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Volume XLVIII, No. 7 • April 2018

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Former Evonsion property continues to elicit substantial public comment by Shirley Murtha At the March 5 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager John Ward gave an update on the status of the action regarding the use of the former Evonsion property. As reported in the last issue of the Drummer, three RFPs (Request for Proposal) had been submitted within the due date of January 31. The RFPs had been posted on various agricultural websites, in the Hartford Courant, and on other local media. The criteria on which the proposals were judged were: completeness, experience, success, access to equipment and financing, appropriateness and community benefit. The proposals from the House of Hayes and Rockwood Farm (Woodger) are for long-term lease of 25 years or more. The Hayes proposal offers $10,000 per year plus a 1 percent increase per year; the Rockwood offers $14,000 per year but is incomplete with the amount increase left as negotiable. The proposal from West-

meadow (Vaughan) was for purchase at $1.25 million. The proposals from Hayes and Rockwood cite the intention of rotating crops for silage; the Vaughan proposal involves the establishment of an organic dairy farm, including the building of a barn. Ward noted that all three proposals were appropriate. If the board was to decide in favor of a lease arrangement, he favored the Hayes proposal based on the long-standing presence of the family in Granby (eight generations) and the success of its operations to date. Prior to a lengthy session of public comment, the board members gave their personal thoughts. Mark Neumann favors the Westmeadow proposal as the best financially for the town. Sally King noted that if the property is purchased, the town loses control over what happens there, to which First Selectman Kuhnly replied that the town would retain development rights and that a conservation easement would preclude future development.

BOS cont’d. on p. 3

Vote at the April 23 Budget Referendum On Monday, April 23, the Town Budget Referendum will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room in Granby Town Hall, 15 North Granby Road. The polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. As with all opportunities to vote, plan to bring identification so you can be checked off the official voter list and issued a paper ballot. The check-in tables will be separated by street address, not last name. As in the past, non-registered, but otherwise eligible voters who own property in Granby in their own name, will also be allowed to vote. They will need to fill out a special form at the assessor’s table. Absentee ballots can be filed in person with the Town Clerk prior to the voting hours, not during the referendum. Poll workers are needed The registrar’s office is compiling an e-mail list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid, must be at least

16 years old and may choose to volunteer for a few hours, or as desired to fit their schedules. For more information, or to be added to the list, please email the registrars at: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com. Poll worker training will be done in April for the April 23 referendum and in June/July if there is an August 14 primary, and again in October for the November 6 election. Poll worker training is required to serve. High school senior registration drive The Registrars of Voters will be conducting a Spring Voter Registration Drive at the Granby Memorial High School on Wednesday, April 4. High school seniors who will be 18 years of age by the Nov. 6 elections will be eligible to register at this session. It would be helpful for those seniors who have Connecticut state-issued IDs to have these with them to facilitate the registration process.

Inside The Whisk........................ 19

Hungry Hearts Dinner........ 26

Nutmeg Dance.................. 24

Waypoints....................... 32

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Valley Pre-School goes to “Florida” The 4s classes at Valley Pre-School took a magical beach vacation to Key West last month. The trip is an annual tradition for the school. See story on page 34. Submitted photo

Challenges and complexities in building 2018-19 budget By Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Chair, Board of Finance As the boards near the conclusion of the budget-making process in preparation to send the final product on to Public Hearing for review and comment, they are faced with twin difficulties: managing the moderate but constant increase in the cost of doing business, and the uncertainty in state aid levels as seen throughout last year’s rollercoaster ride. Granby has experienced a nearly million-dollar reduction in state funding from last year’s state budget compared

to what the Governor has proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. Absorbing the current proposals is the equivalent of a nearly 3 percent local tax rate increase, which adds to the difficulty in holding the line while simultaneously providing and maintaining quality municipal and educational program and services to the people of Granby. With salaries and benefits representing three quarters of the combined operating budget overall, as go contracts so goes the budget. In general, Granby salaries are in the middle third compared with

Budget cont’d. on p. 2

A community bands together By Jen Bell “When something happens to someone in your community, when you live in a small town, you band together and do what you can,” said Rebecca Lobo on NBC News Connecticut. Rebecca was referring to Katherine “Katie” O’Neill, 10-year-old Granby resident who was seriously injured over the long Presidents’ Day weekend when a dead tree fell on her as she was walking with a group (including her brother, PJ) in the McLean Game Refuge. One of the adults in the group called 911 and Lifestar was dispatched from Hartford Hospital in just minutes. Katie had surgery at Connecticut Children’s Medical

Center that day to treat several broken bones in her hand, arm, and leg. More seriously, Katie was placed in a medically induced coma following surgery on her skull which was necessary to relieve swelling on the brain. The first 72 hours were the most crucial, and Katie’s family braced themselves. Katie O’Neill The Granby community braced itself as well. Word about the accident quickly spread on social media and from television news

Community cont’d. on p. 7

Photo by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

Budget cont’d. from p. 1 positions in towns similar to us and within the county. While compensation may be reasonable, the annual cost increase of some 2 percent plus applicable salary steps, health insurance and other benefits drive an increase in the cost of compensation of roughly 3 percent. At three quarters of the budget, this means a 2 percent increase in cost right off the bat. Even keeping programs the same yearto-year, this leaves only a quarter of the budget to work on to contain costs. It also highlights the need to pay close attention as contracts are negotiated—to remain competitive while endeavoring to control costs going forward. Recent examples of this include continually increasing the premium share employees pay as well as changes in plan design and benefit level. Lastly, reviewing overall staffing levels is critical in containing costs. This year with enrollment declining a bit, the BOE budget reflects a reduction in full-time equivalent positions by five people. On the municipal side, the staffing level is essentially the same as it was in the early 90s except for gradual additions to the police force to ensure having two officers and a supervisor on duty around the clock to provide a stronger and stable presence for protection as well as their role as first responders in medical emergencies. On the other side of the equation is the revenue picture: A combination of various local fees, monies from the state as well as from other towns, and the workhorse of property tax on real estate, motor vehicles and business personal property. Local revenues are a small and stable component of revenues as are the revenues from other towns. The state piece is far more significant. While it was $6.3 million in last year’s budget, it is reduced to $5.4 million in what the Governor called for in his FY19 budget revision last month. That major cut hurts and puts ample pressure on municipalities to hold spending tight. It means timely reviews of existing operations to find better and more efficient ways of doing things or even cutting things where prudent to do so. Similar to the guidelines the Board of Finance sets for each of the operating boards, this makes the boards work harder to meet the needs of the people.

Registrar of Voters Calendar

Wednesday, April 4: Spring Voter Registration Drive at Granby Memorial High School Monday, April 9: public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium Monday, April 23: town budget referendum – voting is between noon and 8 p.m. at Town Hall Monday, May 7: potential date for a second revised budget referendum from noon to 8 p.m. at Granby Town Hall, should the budget fail to pass on the first vote. Voter registration is a public record and it’s easy to confirm your voter registration by going to the State’s website or visiting the registrars at Town Hall. You can also register, determine your voting district or make corrections at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday during regular office hours of 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: www. sots.ct.gov. Questions? Please contact the registrars Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis. Our office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and our e-mail address is: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com

of Granby while paying heed to the cost of doing so. The major component of revenues within the budget is the property tax. Stability in the rate driven by a modest increase annually in expense has been evidenced in nearly a decade of budgets now, since the onset of the Great Recession. Over this period both the yearly budgets and their respective tax rate changes (ignoring revaluation) have averaged less than 2 percent annually. To a degree this is notable, if not remarkable, given the cost increase pressures the boards face and is reflective of the fiscal constraint the boards adhere to balanced against meeting the needs of our community. While on occasion commentary comes our way that more – or less – should be spent, we tend to believe that we have a good product in terms of educational and municipal programs and services so maintaining a fairly flat yearto-year change in expense, is reasonable to pursue. Adding more would cost us more. To freeze the cost means cutting people and programs beyond the inherent tightness of both the guideline process as well as the financial pinch of declining state revenues. Between the two we strike the balance.

Rep. Simanski welcomes GMHS students to Capitol

Between meetings and public hearings, State Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) guided three Granby high school students, Madeline Attianese, Sarah Cussano and Lindsay Gilton and Superintendent Alan Addley on a tour of the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. The students and their superintendent were at the Capitol for CABE’s (Connecticut Association of Boards of Education) A Day on the Hill to advocate for Connecticut public schools. Rep. Simanski also took the students behind the public spaces to show the students where the legislators work and explained how a bill proposal moves through the process to become a law. Above: from l.: Superintendent Alan Addley, Madeline Attianese, Rep. Simanski, Sarah Cussano and Lindsay Gilton. Submitted photo

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 3

Bischoff named Republican of the Year Mark Neumann, Granby GOP Chairman, introduces Gordon Bischoff as the Republican of the Year, 2018 at the Lincoln Day Dinner held by the 7th Senatorial District on March 16, in Windsor Locks. Gordon was recognized for his more that 20 years of service on the boards of Education, Finance, building committees and Holcomb Farm. Mark Neumann, left with Gordon Bischoff. Photo by Paula Johnson

BOS cont’d. from p. 1 Jim Lofink said that he needed more information. While admitting that it is hard to not choose in favor of organic farming, Ed Ohannessian noted that he struggles with the idea that the sale would be breaking the lease arrangement the Hayes now have with the town, of which one year remains. He continued, “We bought this property as a hedge against future need. It could be used as the site of a future school or additional sports fields. If the town sells, we have no asset but still have to pay the bond we acquired for its purchase.” Director of Community Development Fran Armentano noted that the State of Connecticut has expressed interest in the possible purchase of the development rights to 107 East Street. If approved it will use the appraisal obtained by Granby in determining the amount of its offer. As of March 21, the State had not made an offer. After the public comments, (see p. 7), a motion made by King to further study the Hayes and Vaughan proposals was approved. It was decided to ask the Agriculture and Development Commissions, the Board of Finance and the Planning and Zoning Commission for their input. Business School Security Project Board of Education vice-chairman Mark Fiorentino presented the BOE’s request for an additional appropriation of $75,372 to complete a multi-phase project

that began several years ago to enhance security at the district’s four schools. The appropriation was approved. Trash Barrel Purchase The board approved the allocation of approximately $10,000 for the purchase of additional trash barrels from Paine’s. When the town needs barrels, it orders them at the same time that Paine’s places an order to take advantage of the bulk pricing. The money will come from the Solid Waste Fund, which will have approximately $254,200 remaining after the purchase. Budget Town Manager Ward presented an update on the budget process. On December 4, 2017, the BOS adopted his proposed Plus One of $10,948,100. This represented an increase over the current budget of $473,100, or 4.5 percent. On February 12, the Board of Finance set a 2.12 percent increase over the $10,475,000 FY17-18, which amounts to $223,000. Ward’s latest budget meets that guideline by way of significant cuts and comes in at $10,697,751 for total municipal operations. In December 2017, department heads presented requests requiring an additional $773,548, but to meet the guideline, $551,000 had to be cut. The areas of reduction are as follows: fringe benefits for new employees and changes in employee insurances; contingency account with regard to Kearns School and Ambulance Association; fire department upgrade

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New community development director hired for town of Granby

Town Manager, John Ward is pleased to announce the hiring of Abigail St. Peter Kenyon (Abby) as the Director of Community Development for the Town of Granby effective April 2. Kenyon will be replacing Fran Armentano who is retiring on June 1 after 32 years of service with the Town of Granby. Kenyon received a BA in urban and community studies from the University of Connecticut in 2009, an MA in city and regional planning from Ohio State University in 2011, and became an AICP certified planner in the fall of 2014. Kenyon has worked as a professional planner for seven years, most recently as an Assistant Town Planner with the Town of Windsor. Kenyon was responsible for performing application reviews; drafting plans and regulations; administering the town’s geographic information system (GIS) and conducting numerous other activities in support of the Town Planning and Zoning Com-

mission, the Town Council and other departments and agencies. Prior to working for the Town of Windsor, Kenyon served as assistant regional planner and then as associate regional planner for the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, performing transportation studies, long-range planning, and coordinating paratransit services for the region. Kenyon states that she is excited to take on the position of director of community development. Growing up in the Farmington Valley, she has seen the way in which thoughtful planning can positively impact the quality of life for residents. She is looking forward to continuing the work underway to encourage development in the town center, balancing the need for growth and development while preserving the rural characteristic of Granby. Kenyon lives in Simsbury with her husband and their six-year-old dog.

funding and no addition of full-time marshal; police department position of records clerk eliminated and denial of two requested positions; library service wage reductions that will likely lead to reduced hours; social services youth services payroll; public works regarding purchase of salt, gasoline, diesel and equipment parts. Also, the Assessor’s office regular payroll was reduced due to a retirement, but the remaining funds are probably not adequate to get experienced help for the office. There is also reduction in contract property inspections. The office may have to close if both employees have to be out at the same time. Property inspections may be delayed. Ward expressed his gratitude to the staff, especially Barbarajean Scibelli, Pat Chieski, Susan Christian and Fran Armentano, for their work on the budget process. First Selectman Kuhnly also praised Scibelli, whom he described as the “best in the state” for producing an exemplary budget with “no fluff.” and remarked that Granby does “more and more with less and less year after year” considering the continued reductions in state aid. Regarding state funding, Ward noted that Granby was denied the senior van

grant described in last month’s BOS report. The town’s application for special transportation funds was also denied. The State’s Municipal Revenue Sharing Accounts (MRSA) for both Sales Tax and Motor Vehicle will also not be funded. At the March 19 BOS meeting, the board voted to forward the budget to the Board of Finance, having met the 2.1 percent increase guideline and been discussed at the various budget workshops. It included addbacks of $50,000 for the Lost Acres Fire Department, $18,500 for a part-time Police Department Records Clerk, $8,100 for the Libraries and $15,000 for Social Services. Copies of the budget report are available at Town Hall and the libraries. Budget presentations to the Board of Finance took place on March 26 at the Senior Center Community Room. The Public Hearing on the budget will be held April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Granby Memorial High School Auditorium. Appointments and resignations Ron Windsor has been appointed to the Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. The BOS reporter was assisted by Susan Christian and Sally King for the March 19 meeting.

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Appreciation for art display The Painting Study Group would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the Granby Library for allowing us to display our artwork at the main library for the month of February. We appreciate the opportunity to share our art with the greater Granby community. Between the art display, the educational display case, and the “Tools of the Trade” talk, we hope we have inspired people to learn more about art. We are especially indebted to Holly Johnson for her work on this project. Her tireless efforts, attention to detail and enthusiasm for the project are to be commended. She is obviously dedicated to the continued success of programs at the Granby Library. Dorothy Dumond and all the members of Painting Study Group: Carole Day, Carole Hartwell, Pam Jones, Suzanne Roz Magoon, Sally Sargent Markey, Rosemarie Mendes, Frances Miller, Marian Rowles and John Walker

Support for candidate I am exceptionally proud to offer my support to Valerie Eastwood, Democratic candidate for the CT 62nd Congressional District, and here’s why: Valerie has a strong professional background. As an attorney with specific experience in tax law, health care law, and the complicated intersection of Federal versus State laws, she is ready to write effective legislation on day one. She brings bench strength to the Democratic party overall, and I welcome it. She has a strong business background, and understands the complexities of both large and small organizations. As a person with many decades of experience collaborating in organizations committed to progressive causes, Valerie is viewed as a highly valued member of these communities, where she brings a high degree of integrity and emotional maturity. I am particularly impressed by her background as a healthcare advocate and that she understands how the challenges of both opioid addiction and gun

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

control need to be framed within the context of public health. I believe she will be a strong voice for a level playing field where all people are empowered to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Importantly, I also believe she can win against her Republican opponent, whose philosophy is consistent with the Republican Party overall. I am so grateful that she has stepped forward to offer her deep experience and considerable talent for this role. Audrey Meyer Lampert

Don’t sell East Street farmland I urge townspeople to ask the town not to sell our land at 107 East Street—the Evonsion farm. The Selectmen are debating doing that, along with selling the development rights to the State. Looking out 75-100 years, there’s a good chance there will be a public need, ranging from a school to senior housing. (That is within the life-span of our current pre-schoolers and their children!) This 125-acre open parcel, could well be the only site. Keep this simple—follow the recommendations of the 2015 Town-Owned Land Study Committee. The committee’s main recommendation was that the parcel’s best use was active agriculture, but it did not urge that in perpetuity. Neither did the committee recommend sale, but rather urged longterm leases. It noted that there was no immediate town need, but it added that “The committee also believed strongly that the agricultural use should remain as long as there was viable private agriculture in town. Should those uses disappear in the future, the property should be reevaluated for use at that time.” Summary Report of the Town of Granby TownOwned Land Study Committee–2015 p.37. This all implicitly acknowledged that town needs and agriculture could

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You are needed

A Granby resident is needed to fill a vacancy on the Park and Recreation Board. If you are interested in serving your town on this board, call the Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-810-0274; Republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-653-9668; or Town Manager John Ward, 860-844-5300.

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change. (The 80-page report may be found on the town’s website, granby-ct. gov/ under the “Documents” tab within “Other topics.”) Our elected officials should act in the best, long-term interest of the town. They should lease the farm for agricultural use to one of the two farmers proposing that. That way they keep agriculture and reserve a town asset for the future. Peggy Lareau

Town vote wanted I am writing in support of a town-wide vote on the proposals for 107 East St. Our Selectmen are to be commended for their time and dedication but the implications of this decision are far reaching and the responsibility should be borne by all town residents, not just the five Selectmen. The suggestion of yet another committee to study this property will delay the decision for months and would likely result in Granby losing a golden opportunity to be home to the only certified organic dairy farm in Connecticut. This parcel is 125 acres, 88 acres of which is prime farmland. The town purchased the land in 2012 for $2,250,000 after a townwide vote in favor of a package of capital improvements. Residents did not have the opportunity to vote on individual line items, the approval for the farm purchase was included with essential repairs for the Silver St bridge and football fields for the high school. Many residents were resentful of being made to vote on a package, a town-wide vote on the future of 107 East St would put the responsibility back on the townspeople. The town has since entered into a li-

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 ©2018 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Brian Colton, Photo Editor Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard, Joan Griswold, Janet Hendricks, Karen Cleary, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Ken Mouning, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Lou Urban, Kay Woodford Reporters & Contributors Alan Addley, Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Sarah Cramer, Marisa DeLuca,

Letters cont’d. on p. 5

Peter Dinella, Bernadette Gentry, Jay Harder, Rachel Hennessy. Carol Laun, Kelly Marszycki, Shirley Murtha, John R. Nieb,

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LETTERS

Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, November 2, November 16

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

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, November 23 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, November 4, November 18 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, November 10, November 24 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Thursday, November 12

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April 2018

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, November 9

Sam & Becky Mikus

POLICY

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Let the voters decide

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 cense agreement with Richard Woodger (Rockwood Farms, Mass.) and Stanley Hayes (House of Hayes, Granby) for a term of five years that expires this year. The town receives an income of just under $10,000 per year for this license. I understand this is the current rate for agricultural land but it’s a drop in the ocean compared with the interest being paid on the original loan. A land use study conducted in 2014 by the Town Owned Land Study Committee, concluded that the best use of this land was for active agriculture. The majority of residents agreed with this. Continued agricultural use is also in line with the 10-Year Plan of Conservation and Development. With the continued decline in school population, our aging demographic, and site characteristics that do not make development an attractive option, I do not believe that keeping this asset on our books is fiscally responsible. Thomas Vaughan (Westmeadow Farm, Granby) approached the town last August with an offer to purchase without development rights, his plan is to use it as a certified organic dairy farm in conjunction with Rossmore Farm (the old Davis Farm). Farm buildings on the land would result in property taxes of around $40,000 per year. As this was an unsolicited bid, the selectmen voted in November to put out an RFP inviting bids for sale and lease. The board of selectmen have voted to consider two of the proposals; Vaughan’s offer to purchase without development rights for $1,250,000 and Hayes offer to lease for 25 years at $10,000 for the first year with a 1 percent per year annual increase thereafter. Both proposals are available on the town website. An appraisal received by the town has not been made public. The state has indicated that it has the budget and may have interest in purchasing the development rights for this property. No figure has been given but development rights generally equate to 50-60 percent of the value. With the recent property revaluation and the loss of state funds, the town is desperately in need of additional income to relieve the tax burden on residents. The Hayes family has worked the land for generations and deserves our respect and admiration but the town has a responsibility to all its residents. A sale will not only pay down a portion of our debt but will provide ongoing income from property taxes, promote Granby and attract customers that will visit and spend money at other town businesses. This is our town, our farm and our future, let it be our vote that makes the decision! Anna Sogliuzzo

The Town of Granby has received an unsolicited offer to purchase the Evonsion Farm located at 107 East Street. This property was purchased by the town for $2.5 million, and is currently leased to two farmers who raise corn on it for their cattle. The lease is for less than $10,000 a year and yet the town pays out an estimated $100,000 a year for the bond used to purchase the property. I say “estimate” because the original cost was bundled with multiple other expenditures and I’ve been unable to get a figure on the actual payback amount. Tom Vaughan, a local farmer who owns Rossmore Farm, is a 10-year resident of Granby who lives on his organic farm on Day Street. He also purchased the Davis farm on North Granby Road and has done a great job cleaning it up to start the process of obtaining an organic certification. Vaughan has offered the town $1.25 million for the property that has been devalued since its purchase (as have most properties in Connecticut). Vaughan has offered the town the development rights to the property, which means it can always remain agricultural no matter who owns it. The town can sell those development rights to the state for an additional amount to pay down the debt and the state would also keep it as agricultural. Currently there are zero taxes being collected on the property. Vaughan is planning on investing $1.5 million into the property and $2.3 million into the former Davis farm property. That would mean $80,000 in annual tax income for the town, which would recover the original cost of the property in a much shorter time. The Rossmore Farm would begin production of organic milk, cheese and butter to be sold under the Granby Gold label with a planned wide-spread distribution throughout New England and New York. The combined employment is estimated at 25 jobs. These figures can be verified from the Development Commission’s 3/12/2018 minutes. granby-ct.gov/ development-commission/minutes/ development-commission-minutes-16 Since Vaughan is planning on all of his properties, including the Evonsion Farm, being certified organic this means Granby will have the first and only organic dairy farm in Connecticut. This will take some time since the farmers currently leasing the Evonsion Farm use glyphosate (Roundup) on the land. There are 15 known health problems related to glyphosate. It is one of the worst chemicals in the world and it is being sprayed on the corn growing on our town property. It’s time for a change.

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We need and want a healthier option. The Board of Selectmen has the power to vote yea or nay on this proposal without the citizens voting their choice. Granby, as all Connecticut towns, is facing a negative financial impact because the state is cutting our funding and thus will negatively affect our local taxes. I say the voters have a right to decide on this because the financial aspects of this sale can have a very positive impact on our town. Please attend the Board of Selectmen meeting and voice your opinion. We do have choices, but we must be heard to exercise those choices. Please let the voters decide. Ron Winsor The Evonsion Farm, 107 East Street , has been the topic of many discussions lately, and, your constituents, the taxpayers, would appreciate being heard. In 2012, the town packaged the purchase of this land with 11 other projects and asked us to vote. That process was a bit convoluted as the vote included 11 projects with the two most expensive being 107 East Street (3M reserved) and a 3.2M upgrade to the town athletic fields. Many of us wanted certain projects to go forward and were against others but because it was a package plan we voted based on the project most important to us. We now know that there are two proposals to purchase/lease the land at 107 East Street and we want to be heard. The first proposal is by Westmeadow Farm, owners of Rossmore Farm—the former Davis Farm on 189, to purchase the land for 1.25M without the development rights, meaning the town could retain those rights or sell them to the State of Connecticut. Westmeadow would invest 1.55M at 107 East Street to start a certified organic grass fed dairy farm on the property, using the milk produced at that farm as the main ingredient for products made and sold at Rossmore Farm or a farmstore on route 189. The second proposal by House of Hayes proposes to lease the land to grow silage for 25 years at a starting rate of $10,000 per year increasing annually at 1 percent. We have heard that the Board of Selectmen may choose to do nothing with

these proposals. We live in a democracy and if there is a proposal to purchase town land the taxpayers must be heard. Whether we are for the sale of that land or not, you have not asked us what we’d like to do with that land. We voted to put you in the positions you are in and you hold the highest duty to us. You, the politicians, may cast your votes as well, but in order to speak for us, you must first listen to us. Let the people vote! Herb Hulbert I have addressed the Board of Selectmen on this issue so I’ll summarize here: The Town should let residents have a final say on the future of 107 East St. We voted for the Town to purchase it, and we should be allowed to vote on its sale or lease. That’s been the general rule as long as I have lived here, over 40 years so far. My BOS presentation was to inform them of the environmental sustainability of the Westmeadow proposal, and the opposition to continue with the current use, which is a non-sustainable method of farming the property with the dangerous and damaging use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and GMO plants. There are also the well documented two episodes of Granby residents having their private properties contaminated with liquid manure that was used by the previous lessee. This will not occur with the sustainable organic method of farming proposed by Westmeadow. The organically sustainable farming method uses no pesticides or chemical fertilizers and the bed- composting system of the manures make it a safe, sane and reliable method that poses absolutely no risk to any property owners in the neighborhood and removes all the liabilities the town had to deal with when liquid manure was irresponsibly sprayed on town and private properties. The Westmeadow proposal is a safe, sane and responsible use of the property and will be a great addition to the farming community in Granby and Connecticut. It will be the only organic dairy farm in the state, and that is a big plus for Granby. The proposals to the town can be found online or obtained at Town Hall. Please read them and become informed residents. Barry Avery

Cemetery Association seeks members The Granby Cemetery, Inc., which serves the residents of Granby as a private cemetery, invites those interested in the cemetery to become members of the Cemetery Association. You may become a member of the cemetery if you have a plot in the cemetery or have an interest in the cemetery. The Cemetery Association is a volunteer membership united to keep the cemetery private, fiscally viable and aesthetically pleasing. If you are interested, please contact the Board of Directors by sending a note of interest with your name and phone number and reason for interest to Granby Cemetery Inc. P.O. Box 323, Granby CT 06070.

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

Op Ed Thoughts on the potential sale of 107 East St. By Eric Lukingbeal Far From Ordinary The Evonsion Farm is the largest remaining parcel of very high quality agricultural soils in town. The total parcel of 125 acres contains 88 acres of prime agricultural soils and 20 acres of farmland of statewide importance. It is irreplaceable. Context Matters The town already studied the issue of the future of this parcel only 2 1/2 years ago. A volunteer committee (the Town-Owned Land Study Committee) concluded, after considering testimony, written comments, investigations, a town-wide opinion survey and two public hearings, that this property should remain in agriculture. The present RFP was triggered by an unsolicited offer from a resident to either buy or lease the land to establish an organic dairy farm (his subsequent submission as an RFP is limited to a purchase option only). Had this offer not been made, out of the blue, we would not be here debating what to do. “Act in haste, repent at leisure” The Town should not be in any hurry to decide the merits of any of these proposals, or to pick one. Instead, it would make more sense to proceed in a careful way, to assure that the best long term plan for the farm is adopted. This is the best way to assure that whatever is done is in the town’s best interest. In particular, I suggest that the best way to do this would be for the Board of Selectmen to set up a permanent commission—the Evonsion Farm Commission—or the 107 East Street Commission--to act as an advisory body to develop on an ongoing basis the various agricultural, and perhaps other uses, to which the farm might be put. Done right, this will take time. One of the RFP’s under consideration requires a town response by April 30. The town should feel no pressure to do anything in such an abbreviated time frame. Don’t sell the Farm Selling to a private party would be a mistake. Even if the development rights are retained by the town, or acquired by the state or a non-profit entity, the risks of private ownership are many. Death, illness, bad luck, financial misfortune or mismanagement, could all result in the land falling into disuse and growing up in invasives. The prospect of an “organic” farm has great appeal to many, but the actual execution over the long term is far from a certainty. There is a reason why family businesses sometimes last only a single generation. In addition, sale of the development rights to the state also has control issues. As part of the sale process, a detailed site plan will be developed and memorialized

by the state. Future changes to such a plan are not easy to make and the town has no control over them. Get real expertise from an unbiased source The University of Connecticut is a land grant institution. It likely has expertise beyond that of anyone in town. So do other institutions. Think of Cornell, or SUNY, or Yale. Respect history The Hayes family has been the agricultural backbone of Granby for over 300 years. Their record of service to the Town of Granby is long, varied and distinguished. The present generation knows what it is doing, and has invested in the most modern methods of managing and milking a dairy herd. If any decision must be made now (which seems inadvisable to be in such a rush), then going with experienced local farmers makes a lot of sense. Of course, there is no legal compulsion to make any decisions now at all. Prediction is difficult, especially about the future No one knows where our food will be grown in 50 or 100 years. It might not be in California or Arizona. Nor does anyone know what we will be eating. Maybe healthier stuff? Maybe local sources of food will be more important than they are now. Gary Cirullo, owner of the Garlic Farm, told me that it is a huge mistake to lose high quality soils. My personal view, as a non-expert in agricultural matters, is that the town would be best served by treating the farm as a valuable agricultural resource, and retaining full control by leasing part or all of it on reasonable terms that preserve and build soil quality. The worst of all arguments There is one argument that ought to be rejected. It is that the town has no business owning land that would otherwise remain on the tax rolls. The Town has many reasons to keep this land in agriculture. It is a hedge against an uncertain climate future. It may make the difference between being able to feed people good food at reasonable cost, and the opposite--forced reliance on Big Agriculture. Where has that gotten us? It should also be retained for possible other town uses that are unknown at this time. I’d say the town has a duty to look out for those who will be alive when we are not. Keeping this land in town ownership and control so that it can be assured of an agricultural future or other use beneficial to the interest of the town and its citizens, makes all kinds of sense to me. Luckingbeal is a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, an environmental lawyer and longtime Granby resident.

Granby needs a marketing plan By Susan Patricelli-Regan The premise of this op-ed reflects my observations during my attendance at public referendum presentations, meetings of Granby’s BOS, BOF, Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation, Board of Education, budget workshops, discussions with the office of Community Development and recent review of Granby’s most recent Plan of Conservation and Development. I hope it will stimulate Granby residents to contribute, vocally or in writing, to the town’s fiscal and quality-of-life issues. There is little or no attendance at these meetings with the exception of the annual budget hearing or for “not on my street” concerns. There are exceptions, of course, and I would welcome objective or supportive responses but also those definitively anti-rhetoric. This is a “wake up call” for those who acquiesce to business-as-usual or knee jerk fixes to issues with long term effects, but also those who wish to participate without fear of embarrassment or retribution. There is nothing to lose but the opportunity to speak up and question a board’s rationale for making a unilateral decision without considering public comment. An example is the RFP for the East Street farm. At the public hearing, some residents supported an agricultural disposition only. Others wanted a RFP that solicited applications that proposed leasing or purchasing the property and the development rights for commercial purposes. The board’s job is to protect the town’s current and future fiscal health as well as preserving Granby’s open space. But if our aging population cannot afford to remain in town or the mill rate negatively impacts attracting and retaining new people, we cannot continue to rely on a restricted revenue base that is 90 percent supported by residential property tax. At a recent RFP public meeting, Stanley Hayes, a veteran Granby farmer, pointed out that he and other farmers subsist on marginal revenues in the current market. They rely on hay grown on their own and leased land for their livestock, a savings on overhead costs. Hayes and a Granville farmer lease and harvest hay from the East Street farm

fields. If the town sells or leases the farm to a larger commercial farm, organic or otherwise, they will have to purchase hay from other sources which will incur additional expense in an already tight budget, and perhaps lose local customers to that competition. The sale proposal for the East Street farm is $1.2 million dollars. This is far less than what taxpayers paid five years ago at a budget referendum that created long-term debt. Could we have considered selling a portion of the property for commercial development? That would have produced cash to pay off the long-term debt, increased annual revenue and retained the property’s natural qualities with a well thought out blend of urban and rural use. We need to get ahead of the curve. I have addressed various points with the BOS and BOF regarding media reach and visibility for the town, the best options for Kearns School and the need for a marketing plan to “sell the town” in Connecticut and outside the state. If we are proud of this community, why not boast about it, cultivate an aura of higher value and Return On Investment? The Plan of Conservation and Development, published in 2016, echos my opinion: “In an effort to attract future residents and to aid in attracting those residents who will continue to cherish our Fundamental Values, the town should develop a town marketing strategy which identifies the Granby brand. A study committee should therefore be formed, made up of a diverse number of residents, business owners, farmers, school officials and others, to develop a Brand from those attributes, which are broadly outlined within our fundamental values.” We’ve circled back to the title of this op-ed! Patricelli-Regan is founder and Executive Director of The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Fine Arts Scholarship Foundation, President of the Foxfield F.A.R.M. (For A Recovery Mission) Foundation. Host of CT Valley Views and former Vice President of Trade and Community Relations for DIAGEO, N.A., She and her husband, William, have lived in Granby for 15 years.

Wear red on April 10, Equal Pay Day

Recognize Equal Pay Day on April 10 to symbolize how far women and minorities are “in the red” with their paycheck. On Tuesday, April 10, women across the United States will join in a national day of action called Equal Pay Day. April is the point into the new year that a woman must work to earn the wages paid to a man in the previous year. On a national level, women are paid only 80 cents for every dollar a man is paid, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2016, median annual earnings in the U.S. for men working full-time, year-round was $51,640, compared to $41,554 for women. The gap narrowed over the past halfcentury, but progress has stalled in recent years. The Equal Pay Act has not been updated since 1963. Immediate legislative and executive actions are needed to enable women to bring home the pay they have rightfully earned. The fight for pay equity - Pass federal bills advancing pay equity. The Paycheck Fairness Act - would protect workers by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act of 1963. The Pay Equity for All Act - would prohibit employers from asking about salary history before making a job offer. The Fair Pay Act - would require employers to provide equal pay for work of equal value. Tell your member of Congress you want fair pay! Resources and further information/handouts are available at Granby Public Library. Thank you to Granby women-operated businesses who recognized Equal Pay Day on April 4, 2017, by having materials available at their business: Bouquets of the Valley, Granby Pharmacy, Granby Village Health, Grass Roots Ice Cream, Horses and Hounds, Joy and Wit Interiors, Markee Prep, KK Needham Coaching, Nourish My Soul. —Karen Needham

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Comments on Evonsion property Residents voiced their opinions on the RFPs for the former Evonsion property at the March 5 and 19 Selectmen’s meetings

Susan Regan - disappointed that the RFP did not include anything but agriculture; would like to see an extensive marketing plan, believing that the property could sell for much more than the $1.25 million, that money then being used to pay off long-term debt. Bob Miller - surprised to see that sale of the property is even being considered as former First Selectman John Adams stated that the purchase of the property to be sure it remained open space. Barry Avery - believes a third dairy farm would not hurt the two existing, as 40 years ago, there were eight to 10 such farms; tax liability with a farm is negligible compared to that with a development. Avery spoke again on the 19th, in favor of the land being sold to a farmer who would farm it in a safe manner and not harm the surrounding areas — organic farming being desirable over chemical, which leaves the soil sterile. Herb Hulbert - favors the Westmeadow proposal as a unique opportunity to have an organic farm; the town will benefit financially from the sale. Mike Meany - wants to understand how the sale of the property meets with philosophy of the Plan of Development. Tom Grimaldi - questioned if there has been any progress on the state’s interest in purchasing the property, feeling the taxpayers would get the most back on the purchase price; that money could be used to repair and re-open the two closed town bridges. Anna Sogliuzzo - supports the sale of the property, believes the organic farm will attract a clientele that will then spend money on other Granby businesses. wants to know impact on mill rate of each of the three proposals. Sarah Sabbagh - also questioned effect on mill rate; wants financial analysis of each RFP; hopes that the town’s farmers can all cooperate. Tom Vaughan - spoke to Selectman Ohannessian’s point about the existing

lease on the property, noting that when he first proposed to use that land for his dairy, he did not know about the lease, learning of it from Agriculture Commission chair Michelle Niedermeyer, after which he contacted Stanley Hayes. He noted, “I am not in the lease-breaking business.” Also, he contacted the state Commissioner of Agriculture regarding its interest in purchasing the development rights to the property. The reply given Vaughan was “very interested.” Vaughan remarked that the state could pay more than he could for the property. Stanley Hayes - cited his ancestors farming in town since 1680 — conventional farmers who follow the rules, caring for the land and the animals; not against organic farming but cautioned that the milk market is glutted and a farmer can sell very little of his product. Also noted that the property, as now farmed by Rockwood, supplies crops for other farmers in town; if sold, that would no longer be the case. Ben Perron - was on committee studying open space that decided in 2011 that the best scenario for town was to purchase the land for strategic investment - perhaps a new school or recreation facility; expressed surprise that selling it for development is now one of the possibilities, as in the most recent town study, residents overwhelmingly chose that the property should remain agricultural. Eric Myers - the referendum in which the sale of the property was included had so many items it was difficult to understand what one was voting for. Braenaan Vaughan - on the 19th, took issue with a proposal in a statement written by Eric Lukingbeal for the P and Z Commission in which Lukingbeal called for a permanent commission to act as an advisory board to develop what would be the best uses for the 107 East Street property. Vaughan noted that there has already been a study commission and that the decision should be made soon due to the upcoming start of the growing season. He also noted that correct tax information and the appraisal of the property are now available and should help the board to make an informed decision regarding whether to sell or lease it.

The banner, covered with hundreds of signatures in support of Katie’s recovery. Submitted photo

Community cont’d. from p. 1 coverage. Empathy poured out from countless families in town – and people demonstrated their concern in so many creative and wonderful ways. On the Monday before Katie’s accident, her travel basketball team participated in a tournament in Bristol. Their first playoff game was held on Friday while Katie was in ICU struggling through those moments after surgery. The game was played at the Granby Memorial High School against East Granby and it became the perfect venue for the community to show support for the O’Neill family. One family of Katie’s teammates created two “Playing for Katie” banners. They hung one behind the players’ bench and asked players and spectators to sign the other. Another family made #KatieStrong t-shirts and others came together to organize a bake sale fundraiser. Grass Roots Ice Cream in Granby set up a portable freezer and donated all sales to the family. The high school teams wore Katie Strong warm up jerseys for their basketball games and many stayed to watch Katie’s team play. NBC Connecticut covered the event on television, which helped attract hundreds of fans to the game – including local celebrity Rebecca Lobo. After the game, parents took the “Playing for Katie” banner to other local

basketball travel games so players and fans could sign it. Now filled with hundreds of signatures (including Lobo’s), the banner hangs in Katie’s hospital room– and was one of the first things she saw when she came out of her coma. It serves as a focal point for young Katie as she bravely navigates the long road of her recovery. Other support has included meals by Alicia Newton, local nutritionist and creator of the non-profit Nourish My Soul and What’s Cookin’ Jr. Chef classes, as well as a “meal train” that has been set up to help the family over the next weeks and months. In all, the community has raised more than $25,000 through a GoFundMe account and other fundraisers which will help the family with medical bills and other expenses that the family will face as Katie recovers. In addition to being a talented basketball player, Katie is an astute tae kwon do student preparing to test for her black belt. Clearly, she is strong in spirit and mind – and soon will be strong in body once again. As she heals, and is hopeful to be home before Easter, her family is lifted by the love and support of their small, tight-knit community – and knowing so many people are right there with them, “playing for Katie” all the way.

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

Helpful study tips for students By Camden Robertson As we pass the week of midterms at GMHS, you may have been hoping for a better grade on some of your exams. This article may help give your grades for future tests and final exams a little boost, as it will suggest tips you have never used before, or may help you bring your current strategies to the next level. Whether you are a freshman or an experienced upperclassman, it is always helpful to learn new last-minute study tricks or try out some entirely different strategies. 1. Manage your time effectively. Different tests, quizzes and homework assignments are all assigned for different periods throughout your week. For this reason, it is necessary to manage your time well while studying. Work on reviewing material for your soonest test first, and continue reviewing your next subjects about two or three days before the test occurs. Don’t spend time studying for your last test of the week the night before your first quiz or test. Take one thing at a time to ensure your materials stay organized and you don’t become confused with material from a myriad of different subjects. 2. Use many different study strategies. There are many different methods to review material before upcoming assessments. They may include online review programs such as Quizlet or Duolingo, homemade flashcards (my personal favorite), creating mock tests, studying with friends, creating audio recordings, reviewing old tests and quizzes, and lots more. However, it is important to use all of these strategies for your different subjects. For example, using mainly homemade flashcards to

study is a great technique, but using only flashcards means you learn the material just one way and can easily get material from multiple subjects confused. Instead, utilize flashcards for your main units and also try recopying class notes or using a technology tool like Quizlet. This ensures internalizing the information you are reviewing in many different ways, making it easier to recall it at the time of your test. 3. Stay organized. Keeping track of study materials ensures that you will not become overwhelmed or confused during your studying process. Because you will often have multiple tests to study for in a given week, use one folder per class and fill it with all of the materials you will use to study for each test (teacher’s review, past tests and quizzes, flashcards, etc.) Keeping the materials for each assessment separate helps to organize the information in your mind and study more effectively. Only keep what is necessary for you to review the concepts from each unit. Having too much material for review is a lot for your brain to keep track of. An effective study strategy for you in this situation may be putting all the key concepts into one place. 4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking clarifying questions is the key to success on your different assessments. Doing further research on certain topics and asking your teacher and other classmates about specific material, ensures that you do not misunderstand topics or ideas when studying. The different ways of explaining concepts may further your understanding. Never be afraid to ask questions if you are confused on something; after all, that is what teachers are there for.

The Easter bunny hops… …on over to the Granby Stop and Shop to kick off the can drive to benefit numerous soup kitchens and food banks. Submitted photo

5. Take care of yourself. High school is an extremely stressful time for students. As the year continues, your academic pressure grows, and so does the importance of taking care of yourself. Lack of sleep or healthy food and water may compromise your test grades, no matter how much studying you have done. Although it is important to study for large amounts of time, make sure you take breaks and try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. With so much material to cover, it is easy to

forget basic things like staying hydrated. Set goals for yourself, such as drinking at least two bottles of water everyday. Make sure to eat full meals (especially breakfast), and avoid unhealthy snacking. Your academic success is extremely important but it never tops your health. 6. Good luck! Camden Robertson is a GMHS student intern at the Drummer.

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April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 9

We Need Your Help and Support For The Class of 2018 By Thérèse Mulvey Parents for a Safe Grad Night need your help. We need donations and volunteers. You don’t have to have a senior to contribute. We need Non-Senior parents to chaperone, we need donations from the community so that every student receives a prize and we need volunteers to help on committees to ensure another great year. The GMHS Grad Night is for Seniors but it is the community that makes it work. The 2018 Safe Grad Night will be held at the Granby YMCA on graduation night and offers a fun-filled, substance-free event for seniors. Last year more than 80 percent of the graduating class attended. This event cannot happen without the following‑please consider participating. Chaperones for the night of the event, donations for gifts and prizes, volunteers to help with food, room set up and decorations, a volunteer with a graphic background to help with the Art/ Invitation contest where seniors submit designs for the invitation and t-shirt.

If you are interested in volunteering, please join us for the April 17 meeting at 7 p.m. in the media center at GMHS. If you cannot attend but would like to help, see the contacts below. The event is chaperoned by Non-Senior parents, so volunteers are needed. Senior parents can help with the planning prior to the event and with collecting and contributing donations. Room set up: Contact Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com Food (set up or pick up from businesses): Contact Michelle DeGagne at mdegagne@cox.net Chaperones: Contact Joan Kuhnly at

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Another way to support this event is by surprising your friends with a flock of Pink Flamingos roosting on their lawn for 48 hours. They will mysteriously migrate when the time is up and go on to roost at another address. To participate in the FLOCKING make a donation of $25 or more to the Granby Parents for

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As many as 50 percent of adults have a snoring problem. Snoring is the sound that the soft tissues in your mouth and throat make as air passes through them, causing them to vibrate. When you’re awake, the muscles surrounding these structures keep the air passage open. But when you’re asleep, these same muscles relax, allowing your lower jaw and tongue to drop back and partially block the opening of your airway. Many factors affect why people snore, including excess bodyweight, drug and alcohol use, congestion, swollen tonsils, and aging. Heavy snoring and delayed breathing of ten seconds or more may be caused by a more serious condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a far more serious condition. It occurs when the airway is completely blocked by the soft tissues in the back of the throat. When the airway is obstructed to such a degree, less oxygen reaches the blood and the brain. In response, the brain gives the “red alert” signal to the airway to unblock itself by tightening up. This causes the individual to gasp or snort abruptly, restoring breathing to normal. The cycle repeats itself throughout the night, disrupting sleep and leaving the individual exhausted after a night of on-again, off-again sleep. The condition can also cause headaches, moodiness, daytime sleepiness, and an inability to function properly. Sleep Apnea is also linked to strokes, hypertension and even sudden death syndrome. Treatment options for sleep apnea vary with the most common physician recommended treatment being a CPAP mask. However, most people cannot tolerate the mask. Now there is a custom fit, comfortable, intraoral alternative. It basically is a set of mouthguards that help to reposition the jaw, tongue, soft palate and nasal passages to improve airflow while sleeping. These appliances can be adjusted to allow you to stop snoring and feel better in the morning and throughout the day. They are typically as easy to wear as most retainers or other removable dental appliances. A confirmed diagnosis from a sleep medicine specialist is required before any treatment can be administered. Because sleep apnea can be a silent condition, it can go undiagnosed for many years. It is important to keep an open and honest dialog with health care professionals to ensure that conditions such as sleep apnea can be identified and properly treated. If you or someone you love has a CPAP that he/she does not like, or simply can not tolerate wearing it, call for a consultation to see if you can benefit from an oral appliance. 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. Lasers can eliminate the need for injections and the sound of the drill! CEREC CAD-CAM technology allows us to make crowns and onlays in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Cone Beam CT imaging allows us to view images in 3D!, enabling more accurate diagnosis. INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces. We are your Invisalign connection! “Smile Vision” 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 straighter, whiter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com.

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Susan DePatie, DMD 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com

Page 10 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

American Legion hosts game dinner On January 27, the ShannonShattuck Post 182 of the American Legion hosted approximately one hundred people for its annual Game Dinner at its post in Granby. The purpose of the yearly game dinner is to raise money for the Post’s annual scholarship fund awarded each year to a Granby High School senior. A small percentage of the money also goes toward helping some local widows of WWII veterans who need a little assistance. The kitchen was once again commanded by Chef Gill Justo whose experience as an Army cook served him well. Wayne Adams, Warren Markey, Peter DelNegro, Wayne Hoffman,

Wayne Cahoon, Robin Bennett and other Post members assisted him. This is the 23rd year in a row that Gill has commanded the cooking duties. Fare started with homemade rolls and salad, venison stuffed mushrooms, venison sausage and venison meatballs. Next came the venison chili, roasted venison, teriyaki rabbit, wine-marinated rabbit, baked salmon, teriyaki pheasant, honey mustard pheasant, roasted potatoes, rice, and even a few vegetables and cookies for dessert. All reports were that the food was excellent again this year. Special thanks to the local businesses that contributed gifts for the door prizes. These prizes included a $25 gift cer-

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From left, James Hall, Ken Rafoss and Joe Hukel. Submitted photo.

tificate from Stop and Shop, a $25 gift certificate from Geissler’s Supermarket, a $25 gift certificate from Wayback Burgers, a $25 gift certificate from Flowers-n-Such, two gift baskets with coffee and travel mugs from Starbucks, two bottles of wine from Liquor World of Granby, two $25 gift certificates from Han Asian Cuisine, a $50 gift certificate from Route 10 Tire and $85 worth of car washes from Granby Auto Wash. Next year it’s hoped there will be even more prizes to give out. The American Legion Post 182 located at 244 North Granby Road (route 189) is open to all honorably discharged veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves. Active members meet twice a month at the Post and discuss new and old business, plan local events such as the annual game dinner, the pancake breakfast, Memorial Day parade, Veteran’s Day parade, raising money to maintain the Post building, and keep up with each other. If you are a

local veteran and would like to consider joining the American Legion, please come out to the Post at 7:30 p.m. on the second or fourth Friday of each month to meet some of the members and sit in on a meeting. If you are a local veteran and don’t have the time to join, please consider donating some tax-deductible financial support to the Post. The money stays local and goes to great causes. Contact Jim Hall at 860-653-3819 or send a check payable to the American Legion Post 182, P.O. Box 182, Granby CT 06035. The American Legion Post 182 would like to thank the people who came to the Game Dinner and help support the community. Next on the calendar is the annual Pancake Breakfast on April 14. Serving starts bright and early at 6 a.m. until noon. Come on out and have some pancakes covered in pure Vermont maple syrup with a side of sausage, coffee and orange juice. Once again proceeds will benefit the annual scholarship fund.

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Simsbury Bank is Gran-Bee sponsor and will field trivia team Simsbury Bank is pleased to announce that it is a $1,000 Swarm Sponsor of the Granby Education Foundation’s 15th annual Gran-Bee event. The GranBee is the foundation’s annual fund raising trivia contest that will be held this year on Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Granby Memorial High School auditorium. Bernadeta Eichner, Senior Relationship Manager of the Granby branch, said, “We’re very proud to support this important and fun fundraising activity for the foundation. The funds that the GEF raises from this event are key to continuing to support excellent educa-

tional opportunities and programs for Granby and area residents.” “We thank Simsbury Bank for being a consistent sponsor of this event for many years, as well as the other generous sponsors who provide the critical support,” said Ben Perron, Chair of the Granby Education Foundation. “The fun and family-friendly Gran-Bee event contributes significantly to the GEF’s ability to sponsor innovative and meaningful education opportunities for students and all residents of Granby.” In addition to sponsoring the event, Simsbury Bank will field a trivia team. Tri-Town residents attend forum with Democrats running for Governor and State Attorney General. Photo submitted by Sally King. Ben Perron, Chair of the Granby Education Foundation; Kristina Gilton, Board member of the Granby Education Foundation and Chair of the Gran-Bee; Jocelyn Mitchell, SVP, Chief Business Development and Relationship Management Department Head, Simsbury Bank; Bernadeta Eichner, Senior Relationship Manager, Granby branch, Simsbury Bank.

Granby, Simsbury and East Granby’s Tri-Town Democratic Campaign forum By Jim Lofink Many thanks to all who participated in and enjoyed the Tri-Town Candidate Forum on Sunday, March 18, in the Holcomb Farm North Pavilion Over 70 local residents personally met and spoke with ten invited Democrats seeking to serve as the next Governor or State Attorney General. Visiting with voters were five potential future governors including Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, former Conn. Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, previous two-time candidate for Senator and Governor Ned Lamont, former Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly, and former West Hartford Mayor, State Senator and Commissioner of the Conn. Dept of Consumer Protection Jonathan Harris. Quite an impressive array of talent and credentials, willing to serve in perhaps the states most arduous role. Also attending were potential future State Attorney’s General including State Representative Mike D’Agostino, State Senator and Senate Judiciary Co-Chair

Paul Doyle, Assistant Attorney General Clair Kindall, former U.S. Attorney’s Office lawyer Chris Mattie and State Representative and House Judiciary Chair William Tong. Again, a wealth of experienced public officials willing to work hard to fill the shoes of their able predecessors and protect citizens rights. The unique speed-dating format allowed the ten candidates to rotate from table -to-table, spending five minutes at each table and discussing issues eye-toeye with voters. Questions ranged from fixing the budget crisis to how to manage an office of 200 lawyers. The personal interaction and the information shared far exceeded the expectations of both voters and candidates and all agreed it was both an exciting and rewarding afternoon. This Democratic forum was taped by Granby Community Television (Cox channel 16) and is available at GCTV16. org for viewing online. Many thanks to the hosts, the Democratic Town Committees of Granby, Simsbury and East Granby, and to all the people who participated in this democratic experience.

Spring is Here! – It Must be Time for the GEF’s Gran-Bee By Ben Perron

“The spiritual life does not remove us from the world, but leads us deeper into it.” — Henri Nouwen

South Church: Growing Hope Together! Join us some Sunday to discover the hope that flows from beyond us, wells up within us, rises between us and waters the world. An Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! Easter Sunday Worship is on April 1st at 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series presents Baroque Master Pieces on April 22nd at 4:00 p.m. Worship Services: 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday school and childcare at 10:00 a.m. 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

The bee hive is humming with activity as spring is finally here and the Granby Education Foundation is planning its 15th annual Gran-Bee trivia contest. A buzz of activity can be heard from GEF’s question committee as they hunt down topics both fantastic and germane to craft questions for Gran-Bee teams. Three-person teams will be challenged with these questions by returning emcee, First Selectman Scott Kuhnly on Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Granby Memorial High School auditorium. Winners receive a six-month membership at the Farmington Valley YMCA. The Gran-Bee, celebrating its 15th year, has become a must-attend televised event attracting over 400 attendees annually. Suspense and silliness reign, making the Gran-Bee entertaining for children and adults alike. Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of laughter and competition. Bring the whole family to cheer on the teams. Or, if you’re looking to be more than a spectator, enter your team into the competition. Team registration forms are on the GEF’s website at granbyeducationfoundation.org and are due by April 13. Local “buzz-nesses” have supported

the Bee for many years and continue to do so. This year’s sponsors include: Simsbury Bank, Fredo Landscaping, the Farmington Valley YMCA (Swarm Sponsors), Lost Acres Orchard, MeadowBrook of Granby, Northwest Community Bank (Honey Bee Sponsors); Arrow Concrete Products, Avon Plumbing, Beehive Home, Granby Dental Center and Han/@ The Barn Restaurants (Honeycomb Sponsors). As a team, sponsor, or attendee, you support continual learning for all community members through education and the arts. The GEF is proud to have supported projects for Granby citizens such as the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series, the outdoor performance stage at Valley Pre-School, and the Summer Drama Academy with Hartford Stage as well supporting STEM programs, robotics, and emerging leadership (DECA) education and mentoring. GEF’s signature project, the Salmon Brook Ecology Center located at the Granby Middle and High School complex, provides students with hands-on learning experience as environmental stewards. To support programs such as these, it’s time to have a ‘spring’ in your step and join us at the Bee. Mother Nature is saving you a seat.

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town

McLean activities

Air Museum events April Vacation Activities

Celebrate the arrival of spring with two weeks of school vacation week programming at the New England Air Museum! Explore three giant exhibit hangars filled with over sixty historic aircraft and experience the wonders of flight through daily hands-on activities including: Hands-on Build and Fly Challenges Interactive Flight Science Demos Open Cockpit Experiences in historic aircraft Computerized Flight Simulators In addition to these daily activities, daily special events are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Monday April 9: Balsa Wood Airplane Workshop. Build and fly a balsa wood model airplane with our expert model builders! This workshop is for children ages 3 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and there is a $5 cost per model kit. Tuesday, April 10: LEGO Flying Machine Contest. Children ages 3-13 can construct flying machines using the museum’s collection of LEGOs. Winners will be awarded prizes in three age categories, and participants need not be present to win. Wednesday, April 11 and April 18: Parachute Drop. Learn the science of parachutes while building and launching a weight bearing parachute. Thursday, April 12 and April 19: Paper Plane Challenge. Who can build and fly the best paper airplane and how far will it fly? Test your skills. Friday, April 13 and April 20: Straw Rocket Launch. Are you a rocket scientist? Test your skills by building and launching a straw rocket. How far will your rocket fly? Monday April 16: Rotocopter Launch. Have you ever thought of how a helicopter stays up? Build a rotocopter and watch it float down. Tuesday, April 17: Slingshot Gliders. Build a glider and launch it with a special sling shot. All events and activities are included with general admission unless otherwise noted. Events and activities are subject to change. The New England Air Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. The museum is closed on Mondays during the winter season with the exception of holidays and during school vacation weeks. Ad-

April 2018

mission is $15 for ages 15 to 64, $14 for seniors 65 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 14. New England Air Museum members and children under 3 are admitted free. For more information and directions to the museum, please visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. The New England Air Museum is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut adjacent to Bradley International Airport.

Space Expo

The New England Air Museum will hold its tenth annual Space Expo on Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring NASA Astronaut Michael Foreman. An action packed day offers an array of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors will be able to interface with a number of aerospace exhibitors, meet some well known intergalactic droids and characters, view planetarium shows, fly a Space Shuttle simulator at the NEAM Virtual Flight Center, participate in out of this world experiments and science demonstrations, build and launch straw rockets, and much more! Special guests for Space Expo 2018 also include UTC Aerospace Systems and One Giant Leap, Inc., the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford, CATO Rocketry Club, NOAA National Weather Service, Springfield Stars Club, the Springfield Museums and the Talcott Mountain Science Center. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Kane’s Market. SPACE EXPO is supported in part by the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium and UTC Aerospace Systems. Capt. Michael Foreman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a Navy test pilot and flight instructor before joining NASA in 1998. Foreman is a veteran of two space missions and five spacewalks, and he logged over 7,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft. Foreman will present two lectures on his experiences in space at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Space Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the museum will close at 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for ages 15 and up, $14 for seniors 65 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 14. New England Air Museum members and children 3 and under are admitted free of charge. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more with advance registration. Visit our website for more information and a complete schedule of events: www.neam.org.

In Memory Of… Raitto, Barbara (Cassky), 89, wife of the late Roger Jacob Raitto, Feb. 19 Sandstrom, Ruby A., 92, wife of the late Donald Sandstrom, Feb. 23 Maier, Andrea D., 71, wife of Reinhard W. Maier, March 1 Schori, Peter, 74, husband of Barbara Schori, March 9 Witkowski, Charles (“Charlie”) J., 65, March 10 McNally, Elizabeth S. (“Betsy”) Allen, wife of Clayton McNally, March 12 Duncan, Jennifer Lynn, 46, March 14 Starkel, Sandra M. (Molchan), 68, wife of the late Henry Starkel, March 20 Hebert, Sara “Jane” (Briggs), 89, wife of the late Normand C. Hebert, March 18 Widlak, Sabra Beach (Godard) Newberth, 95, wife of the late Frederick F. Newberth, Jr. and Raymond F. Widlak, March 19

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Free document shredding event McLean will sponsor a document shredding event for the community Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the front parking lot of their facility at 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. The free event is to help residents safely destroy and dispose of sensitive documents, and protect themselves from potential financial fraud. Secure on-site paper shredding will be provided by Iron Mountain. Bring up to three boxes/bags of paper (per person). You may leave in staples, paper clips and envelopes. Please remove any binder clips. The event will be held rain or shine. Please call 860-658-3723 with any questions. Thinking about downsizing or moving? McLean is holding a four-week Moving Bootcamp to help get you on track. Sessions will be held on Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, from 2 to – 3:30 p.m. in the Burkholder Community Center. Learn from local professionals and meet others in our Independent Living community who can help you organize an upcoming move and prepare your home to sell. April 9: “Making the Move – How to Get Started and What to Expect.” Presented by Regina Sanchez, Health, Wellness and Organizational Coach, along with McLean Resident Panel. April 16: “Which Tax, Estate, Investment, Insurance Records and Bills Do You Need To Keep to Protect You and Your Family.” Presented by Gary Schwarz, JD, LLM in Taxation. April 23: “Staging Your Home to Sell and Understanding the Real Estate Market.” Presented by Matt Lloyd, Keller Williams Realty.

April 30: “Interior Design— Decorating Your New Home.” Presented by Lynne Einsel, Lynne Einsel and Associates. Call 860-658-3786 to register. This event is free. Join McLean’s memory care volunteer program Become a Memory Care Volunteer with McLean, and help support those in our community who are living with dementia—and their caregivers. Our memory care volunteers are a close- knit group of caring individuals who provide a range of non-medical services to those with memory impairment and their families. Services for clients may include oneto-one social interaction, sharing a passion for hobby, music or art therapy, writing someone’s life history with them, reading aloud, or just simply engaging in a much needed conversation. Visits may take place in the client’s home, an assisted living community, or a skilled nursing environment. The frequency may vary depending upon client needs and volunteer availability. McLean will provide an orientation and training session to get you started. This includes an in-person interview, eight-hour class featuring a curriculum handbook and presentations from expert guest speakers covering a wide-range of relevant topics. Volunteers also gain a practical understanding of the work through a mentoring program and are encouraged to participate in valuable monthly inservice training on timely and useful subjects. The training sessions will take place on May 1 and 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call Ann Pavano at 860-658- 3941 by April 18, or visit

Copper Hill offers welcoming place to worship By Carolyn D’Annolfo In the East Granby countryside, across from the Copper Hill Golf Course, around the corner from a residential area, stands a white building nearly 200 years old, with a big bell beside it. This building is the home of the Copper Hill United Methodist Church. Inside, on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. a rebirth is taking place. Children vie with each other to find a seat for the Children’s Moment led by JoAnne Jones, wife of the Rev. Dr. Kelvin Jones. Mrs. Jones is the church organist and music director. A new keyboard rings out with piano or organ music accompanying the congregation as they sing traditional hymns and contemporary praise songs. New families looking for a church home or a Sunday school for their children are finding a welcoming, family-oriented place to worship. On Palm Sunday several of the church youth will be accepted into membership and new adult members will also join the congregation. The total number joining this year looks to be the highest in recent years. The folks at Copper Hill Church love children. In addition to weekly Sunday school activities, the church sponsors special seasonal events for community children. These include a family picnic/

ballgame, a back-to-school party, and a fall costume party/hayride. This small country church upholds a longstanding tradition of outreach to the community and beyond. They support various projects of the United Methodist Committee On Relief, responding to victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and epidemics here and around the world. They also sponsor a young girl in Zambia. Funds raised from various endeavors throughout the year contribute to the church’s quarterly donations to local fuel and food banks, as well as various charities such as My Sister’s Place and the Granby Ambulance Service. The church also contributes to the school backpack giveaway, Thanksgiving baskets, and mittens/scarves for Christmas baskets. On Easter Sunday, after the 9:30 a.m. Easter Celebration, the church will host an Egg Hunt for the children and coffee hour for the adults. Copper Hill Church is the designated location for the National Day of Prayer observance in the town of East Granby. This year’s service will be held on Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m. All Visitors are welcome at the services on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. For further information please call Pastor Kelvin Jones at 860-653-2891.

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Civic Club welcomes Archivist Carol Laun

The Granby Civic Club will meet on April 19 at 1 p.m. in the Senior Center. Come and hear our own Carol Laun, Salmon Brook Historical Society archivist. Carol will give an illustrated talk about the people and houses on Salmon Brook Street, which was simply called “The Street” in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Members, friends, and folks from Granby and surrounding towns are welcome at meetings. Refreshments will be served. Contact Ginny Wutka (ginny@ lostacres.com) for more info.

Bruce Porter Music Series

Emlyn Ngai and the Hartt Collegium Musicum to perform Sunday, April 22, at 4 p.m. on the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series Baroque at South Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. Orchestral music by Handel, Bach and their contemporaries. Admission is free, donations welcome. The church is wheelchair-accessible from the side entrance. Call 860-653-7289 or visit the website southchurchgranby.org.

Volunteers needed

“Mary’s Kitty Korner,” a no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for kitties until they find their “furever” homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon Mary’s would love to hear from you. It is located in Granby. Call 860-379-4141 or go to its website to find out more – maryskittykorner.org. At this time they have the greatest need for help Thursday morning and Tuesday evening.

MS support

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets at the Senior Center at 1 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Meaghan at 860-428-2463.

Women’s breakfast

The Granby Women’s April 4 breakfast meeting will feature author Janet Barrett who wrote the fascinating book, They Called Her Reckless-A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse. Breakfast at the Granby Senior Center starts at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $4. Reserve your place with Corinne Dickerson, 860653-9891. Copies of the book about this amazing warhorse will be for sale after the program.

Legion Pancake Breakfast

The American Legion will hold its famous pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 14, from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Post Hall, 244 North Granby Road. The date coincides with the opening of fishing season. The breakfast features genuine fancy-grade Vermont maple syrup along with choice bacon and special pancakes, orange juice and coffee. No reservations necessary, all are welcome. Proceeds will fund the Post #182 American Legion Scholarship Award, given annually to a deserving Granby Memorial High School student.

Granby Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, April 2 at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. Jay Harder will present a program on Macro Photography. The scavenger hunt words are Favorite, Graffiti, and Water. To learn more about the club go to: GranbyCameraClub.com.

Valley Pre-School spring tag sale fundraiser

Valley Pre-School’s annual Spring Tag Sale will be held Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early birds can begin shopping at 8:30 a.m. for a $10 donation to the school. The sale will held at First Congregational Church/ Valley Pre-School, 219 North Granby Road, inside Cook Hall. This event is Valley Pre-School’s largest fundraiser of the year, with hundreds of items available for sale. All proceeds go to Valley Pre-School, a non-profit organization in Granby since 1949. The school will also be accepting gently used household items for donation to the sale. Items can be dropped off on Friday, April 20, between 8:45 a.m. and noon, or 5 to 7 p.m. Please visit valleypreschoolinfo.org/upcomingtag-sale/ or email valleypreschoolkids@ gmail.com for information on items that will be accepted.

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Jason Raney

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Granby Drummer launches new website

The Granby Drummer’s website has undergone an overhaul. The previous website only listed a limited amount of information each month, but the new site hosts the entire monthly issue. Previous issues are archived as well. The new site went live with the March issue. Let us know what you think. Feedback is always welcome. Email us at editor@granbydrummer.org.

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Ezra Friedman ENDODONTICS

It’s time to sign up for the community garden plot Enjoy the benefits of growing your own vegetables and flowers By Jim Glenney The community garden plot gardens are located just north of Ahrens Park on Hungary Road and are divided into an organic section and a conventional one. A pump well provides a water supply. The cost is $5 for a 20 by 20 foot plot. No new 20 x 40 foot plots will be given this year until all requests for plots have been met. Last year’s gardeners wishing to reserve the same plots need to make their $5 or $10 payment by May 1. After that date, plots will be assigned to new gardeners. New gardeners interested in reserving a plot should email bluebirds987@ sbcglobal.net or call Jim Glenney at 860-653-6179. The gardens are usually ready for planting by the end of April. If you pay for a plot but fail to get started by June

1, you will have your money refunded. “Getting started” means you either have started planting or have worked the soil to keep the weeds down. If for some reason you cannot get started but still want to garden, please contact me. Here are a few common sense rules to follow. Not everyone wants to listen to your radio, keep it low. Don’t plant so close to the pathways that walking is more difficult. Help keep the pathway clear of stones and weeds. To keep a 20 x 20 plot free of weeds takes a lot of energy and hard work. Get a friend to share the plot each taking 10 feet. Avoid using cheap weed block. It deteriorates quickly and is difficult to pull up and often ends up being chopped creating a mess. Use leaves, grass, straw, wood shavings and newspapers to keep the weeds

down. The use of chemicals in the conventional gardens is discouraged but not outlawed. A simple guideline to follow is that healthy soil produces healthy vegetables, and that leads to healthy people. All plots need to be cleaned up at the end of the growing season, usually around Nov 1. If you are still growing a fall crop continue with that, just clean up. Volunteers will be needed to help stake out the plots once the garden has been plowed. We are lucky to have a good group willing to help. Why do you think the cost is $5 or $10? Because it is a community effort. Make checks payable to Granby Community Gardens and mail them to Jim Glenney, 33 Glen Road, Granby, CT 06035.

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

Horse Council blessing of the mounts April 28 By Joan Davis

May 12 SBHS spring flea market The Salmon Brook Historical Society’s annual Spring Flea Market will be held on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be 40 to 50 vendors showing and selling their wares. Admission and parking is free to the public. A concession stand will sell coffee, soda, water, hot dogs, chips and Mrs. Murphy’s donuts. Vendor spaces (20 X 20 feet) are available for $30 thru May 5 ($40 after May 5). Checks should be made payable to SBHS and mailed to Dave Laun, 16 Hummingbird Lane, Granby, CT 06035 (include your name, phone # and return address). For more information please contact Dave at 860-653-3965 or Todd at 860-653-9506. Anyone wishing to donate items to the historical society to sell in the Preservation Barn, can drop off items on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon starting in April (no clothing please). Anyone interested in volunteering to help or any high school student needing community service hours for graduation, please call Todd at 860-653-9506. Plan to come and enjoy the festivities at the Historical Society located at 208 Salmon Brook Street (RT 10/202), Granby. Come and see what is selling and see your friends at an event that’s become a Granby tradition. This event will be held rain or shine.

The Granby Horse Council will again sponsor the annual Blessing of the Mounts at the West Granby Methodist Church. The Blessing will take place behind the church at 87 Simsbury Road West Granby, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Pastor Peter Preiser will officiate. This will be a short ceremony including a “Stirrup Cup.” The Stirrup Cup is a fox hunting tradition meant to wish safety as horses and riders travel the countryside. All equines are invited. Animals may be ridden or led. If your animal is unable to attend, owners may carry their halter. The Blessing will take place rain or shine. For those who trailer-in, parking is allowed in the field south of the main

buildings of Holcomb Farm. Riders will gather in the newly fenced arena. At 12:45 p.m., the group will ride to the church. If weather permits, Horse Council members will take a one hour trail ride on the Holcomb trails. Please wear high visibility clothing because some of this ride will be on Simsbury Road. To be a part of the trail ride, you must be a Granby Horse Council member. Memberships can be purchased before the ride for $15 per individual and $20 per family. Riders under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent. This event is free to the public and a great photo opportunity. For more information about the Granby Horse Council visit, its website at granbyhorsecouncilct.com or follow it on facebook at “Granby (CT) Horse Council” or call Joan Davis at 860653-6805. Blessing of the Mount at West Granby Methodist Church.

April Lunch for the Mind: A historic overview of Granby’s famous street By Eileen Longhi Granby history comes alive at the April Lunch for the Mind program as attendees learn about some of Granby’s more colorful residents and their historical houses. Join the Civic Engagement Education Team at the Granby Senior Center on Wednesday, April 18, at 12:30 p.m. as Carol Laun, Archivist at the Salmon Brook Historical Society presents Touring The Street, as Salmon Brook Street was referred to by residents in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She will present an illustrated talk about the houses on The Street and the people who lived there. Laun says: “starting with the 1760 tavern at Old Mill Pond Village

and ending with the former Sperry house, the talk will include information about Calvin Dibble (#239) who was imprisoned by the Confederates as a Yankee spy; Peter Jenner Jewett (#235) an organ builder and the story of how his family came to Granby; Edgar Case who sold ice cream, furniture and cars (#257R) and tales about a rather eccentric Delia Case (#213).” She also promises much more. As we know through Laun’s historical columns in The Drummer, Granby is full of colorful history and historical homes, especially for such a small town. Laun is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and taught school for a few years. She moved to Granby in 1965

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Responsible for all aspects of church office operation including communications, preparing print materials, maintaining church calendar, and providing clerical assistance to the pastoral staff. Must have organizational, computer, Microsoft Office and social media skills. Office admin experience a plus. Email resumes to Pilgrim Covenant Church at: officeadministrator@pilgrimcovenantchurch.org with subject OFFICE ADMIN POSITION

and has been writing a history column historical mysteries. She is also a basfor the The Drummer since it was esketball junkie, following UConn men tablished in 1970, and has had history and women. articles published in many newspapers Learn more about Granby’s historiand magazines. She became active in cal past on April 18. Please register by the Salmon Brook Historical Society in calling 860-844-5352. Cost is $5. Bring the 1970s and became curator in 1986 your own lunch. Beverage and dessert when Granby celebrated its Bicentennial. provided. Today she is the Archivist, Genealogist and acting Curator. She has written nine books about Granby history that are for sale at the historical society. She was involved in saving the Granby Oak and chaired the restoration of the Civil War monument. Aside from her “historical duties,” Laun loves to travel, bike, hike, cross-country ski and read, mostly The Maltbie house, 235 Salmon Brook Street.

Trails Council trail-wide clean-up day is April 14 The Farmington Valley Trails Council will hold its 9th annual Trail-wide Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, April 15). Last year’s event drew more than 200 volunteers at six staging areas across eight Farmington Valley towns that encompass the estimated 22.4 (and growing) miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the 10.2 miles of the Farmington River Trail. In prior years, volunteers have removed as much as 12 cubic yards of trash from the continuously paved miles from Farmington to Southwick, Mass. FVTC President Barbara Collins has attended most of the Clean-Up Day events and is always impressed with the number of volunteers and their efforts to pick up every last piece of trash along the trails. In these years of tough budget

decisions she knows that this event, along with continuous year-long efforts of our Adopt-a-Mile volunteers, is appreciated by the towns and the many users of the trails (over 300,000 a year). Volunteers will cover a specific 1-mile stretch of the trail starting from one of six staging areas: Red Oak Hill Road in Farmington; Brickyard Road in Farmington; Sperry Park in Avon; Iron Horse Boulevard in Simsbury; Copper Hill Road in East Granby; and the River Trail Pavilion at RT 4 in Unionville. It is requesting that volunteers bring gloves, brooms, rakes, clippers, protective clothing and sunscreen. All volunteers are invited to a free barbeque after the Clean-Up at Flamig Farm (flamigfarm. com) in Simsbury from noon to 3 p.m. Please see fchtrail.org for volunteer registration, donations and membership.

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Granby Land Trust Events

Dairy farm panel discussion The Granby Land Trust partnered with the Simsbury Land Trust and Holcomb Farm to sponsor a local showing of the documentary film Forgotten Farms on March 11. Nearly 75 people turned out to see the film and learn more about the challenges New England dairy farmers face today. The film’s producer, Sarah Gardner (left), an associate director of the Center for Environmental Studies at Williams College, moderated a panel discussion after the film. Don Tuller of Tulmeadow Farm in West Simsbury (second from left) and Granby’s own dairy farmers Stanley Hayes and his daughter, Ellen Hayes Whitlow, served on the panel, as well. Photo by Amy Zeiner, Simsbury Land Trust

Hands-on maple sugar demo About 25 people turned out at the Emery Farm Sugar House on March 18 for a hands-on demonstration of how maple syrup is made. Granby Land Trust Board Member Dave Emery taught his visitors, many of whom were fewer than three feet tall, about the process of sugaring, from sap collection, to boiling, to

the filtering and bottling of the finished product. Everyone was invited to taste some Emery Farm maple syrup—served, deliciously, over snow! Each child got to take home a small bottle of syrup of his/ her own. The Granby Land Trust thanks Dave and Jenny Emery for hosting this wonderful event.

GLT hosts annual spring migration bird walks Join us for a Land Trust tradition, our Spring Bird Walks led by Land Trust members and expert birders John Weeks and Christine Chinni. These walks, on the mornings of May 12 and 13, will take place on Jamie Gamble’s beautiful North Granby property located at 253 Loomis Street (almost to the Massachusetts line. Please note that this is only a property address, there is no house at this location). These events will start promptly at 7 a.m. You’ll see lots of birds at this time of year as they return from a winter away. You don’t have to be a birder to enjoy this quiet morning in the woods. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today (these walks have been completely full the last couple of years so we encourage you to register early). We are offering two walks again this year in order to accommodate as many members as possible. If there are rain/showers either morning, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. Significant showers

Two opportunities to explore new GLT property When Lucy Holcombe passed away in January of 2016, she left her beloved, 150-acre property on Silver Street in North Granby, to the Granby Land Trust. Lucy and her husband, Seth, were longtime, loyal and generous GLT supporters and friends. The GLT is forever grateful to them for this generous gift. This Spring, you will have two opportunities, in April and again in June, to join the Land Trust for a guided hike of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve. On Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, GLT Board Member and middle school science teacher Jen Plourde will run a Signs of Spring hike (think amphibians) on the property. The hike will begin at 1 p.m. Please meet Jen Plourde at the trailhead parking area on Silver Street. All children

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should be accompanied by an adult. This hike is appropriate for children of all ages. We might get our feet wet, so please dress accordingly. In case of significant rain, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. Raindate is April 29. RSVP to Jen Plourde at jlplourde@ aol.com. No pets please. Then, on Connecticut Trails Day, Sunday, June 3, the GLT will host another family-friendly hike on the property. Former middle school teacher Dave Emery will co-lead this hike with Jen

Granby Drummer 3 col. Plourde (or they can split up, depending (7.625") x on the number of visitors we have), and 4.5"will = be 12on the lookout for interesting they items of natural col. inches interest as they crisscross the property on its spectacular trail systotal = $120

tem. All children should be accompanied by an adult. No pets please. The hike will begin at the Preserve trailhead/parking area on Silver Street. In case of significant rain, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. RSVP to Jen Plourde at jlplourde@aol.com.

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

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Finding her place at HOME By Debora Timms Walk into HOME Fine Art and Antiques and you can discover unique and interesting pieces to fall in love with, and that’s just what owner Marti Long wants. The Springfield resident decided to completely upend her working life because of an ad on Craigslist. She saw The Emporium Gallery listed for sale and came down a couple of times to look at the place with previous owners Joe and Cheryl Morello. In June 2017, a week before her birthday, Long quit her job and bought the gallery. “I don’t think it’s a midlife crisis,” she said with a laugh, recalling how she used to sketch drawings as a child and as a teenager she told her mother that she wanted to open a gallery in Westfield, Massachusetts. Long explained how she had made a career in health care, doing medical billing for her father who was a primary care physician, then working as a

receptionist for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Holyoke. When they were bought out, Long said she started looking to make a change in her life and seized the opportunity to pursue her lifelong passion for art when it came along. Now she is working to build the gallery and increase her online presence, obtaining pieces from a variety of sources including the Granby Artists Association, through direct contract with artists, recommendations and treasure hunting. By ranging far and wide, Long hopes to give her customers a variety of collectibles to appreciate and select from. As examples, Long pointed to several pieces, a painting titled The Man In The Café by Minnesota artist Al Lofsness, a sidetable statue she’s named Sir Fergus the Frog, a woven wheat straw horse galloping over a fragile bird beneath it and Letting Off Steam, a work by pastel artist Karen Suponski. When Long looks for pieces for the gallery, she strives to find things no

Marti Long, owner of HOME Fine Art and Antiques. Photos by Debora Timms

one else has, things that will resonate with the customers who come in to browse. “I’m looking to give shoppers an experience and a chance to fall in love and take something home with them,” Long said, but it’s more than that too. “It’s all hands on in here. These pieces are usable, and they should be used because they are from the time when things were not made to be disposable.” Long plans to hold artist Unique treasures can be found in every corner of HOME e v e n t s a t H O M E a n d Fine Art and Antiques the gallery space, that is handicap accessible, and can be booked for parties and social gatherings. There is another painting in the gallery. It sits on a chair in an-outof-the-way corner and Long calls attention to the piece Painting of a Dehydrated Cow because she finds it quirky and fun—a style that reflects Long when she says of herself, “I march to the beat of my own drum, always have and I’m never going to stop.” HOME Fine Art and Antiques is located at 335A Salmon Brook Street in Granby. For more information or to view some of the many items for sale, visit HOME online at homefineart.gallery.

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April 2018

The Friends book sale is coming Volunteers needed to sort books By Chris Klemmer

Cooper Fleming

Granby Memorial High School Senior Age: 17 Tell about yourself... I have always lived in the Farmington Valley and in Granby since fourth grade. I played Pop Warner football in my early elementary school years but soon realized that wrestling is my passion. Right around my fourth or fifth grade years, my three brothers and about six other students, (two kids from Simsbury, one a friend of mine), and a coach, formed a wrestling club. The club is called Fisheye and we have meets throughout the school year. During the winter months, I also wrestle for Granby high school.

Although it is an individual sport, all of us in the club especially share a great sense of camaraderie. Our coach has a very positive attitude and some of us have been together in this group for nine to 10 years. We wrestle now in big tournaments in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Our team players come from various towns in Connecticut including Manchester, Southington and Enfield. On the high school team there is also a sense of direction. Five years ago the wrestling coach left Granby and a new coach, Nick Watson, who grew up in Granby, took over. Two years ago we won the State title and this was the first state championship. Over the past three years we have won the conference. Our smallest weight class is 106 pounds. One of the students on our team weighs in at 85 pounds and is noticeably smaller than the rest of us. When he gets a match and wins he jumps up in the air, throws up his hands and shows super enthusiasm because often he has to forfeit matches. It is a blast to watch. What excites you about the future? Thinking of myself, I am looking forward to independence. I would like to be a high school teacher, maybe a coach. Thinking of our world, I will be glad to have self-drive cars since this will most likely make the roads safer. With fewer accidents one big stress in people’s lives will be removed.

The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) is gearing up for its 36th Annual Used Book Sale on Sept 21-23 at Holcomb Farm, and your help is needed! The Friends will be ready to accept your donations of gently used books, free from markings and the smell of mildew or smoke, at Granby Public Library beginning Saturday, June 2. So, as you begin to think about spring cleaning, please box up your used books CDs/DVDs, learning toys, puzzles and games. Donations will be accepted through Aug. 4, providing there is sufficient storage. Space has been filled the past two years by mid-July. Don’t wait too long. Volunteers are needed to serve in many ways, starting with collecting sturdy boxes (boxes with covers and 10-ream copy paper boxes are a plus). Book processing begins in June with presorting at the library during the week and final sorting on Monday nights at Holcomb Farm. No experience is necessary, training (and sometimes snacks)

Tell about the best time you ever had at Salmon Brook Park… This past summer I went running on a pretty regular basis with my dad in the park. He is a long distance marathon runner. We did all the trails there and I especially liked running by the stream.

are provided by volunteers for this fun activity. During the summer, some volunteers pick up books at the homes of people unable to bring them to the library. Final sale preparation in September begins with moving books from sorting space at Holcomb to the big barn, arranging tables and displays; followed by working at the sale and clearing up after. Volunteers needed Do you have an interest in serving on the FOGPL Board, a committee, or assisting with other tasks? Students, this is a great opportunity to have some fun while earning community service hours. Register now with your volunteering preferences and contact information using membership forms available on the Friends of Granby Public Library webpage, granby-ctgov/granby-public-library-system/ friends-granby-public-library, and at the library. Membership is not necessary to volunteer. More information volunteering, donation sites, and the criteria for donated items will be posted on the library web site and in future articles. Stay tuned.

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April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Whipping up gourmet offerings at The Whisk TheWhisk team. Hazen Sturtevant, Sarah CowlesGentile, McKenzie Newton and Lacey Cabral with Sturtevant’s son Landon and Cowles-Gentile’s daughter Carolina in The Whisk kitchen. Photo by Debora Timms

By Debora Timms Locals looking for catering services, take-home meals or an intimate dining experience have a new option to explore with The Whisk, a business established in Connecticut for over 40 years, that has just relocated to 335B Salmon Brook Street in Granby. Owner, Sarah Cowles-Gentile, is a Granby mother of two. Affiliated with

The Whisk for 20 years both in its original Canton location and in West Hartford, she took over the business in 2015 following the retirement of previous owner Jay Ginewsky. CowlesGentile said she has been working on getting the Salmon Brook Street space ready for the past seven or eight months. “I live here,” she said of her decision to relocate. “It’s an opportunity to be

doing things in and for the community of Granby.” The Whisk had its first event in its new space on March 9 and 10, and it was all hands on deck to ensure its success. Cowles-Gentile was hard at work with her team, who also reside in Granby, chef Hazen Sturtevant, assistant Lacey Cabral and intern McKenzie Newton. The Whisk offers full service catering and more, working with clients to ensure their event is a success. “Our main focus is our catering, and we can help clients with all their needs from menu selection, advice on venues, wait staff and bar service — soup to nuts,” Cowles-Gentile said. “It’s important that clients get food they like, so we try to find out their favorites and then take these to a new level by embellishing them or adding a new twist.” The menu includes The Whisk’s take home meals — fully cooked dinners that can be picked up and re-heated at home. Starting in the last week of March, clients can choose from five

menu options each week, order by Monday and pick up the fully cooked meal on Wednesday. Weekly selections are listed on its website, thewhisk.com and can be ordered online. Another offering will be hosted Dinner with the Whisk events where diners will receive some close-up cooking instruction followed by an intimate group dinner. The first of these gourmet events will be on Saturday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. The dinner menu will have a choice of Skirt Steak with Hoisin Béarnaise, Chilean Sea Bass with Pistachio Crumble or Wild Mushroom and Sausage Stuffed Chicken, as well as appetizer, salad and dessert with beer or wine for $80 per person. Seating is limited and tickets are available to purchase exclusively online. Cowles-Gentile also gives cooking lessons and is exploring offering classes with themes like healthy options, fun snacks, holiday foods or global cuisines. To find out more you can visit thewhisk.com or contact The Whisk at thewhisk@att.net or 860-233-2088.

Bruce Porter Music Series features Emlyn Ngai and the Hartt Collegium, April 22 By Laura Mazza-Dixon Virtuoso violinist Emlyn Ngai and the Hartt Collegium Musicum will perform music of the 17th and 18th centuries at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, at South Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series is proud to welcome the Hartt Collegium back to Granby for the fourth time. The Collegium is an orchestra of students at the Hartt School of Music who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, oboe, bassoon, flute and harpsichord. Coached by violinist Emlyn Ngai and harpsichordist Kenneth Nott, the ensemble plays Baroque music with passion, precision and exuberance.

Spend an afternoon traveling back in time to hear music of the courts and cathedrals of Europe. The Collegium program will feature Yuhao Chang and Kaitlin Pet in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Oboe and Violin and masterpieces by Georg Frideric Handel, John Dowland, Heinrich Ignatz Franz Biber and Johann Friedrich Fasch. Founded in 2012, the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series is in its sixth year of bringing world-class performances to the community that Bruce Porter served for many years as the music director at South Church. Thanks to the Granby Education Foundation for its support of the 2017-2018 Season.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome. The church is wheelchair accessible from the side entrance. For more information, contact the church office at 806-653-7289 or visit the website at southchurchgranby.org. Emlyn Ngai, front row center, with the Hartt Collegium.

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer Caroline in 1854 and Frederick in 1860. Their only heir, Jane, was 17 when she inherited a very valuable estate. Her father had owned over 338 acres of land valued at $7,155, plus his homestead. Jane, called Jennie, must have soon turned 18, because no guardian was appointed for her. Probate records show Jane managing the estate, paying bills and arranging for any needed repairs. Young Jane was married by 1864 to Frederick J. Sweet of New Haven. They were both in their early twenties. The young couple moved to her family home in the old hotel in Granby. Frederick Sweet farmed the extensive Hayes family property. A son, Frederick Jr., was born in 1865 and a daughter Caroline, called Carlie, in 1868. In 1870, Frederick’s father James, a retired merchant, was living with the family. Sadly, Jane died in childbirth in 1871, along with her newborn son James. She was only 28 years old. Another tragedy hit the family in 1874, when 9-year-old Frederick Jr.

April 2018

moved back to New Haven and received permission from the Probate Court to sell the land owned by his minor daughter. He sold four parcels of land to Charles Crocker of Granby for $1,500. The deed Carol Laun says that Sweet was “tenant by courArchivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society tesy” meaning his deceased wife owned the property and he could continue to live there although it was left to their daughter. Parcel one consisted of four acres and buildings and was the store on Park Place. The site of the telephone company he still owed money to Gideon Case for Crocker took out two mortgages to buy building at 6 Park Place was once ochis home and couldn’t pay his debts. the property, but he never lived there. cupied by a much earlier building. It He started losing bits and pieces of his He probably bought it as an investment. went through many changes and many property from executions for debt and Charles Crocker was the son of Jane owners and eventually was moved to a eventually the two acres, house, barn and Church and her deceased husband, probdifferent location. all buildings was sold to Daniel Hayes ably named Isaac Crocker. When Jane The first structure was a store or shop, Jr. in 1822. was widowed, she and her young son built around 1812, with a store on the first Stephen White and his family moved moved in with her parents, Jonathan and floor and living quarters upstairs. It was to Verona, NY and switched to farming. Mahitable Church, at 213 Salmon Brook said to have been built for a goldsmith, He died in Verona in 1841 and Lavinia Street (the beautiful white house just but no proof of this has been found. It died in Rome, NY in 1877. south of Salmon Brook Park). was owned by John Hillyer, who lived The next purchaser of the combined By 1879, Charles Crocker was married in the white house at 2 Park Place. The house and store on Park Place nevto Georgie (probably Georgianna) and store may have belonged to John or his er lived there. Daniel Hayes Jr. was they had a daughter father Pliny Hillyer or it may have been born in 1775 and rented to someone. John Hillyer sold the married Desiah Bertha born in 1877. store to Gideon Case in 1816 for $680. Hillyer. They lived Crocker paid off the Gideon Case, 36, was a farmer and used on Salmon Brook $500 mortgage he the store for his home, possibly making Street in a large owed to Frederick it larger. He was born in West Granby in building known as Sweet in 1881 and 1780 and married 20 year old Temperthe Salmon Brook a few months later ance Miner in 1802. In 1816, Gideon, his Hotel. It was losold the Park Place wife and their seven children – Nelson cated just south of property (now five 13, Matilda 11, Jerry Miner 9, Alma 7, 6 Park Place, and acres and buildings) Elizur 5, Fidelia 3 and baby Amelia— would have been in to Waldo M. Hills for moved into their new home. Two years the middle of pres$1,550. He did not later, Gideon decided to join the exodus ent Rt. 189. The pay off the $1,000 to find better land in Ohio and sold “my Park Place propmortgage he owed his home lot on which I now live” to Stephen erty stayed in the mother-in-law. White for $920. Hayes family unWaldo Hills was a The Case family moved to Hudson, til 1879, and was farmer and lived in Ohio, where four more children were probably rented to the house with his born. Gideon built a log house and the a number of differwife Annie, their first school in the area was held in a log ent shopkeepers. infant son and his bedroom added to his house. Miss Lydia Daniel Hayes Jr. 6 Park Place, once a store or shop, was built in 1812 and was located where the mother-in-law, FredRice was the teacher. Sadly, Nelson, was a farmer and telephone company is currently. ericka Kappenberg. Elizur and Fidelia all died in 1825 of also had a tavern He owned the house died. Only 3- year-old Caroline survived. typhus fever. license for his hotel. Dances and balls and store until 1888, when he sold it to Samuel Benjamin was appointed adStephen White, the new owner, was were held in the hotel. It was a popular Sam Benjamin for the same price he paid, ministrator on the large estate of Jane C. born in 1784 in Leominster, Mass. He place to go after contentious town meet$1500. Hills then moved to East Hartford (Hayes) Sweet. However, Frederick J. and his father Josiah had opened a dry ings. Sometimes the town meetings were and worked as a carpenter and later, a Sweet was made guardian of his daughgoods and grocery store in Granby in held in the large ballroom. building contractor. ter, Caroline, who inherited all of the 1806, importing goods from New York. Daniel and his wife Desiah had two To be concluded next month. property. The store on Park Place was By 1807, their ads announcing a new daughters and three sons. When Daniel rented for several years. In 1879, Sweet supply of woolen and cotton goods, also died in 1859, his estate, including the indicated that people weren’t paying store on Park Place, passed to his son their bills. The next ad threatened to put Frederick Merrow Hayes, born in 1813. any bill over 60 days into a legal collecFrederick Hayes was a farmer and also tion process. Perhaps due to financial had a liquor license for the Salmon Brook at Goodwin College. Kaczor was also Emily Henselder was named to the fall problems, the partnership was dissolved Hotel. He was chosen town constable named to the school’s president’s list. 2017 dean’s list at the Georgia Institute in 1809. However, Stephen stayed in from 1836 to 1843. Town meetings were Alicia Scavetta has received her Masof Technology. Granby and married a local girl, Lavinia often held in his hall or hotel in the 1840s. Julianna Pestretto, Class of 2021, ter of Science in Nursing—Leadership Cossitt, in 1810. They had three children, Frederick married Caroline C. Phelps was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at and Management from Western GoverHenry, George and Mary Lavinia. of Lewis, NY. They had a son George F. Gettysburg College. nors University. Granby records show that Stephen in 1836, who died at the age of 3 in 1839. Emily Jackson was named to the fall The following local residents held many town offices. He was a lister Twin sons were born in Oct. 1840, James 2017 dean’s list at Quinnipiac University. were recently named to the North(assessing property values for taxation) F. and another George F. Both died the eastern University’s fall 2017 dean’s She is currently a junior in the five-year for four years. He was also a grandjuror, following March. Their only surviving Master of Science in Occupational list: Kevin LeBlanc, majoring in a tythingman, a highway surveyor and a child, Jane C. Hayes, was born in 1843. Therapy (MSOT) program. Communication Studies, and Hanna constable. Stephen was a merchant and Unfortunately, the early deaths in this Cormier, majoring in Business AdminElizabeth Fetzner was named to the had a store in his home on Park Place. In family continued. Both husband and istration. fall 2017 dean’s list at Colgate Univer1820, Stephen had financial problems, wife were in their 40s when they died, Amanda Novak and Eileen Kaczor sity. were named to the fall 2017 dean’s list

Historic Footnotes

6 Park Place – the house that moved

Drumrolls

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 21

BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES February 21, 2018 Board members present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Lynn Guelzow, Melissa Migliaccio, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Sarah Cusano, Student Representative. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Dr. Addley read a statement regarding the Florida shootings: “It is a sad day when any Superintendent of Schools cannot confirm the safety of our staff of students” and went on to inform the Board of the recent state safety grant awarded to Granby for $1M. He also stated the district is in collaboration with the police department and continues to practice safety protocols stating the safety of students is always of the utmost importance. • Tom Steinke, Director of Facilities, has been with the district for 20 years and retired February 28. Dr. Addley stated there is no one more dedicated and loyal to the school system than Tom. He wished Tom congratulations and thanked him for his contributions to Granby. • Congratulations to high school juniors Madison McFarland and Jonathan Hacia who scored in the top 2.5 percent among Hispanic and Latino PSAT test takers. They are invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program. BUSINESS MGR’S REPORT Business Manager Anna Robbins presented the January statement of accounts stating there is a negative forecast of $350K, which is $62K better than the prior month. Special education is unfavorable at $325K and regular education is unfavorable this month at $25K, due to long-term substitutes, expenditures in broken doors and the installation of a relay system to synchronize the lockdown system. Revenue to the town has been calculated and billed. Because of special education savings, our special education Excess Cost Grant will be lower, which is a good thing overall. Granby is projected to be reimbursed 70 percent but will actually be reimbursed at 73 percent, netting about $3-4K, which is lower than anticipated. The over-budget is due to special education out-of-district expenditures. Jenny Emery said the statement of accounts was reviewed in the Finance Subcommittee meeting this evening and the BOE is keeping the BOF aware and expects there will still be a deficit with special education.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Sue Alender and Anne Buckley, middle school science teachers, along with a few students presented an overview of Next Generation Science Standards’ (NGSS) instruction in the 6th and 7th grade classroom. Alender informed the Board that NGSS is being rolled out in both 6th and 7th grade this year. Melissa Migliacco inquired how the Chromebooks are integrated in the classroom. Alender stated Chromebooks are essential for evaluating and researching information. Jenny Emery inquired if there will be a need to develop new interventions for students who learn differently. Alender stated, yes, and it is a little uncomfortable at first and she tells students she actually wants them to make mistakes and learn from them and that students have to find a way that works best for them. Buckley stated engagement has increased with this learning method, as there is more ownership by the student. PUBLIC COMMENT Ben Perron, Chair of the Granby Education Foundation (GEF), informed the board that GEF has donated over a half million dollars to the community over the years and two months ago the GEF received a grant application for a unique opportunity, the possibility of a startup music program. The GEF board agreed to endorse this grant for $40,000 over two years as it fits into the mission of continual learning. One requirement of the grant is not to fund the operational side (i.e., the instructor). The GEF would need a commitment that the BOE has secured a teacher for the program in order to release the grant to the school district. If the program does not happen this budget cycle, a decision can be made at another point in time. Perron stated the GEF looks forward to what this program can bring to Granby. IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATES Kimberly Dessert, Kelly Lane Primary School Principal, and Dr. Anna Forlenza-Bailey, Wells Road Intermediate School Principal, shared their respective School Improvement Plans with the board. Dessert spoke about chronic absenteeism and how it is being addressed at Kelly Lane. She also discussed the training for the mentorship program in March facilitating the launch of the program in April. For the Achievement Goal, Dessert stated her staff works collaboratively analyzing data and takes pride in knowing each student as a learner. She spoke about math strategies used for students and how students’ thinking becomes visible with problem solving. With regard to the instructional goal of utilizing equitable instructional practices to personalize learning, she discussed the junior achievement opportunity as well as collaboration with the high school DECA club working with Kelly Lane students Dr. Anna Bailey invited the Board to the 5th Grade Capstone Fair on March 23. She discussed her first goal of implementing enrichment opportunities for all students stating there are problem-based learning opportunities under the Enrichment Coach. Alternative curricular options have been developed for students who demonstrate early mastery in math. The inclusion of journals is being used this year. Students plan in the journal about their clusters and reflect on their work. With regard to student achievement, teachers are reporting benchmark assessments in PLC meetings and teaching partnerships are strong and provide greater

focus with less stress. For the instructional goal to improve teachers’ capacity to utilize equitable instructional practices, Dr. Bailey stated the partnership with Simsbury Farms has been very positive and that all fourth grade classes have been involved. Sarah Thrall inquired how the first year of the TEAM system was going at Wells Road for the younger grades. Dr. Bailey stated they had to work through some of the logistics of it and she is doing it a little different next year. She also stated the PLC meetings are either math or science and allow teachers to go deeper into their content area. Brandon Webster inquired if there are interventions or extra help for students who will not make their milestones. She stated there is discussion at PLCs throughout the year where students are progress-monitored every 4-6 weeks, assigned to a team and there is a meeting to determine what is needed going forward. Dr. Addley recognized Dr. Bailey for Wells Road as a Level 1 school primarily for students making progress and benchmarks. CURRICULUM/POLICY/ TECHNOLOGY/ COMMUNICATION Rosemarie Weber reported this subcommittee met this evening and discussed the Bridges Program and the impact the students are having during advisory. The subcommittee has asked Christopher Tranberg to do a future presentation to the subcommittee about advisory. Also discussed the new technology, flat panel, currently in the high school media center, which will be moved to the civics on-line class and allow teachers to bring in information from the outside. Also discussed the AP Capstone course, which the subcommittee approved. This is a two-year AP class with more coursework in the first year and in the second year, a dissertation-type class. The exam is given after the first year. If the student completes the second year of the program and completes four other AP classes, the student would be eligible to receive an AP Capstone Diploma. In terms of cost, there would be a cost for a teacher but this could be absorbed and training would be approximately $900. Concerns were raised about it being a two-year program. Students will be restricted as to how they can schedule their time. Three policies were discussed: the nutrition policy was approved to go to the board with one minor change; the attendance policy was tabled; and, the homeless policy student was approved to go to the full board. Lastly, learning styles were discussed as to what this is and how Granby perceives it. CREC/CABE Mark Fiorentino reported that CREC is experiencing some funding issues. The state aid received by CREC is shrinking and its costs are rising. CREC is anticipating asking districts to pay an increase in tuition to magnet schools. CREC will be hosting summer biodiversity camp/science contests over the summer as well as some workshops, one being math vigor. Fiorentino stated there was a brief legislative report and nothing is happening just yet but a lot will happen in the next couple of weeks. One thing on the agenda is a bill to modify to some extent the student achievement data. Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary

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Faith Matters TO BE OF USE A favorite poem by a favorite author begins The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows… We all have the desire to be useful, to feel that we are serving something bigger than ourselves. I am inspired by people who have such a clear sense of the work they are called to do that they dive right in without ever looking back. You don’t need to be a religious person to respond to that deep human yearning to be of use. In my work I am privileged to see the many ways people find “to be of use” even when they are limited by age, illness or other circumstances… the 94 year old resident of a local nursing home who volunteers several hours a week reading to another resident who is blind, the 8 year old who opens a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research because she is too young to register for the Cancer Walk. I imagine you know people like this too. The Latin word vocare means the work each person is called to by God. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think it’s safe to say that all the world’s great religious traditions try to answer the question “Why are we here?” with an answer about serving others. Serving others is part of what it means to be human. It’s a gift that we alone can give. Marge Piercy’s poem concludes: Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums but you know they were made to be used. The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real. We invite you to join us in discovering our own special work, first by stepping into the shallows, and then venturing out into the deep end. It is the place where you will discover your deepest gladness and satisfaction.

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Page 22 The Granby Drummer

P & Z MINUTES February 13, 2018 Consideration of an application seeking approval of a one lot re-subdivision for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road. The commission has received a revised map that addresses the status of the open space that was originally presented to be transferred to the State of Connecticut. As the state would not accept the property, the applicant has agreed to pay a fee in lieu of open space. On a motion by Eric Lukingbeal, seconded by Eric Myers, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application for a one lot resubdivision for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road, as shown on a plan titled Moose Horn Heights, prepared for PEBA, LLC by Ed Lally and Associate dated July 7, 2017 and revised to 2-6-18 with the following conditions: The mylars shall not be executed and filed until such time that a cash bond in an amount established by the commission, which guarantees the completion of all required improvements, is submitted to the town, or upon the establishment of an agreement, placed on file in the Office of the Granby Town Clerk, which prohibits the sale of lots 31 and 33, as identified on the above referenced maps, until such time that the required drainage and other improvements are completed. The building official shall not issue building permits for any residential construction until such time that the required installation and repair of

the stormwater drainage system is completed as outlined on the subject plans. A cash bond is required to guarantee the installation and maintenance of the soil erosion and sedimentation plan as required under section 6.0 of the Subdivision Regulations. In accordance with Section 3.2.9.5 of the Subdivision Regulations all lot corners shall be permanently located by metal pins at least 3/4 inch in diameter and thirty (30) inches in length. The corners of the conservation easement shall be similarly located. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any home until a certification is received by a licensed land surveyor stating that all required monuments and pins have been installed as required. The permanent preservation of the proposed conservation easement shall be accomplished by deeding the easement to the Town of Granby or other entity outlined within Section 3.1.3.1 as proposed. The easement areas shall be preserved in accordance with Section 3.1.3.4.6 of the Subdivision Regulations. The applicant shall pay a fee-in-lieu-of-openspace as outlined within Section 3.1.3, as proposed. Prior to the filing of the final mylars, the applicant shall either submit the fee-in-lieuof-open-space to the town or file a document, suitable to the commission, that requires the payment of the fee in lieu of open space at such time as the lots are sold. The fee-in-lieu-of-open-

P & Z MINUTES February 27, 2018 Public hearings

Application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane. The public hearing for an application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane opened at 7:03 p.m. Amy Goodusky, applicant, stated that she wants to add 576 square feet to the existing barn for the comfort, pleasure and safety of the animals that are housed there. Also she needs additional storage space for hay, grain, tools and tack equipment as well as space for an additional horse. The new addition will include construction to improve portions of the existing barn, making the entire structure safer. There was no public comment. The public hearing closed at 7:06 p.m. Application seeking Special Permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a Farm Brewery for property located at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street. The public hearing for an application seeking Special Permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a Farm Brewery for property located at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street opened at 7:07 p.m. Kate Bogli of 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street, presented the application to the commission. She gave a power point presentation reviewing the history of Maple View Farm, types of farming, crops, farm store and events. The farm brewery called the Brew would produce Craft beer and Kombucha and be a new use for this property. The presentation also included pictures of the existing 1,500 square foot barn that would be used for the brewing, serving and consumption of the products. She presented maps of the property, noting the farm store location, the two access points, parking and existing building lighting. Bogli discussed business hours, sign, special entertainment events with live music, buffering, and addressed sound and lighting concerns. The barn would have occupancy for 78 people, the proposed patio 10-15 people and the adjacent lawn area 20-30 people. Bogli described the brewery operation, size of production to be approximately 700 - 900 barrels a year and noted that the facility is on town water/sewer. A member of the Weston family, an abutting neighbor, noted they are all for farming and had no issues with the brewery and welcomed the addition to the neighborhood. The

public hearing adjourned at 7:50 p.m. to resume March 13 allowing the applicant time to work with town staff concerning conditions of approval. Application seeking a Special Permit for a Farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm. The public hearing for an application seeking a Special Permit for a farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm, opened at 7:52 p.m. Tom Grimaldi, Engineer representing Rossmore Farm, presented site plans for the 65-acre parcel. He reviewed the site frontage, area of the proposed farm store, ingress and egress, noting that the driveway would be directly across from Creamery Hill Road, the parking and landscaping. Vaughan, owner, stated the new building will resemble the design and character of the existing dwelling. He felt that the windows and porch of the existing home are unique and wanted to replicate them in the new building. The existing buildings will be removed due to their poor condition. He discussed the building size and floor plan. The farm will produce such items as cheese, yogurt, butter and milk. These items will also be sold at the Farm Store. In addition they plan to sell organic vegetables, including potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, onions and squash grown on their farm. They also expect to offer produce from other local farms, including honey and maple syrup at the store. Mr. Vaughan discussed the anticipated hours of operation and employment. Eric Lukingbeal commented that he would like to have some trees included in the landscape plan. Steve Moor, of 111 Creamery Hill Road spoke in favor of the application, stating that this is a great idea and he is looking forward to it. The public hearing closed at 8:19 p.m.

Applications received

An application seeking a Special Permit for the retail sale of automobiles for property located at 388 Salmon Brook Street. The public hearing scheduled for March 13. An application seeking approval of a Special Permit under Section 8.16 and 8.3 of the Zoning Regulations for a restaurant with alcoholic beverages and live entertainment for property at 261 Salmon Brook Street. Brignole property public hearing is anticipated for March 27. An application seeking approval of a Special Permit for a rear lot subdivision with proposed

April 2018

space is $11,496 or $5,748 for each of the lots. A note that references the required fee in lieu of open space shall be added to the mylar. Minor additions and corrections shall be made to the final mylars, in accordance with the direction of the Town Engineer, prior to filing with the Granby Town Clerk. Report on resurfacing and parking/access plan modifications for St. Therese Parish, 120 West Granby Road. Fran noted that above noted parking area will be improved and re-paved in the coming months. The work will include the relocation and an increase in the number of handicap parking spaces. The impervious area of the property will be little changed from the existing condition. As reviewed by town staff, the work does not require any PZC action. Jim Sansone commented on the lighting fixtures.

Applications

An application seeking a special permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane. An application seeking special permits for a farm store and for the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with a Farm Brewery for property located at 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street. An application seeking approval of a Farm Store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm. Public hearings will be scheduled for February 23.

Staff Reports and Correspondence:

Armentano reported that a contractor has been excavation in excess of 5,000 cubic yards of earth material. Public hearing anticipated for March 27.

Discussions

The commission held a brief discussion concerning an application seeking a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane. On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Eric Lukingbeal, the commission voted (7-0- 0) to approve an application for a Special Permit for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 6 Knollwood Lane, F-2-18 as proposed. The commission held a discussion concerning an application seeking a Special Permit for a farm store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm,. On a motion by James Sansone, seconded by Chris Chinni, the Commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application for a Special Permit for a Farm Store for property located at the former Davis Farm, 170 North Granby Road, aka Rossmore Farm, as proposed with the following

selected for the improvements at Stony Hill Village, which work is funded under the Small Cities program. Bids are underway for the sidewalk construction project, which is scheduled to begin in the spring. Upstream Properties recently purchased the Trinkle/Mercy Salmon Brook Street properties for the Ridgewood Development. The land is currently being cleared. It is anticipated that construction for the first two apartment buildings will begin in early spring. Armentano also noted that Connor Hogan has replaced Steve Paine as the manager of McLean’s Game Refuge. Working on GIS, they are recommending that landlocked town property, located at 65 Old Beach Road (an old abandoned road) be transferred to McLean’s Game Refuge. Armentano also commented on several new restaurants opening in town. In response to questions, Armentano noted that at this point in time no application for a restaurant at 261 Salmon Brook Street has been received. Jim Sansone commented that if an application is filed, he would like the building official and fire marshal to establish a maximum occupancy for the number of people allowed in the building. Commission discussion of items of interest or concern: Jonathan Boardman expressed concern regarding the Farm Brewery application for 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street with regard to potential traffic issues, size of the proposal, amount of activity and site, parking and lighting. Jim Sansone inquired about the status of 8 East Granby Road. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dorcus S. Forsyth, Recording Secretary conditions: The farm store may be opened from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A sign in accordance with Section 8.15 of the Zoning Regulations may be placed within the general area of the existing sign, previously installed as part of the Davis Farm. The applicant will work with the Director of Community Development in an effort to provide trees/vegetation in the vicinity of the farm store. Staff Reports and Correspondence: Armentano reported on the land clearing activities currently underway for the Ridgewood Development/Upstream Properties. He anticipates that construction of the first two apartment buildings will begin soon. He also commented on work force housing rental rates, the construction of the Grass Roots building and the many new restaurants. Armentano commented that his last Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be April 10, and that he expects that the replacement Director of Community Development will be announced very soon. Respectfully submitted, Dorcus S. Forsyth, Recording Secretary

Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club donates playscape to accessible park By Kitty Vangunten In celebration of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company’s 75th anniversary, the SimsburyGranby Rotary Club donated a fire truck playscape to the town’s Rotary Park. The truck is Engine 75, recognizing the 75th anniversary of the fire company’s founding in 1944. The donation was made as the playground is being refurbished. Rotary Park, the popular accessible playground, was a vision of the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club. Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Member and Granby resident Lucy Bowman tries out the playscape. The Fire Company will have more activities in 2019. Photograph by Kitty Vangunten.

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 23 Schools Superintendent Alan Addley with Susan PatricelliRegan, and GMHS Principal Mike Dunn. PatricelliRegan holds a portrait of her mother, an internationally acclaimed artist, in whose name an arts scholarship has been established at GMHS. Photo by Bill Regan

FOXFIELD F.A.R.M. connects with local VFWs

Foxfield For A Recovery Mission Foundation’s equine therapy program founders Susan Patricelli-Regan and Bill Regan have established a close working relationship with VFWs in Avon and Simsbury to meet the needs of U.S. military personnel who suffer from PTSD and related mental issues. In addition, their CT Valley Views cable program is supporting the VFW’s objective to encourage new membership by interviewing the respective Commandants as program guests. Check local PATV program schedules in the coming months or CTVV’s website ctvalleyviews.com Provide your individual support with a donation to our state’s vets on the foundation website foxfieldrecoverymission.org

Alan Addley speaks to school’s safety program

Susan Patricelli-Regan, host of CT Valley Views, recently spoke with Alan Addley, Supt. of Granby Public Schools regarding security measures established for the safety of Granby’s youth. The recent horrific incident at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida heightens the concern for current and future standards of procedure when threats or emergency situations arise that may impact our communities’ academic institutions.

CTVV- Upcoming interviews

Jonathan Harris, a lawyer, former mayor of West Hartford, State Senator and Dept. of Consumer Protection Commissioner provides his vision for Connecticut as a Democratic candidate for the 2018 gubernatorial race. Tim Herbst, a proven reformer and Hartford outsider, has spent the last eight years as Trumbull’s First Selectman leading a remarkable turnaround. Tim brought Trumbull from a town on the brink of financial ruin to one of the most prosperous, well-managed municipalities in the state. He provides the status of his campaign as he adds his name to the Republican 2018 gubernatorial candidate slate.

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Patricelli-Regan has established an initial yearly scholarship in memory of her mother, Sylvia Davis Patricelli, for a graduating senior from Granby Memorial High School who is pursuing a career in the fine arts. Patricelli-Regan and her parents previously lived in post-WWII Granby and she wished to encourage the creative arts within Granby’s academic curriculum in recognition of her mother’s success as an internationally recognized portrait painter from Australia. The finalists will be interviewed as guests on CT Valley Views to determine the final awardee. Sylvia’s first exhibition was hosted by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and

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April 2018

Local dance studio brings friends, family together By John R. Nieb When Meg Fenton Funk was growing up, she was very close to her nieces and nephews. With Funk being significantly younger than her three siblings, she felt like her nieces and nephews were like the younger siblings she never had. “I really had been dancing since the moment I started to walk,” Funk said. “And I loved teaching my little nieces and nephews to love dance as soon as they could walk.” Funk said that she remembers helping her nieces and nephews stretch on a daily basis, teaching them routines to songs from the movie, Grease, and having dance parties as often as they

could. Soon, Funk began dancing her nieces’ and nephews’ friends, too. Not long after that, parents were asking Funk about teaching dance. Funk’s oldest nephew, Frankie Rome, couldn’t say “Auntie Meg” when he was young, and so he began calling her “Nutmeg,” which stuck. All of Funk’s nieces and nephews and their friends began calling her “Auntie Nutmeg,” and so it became a perfectly fitting name when she began the studio. Funk majored in dance at Marymount Manhattan College. During her first college summer, she began a summer program, where she taught dance to young children on the Rome’s front

Young dancers at Nutmeg Dance studio.

porch. The program started with 11 dancers, and by the end of summer, Funk had taught over 50 children. The program continued and grew every summer while Funk was in college. During her last year of college, Funk’s senior project was creating a business plan for opening a dance studio, and once she graduated, that’s exactly what she did. “Putting on our first show was one of the most joyous, exhilarating events of my life,” Funk said. “It was something I had only dreamed of doing, and once we accomplished it, we couldn’t wait to do it again.” From the beginning, Funk and the rest of the Nutmeg’s Dance Meg Fenton Funk with some of her students and Theatre Co. always wanted their show to be so much more our fantastic teachers, and all of the than a dance recital. They wanted to families that make up our studio,” Funk truly entertain and engage the audience said. and create pieces that would convey a Funk’s husband, Tyler Funk, and her range of emotions to share that with the brother, Bill Fenton film the show, her audience. As the studio grew, the shows good friend, Joe Loftus, runs sound, grew as well. and her friends and parents create its In 2010, the Nutmeg’s Dance and poster design and show playbills. Funk’s Theatre Co. sold out their first show at mother, Donna Fenton, is in charge Granby Memorial High School. “What of ticket sales, Funk’s sister, Jennifer a wild and wonderful experience,” Funk Rome, runs concessions, which they said about its first sold-out show. appreciate so much, because every cent Since then, the Nutmeg’s has sold they make on concessions goes right to out many shows and added more the scholarship that they provide to a performances to its show weekends, so high school senior pursuing a degree that no one is turned away from a night in the Arts. of dance and joy. “These shows have only been possible with the help of my incredible family,

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Dance studio cont’d. from p. 24 “And of course, the dancers. Without their effort and passion, there would be no show. The list goes on. This beautiful event is the culmination of so much hard work and so many amazing people.” Funk said. “It really is a family affair.” “As much as I love dancing and creating shows, the best part of our dance school is the family we have created. We have been in business for 15 years, and so our family is ever growing, and changing, and beautiful,” Funk said. “I’ve attended the weddings of former students, we have second generation little ones dancing with us, and we continue to have new families joining us and making our group more special every year.” Last year, Funk had a high risk pregnancy with identical twins. She intended to dance and teach right up until her children were born, but, they tried to come a little too soon. She had to be on bed rest for a few months. It was a difficult time for Funk; she doesn’t like being away from the studio. Her best friends and teachers stepped up to keep things running smoothly. The kindness and generosity dance families showed to the Funks, was one of the most beautiful, humbling experiences of her life. The friends and teachers provided meals, visited often, and threw a baby shower she attended by Skype. “I always knew we were a close studio, but this experience made it even clearer. That is, hands down, the greatest part of this studio,” Funk said. “This family is a gift.” The Nutmeg’s Dance and Theatre Co. holds its shows in May, which is earlier than a lot of studios. Because a lot of kids have many interests, having the show earlier in spring, is easier for the

children to commit to more than one activity. Funk said she dislikes seeing children being forced into choosing one activity when they’re so young. Funk is tickled when she sees one of the boys running into partnering rehearsal in lacrosse gear, and a girl running in with her softball uniform. “I just think it’s so wonderful and impressive to watch how well rounded and diverse these kids are, and how great they are at managing their time and participating in different activities,” Funk said. This year, in December the Nutmeg Dance and Theatre Co. will produce a holiday show of The Nuttycracker Suite, to raise funds for the children of St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Center. The attendees at summer programs and classes will be learning the dances for the show and will be invited to perform in December. This show will be a fun, fresh, funky, joyous Nutmeg’s take on the traditional Nutcracker. In addition to using some of the beautiful score created by Tchaikovsky, we will add a diverse variety of dance styles. “Most of all, we are excited to put on a fantastic holiday show, for a great cause that we hold so dear to our hearts.” The Nutmeg Dance and Theatre Co. summer programs are open to all. Children and adults are encouraged to join them this summer and be part the event. This year’s spring show is entitled, Good Vibrations and will be performed on May 4 and 5 at Suffield High School. Check Nutmeg’s Dance and Theatre Co.’s Facebook page or visit the website at NutmegsDance.com for ticket information.

Ballet dancers rehearse a number. Submitted photos.

CBG News Update

The Citizens for A Better Granby board supports projects of other nonprofit organizations, charity fundraisers, major school events such as Safe Grad Night and has donated monetarily for the past number of years to various Granby organizations and special events. This year CBG donated a gift basket for the 7th Annual Easter Basket Silent Auction hosted by MeadowBrook of Granby. The goal of this auction is to raise over $3,000 for the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen. Another organization and an integral part of Granby is the Friends of the Holcomb Farm. It is publishing a history of the Holcomb Farm; the CBG board agreed this publication merits CBG’s financial support.

A successful school event requires not only manpower but financial support. Therefore, as in past years, CBG made a donation to the Safe Grad Night. CBG offers annually a $1,000 scholarship to a GMHS graduating senior who is interested in pursuing higher education in journalism or a related field. The board encourages any graduating senior who fits this description to contact the high school guidance department to apply. As the name states, Citizens for A Better Granby, not only publishes the Granby Drummer that in itself is a major undertaking, but CBG advocates for organizations that make our community a better place to live. Thank you to the volunteers who help us help others. —By Rebecca Mikus

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April 2018

Hungry Hearts dinner benefits Waste Not Want Not community kitchen By Shirley Murtha The Hungry Hearts dinner on Feb. 24 was, as usual, a treat for the eye as well as the palate. In its fifth year as a fundraiser for the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, the event showcases the creativity of Sandy Flagg and her team of helpers. This year the garden theme was highlighted by the amazing table centerpieces made up by Artisans Way, a group of women who gather to express their creativity. Those involved in this event were Sally Moon, Cindy Rising, Sandy Salazar and Erin Wyndham. They planted large bowls Sandy Flagg addresses the crowd. with several live ferns and ivies and each contained an amaryllis and daffodil has a chance to come home. Other top as well. items were the yacht cruise donated by The theme was carried out in the many Michele and Pat Carney and a painting smaller planters offered on the raffle donated by Laura Eden. The most table. A variety of the wooden containers heated bidding war took place over the were made by Hubert Parmalee, and all Morgans’ offer of “burgers in the barn.” contained living greenery. The dining In addition to the meal, raffle and tables were covered with multiple layers auction, guests were also treated to of linens (many of which had floral songs by local singer/songwriter Carrie designs) and were set with vintage sets Johnson, who accompanied herself of china. Decorative fabric “yoyos” on guitar. Rick Huggard once again made by Flagg’s sister Barbara Brown engineered the sound system, using his decorated the tables, and some were own equipment. made into napkin rings by Winnie Many people are needed to pull off Boyer. this special evening. Although not Of course the auction items are the every single one can big draw, and again be mentioned, a few this year, they did not individuals deserve disappoint. Among the special credit: Patty wonderful offerings, Sansone handles the many of which were tickets, seating and donated by Granby auction items; Dick businesses, was a set of Caley works on the glasses etched with the auction and handles the Granby Oak handmade raffle; and Johanna Baril by Billy Langdon, does publicity, auction who learned the craft and transports and stores during his first year in the many sets of dishes. college. He volunteers As for the meal itself, a t t h e c o m m u n i t y One of the lovely centerpieces the delicious stuffed dinner whenever he made by Artisans Way

pork entrée and the Bailey’s-enhanced iced cream dessert was prepared by Eliza and Lee Florian of Grass Roots. The Lite ‘n Up family of Sue King, hubby Mark, and Sue’s parents provided the appetizer cheese table and roasted vegetables. Lori Love, Nicole Bushey, Sonia Michal and, Donna and David Suzenski, spent hours helping out in the kitchen as well. Special mention should go to a group of young people whose enthusiasm and politeness as servers would be hard to match by seasoned professionals. Some of these youth are part of a group called Ground Up, which studies food sources and nutrition, and others are volunteers

at the weekly community dinner. Last but by no means least are the people who cleaned up and washed all those beautiful dishes (not to mention the pots and pans!) Many of these helpers were ticketed guests who donned aprons when the night was over to help the kitchen crew. Of course this event could not take place without a perfect venue, and once again, everyone involved is grateful to St. Therese for offering their expansive parish hall and a place to store auction items. The dinner profited about $15,000, which goes a long way to help Waste Not Want Not to continue its weekly community meals.

Above, a silent auction item. At right, a server passes hors d’oeuvres. All photos by Shirley Murtha

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Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. COSSITT PUBLIC LIBRARY Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 3 – 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m. Find us online Town of Granby (www.granby-ct.gov); also use the links to join us on Facebook and Pinterest. Pre-registration is required for many programs. Call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt); or email gplibrary@granby-ct.gov. Closing Both libraries will be closed on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 for Easter weekend.

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Book Clubs Free and open to the public; copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing. Please call 860844-5275 to register or get additional information. Something About the Author: Monday, April 2, 1:30 p.m. The group will discuss the author Tracy Chevalier. Around the World: Monday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. Korea is the chosen country; the group will read Vegetarian by Han Kang. Sci Fi / Fantasy: Wednesday, April 25, 7 p.m. The group will discuss Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie. Friends Used Book Table Gardening books are April’s highlight at the FOGPL Used Book Table near the checkout desk. Adult & Teen Programs Eco-Friendly Lawn Care: Thursday, April 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn best

practices for maintaining and improving your lawn while protecting nearby streams and waterways. Join Aimee Petras, Farmington River Watershed Association, as she covers timely lawn care topics, including – soil testing, irrigation, aeration, reseeding, and mowing. Registration recommended. The Zoo in Forest Park Comes to Granby: Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 – 7 p.m. at Granby Public Library; Thursday, April 12, 2 – 2:30 p.m. at Cossitt Library; Have you ever seen an armadillo up close? How about a parrot or chinchilla? These animals and others will visit the Granby Libraries during school vacation week. Register early; space is limited to 30 attendees at each event. Please note that caregivers must remain with children under 7 years. Boot Camp for Your Senses with Author Tovah Martin: Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m; Tovah Martin, one of the greatest garden writers of our time, teaches us to look closer, breathe deeper and listen harder to truly savor our favorite outdoor spaces. Arrive early and enjoy a fragrant ‘smell-abration,’ then stay after the talk for an author book signing. Registration recommended. Culinary Knife Making with Bradford McDougall: Saturday, April 21, 2 – 3 p.m. on the Reading Terrace; Snow date, Saturday, April 28. Meet Brad McDougall, fresh off his recent History Channel appearance on the wildly popular Forged in Fire series, and watch as he puts anvil and forge to use in an outdoor talk and demonstration of culinary knife making. It’s art, science, and entertainment! All ages welcome. Registration recommended. Lyme Disease – What You Need to Know: Thursday, April 26, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates over 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year. Susan Gnesda leads a timely discussion about this prevalent disease

and shares valuable information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and financial implications. Be informed to protect your health and that of your loved ones. Registration recommended.

Children’s Programs Call 860.844.5284 for more information or to register. Programs will be cancelled if there is no school in Granby due to bad weather. Wee Ones Story Time, for age birth to 2 with caregiver; Thursdays: April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for babies, crawlers and little walkers. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome. Preschool Story Time, for age 3–5 with caregiver, Tuesdays: April 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required. Drop-ins welcome. Zumba, Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Join us for a fun-filled session for children ages 5-11. Preregistration is required, as space is limited to 12 participants. Music Explorers, Mondays: April 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers are invited to sing, clap and dance with instructor Jessica Pietrosanti. Caregivers are encouraged to participate. Come and have fun! Please register in advance. Kids Book Club: The Book Crusaders Thursdays: April 5 and 19 from 4-5 p.m. Second, third and fourth graders are invited to join our new Book Club! This month we’ll be reading a biography from the “Who Is/Who Was” series. Come share a review of your pick or listen to your friends. Caregivers are welcome to join in. Please register. Craft Week Monday: Saturday, April 9 – 14 Drop in anytime during the week and create a fun project to take home. All materials supplied. Family Movie Nights: Wednesdays:

April 4, 18 and 25 beginning at 6 p.m. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film. We’ll even provide the popcorn! Call for details on movie titles. No registration needed. All ages welcome. Family Movie Matinee: Wednesday, April 11 at 1 p.m. (school vacation week) Take a break, have some popcorn and watch a movie with your family. All ages. Drop in. We Love LEGOS! Mon. Apr. 9 from 1-4, Tues., Apr.10 from 1-4, Fri. Apr. 13 from 10-1 (school vacation week) Come and play! We have LEGOS and DUPLOS. Ages 3 and up. Drop in.

Cossitt Library Children’s Room The Zoo in Forest Park Comes to Granby: Thursday, April 12, 2–2:30 p.m. Have you ever seen an armadillo up close? How about a parrot or chinchilla? These animals and others will visit the Granby Libraries during school vacation week. Register early; space is limited to 30 attendees at each event. Please note that caregivers must remain with children under 7 years. Do-Re-Mi Music for Little People: Thursday, April 6, 2–2:30 p.m. Miss Jessica leads songs, rhymes, and musical movement for preschoolers and their siblings. Registration recommended. Cossitt Craft Days: April 5, 7, 10, 12 Kids and caregivers are invited to browse for books and movies, then make and take home a simple craft project in 10 minutes or less. No fee; no registration. Adult / Teen / Main Room – Writers Group: Tuesday, April 10 and 24, 6–7:45 p.m. The Cossitt Writers Group embraces writers of all genres. Sessions feature writing prompts, critiques, and readings. Work on your material with this friendly group every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

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April 2018

Parks & Recreation Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open 24/7 at GranbyRec.com for program registration. Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com We accept Mastercard/ Visa/Discover for payments. Our online registration system and website allow you to register for programs at any time of the day or night. Find out right away if a program still has space available, check your account to see what activities your family members are signed up for, and print out a year end receipt for tax purposes. Program/Trip Registration: All Granby Parks and Recreation Department Programs/Trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment. You can register for all of our programs online at GranbyRec.com Scholarships: Program scholarship information is available upon request. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence; apply early. Event Planning: Have your next family or other private event at SBP or the Holcomb Farm. The Salmon Brook Park House is a beautiful facility that accommodates up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace for the winter months and central air for the summer. The North Barn Pavilion at the Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event special; accommodates up to 125. Make an appointment today to tour the facilities and see if they are right

for your next event. Summer camp programming Visit GranbyRec.com for the latest information and registration for all Summer 2018 programs including youth sport and enrichment camps

TRIPS Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Monday, April 16 for the annual Patriot’s Day Game at Fenway Park. This is always one of the most significant home games of the season with the Boston Marathon being run through the city during the game and lots pre-game holiday pageantry and ceremonies. Seating in Right Field Box 89 for this game (under the retired numbers). The bus will leave Granby Town Hall at 7:15 a.m. (for the 11:05 a.m. game start time) and we should be home around 4:30 p.m. Limited seats. Tickets can only be reserved with full payment of $115pp. Red Sox vs Yankees. Two of baseball’s biggest rivals meet in Yankee Stadium for what is sure to be a battle for the top of baseball’s toughest division. Seats are anticipated in section 233B (straightaway left field, 2nd level) for this Friday night, June 29, 7:05 p.m. game. Full payment must be made at time of purchase. $125pp. Departure at 2:45 p.m. from Granby Town Hall. Register online at GranbyRec.com. Visa/Mastercard/ Discover accepted. Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Sunday, July 15, the Red Sox take on their American League East Rivals at Fenway Park.

GMMS Honor Roll 2nd Quarter 2017-2018 GRADE 8 HIGH HONORS

Brian Austin, Lauren Badorek, Alexa Bajek, Alexa Becker, John Bell, Katherine Benoit, Ashley Bristol, Tyler Brown, Alexandra Camilleri, Griffin Carey, Brianna Cassin, Courtney Cassin, Ashlyn Clapprood, Troy Crockett, Amelia Davis, Kayla Davis, Eli Dehner, Carly DeMartino, Maeve Dingley, Kylie Downs, Natalie Ehrenwerth, Lily Fetridge, Isabella Garbeck, Andrew Giuliano, Jessica Gnesda, Theodore Godard, Benjamin Gottsche, Madeline Green, Alyssa Groneman, Emma Hansen, Alexandra Hassett, Kate Hollister, Caelum Janski, Alec Jedamanov, Devyn Jennings, Timothy Jennings, Kevin Jones, Katherine Kaczkowski, Madelyn Karadimas, Joshua King, Ryan Kollmorgen, Noah Kroninger, Rachel Larson, Makayla LaTorre Gronningsater, Sarah Maher, Juliette Marzo, Isabella Mattson, Katrina McCord, Aniella McGovern, Julia McHugh, Seth Mowry, Katelyn Murach, Erin PanellaMalley, James Phillips, Ashley Puglise, Savannah Rijkse, Madelyn Samplatsky, Natalie Scanlon, Jacob Scotto, Elizabeth Squier, Jessie Talasco, Margaret Thrall, Autumn Tirillo, Alyssa Wilson, Ryan Ziskin.

HONORS

Katarina Anderson, Samuel Banever, Grace Bennett,

Pearce Boit, Matthew Boock, Philip Bors, Skylar Boucher, Isabelle Brooke, Jason Brown, Russell Brown, Jacob Burnham, Laci Cyr, Kevin Davis, Kylee Disabella, Luke Dlugolenski, Troy Duffy, Mary-Alice Dyer, Margaret Ellis, Madison Ellrod, Griffin Fairchild, Peter Fulwider, Aaron Galuska, Devin Galuska, Eleanor Gies, Liam Heinze, Trent Hieber, Max Jansen, Haley Kaczka, Molly Laird, Pippa Large, Anthony Mazzucco, Ally McDonald, Olivia Medina, Dustin Mintell, Ethan Morton, Ryan Mowry, Hayden Mueller, Chelsea Newton, Carl Novak, Steven Peterson, Justin Phillips, Mckenzie Provost, John-David Rainwater, Gage Robertson, Joshua Sears, David Sessions, Kira Sharp, Kyirell Sheffield, Alan Siedlecki, Bennett Simpson, Natalie Smyth, Mairead Spellacy, Jack Steele, Natalie Taylor, Garrett Thompson, Lauren Thompson, Amber Tomasino, Breanna Wallace, Kaitlyn White, Jacob Wimble, Grace Yoder.

GRADE 7 HIGH HONORS

Megan Allshouse, Charles Attianese, Tess Bajek, Amelia Bielawiec, Cooper Boyd, Caroline Bystrowski, Frances Caley, Makenna Cassin, Kylie Coxon, Liam Cramer, Thomas Cramer, Christian Cusano, Alessandro Daniele, Evelyn Danke, Grace Darling, Zachary Ehmann, Veronica Felie, Gabrielle Fisher, Grace Flagg, Katherine Gilmore, Hannah Gottsche, Isabel Gravlin, Delaney Grimaldi, Taylor Henry, Ezra Holt, Elliot Hosack, Femke Jansen, Phoebe Jones, Natalie Kalva, Charlotte Kampfmann, Molly Katzman, Cassidy Kittelsen, Tyler Kroninger, Camdyn Lupoli, William Migliaccio, Brayden Milbrandt, Lukas Morawiec, Eepsitha Muppasani, Gwendolyn Ockerbloom, Galen Platt, Jason Platti, Amy Rogers, Jacob Shine, Nicholas

Speliopoulos, Lilly Stanley, Luke Staples, Natalie Stewart, Allyson Thibodeau, Jacqueline Thibodeau, Talin Tran, Ariel Turnberg, Edgelynn Venuti, Allison Wassick, Weston Winbourne, Jane Zacchera.

HONORS

Jack Accetura, Andre Araujo, Nolan Banever, Alexis Bean, Avery Becker, Atticus Bogli, Elijah Brown, Gabriela Caraballo, Abigail Caruso, Andrew Cefole, Allison Christensen, Hannah Council, Alice Crotty, Elizabeth Dunn, Mila Earl, Ryan Frith, Morgan Fyfe, Justine Gaughan, Cassidy Gemme , Hudson Gillis, Isaac Henry, Collin Holness, Andrew Hurn, Bryce Kubas, Joshua Lang, Mason Levy, Laney Mack, Chester Malley, Collin Mountain, Eekansh Muppasani, Ava Myers, Cecelia Nigri, Ethan Pagliaro, Everett Paine, Lindsey Perry, Will Peverly, Alyssa Rossi, Owen Roy, Kerrigan Ryan, Patrick Sayers, Chance Selker, Jared Stevens, Juan Subiza, Cameron Truntz, Sofia VargasBlanchard, Madysen Walker, Emersyn Wheeler.

GRADE 6 HIGH HONORS

Chase Alexander, Madeleine Bennett, Jeb Bogli, Alyssa Bordonaro, Emma Boucher, Megan Casavant, Haley Cramer, Nora Davis, Addyson Earl, Grace Evangelista, Justin Gaalswijk, Carolina Gentile, Patrick Gilton, Nathan Griswold, Caroline Hall, Isabella Hassett, Aiden Henebry, Eleanor Hernsdorf, Anouk Jansen, Grace Jennings, Sophia Karabetsos, Zoe Kelly, Thomas Kennedy, Riley Kuester, Mia Lakota, Brody Landheer, Patrick Liss, Alyssa Mackowski, Adelynn Malley, Gracey McDonald, Andrew Meier, Avi’el Nicholas, Charles Orluk, Ryan Pelletier, Lucas Ranicar, Brian Rooney, Sloane Rowland, Ava Ryan, Nicholas Ryan, Chloe Samalus, Olivia Samalus, Lucas Scotto, Jackson Steele, Grace Tyler, Jenna VanRyn, Benjamin Weber, Addie Zinck.

HONORS

Robert Anderson, William Attianese, Eleanor Baillargeon, Joseph Benoit, Mia Boffi, Nathan Boock, Jacob Bosco, Jakob Burnham, Noah Collen, Divine Collins, Jack Darling, Gabriela de los Reyes, Colby DeMaida, Alexis DiMeo, Allison Dobbert, Jackson Ellrod, Michaella Esquivel, Katherine Felie, Zoe Fetridge, Raeana Fevrier, Colton Fillmore, Michael Gervasio, Madison Grillo, Conor Grossman, Angela Harris, Ozjhawn Headley, Clare Heinze, Brooke Herzog, Emily Ivanov, Mackenzie Janski, Sadie Kennedy, Brandon Klein, Megan Kozlowski, Audrey Kruger, Collin Logee, Nicholas Lombardo, Tyler Lyman, Cyril Lynam, Dylan Matson, Kylie Matthis, Cole Max, Timothy May, Olivia McGovern, Mikayla Munson, Eric Myers, Sarah Newman, Jessica Novotny, Kyle Pavlik, Reese Posson, Lauren Psutka, Benjamin Raymond, Emily Rickis, Toryn Riley, Scott Roberts, Payton Rolfe, Iris Rooney, Trey Santasiere, Jack Scoville, Haley Shaw, Gavin Sheahan, Linnea Sigmund, Aidan Squier, Lucy Thrall, Ludovico Tirillo, Brett Weber, Lauren Webster, Jenna Ziskin, Jack Zyzdorf.

Seating in Right Field Box 87 for this game (under the retired numbers). Bus will leave Granby Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. (for the 1:35 p.m. game start time). Tickets can only be reserved with full payment. $119pp. Lions, tigers and bears—Oh My! Monday, August 20, take the family on an exciting trip to the world-famous Bronx Zoo. The deluxe motor coach will leave Granby Town Hall at 7 a.m. and leave the Bronx Zoo at 4:30 p.m. The Total Experience Deluxe package includes zoo shuttles, Wild Asia Monorail, Bug Carousel, Children’s Zoo, the New 4-D Theater, and the Congo Gorilla Forest. All that adventure for $65pp. NYC – On Your Own. These days in the city you are on your own to enjoy the Big Apple. See Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop – use your imagination. Drop off points in the city: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel, and Rockefeller Center. Pickup time is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Coach Tavern, the Ed Sullivan Theatre is close by. The address is 7th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets. Trip dates: 5/5 and 10/6—$46pp. 12/1—48pp A Marketplace For All Ages. Holcomb Farm Spring Marketplace event, Sunday, April 29, 12 p.m.– 4 p.m., in the North Barn Pavilion. Eighteen local crafters and vendors in one location for shopping fun that’s just in time for Mother’s/ Father’s Day. Visit GranbyRec.com for a list of the participating crafters/vendors.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Afterschool Programs At Kelly Lane:

F.A.S.T. Super Sports. Grades K-2, May 1–June 12, 3:20-4:20 p.m. A variety of sports such as: soccer, basketball, flag football, and kick ball. Proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day ends with a high-energy sport-of-the-day game. $85pp Soccer Shots. Grades K-2, April 18–June 6, 3:20-4:20 p.m. K-2 kids learn the fundamentals of soccer while focusing on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship. Children will be challenged through fun games and team interaction. Children will also be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. $100pp

After School Programs At Wells Road

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness. Grades 3-5, April 18-June 6, 3:20-4:20 p.m. Bring a yoga mat or towel and learn beginner yoga poses and meditative breath work with age-appropriate instruction. Dress in comfortable clothing and bring your water bottle. $100pp F.A.S.T. Super Sports. Grades 3-5, April 6– June 1, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Program offers soccer, basketball, flag football, and kick ball. Program will include proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day ends with a high-energy sport-of-the-day game. $110pp

SPRING YOUTH PROGRAMS

Super Soccer Saturdays –Soccer Shots, Apr. 21– May 26, 9-9:50 a.m., 10-10:50 a.m. or 1111:50 a.m. Soccer Shots is a high-energy program introducing fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic game rules. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children experience the joy of playing soccer. Ages 3-5, $95 at Ahrens Park. APRIL VACATION CAMPS April Vacation Art-Ventures. Monday 4/9, Alien Art-vasion Young art-stronauts shoot for the stars in this outer space art-venture! Sculpt wacky aliens with Model Magic clay and build UFOs to fly around in. Learn about symmetry while creating alien drawings based on the letters of your name. Then get a little messy concocting glittery galaxy play dough. Tuesday 4/10, Electric Zebras and Neon Tote Bags: Explore pattern and color while painting electrifying zebras and create wild neon geometric designs on canvas tote bags Wednesday 4/11, Wicked Wild and Wonderful Art: A totally unique art-venture. Use oil pastels to draw hilarious self-portraits and explore

decoupage while designing and decorating large paper mache letters. Thursday 4/12, Zany Zoo Animal Art-ventures: Like a trip to the zoo! Color ceramic bunny banks and design stained glass animals Create animal clip bookmarks and draw some surprisingly ferocious fish! Friday 4/13, Boo! Goofy Monsters and Haunted Houses: A totally awesome and eerie art program, constructing haunted houses with spider webs, spooky trees, gravestones, creepy crawly creatures, and more. Paint colorful ceramic monster planters and sculpt silly clay skeletons. K-5 4/9, 4/13–9 a.m.-12 p.m. $39 per day SBP. April Vacation With F.A.S.T. Athletics. Super Sports offers a variety of sports each day such as: soccer, basketball, flag football, dodge ball, and kick ball. Program includes proper stretching and warm-up games as well as the basic skills of each sport. Each day ends with a high energy game with the sport played that day. Wear sneakers, bring a water bottle and snack. Bring a lunch if staying for the full day. Monday, April 9-Friday, April 13, Wells Rd. 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $155pp; or 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., $225pp Chess Wizards Spring Vacation Camp. Tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. Improve your chess skills and meet new friends. Includes team chess games (like bughouse), recess snacks, tournaments and puzzles. Each camper receives a Chess Wizards T-Shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. Monday, April 9, Friday, April 13 HFWS. 9 a.m. –12 p.m.-$190pp; or 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $305pp

SBP SUMMER DAY CAMP A summer day camp program committed to serving your child’s needs. Each day is filled with active games, lots of silliness, special events, sports, arts and crafts, teamwork crazy contests and a little adventure sprinkled in. Your child will have the opportunity to swim daily in SBP pond, go on exciting field trips, and see spectacular entertainers. Children are grouped by age/grade and all activities are age-appropriate. Camp is scheduled in one-week sessions meet your family’s needs. Need to get to work early or extend your child’s time at SBP? Check out the Extended Day Program run by David Olechna, Mission Adventure Camp Director. Save $10 a week by registering by Friday, April 30. The discount will be applied during online checkout. Help us better plan for your camper. Late sign ups make it difficult to plan activities, have enough supplies for crafts, plan for field trip tickets and transportation. This summer there will be a $15 per camper late fee for session signed ups with less than five weekdays remaining before the start date. The entire staff is first aid and CPR certified. Camp Director Sue Olechna, is an experienced educator and mother of 5. SBD campers are asked to bring a lunch, snack, water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray each day. All campers must purchase an individual ($35) or family membership ($80) to Salmon Brook Park in order to register for camp. Mission: Adventure, a Camp for Teens and Tweens. The area’s most popular day camp for students in grades 6-9. Kids this age don’t always think summer camp is cool—until they’ve been here. Mission: Adventure campers kayak down the Farmington River, play paintball in the setting of a western boomtown, play underwater Frisbee while wearing a scuba tank on their back and so much more. Each two-week session has at least six off-site field trips. When campers are on site all day they participate in scavenger hunts, team building activities, sports, swimming and more. All campers must purchase an individual ($35) or family membership ($80) to SBP to register for camp. Get A Free Seasons Pass To Six Flags Register for two or more full two-week sessions of Mission: Adventure Camp or two or more single week sessions that have a Six Flags Trip and get a free 2018 Seasons Pass to Six Flags. Passes are available for pickup in early April. 6-9 Session 4 Week 28/13-8/178:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $230 SBP

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 29

Happenings at the Center THE “SKINNY” ON APRIL ACTIVITIES SPECIAL EVENTS Educated Canines Assisting With Disabilities: Tuesday, April 3, at 1 p.m. Presented by Dale Picard, ECAD Executive Director. Started here in Granby in 1995, learn how service dogs are trained, selected and the services they provide including high profile placements all over the world. Service dog “Tuna” will be on hand. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5350 to register by March 27. Women in Flight: Thursday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m. Presented by Glenna Blackwell, Connecticut Chapter Ninety-Nines. Pilot Glenna Blackwell became a member of the Ninety-Nines, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of women pilots. Glenna will tell stories of these incredible, brave women and many of her flying heroes. Free. Call 860-844-5350 to register by March 28. Copper Hill “Boomers” Golf League: Starting Thursdays ,April 12, tee times 8 to 9 a.m. Located at Copper Hill Golf Club, East Granby. This is a come-as-you-can golf league for golfers of all ages and abilities. Special rates: green fees $12, optional cart fee $5 for anyone ages 55 and over. Copper Hill provides the structure for fun with a creative mix of non-competitive and some quasicompetitive formats designed for you to enjoy a day of golf. Please call 860-653-6191 if you are interested in playing. Kindness Rocks Intergenerational Program: Friday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m. The Kindness Rocks Project was created as a simple reminder that we are all connected as human beings and share more similarities than differences at our core. You will paint rocks for placement throughout our town alongside our Granby youth. You do not need to be an artist. Free. Call 860844-5350 to register by April 4. Five Wishes: Monday, April 16, at 1 p.m. Presented by Nina Karlson, VITAS Hospice. There are many things in life that are out of our hands. The Five Wishes document gives you a way to control how you are treated if you get seriously ill. This presentation will help you understand the document and how to fill out the form. Free. Call 860-844-5350 to register by April 9. Sacred Ground Labyrinth Presentation: Tuesday, April 17, at 1 p.m. Tina Angeli, Founder and Director of S.O.U.L. To celebrate Earth Day, Tina will discuss her labyrinth located in Granby that was created on an energy vortex and is always active with soothing and healing energy. Learn how you can benefit from using labyrinths to find peace, joy and healing. Free. Call 860844-5350 to register by April 10. Step Up To Golf: Starting Thursday, April 19, at 11 a.m. Need a refresher? Just starting out? This is a great bridge to the “Boomers” Golf League. This is a four week session. Located at Copper Hill Golf Club, East Granby. Cost $65. Call 860653-6191 to register. Adventure Club Fly Fishing 101: Friday, April 20, at 10 a.m. This presentation teaches the basics of fly fishing. Learn about basic equipment, how to assemble the rods, casting techniques and more. A fly fishing trip will be offered in spring/summer. Free. Call 860-8445350 to register for this workshop. Make Your Own Terrariums: Wednesday, May 9 at 1 p.m.-Must register by April 20. Presented by Cathy Testa, Container Crazy Cathy. Make an open bubble bowl terrarium with succulents or cacti. Learn how to care for the plants and receive tips on succulent propagation. Cost $45, which includes a glass bubble bowl, two mini plants, and all the amendments and components. Additional plants will be available for purchase. Feel free to bring mini décor to add to your arrangement. Call 860-844-5350 to register by April 20.

AVRIL À PARIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 1 P.M. After the snowy weather, it’s time to celebrate spring with a French flair. This fun event features famous French pastries, desserts and coffee. Entertainment will be provided by musician and vocalist Ellen Iovino, singing well-known songs as well as a few French selections. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5350 to register by April 18. NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

Walk with Ease: Mondays,April 16 — May 21 at 9:30 a.m.This Arthritis Foundation, facilitated by Justine Ginsberg, FVHD, offers many benefits including feeling better, reducing pain and stiffness, more energy, confidence that you can manage arthritis and the opportunity to be active and social. No cost, sponsored by the Farmington Valley Health District. Call 860-8445350 to register by April 9. The Body Mechanics of Gardening: Tuesday, April 24, at 11 a.m. Presented by Barbara Evans, Rehabilitation Supervisor at McLean Home Care and Hospice. Gardening is great exercise and so rewarding on many levels, however it is easy to overwork and stress our bodies. Learn how to reduce your chances for pain and injury. Free. Call 860-844-5350 to register by April 17.

FOR OUR VETERANS! Veteran’s Coffee: Tuesday, April 17 at 10 a.m. Presented by Hartford HealthCare at Home, this is a monthly coffee to learn about benefits, entitlements and other services. Veteran Liaison, Wayne Rioux will facilitate the group discussion. FREE. Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome. Call 860-844-5350.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES! Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, April 4, at 8:30 a.m. They Called Her Reckless: A True Story About War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891. Men’s Breakfast: Friday April 13 at 8:30 a.m. Guest Speaker: John Ward, Granby Town Manager. Cost $2. Register by calling 860-844-5350. Lunch for the Mind, Wednesday, April 18, at 12:30 p.m. Brought to you by the Civic Engagement Education Team Touring The Street (in Granby): Presented by Carol Laun, Archivist at the Salmon Brook Historical Society. Delve into the history of the homes and personalities of Delia Church, TwoGun Hotchkiss, Judge William Maltbie and Dr. Ernest Pendleton who lived in town in the 1880’s. Register by calling 860-844-5352. Cost $5. Bring your own lunch. Desserts and beverages will be provided. Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (daysforgirls.org) who will be sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please call Josie Klein at 860-6535752 or email josiklein640@gmail.com.

SENIOR VAN SERVICE AND EXCURSIONS! Senior Van

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call our Transportation Coordinators at 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling.

Shopping

Clinton Crossing, Westbrook Outlets-Friday, April 20 departs at 9:30 a.m. $4 Dine and Drive Pagliacci’s, Plainville- Friday, April 13. Cost of ride $4. Lunch is on your own. Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y, Southwick: Every Tuesday, departs at 1:30 p.m. Geissler’s: Every Wednesday. Call to arrange a time. Geissler’s five percent senior discount every Wednesday! Stop and Shop:Every Thursday, departs at 1:30 p.m.

TRIPS I’ve Got a Little Twist: Nelson Hall Theater, Cheshire. Friday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m. Fanny Brice, legendary star of the Ziegfield Follies of the 1910’s, comes alive in this critically acclaimed show. Lunch on your own at CJ Sparrow Pub. Cost $36. Museum of American Art, New Britain. Wednesday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. View American Masterpieces dating from the Colonial period. Lunch on your own, Underground Deli Café. Cost $19. Register by April 11. Flea Market and Smorgasbord, Simsbury, Saturday, April 28, at 9:30 a.m.Come out for a fun day of shopping, eating, music, crafts, antiques and more. Entrance fee is $5. Lunch on your own. Cost of the ride is $3. Register by April 23.

FITNESS AND EXERCISE! Classes are available six days a week and are ongoing. Schedules are available at the office. Not sure which class best fits your abilities and needs? Call our knowledgeable staff for more information at 860-844-5350. Drop in $8. Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Rise and shine with this gentle-–yet effective–yoga flow class. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. An exercise class designed to increase strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Instructor Paula Pirog.

Cardio Circuit Training: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Warm up and move. Timed stations, core work and stretching will invigorate you and get your metabolism heated. Instructor, Gina Marecki. Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Enhanced breathing, increased blood flow, reduced tension and better posture are achieved through the various yoga poses. Great for those with limited mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Yoga: Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Thoughtful breathing and controlled postures. With Paula Pirog. Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Move to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. This is a low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. This workout does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Straight Forward Workout: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. A cardio with step, weight work and stretch class designed to get your heart pumping with this straight forward classic workout! Instructor: Mary Fuller. Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, lowimpact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics. With Mary Fuller. Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Learn to line dance from the Boot Scootin’Boogie to the Cha-Cha: Appropriate for beginners as well as advanced line dancers. Instructor, Jim Gregory. Peak: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. For the weekend warrior. Vigorous aerobics and weights. Instructor, Jen Dzielak Please visit our website granby-ct.gov/ senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of our health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.

Animal Talk Dr. Caitlin Rothacker, DVM

Shaping Up For Spring

As the snow melts (and mud season ensues), we all start thinking about getting back in the saddle. Literally. The thought of warm spring rides ahead is exciting; you didn’t carry frozen water around all winter for nothing. As we learn more about conditioning and strengthening our own bodies, much can be applied to our equine friends to ensure a safe, successful entry back into more intense physical work in the better weather ahead. Just like us, diet is step one. To maintain body weight, horses need to eat 1-2 percent of their weight (in pounds) of hay. If the average horse weighs 1,000 lbs, 10-20 lbs. of hay is required. Bear in mind, all horses will vary some depending on age, metabolism and level of work. A simple bathroom scale can help make sure you are feeding correctly. Hay quality also varies tremendously. There are multiple companies that will test your hay via a small sample for a nominal cost (less than $50) to give you a better idea on protein, fiber and sugar content. Grain, while not always necessary, should often be fed by following the manufacturers recommendation on the bag. Be sure to remember that these are guidelines and speaking with a veterinarian will help tailor a diet to fit your horse. Horses benefit from steady, controlled exercise and strengthening work just like us. Simple exercises such as asking your horse to stretch his nose to his front fetlock

five times in a row with a carrot allows them to stretch their neck and use muscles to develop their top line. Scratching under their belly will often elicit a horse to use his back and arch away from your hand. Asking your horse to balance on three legs while holding up a foot for 20 seconds is another way to begin mobilizing your horses core. Starting with these stationary movements lays the groundwork for better fitness. All horses can perform better when they have mastered a good working walk. Asking your horse to walk with intention, walk over ground poles, walk up and down hills in a controlled manner builds their core strength and strengthens their tendons and ligaments. Frequent, shorter walks and then building in longer walks with trot is recommended. Just like us, the ‘weekend warrior’ often limps in on Monday morning. The key to success is to start small and consistent. Building back slowly over a month or two will help your horse feel better, perform better and decrease the chance of injury. The last piece of the puzzle is your own fitness. Many of the top riders in the country participate in a variety of athletics outside of riding. Yoga, both for its physical and mental benefits, is often a favorite. Hope the spring weather comes quickly and allows all of us to shed our mittens and muck boots for bridles and britches.

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

HF joins others in securing state grants With support from the Town Administration, the Friends of Holcomb Farm have been awarded a Connecticut Department of Agriculture Farm Viability Grant. The project, to begin in April, will bring further improvements to the CSA barn and Farm Store (next to the Church on Simsbury Road) and expand our dry and cold storage to meet the growing demand from our CSA, restaurant, retail, and Fresh Access partners. We can’t wait to get going with the work; stay tuned for pictures and updates. Meanwhile, a workshop for grant recipients provided insight into a fascinating variety of community-based agricultural efforts underway across Connecticut. For example: Volunteers who use a 1 ½ acre plot of land in the center of Clinton, Connecticut to grow food for the local food pantry will use their funds to purchase a small tractor, in hopes of increasing production and saving the backs of the aging volunteers. A nonprofit is undertaking “brownfield restoration” on former industrial land in Waterbury. Sprague, Connecticut will use its grant to create a promotional program in support of some young, start-up local farmers focused on goats, bees, and maple syrup. A Redding, Connecticut -owned farm will be investing in its agriculture and environmental education programs. We are excited to participate in the State’s economic development efforts in support of agriculture and expanded local production. Summer CSA shares selling fast Holcomb Farm’s early Summer CSA Shares are selling quickly, with restaurants, nonprofit organizations, and traditional customers all signing up early and increasing the size of their orders. Don’t worry, though – it’s not too late to reserve your share of the summer bounty! We have increased our capacity so that we can serve everyone. To learn more or sign up, go to www.holcombfarm.org or call Cathy at 860-844-8616. CSA announces incentive opportunity If you are a CSA shareholder, you already know the tremendous value of sharing in the bounty farmer Joe and his crew produce each summer. You know how good it feels to eat healthy, chemical-free produce, reduce your impact on the environment, and belong to the Holcomb Farm community. Will you help us spread the word? To encourage you to invite your friends to join, we are offering an incentive: Farm Store coupons for $20 off your purchase (for a full share) and $10 off your purchase

(for a half share), when you refer a new shareholder who joins in April. More information is available through our website, www.holcombfarm.org or by calling 860-844-8616. Friends of Holcomb Farm History Over the past several years, FOHF volunteer Peggy Lareau, with support from Karen Eustis, produced a series of monographs covering the history of Granby’s Holcomb Farm. Now Peggy and Karen have compiled these monographs into a book, Holcomb Farm Heritage, Struggles and Success. The Friends of Holcomb Farm, with additional financial support from the Granby Historical Society and the Granby Land Trust, are excited to provide this masterpiece to our annual fund drive donors (of $100 or more) and other supporters of FOHF. We also will explore other ways to make this treasure available to interested parties. If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact cathy@holcombfarm.org.

Holcomb Book cover: The Friends of Holcomb Farm has published a history of Holcomb Farm, written by longtime Granby resident Peggy Lareau, that traces the history of this remarkable farm from 1756 through the present.

Forgotten Farms film and panel discussion The Friends of Holcomb Farm was proud to sponsor a local showing of the documentary film “Forgotten Farms” on March 11. Nearly 75 people turned out to see the film and learn more about the challenges New England dairy farmers face today. Granby’s own dairy farmers Stanley Hayes and his daughter, Ellen Hayes Whitlow, served on a panel discussion after the film, along with Don Tuller of Tulmeadow Farm in Simsbury

Winter shows off her beauty at Holcomb Farm. All photos by Hana Fulwider.

and the film’s producer, Sarah Gardner, Hike Holcomb Farm trails June 3 an associate director of the Center for EnHolcomb Farm will celebrate Convironmental Studies at Williams College. necticut Trails Day by offering a family-friendly, guided hike on the westFriends of Holcomb Farm annual ern Holcomb Farm trails, with stops at the progressive dinner set for May 5 beautiful Carpenter Falls and a look at the Planning for our annual “friendhistorical Weed Homestead foundations. raising” is well underway, and we invite The hike will start out from Holcomb old friends and new to join us for this Farm’s main campus at 10 a.m. and will special evening. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. return at 1 p.m. Last year, Connecticut with local-infused appetizers and drinks hosted the largest National Trails Day® at the North Barn on the Holcomb Farm celebration in the nation, with more than campus, participants will move on in 3,000 people taking to the trails. Spend an small groups to host homes for a homeafternoon outdoors with your neighbors cooked lasagna (including local greens on the beautiful Holcomb Farm (and adand fresh-baked bread), and then return joining) trails and help us make this year’s to the North Barn for delicious, homecelebration even bigger! made desserts. We are still looking for a few more host homes; contact cathy@holcombfarm.org for more information. Tickets to the event are $45 and will be sold through our website, www.holcombfarm.org or by calling Cathy at 860-8448616. Chef Prosperi cooking demo at Lost Acres Vineyard May 19 Once again, the Lost Acres Vineyard has invited the Friends to showcase who we You may think farmers have the winter off, but au are and what we do at their contraire! The Farm Crew has been very busy getting beautiful vineyard, so mark ready for the 2018 season (as always, using absolutely your calendars for May 19, no chemicals or pesticides). noon to 4 p.m., for Holcomb Farm Day at Lost Acres Vineyard. At 2:30 p.m., Chef Chris Prosperi of Metro Bis Restaurant in Simsbury will offer another of his entertaining and delicious cooking demonstrations, using Holcomb Farm produce. Learn how to make delectable culinary creations like the pros. This was a very popular even last year. We hope you can join us for an afternoon with Friends at the Vineyard! Signs of Spring – seedlings take root at the Holcomb Farm CSA. Soon, our CSA and Farm Store will have delicious fresh produce for purchase – for both CSA members and the general public.

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April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Beehive Home curates modern and vintage finds

By Jennifer Benson

home decorating. Cormier, a lifelong Four Granby women have opened a Granby resident, is an artist. Some of home, gift and garden store in Simsbury her paintings grace the walls at Beehive called Beehive Home. It is chock full Home. Fonteyne juggles selling real of fun, fascinating and practical finds, estate, a public relations business and both modern and vintage. Everywhere work at Beehive Home. Her business one looks, there is something of interest. background helps with the financial The store is the creation of Katy Atside of owning a business. Heinze is tianese, Kristen Cormier, Els Fonteyne also passionate about collecting, has a and Tricia Heinze. They got their start in great eye and an easy-going manner that retail last year at Hill-Stead Museum’s customers love. All four women have “May Market”, where they were exchildren of varying ages, and the store’s hibitors. They got great exposure with proximity to Granby was important in customers throughout the Farmington its selection. Valley, and word of mouth has been virThe store’s address is 738 Hopmeadtually their only marketing. The partners ow Street, but is physically located on found the store in Simsbury and Beehive Railroad Street, near the intersection Home opened its doors on Nov. 1, 2017. Each member of the team brings different tastes, talents, perspective and vision. One thing they have in common is that they are all creative. Attianese is a collector, loves going to flea markets and brings her finds to Beehive Home. “Sometimes it is hard to let things go,” Attianese states, but she would only consider offering things for sale that she would like in her own home. She had had a lifelong love of design and has helped many friends and family Beehive Home, owned and operated by four Granby women, members with their is located in Simsbury. Submitted photos.

A Life Plan Community

“Moving mp” Bootca

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Shredding event on April 21 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at McLean

unique shopping environment.” The word “curate” brings to mind the organization and presentation of a museum exhibit. Without being stuffy, Beehive Home has a museum-like quality about it, both in terms of content and display. It is artfully and thoughtfully done. Go see for yourself! You will want to go back again and again. And since Beehive Home’s owners are constantly sourcing vintage finds, there is always something new to see. There is a wide range of prices, but there is something for most every budget. Beehive Home also offers interior styling services; the store’s displays highlight the different partners’ talents in this area. While each partner had different inspirations for undertaking opening a 2,000 square foot store, some of the motivators (besides the obvious profit motive) include demonstrating to their children what it is to take a risk, to go beyond encouraging the children, into the realm of action. In retrospect, that their children may be proud of them is a nice side benefit. For Fonteyne, who is now an empty-nester, the sociability of operating a retail store was a positive as well. Questions? Call Beehive Home at 860651-8884. You can find them on Instagram at @oh.beehive and on Facebook at Beehive Home. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m , and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interior view of Beehive Home. Submitted photo.

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with Wilcox Street (beside the Bank of America drive-through ATM). The building is a mid-1800’s train depot— with lots of character, high ceilings and wide plank floors—a good home for a store full of character. What’s in the name? After considering many possibilities, the four women chose Beehive Home because it captured the concepts of home, nest and coziness. Fittingly, Beehive Home is a sponsor of the Gran-Bee, an annual fundraiser for the Granby Education Foundation. They will also decorate a room in the Junior League of Hartford’s Annual Show House fundraiser (April 27 – May 20). This is an opportunity to showcase their curatorial talents and to broaden their market. Their Facebook page says, “Beehive Home curates modern and vintage items and brings them to you in a beautiful,

Learn from local professionals in this free four-week program: > April 9 • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. “Making the Move – How to Get Started and What to Expect.” Regina Sanchez, Health, Wellness & Organizational Coach, along with McLean Resident Panel

> April 16 • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. “Which Tax, Estate, Investment, Insurance Records and Bills Do You Need to Keep to Protect You and Your Family.” Gary R. Schwartz, JD, LLM in Taxation > April 23 • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. “Staging Your Home to Sell and Understanding the Real Estate Market.” Matt Lloyd, Keller Williams Realty > April 30 • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.“Interior Design – Decorating Your New Home.” Lynne Einsel, Lynne Einsel & Associates WHERE: McLean • 75 Great Pond Road • Simsbury, CT 06070 • Burkholder Community Center Registration is Required

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Page 32 The Granby Drummer

Waypoints By Mark Fiorentino

Have Zebco, will travel I fish a lot, sometimes alone, sometimes with my kids or friends. Sometimes in local bass tournaments, I’ve traveled great distances to fish, working to fulfill my dream of fishing in every state with my son. And everywhere I go, people react to my gear. Usually the reaction is conveyed subtly by a raised eyebrow, sideways look or smirk. Occasionally, it’s conveyed by direct verbal assault: “Are you kidding me? No one over eight uses a Zebco reel. Except for entertaining kids and catching tiny panfish, they’re worthless.” I’ve been tempted to correct people. But, like most fishermen, I’m reluctant to pass on my best secrets. Especially to someone who is smirking at me. I’ll say it here, though. Zebco makes a number of great spincasting reels. They’re affordable, durable and easy to use. Most look just like the ones you used when you were a kid: they are close-faced, cast by pushing a button, and contain a small wheel you turn with your thumb to adjust the drag. And don’t kid yourself, they work for a variety of different fish. I’ve caught everything from brown trout to largemouth bass to northern pike on my favorite Zebco model. You’re smirking, right? Fair enough, but read on. What follows is the first in a series of true stories recounting my adventures in pursuit of big fish armed only with my Zebco. The plan is to travel the country, carrying my reel, wiping away smirks. Our first stop is Lake Osborne, Florida, where I fished in 2016 after attending the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Orlando. Lake Osborne is part of the very limited range for peacock bass in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about peacock bass:

1. They are aggressive predators, but often will only hit baits cast right on top of them. 2. They primarily hang out in places that are hard to reach: under docks, behind pylons and between submerged rocks. 3. When you hook one, all hell breaks loose. The fish use all of their substantial strength to head straight for the closest obstacle in an attempt to tangle and break your line. If that doesn’t work, they employ sudden, violent changes in direction, heading straight down, then up, or left, then right. In short, they are very difficult to hook and land. You need a reel that allows you to cast with great accuracy. The reel’s drag system must allow you to change tension on the line quickly and smoothly because, in very short order, you have to alternate between pulling the fish away from structure and giving it room to run, all without breaking your line. I headed to Lake Osborne with a Zebco Bullet. The Bullet is a new reel just recently available on the market. It is designed to cast heavier line and to retrieve faster than other Zebco models. I got the Bullet at ICAST (where it was being premiered to fishing industry representatives) after telling my story to Josh Denton, a Senior Product Manager for Zebco Brands. When Josh heard we were planning to fish for peacock bass, he said: “Why don’t you take a Bullet with you and see how it works.” I’d like to tell you that it was a difficult decision to leave the reel I brought on the trip, my trusted Zebco Omega Pro in my suitcase, but it wasn’t. As I’m sure you can imagine, I could barely contain my excitement at the opportunity to try out a new Zebco reel. Dave, our Lake Osborne guide, didn’t share in the excitement. When he saw what I intended to use, he said: “You fish

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April 2018

from the back of the boat. Your son Gage can fish up front with me, using my gear”. He was smirking. But his smirk was a little different. Part mocking, for sure, but also part disdain. Guides often don’t want clients using their own equipment. They make more money when clients catch fish, and they don’t want to risk success on a client using gear they think is inadequate or inappropriate. Dave, who once fished on the professional bass tournament tour, was having none of my ZEBCO reel. When my first cast went a little high and landed on top of the dock instead of under it, his smirk grew Mark Fiorentino with his Florida peacock bass. more dour. When I lost an unseen Submitted photo. fish by failing to set the hook properly, it grew more dour still. respond. I just pushed the Bullet’s button, Meanwhile, in the front of the boat, swung my arm in an arc parallel to the Gage quickly mastered Dave’s instrucsurface and cast the bait in the exact spot tions. It wasn’t long before he had landed he suggested. a number of nice peacock bass, and Dave WHAM! Just as Dave predicted, the loosened up a bit. He turned his attention fish attacked my bait as soon as it hit the to me. water. I yanked the tip of my rod over “We are coming up on a point, with a my head, trying to simultaneously set buoy anchored just off the end. Between the hook and pull the fish away from the the buoy and the point’s tip, there is a buoy. The rod doubled over,and I thought small area of deep water. There will be for sure the line would break. a good sized peacock bass in that spot. The fish was clear of the buoy but we But, if you cast too long or too short, were locked in a dangerous stalemate: the you’ll get snagged in the rocks. And if, fish and I each refusing to give an inch by some unlikely chance, you hit the of line. I kept the rod tip high and held spot, the fish will strike quickly. You the reel’s crank handle steady. have to set the hook immediately and Then, disaster. The line went slack. pull him away from the buoy, or he’ll Damn! I know Dave said I needed to let wrap your line around it. If by some the fish run as soon as I got it clear of the extremely unlikely chance you get him buoy, but it never gave me the chance. clear of the buoy without breaking your Slowly, I turned the crank handle, line, he’ll make a couple of fast runs looking to bring in my fishless line and back and forth. You’ll need to let him dreading the smirk I was sure to see on run, but not too far.” Dave’s face. After a few cranks, the line He was smirking. went tight again. The fish was still on. It At first I thought he was just making had been swimming toward me, but now fun of me with his extremely detailed it was turning and preparing to barrel instructions. But, we were on the point, away in the opposite direction. I had a and with a moderate breeze moving the Have Zebco cont’d. on p. 33 boat along, I didn’t have time to think or

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A special warm-up

The Playstrong Group LLC from Simsbury held a welcoming warm up class for the Special Olympics athletes as they took on competition at the International Skating Center. Athletes enjoyed fun warm up and stretching

exercises before their competitions in figure skating and speed skating at the rink. Student teachers from PlayStrong and ACROfitness CT helped with the class that was led by Owner/Director Ann Rapport. “My students find this one of the most enjoyable and rewarding classes that they teach all year long!” said Rapport. Athletes from Playstrong Group hold a warm up class before competition. Submitted photo.

Have Zebco cont’d. from p. 32 split second to brush my thumb over the drag’s adjustment wheel to release some tension from the line. I let him run, but not too far. When instinct told me he had gone far enough, I thumbed the drag back a little and used the rod to rein him in. We dueled back and forth like this for about a minute: loosen, run, tighten-rein; loosen, run, tighten-rein. Eventually, the fish tired to the point where I could grab him by the lip and lift him in the boat. I had caught

my first career peacock bass, beautifully colored and weighing about three and a half pounds. With each fish I caught that day, Dave’s smirk got a little smaller and a little less dour. When we were done, he said: “I may get a couple of those Zebco reels for the boat…you know, for clients who have young kids.” He was smirking, but this time the meaning was clear: he wanted one of these reels.

The Works Household Hazardous Waste: This year, Granby will again work with local towns to host hazardous waste collections. The first collection will be Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 10 Monteith Drive, Farmington, CT. For a list of accepted items, please check the Public Works page on the Town of Granby website granby-ct. gov. During 2018, there will be two additional hazardous waste collections held in Simsbury. Yard Waste: Yard waste is banned from disposal in your curbside barrels. Grass and leaves are accepted free of charge at the transfer station. Brush is accepted; the charge is based on the size of the load. If possible, compost yard waste on site. Composters: Speaking of composting, Spring is a great time to start. Garden Gourmet composting units are available at the Public Works office

weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. They are available for the bargain price of $35 (tax included). Recycling: If you have questions regarding recycling, check out the website recyclect.com. Try the recycling wizard – a tool that allows you to ask about a specific item. If you still have questions, call Public Works 860-653-8960. Please do not put items in your barrel because you want them to be recycled. This causes contamination and costs money for the recycling plant. Do not bag your recycling. Plastic bags and plastic film are a major source of contamination for the recycling plant. No plastic bags should go in your bin. To see how to recycle plastic film, check out: plasticfilmrecycling.org. National Public Works Week: May 20 – 26. Stay tuned for more info in the May Drummer.

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April 2018

VPS students go on imaginative journey By Jessica Cushing Since 1991, Valley Pre-School has been using the power of imagination to transport its 4s classes on a magical beach vacation for one day each March. The annual “VPS Florida Trip”, now in its 27th year, is one of the school’s most beloved traditions and the source of many happy memories for VPS alums. A true labor of love, parents and teachers spend hours clearing out the classroom and preparing the space. Like a stage production, sets are carried in and assembled. A boardwalk is placed, a cardboard airplane and a tiki hut are built, palm trees are brought in, sandboxes and wading pools full of sea creatures are set up. Even the windows are covered with fabric to ensure the magic isn’t spoiled by a view of the school’s yard. On the big day, children begin at the VPS airport terminal, where they check their luggage and pick up boarding passes. After saying goodbye to Mom or

Dad, they board the plane and find their seats. Magazines are passed out and soon the co-pilots (teachers) board and are seated in front of the large control panel at the front of the plane. Announcements about seat belts and cruising altitudes are made, and soon, everyone is ready to go. The air traffic controller (parent helper), stationed outside the window, uses a walkie talkie to lead the plane to the runway. Amid much excitement, VPS Flight # 2018 takes off. During the flight, children follow the plane’s course on a map and peer out their windows to see tiny houses and cars. After enjoying an in-flight “movie” (giant book being read aloud) and several harrowing “loop de loops,” they land safely in Key West. Down the hallway their happy feet patter, and into sunny Florida they go. After changing into summer clothing, teachers and children spread out towels and enjoy fruit they’ve purchased from the tiki hut using plastic coins. For two

Granby Community Fund appreciates community support By Jean Miller The members of the Granby Community Fund Board of Directors would like to thank the community for its support of the 2018 Annual Community Campaign. The GCF, a 501(c)3 organization since 1960, meets monthly in preparation of a town-wide mailing to help support the many valuable programs and services offered to local citizens. The GCF consists of an all-volunteer Board of Directors either living in town and/or representing one of the member organizations it supports. The success of the annual campaign relies on donations from residents and local businesses in Granby, North Granby and West Granby. Thank you on behalf of member organizations, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Favarh, Girls Scouts, Granby Senior Van, Granby Social Services, Holcomb Farm Fresh Access, Marquis of Granby, McLean Meals on Wheels,

Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation, Salvation Army, Waste Not Want Not Kitchen and the YMCA for your support to these valuable programs and services with a donation to the Granby Community Fund. Your contribution has meaningful impact on the lives of many of our neighbors. Whether it’s making sure they receive a healthy meal, transportation and support for the elderly and disabled, or programs to enable our children to participate in safe, local activities, your support of the Granby Community Fund helps make that happen with one single donation. The campaign kicks off in September but donations are accepted anytime of the year. Donate by mailing your check to the Granby Community Fund, PO Box 94, Granby, CT 06035 or visit its website at granbycommunityfund.org to make an online donation. All donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

magical hours, disbelief is suspended and imagination takes over. Children build sand castles, fish with poles and nets, spy sea gulls with binoculars, learn to limbo, play tennis, create a sand casting memento, write post cards to send home, and more. The sound of ocean waves in Valley Pre-School students onboard the plane on their “trip the background and warm to Florida.” The teachers are the co-pilots. temperature in the room Valley Pre-School is currently acadd to the effect. cepting applications for its 3s and 4s After a fancy tropical drink complete programs for the 2018–2019 school year. with umbrella, everyone reluctantly Please visit valleypreschoolinfo.org, packs up their suitcase and boards the email valleypreschoolkids@gmail.com, return flight home. After a bumpy landor call 860-653-3641 for more informaing, children arrive safely back in Granby tion or to schedule a tour. where they greet their parents. From the outside, the whirlwind trip might look like only imaginative play, but a lot of learning is happening. Children are discovering biology, geography, ecosystems and the necessary disciplines of air travel. They’re practicing writing and learning how to compose a letter. They’re counting coins to learn about money and working on fine and gross motor skills. And, as always at Valley Pre-School, they’re learning to love learning. Who thought a day at the beach could teach all of that? VPS students fishing on their “trip to Florida.” Submitted photos

Chorale announces spring concert programming The 110-member Farmington Valley Chorale and Artistic Director Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth will present Passages – the Seasons of Life on Friday, April 20, in Avon. The program, according to Dr. Voth, “explores how we experience the passage of time at different stages of life.” In addition to several shorter pieces and songs, the Chorale will perform Brahms’ profound Nänie, and John Corigliano’s musical setting of the Dylan Thomas poem, Fern Hill, with soloist mezzo-soprano, Meredith Ziegler. Ms. Ziegler has performed in operatic roles throughout New England, appear-

ing as Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and as Mercedes in Carmen for Opera Theater of Connecticut. In addition to her highly acclaimed vocal performances, she is an adjunct Professor of Voice at UConn’s Storrs campus. Members of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will accompany the chorale for this concert. The concert will be at Valley Community Baptist Church, West Avon Road, Avon on Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Donation is $20, full-time students are free. For tickets and more information, visit farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

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April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 35

HEALTH NOTES

By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Identifying Worrisome Memory Loss

It is easy to find information in the newspaper or popular magazines about the incidence and devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. We also see TV commercials for medications that may help to slow the progression. But, how do we know if we or someone close to us is exhibiting normal age related forgetfulness or the more serious signs of cognitive decline typically found in Alzheimer’s Dementia? As we age there is a greater amount of information cataloged within our memory bank and thus it takes longer to retrieve specific details. In normal aging, the ability to perform tasks quickly or to multi-task becomes more difficult as the brain begins to process information at a slower pace. However, although the speed of processing slows, this should not interfere with the performance of daily activities. Normal cognitive aging is inherent in all humans. It is a gradual, ongoing process that is highly variable from individual to individual and will progress regardless of a person’s initial cognitive function. However, that some cognitive functions, such as wisdom, knowledge, satisfaction and happiness actually improve with age.

In Normal Age-Related Forgetfulness, people may experience situations that are often referred to as a “senior moment.” These incidents may include forgetting where we left our glasses or keys or substituting names of family members or acquaintances, such as calling a grandson by a son’s name. We may occasionally forget an appointment or enter a room and forget why we are there. We can become easily distracted and forget a passage that was just read or a conversation that just took place. We may also have difficulty retrieving information quickly: the infamous: “it’s on the tip of my tongue.” These situations or “moments” are more likely to happen or will become more apparent in fast-paced environments, pressured tasks, highly technical or new learning situations, stressful events, and if the individual is otherwise distracted or their attention is engaged elsewhere. Such situations are less likely to happen when the individual is in a familiar or comfortable environment. However, cognitive decline or “dementia,” the loss of basic mental functions—thinking, remembering, learning and reasoning—and behavioral abilities,

does interfere with activities of daily life. Common signs of declining cognitive abilities include memory loss, problems with language skills, visual perception, and the ability to pay attention. Some individuals can also experience personality changes. Dementia is not a part of healthy aging. There are multiple forms of dementia; Alzheimer’s being the most common form seen in individuals over the age of 65. A person in the beginning stages of abnormal cognitive decline is labeled as having Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Individuals with MCI will develop increasing problems with memory, language, thinking and judgement. This is an intermediate stage, and although the individual is usually still functioning, they will display increasing difficulty in maintaining the “status quo.” They will frequently lose and misplace things, forget conversations, appointments and events, have difficulty remembering the names of new acquaintances, and have problems following the flow of a conversation. Early diagnosis yields better outcomes as cognitive decline can be slowed and possibly halted with early intervention. Its impact can be minimized with lifestyle supports, behavior modifications and dietary improvements. As an individual progresses to more advanced stages of cognitive decline, they

will have difficulty performing the simple tasks of daily life, things like dressing themselves or paying the bills. They will be unable to recall or describe instances of memory failure or the consequences associated with that failure. They will become lost or disoriented in familiar places, will be unable to follow directions and may lack an understanding of the passage of time. In conversation, they will have difficulty with word recall, pronunciation, and proper word usage, and will frequently repeat phrases, stories and questions. They will display poor judgement, have difficulty making choices, and may behave in socially inappropriate ways. Finally, they may exhibit wide fluctuations in their moods and behaviors, especially in unfamiliar or stressful environments. If you are noticing cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one, remember, there are a number of reversible causes that can be identified and managed by your healthcare provider. These conditions include: depression, the side effects of some medications, B-12 deficiency, thyroid problems, alcohol abuse, and dehydration. In our May article, we will outline ways a person can protect their cognitive abilities and possibly slow the inevitable decline. —Nancy Frodermann, RN, MSN, Farmington Valley VNA

Intrigue! Mystery! Murder! Wine!

Join the Good Company Theater, on April 6 and 7, at Lost Acres Vineyard for a fundraiser: the third annual Murder Mystery Dinner, catered by Lite ‘N Up Eatery. The menu will feature Frenchinspired foods to entertain your palate while the group members perform, creating a unique dinner theater experience. The evening begins at 7 p.m. when you will meet the improv players including Granby’s own Chris Bushey, guest director of James and the Giant Peach, Jen Jensen, Nate Strick and Lauren Pouliot. Welcome to the final stop in the Michelin Coupe De Monde, an international cooking competition featuring the greatest up-and-coming chefs in the world. It

is a yearlong competition with stops in London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, Reykjavik, Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Berlin, Sydney and finally Granby. Tonight is the last stop in the competition and the winner will be chosen from the four finalists tonight after the judge tastes tonight’s challenge. Your emcee for the evening, Pudge Chitlin, will bring you all the glitz and glamour as it happens! Tickets for this event can be purchased at eventbrite.com, goodcompanytheaterct.org, and through its Facebook page. Support the Good Company Theater, April 6 and 7, at 7 p.m.! — Jessica Pietrosanti

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April 2018

Residents speak out against town’s use of glyphosate By Jerry Ledger The Herbicide and Pesticide Study Committee held a public information session on March 14 to gather input from Granby residents on the use of glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup) by the Public Works Department on roadways and near waterways. The first use by the DPW was in 2017, done with a boom truck whose spray width was five feet. More than 30 people attended the meeting, five of whom were committee members. The chairwoman of the committee outlined the charge from the Board of Selectmen to the committee and set the guidelines for the public to participate. Thirteen residents expressed dismay regarding the use of glyphosate and presented scientific data proving that the use of the herbicide is harmful to humans, the watershed and plant and animal life at the spray site and downwind and downstream. Some of the research presented included the fact that the chemical has a half-life of 18 years, meaning that in 18 years, half of the quantity sprayed is still in the environment. In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans. The study was performed by 17 scientists from 17 different nations. The producer of the herbicide, Monsanto, has made many false claims for its use, and now has major lawsuits filed against organizations that are considering

eliminating its use. The company will not release any data on its studies regarding the safety of the chemical. The USDA has refused to test glyphosate for safety. It is known that residue of the chemical is found in many products we all buy at the grocery store, especially breads, oatmeal and organic honey. Many gastro-intestinal ailments are traceable to this residue. At this time, California has made it illegal to use glyphosate and Connecticut has outlawed its use on elementary school grounds. Durham, Conn., stopped using it in 2015, based on the recommendation from the town’s Roadside Management Task Force. Granby’s Herbicide and Pesticide Study Committee was formed by the BOS in late August 2017, after considerable resident complaints during that summer. The committee members are Chairman Susan Canavan, Marge Goslee, Peter Jalbert, John Monkiewicz and Gilman Mucaj. Monkiewicz stated that he has done significant research on the use of the herbicide, but at this public hearing, committee members were advised to withhold their own research and data on the topic. The committee was charged to give its final report before the growing season. Canavan could not say if the report would be available publicly before the selectmen put it on their agenda. The committee will begin writing the report on April 2.

Wildcats Girls Ice Hockey Team. Submitted photo

Girls Wildcats ice hockey end great season By Taylorann Vibert The Wildcats Girls Ice Hockey Team just ended its first season as a varsity team—and with massive success. Last year, the group played only as a club team, with players from Suffield, Enfield, Housatonic, Ellington, Granby and surrounding towns. However, this year it entered as a varsity team and blew the competition out of the water. Coached by Joe Gozzi, Brian McCusker and Mike Tenzar, the Wildcats made it all the way

to finals on March 11, with an impressive 17-2-1 record. Although the team unfortunately lost in finals to Darien with a score of 5-2, it still had major success in other tournaments. The Wildcats won the border cup against Longmeadow and also won the SCC tournament at Trinity College. High scoring players include Sophie Lupone, Genevieve Bushey, Molly Dowd, Zoe Pincelli and Anna Titman. This triumphant season indicates victory for the many seasons ahead. Go Wildcats!

April Thoughts

A miracle of Spring, the tiny yellow flowers of the forsythia greet us all over town. Daffodils, so bright their yellow color, appear in the yards and along the sides of the road — planted there by others that we may enjoy them today. These gifts of Spring, along with the stronger rays of the sun teach us that by persevering through Winter’s long and challenging days, we will again bring Beauty into the world, and into the lives of others that God has sent into our lives.

— Bernadette Gentry

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GMHS Athletes of the Month Kyle Desjardins

Sports played: Baseball Academic accomplishments: During the Summer of 2017, I committed to Nichols College where I’ll be attaining an Accounting degree with a minor in Sports Management. The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants awarded me with the High School Accounting Student Certificate of Merit in recognition of excellence in accounting. I was also awarded with Meritorious Achievement in Business for my Junior year. Athletic Accomplishments: When I was a Sophomore at Granby Memorial, I won First Team All-Conference for the NCCC as a catcher and a pitcher. The next year, I won it again as mainly a catcher batting a little over .350. From starting on Varsity as a Freshman to Junior year, I was also awarded High School Scholar Athlete for my excellence in the classroom. At the end of my Junior year season, my coach, Todd Shufelt, gave me the Coaches Award. How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: It all starts with hydration. When it gets to the middle of the Summer, I drink four or five bottles of water the night before so I don’t get exhausted so easily in the heat. As a catcher with all that gear on, it can get extremely hot so I make sure I have enough water or Body Armor on hand before and during a game. Also, as a strong Italian, I try my best to load up on carbohydrates and eat a big pasta dinner made by my own Italian mother. If I can, I’m at the field an hour and fifteen to an hour and a half before a game. I have my classic rock music ready and I head straight to the cages to hit off the tee or, if there are coaches there, get some live batting practice before we start

stretching and get to work. After getting some of my own work in, I lead the dynamic and static stretches which are at least twenty to twenty-five minutes. I like to take my time stretching because I don’t want to pull a muscle or get a cramp. Throwing is such an unnatural motion that I can’t take any risks. After we go through our regular throwing, I get someone to throw some blocks to me so I can get a feel for the motion. To get in the right mindset, I have someone throw fifteen to twenty balls in the dirt and fifteen to twenty balls where I catch them bare handed. This is to get my soft hands going so I can receive pitches in a game a lot easier. You have to slow the game down and, for me, that’s the way I get prepared for that. Right before the game starts, I finish with saying a prayer. It’s usually a quick one but I feel it necessary to thank God for the opportunity to play this wonderful sport! Most memorable moment as a BEAR: My most memorable moment as a Bear is when I played one of our rivals, Canton, during my Junior year. I went three for three this game with four RBI’s, a double, and my first home run in my high school career! We won 16 to 1 in this game and it felt so great to do so well against our rival. Favorite athlete: My favorite athlete is Dustin Pedroia from the Boston Red Sox. He is the most prime example of a hard working, dedicated, motivated player. \ Plans after high school: I am attending Nichols College where I will get a Master’s degree in Accounting and play Division III baseball in the CCC. Once I am out of college, I want to try my luck professionally for baseball. During the winter, my hitting coach is the manager of the South Bend Indiana Cubs who is

the Single A team of the Chicago Cubs. With connections through that, I am hoping something might happen where I can play in the Cubs organization. If my plan for baseball doesn’t go the way I want, I am going to try and be a Forensic Accountant for the FBI. This has been a goal of mine for a little while now as I’ve always found the FBI an interesting job because my cousin works in the field for them. After that, I am looking to pursue a job in the front office of a professional baseball team if I can’t manage a team of my own! Favorite quote: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”—Thomas Edison

Plans after high school: I plan to attend a four- year college and two-year masters school in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant Favorite quote: “Falling down is part of life. Getting back up is living.” — Anonymous

Keon Lawrence

Sports played: Football, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field Athletic Accomplishments: outdoor track all conference 2017-2018 season indoor track all conference 2017-2018 placed 13th at new England’s for long jump How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: I prepare for my games/meets by separating from the rest of the team and listening to music and doing 10 push ups. Most memorable moment as a BEAR: My most memorable moment as a BEAR was at the last chance NCCC qualifier freshman year when I broke the school record for long jump with a distance of 19 feet 1.5 inches Favorite athlete: Marshawn Lynch Plans after high school: I plan to attend college Favorite quote: Success isn’t given. It’s earned. On the track and on the field. With blood sweat and the occasional tear.

Mackenzie Stahl

Sports played: GMHS Girls Soccer, GMHS Girls Basketball, GMHS Track Academic accomplishments: Member of National Honors Society, Member of Spanish Honors Society Athletic Accomplishments: All State Junior and Senior Year (soccer), State Champion 2017 (soccer), All Conference Junior and Senior Year (soccer), All Conference Sophomore and Junior Year (Track), 2 time NCCC Girls Discus Champion, 1 time NCCC Girls Javelin Champion, 3rd place Class M Discus finish How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: For soccer and basketball I always bring my big speaker and sing and dance with my teammates. Music is essential to my game/meet preparation. Most memorable moment as a BEAR: In the quarter final of the Class M girls soccer state tournament against Rocky Hill the match went into overtime, and with last minute goal by Rocky Hill, penalty kicks. Although I had prepared extensively during practice, I never thought one of our games would come down to them. When my coach, Moose, looked at me and told me I was taking the first penalty kick, my nerves took over. Walking up to the line hearing everyone chant gave me the confidence I needed. I heard the whistle blow and saw the ball hit the back of the net and instantly ran to the arms of my teammates. Taking the win in such an emotional and intense game was truly unforgettable. Favorite athlete: Marta Vieira da Silva, member of the Brazil Women’s National Soccer Team

IN G n e p

Katie Martel

Sports played: Lacrosse Academic accomplishments: Honors all 4 Years Meritorious Award in Math Athletic Accomplishments: First Team All State Midfield 2017 All Conference 2017; Lower New England - Connecticut National Team How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: Put on my favorite music and get relaxed Most memorable moment as a BEAR: My most memorable moment as a bear was playing in the State Finals and winning in double overtime. Favorite athlete: Tom Brady Plans after high school: Going to college and majoring in physical therapy. Favorite quote: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

day : A pr i l 7 t h !

Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream hand-crafted in small batches right on our family farm!

farm animal petting zoo sugar-free + dairy-free options picnic area free outdoor movies all summer long fun, family friendly events take-home cakes, quarts + half-gallons

• Granville, MA

www.granvalscoop.com

Page 38 The Granby Drummer

April 2018

From the pages of the GMHS Newspaper, the Bears Beacon

Where Responsibility Lies: What Businesses Do To Protect Your Data (Hint: It’s Not Enough) By Kate Hosack In 2012, just under 50,000 cases of malicious cyber attacks were reported to the United States Computer Emergency Team, a department within Home land Security dedicated to computer based threats. In 2015, damage costs from cyber crime soared to three trillion dollars internationally. And much more recently, the number of reported cyber attacks that targeted business exploded to nearly 200,000 in 2017. However, the actual number may be around 350,000. The problem is only growing. As the world becomes more computerized, there is more to attack, and more people to exploit. Unfortunately, technologies do not develop in a vacuum, so as security gets stronger, so do the tools that hackers use to circumvent those measures. After a recent wave of RansomWare attacks that targeted small business owners and private citizens alike, thousands were left wondering how they can protect themselves, their data, and their assets. At the end of the article, I’ve provided suggestions on what private citizens can do to protect themselves, but when it comes to large corporations that store millions of customers’ data, the issue is much more complicated. In 2015, the UK equivalent of AT& T or T-Mobile, TalkTalk, began to receive reports of scam calls to their customers in which the scammer had access to the customer’s TalkTalk account details. The scammer would get the victim to log onto their computer and share their screen with the scammer, who would then install malware. Victims of the scam lost thousands of British pounds, directly from their bank accounts, and 21,000 TalkTalk accounts had been compromised. What’s most shocking is that TalkTalk had no idea that the breach had occurred. TalkTalk owned a call center, WiPro, in Kolkata, India, where employees of elevated status had access to an enormous amount of unencrypted user accounts. Three rogue WiPro employees

loaded thousands of user accounts onto USBs, and handed them off to known scammers, with the understanding that if the scammer was successful, the employee would get a share of the profits. But it isn’t the data breach itself that put TalkTalk in the hot seat; data breaches occur all the time. Equifax, Home Depot, JP Morgan, and many others have had data breaches affecting millions of accounts, much larger than the initial TalkTalk breach. The issue was that, unlike the companies mentioned above, TalkTalk did not notify their customers that a breach had occurred. Eight months passed and the scams continued, but nothing escalated. However, in August of 2015, a second breach of TalkTalk customer data occurred, this time externally instead of internally as before. And this time, TalkTalk did notify customers, saying that additional security measures had been put in place, but to play it safe nonetheless. 2.5 million accounts had been compromised. Three months later, the TalkTalk network speed ground to a crawl. Customers were unable to access the Internet or even make phone calls. Eventually, the TalkTalk website went down. During this third breach the entire TalkTalk customer base, 4 million accounts, had been accessed. 156,000 accounts had had their details stolen. None of it had been encrypted. Six people were arrested in connection with the hack, all of them under 21, the youngest being 15. Ever since this third breach, TalkTalk has been on a long journey downhill, and are still generally regarded as an untrustworthy business. You’d think that a cybersecurity disaster

like TalkTalk’s would have encouraged other business to step it up. Unfortunately that isn’t the case. The same kind of attack used to breach TalkTalk, a SQL injection, was used to breach VTech, the children’s toy company at the end of 2015. 6.4 million accounts, which included (now hang in, this is a long one) parent’s name, email, question and answer for password retrieval, IP, home address, profile photos, and device passwords. Perhaps more disturbing, the hacker had access to the child’s name, gender, birthday, and photos, chats, and voice messages created by children playing with VTech devices. Again, not all of this data was encrypted. Passwords were MD5 hashed, a very weak form of encryption that I (a 16-year old with no professional cybersecurity experience) have been able to unhash. VTech didn’t use SSL, which ensures that browser users are securely connected with the website they’re using preventing man-in-the-middle attacks. Yahoo announced in 2016 that they had been the victim of the largest data breach in history, claiming that 500 million user accounts were stolen. It wasn’t until 2017 that Yahoo revealed the actual number of stolen accounts: 3 billion. Despite claims that all data was protected, it was eventually revealed that all the information in nearly all of the 3 billion stolen accounts was poorly encrypted. In the US, unlike the EU, businesses are

not required to report data breaches to government data protection agencies. I don’t know about you, but I would want to know when my information had been compromised. Anywhere that you have to enter information to make a purchase or to make an account, your information has the potential to be stored, which always has the potential to be stolen. With this in mind, companies need to be doing more to protect customer data. Data should be encrypted, all their software should be patched and updated regularly, and at the bare minimum, their networks should be sophisticated enough that a bored 15-year-old in his parents’ basement can’t steal 156,000 customer accounts. Companies shouldn’t be able to hide and downplay any breaches, especially those that directly threaten their customers in any way, financially or otherwise. Many business owners and corporate CEOs are behind the times and don’t have a true understanding of the threat of data breaches and cyber attacks. Furthermore, we, the consumers, are asked to essentially blindly sign over our data and information to companies who we don’t know if we can trust. It’s time for companies to embrace the responsibility that comes with holding a customer’s identity in their hands. The question then is what CAN we do to protect our data? Most of it is common sense: don’t reuse passwords, enable two-step verification when available, stay up-to-date on patches (software updates specifically for fixing security flaws), verify senders of important emails, and be smart with what you download. Reprinted with permission.

Naloxone has a serious side effect: IT SAVES LIVES. If you’re not on a first name basis with Naloxone, you should be.

dmhas

BREAKFAST served all day!

This publication is funded in whole by grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the CT Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or HHS.

3 Turkey Hills Rd • East Granby, CT (Center Shops Plaza)

860-413-3238

For resources, go to drugfreect.org

April 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 39

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Granby Lions Club Scholarship

Granby Lions Club Scholarship applications for Granby resident high school seniors attending Granby Memorial High School or any other accredited high school, must be completed and returned to Ms. Julie Caruso, Guidance Department, GMHS by May 1. Scholarships will be awarded to high school students planning to further their education by attending a college, university, technical or trade school. These awards will be judged on specific criteria including grades,

financial need and community service. For the first time, high school students seeking to enter the trades and arts will also be considered by the Granby Lions Club Scholarship Committee. Applications for these scholarships may be obtained from Ms. Caruso at GMHS during school hours. Further questions or comments may be directed to Mr. John Monkiewicz, Granby Lions Scholarship Chairman at 860-653-3516.

DECA State Competition Update By Mike Mavredakis This year’s DECA State Competition was a whirlwind of a showing from the GMHS DECA team. Our school brought 31 members of our chapter to States, which is the highest attendance in our chapter’s history, and had 10 people get onto the stage during the final ceremony. Anyone who is the in the top six people in their event get on stage, so we had ten people in the top six of their respective events. We also had six people place in their event, which them all for the International Competition in Atlanta, Georgia in April. The following people got on stage: Tess Meyers for Food Marketing Series,

O’Brien

Mike Quinn-Mavredakis for Business Finance Series, Katelyn Erickson for Business Finance Series, and David Migliaccio for Automotive Services Marketing. The following people finished in the top 3 and qualified for Internationals: Jillian Thrall for Advertising Campaign for Thrall Family Farms (2nd place), Joseph Wix for Principles of Finance (3rd place), Jenna Dauria and Marile Marzo for Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making (2nd Place), Dylan Dingivan for Financial Consulting (2nd Place), and Jacob McDonald for Business Services Marketing (3rd Place). From The Bears Beacon

Nurserymen Open Garden Days

April 6, 7 & 8 Can’t wait for Spring; Hellebores in Bloom! April 20, 21 & 22 Spring Ephemerals – Bloodroot, Trilliums, etc April 27, 28 & 29 Time to View our Yellow Magnolias Hours: Friday 10-5; Saturdays 10-5; Sundays 10-5 (On Above Dates Only) Also by Appointment – Please Call Ahead Directions: From Granby Ctn, Jct. Rte 10/202 & Rte 20; West on Rte 20 to first light; Right on Rte 189 North; 1 ½ miles, Right onto Wells Rd; #40 Wells Road, ½ mile on Right 40 Wells Road Granby, CT 06035 • (860) 653-0163 • www.obrienhosta.com

Community Scholarship Association of Granby

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

Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) offers annual scholarships to graduating Granby Memorial High School seniors. Applicants must be Granby residents who are soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an institution of higher learning approved by the selection committee. The largest scholarship, the David A. Schupp, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, will be awarded to a student pursuing a STEM major. The primary basis for selection is scholarship, with consideration given to need, initiative, character and responsibility. CSAG has been performing this service since the first graduating class of Granby Memorial High School in 1958. To date, CSAG manages contributions of all kinds, but particularly funds from a Holcomb family endowment and annual fundraising in conjunction with the Granby Road Race. CSAG has awarded

Democratic Town Committee Scholarship 2018 of the original proponents of this amendment, (James Madison, James Monroe The Granby Democratic Town Comand John Adams) and then discuss your mittee (DTC) is accepting applications interpretation and how you think this for $1,000 scholarship awards to recamendment should be applied today.” ognize a Granby student, or students, To be eligible for the scholarship, the who best exemplify its mission, Making applicant must be a Granby resident, Granby a Better Community, and who graduating from Granby Memorial High have demonstrated engagement in the School in 2018, and registered to vote if political process. age 17 or older. The scholarship awards As a part of the scholarship application, will be presented at GMHS Senior students are asked to prepare an essay or Awards night. multimedia on–the followThe scholarship application June 1, 2 presentation & 3 Kalmia Connecticut’s State Flower – Mt. Laurel may be obing topic: tained by emailing GranbyDemocrats@ June amendment 8, 9 & 10 ofCome see the Hostas at their best!of the application is “The second the Constigmail.com. A copy tution of the United States was based on also Amazing available Arisaemas at the Granby Memorial June 15, 16 & 17 Exotic, Elegant and English common law and was adopted High School Guidance Office. December reads ‘A well June 22, 15, 23 1791. & 24 ItHeucheras, Foliage in many Color Variations Application deadline is Friday, May regulated Militia, being necessary to the 4, to submit completed applications to security of a free State, the right of the GranbyDemocrats@gmail.com, or to the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not GMHS Guidance office. be infringed.’ Consider the perspective

By Jim Lofink

GRAN-BEE TRIVIA COMPETITION Friday, April 27, 6:30 PM, GMHS Auditorium For more information and to register visit: www.granbyeducationfoundation.org SPONSORED BY:

Page 40 The Granby Drummer

Closer to Home

Opioids and Naloxone

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertiser Page Beacon Mechnical Service 33 Beman Hardware 10 Berkshire Hathaway Awards 23 Berkshire Hathaway Copper Brook 33 Berkshire Hathaway RE 16 Berkshire Hathaway Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway Shepards Way 34 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Cahill’s Motors 5 Carter Robert Painting 36 Center Grill 38 Chiropractic Care 3 Christopher Bryant 36 Coldwell Banker 40 Command Corporation 38 Creative Learning Preschool Center 6 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 19 Debbie Finney Sewing 19 Ensle Paint 27 First Church 21 Gary’s Mowing 27 GEF Gran-Bee 39 Granby Dental - Kirschbaum 13 Granby Dental Center-Ungerleider 9 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Insurance 19 Granby Lions Club 24 Granby Package Store 30 Granby Pharmacy 35 Granby Public Schools 25 Granby Public Works 36 Granby Rovers Soccer Club 33 Granby Village Health 24 Granby Youth Services 18, 26, 38, 40 GranVal Scoop 35 Hampstead Hills 26 Higleyville Coin 20 Jamie Bannon Photography 26 Jim Hammel-Edward Jones 9 John Williams Paint 21

Advertiser Page Judy Guarco Berkshire Hathaway 10 LAFD Auxiliary Rummage Sale 27 Larry’s Construction 30 Main Street Door 18 Mark Brady Kitchen 35 McLean 31 MeadowBrook of Granby 35 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 13 Northwest Community Bank 32 Notch Road Appliance 21 O.P. Painting 15 O’Brien Nursery 39 Old Farms Landscaping 37 Pierce Builders-Meadowgate 12 Pilgrim Covenant Church 14 Route 10 Tire 20 Sanditz Travel Management 21 Santa Realty 35 SchoenRock Financial 32 Seniors Helping Seniors 39 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 15 Simsbury Bank 8 Small Town Septic 25 South Church 11 State Line Propane Oil 10 Strain Family Equestrian Center 19 Subseven 10 Swim Center 34 TJ Bark Mulch 15 Tom Sullivan Morgan Stanley 8 Troiano Oil Company 23 Two Coyotes 11 Two Park Place 3 Valkyrie 5 Valley Brook Community Church 18, 37 Valley View Cabinetry 33 Walsh Chiropractic 23 West Granby Methodist Church 14 Westfield Bank 17 Windsor Federal Savings 9

April 2018

What Our Communities Need To Know Hartland, Granby and East Granby join us for this free panel discussion Learn: About the scope of the problem within our communities How to recognize signs of addiction

DATE: April 18, 2018 (changed due to snow on March 21)

Where to obtain Naloxone (Narcan) and how administer it to reverse an overdose What YOU can do to help reduce opioid abuse

TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: Granby Senior Center 15 C North Granby Road Granby Ct 06035 QUESTIONS? CALL: (860) 844-5355

Services and resources available in Connecticut

May 2018 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, April 11 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org. ARTICLES: Monday, April 16 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: April 10-23 Call or email for times.

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