, Justice of the Peace, Town Moderator, as well as a member of the Republican Town Committee. As a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he taught religious education classes, and participated in various church ministries one of which included working with inmates. The voters of the district over the course of many years approved the work accomplished by Representative Simanski through his re-election. During these most difficult political times, we need someone in office with tested experiences and a strong political skill set based on honest values. Mr. Simanski can walk the talk, creatively work with others to solve problems rather than give reassurances, spout statistics, and echo Democratic rhetoric. For me personally as an “older” citizen, time is of the essence. As a former educator, trainer and supporter of aspiring, intelligent young people, the gift of time for some is essential. I don’t have time to wait for any person who flies below the learning curve. My assertions are based on demonstrated actions and findings, observations gleaned from social media and public settings, as well as personally questioning his opponent at a DTC-sponsored debate. Mr. Simanski has dutifully served the citizens of the district and can apply skills, show concern and understanding for what citizens face in their daily lives. He can clearly articulate based on his comprehensive working knowledge the “hows” of an action plan while adhering to our timehonored values and existing laws. His dedication, honesty, and transparency will bode well for the electorate of the 62nd District. Maureen Eberly

Support for Webster I am writing in support of Amanda Webster’s campaign as our new representative of the 62nd District to the Connecticut House of Representatives. As a 40-something lawyer, I was initially hesitant to support Amanda in her campaign, and I confess I judged her purely on age. I was wrong. After seeing her in action and experiencing her work ethic first hand, I was completely blown away and knew not only that she deserved this position but that our town would benefit from her enthusiasm, awareness and natural ability to listen and communicate. Beyond her drive to serve the people of our community, Amanda is quick-witted and attentive and has the seldom-seen wisdom to know (and admit) when she doesn’t know enough on a topic and she immediately sets out to learn as much as possible about it. This is a rare and exceptional trait in any line of work, especially from a politician. Amanda has demonstrated a commitment to the needs of senior citizens, is a fierce and passionate advocate for women, and understands the need for common sense gun laws and that our schools should be a place where children can focus on growing and learning and not buying bulletproof backpacks. I believe without question that Amanda will listen to all citizens in our town and do her best to represent them, regardless of party. Politics everywhere in our nation is at a crossroads, and we need leaders who are fearless. It is rare to come across someone of Amanda’s caliber and natural ability and it would be a mistake to choose business as usual and not elect her to represent the people of our District on Nov. 6. Monica Logan My husband, two young children and I moved to West Granby just over four years ago. Through school activities, sports and community events, we’ve gotten to know the people of Granby to be diverse, hard-working, caring—and particularly, people who want to be heard—people who want to matter when it comes to the complex issues we’re facing today. In this spirit, it is apparent Granby is overdue for representation on the state level by someone who truly reflects our values and who will stand up and work for the issues important to our community. I’m certain that person is Amanda Webster, a fellow mom, established community leader and candidate for State Representative for the 62nd District: Granby, East Granby, Barkhamsted, Hartland and New Hartford. For over a year Amanda has dedicated

November 2018

herself to connecting with, and listening to, the concerns of as many people possible. To date she has knocked on thousands of doors. Pouring rain and oppressive humidity never slow her down. Her dedication and vigorous work ethic has surely energized our town, as a vote for Amanda Webster for State Representative is assurance that our voices will be heard, and will matter, when it comes to issues affecting our state. Heather Lombardo During last Tuesday night’s debate (Sept. 25) between Amanda Webster and Bill Simanski, organized and presented by GMHS Honors Civics Class, it was apparent that Bill is running on his record of helping the state accumulate 4.6 billon dollars of debt. I’ve known Bill for a long time, and he has always been responsive to my concerns, but it’s time for a change. Watching the Kavanaugh circus just fortified what my good friend Gannon McHale said about this country being run by a “bunch of old white guys.” Face the facts. The U.S. population is 49.6 percent female, and the Connecticut population is 51.2 percent female. If one looks at the controlling political make up of our government, starting with our own BOS and various committees and commission, and the state and national representation, the positions are primarily populated by “old white guys.” There are just a few exceptions, but nowhere near being balanced by gender or race. Female elected personnel are in scant supply and are nowhere near the numbers that would be called representative. It’s time for a major change in the structure of our government. Amanda Webster should be part of that change. She has diligently worked towards that goal for well over a year, meeting with all sorts of folks in our district to talk about their concerns, needs and wishes. She will very effectively represent us in Hartford. Her presence at the debate showed her preparation, presentation and dedication to be far more effective than her opponent. Bill has represented us well over the past decade or more, but the simple fact is that he has been complicit in running up the debt of 4.6 billion dollars. I’m not even close to saying he is totally responsible, but he is just a part of the problem. We need a representative who will do more than he has, and Amanda is that person. She will bring a whole new definition of energy, intelligence and dedication to the position. Spend a little time talking to her and you will be convinced, as I am, that she is the obvious choice. She will bring a new and refreshing perspective to the position, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in Hartford. Barry Avery

As a member of Granby’s older generation, I can’t overstate how enthusiastic I am about Amanda Webster’s candidacy to be the 62nd District’s next State Representative. As I’ve grown older over the last few years, I have noticed that the elders of our town are more and more forgotten by our state and local representatives. There are significant issues on the horizon for us, from health care to transportation to rising taxes and the end of our work life. What we need in Hartford are people who listen to our needs and keep fighting for us, not just more politicians who blindly follow party lines. Amanda Webster has been getting to know her constituents one door at a time, one call at a time, every day for the past year. And she listens to the challenges we face. When she goes to the Capitol, I know she will be thinking of the individuals she has gotten to know, and bring our values and needs to the table. Even more importantly, she will bring an energy to Hartford that Granby’s representation has not had in some time, and she will use that energy to fight for our town to stop the steadily increasing taxes our citizens face. There is no doubt in my mind that the right choice to truly represent Granby’s residents is Amanda Webster, and I encourage you to vote for her on Nov. 6. Tom McGuire

Correction

In the above photo from the October Drummer, the Stop & Shop employee on the right was incorrectly identified. She is Alyshia Barron. She is pictured with Rosia Kennedy and some of the pet food supplies donated by shoppers and distributed to local rescues: Dog Star Rescue, Mary’s Kitty Corner, Bandit’s Place, Cat Connection, Connecticut Humane Society and Friends of Windsor Animal Care. In all, shoppers filled 18 carriages, two more than the last pet food drive.

Correction

The author of the article about the Granby Library Association in the October Drummer was incorrectly attributed to Joan Russell. Amy Hatfield was the author.

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” — Alfred Adler

South Church: Evolving Empathy. Join us some Sunday to discover how cultivating empathy leads to greater understanding. An Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series presents: Saxophonist, Tony Gibb and Pianist, Benita Rose on Nov. 4th 4:00 p.m. The Salmon Brook Music series presents: The Nields on November 10th at 7:30 p.m.

Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday school and childcare at 10:00 a.m. 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Oct. 3 Board of Education meeting Assistant Superintendent’s Announcements Christopher Tranberg, assistant superintendent, made announcements in Dr. Addley’s absence. There has been an increase in the number of students riding the late bus this week from 10 to15 to about 23 students. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for a collaborative effort to purchase fuel for school buses. The district will be hosting six educators from Pakistan from Oct. 15 through Nov. 9. There will be five elementary teachers and one secondary teacher from the Foundation School in Pakistan. The high school completed its NEAS and C visit last week. The initial feedback from the committee was that the high school is well aligned to the self-study. One of the commendations was there is a supportive Board of Education and consistent messaging of equity being a clear focus of the district. The appropriation request approved at the last meeting for the high school roof repair has been sent to the Board of Selectmen and will be on its Oct. 15 meeting agenda. Interviews have begun for the high school security guard. This will most likely be a service provided through CREC. Teaching and Learning Christopher Tranberg, provided an overview of our new USDA Farm-toSchool Grant and addressed the project goals of community gardens, developing curriculum to support the use of gardens in schools, and exploring strengthening the farm-to-school relationship with local farms. Granby was awarded a federal farm-to-school grant for $40,000 and will receive $30,000 over the next two years and a district match of $10,000. Tranberg traveled to Detroit recently for a farm-to-school grant conference and learned there will be an opportunity to

write a larger grant for implementation up to $100,000. He stated that schools do not generally receive these grants so this is a bragging point for the district. With regard to establishing partnerships, this will be a priority for the Wellness Committee who will work with the Business Manager and Food Services. A grant administrator is needed for the grant processing and reporting. The board encouraged collaboration with community organizations. Elementary School Improvement Plan Kelly Lane Kimberly Dessert, principal of Kelly Lane Primary School, presented her 2018-19 School Improvement Plan to the board. The Vision, Mission and District Achievement Goal focuses on the equity report and, specifically, chronic absenteeism and office referrals to decrease by 10 percent in all subgroups. Dessert thanked the board for adding a social worker in this year’s budget for Kelly Lane and stated she has seen a big improvement thus far. She informed the board that her involvement with the Equity Task Force has allowed her to bring back knowledge to her staff with regard to equity. Kelly Lane’s goal for student achievement is to increase achievement in literacy and numeracy across disciplines. There needs to be an increase in progress-monitoring within the standards and within the curriculum to raise students’ scores. Dessert also discussed student-center coaching that leads to measurable student outcomes by using formal and informal assessments and stated something needs to be done differently to improve student achievement in Grade 3. With regard to instructional goals, teachers at Kelly Lane will increase opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning; will foster independence by having students self-assess what they are doing; develop a shared understanding of being compliant versus being a fully engaged

learner; increase the students’ stamina to do the work; make sure the library supports students’ choices as well as their instructional goals; and provide jobembedded professional learning in the classroom to build student independence. Secondary School Improvement Plan Middle School Susan Henneberry, principal of Granby Memorial Middle School, presented her 2018-19 School Improvement Plan to the board. Her school improvement plan starts with feedback from the faculty as to what is working or not working for the middle school. It is a collaborative effort. The Vision, Mission and District Achievement Goal is to focus on the maximum effectiveness of professional teams to increase student achievement, which has shifted this year to be student intervention teams. Every team is a student intervention team, which includes school counselors, a school psychologist and social worker. There has already been a change in student outcomes. PLC teams are focusing more on looking at

student work and, specifically, students who already know the material. SIT teams are student-centered and PLC teams are curriculum-centered. The Student Achievement goal is to increase student achievement in literacy and numeracy standards across all disciplines. Henneberry stated SBAC is the authentic way to measure these standards. Additionally, progress monitoring of all students will be done with a focus on high needs student performance. With regard to the Instructional Goal, middle school teachers will utilize equitable instructional practices that personalize learning for all learners by tapping into students’ talents and creativity with the school-wide enrichment program. A process has been created for identifying gifted and talented students. The new Enrichment Coach hired this year will be working with PLC groups and individual teachers. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary

WELLS ROAD STANDS UP TO BULLYING

Wells Road kicked off October with World Anti-Bullying Day on Oct. 1. The staff and students wore BLUE in support of being upstanders, instead of bystanders, and stomping out bullying. The spirit continued and spread as students donated $1 to write their names and/or kind acts they’d witnessed on hashtags and hearts. These statements now decorate the front office area. The over $100 collected will go toward a kindness sign or mural to keep the spirit of using kindness as an anti-bullying tactic alive here at Wells Road. The week wrapped up with students wearing kindness matters T-shirts and hats for a #hatnothate day, and seeing a presentation by Interactive Educational Theater in the afternoon. The program focused on strategies to stand up to bullies, including distraction, walking away, “killing them with kindness,” and using humor. All in all, it was a great way to really emphasize. The school motto of #kindnessmatters.—Megan Proto; photo by John Kroninger.

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Sept. 25 Planning and Zoning Commission minutes Present: Paula Johnson (Chairman), Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Eric Lukingbeal Eric Myers, James Sansone. Also present was Abby Kenyon, Director of Community Development. Call to Order Paula Johnson requested the Commission add an informal discussion regarding Grassroots, 4 Park Place, to the agenda. On a motion by James Sansone seconded by Eric Myers, the commission voted to add the informal discussion to the agenda. Public Hearing An application seeking a Special Permit for an illuminated freestanding sign and two additional freestanding signs for property at 4 East Granby Road. Matt Newton, CES Design Studio, 514R Salmon Brook Street, addressed the commission. He described the site location, construction materials, and specifications for the proposed freestanding sign and two additional smaller freestanding signs for property located at 4 East Granby Road. Newton explained the larger freestanding sign would be located on the corner of Route 10/202 and Route 20. The sign would be approximately 15 square feet and would include halo-illumination. The sign would be made out of aluminum and plastic with an epoxy finish. Newton explained that the sign would mimic the architecture of the building. Newton answered questions regarding the size of the sign and the halo-illuminated lighting. He explained gooseneck, down lighting and up lighting carry disadvantages, as light can spill off the intended surface, while halo-illumination is self-contained. In response to a question, Newton said the overall sign structure would be 8 feet by 6.5 feet. In addition to the main sign, Newton said two smaller signs are proposed to assist clients entering and exiting the site. He explained because the name of

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the business is larger than the directional information, the signs are considered freestanding signs, which require Special Permit approval. These signs will not be illuminated. Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon passed out examples of other signs in Granby center. The commission reviewed the signs, noting many of the signs are larger than what is allowed by right under the regulations. The commission also discussed existing sign illumination throughout the area, with some commissioners noting there may not be a need to illuminate the sign after business hours. The public hearing was closed at 7:30 p.m. The commission has 65 days to make a decision. Informal Discussion Dante Boffi, Dante Boffi Design LLC, distributed a layout plan of a proposed 500-square-foot patio to the rear of Grassroots. He explained a patio was part of the original site plan that was presented to the commission. At that time, the plan was to remove the patio and construct a building addition in its place at a later date. However, his client decided to build the addition immediately in the location of the patio. Therefore, his client would like to relocate the patio to the southeast back corner of the building. He noted the remaining area would be grass. He asked the commission if there was a need for him to apply for a Special Permit with this slight modification. Kenyon noted there is a pending text amendment to the zoning regulations that would require Special Permit approval for outdoor dining in the future. However, this request falls under the current regulation. The commission agreed the application could be referred to staff to handle a modification to a site plan. Kenyon said she would follow up with Boffi, noting the applicant would have to demonstrate the site complies with the 20 percent landscaped area requirement.

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Receive Application and Set Public Hearing An application seeking an amendment to the Zoning Regulations, Section 8.16 Restaurants that would allow by Special Permit a seasonal outdoor dining area. Kenyon stated that the proposed amendment has been referred to CRCOG. The commission scheduled the public hearing for Oct. 23. Consideration of the above applications, where the Commission has concluded the public hearing. On a motion by James Sansone seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted (6-0-0) to approve the Special Permit for an illuminated freestanding sign and two additional freestanding signs for property at 4 East Granby Road with a condition that the illumination is set to turn off by 10 p.m. daily. Staff Reports and Correspondence Kenyon informed the commission that the Geissler’s parking lot will be repaved and reconfigured this fall. She noted that based on a preliminary review, the site plan modification does not require commission approval. It was noted the sidewalks will be reconstructed and new trees will be planted. The property owner will be applying to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance for the height of the lights. Commission discussion of items of interest or concern The commission asked for an update on the Kearns School. Kenyon noted the Kearns Community Steering Committee is researching funding options. She said prior to any decision being made the proposal will go through all required boards and commissions. In response to a question about the outdoor seating area for Farmer’s Kitchen and its impact on accessibility, Kenyon said she would visit the site and follow up with the owner if needed. Respectfully submitted, Pat Tappenden

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PTO Corner

By the PTO Executive Board

Fall Fundraisers With cooler temperatures and changing leaves, there’s no denying that fall is in full swing and so is your Granby PTO. The PTO held its major fundraiser, for the 2018-19 school year, a combined Jog-a-Thon/Fall Fest, on Oct. 20. We will have more information regarding the fundraiser in the December issue of the Drummer, but for now we’d like to simply say “Thank You” to all of our volunteers, vendors, families and sponsors for their contributions and assistance in making the day a success. We invite you to mark your calendars for some creepy, crawly fun. The PTO will once again be hosting an evening with Riverside Reptiles on Friday, Nov. 9, in the Kelly Lane gymnasium. The cafetorium will be open in advance of the program and families are invited to bring snacks or dinner from home. Light refreshments will also be available courtesy of the PTO. This event is free and fun for all ages. For more information, please check out the Family Activities Section of our PTO website (granbypto.org). Looking for some affordable family fun this fall and winter? We are excited to share that we have partnered with the XL Center to bring you discounted tickets to a number of events. Check out Marvel Universe Live on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m.; Monster Jam on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m.; or the Harlem Globetrotters on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $20-$25, depending on the show and seats you choose. To purchase

tickets for Marvel Universe, please use the following link: group.m.atics.events/ group/Granbypto1. To purchase tickets for Monster Jam and/or the Harlem Globetrotters, please use the following link: https://group.m.atics.events/group/Granbypto2. The links can also be found under the Family Activities Section of the PTO website. Please note that anyone is able to purchase these tickets, not just Kelly and Wells families, and every purchase helps support the PTO. The PTO is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring a week-long residency by hip hop performer Austin Dailey (aka Red Supreme) at each of Kelly Lane and Wells Road Schools in January 2019. During his time at the schools, Dailey will be instructing students in the art of hip hop dance with lessons that also touch upon the importance of sleep, healthy eating, exercise, kindness and inclusivity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Dailey will also teach each grade their own unique hip hop routines. Those routines will be shared at a family dance night (each school will have their own) at which Dailey will DJ and his dance troupe will perform. Check out our PTO website in the coming months for more details about this exciting cultural arts program for our students! A few reminders • Please send us your Geissler’s receipts over $35! Either send them to school with your student; drop them in the front office at Kelly or Wells; or mail them to: Granby PTO, P.O. Box 798, Granby, CT 06035. These dollars really

add up—we received over $12,000 back from Geissler’s last year—so please keep sending in your receipts. You don’t need to have a student in our schools to participate in this amazing give back program. • When you shop on Amazon (as most of us do, especially with the approaching holidays), please do so through Amazon

Smile (amazonsmile.com) and identify “Parent Teachers Organization Granby” as your charity of choice. We will earn 0.5 percent back with every purchase. • If you haven’t yet done so, please sign up for “Bear Calls,” our online family directory. It’s quick to register and easy to use. For directions, please visit our website, granbypto.org

Granby Land Trust Art Show held this month Calling all art enthusiasts and nature lovers! This November, please join the Granby Land Trust in celebrating New England’s natural beauty at its juried art show, Nov. 1 through Dec. 2, at Lost Acres Vineyard. All art is available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Land Trust’s efforts to protect the land, water and wildlife of Granby. This show is highly selective and only the best art is chosen for display. Last year, 189 pieces of original artwork were submitted; fewer than half—just 91—were accepted for the show. This year, Pamela St. Clair, the director and curator of Cooper and Smith, a 5,000 square-foot gallery in Essex, will jury art submissions. The show opens with a catered reception, open to all, on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. This is your first chance to see the art up close. Nearly $5,000 in

awards will be presented to artists at the reception. The Land Trust is grateful to all of its award underwriters and, particularly, to its event sponsors: Mark Wetzel/Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC; Ted Cormier/ALIRT Insurance Research, LLC; founding award sponsors Don and Marty Wilmot; Michelle Niedermeyer and Kevin Riggott of Lost Acres Vineyard; and all the other award sponsors for their ongoing, loyal support of the show. The Land Trust protects more than 2,500 acres of open space, forests, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, water buffers, ecologically sensitive areas, and scenic vistas in Granby. Lost Acres Vineyard is located at 80 Lost Acres Road, in North Granby. Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit granbylandtrust.org.

Granby Pharmacy

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Keeping Granby healthy for 50-plus years and counting!

Page 10 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Rome brothers quarterback for GMHS football 10 years apart By John R. Nieb

him until after he graduated when he realized how lucky he was to have had When Granby Memorial High School that chance. Frankie said that he always established its first football team in wanted to be quarterback because when 2008, Frankie Rome, class of 2010, was he was growing up, he watched Brady not only the team’s first quarterback but Quinn. The quarterback who wore the also scored its first touchdown. Now, his #10 jersey for Notre Dame was his younger brother, Jackson Rome, is also biggest influence. the GMHS quarterback. Frankie’s favorite part about being the “It was an unreal opportunity. It’s been first quarterback for GMHS was that 10 years since that first season and I still years later, he watched Jackson get the think about it all the time, especially that same #10 jersey and play starting varsity first touchdown,” Frankie said. quarterback as a freshman. “I remember we were 15 or 20 yards “I’m grateful to have the opportunity out, it was supposed to play quarterback at to be a passing play the high school level,” but no one was open Jackson said. and I saw a hole to When he was growing my left and took it,” up, he watched GMHS Frankie said. “I don’t football. He never remember much after imagined playing in one that but I’m sure of those games. He has that’s the fastest I’ve played football since he ever run. All I was was seven years old and is thinking from the start currently playing his 10th was how it was the season. first touchdown I ever Frankie Rome was on GMHS’s first Jackson became scored,” he said. “I football team and scored the first interested in football guess I was in shock.” touchdown. Submitted photo. after watching Frankie Frankie’s teammates play during its first two came up to him to years. After watching Frankie play as celebrate and told him that he’d just quarterback, Jackson realized that he scored Granby’s first touchdown, which wanted to be quarterback one day. He he thought was even better. Frankie said began his football career by playing for the that his first touchdown didn’t really hit

Jackson Rome follows in his brother’s footsteps at GMHS. Submitted photo.

Simsbury/ G r a n b y Raiders on the D team, just as Frankie did. Jackson’s first touchdown came during his freshman year against North Branford. “It was my first start at quarterback,” Jackson said. “I had never been more

nervous in my life. It was just a screen pass to Gage Fiorentino, a student at GMHS. All Jackson had to do was to get the ball into his hands and he did the rest from there. Gage broke two or three tackles for Jackson to score the touchdown. “Though I started off in youth football as a running back for my first couple years, I played that until I was maybe 10 years old and then the coaches had me play quarterback,” Jackson said. “I’ve played it ever since then.” Frankie and Jackson want to thank their mother, Jennifer Rome, one of the founders of the GMHS football team. If it wasn’t for her work, Frankie and Jackson wouldn’t have had the chance to play high school football.

Tender Care Learning Centers named a 2018 Top Workplace Tender Care Learning Centers has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by The Hartford Courant. This recognition is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. “Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

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Tickets at the door

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November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 11

Statewide election sample ballot - Vote on Tuesday, November 6 STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE State of Connecticut Official Ballot

Granby, Connecticut

November 2018 State Election

Congressional District 0,1 Senatorial District 0,7,8

November 06,2018

Assembly District 0,62 Probate District 0,9

1 Governor and Lieutenant

2 United States Senator

3 Representative in

4 State Senator 07

5 State Senator 08

6 State Representative 62

7 Secretary of the State

8 Treasurer

9 Comptroller

10 Attorney General

11 Judge of Probate 09

Governor Vote for One

Vote for One

Congress 01 Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

Vote for One

1A DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Ned Lamont and Susan

2A Christopher S Murphy

3A John B Larson

4A Annie Hornish

5A Melissa E Osborne

6A Amanda Webster

7A Denise W Merrill

8A Shawn Wooden

9A Kevin Lembo

10A William Tong

11A Charles Houlihan

Bysiewicz 1B REPUBLICAN PARTY Bob Stefanowski and Joe Markley WORKING FAMILIES PARTY

1C Ned Lamont and Susan Bysiewicz 1D

2B Matthew Corey 2C

3B Jennifer T Nye 3C

Christopher S Murphy

John B Larson

2D

3D

INDEPENDENT PARTY Bob Stefanowski and Joe Markley 1E LIBERTARIAN PARTY

GREEN PARTY

Rodney Hanscomb and Jeffrey Thibeault 1F

2E

3E

4B John A Kissel

5B Kevin Witkos

4C

5C

Annie Hornish

6B Bill Simanski 6C Amanda Webster

4D

5D

6D

John A Kissel

Kevin Witkos

Bill Simanski

4E

5E

6E

Richard Lion 2F

7B Susan Chapman 7C Denise W Merrill 7D Susan Chapman 7E Heather Lynn Sylvestre Gwynn

3F

4F

5F

6F

7F

Jeff Russell

Thomas McCormick

1G AMIGO CONSTITUTION Mark Stewart Greenstein LIBERTY PARTY and John Demitrus

2G

3G

4G

5G

6G

7G

1H GRIEBEL FRANK FOR Oz Griebel and Monte E CT PARTY Frank

2H

3H

4H

5H

6H

8B Thad Gray 8C Shawn Wooden 8D Thad Gray 8E Jesse Brohinsky 8F

S Michael DeRosa

9B Kurt Miller 9C Kevin Lembo 9D Kurt Miller 9E

10B Sue Hatfield 10C

11B Cynthia C Becker 11C

William Tong 10D

11D

Sue Hatfield 10E

11E

Paul Passarelli 9F

10F

11F

Edward G Heflin

Peter D Goselin

8G

9G

10G

11G

7H

8H

9H

10H

11H

PETITIONING CANDIDATE

1I

2I

3I

4I

5I

6I

7I

8I

9I

10I

11I

WRITE IN

1J

2J

3J

4J

5J

6J

7J

8J

9J

10J

11J

VOTE ON THE QUESTION(S) Yes

No

1. SHALL THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE BE AMENDED TO ENSURE (1) THAT ALL MONEYS CONTAINED IN THE SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND BE USED SOLELY FOR TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF DEBTS OF THE STATE INCURRED FOR TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES, AND (2) THAT SOURCES OF FUNDS DEPOSITED IN THE SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FUND BE DEPOSITED IN SAID FUND SO LONG AS SUCH SOURCES ARE AUTHORIZED BY STATUTE TO BE COLLECTED OR RECEIVED BY THE STATE? Yes

No

2. SHALL THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE (1) A PUBLIC HEARING AND THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION LIMITED IN SUBJECT MATTER TO THE TRANSFER, SALE OR DISPOSITION OF STATE-OWNED OR STATE-CONTROLLED REAL PROPERTY OR INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY IN ORDER FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO REQUIRE A STATE AGENCY TO SELL, TRANSFER OR DISPOSE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY OR INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY THAT IS UNDER THE CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF THE AGENCY, AND (2) IF SUCH PROPERTY IS UNDER THE CUSTODY OR CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND

Be sure to read the instructions on the reverse side of this ballot.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THAT SUCH ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION BE PASSED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF EACH HOUSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

Two constitutional amendments and other key voting issues

Connecticut Transportation Revenue Lockbox Amendment Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to ensure (1) that all moneys contained in the Special Transportation Fund be used solely for transportation purposes, including the payment of debts of the state incurred for transportation purposes, and (2) that sources of funds deposited in the Special Transportation Fund be deposited in said fund so long as such sources are authorized by statute to be collected or received by the state? A “yes” vote supports this amendment to prohibit lawmakers from using the state transportation fund for anything other than transportation purposes. A “no” vote opposes this amendment that would prohibit lawmakers from using the state transportation fund for anything other than transportation purposes. Transfer, Sale or Disposition of State Property Amendment Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to require (1) a public hearing and the enactment of legislation limited in subject matter to the transfer, sale or disposition of state-owned or statecontrolled real property or interests in real property in order for the General Assembly to require a state agency to sell, transfer or dispose of any real property or interest in real property that is under the custody or control of the agency, and (2) if such property is under the custody or control of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, that such enactment of legislation be passed by a two-thirds vote of the total membership of each house of the General Assembly?

A “yes” vote supports this amendment to require a public hearing on bills to authorize the transfer, sale, or disposal of state-owned properties, such as state parks, forests, and conserved lands, to non-state entities and require a twothirds vote of the Connecticut General Assembly to authorize the transfer, sale, or disposal of land under the control of the state agriculture or environmental protection departments. A “no” vote opposes this amendment to require a public hearing on bills to authorize the transfer, sale, or disposal of state-owned properties and require a two-thirds vote of the Connecticut General Assembly to authorize the transfer, sale, or disposal of land under the control of the state agriculture or environmental protection departments. Election Day registration and voting on Nov. 6 Same day voter registration passed in Connecticut in 2013 and will be available this November. U.S. citizens who are 18 on or before Nov. 6 can register to vote on Election Day. Unregistered voters can to go to Town Hall on Election Day to register. They must bring proof of identity and proof of residence to vote. If registered before 8 p.m., they will be able to complete a ballot and place in an envelope. If their ballot is uncontested at 8 p.m., it will go to the polling site at the high school where it will be counted separately from the official ballots and the absentee ballots. Unregistered voters in line at Town Hall at 8 p.m. will not be able to vote on Election Day. Voter registration is NON-transferable. If you moved from another town or state, you still need to fill out a new registration

card, with your current address, in order to vote. You can do that by mail or online at voterregistration.ct.gov until Oct. 30. In person registrations are accepted up until Oct. 30 when the Registrars’ Office is open all day, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on this day. You will receive a letter of confirmation within two weeks. Please call or email the registrars if you have any questions. Senior Van Service Available on Election Day Homebound registered voters can arrange for transportation to the polls by calling the Social Services department at the Senior Center at 860-844-5353. The service is offered from 9 a.m. to noon on Election Day and it is strongly recommended that voters call now to arrange for a ride. Voter ID To check in quickly at the polls, it is helpful to bring a photo ID. Should you not have any ID on election day, but have previously proven your ID, at the time of your registration or when voting previously, you will need to spend a few minutes at the Moderator table to fill out a state required form. If you are a brand new voter, and you have not proven your identity, you MUST bring an ID to vote on Election Day, preferably a photo ID or you will be issued a provisional ballot. Provisional and Overseas Ballots Per the Help America Vote Act, provisional ballots will again be available for FEDERAL offices, not state or local offices. This November, this special ballot will have two offices for the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 1, and for the U.S. Senate. Provisional ballots are identical to the overseas ballots available to U.S. citizens who live abroad. Provisional ballots are issued to new

voters who have NEVER shown an ID and to voters who insist they are registered but do not appear on the voter lists. The registrars have six days to find evidence that either the new voter provided ID at registration or the unregistered voter was removed from the list incorrectly. Ballot Marking Alternative All voters have the option to vote privately and independently using a touch screen or audio ballot marking system. This equipment is designed to allow people who can’t, or who would prefer to not use a marking pen to fill out their ballot, to vote on Election Day privately and independently at the polling site using this specially set up system. Voters can listen to the ballot, or enlarge the size of the ballot to make it easier to read and mark the ballot on a touch screen. The voter’s selections are filled in by the printer on their paper ballot. Curbside Voting Physically disabled or handicapped voters can vote using an absentee ballot through the Town Clerk before Election Day. Voters who have a temporary medical issue on Election Day, such as a severe arthritis flare up, can use curbside voting. By making a request at the polling site for help from two assistant registrars, a Democrat and a Republican, the curbside voter waits in a designated parking space. The assistant registrars check the voter in and are issued a ballot in a privacy folder that they jointly carry to the voter to fill out. After the ballot is completed, the assistant registrars carry the completed ballot, to the optical scanner voting machine to be counted. This service is not available to people

Registrars cont’d. on p. 14

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town

November 2018

Support Group for Families

Veterans Day Program at NEAM The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks will hold its annual Veterans Day Event, A Tribute to our Veterans, Servicemen and Servicewomen, on Sunday, Nov. 11. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to meet and talk one-onone with veterans of military conflicts. Included in the program will be reenactors from WWI and WWII. At 1 p.m., William Purple, a WWII B-17 pilot from the 8th Air Force, will share his story of the Feb. 3, 1945 bombing raid on Berlin. Bill was in the lead aircraft on this raid.

Visitors are encouraged to bring new personal hygiene products that will be donated to a local veteran’s home. An area will be set aside for children to make holiday cards for veterans. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and winter. Admission is $15 for ages 15 and up, $14 for seniors 65 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 11. Museum members, veterans, active duty military personnel and children under 3 are admitted free. For more information and directions to the museum, please visit neam.org or call 860-623-3305.

McLean Events

Seniors: Are You Prepared? Tuesday, Nov. 13, 10 to 11 a.m., in the Burkholder Community Center at McLean, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. Receive a free Go Bag and learn how to prepare for an emergency. Presented by Peggy Coburn, Administrator McLean Home Care and Hospice. Call 860-658-3723 to register. McLean Assisted Living Open House: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 4 to 6 p.m., in the McLean Health Center, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. Call 860-6583786 with any questions. McLean Village, Independent Living Open House: Saturday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Burkholder Community Center, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury.

Please call 860-658-3786 with any questions. Community Café at McLean: For caregivers and their loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., McLean Health Center, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. Please call 860658-3941 to register. Tech Tuesdays at McLean: Tour McLean’s new Smart House and learn about the latest technology geared to help seniors living on their own or caregivers. The first Tuesday of each month, 2 to 4 p.m., 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. Follow signs to the Smart House.

Families Anonymous is a fellowship of people whose lives have been affected by the use of drugs/alcohol or the mental health issues of a child, family member or friend. Meetings are

held Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield. For information, call 860-673-5498.

University of Hartford Alumni Association

honors Don Shaw, Jr. Don Shaw, Jr. was honored with a 2018 Anchor Award from the University of Hartford. The Anchor Awards were established to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest level of professional and community accomplishments, and who possess absolute standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the University of Hartford. Shaw has enjoyed a distinguished career in the private sector and in public service. He retired in 2010 after seven years in the City of Hartford’s Management and Budget Office. Prior to that, Shaw was an associate partner at Accenture, retiring in 2003. His career began in Wethersfield as an assistant to the town manager from 1975–81. Shaw served as interim executive director for Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity between 2012–14, chaired the organization’s board of directors from 2004–08, and was elected board member emeritus in 2016. He is currently on Hartford’s Mercy Housing and Shelter

Corporation Board of Trustees, and is a Top 10 member of the 2018 Class of Connecticut’s 60 Over 60. Shaw remains a volunteer for Hartford Habitat. He Don Shaw, Jr. has served on seven Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects in South Africa, Mexico, India, Thailand, Canada, and twice in Haiti. Shaw also volunteered at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Miss., and in central Florida rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina. Shaw earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1969 before earning his master’s degree from UHart’s Barney School of Business. He resides in Granby.

Hear Ye Hear Ye Be it known that the

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Open House – Recruitment Night

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November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Women’s Breakfast

Holiday Art & Marketplace at Holcomb Farm

The Holiday Art and Marketplace will be held at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby, Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 2, from noon. until 4 p.m.. Granby Artists Association and Granby Recreation are collaborating to create a bigger and better holiday event with more vendors, treasures, children’s music performances, a Waste Not Want Not pop-up café, and much more.

The next women’s breakfast program will be on Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Senior Center when Dennis Sullivan will give a talk on the North End of Hartford Memories. The program starts with breakfast at 8:30 a.m.; cost is $4. Call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891. Donations for the Granby Food Bank will be taken.

Men’s Breakfast

SBHS Christmas Open House Cancelled

Join the Granby Men’s Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Granby Senior Center. Connor Hogan, the new McLean Game Refuge caretaker, will present the current status and plans for this 4,400acre public park. Breakfast is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. If you are a new participant, please arrive by 8:15 and ask for Nat. After the morning welcome and news update, we enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, followed by a 45-minute presentation.

Breakfast with Santa

Civic Club

The Salmon Brook Historical Society Christmas Open House, originally scheduled for Dec. 1, has been cancelled due to structural reinforcement needed in the Rowe House. Please join Valley Pre-School for breakfast and portraits with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 1, at First Congregational Church, 219 North Granby Road. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 11 a.m., pictures with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. All proceeds from this event go to Valley Pre-School, a non-profit organization celebrating its 70th year of educating young children in Granby. Please visit valleypreschoolinfo. org or email valleypreschoolkids@gmail. com for more information.

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The guest photographer will be Megan Crandlemire, sharing her 52 Magic Mondays. To learn more about the club visit GranbyCameraClub.com

The Granby Civic Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. The special guest will be Katherine Coupe from the Granby Ambulance Association who will provide a short CPR demo as well as give the members and guests a rundown of events of a typical work day for the ambulance volunteers. Coupe will also be discussing classes that are available to the public. Members and guests from Granby and neighboring towns are welcome at the meeting. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Ginny Wutka at ginny@lostacres.com

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

Floors

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MS Support

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets at the Senior Center at 1 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Meaghan at 860-4282463.

Swedish Pancake Breakfast and More

The youth at Pilgrim Covenant Church will host a Swedish Pancake Breakfast and Scandinavian Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 to 10 a.m., at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook St., just south of the Massachusetts state line. This is a donation-breakfast benefiting the youth groups. Swedish pancakes, bacon, sausage and breakfast beverages will be served. Delicious Scandinavian and other home-baked goods will be available for sale. The Senior High Youth Group (grades 9–12) meets Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and the Middle School Youth Group (grades 6–8) meets Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the church. Youth Pastor Matt Gillis can be reached at 860-3928160.

Shelter Needs Volunteers

Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find their “fur-ever” homes. If you love cats and have time on a weekday morning or evening or a weekend morning or afternoon the shelter would love to hear from you. The greatest need currently is Monday and Friday mornings. Call 860-379-4141 or visit maryskittykorner. org to learn more.

@

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

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

Housecleaner Wanted

TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Extreme Makeover

Q. I have seen the T.V. show Extreme Makeover. Can changes like those seen be done locally? A. Smile enhancements, like those seen on television, can and are done right here in Granby on a daily basis. They are not just for the stars, but can benefit everyone. With the advent of Invisalign, One Hour Power Whitening, Deep Bleaching, Porcelain Veneers and Bonding procedures, you can see dramatic improvements very quickly and painlessly. Computerized imaging, or “Smile Vision,” allows dentists to preview what you could look like before you even begin treatment. This allows your input as to the color, shape and contour of your proposed smile makeover. Think you’re too old? The average age of smile makeovers is between the ages of 35-65, but if you are in good health, it’s never too late to improve your smile. We have had patients in their 70’s and beyond change their smiles, and are thrilled with the outcome. The only question they ask is, “Why did I wait so long?” Your smile is your first impression. Remember, you don’t look at yourself all day, but others do. Ask your spouse, family member, co-worker, or best friend if they think your smile could be improved. Then come in and ask us to give you an evaluation or complimentary smile imaging. The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 5090%! At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns and onlays in just one visit. This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve healthier tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength. If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter Scan the QR code below for more about our practice:

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer

Cast your vote and buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies When casting your vote this year, don’t forget to buy your favorite Girl Scout Cookies at Election Day Booth Sales. Statewide, Girl Scouts in your town will be hosting cookie booths at a variety of locations starting on Saturday Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 11. Election Day Booth Sales will include all of your favorites this year: Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do- si-dos®, Trefoils®, Savannah Smiles®, and Girl Scout S’mores™. Don’t want to eat Girl Scout Cookies, but still want to support Girl Scouts?

Many of the booths will offer customers the opportunity to support the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Gift of Caring program—Cookies for Heroes. Cookies are a wonderful way to say “thank you” to service women and men who serve overseas and at home. They love getting a sweet package of their favorite Girl Scout Cookies. Election Day Booth Sale locations will be added later this month. For more information on the Girl Scout Cookie Program, visit cookiesforheroes.com

Registrars cont’d. from p. 11 who are not temporarily physically handicapped. Voter lists are public information. The registrars always have a copy of this list and you are welcome to review it at the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours. Copies of the list can be e-mailed by request. Everyone is encouraged to check Granby’s voter list BEFORE Election Day to ensure your right to vote. You can check your voter registration online using the SOS website: portaldir.ct.gov/sots/ LookUp.aspx Voter registrations are NOT transferable from another town or another state, so please make sure your registration is up to date. Calendar Review Tuesday, Oct. 30, is the in-person, and post mark date for mailed voter registration applications and for the Online Voter Registration system Tuesday, Oct. 30, Special Voter Registration Day 9 am to 8 p.m. in Registrar of Voters office and is the Last Day to Register In Person, unless you are a brand new resident within the last two weeks, in the military service or just turned 18 years old. Monday, Nov. 5, Special Voter Registration Session for brand new residents within the last two weeks, military service people and just turned 18 from 9 am to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Gubernatorial Election at the Granby Memorial High School Community Gym – Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Election Day Registration at Town Hall Meeting

Room, exclusively for unregistered voters – open 6 am to 8 p.m. Absentee Ballot Applications are being collected by the Town Clerk for those who know they can’t get to the polls on Nov. 6. The application form is available at Town Hall or on the web at sots.ct.gov To be sure you are registered, do not mail the application; take it to the Town Clerk who can process applications and issue ballots in person up until Monday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. Feel free to stop by to register to vote, figure out which is your voting district or make corrections in person at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday. Regular office hours are 9 am to 4 p.m.. Please note you can register online or get the voter registration form at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and at the Secretary of State’s website:sots.ct.gov Questions? Contact Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis, the office phone number/ voice mail is 860-844-5322 and our e-mail address is: vr.granby.ct@gmail. com

November 2018

Animal Talk Dr. Caitlin Rothacker, DVM

Technology in ambulatory medicine Technology is a large, everyday component in the daily routine of equine veterinarians. It has vastly changed the way medicine is practiced and most days, we are glad for the advancement. Just don’t ask us our feelings when a battery dies, a cord gets trampled by an unruly patient, or the “wheel of death” won’t stop spinning on our home screen. A day in our life begins when our computer-generated schedule is printed. To Litchfield, down to Deep River and finishing up in East Longmeadow is not uncommon in the life of a veterinary road warrior. Our first call is a horse with a high fever. We draw blood work, submit directly to our practice and have sophisticated results within hours. To help with diagnosis, blood work can be sent to a larger laboratory in the evening, with advanced testing available in 24-48 hours. All results are delivered to our phone via an app of course. The second call is a horse with a forelimb lameness. We carry digital x-ray machines that produce images similar to the local urgent care—right there on the farm. The newest technology uses Bluetooth and cordless equipment (much safer around large animals). With a wireless connection, we send these xrays to board-certified radiologists for review. All of this happens right in the barn aisle. Not a bone issue? No problem, digital ultrasound units are the size of your standard Amazon Prime box. Tendons and ligaments are evaluated in minutes. Some days, even this isn’t enough to get to the bottom of a tricky case. Tertiary hospitals, such as universities or large private practices, can perform imaging such as CT and MRI. Further developments have led to the creation of standing machines that don’t require anesthesia. Places like the University of Pennsylvania have developed and perfected the use of robotics to quickly image the entire horse while they stand quietly under mild sedation. On our way back up to East Longmeadow, a call comes in concerning a horse with arthritis in her knee. Traditional therapy has been aimed at treating

with steroids in the joint. Today, other options exist that are directly derived from the horse itself. Blood can be spun down and incubated to concentrate the healing properties of platelets. Stem cells (taken from a horse’s bone marrow) can be cultured and placed into a torn meniscus. With our bloodwork results now in, we can appropriately treat the horse with a high fever. Anaplasma, a tick-born disease, was identified on its blood smear. Our forelimb lameness x-rays are under review and our last patient has been making a roaring noise when working at speed. We grab our digital endoscope, pass it through the nose to evaluate the airway. We quickly see the problem on our laptop screen. A small fold of tissue isn’t moving normally causing a partial obstruction in the horse’s trachea (left laryngeal hemiplegia). This one will require surgery and we give a colleague a call on FaceTime to make sure our diagnosis is correct. At the end of the day, we are thankful for the development of these technologies and our ability to continue caring for our horse patients in a more sophisticated manner. But please, ask your four-hooved friend not to step on the cord.

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November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 15

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

November 2018

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November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Granby Land Trust: Annual meeting and hike ends on a sweet note On Oct. 14, the Granby Land Trust held its annual meeting on the site of two of its most recent acquisitions: the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve and the Ann Pelka Preserve, on Silver Street in North Granby. About 60 GLT members hiked the 154-acre Holcombe Preserve before returning to the Pelka Preserve for a dessert buffet and the annual meeting. Members brought amazing homemade desserts to share and the GLT served Grassroots Ice Cream in custom-made

flavors, including Chocolate Chip Pancake made with Emery Farm maple syrup, Apple Crisp made with Lost Acres Orchard apples, and Fresh Raspberry made with Holcomb Farm raspberries. (A portion of the land that both Emery Farm and Lost Acres Orchard occupy is preserved forever through conservation easements held by the GLT. Holcomb Farm is one of Granby’s most exciting agricultural enterprises and a historic Granby farm.) Cindy Dixon, of the Higley Garden Cart, donated gor-

geous dahlias for the centerpieces. The meeting culminated with the presentation of two awards. An Unsung Hero Award went to Peter Dinella, who serves as a volunteer photographer for the GLT. Dinella takes gorgeous photos of our properties and events.

Peter Dinella, left, and Rick Orluk. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Dimock honored with Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust award In honor of Mary Edwards’ many contributions to Granby and to the Granby Land Trust, the Land Trust Board established the Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust Award, which is given each year at our Annual Meeting. This award—the Land Trust’s highest honor—recognizes the individual or organization that has made a significant difference, through a single gift or contributions over many years, to promote the GLT’s mission of “preserving Granby’s natural heritage.” The 2018 award winner, Rod Dimock, is a true Renaissance Man. Dimock served for three years as a U.S. Navy Officer during the Vietnam War, including two years at sea as Destroyer department head. He served as president of Aetna Realty Investors, Inc., one of the

country’s largest real estate investment management advisors, and also served on Aetna’s asset allocation committee. He was the president, chief operating officer and director of Cornerstone Properties, a $4.8 billion Real Estate Investment Trust. Currently, Dimock is the principal of Arrow Capital, LLC, offering private investing, property development and consulting services; he is an owner and the chairman of the management committee of the highly acclaimed Red Tail Golf Club in Devens, Mass.; and he serves on numerous other boards of directors and as a recruiter and fundraiser for his alma mater, Williams College. Dimock is an incredibly dedicated GLT board member, serves as its current vice president and is multi-talented, to say the least. His leadership and decision-mak-

ing skills serve the board well; as does his extensive investment expertise (he currently chairs the finance committee, heads up the GLT ‘logistics’ team, and is the co-chair of the property stewardship committee). He was a critical member of the team that first sought national accreditation for the Land Trust, providing big picture guidance and digging into the details. He has been a key Rod Dimock, right, and Rick Orluk. part of the Land Acquisitions Photo by Shirley Murtha Team over the years. And he has been very fortunate to have someone remarkable handyman skills, which he like Rod volunteering countless hours employed to build-out our GLT office at working on behalf of the GLT. He also Holcomb Farm, among many other GLT is an incredibly good friend who does projects over the years. whatever it takes to provide help. The Land Trust Board and Granby have

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What’s for Supper? By Pamela Scherrer It’s finally fall, and all I find myself thinking about making is soups, chilis, and bisques! I have so many great soup recipes it was difficult to pick just one for this month’s column. So, I decided to share the one that I have been making most often lately. It’s actually a new recipe I found in a Cooking Light magazine. The recipe as printed serves about 4-5, so you can double it if you like. I cook for a family of three and it is fine for us, and we even have some left over. It’s also easy to put together, especially if you use an already cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery instead of cooking one yourself. The flavors are delightful and have a southwest flair.

November 2018

McLean honors volunteers at annual appreciation dinner

Green Chicken Chili Ingredients:

1-½ cups unsalted chicken broth 2-15 oz. cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained 2 T. olive oil 1 cup chopped sweet onion 1 T. minced garlic 1-½ t. all-purpose flour 1 T. ground cumin 2- 4 oz. cans of mild diced green chiles, drained ¼ t. black pepper ¼ t. salt 8 oz. cooked, boneless, skinless, shredded chicken breast (you can use more in if you like—I do!)* 2 T. lime juice For Garnish: Sliced radishes, sour cream, fresh cilantro, cubed avocado Place ½ cup broth and one can of the beans into a blender or processor and blend till smooth. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for four minutes. Add garlic and sauté two more minutes. Sprinkle the flour in the pot and stir in for one minute, add the green chilies and cumin and cook another minute. Add the blended bean mixture and the rest of the chicken broth (1 cup). Stir and then add the other can of beans and the salt and pepper; bring to a boil Reduce heat to medium; simmer five minutes or until slightly thickened. Add chicken and cook two minutes. Stir in lime juice. Serve with desired garnishes. Buon Appetito! *If you add extra chicken you might need to add a little more broth

McLean president David Bordonaro recently welcomed a large group of volunteers to the main dining room in the McLean Health Center, and acknowledged their dedication and support during the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. The group celebrated with a delicious Italian dinner and toasted the wonderful success stories they have seen through their work with the McLean community this past year.

Above, long-time McLean volunteers, Dane Woodbury, Stan Walczewski, Meghan Lucker and Peggy Borchert share the evening.

Granby residents finalists for International Marketing Award The Hartford HealthCare (HHC) Content Team, including Granby residents Nick and Melissa Dethlefsen, has been recognized as finalists in the 2018 Content Marketing Awards presented by the Content Marketing Institute—an annual, leading international awards program honoring the best marketers in the industry. HHC joined the ranks of standout global Fortune 500 companies such as Volvo and Cricket Wireless for its unique content creation, distribution strategies and results.

The awards included 92 categories recognizing all aspects of content marketing. The HHC team was a finalist in the following three categories: Best Content Marketing Program in Health Care, most Innovative Content Distribution Strategy and Best Use of Facebook in Content Marketing for weekly Facebook “LIVE” events. The award-winning team of former television journalists, includes Granby residents Melissa Dethlefsen, Senior Content Producer, and Nick Dethlefsen. Content Marketing Videographer.

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November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Granby Education Foundation grant awarded to music series The Granby Education Foundation has again demonstrated its strong support of the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series (BPMMS) with a grant of $2,000 for the 2018-19 Season. Sponsored by the music ministry of South Congregational Church, the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series was founded to fulfill the dream of long-time music director Bruce Porter to bring music of exceptional quality to the town of Granby. The Granby Education Foundation (GEF) is a nonprofit organization that nourishes educational excellence by raising private funds in support of innovative educational initiatives for people of all ages in Granby. The energy of

the GEF mission is clear in their new tagline, “Enrich, Energize, Engage: Lifelong Learning,” as is the commitment the foundation has made to the community. This is the third year that the GEF has provided essential funding for the BPMMS. With the help of these grants, the music series has hosted an array of talented and well-received performers over the years. Examples from last season include the collaboration between jazz bassist Nat Reeves, his State of Emergency Band, and the poet Kate Rushin in October 2017, and a spectacular concert by The New England Ringers in December that featured hundreds of

Public Works Public Works Transfer Station Hours The transfer station will be open Wednesday mornings (8 a.m. to noon) through Nov. 14. Trash Holiday Please be aware that Thursday, Nov. 22, (Thanksgiving) is a holiday for Paine’s and all Thursday and Friday trash/ recycling pickups will be delayed by one day that week. Confused about which holidays will mean a change in your pickup schedule? Sign up for email alerts from Paine’s Inc. Don’t worry they won’t swamp your inbox. Notifications are only sent if there is a holiday or weather event that will affect trash service. Sign up at painesinc.com Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simsbury DPW facility, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury. A list of accepted items is available on the Town of Granby website. The following additional services will be provided: Electronics recycling (items with Freon not accepted). Document shredding from

8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until truck is full with a two box limit per resident. For information on either event, call the Granby DPW at 860-653-8960. Extra Trash What do you do if you have extra trash? In these instances, town approved “extra trash” bags are available for purchase. The bags are $2 each. Paine’s will pick up ONLY these designated purple bags. Place the purple bags next to your trash barrel on your regular trash day. The “extra trash” bags are available at Granby Public Works, 52 North Granby Road from 7:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or from the Transfer Station attendant during transfer station hours. Out by 6 Please remember that trash and recycling barrels need to curbside by 6 a.m. on your scheduled day of pick up even during inclement weather. Recycling Questions There is a great new resource to support Connecticut residents with their recycling efforts, recyclect.com. Sign on and try out the recycling wizard.

handbells and chimes played with such precision that the group brought a full house to its feet more than once. This fall, the seventh season of the series will open on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 4 p.m. with pianist Benita Rose and saxophonist Tony Gibbs presenting classical music in the sanctuary of South Congregational Church. The concert will include a sonata originally written for violin by Cesar Franck, arrangements of hymn tunes, a set of variations on the popular Carnival of Venice and Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody.

The programs on the remainder of this year’s series will feature organist Jason Roberts on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019; the Hartt School Chamber Choir directed by Dr. Ed Bolkovac on Sunday, Mar. 10; and Les Amies de Théodore, a Baroque ensemble, on Sunday, Apr. 28. The concerts in the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series are free to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 to support the series. South Church is an accessible facility. For more information call 860-653-7289 or visit www.southchurchgranby.org

GMHS fall production of Almost, Maine is Nov. 16-17

Granby Performing Arts at GMHS is back with this year’s fall play: Almost, Maine by John Cariani, directed by Nikki Currie-Huggard. Playful and surreal experiences are commonplace in Almost, Maine—not organized enough for a town, too populated for a wilderness — where on one deeply cold and magical midwinter night, the citizens experience the life-altering power of the human heart. It is an endearing romantic comedy that is sure to melt your frozen winter heart. The play features seniors Kate Hosack (club vice president) as Glory, Sophie Speliopoulos (club secretary) as Sandrine, Ana Bourque (club president) as Gayle, Ben Davis (student director) as Lendall, Hunter Chicoine as Chad,

Luke Jennings as Phil, Melena Kopf as Rhonda and Max Morris as Dave. Almost, Maine will be performed at Granby Memorial High School in the auditorium on Friday, Nov. 16 and Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general audience and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets will be available at the door. We hope to see you there and thank you for your support of the performing arts. Look out this spring when Granby Performing Arts at GMHS will present Grease. Mark your calendars now for performances Friday, March 15, Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 17, at 3 p.m.

Page 20 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Happenings at the Center THE SENIOR SKINNY LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY FALL SEMESTER HISTORY

The World’s Greatest Paintings, Part I: Mondays Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. (no Nov. 12). This 6-week course takes you from the 14th century to the 17th century. Great Courses professor William Kloss reveals a group of works that, in his judgment, rank among the greatest paintings ever created. Artists include Van Eyck, Michelangelo, El Rubens, Rembrandt and more. Part II will be offered in 2019. Cost $25.

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Instructor, Lisa Picharik. Learn basic wire wrapping techniques and use your new skill to make a beautiful piece of jewelry. All materials provided. Students should bring glasses or safety glasses. Cost $25. Call 860844-5352 to register by Nov. 7. Seating limited. Fabric Wreaths: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 1 p.m. Instructor, Valerie Galinski. If you love crafting or making handmade gifts, this fabric wreath class is for you. Cost $25. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Nov. 21. Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. Learn the basics of creating your own greeting cards. $5.

HEALTH and WELLNESS.

Opiod Drug Addiction in Seniors: Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. Presented by the Farmington Valley VNA. Learn about opioid use and the dangers of addiction. This presentation will speak to the inherent risks that come with alcohol and drug use as people age. Discussion includes complications that come from mixing alcohol with prescription medications. Know the risks and help prevent problems before they happen. Call 860-844-5352 to register by Nov. 4. Medicare Open Enrollment—What do I need to Know? Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. Presented by Chris O’Neill from AIM Insurance. Whether you are new to Medicare or want to review your best options, come and hear the most up to date information. Call 860-844-5352 to register. Veteran Spousal Benefit Presentation: Thursday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m. Sponsored by VITAS Healthcare. Spouses of veterans may be eligible for a number of benefits including insurance, health care, pension and housing assistance. Learn more and get your questions answered. No charge, please call 860-844-5352 to register.

There’s a lot happening this fall at the Center Visit granby-ct.gov for more information.

Veterans’ Tribute Concert

Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. at Valley Brook Community Church, 160 Granville Road, North Granby. The Granby Senior Center, Valley Brook Community Church and Resilience Grows Here are excited to announce a Veterans’ Tribute Concert featuring the First Company, Governor’s Foot Guard Band under the direction of Bandmaster, Captain David Carlson. Please join us for an evening of patriotic songs and other music as we pay tribute to those who have served in the military. Let’s show our support and thanks for all they have done and sacrificed. Open at no charge to the community.

Thanksgiving Luncheon

Thursday, Nov. 15, 12 p.m. Presented by the Granby Senior Center staff, serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables and pies. This is a favorite so sign up early. Local musician Tim Mayock will provide entertainment. Cost $5. Register by Nov. 8, call 860-844-5350.

Almost Sunrise Movie Screening

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. Presented by Resilience Grows Here. Almost Sunrise tells the inspiring story of two young men, Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, who, in an attempt to put their haunting Iraq combat experiences behind them, embark on an extraordinary journey—a 2,700 mile trek on foot across America. While the film exposes some of the brutality of war, it doesn’t dwell there. It’s ultimately a story of hope and potential solutions, and reveals the promise of holistic practices for healing. The film also acts as an urgent call for communities to better understand deep-seated psychic wounds, and for the government to acknowledge and finally treat moral pain by using other methods than pills. Please join us for this 98-minute documentary and gain a better understanding of the veterans in our lives and how we can work together to serve and honor them when they come home. No charge, but please call 860-844-5352 to register. TRAVEL

SPECIAL EXTENDED TOURS

Kittery, Maine Holiday Shopping and Lobster Bake: Saturday, Nov. 10, only a few seats left. This coastal town is known for having some of the best outlet shopping in New England—and the best lobster dinners. Enjoy shopping along Route 1 in Kittery and then head to Foster’s for a Lobster Bake. $119 with lobster bake, or $91 for shopping only. Christmas by Candlelight, Old Sturbridge Village: Saturday, Dec. 8. A celebration of favorite holiday traditions, music and food. Carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Father Christmas and more. Learn how many of today’s favorite traditions originated, and enjoy a fourcourse traditional turkey dinner. $149pp.

Florida Snowbird/Clearwater Beach: Jan. 4–31. Escape the harsh New England January for a fabulous vacation in warm and sunny Florida. Your accommodations will be at the Marriott Residence Inn. Each suite has separate sleeping, dining, lounging space and complete kitchen. Full breakfast daily, planned and independent activities and more. Cost $3,799 for double occupancy, $5,799 for single occupancy. Atlantic City Holiday: Dec. 27 and 28. Includes round trip motor coach transportation, one night at Resorts Casino Hotel Location on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. This new resort is stylish and sophisticated, from the Grand Lobby to the guestrooms to the lounges, dining and pool areas. Prepare to be swept away into an era of indulgence and fun. Leisure time to relax, play, eat, party and shop. Headline entertainment, extravagant spas, elite shopping and more make this trip complete. Casino rebates, $15 slots and $30 food (subject to change). Includes baggage, tax and service, Tour Director. Cost per person, $159 for double, $185 for single, $147 for triple/quad. Bus only is $85pp. Quebec Winter Carnival: Feb. 1–4. The world’s largest winter carnival features special events, parades, parties and a Quebec City “highlights tour.” Visit Montmorency Falls and Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. Cost $729 for double occupancy, $999 for single occupancy. Savannah, Charleston and Myrtle Beach: March 17-25. Celebrate spring in these spectacular southern cities. Eight nights’ hotel accommodations, full breakfast each morning, four dinners included several historic tours, leisure beach time and more. Cost $1,649 for double occupancy, $2,399 for single occupancy. Reflections of Italy: April 3–12. Revel in the magic of Italy on this tour that explores Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Milan. Includes round trip airfare from Boston, hotels, 13 meals, sightseeing and admission costs. Cost $3,949 for double occupancy, $4,449 for single occupancy. Passports required. Notes: Call the Senior Center for triple rates on extended tours. For a complete list of available travel opportunities stop by the Senior Center. All trips are non-refundable.

Join the Granby Land Trust for a Cold Moon Hike Did you know the December full moon is called the “Cold Moon?” This year’s Cold Moon will occur on Saturday, Dec. 22. Make it a part of your holiday celebration by joining old friends and new with a family-friendly, moderately strenuous hike to the top of Crag Mountain in North Granby. Once at the summit, watch the full moon rise, then descend to Emery Farm for refreshments and holiday cheer. Meet at Emery Farm, 70 Loomis Street, at 3:30 p.m. sharp. You will

leave your car there and be shuttled to the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve on Silver Street. Hike leaders Dave and Jenny Emery will lead the hike, from the Holcombe Preserve to the top of Crag Mountain for a 4:37 p.m. moonrise, then down the other side of the mountain to Emery Farm, where your car is parked. The Emerys are very good friends to the Land Trust. Dave is a GLT board member and Jenny is the property steward of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve. In addition, a portion of Emery Farm is preserved forever through a GLT conservation easement. Please leave your pooch at home, and bring a headlamp if you have one. Registrations are required, via email, to dwemery79@gmail.com.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. Program is North End of Hartford Memories. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m. Guest Speaker is Connor Hogan, new caretaker at McLean Game Refuge. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-844-5350. Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, November 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more, please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com. Community Café: Let someone else do the cooking, every Tuesday and Thursday at 12 p.m. Monthly menus available at the office. Suggested donation is $2.50 for seniors 60+, all others $4.50. Join us twice a week and save on your groceries! Imagine…mouth-watering, lemon baked chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, peas and carrots served with wheat dinner roll and fresh, juicy grapes. Meet and enjoy new friends over lunch. Call 860-844-5350 to reserve lunch by the Friday before the day attending.

SENIOR VAN SERVICE AND EXCURSIONS The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. Dine and Drive at The Yarde Tavern in Enfield on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. Cost $4. Sadler’s Ordinary: Monday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. Cost $4.

Grocery Shopping

Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday. Departs at 1:30 p.m. Big Y’s 10 percent senior discount is available every Tuesday. Geissler’s every Wednesday. Call to arrange a time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount every Wednesday. Stop & Shop every Thursday, departs at 1:30PM.

Trips

Kringle Candle: Friday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m., Bernardston, Mass. The Kringle Candle Company was created by the son of the founder of Yankee Candle. Visit the store and do some holiday shopping, then enjoy lunch at the Farm Table restaurant located on-site. Lunch is on your own. Cost $5. IKEA Trip: Monday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m., New Haven. Do some holiday shopping and enjoy an extensive array of items to decorate your home. The café has a variety of delicious food. Cost $4.

FITNESS AND EXERCISE The Granby Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week including yoga, Chi Gong, line dancing, aerobics and more. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee. For the complete listing of classes visit www.granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter. November’s Featured Class: Yoga Flow, Mondays at 10:15 a.m. (No Nov. 12) 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.

NEW AT THE SENIOR CENTER Holiday Gift Cards: Are you looking for a special holiday gift for a senior friend, family member or loved one? Consider giving a Granby Senior Center Holiday Gift Card, now available. The attractive gift cards can be used for the many programs offered here at the Granby Senior Center. (Some restrictions apply). Give the gift of Life, Learning and Fun! Friendly Caller Program: Seniors can now receive a weekly phone call from a caring volunteer. If you are interested in having a short, enjoyable conversation and weekly contact, call the Senior Center at 860-844-5352. Our volunteers are eager to say hello.

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Season in Review

When you are a farmer, November is a good time to take stock of the past growing season, and the summer of 2018 was a tough one. Holcomb Farm, along with all of the farmers in the Granby area, was hit hard by the May hailstorm, which damaged crops, crop covers and hoop houses. While Granby residents turned to their insurers and roofing contractors to repair their damage, Granby’s farmers did what they always do when setbacks happen—work twice as hard. Then the rains came, and came, and came. Even more work was required to coax excellent crop production from soggy soils. In the end, all that work paid off; the CSA summer shareholders’ bags were filled with healthy, fresh and delicious produce every week; the farm store was stocked with a wide variety of products for retail customers all summer long; and our restaurant partners were able to put delicious, nutritious, chemical-free fresh produce from Holcomb Farm on their menus. Perhaps most importantly, our Fresh Access partners were provided with more than six tons of fresh produce for free, to help assure fresh, wholesome food for people who might not otherwise have access. It was a tough but successful summer. Congratulations to Farmer Joe O’Grady and his crew, and to all of Granby’s agricultural community, and many thanks for the support from our community members.

What’s next?

Well, at Holcomb Farm, there is no rest for the weary. Our farm staff is busy getting ready for our Winter CSA season, our holiday markets, and our annual fresh, free-range turkey sale. Winter Shares are on sale now. The Winter CSA sells out almost every year, so hurry or you will be left holding an empty bag. Here’s what a share includes: carrots, potatoes, turnips, parsnips, beets, celeriac, kohlrabi, rutabaga, watermelon radish, Daikon radish, sweet potatoes, onions, radicchio, cabbage, Napa cabbage, kale, collards and other field greens, spinach, arugula, lettuce mix, and baby kale from the greenhouse, and much more. There are five pick-ups, from November through February, with two scheduled right before Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are not many places to purchase local vegetables in the winter. Holcomb Farm is proud to provide our customers with this service. If you miss out on the Winter Shares, you can still eat local for the holidays, thanks to the Holiday Farmers’ Markets held at Lost Acres Vineyard. Holcomb Farm will be there, along with many other area farmers. The markets are scheduled for Nov. 19, 1 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you haven’t checked out our new website (see new design, above), we invite you to do so. With help from the Pomeroy-Brace Grant through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, we have launched an up-to-date, more user-friendly website. Whether you want information on the hiking and horse trails, the Farm Store and CSA, Fresh Access, the history of this town-owned community treasure, or how to rent the facilities, you will find it all at holcombfarm.org

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Holcomb Farm also helps you eat well and local through its annual sale of fresh, free-range, Ekonk Farm Turkeys. Sales are through pre-order only, and orders must be in by Nov. 9. Contact Joe at joe@ holcombfarm.org

This basket of sexy veggies is a sample of what you can get each month, simply by joining our Winter CSA.

Welcome, Willow

As if Farmer Joe hasn’t been busy enough, we are thrilled to share the news that he, his partner Emma, and daughter Juniper welcomed their newest future farmer of America, Willow, this past month. Like her sister, Willow was born safely and naturally, at the old Holcomb farmhouse where Tudor and Laura Holcomb, before them, were born. Welcome to Granby, Willow!

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November 2018

Granby Camera Club offers students film cameras By Del Shilkret Recently a student in a photography class at the high school asked the Camera Club members if they could donate a film camera to use in the course. Over the past 24 years the Granby Camera Club members have seen a massive

change in cameras as the digital age has emerged. Film cameras are no longer the primary type of equipment being sold. Many of the club members have such cameras. A member stepped forward and responded to the request by giving one of his cameras to the student. As a result,

the club is taking inventory of other film cameras owned by members to determine if there might be some to donate to high school, college and other students who need one for a class or workshop. Please make a request to: The Granby Camera Club, Granby Senior Center, Granby, CT 06035.

Women’s Breakfast learns about Kenya Healthcare Initiative for Girls Dr. Rick Kirschbaum Dr. Ralph Stroup and Mary Ann Stroup at the Granby Women’s Breakfast on Oct. 3 where the women heard a presentation on Kenya Healthcare Initiative for Girls.

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Thanksgiving Thoughts As friends and family gather around our Thanksgiving tables, we give thanks to the Creator for His Blessings. We share food, fellowship, laughter, memories and plans for the future. We remember those who once shared this day with us, and we miss them. No matter where we are – in our homes, community centers, military bases, nursing homes or hospitals, we are grateful to be together. There’s turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, winter squash, green bean casserole, other family favorites and pumpkin and apple pies for dessert. We remember those in need by contributing to food drives and food pantries so we all will share in this day. We think of the winter ahead and the snow and cold that will come. We are thankful for the shelter of our homes and the warm clothing we will wear. We are mindful of those who do not have these basic necessities. At the end of the day we are tired but happy. We might say a silent prayer that, God willing, we will all be together next year to celebrate Thanksgiving. —Bernadette Gentry

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Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation Foxfield F.AR.M. attends veterans’ 2018 Stand Down Day The CT Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill sponsors an annual Stand Down Day in which 200 service support groups participate and over 1,000 veterans attend. It recognizes the value that is placed on our front line heroes by our Connecticut VA and provides charities which wish to reach our military service people directly. Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation participated for a second year on Sept. 21, and was also able to connect with political allies on both sides of the aisle who vigorously champion our organization’s objectives and publicly acknowledge the value of Foxfield’s groundwork equine therapy for veterans with PTSD and related mental issues. These advocates can help to legislate the inclusion of such organic approaches for these issues under the veterans’ health care coverage and are high-profile spokespeople who can expand the awareness of the foundation’s purpose, availability and donation solicitation with the general public.

United Electric Inc supports veterans equine therapy program Foxfield F.A.R.M. has received an in kind donation of labor and materials from United Electrical Service Inc., Simsbury, to support the organization’s Veterans and First Responders program with the installation of a mini split H/C system in the barn lounge and office. This will provide a more seasonally comfortable venue for the participants.

L-R: Craig Muszynski, United Electric Service Inc. shop manager and Aldo Morelli III, Master Electrician E1. Submitted photo.

CT Valley Views L-R: Bill Regan, VP Foxfield F.A.R.M.; Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s 3rd District; Susan Patricelli Regan, President and Founder of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation.

L-R: U.S. Senator Chris Murphy; former Veterans Commissioner Sean Connolly; former Connecticut State Senator Tony Guglielmo; Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman; Thomas Saadi, Connecticut Veterans Commissioner; Susan Patricelli Regan, President Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation.

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CTVV-commissioner of veterans affairs for the state of connecticut Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CT Valley Views, interviewed the recently appointed Thomas J. Saadi, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of Connecticut in his office in Rocky Hill. Despite some of the issues in health care and quality of life being experienced by our brave service men and women on a national basis, Connecticut is setting a high level of achievement for employment, medical care and a full compliment of resource options to help our military transition from the battle field to civilian life. They face challenges in reuniting with their families while dealing with their mental, physical issues and adapting to a world that has changed since they were deployed. This is a very important TV segment for the general public but, most importantly, for veterans who need assistance

L-R: Susan Patricelli Regan and CT Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas J. Saadi

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November 2018

The Iwo Jima/World War II Traveling Museum came to Granby Oct. 6 The museum honors American soldiers—specifically from the World War II era—and it was in town for only one day. There is an array of pictures, uniforms, and actual sand from Normandy Beach. The museum on wheels is a tribute to local men and women who served in all branches of service all over the world.

Iwo Jima/World War II Traveling Museum visits Granby Public Library Oct. 6

American Legion Riders treated the museum founders to breakfast and provided a motorcycle escort to Granby; Ride Captain Bob Groper

Members of American Legion Shannon Shattuck Post 182: Bob Groper, Wayne Hoffman, Jim Donaldson, Wayne Adams, Cliff Burrell (not pictured Mark Bennett, Tryg Rafoss).

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Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. COSSITT BRANCH

Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 3 – 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m. Find us online Town of Granby (www.granby-ct. gov); use the links to join us on Facebook and Pinterest. Closing Both libraries will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12 for Veterans Day, and Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 for Thanksgiving. Pre-registration is required for many programs. To register for any program call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk), 860-844-5284 (Children’s), 860-6538958 (Cossitt), or email gplibrary@ granby-ct.gov MAIN BRANCH, GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY Please call 860-844-5284 to register for any programs or for more information. T h i n k O u t s i d e t h e Va s e — Centerpieces for the Holidays: Thursday, Nov. 1, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Looking for decorative inspiration? Sally Jones, florist and owner of Flowers ‘N’ Such, creates holiday magic when she demonstrates unique centerpiece arrangements for the home. Registration recommended. Honor a Vet: Friday, Nov. 2, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Make a keepsake honoring a military service person. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz leads a workshop where attendees with any artistic ability make a calligraphy memento. Each piece will be personalized with the vet’s branch of service, years served and initials. See samples at the library or online. Register in advance with a $5 fee. Crazy for Cranberries: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Culinary instructor Julie Wern offers a tasty demonstration featuring the tart, and slightly sweet, cranberry. A tiny super food native to North America, the cranberry holds a special place on the table this time of year. Pick up cooking tips while sampling a variety of cranberry-based foods and beverages, and take home the recipes you like best. Registration recommended. Indian Wars in Connecticut History: Thursday, Nov. 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Connecticut has generally been seen as

a bucolic, rather quiet state. But early in its history the state saw bloody battles, both between Native American tribes and between natives and colonists. Hamish Lutris, professor of history, presents an engaging talk featuring two major Indian wars of the period, the Pequot-Mohegan War and King Philip’s War. Learn more about our region’s history and its impact on Colonial America. Registration recommended. You Can Uke! Monday, Nov. 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults and older teens are welcome to join Jim Lenn for beginning ukulele instruction. Learn to tune, strum, read chords, and play songs. Register in advance with a $5 fee. NaNoWriMo—Race to the Finish: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6 – 7:45 p.m. Writers are invited to make a final push to put words on paper for National Novel Writing Month. The library invites scribes to come write in and make the goal of 50,000 words by month end. Enjoy this writing race with light refreshments and fun prizes. Registration encouraged; space limited.

Book Discussions

Free and open to the public; copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing. Please call 860844-5275 to register or get additional information. Something About the Author: Monday, Nov. 5, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. The group will discuss the author Chaim Potok. Around the World: Monday, Nov. 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Italy is the chosen country; the group will discuss The Shape of Water, by Andrea Camilleri. SciFi/Fantasy: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7 – 7:45 p.m. The group will discuss Artemis, by Andy Weir.

Children’s

A Visit From A Garbage Truck! Thursday, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. Our friends from Paine’s are coming back for another visit. See the truck up close and climb into the driver’s seat. Meet Gordon, Granby’s favorite driver, and enjoy a story with Miss Julie. All ages welcome. Please register in advance. Silly Song Sing-A-Long with Edward Leonard: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Sing, dance and jump along to popular children’s classics with Edward Leonard. He’ll bring his guitar, drums and a bag full of musical surprises. Best for ages 3–10. Please register in advance. Zumba: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Join us for a funfilled session for children ages 5–11. Preregistration is required, as space is limited.

The Friends’ used book sale was a success

By Brian Tomasino

The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) wrapped up another successful book sale in September. Overall, the sale generated almost $10,500, all of which goes towards supporting the Granby Public Library with books, magazines, DVDs, museum passes and special programs for all patrons. Donations were accepted throughout the summer with drop off locations at Geissler’s, YMCA and the library. Volunteers sorted books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, games, puzzles and other items that were at the sale. Many hours are dedicated to inspecting and sorting all of the items into specific categories. Earlier in the week before the big sale, the room at Holcomb was prepared with tables, signage and all the items are brought from the sorting site. Needless to say this event takes a lot of effort to prepare before and during the 3-day sale. This would not be possible if it were not for our dedicated volunteers who provide all of the assistance leading up to and during the event. Many of the same patrons look forward to the sale each year, and attracting new faces makes it so successful. Shoppers find many interesting items at greatly reduced prices. In a way, it’s like a treasure hunt; you never know what you may find. While the book sale is the largest fundraiser for the library there are other ways throughout the year that help do-

Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays, Nov. 13 and 27, 10:30 – 11 a.m. (no Nov. 20) Preschoolers with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required. Wee Ones: Thursdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29, 10:30 – 11 a.m. (no Nov. 22) Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for children from birth to age 2 with a caregiver. No registration required. Play Time: Tuesday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Drop by for unstructured play and socialization for toddlers with caregivers. Family Movie Night: Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 28 beginning at 6 p.m. (no Nov. 21) Bring the family and enjoy a movie, we’ll supply the popcorn. Call for film titles. No registration needed, just drop in. All ages.

Serious Friday night preview book buyers at the Friends of Granby Public Library book sale. Photo by Brian Tomasino

nations keep coming in. One is to join The Friends of Granby Library. Forms are available at the Granby Library or online at granby-ct.gov/granby-publiclibrary-system, then under the ‘About’ drop down menu click on the Friends of Granby Public Library. Shop at Amazon? Another easy way to support is to choose Friends of Granby Public Library through Amazon Smile. You can easily setup by going to smile. amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone. Sign in and at the top navigation select the option to search and select or change your Charity. Make sure to select “Friends of Granby Public Library, Inc. Granby, CT.” With every order that you make from the Amazon smile site, a portion is donated to the library. The Friends appreciates all of the support from the generous sponsors, our super volunteers and everyone whoshowed up to the sale to make it such a great success!

F. H. COSSITT LIBRARY Writers Group: Tuesdays, Nov. 13 and 27, 6 – 7:45 p.m., Upper Level. Celebrate National Novel Writing Month by enjoying a bit of competition with fellow writers. Commit words to the page during two evenings of Writing Sprints. Light refreshments fuel the fire and prizes will be awarded for highest word counts. Registration encouraged; space limited. Do-Re-Mi Music for Little People: Tuesdays, Nov. 6 and 13, 2 – 2:30 p.m., Children’s Room. Preschoolers with their caregivers are invited to join Karen Levan for songs, rhymes and musical play. Please register, space limited. Cossitt Craft Days: Nov. 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10. Kids and caregivers are invited to browse for books and movies, then make and take home a simple seasonal craft project in five minutes or less. No fee; no registration.

Volunteers needed for Safe Grad Night committee Thérèse Mulvey Parents for a Safe Grad Night need your help. We need donations and volunteers. You don’t have to have a senior to contribute. We need NON-SENIOR Parents to chaperone. We need donations from the community so that every student receives a prize. We need volunteers to help on committees to ensure another great year. The GMHS Grad Night is for Seniors but it is the community that makes it work. Safe Grad Night is held at the Granby YMCA on graduation night and offers a

fun-filled, substance-free event for seniors. Last year more than 80 percent of the graduating class attended. This event cannot happen without the following— please consider participating. Chaperones for the night of the event [June of 2019] Donations for gifts and prizes Volunteers to help with food, room set up and decorations A volunteer with a graphic background to help with the Art/Invitation contest where seniors submit designs for the invitation and t-shirt.

If you are interested in volunteering, please join us for the meeting on Tuesday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in the media center at GMHS. If you cannot attend but would like to help, see the contacts below. The event is chaperoned by NONSenior parents, so volunteers are needed. Senior parents can help with the planning prior to the event and with collecting and contributing donations. Room set up: Contact Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com Food set up or pick up from businesses: Contact Michelle DeGagne at

mdegagne@cox.net Chaperones: Contact Sara Scotto at scottofamily@cox.net Another way to support this event is by surprising your friends with a flock of pink flamingos roosting on their lawn for 48 hours. They mysteriously migrate when the time is up and go on to roost at another address. All we ask to participate in the FLOCKING is a donation of $25 or more to the Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation. If you are interested in Flocking, please contact Michelle DeGagne at mdegagne@cox.net.

Page 26 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park; open 24/7 at GranbyRec.com Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com Program/Trip Registration: All programs/trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment. You can register for all of programs online.

Ski Sundown

Registration is now open for the Wells Road/Middle School/High School after school ski/snowboard program. Register early as space is limited.

After School Programs

Send your child to enrichment programs after school. Now registering for F.A.S.T. Super Sports, Art-ventures for Kids, Strings at Wells Road—Violin and Viola Lessons and Kids Yoga and Mindfulness.

Event Planning

Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm. The SB Park House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people and features a gas fireplace and central air. The North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people a day to remember. Dates fill fast so call or visit the web site for more information and to see photos.

November Activities

Comedy Night at Holcomb Farm: Saturday, Nov. 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. Looking for a local, fun night out right here in Granby? Ages 21 and over are invited for a night of fun and laughter at the North Barn Pavilion featuring NYC comedians Mike Gaffney and Joe Devito. Cash bar is available. Please bring your own munchies and snacks. Tables of eight are available for $320, or $40 per person for individual tickets.

Purchase early as tickets sell out very quickly. Youth Basketball Program: NOW is the time to register your K-8th grader for the Granby Recreational Basketball Program. Games are scheduled for Saturdays and practices are held for grades 2–8 once a week. Volunteer coaches are also needed. Register by Monday, Nov. 12 and pay $100; cost of registrations received after Nov. 12 will be $125. Genealogy DNA Workshop: Thursday, Nov. 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Explore the information provided in AncestryDNA results, explore methods to manipulate the results, and introduction to third-party tools that turn DNA into a powerful tool for traditional genealogy, finding unknown relatives, and adoption research. $50pp. Paint Night with Laura Eden—Pine Cones: Thursday, Nov. 15. Create a beautiful watercolor scene under the tutelage of local Granby resident and artist, Laura Eden. All the materials will be provided and you will be delighted with the masterpiece you will create! Please feel free to bring your own snacks and beverage of choice. $40pp Holiday Paint Glass Night: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6 – 8 p.m., in the Gathering Room at SBP. You pick the two glass styles that you would like to paint, all of the supplies needed to create beautiful glasses will be provided. Bring your own snacks and beverages and be ready to have fun. $35pp

December Activities

Bus Trip to New York City: Saturday, Dec. 1, depart at 7:30 a.m. These days in the city are on your own to enjoy the Big Apple. See Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop. The usual drop off points in the city are: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Pickup is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Coach Tavern, on 7th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Street. $48pp. Cookie Decorating Classes, Holiday Themed Cookies: Sunday, Dec. 9. In-

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cludes decorating instruction, cookies, icing, and decorating candies/sprinkles. All participants will take home their drying cookies in a bakery box. $27pp. Holiday Marketplace Event: Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2. Granby Artists Association and Granby Recreation are pleased to present the Holiday Art and Holiday Marketplace Event at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby. Hours are: Saturday 10 a.m. to 4

p.m., and Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.. Both the North Barn Pavilion and Main Barn will be filled with booths selling diverse arts and crafts, much of it made in Granby. Find treasures to wrap, handmade cards, stocking fillers and much more. Enjoy a festive atmosphere listening to local school children’s music performances. Take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or small lunch at the Waste Not Want Not pop-up café.

Folk singing sisters play Granby on Nov. 10 The Nields are coming! The what? Nerissa and Katryna Nield are folk singing sisters who are coming to the Salmon Brook Music Series on Nov. 10. Nerissa wrote her first song at the age of 13, dragged Katryna out of her room to sing with her and vocal beauty was born. During the late 1980s in the Washington D.C. area, they teamed up with guitarist David Jones and started playing at open mic venues. Jones later married Nerissa and took her last name. The trio moved to New England and released their first recording. For their third recording they were joined on bass by friend Dave Chalfant. By 1994, they were a full-fledged five-piece acoustic rock explosion when Dave’s friend Dave Hower joined them on drums. They were touring the country by now and thrilling enthusiastic crowds. After playing the Lilith Fair in 1998 without the boys, Nerissa and Katryna did some shows when just the two of them. They played the Newport Folk Festival and The Nields became a bona fide act of its own. Katryna and Dave Chalfant

married in 1999 (he kept his name) and the group kept recording. By 2001, Katryna and Nerissa released their first record as a duo. Now in their third decade as musical partners, The Nields have released their seventeenth album, titled simply XVII. The primary inspiration for this album was their hero Pete Seeger. They were raised on Pete’s music. (Their parents fell in love at a Pete Seeger concert!). Come hear the sound that Billboard Magazine described as, “a gloriously eccentric vocal delivery… lots of backward glances and relationship foibles punctuate this collection, which is ideal for harmony addicts and dreamers alike.” You can see and hear The Nields at the Salmon Brook Music Series, Nov. 10 at South Church, 242 Salmon Brook St (Rte. 10), Granby. Doors open 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Call 860-916-5066 or go to salmonbrookmusicseries.org. Proceeds go to support the mission of South Church.

Sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nield to perform at south church. Submitted photo.

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Granby Artists Association 2018 Open Studio Tour

Above, Laura Eden painting

Above, Aimee Gilbert spinning wool. Below, Avis Cherichetti, showing one of her new pottery plates.

Above, Annukka Ritalahti making jewelry. Below, Linda Yurasevecz with one of her new vases.

Above, Barbara Schmitt with her mermaid carving. At left, JeanLuc Goddard with some of his lamps. At right, Sally Markey making fimo beads.

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Welcome-Granby Drummer November 2018

Above, Mark Gottlieb making a paperweight in the glass blowing studio. At left, Debby Reelitz doing calligraphy. All photos by Shirley Murtha

Page 28 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

State Senator John A. Kissel Fighting for Jobs. Lower Taxes. Improved Public Safety.

• Consistently fighting the implementation of tolls on our highways. • Lowering the tax burden on middle class families, opposed the Malloy tax hikes. • Authored PA18-5, An Act Concerning Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence, which takes important steps to protect victims of domestic violence. • Honored by MADD in 2016 and 2018 for efforts to prevent drunk driving and make roads safer. • Supported troops, veterans and their families. Played a key role in securing passage of PA16-195 extending family leave to military families. • Received Legislative Achievement awards from AARP in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017 for efforts to protect critical services for seniors. • Safeguarding the health of first responders. Advocated for PA 16-10 providing workers compensation for firefighters who suffer from job related diseases at no cost to towns. • Strongly opposed any funding for a mileage tax or mileage tax study. • Helped secure funding to expand manufacturing programs at Asnuntuck Community College. • Co-Chairman on Judiciary Committee overseeing state’s judiciary, criminal justice and corrections systems.

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Call John anytime at 860-745-0668.

Paid for By Committee to Re-Elect Senator John A. Kissel, Scott Kaupin, Treasurer. Approved by John A. Kissel

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 29

By Mark Fiorentino

Real, Sorta Real or Fake? You’re welcome, Connecticut. You see, I’m part of a group of consumers that contributes approximately $7 million a year to projects throughout the state designed to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. These projects are funded through a program commonly known as the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Here’s how it works: The federal government imposes a 10 percent excise tax on certain hunting, fishing and boating gear, tackle and supplies. Excise tax revenues are held in a trust fund managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). USFWS provides grants to state fish and wildlife agencies that make their own decisions on how to utilize the funds. In Connecticut, the funds are used for things like: research, education, habitat restoration, species restoration, control of invasive species and acquisition of access rights. Of course, I play only a very small role in funding the program. But I take my role seriously. Each year, I spend hundreds of dollars on tackle and gear, some of which I never use, and most of which is of dubious utility. Take, for example, the Hot Line Cutter I paid $9.99 (plus shipping) for. According to the ad, the cutter’s tip (which heats to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) “cauterizes

fishing line to prevent fraying and knots from slipping.” Three years after I purchased it online, it’s still in its package. I just can’t bring myself to trust my inevitable world-record fish to a knot cauterized by a device that runs on two AAA batteries. You’d think such reservations would occur to me before I finalize a purchase, but they never do. Well, actually they do, but I almost always ignore them. It’s a tough dilemma. Do I risk missing out on the next “sure-thing,” or accept that I might buy something useless and/ or just plain stupid? Knowing my fishing buddies will make fun of me either way, I usually err on the side of contributing to the preservation and enhancement of outdoor recreational activities. As I said, you’re welcome. It’s not always easy, though. Manufacturers and retailers are constantly pushing the envelope, blurring the line between clever and stupid. To give you a taste of what I face, I’ve prepared the following quiz. See if you can tell whether each of the following products is real (the product is currently available on the market and I have accurately named and described it), sorta real (available, but not accurately named or described), or fake (not currently available). Answers are on page 35.

Waypoints cont’d. on p. 35

VOTE NOV. 6 “Bill gets it, we need a Connecticut that people can afford to move to. He has held the line on taxes and spending and has worked across the aisle to bring important reforms to rein in excessive spending and grow the rainy day fund. I would urge you to vote for Bill on November 6th.” -Judy Guarco “Bill Simanski deserves to be reelected as our representative in the General Assembly. Bill is dedicated and hard-working, and he puts his constituents’ interests ahead of his own. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach is what we need in the legislature.” -Mark Fiorentino

www.Simanski2018.com

th Paid for by Simanski 2018, Mark Neumann Treasurer. Approved by Bill Simanski.

Waypoints

1. The Whopper Plopper. Onethird the length of this lure is a propeller that spins as you retrieve it through the water. It creates a “plop-plop-plop” sound that attracts whoppers. 2. The Bait Cam. A tiny, underwater camera you attach to your bait or hook. It captures footage of fish as they bite. 3. The Panhandler. A device used for filleting fish. It employs a dual-bladed knife to cut, in a single stroke, fillets from both sides of the fish. 4. Camo Drops. Sinkers colored in camouflaged patterns. Used in water conditions where the normal silver, black or grey sinkers would spook fish. 5. Ankle Rod Holders. Rod holders incorporated into braces that attach to your ankles. They provide quick access to your rods while you are in a seated position, freeing your hands for drinking beer, etc. 6. The Fish Line Welder. A more sophisticated version of the Hot Line Cutter, this device creates a weld between lines (or sections of the same line), eliminating knots entirely. 7. The Worm Blower. A plastic bottle with a small needle at its mouth. Squeezing the bottle creates a burst of air used for drying lures, particularly flies. 8. Mama Mia’s Pesto Flavored Tube Baits. A soft plastic lure that is infused with a substance that One of Mark’s many contributions to the Wildlife & smells and tastes like pesto. Sport Fish Restoration Fund. 9. Fish Fingers. A device used to 10. The Trolling Bobber. A bobber with enhance pictures taken of a fish by its own onboard electric motor. Used to placing it closer to the camera. It consists take your line to places where you might of extendable rods with clamps on the not be able to cast it. end. The clamps are disguised as large fingers.

facebook.com/Simanski2018

62nd District - Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland & New Hartford

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Celebrate Granby, held Sept. 20-22 in Salmon Brook Park and sponsored by the Granby Chamber of Commerce, featured booths promoting local businesses and nonprofit organizations—and carnival rides that provided thrilling experiences for these youngsters.

Photos by Peter Dinella The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series South Congregational Church s 242 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, Connecticut

2018 - 2019 Season Sunday, November 4, 2018 - 4:00 pm The Rose-Gibbs Duo Benita Rose, piano, and Tony Gibbs, classical saxophone, perform Franck’s Violin Sonata, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody and Variations on The Carnival of Venice.

Friday, January 11, 2019 - 7:00 pm Jason Roberts, organist

A solo recital by our favorite improvisational wizard playing masterworks by Saint-Saens, Widor, and Bach, and improvising on themes provided by the audience.

Sunday, March 10, 2019 - 4:00 pm The Hartt Chamber Choir Directed by Dr. Ed Bolkovac, the awardwinning choir of 24 voices from the Hartt School will be singing music composed from the 16th through the 21st century.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 - 4:00 pm Les Amies de Théodore: A Baroque Ensemble

Supported in part by:

For more information please call 860-653-7289

All events are free and open to the public. Donations of $10 at the door are welcomed to continue the series. www.southchurchgranby.org South Congregational Church is wheelchair accessible.

Design: Sharon Mayock

Susan Allen, flute; Monika Kinstler, violin; Deborah Robin, recorder; Laura Mazza-Dixon, viola da gamba; and Anne Mayo, harpsichord, play chamber music of the 18th century by Couperin, Rameau, and Telemann.

November 2018

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 31

HISTORIC FOOTNOTES CAROL LAUN

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

The First School District in Granby Center Part 5 - The 1859 First District School

The residents of the First District were very proud of their brand new school, which cost $828.44 to build. They voted to insure the new school against fire, to fix up the grounds and outbuildings, to buy all new furniture and to invite Professor Camp to speak at the opening day ceremony. The district also appointed a committee to “devise the best method for protecting the new house against depredations committed by the scholars and children.” The committee produced the following rules: “That if any wilful mutilation shall be committed by any person on any part of this house by scratch or cut of the length of 2 inches or under, shall pay a fine not exceeding 25 cents nor less than 6 cents. Of a cut or Scratch of three inches or under shall pay a fine not exceeding 37 cents nor less than 12 ½ cents. Of a cut or Scratch of three inches and over, a fine of not more than $1 nor less than 25 cents. The amount of damage to be left to the discretion of the committee. That if any person shall wilfully break out any light (pane) of Glass from this house shall pay a fine of 12 ½ cents.” In other words, you paid for your vandalism by the inch. The Salmon Brook School Library, one of the earliest in the state, was also set up in the new school. Dr. Jairus Case drafted a strict code of regulations for the library, which included preferential treatment to the best scholars, and various fines and penalties for abusing the books or breaking the rules. A new bell was to be purchased in 1860 “not less than 150 pounds in weight” to be paid for by subscription. Evidently the money was not raised, because in 1861 the district voted to exchange the old bell for a new one “without cost to the district.” The record book does not explain how this was to be accomplished or if it was actually done. Also in 1861, a five-foot fence was built around the outhouse, “after it is moved” with another fence separating

the path to the boy’s and girl’s sides. At that same meeting, Milo A. Holcomb asked the committee to hire Miss Ellen H. Holcomb “notwithstanding she was not considered qualified by the Board of Examiners.” The vote on this bit of nepotism was “no” and Miss Clara Pratt was hired. However, at the next meeting, the vote to hire Clara was rescinded. It does not require much imagination to fill in the blanks. Three years after the new school was constructed, the district was still trying to collect tax money to pay for it, and the financial condition was in “deplorable uncertainty.” To add to the fiscal uncertainty, the state in 1868, decreed that schools must be free and supported by taxes and public money only—no more fees or tuition could be collected. Problems continued to plague the First District School. There was never enough money to pay the teachers and keep the school in good repair. By 1870, the state required 30 weeks of school. Citizens refused to serve on the District Committee and East Granby tried to annex part of the First District. This was a completely logical request since the area in question was actually located in the town of East Granby. However, the proposal was declared illegal and denied. School Visitor Willard Griffin of West Granby had his comments published in the 1870 Annual Report of the State Board of Education which had been organized five years earlier. Griffin complained of problems in filling out the reports required by the state due to “the appointment of illiterate men as district committee and the neglect of teachers to keep their Registers in good order.” He also criticized the school’s “carelessness in regard to the preservation of libraries and apparatus.” Between 1870 and the turn of the century, Granby experienced a moderately declining school population and fairly stable school costs. Three school terms a year were offered. In 1877, the district considered adding

a second floor in order to have a separate room for the primary school. This was rejected in favor of enlarging the school. However, the usual difficulty in raising money was encountered, and it is not clear whether the school was actually enlarged or just partitioned. The primary room received a new stove in 1882. Despite the continued indebtedness, the school was repaired and painted (two coats) in 1890. The late Louise Cooley Rausch wrote a description of the school at that time. “The school was not the well known ‘Little Red Schoolhouse’ but was an indeterminate light color, probably decided by cost and availability of paint. It was a one-story building. There was a crude belfry on the roof containing a bell with a cracked voice used to summon the pupils.

was instituted in 1905. Another big change in administrative responsibility came in 1909, when the state returned the schools to town management. Each town was to be a single School District. In Granby, Judge Theodore G. Case introduced a resolution that the teacher in the primary room was underpaid. Evidently, the person teaching the higher grades received more money, an interesting philosophy of education. The development of the tobacco plantation in Floydville brought a large increase in the Center School population. By 1912, there were 70 children crammed into the school. The primary room had two to a seat and added so many extra seats that there was no room to stand and recite in front of the class. This situation created controversy in Granby. Some people considered the school “light, airy and splendidly located” where the children could play on the Town Green or in the cemetery. This faction felt the only problem was overcrowding, caused by the 15 children from the plantation. Supervisor of Schools in Granby, F. L. Tapley, agreed that the school was overcrowded, but he felt that District One School had poor light and ventilation with “seats unfit for children.” A decision was postponed with the construction of another District The First District School was located on the School at Floydville, built by the northwest corner of the Rt. 20 and Rt. 10-202 tobacco corporation. intersection (WWI Monument corner). Submitted In 1917, the South Congrephoto. gational Church burned. The people of Granby Center took “The school had two rooms; the little this opportunity to build a real Comroom, which was large in area, but so munity Center when the Church was called from the size of its occupants, rebuilt. The Granby Public Library (now and the big room, which was a goal to the VNA building) and the Community be attained when you could do fractions. House (now the Church Hall) were conEach room had a long blackboard, a coat structed at the same time. The Church room with hooks for coats, and a wide Association offered a lot to the town to shelf which held a large wooden pail build a new Center School behind the for water and a common drinking cup.” library. The timing was right, since a Financial troubles seemed to be restate report had recently criticized the solved by 1900, when the First School “run down condition” of the old school. District was only $2.64 in debt. A $5 tuNext month: Conclusion, The 1919 ition fee for students from East Granby Granby Center School

Supporting a Caring Community since 1960

GRANBY MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

Meals-on-Wheels provides home delivery of nutritious meals to homebound residents. Contributing to the Granby Community Fund helps support organizations that provide services to residents in the Granby community. www.granbycommunityfund.com

Friday November 16th – 7:00 p.m. Saturday November 17th – 7:00 p.m. Sunday November 18th – 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door $12.00 general admission $10.00 student/senior

Page 32 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

GMHS FALL SPORTS Girls Soccer Oct. 1 vs. Somers

Boys Soccer Oct. 12 vs. East Granby

Samantha St. Pierre looks to change direction in a recent NCCC soccer game vs Somers.

JC LaPointe controls the midfield against neighbor East Granby.

Sara Jahrstorfer punts the ball in Granby’s 5-0 victory.

Will Sibble fights for a 50/50 ball in a recent NCCC matchup against East Granby.

Natalie Schock sends the ball upfield to her teammates.

Jack DiMeo heads the ball away from the other team.

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 33

GMHS FALL SPORTS Football Oct. 15 vs. Stafford Co-op

Ben Kibby heads down the field in a recent Pequot divisional game vs the Stafford Co-Op.

Keon Lawrence returns the punt against the Stafford Co-Op.

Photos by Jay Harder, Granby Camera Club

Volunteer Opportunities at the Drummer Now recruiting:

WRITERS & PROOFREADERS PHOTO EDITORS LAYOUT & PRODUCTION STAFF Jackson Rome rolls outside of the pocket to hit one of his wide receivers.

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Page 34 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Learn more about the artistic process Join the Land Trust on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., for a fun, casual and free event, where we will discuss a number of the works of art that are part of this year’s Granby Land Trust Juried Art Show, Celebrating New England’s

Natural Beauty. Complimentary light refreshments will be served and Lost Acres Vineyard wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Artists Laura Eden and Bill Simpson will lead an interactive discussion with

a number of artists who are in the show, giving you an opportunity to hear the artists’ perspectives on what inspires them and the artistic process they use. The event will be held at Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery, 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby. Space is limited

so registration is required; contact Laurie Schock at sgschock@ cox.net or 860-989-3430.

Holiday Art & Marketplace debuts at Holcomb Farm

Granby Artists Association and Granby Recreation are pleased to present its first collaborative Holiday Art and Holiday Marketplace Event at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby, Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 2, from noon. until 4 p.m.. In the past, these events have been separate but this year they are collaborating to create a bigger and better holiday event with more vendors. Both the North Barn Pavilion and Main

Barn will be filled with booths selling a diverse variety of arts and crafts, much of it made here in Granby. You will find treasures to wrap, handmade cards, stocking fillers and much more. Enjoy a festive atmosphere listening to local school children’s music performances. Take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or small lunch at the Waste Not Want Not pop-up café.

Cute kitty!

One of the many children who had fun at Celebrate Granby. Isn’t she “the cat’s meow?” Photo by Peter Dinella

Almost Sunrise Premiere Sponsored by Resilience Grows Here and the Granby Senior Center

Almost Sunrise tells the inspiring story of two young men, Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson, who, in an attempt to put their haunting Iraq combat experiences behind them, embark on an extraordinary journey - a 2,700 mile trek on foot across America. While the film exposes some of the brutality of war, it doesn't dwell there. It's ultimately a story of hope and potential solutions. Most importantly, the film reveals they promise of holistic practices for healing. The film also acts as an urgent call for communities to better understand these deep-seated psychic wounds, and for the government to acknowledge and finally treat moral pain by using other methods than pills. Please join us for this 98 minute documentary and gain a better understanding of the veterans in our lives and how we can work together to serve and honor them when they come home. Wednesday, November 7th at 6:30PM Granby Senior Center

Please RSVP by October 30th 860-844-5352

VETERAN’S TRIBUTE CONCERT

Featuring the First Company, Governor’s Foot Guard Band

Sponsored by Simsbury Bank The Granby Senior Center, Valley Brook Community Church and Resilience Grows Here

Thursday, November 8th at 7:00PM

Valley Brook Community Church, 160 Granville Road, North Granby, CT

Please join us for an evening of patriotic songs and other music as we pay tribute to those who have served in the military. Let’s show our support and thanks for all they have done and sacrificed!

Open to the whole community.

FREE EVENT

November 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 35

WAYPOINT ANSWERS

Preventing colds and flu By Nancy L. Frodermann Cold and flu season typically runs from November until April, with the season’s peak in December through February. Having a flu shot, practicing preventive measures and being prepared to provide supportive care will minimize illness. Colds More than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold, with symptoms that include a sore throat, runny nose, chest congestion and cough. A cold usually develops over one to four days, and lasts seven to 10 days. The period of contagion is generally from the day before symptoms start to seven days later. Normally, a cold sufferer does not run a high fever nor have body aches. Flu Infection can be from one of several influenza viruses, with symptoms that include sore throat, congestion, headache, chills and coughing. Nausea and vomiting are possible. The flu can come on within hours with major symptoms lasting for a week, although the associated fatigue may continue for several weeks. The period of contagion is from the day before symptoms begin until up to two weeks after. Flu sufferers often have a fever, with temps of 100 degrees or more, and an ache-all-over feeling. Preventive Measures The VNA, CDC and DOH recommend every person over the age of six months receive a flu vaccination, unless your physician cites reasons not to be immunized. Other preventive measures, effective against either the cold or flu virus, include: Wash your hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, the entryway for germs.

Keep surfaces germ free with disinfectants. Avoid contact with sick people. Use a mask around ill people or when traveling. Discard used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others until you are both healthy and beyond the contagion period. Maintain a lifestyle that supports your immune system: healthy diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, fresh air, stress management. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially water. Don’t smoke. Avoid refined sugar, it compromises your immune system. Maintain an adequate Vitamin D3 level. Support When Sick Use over-the-counter medications to treat the symptoms but avoid products that treat multiple symptoms as it’s easy to overmedicate. If prescribed by your doctor, use the antiviral meds to shorten the length of illness. Stay hydrated, especially with water. Drink hot liquids to help thin mucus, soothe irritated membranes. Get lots of sleep and rest. Blow nose often to keep mucus flowing. Take a steamy shower or Epsom salt bath, or use a humidifier. Use hot or cold packs over sinuses. There is no guaranteed way to avoid colds and flu but maintaining a healthy life style and getting the flu shot will go a long way in preventing them. Editor’s Note: Ms. Frodermann writes for the Farmington Valley VNA.

makes the Worm Blower, but it doesn’t dry lures. It’s used to inflate live bait, like a night crawler, to make it buoyant. 8. Sorta real. Or fake, depending on how you look at it. There is no “Mama Mia” brand of tube baits. Nor are there (again, so far as I know) any baits infused with pesto flavor. There are, however, many flavor and/ or scent-enhanced baits. Soft plastic lures are available in flavors that include: chocolate, salt, coffee, garlic and something called “Bite Juice.” 9. Fake. Although, I don’t know why. 10. Real. This is the kind of thing I’m a sucker for. How can I not equip myself with a tool to get bait to areas (like under thick branches or under docks) that would otherwise be unreachable? Imagine the stunned looks of envy from other fisherman. Even though it appears that there is no way to steer the bobbers, I’m getting me one. Worst case scenario, I will contribute another $1.40 to the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

TOWN OF GRANBY SENIOR CENTER

Durable Medical Equipment

LOANER CLOSET Items available to the residents of Granby and surrounding towns to borrow at no cost in their time of need: Wheelchairs Tub Seats Canes

Raised Toilet Seats Walkers Commodes

Transporters Bed Rails “Assisting” Devices

Do you have items to donate? We happily accept any of the above items, however we are unable to accept motorized or customized items, electrical equipment, and hospital beds.* To borrow or donate, call:

860-844-5352

MARK BRADY KITCHENS Next available time slot for complete kitchen remodel is February 2019

860-306-5867 • Granby markbradykitchens.com

HIC.0557564

Swim Your Stress Away in the

Valley’s Best Water

Swim Center at Westminster School Crystal-Clear Water Lap Swimming Swim Lessons Water Fitness Monthly Memberships Masters Swimming Family Fun!

1. Real. There are at least four different models of the Whopper Plopper. Each comes in multiple sizes and colors. Prices range from $12.99 to $20.99 (per lure). 2. Sorta real. To the best of my knowledge, there is no available camera that you attach to your bait or hook. There are, however, a number of cameras designed for use in filming biting fish, including cameras disguised as lures. Some models even record and transmit data like location, water temperature, etc. 3. Real. I own one. I’ve used it once. It doesn’t really work. 4. Real. On one hand, I can’t believe camouflage-patterned sinkers work any better than, say, brown sinkers. On the other hand, you never know. They’re on my shopping list. 5. Fake. 6. Real. You can buy a complete system, including the welder, a charger and welding supplies on Amazon.com for $199.95. I am not even remotely interested (at least not until I see if the Hot Line Cutter works). 7. Sorta real. A company called Berkley

Continued from page 29

860 408-3021 www.SwimCenter.net 995 Hopmeadow Street (Route 10) Simsbury

Brought to you by the Granby Civic Engagement Team *If you have these items, we can advise you as to where they may be donated.

Page 36 The Granby Drummer

November 2018

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertiser Page Beacon Mechanical 27 Beman Hardware 18 Berkshire Hathaway – Copper Brook 18 Berkshire Hathaway Corp 16 Berkshire Hathaway – Motta 27 Berkshire Hathaway – Reardon 7 Brignole, Bush and Lewis 2 Bruce Porter Music 30 Cahill’s Motors 26 Carmon Funeral Home 12 Carter Robert Painting 23 Center Grill 24 Chiropractic Care 33 Christopher Bryant Co. 21 Coldwell Banker 36 Command Corporation 21 Connecticut Geriatric Neuropsychiatry 35 Creative Learning Preschool Center 19 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 19 Edward Jones – Jim Hammel 9 Ensle Paint 14 First Congregational Church 8 Gary’s Mowing 12 GCF Meals on Wheels 31 GMHS Drama Almost, Maine 31 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 22 Granby Dental Center–Dr. Ungerleider 13 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Package Store 14 Granby Pharmacy 9 Granby Village Health 23 Guarco, Judy – Berkshire Hathaway 10 Higleyville Coin 19 Horses and Hounds 12 Kissel reelection 15, 28 Larry’s Construction 14

Advertiser Page Lost Acres Fire Dept Harvest Dinner 10 Main Street Door 10 Mark Brady Kitchen 35 Marquis of Granby 12 MeadowBrook of Granby 23 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 13 Morawski Cleaning Help wanted 13 O.P. Painting 8 Old Farms Landscaping 35 Pierce Builders-Meadowgate 13 Route 10 Tire 19 Salmon Brook Shops 14 Sanditz Travel Management 14 Santa Realty 9 Seniors Helping Seniors 34 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 14 Simanski Re-election 29 Simsbury Bank 18 Small Town Septic 24 South Church 6 State Line Propane & Oil 21 Strain Family Equestrian Ctr. 12 Subseven 10 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 13 Swim Center at Westminster 35 Thomas Sullivan – Morgan Stanley 33 Troiano Oil Company 27 Two Park Place 26 Valley Brook Community Church 30 Veterans Tribute 34 Walker Kitchen Design 8 Walsh Chiropractic 24 West Granby Methodist Church 6 Westfield Bank 17 Windsor Federal Savings 22

Rovers travel to the Cape for tournament

The U-13 Rovers team participated in its third annual FCUSA Coastal Cup Soccer Tournament on Cape Cod over Columbus Day weekend. Between visits to the beach, pool, and mini-golf, the team managed to squeeze in some mighty fine soccer playing. Photo by Trish Percival

December 2018 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, November 7 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org. ARTICLES: Monday, November 12 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: November 6-19 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at: www.granbydrummer.org.