Granby Drummer | September 2023

BOE welcomes new member

By Rosemarie Weber, BOE Vice Chair

I hope that you and your family are enjoying those last few beach days but feel, as I do, a sense of excitement as we turn to the new school year ahead. Before we launch into what promises to be an exciting year, I wanted to update the community on a few changes on the Granby Board of Education.

Over the summer, Board Chair Sarah Thrall retired from her post on the board because she and her family have relocated. As vice chair, I had a front row seat to the leadership that Sarah provided. From building projects and budgets to student-centered programming, Sarah was there; present and committed to ensuring Granby schools remained strong. Sarah guided the board through the selection of a new superintendent and leaves the district in a strong position to advance the mission and vision of the Granby Public Schools.

What I admired most about Sarah’s leadership was her level of commitment

to our schools while never losing sight of the individuals throughout the district who make our schools great. Personally, I cannot thank Sarah enough for her dedication and professionalism as chair; I wish her and her family the best.

As a result of Sarah’s departure, we welcome a new face to the Granby Board of Education. Katharine Leenders has been selected to fill Sarah’s vacancy. While Katharine is new to the board, she is not a stranger to Granby or education. Katharine grew up in the Farmington Valley and chose Granby to raise and educate her children.

Professionally, Katharine is a social worker who has spent her career working with families to ensure the welfare of children to include partnering with school districts throughout the state. We are fortunate to have Katharine’s experience and expertise, and we warmly welcome her to the Board of Education.

Editor’s Note: Learn more about Katharine Leenders on page 3.

Open Farm Day is September 16

Granby Open Farm Day 2023 will be on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a free, family-friendly interactive experience for Granby residents and those of surrounding communities. The Granby Agricultural Commission has hosted the annual event since 2012 to help strengthen the community’s connection to its agricultural roots and to ensure its farms remain a central core identity to the town. Above is Sara Esthus’ photo from last year’s event, taken at Lyric Farm. See articles starting on p. 25.

New principal for GMMS

Cheri Burke, Granby’s superintendent of schools, announced that Heather Tanis has been selected as the principal of Granby Memorial Middle School.

Planning for autumn

As September begins and summer ends, it’s time to look ahead to fall.

About town

by betsy MAzzottA Management Assistant

School buildings are preparing to open doors and welcome back students and families, and fall sports are gearing up for the new season.

The local farmers are harvesting the last of the summer crops, and the fields are ripe with fall fruits and vegetables.

The end of summer and early fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoor recreation Granby and the surrounding valley

have to offer. Plan a trip to kayak on the Farmington River as the leaves start to change or go fishing at Christensen’s Pond and see wildlife preparing for the shift in temperature. The cooler mornings and afternoons are perfect for a hike or walk on the many trails in the area. Work on the new walking path at Salmon Brook Park is expected to begin in spring 2024, offering residents another option to get those steps in. There is also outdoor fun at the park for the pups of Granby. Canine swims are scheduled for Sept. 10 and 24, and Oct. 8, 15 and 22. All proceeds from these events go toward the upkeep and maintenance of the dog park.

Tanis was selected from a highly qualified pool of more than 30 applicants. The search committee used survey data to identify the desired qualities of the next GMMS principal. Parents and staff identified proven leadership, strong communication skills and knowledge of middle school students’ developmental needs as the most important leadership traits for the position. In addition, the committee sought out a leader with compassion, dedication to the Granby community and a belief in the power of relationships.

After three rigorous rounds of interviews, Tanis impressed the committee

and earned unanimous support as the best fit for Granby Memorial Middle School. Tanis has served as the assistant principal of GMMS since 2020. She has demonstrated unwavering support for parents, students and staff during some of the most challenging years of public education.

Peter Bogen will serve as interim assistant principal during the search to hire a permanent assistant principal. Granby is grateful for his commitment to GMMS.

IWWC PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED TO SEPT. 13

At an Aug. 9 public hearing, a 48-unit, four-story apartment complex proposed for 37 Hartford Avenue by Vessel Development of New York, was presented to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) for permit approval of its storm water management plan. The review and permits are required because the site includes 932 square feet of wetlands.

The 2.5-acre site was approved for a commercial structure in 2007, which included parking, storm water management and a septic system. The present development plan would also utilize a septic system.

The unusually well-attended public hearing occasionally became contentious. With the meeting running long, the commission continued the hearing to its next meeting on Sept. 13.

Photo

Katharine Leenders was sworn in as a member of the Board of Education during the Board of Selectmen meeting on Aug. 7. From left, Student Representative Chas Orluk, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, Leenders, Selectman Fred Moffa, Town Clerk Scott Nolan and Selectwoman Peggy Chapple. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Your Support Matters!

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Welcome to the Drummer’s first issue this autumn! During the past several months, we’ve successfully completed our transition to a new editorial team and we’re excited to continue bringing Granby’s news to you in print, on our website and on social media.

We are immensely grateful to our advertisers, both those who have supported us for decades and those who have recently signed on. Still, as wonderful as these advertisers are, you simply can’t run a newspaper on advertising any more. The Drummer is operating at a deficit for the fourth year in a row.

Local news is something we take for granted until it’s no longer there. We’re working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen in Granby. We’re focused on controlling costs, and we’ve applied for and received community grants. We’ve also raised our advertising rates modestly. The Drummer receives no funds from the town and, as a nonprofit, we depend on over 40 dedicated volunteers. Now, we’re also asking for your help.

Our goal is to close our operating deficit (see accompanying graph) before the end of the year, and we deeply appreciate the donations that we have already received from some of you. Please donate at granbydrummer.com by using our Donate Now button, or you can scan our QR code printed on this page. Mail your contributions by check made out to Granby Drummer, P.O. Box 165, Granby, CT 06035, or email us at editor@granbydrummer.org to donate by credit card. All donations are tax deductible. Many heartfelt thanks for your generosity.

Please stop by our booth at the Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate the Valley on Sept. 23 in Salmon Brook Park. We’d love to chat and thank you in person. Always feel free to contact us if you have news to share or comments about our coverage.

Thanks so much! With your help, we’re looking forward to a spectacular year.

Board of Directors of Citizens for a Better Granby, publisher of the Granby Drummer.

Kathy Norris, Chair

Dave Tolli, Vice Chair

Karen Cleary, Treasurer

Flo Bischoff, Secretary

Carol Bressor

Roger Hayes

Rebecca Mikus

Sam Mikus

Lew Noble

There’s also a lot going on inside at the Town Hall.

The Holcomb Farm Fresh Access program at the Senior Center continues to be very popular. An average of 80 to 90 seniors drive through each week to pick up fresh produce from the farm.

Summer Vibe, a youth drop-in program held on Friday nights, is a hit with middle and high schoolers.

Library programs were very well attended this summer. In addition to the annual reading program, patrons enjoyed Family Tie Dye, Card Game Nights and a reptile show for the kids. Check out the library website to register for upcoming programs.

A new Library of Things, which offers items such as a telescope, binoculars and hiking gear and lots of other cool stuff for circulation, is now available at Granby Public Library.

Police officers have been busy in the community: First Responder Day camp was held for 20 high-schoolers, workplace safety training was provided for the staff at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital and officers participated in a bike safety program at a local daycare.

In addition to the usual maintenance of the roads, grounds and buildings that summer and fall bring, the DPW is also managing four major bridge projects in town. Moosehorn Road Bridge was replaced, and the temporary structure was removed. Preliminary work has started on Donahue Road Bridge and preliminary assessment and planning for the replacement of Simsbury Road and Doherty Road Bridges is also underway. Parks and Recreation wrapped up another fun summer of day camp and shifted to fall soccer, after school programs and a new adult wiffleball program. The Granby/Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate the Valley will be held at Salmon Brook Park Sept. 21 to 24.

Fall 2023 is also about greeting new faces, as the town looks to appoint a new town manager and hire a new chief of police.

To receive updates about these projects and other topics of interest, remember to sign up for notifications on the Town of Granby website at granbyct.gov Click on the yellow “Subscribe” button on the homepage and follow the instructions.

About Town cont’d. from p. 1

Introducing the BOE’s new member:

Katharine Leenders

Katharine Leenders has been appointed to fill Sarah Thrall’s remaining term. Come November, she will be running in the next election.

Leenders has been a lifelong resident of northwest Connecticut, and has lived in Granby since 2010. She grew up in Barkhamsted, graduated from Northwestern Regional 7 and attended the University of Connecticut. Leenders knew that she wanted to have a career helping children.

At UConn she pursued and graduated with a degree in human development and family relations in 2001. After college, Leenders lived in South Windsor and then Suffield before settling down in Granby to grow her family.

Leenders has two children, James, 14, and Anna, 9, who have attended Kearns, Kelly Lane, Wells Road and Granby Middle School. This coming year, Anna will be entering fourth grade at Wells Road and James has been accepted into the agriscience program at Suffield High School where he will enter grade 9. The family considers themselves fortunate to have had amazing experiences with the Granby School system, and Leenders wants to work to ensure as many Granby families as possible are as happy with the

schools as they are. As a family the Leenders love to experience all that Granby, as a community, has to offer. She is happy that her children have had the chance to be active participants in sports, band, chorus and extracurricular activities that are offered.

Leenders has worked with children for her entire 20+ year career as a social worker for the State of Connecticut. Many of the children she has worked with over the years had complex educational needs. Through ongoing contact with schools across the state and via the PPT process (Planning and Placement Team) she was able to advocate for children to receive the best services for their needs.

In her current position, she continues to work with families and school districts across the state in a wide variety of situations. As a result, she feels that she has an understanding of the education system from not only a parent’s perspective but also from that of a teacher, student and administrator. Through these roles Leenders has seen the positive effects the publicschool systems can have on young learners. She hopes to apply these different perspectives to her work with the board of education.

GMHS civics students host BOE Candidate Forum

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, candidates who are running for the Granby Board of Education on Nov. 7, have been invited to attend a Candidate Forum sponsored by the GMHS Civics Department and the Registrars of Voters Office, in the Granby High School Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to meet the candidates, learn about local issues, and understand the importance of voting and registering to vote. We will also cover the statutory duties and responsibilities of our local boards.

Gary’s Lawn Mowing

Candidates for Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Ballot

Lottery to determine horizontal order will be Sept. 6, 9 a.m.

First Selectman: One opening, 2-year term (vote for one)

Valerie Eastwood (D)

Mark Fiorentino – (R)

Board of Selectman: Four openings, 2-year term (vote for up to two)

Margaret Q. Chapple – (D)

Frederick A. Moffa – (D)

Mark Neumann – (R)

Kelly Rome – (R)

Board Of Finance: Three openings, 4-year term (vote for up to three)

William Kennedy – (D)

Kevin Hobson – (R)

Michael B. Guarco, Jr. – (R)

Board Of Education: Four openings, 4-year term (vote for any four)

Liz Harmon Barlow – (D)

Monica Logan – (D)

Heather Lombardo – (D)

David D. Peling (R)

Kristina G. Gilton (R)

Katherine Leenders – (R)

Board of Education: To fill a vacancy for two years, one opening (vote for one)

Rosemarie Weber – (R)

Board of Assessment Appeals: One opening, 4-year term (vote for one)

Victoria K. Dirienzo – (D)

Lowell C. Johnson – (R)

Board of Assessment Appeals: One opening, 2-year term (vote for one)

None

Planning and Zoning Commission: Four openings, 4-year term (vote for up to 4)

Christine L. Chinni – (D)

Mark Lockwood (R)

Brennan Sheahan (R)

Steve Muller – (R)

Planning and Zoning Commission: To fill a vacancy for two years, one opening (vote for one)

Bob Robert G. Lavitt – (D)

Mark A. Gottlieb – (Petitioning Candidate)

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate: One opening, 4-year term (vote for one)

Paula H. Johnson – (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals: Three openings, 4-year term (vote for up to three)

Suzanne L. Yucha – (D)

Andrew Badeau – (R)

Ann Crimmins– (R)

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates: One opening, 4-year term (vote for one)

Lynn Guelzow – (D)

Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates: To fill a vacancy for two years, 2-year term (vote for one)

David W. Roberts – (D)

Town Moderator: One opening, 2-year term (vote for one)

John E. Adams – (R)

On Sept. 6, 9 a.m., there will be a lottery to determine the horizontal ballot order of the candidates for Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The lottery will be held in the Town Hall meeting room and is open to the public.

Drumbeat editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

Letters to the Editor

Help CT corporate taxes benefit Granby

If you or someone you know has a business that pays Connecticut corporate business tax, this letter is for you. The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for businesses that contribute to approved energy efficiency projects of non-profits. There are three such projects approved for Holcomb Farm in 2023. All you have to do is sign up this month, make the contribution by year-end, and claim the credit when filing your 2023 tax return.

In 2022, the Friends of Holcomb Farm replaced the CSA barn roof (in preparation for solar), and addressed some energy efficiency needs in the farmhouse, thanks to contributions from State Line Oil, Eversource, and Cigna—all at zero cost to these businesses! Thank you to them and to the state for this great program.

For 2023, the Friends applied for, and the town approved, projects to further improve energy efficiency at the farmhouse, in the greenhouses and in the CSA barn. All we need now is for businesses to step up and fund the projects—again, thanks to the tax credit, at no net cost!

It’s easy, feels good and benefits all of us. Contact me or Holcomb Farm (info@holcombfarm.org) and we can walk you through the process.

Jenny Emery, Volunteer Executive Director, Friends of Holcomb Farm

Book Sale was success!

I am thrilled to announce that the Friends of Granby Public Libraries’ (FOGPL) 40th annual book sale in July was a huge success, raising approximately $12,500.

The book sale is by far the Friends’ largest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds go toward helping fund both Granby libraries. The success of the sale would not be possible without our volunteers, the donation of items, and the hundreds of people who came out every day for the three-day sale.

Planning and running of the Friends’ book sale is a large undertaking, and would not be possible if it were not for our awesome volunteers, who range from high schoolers and people working full-time, to retirees. We had many new volunteers, along with dedicated familiar faces, help out with everything—from collecting donations, sorting books, setting up the room, to running the actual three-day sale and clean-up. This year there were 842 total volunteer hours utilized for the book sale.

A big thank you to everyone who donated books, puzzles, games, comics, DVDs, CDs, and records. We really appreciate your donations and holding on to them until we started collecting in late June. While books make up the majority of the sales, many enjoy shopping for other items. Each year we receive

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

unique items that make it a treasure hunt since you never know what you will find.

We would like to thank our sponsors, who also contribute and support the book sale. Gold Sponsor: Murphy, Laudati, Kiel and Rattigan, LLC. Silver Sponsors: Beman Hardware, Inc., Granby Dental Center, Judy Guarco, Realtor BHHS New England Properties, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital. In Kind Service: Paine’s, Inc., Geissler’s, Liquor World, Wine Etc.

This year, as people were checking out, we asked, “How did you hear about the sale?” The most popular answer was, “We live in town, and we just know about it, and we go every year.” Perhaps, as other patrons mentioned, they may also have seen the signs around town, postings on Facebook, came into the library, are a member of the Friends, seen an ad in the newspaper, or on booksalefinder.com It’s not surprising that two-thirds are from Granby, and the rest are from surrounding towns, although we do get some coming from as far as New Jersey and New York for our paid admission preview sale event on Friday night.

Lastly, a special shout out to Del Shilkret who was not only president of FOGPL, but also the leader of the Friends’ book sale for many years. After taking it on this year, I can attest that there is a lot of planning that goes into it, and Del did a great job of keeping those many parts well-oiled in the book sale machine.

On behalf of the Friends, thank you, everyone, for making our 40th annual used book sale a great success. We look forward to next year’s sale.

Brian Tomasino, FOGPL President

Embracing Our Agrarian Roots

Growing up in a rural suburb is a unique and enriching experience that has a significant impact on one’s perspective on life. Nestled outside the bustling cities, rural suburbs offer a tranquil environment where children can explore nature, build lasting friendships, and cultivate a deep connection to their community. My upbringing and perspective delves into the joys, challenges and invaluable life lessons that come with growing up in a rural suburb.

One of the most remarkable aspects of growing up in a rural suburb is the

Correction

By Bill De Nio

Lieutenant Commander David M. Amidon, honorary marshal of the Granby Memorial Day Parade, served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and the Cold War. His actual service duties were reported incorrectly in my article in the July/ August issue, Memorial Day parade and ceremony honors fallen heroes My apologies to Dave and sincere appreciation for his service.

abundance of nature that surrounds you. From expansive green fields of the farms to meandering streams and rivers and dense forests, every day presents opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. Children in rural suburbs often spend afternoons climbing trees, chasing fireflies, and playing in the mud, fostering a profound appreciation for the great outdoors. The sights, sounds and smells of a farming community are ingrained in our imagination.

Living in a rural suburb means being part of a closely-knit community where many people know each other by name. Neighbors become like extended family, always ready to lend a helping Letters cont’d. on p. 5

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

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

Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesday, September 5, Monday, September 18

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Dept. Community Room, Monday, September 25

Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, September 6 and 20

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, September 12 and 26

Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, September 13

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, September 11

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: granbydrummer.com

GRANBY FOOD BANK

We currently need

Canned ravioli/ spaghetti

Canned tuna/chicken/

Spam

Canned green beans/ corn/peas

Pickles/olives/relishes

Cookies/cookie mixes

Paper towels/tissues

Dish soap/laundry soap

The Granby Drummer

A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the granby Drummer

P.O. Box 165, Granby, CT 06035-0165

Copyright ©2023

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

CBG Board

Kathy Norris, Chair

David Tolli, Vice Chair

Karen Cleary, Treasurer

Flo Bishoff, Secretary

Carol Bressor, Roger Hayes

Rebecca Mikus, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble

Staff

Jennifer Bell, Managing Editor

Leisa Ritchie, Production Supervisor

Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor

Amanda Lindberg, Copy Editor

Dave Tolli, Photo Editor

Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor

Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Karen Handville, Rick Handville, Rita Isaacson, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Nicole Muller, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley

Reporters & Contributors

Jennifer Benson,Kate Bogli, AnneMarie Cox, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, C.J. Gibson, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Holly Johnson, Brian Liss, Kim Periera, Nicole Muller, Shirley Murtha, Faith Tyldsley, Todd Vibert, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Amber Wyzik, Sandy Yost

Advertising Team

Deneika Janski, Advertising Coordinator

Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey

Website Manager

Jake Kean

Subscriptions & Delivery

Sam & Rebecca Mikus

LETTERS POLICY

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

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

@GranbyDrummer

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

Letters cont’d. from p 4

hand or celebrate milestones together. This strong sense of community creates an atmosphere of support and security, instilling core values such as empathy, compassion, and unity in the hearts of young minds.

Unlike city dwellers or urban/suburban kids, children in rural suburbs enjoy the freedom to roam and explore without the constant constraints of traffic and crowds. From bike rides along quiet lanes to discovering hidden treasures in the nearby woods, these childhood adventures foster a sense of independence and curiosity that stays with them throughout their lives.

While the countryside offers an idyllic backdrop for childhood, growing up in a rural suburb also comes with its share of challenges. Limited access to modern amenities and services can be an obstacle, especially for education and healthcare. Nonetheless, this scarcity often encourages resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Rural suburbs are often steeped in tradition and cultural heritage. From annual fairs and local festivals to age-old customs passed down through generations, these communities celebrate their roots with pride. Growing up in such an environment fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and a sense of identity, grounding the younger generation with a strong sense of belonging.

The result is that growing up in a rural suburb is a cherished journey filled with enriching experiences and lifelong memories. The natural beauty, sense of community, and freedom to explore leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who call these places home. The challenges faced in rural living also contribute to the development of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. Whether they stay in their rural haven or venture out into the world, those who grow up in rural suburbs carry with them the essence of their roots, forever shaped by the idyllic environmental tapestry of their childhood.

Mark Higby

Lack of Parent Engagement at BOE Meetings

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the refusal of the Granby Board of Education to engage with parents during public comment at its meetings. As a concerned member of the community, I strongly believe that fostering an open and inclusive dialogue between parents and the board is essential for the betterment of our educational system.

The voters of Granby have elected the BOE members to provide guidance to the administration to properly educate students without indoctrination or exposure to prevailing social issues over which parents should have influence and approval.

Public comment sessions in BOE meetings serve as crucial opportunities for parents to voice their opinions, share concerns and contribute to the decision-making process. It is through these interactions that parents can actively participate in shaping the policies and practices that directly impact their children’s education.

By refusing to engage with parents during public comment, the BOE is effectively silencing the voices of those who have a vested interest in the education of their children. This lack of transparency not only undermines the principles of open governance but also diminishes the trust and confidence that parents have in the board’s ability to address their concerns.

The excuse given by the board chair for not engaging is that the board cannot discuss any topic not on the agenda according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). However, FOIA does allow items to be added to the agenda by twothirds majority vote of the members present. Therefore, if the board chooses to discuss additional matters, it may do so.

Engaging with parents is not only a matter of courtesy but also an essential aspect of effective governance. Hearing diverse perspectives from parents provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our educational system, enabling the board to make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.

I ask the Granby Board of Education to reconsider its stance and include a robust and meaningful public comment session during their meetings with no session time limit By actively engaging with parents, the board can demonstrate their commitment to transparency, collaboration and the best interests of our students.

Furthermore, I urge fellow community members to voice their concerns and support a productive and inclusive public comment session. Together, we can work toward creating a more transparent and accountable educational environment that promotes the wellbeing and success of our children.

It is incumbent upon parents to present their views in a proper and respectful manner.

Bill Regan

JULY 12, 2023

Present: Fred Jones, David Tolli, Susan Okie, Vickie Dirienzo, and Aurelle Locke, IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Absent: Nicholas Dethlefsen and John Laudati

The Inland Wetlands and Waterways Commission (IWWC) received a permit application for 37 Hartford Avenue, Vessel RE Holdings, LLC, to construct a 48-unit apartment complex and associated improvements within a regulated area. The entire site is just over 2.5 acres located on the southwest side of Hartford Avenue and consists of approximately 932 square feet of wetlands. The proposed layout for site development is like a plan approved in 2007 for the construction of a 45-foot-tall office building. Due to the nature of the application, it was requested that a public hearing be scheduled for the next regular meeting. Soil scientist James Sipperly conducted a field survey and delineated the wetland boundaries, in which no

direct wetlands impacts are proposed. Roughly 8,168 sq. ft. of disturbance will occur within the 100-foot wetland upland review area and 12,528 sq. ft. of disturbance will occur within the 200-foot watercourse upland review area. Moran discussed pre-existing conditions and the storm water management system previously approved and partially installed as part of the 2007 approval.

He discussed the proposed system for the new development, which will connect into an existing outfall that leads to the rear of the property. The site will be served by public water and a private septic system. An application of the proposed system is under review by the Farmington Valley Health District. Bednaz met with the project team to discuss the proposed development. She provided feedback and noted that Town Engineer Kevin Clark will review the proposed storm water management prior to the next meeting.

The commission voted to receive the application and scheduled an Aug. 9 public hearing.

Office of the Registrars

No Primary, Nov. 7 is Election Day

The 2023 municipal ballot will have openings in 13 different boards and offices with 26 open seats, including Board of Selectmen and Board of Education seats. Both major party slates were unanimously approved at the July caucuses, and no one contested the party nominations by petition.

Granby will not have a primary in September. One person petitioned to be added to the ballot without a party designation.

A reminder to young voters who are leaving for college: you can register to vote or check your registration online by visiting the Secretary of State’s website. If you are staying in Connecticut, you may transfer your registration to your new town of residence. If you will be attending college or university outside of Connecticut, every state has different rules so you will need to check with local election officials. You may also vote by absentee ballot. Applications are being accepted now by the Town Clerk for anyone wishing to receive a November ballot.

Poll workers needed

With the passage of early voting/election day registration, we are going to need help with computer data entry. The Registrars will hold a meeting at 2 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Town Hall for poll workers, new and old, to answer questions about the new process coming for 2024 and to sign up workers for the election.

The Registrar’s office is compiling an email list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid. Volunteer poll workers must be at least 16 years old and can choose to volunteer for a few hours, to fit their schedules. If you would like to be added to the list, please email the registrars at: lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and pwillis@granby-ct.gov Moderator training and Pollworker training will be conducted in September and again in October for the November election. Pollworker training is required to serve. For more information or to apply please contact the Registrars: lwolfe@ granby-ct.gov and pwillis@granby-ct.gov

Voter registration

Voter registration is a public record, and it is easy to confirm your voter registration 24/7. From the Town of Granby website there is a link to the Secretary of the State’s website’s online voter registration look-up tool: dir.ct.gov/sots/ LookUp.aspx

There is also a link to Online Voter Registration, which is also available 24/7 to enroll, or to make name, party or address changes to an existing voter registration: voterregistration.ct.gov/ OLVR/welcome.do

Posted office hours for the Registrar’s office are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paper voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS

Present: Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Erick Lukingbeal, Matthew Peters and Brennan Sheahan, and alternates Paula Johnson and Robert Lavitt.

Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon.

Application seeking to renew a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 9 for earth excavation, for property located at 536 Salmon Brook Street, Tilcon, I/R30/R50/ Zones: File Z-11-23.

The applicant or previous owners have been removing earth material from this site for several years and come before the commission every two years for renewal. The site work is progressing according to plan, bond and maps were updated and renewed for the period of the permit. Any previous conditions of the special permit will also be renewed.

The commission unanimously approved the Special Permit renewal.

Application seeking to renew a special permit under Zoning Regulations Section 9 for earth excavation, for property located at 67,87 and 95B Notch Road, R50 Zone: File Z-12-23.

In 2021, the commission approved a special permit for excavation to remove a total of 500,000 yards of material and to date 151,400 yards have been removed. The applicant is before the commission to renew the special permit. The only proposed change from what was approved in 2021 is the phasing plan. The change will keep the current work in the rear of the property and the front will be completed in the final phase. Kenyon and the town engineer met on-site and the excavation appears to be progressing as planned. Several items were noted and have been addressed by the applicant except for the requirement of a report of a professional engineer verifying the excavation already completed conforms to the plan of operations as approved.

The commission unanimously approved of the special permit contingent upon the review of the PE report to be submitted by the applicant; all previous conditions remain in effect with the exception of expiration date which will be two years from today. The performance bond will be extended.

Application seeking a re-subdivision for 6,8,10,11,15,17,19,21,22,24 and 26 Harness Way to reconfigure lot lines, including for the right of way and open space to be dedicated to the Town of Granby, Harness Way Development, R30 Zone: File P-2- 23.

The applicant is seeking a re-subdivision to reconfigure the lot lines at the Harness Way Development to correct an error made in the foundation placement on Lot 9. The foundation was poured 3.8 feet into the required front yard and therefore, did not meet the 30-foot setback requirement from the front property line. The developer applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance but was denied. A Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued for a property if there is a zoning violation. Kenyon and the town engineer met at the site and are satisfied with the proposal to correct the issue. If the re-subdivision is approved, all lots will comply with regulations.

The commission unanimously approved the re-subdivision subject to the following: 1) authorization from the owner of 19 Harness

Way which is on file; 2) modification of the as-built for 19 Harness Way to be updated with revised lot lines and updates on the land records, 3) Applicant to review and update all documents outlined on page 2, item 3 of the June 14 memorandum to the Commission to ensure all documents are updated with the proposed changes and refiled in the land records as required. All previous permit conditions remain in effect. All costs associated with this application, if any, to be paid by the applicant.

JULY 11, 2023

Present: Mark Lockwood, Matthew Peters, Christine Chinni, Brennan Sheahan, and alternates Robert Lavitt and Paula Johnson. Absent: Eric Lukingbeal, Jonathan Boardman and Eric Myers

Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.

Application seeking amendments to Zoning Regulations Sections 1.4, 3.8.2.17, 8.15.17.6.1, and 8.15.17.7.1 to allow cannabis establishments by Special Permit in the Industrial Zone: File Z-13-23.

Lockwood explained state legislation that was passed to allow cannabis establishments. Kenyon provided an overview of the proposed regulations and clarified that farm stores could not sell cannabis products and the growing of cannabis is not considered agriculture.

Public Comment

Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, said the requirement for minimizing light pollution to the extent practical is too vague for achieving dark sky compliance.

The commission approved the application with a (5-1-0) vote, Sheahan opposed, with an effective date of Sept. 1, 2023.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.12.5 #16 for outdoor retail sales for property located at 335 Salmon Brook Street, CC Zone: File Z- 14-23.

The applicant owns Greeting the Seasons, a retail store that sells candy, gift baskets, lotion and other products, and proposes to have up to 15 vendors set up tables outside for retail sales during the warmer months. Booths would be set up on the lawn adjacent to the fence that runs along Route 10 and 202. The commission expressed concerns regarding the lack of a formal site plan that defines vendor location and parking, as well as public parking.

Questions were raised regarding event frequency and duration, authorization from the property owner, accessibility of restrooms, traffic circulation and food trucks. Due to the incomplete nature of the application and the lack of clarification regarding the number of parking spaces to support the proposed use, it was recommended that the applicant pursue a temporary event permit to determine needs and solidify their plan.

Public Comment

Michael Ware of 45 Hungary Road, Granby expressed his support of the application, especially in regards to supporting local vendors and agreed that a formal Site Plan should be submitted given that the parking lot is difficult to navigate.

The commission unanimously voted to deny without prejudice the application.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.5.2.8 for the expansion of an existing liquor store for property located at 496 Salmon Brook Street, C2 Zone: File Z-15-23.

Applicant and property owner Ronak Patel currently owns and operates the Granby Package Store and would like to expand the existing store by merging it with the adjacent storefront that was formerly occupied by Simsbury Cards and Comics. The interior wall between the two storefronts would be removed and there would be no exterior changes. Chinni stated that she has already seen improvements to the property and supports the application.

Public Comment

Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, expressed his support of the application and appreciation of the business.

The commission unanimously approved the application.

Application seeking a 1-lot re-subdivision for property located at 69 Lakeside Drive, R30 Zone: File P-3-23.

The applicant proposes to split the existing 1.633-acre lot to create one 0.777-acre building lot to the west for a new single-family home that would be accessed from Hilltop Drive. The house would be served by a private septic system and well, and approval from the

Farmington Valley Health District has been received. Due to the size and configuration of the lot, the applicant is requesting a fee in lieu of open space in the amount of $5,046, as well as a reduction in the required front yard from 50 feet to 30 feet.

Kenyon outlined five items from her staff memorandum: 1) Prior to the filing of the mylars, the applicant shall either submit the fee in lieu of open space to the town or file a document that requires the payment of the fee in lieu of open space at such time as the lot is sold. The fee in lieu of open space is $5,046; 2) The address for the proposed lot shall be decided by the building official and added to the mylar plan set; 3) The lean-to and shed on 69 Lakeside Drive must be removed or relocated prior to filing the mylars so the structure complies with the required setback; 4) The approval includes a front yard reduction from 50 feet to 30 feet under Zoning Regulations Section 5.2.9 as it is the commission’s determination the request meets the criteria outlined in Section 5.2.9; and 5) Minor additions and corrections shall be made to the mylars in accordance with the town engineer memo dated June 28, 2023.

There was no public comment.

The commission unanimously approved the application.

Granby’s financial reporting recognized—again

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Granby for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is the 17th consecutive year that the GFOA has awarded the certificate to the Town of Granby.

Congratulations to the Finance Department and everyone who contributed to earning this prestigious award. We appreciate all the hard work you do for the Town!

Town receives credit rating overview

By Carol Bressor

On May 22, Matthew Spoerndle, senior managing director with Phoenix Advisors, LLC presented a credit overview for the Town of Granby at the Board of Finance meeting. Spoerndle reported that Granby is one of 34 towns in Connecticut with an AA+ rating, and the overview is a snapshot that looks at economic activity, demographic and financial data, and town management.

He explained that the General Fund balance is one of the most important variables to a ratings bureau. Granby’s tax collection rate, which was 99.3 percent at the time of the meeting, is another favorable indicator to the bond companies.

Achieving and maintaining a favorable bond rating is particularly important when a town is considering an initiative that requires a sizable investment. Out of the 34 towns, Granby ranks #6 when considering the unassigned general fund balance as a percentage of revenues.

Residents with questions about Granby’s financial picture as of May 2023 are encouraged to watch the presentation on Granby Community Television (gctv16.org/viewshows/view/granbyboard-of-finance---05-22-23/: the time stamp is 1:39 – 39:18).

As of June 30, the general fund balance is at 22.14 percent before the 2023-24 appropriation and it will be 21.33 percent after the appropriation. The current rule of thumb is to maintain a 15 percent general fund balance, so Granby is

financially secure and would be in a stable position to purchase a bond to make a long-term capital expenditure.

If the town were to draw down the balance of the general fund to offset the costs of a project and it were to properly manage revenues moving forward, our balance potentially could be built back up before the need arises for our next bonding opportunity.

For example, the Town of Granby Radio Committee compiled a plan to replace and upgrade the town’s emergency-response communications equipment and infrastructure. According to First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, the plan and specifications address the needs of the town’s first responders’ team that includes the Lost Acres Fire Department, the Granby Ambulance Association, the Granby Police Department, the Granby Department of Public Works, and the Granby Civil Emergency Response Team.

It is projected that this upgrade will cost the town between four and five million dollars. At the July 17 Board of Selectmen meeting a motion passed that allows the radio committee, working with the First Selectman, to seek and evaluate proposals to complete the design, installation and support for a radio communication system, including the removal of old equipment.

The system replacement—whether bonded or paid in cash—will be subject to board approval as well as public vote.

Don’t miss Granby’s own Antiques Road Show

On Sunday, Sept. 24, Salmon Brook Historical Society (SBHS) will host an Appraisal Fair at the society grounds at 208 Salmon Brook Street. Several certified appraisers will be on-site in the Preservation Barn, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here is your chance find out if your _________(fill in the blank) fulfills your long-held hope that it might be “worth something.”

Appraisals of Asian artifacts, jewelry, works of art and antique firearms will be offered for a $5 fee per item. Appraisals will be limited to five items per person. Bring items of all kinds: the above are just suggestions to get you thinking.

LAFD car show—a birds eye view

The Lost Acres Fire Department’s first car show on Aug. 5 at Salmon Brook Park drew approximately 150 cars and raised over $5,000. Thank you all for your support!

This kitty was worn frequently by a lady who would be exactly 101 years old were she alive today.

There will be directed parking on society grounds, starting at 10:30 a.m.

No appointment is necessary; appraisals will be performed on a “first come, first served” basis. As there may be a wait, consider bringing a chair.

Please do not bring pets, food or drinks into the appraisal area.

Coffee and Mrs. Murphy’s donuts will be available for purchase.

Is this amphora-like jug as old as it appears? Its owner will find out soon at the Fair.

Henry “Hank” G. Rau III

“Here’s what I’m bringing: a portrait of a horse’s head that my father bought for me at a country auction when I was a little girl. That makes it pretty old, maybe even 100 years old. I’m excited—I always thought it might be worth something!”

—Faith Tyldsley

Granby Drummer staff mourns the loss of longtime friend and volunteer Hank Rau. His quick wit and propensity for laughter will be missed, memories of his life will be treasured. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Drummer archive photo

The

Photo by Rob Flanigan

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN HIGHLIGHTS

JUNE 20, 2023

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Kelly O. Rome, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa. Others: Town Clerk Scott A. Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Edward Ohannessian and Charter Commission members Mark Lockwood, Rebecca Brewer, Anthony McGovern, Benjamin Perron, Francis Brady and Lynn Guelzow.

Charter Revision Commission

First Selectman Fiorentino said that the commission has filed a Draft Report with the town clerk. Ohannessian said that the town charter is reviewed every ten years and detailed the recommendations being proposed. To read the full report, please log onto granby-ct.gov select Agendas and Minutes and scroll down for BOS minutes.

Granby Center Advisory Committee

This committee was established on May 1. The following members were proposed and appointed by the board: Eric Myers (R), Martin Schwager (R), Mark Fiorentino (R), Margaret Jabaily (D) and John Oates (U).

JULY 10, 2023

Public Hearing input on the proposed edits and revisions of the draft report to the Granby Town Charter

Public Comment

Maureen Eberly, Silkey Road, said she felt there were many things in the Draft Report that were valid and justifiable. Eberly said she would like to see an additional item added to the Town Charter regarding the sale of public property in section 11, and that she would like to see a provision that does not allow bundling items at town votes. Eberly would like to see an ethics commission created to ensure that elected officials, boards and commissions, and town employees are being held accountable to a code of conduct. Eberly also noted that she believes that language should be added to the Town Charter to ensure that elected officials are serving their full term of office after being elected.

Reinhard Maier, 138 Day Street, spoke about access to a red-line copy of the revisions of the Town Charter and noted that he had trouble downloading the Draft Report from the website and that he would like to receive a red-line copy of the proposed revisions. Maier also noted that he would like to see a head-tohead election for the First Selectmen seat on the November ballot. Maier said he would like

to see equivalent party representation on each board and commission that accurately reflects the number of registered voters.

Robert Flanigan, Jr., Woodcliff Drive, spoke about town expenditures and that he would like to see language added about prohibiting the bundling of items at town votes and that items should be put in the budget as line-item votes. Flanigan also spoke about proposed development projects and inquired why the town no longer takes town-wide votes on development projects and felt that language should be added to the Town Charter to ensure that this continues.

Laura Wolfe, Democratic Register of Voters, spoke about her concern about the length of the ballots when it comes to itemized votes on a ballot. Wolfe thanked members of the Charter Revision Commission while also expressing her concern about the changes made to the Board of Selectmen election, explaining that she believes the change of voting for two vs. voting for four will make it harder for minority parties to get elected.

Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, said he was not able to locate the red-line version of the Draft Report on the town website and requested that the document be made easier to find.

JULY 17, 2023

Present: Mark Fiorentino, Kelly Rome, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa. Others present: Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Attorney Richard Roberts, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, LAFD Chief John Horr, Library Services Director Amber Wuzik, Edward Ohannessian, Rebecca Brewer, Benjamin Perron, Francis Brady and Lynn Guelzow, from the charter commission.

Charter Revision Update

The board discussed the draft Charter revision, and considered comments made at the July 10 Public Hearing.

Fiorentino, noting the Charter Revision Committee’s discussion of bond items sent to a referendum ballot individually, said he favors flexibility; it would be a poor decision to limit the BOS’s ability to package bonding requests for a referendum vote.

Some members felt that voting on each charter revision question on the November ballot would be cumbersome, and phrasing the questions would be difficult because several items impact or relate to one another.

On the issue of elected officials completing

their current term of office before becoming a candidate for another municipal office, some members felt that, if added to the town charter, it would be unenforceable because it would be difficult to force volunteers to finish out their term of office.

Party representation on boards and commissions to reflect the number of registered voters in each party—Connecticut State law has a mechanism for ensuring minority representation. Additional language in the town charter that increases this representation may be challenging.

Members felt additional restrictions, such as mandating all development projects go to a referendum, should not be added to the town charter, especially since the planning and zoning commission is heavily regulated by Connecticut General Statutes.

Although several members are not opposed to an Ethics Commission, it may not be suitable to add it to the town charter. Chapple would like clarifying language in section 3-11 of the Charter as the term “financial interest” is not clearly defined and parts of this section may contradict general state statutes and the State Code of Ethics.

Sending all sales of town-owned property to a referendum vote was discussed. Fiorentino said the town attorney has told him that new state legislation would prohibit adding this change. Members felt the language added to section 11-3 (c) needed to be reexamined due to current law.

Members also discussed municipal officers holding more than one office during overlapping terms. Most members wanted this issue sent back to the commission to be further clarified in section 3-1 of the town charter.

The board decided the charter commission should revisit the draft, with additional consideration to 3-1(b) General Powers and Duties of Elective Officers, 3-11(a) Conflict of Interest, and 11-3(c) When a Town Meeting is Required.

The board requested the commission complete its work and return a final draft report within 30 days.

Editor’s Note: The Charter Revision Commission met on July 26, made modifications to the draft report and approved its completion and filing with the Town Clerk.

Emergency Response Equipment Infrastructure

John Horr outlined the Radio System Committee’s progress with an existing system analysis, needs assessment, review of existing

technology options, and evaluating potential tower sites. The committee asked for approval to seek and evaluate proposals to complete the design, installation, and support of a radio communication system, including removal of old equipment. The board unanimously approved.

Public Session

Reinhard Maier, 138 Day Street, inquired about the assessment appeal process and is advocating for the residents who may not have money for legal counsel to fight assessment appeals. He inquired about The Grand, which he said had flipped hands again and the assessment value changed. Maier spoke of his concerns about affordable housing.

Carolyn Flint, 54 Barndoor Hills Road, expressed concern about the walkability of Salmon Brook Park. She had read an article in the Granby Drummer that said the proposed inner walking path was delayed and would not be completed until next year.

AUGUST 7, 2023

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa. Absent: Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome. Others present: Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Student Liaison Charles Orluk, Edward Ohannessian, Rebecca Brewer, Benjamin Perron, Anthony McGovern and Terri-Ann Hahn, from the charter commission.

Appointments

The board unanimously approved the appointment of Julie E. Haefner to the Park Commission for a term beginning immediately and ending Jan. 14, 2025, as recommended by the Democratic Town Committee.

The board unanimously approved the appointment of Katherine H. Leenders to the Board of Education to fill a vacancy term beginning immediately and ending Nov. 20, 2023, as recommended by the Republican Town Committee.

Charter Revision

The Charter Revision Commission’s Final Draft Report was received by the Town Clerk on Aug. 1. The board unanimously accepted the report and approved placement of the following on the Nov. 7 ballot: “Shall the Granby Town Charter be amended as recommended in the Final Draft Report of the Charter Revision Commission of July 26, 2023, as approved by the Board of Selectmen?”

Editor’s Note: That report is printed in this issue of the Drummer, pages 33-36.

Public Session

John Marrone, 15 Maple Hill Drive, asked about police activity at The Grand, tenant damage, burglaries, etc.

Michael Fusick, 55 Northwoods Road, asked about a pond on his property that is connected BOS Highlights cont’d. on p. 9

Let Kindness Ripple

David Roberts elected to chair

Lions’ Council of Governors

Granby Public Schools is committed to fostering an environment where kindness thrives, starting with the way we communicate and interact with one another. When we communicate with kindness, we approach conversations with an open mind; we seek to understand different perspectives; and we value diverse viewpoints. We are mindful as we listen to understand rather than listen to respond. By doing so we create a space where productive discussions take place. We learn from one another and we seek positive resolutions to challenges.

I am delighted to introduce the overarching theme for Granby Public Schools’ year ahead: Let Kindness Ripple. The theme resonates with the essence of “community” and the values we hold dear. It is not just a cute slogan. In fact, research has demonstrated the transformative impact acts of kindness have on mental health, wellness and overall engagement. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between acts of kindness and well-being. The evidence is clear: being kind to others not only benefits the recipient but it also promotes positive emotions and reduced stress in the giver. Research conducted by the

As part of our commitment to communication, Granby Public Schools is developing a comprehensive communications plan. This plan aims to engage all relevant partners and groups, including students, parents, teachers and staff, community members, local businesses and organizations. We invite everyone to actively participate in upcoming open forums and online surveys to help us shape the future of our schools as we promote a culture of kindness and inclusivity.

In addition to improving communication and partnering with families, we will cultivate student curiosity and learning. Granby Public Schools will support our students to reach their highest academic potential. Student achievement will be center stage as we foster an inclusive, nurturing and academically rich environment where students thrive and flourish.

Lions International is the world’s largest service organization with 1.4 million members serving those in need locally and around the world. Each year, the organization elects new leaders and this year, West Granby resident Dave Roberts was elected to chair the Lions’ State of Connecticut Council of Governors.

Connecticut’s 4,500 Lions serve in 157 clubs in the three districts of the Connecticut Lions Council of Governors. From July 2022 to June 2023, Roberts served as the district governor for Hartford and Litchfield counties. He was recently elected to serve as the Council of Governors Chair from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Roberts joined Lions International in March 2010 and has served in various leadership roles with the organization. “For the past 13 years, I have enjoyed serving locally, nationally and internationally with Lions International,” said Roberts.

“Since I retired back home to Granby, I have fo- cused on my fam- ily and my vol- unteer activi - ties. It is great that I can combine both of these passions with Lions.”

The Lions have recognized his service with 13 Progressive Melvin Jones awards, five International Presidents

Drumrolls

The following students were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Quinnipiac University: Benjamin Rickevicius, Erin Russell and Sarah Springer of East Granby; Erin Panella-Malley of Granby; Jonathan Marlor and Steven Peterson of North Granby.

Mikayla Kai Thompson graduated from Saint Michael’s College in May where she was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

Submitted photo

medals, the Ambassador of Sight award and the Knights of the Blind award. Roberts is most proud of his Grand Master Membership Key award for recruiting new Lions members.

“Membership in Lions International is by invitation, and I believe that membership is a gift to give to those with hearts for service,” said Roberts. “Any time I meet someone who I believe can add value to serve our community and beyond, I like to offer for them to become a Lion. It is great that so many folks have accepted my offer.”

For more information on Lions International or to learn more about how to get involved with Lions, please contact Roberts at Granbydavidroberts@gmail. com or 860-469-5067.

Abigail Maher and Elizabeth Volg, both of North Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the spring semester.

Ana Jean Bourque, of East Hartland, received a B.A. in professional writing in May from Western Connecticut State University.

Madelyn D. Wilson, of Granby, graduated cum laude from Furman University in May with a B.A. in education.

American Psychiatric Association concluded that engaging in simple acts of kindness triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin (the “feel-good” hormones). This leads to an increased sense of happiness and overall wellbeing.

The ripple effect of kindness extends beyond individuals. It can positively influence the overall climate of our schools and our school community. It can prepare students to learn and achieve.

BOS

to town-owned catch basins. He said the infrastructure is beginning to fail, and since the drainage system is jointly shared, he asked who was responsible for the continued maintenance.

I encourage all members of our school community to embrace the Let Kindness Ripple theme. Let us be the catalysts for positive change, making a difference through acts of kindness both big and small. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate future for ourselves, our children, our community and beyond.

For more information and to get involved in our communication plan and other initiatives, please visit the Granby Public Schools website at granbyschools.org

Here’s to a year filled with kindness, learning and shared achievement.

Robert

Mark Brady Kitchens DESIGN & REMODELING

860-306-5867

By appt. 490 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT

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James Flanigan, Jr., Woodcliff Drive, asked if the town police logs could be more specific about the crimes occurring in Granby. He said that when someone is arrested it should be in the log and public information.

Administrators at the administration council meeting on Aug. 16. Bottom row from left, Heather Tanis, Colleen Bava, Cheri Burke, Pauline Greer, Mike Dunn. Top row from left, Angela Ehrenwerth, Peter Bogen, Jennifer Parsons, Jon Lambert, Kim Calcasola, Julie Groene, Anna Robbins. Submitted photos

Who’s IN when school’s OUT?

By Nicole Muller

During the lazy, hazy days of summer, public schools go on a welcome hiatus. Children enjoy staying up late, attending camp, playing with friends and setting out on family vacations while teachers and administrators sleep late and loll around the pool, right? Wrong.

“Many of our educators are teaching summer classes, taking courses to expand their knowledge while earning advanced degrees or engaged in leadership and training conferences,” says Granby Superintendent of Schools Cheri Burke, adding that most days will find her and her administrative team in their offices, planning for the school year ahead.

“Central Services staff and administrators are busy preparing for an exciting school year ahead,” Parsons says. “We are planning professional development, ordering supplies, reviewing and revising curriculum, analyzing data and reviewing new legislation and policy to ensure we’re in full compliance.”

The Board of Education building is not the only academic venue in Granby that’s abuzz. At Kelly Lane School, Granby’s three- and four-year-old special needs children attend a halfday integrated pre-school program to bolster their skills, avoiding the learning loss that a two-month summer hiatus from school’s structure and support inevitably brings.

For students entering grades one through five, a host of enrichment classes is offered at Kelly Lane School at parents’ expense. “We offer everything from engineering to violin lessons to art,” Parsons explains. Enrichment is offered at about $80 per class per week to cover the instructor and supplies, with one teacher per 10-12 students. Parents can register children for one or two classes per day for one week or for up to three weeks.

“This gives our kids a chance to connect with teachers and each other over the summer and to explore their interests,” Parsons says. “I don’t think we turn anyone away. If a popular offering gets over-enrolled, we can hire another teacher and add a second class.” The enrichment program, Burke notes, is self-sustaining. “It provides awesome opportunities for children to socialize while exploring new vistas under expert teachers’ supervision in a safe environment.”

opportunities to boost students’ skills and enhance their confidence as the new school year approaches.

While these learning opportunities keep Kelly Lane School hopping during the so-called “lazy” summer days, high school students are hard at work at Granby Memorial Middle School while construction on the high school’s new roof is completed.

“Part of our summer enrichment is credit recovery for students entering grades 10-12,” Parsons explains. “Students who did not earn full credit in one or more high school classes, for a host of reasons, may choose to revisit the course and recover the credit.”

Participants attend classes two days a week and work online from home two days on individual learning plans, spending 16 hours each week, four per day, under the expert eyes of teachers who guide their progress. Families pay about $200 per class to cover the cost of the instructor and supplies.

Granby Memorial

students engaged in a pre-vocational landscaping project took a welcome break to greet their administrators. From left, Angela Ehrenwerth, director of pupil and personnel services; Tristan Sheppard; Jake Rossi; Austin Munson; Cheri Burke, superintendent of schools; Jennifer Parsons, assistant superintendent of schools. Photo by Nicole Muller

That includes interviewing and hiring 20 new teachers at all levels, prekindergarten to grade 12, and planning the two-day new teacher orientation that takes place in late August before the district’s full staff returns to work.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Parsons is heavily involved in these efforts.

Under the creative eye of teacher Kristy Lankford, children enrolled in the art enrichment program create designs for a sculpture and fiber-arts project. From left, Lennon Mancini, Karson Cummings, Rory Malone. Photo by Nicole Muller

“Other activities for special education children include individual and smallgroup tutoring and life and social skills instruction and opportunities,” explains Angela Ehrenwerth, director of pupil and personnel services. “Students also participate in speech, language, occupational and physical therapy when one or more of these is included in their individual education plan.” In addition, high school students engage in pre-vocational training.

In addition, elementary school children who would benefit from summer literacy and/or mathematics support attend RAMP, a reading and math intervention program designed to “ramp up” their skills for the new school year. This, too, comes at no cost to families or taxpayers. For the last two summers, RAMP has been fully funded by Granby’s share of the federal American Rescue Plan (Covid Recovery) Grant, awarded to the Connecticut Department of Education to close the learning gap created by the interruption of traditional instruction during the pandemic.

Granby resident Nick Witherell, a science and math teacher in Westfield, has been a RAMP instructor in Granby for seven summers. He and Wells Road School math interventionist Kierstan Pestana design fun, hands-on, individual and group problem-solving

Katie Busbey, a teacher and enrichment coach at Wells Road School, serves as director of Granby’s summer enrichment program. From her front-row seat for this summer’s activities, Busbey has observed impressive attendance and excitement from both students and teachers.

“I see teachers getting together with their content-based coaches to develop/ revise/expand curriculum for the upcoming school year, while others are coming in to get their classrooms ready before rushing off to meetings,” Busbey says.

While this summer has been hazy for everyone and lazy for some, it has been crazy busy for many Granby students, teachers and administrators.

Here’s to a great start to another promising and successful school year for all.

Art Foundation donates to Oak Hill School

High School

The Sylvia Davis Art Foundation has made a financial donation, for the second year, to the Oak Hill School special education students’ creative arts program.

Sylvia Davis Patricelli’s portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted photo.

Social Services

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

Fall is fast approaching, and winter is right behind! There are steps you can take to make sure you are prepared. If you have a generator, be sure to test run it monthly and have the appropriate fuel on hand. Service your furnace. Seal windows and doors to minimize drafts. Confirm snow removal contracts.

The following programs are available should you need help with energy costs. Social Services may assist with applications by appointment.

Energy Assistance

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): Designed to help offset home energy costs of Connecticut’s lower income families, specifically those households whose annual income falls at or below 60 percent of the state median income ($79,910 for a family of four in 2023). Be advised that this year’s benefit levels are lower than last year due to less allocated state funding.

Eversource Assistance Programs: Winter protection for income eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1, 2023, and May 1, 2024. NuStart Program offers forgiveness of overdue balances as on-time, monthly budget payments are made. Call Eversource at 800286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/BillHelp

Operation Fuel: This program (operationfuel.org/about/how-we-help/) offers emergency energy assistance for heating expenses for households who meet program guidelines with incomes at or below 100 percent of the State Median Income guidelines who are in crisis.

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

Renters’ Rebate for Elderly (65+) or Disabled

Applications for the Renters Rebate program will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2023. Maximum income guidelines are: $49,100 for married couple; $40,300 for single. Applicant must have turned 65 years of age by the end of 2022 or be receiving Social Security Disability to be eligible.

Renters Requirements (not comprehensive):

Must have rented in Granby during 2022 and currently reside in Connecticut.

. Provide proof of rent paid in 2022. (rent receipts from landlord or cancelled checks).

Provide proof of actual bills paid in 2022 for electricity, gas, water and fuel.

Provide proof of income with, for example, Form SSA 1099, pensions, etc.

Resources and Services

Affordable Connectivity Plan: The ACP is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Find out more by visiting affordableconnectivity. gov

Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@communications.childwelfare.gov

Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888-774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7.

Mental Health and Emergencies: If you are experiencing a true medical emergency or crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also access mobile crisis services by dialing 211.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-2738255

When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: With this campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com

State of Connecticut Department of Social Services: For assistance with applying for benefits, such as Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly known as Food Stamps, call 860-724-6443 ext. 275 for the Benefits Enrollment Center.

Senior Job Bank: A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find part-time work in the West Hartford com-

munity and surrounding towns. Jobseekers are connected with part-time job opportunities in businesses, municipalities and non-profits as well as per diem work with individuals. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org/ or call 860-521-3210.

Food Resources

Granby Food Bank: Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street, hours are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon and Thursday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Before using the Granby Food Bank you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-8445350 to schedule.

Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen:

A free meal is available as drive up to pick up service every Wednesday, 3 to 5 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.

Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Call for 2023 dates. Please park behind South Congregational Church and the Visiting Nurses Building only. Please re-

member to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather cancellations visit ctfoodbank. org/get-help/connecticut-food-banks-mobilepantry-schedule

Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: Located at 23 Griffin Road, the food pantry is open Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Please bring your own bags. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.

Open Cupboard Pantry at Granby Congregational Church, North Campus: Located at 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays, 3 to 4 p.m. These packs contain nutritious non-perishable food items. Please enter the church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with any questions.

SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.

Friends of Granby Public Libraries

Book Sale raised $12,500

By Ken Kuhl

The Friends of Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) wrapped up another successful book sale at the end of July. The sales generated over $12,500!

All proceeds go towards supporting the Granby Public Libraries with books, magazines, DVDs, museum passes, and special programs for all patrons. The libraries also choose some of the donated books for their general circulation, which eliminates the need to purchase them.

Many generous patrons donated to this year’s collection. The sale once again proved to be very successful, with one of the highest profit amounts raised. As always, wonderful volunteers spent many hours inspecting, sorting, and moving all the items in preparation for the three-day sale.

The Friends of Granby Public Libraries appreciate all of the support from the generous sponsors, the super

volunteers, along with everyone that showed up to the sale to make it such a great success!

2023 Sponsors for the Friends of Granby Public Library

Gold Sponsor

Murphy, Laudati, Kiel and Rattigan, LLC

Silver Sponsors

Beman Hardware, Inc.

Granby Dental Center

Judy Guarco, Realtor, BHHS New England Properties

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital

In-Kind Services

Pane’s, Inc.

Geissler’s Supermarket

Liquor World Wine Etc.

Out of Town

Beaver Pond Wildlife Series

Please join the Simsbury Grange and the Simsbury Public Library in welcoming local filmmaker, Ray Asselin, as he presents the latest episode in his five-part Beaver Pond Wildlife series documenting a full year’s time at New England beaver ponds. Part 4 will be

presented Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Simsbury Grange, 236 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury. Life on, above and below the pond surface is explored. To register please go to simsburylibrary.info and click on Event Calendar.

Arsenic and Old Lace takes the stage at The Suffield Players

The Suffield Players is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the timeless comedy Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. Directed by the talented Becca Coolong, this uproarious play promises to entertain audiences with its witty humor and eccentric characters.

Set in a charming yet quirky old house, Arsenic and Old Lace follows the eccentric Brewster family and their darkly comedic misadventures. The two elderly sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, played by Kelly Seip and Mary Fernandez-Sierra, deliver an unforgettable performance as they take compassion to a whole new level by luring lonely old men and “helping” them find peace. Chaos ensues when their nephew Mortimer Brewster (Fahad Rahmat) discovers their peculiar

Mary’s

On Aug. 5, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families, hosted The Vineyard Mingle, the largest fundraising event of the year to benefit its important mission.

hobby, leading to a hilarious chain of events that will keep audiences in stitches.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable theatrical experience on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., with a special matinee performance on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. The Suffield Players’ theater, known for its intimate setting and dedicated cast, is the perfect backdrop for this comedic gem that has delighted audiences for generations. Join us at Mapleton Hall, located at 1305 Mapleton Ave, for an evening of laughter, intrigue and unforgettable moments.

Tickets are available for purchase now. For more information, ticket reservations and details about The Suffield Players, please visit suffieldplayers.org or contact the box office at 800-289-6148.

Become a Memory Care Volunteer at McLean Register now for September Training

Become a Memory Care Volunteer with McLean, and help support those in our community who are living with dementia and their caregivers.

McLean’s memory care volunteers are a close-knit group of caring individuals who provide a range of non-medical services to those with memory impairment. “Our volunteers are the sources of meaningful care for the clients but also much-needed support for the clients’ caregivers and families—that little break that the volunteers provide means so much,” says McLean’s Director of Assisted Living Ann Pavano.

Volunteer services may include providing one-to-one social interaction, sharing a passion for a hobby such as music or art, helping to write someone’s life history with them, reading aloud or simply engaging in much-needed conversation and companionship. The frequency of the visits will vary depending upon client needs and volunteer availability.

Place fundraiser benefited grieving families

Held at the scenic Rosedale Farms and Vineyards in Simsbury, the Master of Ceremonies was Keisha Grant, anchor and on-air personality at NBC Connecticut. More than 100 guests enjoyed a beautiful evening featuring live blues music by Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, a fabulous auction and delicious cuisine provided by Max Hospitality.

At Mary’s Place children find a safe haven to grieve with others who are experiencing the same sort of loss. Mary’s Place is a place of hope. It is a place where children and families find comfort and support, share their experiences, and realize that they are not alone.

Submitted photo

Mary’s Place does not charge a fee for its services nor does it receive any state or federal funding. The center relies on donations and fundraising to continue to provide its services to the bereaved throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. We need the support of the community now more than ever as the number of children and families we support continues to grow. For more information about Mary’s Place and its efforts, please visit marysplacect.org or call 860-688-9621.

Oak Hill School celebrates 130 years

McLean provides volunteers with an orientation and training. The training includes an in-person interview, plus two four-hour classes featuring presentations from expert guest speakers on a wide range of relevant topics. Volunteers also gain a practical understanding of the work through a mentoring program and are encouraged to participate in valuable monthly in-service training on timely and useful subjects.

McLean’s Memory Care Training Program was developed through a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and was the first program of its kind in the country.

The Memory Care Training Program will take place on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McLean’s Health Center, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. For more information or to register for the program, call Ann Pavano at 860-658-3941 by Sept. 20, or visit McLeanCare.org/assisted-living/ memory-care/ to download an application.

Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views, interviewed Ana Wittig, chief administrator of Oak Hill School in an informative dialogue about this venerable institution that is celebrating its 130th year serving the citizens of New England communities.

Oak Hill is a private, state-approved special education school meeting the needs of each individual student. It offers a year-long community-based education program for day and residential students. The school program serves students aged 3 to 22 with moderate to severe disabilities including autism, emotional and behavioral

In Memory of . . .

challenges and students with multiple incapacities.

Visit oakhillschool.oakhillct.org to learn more. See all of CTVV segments or contact the host at ctvalleyviews. com

Bennett, Sydney M. “Syd”, 91, husband of Gertrude (Allen) Bennett, May 1 Bushey, Agnes Gustafson, 94, wife of the late Victor Bushey, May 16 Yasny, Peter John, 68, June 9

Timothy, Kristine Lapent, 55, wife of Richard Timothy, Jr., June 13 Barko, Katherine Marie, 32, June 17

Loughran, Donald J. “Don”, 67, husband of Eleanor A. (Paullis) Loughran, June 19

Honey, Gregory B., 52, husband of Elizabeth (Peabody) Honey, June 21 Caranchini, Evelyn (Smith), 76, wife of Steven Caranchini, June 24

Helander, Donald Paul, 62, husband of Ingrid Yvonne (Stromberg) Helander, June 24

Murphy, John Francis, Jr., M.D., 71, husband of Mary Murphy, June 25 Hahn, Albert P., Jr., 86, husband of Theresa Howard Hahn, June 29

Fisher, Gregory L., 50, June 30

Snyder, Tammy Mendes, 57, wife of Jay Snyder, July 4

Haslun, William A., 94, husband of the late Elizabeth Jane Everett Haslun, July 9 Hunt, Alfred James, 94, husband of the late Margaret (Dowd) Hunt, July 17

Rau, Henry George “Hank”, III, 68, husband of Claudia (Giddings) Rau, July 19

LaCroix, James B., 56, former husband of Dianne Romano, July 19

Egan, Thomas Michael, 63, husband of Mayre Miller, July 26

Brignole, Kathleen (Costello), 93, wife of the late Frederick A. Brignole, July 29

Thulen, Jessica Lee, 31, mother of River Mae Carlton and friend of River’s father, Alan, July 31

McGuigan, Therese F., 68, mother of Patrick A. McGuigan and his wife Kimberly, August 6

Neumann-Hernsdorf, Diane, 85, wife of Roger Hernsdorf and the late Otto Neumann, August 7

Karaffa, Theresa E. (Blouin), 86, wife of the late Daniel Karaffa, August 8

In Town Focus

Civic Club Begins 110th Year

The Granby Civic Club begins its 110th year by welcoming Amber Wyzik, Granby’s new Director of Library Services, as guest speaker. The group will meet on Thursday, Sept. 21, 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Refreshments will be provided. Guests and visitors always welcome.

Farmington River Clean-up

Please join the river clean-up on Saturday, Sept. 23, 9–11 a.m. Clean-up sites are located throughout the Valley, including Granby and East Granby. Visit frwa.org to register.

UNICO Charity Golf Tournament

Friday, Sept. 8, is the date for this year’s Granby UNICO Charity Golf Tournament, to be held at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington. The tournament will be a scramble format with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. and will feature a continental breakfast, Italian buffet lunch, drink tickets, raffle, silent auction and driving range. Cost for players is $145 in advance, or $150 day of the tournament. Sponsorships and tee signs are available as well. This year’s Gold Sponsor is State Line Propane/Oil. UNICO is the nation’s largest ItalianAmerican service organization. The Granby chapter began in 2003 and has annually provided scholarships and assistance to needy families in the Granby community plus many local charities. All of the proceeds from this tournament go to charity. For information, please contact Bob Marx at 413-977-6305 or bmarx@lmtours. com

Women’s Breakfast

The Granby Women’s Breakfast Club will meet in Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Senior Center. Mark Williams will speak about the Legend of West Granby’s Sadoce Wilcox House. Williams has been overseeing renovations to make the house a museum where the public can learn what the house was like during the nineteenth century.

In order to plan an ample breakfast for everyone, please register with the Senior Center on its website or by calling 860-844-5352. Cost is $5. Breakfast will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. followed by a 45-minute program. Women of any age may join the group by sending contact information to womensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the email notification list.

SBHS News

The Research Library in the Preservation Barn is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research fee $25 per hour.

Museum Store merchandise includes books, maps, mugs, t-shirts, note cards, jigsaw puzzles and many more Granby items. The store, located in the Enders House, is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Purchases on Tuesday can be made at the Preservation Barn during Research Library hours, 9 a.m. to noon. Items can also be viewed at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Summer House Tours will be open on Sundays, Sept. 10, 17 and 24 Tours include the Weed-Enders House c. 1790, Abijah Rowe House c.1732, Colton-Hayes Tobacco Barn 1914 and Cooley School c. 1870. Admission fees are adults $5, children and seniors $2, family maximum $12 and members are always free.

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

@by e-mail: editor@granbydrummer.org

Granby Grange Agricultural Fair will be September 9

By Kara Rodgers Marshall

Come see your neighbors’ skills and produce at the Granby Grange Agricultural Fair on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to show off their baked goods, vegetables, jams, jellies, art or needle work and vie for the blue ribbon and a cash prize. Entries may be submitted on Friday, Sept. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturday, 8 to 10 a.m. Please find the categories and register in advance at granbygrange.org/grangeagfair.asp

Visitors will be able to view the entries in the historic Granby Grange Hall at 212 North Granby Road, across the street from the Granby Congregational Church–North Campus. There will also be food, vendors and displays on the grounds. The event is open to the public and there is free.

Granby Women’s Breakfast Group Programs for 2023-24

Here is what is planned for the upcoming year, so mark your calendars!

Granby Open Farm Day is Saturday, Sept. 16. Free tours offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Wilcox campus located at 143 Simsbury Road includes the circa 1800 Wilcox House and 1857 Carriage Barn. Highlights of this tour include the restored pantry and weavers demonstrating the Wilcox family’s 300-year-old loom. The 1914 ColtonHayes Tobacco Barn located at 208 Salmon Brook Street displays a glimpse of Granby life in the past.

Fall Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the society’s grounds. Please contact Dave at 860-653-3965 for vendor information. Flea Market donations to the society will be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon through Oct. 12.

Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network (farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org) is an association of 10 history related organizations located in eight towns in northwest Connecticut. It works to further the appreciation of the Farmington Valley’s rich history by offering unique tours and programs. Save Sundays, Nov. 5 and 12 for upcoming lectures on immigration. Details will be published in the October Drummer and on the network’s website.

Membership in the Salmon Brook Historical Society at 208 Salmon Brook Street offers many benefits including summer tours, newsletters, annual dinner in April, wassail party in December and the opportunity to learn and help preserve Granby history. Membership dues are students $3, individuals $15, family/group $20, sustaining $30 and life membership $300. Visit the website or stop by the museum on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon for an application.

Sept. 13, 2023: What’s going on at the Wilcox House, Mark Williams Ph.D., Salmon Brook Historical Society Historian

Oct. 4, 2023: The Incredible Story of a Sea Survivor, Wally Banzhaf

Nov. 1, 2023: Connecticut’s Changing Landscape and the Impact on Wildlife, Ginny Apple, conservationist

Dec. 6, 2023: Welcome the Holidays with the GMHS Chamber Singers, Mindy Shilansky, director

Jan. 10, 2024: What’s going on in Granby? Abby Kenyon, Granby Community Development Director

Feb. 7, 2024: Waste Not Want Not Kitchen, Sandy Flagg, program director

March 6, 2024: What’s Cooking with Chef Prosperi, Metro Bis, Simsbury

April 3, 2024: Animal Anecdotes as told by Dr. Harry Werner, retired veterinarian

May 1, 2024: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail, James Fergione and Jo Ann Smith

June 5, 2024: 20th Anniversary of Women’s Breakfast Group, featuring an English Tea and Vintage Wedding Gowns

Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Program 9-10 a.m. Granby Senior Center. Cost $5/pp

Monrovia Nursery leaving Granby

Monrovia has been leasing the land at its Granby location since 2014. The property owner plans to use the land for a solar farm installation. Monrovia will give up its lease following a gradual timeline, and expects to exit the property by August 2025.

Office of Registrar’s Calendar Review

Applications to receive an absentee ballot are being collected now by the Town Clerk for those who know they will be away from home on Nov. 7. The form is available at Town Hall or at sots. ct.gov

Wednesday, Sept. 6: Public lottery to determine horizontal ballot order at 11 a.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.

Tuesday, Sept. 26: BOE Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. in the GMHS Auditorium.

Friday, Oct. 6: Absentee ballots become available from the Town Clerk for Nov. 7 election.

Granby UNICO will hold second comedy night fundraiser

Vendor booth spots are still available. Please contact us if you’d like to sell your wares or educate people about your non-profit. If you’d like to help out as a volunteer, please contact us at granby@ctstategrange.org

“We are so excited to bring the Granby Agricultural Fair and the community back to the Grange Hall for this fun event,” said Ron Cowdrey, president of the Granby Grange. “Agricultural fairs are such an important tradition in New England, and it’s one we’re proud to support.”

For more information on the Granby Grange Agricultural Fair, please contact Fair President Carol Innes at annabelletheclown@gmail.com or 860-205-0162.

After the success of last year’s soldout comedy night, the Granby chapter of UNICO will hold its second comedy night Nov. 3, 8 p.m. at The Brass Rail Meetinghouse in Southwick. Join UNICO for an unforgettable night of hysterical stand-up and musical comedy, featuring comedians Gary Marino and Mark Riccadonna from Boston. For more information about the comedy night or how to get tickets please email r.savino@cox.net or call 860-416-8941.

Funds raised at this event and other UNICO sponsored events are given directly back to the local community. Each year Granby’s chapter of UNICO awards several scholarships for high school seniors to support furthering their education. They also support the

Farmington Valley Food Bank and act as a Secret Santa to many local families in need. As Secret Santa, the chapter not only provides toys to the children but also gift certificates to the families that can be used for food and clothing.

The Granby Chapter of UNICO was founded in 2003 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The name UNICO is from the Italian word for unique, meaning one of a kind. The national founders believed that UNICO would be the only of its kind because it placed service to the community before and above fraternity. In the ensuing years, UNICO became an acronym that now stands for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, and Opportunity.

Autumn Wellness

Moving into the fall, we are invigorated by the cooler temps, changing leaves, and bright skies. A welcome relief from a hot and humid summer! However, transitioning to shorter and busier fall days can be challenging. Preparing for the fall into winter months can make this change of seasons easier. Here are some reminders that may help.

Get your flu shot and yearly checkup. Although many have become weary of immunizations, don’t skip your flu shots this year. If your annual check-up is due, check what preventative tests are needed. Discuss weight and diet goals with your primary care provider, especially with the holidays approaching. Start taking a Vitamin D supplement to help boost your mood and immune system as we spend less time outside in the sun. Ask your PCP for the correct dosage and advisability for your needs.

Boost your immune system. Help by drinking plenty of water, washing your hands often to prevent sickness, and eating nutritious foods. If you are feeling ill or must visit someone who is, wear a mask. Better yet, stay home to avoid known illnesses. Be diligent with young and older friends whose immune systems may be compromised.

Get yourself ready for Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time ends on Nov. 5 this year. Try to go to bed earlier, especially the week before the clocks change back one hour. Put brighter-watt light bulbs in your lamps and turn them on earlier. Darker rooms are a safety risk and can be a downer.

Make some plans for the cold months. In the winter, we tend to hibernate if we don’t have things to keep us busy. Plan visits, vacations and activities beyond work or school functions. Shorter days often mean we don’t like to go out after dark, leading to depression from lack of social life. Renew friendships with those you lost contact with during the summer. Stay in touch with those who travel south in the winter by text, phone, email or Zoom/Facetime.

Moisturize your skin and face. As our New England temperatures drop, our skin becomes dry and chapped. Continue to use a moisturizer with sun-

GMHS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE

screen.

Take advantage of seasonal vegetables. Harvest vegetables of beets, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kale, pumpkin, soups, roasted squash, roots, and sautéed dark leafy greens are all great choices. Going to the farm stand is an enjoyable outing.

Stay active. If retired or not employed, it can be easy to sit around as it gets darker and colder, but movement throughout the day is essential. Raking leaves or shoveling snow counts, but be cautious of over-exertion if not used to cardio activity. Check with your PCP before beginning any exercise program. Wear layers and protect your body from the dropping temperature. Make sure you have gloves, a scarf, a hat, a winter coat, warm socks and snow boots. Keep a favorite sweater or sweatshirt to wear in the house and a blanket on your chair or couch to keep your thermostat a bit lower.

Do some “fall cleaning.” Clean out your closet, organize that back room or garage and rid yourself of things you don’t need. Do you have lighterweight clothes you didn’t wear this past summer or maybe for many seasons? Donate them so others may use them. Donate extra winter items as well.

Prepare your home for possible extreme weather conditions. Do you have a shovel and/or snow blower? Do your flashlights have batteries? Have your HVAC system tuned up. Get firewood while it’s available, and have the chimney cleaned. Do you use a portable generator? Make sure it starts and you have the correct fuel on hand. Storing bottled water and canned/dry food is also a good idea.

Pick some books, puzzles and shows. Who doesn’t want to sit by the fire on chilly winter nights, read a good book or binge-watch some Netflix? Maybe there is a hobby you’d like to start; start reading about what it takes and buy the materials.

Be kind to yourself The holidays can cause weight gain, shorter days can cause low mood, and the flu season can cause sickness, despite our efforts to avoid these. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.

PUBLIC WORKS

Trash holiday: Monday, Sept. 4, is Labor Day and a holiday for Paine’s Inc. All trash/recycling pickups will be delayed by one day the week after the holiday.

Transfer Station extended hours: The Transfer Station will be open Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon beginning Sept. 13. The extended hours will be in effect through Nov. 15.

Textile recycling: Go online to SimpleRecycling.com or call 1-866835-5068 to receive a curbside pickup. Pink bags will no longer be provided, residents can use their own bags or boxes to leave their clean, dry items. Simple Recycling will also pick up small household items.

RecycleCT: Do you have questions about what can and cannot go in your recycling bin? Download the RecycleCT app to your phone and look up

whether an item is recyclable anywhere, any time.

Yard Waste: Yard waste cannot be placed in your trash or recycling barrel. Yard waste has been banned from curbside barrels since 1998. Grass, leaves and brush should either be composted on-site or brought to the Granby Transfer Station.

Hazardous Waste: The next hazardous waste collection will be Saturday, Oct. 7. Residents may bring two boxes of material for shredding to this event.

Bridges: Moosehorn Road bridge replacement is near completion, there are a few small items left to complete. Donahue Road bridge rehabilitation is underway, and the road is closed to all traffic. The Simsbury Road bridge replacement plan is being reevaluated; as of now, work is tentatively scheduled for 2025.

The GMHS Athletic Booster Club is excited to support our athletes and school community as the 2023-2024 fall sports season gets underway! We encourage all Granby residents to attend home games and matches; they are fun, free and a wonderful way to build community and show support for our students and coaches!

GMHS September home varsity games are as follows:

Football

Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. vs Rockville

Field Hockey

Sept. 12, 3:45 p.m. vs Canton

Sept. 14, 4 p.m. vs Stafford

Sept. 16, 2 p.m. vs Old Saybrook

Sept. 26, 6 p.m. vs Suffield

Volleyball

Sept. 12, 4 p.m. vs Coventry

Sept. 18, 4 p.m. vs Rockville

Sept. 26, 4 p.m. vs Ellington

Sept. 28, 5 p.m. vs Canton

Cross Country

Sept. 13 vs Coventry/Rockville/Suffield

Boys Cross Country 4:15 p.m.

Girls Cross Country 4:45 p.m.

Boys Soccer

Sept. 15, 3:45 p.m. vs Stafford

Sept. 22, 6 p.m. vs Coventry

Girls Soccer

Sept. 16, 11 a.m. vs Notre DameFairfield

Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. vs Windsor Locks

Sept. 26, 3:30 p.m. vs East Windsor

Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. vs Bolton

Sept. 30, 3:45 p.m. vs Old Lyme

The full schedule for all home games can be found using this QR code:

Please check back frequently as game times and dates are susceptible to change. Good luck to all of our fall teams! GO BEARS!

Your patronage at the “Snack Shack” goes a long way towards funding the Booster Club’s mission of developing and enhancing athletic programs and facilities at GMHS and promoting pride in our school. For more information on the GMHS Athletic Booster Club, including ways to get involved or make a donation, please visit gmhsboosters.com

Youth Services Bureau

Let’s talk about sex!

In Connecticut, schools have no mandate to teach about human sexuality. Simply listen to the news and it is understandable why many avoid the topic, and cover only the barest overview of puberty, pregnancy and HIV prevention. Research, however, has been clear. Comprehensive sexual health education leads to delayed sexual activity, reduces teen pregnancy and the transmission of STIs more effectively than abstinenceonly education does.

Comprehensive sexual health covers not only the anatomy and physiology of reproduction, but delves into healthy relationships, cultural influences on gender roles and expectations, healthy communication between partners, sexuality across abilities and ages, the role of social media in fostering messages that are often violent and unhealthy, the laws regarding consent and the importance of acting in ways that are true to your personal values while understanding that others may hold different values.

To fill in the gaps that our public schools are not addressing, the Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau has been offering a comprehensive sexual health course for 7th and 8th graders for more than five years. This class begins in October and meets Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for 25 weeks. That’s right, for 25 weeks! Built around the Our Whole Lives (OWLs) Sexual Health Curriculum, the information goes far

by AnneMarie Cox

beyond the biological realities of puberty. Parents must attend an online parent information session and are provided with detailed information of the topics covered. Signed parental approval from the child’s legal guardian or guardians is required for a child to participate.

It may be challenging to tell 7th and 8th graders they have been registered for the class. However, the retention rate of past classes has been high. Most students stick with the whole course and at the end express they are glad they took it. Participants are far more comfortable with the topic and have the confidence to talk to parents and doctors when they have questions or concerns. They have been encouraged to think about their values, and plan how to negotiate adolescence and all the many conflicting messages they are exposed to in terms of being true to their beliefs, while understanding that others may hold equally strong but different values. They understand that human sexuality is a natural, positive aspect of being human that, while private, is not shameful.

If you have a child in grades 7 or 8 and are interested in learning more about this OWLs class, please call AnneMarie Cox at 860-844-5355 to learn more about the class and the required parent orientation meeting. The class will begin registering in September with a planned start date in October.

Fall happenings at the Farmington Valley YMCA

By Brian Liss

Fall is right around the corner, and you need to look no further than your local YMCA to fill your fall social and activity calendar.

With school beginning, many parents are wondering what to do to keep their middle schoolers active and engaged. Our first Middle School Night Out will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, 7–9 p.m. After the Y closes, we are turning it over to the 6th–8th graders. We will offer swimming, open climb on our rock wall, open gym, 3-on-3 basketball, music, pizza and snacks and more. We’d love to have your kids join us on Sept. 8. $5 for members, $15 for guests. Call the Y at 860-653-5524 or stop by the desk to register.

If you are looking for a great place for your K–5th graders to be after school and you would love a free membership to the Y, we have a deal for you. When you register your child for our afterschool program five days a week at the Farmington Valley Y, you will receive free membership to the Y for the entire family. This program offers free bussing from both Kelly Lane and Wells Road schools.

Daily schedules include academic support, character development activities, art, music and service-learning projects. Participants in the program have access to our state-of-the-art climbing wall, multipurpose pool, gaga pit, gymnasium and more.

To support families who need assistance, we accept Care 4 Kids and thanks to our generous donors, financial assistance is available. Our program runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m. with half days included. We hope to see your child in our program and your whole family at the Y.

The Y is offering a range of sports for kids and adults of all ages. We have jukido and archery for youth and adults, Sports of All Sorts for preschool

and kindergarteners and rock-climbing classes for various age groups. If you are available during the day, come play pickleball. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports around and we have a conditioned gymnasium that is the place to be on Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and Tuesdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Join us and get involved in the next best form of fun and exercise.

On Wednesday nights, our gym is just for volleyball. If you would like to play, join us on our two volleyball courts. We have a core group of great players who would love to have you join in.

If you come to the Y in the afternoon, you are sure to see smiling faces working hard in the pool as part of our competitive swim team. Swimming is a great answer for kids who want to be a part of team while competing as an individual. Children ages 8 years to high school work with our Director of Competitive Swimming Mario Francisco and his coaching staff on one of the strongest teams around. Call Francisco at 860-707-5569 to schedule an evaluation to join our team.

We recently held our first Farmer’s Market in many years, and it was a great success so we are gearing up to do it again. Our monthly Farmer’s Markets will be held on the second Saturday of every month starting on Sept. 9 and continuing throughout the year including an indoor market during the cooler months. Come support your neighbors, shop small, shop fresh. Please contact Cristina Marsh at Cristina.marsh@ ghymca.org for more information or to become a vendor.

Mark your calendars for free upcoming community events at the Y including Healthy Kids Day (Oct. 21, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.), Halloween (Oct. 27, 6–8 p.m.) and though it is too early to talk about...Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 9, 9–11 a.m.).

Granby Congregational Church, UCC is pleased to announce the calling of Reverend Liz Miller as its new Designated Term Minister. We believe Rev. Liz will inspire our new church and the wider community to live and grow deeper in faith. Please consider joining us for worship sometime soon! We are an open and affirming church that is welcoming to all!

Sunday Worship Service for September 3rd — 9 a.m. at our South Campus.

Sunday Worship Services for September 10th - 24th — 10 a.m. at our South Campus. Services are streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

(860) 653-4537 — office@granbycongregationalchurch.org

www.granbycongregationalchurch.org

“Granby Congregational Church has inspired me with their wide welcome, not just for me as their new pastor, but to everyone who is looking for a place to experience belonging and love in a progressive faith community. GCC is a place where you can be your full, authentic self.”

— Rev. Liz Miller, Pastor GCC, UCC

North Campus 219 North Granby Road — South Campus 242 Salmon Brook Street

Design for Life

Sarah Byrnes follows her heart

By Nicole Muller

Hard work and determination have led goldsmith and jewelry designer Sarah Byrnes to realizing a dream: to make her living by weaving original gold, silver and gemstone designs into other people’s lives.

A Newington native, Byrnes took a jewelry class in high school and never looked back. “I have always loved art, making pottery and other threedimensional stuff,” Byrnes says. “After that class, I started making jewelry in my bedroom. For graduation, I asked my parents for silver wire and a torch. Silver was at an all-time high, so that was a generous gift.”

That expense, however, hardly matched the gift the Byrnes’ daughter was poised to nurture. Young Sarah marched into the future pursuing her dream with unwavering purpose.

“The last job application I filled out was for a formal five-year apprenticeship with custom jewelry designer Bill Selig, who still has his Simsbury store,” says Byrnes. Under Selig’s tutelage, Byrnes learned the art of manipulating gold and silver, along with customer-service and storemanagement skills.

After completing her apprenticeship, Byrnes did custom work and repairs for other jewelers, saving every penny she could toward opening her own shop. In 1990, eight years after graduating from Newington High School, Byrnes rented her first space at Simsburytown Shops on Hopmeadow Street. “I spent seven years in the basement,” Byrnes says, adding that when the opportunity arose and she could afford higher rent, she moved to the middle, and finally to the front of the building. “At the beginning, I thought I was going to teach, do a little retail, a little repair. I had one cabinet, made of Duffy’s wood—and teaching stations.”

Duffy? “When I started, my friend Duffy McGee gave me the red oak wood from trees on his homestead, and Peter St. Pierre, a local carpenter, used it to build my first [jewelry display] cabinet. I was broke, so I paid off my debt by cleaning for them and polishing Duffy’s motorcycle.”

The fledgling business did not work out exactly as Byrnes had expected.

“After some months I got so busy doing custom design that I was a little overwhelmed,” she says. “Lisa Kulig, who still works with me, was one of my first students. My design business took off much more quickly than I ever dreamed it would.”

A memory from those early years still makes Byrnes smile. “One of my friends brought her three-yearold daughter in on her birthday, and I made her a little necklace on the spot by twisting some silver wire into a heart and putting it on a chain,” Byrnes recalls. “She was so tickled!”

Money was tight for some time, but Byrnes worked hard, and 33 years later, she couldn’t be happier—or busier.

“Mine is a bootstrap story,” she says.

“Carl [Brown, Byrnes’ husband] and I saved our change for years to buy the food for our [1996] wedding that we had in a friend’s back yard. Items on our gift list required shopping at Home Depot because we were building a house.”

While Brown was busy with hammer and nails, Byrnes strengthened her business with a strong foundation in custom design. “People come in with something meaningful that they inherited with beautiful stones, and I reinvent it for them,” she says. The stones in a large heirloom brooch might end up in a ring, earrings, bracelet or pendant. After chatting with the client about size and style, Byrnes draws an array of designs, and the client selects from those.

Goldsmith and jewelry designer Sarah Byrnes, who in April moved her business to Granby after more than three decades in Simsbury, has created hundreds of unique designs for her extensive customer base. Photo by Nicole Muller

“A friend and her sister are coming from California and Old Saybrook to sit down and decide what to do with the family jewelry they inherited,” she says. “People come to me who have just lost a parent or a spouse, and they don’t know the value of a piece or what they can do with it. For me, helping people is part of the cycle of life.”

A few years ago, Byrnes and Brown began house hunting in Granby, where she was determined to move her business when her lease in Simsbury expired. “I love Simsbury people like family,” she says. “But rent had gone up so high that we decided it was more practical for us to have our own building, and we both like Granby.”

Coming Home to Granby

Last year after the couple purchased property on Hartford Avenue in Granby Center, Brown went to work renovating the ca. 1928 house. In April, Byrnes opened her shop on the first floor, accessible via a lovely garden pathway. A longtime friend will soon move into the second-floor apartment.

“We were in a commercial venture, and now we’re in a different, comfortable setting,” Byrnes says. “I love coming to work here. It feels like home.”

The 17-minute drive from her and Brown’s residence in Barkhamsted has become one of hope and expectation for Byrnes, her new location the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that she has worked so hard to capture.

I recently was unexpectedly hospitalized for five days, and while I definitely didn’t want to be there, I encountered some kind and caring people. They ranged from doctors and nurses to the aides, and cafeteria workers who delivered my meals. Surprisingly, I found the variety of food good and enjoyed it all.

I received spiritual comfort from Chaplin Dan. He also gave me a beautiful, soft, yellow prayer shawl knit by the women of the Lutheran Church in Hartford. I also received consoling words and confession from the priest at the hospital.

I am grateful to Christopher and his pleasant talk when he brought me to my room, and then to the car on discharge.

As I sat in the recliner chair most of the day, I missed my home and the simple tasks I did each day.

While I was away, my son and son-in-law checked on my house. They said the birds and squirrels were noisy—wondering where I was! When I got home, the birds came to greet me at the back door—as if to welcome me. I was very glad to be back in my own home in Granby and to go about my humble routine.

Bernadette R. Gentry

Parks & Recreation

Vincent, CPRP, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services

Kristine

Daphne Shinder, Recreation Supervisor

Terri Ziemnicki, Recreation Supervisor

Jamie Savva, Special Events Coordinator

Telephone: 860-653-8947

Website: GranbyRec.com

Preschool Programs

Granby Nature Preschool at the Holcomb

Farm: Granby Nature Preschool is a farm and nature preschool for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds based at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. We are a five-day program with visits or visitors to/ from local farms and nature trails. Rolling enrollment for new students including children who turn 3 after school begins. New students will start at the first of every month. We will pro-rate on a monthly basis. For questions, please contact Director Amanda Hochschartner, M.Ed at info@granbynaturepreschool.com Register at GranbyRec.com

Jumpbunch “Little Jumpers”: Fridays, Sept. 22–Oct. 27, 9:30–10 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. These classes, for ages 18 months to 3 years, are 30 minutes of structured fun. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, bubbles and maracas. After our opening activities classes feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. Sports may include lacrosse, paddle sports, field hockey, t-ball, basketball, soccer, football, track and field, golf, etc. Please have your child wear athletic clothes, sneakers and bring a water bottle. Caregiver must remain with their child.

Youth Programs

SafeSitter Babysitting Class: Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. This class is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Please bring a lunch; refrigeration is available. This class does not include a certificate for CPR, but CPR will be taught.

McArdle School of Irish Dance: Tuesdays, Sept. 19–Nov. 14, 5–6 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Exciting new program for ages 5–16! Come learn traditional and contemporary Irish step dancing, ceili dancing and group figures. Irish dance is lively, quick and very fun. Classes are taught by Jack McArdle T.C.R.G. Please wear comfortable street shoes that tie and street clothes allowing feet and knees to be seen.

Fall Sports

Fall Youth Soccer: Register now for the recreational fall soccer league. The league’s primary objective is for the players to develop skills, learn good sportsmanship and above all, have fun.

Soccer Shots Mini-Toddlers: Sundays, Sept. 10–Oct. 29, 8:15–8:45 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Designed for 2-year-olds, this high-energy weekly program introduces young children to fundamental soccer principles such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules

of the game. No equipment is necessary. This program runs for 7 weeks.

Super Soccer Shots Classic Program: Sundays, Sept. 10–Oct. 29, 9–9:45 a.m. or 10–10:45 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park. The program is designed for children age 3–5 as an introduction to soccer. Soccer Shots Classic utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing and shooting. Soccer balls are provided during this 7-week program.

MPower Youth Sports: Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Oct. 25, 5–6 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park, near the band shell. The MPower Youth Running Festival 5K is on Nov. 12—MPower Youth Running, for ages 6–14, will prepare them for it. Modeled after popular Couch-to-5K plans, MPower’s training program is designed for all levels of runners: from beginners to experienced racers. Race registration is not included in the program fee. All participants must complete a waiver and bring to the first class.

After School Programs

After School Childcare at Kelly and Wells: Monday through Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Granby Parks and Recreation offers after school care to be held at Kelly Lane School for children in grades K-5. Kelly Lane students will be dismissed from their classrooms after school and brought directly to the cafeteria and Wells Road students will be bussed over to Kelly Lane School. The director of the program is Melissa Young, current Media Teaching Assistant at Kelly Lane School. During the two hours of after care, your child will be kept busy with many fun games, crafts and gym time.

After School Art Class at Wells Road: Mondays, Sept. 18–Nov. 20, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Join Wells Road art teacher Mrs. Lankford for eight weeks of creating and building with clay, paint, printmaking, fiber arts and more. Students will continue to build on the drawing, painting and sculpting skills they have from art class during the school day. All supplies are included. The class will be held in Room 26 (Art Room) at Wells Rd School.

After School Fall Field Hockey Clinic: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 26–Oct. 19, 3:40-4:40 p.m. Join the fun while learning the game of field hockey. No experience necessary. Develop fundamental skills with drills and scrimmages designed to teach stick handling, passing, receiving, dribbling and basic game play. The program will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, and coached by Mrs. Laflamme. This program will be held outside at Wells Road School but will go in the gym if there is inclement weather.

After School Fit and Fun Running Club: Tuesdays, Sept. 19–Nov. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m. This 8-week fitness and running program is a chance for any 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to be active, improve their fitness and learn the basics of running. Please make sure your child is prepared to run outdoors wearing proper clothing, sneakers and has a water bottle. This program will be held outside on the grounds of the Wells Road School and/or inside in the gym.

Food Explorers: Fall Desserts: Tuesdays, Sept. 26–Nov. 17, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Join Food Explorers at Wells Road School for some delicious fall desserts. All recipes are nut free.

After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Migneault: Mondays, Sept. 18–Nov. 20, 3:40–4:40 p.m. Students will be active and have fun participating in the PE activities you would find in a Wells Road PE Class. This program runs for 8 weeks.

After School Tchouk Ball with Mr. Migneault @ Wells Rd: Thursdays, Sept. 21–Nov. 9, 3:40–4:40 p.m. Teams of 6-8 players try to move the ball close to the net and score points by bouncing the ball off the net so it hits the ground.

After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Norton: Mondays, Sept. 18–Nov. 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m. PE activities and many other fun games will promote the development of individual skills while instilling team work and confidence. All equipment will be provided. Child needs to bring their own water bottle. and please wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to play in. This program runs after school at Kelly Lane for 8 weeks.

After School Tuesdays Rock Wall Program with Mr. Norton: Tuesdays, Sept. 19–Nov. 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Essential skills, techniques and important safety information will be taught during this program at Kelly Lane. All of these challenges and skills will be presented in a fun and positive environment.

After School Mad Science: Kelly Lane: Wednesdays, Oct. 18–Dec. 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Wells Road: Thursdays, Oct. 19–Dec. 21, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Theme: Crazy Chemworks. Learn about the tools scientists use in their laboratories, as well as atoms, molecules and reactions, acids and bases, fluorescence and phosphorescence.

After School Art-ventures for Kids @ Kelly Lane: Fridays, Oct. 20–Jan. 5, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Just for Fun Art-ventures lead children on an imaginary tour through the world’s greatest art museums, inspiring creativity through exposure to the FUN-damentals of artist’s tools, techniques, and art forms, many inspired by the masters.

Spread Your Wings and Roar ART-ventures @ Wells Road School: Wednesdays, Oct. 18–Dec. 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Design stuffed Teddy bears, create owl paintings on canvas and sculpt clay peacocks with zany feathers. We’ll also pop into the zoo food court and visit the photo booth. Art-explorers experience painting, drawing, sculpting, fabric design, decoupage, collage and more.

Food Explorers: Brunch Club and Holiday Desserts: Thursdays, Oct. 26–Nov. 16, 4–6 p.m. at Holcomb Farm. Each week children in grades 3–6 will create a recipe from our new Brunch Club menu along with a holiday-themed dessert recipe. That means two recipes each class!

Adult Programs

Wiffleball Adult Program: Sundays, Sept. 10–Oct. 22, 3–5 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Wiffleball is a variation of the sport of baseball and a popular backyard game. Granby Recreation is offering this new program for the fall to anyone 18 years and older. Equipment will be provided; just bring your energy.

Basketball Fall Adult Rec Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 19–Dec. 21, 7–9 p.m. at the high school community gym. Granby residents have two options to pay: $75 for the entire session (includes both nights) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-resident drop-in fee will be $10 per night.

Pickleball: Adult Evenings Beginner/Intermediate Program with Kim: Days and times vary, visit GranbyRec.com for more information. This program is for anyone new to this fun sport and/ or who has played but is really looking to fine tune their skills. Paddles and balls are provided, but you can also bring your own equipment. Please bring your own water bottle.

Pawsitive Steps Dog Training Beginner and Intermediate Classes: Beginner Classes: Thursdays, Sept. 7–Nov. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Intermediate Classes: Mondays, Sept. 11–Oct. 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join well-known certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Time will be spent learning to socialize your dogs to a variety of situations. Open to all dogs. There is no prerequisite for this class. Please contact Kim with any questions. 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail.com

Scrapbooking Fall Weekend/Crafting

Event: Friday, Sept. 29, 1–9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. If you sign up for both days you save $5, the cost is $60 and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Please feel free to bring your own food and beverage. You may contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@cox.net if you have any questions. She will also have demonstrations and crafting items for sale.

TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–8:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. Session is 16 classes for only $30.

TAZ Low Impact Fitness Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this easy-to-follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises set to fun and motivating music. Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. Session is 16 classes for only $30.

A poem, by Kate Bogli

Hay Day

One sunny June day as the farmers arose, Ma said to Pa “It’s time to go mow!”

“The weather man says there’ll be three days of sun, so get on that tractor and get some hay done.”

Pa cut down the grass and left it to dry then went in for supper, ate strawberry pie. The next day was Ma’s turn. She hooked up the tedder to fluff up the grass which makes it dry better.

As the tedder tines turned they kicked up some green. The best looking hay that ma had ever seen. There was timothy, broome grass, alfalfa and clover. “The animals will love it!” She thought over and over.

The next day ‘round noon Ma raked it in rows to dry one more time as the summer breeze blows. Soon Grandpa came out, his test would not fail. With a squeeze of his fist, proclaimed “Time to bale!”

Pa hooked up the baler, made sure it had twine, while Ma and the boys all followed behind.

Each bale on the wagon, then up the elevator where that delicious hay would wait, stacked, for later.

The animals would need it this winter that’s true when frost and deep snow-covered pastures they knew.

But for Ma and Pa, the boys and Gramp, summer had just started. There was lemonade, camp!

They’d make lots more hay: second cutting, more fields before the leaves started to fall on their yields.

The barn in the autumn was full of hay by the ton.

The farmers felt proud of the work that they’d done.

The horses would whinny, eating hay in their stalls. The goats and the cows would echo their calls.

Thanking the farmers for keeping them fed all through the winter till new grass pokes its head.

Ask your Friendly FARMER

Dear Friendly Farmer, My daughter has a pet rabbit and we like to feed it a little hay from time to time. Since we only need a little bit at a time, I usually just buy a bale at my local feed store, but the last time I went, hay DOUBLED in price! What gives? Can I get it cheaper from a local farmer?

Signed, Hay Now

Dear Hay Now,

Purchasing a bale of hay this year is going to be like buying a used car right after a global pandemic! Prices will be high and availability will be low. And here’s why: Making hay requires dry weather and we didn’t have much dry

By Kate Bogli

weather in New England so far this summer. Because of that, yield will be lower due to not being able to harvest at optimal times (hay fields are usually cut at least two times per year). So, purchasing that bale at your local feed store is going to be more expensive, but that still is the best way to go. Most farmers are interested in selling bales by the hundreds, not one or two at a time and likely won’t want to climb up into their hay loft just to sell you one. The good news is, hay at the local feed store is usually very good quality, so your bunny will love it!

Yours Truly, The Friendly Farmer

Stony Hill celebrates 52nd Anniversary

By Dave Roberts

Stony Hill Village, 49 federally financed housing units for elderly and disabled residents, is located at 259 Salmon Brook Street in the heart of Granby. Thirty-two apartment-style homes were completed in 1972, and the remaining 17 apartments were added in 1989. Stony Hill Village is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors chaired by president Bill Percival and Wildwood Management Company. The village turned 50 in 2021 during the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Stony Hill Village will host a 52nd Anniversary and Annual Meeting in the Community Clubhouse located at the entrance to the community. The event will start at 6 p.m. with a social reception for residents and board members. Board members will also offer brief informational tours of the community to invited community leaders. Light refreshments will be offered. At 6:30 p.m., the annual meeting will be called to order by Percival. There is no charge to attend the meeting.

A highlight of the evening will be the official retirement of Board Vice President Lewis McIntyre who has volunteered on the Board of Directors for more than 40 years.

Stony Hill Village currently has a waiting list for new residents and continues to be a popular option that allows Granby to provide some residents who are in need of housing assistance an option to live in our community. For more information on Stony Hill Village, please contact Dave Roberts at Granbydavidroberts@gmail.com or 860-469-5067.

Submitted photos.

We are grateful to the Drummer for providing us this monthly forum and we will squeeze in all we can. If you don’t want to miss anything, and you don’t already receive our “What’s Growing On” email newsletters, drop a note to info@holcombfarm.org and we will add you to our list.

Fresh Access in Action: Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen

Jenny Emery

and comfort for all.

During the pandemic, the WNWN weekly meals became a contactless drive-through for hot meal and food distribution. As conditions changed, the staff transitioned the weekly event to prepackaged take home meals and a food pantry. WNWN happily returned to serving weekly sit-down, community meals this May at the South Campus of the Granby Congregational Church. Each week people gather to enjoy food, friends and family. Holcomb Farm produce is used in the delicious weekly entrée and/or distributed to its diners.

Roughly 25 percent of what we grow at Holcomb Farm is provided to people who might not otherwise have access, through our Fresh Access (FA) program. Key to this program is our Institutional Partners who distribute the food we grow directly to their clients.

This month, we highlight the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen (WNWN), a local partnership funded largely through the Granby Community Fund. Since 2017, Holcomb Farm FA has provided fresh, nutritious produce to this entirely volunteer-run charity focused on helping those in need. Sandy Flagg leads her hard-working team—as many as 50 volunteers, ranging from students to retirees—to deploy labor, donated foods, goods and monies to deliver a free and wholesome meal every week in a family-style atmosphere, providing a sense of welcome, belonging

What began as modest weekly produce deliveries has grown; in 2022 the program delivered more than 1,700 pounds of vegetables and fruit to WNWN over its 22-week growing season!

Trees! Trees! Trees!

“And, I ask, if man is not to live by bread alone, what is better worth doing well than the planting of trees?”

—Frederick Law Olmsted 1882.

The Holcomb Farm Tree Trail, on the east side of Simsbury Road, continues to grow. Here is an update from its allvolunteer crew:

One of the design principles on the Tree Trail is to choose trees with spring bloom and fall color. We planted 11 trees in this category this year—five crabapples and six magnolias. All were sourced from Granby nurseryman John O’Brien.

All the magnolias planted are of Eastern North American origin. Five are sweet bay magnolia cultivars (Magnolia virginiana), one of five native magno-

Heads up! Hartford, a nonprofit that holds a one-week camp each June for 60 teens to do community service and participate in team building, came to Holcomb Farm for the second consecutive year to offer its services. On June 20 and 23, we had 15 participants on the farm all day, and on June 21 the entire group of 70 spent the morning on the farm. They worked directly with the farm crew, mulching new beds, weeding existing beds and learning about the work. They then presented us with a thank you gift of picnic tables, which they built! Photos by Amy Eisler

lias. These have various bloom colors ranging from red, to pink, magenta and white. They may reach 30 to 50 feet tall. The sixth is a cucumber tree magnolia (Magnolia acuminata), which may reach 80 feet high and wide. It too is a native. Younger readers may see its full height someday, but right now it’s only four feet tall.

Crabapples are grown all over the world, and their origins are no longer certain. There are well over 1,000 cultivars. Many have wonderful spring bloom, but then suffer from diseases such as scab and fire blight and look terrible by midsummer. The breeders have focused on disease resistance, and almost all the best trees now are hybrids of hybrids. Many varieties of apples have been used in developing crabapples. The difference between an apple tree and a crabapple is the size of the fruit—crabapples are fewer than two inches in diameter. Our five crabapples have varying bloom colors from pink, red and white, and with leaf color from green to magenta and purple. They are all going to grow to roughly 25 feet high and wide.

All summer, Holcomb Farm has made weekly deliveries of fresh food to the Granby Senior Center via Fresh Access, and approximately 80 seniors have participated each week. Here, Marie Martusis, Bella Savino, Mike Walter and Patty Sansone at a distribution. Contact the Senior Center for information on this great program. Photo by Donna Snyder

And

the season of celebration continues

The Friends of Holcomb Farm invite everyone to join us in celebrating our 30th year of community service. We appreciate all who have stopped by along the way as we work to meet our dual goals: to thank the many members and volunteers who brought us this far, and to entice even more of our friends and neighbors to take advantage of this town resource.

Upcoming events include:

• A DORO Restaurant Group dinner at the North barn, with $25 from each ticket sold benefitting the Fresh Access program, on Sept. 7.

• Open Farm Day on Sept. 16.

• The Granby Land Trust Plein Aire BIG PAINT event on Sept. 24.

• An information exhibit and talk on Oct. 26 at the library.

• The invitation-only Celebration 30 Harvest Dinner honoring board members, donors and volunteers on Oct. 28.

To learn more about any of these events, go to the Events tab on our website (holcombfarm.org). Many thanks to the local businesses and organizations that have helped to underwrite these events through sponsorships.

Youth volunteer Nathan Griswold connects with Henry at the weekly Waste Not Want Not Dinner. Photo by Amy Eisler

In the June Granby Drummer we highlighted one of our institutional partners, the Hispanic Health Council (HHC). Last month, HHC representatives came to visit the farm. Above, Farmer Joe O’Grady talks with Elaine Rosa, Christian Camacho, Lusero Rodriguez, Gisell Collazo about the food we provide through Fresh Access.

Photo by Donna Snyder

A new pastor, a new church, an exciting future

this position?

I have been a local church pastor for 14 years, first in South Glastonbury, and most recently in East Lansing. I am skilled at working with congregations through seasons of change and helping them grow, in every sense of the word. Even though it is not directly church related, I think my interest in improvisation helps a lot, both with having a sense of humor and keeping on my toes no matter what is unfolding in the church or the world around us.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge the congregation currently faces?

We are doing a new thing! It is unique for two congregations who are equals and vital in their own ways to join together to form a new church. That is exciting, but the challenge is that we are drawing our own road map. This congregation has already proven it has the skills, innovative spirit and dedication to do this, and I am excited to take on the challenge together.

How will you measure success in your role?

If in three years, church members can look back and name how God has been at work in their midst, and they have a sense of what they are called to do together next, that will feel like success.

By Deborah Joyce

Granby Congregational Church, UCC has called the Reverend Liz Miller to serve as its Designated Term Minister. At the end of this three-year period, Pastor Liz will have the option to accept the role and duties as the church’s Senior Minister.

Miller has a masters in divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School, and a BA in English Literature from Agnes Scott College. She comes to us from Edgewood United Church UCC in East Lansing, Mich. where she was pastor for seven years. Although she grew up in Bakersfield, Calif., she is very familiar with Connecticut because prior to her time in Michigan, she served as the associate pastor at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury for seven years. Miller is also a regular contributor to the UCC’s popular Stillspeaking Daily Devotional.

In a recent interview, Miller replied to questions:

What interests you the most about this position and GCC?

I was intrigued by a church that was invested in the future and was willing to try something radically new and cre-

ative to strengthen its future. That is the opposite of the stereotype most churches have! Since arriving, I have been amazed at the openness and excitement there is for the new Granby Congregational Church among its members, even as we still figure out all the details.

What are your hopes for the new congregation?

GCC plays an important role in Granby, especially through its food programs and support of local organizations. I hope we continue to strengthen our connections with partners across Granby to serve the changing and growing needs of this incredible town.

What experiences in your past have influenced you the most?

I have been fortunate to belong to churches that are deeply embedded in their communities and are part of the tapestry of the local culture. Those relationships extend beyond Sunday mornings and encompass neighbors who have different beliefs and backgrounds, who are all passionate about the place where they live and/or work.

I believe everyone benefits when we work together.

What are the key qualities you bring to

Can you provide examples of projects or initiatives in your past that will help you in this new job?

For the last five years I was part of an initiative called Communities of Calling, with 15 churches across the United States and Canada. I studied

how a church understands its mission and purpose, and how to nurture new callings in the church and as individuals. This project gave me a strong foundation in how to help an organization listen to the needs of its community, discern the gifts it has to offer, and live into a shared vision together.

How do you handle stressful situations and maintain composure under pressure?

My first instinct is to listen, ask questions, and then listen some more. If something feels urgent or overwhelming, that is usually a sign that I need to step back and take a wider view of the situation or bring in more conversation partners before acting or making a decision. I’m a stronger leader when I collaborate with others to problemsolve together instead of trying to solve everything on my own.

What are your hobbies?

I love being outdoors! In Michigan I belonged to a terrific triathlon team and love running, biking, and finding local ponds to swim in. I’m excited for the hiking opportunities in Granby. When the weather is too cold or wet to be outside, I’m also an avid quilter.

What do you do for fun?

My wife Beth and I love exploring where we live, whether it’s going out to restaurants or attending community events. We love kayaking together. I’m a big basketball fan and can’t wait to cheer on both the UConn Women and the Connecticut Sun teams.

Got Pollinators?

The signs are all over town, as Granby residents celebrate the essential role that bees, bugs and birds play in the health and vitality of our world. A Granby high school student submitted the winning design in a contest sponsored by the Granby Conservation Commission earlier this year.

You can get a sign for your yard by contacting the commission through the town website; suggested contribution is $5.

Sally Rider welcomes Pastor Liz at the Aug. 13 Sunday service.

Photo by John Stevenson

Browse & Borrow

Kids, Teens, Families

Please check the library calendar for updated storytime dates

Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Sept. 19 and 26, 10:30–11 a.m. Babies up to 18 months and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language.

Mother Goose On The Loose: Wednesdays, Sept. 20 and 27, 10:30–11 a.m. Preschool children age 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers are invited to join an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills.

Mini Movers: Fridays, Sept. 22 and 29, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 14 months to 4 years. A fun interactive program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and shaker egg activities.

Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, Sept. 14, 21 and 28, 6–6:30 p.m. Children age 4–7 are invited to join an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches and an interactive activity.

Teen Mondays, Sew Sloth-Some: Monday, Sept. 18, 3–5 p.m. For grades 6–12. Join Ms. Michele to learn hand sewing basics and use

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

granby-ct.gov/157/Library

860-844-5275

GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Library Hours, 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.

Library Hours, Cossitt Branch

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3–7 p.m.

Granby Libraries will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.

Unless noted, programs are free and are at the Main Branch. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS. To register, visit the library’s website (granby-ct.gov/Library) and click on Library Calendar, or call the library at 860-844-5275.

To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter.

your new skills to create your very Sloth-Some project to take home. No sewing experience required; all materials provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Brick-By-Brick, LEGOs Challenge: Saturday, Sept. 23: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Calling all LEGO® fans! Come to the library to build, create, and have fun. The library provides the LEGOs®.

Adults

September Fitness Sampler: Thursdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9–10 a.m. Adults are invited to a low impact fitness experience with instructor Aubrey Schulz. Week 1 features yoga; Week 2 concentrates on body weight strength; Week 3 addresses core stability; Week 4 focuses on fitness fusion. Space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

https://www.granbycongregationalchurch.org

Tick Talk 101: Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Find out how to reduce ticks, recycle toilet paper rolls and respect the earth. David Murray, agriculture educator, shares information about the common tick and demonstrates how to safely and effectively reduce tick populations using simple supplies and low mammalian toxicity insecticide. The easy-to-assemble tick tubes will aid in slowing the transmission of tickborne diseases when placed in the yard along tree, shrub, and woodland borders.

Monday Movie Matinee, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris: Monday, Sept. 11, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Adults are invited to a screening of the charming and warm-hearted comedy/drama featuring Oscar nominee Lesley Manville. The upbeat story is set in 1950s England and follows the hopes and dreams of a housekeeper determined to own a pricey haute couture dress.

Lifestyle Medicine Series, An Introduction to Holistic Wellness: Thursdays, Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and Alzheimer’s, are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Lifestyle Medicine addresses their underlying causes and offers prevention and treatment methods based on lifestyle factors. Kathleen Olchowski, RN and LM practitioner, explains the six pillars of lifestyle medicine in the first of three programs. Sessions two and three focus on brain health and heart health, respectively. Each session features hands-on learning opportunities, including practicing guided meditation to sampling healthy energy bites (from the recipe book of PCRM, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine). Come to one or come to them all! Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries

Journey to Ukraine: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Nothing could have prepared Clay Rogers for his first trip to Ukraine in October 2022. Hear first-hand of his travel experience to Lviv (and back) and learn about the history and culture of a country once behind the Iron Curtain and now in a state of war with their formal ally, Russia. History buffs and current events followers will be fascinated by the presentation, as well as by the exhibit of Ukrainian items on display at the library through the month of October.

Passion for Papercraft, Paperback Hedgehog: Monday, Sept. 25, 1–2:30 p.m. Find creative bliss and try something new at monthly paper craft workshops for adults. This month create an adorable paper hedgehog out of an old book.

A Short History of UFOs: Via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. While gazing upon the stars do you ever wonder what else could possibly be out there? Welcome Sean and Carrie from Ain’t it Scary? for a virtual program featuring UFO highlights. The duo will cover early historical sightings, big events, conspiracy theories including Roswell and Area 51, and phenomena spotted right in our own New England backyards. Bring your curiosity, questions, and an open mind! Receive the Zoom link after registration.

Book Clubs

Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup.

Millennials Read: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Farley Mac’s, 1616 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk about current book picks. You do not need to be reading anything to participate. This is a partnership between Bloomfield, Simsbury and Granby libraries and is open to all. Participants will be responsible for their own food and drink purchases. If special accommodations are required, please contact the library at least one week prior to the event.

Sci/Fi Fantasy: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6–7 p.m. The book club will read and discuss Sea of Tranquility, a work of speculative fiction by Emily St. John Mandel. The novel encompasses art, time, love and plague, beginning at Vancouver Island in 1912 to a colony on the moon five hundred years later, unfolding a story of humanity across centuries and space. Leading the discussion is Jim Gorman

Familiar Faces

By Nicole Muller

A delicate balancing act: Morgan Hubbard

Morgan Hubbard’s life is perfectly orchestrated by a master conductor, Hubbard herself, who is a natural at recognizing and taking advantage of life’s serendipitous opportunities.

By day, Hubbard oversees Top Drawer Consignment in Granby Center, the business that she bought two years ago from her soon-to-be mother-in-law Sally Mullins after working there for more than a decade.

By night and on weekends, Hubbard breeds, trains, and shows champion Australian shepherds, two of whom, Demi, 6, and her daughter Rumor, 2, accompany Hubbard to work at the shop. Her two males, Titan, 9, and Kane, 5, prefer to spend their days at home in West Suffield. All four Aussies are American Kennel Club champions. Demi and Titan are Australian Shepherd Club of America grand champions. How this all came about and how Hubbard juggles her two worlds is largely a tale of answering the door when opportunity knocks.

“My ex-step mom bred Aussies for many years, and I started going to dog shows with her,” Hubbard explains, “We had the dogs at home with us, and I learned about breeding, training and showing them from her.”

A graduate of Suffield High School’s Future Farmers of America program, Hubbard has always wanted to work with animals. After a year studying business at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, she decided the classroom was not for her and left to work as a receptionist at Southwick Animal Hospital, where her clear enthusiasm for and love of animals led to her being trained as a veterinary technician.

“At the same time, I was at Top Drawer part-time because I was dating Sally’s son Tyler, and Sally needed weekend help,” Hubbard says, explaining that Mullins started the business in the space above Small World Learning and Child

Care Center, moving the short distance to the present location at 15 Hartford Avenue in 2010 and eventually buying the well-maintained house built in 1914.

“My mother always had a passion for consignment, and Morgan has it, too,” says Mullins’ daughter Jen Riggott. “I worked here full-time as Mom’s assistant, but I left when I was pregnant with my daughter Sophie. Mom loved living in Granby and wanted her shop to support the Granby community.”

After Sophie was born, Riggott was not ready to return to work, so when Mullins decided to retire to Florida, she offered to sell the business to Hubbard. The rest is history. When she is away showing her own and her clients’Aussies on weekends, Hubbard’s competent staff runs the shop. Riggott has returned as manager; Stacy Brunelle oversees social media; and Chelsea Wolf, Diana Bleimeyer and Holly Fisher share sales associate responsibilities.

What’s more, Sophie, now 10, enjoys helping at the shop that her grandmother opened 25 years ago.

Asked what her typical day looks like, Hubbard flashes her happy grin. “I get up at 6:30, feed the animals, try to fit in riding the exercise bike, make breakfast and come here to clean and prep the shop before the door opens at 10 a.m.,” she says. With consignments arriving

every Tuesday through Friday, Hubbard frequently changes displays to showcase new items. “We have customers who shop here three or four times a week, and we want to keep things looking fresh and interesting,” she says.

Typically, Hubbard can be found at the shop on weekdays, except Mondays when Top Drawer is closed. “Weekends are for showing dogs,” she says, beaming. “Last weekend I showed nine dogs in Greenwich, N.Y. Two of them were mine. You do not win money in dog shows, you win points that get you bragging rights, which makes it easier to sell the puppies you breed.”

Not every Aussie puppy is born a champion. But that doesn’t mean that Aussies are not wonderful pets. “Australian shepherds are very loyal, very sweet and affectionate, and they have nice ‘on/off’ switches,” Hubbard says. “They’ll go hiking or swimming with Tyler and me, but then they’re perfectly happy to relax with us while we watch TV at night.”

To demonstrate the truth of her owner’s words, Demi prances out from behind the counter just as a little boy enters the shop with his mother. With Hubbard’s permission to pet her, the excited boy enjoys stroking Demi’s soft fur while she shows her appreciation with a gentle nuzzle.

“There are a lot of kids that know Demi is back there and come into the shop just to see her,” Hubbard says.

The best of both worlds, indeed.

TOOTH TALK

by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q: Do I need Dental Insurance to see a dentist?

A: Absolutely NOT!

Unlike medical and hospital costs which can literally bankrupt those that don’t have adequate Medical Insurance, Dental fees are generally within everyone’s budget. In addition, most dental offices offer payment plans with low or 0% interest rates available. Some offices even offer special membership plans for those that do NOT have dental insurance. The plans are easy to sign up for, to instantly save on dental fees, and there are NO yearly maximums.

The best thing to do is to come in to the dental office and get a comprehensive exam to see the health of your mouth. Some people are ashamed of coming in to the office because they have not been to a dentist in years. Fortunately, they will often find a welcoming staff that will not make them feel bad, but will instead offer them a way to improve their oral and overall health.

So, if you have something in your mouth that bothers you, such as a toothache, sensitive teeth, bleeding or sore gums, other mouth sores, Bad breath, Jaw pain or Popping or Clicking in your jaw, broken or cracked teeth, or even dry mouth, you should contact a dentist.

You also may not like the way your teeth look, and believe that there is nothing that can be done. Well, don’t despair because modern dental methods and techniques can give you the smile you always dreamed of!

At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” a complimentary service, which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION!

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

At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION!

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

www.facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter/

Scan the QR code to find out more about our practice:

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS

41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220

Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Morgan Hubbard arrives early at Top Drawer Consignment at 15 Hartford Avenue in Granby to vacuum and tidy up before her first customers arrive.

Photo by Nicole Muller

Top Drawer Consignment owner Morgan Hubbard takes a break from her shop with two of her champion Australian shepherds—Rumor, right, and Demi.

Photo by Nicole Muller

The world’s largest alarm clock

By C.J. Gibson

Lots of people have some type of reminders that keep them on track and on schedule during their days and nights. Old school types may still have written pocket calendars, alarm clocks or sticky notes to assist them in keeping their schedules. Millennials and the coming generation have Apple watches, smart phones or iCloud connections of some sort to ensure that they are alive and well, and in sync with the daily mileposts.

Social media interface insures they are “properly trending.” I admit that I use an electronic calendar these days, but I haven’t obtained the sophistication level of a smart watch yet. However, I do have the benefit of another type of service which I find to be beneficial.

A little less than three years ago, my wife and I purchased a rather unusual alarm device that we found at a local shop. At the time, we didn’t know its hidden talents, and it didn’t seem too large to fit into our lives. Since the day we brought it home, we have taken good care of it, kept it clean and in good working order, and have come to set our watches by it, as it has consistently notified us of key daily events and schedules.

We usually take it with us when we travel as it is a reliable companion and it keeps us focused. It needs no batteries, we don’t have to set it, and for the most part, we love having it in our lives. Without prompting, our alarm device alerts us to these critical daily needs and activities:

6:30 a.m.: Wake up call, with built in snooze reminders of gentle tapping.

7:30 a.m.: Inspect the neighborhood, retrieve newspaper from mailbox, check for overnight animal activity.

8 a.m.: Nourishment time, light refreshment only.

9:30 a.m.: Rest period, wherever is comfortable.

1 p.m.: Exercise period. Strenuous walking, hiking and making noise.

3:30 p.m.: Time for the first major meal of the day after returning from exercise.

5 p.m.: Active play period with family members, even with reluctant adults.

6 p.m.: Rest while others take nourishment and watch television news programs.

8 p.m.: Conduct another neighborhood watch, alerting neighbors that all is secure for the evening.

10 p.m.: Time for overnight rest period.

We named our large alarm device Elsa. She came to our family a little less than three years ago, and she is now a beautiful 75-pound German shepherd. Most of the neighbors know her and greet her with a smile, even though I am sure her evening and early morning neighborhood watch duties have awakened a few. We seem to have a great bunch of neighbors.

If you are a dog owner, or have been one, you’ll understand that Elsa’s routine quickly became ours, and her daily schedule is lovingly predictable and frustrating at the same time. She has developed a knack for wanting to play when we are tired, or wanting to canvass the area outside when we are in the middle of a card game or watching a good movie. Nevertheless, any frustrations we experience on a given day are far outweighed by Elsa’s big brown eyes, her loyal nature, and the love that she shares with our family. She is really good at what she does. If you need a good alarm clock, let us know and we can have Elsa escort you through her day. She’ll keep you in line, and you’ll love it. I kid you not. Elsa is the best alarm clock a family could ask for.

1973

Field Hockey team put Granby on the map

By Todd Vibert

Fifty years ago, on Nov. 17, 1973, when Mary Brynes scored the winning goal with 28 seconds left in the second overtime, Granby’s Field Hockey team beat Guilford 2 to 1 in the first ever Field Hockey State Championship. As author Rob Penfield stated, this win “put Granby on the map.”

That winning goal made the Granby Field Hockey players mini celebrities; Pam Sproull, a player on the team, described how “people were asking us for our autographs.” Not only did the field hockey team win its first ever state-wide field hockey championship, but it was also Granby Memorial High School’s first state championship in any sport. This team paved the way for the field hockey teams following them that have won 13 more state titles.

The players in that 1973 Championship game included: the Sproull sisters, Pam and Joanne, the Wickman sisters, Lyndsie and Jody, Sue Hebert, Sue Jensen, Sharon Schnieder, Valerie McCord, Linda Dewey, Mary Brynes, Nancy Hutchins and Ellen Burbridge. The girls lived all over town, from Fern Hollow Drive to Quarry Road to Copper Hill Road, and met in one place to practice: the pit. The pit was the lower field at the high school, where the best field hockey team in the state practiced and played.

Unlike today, athletes didn’t play on artificial turf or use fiberglass field hockey sticks. They played in the thick grass with wooden sticks. By the end of the season, the field became meager patches of grass, as the players’ cleats chewed up the grass and much of the field became dirt, leading to unpredictable passes over the bumpy ground.

For four years, under Coach Dot Johnson, the ‘73 team didn’t lose a game. Each player had an essential role—

some players could score goals, others assisted with great passes and some were staunch defenders. Johnson was a tough but fair coach who demanded hard work from her players. She helped make the team competitive and formidable to opponents.

Documenting this team’s success was Simsbury native Rob Penfield an American International College graduate and Vietnam War veteran. Familiar with field hockey from watching games when he attended Simsbury High School, Penfield also played field hockey in the army, developing an understanding of the game and the rules. He later became the sports editor of the Farmington Valley Herald

Penfield wrote a book about the 1973 season entitled, A Life of Obstructions, the 1973 Connecticut Field Hockey Season and first ever Tournament. Penfield writes about the 1973 season and tournament, describing the various teams competing. He describes how Granby played five tournament games, four of which went into overtime. Granby was full of tough players and, as Dot Johnson was quoted in the Hartford Courant, “…these girls are not afraid of competition.” And they weren’t, as they went on to win.

Penfield will be speaking about the 1973 GMHS season in the high school Commons on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Please call the high school at 860-844-3014 and ask for the Athletic Department to register. A head count is required in case the program needs to move to the auditorium to accommodate attendance.

If you like to know more about the history of Granby field hockey and other sports at the high school, join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713 or visiting salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Elsa, submitted photo.

Team photo from Rob Penfield’s book, with permission.

Despite a challenging year, Granby farms prepare for Open Farm Day

By Heather Lombardo, Granby Agricultural Commission Chairperson

With harvest season underway, the grit and tenacity of farmers across the state, including right here in Granby, is evident. From the 2022 drought to a warm winter, unseasonal cold snaps, record rainfalls, extreme heat and wildfire smoke, farms are struggling.

Heaped on top of daily work on the farm is crop loss assessment, storm damage repair, and finding time and money to adjust to climate change realities. Granby’s farmers need our support and deserve our gratitude more now than ever before. Granby Open Farm Day is a great opportunity to show appreciation to our farmers for all they endure, produce, and represent to our community.

Granby

Open Farm Day 2023 on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a free, family-friendly interactive experience for Granby residents and those of surrounding communities.

Each participating farm will offer special demonstrations and activities for all ages throughout the day. New to the line-up this year, the Salmon Brook Historical Society will offer tours of the Colton-Hayes Tobacco Barn, as well as tours of the Wilcox House and Barn on Simsbury Road, for a unique view of 19th century farmers and artisans in Granby.

Other Open Farm Day highlights will include wagon rides and apple-picking at both Lost Acres Orchard and Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard, a wildlife exhibit, farm fields tour, tree trail hike, cooking demo with Metro Bis chef Chris Prosperi at Holcomb Farm CSA, grape-pressing demonstrations and free wine samples at Lost Acres Vineyard, rescue horses and live music at Angel Horse Farm, tobacco curing and cigars at Coward Farm/Granby location, and

agroforestry experts at Wilhelm Farm. Learn how to preserve fresh herbs and flowers and observe the soap making process at Lyric Hill Farm. Enjoy pony rides and live music at Maple View Farm, hosta dividing demonstrations and acres of unique plants at O’Brien Nurserymen, and a visit with the goats at Sweet Pea Cheese at the House of Hayes. Visitors can shop at a wide variety of farm stores and products.

In addition, The Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow will be on hand at Maple View Farm to talk about the meadow and offer resources for adding natives to your own garden. Granby Horse Council will be on location at Angel Horse Rescue and Sepe Farm will be stationed at Lost Acres Vineyard offering sheep-shearing demonstrations and knitting classes.

The Granby Land Trust is a key sponsor of Open Farm Day and integral to Granby agriculture by way of its commitment to acquiring and preserving prime agricultural land for use by some of our town’s most treasured farms. Farm visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about GLT during Open Farm Day by visiting its booth at Sweet Pea Cheese at the House of Hayes or by browsing its website, GranbyLandTrust.org

The Granby Drummer and Farm Credit East are also key sponsors of Granby Open Farm Day. Contributing sponsors and friends of Granby’s farms are Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital and Horses & Hounds.

On Sept. 16, grab your Open Farm Day map and schedule of events inserted in this edition of the Drummer, go farmhopping, and thank your farmers by supporting local farms. Information on each farm can also be found at granbyag.org and in this issue of the Drummer For more updates on Granby’s agricultural community, follow GranbyAg on Facebook and Instagram.

Open Farm Day Locations for 2023

Angel Horses Inc.

12 Knollwood Lane

angelhorses.org

The mission of Angel Horses Inc. is to provide a permanent retirement sanctuary for horses that have been teachers and healers in the therapeutic world. These special horses receive nurturing, companionship and love for the rest of their days. In addition, this past year Angel Horses Inc. partnered with other rescues to save three horses from the slaughter pipeline and provide them a permanent and peaceful home. These efforts are made possible through volunteers and generous donations.

Angel Horses Inc. is also a place where humans can come to connect with such sensitive beings. On Open Farm Day, visitors can experience a farm tour and meet the horses, mini donkeys, goats and sheep that call the farm their home, plus experience the soothing effect live flute and harp music has on the animals and a fun demonstration with miniature horses. The Granby Horse Council will also be on hand to talk about its mission and activities, and Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital will be on hand to talk about animal care.

Blooms of Lost Acres

At Lost Acres Vineyard on Open Farm Day bloomsoflostacres.com

Blooms of Lost Acres is a woman-owned micro flower farm located in North Granby. Founded by Gabby in 2020, Blooms partners with local businesses throughout the Hartford County region to spread happiness through beautiful flowers. Services include flower subscriptions, event decor, DIY buckets, and a new pick-yourown tulip farm blooming for spring 2024. Stop by its stand on Granby Open Farm Day at Lost Acres Vineyard to grab some locally grown flowers at the bloom bar, pick up your exclusive merchandise, learn more about the new farm, and enjoy a kid-friendly activity!

Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard

29 Bushy Hill Road

Bushyhill.com

Clark Farm at Bushy Hill Orchard is one of three farms run by the Clark family. Bushy Hill is a 75-acre farm/orchard growing apples, blueberries, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines, and vegetables. The farm is open seasonally, offering a farm-to-table café, the new Bushy Hill Ci-

dery Pub, ice cream and a full bakery (including the famous apple cider donuts) plus pick your own apples and blueberries.

The farm offers a great location for family outings and small events. There are many things to check out at the farm and farm store: sweet and hard apple cider pressed fresh from the farm, a variety of local products, and flowers from the Clarks’ Goodyear Farm location in Suffield.

On Open Farm Day you will have the opportunity to pick-your-own apples from 17 varieties, take a wagon ride, and sample those famous homemade apple cider donuts!

Coward Farm

170 North Granby Road cowardfarms.com

Coward Farm is among Granby’s newer working farms. Located on the former Maplewood Farm land once owned by Dr. Forrest Davis and protected by a conservation easement (acquired with financial support from the Granby Land Trust, the Town of Granby and the State of Connecticut), John and Teresa Coward obtained the vacant dairy farm on North Granby Road and now grow tobacco and pumpkins. The tobacco grown at Coward Farm is sold to the US Cigar manufacturer General Cigar, which manufactures cigars around the world. The pumpkins are sold at the Southwick Coward Farm.

On Open Farm Day, folks will get a tour of the farm, learn how tobacco is grown and cut, how a curing shed works and how the tobacco gets used for cigars.

Granby Grange

212 North Granby Road granbygrange.org

See map included in this issue’s insert OFD

Granby Grange #5 has been a big part of the Granby community for over 100 years. Originally started by and for farmers, the grange has evolved into a community public interest organization where people can come together to network, learn leadership skills, showcase homegrown and homemade items at the annual Agricultural Fair and state competitions, and participate in fun programs and activities.

The Granby Grange donates to other local organizations like Waste Not Want Not, FFA and the 4-H club. This year the grange held

on p. 26

GRANBY, CT Drummer

OFD locations cont’d. from p. 25 its first annual Rubber Duck Race with lots of great prizes and created a garden, growing vegetables including squash, Indian corn and pumpkins for the food shelf and fall festivities. The Granby Grange holds workshops, concerts, tag sales and other fun and educational activities for members and the public. At Open Farm Day, visitors can tour the Grange and antique farm implements, experience a honeybee demonstration, balloon animals for kids, teacup auction and a chili contest. For $10, get a bowl of chili, cornbread and drink.

Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow

At Maple View Farm on Open Farm Day granbywildflowers.org

The Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow are creating and maintaining a native wildflower meadow to be part of the Connecticut Pollinator Pathway, a welcoming habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and small animals that live in such meadows. The meadow is located on Salmon Brook Street (Routes 10/202) across from Maple View Farm just south of the town center. On Open Farm Day, The Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow will be stationed at Maple View Farm to offer resources for adding natives to your own garden.

Granby Horse Council

At Angel Horses on Open Farm Day granbyhorsecouncilct.com

The mission of the Granby Horse Council is to promote the value of horses to individuals and the community. On Granby Open Farm Day, the Granby Horse Council will be stationed at Angel Horses with an exhibit providing examples of programs about equine care and disciplines. Council members will also show how the club educates the public about safety and supports the community through scholarships and donations to local organizations. Visitors will also learn about the Horse Council’s activities such as the parade team, trail rides and de-spooking sessions.

Granby Land Trust

At Sweet Pea Cheese on Open Farm Day GranbyLandTrust.org

According to the American Farmland Trust, the United States is losing 40 acres of farm and ranch land every hour to new development. The Granby Land Trust works to preserve farmland in Granby through the implementation of farm conservation easements and by acquiring tracts of land, which it then leases to local farmers at no cost.

Farmland is a finite and irreplaceable natural resource. Preserving it is crucial for ensuring a stable and reliable food supply. Preserving farmland also helps us control flooding, protect wetlands and watersheds, conserve biodiversity, improve air quality and mitigate climate change. Perhaps most importantly, it helps ensure that our children will have enough land on which to grow their food. To learn more or to become a member of the GLT (and show your support for these efforts), visit them at Sweet Pea Cheese on Open Farm Day.

Holcomb Farm CSA

111 Simsbury Road

Holcombfarm.org

Holcomb Farm is a 312-acre historic working farm that is open to the public year-round. Farmed from the mid-1700s to the mid-1900s by the Holcomb Family, this “jewel of Granby” is now owned by the Town of Granby and managed by the nonprofit Friends of Holcomb Farm (FOHF) for the benefit of the Granby community and beyond.

The property includes extensive fields of produce—all grown without chemicals, a Farm Store that stocks a range of products from several local farms, 10+ miles of maintained and marked trails and an educational arboretum (our “Tree Trail”). The farm offers both summer and winter CSA subscriptions, which are very popular. In 2022, the town, the FOHF and the Granby Land Trust worked together to preserve 277 acres of the farm, protecting it from development forever. As part of its nonprofit mission, and with the generous support of donors and granting agencies, the FOHF Fresh Access program provides a portion of its harvest to social service agencies throughout Greater Hartford, for distribution to individuals dealing with

food insecurity, having limited access to healthy food, or struggling with a health crisis.

Visitors on Open Farm Day can tour the tree trail and learn about chemical-free growing in the farm fields, watch a cooking demo from Metro Bis Chef Chris Prosperi, and kids can learn about our local wildlife from CT DEEP.

Lost Acres Orchard

130 Lost Acres Road

lostacresorchard.com

Lost Acres Orchard grows peaches and apples, along with sunflowers, raspberries, blueberries, and a variety of vegetables from the farm gardens as the seasons permit. In the later summer and fall, you can buy peaches and apples by the box/bag. The farm also presses apples for cider in late September–October. The orchard’s kitchen/bakery stays open year-round selling pies along with a variety of baked goods, dinner entrees, soups, quiches, jams and more. Please visit the website, Facebook, or Instagram for the latest information and hours of operation. Come get “lost” at Lost Acres Orchard and Bakery! On Open Farm Day, enjoy complimentary wagon rides through the orchard. The bakery will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pastries, pies, jams and more. Farmhouse (grab and go) lunches will be available 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Lost Acres Vineyard

80 Lost Acres Road

Lostacresvineyard.com

In the 1700s Lost Acres was a political noman’s land known as “the Wedge.” In the early 1800s, the Wedge’s free-spirited, cider-distilling hill farmers populated the area. At Lost Acres Vineyard, owners Kevin Riggott and Michelle Niedermeyer continue this tradition with grape wine. A former apple orchard, Lost Acres Vineyard reclaimed this land in 2008, and is now home to five acres of wine grapes, contributing to the agricultural spirit and the natural beauty of Granby.

On Open Farm Day, the vineyard will have free samples of its most popular estate-grown Wedge White wine. Grape pressing demonstrations with an old-style wine press will yield grape juice for sampling. Visitors can take a winemaker’s tour of the cellar to learn about the winemaking process. Food by Avon Prime Meats will be available from 12 to 5 p.m.

Sepe Farm will have sheep shearing demos, a felting activity, a wool spinning demo and knitting classes. Blooms of Lost Acres will be onsite all day with a Bloom Bar where visitors can build their own bouquets. Copper Hill Equestrian will have a vaulting demo at 1:30 p.m. and Outrider Dogs will have a training demo at 3 p.m. with adoptable puppies to meet.

Sepe Farm

At Lost Acres Vineyard on Open Farm Day sepefarm.com

The sheep shearing team of Peter and Carolyn Sepe, Erin Sepe Pirro and Jonathan Pirro will be at the Lost Acres Vineyard to demonstrate fall sheep shearing, wool spinning, and a felting craft for kids. Knitting classes will take place at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Please pre-register for the knitting classes at morehousefarm. com/granbyag

Lyric Hill Farm

134 Hungary Road lyrichillfarm.com

Lyric Hill is a small family farm dedicated to sustainable growing practices and educating the public. It uses fresh milk from a herd of Alpine dairy goats and a variety of herbs and wild harvested botanicals (grown and collected on the farm) to make soaps and other eco-friendly, farm-based products. The farm store is open year-round. On Open Farm Day, Lyric Hill visitors can meet the goats, learn how to use and preserve fresh herbs and flowers, observe the soap making process and browse Lyric Hill’s handcrafted products for sale.

Maple View Farm

192 Salmon Brook Street mapleviewhorsefarm.com

Maple View Farm is a 4th generation working farm on 50 acres in the center of Granby. The on-farm Brewery offers beer brewed with local and farm grown ingredients and its Farm Food service is sourced straight from its pastures

A berry good summer dessert

By Nina Jamison

In late summer Sirius the Dog Star, part of the constellation Canis Major, can be seen in the night sky. Its presence gives the name to what’s traditionally the most uncomfortable part of the season.

Bird song is now replaced by the late afternoon droning of insects, and as the summer flowers fade, asters and goldenrod brighten roadsides and gardens. The birds may soon be headed south, but the harvest season is in high gear including all manner of ripe berries.

I once lived in a tiny cottage at the edge of what is now Nature Conservancy property in Nissequogue, Long Island. A path twined through the woods to the dunes past a hidden patch of blackberries. The air was heady with salt spray, pine, and honeysuckle, I’d fill a pail with ripe fruit the color of ink and return home to make a few pies.

I always try to use fruits and vegetables that are locally abundant. They not only taste wonderful, but give me a sense of being in tune with the seasons. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are part of the bounty that is summer in New England.

and gardens. Hike the farm fields loop trail or explore the Salmon Brook any time The Brewery is open. The Farmhouse, booked through Airbnb, offers guests a taste of what it is like to live on a working farm (rooster-crow wake up calls and all).

On Open Farm Day, Maple View offers selfguided tours, pony rides from 1 to 3 p.m., farm food including farm raised sausages and pizza, live music, Ask the Farmer sessions, and a hay bale throwing contest with prizes for all ages. Plus, learn how to add natives to your garden from Friends of the Granby Wildflower Meadow.

O’Brien Nursery

40 Wells Road

OBrienHosta.com

O’Brien Nursery is known far and wide for its hosta offerings and has grown into a destination for unique shade perennials, in addition to a wide selection of conifers, special Japanese maples, and numerous dwarf ginkgo selections. On open Farm Day, nurseryman John O’Brien invites the community to discover the pleasure of plants and explore an impressive six acres of display gardens. O’Brien Nursery will also feature hosta dividing demonstrations at 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

Salmon Brook Historical Society’s Colton-Hayes Tobacco Barn

208 Salmon Brook Street

salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

The Colton-Hayes Tobacco Barn was built in 1914 by Fred M. Colton and donated to the historical society by his daughters in 1976. The front part of the barn provides a view of village life in the late 1800s. It includes representations of an old meeting hall, post office, village store, dressmaker’s shop, and more. The back of the barn offers a look at Granby’s agricultural past with a sampling of farm tools and machinery, items used in cider mills, grist mills, blacksmithing, maple sugaring, hog slaughtering, bee keeping, harness making, ice cutting and a large tobacco section. On Open Farm Day, visitors can tour the barn including historic farm implements.

Salmon Brook Historical Society’s Wilcox House and Barn

143 Simsbury Road

salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

The Captain Sadoce Wilcox House, built c.1800, and the Lyman Wilcox Barn, built c.1857, are part of the West Granby Historic District. Until 2019, when the property was purchased by the Granby Land Trust and the house and barn were given to the historical society,

Black and Blue Compote

1 cup blueberries

1 cup blackberries

1/2 cup white or coconut sugar

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest and juice of one lemon (can use 1/2 a lemon for juice or just the zest)

3 Tablespoons water

Simmer ingredients in a medium-size sauce pot, stirring occasionally until berries break down and it thickens a bit, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm or chill in refrigerator.

Yummy over vanilla ice cream, yogurt or even oatmeal.

the property had been in the same family for six generations. For the last century, the family used the house as a summer residence, leaving much of the interior unaltered. The property provides visitors with a unique view of the life of 19th century farmers and artisans in Granby. A large four-post loom has recently been restored and a weaver will be demonstrating throughout the day. On Open Farm Day, visitors can tour the house and see the Wilcox family’s cloth production operation come alive.

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital

At Angel Horses Inc. on Open Farm Day salmonbrookvets.com

Since 1953 Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital has been committed to providing the best in veterinary care for small and large animals—including farm animals. On Open Farm Day, Dr. Christopher Weber from Salmon Brook will be stationed at Angel Horses giving visitors a look at one of the hospital trucks and speaking with visitors about animal care.

Sweet Pea Cheese

151 East Street

Follow @SweetPeaCheese on Facebook

Sweet Pea Cheese is a family-run farm that specializes in pasteurized cream line goat and cow dairy products. On Open Farm Day come visit the goats and sample some of its products. There is a farm store on the farm that is open year-round. Don’t forget to bring your cooler!

Wilhelm Farm

329 North Granby Road wilhelmfarm.com

Wilhelm Farm is a family-owned farm and forest. From the road passersby see hay fields, gardens and farm buildings, but beyond this lies an additional 35 acres of woods. Wilhelm farm has a conservation easement on it, held by the Granby Land Trust, which preserves the land for agricultural and forestry uses and restricts future development.

The owners, Ann Wilhelm and Bill Bentley, are the third generation of the Wilhelm Family to own and steward these resources. Ann and Bill manage their land to produce environmental services (wildlife habitat, water and air quality, hydrologic control and carbon sequestration) while sustainably producing food, timber and non-timber forest products. The farm is investing in several agroforestry practices, including silvopasture, forest farming and living snow fences. On Open Farm Day, visitors can take a self-guided hike through the woods on a onemile loop trail and can view the various gardens and tree plantings.

The YW CA in Granby

Kate Bogli talks about Open Farm Day

By Shirley Murtha

Maple View Farm owner Kate

Bogli

looks forward every year to Granby’s Open Farm Day because, prior to the program’s origin, there was really no way to share her farm with all of Granby.

“We have 50 acres, right in downtown, and you can barely see any of it from the road,” she notes. Unless families have enrolled children in horseback riding or people are checking out the farm store or the brewery, residents have no idea how much land there is and what’s happening on all that land.

By Eleanor Moody

When speaking about volunteering in Granby, the perfect example would be the 1950s to 60s when the County YWCA was an active organization in a changing and growing community.

It was affiliated with the Hartford Region YWCA, with an executive director, a designated paid staff person, responsible for guiding and implementing the programs. In Granby, the Granby YWCA Area Committee reported to the executive director. Reporting to that committee, the Young Women’s Club served as a welcome club and planned activities for members and the Granby Youth Center, a brick-and-mortar building that provided special activities for the younger people.

The Women’s Club membership expanded, and the East Granby members become a separate club. Within the YWCA programs, many special groups formed such as the bridge marathon for women and couples, a book club, a Christmas fair and workshops of all kinds, pops concerts, bowling teams, and selling soda on the green on Memorial Day. There were also programs at the Youth Center including a ski club, dances, and workshops of special interest. All these activities were planned, executed, and chaperoned by hundreds of volunteers over the years.

The origin of the YWCA in Granby was a group of young women called the “Cadets.” One of its members was Polly Hall

who served Granby in various ways: state representative, notary public, quilt maker and historical society volunteer. Granby’s first executive director was Vera McCracken who “roomed” at the Case home. Christine Case, another “cadet,” was instrumental in starting the YWCA in Granby.

Many women learned the art of leadership through the activities of these groups and became wonderful assets to our community—volunteering for the future Drummer, government, community fund, etc.

Note:

“It gives me so much joy to share the farm with the public,” Bogli says. “And now that we have the brewery, we are much more prepared for guests to wander around.” To make sure the farm is easily accessible, paths are mowed and directional signs are installed. The entire Bogli family spends Open Farm Day on the grounds, answering visitors’ questions and giving their own perspective of what life on the farm is like.

Bogli believes that Open Farm Day is very important to Granby because it is important for people to understand what happens on the town’s various farms. “The more they understand, the more they will value what our farmers do, and this will lead to more support.”

Open Farm Day, she notes, provides the opportunity to see the work that goes into caring for and tending to the plants and animals that become our food and fiber. The farmer gets to meet and talk with the customers, and helps them to see what their money is paying for when they purchase the farm’s premium products.

As far as Open Farm Day in general, Bogli loves that because the participat-

ing farms are located all over Granby, residents and visitors alike get to see the beauty of the entire town. They can make it whatever they want it to be: some people get to every single farm, while others pick two or three and spend quality time at each one. She really enjoys the fact that some people come year after year.

Bogli hopes that on Sept. 16 her family will have many visitors—some just wandering around learning about the farm, some enjoying libations at the Brewery, and some participating in the hay bale tossing contest. Be sure to seek her out; she’d love to talk with you.

Diane Neumann Hernsdorf 1937 – 2023

Diane Neumann Hernsdorf passed away on August 7 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Bangor, Maine and raised in Wethersfield. After attending Hartford College for Women and Earlham College, she met and married Otto Neumann. They moved to Granby in 1961 where they raised their four children.

Diane “fell in love” with Granby and began a lifelong career in community service and leadership in the Republican Party. She was the first and only woman ever to be Granby First Selectman after having served on the board of selectmen. She remained active on

the Republican Town Committee and as a moderator for the state election day in Granby. She actively participated in Granby Senior Center programs including Women’s Breakfast, the civic engagement team and the education program.

She was a member of the Granby Congregational Church for 60 years and was eventually honored as a deacon emerita. She also worked with her first husband for Neumann Associates and curated the museum and managed the library of the Hartford Medical Society.

Diane was widowed in 1991. She remarried, to Roger Hernsdorf in 1998.

She is survived by her husband, her four children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Strong yet very caring, Diane was much loved and respected, welcoming everyone with open arms and wonderful smile.

Donations in Diane’s memory can be made to the Granby Community Fund, P.O. Box 94, Granby CT 06035 or to a charity of your choice.

A participant in the 2021 hay bale throwing contest. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Eleanor Moody was the 1969 chair of the Granby YWCA Area Committee.

On the green during the June 1969 Memorial Day parade at the group’s soda stand. From l.: Nancy Fullwood, Paula Johnson, Elaine Jones, Betty Hopkins, Jan Ryan, Carol Bressor and Marion Mayo. Submitted photo

Granby YWCA Annual Meeting at South Congregational Church, April 1969. From l.: Eleanor Moody, Granby Area Chair; Priscilla Scott, Hartford Region Chair; Elaine Jones, Vice Chair, Granby Area; Judy Coady, staff assigned to Granby, and Pat Main, treasurer, Granby Area. Submitted photos

Tour the Old Messenger Road Preserves virtually

Take a video tour of the Granby Land Trust’s Old Messenger Road Preserves in West Granby. Walk alongside wildlife photographer Todd DeWald as he narrates a virtual tour of the properties, starting at the Katan-Ensor Preserve and extending through the beautiful Schlicht Family and Richard P. Garmany Preserves.

You’ll learn more about the history of these GLT properties and see DeWald’s stunning photos of some of the flora and fauna that call this home. You’ll also see the view from Scarlet Tanager Lookout and the Mountain Brook waterfalls.

To enjoy this spectacular woodland hike, go to GranbyLandTrust.org and click on the YouTube link in the header.

Wednesday Walk at Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve

Join Granby Land Trust board member Leslie Judge on Sept. 13 at 8:30 a.m. for a Wednesday Morning Walk at the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Explore a beautiful property, escape the hurriedness of modern life, experience the natural world around you and expect to connect with new and old friends alike.

You’ll be taken to the GLT’s YouTube channel, where several videos are posted to bring Granby’s natural beauty directly to you, wherever you may be. While you’re there, you might want to subscribe to the channel, so you’ll be the first to see new releases. The GLT is working with DeWald to create more virtual tours.

The BIG PAINT, open to artists and visitors

On Sunday, Sept. 24, the Granby Land Trust, the Granby Artists Association, and the Friends of Holcomb Farm invite you to the Big Paint featuring artists working en plein air (in the open air).

This year’s event will showcase the beauty of Holcomb Farm in West Granby, where 277 acres of the historic farm are now permanently preserved, thanks to a conservation easement acquired in 2022, and held by the Granby Land Trust.

This 313-acre farm offers a variety of paint-worthy settings, including open fields with mowed paths, agricultural fields, old barns, a farm pond, an arboretum known as the Holcomb Tree Trail, beautiful woodlands, the West Branch of the Salmon Brook, and more. Artists, please arrive at 8 a.m. to find your subject matter.

The event will be held at the main campus, 113 Simsbury Road. Parking is available in either of the main cam-

Lorraine Ficara at the 2018 BIG PAINT, submitted photo

pus lots. Visitors are invited from 9 to 11 a.m. to explore the property and chat with the artists as they work.

This event is a celebration of the permanently preserved acres of this property and of the 30th anniversary of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, the nonprofit organization that manages the town-owned farm. It also is a lead-up to the Granby Land Trust Art Show, Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty

Choose from a one-mile hike, that goes to Creamer Pond and Glazier Cabin and back, or a two-mile hike that encompasses more of this beautiful property. These trails do have some elevation gains. See attached map to better gauge distance and topography. Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, pack bug spray and bring a water bottle. No dogs, please.

No need to register, just join us. Please arrive early, as the walk will depart promptly at 8:30 a.m. The Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve is located at 253 Loomis Street in North Granby and has ample parking. Any questions, email Judge at leslie_ judge@wbsoftware.com

that will run Oct. 26 through Nov. 26 at Lost Acres Vineyard. It is anticipated that many of the works created at the BIG PAINT will be entered in the show.

This beautiful property is the perfect place to spend a Sunday in September

in New England. We hope you’ll join us. Any questions, please contact the Granby Land Trust at info@granbylandtrust.org

Three-Hundred-year-old loom will again produce woven cloth

By Mark Williams

When Sadoce Wilcox, Jr. of West Granby died in 1833, his estate papers were testimony of a family living comfortably, if not prosperously, engaging in a variety of activities.

Their 200-acre farm included fields of various grains and hay, wood lots, and apple and peach orchards. In the barnyard and pastures could be found sheep, cattle, horses and hogs. His blacksmith shop was crammed with tools, and across the road from his house, he and his sons operated a cider mill and distillery. Their guests ate off china and pewter plates with silver spoons.

He had held various high-ranking public offices, and he had already loaned money to most of his sons and daughters to set up their own farms or businesses. One item, tucked away in his list of possessions that merits note is “an old loom.” Here was a reference to one of his family’s most important activities.

It was, indeed, “old” by 1833. According to an expert in such family looms, it probably dates to the early 1700s. In fact, in Sadoce’s father’s and grandfather’s estate inventories there is mention of a loom. Could it have been handed down through three generations? What is even more exciting to think about is that this loom, now about 300 years old, will once again turn out woven cloth as it once did over two centuries ago!

Visitors to the Wilcox House (145 Simsbury Road in West Granby) on Open Farm Day, Sept. 16, will be able to observe demonstrations by specialists in early American weaving techniques between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Salmon Brook Historical Society curator Martha Miller and volunteer Dave Laun have been working with Windham Textile and History Museum volunteers Donna McLaughlin, Peggy Church and Sue Bruno to refit the old loom and ready it for action.

As detailed in a previous article in The Granby Drummer by our late and greatly missed Carol Laun, Salmon

Brook Historical Society acquired the Wilcox House in 2019. At the time, the loom was housed in the attic along with dozens of accoutrements and associated tools indicating that part of the house had been a weaver’s workshop. With the help of loom expert Nevan Carling, it was moved to a first-floor parlor, where families sometimes did their weaving, so that it could be viewed more easily by visitors.

Subsequent research showed that numerous families in West Granby were engaged in a “cottage industry,” raising sheep, spinning wool into thread, and weaving the thread into cloth for their own use or to trade for commodities they did not manufacture themselves in the early days of the Industrial Revolution in Granby. They had their wool carded (cleaned) and their thread and cloth dyed just up the street at Alpheus Hayes’s cloth works on Salmon Brook. Colorful rugs that, according to Wilcox family tradition, were created in this process are on display in the Wilcox House north parlor. Come see the “old loom” at work once again on Sept. 16.

Granby residential composting program

Composting can be quick, easy, and it’s earth friendly

If you get the automated Spotlight emails from Granby Town Hall you will have seen the information about a composting service called Blue Earth.

The Granby Conservation Commission has worked with Blue Earth to add Granby residents to its residential composting program. Residents voluntarily register for the program on the Blue Earth website at: blueearthcompost. com, click on “sign up.” Blue Earth requires a minimum of 50 households to sign up for weekly and/or bi-weekly service prior to launching service in Granby.

Here is how the program would work

Blue Earth drops off a composting starter pack that includes a 4-gallon pail lined with a compostable bag, and a welcome card with instructions at your home.

The residential customer fills the pail with food scraps: meat and bones, eggs and dairy, breads and cereals, shellfish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, filters and tea bags, food soiled paper, plants and herbs, incidental oils and fats.

The residential customer leaves the pail out for collection on pick-up day and Blue Earth takes care of the rest.

There are many options and price points as to how much and how often a resident would like pick up service. Composting removes about 40 percent of solid waste from the total amount of solid waste picked up. Granby residents won’t see a decrease in the form of reduced taxes in the near future but there will be a reduction in the waste stream and thereby a reduction in waste transported across state lines.

Whether a resident chooses to compost at home or compost using a service, they are helping to remove waste from the total waste stream. This will have positive effects in many ways. If you have any questions, contact Melinda Gould, Conservation Commission ViceChair, at tink361@gmail.com

Loom expert Nevan Carling disassembles the Wilcox House loom. Photo by Mark Williams

Volunteers from SBHS and Windham Textiles at work readying the Wilcox loom for action. From left, Peggy Church, Donna McLaughlin and Sue Bruno.

Photo by Martha Miller

The Grimaldis give back with Project Purple

By Maureen Lynch

Kasey Grimaldi is a 10-year pancreatic cancer survivor. Throughout her battle, she has loved and lost a lot because of this deadly disease. However, she continues to hope for a brighter future and a world without pancreatic cancer, and she is taking steps to make that dream a reality.

Grimaldi and her family have teamed up with Project Purple, a nonprofit committed to eradicating pancreatic cancer, to host a fundraiser to celebrate Grimaldi’s 10-year anniversary.

The event, Creating Miracles, will be held at Manitook Camp in Granby on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 8 p.m. with food and drinks throughout the festivities. There will also be live music. The event is a celebration and a call to action. Tickets will be $30 per person, with proceeds going towards helping patients in need of financial assistance.

Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers known, has a 12 percent survival rate. Grimaldi beat the odds, but the battle was won with the help of family and friends. “Without the support

system I had, it would have gone very differently for me,” she said.

Grimaldi’s diagnosis came out of nowhere, which is common for pancreatic cancer patients. At 48, she was in good health, had a beautiful family, and loved her job as a social worker with the Department of Children and Families. Her diagnosis turned her world upside down.

“When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t even know what the pancreas was,” said Grimaldi, “I had always been healthy, into my diet, always in the gym, all of it. So, when all these issues started happening, I just didn’t know. I didn’t know the severity. I had never heard of pancreatic cancer, and then suddenly, it felt like that was all I could see around me.”

Grimaldi was diagnosed with stage 2B pancreatic cancer after going to the doctor about a random severe pain in her abdomen. After the diagnosis, in a short amount of time, she was forced to retire from her job so she could focus on her health. The transition was very jarring for her and her family.

Grimaldi’s battle was intense. Within two weeks of diagnosis, she had exten-

Seven is a lucky number!

On July 7 (7/7), the Friend-to-Friend Food Pantry of East Granby received a $7,000 grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation. The organization thanks its lucky stars for the foundation’s generosity!

From left, Andrew St. Onge, AVP and branch manager, Northwest Community Bank; Sandy Landolina and Paul Oliva, Friend to Friend Food Pantry; Paul McLaughlin, president, Northwest Community Bank Foundation. Photo by Shanelle King, VP, treasury management, Northwest Community Bank.

sive surgery to remove the pancreatic tumor, however, a positive margin and infected lymph nodes remained She went through almost eight months of rigorous oral and intravenous chemo and radiation. Grimaldi is still grappling with the aftereffects of her treatments, both mentally and physically.

There were bright spots during her battle, and those small bits of happiness kept Grimaldi going. Being at home, she spent more time with her young daughter. She had a partner who could be there for her as well. Her husband has always been her rock, especially throughout her cancer journey.

His support, combined with her friends’ help, made all the difference in her battle. Grimaldi’s friends brought meals to alleviate the burden of cooking and provided transportation for her daughter when needed. All that support she received has inspired her to reach out to others; she wants to give back to the cancer community by partnering with Project Purple.

Project Purple is a nonprofit organization with a mission to end pancreatic cancer. Founded in 2010, Seymour-based Project Purple provides financial aid and hope to patients battling pancreatic cancer and funds critical research in the detection and treatment of the disease. Its primary source of funding is through peer-to-peer fundraising by individuals participating in marathons, half marathons, and other physical activities.

Project Purple has funded nearly $3 million in research and provided more than $700,000 in financial aid to help patients cover medical bills, utilities

and housing costs while undergoing treatment.

Grimaldi saw first-hand how valuable the program can be for people. She hopes that this event will help those who don’t have the same support she received while battling pancreatic cancer.

“I love what Project Purple does, especially with its direct work with patients and the families,” said Grimaldi. “I know people who have struggled financially after that diagnosis… And I can’t imagine going through this alone or having the added stress of not being able to pay your bills.”

The Grimaldis invite you to celebrate Kasey’s victory, but also to help raise funds for a cause that is vital to cancer patients in the community. For more information on Project Purple, please visit projectpurple.org

Note: Maureen Lynch is the blogging intern for Project Purple.

Kasey Grimaldi, submitted photo

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Aging Mastery Program: Tuesdays, Sept. 12–Nov. 14, 10–11:30 a.m. This 10-session evidence-based program will help you build your own playbook for aging well. Learn healthy habits and practical tips for healthy aging. The program is designed for people age 55 and over to build resilience and enjoy longevity. Explore staying socially connected, community involvement, physical activity and daily movement, healthy eating and financial fitness and advanced planning. This course is typically $65 per person but we are offering it for free.

Hebron Harvest Fair: Friday, Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Crafts, food vendors, animals, special events, entertainment… it’s all at the Hebron Harvest Festival. Friday is Senior Day, anyone 65+ admission is free until 4 p.m. Ride the senior van for $10.

Dine and Drive: Cracker Barrel and Old Country Store: Friday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Enjoy a meal at this store and restaurant in East Windsor, with delicious southern homestyle food, including all day breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take time to shop throughout the country store, take a seat by the fire or play some checkers while you wait for your meal to arrive. Ride the senior van for $5.

Shopping: A Dong Supermarket: Monday, Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. This West Hartford store first opened its doors in 1989 with a goal to offer hard-to-find oriental grocery products. It has added many new products and services but have kept the family-owned mentality. This is a stop that our van driver Jim highly recommends! Ride the senior van for $5.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Coffee Hour with Congressman Larson: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 10–11 a.m. Congressman John Larson will discuss new benefits available to Medicare and Social Security recipients this year and his legislation, the Social Security 2100 Act, which will enhance benefits for the first time in more than 50 years and strengthen the program for years to come. Light refreshments will be provided. Free.

Tales from CT Aviation History: Friday, Sept. 8, 10–11 a.m. Enjoy hearing John Cilio tell some of the stories that unfolded in Connecticut’s rich and perpetual history of aviation. State inventors and entrepreneurs accomplished things many thought impossible across the last 17 decades, and helped pioneer early flight and motivated brave fliers to reach for the stars. Who knew that Connecticut, once the leader in U.S. stagecoach travel, would evolve to provide the global aviation community critical ingenuity, engines, instruments, and technologies? Learn a few stories about Connecticut’s aviation past. Free.

Visual Moments in Iceland: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2–3 p.m. Presented by George Fellner,

this photographic journey of Iceland explores visual moments that express the essential manifestation of place, culture and the natural world. The locale, sense of emotional response and experiencing of place are revealed through the images. In addition, samplings of history, technology, architecture and the humanities are articulated. The natural world forms the overall theme for the depicted scenes that encompass land, water, fire, and ice. Cost: $5.

Karaoke with Nick and Tim: Monday, Sept. 18, 2–3 p.m. Join Nick and Tim for some fun, bring a friend and your best singing voice! Free.

Tibetan Singing Bowls with Brian: Monday, Sept. 25, 2–3:30 p.m. Relax and listen to the beautiful sounds of Tibetan Singing Bowls. Soothing sounds help to reduce stress and to create a deep sense of peace and well-being. This ancient practice has been handed down from generation to generation by the Tibetan Buddhist monks. While chairs are plentiful, participants are also welcome to bring a yoga mat. Cost: $5.

Don’t Lose Your House: Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care: Friday, Sept. 29, 10–11 a.m. Connecticut’s long-term care costs are the second highest in the nation. You’ve likely heard horror stories of people losing their homes to pay for care. Attend this session with Attorney Lara Bomzer, from Czepiga Daly Pope and Perri Law Firm to learn how you can protect assets with a carefully-orchestrated plan. You’ll walk away understanding how you can properly protect your life savings. You’ll also learn about Medicaid and how it can help you pay for long-term care costs, Medicaid’s confusing rules, what it takes to apply, who can help you complete an application, and much more will be discussed. Plus, strategies to protect your money if an unforeseen crisis arises. Free.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

CRT Hot Lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. All participants are required to complete a one-time informational survey. A donation of $3 per meal is suggested to help cover costs; however, no one is denied a meal if unable to pay. Reservations are accepted until noon on Friday for the following week by calling 860-844-5350.

Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation. Free.

Cribbage: Fridays, 3–5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Join this lively group. Experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.

Set Back: Tuesdays, 1–3:30 p.m. Free.

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

If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352

Music Jam, Back in Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from the 60s–80s. Free.

Makers Club: Mondays, 10 a.m. Bring your latest project to work on and enjoy some great conversation. Free.

History Revisited: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor, has a way of bringing history to life. Join this informative and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Free.

Camera Club: Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. *Change of date due to holiday* The club is for photography enthusiasts. Each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10.

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Sept. 13 *Change of date due to holiday* Mark Williams, Ph.D., a Salmon Brook Historical Society historian, will discuss what’s going on at the Wilcox House. Breakfast is at 8:30 a.m. with the speaker at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Sept. 8, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Jerry Perkins will speak about John F. Kennedy. Cost: $5.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. by appointment only. Bev offers 15 minutes chair massages for $10. Must have a current Senior Center membership to participate. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Healthy Minds: By appointment only, call 860-844-5350. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be dauting to face alone.

Working with a Marriage and Family Therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life.

Footcare with Sarah: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. By appointment only.

Cost $35 not covered by insurance.

Hearing Screenings: Friday, Sept. 8, 9:30–11:30 a.m. by appointment only. Hearing Screenings with Nova Hearing. Free.

EXERCISE PROGRAMS

See current Center Life newsletter for all program costs.

Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Next session: Oct. 16–Nov. 27. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class will gently increase your strength, help you balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. Next session: Oct. 10–Nov. 28. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic Yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner.

Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Next session: Oct. 12–Nov. 30. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work.

Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays, 9–9:45 a.m. Next session: Oct. 4–Nov. 29.

Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. Beneficial to all skill levels.

Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Sept. 6–Oct. 25. Instructor Jim Gregory has been teaching dance full-time for 40 years. His expertise will have you learning the steps in no time and having a blast too. This class is for beginners to advanced dancers.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m. Next session: Oct. 5–Nov. 23. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Continuing the forms learned in previous sessions, this class will move on to learn Forms 9–12 of the Yang style Tai Chi. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups that are suitable for abilities. Experience in first eight forms required to participate.

Everybody’s Exercise with Mary Root: Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Sept. 7–Oct. 26. This exercise class is suitable for anyone and includes strength and weights, some cardio, balance, and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Instructor will personalize your routine based off current flexibility, strength, etc.

All About Balance: Thursdays, 2:45 p.m. Next session: Oct. 12–Nov. 16. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class focuses on strength for balance efficiency, such as squats, handheld weight maneuvers, and walking drills, as well as core conditioning.

Be on the lookout for Mary Ellen’s new class starting in October—Tai Chi Yang Style 24 Forms 1-5.

Misty sunrise

October 2023 deadlines

ADS: Monday, Sep. 11 at noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, please leave a message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org

ARTICLES: Monday, Sep. 18 at noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org

WORK DATES: Sep. 10-24 Call or email for times.

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

Paul McDonnell, of Granby, captured this photo at Salmon Brook Park on an early summer morning.

This Sweet Pea goat will be looking for YOU on September 16th!

Beth Reis Photography

Town of Granby Proposed Charter Revisions - 2023

The state mandates that each town reviews and updates its charter every 10 years. Granby started the review process in 2022, and on July 10, 2023, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) held a Public Hearing regarding the Draft Report of the proposed revisions. The BOS acted on the report at the July 17 meeting and returned its recommendations to the Charter Revision Commission.

Specifically, the BOS requested a review of sections 3-1(b) and whether ad-

Pronouns

Unless the context otherwise requires, pronouns of any gender shall include both the masculine and feminine gender, and the singular pronoun shall be deemed to include the plural.

CHAPTER 1 INCORPORATION AND GENERAL POWERS

Section 1-1

INCORPORATION. All the inhabitants dwelling within the territorial limits of the Town of Granby, as heretofore constituted, shall continue to be a body politic and corporate under the name of the “Town of Granby” Connecticut, hereinafter in this Charter called “the Town“, and as such shall have perpetual succession and may hold and exercise all powers and privileges herein conferred, and all powers and privileges conferred upon towns under the gGeneral sStatutes, of the State of Connecticut (the “General Statutes”)

Section 1-2

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. All property, both real and personal, all rights of action and rights of every description and all securities and liens in the Town as of the date this Charter shall take effect are continued. The Town shall continue to be liable for its debts and obligations. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the right of the Town to collect any assessment, charge, debt, or lien. If any contract has been entered into by the Town prior to the effective date of this Charter or any bond or undertaking has been given by or in favor of the Town which contains provisions that the same may be enforced by any office or agency therein named, which is hereby abolished, such contracts, bonds, or undertakings shall continue in full force and effect. The powers conferred and the duties imposed with reference to the same upon any such office or agency shall, except as otherwise provided in this Charter, thereafter be exercised and discharged by the Board of Selectmen of said Town.

Section 1-3

GENERAL GRANT OF POWERS. In addition to all powers granted to towns under the State of Connecticut cConstitution (the “Constitution”)and gGeneral sStatutes the Town shall have all powers specifically granted by this Charter and all powers fairly implied in or incident to the powers expressly granted and all other powers incident to the management of the property, government and affairs of the Town, including the power to enter into contracts with the United States or any federal agency, the State of Connecticut or any political subdivision thereof for services and the use of facilities, the exercise of which is not expressly forbidden by the cConstitution and the gGeneral sStatutes of the State of Connecticut.

CHAPTER 2 ELECTIONS

ditional consideration should be given to limit this section to municipal of fices; section 3-11(a) to align the Conflict-of-Interest section of the Town Charter with Connecticut General Statutes, the State Code of Ethics, and defining the term financial interest. Based on feedback from the Town Attorney, consideration was also given to removing the first sentence of section 11-3(c).

Based on the recommendations of the

(b) Regular Town elections shall take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each odd numbered year.

Section 2-2

MINORITY REPRESENTATION, ELECTIVE AGENCIES.

Minority representation on any elective board, committee, commission or similar body of the Town shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of section 9-167a of the gGeneral sStatutes except in the case of a five-member board, committee, commission or similar body where the maximum number of any such board, committee, commission or similar body from the same political party shall be three. The maximum number of any elective board, committee, commission or similar body who may be members of the same political party shall be as specified in the following table:

Column I Column II

BOS, the Charter Revision Commission concluded work on the second Draft Report and filed the report with the Town Clerk’s Office on Aug. 1.

On Aug. 7, the BOS unanimously accepted the report and approved placement of the following question on the Nov. 7 ballot: “Shall the Granby Town Charter be amended as recommended in the Final Draft Report of the Charter Revision Commission of

provided that when the person vacating the office shall have been elected as a member of a political party, such vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of a member of the same political party. If there is a biennial election before the expiration of the term of office of any person appointed to an elective office under the provisions of this section, such office shall be filled by the election of a person to fill that office for the unexpired portion of the term, such person to take office on the second Tuesday following the election. When a vacancy occurs in the office of the First Selectman or in the office of sSelectman, it shall be filled by the remaining members of the Board of Selectmen with a member of the same political party of the person who is being replaced. If the board cannot decide upon a person within thirty days of the occurrence of the vacancy, a special election shall be held as soon as possible in procedural accordance with state statutes and subject to the minority representation provisions of this Charter. Vacancies in the office of Registrar of Voters shall follow the provisions of section 9-192 of the gGeneral sStatutes where applicable.

CHAPTER 3 ELECTIVE OFFICERS

July 26, 2023, as approved by the Board of Selectmen?”

The following is a copy of the Draft Report from Chairman Edward Ohannessian which outlines the suggested revisions/recommendations to the Charter, as well as a red-line draft reflecting the proposed revisions.

You are encouraged to review the following pages and consider the recommendations in advance of voting on the referendum on Nov. 7.

to succeed each member whose terms shall expire. The election shall be conducted in accordance with section 9-204b of the gGeneral sStatutes, the provisions of which are incorporated into this Charter. At each election, each political party shall have the right to nominate as many persons as there are vacancies and each elector may vote for as many persons as there are vacancies.

Section 3-6

BOARD OF FINANCE. The Board of Finance shall consist of six members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election there shall be elected one member for a term of four years to succeed each member whose term shall expire.

Section 3-7

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS. The Board of Assessment Appeals shall consist of three members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election there shall be elected one member for a term of four years to succeed each member whose term shall expire.

Section 3-8

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.

Section 2-1

GENERAL.

(a) Nomination and election of state and federal officers, state senators and representatives, judge of probate and such elective Town officers, boards and commissions as are provided for in this Charter shall be conducted, and the Registrars of Voters shall prepare lists of electors qualified to vote therefore, in the manner prescribed in the cConstitution and the gGeneral Statutes and special laws of the state applicable to the Town, except as hereinafter provided.

More than 9 Two-thirds of total membership

Section 2-3

MUNICIPAL VOTING DISTRICTS. There shall be voting districts as the same existed on the effective date of this Charter, and the number of such districts shall not be increased or diminished, nor their boundaries altered, except by ordinance of the Board of Selectmen approved by a majority of the electors voting on a date established by the Board of Selectmen.

Section 2-4

ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE. No person who is not at the time of his their election or appointment a registered voterresident elector of the Town shall be eligible for election to any Town office, or appointment to any board or commission, and any person ceasing to be a resident electorregistered voter of said Town shall thereupon automatically cease to hold elective , or appointive board or commission, office in the Town.

Section 2-5

BREAKING A TIE. When any regular or special Town election conducted pursuant to the provisions of this Charter results in a tie, and all but one of the tied candidates shall not have voluntarily retired from the contest, a special election shall be conducted to determine who shall be elected. Said special election shall be held in accordance with Section 9-332 of the General Statutes by the Board of Selectmen on the seventh day after the election which resulted in a tie shall be confined to the tied candidates. Any voting machine, the returns from which are not subject to disagreement, may be unlocked and used in said special election. If voting machines are not available in sufficient number, paper ballots may be used in place of or in conjunction with voting machines.

Section 2-6

VACANCIES. Any vacancy in any elective Town office from whatever cause arising, except in the office of First Selectman or in the office of sSelectman or in the office of Registrar of Voters where governed by the gGeneral sStatutes, shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Selectmen for the unexpired portion of the term or until the next biennial election, whichever shall be sooner;

Section 3-1 GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, all elective Town officers, boards and commissions shall have the powers and duties prescribed by law.

(b) No individual can hold more than one elected Town position concurrently.

Section 3-2 TERMS OF OFFICE. The terms of office of all elective officers, board and commission members shall, except as otherwise provided in this Charter, commence on the second Tuesday following their election, and shall not expire before the election and qualification of their successors.

Section 3-3 REGISTRARS OF VOTERS. There shall be two Registrars of Voters to be elected in the state election for terms of four years as provided in sSection 9-189a as amended of the gGeneral sStatutes.

Section 3-4 BOARD OF SELECTMEN.

(a) At each biennial election there shall be elected a First Selectman or First Selectwoman and four other Selectmen or Selectwomen as members of the Board of Selectmen, all for terms of two years. The conduct of such election and the counting of votes as cast for both the office of First Selectman and selectman shall be governed by the gGeneral sStatutes except as otherwise specifically provided in this Charter.

(b) The counting of votes cast for the office of First Selectman shall be governed by the General Statutes Section 9-188, and votes cast for any unsuccessful candidate(s) for the office of First Selectman shall be counted as votes for them as a member of the Board of Selectmen.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of the As permitted by General Statutes Section 9-188, at each biennial election, each elector shall be entitled to cast votes equal to the number of seats on the Board of Selectmen.

Section 3-5 BOARD OF EDUCATION. The Board of Education shall consist of seven members. At each biennial election, there shall be elected one member for a term of four years

(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals shall consist of five members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election there shall be elected one member for a term of four years to succeed each member whose term shall expire.

(b) There shall also be a total of three alternate members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election there shall be elected one member for a term of four years to succeed each member whose term shall expire.

Section 3-9

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES. The panel of alternates of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall consist of three members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election there shall be elected one member for a term of four years to succeed each member whose term shall expire.

Section 3-109 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of seven members each of whom is elected for a term of four years. There shall also be a total of two alternate members who shall be elected. Initially, one alternate mameber shall be elected for a term of two years and the other alternate member shall be elected for a term of four years. At each biennial election thereafter, there shall be elected one member and one alternate member for a term of four years to succeed each member and each alternate member whose term shall expire.

Section 3-1110

TOWN MODERATOR. At each biennial election, there shall be elected a Town Moderator for a term of two years. The Town Moderator shall preside at all Town meetings and shall work with the Board of Selectmen to promote citizen attendance and participation at Town meetings. In the absence of the elected Town Moderator, the Town meeting shall be called to order and be conducted by the First Selectman or First Selectwoman or histheir representative.

Section 3-1211

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POSITION OF PROFIT. No elected or appointed Town official shall, while in office, derive direct financial benefit as a result of any contract, decision or action by any board

or position.

(a) Any elected or appointed Town officer, official including any member of any Town board or commission, and any Town employee who has a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract, transaction or decision of any agency, agent, officer, board or commission of the Town, to which the Town is a party, shall as soon as such financial interests shall appear to them disclose the nature and extent of that interest in writing to the Board of Selectmen which shall record such disclosure upon the official record in the office of the Town Clerk Any such person does not have a financial interest that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of that person’s duties in the public interest, and of the person’s responsibilities as prescribed by the this charter and the laws of this state, if any benefit or detriment accrues to the person, (including the person’s spouse or dependent child, or a business with which they, their spouse or such dependent child is associated with as a member of a profession, occupation or group) to no greater extent than to any other member of such profession, occupation or group.

(b) Except as noted in Section 7-12, no elected town official may be appointed to or hired for any paid position with the town or may enter into any contract with the town for a period of one year six (6) months following histheir last day in office. The restrictions outlined herein are subject to the provisions of section 7-421 of the gGeneral sStatutes.

CHAPTER 4

THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Section 4-1

THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN. There shall be a Board of Selectmen as provided in chapter 3, Section 3-4 of this Charter.

Section 4-2

THE FIRST SELECTMAN or SELECT-

copies of such code, rules and regulations in the office of the Town Clerk for examination by the public. The Board of Selectmen may contract for service and the use of facilities of the United States or any federal agency, the State of Connecticut and any political subdivision thereof, or may, by agreement, join with such political subdivisions to provide services and facilities. The Board of Selectmen shall consider and endorse a plan of conservation and development in accordance with gGeneral sStatutes.

Section 4-4

PROCEDURE. The Board of Selectmen shall fix the time and place of its regular meetings and provide a method for the calling of special meetings. It shall determine its own rules of procedure. Three members shall constitute a quorum; however, no motion, ordinance, resolution or otherwise, except to adjourn or to fix the time and place of its meeting, shall be adopted by less than three affirmative votes.

Section 4-5

it from all appointed boards and commissions. At any such meeting the electors and taxpayers of the Town public may submit suggestions and comments for consideration by the appropriate official, board, commission or committee.

CHAPTER 5 BOARD OF FINANCE

Section 5-1

BOARD OF FINANCE. There shall be a Board of Finance as provided in Section 3-6 and whose members shall be subject to Section 3-112 of this Charter

Section 5-2

GENERAL DUTIES. The Board of Finance shall have such duties with respect to finance and taxation as are set forth in the gGeneral sStatutes except as provided in this Charter.

Section 5-3

Section 6-5 VACANCIES. Any vacancy in any appointive Town office, board, or commission, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled by appointment by the appointing authority to such office for the unexpired portion of the term vacated.

Section 6-6 TOWN ATTORNEY.

WOMAN

The First Selectman or First Selectwoman shall be chairman of the Board of Selectmen and shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Selectmen, and He shall be an ex-officio member, without vote, of all other Town boards, commissions and committees. He The First Selectman or First Selectwoman shall be the official head of the Town for all ceremonial and military purposes

In the absence of the Town Manager, the First Selectman or First Selectwoman shall exercise the authority and perform all the duties of the Town Manager for a period not to exceed 90 one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Charter. During his the absence or disability of the First Selectman or First Selectwoman his their duties shall be performed by another member of the Board of Selectmen chosen by the members of such board, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Charter.

Section 4-3

BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. Except asotherwise provided in this Charter, the Board of Selectmen shall have the powers and duties conferred by the general and special laws of the state upon the Board of Selectmen of the Town. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the legislative power of the Town shall be vested in the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall have the power to enact, amend or repeal ordinances and resolutions not inconsistent with this Charter or the gGeneral sStatutes of the state providing for the preservation of good order, peace, health and safety of the Town and its inhabitants; create or abolish by ordinance boards, commissions, departments or offices except those provided for in this Charter; and establish by resolution such study, advisory or consulting committees as the Board may determine to be necessary or appropriate for the general welfare of the Town. The Board of Selectmen is authorized in adopting ordinances to incorporate any nationally recognized code, rules and regulations that have been printed in book form, or any code officially adopted by any administrative agency of the state, or any portion thereof, by reference thereto in such ordinance; provided, upon adoption of any such ordinance wherein any such code, rules and regulations or portions thereof have been incorporated by reference, there shall be maintained two

PUBLIC HEARING ON ORDINANCES. At least one public hearing, ten day notice of which shall be given by publication in a newspaper having a circulation in the Town, or as otherwise provided for in the General Statutes, and by posting in a public place or places as the Board of Selectmen shall prescribe, shall be held by the Board of Selectmen before any ordinance shall be passed. The passage of such ordinance shall be advertised in one or more newspapers having a circulation in the Town and shall not become effective until twenty days after such publication; provided, an ordinance stated to be a public emergency measure and stating the facts constituting such public emergency shall become effective immediately after publication and no public hearing or notice of public hearing shall be required for any public emergency ordinance. Every public emergency ordinance including any amendments thereto, shall automatically stand repealed at the termination of the sixty-first day following final passage of such ordinance. All ordinances shall be filed with the Town Clerk and recorded, compiled and published by the Town Clerk as required by law.

Section 4-6

PETITION FOR OVERRULE OF ACTION

BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN.

Ordinances, resolutions or votes of the Board of Selectmen shall be subject to overrule in accordance with the provisions of this section. However, this Section 4-6 shall not apply to emergency ordinances, actions making appointments or removals, or regulating exclusively the internal procedure of the Board of Selectmen.

(b) If within forty-five days after the publication of any ordinance, resolution or vote, a petition signed by not less than ten percent of the electors of the Town, as determined from the latest election official lists of the registrars of voters, is filed with the Town Clerk requesting its reference to a special Town meeting, the effective date of such ordinance, resolution or vote shall be suspended and the Board of Selectmen shall fix the time and place of such meeting, which shall be held within twenty days, after the filing of the petition, and notice thereof shall be given in the manner provided by the gGeneral sStatutesfor the calling of a special Town meeting.

(c) A machine vote for a yes or no vote shall be held on the sole question of overriding any Anordinance, resolution or vote so referred seven days from the close of the special Town meeting. If that day is a holiday, then the vote shall be held on the next day. Absentee ballots for the machine vote shall be available at the office of the Town Clerk. shall take effect upon the conclusion of such meeting unless at least 100 voters constituting a majority of those voting shall have voted in favor of overruling. The ordinance, resolution or vote shall not take effect if overruled by a majority of those voting, otherwise, said ordinance, resolution, or vote, shall take effect upon certification of the machine vote.

Section 4-7 COORDINATION. The Board of Selectmen may, at its discretion, convene any or all Town officials, boards, commissions or committees to review, plan or coordinate activities and operations of Town government, and may require reports to be submitted to

ANNUAL AUDIT. The Board of Finance shall annually designate an independent certified public accountant or firm of independent public accountants to audit the books and accounts of the Town as provided in the gGeneral sStatutes.

CHAPTER 6 APPOINTIVE OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Section 6-1

GENERAL. The Board of Selectmen by majority vote shall appoint by resolution the following Town officers: a Town Manager, a Town attorney and a treasurer. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint by ordinance such other Town officers, boards and commissions as it may determine are necessary or appropriate for the general welfare of the Town and not otherwise specifically provided for in this Charter. It may also appoint by resolution such committees as it may determine are necessary or appropriate for the general welfare of the Town.

Section 6-2 TERMS OF OFFICE. All officers appointed by the Board of Selectmen, except the Town Manager, shall take office on the second Monday of January, following the Town election and shall serve such terms as are hereinafter set forth and until their respective successors shall have been appointed and shall have qualified. It is the intention of this section to permit the Board of Selectmen to provide that the terms of appointed officers other than the Town Manager shall uniformly begin and expire at noon on the second Monday in January in the even numbered years. The Town Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Members of any board or commission appointed by the Board of Selectmen shall serve such terms as are provided by ordinance of the Board of Selectmen.

Section 6-3 GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, all appointed officials, boards and commissions shall have all the powers and duties prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 6-4 MINORITY REPRESENTATION, APPOINTIVE AGENCIES. Minority representation on any board, commission, committee or similar body of the Town appointed by the Board of Selectmen shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of section 9-167a of the gGeneral sStatutes as amended except in the case of a five-member board, committee, commission or similar body where the maximum number of any such board, committee, commission or similar body from the same political party shall be three. As provided in said section, the maximum number of any such board, commission, committee or similar body who may be members of the same political party shall be as specified in the following table:

Column I Column II

Total Membership Maximum from One Party

(a) The Town attorney shall be an individual attorney admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut or a law firm so engaged with principals who are admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut. at law admitted to practice law in this state. He The Town Attorney shall appear for and protect the rights of the Town in all actions, suits or proceedings brought by or against it or any of its officers or agencies. HeThe Town Attorney shall be the legal advisor to all Town officers or agencies in all matters affecting the Town and shall upon written request furnish them with a written opinion on any question of law involving their respective powers and duties. Upon request hethe Town Attorney shall prepare or approve forms of contracts or other instruments to which the Town is a party or in which it has an interest. HeThe Town Attorney shall have the power, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to compromise and settle any claims by or against the Town and to appeal from orders, decisions and judgments.

(b) The Board of Selectmen shall have the right to select special legal counsel authorized to practice law in the State of Connecticut when warranted and approved by the Board of Selectmen.

Section 6-7

COMBINED FUNCTIONS AND POSITIONS. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Board of Selectmen in filling appointive positions may, by majority vote, combine functions and positions not contrary to the General Statutes, this Charter, or any ordinances

Section 6-8

TREASURER. Duties of the treasurer shall be as provided in section 7-80 of the gGeneral sStatutes

CHAPTER 7

TOWN MANAGER

Section 7-1

APPOINTMENT. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint for an indefinite term, and may remove, a Town Manager, who shall be the chief executive officer and shall be chosen exclusively on the basis of histheir administrative qualifications, character and experience. The Town Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Selectmen.The Board of Selectmen may appoint an interim Town Manager for a period not to exceedone year during the absence, disability or resignation of the manager. The compensation for the interim Town Manager shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen. The provisions of Section 3-12 of this Charter notwithstanding, the interim Town ManaSger may be a Town official or a former official whose last day in office was less than one year ago. A Town official shall resign or take a leave of absence from any Town office heldbefore appointment as interim Town Manager.

Section 7-2

VACANCY OR DISABILITY IN THE OFFICE OF TOWN MANAGER.

(a) Whenever the position of Town Manager is vacant due to removal, death, resignation, absence, or disability of the Town Manager, the First Selectman or First Selectwoman, in addition to their other duties as First Selectman or First Selectwoman, shall exercise the authority and perform all the duties of the Town Manager as First Selectman or First Selectwoman for up to one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days from the time of the vacancy. The First Selectman’s or First Selectwoman’s exercise of authority as Town Manager shall cease once a Town Manager or interim Town Manager is appointed and assumes office, or any absence or disability ceases.

(b) The Board of Selectmen may appoint an

interim Town Manager for a period not to exceed one year during a vacancy in the office of Town Manager due to the removal, death, absence, disability or resignation of the Town Manager. The compensation for the interim Town Manager shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen.

(c) The provisions of Section 3-11 of this Charter notwithstanding, the interim Town Manager may be a Town official, or a former official whose last day in office was less than six (6) months ago, or any person holding an elective Town position. A Town official shall resign or take a leave of absence from any Town office held before appointment as interim Town Manager, and any person holding an elective Town position shall resign and said vacancy filled as provided for in this Charter.

Section 7-32

DUTIES OF TOWN MANAGER. The Town Manager shall be directly responsible to the Board of Selectmen for the administration of all offices and agencies and in charge of persons appointed by himthe Town Manager and shall supervise and direct the same. He The Town Manager shall be the purchasing agent of the Town subject to such rules and regulations as shall be prescribed by the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager shall keep full and complete records of the doings of histheir office and it shall be histhe Town Manager’s duty to make periodic reports to the Board of Selectmen and to attend its meetings with full right of participation in its discussions; to prepare and cause to be published, as soon as possible after the close of the fiscal year, an annual Town report; to recommend to the Board of Selectmen such measures as hethe Town Manager shall deem necessary or expedient; to keep or cause to be kept complete books of account showing the financial condition and financial transactions of the Town, including accounts of all funds and appropriations, and such other accounts and records, not specifically required by law to be kept by other officers, as may be prescribed by the Board of Selectmen; to purchase all supplies, materials, equipment and other commodities required by any office or agency of the Town except the Board of Education; to keep the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance fully advised as to the financial condition of the Town; to prepare and submit to the Board of Selectmen an annual budget and to exercise such other powers and duties as may be imposed on himthem by the Board of Selectmen. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, neither the Town meeting nor the Board of Selectmen shall diminish by ordinance, vote or otherwise the powers and duties of the Town Manager, except those powers and duties imposed on himthem by direction of the Board of Selectmen under the provisions of this section. The Town Manager shall exercise the authority and perform all the duties of Town Manager, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Charter.

Section 7-34

APPOINTMENTS. With the approval of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager may appoint, and may remove, a Town Clerk, Cchief of Ppolice, a tax collector, an assessor, who shall be duly qualified, a director of health, in accordance with section 19a-200 of the gGeneral sStatutes, a fire marshal and such other administrative officials or committees as may be necessary or proper for the general welfare of the Town The Board of Selectmen may vest the appointment of any or all of such positions, officials or committees, as they deem proper, in the Town Manager alone The Town Manager may, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, perform the duties of any appointive office provided the same is not inconsistent with law. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Town Manager, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, may, in filling appointive positions, combine functions and positions.

Section 7-54

DUTIES OF OFFICERS APPOINTED BY THE TOWN MANAGER. Except asotherwise specifically provided in this Charter, the duties of the officers appointed by the Town Manager shall be those prescribed for such officers by the gGeneral sStatutes as amended and the ordinances of the Town. If the duties and responsibilities of an officer of the Town are not set forth in the gGeneral

sStatutes or ordinances of the Town, then the Town Manager, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of such office.

CHAPTER 8 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

Section 8-1

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES. Except as otherwise provided in this Charter, the Town Manager shall be directly responsible to the Board of Selectmen for the administration of finance, public works, welfare, health, public safety, and such other offices and agencies as the Board of Selectmen may direct. Boards, commissions, appointed officials, and officers appointed by the Board of Selectmen shall have the powers and duties prescribed by the gGeneral sStatutes and by ordinance of the Board of Selectmen.

Section 8-2

POLICE DEPARTMENT.

(a) The police department shall be responsible for the preservation of the public peace, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, regulation of traffic, protection of rights of persons and property and enforcement of laws of the state and the ordinances of the Town and all rules and regulations made in accordance therewith. All members of the department shall have the same powers and duties with respect to the service of criminal process and enforcement of criminal laws as are vested in police officers by the gGeneral sStatutes as amended.

(b) Chief of Police: Appointments, Powers and Duties. With the approval of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager shall appoint and may remove, subject to the provisions of section 7-278 of the gGeneral sStatutes, a Town Cchief of Ppolice who shall hire and may remove, subject to such rules and regulations as may be adopted pursuant to the merit system provisions of Chapter 9 of this Charter, all other officers and employees of the department. The Chief of Police chief of police shall hire and may remove an animal control officer. The Cchief of Ppolice shall assign all members of the department, including an animal control officer, to their respective posts, shifts, details and duties. He The Cchief of Police shall make rules and regulations concerning operation of the department and the conduct of all officers and employees thereof, Heand shall be responsible for the efficiency, discipline and good conduct of the department and for the care and custody of all property used by the department. Disobedience to the lawful orders, rules and regulations of the Cchief shall be grounds for dismissal or for other appropriate disciplinary action. The Cchief of Ppolice shall have the power to suspend any member of the department for cause but such suspension shall not continue for more than twenty four hours unless within that time he the Cchief of Police shall notify the Town Manager in writing of such action, the grounds of such suspension, and the names of witnesses to sustain such charges. Unless otherwise provided by ordinance of the Board of Selectmen, the determination as to the continuance of the suspension shall be made by the Town Manager.

CHAPTER 9 MERIT SYSTEM

of the minimum qualifications for such positions. These statements shall comprise the classification plan of the Town, which shall become effective upon approval by resolution of the Board of Selectmen and which may be amended upon recommendation of the Town Manager, by resolution of the Board of Selectmen. New or additional positions in the classified service may be created and changes in the duties and responsibilities of existing positions may be made by resolution upon the recommendation of the Town Manager. The Town Manager shall also cause to have prepared a set of personnel rules which shall provide, among other things, for the method of holding competitive examinations, administration of the classification plan, probationary periods of employment, hours of work, vacations, sick leaves and other leaves of absence, removals, and such other rules as may be necessary to provide an adequate and systematic procedure for the handling of the personnel affairs of the Town. Any person holding a classified service position shall thereafter be subject in all other respects to the provisions of this Charter.

Section 9-3

POLITICAL ACTIVITY. As per the General Statutes including Section 7-421:

(a) No person employed in the classified civil service may (1) use histheir official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or a nomination for office; (2) directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command or advise a state or local officer or employee to pay, lend or contribute anything of value to a party, committee, organization, agency or person for political purposes.

(b) A person employed in said classified service retains the right to vote as he they choose and to express histheir opinions on political subjects and candidates and shall be free to participate in political management and campaigns. Such activity may include, but shall not be limited to, membership and holding of office in a political party, organization or club, campaigning for a candidate in a partisan election by making speeches, writing on behalf of the candidate or soliciting votes in support of or in opposition to a candidate and making contributions of time and money to political parties, committees or other agencies engaged in political action, except that no classified employee shall engage in such activity while on duty or within any period of time during which such employee is expected to perform services for which he that employee receives compensation from the Town, and no such employee shall utilize Town funds, supplies, vehicles or facilities to secure support for or oppose any candidate, party, or issue in a political partisan election.

Section 9-4

RETIREMENT OF TOWN EMPLOYEES.

Education, shall, on or before March l0th, file with the Town Manager on forms provided by himthem a detailed estimate of the expenditures to be made by histheir office or agency and the revenue, other than tax revenues, to be collected thereby in the ensuing fiscal year. Such estimates shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth, in narrative or such other form as the Town Manager may prescribe, a program or programs showing services, activities and work accomplished during the current year and to be accomplished during the ensuing year. The fiscal year shall be the twelve-month period commencing on July 1st

Section 10-2

DUTIES OF THE TOWN MANAGER ON BUDGET. On or before the third Monday in March the Town Manager shall present to the Board of Selectmen a budget consisting of:

(a) A statement outlining the important features of the proposed budget plan;

(b) Estimates of revenue, presenting in parallel columns the itemized receipts collected in the last completed fiscal year, the receipts collected during the current fiscal year to the time of preparing the estimates, the receipts estimated to be collected during the current fiscal year, and estimates of the receipts, other than from the property tax, to be collected in the ensuing fiscal year;

(c) Itemized expenditures for each office or agency for the last fiscal year and actual expenditures for the current fiscal year to the time of preparing the estimates, total expenditures as estimated for the current fiscal year, the requests of the several offices and agencies for the ensuing fiscal year and the Town Manager’s recommendations for the ensuing fiscal year for all items. The Town Manager shall present reasons for all of his the Town Manager’s recommendations;

(d) As a part of the annual budget or as a separate report attached thereto, the Town Manager shall present a program concerning proposed Town capital improvement projects (municipal and school) for the ensuing fiscal year and for the four fiscal years thereafter. The Town Manager shall recommend to the Board of Selectmen those projects to be undertaken during the ensuing fiscal years and a method of financing the same. The proposed municipal and school capital projects shall be analyzed jointly by the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education or representatives thereof and other appropriate officials to evaluate for timing and budget impact of the proposed projects.

Section 10-3

DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ON BUDGET. On or before the first Monday in April, the Board of Selectmen shall present to the Board of Finance the completed budget as prepared by the Town Manager and such alternatives or changes, as it deems necessary.

Section 9-1

MERIT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED. All officers and employees in the classified service of the Town as described in Section 9-2 shall be hired on the basis of merit and in conformity with recognized principles of public personnel administration.

Section 9-2

THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE. The classified service shall include all positions now or hereafter created except the following: elective officers and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective offices; members of boards and commissions and other officers appointed by the Board of Selectmen; employees of the Board of Education; persons employed in a professional capacity to make or conduct temporary and special inquiry, study or investigation; and persons employed for a temporary period not exceeding ninety (90) days three months It shall be the duty of the Town Manager to cause to be prepared a statement0 of the duties and responsibilities of each position in the classified service and

The Board of Selectmen may provide by ordinance a system of retirement allowances for the Town’s regular full-time paid employees and for contribution by employees and the Town to a fund from which such allowances shall be paid, and the Board of Selectmen may authorize the transfer of the management and investment of the Town’s pension funds to any fiduciary institution chartered or licensed to operate in the State of Connecticut. The Town may enter into a contract with any insurance company authorized to do business in this state for the purpose of insuring the whole or any part of its retirement plan, may elect to participate in the Connecticut Municipal Employees’ Retirement Fund, or elect to participate in the old-age and survivors insurance system under Title II of the Social Security Act, in accordance with the provisions of part II of chapter 113 of the gGeneral sStatutes as amended, or may elect any combination thereof. The Board of Selectmen may by ordinance provide for employee retirement.

CHAPTER 10 FINANCE AND TAXATION

Section 10-1

PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATES. It shall be the duty of the Town Manager to compile preliminary estimates for the annual budget. The head of each office or agency of the Town supported wholly or in part from Town funds, or for which a specific Town appropriation is made, except the Board of

Section 10-4

DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON BUDGET. On or before the first Monday in April, the Board of Education shall submit to the Board of Finance its estimates of receipts and expenditures for the coming fiscal year. Such estimates shall be in the form prescribed by the state board of education, plus such amplification as may be required by the Board of Finance.

Section 10-5

ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS.

(a) ALL APPROPRIATIONS. All appropriations, except for self funded accounts which do not involve Town funding, shall be approved by the Board of Finance through the procedures set forth in Sections 10-5 and 10-6 of this Charter, and all accounts shall be audited annually in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(b) HEARING - ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET. The Board of Finance shall hold a public hearing on the a Monday, on or before the second Monday in April, and if it deems necessary, on the next succeeding day atSuch public hearing shall be held in accordance with the General Statutes regarding the budget proposed for the ensuing fiscal year. Following the receipt of the estimates from the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education and prior to the public hearing or hearings required by this section, the Board of Finance may make such revisions in the budget estimates as it deems desirable. Following

the public hearing or hearings, the Board of Finance may again make such revisions in the budget estimates, as it deems desirable and shall recommend such revised budget to the Town to be voted on in accordance with Section (c) of this Section 10-5. Copies of the proposed annual budget shall be made available for general distribution in the office of the Town Manager, the Granby Public Library(s), the Cossitt Library and the Police Department and other locations and media as deemed appropriate by the Board of Selectmen by Thursday noon prior to the public hearing or hearings. Copies of any revisions in the budget recommended by the Board of Finance following the public hearing, together with copies of the original proposed annual budget, shall likewise be available for general distribution at the same locations and other locations and media as deemed appropriate by the Board of Selectmen by Thursday noon prior to the Monday preceding the day of the budget vote. third Monday in April.

(c) MACHINE VOTE. A machine vote shall be held on the proposed annual Town budget on the the second Monday after conclusion of the public hearing on the budget, fourth Monday in April for eligible Town voters as per section 7-6 of the General Statutes. Absentee ballots for the machine vote shall be available at the office of the Town Clerk. The budget shall be adopted if approved by a majority of those voting. If the machine vote fails to adopt the budget a hearing shall be held on the succeeding Monday for informational purposes with a machine vote the following Monday, and the process shall continue in like manner until a budget is adopted. If the hearing or machine vote is continued to the last Monday in May and such Monday is a holiday, said hearing or machine vote shall be held the next day.

(d) BOARD OF FINANCE ACTION. During the period between machine votes, the Board of Finance may revise the proposed budget to be submitted for the next machine vote. Summaries of the revised proposed budget shall be available before the next machine vote.

If the budget is not adopted by June 15th, the Board of Finance shall appropriate sufficient funds pending the adoption of the budget to meet continuing salary schedules and contractual obligations, at budget levels and obligations then in effect and may authorize borrowing, which may be necessary to fund the appropriation.

(e)

BUDGET FORMAT AND PROCEDURE.

The budget adopted by machine vote need not include all items of expense as required in the budget document by Section 10-2. An official copy of the budget resolution as finally adopted shall be filed by the Board of Finance with the Town Clerk within one week following adoption. Within ten days after adoption of the budget resolution the Board of Finance shall fix the tax rate in mills, which shall be levied on the taxable property in the Town for the ensuing fiscal year.

(f) CAPITAL FUND AND APPROPRIATIONS.

If recommended by the Board of Selectmen and incorporated as a part of the proposed budget of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 108 of the gGeneral sStatutes as amended, may levy annually a tax not to exceed two mills as provided in said chapter 108 for a capital and non-recurring expenditure fund. Upon recommendation by the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance shall have the power to transfer from time to time to this fund any portion of the general fund cash surplus not otherwise appropriated or encumbered.

Appropriations for construction or other permanent improvements, from whatever source derived, shall not lapse until the purpose for which the appropriation was made shall have been accomplished or abandoned as stated by resolution by the Board of Selectmen, provided that any such project shall be deemed to have been abandoned if three fiscal years shall elapse without any addition to, or expenditure from, or encumbrance of the appropriation therefore.

Section 10-6

EXPENDITURES AND ACCOUNTING.

(a) No purchase shall be made by the Town other than the Board of Education, except

through the Town Manager and such purchases shall be made under such rules and regulations as may be established by ordinance by the Board of Selectmen.

(b) No voucher, claim or charge against the Town other than the Board of Education shall be paid until the same has been audited by the Town Manager and approved by himthem as being correct and proper. Checks shall be drawn on the Town by the Town Manager for the payment of approved claims, which shall be valid only when countersigned by the treasurer. In the absence or inability to act of either the Town Manager or the treasurer with respect to the above duty, the First Selectman is authorized to substitute temporarily for either but not both of them.

(c) Any person receiving or holding funds of the Town shall pay same over to the Town treasurer in the time and manner prescribed by the Town Manager.

(d) No person shall involve the town in any obligation to spend money for any purpose in excess of the amount appropriated.

(e) Subject to the provisions of Section 113(a), additional appropriations over and above the total budget may be approved from time to time by the Board of Finance by resolution, upon recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, for items other than Board of Education requests. In the case of requests of the Board of Education, the Board of Selectmen shall have the right to comment prior to action by the Board of Finance. Certification from the Town Manager that there is available an unappropriated and unencumbered general cash surplus to meet such appropriations shall be required before approval by the Board of Finance. The sum of all appropriations made under this subsection during the same fiscal year shall not exceed one and one-half percent of the current tax levy. In calculating the sum of all such additional appropriations during the same fiscal year, appropriations of the following legally committed amounts shall exclude: insurance reimbursements; gifts and bequests to the Town for a designated purpose; state, federal or private grants or state or federal reimbursements, requiring no obligation for additional or future expenditure by the Town.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing and the provisions of Chapter 11, upon a declaration of an emergency by the Town Manager and upon a resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Selectmen that an emergency situation confronts the Town where prompt action is necessary to avoid serious harm to the Town or its property or its inhabitants, the Board of Finance, by a two-thirds vote, may make an emergency appropriation of up to three (3) percent of the current tax levy without the necessity of a Town meeting. Certification from the Town Manager that there is available an unappropriated and unencumbered general cash surplus to meet such an appropriation shall be required before approval by the Board of Finance.

(g) Upon request transmitted by the Town Manager and approved by the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance by resolution, may transfer any unexpended and unencumbered appropriation, balance or portion thereof from one department, office or agency of the Town, except the Board of Education, to another. No transfer shall be made from any appropriation for debt service and other statutory charges.

(h) Except for appropriations for capital improvements subject to the provisions of Section 10-5 of this chapter, all appropriations shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year to the extent that they shall not have been expended or encumbered.

(i) Every payment made in violation of the provisions of this Charter shall be deemed illegal and every official authorizing or making such payment or any part thereof resulting in loss to the Town shall be jointly and severally liable to the Town for the full amount so paid or received. If any appointive officer or employee of the Town shall knowingly incur any obligation or shall authorize or make any expenditure in violation of this Charter or take any part therein, such action shall be cause for histheir removal.

Section 10-7

BORROWING. The Town shall have the pow-

er to incur indebtedness by issuing its bonds or notes as provided by the gGeneral sStatutes.

CHAPTER 11 THE TOWN MEETINGS

Section 11-1

SPECIAL TOWN MEETINGS. Special Town meetings shall be called by the Board of Selectmen only as provided by the terms of this Charter and in the manner provided by the gGeneral sStatutes.

Section 11-2

PROCEDURE. All Town meetings shall be called to order and conducted by the Town Moderator and all business conducted in the manner provided by the gGeneral sStatutes, except as otherwise provided in this Charter. In the absence of the elected Town Moderator, the Town mMeeting shall be called to order and conducted by the First Selectman or First Selectwoman or histheir representative. The Town Clerk shall serve as clerk of all Town mMeetings but in the Town Clerk’s absence a Town staff employee may be designated by the meeting moderator to fulfill the Town Clerk’s responsibilities at the meeting.

Section 11-3

WHEN A TOWN MEETING IS REQUIRED.

(a) A Town mMeeting must be held for: (1) any resolution, except for an emergency appropriation provided for by Section 10-6(f), making an appropriation in excess of the amounts specified in Section 10-6(e) but less than 3 percent of the Grand current Tax Levy for any purpose; (2) any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes or other borrowing of less than 3 percent of the Grand current Tax Levy; (3) any sale of real estate in fee simple of the Town used or reserved for Town purposes; and (4) any purchase of real estate in fee simple over the cost of $100,000. The action as to items (1) through (4) shall become effective only after it has been approved by the Board of Finance and adoptedsubmitted at a Town mMeeting to those eligible to vote as per section 7-6 of the General Statutes at such meeting, and adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting at such meeting.

(b) The Board of Selectmen may at its discretion require any proposal it deems of sufficient importance to be submitted to those eligible to vote as per section 7-6 of the General Statutesentitled to vote by law at a Town mMeeting called for such purpose and such proposal shall become effective only after it has been approved by a majority of those voting at such meeting.

(c) Any sale of real estate in fee simple of the Town or used or reserved for Town purposes and, a After approval by the Board of Finance, any resolution appropriating 3 percent of the Grandcurrent Tax Levy or more, with the exception of the annual budget, and any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes of 3 percent of the Grandcurrent Tax Levy or more, shall be placed on the call of a Town mMeeting; and after completion of other business and after reasonable discussion on such resolution, the moderator of said meeting shall recess the meeting, and such resolution shall become effective only after it has been submitted to the persons eligible to vote as per section 7-6 of the General Statutes for a referendaqualified to vote in at such Town mMeeting on the seventh day thereafter for a “yes” or “no” vote between the hours established for referenda in accordance with the gGeneral sStatutes as amended. Absentee ballots for the vote shall be available at the office of the Town Clerk. The form of voting may be by voting machine or paper ballot at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen. The voting machine ballot labels shall be approved by the Town Clerk. Such ordinance or resolution shall, if approved by a majority voting thereon, become effective without adoption at a Town Meeting.

Section 11-4 ACTIONS BY A TOWN MEETING. The Town mMeeting shall not act upon any proposal for the sale or purchase of real estate or the issuance of bonds or other borrowing, except upon the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, nor act upon any appropriation which has not been acted upon by the Board of Selectmen unless the same shall have

been before the Board of Selectmen for sixty (60) days without action.

CHAPTER 12 TRANSITION AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 12-1

REMOVALS.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Charter and as provided by the provisions of section 7-278 of the gGeneral sStatutes as amended, any appointive officer or employee or appointive member of a board or commission may be removed by the authority which appointed himthem, provided hesuch person shall first be given notice in writing of histheir removal. Said officer, employee or board or commission member shall, upon written request to the appointing authority within ten days from the date of receipt of this removal notice, be immediately given notice in writing of the specific grounds of removal. Thereafter, if requested either in the request for specific grounds or in a subsequent written request submitted to the appointing authority within five days from the receipt of such specific grounds said officer, employee or board member shall be given written notice from the appointing authority setting forth the time and place of an opportunity to be heard in his that person’s own defense, personally and/ or by counsel, at a public hearing before the appointing authority, to be held not less than five nor more than twenty days after receipt of such request for hearing. With the exception of the initial notice of removal, the Board of Selectmen shall act for and in the place of the Town Manager, the chief of police, or any other appointing authority as to each and every request, notice and hearing provided for hereunder.

(b) No employee of the Board of Education, below the rank of superintendent or supervising agent, who holds a regular certificate of qualification issued by the state board of education shall be removed except in accordance with the gGeneral sStatutes of Connecticut.

Section 12-2

EXISTING LAWS AND ORDINANCES. All ordinances and bylaws of the Town shall continue in all force and effect, except as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter. All special acts or parts of special acts relating to the Town are repealed with the exception of those not inconsistent with provisions of this Charter.

Section 12-3

OFFICIALS’ BONDS. Authority is given for the purchase of a blanket bond conditioned upon honesty and/or faithful performance of official duties of those officials required by the Board of Selectmen to post a surety company bond. Premiums for any officials’ bonds shall be paid by the Town.

Section 12-4

AMENDMENT OF THIS CHARTER. This Charter may be amended in the manner prescribed by the gGeneral sStatutes. The Board of Selectmen shall review the provisions of this Charter from time to time as it deems such review to be in the best interest of the Town, said review to be published as part of the annual Town report. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a commission not later than ten years from the effective date of this Charter to review, and propose amendment to or revision of this Charter in the manner prescribed by the gGeneral sStatutes.

Section 12-5

SAVING CLAUSE. If any section of this Charter shall be held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidation shall not affect the remainder of this Charter nor the context in which such section so held invalid may appear, except to the extent that an entire section or part of section may be inseparably connected in meaning and effect with the section or part of section to which such invalidation shall directly apply.

Section 12-6

This amended Charter shall become effective immediately upon ratification by the electors of the Town on November 6 7, 201223 in the manner prescribed by section 7- 191 of the gGeneral sStatutes.