Granby Drummer | April 2019

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Volume XLIX, No. 8 • May 2019

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Capital Planning—the Granby way

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance Since the 1980s Granby has utilized a rather unique workhorse for capital planning,the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee, commonly referred to as CPPAC. Advisory to the Board of Selectmen, it consists of two members each from the Boards of Selectmen, Finance, and Education; the Town Treasurer, and as ex-officio members, the chairs of these three boards, the Town Manager and the Superintendent of Schools. Its function is to formulate a prioritized multi-year capital plan that integrates the operating and capital budgets to provide a rationale and measured projection for meeting the needs of the town over time in a balanced and costconscious manner. It takes the long view in maintaining the physical assets of the town over time at a reasonable cost to taxpayers.

We utilize a homegrown computerized model for forecasting what future town government budgets may look like, and how and when to best bring capital projects forward through the boards and to the public for approval. The assumptions within the planning process tend

to be intentionally conservative, so that what unfolds for the years in the planning period tends to come out better—meaning costing taxpayers less than forecast.

Evolving at a time when Granby had been experiencing rapid growth, the infrastructure was strained and budgets were growing faster than today. The CPPAC process provided a level of certainty if not comfort, in knowing what could be reasonably expected over the next few years in terms of changes in local property tax bills, given the underlying operating assumptions and the capital projects if approved. Part and parcel of the CPPAC process was, and continues to be a Memorandum of Understanding. It provides the boards with the key elements and assumptions within the capital plan the boards are considering.

In addition, a Statement of Commitment has been the public commitment by the members of the Boards of Selectmen, Education, and Finance to do their part in keeping within the parameters set forth in the memo and the capital plan in order to secure board and public approval for the priority capital projects of the plan itself.

Three times the boards signed on in

Capital planning cont’d. on p. 6

Granby wins 2018 Democracy Cup From l.: Sen. Kevin Witkos, former registrar Sarah Thrall, registrar Laura Wolfe, Secretary of State Denise Merrill and First Selectman Scott Kuhnly.

Photo by Rita Isaacson For the Nov. 6 Gubernatorial election, the town of Granby won the medium-sized town award for the highest voter turnout in the state. Granby had a 76.97 percent turnout: 5,894 of 7,675 registered voters. Secretary of State Denise Merrill presented the massive two-and-a-half-foot silver trophy to registrar Laura Wolfe and former registrar Sarah Thrall at the Board of Selectman meeting on March 4. The trophy was created by the East Haddam Civic Association to recognize outstanding voter participation and will stay in Granby for two years until the next federal election.

The trophy is awarded biennially to four towns based on four population categories: small town, medium town, large town and city.

Inside Humans of Granby............. 17

Waypoints...................... 30

Fortune & Folly................. 25

Whats for Supper.............. 31

Looking for something?

Paula Johnson captured this jay peeking around the base of the tree branch. Chances are, he’s looking for spring!

CPPAC still looking for residents’ comments

By Carol Bressor Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee (CPPAC) members are seeking residents’ comments on capital projects that the committee is looking to recommend to the board of selectmen for bonding. Three informational sessions, held March 14, 16 and 19, attracted about 150 residents. There is still time for residents to make their comments/ concerns known by getting in touch with Town Manager John Ward. For more information and updates, please visit the town website: granby-ct.gov or the school website: granby.k12.ct.us On April 1, the Board of Selectmen will vote to accept CPPAC projects for forwarding to the Board of Finance. According to the town charter, there will be a town meeting on Tuesday, May 28 to present the recommendation. Then on Tuesday, June 4, eligible town residents (registered voters and property owners) will vote in a referendum.

The CPPAC recommendations are: bridge replacements, ground mounted solar array and school infrastructure improvements.

Bridge Replacements Five bridges on the following roads are identified for replacement: Griffin, Moosehorn, Donahue, Simsbury and Hungary. The estimated gross cost to the town is $13,052,500. This amount would be bonded though the actual amount the town would pay is estimated at $4,064,750. The five bridges are eligible

for partial state/federal funding which reduces town’s cost.

Grounded Mounted Solar Array Granby has the opportunity to generate solar energy via virtual net metering and sell the excess to Eversource at market rate. Through a formal contract with Eversource, the project will benefit both the school district and the town: the school district will be eligible for school construction grants and the solar panel field will offset district electricity bills.

An 11-acre donated parcel of land behind Wells Road School will be used to set up the ground panels. The district is waiting final word from the inland wetlands commission on how much of the parcel can be used. The program is in keeping with Granby’s conservation plan and has curriculum and instruction applications for the students.

School Infrastructure Improvements These improvements address safety issues as well as academic and athletic facility needs primarily at the high school and reflect the recommendations made by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) after its accreditation visit last fall.

The improvements include parking lot repair and a staircase alteration in the high school building as well as providing upgrades and/or replacement for school roofs and/or HVAC systems at the middle and elementary schools to be replaced in the next five years.

CPPAC cont’d. on p. 2

Photo by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

CPPAC, FY20 budget topics dominate BOS meetings

These meeting notes are based upon the official meeting minutes, which are posted on the town website granby-ct. gov/board-selectmen

SPECIAL MEETING Feb. 25 Capital Projects Update: Selectman Neumann reported that the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee (CPPAC) has endorsed the following projects: Board of Selectmen: five bridge repair projects (including the closed Griffin Road Bridge) Board of Education: infrastructure and systems school projects, and a solar project CPPAC Economic Model: Town Manager Ward presented and reviewed a chart of income and expenditure growth rates for the next six fiscal years. It contained growth rates, spending rates, cost of debt and timing so as to minimize the impact on taxes and the mil rate.

CPPAC Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Intent: First Selectman Kuhnly was concerned that two Selectmen were not there, so nothing was signed but it was agreed to forward it to the Boards of Education and Finance. The

Selectmen also agreed to schedule a Three Board Meeting for Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. to discuss the Statement of Intent.

Budget Guideline: Town Manager Ward reported the Board of Finance has set a maximum four percent (4 percent) expenditure increase for the 2019-2020 FY operating budgets of both BOS and BOE. Town Manager report: Tax collections are at 98 percent. Granby residents had approximately $20M in damage (based on permit information) from the May 2018 hail storm. Revenue is consistent and operations are on target.

MEETING March 4 Appointments: The board voted to appoint Audrey Meyer Lampert to the Library Board to fill a vacancy through Jan. 13, 2020.

Budget Presentation: The Town Manager presented the proposed BOS expenditures budget including: Town Operations: $11,299,932 increase of 4.7 percent meeting Board of Finance guideline Debt Service: $2,777,355 decrease of 19.2 percent without any new projects Capital Budget: $1,450,000 increase

of 5.5 percent to maintain infrastructure Teachers Retirement: $85,867 reflecting proposed Governors budget Overall the BOS General Fund Expenditures budget is $11,299,932, which is an increase of 0.1 percent, without BOE expenditures. Increases in town operations are driven by increases in health insurance, pensions, wages, and trash tipping fees. Items of concern that were cut to meet the guideline include one half-time position in Public Safety records keeping, DPW supplies and DPW storm-related overtime.

Democracy Cup Award Ceremony: Secretary of State Denise Merrill presented the Democracy Cup to the Granby Registrars of Voters for the 3rd time in 10 years. This recognizes Granby as having the highest voter turnout (over 79 percent) in the 2018 mid-term elections, out of all midsize towns in the state. Merrill thanked Granby residents for coming out to vote and presented the Democracy Cup to Registrar Laura Wolf and Moderator Sarah Thrall on behalf of former Registrar Paul Willis and the many volunteer poll workers.

Retiring: Town Manager John Ward announced the upcoming August retirement

of Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer, and thanked her for over 30 years of exemplary service.

On March 4, the Board of Selectman convened a meeting with the Board of Finance and the Board of Education to review information developed by the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee (CPPAC).

Already circulated to the boards were CPPAC project recommendations included in a Memorandum of Understanding and a Statement of Intent supporting controlled annual expenditures.

Board of Finance Chairman Mike Guarco spoke about the economic model CPPAC used, which projects financial impacts going out six years at reasonable growth rates. The projects include five necessary bridge repairs (from decking down to the underwater level) with 50-80 percent of the costs reimbursed by state or federal grants. A solar project is expected to pay for itself with grants and reimbursements. There are also high school projects for needs not met years ago.

No action was taken, and three information hearings for the public were scheduled for March 14, 16 and 19.

CPPAC cont’d. from p. 1 The 20-year old high school complex needs upgrading to reflect current educational goals. With not enough space to deliver the high school science curriculum, a classroom space needs to be converted into a science lab. Robotics, family and consumer science and career technologies need expanded and modernized facilities. Additionally, the performing arts program requires space for growing drama and music offerings including a dedicated band practice area.

The high school library media center needs to be redesigned to accommodate 21st century technologies as well as dedicated teaching and tutorial spaces.

Cafeteria facilities need to be added— they were cut out in previous high school upgrades to reduce costs. Athletic facility improvements include bringing water access and bathroom facilities to the fields, installing lights, and would complete the original plan to install the press box to provide adequate space for announcing and taping games.

The projected gross cost for the solar and school projects is $10,770,749.

The net cost to the town is estimated at $6,773,993, taking into account funding from state, federal and business sources.

Added to the bridge projects, the net cost of the proposed 2019 capital project is $10,838,743.

Many of the public comments focused on the impact of the school projects on regionalization currently under discussion on the state level. Presenters pointed out that these programs could enhance Granby’s position as a regional leader but more importantly, would provide a better learning environment for the town’s students. The effect of declining student population was a concern of some residents. School Superintendent Addley noted the decline is not happening as fast as originally projected.

Concern was voiced over the solar project, particularly with the wetlands on the parcel and the taking of trees. The size of the panel field may fluctuate from the original plan, but savings still make it a revenue source for the town.

Several residents suggested that the referendum be structured so the projects could be voted upon separately.

April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 3

MARCH 7 MEETING First Selectman Kuhnly opened the meeting and announced that if anyone from the audience had questions to please submit them in writing to the Town Manager or First Selectman.

He opened public session and town resident Susan Patricelli Regan said she appreciates the transparency.

Selectman Ohannessian commented he is unsure of the proposed increase. He is not clear as to why the teacher’s pension is a part of our budget when it hasn’t been approved in the state’s budget yet. Why is this expense in our budget which is 6.6 percent of the town budget? He doesn’t see any movement on IT consolidation and has concerns about the town side.

He indicated we need to spend more time looking at our Capital budget.

Selectman Lofink has concerns about what we are changing to reflect our aging community. We need to make sure we maintain our infrastructure and community.

Town Manager Ward indicated it is prudent to put the teacher’s pension into the budget now rather than try to insert it at the last minute. The state has indicated it should be part of the town budget. A combined Capital budget with the Board of Education is part of the town budget as required. Town Manager Ward reviewed the significant changes in the health plan, pension, wage increases, and tipping fees. Additional funding for IT was cut. He is working with the Superintendent of Schools on this issue. He believes this is a conservative budget consistent with the guideline.

Public Works: Director Kirk Severance reported there are 16 FT employees and three PT employees, 7 transfer station attendants who rotate hours and summer help. They have been short one FT employee for 10 years and once again hope to fill the position.

The department maintains all 23 town buildings or structures, grounds, trees throughout the town in decline, equipment used by the town, all town roads, sewers and bridges, and does repairs as needed.

They are responsible for refuse recycling, done contractually through Paine’s. The Material Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) has raised our rate significantly this year , the main reason for the increase in the solid waste account. Transfer station employees handle the disposal of bulky waste and recyclable materials. MS4 Storm Water Management continues.

This is the required constantly monitored process of removing contaminants from drains that run off into creeks and streams, to stop them from reaching Long Island Sound. The Board voiced concern regarding the cut in General and Equipment Maintenance OT. Mr. Ward indicated that this is one area of concern but a cut was needed to meet the guideline.

BUDGET MEETING NOTES The Sewer Utility Fund, used to maintain the town’s two pump stations and sewer lines. It is also used to pay fees for the transportation and treatment of town sewage at the Town of Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility. A large portion of the Fund this past year went to the replacement of the pump station at Wolcott Road in Simsbury. Solid waste (fats, oil, and grease) that accumulates in the sewer tanks need to be cleaned out by DPW two times a year.

The Solid Waste Fund, a special revenue fund, is maintained outside of the town’s General Fund and receives revenue from certain drop off services that include bulky items, metal goods, brush, leaves, waste oil, electronics, and more.

Community Development: Director Abby Kenyon noted that the town’s Consulting Engineer and Wetlands Consultant are under the general direction her department. They provide technical services to the various town departments, boards, and commission including public works inland wetlands and watercourses. Inspections of approved subdivisions are billed out to cover the cost of engineering services, reducing the cost to the town. Activity has been high this year and additional hours of service will be required. An application fee schedule, to better cover the cost, is being developed. A significant change is a reduction of $3,000 for the IWWC Consultant.

Revenue is $2,000 for applications. Community Development shows a slight increase in mileage and professional affiliations. A reduction of $365 is shown to meet the Board of Finance guideline.

Library Services: Director Amy McCue noted there are two libraries that serve the needs of the community with a strong collection of books, magazines, movies, music, eBooks, eAudio books, eMagazines, online databases, and programs for all ages. The combined libraries are open 65 hours per week. Cossitt Library hours are changing to better reflect usage, though one hour is being cut from the current total. New materials and programs are constantly being introduced.

Residents who have a Town of Granby library card can access collections of all of the libraries in our Consortium. They have four FT employees and several part-time staff. Revenue is $14,000 from overdue fees, that may be reduced because of automatic digital reminders of book due dates. There is a 1.7 percent increase in the overall budget to maintain services but a $7,200 reduction was made to meet the Board of Finance guideline.

Recreation and Leisure Services: Director Kristine Vincent noted that in addition to her position, there is one 35 hr/week employee and a 25 hr/week employee that will increase to 35hr/week to meet the demands of increased programming. With the exception of the Director’s salary funded by the General Fund, the remaining payroll expenses are covered through

collected program fees. The staff plans, organizes, directs, supervises, publicizes and evaluates a wide variety of leisure programs and activities. A new combined programming guide will be coming out soon that includes information on the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, Library Services, and Social/Senior/Youth Services.

MARCH 11 MEETING First Selectman Kuhnly opened the meeting and reminded everyone of the changed process for reviewing the budget indicating it is a better opportunity to understand the budget.

Building Inspection: Building Official/Zoning Enforcement Officer William Volovski reviewed the Building Inspection section of Personal and Property Protection. The department has two full-time employees, himself and the Administrative Assistant who also assists Community Development, Fire Marshal and the land use commissions. A part-time floater position has been reduced by 25 percent ($500). He expects a busy year in construction ahead.

There are still 400 open roofing permits from last May’s hailstorm. Granby also provides services to the Town of East Hartland. There is an overall -0.3 percent reduction in the proposed budget.

Fire Prevention: Fire Marshall Harold Holmes reviewed Fire Prevention. His responsibilities include plan review, inspection, fire investigation, liquor permits, fuel tank inspections, hazardous materials inspections and others. He works closely with the building official for commercial construction.

Significant changes are a $5,000 reduction to Temp/ Part-Time payroll and an overall -0.5 percent reduction in the proposed budget.

Emergency Management: Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon stepped in for Eric Vincent, Emergency Management Director. This five-hour per week position is responsible for plan that enables response to local and regional emergencies declared by the state or the town. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), created in 2010, is made up of volunteers from Granby and organized under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. Vincent would oversee an emergency center and manage CERT volunteers.

He assists schools with emergency reports required by the state. The town contributes $6,000 to the Emergency Management Fund, which matches FEMA’s contribution.

Health Services: Town Manager Ward reported on Health Services. It provides a comprehensive program of home health care, hospice services, and illness

prevention programs for Granby residents. Services are available through the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, Inc. (VNA). The VNA works closely with the Department of Human Services and Senior Center personnel and Farmington Valley Health District in coordinating these services. Increased funding for the Farmington Valley Health District is due to state mandates and will increase for the next four years. The CMED and EMD programs are needed for 911 calls and communication between ambulances and hospitals. Through a recently approved contract, the town contributes $15,000 to Granby Ambulance Association and the town is obligated to pay for workers compensation insurance for volunteers.

Police: Chief of Police Carl Rosensweig reported on Police Department administration and operations and communications. Administration shows a 100 percent reduction ($18,500) in Temp/Part-Time to meet the Board of Finance guideline. This is a total elimination of the records department part-time position.

Operations and communications has 18 on regular payroll. There are 14 patrol officers, detective, and sergeants and four dispatchers. Contract and maintenance service shows increases for contribution to the dog fund, records management, and training totaling $2,800. A $700 reduction was taken to meet the BOF guideline leaving an overall increase of 0.6 percent. Rosensweig reported a dispatcher is retiring and possibly a police officer in the next year.

First Selectman Kuhnly inquired about consolidating dispatch services. Chief Rosensweig responded it really doesn’t save money and services are actually lost when this is done. Granby provides dispatch services to East Granby and Hartland. Rosensweig reported the department of police services would receive the accreditation this May. There was discussion about the dog fund in the police department budget. the animal control officer is paid through the dog fund and is under contract and not on the payroll.

Social Services: Director of Human Services Sandy Yost provided information on social services, senior services and youth services. Yost said the center is almost at capacity and it is increasingly challenged to schedule events and programs. Social services is working with the recreation department and the library to put together a new combined information and program guide. Using Kearns School to help with needed space was discussed. Town Manager Ward said it would be very costly to bring it up to today’s standards and code compliance. It would just be a higher operating cost for the town to support.

BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES FEBRUARY 20 MEETING School Improvement Plans

Kimberly Dessert, Kelly Lane Principal, and Anna Forlenza-Bailey, Wells Road Intermediate School Principal, shared updates on their respective School Improvement Plans with the board.

Dessert reviewed the Vision, Mission and District Achievement Goal: There is a 10 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism in all subgroups.

Instructional Goal: Work coaching has benefitted

teachers with their learning walks. There are three coaches at Kelly Lane — Literacy, Math and Science and about 50 percent of teachers have had an opportunity to work with a coach.

Forlenza-Bailey updated her School Improvement Plan for Wells Road.

For the Vision, Mission and District Achievement Goal: Office referrals of white and non-white students are being reviewed. White student referrals have dropped from 8 percent to 6 percent and non-white student referrals went from 27 percent to 19 percent

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in comparison to last year’s data.

Student Achievement Goal: Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium results have not been received but teachers are continuing to monitor and review those results using standardized testing data.

Instructional Goal: Students are taking ownership for their learning. Dr. Bailey reported on coaches and enrichment coach data that shows an increase from 12 to 14 students in third grade who meet with the enrichment coach; fourth grade increased 13 to 21 students; fifth grade increased by four, and four students have moved into an accelerated curriculum in math.

MARCH 20 MEETING

Dr. Addley extended congratulations to: the boys high school basketball team; Chris Webber, third state title won in swimming; the cast and crew of Grease for a sold out performance.

Announcements

• Kindergarten registration is on track for about 100 students for the 2019-20 school year; • The Canton football co-op is still in consideration; • The last day of school and graduation is slated for June 14, barring any further inclement weather; • Wells Road School’s open principal position has

been posted online and a Parent Advisory Committee is being formed.

Presentation

Middle School Principal Sue Henneberry, and Shirley Cowles, Enrichment presented along with students on the enrichment program that launched in September and has been laying the foundation for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. The program follows the Three E’s Philosophy – enjoyment around work, engagement into a topic and enthusiasm for learning. The goals for this program were to meet the needs of the highest performing students and identify gifted and talented students and exceptional learners. To date, 36 students have participated in the enrichment class in grades 6, 7 and 8. Future goals are to create opportunities for all middle school students who show an advanced understanding of a topic and want to expand on it.

High school Principal Mike Dunn reported that NEASC accreditation has been renewed and that the high school spring sports season is commencing.

Find budget documents at: granby.k12.ct.us/page. cfm?p=5588

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor

Community Center and business incubator for all

FIND US

The Kearns Regional Community Center board of directors appreciates all of the support and questions from residents, town officials and the town advisory committee. We firmly believe that good questions lead to better outcomes, whether that is financial stability, small business development or social good.

To that end, we have met with many citizens and endeavored to answer questions on social media and in person. We continue to provide opportunities for conversation, including a Meet the Board event on Friday, March 29, from 7–9 p.m. at East Granby Farms.

The board is committed to bringing to our region and the state a self-sustaining, business-oriented model for how to repurpose crumbling and neglected school buildings. Our conservative estimates, as detailed in our budget, put us on track to be profitable quickly. The community center will have areas that generate revenue (adult daycare, café, teaching and commercial incubator kitchens, performance space, and conference room), in addition to community membership opportunities.

We have no intention of asking the town to foot the bill. By (hopefully) receiving a $2 million bond for renovation, this project will bring those tax dollars back to our region and create jobs. With that assistance, the project aims to be self-sustaining within a year and has a cadre of professionals performing tremendous pro bono work to make this project viable, including grant writers.

Given that this board is raising the funds, managing the renovation, running the facility, and developing the programming in conjunction with other groups, a 10-year lease is both fair and needed to inspire the investment from the state and our region. This project meets the Governor’s exceptions to the “debt diet” because it will be a stimulus for small business through the kitchens and the co-working and conference room spaces.

The center by design is entrepreneurial and provides a nationwide model for thoughtful and proactive repurposing of former school buildings. Right now, Granby spends up to $50,000 per year maintaining a property no one uses; as a regional community center, thousands of people from 10 towns will benefit from unique programming and safe space in which to explore, learn and achieve.

The Town of Granby has been studying possible uses of this property and this proposal in particular for some time. We have full confidence that both the town and the advisory committee is proceeding with all due diligence to ensure an appropriate plan for Kearns. We also believe that a community center that benefits seniors, veterans, teens, those with special needs, small business owners, artists, and families is an asset that Connecticut and our region can market to attract new business and new families.

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.

Together we can turn a liability into an asset, an eyesore into a warm space for all, and an empty hulk into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Not bad for an old school.

KCC Board of Directors: Alecia Aldrich, Annie Hornish, Kenya Moening, Alicia Newton, Josh Sunderland, Eileen Swan, Matt Tyo

Poetry and music in Granby

On March 9 I attended the statewide Poetry Out Loud competition in Middletown. I have served as a judge in the Granby Memorial High School for Poetry Out Loud for two years running and I had a rehearsal in Middletown that morning but I was able to see a little of the end result of the hard work of students from every town in Connecticut.

I was stunned by the power and the dedication of the students who recited the poems they had memorized. All of them, to my mind, were winners.

Yesterday, March 10, I sat and listened as three of the choral ensembles from the Hartt School of Music performed music written by Dufay and William Byrd, Eric Barnum and Christopher Theofanidis, music setting sacred texts of long ago, and poetry by Gabriel Garcia Lorca and Amy Beth Kirsten’s November Prayer (from Messages to Myself.)

Ed Bolkovac, the director of the Chamber Choir, declaimed the poems that the pieces were based on and then drew the music directly from the hearts of his singers.

I had been wondering about the importance of the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series in this little town, but as I sat there in tears, I knew the importance of what was happening in that small church on that afternoon.

Thank you all for combining such a high level of artistry with such powerful messages about what really matters.

Thank you to all who support these endeavors and who make it possible for these young artists to deepen their understanding of the music and the poetry they perform.

GRANBY FOOD BANK

Two days in a row of watching young people pour themselves into poetry and music have lifted me and encouraged me about my world, and what we each can do to make it better. I could see determination, joy and hope in the faces and demeanor of these high school and college students. It has strengthened me for the journey we are all on together.

Laura Mazza-Dixon

Equal Pay Day April 2

Recognize Equal Pay Day on April 2 to symbolize how far women and minorities are “in the red” with their paycheck.

On Tuesday, April 2, 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.

The U.S. Census Bureau in 2017, reported median annual earnings in the U.S. for men working full-time, yearround was $52,146, compared to $41,977

Letters cont’d. on p. 5 ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

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Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, April 1, April 15 Budget Public Hearing, 7 p.m., GMHS Auditorium, Monday, April 8 Budget Referendum, 12 to 8 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, April 22 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, April 22 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, April 3, April 17 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, April 9, April 23

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April 2019

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, April 10

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Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, April 8

LETTERS POLICY

The Drummer welcomes letters.

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

April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 5

OP-ED: What do you want to do with Kearns? What are you willing to pay?

By William C. Scheel We’ve seen only one proposal for using decommissioned Kearns School, an asset owned by the town. Maybe that is because the town has done a poor job of ascertaining Granby residents’ usage preferences.

Maybe town officials haven’t discovered usage ideas because they have never issued a formal Request for Proposals.

I once asked the Town Manager whether he has ever specifically tasked his town officials, who run the existing town’s center services, either to offer use suggestions or to cost-out possible alternatives—all to be done using Kearns within the existing town framework. He indicated that has not occurred. Yet, such an internal appraisal seems highly needed given the findings of a 2016 survey.

This survey was an attempt to identify what the town should do. I fear the results of that survey have been forgotten. Let’s briefly review them.

Respondents to one degree or another agreed that Kearns should be retained as a facility for Educational Activities. According to the Kearns Study summary, the highest three cateories of agreement constituted 68 percent. (See the Kearns Study report at granby-ct.gov/sites/ granbyct/files/uploads/kssc_survey_results_12-16-2016.pdf ) There was little appetite expressed in the 2016 survey to sell the property, but strong agreement about its retention as a town property.

The survey contains no information about an appetite to spend—there were no questions about money. However, today governmental representatives (both state and Granby), are looking to put Kearns to use again as what has been proposed as a community center.

That’s okay if you want to spend in excess of $2 million tax dollars to create a Kearns Community Center. In 2017, Kearns was appraised in good condition and valued at $2,510,500.

The center concept was addressed among survey preferred usages—Community Center was not among survey categories. The usage table ranks the surveyed preferences.

Usage Table The Center will incur costs to both Connecticut State income taxpayers and Granby property taxpayers, just to open its doors: more than $2 million in new tax dollars and loss of potential property tax savings by the town’s financial giveaway of Kearns. It doesn’t end there.

In addition to higher taxes (and philanthropic support), the center will charge to participate in the activities. I think the town is handling the disposition of this decommissioned school in a short-sighted and costly manner.

Conceptually, there is a lot to like about

USAGE RANKINGS

Answer Choices Rank 1 Educational Activities Recreation 2 3 Assisted Living 4 Senior Housing Commercial Activities 5 Medical Facility 6 7 Light Industry/Research Retail 8 9 Nursing Home Non-Age Restricted Housing 10

the proposed center. Yet, given the drain both to taxpayers and its users’ pocketbooks, I wonder if there isn’t a better, less expensive usage.

What does the Kearns Center proposal do?

• Get Connecticut income tax payers statewide to pay to refurbish a tired, unused school into a nicely appointed center that will be used by a comparatively small, regional population within the state.

• Get grants to cover a small part of reconstruction costs.

• Get additional grants to cover 15 percent of operating expenses.

• Charge regional center users fees to use it.

• Get Granby residents to bear the risk of default by leasing Kearns from the town during a ten-year rent-free lease.

Default happens if the center’s revenues fall short of expenses.

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 for women. In Connecticut men earned around 62,976, where as women earned around $52,120. The gap narrowed over the past half-century, 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 rightfully earn.

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. (S.819 Paycheck Fairness Act 115th Congress (2017-2018))

The Pay Equity for All Act – would prohibit employers from asking about salary history before making a job offer.

(H.R.2418 - Pay Equity for All Act of 2017 115th Congress (2017-2018)) 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. (H.R.2095 - Fair Pay Act of 2017 115th Congress (2017-2018)) Resources and further information/ handouts are available at Granby Public Library.

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• Probably get Granby to agree to a lease that really is a deferred town grant of the property at no cost at lease termination.

• Get Granby to give full control of Kearns to a 501c3 nonprofit to use without restrictions. (No town oversight or control during the lease period.)

Because the center is run by a nonprofit organization, it doesn’t pay property taxes to the town. Because revenues are drained in expenses, profit is not forthcoming— there are no state income taxes. There is no repayment by the center of the $2 million given as a construction grant-in-add under proposed State Assembly Bill No. 257—its bonding costs will be picked up

by State income taxpayers.

What happens when a nonprofit center runs into financial woes because of inflated expenses or because demand slackens and there are insufficient pay-for-service revenues? Somebody comes to the rescue.

That would be you and me either through higher user fees, taxes or donations.

The fully refurbished school and completed center, when available sometime in 2020, has nice accoutrements (most of which are not free) for anyone in the Granby region: Kitchen with cooking lessons (charge) Senior day care (charge) Many public events using a single large room and including other private events (charge) Hobby shops and crafts, such as woodworking, metal fabrication, printing (charge) Outdoor-style sun room good for supplementing the sun one otherwise gets and uses for natural production of vitamin D (charge?)

Veteran’s activity area (charge?)

Meditation room (charge) Entitlements to members through subscriptions. Some would be discounts on other fee-for-services (charge) Walks around the grounds, most of which are currently inaccessible and may remain so (free)

Where is the demand? And at what price?

Without senior day care, the budget of the center falls apart. There also is high dependency on kitchen operations. Nobody knows the demand for center services at the prices expected to be charged. Nobody has adequately looked at using Kearns as an adjunct to the existing, publicly run and financed center. That would be Granby Town Services, its school system, and, its many other services now supporting Granby residents. The Library and Senior Center are just two of many examples of the existing town infrastructure constituting an existing community center. Should this existing center be enhanced by using Kearns to bolster those existing town services, all within the rubric of retention and repurposing this town asset? And, should that extension be done at a fraction of the proposed $2 million and at the loss of lease payments to the town? I believe education and recreational use of Kearns can be done more inexpensively within the existing town framework. Has this approach been adequately considered?

Conclusion The disposition of Kearns is not a done deal. Neither is the Kearns Community Center. I started with the questions: “What do you want to do with Kearns?” and “What are you willing to pay?” It’s not too late to express your wishes. I encourage you to post on the Granby Living Facebook page (facebook.com/ groups/GranbyLiving/) and write a note to John Ward, the Granby Town Manager (granby-ct.gov/webforms/contact-us) or the Kearns Community Center Advisory Committee (c/o Abby Kenyon, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035). Do this before a decision is made. Tell them what you like and don’t forget to tell them what you are willing to spend to get it.

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

OP-ED: How we can work together for Granby’s future

By Susan Patricelli Regan My focus in prior op-eds has been Granby’s economic fate relevant to the potential of its assets and the risks inherent in fiscal miscalculations. To a certain extent I feel that the ball has moved down the field with more transparency in the conduct of the current budget workshops and residents being encouraged to attend them, speak at board meeting public sessions and submit comments and questions to the various study committees. However, whether it is apathy, inexperience, scheduling, confinement or complacency, there is no response until the tax bill is received in the mail. My family sees zero to six people at any one of these above venues. We have a municipality of about 11,200 citizens with about 7,000 taxpayers—so it is a poor showing.

If you attended the 2.0 CT Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth presentation on Feb. 13 at the Senior Center, you heard Mr. Patricelli say that our state is in terminal status and it is because its citizens have ignored the signposts. If you disregard the opportunity to make your voice heard you are complicit in the outcome.

The budget presentation and referendum is at our doorstep. Critiquing at that point

is too late in the game if you haven’t been there for spring training. Enough said.

There is, however, more that can be done to streamline the oversight and governance processes in Granby. I share this from a fellow resident business colleague: “The proper way to analyze a service operation is to: 1) identify the key activities in each department/functional area, 2) associate those activities with a ‘unit of service,’ 3) a tangible output that adds value to your customer/constituents, 4) allocate labor and non-labor expenses, across multiple departments, to common units, 5) determine productivity/capacity for delivering each unit, and 6) apply improvement techniques to improve cost, quality, time, satisfaction.”

It would take an hour or two at most with each department head, to develop a list of activities, units of service, assess/ collect management information and begin to solicit improvement opportunities.

We all have homework to do if we want a GRANDby! Editor’s Note: Regan is the host of CT Valley Views TV Program, president of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation, Founder of the Sylvia Davis Fine Arts Scholarship and former VP Marketing and Community Trade Relations for DIAGEO N.A.

April 2019

Capital Planning cont’d. from p. 1 Three times, the boards signed on in supporting five-year capital plans. In all three cases, the tax consequences ended up better than had been projected. Implicit with the board-member-level signing on is the individual commitment to do one’s part in meeting if not bettering the numbers in order to set the groundwork for seeking approval of the capital items under consideration.

The current capital plan has three key components, and it has been coming together over the past year. Elements of it have been covered in the Drummer over the past year or two as they were discussed at various board meetings.

First, they address five town bridges that essentially need to be reconstructed in whole or part to below the streambed.

Second is a solar array that not only covers its own debt service expense but also significantly reduces the BOE electricity-cost line item. Third is a school improvement project which meets educational needs of the 21st century, addresses items that didn’t fit in the high school project budgets in the past, and deals with roof and HVAC replacements as the high school nears 20 years since its last major renovation.

While more detail has been discussed at the informational meetings held by CPPAC in mid-March and more that will be heard in late May at Town Meeting prior to any referendum vote, these three major capital components aggregate to a

bonding need of some $23 million. After the applicable state and federal bridge grants and school construction reimbursements, net borrowing for Granby is projected to be just under $11 million on 20-year notes.

By phasing in this bonding over time, we project that mill rate changes will be in the 2 percent range for the next half dozen years. Without any bonding included, we anticipate being in that same 2 percent range. This highlights how the operating budgets really dominate the numbers. Already factored in are two of the new governor’s budget proposals—the drop in educational funding from the state, and the shift of part of the teachers’ pension funding from the state to the towns, which will cost us about $1.5 million annually by FY25.

The cost in the current fiscal year is approximately $300K and will increase in similar increments to the FY25 amount.

That alone equates to a loss of about 3.5 percent of equivalent property tax money.

Compare that to the net cost of about 1.6 percent in property tax for the three major capital items after reimbursements and the projected solar revenues. All these factors are built into the CPPAC planning forecast so that we have a reasoned view of what the future may hold. The only caveat is if the state continues to shift its expenses and reduce revenue to the towns.

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April 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Salmon Brook Music Series presents: Dave Gunning April 28 at 4:00 p.m. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series presents: Les Amies de Theodore: A Baroque Ensemble

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Please support Safe Grad Night for the Class of 2019

It’s time for the GRAN-BEE

By Ben Perron “Hiving” a hankering for trivia? “Beeing” done with the winter weather? The “buzz” that has people thinking spring is the sixteenth annual Gran-Bee trivia contest on Friday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Granby Memorial High School auditorium. Trivia questions featuring topics from Granby, music, and history, to science and pop culture, plus jokes and silly costumes make for a fun family event.

Want to “bee” a part of this? Want to see how your trivia skills stack up? Register your swarm, um, team of friends, colleagues, or civic organizations. The Gran-Bee draws participation from local businesses, community groups, friends and families across the community. It’s a fast-paced event filled with laughter, skill and sometimes the unexpected.

Some of your favorite teams and players will be back along with the Bee’s busiest sponsors. Local “buzz-nesses” have supported the Bee for many years and this year is no exception. At the Swarm sponsorship level are Simsbury Bank, Fredo Landscaping and the Farmington Valley YMCA. At the Honey Bee level are Arrow Concrete Products, Lost Acres Orchard, MeadowBrook of Granby and Northwest Community Bank. At the Honeycomb level are Avon Plumbing and Heating, Granby Dental Center (Dr. Michael Ungerleider),

along with the The Zen Restaurant Group (@ The Barn, Table 570 Asian Fusion, Farmer’s Kitchen, and La Figata Wood Fired Italian). These wonderful sponsors are the buzzzzz.

In front of a full house last year’s winners, “Them Apples” (Kathryn Petruzzi, Sophie Speliopolous, Lauren Shafer) flew away with trophies and a six-month individual membership to the Farmington Valley YMCA. “Bee-uty and the Beast”(Jeff Gilton, Glenn Cusano, and Steve Newman), outfitted in the latest Beauty and the Beast fashion, won the coveted Yellow Jacket Crown award for best costume.

The Gran-Bee is the largest fundraiser for the Granby Education Foundation.

Since its inception in 2000, the GEF has underwritten over $500,000 in grants supporting its mission of lifelong learning for all community members through education and the arts. By attending, participating on a team, or becoming a Gran-Bee sponsor, your generous support enables the GEF to continue helping to make Granby “The Pride of the Valley.”

Registrations forms and sponsorship forms are on the Granby Education Foundation website at granbyeducationfoundation.org. Teams of three people aged 16 or older may register for $150. Registration deadline is April 26. It’s time to have a “spring” in your step and join us at the Bee. Mother Nature is saving you a seat.

By Thérèse Mulvey The 2019 GMHS Grad Night will be held in June at the Granby YMCA on graduation night. Safe Grad Night has provided a free, fun-filled, substancefree event to our High School seniors for the last 33 years. The night cannot happen without event volunteers to help with food, room set-up, decorations and chaperoning. We also need monetary and gift donations to support the event itself and make sure we continue to provide it to our graduates free of charge.

If you are interested in volunteering, please join us for a the next meeting that will be held on Tuesday, April 16, in the media center at GMHS. The event is chaperoned by underclassmen parents not by the senior parents, so volunteers are needed. Senior parents can help with the planning prior to the event.

If you can’t attend but want to help, please contact the following individuals: Room set up: Contact Coreen Thompson at coreenlt@gmail.com

The 2019 GMHS Grad Night event is held at the Granby YMCA every year on graduation night and offers a free, funfilled, substance-free event for Granby’s 2019 High School graduates.

In support of the event, Jakes Wayback Burger will donate 15 percent of all purchases made between 4 and 9 p.m.

of Pink Flamingos roosting on their lawn for 48 hours. The birds will mysteriously migrate when the time is up and go on to roost at another address. All we ask to participate in the FLOCKING is a donation of $25 or more to the Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation. If you are interested in flocking, please contact Sara Scotto at scottofamily@cox.net.

Foxfield F.A.R.M. featured in Granby Living

Jakes Wayback fundraiser for GMHS Grad Night

By Thérèse Mulvey

Food (set up or pick up from businesses): Contact Michelle DeGagne at mdegagne@cox.net Chaperones: Contact Sara Scotto at scottofamily@cox.net Another way to support this event is by surprising your friends with a flock

Granby Living magazine showcases the Patricelli-Regan family’s Veterans and First Responders Foundation in its upcoming spring issue. Bill Regan with Gloria, an Argentine Thoroughbred mare donated to the program by Yale University, and Susan Patricelli Regan with Bebe, an AKC registered Yorkshire terrier. Photo by Amy Geigner

on April 23 to raise money for the event.

What can be better than a delicious dinner with your family that includes a donation to Safe Grad at the same time!

Please stop in and support this generous Granby restaurant on Tuesday, April 23, between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m.

Thank you to Jakes for Giveback!

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

Wells Road students support anti-puppy mill bill at the Capitol as the inhumane treatment that may result in health problems as they get older.

As a follow up to their independent research, Liz Bennett, owner of Bandit’s Place Animal Rescue in Hartland, came in to talk with the kids about how they can be advocates for shelters and rescues and shared her own experiences in the fight against puppy mills. Many students were already familiar with a law passed in California that limits pet

By Kristin LaFlamme On March 1, some fifth grade students took their capstone research and knowledge to the Connecticut Legislative Office Building to show support for a bill currently under consideration. Several students who are passionate about eliminating puppy mills, wanted to shed light on both the horrible conditions adult dogs and puppies are forced to live in as well

14th Annual Granby Youth Lacrosse Jamboree is April 28 back to the youth lacrosse program that they grew up with.

All proceeds from this tournament will go towards scholarships for two graduating HS lacrosse players, as well as charitable organizations. Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship should contact the guidance department.

Come out and support local youth lacrosse teams at Salmon Brook Park on April 28.

Granby Youth Lacrosse will hold its 14th Annual Bantam Jamboree on Sunday, April 28, at Salmon Brook Park. Teams of third and fourth graders from surrounding towns will compete in games and participate in a free clinic sponsored by the Dodgers and Titans, local club lacrosse teams.

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stores to only selling animals from a rescue or shelter organization. Liz told the kids that there was work on a similar bill for the state of Connecticut.* A few days later, she sent information to Mrs. LaFlamme about a public hearing regarding this exact bill. The students, in addition to their essays, wrote letters showing their support for the bill and quickly organized a trip to the Capitol to show support with Piper Cabral, Logan Deardorf, Sara Jean Fancher, Caroline Frith, the possibility of Colby Heitman, Brynne Myers, Phoebe O’Brien, William Sleavin, offering testimony. Cameron Stewart, Jennifer Webber – along with fifth grade Unfortunately, teachers, Kristin LaFlamme and Caroline Martin. Submitted photo the agenda for the To wrap up the day, Representative day was incredibly long and the topic Simanski met with the students and of pet stores and puppy mills was not took them on a tour of the State Capitol discussed until much later in the day, but building and explained how the process the students got to witness the democratic they had experienced worked in real process in action around a different topic. life.

The fifth graders came back knowAlthough this was not the public hearing ing that their topic was bigger than just they wanted to attend, they did witness themselves and that their words can have state representatives asking questions an impact on the world around them. about other debatable topics that impact * Bill HB-5386 – An act prohibiting the sale the state and saw people give testimony or transfer of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet shops in support or against the bill being dethat are not from animal welfare organizations. bated. In addition, they saw and got to chat with pet storeowners who opposed the bill about the sale of their animals.

Overall, it was a great experience.

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 9

Granby DECA students head to nationals in Orlando Connecticut DECA saw a record number of students from all around the state compete for awards and scholarships as emerging leaders and entrepreneurs at this year’s Career Development Conference on March 5 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. GMHS students and advisors receiving recognition at the state level were: John Grindal, grade 12, second place for professional selling David Migliaccio, grade 12, second place for automotive services marketing Alessandra Boffi, grade 11, third place for entrepreneurship Andrew Quagliaroli, grade 11, first place state officer for financial consulting Erin Moody, grade 12, third place for financial consulting Jacob Ivanov, grade 10, finalist for principles of finance Jaira Paine, grade 11, finalist for retail merchandising series Juliette Marzo, grade 9 and Ashley Coon, grade 10, finalists for travel and tourism team decision making

Marile Marzo and Jenna Dauria, grade 12, finalists for buying and merchandising team decision making Jillian Thrall, grade 11, “Thrive Academy,� for emerging leader series Daniel Litin, grade 11, “Thrive Academy,� for emerging leader series Granby Memorial High School DECA is in its fourth year as a registered chapter under the leadership of business teachers Jeff Stanwood and Sue Clark. This year the chapter experienced growth with 44 members and counting. Twenty-nine GMHS students made the trip to the state conference, and six will represent the chapter at the nationals in Orlando, Fla., April 26 to May 1.

During the school year, approximately 120,000 of DECA’s 219,000 student members take part in the organization’s competitive events program, allowing them to compete for local and international titles. The competitions are designed to simulate real-life business scenarios and test students’ academic understanding and skills development.

Comic DECA: GMHS DECA students return home from the 67th annual State Career Development Conference with their awards. Submitted photo

21st Century skills by participating in career-based competition. DECA members are not only prepared academically but will also engage in leadership academies and networking opportunities with over 60 internationally recognized corporate business partners.

The top state and provincial winners put their talents to the test during the program’s final round of competition at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Approximately 18,000 students from 12 countries will compete for $500,000 in scholarships and awards and hone their

DAR’s Abigail Phelps Chapter announces essay contest winners On March 10, the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized winners of the American History Essay and the Christopher Columbus Essay Contests. Each spring, the NSDAR announces the essay

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topics which the local chapter provides area schools which integrate these topics into the fall curricula. The American History Essay Contest topics cover an important event that occurred 100 years ago. This year’s topic, The Women’s

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This year’s topic compares ship technology: The Ships Columbus Used Versus the Ships of Today.

The American History Essay recognizes first, second and third place winners for grade levels five through eight.

Suffrage Campaign, celebrates the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, passed by the U. S. Congress on June 4, 1919.

The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is sponsored in partnership with the National Italian American Foundation.

American History Essay Contest winners from Granby are shown with their teachers and principals: Anna Forlenza Bailey, Katie Busbey, Phoebe O’Brien third place winner for the 5th grade, Amy Talasco third place winner for the 6th grade, Shirley Cowles and Sue Henneberry. Submitted photo

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Page 10 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

Granby student stars in Cobb School’s opera

On March 8, Cobb School Founder and Head of School Mary Lou Cobb applauded the many people who made her last “opera week” such an enormous success. In June, after 45 years of service, Mary Lou Cobb will step down from her post as head of school. Before the curtain rose that night at Ethel Walker’s Ferguson Theater, she spoke to the audience of Cobb School parents, grandparents, alumni and friends about the special community that brought this sweet yet powerful tale to life in just four days.

With sickness and snow behind them, the Cobb community came together to breathe life into a memorable story of acceptance and inclusion.

Mary Lou Cobb has been running The Cobb School, Montessori in Simsbury since 1974, before most of the school’s current parents were born. Nineteen years ago she instituted the school’s annual children’s opera. Composer and director Sanford Jones was the guest director in those early days. In 2009, William and Hollis Bokhout took up the mantle, and for the past decade this dynamic duo, with Bill as composer and

his wife Hollis as choreographer, travel from Grand Rapids to Simsbury to pull together a remarkable performance year after year.

This year the Bokhouts premiered their fifth opera at Cobb. After five times, it’s safe to say the Bokhouts want Cobb’s children to carry out their inaugural performance. A professional baritone, Bill composes children’s operas, which he and Hollis then direct all over the country, but Cobb is where their creations first come to life.

Cobb performed The Weed in the Garden, a story of a lonely weed trying to find his place among the beautiful flowers. Jamison Burnett, a sixth grader from Granby, played the persistent weed. Determined to find his place in the garden, the Weed disguised itself several times, returning to the inviting garden only to be excised by a rigid, albeit upbeat, gardener played by 6th grader Alex Cork of Canton.

Owen Reed, also a 6th grader from Canton, helped narrate the tale as he played the Rabbit who collected information from the Gossiping Vines, led

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by 6th grader Lucy Oneglia of Avon.

The Gossiping Vines and the Gardener not only excluded the smelly Weed, they forced out the Flower Child, Mikaela Gallo, a 5th grader from Avon, who loves the garden and the comfort and solace it gives her. In the end, it’s the forgiving Flower Child and the medicinal Weed that save the Gardener. Back from the brink of death after being infected by a rose thorn, the Gardener comes to value the Weed and the young woman who saved him despite his cruelty to her. The excluded become the included, and the community is complete.

Before the performance, Hollis laughed backstage, “We’re in denial that this is Mary Lou’s last opera.” Then, with seriousness, said, “Mary Lou has had a very powerful influence on our teaching over the years.” Bill added, “The garden theme is analogous to Cobb’s classrooms. It’s what we think of when we think of The Cobb School and Mary Lou. A place that is nurturing.” Bill continued, “Mary Lou has a knack for bringing people together, and this opera’s theme of kindness and acceptance reflects her. It is a theme that is important to all of us.”

Proud Partner

Chris Lyles, the school’s art teacher and professional children’s book illustrator, designed the set. Bill stood in awe of Chris’s design: “It’s like Chris got inside my head and knew exactly what I imagined.” Lyles is currently working on another children’s book, Grow Kind, so he has gardens on the mind. He worked with the students to design the set, using images from old Disney movies to help them visualize elements of the scene.

Lyles introduced the students to the work of Mary Blair, the concept artist and animator behind films such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Mary Lou Cobb took her time in the spotlight to thank the directors and her staff. She thanked her colleagues Melissa Shaw, Carmen McKeown, Carol Ross, Andrew Decker, Barbara Friedland, and the rest of Cobb’s teachers who do the heavy lifting during opera week—and every week. But, most important, Mary Lou said, were the children. She let them know how grateful she is for them, all of them, since the beginning.

To learn more about The Cobb School, Montessori and its arts program, visit cobbschool.com.

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Jamison Burnett of Granby played the Weed in The Cobb School’s The Weed in the Garden.

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 11

PTO Corner

Al Wilke honored as Republican of the Year

By the PTO Executive Board

Happy spring to all of our Kelly Lane and Wells Road families Last month the PTO hosted our first ever Paint Nite to rave reviews. A big thank you to Brignole Vineyards for graciously donating their beautiful space for the event and to our instructor, Andrea Reilly, for sharing her talent and inspiring our participants to find their inner artists. Due to the popularity of the event we are planning another paint nite for sometime this spring. Stay tuned to the PTO Facebook page (facebook. com/granbyctpto/) for event details and registration information.

We’d also like to thank the PTO STEAM Committees at Kelly Lane and Wells Road for hosting a Family Coding Night and Family STEAM Night, respectively, last month. Both events were well attended, with students and families alike participating in fun activities designed to challenge their scientific and creative capabilities. Our thanks also go out to our PTO Family Activities Committee that partnered with the Granby Recreation Department to host a Dr. Seuss-themed photo booth at the town’s annual Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

As a reminder, Wells Road will be holding Granby Day on May 17 to help foster a sense of community connection and pride. Students and teachers are encouraged to wear Granby clothing on these dates. Please check out our awesome selection of Granby merchandise on our

website under the store tab, granbypto. org/content.asp?PageID=6.A portion of each sale helps to support all of the programming and activities sponsored by the PTO. Finally, please mark your calendars for the final PTO event of the year, Family Movie Night at Salmon Brook Park on Saturday, June 8. We will be partnering with the Granby Recreation Department to provide a fun, free evening for families to come out and enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation Under the Stars (thanks to all who voted for their favorite movie choice on our FB poll).

We will also be working with Scholastic to offer a Cruise into Summer Reading book fair during movie night. Stay tuned to the PTO Facebook page for details.

The PTO Executive Board has begun planning for the 2019-20 school year.

If parents are interested in community forums on a particular topic(s) (such as longer lunch and recess time, school safety, curriculum and electronics in the classroom), please email your ideas to secretary@granbypto.org. The PTO also anticipates having several open committee chair and committee member positions for next school year. To learn more about vacant positions, please visit our PTO website and/or email vp@ granbypto.org.

Above, Mark C. Neumann (l.) presents Al Wilke with a plaque. Photo by Paula Johnson

The 7th State Senatorial District recognized Al Wilke Granby’s Republican of the Year for 2019 at the 7th Senatorial District’s Lincoln Day Dinner on March 15. Mark C. Neumann presented Wilke with a plaque. Senator John Kissel also gave him a State proclamation.

In the 30 years the Wilkes have lived in Granby, Al has contributed to many facets of life that he deemed important: including preserving the open land, and providing strong educational opportunities and good government.

His contributions have included being president of the Holcomb Farm Learning center and co-chairing its capital campaign; president of the Farmington Valley YMCA and transforming the Granby

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Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town Quilt lecture and show Amy Friend will present her lecture and trunk show at the April 17 meeting of the Farmington Valley Quilters. Friend includes a discussion of her personal history and evolution. Her quilts show the characteristics of modern quilting as defined by the Modern Quilt Guild.

Her work can be seen at duringquiettime.com/ The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Sign-in begins at 6:45 p.m.

Guests are welcome for a guest fee of $10.

Simsbury River Run The Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club will host the 24th annual River Run on Sunday, April 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Iron Horse Blvd. in Simsbury.

The River Run is a community event that features 5K, 10K and Kids 1-mile Run, in addition to family activities and live music.

The Rotary Club is partnering with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

The race will have fire service themed events throughout including bagpipers, fire trucks and special awards for firefighter participants. The all-volunteer department is providing continuous fire and rescue services to the town for the past 75 years. “We are very excited to share the road with the Rotary for this great cause as well as to promote health and wellness in the fire service for our 75th celebration,” said Jay Dixon, one of the fire company’s road race committee members.

This popular spring event raises money for college scholarships for Simsbury

and Granby High School graduates.

“We’re very proud to have CT Wealth Management, Educational Playcare, Fitzgerald’s Foods, MeadowBrook of Granby, Mitchell Auto Group, McLean, and Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company as major sponsors this year,” race director Dave Gridley said. “It’s because of community-minded sponsors such as these that we’re able to award scholarships again this year.” Scholarships are awarded to seniors from Simsbury High School and Granby High School based on academics, financial need, athletics and community service.

Trophies will be awarded to the fastest men and women runners in the 5K and 10K. Trophies will also be awarded to men’s and women’s divisional winners.

There are divisions for all ages, from Youth (14 and under) to Hero (70 and over). The races are officially timed and USATF certified. Runners will receive their final time and place.

For information on entry fees or to preregister for a race, visit simsburyriverrun. com.

Suffield Players present I Hate Hamlet Get ready for love, laughter and an afterlife adventure in The Suffield Players’ production of I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick, on May 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and May 12 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue in Suffield.

The Story: TV star Andrew Rally is at a crossroads in his career—should he accept the challenge of portraying Shakespeare’s prestigious Hamlet in New York City, or just head back to Hollywood?

Help and hilarity arrive with the ghost of swashbuckling leading man John Barrymore, the most famous Hamlet of all time. Andrew’s girlfriend, his agent, a

realtor-turned-medium and a super-cool pal from LA are all “spirited” into the madcap mayhem onstage.

The Cast: Ed Bernstein (West Hartford), Krista Mazzuca (Wilbraham), Allen Nott (Granby), Kelly Seip (Springfield), Julianne Thouin (East Hartford) and Tyler Wolfson (Suffield).

I Hate Hamlet is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Ticket: $19 ($13 Opening Night). Discounts available for groups, seniors, students, and season subscribers. For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit suffieldplayers.org

Executive directors named New England Air Museum

The New England Air Museum has appointed Debbie Reed as executive director. Reed has been serving as Interim Director since mid-2018, and has an extensive track record with the museum.

She is also the organization’s first female executive director in its 59-year history.

Under Reed’s direction, the museum has added to and enhanced its professional staff, including hiring a private events manager, new curator and director of advancement and external relations.

Public programs have been added to appeal to new audiences, and a new marketing effort has been launched to brand the museum as a great experience for people of all ages and interests.

Bradley Chamber

Gina Maria Alimberti was named executive director of the Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce, serving the East Granby and Windsor Locks communities.

The customer-focused business development and management leader has 17 years of sales, marketing and non-profit experience. Alimberti has been heavily involved in the Bradley Chamber since 2014 serving as an officer, secretary, vice president and president, and works fulltime at the Connecticut Trolley Museum as its business manager. She enjoys being the public face of the organization and thrives on the fast paced, deadline-driven non-profit environment.

April 2019

Bus tour: The New Deal in Action Farmington Valley in the 1930s Historic Sites of Connecticut’s Farmington Valley is pleased to present a new bus tour exploring the Valley’s rich history, The New Deal in Action: Farmington Valley in the 1930s, on Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us on a comfortable bus ride visiting historic sites in Barkhamsted, Unionville and Farmington. At each site and in commentary along the way, you’ll hear about a series of federal programs instituted by Franklin D. Roosevelt at the height of the Great Depression, and their impact on the Valley’s industry, culture, business, agriculture and more.

Between tour stops, enjoy lunch at Union School, Unionville. Admission is $45 per person and includes the bus tour, lunch and informative talks at each location as well as a pre-tour talk on Thursday, April 25 with historian Robert Rodney. Tour seats are limited so reservations are required. Reserve your seat by April 22 with an email to Nancy.anstey@comcast.net or by calling 860-680-5298.

To set the stage for the journey, historian Robert Rodney will present a pre-tour lecture on The Depression and the New Deal, on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the Ellsworth Center, Simsbury Historical Society, 800 Hopmeadow Street. Dr. Rodney will give a brief overview of the Great Depression of 1929–1939, the New Deal programs created beginning in 1933 to provide economic relief, and the effects nationally as well as locally. The lecture is open to the public; admission is $5 per person for those not registered for the April 27 bus tour.

Tour-goers will meet on Saturday, April 27, at 9:15 a.m. at the Union School parking lot at 173 School Street, Unionville. The bus will depart promptly at 9:30 a.m. At the first stop, Paul Hart of the Barkhamsted Historical Society will introduce participants to two important New Deal programs in the town: first at the former site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, then at Squire’s Tavern (home of the Barkhamsted Historical Society) with a presentation on the Federal Art Project and a prolific local artist who participated. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a work relief program established in 1933 to employ hundreds of thousands in environmental projects, such as planting trees, clearing and maintaining

access roads, and other improvements to the country’s natural resources. The Federal Art Project, created in 1935, provided funding for the arts, including painters, sculptors, playwrights and musicians.

From Barkhamsted, the bus will head back to the Union School, where participants can relax and enjoy their box lunches before soaking in more history with Matthew Ross, Director of Technology for the Farmington Schools, as well as a Union School alumnus. Union School was constructed as part of the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) program, which was established in 1935 and employed millions in public works projects including construction of roads and public buildings. Union School opened its doors in the fall of 1939; while the interior has been modified many times over the last 80 years, the external structure remains unchanged.

Lastly, tour-goers will arrive at Farmington’s Riverside Cemetery, established in the early 1830s, for a talk by Joanne Lawson of the Farmington Historical Society on the Hale Cemetery Project, also part of the WPA program. One of the projects undertaken in Farmington under the auspices of the WPA, directed

by State Military Necrologist, Charles R. Hale, and with additional sponsorship by the Connecticut State Library, was a list of headstone inscriptions for the cemeteries in town. Participants will receive a map of the Riverside Cemetery showing the locations of headstones for such notable locals as Winchell Smith, Sarah Porter, William Gillette and Theodate Pope Riddle.

With heads full of the fascinating history of the Farmington Valley, tourgoers will be returned to their cars by 3:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the tour benefit Historic Sites of Connecticut’s Farmington Valley, whose mission is to enhance appreciation of the Farmington Valley’s rich history by promoting communication among heritage groups and offering unique programs.

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, April 1, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The guest will be photographer Ted Roth. Through his interest in the mill towns of the Naugatuck Valley and their history, Roth began following the tracks through old ruins until he was led to the last functioning brass mill. For the past four years he has been photographing the men at their work, traveling back in time and learning how it all came to be. Guests are welcome for this special program. To learn more about the club visit GranbyCameraClub.com

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, April 3, the Granby Women’s Breakfast group will host Kate Bogli, co-owner of Maple View Farm and Brewery. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. with the program at 9 a.m. Hear about various aspects of farming, children’s horse programs, and the recent opening of a brewery. This is a great time to introduce a friend to this welcoming group of women who have been attending programs for the past 14 years. Cost $4. Reserve your spot by calling Corrine at 860-653-9891. Donations to the Granby Food Bank are always welcomed.

Art Gallery Event

On the third Thursday evening of every month at 7 p.m., the Granby Art Association will hold a two-hour event at the Granby Art Gallery, 2 Park Place.

Come on April 18 to socialize, hold discussions, critiques and informational workshops. Visit the Granby Artists Association Facebook page for monthly topics. GAA members are invited free with a suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers.

Granby Family Art Day

On Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Holcomb Farm, the Granby Artists Association will hold Granby Family Art Day. The event, in collaboration with Granby Parks and Recreation with sponsorship from the Granby Education Foundation, is a free, creative, educational art day for all children and families in Granby. There will be four to six art stations offering hands-on interactive opportunities for children to be creative.

Stations will be led by members of the association. Art stations are: watercolor, weaving, spin art, thumb print art, card making and more. Each project will be time sensitive to enable participants to enjoy several of the activities.

Granby Road Race is May 4 The 2019 Granby road race celebrates its 48th year on Saturday, May 4, at 8:30 a.m. at Granby Memorial Middle School. Nine years ago the Granby Road Race merged with the Farmington Valley YMCA as the organization’s premier fundraising event in memory of David Schupp, Jr. The Granby Road Race offers both 5K and 10K races both run on a combination of road and trails. Both races start at 8:30 a.m. south of Granby Memorial Middle School on Route 10. The 5K race route is relatively flat spanning half of the miles inside Salmon Brook Park, making it a great race for kids and families. The 10k race route is more challenging with about half of the course run on the trails inside the McLean Game Refuge. With a mix of terrain through the center of one of Connecticut’s most beautiful towns, both races are sure to please experienced and first-time runners alike. Granby is fortunate to have one of the oldest road races in Connecticut right in the center of town.

The money raised by the race is used by the Farmington Valley YMCA to fund programs and services for our friends and neighbors here in our community regardless of their ability to pay. In the past, assistance allowed friends and neighbors to participate in programs including summer camp for children, gymnastics sessions for autistic chil-

dren, exercise and nutrition coaching, swimming programs, and LiveSTRONG programs for those going battling cancer, to name a few.

As is tradition for the Granby Road Race a pint of Granby-made maple syrup donated by Young Farms will be awarded to the first female and male Granby residents who finish each race. Additionally, the first 200 registered runners in each race will receive a free technical t-shirt.

Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place female and male overall finishers of both races, and for first, second, and third place female and male age group finishers of both races.

Registration for the Granby Road Race is available through active.com until Thursday, May 2, and again on the morning of the race starting at 7:15 a.m.

Pre-race-day bag pick up will be from 6-9 p.m. at the YMCA, 97 Salmon Brook Street, on Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3, but may also be picked up the morning of the race at Granby Memorial Middle School.

The Granby Road Race volunteer planning committee is seeking donations, race-day volunteers, and new committee members. If you are interested in donating to the race or volunteering please contact Treena King by calling 860653-5524 or via email at Treena.King@ ghymca.org.

Civic Club

Please join the Civic Club meeting on Thursday, April 18, at 1 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center to meet, Amy McCue, director of library services. McCue will present the many new programs and services available at our town libraries.

Books, yes, but not just books—there are many programs and events for all ages. All are welcome, refreshments will be served. For more info contact Ginny Wutka at ginny@lostacres.com.

Volunteers Needed

Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find their “fur-ever” homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon please call 860379-4141 or visit maryskittykorner.org Currently, the greatest need for volunteers is on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings.

MS Support Group

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.

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations.

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

by e-mail:

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Granby to participate in Neighborhood Assistance Act Program

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has announced the 2019 Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program Proposal.

This program provides tax credits to businesses that make cash investments in qualifying community non-profit programs. Projects approved in the past have come from public service departments such as police, fire and ambulance; health service agencies; land trusts and more. Requests have included energy saving measures such as new windows; boiler replacement and fuel-efficient vehicles; programs for youth, parents and seniors; and more.

To be considered, community organizations must submit an application to Sandra Yost, Director of Human Services, Town of Granby, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 by May 28. Selectmen will have a public hearing on June 3 to approve proposals for submittal to DRS by July 1.

Applications and information about the NAA Tax Credit Program can be found on the DRS website ct.gov/ DRS, searchable by entering “Neighborhood Assistance Act.” For assistance with the process, please contact Sandra Yost at 860-8445351, or syost@granby-ct.gov.

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer

Registrars of Voters Vote at the April 22 Budget Referendum On Monday, April 22, the Town Budget Referendum will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room in Granby’s Town Hall, 15 North Granby Road. The polls will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. As with all opportunities to vote, if you can, please bring an ID, preferably a photo ID, to be checked-off the official voter list, organized by street, in order to vote on a paper ballot. The check-in tables will be separated based on street address, not last name. As in the past non-registered but otherwise eligible voters who are Granby property owners, will also be allowed to vote, but they will need to fill out a special form at the assessor’s table if their name appears on the last published grand list. Absentee ballots can be filed in person with the Town Clerk prior to the vote during Town Hall business hours after the public hearing. (There is insufficient time to do mailings for referendums.) Absentee ballots are not available during the referendum, so the cutoff to issue an absentee ballot for the referendum is noon on Monday, April 22.

Poll workers are needed The registrar’s office is compiling an e-mail list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid. Volunteer poll workers must be at least 16 years old and can choose to volunteer for a few hours, as desired to fit their schedules. If you would like to be added to the list or if you did not receive the poll worker information e-mail letter, please contact the registrars at: lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and mzlotnick@granby-ct.gov. Poll worker training will be done in March and April for the referendum, in August if there is a municipal primary on Sept. 10, and again in October for the Nov. 5 election.

Poll worker training is required to serve.

Republican registrar replacements After two years of excellent service to the Town of Granby, Paul Willis retired on Jan. 2. Per state statute, Paul’s deputy, Joanne Mayornick, became the new Republican Registrar of Voters. Poll workers gathered for a small tea party to thank Paul for all of his hard work, as well as to welcome Joanne. Joanne Mayornick appointed Mary Zlotnick as her deputy registrar on Feb. 13. Sadly, for personal reasons Joanne Mayornick resigned on Feb. 20, and Mary Zlotnick was sworn in as the newest Republican Registrar of Voters on Feb. 20. In March, Mary recruited Sandy Lee to join the office staff.

Looking ahead Monday, April 8, is the public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium.

Monday, April 22, is the town budget referendum—voting is between 12 and 8 p.m. at Town Hall.

Monday, June 10, is the last day to change political party to participate in municipal primary, if held.

Between July 16 and 23, major parties will hold an endorsement caucus to choose who is on the November ballot.

Only party members with voting privilege are eligible to vote in these caucuses.

Registration Voter registration is a public record, and it’s easy to confirm your voter registration.

Visit the State’s website or stop by Granby Town Hall to check the voter registry. You can stop by to register to vote, identify your voting district or make corrections at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday. Regular office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website, www.sots.ct.gov

April 2019

Public Works Household Hazardous Waste Granby will once again work with local towns to host hazardous waste collections. The first collection will be Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10 Monteith Drive in Farmington. For a list of accepted items, please visit the Public Works page on the Town of Granby website (granby-ct.gov). In 2019 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 for a fee; the charge is based on the size of the load.

Wherever 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, visit 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 at 860-653-8960.

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.

For advice on how to recycle plastic film, visit plasticfilmrecycling.org.

Street sweeping Street sweeping of development roads will be conducted in early May, weather permitting.

Bulky waste Please remember that you cannot dispose of large items in your curbside barrel. This includes items such as rugs, chairs, wood, etc. Items such as these cause issues for the trash truck. Bulky items may be brought to the Granby Transfer Station. Fees apply.

Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Mary Zlotnick. The office phone number/voice

mail is 860-844-5322 and the new eaddresses are lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and mzlotnick@granby-ct.gov

Lost Acres Fire Dept. Auxiliary

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Cossitt renovation on the horizon

By Ken Kuhl You may have gone by the Cossitt Library recently and said “What in the world is happening there?” Plastic is covering windows and exterior walls.

This grand old building is in trouble.

It desperately needs support beyond what the town of Granby can provide.

Previous and ongoing water damage linked to rotting windows, sills and surrounds in the library’s upper “lantern” are of primary concern. Interior ceilings, woodwork and other areas are affected. Although window leakage was addressed approximately 10 years ago by the town, the leakage continues. Because it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it qualifies for grants and aid from the state of Connecticut.

Why did it qualify for listing on the National Register?

One reason is because it is a wellpreserved example of the Queen Anne style of architecture.

Nearly all of its original features, including cypress shingle siding, paired-

to Memphis in 1842 where he carried on a successful wholesale dry goods business. In 1846 he married Catherine Andrus of Hartford and they had three daughters and one son. The eldest daughter, Helen, married Augustus D. Juilliard of New York City. They had no children and upon their deaths, they left over 12 million dollars to create the Juilliard Musical Foundation.

Prior to Frederick H. Cossitt’s death on September 23, 1887, he had orally expressed a desire to build a library in his birth town of Granby, Connecticut.

Although this desire was never reduced to writing, his heirs honored his desire

and gave $10,000 to the town of Granby.

The library in Granby was opened in 1891 in a new building with 1,300 books on the shelves. It was located across the street from the house where Frederick H. Cossitt was born 80 years earlier and on property that was once owned

by Rene Cossitt.

The Friends of the Cossitt Library with the help of the Pomeroy-Brace Fund and The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation have begun the process to restore this architectural masterpiece to its original glory. Check us out on FaceBook for updated information about progress that is being made.

Granby Girl Scouts recycle arch lower level windows, decorative brickwork and clerestory upper arched windows are intact. The symmetry of the building and the form the roof takes with its row of windows are actually considered rare for this style.

It is also important for its namesake and benefactor, Frederick Henry Cossitt.

He was born in Granby in 1811, and was the great-great grandson of Rene and Ruth Cossitt who had settled in this area in the early 1700s. For the most part, he remained in Granby until 1826 when his father died. At the request of his uncle, George Cossitt, he bid Granby a final farewell and moved to Tennessee. After being engaged in business ventures in several southern states, he moved Granby Brownie Troop 66192 and Junior Troop 66475 kicked off a recycling program at Wells Road School. The scouts participated in the planning, morning announcements and direction of other students for the first weeks of the recycling program. Photo by Marie Hutchinson

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

April 2019

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Rebecca Lobo Rushin Current position: ESPN Television Basketball Analyst 2010 Inductee Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame 2017 Inductee Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s National Basketball Association Player 1997-2003 Member Gold Medal Olympic Team 1996 University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Team 1995 National Championship: Undefeated season Age: 45 Can you talk about your present job…

I work for ESPN in Bristol preparing and presenting pregame, halftime and postgame discussions for women’s professional and college basketball games. This involves a lot of traveling throughout the country. Essentially my colleagues and I like to think of ESPN as one-stop shopping for basketball information. Currently we are looking at the top eight candidates for college programs. In addition to studying each player’s statistics I must explain what makes a certain player particularly interesting. For example, there is an Oregon guard who is good at scoring, rebounding and passing; and a Mississippi player that’s good on offense and rebounds.

One young lady from Louisville seems to be able to score well despite her height.

Scanning the tapes, I’m looking to see what kinds of moves she performs in order to get the points.

Mostly I work from home, but while traveling in airplanes or staying in hotel rooms, I have access to any footage I need from ESPN on my iPad. I watch a ton of games and am regularly in touch with my producer in addition to consulting with other staff members such as Andy Landers from the University of Georgia. We sum up our information, call our producer and start by talking about the plays we’ve recently reviewed.

Thinking back to your early years in school, what were your interests? What happened that drew you towards basketball?

I have two siblings, a brother and sister.

My dad has always been especially interested in sports and growing up it seems there was always a game on TV. My sister and I were tomboys in our early years and played just about all sports available to us. My dad put up a hoop on the garage, so basketball was one of the games we played. I was always on the hunt for things to do to help me fight boredom.

Thinking of my family, my grandmother was a great Wiffle Ball player with a powerful curve ball. She grew up with nine brothers. My dad’s mom was progressive in her thinking and didn’t distinguish in her mind what boys or girls could accomplish. Both of my parents were like that also. While I was in either third or fourth grade I mentioned that I wanted to play on a basketball team.

In Southwick there were only two girls that signed up, so things didn’t look that promising. My mom said, “Well, you’ll just have to play with the boys then.”

One year I asked for a football jersey for Christmas and Santa brought one for me. We also liked tobogganing on the hill behind the Granby high school after a good snowstorm. So I guess you could say that the inclinations my sister and I had for behaving like tomboys were truly encouraged. I played three sports in high school and did well in basketball since my height was an advantage.

In preparing for college my original thoughts were to major in political science, play college basketball, and attend law school after playing pro basketball.

Professional basketball teams only existed in Europe at that time and their structure was a bit loose. Basically companies would sponsor a women’s team of female employees plus two exceptional American basketball players. The Americans were paid just enough to get by. So you had players who worked in an office all day and then squeezed in practice time at night. As you can imagine, little media attention was given to these teams but the sponsor companies got good PR from the games.

How did the U.S. Women’s pro leagues develop?

In 1995 when my team, the University of Connecticut, had an undefeated season and won the National Championship for women’s basketball, the public began to take notice. There was a great deal of

media attention given to the Women Huskies that year. I tried out for the Olympic team in 1996 and was very fortunate to become part of that team. We traveled around the U.S. playing games and practicing. Essentially, media coverage of this team’s activities was the initiation for the concept of a Women’s National Basketball league.

Your name is often thought of as an emblem for women’s basketball.

Even today there are no women’s professional baseball, football, hockey etc. leagues in the United States. Being a part of the first women’s team to make history at UConn, playing in the Olympics, and then stepping on the floor to play for the newly formed WNBA is astounding and serves as a potent inspiration to all young women.

What message do you have to help other women in the sports world?

I was blessed to be born in 1973, just one year after Title IX legislation was passed. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

This was the first time that girls were given the opportunity to play on all sports teams during their school years.

Had I been born four years earlier my story would be different. Along with this critical gift, I met many older women competitors who had played basketball with strong spirit despite the awful conditions female athletes endured during their formative years. Pat Summit, for example, washed her team’s uniforms

and drove her players to away games. It is these women that we who came to the scene in later years and had the opportunity to play professionally have to thank.

These days I continue the challenge by bringing my ten-year-old son to watch his sister’s games. I think the best way to go forward is to have an impact on how our sons are raised and to ensure that they encourage professional women’s sports.

Can you talk about Granby and how you came to choose our town as a place to raise your family?

I lived in Simsbury for a while before I met my husband. Once I met Steve we began looking at houses all over the Farmington Valley and in Glastonbury.

We kept coming back to the house we were shown in Granby and finally purchased it. At first I didn’t know anyone in town but once my kids started day care things changed. We had a wonderful experience with Valley Preschool and I was even on the board there for a period of time. Best of all we met a great group of friends at the preschool and our children thrived. Oftentimes when I meet people in town they tell me stories about when their own children were in school with either my mom as a guidance counselor or my dad as a coach/teacher. I especially like the tales about my mom, because it keeps her memory in my heart and mind.

There are many advantages for us living in Granby such as proximity to the airport for my work travel. Our kids have good access to sports and we all enjoy Salmon Brook Park. They have been involved in Little League, Rovers and basketball teams. We like running on the rail trails and the YMCA. Most of all it is the friendliness of the people that keeps us happy here in Granby.

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

Local resident participates in United Nations Association global summit West Granby resident Dave Roberts, a member of the Connecticut Chapter of the United Nations Association, recently participated in the organization’s Global Engagement Summit. More than 1,500 of the country’s grassroots change-makers united with world leaders at the U.N. Headquarters in NYC to support the work of the United Nations.

The summit took place in the U.N. General Assembly Hall where delegates were allowed to sit in the seats of diplomats.

The event was live-streamed on webtv. un.org. His Excellency, UN Secretary General António Guterres, former Prime Minister of Portugal, delivered welcoming remarks and Roberts was one of five advocates selected to ask the Secretary General a question.

Throughout the day, delegates engaged in global policy discussions on critical issues such as climate change, poverty and hunger, nuclear proliferation, health and girl empowerment. The summit’s closing speaker was Her Excellency Maria

parents. He and his spouse are the parents Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of of six adopted San Diego County foster the 73rd Session of the United Nations children.

General Assembly, who captivated the Roberts also led a delegation of 75 delegates with her comments about Lions and Leos to the United Nations leading the U.N. this year during such turbulent times.

Roberts is a health policy advocate who served as an advisor in the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama in the Department of Health and Human Services. He was the mayor of Solana Beach, California, and a San Diego County Supervisor before relocating to Connecticut in 2017 to care for his elderly United Nations Association delegates Dave Roberts from Connecticut and John De Montfort from Virginia. Submitted photo

to discuss children’s issues. Roberts is a past District Governor of Lions Clubs International and serves as the Chair of Lions Day with the United Nations for Hartford and Litchfield counties.

The United Nations Association of the United States of America is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to building understanding of and support for the ideals and work of the United Nations.

Girls invited to Tech Savvy Conference May 4 On Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the American Association of University Women’s Connecticut Chapter (AAUW CT) will host its sixth annual Tech Savvy Conference at Trinity College, Mather Hall, 300 Summit St. in Hartford.

The conference is open to sixth to ninth grade girls who want to learn about careers in science, technology, math and engineering, and for parents and educators who want to encourage girls to realize their potential in these fields.

Registration for the conference is online at tinyurl.com/yyphdj6 or contact Alison Draper at alison.draper@trincoll. edu. Cost is $5.

Check-in and continental breakfast opens at 8 a.m. with opening remarks at 8:45 a.m. by Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney. Throughout the day, girls will choose four of nine hands-on workshops and take a brief tour of campus.

Led by female leaders in biology, engineering, math and science, workshops include 3D Design and Printing, Amazing DNA Science!, ELISA Diagnostic Testing, Get Your Rube-On, How Many Black Bears are in CT?, Leg Savvy, Let’s Do the Jitterbug!, Make Your own Android App, and Using Natural Pigments for pH Analysis of Household Products.

Lunch for the girls will be in the student cafeteria at Trinity’s Mather Hall.

Adult workshops and panel discussions, including panel discussions with women in STEM careers and current STEM women college students, will provide parents, guardians and teachers the tools to encourage girls’ exploration of STEM careers.

In 2018, The Brookings Institution reported that: While women earn more college degrees than men overall, they earn only 35 percent of undergraduate degrees issued in STEM fields.

STEM field faculty remains predominantly male.

Women are under-represented in the innovation pipeline.

Women remain under-represented in the most common digital and tech jobs.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Connecticut Chapter is working to improve those numbers.

Connecticut’s Tech Savvy program is funded in part by AAUW, AAUW CT, the Petit Family Foundation and the generosity of individual local donors.

Tech Savvy and similar programs are one way to increase the number of women in the STEM pipeline. Other recommendations, including suggestions for employers, appear in AAUW’s 2015 research report, Solving the Equation: The Variables for Women’s Success in Engineering and Computing.

April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 19

The Brewery at Maple View Farm announces grand opening The Brewery at Maple View Farm, Granby’s Farm Brewery, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, April 27 with a ribbon cutting, a band and a tour of the entire farm. The Farm and Brewery are located on 50 acres right in the center of Granby, owned by Kate and Jason Bogli who are the third generation to run the farm.

Opening a Brewery has been in the back of Jason’s mind since early 2017 when he heard about a new law making its way through the Connecticut legislature allowing for farm breweries.

The Boglis have been making their own wine, beer and kombucha for years and already had a shell of a barn-taproom started. The Brewery is a perfect compliment to other activities on the farm including a farm store and summer sessions for kids. “Your farm for good food and good fun” is their motto and the Brewery will add to the fun on the farm.

“We’re excited that the Brewery will be able to open the farm up to the public even more—especially for adults,” explains Kate. “A lot of kids have already explored the fields and back areas of the farm when they have attended summer

session, but their parents haven’t had the opportunity. Now they will.”

The Brewery’s beers are an eclectic mix of classic styles like Horseshoe Stout, an oatmeal coffee milk stout and Palomino Pony, an American Blonde Ale, and farm ingredient brews like Honey Basil Ale and Rosemary Ginger Ale. “We’re brewing IPAs and other popular styles that we know the public loves, but we’ve been excited to see how much people like the farm-inspired ales; they’ve been very popular,” Kate adds.

The Brewery offers seven beers on tap at a time. “We’re looking forward to the growing season to add even more of the farm into our beer,” Jason explains.

The Boglis have planted hops on the big lawn in front of the Brewery. They will trellis up to a center pole to create a hop “teepee” that patrons will be able to walk under.

The small tap room is decorated with rough cut lumber and historical pictures and signs from the farm. It brings the

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

Oral flea and tick products As the weather gets warmer we are now on the lookout for the reemergence of large numbers of fleas and ticks.

For the last few years pet owners have been using the oral products in the isoxazoline class (Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio). These drugs have been extremely successful worldwide with minimal side effects. There has never been any class of drug so successful for external parasites especially for fleas. This is great as fleas and ticks have become more and more prevalent in recent years.

In December the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new label requirements for this class of drug due to the potential for adverse neurological issues such as muscle tremors, weakness, and seizures. This label change was instituted from the FDA looking at the Adverse Drug Events reports (ADE). These are extremely rare events if you look at the report.

For example, Bravecto, manufactured

by Merck has 170 studies behind it and has sold over 100 million doses in 85 countries. Only about 25,000 total ADEs have been reported for Bravecto and we do not know how many of these events were actually concerning neurological issues. Nexgard, a Merial product, is used in over 100 countries with more than 200 million doses sold worldwide. The ADEs for Nexgard that have been reported to the FDA are about 24,000 cases. Merial has reported that clinical side effects are extremely rare with one case per 10,000 doses.

Obviously, we as veterinarians are always concerned when we hear of these adverse reaction reports especially when there is the potential for seizure activity.

It is always wise to discuss your dog’s particular risk with your veterinarian who knows your dog’s history. One thing for sure is that the risk of flea/ tick borne disease is more serious and more likely than the risk of seizures in an otherwise normal dog.

outside in with two huge glass garage doors which let the sun shine in on a sunny but colder day and can be opened all the way during the summer. Grab a beer, then toss horseshoes in the horseshoe pit, walk through the garden, check out the pigs, watch the cows graze or watch your kids swing on the tire swing. The vibe at the Brewery is casual and easy, with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs for relaxing. Purchase a package of farm raised sausage or hot dogs and cook it right on the grill.

They also partner with other Granby Farms and have Sweet Pea Cheese goat cheese and delicious treats from Lost Acres Orchard for sale at the bar.

The Brewery Grand Opening will kick off the growing season on the farm. “It’s the perfect time to open —just when the farm is coming alive!”

The Brewery at Maple View Farm is located at 192 Salmon Brook Street and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. www.mapleviewhorsefarm. com or follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Untappd.

Top: Visitors at the newly opened Brewery.

Above: Scott Tibbo shows off his bucket of beers.

Photos by John Montgomery

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

Familiar Favorites

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, April 3, 8:30 a.m. Kate Bogli presents Maple View Farm: Children’s Horse Program and Organic Food Brewery. Cost $4. To register call 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, April 12, 8:30 a.m. Agriculture in Granby, presented by Tom Vaughan. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.

Lifetime Learning Academy

MUSIC Music Jam Sessions: Wednesdays, April 3 and 17, 11:45 a.m. Facilitated by Michael Walter.

Do you play an instrument and long to play with others? Join this fun, informal music jam session and play along, all instruments are welcome.

Bring your own instrument (we have a piano).

Free. Call 860-844-5352 to let us know you will be coming.

CREATIVE ARTS Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. Instructor, Sharyn Holness.

Create four beautiful cards. Cost $5 includes all materials.

“Stained Glass” Collage, with tissue paper on canvas: Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m. Instructor, Katherine Tolve. Make one-of-a kind works of art using tissue paper as a means of experimentation. This workshop is perfect for the novice artist looking to explore colors and shapes as well as the experienced artist seeking to explore a new medium and ways of creating. Bring your favorite scissors and wear old clothing. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 18 to register.

WELLNESS Feeling Good with Essential Oils and Massage: Monday, April 1, 10 a.m. Presented

by Kelley Brown of Back in Touch Wellness. In this workshop you will learn the many benefits of essential oils and how they can heals one’s body.

Several different types of oils will be discussed as well as how to use them properly and which brands are truly safe to use. Cost $5. Call 860844-5352 by March 25 to register.

Ethnic Cooking: Thursday, April 11, 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Anthology of Simsbury. This presentation will explore Polish cuisine. Learn how to make a classic, Polish pierogis. Our guest chef will offer a demonstration and tasting. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 5 to register.

GAMES Cribbage Club: Mondays at 1 p.m. Facilitator, Robert Coughlin. Cribbage, a card game based on English game Noddy, involves playing and grouping cards in combinations which gain points. Points are scored. Object of the game is to be the first player to score a target number of points. Group will meet and play for approximately 2 hours. All are welcome, from beginners to advanced players. Bring a friend and learn to play. Group will meet every Monday.

Call 860-844-5352 to register. Free GARDENING SERIES Gardening Myths and Truths: Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. This workshop will explain many of the common mistakes made by many gardeners, why they went wrong and how to correct them. It will cover a number of myths from planting, fertilizing, transplanting and more. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 10 to register.

Your Questions...My Answers: Wednesday, May 15, 10:30 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. Topics from abscission to Zoysia and anything in between are fair game. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by May 8 to register.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Medicare 101: Monday, April 22, 10 a.m.

Presented by Robin Graham, ConnectiCare.

Considering Medicare for the first time, or need a refresher if you are already on it? Come to class and learn the basics. Review the options offered by Medicare, simplify the confusion and discuss what plans benefit you the most. Free.

Call 860-844-5352 by April 15 to register.

Ask the Attorney with Kraner & Hess: Wednesday, April 3. Kraner & Hess specialize in Elder Law. Please call for an appointment for a free consultation.

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

The Art of Car Collecting Tuesday, April 9, 1 p.m. Presented by Richard Dabrowski, president of the Connecticut Car Club. Have you ever thought about collecting old cars? Perhaps you’ve wanted to restore one or even purchase as an investment? Come learn all about car collecting as a hobby or even a business. Free. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 2.

Billiards Clinic Series Thursday, April 18, 1 p.m. Instructor, Mark Kulungian, National Trick Shot Champion, certified Billiard Congress of America. Come in and enjoy some trick shooting by a National Champion followed by instruction and help with the game.

Class size limited. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 11.

The Game of Golf Tuesday, April 23, 1 p.m. Presented by Paul Banks, Copper Hill Golf Course.

Golf may be your game. Consider taking up golf for fun and exercise. Learn the basics of playing golf, what is needed for equipment, costs and how to adjust the game around issues of aging. Learn about swings, techniques, when and where to play, lessons, etc. Free. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 16.

Jukebox Bingo and Dinner Wednesday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m. If you missed this event last year, you will want to sign up early as it is fabulously fun. This is not your traditional bingo— listen to your favorite songs from the 40s to the 70s, guess the title and see if it is on your bingo card. A light dinner will be served. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 17.

AARP Safe Driving Course Tuesday, April 30, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Presented by AARP. Learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and much more. Cost $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Pay instructor on day of class day. Call 860-844-5352 to register by April 23.

Your Personal Best, Wigs and Wardrobes: Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m. Presented by Elizabeth Nicole Wig Studio. It’s springtime, the perfect time of year to refresh and rejuvenate and have some fun. Come and learn how to maximize your ‘look’ with wig, wardrobe and styling tips. Cost $5. Call 860-844-5352 by April 24 to register.

LEND A HELPING HAND Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (daysforgirls.org) sewing for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. Please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@ gmail.com.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesday, April 9, 10 a.m. Peggy Coburn, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Learning to cope with the changes in their behavior and understanding how to handle it is sometimes best explained by those who are dealing with a similar situation. Free.

Caregiver Private Consultations: Friday, April 5, starting at 10 a.m. Esther Corcoran, the Alzheimer’s Association. Come with questions and concerns for a half-hour personal consultations if you are a family member or caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s. Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. This is a group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

MS Support Group: Mondays, April 8 and 22, 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.

On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. This non-therapeutic support group will help you in understanding and coping with grief. You will find support, information and strategies.

Parkinson’s Support Group: Monday, April 15, 1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Krisztina Jarai, Residence at Brookside. This is a support group for those with Parkinson’s and their families.

Free. Please call 860-844-5352 to register.

Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Monday, April 15 and Friday, April 26. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost is $29. (Not covered by insurance). Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of each month, April 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Farmington Valley VNA, held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, April 2, 16 and 30. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.

TRAVEL Through partnership with Silver Mill Tours, the Granby Senior Center is able to offer the following travel opportunities. Call the Senior Center to confirm availability and for triple rates on extended tours. For a complete list of available travel opportunities stop by the Senior Center. Trips fees are non-refundable.

DAY TRIPS New York City Food and Markets Tour: Saturday, May 4. For all you foodie fans—weave your way through Asian, Italian, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and American bakeries, delis, pizzerias, gourmet shops, candy shops, pasta makers, meat markets, street vendors and more. You will be visiting Katz’s Deli, Eataly and Arthur Avenue. Cost $79.

Broadway Your Way: Saturday, July 20.

Design your own day on Broadway. Round trip motor coach travel and Orchestra/Mezzanine Seating to the matinee performance of your choice. Call the Senior Center for available shows. Cost from $199.

Whale Watch: Saturday, Aug. 10. Imagine being within feet of some of the most graceful, rare animals in the world. Your trip includes transportation, Whale Watch and a trip to Plymouth Rock. Cost $99.

SPECIAL EXTENDED TOURS Atlantic Canada: June 30–July 6. Your trip includes guided tours of Nova Scotia (Lunenberg and Peggy’s Cove), Halifax and beautiful Prince Edward Island, motor coach transportation, cruise to Nova Scotia, six nights hotel, six breakfasts and five dinners, all sightseeing and admission fees, tickets to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (military bands and display teams). Cost: single $2,639, double $1,849.

Lake George in the Fall: Sept. 13–15. Called the “Queen of the American Lakes” with 300 plus islands as a magnificent landscape. Your trip include round trip transportation, two nights at the Clarion Lake George, two breakfasts, lunch cruise on Lac du Saint Sacrament and a tour

April 2019

with a local guide including Millionaire’s Row, Prospect Mt. Scenic Highway, Fort William Henry and more. Cost: single $599, double $489.

SENIOR VAN SERVICE AND EXCURSIONS The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling.

Trips

Dine and Drive on Wednesday, April 17. The River Restaurant, Wethersfield. Cost $5.

Target and Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester on Friday, April 5. Cost $5.

Lee Premium Outlets in Lee, Mass. on Friday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Coach, J. Crew, Michael Kors and Talbots are just some of the wonderful outlets you will find at this premium outlet mall. Lunch on your own. Cost $5.

Excursions

Anthony Edwards Tribute to Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond at Chez Josef, Agawam on Thursday, April 25, 10 a.m. Anthony Edwards of the Edwards Twins brings to stage his art of celebrity impersonation, which is lauded by critics, audiences and celebrities. Anthony performs incredibly accurate tributes to these famous artists with live singing and no gimmicks, just plain talent. Lunch includes choice of pot roast or stuffed haddock. Cost $25. Register

by April 11.

Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox on Monday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. Ventfort Hall offers you a glimpse into the opulent Gilded Age era of the Berkshire Cottages. Enjoy lunch on your own at Alta. Cost $20.

FITNESS AND EXERCISE The Granby Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week.

Only $6 per class for Granby residents when you pay the session price. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee.

Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required.

Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Designed to increase strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Will help to improve activities of daily living in a fun and social environment. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Cardio & Strength: Mondays at 4:30 p.m.

Vigorous cardio workout in a fun and encouraging environment. Instructor, Mellanee Harmon.

Chair Yoga: Tuesday 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: Tuesday at 4 p.m. Thoughtful breathing and controlled postures. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. A low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. Does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Body Blast: Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. This fast paced class gives you an all-around great workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, low-impact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Chi Gong is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. This class is a great workout while having a lot of fun.

Appropriate for beginner to advanced dancers.

Instructor, Jim Gregory.

Peak: Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Vigorous aerobics and weights. Instructor, Jennifer Dzielak.

April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Browse & Borrow Granby Public Library Main Branch Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cossitt Branch Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.

Holiday Closing Granby Public Library, Main Branch, will be closed on Friday, April 19. On Saturday, April 20, both libraries will be open during normal hours.

Contact To register for any program call 860844-5275, email gplibrary@granby-ct. gov or register on the website, granby-ct. gov/library. Just click on the Program and Events Calendar tab and select the programs you want to attend. Of course you can still call or visit the library to sign up for programs, talks, activities and special events. We encourage you to take a look at the calendar today so you don’t miss out.

ADULTS, TEENS, TWEENS AND FAMILIES Granby Public Library, Main Branch and F. H. Cossitt Branch Library Crafters Café, Spring Card Making: Wednesday, April 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Adults and teens are invited to make a special spring-themed greeting card. Choose one of three articulated or two-dimensional card designs.

Craft instructor Beth Galloway provides guidance. All materials provided; no fee.

Registration required.

Take Better Photos With Your Smartphone: Tuesday, April 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Cossitt Upper Level. Don’t miss this intro to smartphone photography with Andy Mars, professional photographer and photography instructor. Adults and teens are invited to learn how to take better pictures with an iPhone, Android or iPad. Attendees need to bring their own mobile device; the instructor recommends downloading free apps Snapseed and Prisma prior to attending. Registration required as space is limited. For additional info, please contact library staff.

Cossitt Writers Group: Tuesdays, April 9 and 23, 6–7:45 p.m. at Cossitt Upper Level. Adult fiction writers are welcome to join this friendly group.

Writing exercises, sprints and critiques are all a part of the semi-monthly sessions. Registration recommended though drop-ins are always welcome.

Age Of Progress, Inventions of the 19th Century: Thursday, April 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch. The 19th century is known for remarkable developments in science and technology.

Edison, Tesla, Darwin, Freud, Semmelweis, Byron, Tennyson and many other influential figures from this Era of Firsts are included in a fascinating talk featuring familiar ideas, objects and people.

Hamish Lutris highlights the effects and influences each invention or advance had on the others. Registration recommended.

Chess, Anyone? Thursday, April 11, 10–11:45 a.m. at Cossitt Upper Level.

Chess fans are invited to friendly and competitive games the second Thursday of every month. If you want to play but the date or time doesn’t fit your schedule, please leave your contact info with library staff and we’ll put you in touch

with others who are open to playing matches at other times. Registration recommended though drop-ins are always welcome.

You Can Uke Group: Mondays, April 15 and 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Ukulele players in Granby’s advanced beginner class with Jim Lenn are reminded to keep strumming and jamming at the final two sessions in April.

Stay tuned for info about an upcoming Ukulele Jamboree.

Edible Perennial Landscaping And Gardening: Thursday, April 25, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. at Cossitt. New England is ideal for growing fruits, nuts and vegetables. Get the facts from certified organic landscape professional and nurseryman John Root. Pick up cultivation tips about which variety of trees, shrubs, vines, canes, and herbaceous perennials can be grown to produce bountiful harvests. Nutritional and medicinal benefits will also be highlighted during the talk.

Attendees are encouraged to take home a list of edible perennial plant species, recommended plant nurseries, and other resources for further study. Registration required; space limited.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

At Main Branch. Free and open to the public; copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing.

Register online or call 860-844-5275.

Something About the Author: Monday, April 1, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Featured author is Mario Vargas Llosa.

Around the World: Monday, April 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa (Japan).

SciFi / Fantasy: Wednesday, April 24, 7–7:45 p.m. The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Cossitt Craft Days: April 2, 4 and 6 at Cossitt Children’s Room. Stop by and make a child-friendly craft to take home.

All materials provided.

Craft Week: Monday to Saturday, April 8–13 at Main Branch Children’s Room. Drop in anytime during the week and create a seasonal craft to take home.

All materials provided.

Preschool Story Time, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Main Branch Children’s Room.

Preschoolers with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required.

Wee Ones Story Time, birth to 2 years: Thursdays, April 4, 11,18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Main Branch Children’s Room. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement. Child must have caregiver. No registration required.

Kindness Klub For Tweens, ages 8–12: Thursdays, April 4 and 18, 3:30– 4:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Get together to participate in fun projects that help spread kindness in our community.

Please register in advance.

Lego Build-A-Thon: Monday, April 8, 1–2:30 p.m. at Main Branch. Can you built the tallest building, or the longest bridge? Can you make the most beautiful or interesting one? Build with us and find out. We provide the Legos and the challenges, you bring the imagination.

Program for ages 6–11 and their families.

Please register in advance.

Parrots Around The World: Tuesday, April 9, 2–3 p.m. at Cossitt Upper Level.

It’s spring break in Granby and children are encouraged to bring their parents to learn more about parrots, parakeets and other feathered friends. Join Janet

Berube, certified avicultrist and board member of Westfield State University’s institutional and Animal Use Committee, which oversees researching and teaching of live animals. Berube has worked with parrots for over 30 years and is known for offering care instruction and behavioral training techniques for these beautiful birds. Registration required as space is limited.

Family Movie Double Feature, all ages: Wednesday, April 10, first movie beginning at 2 p.m. and second movie beginning at 6 p.m. at Main Branch. Drop

in and enjoy one movie, then come back for a second. We provide the popcorn at each show. Check the library website for film titles and synopsis. (Hint: The 2 p.m. show is an adventure all over the Internet, and the 6 p.m. show involves an under-age executive.)

Craft Blitz: Friday, April 12, 10:30– 12:30 at Main Branch. We’ll put out all the craft supplies and you’ll create an epic project of your own design. Let your creativity run wild. For children ages 6–11 with a caregiver. No registration required.

East Granby Library Events

Fetch! Me a Story Come read to a furry friend on Saturday, April 6, 12:30–2 p.m. Open to all, including pre-readers, those with special needs, and those wishing to become comfortable around dogs. Call 860-653-3002 to sign up for a slot now.

Author Talk: An Evening with Martha Hall Kelly On Thursday, May 23, at 6 p.m., the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls will join us at the East Granby Senior/Community Center for an author talk and book signing of her latest novel, Lost Roses. Stop by the library to reserve your spot today—tickets are $10 each.

Afternoon at the Movies Each Wednesday at 1 p.m., fresh popcorn provided.

April 3: Can You Ever Forgive Me? April 10: The Hate U Give April 17: Bohemian Rhapsody April 24: The Green Book

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Page 22 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

Saga of a Reluctant Whaler, Part 3 More letters from Harris Holcomb on a whaling ship.

“November 18, 1851 Hilo is a very pleasant place. There are about 15 or 20 white men live there and plenty of natives. Ashore it looks like a beautiful garden, every place is covered with the most beautiful flowers and shrubs. Coconuts, oranges, pineapples, bananas, plantains, breadfruit, pawpaws, sugar cane, mountain apples, pomegranates, watermelons, and muskmelons grow here in abundance and are very cheap. We stopped there three weeks and then came to this place, which is on the island of Maui and about thirty-six hours sail from Hilo.

Crayton is in the ship with me and tells me I had better stay with her, for he says I shall get home quicker than if I run away. He is thought a great deal of by both officers and crew. He sends his respects to all that enquire, tell them he is in good health as usual.

I have not got a letter since I left Bedford. I am in good health and have been most of the time. I am entirely sick of

whaling and shall quit the business as quick as possible. If you write, direct to Honolulu.”

The last letter from Harris was written exactly one year later.

“November 18, 1852 Honolulu I take this opportunity to write you a little news. We came from the Arctic to Hilo and had one week’s liberty and got some water, potatoes and fruit. Hilo is the best place we’ve been into since we left home. There are about twenty or thirty houses, two of which are very nice.

There are two churches here, one for seamen and one for the natives. Sweet potatoes grow here from the size of my fist to the size of a bucket. When we were there, the frigate St. Lawrence lay there. They had a theatre aboard of her one night but I did not go.

We left there and came to Lahaina and lay off and on. I went in the boat to pull the old man ashore, where we had to pull about 15 miles in the sun (and by the way, the sun does shine here) but he gave the boat’s crew a dollar apiece so

Simsbury Road in West Granby

we could not find fault.

This is a large place, the largest in the Islands. It is about as large as Tariffville, but a very different place. Here are about 150 ships besides brigs, schooners etc.

Here you see almost any nation in the world represented. Americans, English, Dutch, Irish, Scotch, Spaniards, Portuguese, Chinese, Malays, Japanese, Africans and all sorts of South Americans and natives of most of the islands in the Pacific.

There has not been much more than common here until about a week ago when a policeman killed a sailor belonging to the ship Emerald of Sag Harbor.

He was killed in the fort which is the common prison here. The seamen were all in favor of taking the man out of the fort and a-hanging him without judge or jury. They collected together five or six hundred men from the ships in port and about 100 that sail out of here. They marched around the town and formed in front of the fort where one of the leaders made a speech. Then they left there and set fire to three government houses. The mob then dispersed and went home or aboard their ships.

The next day the people ashore put in about 100 policemen and gave out notice that all sailors belonging to ships that were found ashore after sundown and all sailors living ashore that were not at their boarding houses, would be taken up and put in the fort.

After we left here last season, we went to the Navigator Islands, the Society

Islands and a number of other groups.

We were a-cruising for whales and going ashore for fruit, potatoes, hogs and chickens etc. Here you can live cheap.

For a plug of tobacco, you can get two chickens, a small pig or two large bunches of bananas or a dozen coconuts, and any other thing in proportion. I have got a great many shells, whale’s teeth, etc. but if I leave the ship I shall have to leave them. The ship is going to the arctic again but if I can get away, I shall come home.

I do not like to tell you how we live at sea, but as you wish to know, I will.

We have salt meat and most of the time potatoes and bread, about as good as a chip. It took me a long time to get used to it, so that I could eat anything, but now you would be astonished to see salt pork and beef disappear before me.

As for health, I have had as good health for two years as I ever had in my life, but I do not grow any. This arctic weather is breaking more constitutions than ever the Mexican War did. It is very cold, snowing and raining half of the time and frosted the other time.

Crayton steers the second mate’s boat and has struck more whales than any other boat steerer in the ship. He is a first rate sailor and has learned navigation since we have been out.

I received three letters from you in here, one of them dated Nov. 1850 and the other two soon after you got my letters from here.” (to be concluded)

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 23

PLANNING & ZONING MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2019 Informal Discussion

Stanley Kardys, owner of 186 Case Street, addressed the commission and gave a brief description of his family’s history with the property.

Kardys explained he has been researching the possible subdivision and open space/farmland preservation of his property. A developer is interested in purchasing approximately 40 acres with the intent of subdividing the land. Kardys would like to retain approximately eight acres so he can continue to farm. He has contacted the state and town to ask if they are interested in purchasing the development rights to the farm.

Kardys said he would like the fee in lieu of open space for the property to be used to purchase the development rights.

Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon explained the Subdivision Regulations require 20 percent of the subdivided property be dedicated open space unless no party is willing to accept the open space, in which case the Planning and Zoning Commission may accept a fee in lieu of open space. If a fee is collected, it is deposited into the open space fund, which can be used to preserve open space elsewhere in town. However, when the commission accepts a fee in lieu of open space, it is unable to earmark the collected funds for a specific purchase. Such a purchase would have to be approved by other boards and commissions and, depending on the cost, possibly a town meeting. Kardys suggested perhaps McLean Game Refuge would consider purchasing a portion of the property, as it is adjacent to 186 Case Street to the east. The commission discussed open space properties and preservation of farmland. Kenyon will follow up with the state regarding the farmland preservation program that Kardys has indicated he is interested in applying to.

Receive Application and Set Public Hearing

Kenyon reported two applications have been submitted, including an application seeking an accessory apartment at 29 Notch Road and an application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Sections 1.4, 3.8.2.16 and 8.17.4, which would allow gas stations in the Industrial Zone by Special Permit and would increase the building height of self-storage facilities to 40 feet. The public hearings have been scheduled for March 26.

Kenyon reported the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee has met several times over the past few months and has created a table with all tasks outlined in the Plan of Conservation and Development.

The committee is working to assign a lead entity to complete the tasks and a timeline for completion. Kenyon noted the Planning and Zoning Commission has been identified as a lead entity for several tasks, including revisions to the zoning regulations pertaining to housing

options and site plan review elements. She said after the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee finishes its review of the plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission can assess the assigned tasks and prioritize their completion. Paula Johnson commented that residential accessory use is a topic that the commission may want to consider a priority.

Commission discussion of items of interest or concern

Paula Johnson suggested that the commission create a policy for how seating of an alternate commission member is handled to ensure consistency. It was suggested if an alternate is seated for a public hearing that is continued to the next meeting, the alternate should remain seated to finish the public hearing and then vote on the application. The commission will consider this and will discuss further.

Charles Kraiza asked Eric Lukingbeal about the plan to create an arboretum at Holcomb Farm. Eric reported the Friends of Holcomb Farm obtained grant funding to plant and label trees for a Holcomb Tree Trail.

MARCH 12, 2019 Public Session

Bill Scheel, 93 Silkey Road, addressed the commission. He asked the commission what interaction had taken place between themselves and the Kearns Community Center Steering Committee. He commented the Kearns Committee had proposed activities and he asked about possible Zoning Regulation implications.

A. Kenyon replied that town property is exempt from the Zoning Regulations.

Road School. Paula Johnson noted the Plan of Conservation and Development contains information about well-maintained infrastructure and roads to provide for safety of residents and also maintaining the standard of education.

Eric Myers highlighted a few considerations the commission must contemplate when evaluating these projects and their consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development, including the adoption of and maintaining a capital improvement plan, encouraging volunteer participation, seeking alternative sources of revenues, and anticipating future needs of the town with changing demographics. Myers noted concerns with how the different projects are packaged. Kenyon reminded the commission that its evaluation of the projects is in relation to the Plan of Conservation and Development only. A determination of how the projects are packaged for a town vote is beyond the scope of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Eric Lukingbeal stated he would like to attend one or more of the information sessions before voting. Kenyon said that they could vote at the next meeting. Margaret Chapple asked Kenyon to confirm that the commission is not being asked to endorse these projects. Kenyon said the commission’s review is for consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development. P. Johnson recommended that the Commission

members attend one of the several upcoming public information sessions being held within the next week. She also noted residents should have received a Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee Information Session postcard in the mail. The information sessions were: Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the Granby Police Department Community Room at 2 p.m.; Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the Granby Police Department Community Room at 10 a.m.; and Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the Granby Senior Center Community Room at 7 p.m.

Commission discussion of items of interest or concern

Johnson read the procedure for seating of alternates. In the event a regular commission member cannot attend a meeting, that member notifies the Office of Community Development as soon as possible. The Office of Community Development will contact an alternate to fill in. Alternate members will be contacted on a rotating basis. If a hearing matter is continued, the alternate who served on the original hearing will return until the matter is concluded. Alternate members are encouraged to attend all meetings should a regular member need to disqualify him or herself from participating on an active application. ­—Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

Breakfast talk was “out of this world”

Referral regarding Capital Projects – Connecticut General Statute, Section 8-24

Don Rethke spoke at the March Men’s Breakfast about manned space exploration. His key advice: Start with a life support system and build a spacecraft around it.

Photo by Nat Kennedy

Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon addressed the commission. She explained Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that municipal improvements be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report before any local action is taken. The role of the commission is to evaluate projects for consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development. She said the commission’s review of the projects is very early in the process. There will be public information sessions on the projects.

Kenyon briefly highlighted each of the proposed projects including five bridges; work at the high school including cafeteria improvements, science, career and technology education space renovations, performing arts improvements, library media center project, parking lot reconfiguration and repaving, athletic facility improvements; roofs and/or HVAC system upgrades and/or replacement at all schools and a solar array behind Wells

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer

April 2019

GMHS at NCCC & State Championships • PHOTOS BY JAY HARDER March 1 NCCC Championship vs. Ellington 51-39

March 6, Round 2, Div. IV State Tourney vs. Sheehan, 54-48

March 8, Qtr. Final, Div. IV State Tourney vs. Ellington, 62-58 in OT

#5, junior Dylan Disabella in game vs.

Ellington March 1.

Coach Wally Hansen speaking to the team on a time out

#22, Senior James Shelansky against Sheehan in game on 3/6/19

#22 senior James Shelansky, going for the jump shot vs.

Ellington March 1.

# 3, Junior Elliyas Delaire, getting above the Ellington defense

Junior Dylan Disabella launches to the basket

Granby topped Classical Magnet 72-60 in the semi final round of the state tournament, giving them a spot in the finals on March 16 at Mohegan Sun, where they were defeated

by New Canaan for the Division IV title.

BanK Better

#21, Junior Rowan Heinze, goes for the basket versus Ellington.

#24, senior Parker Hansen, movng towards the hoop.

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 25

of a

1830s Star Quilt inspires reproduction

Female Farmer

B y Kate B ogli

Farm kids I’m not sure our kids know they are growing up on a farm. Ever since they can remember there have been animals, lots of space and plenty of dirt. This is just what home is. My husband and I lived in New York City for years before they were born. He grew up in Granby, but struck out to the big city to escape the small town.

I always had dreams of city life and loved every minute of the 14 years I lived there. We talk about our life there often, so the kids do know about cities. They have fun when we visit. But forget the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. It’s escalators, revolving doors, the subway and (gasp) TV in the taxis that amaze my country mice when we go to New York. For now, I’m happy these things amaze them. They

don’t understand how you wouldn’t have space to compost, or that you can’t grow much of your own food. They don’t understand the oasis that is Central Park because they have 50 acres of their own to explore every day.

Farm life is giving our children lots of great life lessons and building character. Did you ever dig a four-foot deep hole when you were nine? Talk about perseverance! Did you watch piglets or goats being born when you were five? Compassion! Were you and your brothers allowed in the back woods to explore by yourself, not knowing that mom could see through the still-bare spring foliage? Common sense! Earned money by cleaning stalls by the time you were seven? Industrious!

I suppose there are other ways to learn these character traits, but I’m happy our boys are learning these things now, before they need them for real when they’re on their own. Best case scenario: they grow up, move to the city for a while, appreciate the beauty of where they spent their childhood and move back to start the cycle right over again.

By Jean Potetz Come to see the old and the new. For the last seven years quilters from the Salmon Brook Historical Society and the Granby area have been working on replicating a circa 1830s Eight-Pointed Star quilt from the Salmon Brook Historical Society’s quilt collection. The final stitches have just been added. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, a reception will be held at the society to honor the quilters and display both quilts to the public.

Society member Alberta (Bert) Dinella, who was in charge of this immense undertaking, and those working with her, put enormous effort into finding just the right fabrics for each star block and creating this new quilt as closely to the original as possible. Photos were taken of each block to provide precise fabric choices, many measurements were taken to ensure accuracy, the challenging border was conquered and all stitches were made by hand. Displayed side-by-side with the

original, the reproduction takes the viewer back 175-plus years to when the original quilt maker must have been as pleased with her quilt as we are with the reproduction today.

Dinella, who was featured in February’s Drummer article, Saying Farewell to the Quilter and the Wizard, has moved to North Carolina, leaving behind this legacy and incredible addition to the society’s quilt collection. Thanks to her and her team’s long-term dedication, this reproduction will allow the beauty and complexity of the original 1830s Eight-Pointed Star quilt to be displayed while the fragile original is preserved.

Join society members on Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Preservation Barn at SBHS, 208 Salmon Brook Street, as the makers of both of these hand-pieced and hand-quilted heirlooms are honored. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. If you have questions, please call Jean Potetz at 860-653-7647.

In Memory Of …

Hagen, Boerre Arthur, 54, husband of Wendy (Ozbun) Hagen, Feb. 23 Kowalski, Edward J., 94, husband of the late Bernice Kowalski, Feb. 23 Mission, Shirley Eileen, 88, wife of the late Walter Charles Mission, Feb. 23 Davis, Marjorie (Hall), 86, wife of Karl E. Peters and the late Forrest H. Davis, DVM, Feb. 24 Cutler, Ann (Hentschel), 85, wife of the late James L. Cutler, Feb. 26 Skibski, Dorothy Lois, 92, Feb. 26 Sean Daniel Foley, 41, son of Daniel and Donna Foley of Boerne, TX, March 4.

Kennedy, John Terry, 74, husband of Rosia Tuttle Kennedy, March 8 Walczewski, Stanley R., 89, husband of the late Lois Walczewski, March 20.

Luke and Jellybean the pony.

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer

HEALTH NOTES Pain Management

There are many experiences that cause apprehension and fear. Pain is at the top of the list of things that we fear, wish to avoid, minimize and resolve quickly.

Pain management is a developing section of medical care that attempts to apply scientific knowledge and best practices to reduce pain. Treatment providers recognize the complex nature of pain and the necessity to treat it from all directions.

There is no one answer or one treatment that fits all types of pain. For some, over the counter pain medications are effective. For others, prescription medications work like a charm. Physical therapy also alleviates some types of pain. There are many components to our individual experiences of pain, and it is important for each of us to recognize how emotional factors can worsen the feeling of pain if not carefully monitored and treated.

Taking a pill does not always alleviate pain, and we need to think beyond that if medication is not working. Medicine

By the

Farmington Valley VNA today is aware of the numerous options that help the treatments all work together for better effectiveness.

The goal of pain management is to minimize pain, to improve functioning and to increase one’s quality of life.

As with all pain suffering, a medical evaluation should be done to determine the cause and nature of the pain. While some instances are due to illness and recent recovery periods, such as after a surgery, some pain syndromes are related to chronic disease states, such as in diabetes, arthritis, cancer and other chronic conditions. Medications can work to deaden the experience of pain directly, while others can work more indirectly and ultimately enhance pain reduction.

There is a great body of knowledge that exists reinforcing the need to treat emotion, as people that suffer from depression and anxiety often have a greater experience of pain. Treating these issues is critical in reducing the experience of pain. There are numerous other medical

April 2019

procedures that serve to reduce pain by blocking nerve centers, hoping to block the messages to the brain that lead to our experience of pain. Acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and biofeedback all have proven effective in the management and treatment of pain syndromes.

Exercise, if guided by proper medical oversight, can often lead to lessening of pain and prevention of it getting worse.

As pain sufferers know, there is often no one solution. Sometimes what has been working may abruptly stop working, which is frustrating. This is known: pain is not to be ignored as when not treated effectively it often leads to things getting worse. Finding the cause of pain is essential and then treating the root cause if possible or blocking the pain itself. While it is not difficult to see how pain disrupts the quality of our lives, it is important to remember that pain can lead to other medical problems. Pain leads to

higher blood pressure, higher heart rate, and anxiety, all of which can lead to further health issues. If you suffer from pain that is not well treated or responding to treatment, seek an evaluation from a pain management specialist.

The American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa.org) can give you a good start regarding resources, tools to help you evaluate and record your pain, where to go and what to ask a provider on evaluation The American Academy of Pain Medicine (painmed.org) will help you with the most recent research and pain management options National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (nccih.cih.gov) will give you the research and statistics on alternative approaches and how best to evaluate with your medical provider what could be appropriate for you.

Granby rider and horse named dressage champs

By Taylor and Avery Wells Debbie Brewer of West Granby and her horse, Baltimore, were recently awarded the Connecticut Dressage Association Championship Ribbon for Overall High Point Score during the 2018 season.

Debbie returned to competition in 2018 after suffering a serious riding accident in 2015. Her injuries prevented her from riding for over a year, but once she was back in the saddle she made steady progress and was ready to compete in shows again in 2018. Debbie received support and assistance at all the 2018 competitions from her friend and reader Vicky Arnold.

Baltimore, a 16-year-old American Hanoverian gelding, is boarded at the Sunny Hill Farm of Suffield.

Debbie Brewer and her horse, Baltimore.

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 27

TOOTH TALK by MichaelUngerleider D.M.D

Attention MOMs Does your child suffer from Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?

Does your child exhibit any of the following symptoms?

Lips-apart constantly, mouth breathing, Irritability, frequent headaches, dark circles under the eyes, chronic allergies, daytime drowsiness, restless sleep, bedwetting, nightmares, snoring, crooked teeth, ADD/ADHD, arrested growth, aggressive behavior, swollen adenoids and tonsils, low grades in math and spelling?

If your child is between ages 3-12 years old and you spot any of the above symptoms, your child may be a victim of an undersized oral cavity. In other words, their jaws may not be developing properly to allow healthy breathing patterns.

Researchers and Health care providers have recently discovered that the underlying cause of many of the conditions that children are medicated for, in regard to behavior problems are actually the result of inadequate sleep, caused by SDB-induced oxygen deprivation.

A new all-natural oral appliance delivered by dentists addresses the root causes of SBD by reshaping the child’s oral cavity and airway to optimize airflow and promote proper nasal breathing during sleep. It will also straighten teeth and can actually prevent the need for braces in most cases.

The Myobrace System has been specifically designed to promote proper growth and development of the oral cavity, the jaw and the upper palate. As these areas develop more fully, the child’s airway widens and expands, allowing every child the opportunity to breathe nasally. As they do, many of the symptoms of SDB simply disappear. When kids can breathe properly, they can begin to learn, grow, and blossom into their true genetic potential.

Call our office to find out if your child can be helped.

(860) 653-3220.

At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing new technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength!

We were the first office in Granby to offer Cone Beam CT technology, allowing us to see 3-D images instantly. This aids in diagnosis and planning for Implants.

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

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter Scan the QR code below for more about our practice:

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Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT

Simsbury Bank is Gran-Bee sponsor

Simsbury Bank is pleased to announce that it is a $1,000 Swarm Sponsor of the Granby Education Foundation’s 16th annual Gran-Bee event. The Gran-Bee is the foundation’s annual fund raising trivia contest, which will be held this year on Friday, May 3, 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 this year to again support this important and fun fundraising activity for the foundation.”

“We thank Simsbury Bank, a consistent sponsor of this event for many years, as well as the other generous sponsors who support this event each year,” said Kim Becker, Board Chairman of the Granby Education Foundation. “The Gran-Bee is a fun and family-friendly evening that 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.

The Granby Education Foundation (GEF) is a nonprofit organization that raises private funds in support of innovative educational initiatives for

people of all ages in Granby and surrounding towns. The GEF is directed by an all-volunteer board and supported by contributions from residents, businesses, and other charitable organizations.

From l.: Michelle DeGange, GEF Board Member and GranBee Committee Chair; Kim Becker, GEF Board Chair; Bernadeta Eichner, AVP Sr. Relationship Manager, Granby Office, Simsbury Bank; Alfred Wilke, GEF Board Member.

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Page 28 The Granby Drummer

Signs Of Spring Mother’s Day Nothing says spring more than gifts of young plants for the garden on Mother’s Day. You can get yours at our Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will have a range of flowers and herbs for sale, as well as seed packets, medicinal herb seedlings, and other local products. Make your mom happy and support a good cause at the same time. The plant sale will be held at the CSA Barn, 111 Simsbury Road, West Granby, and will include: Thousands of seedlings, mostly organic seed, all grown in organic Vermont compost soil mix in our own greenhouse.

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli, leeks, watermelons and tons more veggies.

Dozens of flower varieties for cut flowers, also great for attracting beneficial insects and attracting pollinators.

Herbs such as parsley, basil, chives, oregano, thyme and mint.

Organic Seed packets from Fedco Seeds for crops that can’t be transplanted, such as carrots, radishes, peas, parsnips, turnips, greens, etc.

Pleasant Valley Botanicals will be selling Medicinal Herb seedlings.

Maple View Farm will be selling their beef and pork.

Check the Friends’ website for more details as the date draws near. Shop local for all your Mother’s Day needs!

Other News We have a number of other family-fun Holcomb Farm dates coming up, so mark your calendars and watch for more details on the website (holcombfarm.org), in next month’s Granby Drummer, and through social media.

Thursday, April 18, 4 to 7 p.m., Holcomb Farm will be at Lost Acres Vineyard for the annual spring market, so you can make your holiday meals that much better with local fare from local producers.

The Farm Store opens for the season on June 11. We will be stocking our own produce, of course, but also great stuff from many other farmers in the area. We offer one-stop shopping for locally-sourced and artisanal foods and products from about 20 farms, bakeries and dairies that operate in Granby and nearby towns. You do not have to belong to our CSA to shop at our Farm Store. The Farm Store will be open all summer long, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Summer CSA memberships are available for purchase through the website.

With either a full-share or a half-share you will enjoy a dizzying array of fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers, grown without chemicals, all summer long. You’ll come to the farm to pick-up your share of the bounty, harvested and cleaned for you just hours before pick up. You can pick up at your convenience, Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eat

healthy and local this summer and support Granby’s nonprofit farm.

Hibernation for Farmer Joe O’Grady was rudely interrupted earlier this year when the winds came through and tore apart a farm hoop house, see photo on right. With lots of hard work, reliance on contingency plans and good old-fashioned New England ingenuity, we are off and growing anyway. And, with help from our insurance company, we will be back to full production before you know it.

As part of CT trails day, the Friends of Holcomb Farm will be conducting a hike on Saturday, June 1, meeting at 10 a.m. at the main campus on 113 Simsbury Road. The hike will be in the east fields and woods and will not be strenuous. It is particularly designed for families and will include a tree scavenger hunt. New trees have been planted and several trees have been labeled with species identifications.

April 2019

If there are sufficient participants, teams will be formed and a list of trees and maps will be provided for each team. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm’s Annual Meeting is planned for June 9. Become a member of the Friends by making an annual contribution of $25 and come to the meeting. Building a new tradition based on last year’s fun, we will host a pie contest. Entries are welcome from any and all, and prizes will be awarded.

April Thoughts The forsythia, reflecting the sun’s warmth, and touched by God’s hand, blossoms in its yellow glory. Fragrant hyacinths of white, pink, and blue, planted many Easters ago, resurrect and bring their Beauty to the world.

Nearby, early tulips of red and yellow join in the celebration.

After winter’s harshness, April’s Beauty seems more poignant, more touching, more tender, yet victorious before the intensity of summer to come.

I, as others, know that all that surrounds us is a gift that we are privileged to see. I wish everyone might be part of this changing landscape, even if only through a window or an open door…

—Bernadette R. Gentry

April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 29

Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park; Open 24/7 at www.

GranbyRec.com Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com Program/Trip Registration: All programs/trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Registration for all programs available online.

Now Hiring Summer Lifeguards and Camp Counselors Accepting applications for summer staff. Applicants must be 16 years of age (or older) by June 30. Applications available on the website.

Summer Program Registration Open Summer Day Camp at Salmon Brook Park, Mission Adventure and a ton of other awesome adventures await you with Granby Recreation’s lineup of summer programs. From baseball, basketball and volleyball to softball, field hockey and tennis—there’s something for everyone.

See programs and register on the website.

Simsbury Farms Golf Season passes are available to Granby residents, visit the website to purchase.

After School Programs Programs begin early April, now taking registrations. Visit website to register. Includes: After School Fit and Fun Running Club at Wells Road School, Lego Enrichment, Art-Ventures, F.A.S.T. Athletics, Food Explorers, Soccer Shots, String Instruments.

Music Together Mondays, April 1 to June 17, at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., for ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver.

Join this international, research-based music and movement program. Around the globe, families enrolled in the program playfully share in songs, rhymes, movement and instrument play, both in class and throughout daily life. Designed as a multi-semester program to grow with your little one over the course of early childhood, a beautifully illustrated songbook and CD is included each semester. Held in the Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. $220 first child, $115 second child, $90 third child. Infant siblings under 8 months on first day are free.

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Wednesday, April 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) is designed to train professionals to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies for adult, child and infant victims.

A Baroque Salon: Music of 18th Century Paris

By Laura Mazza-Dixon The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series presents A Baroque Salon: Music of 18thCentury Paris.

Les Amies de Théodore specializes in music of the 17th and 18th centuries. Susan Allen, flute; Deborah Robin, recorder; Laura Mazza-Dixon, viola da gamba and Anne Mayo, harpsichord, will be joined by guest violinist, Emlyn Ngai.

The music performed at A Baroque Salon on Sunday, April 28 at 4 p.m., will include the Trio Sonata in C major by Johann Joachim Quantz, the Premier Concert Royale and Les Barricades Mystérieuses

by François Couperin, Suite V from JeanPhilippe Rameau’s Pièces de Clavecin en Concert, and Suite VI from Georg Philipp Telemann’s Paris Quartets.

Imagine you have been invited to a concert in Paris performed by virtuoso musicians employed by the extravagant French king, Louis XIV. Savor the beauty and passion of the music of the High Baroque Walter Mayo’s commentary on the musical culture of Paris in the early 1700s and the lives of the composers who lived and worked there.

The Baroque ensemble Les Amies de Théodore performs regularly for the Musical Club of Hartford, and has presented concerts for the Music at First Church Series in Windsor, the Sawyer Memorial Church in Jonesport, Maine, Seabury Life Community in Bloomfield, Conn. and the Lathrop Community in Northampton, Mass.

Susan Allen, flautist, was born into a family of musicians and music teachers and attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She holds an RN from Greater Hartford Community College and has practiced as a psychiatric nurse.

Laura Mazza-Dixon teaches classical guitar and viola da gamba at the Windy Hill Studio in Granby. She has directed early music ensembles at the Hartt School.

Founder and director of both the Granby

Family Dance Series and the contra-dance band Heart’s Ease, She currently co-directs the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series.

In the 1970s, Anne Mayo and her husband, Walter, constructed a harpsichord from a Zuckermann kit, igniting a decades-long study of solo and chamber repertoire for that instrument. She has transcribed much of the music of French composer Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre into modern notation.

Walter Mayo is a retired attorney and a lover of all music genres. He is a frequent presenter of music-related programs for ALP, including: Bach and Beyond, The Beatles, Wagner’s “Ring Cycle,” Richard Strauss, Country Music and Operatic Femmes Fatales.

Emlyn Ngai teaches modern and historical violin at the Hartt School of Music. He has appeared on the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series many times as the director of the Hartt Collegium Musicum, the student Baroque orchestra.

As a young musician, Deborah Robin performed as recorder soloist in the Providence Recorder Society’s ensemble under the direction of her teacher, Ilse Schaler.

She has performed with the early music orchestra Aston Magna under the direction of Albert Fuller, with viola da gamba player Grace Feldman, and at the Center for Old Music in the New World, in Lexington, Ky. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series is in its seventh season of sponsoring concerts of classical music and silent films with live organ accompaniment at South Congregational Church in Granby. Parking is behind the church with wheelchair access from the side entrance.

The concerts are free to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 to support the series. A reception with the performers follows each concert. For more information please contact the South Church office at 860-653-7289 or visit the website at southchurchgranby.org/connect/music/ bruce-porter-memorial-music-series

Consistent with the 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC, BLS is the foundation CPR/AED program typically required for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. $90pp.

SPRING VACATION WEEK, APRIL 8–12

Art-Ventures For Kids: Sign up for one, two, three, four or five days. Monday, Fun Times with Famous Artists; Tuesday, Cupcakes and Pizza Party Art-ventures; Wednesday, Puppies, Bunnies and Kittens, Oh My!; Thursday, Out of this World: Outer Space Art-ventures; Friday, Backyard Fun with Squirrels and Snakes and Cats. Each class is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. $39 per class, or $195 for all five classes.

F.A.S.T. Athletics Super Sports Camp: Super Sports offers a variety of sports each day including soccer, basketball, flag football, dodge ball and kick ball. Includes proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day will end with a high-energy game with the sport played that day. For kids in grades K–5. Choose Half Day (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) for $155, or Full Day (8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) for $225.

Parent and Me: Thursday, April 11, 5–6:30 p.m. Make your own canvas Easter tote at Joy & Wit. Gather with other children and families for this festive class where you will create a customized canvas bag. $24pp.

Twilight EGGStravaganza On Thursday, April 18, Jack, the Spring Bunny will visit Salmon Brook Park as local organizations put together an egg-citing evening for children ages 2–11. The event is free. The SBP Concession Stand will be open. All children doing the egg hunt should bring their own basket or sack to collect the hidden eggs. Ages 6–11 will need to bring a flashlight for their hunt. Egg hunt for ages 1 and 2 begins at 6 p.m. Hunt for ages 3–5 begins at 6:45 p.m. Flashlight hunt for ages 6–11 begins at 7:45 p.m.

Coming soon!

Lunchtime Walkers Club Meet at the SBP Park and Recreation Building Gathering Room each Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is an easy and inexpensive way to get moving. Join the walking club every Tuesday in beautiful Salmon Brook Park. We will stay on the pavement and walk around the park for 45 minutes of fitness, conversation and fun. Dogs and strollers are welcome.

Dress for the weather. This free program will run through spring months. Registration is required.

Super Soccer Sundays April 28–June 9 Granby Recreation is excited to bring this parent/child program to town for children ages 3–5. Start early and learn from the pros and have fun participating in soccer related drills and games. Choose 9, 10 or 11 a.m. $95 per child.

Playgroup with Sheri Litchfield Playgroup at Holcomb Farm on Wednesdays through June is a great chance for you and your child to meet other families from surrounding areas. Your child will explore and play with educational toys and games while caregivers have a chance to chat. 9:30–11 a.m. $5 per day, or pay $20 for 4 visits and get a 5th for free, or pay $40 for 8 visits and get 9th free.

Plan your Party or Special Event

Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm. The Park House is a beautiful facility accommodating 99 people, with a gas fireplace and central air. The North Barn Pavilion at the Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn, but has modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people special. Dates fill fast, so call to get more information or visit GranbyRec.com to see pictures and rental info.

Happy 100th Birthday!

Sally H. Pullman, a 60-year resident of Granby and a WWII veteran, will turn 100 years old on April 20, 2019. Very active in Granby activities, she volunteered at the Drummer, served on the PTA, was a 4-H leader, and taught nursing.

Birthday wishes can be sent to: c/o Sally Pullman-Mooar; 7201 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

Back to school DEEP’s limited resources to “train the Let’s do a visualization exercise totrainer.” The idea was simple, but remarkgether. It requires you to set aside your ably effective and efficient: recruit a small biases and suspend disbelief. army of volunteers passionate about both Ready? the outdoors and helping others. Then Close your eyes. train these volunteers how to share their Take a deep breath. passion with others.

Imagine a state-run program. One that If you ask me, Babey was a genius. touches approximately 7,000 people If there is one thing more magical than every year. A program that gets kids and catching your first fish, it’s helping sometheir families outdoors, exposes them to one else catch theirs. Once you’ve see that nature, and teaches them about history, look of joy and awe on a child’s face, you biology and conservation. A program are, pardon the pun, “hooked.” that intentionally and effectively serves CARE, by any measure, is a huge sucpeople of all social, racial and economic cess. The program has trained and certified backgrounds. over 750 instructors (I became number Take another deep breath. Release it 758) and taught more than 212,000 kids slowly. Now imagine that this program and their families. The program offers doesn’t require a single dollar from the classes of varying difficulty, ranging from state’s general fund. a basic fishing course to specialty classes Open your eyes. on ice fishing and fly fishing. CARE also Stop giggling. provides summer fishing programs and Behold: the Connecticut Aquatic Rea number of annual special events. For sources Education Program (CARE). example, May 11 this year is Free Family CARE was founded in 1986 by George Fishing Day, where you and your family Babey, an employee of the Connecticut can participate in a variety of activities, Department of Energy and Environmental including: fishProtection (DEEP). ing; fishing A year earlier, DEEP games; getting was given the leglessons on fly islative mandate casting or fly to create a “fishing tying; helping education and urban to stock trout; angler program.” taking a nature George decided to hike; or enjoybuild CARE around a model that utilized February 2019 CARE Instructor Graduating Class. ing a fish fry.

April 2019

And no state tax dollars are used to fund the program. CARE is funded entirely by grants from the Federal Sport Restoration Program (75 percent) and volunteer time (25 percent). The volunteer time is critical: it is treated as in-kind services and allows the state to qualify for the grants without being required to provide matching funds.

I first learned about CARE several years ago when I was leafing through the Connecticut Angler’s Guide (an annual DEEP publication of fishing regulations and other information). I came across an ad entitled Free family fishing lessons! The ad contained four pictures of kids beaming as they posed with fish and invited readers to “Join Our Team. Share Your Passion.” There was a number to call to sign up for instructor training courses.

“Hmm,” I thought, “what a great way to give back to the community.” Rather

CARE has been serving Connecticut families for more than 30 years.

than call the number, I copied the ad, put the copy in my to-do file and went fishing. It took me three years to find that ad

and to complete the training to become a certified instructor.

A few weeks ago, I went back to school, spending a Saturday at the CARE headquarters in Killington. I joined 10 other volunteers in a class taught by CARE coordinators Tom Bourette and Justin Wiggins. Tom and Justin are perfectly suited to lead the program. They are knowledgeable, easy-going and dedicated. Minutes into the class, it became apparent why CARE is so successful.

These guys are truly dedicated to connecting kids and their families with the outdoors.

We covered a number of topics, ranging from program history, to species identification, to proper appearance (according to the Instructor Policy and Procedures Manual, “The Instructor will be clean and neat.”)

We focused, however, on how to teach the curriculum for the Introduction To Fishing course. This course is the foundation of CARE. Participants get 2-3 hours of classroom instruction where they learn things like how to cast, basic knot tying and the best baits to use. Then, they go fishing. All required gear is provided by CARE, and the fishing is supervised by certified instructors.

As it turns out, I completed the certification in a slightly unusual manner. I helped teach an Introduction To Fishing course before I took the certification class. This is another testament to CARE’s success.

Tom and Justin are appreciative of, and sensitive to, constraints on a volunteer’s time. The certification class is taught only twice a year: in February and June. I first talked to Justin in March of last year and knew that I had a conflict with the June date. I didn’t want to wait almost year

Waypoints cont’d. on p. 31

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April 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Chicken and zucchini fritters fit the bill for supper

By Pamela Scherrer What’s for Supper?

Chicken and zucchini fritters—that’s what!

Spring is here and we all would rather be outside now instead of cooking! Well, you are in luck, because this is the easiest way to get a quick dinner in with some healthy protein and veggie. It can be jazzed up with extra herbs and spices, onion and garlic, bacon bits or some shredded cheese. You can also make these as regular sized burger patties if you like. These are gluten free and keto/ paleo friendly too.

Chicken Zucchini Fritters Ingredients: 2 ½ cups shredded zucchini 1 ½ lbs ground chicken 1 egg ¾ tsp salt

Waypoints cont’d. from p. 30 to get involved. There was no hesitation when I asked Justin if I could help before taking the class.

“Absolutely,” he said.

And so, after they completed a background check, they let me help teach an Introduction To Fishing course in Suffield. Afterwards, I knew, if you will pardon a second pun, that the CARE program had me “hook, line and sinker.”

There was a young lady in my class who had special needs. She had a hard time casting and could stand for only short periods of time. She was also left handed, and all we had were right handed reels.

To retrieve line, she had to turn the rod over and crank backwards.

Fiorentino became Instructor Number 758.

¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp paprika ¼ cup chopped cilantro Directions: Shred zucchini, put in large bowl Add the ground chicken, egg, salt, pepper, paprika and cilantro to bowl Mix until well blended Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large skillet. Heat oil on medium high for a couple minutes Scoop out meatball sized amounts of chicken mixture into pan, flatten a bit to look like little sliders Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through Serve warm topped with guacamole or sour cream ranch dip Buon Appetito!

But she was full of grit and determination. No matter how many times her cast went awry, or how many times she got snagged on the bottom, she never gave up. I was awed by how confidently and unabashedly she asked for, and accepted, guidance.

I had her set up in an area that looked fishy. I gradually realized it wasn’t particularly so. As near as I could tell, after almost an hour, she hadn’t gotten any bites. “Do you want to try a different spot,” I asked. “They look like they’re having some luck over on the dock.”

“No,” she said with piercing eyes and uncanny certainty. “I will catch one here.

Will you cast my line for me?”

So, we worked the spot for a while longer. Sometimes she would try to cast on her own and sometimes she’d ask for my help. I was about to suggest again that we move when the tip of her rod bent down violently. She looked at me with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

“You got one,” I said, possibly a little too loud and a little too anxiously. Then, more calmly: “Point the end of your rod towards the sky and reel as fast you can.”

Faith Matters The recently deceased poet Mary Oliver wrote poems for every season in nature, life and faith. In her poem entitled Spring, she merges these three seasons with shimmering, surprising words.

Spring by Mary Oliver

Chicken Zucchini Fritters.

Photo courtesy of simplyhomecooked.com

I didn’t need to say it twice. She reeled fast. Very fast. In seconds, she had a yellow perch dangling just inches from the end of her rod.

I will never forget the smile on her face.

It was so big and so genuine, I thought my heart would burst.

“Mom! Dad! I did it! I caught a fish!”

I have heard kids exclaim this before (in fact, many times that day), but never with the same conviction. Maybe it was just my imagination, but her sense of accomplishment seemed to be much deeper and richer. That perch seemed to connect with her in a special way, and I was very grateful to be a part of it.

All made possible by a state program run without the use of taxpayer dollars.

Author’s Note: For more information about the CARE program, go to ct.gov/ deep/care. Or, just keep on the lookout for updates from me. I hope to help teach an Introduction To Fishing class in Granby later this year. I will need both participants and volunteers.

Photos by Mark Fiorentino

Faith is the instructor.

We need no other.

Guess what I am, he says in his incomparably lovely young-man voice.

Because I love the world I think of grass, I think of leaves and the bold sun, I think of the rushes in the black marshes just coming back from under the pure white and now finally melting stubs of snow.

Whatever we know or don’t know leads us to say: Teacher, what do you mean?

But faith is still there, and silent.

Then he who owns the incomparable voice suddenly flows upward and out of the room and I follow, obedient and happy.

Of course I am thinking the Lord was once young and will never in fact be old.

And who else could this be, who goes off down the green path, carrying his sandals, and singing?

During this month, we wrestle with the meaning of death and life and new life in the living of our days here on earth: days filled with startling grief and loss and also extravagant joy and peace.

Come join us to explore, examine, sing, and savor these seasons of nature, life, and faith.

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Page 32 The Granby Drummer

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Advertiser Page Beacon Mechanical 8 15 Beman Hardware Berkshire Hathaway Awards 30 Berkshire Hathaway Corp 16 19 Berkshire Hathaway Gitberg Berkshire Hathaway Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway Shepherds Way 23 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Budget Blinds 26 Cahill’s Motors 14 Carmon Funeral Home 5 Carter Robert Painting 17 Chiropractic Care 6 Christopher Bryant 15 Coldwell Banker 32 Command Corporation 25 Creative Learning Preschool Center 11 6 CT Valley Fest D’Agata Granite & Bronze 11 Debbie Finney Sewing 11 Dept Public Works 22 First Church of Hartland 12 First Congregational Church 31 GEF Gran-Bee 21 Gran-Val Scoop 5, 25 13 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum Granby Dental Center– Dr. Ungerleider 27 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Insurance 3 Granby Package Store 9 Granby Pharmacy 26 Granby Public Schools Summer Academy 10 Granby Village Health 8 Higleyville Coin 5 Holcomb Farms 28 Horses and Hounds 14

Advertiser Page Judy Guarco - Berkshire Hathaway 9 14 LAFD Auxiliary Rummage Larry’s Construction 12 17 Main Street Door MeadowBrook of Granby 26 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 12 O.P. Painting 31 OBrien Nurserymen 17 Old Farms Landscaping 15 Pierce Builders–Meadowgate 13 Route 10 Tire 6 Sally Pullman’s birthday 29 Sanditz Travel Management 12 Santa Realty 15 25 Shatz Schwartz & Fentin Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 12 Simsbury Bank 10 Small-Town-Septic 19 South Church 6 State Line Propane Oil 22 Strain Family Equestrian Ctr. 6 Subseven 10 Swim Center at Westminster 23 TJ Bark Mulch 27 Tom Sullivan Morgan Stanley 30 Troiano Oil Company 10 Two Coyotes 11 Two Park Place 3 Valley Brook Community Church 18, 27 Valley Pre-School 8, 9 Walker Kitchen Design 31 Walsh Chiropractic 22 West Granby Methodist Church 14 Westfield Bank 24 Windsor Federal Savings 18

April 2019

A hop towards spring?

After the March 4 snowstorm, Camden Lupoli built a giant snow bunny, complete with a basket for brightly-colored eggs.

Photo by Dorothy Cramer

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Email: ads@granbydrummer.org.

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