Granby Drummer | Feburary 2023

Granby Center Project Update

As we see continued progress on the Granby Center intersection project, I thought it would be helpful to provide information about the project and what you can expect for the upcoming construction season.

About town

with EricA robErtson Town Manager

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is overseeing the Granby Center Major Intersection Improvements project. The project includes widening Route 10/202/189 to provide 11-foot travel lanes with four-foot shoulders.

This allows for dedicated left-turn lanes in certain locations, combined through/right-turn lanes and right-turn lanes. The plan includes a dedicated left turn lane from North Granby Road onto Salmon Brook Street north, resolving a long-standing issue for traveling straight across the intersection onto East Granby Road and being stuck behind a vehicle attempting to make that left turn.

Granby

As part of the project, DOT also plans enhancements to pedestrian facilities throughout Granby Center. Concrete sidewalks will be installed along both Salmon Brook Street and on East Granby Road from the Town Green to Bank Street. The decorative streetlights that have been installed in some locations match the lights the Town installed several years ago as part of the Salmon Brook Street sidewalk project. This provides a cohesive, uniformed streetscape in our center.

The contractor has completed most of the work in the southern half of the project area. This includes most of the planned work on Hartford Avenue and Salmon Brook Street south of the Stony Hill Village driveway. Outstanding work in this area includes milling and paving.

While major construction work is on pause for the winter months, the contractor will be onsite over the next few months doing work outside of the roadway. When construction resumes in late March or early April, work will focus on the reconstruction and realignment of the roadway on Route 20 at Route

staple, Beman Hardware, sells to longtime employee

By Kimberly Pereira

Eighty-six years and three generations later, the Beman family is transitioning their beloved Beman Hardware Store into the hands of Vinnie Pagano, a 10-year veteran employee and Southwick native.

Beman True Value Hardware has a long and storied history since its founding by George R. Beman in 1936. Beman, a Granby native, started as an electrical contractor wiring houses in Granby. He saw opportunity in the new electrical appliances coming into vogue in the early 1900s. To market these appliances, Beman purchased a former tobacco warehouse on Hartford Avenue. Later, Beman expanded into plumbing and heating, offering the sale and installation of new oil burners. Around 1941, Beman’s wife Louise Newton Beman, another Granby native, added hardware and paint to the store’s offerings.

As time passed and the Beman family grew, so did the hardware store. The Bemans hired more employees and acquired their plumbing, heating and electrical licenses. George and Louise’s son, Robert Newton Beman, became involved in the business in high school. After serving in the Korean War and living on Long Island while serving at the Suffolk County Air Force Base with the 103rd Fighter Wing, Robert and his wife Carolyn Bernice Clark Beman returned to Granby. Robert became a partner in 1963 and owner in 1967.

However, times forced the Beman Hardware business to change. The Vietnam War sapped the number of local workers, and as a result Beman Hardware switched to strictly hardware sales. In 1970, Beman Hardware joined True-Value Co-op, whose products they still market today. Business boomed, and to satisfy the demand for more space, the Bemans erected a new Beman Hardware cont’d. on p. 8

Dawn at the Dewey Granby Oak

Overall inflation impacting both home and local government

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Chair Board of Finance

What has happened so far…

The Three Board meeting in January is the first joint forum where the initial projections for the next fiscal year FY24 (July 2, 2023 – June 30, 2024) are presented to the Board of Finance by the Boards of Selectmen and Education.

The initial projections are developed during the fall by the respective administrations. At the same time, Finance monitors the process as the Boards collectively work to manage the numbers towards a reasonable and hopefully tolerable outcome.

The municipal operating budget projection sent to the Board of Finance indicates a 4.98 percent increase. This is driven by payroll, health insurance, the overall cost of energy and fuels, trash and recycling pick up, and the overall impact of inflation across numerous expenditure line items. Just as we all find at home and work, everyday things cost more than they did a year ago when the current budget was built. The same pinch in the home wallet affects local government as well. This holds true on the education side, whose initial look ahead at next year shows a change of 5.94 percent. Half of this is driven by essentially a million dollar increase in special education,

Supt. Grossman resigns; returns to Canton

Granby’s Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Jordan Grossman has been appointed the new superintendent for the Canton Public Schools, and will begin there over the summer.

Grossman has served as Granby’s superintendent since 2020. In a letter to parents, Grossman said, “The decision to leave the Granby community came after a great deal of reflection with my family and did not come easily. It has been a professional honor to serve the Granby community as your Superintendent of Schools the past three years. I am grateful for the relation-

ships I have formed and very proud of the work we accomplished during my tenure.

I will continue to serve the Granby Public Schools with the same level of dedication and commitment to the children until the end of the school year.

Dr. Grossman

Thank you all for allowing me to be part of this special community. I will truly cherish the memories.”

Dawn breaks in December at the Granby Land Trust’s majestic Dewey Granby Oak on Day Street.

Photo by Rick Orluk

Photo by Peter Dinella

New

holiday tree for town center inspires carol sing

By Tracy Cavaciuti

During the fall of 2022, Granby resident Mary Jo Toczydlowski approached the Town with some beautification ideas and thoughts on how to celebrate holiday seasons as a town. The result was the purchase and planting of a beautiful 20-foot Oriental spruce tree.

The Toczydlowski family got together with the Fiorentino family, the MLK&R law firm and the Lions Club to purchase the tree from Stonegate Gardens. The purchase and planting of this beautiful tree was a combined effort of the Granby DPW, Stonegate Gardens and the donating families and organizations.

The tree is planted in front of the Granby Public Library. On the evening of Dec. 21, about 40 people gathered at the brightly lit new tree in the municipal complex to sing Christmas carols. Mary Jo Toczydlowski provided hot chocolate mix and marshmallows, the Fiorentinos provided sweet treats (and the carol booklets) and Starbucks donated cups and water urns. There was a great sense of community and this will hopefully become an annual event in the center area.

The Oriental spruce tree is a long-lived, slow-growing tree that will reach over 60 feet. The community response to the tree made the effort well worth it. Thank you to the Tocydzlowski and Fiorentino families, MLK&R law firm, the Granby Lions club, the Granby Department of Public works and Stonegate Gardens for the gift of this beautiful addition to the center area that will be enjoyed by future generations for years to come.

Auditor suggests closing account funds

By Shirley Murtha

Over the years, the Town of Granby set up special funds for specific purposes. Some funds are related to grant programs. Other funds are from capital projects or are for very specific functions, like the Pension Fund. Some of these projects have been completed with no further action having taken place for a distinct period of time. Recently, the town auditor recommended closing out those funds.

Town Manager Erica Robertson asked the Board of Selectmen to vote to do that and to transfer remaining balances to the Capital Nonrecurring Expense Fund. The Board agreed and voted to approve Robertson’s recommendation. These closed funds are Sidewalk and Beautification Fund, Communication Fund, Small Cities–Salmon Brook Elderly Housing, Small Cities–Stony Hill Village and the Bridge Program 2002 Fund. One other fund on the list, the Open Space/Property Improvement Fund, remains open. During the discussion prior to the vote, Selectman Mark Neumann suggested that this fund not be closed as it is in the interest of the town to be able to purchase open space property should the occasion arise. The Board agreed. The Board of Finance will take action on the closing of these funds at its next meeting.

10/202. This work will extend from the Police Department/Granby Drummer buildings to Park Place on Route 20 (East Granby Road). Work will also extend about 500 feet north on Salmon Brook Street from the intersection.

Most of this roadway realignment and reconstruction will be done at night to avoid traffic disruptions. The Town will work with DOT and the contractor to ensure motorists are informed of planned night work and any required detours. While efforts will be made to minimize daytime disruption, there may be some delays during the day during this phase of the project. Updates will be posted on the Town website, granbyct.gov so please be sure to check—call with any questions. We look forward to seeing the continued work on this project and its completion in the fall.

Some of the carolers gathered near the new holiday tree on Dec. 21.

Photo by Tracy Cavaciuti

First Selectman Mark Fiorentiono and Mary Jo Toszydlowski welcome the crowd.

Photo by Shirley Murtha

Joyful singers!

Photo by Shirley Murtha

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Charles Orluk (Student Representative). Also present: Town Manager Erica Robertson, Finance Director Kimi Cheng. Appointments

Chapple said that the Democratic Town Committee was recommending that Robert Lavitt be nominated to fill the vacancy created by Matthew Peters as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission. The board unanimously approved that nomination.

Town Manager’s Report

Robertson announced that the Police Department has applied for and will receive a $5,000 Rural Road Speed Enforcement Grant to aid efforts of combating speeding and hazardous driving in Granby. Officers will use marked and unmarked patrol vehicles along targeted roads.

Public Session

Glenn Ballard (289 Granville Road) asked if all the work being done on the antenna project is required. Ballard said he would be willing to help compile the public input received regarding the strategic plan if the Board would like his help. Ballard also asked about the School Planning project and is concerned that the explanation delivered to the public was not accurate. Ballard expressed unease with the additional money being requested and expressed concern that not all of the projects included in the 2019 referendum are going to be completed. He asked if members of the Board of Selectmen were aware on April 4, 2022 that they were voting for a project that was 2.5 million dollars overbudget.

Fiorentino said he did not recall if they were aware in April that the project might be over budget, and explained that when the projects were proposed in 2019 it was made clear that not all of the proposed projects would be completed. Fiorentino also said that in the future a debriefing of what can be done better should take place so that we can improve upon the process.

Maureen Eberly (37 Silkey Road) spoke about the proposed strategic plan and what the final document will look like. Eberly expressed concern about its structure and cohesiveness, and that thought should be given to increasing the transparency between the mission, vision, and goal statement. Eberly feels that measurable terms need to be included and the board or party \ responsible for completing each item be identified.

Reinhard Maier (138 Day Street) spoke about the Station 280 apartment building being proposed and said that it was not going to get built and he is concerned there are going to be financial problems going forward.

John Morrone (15 Maple Hill Drive) spoke about the Planning and Zoning Alternates and inquired why they were appointed and how they were selected. He also asked about the makeup of political affiliation of members of the Board of Selectmen. He asked about the political affiliations of the Charter Revision Commission members and how they were chosen. Morrone indicated that some members of the Charter Revision Commission had Facebook pages that are far left and expressed concern that some of the nominated members had served on the Charter Revision Commission before. Morrone further expressed concern that the

same people are always recommended and questioned why the First Selectmen was from Las Vegas, Nevada and living in Granby. He asked why he hadn’t been selected to serve on the Charter Revision Commission. Morrone also expressed concerns about the proposed Station 280 apartment building and believes that is going to be welfare-ghetto housing and that we do not know where these hundreds of people are going to be coming from and that they might be coming from the Berlin Turnpike.

DECEMBER 5, 2022

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa. Also present: Town Manager Erica Robertson, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Scott Nolan.

Consideration of Holcomb Farm

Investment Options

Robertson explained that one of the primary components of the long-term conservation and sustainability plan for Holcomb Farm was a gift from the Granby Land Trust. Robertson said that the Town of Granby accepted $500,000 from the Granby Land Trust to create a restricted investment account to support the Farm’s operation, maintenance and capital expenses. She also noted that the Granby Land Trust gift will enable the Town to support the Holcomb Farm operations and maintenance without always using tax dollars, but there are limitations on how much principal can be used. Town Manager’s Report Robertson said that the Police Department is in the final stages of implementing the new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) and anticipates the system will be fully active on Dec. 19. She also noted that the hardware and software changes have been completed and employees are going through the final training requirements. She noted that the police department had also hired Alden Mezger, a new part-time dispatcher.

DECEMBER 19, 2022

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa. Also present: Town Manager Erica Robertson, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Town Engineer Kevin Clark, Town Clerk Scott Nolan. Consideration of Plus-One Budget Robertson said that the PlusOne Budget is being worked on and requires that the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, and the Board of Finance review expenditures and fund balance expectations for the upcoming fiscal year. The Plus-One budgets are presented to the Board of Finance at the Three Board Meeting held in mid-January after which the Board of Finance issues a preliminary budget guideline to the boards at the end of January, with a finalized guideline adopted in February when more detailed revenue and expenditure information is available.

Public Session

Maureen Eberly (37 Silkey Road) spoke of the proposed strategic plan and gave each member a document entitled Town of Granby Strategic Plan Feedback December 19, 2022, regarding feedback that Glenn Ballard and Eberly collected regarding the Strategic Plan. Eberly further explained that a total of 45 emails had been collected regarding the Strategic Plan

Bear raises funds and finds a home!

The Friends of Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) held a silent auction for a rather large bear over the holidays. The winning bid was $150 and the patron donated the bear to a local Granby church. Granby library staff posing with the bear are Michele (left) and Angela. All of the proceeds went to the FOGPL.

and that 38 people offered substantial feedback regarding the plan. Eberly also indicated that she had compiled a summary of the comments and questions that had been submitted.

Strategic Plan

Fiorentino thanked members of the public and the Board of Selectmen for all of their hard work on the Strategic Plan and noted that over the last year a lot of feedback had been offered. Fiorentino also noted that going forward a final draft of the Strategic Plan would be adopted once the drafts were completed and suggested that the subcommittee have an opportunity to add action steps. Fiorentino noted that he had an opportunity to read all of the feedback that was received and suggested that the Board of Selectmen review the document line-by-line to offer input and make corrections.

To see the corrected draft, visit the town website for the BOS Meeting Minutes.

Consideration of a Personnel Matter

Following Executive Session, the board unanimously approved the following amendments to the Employment Agreement dated September 20, 2021, between Town Manager, Erica P. Robertson and the Town of Granby:

Employer agrees to pay an annual base salary payable in installments at the same time as other management employees. Employee shall receive an annual salary of $166,563 effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. A review of the Town Manager’s salary will be conducted prior to the implementation of FY 2023-2024 budget and annual thereafter.

Employee shall be provided with 20 days of vacation leave upon hire and will receive 20 days upon each anniversary date of hire. Additional accrual of vacation shall be by amendment of this agreement or if employee reaches a length of service milestone per the benefits structure for nonunion employees. Up to 10 vacation days may be carried over from one year with a maximum of 30 days per year. A maximum of 25 days of vacation leave will be given as pay if unused upon termination of employment.

Employee shall accrue sick leave at the rate of 15 days per year. Sick leave may accumulate if not used in a given year and used in a subsequent year. Sick leave will accumulate up to 125 days but upon termination of employment, the employee will be paid up to 50 days.

What’s Up in Town Hall

Recent Actions

1. Voters approved a referendum to utilize existing bond funds to complete school projects, including replacement of the high school roof.

2. Completed the restoration of the exterior of the Holcomb Farm Farmhouse.

3. The Board of Selectmen adopted a set of strategic goals and objectives.

4. The Board of Selectmen authorized a Wastewater Flow Study to examine sewer flow rates and capacities.

Upcoming Topics

1. Drafting an action plan for pursuing the strategic goals and objectives adopted by the Board of Selectmen.

2. Preparation of the FY 23-24 municipal budget. Public workshops will be held in March.

3. The Charter Revision Commission will hold a number of meetings to discuss possible revisions to the Town Charter. More information regarding the Commission’s work can be found at granby-ct.gov/charter-revisioncommission.

Photo by Brian Tomasino

Drumbeat editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

Letters to the Editor

Dear Readers,

The Granby Drummer is thrilled to announce that our new managing editor is Jen Bell. Jen has been a member of the Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG) board for the past two years and a volunteer on our advertising staff. She will be joined by Leisa Ritchie as production supervisor and Daneika Janski as advertising coordinator.

Rita Isaacson, our retiring managing editor, will work with the new team during the Drummer’s transition to new managing editorial leadership. Rita will also serve as a consultant to the CBG board.

Finding Rita’s replacement wasn’t easy, but we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of our search. Jen brings exceptionally strong writing, marketing, communication and organizational skills to the Drummer—and she loves sharing her enthusiasm for Granby and its attributes. Leisa is our current social media specialist. She has a background in visual communication design. Daneika is a Drummer volunteer and she will be updating our website in addition to managing advertising processes. Lastly, we are grateful to Rita for staying on to

Gratitude for Drummer

I enjoy my son Todd’s intriguing articles dug out of Granby history — and wondered why he is not listed as a “Contributor.”

The Drummer just gets better and better. There is so much to tell about Granby every day and you do it. Thanks. Happy New Year!

Pat Vibert

We depend upon the Drummer for our local news and always read it cover to cover, although that may take a week these days. Thank you for your faithful work to keep us in touch with Granby happenings.

Yours Truly, Ruth Meyer

Please learn CPR

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the world. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. Almost three out of four of those happen at home. As has been recently highlighted by the cardiac arrest during a recent NFL game of Damar Hamlin, quick, effective CPR saves lives. As a pediatric cardiologist and American Heart advocate I am made aware of this almost daily.

If you’re called on to do CPR, you will likely be saving the life of someone you love. The members of our community need us. Our children need us. Our neighbors need us. Our coworkers need us.

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

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

Roger Hayes, Treasurer

Flo Bishoff, Secretary, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Rebecca Mikus

Sam Mikus, Lew Noble

Staff

Jennifer Bell, Managing Editor

Leisa Ritchie, Production Supervisor

share her innumerable skills and vast knowledge in helping our new team get up and running.

And, now, a few words from Jen:

“I am excited to be increasing my involvement with the Drummer. My primary goal is to maintain the level of excellence that has been established while supporting our dedicated volunteers, our loyal advertisers, and our readers. I look forward to this challenge

The American Heart Association recognizes this need and has a plan to help. You can be the difference by learning CPR to save a life. The AHA is committed to being the leader in resuscitation science, education and training.

This February during American Heart Month, the AHA is specifically focused on learning the life-saving skill of CPR. We want every family and home to have someone who knows CPR. With the help of local supporters, we can help more of our community be prepared when called on for an emergency.

Please visit these links to see how you can get started:

Be the Beat | American Heart Association CPR and First Aid at cpr.heart. org/en/training-programs/communityprograms/be-the-beat

American Heart Association CPR and First Aid at cpr.heart.org/en/

and I welcome your ideas so that the Drummer can continue to evolve and thrive.”

Thank you to our new editorial team, all of our volunteers and our advertisers! We couldn’t publish the Drummer without you. It’s impossible for us to overstate your contributions.

Kathy Norris, Chair Citizens for a Better Granby Publisher of the Drummer

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, Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 21

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Dept. Community Room, Monday, February 27

Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, February 1 and 15

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, February 14 and 28

Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, February 8

Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor

Amanda Lindberg, Copy Editor

Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor

Dave Tolli, Photo Editor

Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Rita Isaacson, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Brooke Orr

Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley

Reporters & Contributors

Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha

Kristin Rice, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Faith Tyldsley, Todd Vibert, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost

Advertising Team

Deneika Janski, Advertising Coordinator

Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey

Website Manager

Jake Kean

Subscriptions & Delivery

Sam & Becky Mikus

LETTERS POLICY

As a Granby resident and member of the American Heart Association Connecticut Board of Directors, I encourage you to Be the Beat by learning CPR to be the difference and save a life.

Seth Lapuk, MD Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Referendum Result

The Town’s Bonding Budget Referendum on Dec. 20 resulted in approval of the bonding question. The official voting results were: 373 “yes” votes and 70 “no” votes.

GRANBY FOOD BANK

We currently need

Jarred spaghetti sauce

Hearty soups

Assorted cereals

Peanut butter

Assorted jelly/jam

Canned tuna & chicken

Coffee & black tea

Paper towels & tissues

Laundry detergent

Dish soap

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, February 13 @GranbyDrummer www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

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

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.

The new Drummer Team: from l.: Leisa Ritchie, production supervisor; Jen Bell, managing editor, and Deneika Janski, advertising coordinator. Photo by Rita Isaacson

Town’s annual three-board meeting efficient, concise

By Shirley Murtha

Held in the Town Hall Meeting Room for the first time, the annual Threeboard Meeting to review expenditure needs and fund balance expectations for the upcoming year was well organized and available to all residents due to the room’s Zoom capability.

First Selectman Mark Fiorentino began the meeting noting that “…this is the first step in the preparation of the municipal budget. It is an opportunity to hear what the priorities of the three boards are.”

The Plus-One Budget is a view of big-ticket items such as contractual obligations, anticipated benefit and insurance costs, utilities and other mandated expenses. The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education

which is expected to be offset on the revenue side by a half million dollar increase in the state excess cost grant. The remaining half is driven by payroll, health and energy costs, and the same impact of inflation on existing operations.

Next steps

On the revenue side of the equation, Finance awaits two key pieces of information: the net additions to the Grand List and the state revenue numbers from the governor’s budget. While the Grand list of Oct. 1 will show a significant increase due to the revaluation process, that does not increase taxes. Once the list is finalized and adjusted through the appeals process, a rate can be calculated that would raise the same amount of taxes as in the current budget. Separated out will be the net additions showing the growth in the Grand List year to year. The state revenue component is not finalized until the legislature and governor both sign off on an approved state budget for next year.

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

present their Plus-Ones to the Board of Finance at the Three-board Meeting in mid-January, after which the BOF develops a preliminary budget guideline by the end of January. After three budget workshops, a finalized guideline is adopted in February.

Reporting for the Board of Selectmen, Fiorentino commented on the Plus-One budget packet that was available to all residents (go to granby-ct.gov and click on Public Documents/budgets reports) and was displayed on the large screen in the meeting room. It was clear that the largest costs are in utilities and payroll. Town Manager Erica Robertson noted that the BOS Plus-One was basically a maintenance budget. It fulfills mandated costs and contractual obligations for wages. Moderate increases in such items as software application fees

The governor’s initial budget request is a good starting point and is usually presented to the legislature on the first Wednesday in February.

Once these final revenue components are known, the Board of Finance will finalize operating budget guidelines for FY24. In the last 12 years Finance has looked to limit the actual change in taxes, ignoring Grand List growth, to generally no more than 2 percent in line with what had been modest inflation. We will be challenged to do so this year in view of the inflationary pressures and net cost increases of special education.

At the time of the January Three Board meeting, the budget projections would drive a tax rate change of about 2.8 percent which is about a percent higher than where we have been in the past dozen years. This shows no other changes on the revenue side other than assumptions of real growth in the Grand List of 1.5 percent and no major change in revenues beyond the anticipated $500K increase in the Excess Cost Grant. Without any additional revenues, it will take reductions in those expenditure projections to get there. So the table is set for discussion.

Once the governor’s budget becomes known, the Board of Finance will meet to finalize its targets for the operating board as it seeks to balance the perceived needs with the ability and willingness to pay. We recognize that this is a time where both are constrained by the effects of inflation.

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are minimal in comparison to the large increases in fuel, electricity, waste collection fees and winter materials such as sand and road chemicals.

Two full-time patrol officers and one full time public works person were requested, but not funded in this budget. Robertson hopes that as the strategic plan is developed, these positions can be added next year. The proposed BOS Plus-One for town operation expenditures shows a 4.98 percent increase, not likely to be acceptable to the BOF. Robertson said she looked forward “to working together to meet the needs of our residents while being conservative in our budgeting.”

BOE Chair Sarah Thrall presented the BOE Plus-One, developed in alignment with the “Moving Forward Together Strategic Plan 2021-2025” for the Granby schools. The Board’s financial challenges include the rising cost of utilities, transportation and significant increases in special education expenses. Also, costs from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (initiated in 2020) have been transferred to the BOE operating budget; the ESSER grants paid in part for texts and special education costs. The BOE PlusOne shows a 5.94 percent increase.

In discussing the BOE budget, BOF member Jenny Emery noted that the published decrease in enrollment was dramatic. Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman explained that the disparity was investigated with a second polling company when it was noticed, but a de-

finitive answer had not been reached. With all the new housing at the Grand, the 280 and Harness Way, it would seem that enrollment is going to increase rather than decrease.

BOF chair Mike Guarco wants to keep the mill rate change under 2 percent. It may be possible to keep the rate low by drawing more from the general fund. He noted that the sizeable fuel increases affect all the boards. At the time of the Three-board Meeting Guarco had no real changes yet in place from last year’s budget because the final town budget is dependent on the governor’s budget and that is not announced until the first Wednesday of February. For more details on finances, see Guarco’s article on beginning on page 1.

BOF member Al Wilke noted that last year’s increase in the grand list was helpful. He asked Robertson if she could predict any such increase this year. She replied that she did not have any figures at this point but expected there would be an increase as a result of the new housing. Wilke suggested that a study of cost-saving measures that have been taken by the BOE and BOS should be undertaken. “Every dollar we save in a given year is one we don’t have to spend in the next one,” he noted.

Bill Regan on Zoom asked if the boards can shop for electricity and fuel the way homeowners can. Robertson replied that yes, the boards do just that. With no further input from the public, Fiorentino closed the meeting.

Technology plan aims to make Granby a “smart town”

By Shirley Murtha

At the Dec. 5 meeting of the Granby Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Erica Robertson presented an update on the town’s Technology Plan. The primary goal of the plan is for the town to strive to be a “smart town,” that is one that leverages technology to increase efficiencies and improve the quality of services for its residents.

Some deficiencies have made it difficult to advance a technology plan: a limited budget, limited professional support, outdated manual processes and aged hardware and software. In an effort to correct some of these problems, Robertson reported that the town has engaged Grey Matter Technologies in a managed services agreement to ensure a healthy network, server support, cyber-security, proper back-ups, desktop support, hardware and software recommendations, assistance with upgrades to infrastructure and proper ongoing maintenance.

Upgrades include using Microsoft 365 and installing new hardware with virtual server capability. The old hardware and software are fragile, out of warranty and no longer supported because of being outdated.

The primary goals of the technology

plan upgrades include cybersecurity to protect town data and that of Granby residents—and utilization of online services and sites such as CivicPlus to provide residents with news, event announcements and services. The conversion from manual to automated processes for routine business operations where applicable is especially important in finance, where hand entry of data has been a formidable timeconsuming task.

Funding for these improvements comes from the 2024 town budget, the Capital Improvement Plan, ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and specific grants. Board members asked for another update with more specificity of which sources have funded or are funding individual projects. Robertson agreed.

Robertson also noted that the plan as presented is a draft and is not static. It is subject to change as technology changes, as projects are completed and new initiatives develop. It should be an ever-evolving tool that assists in providing services, increases the efficiency of town government and increasing communication with residents as well as increasing the efficiency of town government.

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Focus on Education

Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D

Starting 2023 off strong

During December and January we welcomed the community into the Granby Memorial High School auditorium for high school and middle school band and choral concerts. We are extremely proud of our students and staff for their outstanding performances. The music programs in our schools truly have a tremendous impact on students’ growth and development.

Students within the Granby Public Schools continue to represent Granby on the local, state, and regional stage. Music concerts in our schools are just another way to bring the Granby community together for an entertaining performance.

I encourage the community to attend the many artistic events in the months ahead that offer the opportunity to see our students and staff in action.

On Jan. 19, a dedication ceremony was held at the high school to celebrate the opening of the kitchen/cafeteria, choral and band rooms, culinary arts room, and technology spaces. Speakers from the town, building committee and Board of Education welcomed the community to tour the new spaces. Student performers entertained with amazing vocal and instrumental talent. A wall plaque was installed to symbolize the dedication of, and gratitude to, the Town of Granby for supporting this building project.

As we head into the second half of the year, we remain committed to supporting and providing students with a high-quality education. Educators continue to identify gaps in learning and develop learning plans to provide students with resources they need. The staff continues to refine and enhance instructional strategies and continue our strong tradition of incremental growth one student at a time and will always strive for our students to be successful.

On Dec. 21, I presented the Plus-One Budget for 2023-24 to the Granby Board of Education, which develops and submits budget projections to the Board of Finance for use in the town budget guideline. At that time, the projected request was 5.94 percent over current operating costs. Key budget drivers are the rising cost of utilities, the transfer of costs from the ESSER Grant to the Operating Budget, as well as the increase in expenses for special education. Full details of the Plus One Budget can be accessed on the Granby Public Schools’ website. On March 1, at 7 p.m., the FY24 Administrative Budget will be presented to the Board of Education in the Town Hall Meeting Room and via Zoom.

I invite you to look on our website at granbyschools.org/ for events that you and your family may like to attend. Some events that may be of interest:

Feb. 1 - Kindergarten on-line registration opens

Feb. 1 - Board of Ed. Meeting, 7 p.m., town hall meeting room/Zoom

Feb. 2 - 8th grade parents’ night, 6 p.m., high school auditorium

Feb. 3 - Job Shadow Day

Feb. 8 - Wells Road 3rd/4th grade concert, 7 p.m., high school auditorium

Feb. 15 - Board of Ed. Meeting, 7 p.m., town hall meeting room/Zoom

Feb. 25 - Winter Coffeehouse, 7 p.m., high school auditorium

A Superintendent Community Conversation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom. This is an opportunity for the community and parents/guardians to ask questions about the district. Contact Linda Powell at powelll@granbyschools. org to receive a link for this meeting.

Thank you again for being supportive of our work in the Granby Public Schools. If you have questions, please contact me at 860-844-5260. Also, please follow me on Twitter @GranbySuper.

GMHS senior named DAR Good Citizen

Karen DiMenna, Good Citizen Committee Chairperson of the Abigail Phelps Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Inc. (DAR), announced that Kylie Coxon of Granby Memorial High School, is a recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award.

Kylie was selected by her school’s guidance department based on the following qualifications: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Each of the winners from the four schools served by the DAR chapter have impressive lists of extensive school and community activities.

Kylie is a high honors student, taking classes through AP, Honors, and UConn ECE courses. She is the president of the GMHS Chapter of DECA and has served as president of the LEO service club. She has earned Scholar Athlete designation in field hockey and tennis and has earned the Core Value award as well as achievement awards in Wellness, Child Development, Business, and World Language. Kylie has been named the recipient of the Principal’s Cup; the most prestigious award given at Granby Memorial High School. She has also been recognized at the State level for winning a $20,000 grant through a civic engagement initiative, Voices 4 Change.

From left: Carolyn Stewart, Regent of Abigail Phelps Chapter of DAR; Kylie Coxon; Karen DiMenna. Submitted photo

Her courses this year include, among other classes, Honors Civics, UConn ECE Mandarin Chinese IV, Marketing/ Management, Physics, Pre-Calculus, and Principles of Speech and Communication.

Her letter of recommendation written by GMHS Principal Mike Dunn sums it up best. “Kylie is a lovely young woman who has already been accepted to three of her four college choices. She is a strong student whose contributions to the school community have set her apart from her peers and earned her the respect and recognition of classmates and teachers alike.”

Kylie will attend the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, in the fall.

Ribbon cutting celebrates completion of GMHS projects

By Chase Alexander

On the evening of January 19, Granby residents gathered in the newly renovated cafeteria at Granby Memorial High School to celebrate the completion of

recent school building projects.

The celebration encompassed the opening of the new band and chorus rooms, novel culinary arts room, improved woodshop, and a recently constructed cafeteria complete with a kitchen. Attendees were also treated to a performance by the GMHS Chamber Singers. It was an event that encouraged excitement and pride among all members involved, with Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman identifying the project as “a legacy project that will be here for generations and generations.”

From l.: Town Manager Erica Robertson, Schools Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino and Board of Education Chair Sarah Thrall. Photo by Jen Bell

GMHS broadcasting studio premieres

By Kim Becker

Beginning this quarter, the talent at GMHS will be hitting their “marks” and studying their “sides”, while the “grips” “check the gate” and give “last looks” before calling “action” in the new TV production studio.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the studio took place just before winter break. Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman, principal Mike Dunn, and technology teacher Nick Gaeta showed Granby Education Foundation board members and major donor Al Wilke, the new space and state-of-the-art equipment. Students will combine their artistic and technology abilities to create a daily news program and video projects for a variety of classes.

GEF, and former GEF board member Al Wilke, teamed up with the Granby Public Schools to envision this impactful STEM project and ensure that it is embedded into the GMHS curricula. The TV production studio is the largest special project GEF has funded since its inception with the creation of the Salmon Brook Ecology Center at GMMS in 2000.

Last year, the Granby Education Foundation along with Al Wilke’s generous contribution, provided $100,000 of funding for a state-of-the-art TV studio at GMHS. Even with COVID, supply chain and inflation challenges, the district staff kept the project on pace.

Architects were hired and finalized the design and budget. Technology students built the news desk, middle and high school students learned more about TV production. Demolition and building the studio occurred last summer, and finish work was completed over the fall.

The studio brings new opportunities to the high school. In addition to continuing the Bears Broadcasting Club to train interested students, news production will be integrated into the Advanced Communication and Technology class. The Audio-Visual Communications course for the 2023-24 school year will be revised and reimagine the Bears Broadcasting Club as a production studio.

The TV studio supports both arts and STEM education in an innovative package that combines capital improvement to the high school with specialized training and unique experiences for the students.

GMHS presents Little Shop of Horrors

Granby Memorial High School’s Dramatic Arts, in cooperation with Music Theater International, is proud to announce rehearsals have begun for this year’s spring musical production of Little Shop of Horrors. The show is a horror-comedy rock musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics and a book by Howard Ashman. The story follows a hapless florist shop worker who raises a “strange and unusual” plant. But don’t let the “horror” fool you! This is a very funny and entertaining show with wonderful musical appeal. Mark your calendars for March 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be on sale the first week of March. Come enjoy the show! Submitted photo

Volunteers needed to celebrate GMHS senior class

By Kate Roy

Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation (GPSG), an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that organizes a substancefree Grad Night celebration for Granby Memorial High School (GMHS) graduates, is seeking volunteers.

The event can’t take place without volunteers to make it happen. Grad Night is typically chaperoned by underclassmen parents, not the senior parents, so it is especially important for new volunteers to step up each year. Help is needed with food, room set up, decorations, chaperoning and other tasks. Volunteers are needed both in planning and preparation for the event, and at the party itself.

The GMHS Safe Grad Committee

holds meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., through May (other than during school vacations). Meetings are held in the media center at GMHS. To keep up to date on committee happenings, follow the Facebook page found at facebook.com/granbyctsafegrad/ Donations are also welcome. To make a donation, please send checks payable to “Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation” to Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation, Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 81, Granby, CT 06035. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact GPSG Chair Jennifer Ehmann at jharrisehmann@aol.com

Please consider being a part of this special event honoring our graduating seniors of the Class of 2023. Help us support this proud Granby tradition!

Granby Education Foundation board with major donor Al Wilke in the new TV production studio at GMHS.At desk: Al Wilke and Kim Becker. Standing, from l.: Lynn Guelzow, Doreen McWhirter, Michael Sanzo, Whitney Sanzo, Marcy Green, Sue Canavan, Amy Milbrandt, Bob D’Angelo, Ben Perron, Laura Metallo. Submitted photo

building in 1973 behind the old one, which was torn down.

The next generation of Bemans grew up inside the hardware store. While their mother, Carolyn, worked at the front of the store, Joan Russell and Dianne Myers fondly remember taking naps in the bathroom. Coloring the two sisters’ childhood memories is their passion for Beman Hardware. For Joan, “It [the hardware store] was forever there.” Joan and Dianne speak nostalgically of Christmas breaks spent doing inventory at the store with their family until New Years’ Day, when they would go back to school. Russell notes: “We were brought up to continue a strong business.” One of Russell and Myers’ marks on Beman Hardware is the 1995 addition of a paint shop.

Now in their 60s and approaching retirement, Dianne handles the accounting while Joan works with customers. They began discussing the future of the hardware store over a year ago and have been working with Vinnie Pagano for the past six to eight months to teach him the business.

Currently, Russell says: “Our main thrust is to make sure that Vinnie feels strong enough, content enough, and supplied enough with good people so that he can continue a strong business.”

A native and current resident of Southwick, Pagano graduated from Southwick High School as a member of the Class of 2010. Pagano earned an associate degree in computer science from Springfield Technical Community College and studied accounting at Asnuntuck Community College. Wellknown in the area as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Pagano often plays with his band Cold Shot at Four Dad’s Pub in Granby. Outside of music, Pagano has a

passion for Volkswagens, woodworking and DIYing.

Pagano has already begun to leave his mark on Beman Hardware. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pagano worked closely with Russell and Myers to add Do It Best Hardware as a vendor to help alleviate difficulty in receiving merchandise. With his training in computer science, Pagano has been an asset over the years, helping the store owners navigate an increasingly digital world.

Through the transition, many aspects of Beman Hardware will stay the same. One of those is the sense of community and service. Beman Hardware has supported local high school sports teams, the town fuel bank, and other local charities and causes. Another of those is the practical expertise and willingness of the Beman Hardware team to help customers complete a project. Compared to competitors, “I think we’re more handson with customers that come through the door, and I like that part,” Pagano says. Pagano credits Beman Hardware’s team ethos and commitment to serving both the individual customer and the local community as a large part of their success and plans to continue these traditions well into the future.

As for the future of Beman Hardware, Pagano says, “there will be changes here and there,” such as adding new things to the store and phasing out products that are no longer needed by the local community. Some recent additions are new compliant light bulbs and power washers. One of Pagano’s goals is to bring in new customers. He plans on growing the hardware store’s social media presence and offering incentives to past customers such as digital coupons. “We’ll see what the future brings,” Pagano hints.

Hundreds of voter inquiries sent in annual canvass

Every year the Registrar’s office is required to identify those voters on the official voter registry who have moved out of town through a process of a selective canvass of voters. You can help by letting the registrars know if you or your grown children have moved.

The DMV and the other Registrars of Voters also regularly let our registrars know about people who have moved from Granby. But this is not enough, and most out-of-state moves are not reported to the registrars.

The National Change of Address service compares a list from the U.S. Postal Service of the last two years of reported permanent moves vs. Granby’s list of registered voters. From this comparison, Granby expects to send out about two hundred blue letters to people that may have moved. In addition, if someone on Granby’s registry has not voted for over four years—including the last two federal elections in 2020 and 2022—they will receive a bright orange letter asking if they have moved.

Why is this canvass important? Because the number of ballots printed, the equipment required, and the election workers hired are based on the total number of active voters. Keeping this list as accurate as possible will minimize the cost to Granby. If you receive a letter, please read it carefully, fill out, sign and date it before returning it in the postage paid envelope provided.

Family members and current residents can NOT fill out and sign for another

voter, so either forward the letter or return it, unopened, to the registrars.

If a family member wishes to be removed from the Granby list of voters, they are required to submit a written request for removal, signed and dated, to the registrar’s office. Letters without the voter’s signature cannot be acted upon. Looking ahead, your next chance to vote will come in April:

Monday, April 10 - Public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium.

Monday, April 24 - Town meeting to vote on the town budget at Granby Town Hall.

Monday, May 8 is the potential date for a second budget referendum at Granby Town Hall, if needed.

Voter registration is a public record, and it’s easy to confirm your voter registration. You can go on the State’s website sots.ct.gov or visit Town Hall to check the voter registry. You can stop by to register to vote, figure out which is your voting district or make corrections in person at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday. Regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov Questions? Contact the Registrars, Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis, at 860-844-5322 or registrarofvoters@granby-ct.gov

Joan Russell (c) and Dianne Myers with Vinnie Pagano. Photo by Kimberly Pereira

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

DECEMBER 7, 2022

Board Members present: Kristina Gilton, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber and Student Representatives Tess Bajek and Chase Alexander

Superintendent’s Announcements

In Dr. Grossman’s absence, Jennifer Parsons, Assistant Superintendent, congratulated Ada Linden, sixth grade student, who was selected as a Student Reader for the Nutmeg State Intermediate Book Award Committee. Also, congratulations to Gavin Baron, who was selected for the Hartford Marathon Foundation Susie Beris MD Youth Running Program’s Junior Team and was invited to participate in the 5K run Dec. 4. Gavin came in 49th out of 1,399 runners.

Congratulations to high school students Cooper Boyd, Ezra Holt, Christian Cusano and Trevor Thompson who were all accepted into NAFME All-Eastern Mixed Choir for April 2023. This is a school record!

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Parsons stated the second Granby Equity Meeting of the year was held last week and the committee reviewed how the district did acknowledging cultural heritage months. Four teams are working on action items from last year’s plan, such as how to communicate with families, a community book club, guest speakers and student leadership clubs.

Approval of 2023-24 School Calendar

The calendar was approved unanimously.

Pupil Services Department Continuous Improvement Plan

Angela Ehrenwerth, director of pupil personnel services, presented her Continuous Improvement Plan for 2022-23. Goal #1, Student Learning and Achievement—students with special needs will show measurable gains in academic achievement when provided effective core instruction by designing specialized instruction that is standards- and curriculum-aligned, developing IEP goals and objectives that include learning conditions, and continuing special education instructional

coaching in Grades PK-5. She reviewed STAR Assessment Data for identified students at or above goal for reading and math in the fall and shared the targeted percentage goal for this group in the spring. Weber inquired about the progress monitoring tools. Ehrenwerth said the department plans to continue what is currently being used and making some lateral swaps in technology use.

Goal #2, Community Engagement: The department will partner with families to support engagement, ongoing communication and collaboration between staff and students. This will be accomplished by continuing to partner with SEPTO; ongoing collaboration with families, improving upon eliciting feedback and continuing to build on- and off-campus internships for high school students with special education needs.

Goal #3, Safety and Social Emotional Well-Being: Support social/emotional/ behavioral learning of students and staff achieved by utilizing a team process with conducting Functional Behavior Assessments; collaborating with Granby Youth Services and, continuing to work with the SEL Committee to examine curriculum, interventions, and supports at all tier levels.

Goal #4, Budget Development and Fiscal Management: To be fiscally responsible through careful identification of needs and appropriate spending to support student learning and growth by monitoring caseloads, student needs and staff assignments, supporting current implementation of co-teaching at the middle and high schools, and investigating the possibility of alternative education programming.

Goal #5, Embracing Diversity: Support the implementation of the Granby Public Schools’ Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Plan by promoting equitable practices and outcomes for all students. This goal is being accomplished by supporting the mission of the Best Buddies and Unified Sports programs as well as the newly implemented Young Athletes Program at Kelly Lane School, continuing to build staff capacity to differentiate instruction and assessment, and partnering with the district’s Family Engagement Specialist to better support students across

different communities.

Goal #6, Professional Learning: Provide meaningful professional learning opportunities to enhance practice and increase learning outcomes for students, accomplished by supporting staff in the implementation of the new State of Connecticut (CT-SEDS) program; providing job-embedded technical assistance for co-teaching teams, and supporting staff in seeking professional learning opportunities to effectively meet the individual needs of their caseloads.

DECEMBER 21, 2022

Board Members Present: Kristina Gilton, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Whitney Sanzo, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Student Representative Chase Alexander

Board Members Absent: Monica Logan and Student Representative Tess Bajek

Superintendent’s Announcements

Dr. Jordan Grossman said over $4,000 was raised with the CCMC PJ Day Fundraiser and over 156 pairs of pajamas were collected at Wells Road Intermediate School. Since 2010, over 1,800 pairs of pajamas have been collected by Wells Road.

Business Manager’s Report

Anna Robbins presented the November 2022 Statement of Accounts and stated the full-year forecast shows an overbudget condition of $615K, which is better than the previous month by $70K. The forecast for regular education of $40K is favorable and holding steady from the previous month.

Purchased instructional services, specifically substitutes, continues to contribute to the overbudget condition. In addition, the cost and usage of electricity continues to climb. Savings in salaries as well as in transportation offset these increases. Special education is overbudget $655K, which is $68K better than last month. Tuition and transportation continue to reflect multiple changes in placements since the budget was developed. Individual needs

have also prevented our typical sharing of transportation for multiple students this year. Revenue to the town is favorable $439K due to the increase in the special education Excess Cost Grant as well as billing for special education services from other towns which should bring in about $90K more. The district remains in a positive forecast for this year and the five-year forecast. Sanzo inquired if the Excess Cost Grant was a one-time grant. Robbins explained it is not a one-time grant and is based on our spending. Any spending that goes over the 4.5 times rate of our per pupil expenditure, the state reimburses 73 percent and that revenue goes to the town.

FY24 Plus-One Budget

Grossman presented the FY24 Plus-One Budget and stated this budget strongly aligns with the Granby Public Schools’ Moving Together Strategic Plan and was very difficult to put together with the rising cost of utilities, the cost of ESSER grant funds being moved to the operating budget as well as the increased cost of special education. He said this budget does not cut any programs at this time and is at 5.94 percent. Grossman explained just to roll over from this year to next year, the budget would be at 2.68 percent. The increase for special education is a 2.98 percent increase over this year’s budget; a 0.38 percent in all other line items; a savings of 0.12 percent in retirement savings, and a 0.02 percent in ESSER Grant funds. Grossman said that the average increase in special education over the last four Plus One Budgets is 0.96 percent.

For further budget details, please refer to the BOE website for the Meeting Minutes.

Finance/Personnel/Facilities

Weber reported this subcommittee reviewed preschool tuition and it has been several years since this has been increased. It was approved to increase tuition by two percent, about $30. In a food service update, breakfast and lunch are no longer free except for those who qualify. No issues have been reported

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER 22, 2022

Members Present: Mark Lockwood, Jonathan Boardman, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan, and Alternate Paula Johnson. Absent: Matthew Peters and Christine Chinni. Also Present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.

Johnson was seated for Peters.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.28 for a residential landscape business and Section 8.1.3.4 for a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 86 Granville Road, R2A Zone. File Z-14-22.

Applicant and property owner Matt Olson noted surrounding properties have similar structures and equipment on-site. He stated Granville Road is a state road and the surrounding environment does not present the characteristics of a typical neighborhood.

Kenyon said that a timeline needs to be considered regarding construction and whether equipment may be stored outside until the structure is built. Olson stated that he will not operate his business on the premises until the structure is completed, which he intends to finalize within the next three years.

The public comment period was opened.

Attorney TJ Donahue of Killian and Donohue, was present on behalf of his client, the Barnoski Family. Donahue requested a denial of the application and spoke of potential impacts of a commercial use within a residential zone.

Katherine Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, spoke in favor of the application and stated that living next to a residential landscaping business located at 188 Salmon Brook Street has not impacted her life negatively or diminished property values. She feels that the requested use is suitable for that area and the concerns presented are theoretical in nature.

Molly Sandman, 86 Granville Road, spoke in favor of the application and provided clarification regarding how the business operates, as well as necessary grading on-site to prevent water from pooling near the house.

Florence Bischoff, 76 Granville Road, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of a commercial use within a residential zone, including noise, disruptions and impact on character and property values.

Steve Morawski, 16 Mechanicsville Road, spoke in favor of the application as a fellow landscaper and stated that many of the concerns expressed are based on assumptions. Reference was made to Stony Brook Farm,

Social Services

The focus of the Social Service 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 please call the office at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Granby Local Assistance Program

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

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

During the winter months, help is available to households to help pay for heating fuel in the form of oil, gas, or electric heat. Benefits are available to households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income. Processing will be delayed if needed paperwork is missing. Call the office at 860-844-5351 to see if your household qualifies.

Eversource Assistance Programs

Winter protection for income-eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1, 2022, and May 1, 2023. NuStart Program offers forgiveness of overdue balances as on time, monthly budget payments are made. Call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/

BillHelp Resources and Services

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

Domestic Violence: If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text 888774-2900. Advocates available 24/7.

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

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800273- 8255

When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: Campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional

by calling 833-258-5011 or online at talkitoutct.com

Food Resources

Granby Food Pantry at 248 Salmon Brook Street. Pantry Hours are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon and Thursday, 2–3:30 p.m. Before using the Granby Food Pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860844-5350 to schedule.

Waste Not Want Not Community

Kitchen: Free meal available as driveup to pick-up service every Wednesday, 3 – 5 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.

Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1:30 – 2 p.m. Call for 2023 dates. Park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weatherrelated cancellations visit ctfoodbank. org/get-help/connecticut-food-banksmobile-pantry-schedule/

Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry at 23 Griffin Road. The food pantry is open on Wednesdays from 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, call the church office at 860-653-3308.

Open Cupboard Pantry at First Congregational Church, 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays, 3 – 4 p.m. The packs contain nutritious non-perishable food items. Please enter the church parking lot via North entrance on Stratton Road. Call First 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.

located at 98 Granville Road, which stores numerous pieces of equipment outdoors.

Jonathan Olson, 3 Heather Lane, spoke in favor of the application and feels there is no clear evidence the proposed use is not compatible within a residential zone.

Public comment was closed.

The commission concluded that the proposed residential landscaping business would not negatively affect property values or quality of life for the surrounding properties. Lukingbeal provided photos of the property located at 98 Granville Road, which conducts large-scale wood processing and stores numerous pieces of equipment outdoors, in order to show what the surrounding area looks like. Myers welcomes the business and applauds the applicant for coming forward as many others do not and stated that the site walk helped put everything into perspective. Sheahan stated that the property is simply too small for such a use and believes that granting an approval would be setting a precedence. Johnson discussed how landscapers cannot afford to keep renting space while trying to be profitable, and the proposed use is suitable for the location. Lockwood stated that he hears the concerns of the neighbors but feels the barn will improve the property and the application fits within the zoning regulations.

The commission voted (5-1-0; B. Sheahan opposed) to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

Permit for operating the landscape business is contingent upon building of the proposed barn. No equipment associated with the business is to be kept on the property until the barn is constructed. Equipment includes the two identified machines as well as trailers. The three business-registered motor vehicles can be parked outside;

Equipment associated with the business is to be kept inside the proposed barn including the proposed lean-to. Equipment may be brought on site to maintain the property and complete construction projects associated with the property’s development;

No landscape materials are to be stored outside. This includes, but is not limited to materials, materials bins, plants, trees, shrubs, patio block, and supplies;

No equipment associated with the business is to be run for extended periods of time on the property except for the purpose of loading or unloading unless the equipment is being run to maintain the property;

Hours of operation to be Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and

Two (2) employees are permitted as part of this permit.

Application seeking Site Plan approval for a parking lot and associated improvements for property located at 19 East Granby Road, COCE Zone. File Z-18-22.

Property owner Paul Holjes and his representative Terri Hahn of LADA, P.C. were present. Hahn provided a historical overview on the property, which consists of .23 acres, an existing structure with a gross floor area of 4,184 square feet, and no parking. The current owner purchased the property in 2016 and has been working on a site plan that would provide adequate parking for the proposed use. In 2021, the owner purchased additional land the west of the building and now the property can accommodate eight parking spaces. Holjes is looking to renovate and utilize the structure for his financial planning business. The proposed use requires 20 parking spaces. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to allow eight parking spaces. The applicant is requesting a waiver of Section 7.3.2 of zoning regulations pursuant to Section 3.12.5, in order to allow for parking along the driveway, as shown on the proposed site plan. The proposed lighting on the southern side of the building will be dark-sky compliant. Kenyon provided clarification regarding the requested waivers, and some commissioners questioned the proposed parking layout, future expansion of the business and/or possible tenants, and sight lines.

Holjes stated that he has no intention of renting space out to other businesses and plans to occupy the structure with his business and employees.

There was no public comment.

The commission commended the applicant for taking the time and working with professionals to develop a site plan best suited for the property and voted (6-0-0) to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

Applicant shall address and adhere to all eight staff comments detailed in the Nov. 15 memorandum from the Director of Community Development to the Planning and Zoning Commission; including receipt of the outstanding A-2 survey. The Office of Community Development shall have the authority to confirm completion of these items; Lighting plan is approved per plan on file; and Waiver for section 7.3.2 is granted pursuant to Section 3.12.5, allowing for parking along the driveway as detailed on the plan on file.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for two illuminated building signs for property located at 7 Mill Pond Drive, C2 Zone. File Z-21-22.

The above application has been scheduled for a public hearing on Dec. 13.

Staff Report and Correspondence

Kenyon noted that the Building Department has received foundation permit applications for the first three buildings at Station 280 and provided an update regarding progress made at Harness Way, including a bond reduction request.

DECEMBER 13, 2022

Members Present: Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Matthew Peters, Brennan Sheahan, and Alternates Paula Johnson and Robert Lavitt. Absent: Mark Lockwood. Also Present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Lavitt was seated for Lockwood.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.5.2.2, 8.6.14, 8.21.4.8 for a 24-hour access gym in the aquifer protection overlay zone and an illuminated building sign, for property located at 7 Mill Pond Drive, C2 Zone. File Z-19-22.

Applicant Robert Olson of 7 Ann-Mar Lane, Simsbury, was present to discuss the application. He is the owner of Resolute Fit located at 10 Mill Pond Drive and wants to open a 24-hour access fitness facility at 7 Mill Pond Drive.

The vacant 3,200 square foot space was previously a restaurant. Members would be able to access the facility at any time using a phone app and the facility would be monitored by motioncensored cameras.

Except for two existing bathrooms the interior space would be demolished and reconstructed, including the addition of two unisex ADA compliant showers. Emergency panic buttons will be installed throughout. The applicant said the signage has not been finalized and he will reapply to the commission for the signs. Kenyon stated that this site is located within the Aquifer Protection Overlay; however, the proposed use poses no threat to the aquifer.

There was no public comment.

The commission voted (7-0-0) to approve.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for two illuminated building signs for property located at 7 Mill Pond Drive, C2 Zone. File Z-21-22.

Applicant representative Kelvin Herrera of TriState Signs and Awnings was present via Zoom to discuss the application. Hartford Health Care Urgent Care has retained said company to install two new, 24-square foot illuminated signs to increase public awareness and visibility. One sign will be located over the main entrance on the front of the building that faces the parking lot and will be individually lit channel letters. The second sign will be located to the side of the building facing Salmon Brook Street and consist of an illuminated light box. Only the letters will be illuminated at night and the sign background will be opaque. There was no public comment.

The commission voted (7-0- 0) to approve.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.15.17.7.1 for a Farm Store for property located at 175 Barn Door Hills Road, R2A Zone. File Z-20-22.

Applicants Christopher Peregrin and Julien Tessier were present to discuss the application, along with property owners Carolyn and Eric Mainardi. The applicants propose to open a farm store within an existing 600 square foot outbuilding, which would be renovated to include an accessible bathroom and the required fixtures for the farm store, such as a three-bay sink, undercounter refrigerator, freezer, and display cases, would be installed. Hours of operation would be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and produce grown on site would be sold in the farm store, along with fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, eggs, baked goods, coffee and soft drinks.

The store would accommodate indoor seating for six people and outdoor seating for eight, while utilizing eight parking spaces to the east of the proposed farm store. There is an area to the west that could accommodate another six parking spaces if needed, and access would be from an existing gravel driveway. The store would connect to the farm’s existing commercial grade septic system and modifications would be made to the exterior in order to provide handicap access. Two signs are proposed, one freestanding, nonilluminated sign at the street and one illuminated wall sign over the entrance to the farm store. The applicant also stated that no alcohol will be served on-site and no live music or other entertainment shall occur.

Open for Public Comment

Margaret Lareau, 17R Reed Hill Road, expressed concerns regarding the proposed business operation and feels the stated use does not comply with the definition of a farm store.

Joanne Stevens, 91 Barn Door Hills Road, expressed concerns regarding the possibility for future expansion, and questioned whether the proposed use is in fact a farm store or a retail café operation.

Sara Ryan, 15 Halwood Drive, spoke in favor of the application.

Lorri DiBattisto, 20 Hillyer Way, submitted written documentation via email on Dec. 13, 2022 in favor of the application. (Kenyon stated for the record).

Peregrin addressed public comment and stated that they intend to keep the existing footprint of the structure as is, and if they do expand in the future, then they will relocate to a commercial space. He reiterated how they have been planting on-site for more than two years and will be using that product to produce food for sale. Mainardi stated how she granted Peregrin permission to apply for the Special Permit, and Kenyon provided a brief overview of the Special Permit approval process. There will be no live entertainment or music on site, nor will there be any events.

The public hearing closed.

The commission discussed the application at length and determined that the proposed use complies with the zoning regulations and voted (7-0-0) to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

Hours of operation shall be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday;

The following are not allowed as part of this permit: No entertainment, no events, no parties, no music outside the building, and no live music inside or outside of the farm store; and, Installation of a non-illuminated code-complaint freestanding sign at the end of the driveway and an illuminated code-complaint sign over the farm store entrance is approved.

Presentation and Commission

Discussion: Neighborhood and Commercial Transition Zone (T1)

Martin Schwager, chairman of the Granby Development Commission, provided an overview of the creation of the Neighborhood and Commercial Transition Zone (T1), as well as potential changes that are being recommended by the Development Commission. Current challenges to development within this zone consist of an internal roadway requirement, curb cut limitations, required setbacks, landscaping requirements, amenity restrictions, lot size requirements and multiple property owners. Coupled with a real estate market driven by changing economics, demographics, and legislative regulations, only one development has occurred within the T1 Zone since its adoption in 2006. Amending the T1 Zoning Regulations will provide advancement for more strategic development and give property owners the opportunity to remarket their properties.

Proposed changes include the removal of an internal road requirement, reducing building setbacks to 85 feet, reducing parking setbacks to 25 feet, reducing landscape buffer requirements along R30 zones to 50 feet, removal of curb cut separation requirement, etc. Kenyon provided an overview of the proposed curb cut language, which would encourage adjacent property owners to share driveways in order to minimize the number of curb cuts on Route 10. It was also noted there should be a provision to allow secondary/emergency access to Route 10 via a curb cut if necessary. Schwager also recommended that the commission consider the possibility of drive-through amenities. Chinni recommended postponing deliberation on the presentation until the next regular meeting, and the other commissioners agreed.

Respectfully submitted,

Renee Deltenre, Land Use Coordinator

Public Works

Presidents’ Day (Feb. 20) is not a trash holiday. Trash and recycling must be out on your regularly scheduled day.

Trash alerts: Paine’s has an alert system that will notify you of any changes to your pickup schedule. Signup at painesinc.com

Salt and Sand: A mix of sand and salt mix is available at the Granby Animal Shelter across from the McLean Game Refuge on Route 10. Residents are welcome to the equivalent of one 5-gallon bucket at a time.

Recycling: Do you have questions on recycling? Check out recyclect.com or follow it on FaceBook.

Textile recycling: Textile bags are still picked up by Simple Recycling, but

you must schedule a pickup. They will provide you with a specific pickup date. Bags can be placed near your front door. Simple Recycling accepts clothing, shoes, accessories, and small household items. Simple Recycling can be reached at 866-835-5068 or simplerecycling. com

Plastic film: Plastic bags and plastic wrap should never go in your single stream barrel. Plastic film is recyclable but only at designated collection boxes. Plastic shopping bags, clean plastic wrap, wrap from products such as toilet paper, napkins, etc. can be placed in collection containers located at the entrance of local grocery stores.

dWinter Operations

Winter storms and the resulting snow removal can be a challenge for all Granby residents. We do our best to keep the roads passable and safe. Please note the following suggestions, ordinances and rules to ensure a safe winter season for all:

Trash and recycling: Please be aware that unless the roads are closed, Paine’s will be out collecting trash/recycling on its regular schedule. You must have your barrels out by 6 a.m. If you choose not to put out your trash/recycling due to a storm, your barrels will not be emptied until your next scheduled pickup day.

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

Paine’s has an e-mail alert system that will notify you of any changes to your service schedule due to a holiday or inclement weather. Sign up at painesinc. com

Driveways: Before your final cleanup, check to see if the street has been plowed to the curb. If it has, you should be safe to clean the end of your driveway. If it hasn’t, rest assured the plow will be back to make another pass and fill up the end of your driveway. You can reduce the amount of snow deposited in your driveway by shoveling or plowing snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the street. Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. It creates a hazard and you may be liable in the case of an accident.

dMailboxes: During the winter season, it is inevitable that some mailboxes will fall victim to winter’s forces. In accordance with Granby Town Ordinance, the town will repair or replace a mailbox that is damaged as the result of direct contact with a town snow plow. Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow thrown against them are not eligible for repair.

If your mailbox is damaged, you may report it to Public Works and a department employee will investigate the damage, determine the cause, and schedule repairs if applicable.

Parking: Granby Town Ordinance prohibits the parking of any vehicle on a town road from the start of a storm until 12 hours after the storm has ended. Vehicles that violate the parking ban may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Sidewalks: Granby Town Ordinance requires a homeowner whose property abuts a sidewalk to keep it clean of snow and ice. Residents have up to eight hours after the end of the storm to clear the sidewalk. If the storm occurs overnight, residents have up to eight hours after sunrise to clear the sidewalk Sand: Sand mixed with salt is available at 166 Salmon Brook Street (Granby Animal Shelter), opposite McLean Game Refuge. Residents of Granby may take one 5-gallon bucket at a time.

Child Safety: Do not allow children to play on snowbanks along the side of the road. The plow may return to push back snowbanks and even in good conditions, it is difficult for a driver to see children.

Out of Town

These Shining Lives in Suffield

The Suffield Players presents These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich on Feb. 9 – 25 at Mapleton Hall. The true story of several Radium Girls—young women eager for financial independence and a chance to help their families in the years following WWI. Glow-inthe-dark instrument panels and clock faces were a strategic advantage during the war. In the years that followed, thousands of women clamored for the delicate job of painting clock and watch faces with radium paint for civilian use, which led to tragic consequences.

Dial painting jobs were seen as patriotic, lucrative and even glamorous. “The floating dust from the radium powder covered their hair, clothes, and skin, making them glow in the dark, like living apparitions,” said Lisa Parker, director of the production. “Girls would wear their party dresses to work so they would glow that evening.” At the time, radium was a relatively new discovery and not much was known about the effects of long-term exposure.

While These Shining Lives follows the story of several actual women who eventually suffered the effects of radi-

High School Boys Basketball- Dec. 21st

um exposure, Parker was eager to state that the play is inspirational rather than depressing. “The real-life radium girls stayed strong because of their friendship, their families and their faith. Despite all odds, they fought for justice all the way to the Supreme Court. Their battle changed workplace safety laws for everyone.”

Presented by the Suffield Players at historic Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield. Directed by Lisa Parker with the talents of Renee Bouldin, Steven Close, Paul DiProto, Barbara Gallow, Candy Green, Jim Hyland, Hanna Madler, Kat Marcil, Mark Proulx, Andrew Ross and Kate Stango. For tickets visit suffieldplayers.org or call 800-289-6148. Admission is $20 per person ($15 opening night), with discounts for Seniors and students.

Covid 19 precautions will be in effect: Performances on Feb. 9, 10 and 19 will require all audience members to wear masks while inside of Mapleton Hall. Performances on Feb. 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 are mask optional. See suffieldplayers.org for more information.

CTVV interview with David Holman

Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views, brings viewers up to date on the issues and challenges facing the town of Guilford with guest David Holman. Holman is a concerned resident who loves America and believes in the constitutional rights of all citizens particularly those who are parents with concern for their children’s educational curriculum. The issues are the on-going BOE challenges in maintaining a family’s right to have a voice in the students’ program courses and the ability to have an open and viable working relationship with school teaching staff.

See this interview in February, check your local PATV guide schedule for all shows at ctvalleyviews.com

High School Girls Basketball- Dec. 27th

Susan Regan

Junior Jackson Ellrod is just one of many players stepping into a new role this season.

Senior Ethan Bermudez goes for a layup in the second half of Granby vs Simsbury.

Senior Fem Jansen has been an integral part of the Bears’ success this season.

Senior Alyayla Bolduc drives to the hoop in a win against North Brandford.

Doug Williams participated in the Granby Artists Association Open Studio Tour in October. He was happy to demonstrate his oil painting en plein air.  Photo by Shirley Murtha

Photos by Jay Harder

In Town Focus

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group will offer a delicious breakfast and a great program showcasing Granby’s own Camera Club. Club members will display picturesque scenes of Granby Land Trust land parcels at the Granby Senior Center. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and program will start at 9 p.m. Cost $5. It is important that you register attendance on the Granby Senior Center Website or call the Center at 860-8445352.

Men’s Breakfast

The next Granby Men’s Breakfast will be Friday, Feb. 10, at 8:30 a.m., at the Granby Senior Center. Sandy Flagg will discuss Granby’s own Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen.

Please arrive at the center between 8 and 8:30 a.m. for check-in, pay $5, get your badge, find a table, hear announcements and have coffee before breakfast. Register in advance by calling the Granby Senior Center 860-844-5352.

Men of any age who are interested in joining the Granby Men’s Breakfast Group should send their contact information to gmensbkfst@gmail.com and to be added to the email notification list.

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. If you would like to attend this meeting, please contact pjgranby38@gmail. com for your Zoom registration. The program for the meeting is a sharing of photographs of The Granby Land Trust Properties. The Scavenger Hunt words for January are: Land Trust Property, Birds, and Favorite. Please share your photos on the Granby Camera Club Face Book page.

Empty Bowls

Granby’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, March 24, 5 to 7 p.m., in the new high school cafeteria. Empty Bowls is a grassroots organization that works to fight hunger in local communities. Each year, students from Granby’s National Honor Society organize and run the event to fight local hunger. Several hundred attendees will pay for handmade bowls as well as unlimited soup and bread donated by local restaurants.

All proceeds go directly to the Granby and Hartland food banks. The cost will be $8 for soup, $15 for soup plus a handmade bowl. For a family of three or more, the cost is $10 per soup and bowl.

Family fun at the Gran-Bee

By Kim Becker

Building on last year’s successful return of the Gran-Bee, the Granby Education Foundation will hold the 18th Bee on Friday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the GMHS auditorium. This free community event always delivers family fun so save the date for trivia, silly costumes, lots of bee puns and maybe even a little music.

This annual event is GEF’s biggest fundraiser thanks to support from the local business community. Corporate sponsors are recognized on the GEF website, in our event advertising in the Granby Drummer, at the Gran-Bee with signage and in the printed program distributed at the event.

These sponsorship dollars go directly into grants that support our schools and nonprofit organizations in developing projects such as the TV production studio at GMHS, Granby Celebrates Juneteenth arts program, the Wildflower Meadow Educational Enrichment Program and the China: From Calligraphy to Cooking program at GMMS.

The Honey Jar auction, which was added last year, is another way to support GEF’s mission to enrich lifelong learning. The board is seeking items ranging from weekend getaways and

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words. Send by email to: editor@granbydrummer.org

Susannah Hires Mollineaux 1939 – 2023

Our dearest Susannah Hires Mollineaux, born Susannah Dubois Hires in Salem, New Jersey passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022 after a brief illness. She was 83. A kindergarten and rst grade teacher in Granby, Sue and her husband Bill relocated to Torrington where she thrived as an active member of the Keystone Place at Newbury Brook community.

Born to Charles R. Hires Jr. and Josephine (Hutchinson) Hires on October 28, 1939, Susannah and her sister Josephine Hires Wood grew up on a dairy farm in Salem, New Jersey.

After graduating From Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Sue rst taught in Salem, New Jersey. Two years later, Sue ventured to Bindlach, Germany, where she taught the children of U.S. military personnel. It was here that Sue met the love of her life, Lt. William R. Mollineaux, her husband of 58 years.

Upon returning to the States, Sue dedicated herself to raising their two daughters. When Susie and Barb became older, Sue returned to the classroom. And what a return it was! Sue’s love for teaching and children resulted in a remarkable career, highlighted by being a runner-up for the Connecticut teacher of the year in 1991.

Sue lled her classroom with over 700 of the nest children’s literature books that captivated her students. Her unparalleled gift of reading aloud mesmerized her students and motivated them to read on their own. Watching Sue teach was like observing a symphony conductor! Whether reading aloud, playing games, singing, camping trips, or any other activity Sue designed, she made learning fun and meaningful.

Sue’s love of children’s literature led to her teaching extremely popular children’s literature courses at the University of Hartford and at the University of Saint Joseph. Sue presented at major conferences for teachers, and in her quest to improve her teaching she attended many conferences where she met and socialized with the writers and illustrators of the books in her classroom. From these,

she gathered many interesting tid-bits that she brought to her classroom.

When her daughters discovered their love for gure skating, Sue shared their passion “o ice” as a board member and Test Chairman for the Charter Oak Figure Skating Club, then in West Hartford. She designed and sewed show costumes, ran weekend-long test sessions, and enjoyed spending time with her dear Charter Oak friends.

After retiring from the Granby school system in 2004, Sue and Bill loved spending several weeks a year at Cape Cod and Ogunquit, enjoying the wonderful musicals at the Warner Theatre and the Thomaston Opera House, and watching granddaughter Brenna classical ballet dance at the Nutmeg Conservatory and granddaughter Jaci play soccer and basketball. The myriad activities o ered by Granby’s senior center, swimming at the YMCA, and the beautiful local walking trails provided a very active life. When Bill’s scoliosis slowed him down, they decided it was time to investigate senior living residences. After a great deal of looking, they discovered their dream place, Keystone Place at Newbury Brook in Torrington. Here Sue’s teaching expertise and organizing ability again ourished with her popular greeting card classes, and word game activities.

Residents and sta adored Sue. Her beautiful smile, e ervescent personality, care and respect for others, helpfulness, and contagious laughter were instrumental in making Keystone Place a wonderful family!

Sue is survived by her husband, William Mollineaux; daughter and son-in-law Barbara and John Budaj; granddaughters Brenna and Jaci Budaj; and nephews Bruce and Douglas Wood. She is preceded in death by her daughter and namesake Susannah D. Mollineaux.

The family expresses their thanks to Allen Milo and the entire Keystone family and Hartford Hospital’s hospice team for their support.

In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to support the young patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at Hayes-Huling & Carmen Funeral Home in Granby on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

date night packages to local arts and crafts and gift cards that support small businesses. Some of the most popular items from last year’s auction were family game night and spa baskets, hands on activities such as glass blowing and kayaking, as well as gift cards from local restaurants and Apple.

To join learn more about business sponsorships and auction item donation, visit granbyeducationfoundation. org/sponsor or contact us at donating@granbyeducationfoundation.org

Charter Revision Commission update

By Shirley Murtha

The first 2023 meeting of the Granby Charter Revision Commission took place on Jan. 12 in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Chairman Ed Ohannessian presented two options to the members with regard to their seating arrangement at subsequent work sessions: they could sit formally at the dais, as all members of the various town boards do, or they could pull the tables located at the front of the room together and work in a faceto-face setting. The members chose to be seated at the tables.

Although no actual revisions to the charter would be done at this meeting, Ohannessian asked each member if there were any topics of particular interest to them. Mentioned by more than one member was a desire to change the format of the election of the First Selectman, the current ruling stating that if the loser for First Selectman position receives enough votes, he or she can bump someone running for a regular selectman position who has less votes. Other comments regarding elections included the need to more clearly explain the difference between an elector and a registered voter, and to specify a procedure for breaking a tie. Also concerning elections, the question was raised: when do the various newly elected boards take over—the next meeting after the election? The next month?

An important consideration said to need clarification is the language concerning the operation of the Board of Selectmen should the Town Manager become disabled, as has happened in the recent past.

The need for the Charter to have more “readability” was mentioned. At this time, it is perceived to not be an easy read for the general public.

Several members commented on the timeline for the budget vote. It often falls during the academic spring break, when many families are away. Related to timing issues, speaking for the registrars during the public session, Paul Willis suggested that the budget referendum be moved to the third Monday of April instead of the fourth to avoid the occasional back-to-back voting sessions that are very hard on the registrars’ staff.

The final date for public input on the charter via email was Jan. 20. At the time of this meeting, no such emails had been received by the Commission or the town manager. The Commission is scheduled to give its recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on May 15.

Commission members include Chairman Ed Ohannessian, Vice-chairman Anthony McGovern, Francis Brady, Rebecca Brewer, Anthony Capelli, Lynn Guelzow, Terri-Ann Hahn, Mark Lockwood and Benjamin Perron.

ADULTS

Blues 101 with Ramblin’ Dan Stevens: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Veteran touring entertainer Ramblin’ Dan Stevens traces the development of this true American genre. Hear pieces performed on a three-stringed Cigar Box Guitar and on a one-stringed Diddley Bow, both primitive instruments used by early bluesmen. The performance is free, but you must register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Acoustic Guitar with Jim Lenn: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 – 3 p.m. at the Main Branch. Lenn’s acoustic guitar repertoire features the music he grew up with in the 1960s. Enjoy a blast from the past and join in on the chorus. Register to save a seat. Sponsored by Granby Public Library.

The Heritage of Gullah Geechee: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Adults, Teens, Tweens. Corey Alston, a fifth generation Gullah Geechee descendant, shares a North Carolina tradition that traces its roots back to Africa. Learn how natural materials along the coast are hand-woven into one-of-a-kind sweetgrass baskets. Register to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Crafters Café, Come to Your Senses

Aromatherapy Workshop: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Discover the health benefits of essential oils and botanicals and enjoy making two aromatic projects with Kim Larkin. Participants will make a fabric botanical dream pillow and a healing foot salt soak. Register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Movie Matinee, African Queen: Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Enjoy the classic 1951 British-American adventure film adapted from the 1935 novel of the same name by C. S. Forester. The film stars Humphrey Bogart, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor, and Connecticut’s own Katharine Hepburn. Part of our Classic Movie and TV Magic series. Space is limited, register to reserve your seat. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Conservation Conversation—All About EVs: Monday, Feb. 13, 6 – 7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Adults, Teens and Tweens. Join us for a presentation and discussion about electric

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

granby-ct.gov/library • 860-844-5275

GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Winter Library Hours, Main Branch

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

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.

Winter Library Hours, Cossitt Branch

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

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

vehicles (EVs). Gain a basic understanding of the three types of electric vehicles, the pros and cons to operating an electric vehicle, and what grants and incentives are available for individuals and the community. This program is part of a continuing series of Conservation Conversations sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Conservation Commission. Registration recommended; drop-ins are welcome if space allows.

The Golden Age of Hollywood, Movie Making in the First Half of the 20th Century: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn about the forces that made Hollywood a giant in global film-making. Brian G. Rose, author and film/television authority, examines the short-lived Golden Age, and discusses studio politics, the star system and the nature of the movie-going experience. Part of our Classic Movie and TV Magic series. Register to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Passion For Papercraft—Quilling: Monday, Feb. 27, 1 – 2 p.m. at the Main Branch. Try your hand at quilling, an ancient art form that uses rolled and shaped strips of paper to create decorative designs. Space is limited; register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

BOOK CLUBS

Something About the Author: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Discuss Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. This historical novel follows an African family

through eight generations, portraying the African and African American experience in the aftermath of enslavement. Yaa Gyasi is a Ghanaian-American novelist, and Homegoing was her debut novel. Published in 2016, it won several awards. Leading the discussion is John Rusnock. Registration requested.

Sci-Fi: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6 – 7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Discuss Early Riser, a dystopic novel (speculative fiction that offers a vision of the future) written by Jasper Fforde and published in 2019. The story is set in an alternate Wales where most of its population hibernates during the unbearable winters. Charlie Worthing is awake for the first time ensuring those hibernating have a steady stream of the drug Morphnox. But what really goes on as people sleep every winter? And how will Charlie deal with the undead, nightwalkers, mythical monsters and villains? Leading the discussion is Doug Soucier. Registration requested.

TEEN AND TWEENS

Teen Mondays–DIY Personalized Mug: Mondays, Feb. 6 and 13, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Grades 6–12. Make your own personalized mug for all your favorite warm winter drinks. We will provide all the supplies. This is a two-part session: come back the following week to pick up your completed mug filled with sweet surprises. Light refreshments will be provided. Free. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Special Events Take Your Child To The Library Day: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Main

Branch. Thousands of libraries across the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering special fun activities for families to help remind everyone to make the library part of your weekly routine. Join us this year at our special Dance Party (see below), then stop by the library to visit and remind yourself: Every day is a great day to visit the library!

Dance Party with DJ Red Supreme: Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Senior Center Community Room. We are celebrating Take Your Child to the Library with a Dance Party. Austin Dailey, AKA Red Supreme, will play fun family music while teaching Hip Hop and party dance moves that are fast paced, yet easy enough for beginners. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Story Times and More

Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 1 and 28, 10:30–11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children up to 2 years and their caregivers are invited to an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and baby sign language. Registration requested.

Mother Goose On The Loose: Wednesdays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Registration requested.

New—Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, Feb. 2, 16 and 23, 6 -6:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Children age 4–7 are invited to an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches, and an interactive activity. Registration required.

Mini Movers: Fridays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. A fun interactive program for children age 14 months to 4 years featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and shaker egg activities. Registration required.

School Age Programs

Thursday Makers @ Cossitt: Thursday, Feb. 2, 4:15 – 5 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Children in grades K–2 participate in a variety of fun crafts and engaging hands-on activities. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Libraries.

Take and Make @ Cossitt: Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Stop by Cossitt Branch to pick up a n easy-to-complete craft project for children age 4 and up or stay and complete the craft after you pick out your books.

Crazy 8s Club: Thursdays, Feb. 9 and 23, 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. at the Main Branch. Grades 3–5. A totally new kind of math club—make

Pros and cons of owning an electric vehicle

By Kent McCord

Should I buy an electric car? This question has been on my mind for the last year or so, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned about the many pros and cons of owning an electric vehicle (EV).

Let me first acknowledge that buying a car is a highly personal choice, a complex decision involving numerous factors including style, utility, performance, cost, safety, etc. Everyone has different preferences, leading to a nearly endless variety of choices.

These choices now include electric vehicles, which are available in all possible styles, from affordable hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, from sports cars to pickup trucks. While I would love to engage in a lively discussion on all these factors, I will focus on two key issues: What are the environmental benefits, and what is the cost of ownership, compared to conventional gas-powered cars?

Let’s start with the environmental benefits. Driving an EV means switching from gasoline to electricity. Gasoline comes from petroleum, and burning it in a car engine results in carbon emissions as well as other pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. EVs are essentially pollution-free at the car, but utility electricity comes from a mixture of fossil-fuel, nuclear, and renewable energy power plants; the electric utility is not free from environmental impact. How do we compare the two?

As an energy engineer trained in this

mischief and memories with activities like neon geometry and bouncy dice explosion!

Registration required. Sponsored by Bedtime Math and Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Take and Make Crafts: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Main Branch. Ages 4 and up. Stop by Children’s Room to pick up an easy-to-complete craft project.

Building Club: Saturday, Feb. 25, 10:30 –11:15 a.m. at the Main Branch. Grades 3–5. Do you have what it takes to be a Master Builder?

Join us to put your creativity and skills to the test as you complete a variety of building challenges using different materials. Registration required.

sort of analysis, I decided to perform my own calculations. For comparison, I chose two small SUVs offered by Chevy—the gas-powered Trax, and the electric-powered Bolt EUV. The Trax gets an average of about 28 miles per gallon of gasoline, which I think everyone understands is pretty good for a gas car. The Bolt EUV has a rating of 29 kWh of electricity per one hundred miles, which I know doesn’t mean anything to anybody.

I calculated the amount of gasoline, and electricity, required to drive 15,000 miles in a year. (536 gallons and 4,350 kWh respectively.) The carbon emissions from gasoline are a straight chemical conversion—20 lbs CO2 per 1 gallon of gasoline— but what are the carbon emissions associated with utility power?

Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Energy carefully tracks the emissions of all utility power generation in the country, and annually publishes a report of the emissions by utility, state, and region. The power grid is not the same across the country. In fact, the utility grid in the Northeast is among the cleanest, lowest-carbon grids in the nation, due to a high percentage of nuclear power, very little coal power, and an increasing, though still very small, portion of renewable energy. For comparison, utility power in New England generates 533 pounds of CO2 per 1000 kWh of electricity, while utility power in Indiana generates nearly three times more.

The result of my calculation is that driving a Chevy Bolt EUV in New England will save about 80 percent on your carbon emissions compared to driving a similar gasoline powered vehicle—a savings of over four tons of CO2 per year. This savings drops to 40 percent in Indiana. The percentage savings of smog and asthma-causing air pollutants is on a similar scale.

It’s worth noting that many people are concerned about the environmental impact of manufacturing the lithium-ion batteries at the heart of EVs. I share this concern. But a true comparison of gas

Why We Should Be Your

and electric vehicles also needs to account for the impact of the petroleum industry. I don’t have the time, or quite frankly the knowledge, yet, to tackle this topic here.

Now what about the cost of electricity versus gasoline, especially considering the massive 50 percent increase that Eversource just announced? Using the same comparison of small SUVs above, a gas price of $3.25 per gallon, and today’s (unbelievable) electric price of 34 cents per kWh, I calculated that 15,000 miles of driving would cost $1,741 in gasoline versus $1,479 in electricity, a savings of 15 percent. When the electric rate comes back down to a normal rate of 22 cents per kWh (and it will in July, mark my words), the savings increases to 45 percent, or $784 per year. When you add reduced cost of maintenance— no more oil changes, it is clear that EVs are less expensive to operate.

This reduced cost of ownership is offset, however, by higher sticker prices on the EV windows. Lucky for us, both the federal and Connecticut governments have credits designed to make EVs more affordable. The federal tax credit is up to $7,500, depending upon vehicle and personal income level. The state rebate is up to $4,250 ($2,250 for the Chevy Bolt EUV). These incentives can make EVs equal to, or even less than, the cost of an equivalent gas model.

As I said early, there are many other considerations, not the least of which is charging, both at home and on the road.

If you’re interested in more information on all topics EV, I recommend starting at the EVConnecticut website, which I found to be very helpful.

And now for my decision. Well, it turns out I don’t actually need a new car; I bought a hybrid last year, and love it. But I’m nearly convinced that my next car will be an EV. For me, they seem like the more affordable, responsible and, quite frankly, fun option.

Editor’s Note: Kent McCord is a member of the Granby Conservation Commission and a Certified Energy Manager

Women’s & Men’s Breakfast Groups enjoy varied programs

Friends of the libraries merge

By Amy McCue

outstanding GMHS choral group, under the direction of Director Mindy Shilansky, performed on Dec. 7 for an enthusiastic group of women at the Granby Center. Photo by Joan Ducharme

There is a new non-profit in town. The newly created Friends of the Granby Public Libraries, Inc. came into being in January to combine the strengths of the Friends of Granby Public Library and the Friends of F.H. Cossitt Library with the mission of supporting the Granby Public Library System. This merger, which took years to complete, was a team effort between the groups with help from Pro Bono Partnership lawyers, the library director and with the support of the Library Board.

library lobby, the annual puzzle sale, the holiday sale (and giving tree), and more. Does this mean you won’t fully support one branch?

No! This change will allow Library staff members to allocate funding where it is needed most and allow resources to be shared between both locations. Where can I find out more information?

The Granby Public Library website will have links to the new Friends organization information as soon as it becomes available.

How does the Granby Library Association fit in to all of this?

The Women’s group met on a rainy January morning for a program featuring three volunteers with the Bright Spot Canine along with their therapy dogs, Rambler, Willie and Deja. From left, Sally King, Paula Johnson and Karyn Cordner.

Photo by Joan Ducharme.

The speaker at the January Men’s Breakfast was Wally Banzhaf with a fascinating story of the Tariffville Water System tank upgrade. Submitted photo

Winemaker and artist combine talents

Just in time for 2022 holiday sales, winemakers Kevin Riggott and Michelle Neidermeyer of Lost Acres Vineyard released their newest variety of white wine, which they call Once in a Blue Moon. Granby artist Laura Eden painted an evocative picture of a full moon rising over the branches of the Granby Oak to be used for the label.

The Granby Public Library, with its two branches, has long been supported by The Friends of Granby Public Library and the Friends of F.H. Cossitt Library. These non-profits, along with the Granby Library Association, have contributed tens of thousands of dollars over the years to support library programming, services, operations, and collections. Volunteers from each group, along with their members, supported the library branches through several renovations and restorations, budget cuts, changes in location and staffing, and even a pandemic. It is through their efforts that Granby has a library system that does much more than meet basic information needs.

As the library has taken steps to further improve operations and provide quality services across the system, the Friends groups have evolved. Rather than continue competing for attention, supporters, volunteers and funds, the groups decided to merge into a single Friends organization with the mission of supporting Granby Public Library.

The new non-profit organization, The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries, officially came into being on Jan. 1. If you were a member of either group in 2022, you are automatically a member of the new group and will be invited to renew your membership later this year.

If you weren’t a member, you are invited to join this newly energized group when you see its invitation in the Library or the Drummer this spring.

In the meantime, here are answers to the FAQ around this merger and library support in general:

Will there still be a book sale?

Yes! The planning is already underway, and the Friends are excited to continue this fundraising tradition as well as the book sale table in the main

The GLA, the longest-running nonprofit organization that supports the Granby Public Library, focuses less on the day-to-day and more on the longterm or emergency needs of the library. The association uses its accumulated funds, as well as donations, gifts and bequests, to support non-budgeted needs of the library such as furniture, marketing and specialty programming. While the Friends typically raise and spend funding in a single year, the GLA invests donations on behalf of the library’s future.

Granby’s

Neidermeyer (l.) and Eden celebrate the release of the new vintage. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Reflections on a Civil Rights bus tour

By Cathy Watso

On the national holiday celebrating the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) sponsored a Civil Rights bus tour virtual panel discussion. The panel consisted of Granby residents, Ken and Rose Mouning, Pastor Clark Pfaff and Ellen Thomson who participated in the tour this past summer.

The Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding (CCIU) organized the trip to “explore the historic and ongoing struggle for racial equity and justice … on a tour of some of the most important landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement.” CCIU is an interreligious organization that “promote(s) interfaith dialogue and understanding…through the lens of our shared imperative to love our neighbors.”

Prior to the panel discussion, Pfaff, pastor of Valley Brook Church, shared why he wanted to make this trip, the impact it had on him and the reasons he wanted to share his experiences.

Growing up in the southeastern United States during the 1960s, Pfaff was immersed in the racist culture of that place and time. Pfaff admits he “was not completely innocent of racism.” In his late teens, he “rejected the blatant racism around me” and “for decades I thought I was good. I thought, ‘I don’t have biases. I treat everyone the same.’”

In 2017, encouraged by a friend, Pfaff read Waking Up White: Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving. He saw in her story parallels to his own. Reading the book “helped me understand that while I had long ago rejected the ugly and blatant racism of the culture I grew up in, I was totally oblivious to the

subtle and less blatant racism all around me and that I participated in. Through Debby’s book I realized that the color of my skin gave me an advantage in so many ways that people with darker skin are not afforded.”

Since reading Irving’s book, Pfaff actively sought conversations with his friends of color, sitting and listening to their experiences in these United States. He read about the Civil Rights Movement, about racism. He read books by authors of color. This fueled the desire to be where the pivotal activities for civil rights occurred. Pfaff stated, “I knew I wanted go and walk where brave people courageously stood and walked and bled so they could have the rights that I have and that I take for granted.”

Though there were many powerful places and experiences on the Civil Rights tour through Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, two stood out for Pfaff. “Walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with my friend Ken Mouning, was an incredible honor. This was the site of the Bloody Sunday March in 1965 where peaceful protestors were attacked by state troopers as they marched for equality. And because this violence was televised it became a turning point in the quest for racial justice. To walk across that historic bridge with my friend who is African American and who has been a mentor to me is a moment I will never forget,” he recalled.

The other powerful experience for Pfaff was walking through the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. He describes this memorial, also known as the lynching memorial, as

National Memorial and Monument for Peace and Justice. Submitted photos “haunting and holy” that filled the pastor with “grief and sadness as I walked among coffin-sized monuments.” Per museumandmemorial.eji.org/memorial, the memorial is “dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people, people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color burdened with contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence.” The memorial features 800 six-foot monuments hanging from the ceiling to symbolize racial terror lynching victims. The monuments are engraved with the names of over 4,000 lynching victims. Pfaff reported, “Sadly, thousands more African Americans were lynched and their deaths were never documented.”

This Civil Rights tour helped Pfaff grasp “how much people of color have had to endure just to have the same freedoms that I have always had. We need to understand that (this is) not a comment on a person’s worth and how they have worked to get where they are. Those words are a statement of fact that over the past 400 years people born with white skin had an advantage over people born

with dark skin. The advantages include not being enslaved, treated as an animal, mistrusted, denied basic human rights, profiled, denied equal opportunities, etc. To have those simple advantages would be a dream come true for many people.” Pfaff concluded by encouraging others: “My hope is that we would each own our part in ending bias and racism and realize that this is not a decision that is made once and then we move on. No, this is something that we must recognize will be something we must work on throughout our lives.”

Rev. Clark Pfaff (l.) and Ken Mouning on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala.

The birth of Granby Congregational Church, UCC

By Deborah Joyce

There was great excitement as members from First Congregational Church and South Congregational Church gathered on Jan. 8 to celebrate the official creation of Granby Congregational Church, UCC, with a party complete with cake and balloons.

The vote to unite was taken last fall and overwhelmingly approved. Granby Congregational Church came

into being on Jan. 1. The two properties now operate as the North and South campuses of Granby Congregational Church.

Newly elected co-moderators, Lisa Reinhardt and Chad Henze, and the Search Committee will continue the process of seeking an interim minister to serve the new church.

All are welcome to join us in worship as we are interdenominational and open and affirming. We offer worship,

West Granby resident awarded DAR Veteran Volunteer Award

Church members enjoying fellowship on Jan. 8.

youth programs, community outreach and mission activities. If you would like to learn more about us, feel free to visit our new website at GranbyCongregationalChurch.org

Soon new signage will go up at both campuses and we start a new faith journey together.

Worship services for the month of February are at our North Campus, 219 North Granby Road at 10 a.m.

At its November Awards meeting the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented the Veteran Volunteer Award to Leesa Philippon of West Granby in recognition of her distinguished military service to our country, outstanding citizenship, and community service. Debra Payne, Chapter Service to Veterans Chair, presented the award.

Philippon is the daughter of a U.S. Army soldier who fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. For his sacrifices, he was awarded a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with Valor. Inspired by her father’s military service and the military service of her three older siblings, she served in the Army as a French Linguist/Electronic Voice Interceptor. She met her husband, Sgt. Ray Philippon, while stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. They have been married 41 years and are parents to LCpl. Lawrence Philippon, Emilee Pescatore and LCpl. Bryan Philippon.

On May 8, 2005, Mother’s Day and their 24th wedding anniversary, their son, Larry Philippon, a Conard High School graduate, age 22, was killed in Iraq serving with the United States Marines.

Philippon has worked with the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs at the Sgt. John Levitow Healthcare Center in Rocky Hill, caring for veterans, and at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Service and Public Protection.

In 2021, she retired as the program coordinator for Resilience Grows Here, a veteran initiative of the Farmington Valley Health District.

Volunteering to enrich the lives of our military members, veterans and families has been a blessing in her own life. She has helped to support the Connecticut Department of Affairs Stand Down event; she helped to bring the Wall of Remembrance to West Hartford in 2016, and she has volunteered to speak and pray at a variety of veteran, military and Gold Star Family events. In her retirement, she continues to help veterans and families find supportive resources. Philippon is a member of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and a member of VFW Auxiliary Post 296.

From left, Carolyn Stewart, Regent of Abigail Phelps Chapter DAR; Leesa Philippon; and Debra Paine. Submitted photo

Photo by Scott Tibbo

Remembering Tom Wutka—a man of many talents

By Shirley Murtha

Most Granby folks today remember Tom Wutka sitting on the porch at Lost Acres Orchard, peeling his apples for the many delectable ways they would be used in the family bakery, including his own specialty, Tom’s Dried Apples. Perhaps, especially if they had children, those same folks would remember him driving the tractor that pulled the wagon filled with sightseers for a trip through the orchard on Open Farm Day. Those memories will have to do, for sadly Tom passed away early in December.

Born in Allentown, Penn., he studied mechanical engineering at Moravian College and Penn State, a natural progression of the carpentry and general tinkering he inherited from his dad. He met his wife Ginny at a summer church camp. They married in 1960 and moved to Enfield as Tom had been hired by Hamilton Standard. In 1970, he designed and built a home on Harvey Drive for his family, which now included four children—Matthew, Susan, Marybeth and Robert. Tom and Ginny fell in love with the 1760 farmhouse up Lost Acres Road a piece and, in 1977, they moved there and began the adventure we now know as Lost Acres Orchard.

While solving engineering problems for Hamilton, Loctite, CIGNA, Comfort Systems and other companies, coaching Little League, and working on town building projects, he added a cider mill and bakery to the orchard. The years went flying by. As noted in his official obituary, his children fondly remember “backyard skating rinks, Excel spreadsheets, homemade pancakes, holiday puzzles, cribbage, corny jokes, all from a patient and gentle father who always took the time to show them how things work.”

Each child wrote down his or her special memories of their dad after his passing. His daughter Susan agreed to let us reprint her tribute here. Hopefully, you will enjoy reading this and seeing how Tom’s life was full of humor and the ability to make others laugh.

Dad asked for nothing and gave everything. Among the many things he gave me, I like to think he also gave me some of his sense of humor. The years were full of silly dad puns that had all of us rolling our eyes and saying, “Oh, Dad!”

If you ever spoke with him for even a few minutes, you know he was all about getting a good giggle. He

would often introduce Mom as his “first wife.” When the cabin crew on any flight asked what he would like to drink, his standard answer was “a chocolate malt, please.” If he asked you how you were doing and you answered “good,” he’d follow with, “Does anyone pay you to be good, or are you good for nothing?” He was a quiet man of few words, but most of those few were an attempt to make you smile.

Almost every day for the past 20 years or so, Dad would pop into the bakery in the morning—to check in, grab a coffee, set up his apple peeler or sneak a little treat. He’d ask how we were, possibly ask if we were good for nothing, and when we’d ask him how HE was, the reply was always, “I’m good and a half.” Not just good, but good and a half. We knew things were getting tough when in recent years, he had some simply “good” days, and finally many “I’m tired” days.

Mom said the night before he passed that they had driven down to the live nativity at Salmon Brook Park. On the way home they drove past their first house on Harvey Drive, reminiscing.

BOS authorizes money for preserving historical documents

By Shirley Murtha

Since the Fiscal Year 2022-23 adopted budget did not include an amount designated for preservation of historical documents, Town Manager Erica Robertson requested the Granby Board of Selectmen to authorize a budget amendment of $5,500 for this purpose.

A grant of that amount is available through the Connecticut State Library Historic Documents Preservation Program, which is used by

historians, genealogists, title searchers, attorneys, and ordinary citizens. The program supports municipalities in preserving and managing their most valuable records.

The Town is partnering with COTT Systems to begin on-site scanning and uploading of Volumes 80-105 (19701978) land records. This will make title searches much more efficient and will ensure that the documents are preserved. COTT’s Resolution3 Search will allow users to directly access the images by

entering the assigned book and page number. Access to the program is by subscription, which costs $2 per page. Title searches usually go back 40 years, but access to further back is even better.

The Town has already preserved records from 1978 to the present.

When they got home, they sat in the car for a long while just talking about life and counting their blessings. His “good and a half” always brought a smile, but now I realize it was his way of counting his blessings, his way of telling us that even though farm life was challenging, even though he might rather be golfing than peeling apples, even though there was always something in need of repair, that life was good and a half, and he was grateful for all of it.

Tom Wutka, peeling apples at Lost Acres Orchard. Photo by Terry Somerville

GRANBY ARTISTS

Insight into the creative process

Jean-Luc Godard

Website: artoflamp.com

Email: sales@artoflamp.com

Studio location: Southwick, Mass.

Member of Granby Artists since: 2015 and also member of the Agawam Artist Association.

Jean-Luc Godard is a self-taught artist who uses wood and metal to make sculptural lighting with organic designs and futuristic concepts. Born and raised in France, he moved to the United States in 1990.

His signature work includes sculpted nature-inspired elements, influenced by his surrounding environment and his everyday experiences. By focusing on technique and materials, Godard tries to approach his work in a simple, yet elegant way, involving the viewer in a way that is sometimes physical and he believes in the idea of function following form in a work. He has received local awards and his work has been in local juried shows and galleries, including the upcoming Rhinebeck Craft Festival.

What inspired you to become an artist? What inspires your art?

I always wanted to create. Not happy with just making things, a friend opened my eyes on the world of art and its infinite possibilities.

Does Granby have an influence on your art?

Yes, Granby always had an influence on my work. I love nature and most of my work can attest of it. The GAA also had a deep influence on my work, all the creative energy from the many artists in the association do influence my work in terms of techniques and medium.

Tell us about a satisfying art accomplishment you have had.

I can’t speak of any particular piece, but going to shows with new collections and seeing people connecting to my work is definitely where I find most of my sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Does your art try to relay a message? If so, what?

I look at my art as conversational pieces. I want people to wonder how it works or how I made it. Mixing my engineering background with art has been my real breakthrough, by being able to design complex objects, but yet making them look simple in appearance.

Godard’s Lady Spring

What is your most exciting aspect of being an artist?

The freedom of expression. I don’t feel I have any boundaries except my own imagination. I just look around me, nature, all tools in my shop, shapes around me . . . all that is food to fuel the passion I have to create the one of a kind.

Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years?

To create new collections in my everevolving art exploration and to always make works for the whole spectrum of buyers. I don’t want to make art that most people cannot afford. Everyone should be able to have a little piece of art in their life.

William C. Scheel

Medium: Abstract painting

Member of Granby Artists since: 2017

Although my art has no particular aspect relating to my having lived in Granby for over 30 years, Granby flows through my veins in just about all ways—gardening and brightly colored flowers are two of them.

My art is entirely random, so although I glean color inspirations from the flowers growing around me, the substance of blowing water-based house paint around a canvas using an air compressor is 90 percent random and 10 percent skill. Nevertheless, it is great fun; and I do it only because I have fun. I have no interest in selling my art.

I’ve been doing woodworking and blasting with my pancake compressor the entire time I’ve been an exhibiting member of GAA and for years before that.

At least some of the painting tech

William C. Scheel

Your donation to the Granby Community Fund helps support the Waste Not, Want Not program, A community-based organization that prepares and serves a free hot meal weekly to an average of 150 people.

are a joy to watch. If it’s messy (and air compressor art really is) kids of all ages love it. Just like me!

Very seldom do I get asked whether I have goals or ambitions for this art form. Were that question ever to pop up, the answer is nope. In my judgment, to be an artist is to be. Besides, as those who know me would add: Scheel prefers computer programming to wood sculpting and painting—and he’s probably better at the former than the latter!

Jean-Luc Godard at work in his studio.

Special Events

Valentine’s Day Lunch and Bingo: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 12 p.m. Join us for a delicious lunch, dessert bar and Bingo as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Cost $5. Please register by Feb. 3. Felt Rose Workshop: Thursday, Feb. 9, 1 – 3 p.m. Learn how to make beautiful and realistic roses and greenery out of felt material just in time for Valentine’s Day. Perfect to keep for yourself or give as a gift. Taught by local artist and instructor Katherine Tolve. Cost $15.

TRIPS

International Travel: Are you dreaming of a fantastic vacation? Granby Senior Center partners with Collette Tours, a renowned travel tour company that has been taking groups to amazing destinations for decades. Our current adventures are planned for Italy in October 2023 and Japan in April 2024. Call 860-8445352 for details.

Par 4 the Course: Friday, Feb. 10, 11:15-3 p.m. Par 4 the Course offers an exceptional indoor golf experience using virtual golf simulators in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Players and guests can enjoy a full bar and food menu from Shortstop Bar and Grill while relaxing in the 800 square foot lounge area. Play over 30 different games including soccer, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, sport shooting. Cost is $10. Lunch paid on your own.

Connecticut Flower and Garden Show: Friday, Feb. 24, 9:15 a.m.-3 p.m. Spring in February arrives annually at the Connecticut Convention Center. Explore exhibits overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, garden equipment and much more. View beautifully landscaped gardens and stop by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut design and horticulture competition. Cost $25. Lunch afterwards on your own at Red Rock Tavern

Cracker Barrel Pub, Tariffville: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Your friendly neighborhood pub and grill offers upscale bar food, cold beer, and weekly events in a laidback, comfortable atmosphere. Cost $5.

Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods: Monday, Feb. 13, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. With over 70 stores to choose from, there is something for everyone. Shop and dine. Cost $5.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

CRT Hot Lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12-1 p.m. Let someone else do the cooking. Community Café offers a healthy, lowcost 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, Feb. 1, 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.

Cribbage: Every Friday, 1-3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Join this lively group. Experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.

Set Back: Every Tuesday, 1-3:30 p.m. Free.

Music Jam: Every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s-80s. Free.

Stamping: Thursday, Feb. 16, 9:30-11 a.m. Make beautiful cards for all occasions. All materials provided. Cost: $5 per class.

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

History Revisited: Every Tuesday, 10 a.m.12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor, has a unique way of bringing history to life. Join this informative and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian

times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Limited to six attendees. Masks and social distancing required.

Camera Club: Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. The club is for photography enthusiasts. Each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10.

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m. Photo Gems from Granby’s Camera Club with Paula Johnson. Cost $5.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Feb. 10 at 8:30 a.m. Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen with Sandy Flagg. Cost: $5.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Dr. Simmons, Strength Assessments: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 30-minute appointments made in advance only. If you have difficulty walking long distances, trouble getting up from a chair, or maybe get tired out easily, this is an excellent opportunity to have your upper and lower body strength assessed. Free.

Hearing Screenings: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 9-11 a.m. Hearing Care Centers will be on-site conducting hearing screenings that include hearing aid cleaning and evaluation. Free.

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Every Thursday from 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. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be daunting to face alone. Working with our Marriage and Family Therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860844-5350.

Footcare with Sarah: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 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.

EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Every Body’s Exercise with Mary Root: Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Jan. 5-Feb. 23, Mary Root will pilot this new class at the Center, suitable for anyone and everyone. This class will include strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Root will personalize your routine based off current flexibility, strength, etc.

Chi Gong via Zoom: Wednesdays, 9-9:45 a.m. Feb. 1-March 29 via Zoom. 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. Accessible and beneficial to all skill levels. Cost per 9-class session: $54 residents; $63 nonresidents.

Gentle Movement for Strength and Balance: Mondays, Feb. 6–March 27, no Feb. 20. 11:15 a.m. Instructor, Paula Pirog. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Cost per session: $42 residents; $49 non-residents.

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

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, Feb. 7–March 28, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 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. Cost per session: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.

Yoga: Tuesdays, Feb. 7–March 28, 4-5 p.m. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Cost per session: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, Feb. 1–March 29, no class March 9 or 16. 9-10 a.m. Instructor, Maryellen 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 8 forms required to participate. Cost per session: $54 residents; $63 non-residents

Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, Jan. 5–Feb. 23, no class Feb. 8, 1:30- 2:30 p.m. 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. Cost per session: $48 residents; $56 non-resident.

Honoring veterans with birthday greetings

Members of the American Legion Shannon Shattuck Post 182 and the World War II Legacy Foundation visit WWII veterans across the state to offer birthday greetings. Maurice Brassard, Bob Groper, Mark Bennett, Bill Simanski and Bob King gathered at Granby Public Library to collect an oversized birthday card with dozens of signatures for WWII veteran Joseph Yuryan.

If you know a WWII veteran and want him or her to receive an in-person visit, contact  WW2LegacyFoundation.org Photo by Holly K. Johnson

Stop & Shop customers support pet food drive

Many thanks to all the Stop & Shop customers who purchased and donated dog and cat food to the Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital pet food drive in December. Your donations filled five carriages!

From left, Lori Madeley (S&S), Dr. Christopher Weber (SBVH), Rosia Kennedy (S&S) and Ashley Sharp (SBVH). Submitted photo

NOT WANTED

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

By David Desiderato

Great Read-Learn-Plan-Do Resources

Action against invasives never ends. Put your feet up and choose from the following resources to boost your longterm game. They have been purposely chosen because they address plants in our region. Search for them on your own or use the links at GranbyInvasivePlants.weebly.com

Books

Connecticut Native Plant and Sustainable Landscaping Guide, UConn Extension, 2021.

Massively useful and little known, this free guide’s 44 pages are packed with specific plant lists—wet places, salty spots, groundcovers, lawn alternatives, plants easy to grow from seed, cover and pasture plants, and reclamation areas. Authors include key members of the state’s hub of invasive plant knowledge, the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG).

Nature’s Best Hope by Dr. Doug Tallamy.

Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Biology at University of Delaware, Tallamy is a key contributor to the explosive leap in public understanding of the impact of humans on the natural world and how we can repair the damage we cause. His funky video presentations (including through the Granby Public Library in 2021) and informal Instagram posts are accessible

and full of insights. He co-launched HomegrownNationalPark.org, an innovative, practical way to aggregate and accelerate individual backyard efforts to replace invasive plants with natives that feed the bugs that feed the birds and so on.

Northeast Native Plant Primer, Uli Lorimer, Native Plant Trust, 2022.

A great resource of 235 plants (trees, grasses, shrubs, vines, ferns and wildflowers), many not well-known, with planting guidance. One could quibble with details—not showing more than one image of a plant, choice of one vs. another—but it’s an outstanding tool for the public at a pivotal time.

Native Trees of Connecticut, John Ehrenreich, 2022.

It’s a handy book with good illustrations and helpful guidance on identifying trees, with some stories and lore. BUT its definition of native as a tree that has been “present for over a century or naturalized in the state or nearby” is careless and dangerous. It includes the so-called Tree of Heaven—an invasive curse upon the land that hosts another invader: spotted lanternfly.

Catalogues

Ernst Seeds is a tremendous resource for converting invasive-choked wastelands to native plant lands. The online catalogue features step-by-step

T his is the year for your new home.

strategies and products, especially for large-scale transformations.

Fedco is the most useful catalogue ever. Tiny type, flimsy newsprint, oldtimey line drawings, not a speck of color, nary a photo ... but hundreds of pages packed with plant and growing wisdom. A Maine consumer/ worker-owned co-op, Fedco has been serving the organic growing community for nearly half a century and ships thousands of affordable, high-quality bare-rooted trees, shrubs and perennials every spring. There’s a Trees catalogue, one for Seeds and Supplies, and one for Bulbs. All are incredibly beautiful and informative, far beyond the narrow needs of commerce. Fedco has a fine website also but the printed catalogue is a true world treasure.

Instagram

Samadgardensinitiative.

Sarah Rose and Azeem Kareem in Windsor offer completely accessible home gardening and small-scale farming advice for those who want a more self-sufficient life. Their roots include the Holcomb Farm CSA. They often post short videos on seed-saving, soil preparation, windowsill germinating and the like.

Northeastnativeplants.

A couple of times a week Michelle Poudrette puts out glorious pictures and informal personal commentary about plants we all know and love—and plants so rare almost no one ever sees, such as whorled pogonia and lance-leaved twisted stalk. Most posts are from Connecticut’s northeast quiet corner, but her native range is the multi-state northeast, from the Sound to the north woods. Pollinatorpathwaystamford. Its oc-

casional posts are all about groups of people—students, retirees, experts, newbies—getting together to gradually replace invasive-infested and abandoned areas with sustainable native plantings at scale.iveplanttrust. The Native Plant Trust has been around since 1900 and is the authoritative source on native plants in northeast states. It includes Garden in the Woods in Framingham, Mass., Nasami Farm in Whately, Mass. and GoBotany reference webpage. Its posts range from internship and training opportunities to classes and planting insights to deep dives into specific plants. A national treasure.

Invasive Action this month

In winter it’s easier to target leafless invaders like autumn/Russian olive, bittersweet, multiflora rose, barberry, and euonymus. If they are too big to yank out by the roots, carefully cut-and-paint mature stumps with herbicides—it’s amazing but many plants do take up enough systemic poison in the winter to maim or end their vitality.

Granby residents tackle large projects together on regular second-Saturday mornings. Send a note at GranbyInvasivePlants.weebly.com to find out more.

And …

This is the 26th column published in The Granby Drummer since the Granby Conservation Commission began the campaign in 2019. As the Drummer leadership shifts, we want to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary role Drummer volunteers play in making our town a great place to live. It has been a pleasure to work with the generous and super hard-working volunteers there, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.

WAY

Small whorled pogonia, Isotria medeoloides

Rejuvenating the Grange

The Granby Grange #5 last reorganized in 1926 and has served the community and region with impactful service during those 96 years, while providing a fraternal organization for residents and businesses interested in promoting agriculture, conservation, and small-town living.

In recent years, due to deaths, members moving away and the pandemic, Granby Grange membership has dwindled, and remaining members were looking for ideas to help rejuvenate the Grange.

Recently, the Riverton Grange #169 (Barkhamsted), led by President Dave Roberts, a Granby resident, helped host a rejuvenation meeting for Granby Grange at the request of Treasurer Carol Innes. Almost 40 community members attended the 90-minute event and about one dozen attendees completed applications to become members of Granby Grange.

Roberts explained how the Grange helps strengthen individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy, and agriculture awareness. Roberts himself is a fourth generation Grange member having joined the Grange 47 years ago, and his daughter Natalee, age 14, joined the Grange recently following in her father’s footsteps. Roberts went on to explain that a person who becomes a Grange member can expect to find in the organization a clear and impressive pathway to membership, outstanding fellowship with leaders and respected citizens of the community, the encouragement to meet and make new friends and the opportunity to lead and be well led.

Granby has an extensive agricultural history. Because of this history, the Granby Grange was first established in 1875, but was disbanded in 1890 due to

Granby Horse Council offers scholarship

By Peggy Lareau

The Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee is accepting applications for its 2023 scholarship. The $500 award goes to a senior student enrolled in their current high school program. Membership in Granby Horse Council is not required. Scholarship funds are intended to be applied to tuition, books or fees for a student planning to attend a university, college or junior college in at least a two-year program in the field of animal studies. The accepted fields include, but are not limited to, pre-veterinary school, veterinary technician or assistant, equine studies, stable management, animal husbandry or equine assisted therapy. Consideration will also be given to a student with educational

expenses in animal studies or training programs that are not part of a college degree program.

The scholarship application form is online at granbyhorsecouncilct.com under Links and Forms. Students may call Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee member Peggy Lareau for directions on submission at 860-6534464 (landline). Scholarship Committee Members for 2023: Peggy Lareau, Holly Ely and Nicole Cloutier.

Return completed application packets either by regular mail to the Granby Horse Council Scholarship Committee, Peggy Lareau, Granby Horse Council, P.O. Box 162, Granby, CT 06035 or by email with all parts of the packet, including references, scanned and attached to your email. Application packets must be received by March 31.

L to R: Incoming President Ron Cowdrey, Grange Treasurer Carol Innes, Riverton Grange President Dave Roberts. Submitted photos

a group purchase of bad seeds. Granby Grange was reestablished in 1926 and has served the needs of the community ever since.

Granby Grange meets once a month, usually the second Friday at 7 p.m., in the Granby Grange Hall at 212 North Granby Road. The building, which today serves as the Granby Grange Hall, was built just after the Civil War, and originally served as a one-room schoolhouse. In 1902, the town hall offices moved into the building after an earlier town hall burned down. In 1946, Granby Grange bought the building from the town and moved it 150 feet south to its current location, across from the First Congregational Church.

Ron Cowdrey, the current Vice President, will serve as the new President of Granby Grange. Four members of Riverton Grange have agreed to serve as affiliate members and officers of Granby Grange. They include Granby

A full house filled the hall for the Granby Grange rejuvenation event, including State Rep. Mark Anderson, members of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby Conservation Commission, Granby Men’s Breakfast Group, and local Lions Clubs, Simsbury Grange, Riverton Grange, and other community group members.

residents Jackie Martin, Natalee and Dave Roberts. Barkhamsted resident Judy Doyle will serve as Program Director. Following the meeting, Doyle presented an informative program on making gnome ornaments. In addition, she gathered ideas for future speakers to visit Grange meetings to discuss items of interest with the members and the community

A new membership committee has been established, including Carol Innes, Kara Marshall and Dave Roberts. For more information or to join this newly rejuvenated Grange contact Innes at annabelletheclown@gmail.com or 860-205-0162.

Granby Racial Reconciliation: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things

By Cathy Watso

For Black History Month, the Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) website will feature daily profiles of individuals who overcame personal obstacles, broke down barriers and left the world a better place—please visit granbyrr.com

The biographies won’t be of the more famous heroes such as Douglass, Tubman or King. Instead, readers will learn about the architect who drew upside down as White clients wouldn’t sit alongside a Black man; learn the history of the freed slave who inherited her captor’s estate and used that wealth to create the first historically black college or university; be introduced to the man responsible for creating our country’s

life-saving blood banks; and meet the NFL player who invites audiences to have uncomfortable conversations with a Black man.

The greatness of these people was not preordained. They were afraid, angry and tired. They were imperfect people who answered the challenge to do important things while being ordinary.

GRR Steering committee member Laura Matheos offers, “At the end of every profile, is the hashtag #OrdinaryPeopleCanDoExtraordinaryThings. It’s meant as a reminder. It’s also meant as a challenge. See yourself in their stories. Then ask yourself what you might do to end discrimination—not because you’re perfect but because you can.”

The Granby Land Trust, working with community partners and supported by a vibrant membership, preserved 320 acres in Granby this year, including the acquisition of a conservation easement on the majority of the historic and environmentally important Holcomb Farm Property.

Two additional properties were acquired—

The Longley-Weed Preserve (29 acres) and The Kreger Preserve (approx. 15 acres), which are located off of Day Street with linkages to the GLT’s Old Messenger Road Preserve Corridor. The Granby Land Trust has now preserved more than 3,200 acres in Granby forever.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GLT’s founding, we thank all of those who have made this possible! To help us continue to preserve Granby’s beautiful places, become a member at GranbyLandTrust.org

No matter how cold it gets in the winter, the temperature inside a beaver lodge remains a fairly constant 32 degrees. That’s because during the construction stage beavers pack mud into many of the cracks and crevices between the sticks of their lodge. Come

winter, that mud helps 1) seal out cold air and 2) keep in the warmth that the beavers radiate. The beavers do not fill all the crevices, though. Enough remain to allow some fresh air to enter the chamber, and for carbon dioxide to escape. This beaver lodge can be seen at Creamer Pond on the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

Afternoon sun illuminates the rocky streambed of Salmon Brook on the GLT’s Nuckols Family Preserve in West Granby.

Mark Brady Kitchens

The GLT thanks property steward Fran Armentano who welcomed the new year with a hardy group pf GLT members as he led his 15th annual New Year’s Day Hike on the GLT’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property. This year, his hike was written up in the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s newsletter.

Photo by Rick Orluk

Photo by Don Shaw, Jr.

The GLT’s Dewey Granby Oak was mentioned in the cover story of the January issue of Saving Land, the national magazine of the Land Trust Alliance. Photo by Rick Orluk

Photo by GLT member Don Shaw, Jr.

Photo by Peter Dinella

Wassail Party welcomes the holiday season

On the Sunday afternoon of Dec. 6, as dusk began to fall on the buildings of Salmon Brook Historical Society (SBHS), more than 50 society members and their guests gathered to welcome the holiday season.

Entrance, Weed-Enders House

The society’s Weed-Ender’s House (1790) and Abijah Rowe House (1732) were dressed for the occasion. Holly, yew, and white pine boughs lay across the mantels of four fireplaces. Candles shone from every window, top to bottom, and a tree sparkled white in the parlor.

Vintage punch bowls held a choice of libation, described in the society’s invitation as “non-alcoholic or fully charged.” Mary and Phil Main had once again composed their signature

In Memory of . . .

traditional Christmas Carol

“charged” Wassail punch, a potent drink with a bourbon touch. Tables throughout the two houses were covered with cheeses and shortbread and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, dates stuffed with goat cheese then wrapped with bacon, and hot juicy meatballs.

Conversations were animated. Cell phones were forgotten. It was a time to relax before the hustle and bustle of coming weeks, a time to savor old friends and greet those as yet unknown. These were people who revere the past and persevere to keep it available for present day seekers.

It was fully dark when the guests were gone. The two old homes were left to dream of holiday seasons from centuries past. In those times, fires would have been crackling warmly on all the hearths. And there may have been a flute and a fiddle and dancing. But the spirit would have been the same: seasonal jollity among those of good will.

Become a member of SBHS and come to our Wassail Party next December. Membership forms may be picked up on Tuesday or Thursday mornings at 208 Salmon Brook Street between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. or visit the website at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Blakeslee, Ralph, 71, husband of Lois Blakeslee, November 18

Dietz, Peyton Brown, 94, husband of the late Doris Barbara (Ames) Dietz, November 27

Smith, Larry E., 86, husband of LaVerne May Smith, November 29 Woodruff, James Cargill, 68, November 30 Wutka, Thomas Paul, 85, husband of Virginia “Ginny” (Bauder) Wutka, December 4

Spence, Alan E., 88, husband of the late Marjorie Spence, December 5 Induddi, Marie G., 101, wife of the late Dominic Induddi, December 6 Battey, John Richards, 65, December 11

Scott, Johanne (Avery), 87, wife of William A. Scott, December 11 Griffin, Ingrid K., 85, wife of Royal Everett Griffin, December 13 Mollineaux, Susannah (Hires), 83, wife of Lt. William R. Mollineaux, December 14

Caley, Richard M., 78, husband of Carol Caley, December 17

Galemski, Margaret Mary, 99, wife of the late Thomas Galemski, December 17

Van De Bogart, Janice Marie (Johnson), 84, wife of the late Lewis Van De Bogardt, December 17

Hendricks, Janet Ryan, 94, wife of the late Vincent M. Hendricks, December 20

Saunders, Beverly S., 87, wife of Richard Saunders, December 20 Wiggins, Joseph Christopher, 52, life partner of Cynthia C. Shirley, December 22

Rebick, Irene, 84, wife of the late John Anthony Rebick, December 25 Yarger, David Paul, 66, husband of Lauren (Brannan) Yarger, December 25 Messenger, Shirley Elizabeth (Castle), 92, wife of the late Alvin Lewis Messenger, December 27

Todd Vibert, Ken Davis, Brian Whiton, Carla Bue, Richard Bue, Paul Willis and Duncan Rowles

All photos by Sarah Langdon

Sue Oliveira, Bob Tabara, Jean Potetz and Martha Miller

“Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green…”

Build Your Business Through Community

We love ugly sweaters!

UPCOMING EVENT

Ribbon

Weatogue

Celebrating the Talcott Mountain Collective’s first anniversary. The ribbon is cut at a Business After Hours event held on January 12 at the restaurant in Weatogue. Pictured front row from l.: Elaine Groundwater, Janina Cummings, Brett Hollander, Tyler Ronald, Dr. David L. Tolk, Wallace “Ron” Ronald, Morgan Hilyard, Wendy Mackstutis, Abner Rosario and Gina Becker. Submitted photo

BE SMART for gun safety—keep kids safe

By Joanna Taczanowsky

The BE SMART Campaign has provided educational materials and free gun locks to the Granby, East Granby and Avon communities for the past five years.

BE SMART was launched to raise awareness that secure gun storage— storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition—can save children’s lives.

BE SMART promotes responsible gun ownership, emphasizes that it’s an adult responsibility to keep children from accessing guns, and encourages every adult to play a role in community safety.

Every year hundreds of children, overwhelmingly male, access a loaded unlocked gun and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. Normalizing conversations around gun safety and asking about unsecured guns in homes where kids are present can prevent unintentional shootings.

Researchers recently estimated that the number of children living in households with firearms in the US increased to 30 million in 2021 and 4.6 million of these children live in a home with at least one loaded unlocked gun. The more parents and caregivers who ask about the presence of unsecured guns in households, the safer children are.

Teaching children not to handle unsecured guns is important, but a 2018 meta study showed that even after attending gun safety programs children do not show a reduction in the likelihood of handling guns when they are unsupervised. No one wants to read about another child unintentionally shooting themselves or someone else.

Normalizing the conversation around gun safety enables communities to be S-M-A-R-T: Secure all guns in homes and vehicles, Model responsible behavior around guns, Ask about unsecured guns in other homes, Recognize the role of guns in suicide, Talk to other adults about being SMART.

More information about safe storage and normalizing the conversation around gun safety can be found at BESMARTforkids.org

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Soma Grille Restaurant on December 1.

Morgan Hilyard, Lydia Tedone, Steph Yates

Joy and Bob Marx with Sally Rider.

Rob Pancoast, Jim Flowers, Sandy Hart and Morgan Hilyard

Sponsored by the Granby Drummer

TOOTH TALK

by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q: Am I too old for Invisalign?

A: No! You are never too old to have your teeth straightened. As long as you are in good health, your body’s bone physiology will still allow your teeth to move into a beautiful alignment to give you that smile you’ve always dreamed about!

The Invisalign process uses a sequence of custom made, clear, plastic aligners to slowly reposition and straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are completely removable, requiring no metal wires or brackets.

Over 2 million people worldwide have chosen Invisalign to improve their smile quickly and unobtrusively. Everyone, ages 14-94, is a potential candidate for the Invisalign system.

After your initial consultation, we will take digital records, including a scan of your teeth, photographs and a 3 D Conebeam CT x-ray. We send these records to the Align Corporation and they send us back a computerized series of images, called a Clincheck, that will show us exactly how the teeth will move and just how long the treatment will take.

Once we approve the Clincheck, your custom aligners will be made and then shipped to our office within a few short weeks. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks,(or with the new VPro “turbo charger” just one week!), and you come in about once every 4-8 weeks for evaluation and to pick up the next sets of aligners. Most adults will find that their treatment time is under one year. Treatment is fast, simple, and subtle because the Invisalign system is designed to fit your lifestyle.

Give us a call to set up a consultation today to see if you qualify for Invisalign.

At the Granby Dental Center, we also 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!

The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing high tech method 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!

With Cone Beam CT technology that our Granby Dental Center office has in-house here in Granby, we are able to see 3-D images instantly. This aids in a more accurate diagnosis and guided surgical planning for Implants

If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and up-to-date CoVid protocols and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com

Granby Dental Center… remember the Center

Have you missed your last dental visit? Making sure you get to your preventive cleaning visits is the best way to keep your dental health in check and lower your costs as well! Call now for your appointment

860-653-3220

Scan the QR symbol below to learn more about our office:

HEALTH NOTES

By the Farmington Valley VNA

Fighting viruses this winter

By Sharon Gallerani

The new year offers new beginnings, but unfortunately, it is also a peak period for the transmission of colds, flu, Covid and other respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. This year the trifecta of respiratory illnesses is especially hitting Connecticut. Being inside more, in dry air, with the proximity of other people leads to more infections. During the height of the Covid pandemic, we became very accustomed to wiping down surfaces, wearing masks in public and when feeling ill, avoiding crowds. To prevent illness this winter, adopt these practices again. Also, get your flu shot and keep up with Covid boosters. Use disinfectant wipes, as common area surfaces are favorite homes for bacteria and viruses.

Some of the germiest items are your electronic devices. Think about it—they are always near your face, held in your hands and often with you everywhere you go. Viruses and bacteria can thrive on your own devices, and especially those shared in workplaces, schools, libraries and sign-in screens at hospitals and other public places.

You should have disinfectant wipes for your phone, tablet, computer keyboard, mouse, and TV remote. For your smartphone or tablet, mobile phone manufacturers suggest disinfecting wipes for the outside and cases of phones and devices. For screens, spray a soft cloth with an alcohol-based disinfectant cleaner containing 70 percent isopropyl. Using a public screen such as ATM, use your pencil or the stick provided rather than touching the screen. If using the general stick, then clean your hands. Be sure to clean all devices daily, especially after seeing someone who shows cold symptoms, after going out to eat or shopping, and after work.

In addition to your electronic devices, use disinfectant wipes daily to wipe down your counters and bathroom fixtures, including all handles, door knobs, light switches, and tables. Along with your phone, the TV remote is one of the most germ-laden items in the house. Wipe it down each day, and more frequently if you or household members are using it while having cold or illness symptoms. In addition, while traveling or in a medical facility, bring wipes to clean the remote. Additional attention

to common areas in hotel rooms, airplanes, and other public transportation is highly advised. Wipe the handles also of store carts and carriers.

Frequent hand washing combats bacteria, viruses and parasites. Washing for 20 seconds, or the length of time it takes to hum the happy birthday song, and then rinsing and drying hands well on disposable paper towels is most effective.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate some germs, including cold and flu viruses but they don’t kill other common bugs such as stomach flu or other gastrointestinal viruses on your hands, especially if your hands have lotion, grease, or dirt. They are better than nothing, so if not near water, carry hand sanitizers. In the home, use separate hand towels or paper towels.

Other actions perhaps abandoned from the Covid years are room ventilation, six-foot separation in crowds, staying hydrated, avoiding ill patients and home-testing when presenting symptoms. However, your Covid test will be “negative” if your illness is influenza or RSV, or it may be too early to detect. When ill, treat your symptoms and follow the same guidelines regardless of test results. You are responsible for doing what it takes to prevent the spread of any illness.

It often seems inevitable that we catch winter illnesses, however, immunizations, hygiene and disinfection can reduce the possibility of getting sick. If you are sick, stay home, and when well, take precautions to stay well.

Granby Lions make the holidays brighter

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS

41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220

Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com

ADVERTISEMENT

February is Heart Awareness Month

The annual Granby Lions Club Christmas Tree delivery drew many Lions, their family members, GMHS Leos and students to quickly unload 500 trees on Nov. 26. Pictured above are Elizabeth and Angela Cappelli.

The Lions Club and the GMHS Leos also collected hundreds of toys, games, books, art supplies and more for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center on Dec. 20. The annual event benefits children receiving treatment as well as their siblings. Photos by Heather Lockwood

2023: Another big year for the Friends of Holcomb Farm

You may think things are quiet at Holcomb Farm in the winter months, but you would be wrong. While the fields rest under the ice and snow, our farm crew is busy harvesting and distributing the winter crop. Farm manager Joe O’Grady, aka Farmer Joe, is planning for spring planting. The Stewardship Team continues never-ending trail maintenance efforts. Fresh Access is working with community partners to establish a plan for getting our nutritious food to people who need it in 2023. And we are all making plans for a community celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Friends of Holcomb Farm—to which you will ALL be invited.

As a reminder, the Friends of Holcomb Farm is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization whose mission is to “preserve, promote, and utilize” an authentic New England Farm: the Holcomb Farm. The Farm was bequeathed to the University of Connecticut by Tudor and Laura Holcomb in 1976, Granby assumed ownership is 1992, and the Friends were formed in 1993. Since that time, the Friends have taken the lead, on behalf of all of Granby’s residents, to make the Farm a valuable community asset.

Last year, working with the Granby Land Trust, a permanent conservation easement was placed on 277 acres of the farm’s 312 acres, which assures that the land can never be developed or subdivided. The Town will continue to own the land, and directly manage the main campus, which currently is used for camps, a preschool, educational events, weddings, and other community functions. The Friends lease the farmhouse from the Town to house its farm manager and summer crew. The Friends and Town have entered a new 15-year “lease and use” agreement, through which the Friends agreed to steward all the land, own and operate the farming programs, and provide some of the food we grow to the Senior Center and to families in need through Granby Social Services—all at no cost to taxpayers. We accomplish this through the time, talents and treasure (i.e., donations) of our members, the management of our Summer and Winter CSA programs and retail Farm Store, and by securing grants in support of the work we do.

We will be reporting to the Granby Board of Selectman about all that was accomplished in 2022, so tune in on Feb.

21 if you would like to hear more about last year. Looking ahead, here is an outline of all the things we are working on for 2023 and beyond. Please note, we are always looking for new members, supporters and volunteers, so if any of this sounds of interest to you, please reach out at info@holcombfarm.org

Down at the Farm

As a testament to what a great operation Farmer Joe runs, the whole farm crew is vacationing together this winter in a warmer place before they all return for the 2023 season.

Summer CSA shares are on sale and already going fast. Despite inflation, we held prices flat for 2023, so sign up now: holcombfarm.org/join-our-csa/

We have broken ground for a new greenhouse, as part of our goal of “growing the growing season.” Funding for the greenhouse comes from a grant, augmented by our own successful farming results.

Robins in the winter?!

By Shirley Murtha

Hikers on

Holcomb Farm’s Tree

Trail

pass a large kiosk on their way up the initial hill. The kiosk’s front side has a map of the trails; the back side has seasonal information on trees, biological processes and birds. The new bird information that went up this month is about robins that we see in Granby during the winter.

Robins are not an uncommon sight in these parts in winter. Some are stragglers that are taking their time flying south, but most of the robins we see here during winter have come down to southern New England from sites much farther to the north. They have come south for the warmer weather than in their natural breeding grounds and will return to the north in the spring.

What do these winter robins eat, since their favorite worms and insects are not available? Berries! They love berries and other fruits left on shrubs, trees and vines. Mostly traveling in flocks, they are nomadic, i.e., they go where food is available and stay until they have depleted it, then move on to another spot. They do not defend a home territory as they do when in their normal breeding habitat.

Community Kitchen’s weekly community dinners. Our other community partners— Wheeler Clinic, the Hispanic Health Council and the Healing Meals Community Project—also are stepping-up to help fund the food we provide to them.

Huge thanks again to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and, new this year, the Northwest Community Bank Foundation, for additional financial support for this program. Out on the trails

How do the robins stay warm here in winter? They shiver! They also fluff their feathers for insulation.

How do you feed our winter robins? Put berries and fruits on the ground. Robins do not go to conventional feeders. Even if their beaks could crack the seed coats, they can’t digest seeds. What’s the best food to offer them? Mealworms from a pet store.

Despite the cold, winter birds need water—not just to drink, but to keep their feathers clean. Dirty feathers lose their ability to provide insulation. A heated birdbath is a welcome treat.

Through the State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistant Act (NAA) program, through which corporations that donate to qualified programs can receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, the Friends received funding from Cigna for a new roof on the CSA barn. The roof is a precursor to adding solar panels through a “power purchase agreement,” which will let us lock in electricity costs well below market for years to come. We are very excited to add this to our sustainability efforts.

Food for others

The Fresh Access program continued to expand in 2022, and hopes to do so again in 2023, as the need continues to grow. It seems that a nonprofit that can turn $1 donation into $1.40 of food in the hands of people who need it is a winning formula.

With support from Granby’s Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard and the Thrall Family Farms, we began to add fresh fruit to some of the Fresh Access distributions and are looking to expand this effort.

The Granby Community Fund has continued to support Fresh Access as it provides fresh produce to Granby residents through the Senior Center, Social Services, and the Waste Not Want Not

With the conservation easement in place, the Stewardship Team can finally pursue its work on trail-building and management, including our award-winning Tree Trail, knowing that the land is forever preserved.

access to water for irrigation up on the East Fields.

Work is progressing on a new sign at the entrance to the trail, at the intersection across from the Farmhouse.

Invasive management continues, focusing currently on cleaning out the pond in the East Fields.

The volunteer “Bridge Club” continues investigating how best to replace the bridge that provided access to the western trails. After the 2021 wash-out of the pedestrian bridge over the Salmon Brook, evidence of continuing migration of the stream, and with the brook now designated as “Wild and Scenic,” simply replacing the bridge as it was is not an option. It will get done, and it will get done right. Currently the process involves securing a scoping study from an engineering firm that will allow a clearer picture of where and what to build and what it might cost. Then, we will be seeking grants.

And all the rest

Our small but mighty board, augmented by additional volunteers, has made celebrating the success of 30 years of the Friends a priority, and we hope to welcome more and more of you to this wonderful community asset.

Long-range plans for further development of the Tree Trail are underway, along with exploration of other enhancements to support the trail, including

American robin feasting on dogwood berries.

Photo by Don Shaw, Jr.

The winter buds of a Cornelian cherry dogwood lie dormant, waiting for their time to shine. These trees will be the first to bloom in spring, with bright, acid yellow blossoms. Photo by Susan Canavan

In order to “grow the growing season” well into the winter, we are building a new greenhouse, much like this one. Funding for the new greenhouse comes from a grant, augmented by our own successful farming results.

Photo by Melody Smith

The Friends of Holcomb Farm Stewardship Team plan to clean up “the Pond” located in the East Fields this spring.

Photo by Susan Canavan

Holcomb Farm’s Southeast Field in winter.

Photo by Susan Canavan

Dibbles were long-time Notch Road residents

By Todd Vibert

Many homes in Granby are over a century old, with rich and complex histories reflecting the transformation of Granby from a solely agricultural community to a thriving suburb.

The plot of land itself has had 19 different owners, most land speculators, looking to make a profit by selling the land to someone else. Only six of the owners have actually lived in the house, first built in 1772 by Seth Griffin. The longest habitants of the house were Riley and Maria Dibble.

Riley Dibble was an ambitious 22-yearold when he bought the house plus 50 acres of land for $500 from Elihu Stow, a land speculator, in 1824. The next year, Dibble added a Federalist-style addition to the front of the house (pictured here).

The next year he married Marie Spring and together they would farm the land.

The Dibbles had two children: Seymour, born in 1829 and James, in 1837. Unfortunately, James only lived 15 months. This small family was unlike most in Granby, as large families were the norm to help with farm chores.

To operate his farm and make money for his family, Dibble was creative. In 1825, the Farmington Canal was being built, cutting through Granby and behind his house. Dibble obtained a tavern license to sell food and drink to those traveling on the canal.

With so much acreage, Dibble also rented some of his land to sawmill owners to gain more income. Riley’s son, Seymour, helped on the farm until he became the postmaster in 1853. Three years later, Seymour and his wife moved

Celebrating spinach!

to Minnesota where he caught typhoid fever and died in 1856.

Riley Dibble was active in town government, serving as the Town Surveyor in the 11th District from 1827 to 1858. As Surveyor, he was in charge of maintaining the roads as well as collecting the taxes from people using those roads. Other town government positions Dibble would perform included working as a Lister, assessing the worth of people’s homes as well as their livestock and other assets farmers possessed; and a Gauger, where he measured people’s goods (cords of wood, bales of hay, nails, etc.) for tax purposes. Marie Dibble was not involved with town service, instead was occupied by farm chores, caring for the children, sewing, cooking and entertaining any guest who may stop by the house.

Riley and Marie lived two miles from the center of town and picked up their mail and bought goods at the Loomis Store. They were good friends with other important figures in town, such as the Loomis brothers, Ted Maltbie and William Case, and lived through important moments in Granby’s history. They saw the remains of the Loomis fire in 1877, and likely saw the dedication of the Civil War Monument in 1868. However, Riley Dibble would miss the parade for Granby’s 100th Anniversary in 1886 as he died the year before from pneumonia. Marie would outlive her husband by eight years, passing in 1893. Riley and Marie are buried with their children in the Granby Cemetery. They lived at 24 Notch Road for 69 years, after which the house and land were left to Marie’s nephew, Lewis Spring.

Holcomb Farm cont’d. from p 28

We are targeting the weekend of Oct. 28-29 for a fun-filled celebration with family-friendly events at the property. Planning is in the early stages, and we would love input especially from the many Granby citizens who have had involvement in this special place over the years.

We are in the process of vacating the “Friends’ Office,” which has been located at the big dairy barn at 113 Simsbury Road, as we begin to develop the CSA Barn into our new headquarters. The Town will be focusing more resources on using this space as it develops and promotes more community use of the campus.

The Neighborhood Assistance Act donation process, described above, also attracted support from State Line Oil and Eversource for the purpose of improving

You haven’t tasted spinach until you’ve tasted Holcomb Farm spinach. This stuff is amazing. Ask anyone.

the energy efficiency at the Farmhouse. Thanks to both organizations for helping us to help the Town improve its assets.

The Annual Fund Drive was once again a big success. We are heartened by the confidence the people of Granby and beyond have placed in the Friends, as shown by their donations. Thank you!

We hope this laundry list of activity offers at least a hint of the passion we have for this place; even more, we hope the passion can be infectious for some of you who might be looking to become more involved in your community.

Involvement can range from taking a walk on the trails, to buying a CSA share, to becoming a member of the Friends of Holcomb Farm by donating $25 (or more) annually, to getting some real, authentic new England farm dirt under your fingernails. Join us, won’t you?

I highly recommend researching the history of your home, to learn not only about its occupants but also what changes were made and why people moved in or out. One such house is at 24 Notch Road in Granby, one of the oldest houses in Granby and also my childhood home.

To learn more about Riley and Marie Dibble or how to research your historic home join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9506, or visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Restore Cossitt: Project Update

Phase 1 of the Water Infiltration Prevention Project, involving exterior work to the Cossitt Library building to repair and restore the areas on the north and east sides of the building’s upper story, is 99 percent complete. The contractor, Vase Management, LLC is awaiting delivery of materials to complete the project.

This capital project’s goal is to prevent further leaks and/or water damage to the building and using materials and finishes that support the historic nature of this National Register landmark.

Funds to pay for the project came from a Pomeroy-Brace Fund Grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The Friends of Cossitt Library, the Town of Granby and you. Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful building that is so much a part of Granby’s history and our personal histories as well. Contact The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries at friends.gpl@gmail.com with any questions about the Restore Cossitt project.

Supporting the Farmington Valley.

Photo by Melody Smith

Melody Smith, a member of our awesome Farm Crew, celebrates the bountiful winter spinach crop. Photo by Caleb Logan

The house at 24 Notch Road, photo taken in 1909 while owned by Lewis Spring but rented to Walter L. Weed. Photos courtesy of the Salmon Brook Historical Society

Marie Dibble

Riley Dibble

By Mark Fiorentino

Recommended Reading

Every so often, especially this time of year, I run out of material.

Actually, that may be too harsh.

Although I get outside less, my imagination and creativity don’t completely shut down. And, I do, occasionally, venture out in the winter months. So, it’s probably more accurate to say I run out of good material.

For example, with the mild weather we’ve had the last few weeks, I’ve already been out stream fishing twice. Here’s how it went:

-Dressed in multiple layers to stay warm.

-Despite layering, got cold quickly.

-Water was mostly stained, making it hard to see below the surface.

-When I could see, the stream looked utterly devoid of life.

-Made a dozen or so casts.

-Moved downstream a bit.

-A dozen more casts.

-No bites whatsoever.

-Gave up.

As you can see, it would take a serious dose of imagination and creativity to make this material remotely informative or entertaining.

But not to worry. I also spend time reading, and I feel confident in recommending some excellent books to you.

Some are, of course, about fish and fishing, others about outdoor adventures/ misadventures, and others still about ecosystems and our role in either destroying or protecting them. If you are interested in any of these things, all are worthy of your time.

The list is in no particular order, but I have read three of the books more than once: I Fish, Therefore I am, Striper Wars and On the Run Enjoy!

1. I Fish, Therefore I Am, Patrick McManus (2004). A collection of outdoor stories written by the famous columnist/ humorist. McManus is one of my favorites. I wish I had a small portion of his talent for storytelling. I promise you will laugh out loud.

2. The Big One, David Kinney (2009). Kinney follows several contestants in their quest to win the 2007 Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Tournament. He chronicles the history of the famous annual tournament and the crazy things that have happened over the years.

3. The Devils Teeth , Susan Casey (2005). A study of the Farallon Islands (located west of San Francisco), the great white sharks that frequent the area and the people who study them.

4. Leviathan, Eric Jay Dolin (2007). Recounts the history of whaling in America.

5. Four Fish, Paul Greenberg (2010). Details the world-wide exploitation of the salmon, cod, tuna and sea bass fisheries. Also discusses the efforts to commercially farm these species.

6. Sowbelly, Monte Burke (2005). Tells the stories of several fishermen obsessed with trying to break the record for the biggest largemouth bass ever caught. The current record, set in 1932 by a farmer trying to feed his family, is twenty-two pounds, four ounces.

7. Striper Wars, Dick Russell (2005). Recounts the historic efforts to save striped bass from extinction and to rebuild the stock.

8. The Last Lobster, Christopher White (2018). Chronicles the boons and busts of the Maine lobster fishery.

9. Fishing Through the Apocalypse, Matthew Miller (2019). The author travels across America fishing for obscure species, often in the most unlikely places.

Hobbs and Mark catching up on their winter/early spring reading. Submitted photo

10. On the Run, David DiBenedetto (2003). DiBenedetto follows, and fishes for, stripers during their 2001 fall migration from Maine to South Carolina.

Nine members of the Westfield State University field hockey team were named to the Little East Conference’s Fall 2022 All-Academic Team, including Morgan Wichmann

Alexa Bajek was named to the fall dean’s list at University of Connecticut.

Jackson Rome was named to fall dean’s list at Western New England University.

Emma Hansen was named to the University of Wisconsin School of Education fall dean’s list.

John Bell was named to the fall dean’s list at Elon University.

Don Morrissey has been appointed Board Chair of the National Association of Water Companies.

James Accetura was named to the fall dean’s list at Western Connecticut State University.

Mark McWhirter was named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering.

A grain of truth in groundhog myth

By Shirley Murtha

The Old Farmer’s Almanac publishes a compendium of folklore and the bits of science that make each myth possible. One such bit of science concerns how the groundhog’s prediction of the six weeks of weather following Feb. 2 is actually partly dependent on the weather phenomenon called El Niño.

El Niño is an abnormally warm tropical Pacific current that usually produces a warm winter starting along the West Coast and moving east. In El Niño years, the East can have a very cool early winter, and then a warm mid-winter as the current arrives, followed by a return to cold for the remainder of the winter when the current dissipates.

If Punxsutawney Phil (or your local groundhog) is out and about on a relatively warm Feb. 2, and the sun is out, it most definitely could happen to see its shadow. If it’s an El Niño year, the warm spell will be followed by return to cold, so it will seem that seeing its shadow was related to the return of more typical cold winter weather. Thus developed the folklore based on the groundhog seeing its shadow meaning six more weeks of cold temperatures; if it doesn’t see its

shadow, “winter will melt away,” according to the Almanac.

This folklore began in medieval times in Europe. People watched hedgehogs, badgers, bears or wolves to see if they saw their shadows on Feb. 2, which was Candlemas Day, a religious holiday. The settlers in America chose the groundhog to be its prognosticator.

The National Climate Data Center has kept track of the groundhog’s accuracy. Since 1988, it has been correct only 39 percent of the time—but we do love our traditions!

A Winter Morning

The sun rises, the darkness of the winter night fades, and light and hope return— Soon I hear the blue jays calling to each other and to me. I hurry to the door to offer sunflower seeds and tiny pieces of peanut butter to eat. The squirrels, not wanting to be left out, rush over to share this meal with them. Later, as I watch them through the window while the radio speaks distressing news, I am at peace. They have inspired me to be generous and loving. I will try to carry this throughout my day. And so, my morning begins—

Open Cupboard Pantry selected as a Big Y beneficiary

The Open Cupboard Pantry, a ministry of the Granby Congregational Church, has been selected as a beneficiary of the Big Y Community Bag Program for the month of February.

The Big Y Community Bag Program, which launched in January 2019, is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal of making a difference in the areas where shoppers live and work.

Open Cupboard Pantry was selected as the February beneficiary of the program by store leadership at the Big Y at 195 College Highway in Southwick.

Open Cupboard Pantry will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during February, unless otherwise

Yoder

directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

“We are very excited that Big Y has chosen Open Cupboard to be the recipient of its Community Bag Program for the month of February. It is great to have the support of Big Y as we work to support our community” said Pantry Manager Kerri Crough at Open Cupboard. “There are many struggling with food insecurity at this time and funds donated will help us stock our shelves so that we can distribute it to those who need it.”

Open Cupboard Pantry operates in the church’s North Campus at 219 No. Granby Road and distributes food on a drive-thru basis on Fridays between 3 and 4 p.m.

wins Granby Community Fund

Treasure Hunt

The Granby Community Fund congratulates Kim Yoder, winner of this year’s Treasure Hunt. Yoder successfully located all the signs around town for the organizations that the Granby Community Fund supported in 2022. Yoder is shown with her winning basket. For more information on the Granby Community Fund visit Granbycommunityfund.com

Submitted photo

Photo compliments of the Brandywine Conservancy

Bernadette R. Gentry

Wildcats Alumni Game benefits food banks

The Wildcats Hockey 6th Annual Alumni Game was held on Dec. 30. With over 30 players, a good time was had by all. Granby participants include: Sam Banever, Will Caley, Daniel DeGagne, Ryan Kertanis, Shane Kertanis, Jake King, Tyler Mackowski, Matt McWhirter, Mark McWhirter, Evan Napierata, Keegan Newcomb and Ryan Stone. Proceeds of $231 from the game will benefit food banks in Suffield, Granby and Windsor Locks. High school hockey players from these three towns form the CIAC co-op team coached by Granby’s Jake King. This year’s team is playing at the International Skating Center of CT in Simsbury—come see a game! A complete schedule is available at suffieldhockey.org Submitted photo

March 2023 deadlines

ADS: Wednesday, Feb. 8 at noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org

ARTICLES: Monday, Feb. 13 at noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org

WORK DATES: Feb. 8-19 Call or email for times.

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

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