Granby Drummer March 2014 by Rita Isaacson

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FY15 budget squeeze is on By Michael Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance

that point, the BOF will determine the final budget package that will be sent to public hearing. In January, the Board of Selectmen and The municipal request to maintain exthe Board of Education forwarded their isting operations came in at 4.3 percent, respective Plus-One budget requests—a and 4.8 percent with a couple of addilook ahead at next year and beyond—to tions. Similarly, the education requests the Board of Finance. The submissions were 2.3 percent for flat operations and look ahead five years for operations as 3.7 percent if some improvements were well as large and small capital needs. considered. On the revenue side, growth This is done to take in the grand the long view when list of 0.63 UPCOMING making near-term percent will budget decisions. BOE BUDGET MEETINGS yield about These initial re$200,000 in quests highlight Administration additional what the Town property tax Budget Submission March 5, 7 p.m. Manager William revenue, but Central Services Smith and Superinthat is offset by tendent of Schools Budget Workshops March 12, 7 p.m. a large dropAlan Addley and Central Services off in tuition their respective from Hartland March 19, 7 p.m. staffs would like as that student Central Services to do and spend. population The requests are Budget presented is diminishmatched up against ing and more to Board of Finance March 24, 7 p.m. revenue projecSr. Ctr. Comm. Room students are tions to determine heading to agBOS budget meetings listed on p. 6 how reasonable ricultural and a n d a ff o r d a b l e technical prothey may be. Over the next couple of grams. Overall, revenues are projected to months the FY15 budget requests will be slightly less than this year, exacerbatbe revised and refined prior to final subing the projected increases in expenses. mission to the BOF in late March. At Therein lies the rub.

Budget cont’d. on p. 5

Governor attends Granby Chamber of Commerce awards dinner

From l: Bob Marx (Moderator, Awards Chair and Past President), Mario Dei Dolori (Humanitarian of the Year), Gov. Malloy, Brian Guarco (Business Person of the Year), and Jen Burkhart (incoming Chamber President). Submitted photo See story on page 7

Inside:

BOS Update

Page 6

VB Church move

Page 15

It’s maple sugaring time In this photo from 2008, Dave Emery boils the sap that will become sweet maple syrup. He will present a hands-on demonstration of the process in March as part of a Granby Land Trust series of family events (see p. 17). Photo by Peter Dinella

PLC expansion on hold for 2014-15 school year By Kim Becker At its Feb. 19 meeting, the Board of Education decided to table the administration’s Professional Learning Communities (PLC) proposals for the 2014-2015 school year. Both proposals would have signiﬁcantly affected the school calendar by mandating a two-hour early release every Tuesday across the district. In a prepared statement, Board Chair Ron Walther said the board is “… not satisfied that the implementation recommendations currently on the table fully address concerns regarding how much additional collaboration time is required, the loss of teacher classroom time with students and the proposed abbreviated school days.” However, Walther said the board is very supportive of teacher collaboration time and urged the administration to “further explore alternate implementation options with the expectation that revised recommendations will come back to the board in the near future.” Alan Addley, Superintendent of Schools, had stated that PLC time is “the highest priority of this administration.” The high school currently has an hour of PLC time on Thursday mornings resulting in a delayed start. The other schools have between 45 and 60 minutes per week during the school day and interrupts

instruction time. The administration had hoped to standardize the schedule and give teachers more time to collaborate, study student achievement data, and develop strategies to enhance learning for struggling and advanced students. Additionally, this time was supposed to give teachers a chance to work with colleagues across their grade level, subject matter, and throughout the district. With the board’s decision, PLC time will remain at current levels during the next school year. On Feb 11, the Granby Education Association President Laurence Coxon, sent the board a lengthy letter outlining opposition to the PLC proposals among other issues. The letter alleges that PLC time at the high school is not always used for collaboration, but rather for district initiatives, surveys, and faculty meetings. The way PLC time is structured cuts into teacher preparation time, and that administrators control the agenda rather than it being teacher-driven and classroom-focused. Coxon refused to comment on any aspect of his 19-page letter, and it is unclear if the GEA’s constituents provided input to the letter or know of its existence.

Land Trust Children’s Series

Page 17

PLC expansion cont’d. on p. 5

Marquis awards

Page 25

PAGE 2

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Drum beat

MARCH 2014

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.

Letters to the Editor

The Granby Drummer, PO Box 165, Granby CT 06035-0165 editor@granbydrummer.org

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.

Credit goes to community Thank you Drummer and a number of neighbors and friends in and around Granby who have said nice things about my efforts over the years while on the Board of Education. Bricks and mortar are tangible and certainly needed by many of our institutions and I am proud to have been involved with the 25-year building plan for our schools. However, nothing would have happened absent a team effort to identify the need, gather the necessary human and fiscal resources and supply the intellectual capacity to complete the projects. We need only to reflect upon all the changes that have come to Granby in the past 50 to 60 years to appreciate what we have accomplished together! More significant to me are the programmatic gains of our institutions, and most significantly to me those in our schools. The Granby Public Schools have

gone from “OK but aspiring” in the 1960s and ‘70s to one of the highest performing districts in Connecticut today. Whether it’s just for the property value effect or the students and their parents striving for educational excellence, our public schools are a justiﬁable source of pride to Granby. The board’s aim has long been to hire the best people it could ﬁnd, give them rigorous and demanding objectives and then support them in their efforts. In recent years, we have been blessed with exceptional district leadership together with loyal and dedicated teachers and support staff, a great group of kids and their parents and a supporting community. Thank you for your kind words. However, any success that came during my tenure on the BOE belongs to district employees and the community at large. Cordially, Cal Heminway

Goodbye, JD A couple of months ago JD Thomas retired from his regular position as the leading man at JD’s Barber Shop. Together with his wife Ginny, he made good on a long-standing desire and left for the town of Shelby in the hills of western North Carolina. For those males interested in getting their hair cut rather than styled, JD’s was the place to go. Most days one would be subjected to a short wait usually relieved with the latest intelligence on the Granby grapevine or, absent any news, a not-tooracy story or two. It took few words from his mouth to convince even the most casual listener that JD was not born a Yankee! Nonetheless, he was and is a part of what makes Granby Granby. With strong ties to the military, he is a member of the American Legion and could be counted on as a member of the Legion’s detail charged with ﬁring the memorial salutes with

those ornery 1903 Springfield riﬂes at the Memorial Day ceremonies. Son Randy has moved from the number two to number one chair, and declares that nothing will change other than the name. It now will be known as JD and Son’s Barber Shop. JD is a part of Granby’s character. While he’s enjoying a well deserved retirement, we’ll still miss him. Possibly he’ll drop back for the next Memorial Day parade. Cal Heminway

BOS approves alcohol use for Mardi Gras event at the SB Lodge The Board of Selectmen approved First Congregational Church’s use of the Lodge at Salmon Brook Park for a Mardi Gras celebration, that included permitting all attendees to bring alcoholic beverages of their choice.

Letters cont’d. on p. 3

The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-proﬁt publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Outof-town subscriptions are $20 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing ofﬁces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2014 Citizens for a Better Granby, all rights reserved. CBG BOARD Lew Noble, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Flo Bischoff, Secretary Carol Bressor, Becky Mikus, Sam Mikus STAFF Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Marilyn Sponzo, Copy Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Flo Bischoff, Features Coordinator Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard,

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MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 3

Valley Brook Community Church parking lot relocation approved By Elaine Jones On Jan. 28, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a modiﬁcation to a site plan for Valley Brook Community Church on Granville Road. The change involved a relocation of the parking lot from the rear to the front of the building. This would give greater access to the building via a walkway. The lot will still have 84 parking spaces. The move would require a silt fence and three catch basins with no changes to the drainage pattern. Engineer T.J. Barresi said the plan had

approval from the State DOT with no concerns from the town engineer. He also said the parking lot would be surfaced in processed stone. Three residents whose property is adjacent to the site did express concern about the direction of the drainage and the possibility that more water would flow onto their land and into a local stream. Lewis Garner said the water table increased dramatically in the spring with ﬂood conditions. Barresi said the catch basins were

designed to eliminate runoff, would be workable to a 100-year storm, and would be maintained throughout the year. Director of Community Development Fran Armentano reported that the Earth Excavation and Development Subcommittee had met, had reviewed regulation information from several towns, and had discussed building permits and excavation issues as well as ﬁnancial considerations. The Plan of Conservation and Development Subcommittee has also met to review the town’s 10-year

Letters cont’d. from p. 2 This request was recommended by the town manager and passed by a 4 to 1 vote. Ron Desrosiers voted against because of many safety concerns raised in previous meetings. Please note; the agenda item: “E. Consideration of Approval for Mardi Gras Celebration by the First Congregational Church at Salmon Brook Park” does not indicate that alcoholic drink was being considered. The ﬁrst selectman directed attempted public input for several agenda items by “you had your chance in the public session.” In all BOS meetings I have attended over the last 20 years any person attempting to give input during the public session was reminded to wait until the agenda item was discussed by the BOS and then give their input. I suggest this is a departure from the historical BOS meeting procedures and results in public input that may be uninformed because the data for that issue has yet to be revealed.

The first selectman advised that the attorney had approved this change in the procedure. The board also agreed with the Town Manager to take no action on the Planning and Zoning request to pass an ordinance for noise abatement. The board had received a detailed ordinance suggestion from a long-working P&Z subcommittee that included the wording for the ordinance and the ease of implementation. The BOS had received this prior to the election and it was tabled until this meeting. Considering the above, plus the meeting was held without microphones (difficult to hear), and without community TV, do you think this is compatible with the new first selectman’s public statement to make Granby government open, transparent and responsive to the public? Gerald Ledger

Corrections

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

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

plan, last updated in April 2005. This task involves reviewing state statutes, the current plan, the town’s fundamental values document and the plans of similar Connecticut towns. The goal is to present a 10-year vision that will deﬁne what makes Granby special. All subcommittee meetings are open to the public, but public comments will be heard only at certain meetings to allow members optimal time for discussion.

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, March 3 & 17 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Mondays, March 24 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Ofﬁce, Wednesdays, March 5 & 19 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, March 11 & 15 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, March 12 Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, March 10

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Preliminary BOE and BOS budgets exceed Finance goals By Shirley Murtha Fiscal year 2015 Plus-One budgets for the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen presented at the annual threeboard meeting on January 21 far exceeded the goals as set by the Board of Finance. Speaking for the BOE, Chairman Ron Walther remarked that the board knows its 3.7 percent increase is high, but that it is the board’s job to advocate for the school system, adding necessary staff and dealing with unfunded state mandates. When making the budget, much was still unknown regarding expenses. For

example, some savings is expected due to the conversion to gas heating fuel, but how much is yet to be determined. The 4.32 percent increase budget presented by First Selectman Scott Kuhnly, represents what is needed to maintain town services at the current level, according to the BOS. Wages and beneﬁts alone require a 3 percent increase. Among other expenses, a new town attorney must be hired and the retainer will be considerably more than currently paid. The BOS also wishes to hire a youth services officer, restore some library hours and hire a part-time public works

person because of maintenance with the addition of the Holcomb Farm property, the upgraded Cossitt Library property and the new building in Salmon Brook Park. Adding these items to the budget creates a 4.82 percent increase. BOF Chairman Mike Guarco reiterated that the board strongly urges keeping a tight budget so the mill rate increase won’t exceed 2 percent. BOF member Gordon Bischoff wondered why the BOE expenses were coming in so high when there is an enrollment decrease, perhaps as much as 25 percent over the next decade, resulting in talk of a possible school

closure. Bischoff and others noted that this is just the beginning of the process and more information is needed. The three-board meeting always takes place prior to the state’s announcement of funding towns will receive. That report was available to the BOF on February 6, after which the boards re-examined their budgets. Guarco said the BOF would study what has happened with past budgets and project the impact of the proposed budgets on the future.

Are development plans in place for Floydville Road area? By Elaine Jones In last month’s Letters to the Editor, resident Deborah Roe inquired about possible land development east of the Floydville Road and Salmon Brook Street intersection. There are no current plans to develop the land on Salmon Brook Street across from Floydville Road. The one-acre front lot is owned by the town and is leased to the Peppermill Bakery. The interior parcel is privately owned, and it is up to the owners to decide what plan to pursue. The current zoning is Transitional (T1) that includes a commercial and a residential component. Recognizing that these properties might be developed at a future time, and at the request of the town, the State of Connecticut plans to install a trafﬁc light at the intersection of Floydville Road and Salmon Brook Street. That would create a four-way intersection with access to the T1 zone. The Granby Development Commission has for many years considered zoning techniques to provide for the future development of all areas in town that address how the land might best be utilized now and in the future. The following information was gleaned

from Planning and Zoning minutes that can be downloaded from the town’s web site. Additionally, the process of adopting or changing plans or land use can be found in the zoning regulations. Inquiries can also be addressed to Fran Armentano, the town’s Director of Development. The information about this area goes back to Jan. 10, 2006: The minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission show that the Development Commission presented a proposal for a new zoning district for the area on the west side of Salmon Brook Street between Canton Road and Floydville Road that has access to public water, sewer, and natural gas. A 15-acre parcel was zoned Commercial (C1) and a 40-acre parcel was zoned residential (R30). This division could encourage strip commercial development with curb cuts along Salmon Brook Street and the rear residential zone could result in single-family homes to be constructed at the rear of the C1 zone. The proposal to change to a Neighborhood and Commercial Transitional (T1) zone would include 15 acres in the existing C1 zone and 40 acres in the R30. The T1 zone would promote a comprehensive approach to future

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development rather than small-scale strip zones on individual lots. The goal would be to create a unified commercial area, developed with an internal roadway that would extend from a point opposite Floydville Road to Canton Road extension. The minutes state that the Development Commission met twice with the affected property owners to explain the proposed plan and these owners were supportive. On Feb. 14, 2006, P & Z held a public hearing to adopt the T1 zone in a specific area. The new zone would bring about development appropriate and suitable to a specific area. The motion was adopted. Another public hearing was scheduled for March 14 to apply the T1 zone change to the Salmon Brook/Floydville Road area. Signs were posted and abutting property owners were notified by certified mail. On March 14, a public hearing was held to apply for a change of zone from a C1 and R30 to a T1. It was noted that the change was consistent with the town’s plan of Conservation and Development, and the T1 zone would promote a comprehensive approach to development rather than accepting independent small scale development of individual

lots. Any and all development in a T1 zone would require a public hearing and the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission who could deny or modify any application. Residents from the area seemed to agree with the elimination of possible strip zones but expressed concerns about traffic, noise, the size of commercial buildings, and the buffering of commercial from residential use. On March 28, 2006, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the application for a zone change from C1 and R30 to T1 with a modified zone line further south. The Commission stated that the change would eliminate an existing commercial strip zone, would encourage a comprehensive approach to development and would aid traffic flow by reducing the number of curb cuts and encourage development along access roads. It also would improve the quality of development by providing significant site and building guidelines, and provide significant buffering between the existing residential development and existing roadways.

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PLC expansion on hold for 2014-15 school year cont’d. from p. 1 Stakeholders weighed in with thoughts on the PLC proposal at a special board meeting on Feb. 12. Many parents spoke of their concerns with the proposed PLC time. While almost all favored teachers having more collaboration time and saw beneﬁts to the changes, many parents who work outside the home were concerned with additional childcare costs. Also, several parents of teens were worried about the impact on local businesses if students descend on the town center every Tuesday afternoon. Other parents advocated for caution in attempting to fold high school midterms into full days and were concerned about scheduling challenges for specials classes, after school activities, and sports. Walther and Bob Gilbert, president of the Granby Association of School Administrators, expressed their confusion and surprise at the contents of the GEA letter. Gilbert, in a formal response to Coxon’s letter, wrote, “The response from the GEA is simply not consistent with the data from the two teacher surveys completed for the PLC study or with the overall feedback administrators have from teachers in their buildings.” When asked to comment on the letter, Alan Addley, Superintendent of Schools, said that teaching is “a matter of science, art and the heart” and he believes that improving teacher collaboration and strategy will result in higher student achievement in Granby. One-to-one computing At the Feb. 19 board meeting, the administration made its one-to-one computing

recommendations, following a pilot study conducted this year in the eighth grade. The board was asked to expand the program to grades seven through 10 and to purchase Chromebooks for all students in those grades. This piece of the five-year planned expansion would cost $73,263 in fiscal year 2015. The money will come from the Quality and Diversity Fund, not the general operating budget. The administration believes that expansion into the seventh, ninth and tenth grades is most efficient because the curricula do not include many course choices or electives. The five-year plan includes expansion into grades 11 and 12 during the fiscal year 2016, and down to grade five in FY 2017, eventually reaching kindergarten in FY 2019. The board had concerns about plans to include the primary school levels, and the administration acknowledged not having a solid model for those grades. The expansion plan calls for several areas of improvement, including the need to update policies and have clear standards of use for teachers and students, improve the use of Haiku (a learning management system) and its ability to “speak” to Naviance (college and career readiness program) and other programs. The plan also calls for updating curriculum with technology-based resources, teacher professional development for technology issues and curriculum implementation, and increased technical and software support. Athletics The high school hockey, golf and football teams asked the board to consider their budget requests. The hockey and golf teams would like transportation to

practices and games, instead of parents or students doing all the driving. Parents have concerns in particular about students driving themselves and teammates. The transportation will cost the district approximately $5,000. The football booster club made its case for the district to shoulder some of its financial burden. For the past five years, the parents have financially supported the team, purchasing everything from jerseys to personal equipment and training equipment. They asked for $420 per player, the

average cost to the district for any athlete, which equates to roughly $34,000 for the team. Addley, at the Superintendent’s Forum on February 20, let those parents know he put their requests into the proposed budge that he will present to the BOE on March 5. He warned that they not might get everything they want, but this was a start. He also explained to the hockey parents that if the transportation money is approved by the board, he will expect all players to use the bus provided.

Budget cont’d. from p. 1 Given the ﬂat revenues, the requests of 4.8 percent for the BOS, and 3.7 percent for the BOE would produce a need to raise the mill rate by 5 percent unless more is drawn from reserves. While reserves are healthy, they alone cannot support spending increases in that range. Our reserves may be used to help smooth out mill rate changes, but in the long run, spending increases have to be funded by ongoing revenue stream increases, If none of the various revenue pieces are growing, that means tax increases. The BOF had already signaled its preference to keep any mill rate change under 2 percent. Therefore, the BOF gave the BOE a guideline of 2 percent and 3 percent for the BOS, which combined with the judicious use of reserves, will bring in an overall budget with a mill rate change of 2 percent or just under. While similar to the general inﬂation rate, any increase in cost and property tax is hard to bear in this non-existent economic recovery. Only in the public sector do wages go up virtually each and

every year—and compensation makes up about three quarters of the budget. While Granby has done well in managing its compensation costs over time, as in every other municipal budget those expenses are what drive the increase in costs that the boards must contend with. At this mid-February juncture, the boards await information from the BOE and BOS on what the 2- and 3-percent operating limitations will mean in terms of service levels and programs. Most likely it means some contraction and consolidation—even with a tax rate increase however modest it may be. Throughout the budget process the boards will be taking public input, culminating in the public hearing on the April 14. After the hearing, the BOF will make any ﬁnal adjustments it deems appropriate before sending the FY15 budget proposal to a referendum vote on April 28. The public is requested and encouraged to participate throughout the process. It’s your money, your schools, your programs and services.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Agricultural Commission seeks BOS support By Shirley Murtha Michelle Niedermeyer, chair of the Agricultural Commission, gave the Board of Selectmen an update on the group’s activities and asked for a formalization of the board’s support at its February 3 meeting. The commission has taken several steps to publicize and promote Granby’s farming community: it has updated the farm map, formed a website (granbyag. org) and opened a Facebook page with access for all Granby farmers. Also, the Locally Grown column appears monthly in the Drummer. The group developed the Granby Sampler, which distributes local farm products to subscribers during the growing season. Beginning in the summer of 2013, town-owned land was leased to a farmer who wished to increase his production. Niedermeyer asked the board to consider formalizing this procedure, as it is in the best interest of the town to keep farmland in usable condition. As discussed at a previous BOS meeting, the leases should be available for more than a single year so the farmers can amend the soil as they see ﬁt for the next growing season. At the February 18 BOS meeting, Town Manager Bill Smith noted that several pieces of land had been rented, mostly for corn and hay, bringing in about $10,000. Niedermeyer noted that the commission’s future plans include a repeat of the very successful Open Farm Day, attended by over 1,600 people, half being residents of other towns. Other Granby businesses enjoyed increased sales on the day as well. As in the past, the commission will seek sponsors to cover the cost of expenses incurred in producing the event. The commission is also set to partner with the Granby Land Trust to develop awareness of the trails available in various Land Trust properties. A farm will sponsor a treasurehunt-type activity at a particular property and provide the winner’s prize. First Selectman Scott Kuhnly asked if the commission had investigated partnering with the school system to promote agricultural education. Commission member Kate Bogli has taught some

composting sessions at one of the district schools, but has not received any response from her offer to present more and various sessions. Niedermeyer noted that the farm maps are available at the libraries and town hall, and encouraged people to distribute them out of town to encourage visitors to Granby’s agricultural community. Alcohol use in park The board approved a request by the First Congregational Church to host a Mardi Gras celebration on March 1 from 7–10 p.m. including the use of alcohol. Selectman Desrosiers again stated his lack of support due to safety concerns, but the majority of the board felt that all conditions for approval had been met (insurances and security have been procured, all alcohol will be contained within the building) and the request has been reviewed by the police chief, the director of Parks and Recreation and the Town Manager. Reappointments The following reappointments have been made: Carolyn Flint and Susan Dwyer to the Conservation Commission; Judy Goff, Lynn Lochhead and Jennifer Pizzanello to the Library Board; Dan O’Connell to the Development Commission; Aurelle Locke and Richard Van Nostrand to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Christopher Roughton was appointed to replace Dianne Maher on the Zoning Board of Appeals Alternates. The board also approved the appointments of Pam Fish and Mark Fiorentino to the Holcomb Farm Board of Directors. In addition, Town Attorney Don Holtman and Treasurer Roger Hernsdorf were also reappointed. 2014 Capital Lease Purchase Program A motion was passed to authorize a $672,000 loan from Simsbury Bank for the lease or purchase of the following capital items: a school bus, technical equipment, a pickup truck and a chipper. Grand List for October 2013 Notice was ﬁled with the State of Connecticut Ofﬁce of Policy Management indicating that Granby’s Grand List of

summer and fall seasons and stated that, $960,153,300 is an increase of .63 percent as has been discussed in the past, it is very over the previous year. This will result difficult to define noise. Noise complaints in $190,000 of additional revenue to the are as diverse as dog barking, private partown, that may be offset by other factors ties, target shooting, fireworks, and dirt as described in an article in this issue by bikes. He said, “It is very easy to pass an Michael Guarco, chairman of the Board ordinance; it is not easy to enforce one,” of Finance (see page 1). and noted that noise issues are handled Floydville Road Cost Sharing on a case-by-case situation, with police The town has paid the state DOT responding to incoming complaints. That $10,000 as its share in the engineering would continue whether an ordinance was of the traffic light and crosswalks to be in place or not. Selectman Ron Desrosiers installed at the intersection of Floydville felt that the board is dragging its feet on Road and Rte. 10/202. The entire cost of this issue, but the Town Manager said he the project is in the range of $100,000. would study the noise ordinances that othBefore the light is installed, the gas lines er towns have in place to see if they could must be in place and the road repaved. work in Granby and will consult with the Parking Violation Fines Ordinance current police chief for his views. An ordinance was passed stating that fines accrued from parking violations will come to the town, rather than to the state as has been the situation in the past. Smith reported that very few such violations occur each year, mostly involving parking in fire lanes or blocking UPCOMING snow removal. BOS BUDGET WORKSHOPS Sidewalks In public session of the February Town Hall meeting room 18 meeting, Jerry Ledger inquired as to why there is yet no stated plan BOS Budget Submission March 3, 7:30 p.m for the installation of the sidewalks along Rte. 10/202. It has been two BOS Budget Workshop March 6, 6 p.m. years since the bond issued was Personal Property & approved. Protection, Public Works, Noise Ordinance Environment The BOS received the report of the Planning and Zoning Com- BOS Budget Workshop March 10, 6 p.m. mission’s subcommittee asking Library, Recreation, the board to formulate a noise Social Services, Capital ordinance. Resident Bob Smith Budget, Debt Services supported this request in the pub- Budget presented lic session. Town Manager Smith to Board of Finance March 24, 7 p.m. noted that the town plans to moniSr. Ctr. Comm. Room tor the specific complaints that arise during the upcoming spring, BOE budget meetings listed on p. 1

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Could it be that the word ‘God’ is shorthand for peace, love and justice? — Eckhart Tolle

The soul grows in silence: Make space to listen. That’s our worship theme this year at South Church. Join us some Sunday to listen and explore your own faith calling. All are welcome! Worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school and child care at 10:30 a.m. March 9th Blues Sunday led by the House Blues Band March 16th Celtic Sunday March 21st Molasses Creek — presented by the Salmon Brook Music Series (7:30 p.m., doors open at 7) 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

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MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Governor Malloy attends Granby Chamber Awards Dinner By Bob Marx Governor Dannel P. Malloy made the keynote address at the Granby Chamber of Commerce awards dinner and annual meeting where Brian Guarco was honored as its Business Person of the Year and Mario Dei Dolori as Humanitarian of the Year . The event took place on Feb. 10 at Vito’s by the Water in Windsor. Governor Malloy warmly greeted the sold-out audience of chamber members and guests of the award winners, then gave an update on Connecticut’s economic outlook and improving business prospects. Brian Guarco, the owner of State Line Propane in Granby, was cited as an example of success through hard work by moderator Bob Marx. Guarco started working in the family business, State Line Oil, at age 11 and continued to work through his high school and college years. In 1999 he decided to take his own path and start a new company—State Line Propane—as a one-man operation. The company has grown every year to its present size of 25 employees, more than 7,000 customers, 20 service vehicles and nearly 3 million gallons of propane delivered annually. In 2007, Guarco opened a new building on Salmon Brook Street, adjacent to State Line Oil, and business started booming. Guarco’s philanthropic work has been just as impressive as his business acumen. Guarco was a founding member and inaugural president of the Granby chapter of UNICO, the largest Italian American service organization in the world. Guarco has served as president of the Connecticut Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, on the Board of the Propane Gas Association of New England and is currently on the Board for the Granby Chamber of Commerce. He is the fourth member of the Guarco family to be recognized with a Chamber award, following his father, Mike, his older brother, Mike, Jr. and his sister, Mary Anne, who was the Humanitarian of the Year in 2000. Dei Dolori was cited for his many contributions to the Granby community,

Why we should be your

most recently a project that provides food and clothing to needy Granby families. His Secret Santa project for the Granby UNICO Club has assisted 35 families and 100 children in the past five years, including 10 families this year alone. Working with Granby’s school principals, who identify needy families not eligible for government assistance, and with partners like Geissler’s and Bob’s Store, UNICO club donated more than $6,500 in gift certificates during the past holiday season. Names of families are kept confidential. A fixture in the community since arriving in 1970 as Granby high school’s principal, Dei Dolori has served as chairman of both the scholarship and giving committees for UNICO club as well as the Granby Lions Club. A lifetime educator who retired more than 20 years ago, Dei Dolori grew up in a large Italian-American family in Enfield and did not speak English until the third grade. He overcame that obstacle to earn two college degrees from American International and a graduate degree in education from University of Connecticut. He became a teacher, a principal and was superintendent of schools in New Hartford for 24 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary, 57 years ago and together they raised five children who graduated from Granby Memorial High School. Dei Dolori has served as Granby’s Town Moderator, on its Zoning Board of Appeals, and on several educational boards such as the American Association of School Administrators and the Farmington Valley Superintendents Association. Dei Dolori was also praised for his volunteer work in helping families plan vacations to Italy. He has recently lectured on a number of travel topics. In addition to the awards presentation, the Granby Chamber also held its annual meeting and introduced its new website to chamber members. Elected as new president is Jen Burkhart of Arrow Concrete, who takes over for Jon Rechenberg who served the chamber for the past two years. New board members were also elected.

PAGE 7

Focus on Education Alan Addley �

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Education budget workshops are March 12 & 19 On March 5, I will present the FY15 Administrative Budget to the Board of Education (BOE). The budget is a spending plan that is responsive to the economy, the priorities established by the community, board-approved goals, the mission of the school district, and budget guidelines established by the Board of Finance. Next year’s budget is presented at a time of significant educational reform (Common Core State Standards, Teacher and Administrator Evaluation Plans and Secondary School Reform) and an economy that continues to struggle. At the time this is published, the proposed FY15 Administrative Budget reflects an increase of 2 percent over the FY14 budget. For many years, the district has worked hard to realize operational efficiencies. The average annual BOE operating budget increase for the last five years (FY14: FY09) has been less than 1 percent. Granby’s per-pupil spending continues to be significantly lower than other districts in our Demographic Reference Group and lower than other districts across Connecticut; yet, student achievement has remained extremely high. The 2013 CMT and CAPT District Performance Indices reflect that no other district in the state spends less on education and realizes higher results. By any comparison, Granby continues to receive a high return on its educational investment. Over the years, the district has creatively proven an ability of continuing to make program improvements with low operating budget increases. It is critical that our school programs remain attractive both for students that reside in Granby and for those that join us from other towns such as Hartland and Hartford. The town is understandably proud of its school system and the achievements

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of our students. Families move to Granby and teachers work here because of the quality school system. Next year, declining district enrollment, shared stafﬁng between schools, additional funding from Open Choice, and a very modest 2 percent budget increase will provide us with another budgetary challenge and opportunity to continue advancing some of our strategic initiatives with minimal impact to our taxpayers. In particular, the budget provides the opportunity to advance Spanish into Grades 3 and 4, provides services to the most talented and gifted students, and advances the oneto-one computing initiative at the two secondary schools—all with minimal impact to taxpayers. The reputation of our school district is directly attributable, and will only be possible in the future, with continued community support. Thank you for your support thus far. I encourage everyone to stay involved by visiting the district website, following us on social media and by attending any of the upcoming budget meetings: Presentation of the Administrative Budget (March 5 at 7 p.m. at Central Services); Board of Education Budget Workshops (March 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. at Central Services); Board of Education Budget presented to the Board of Finance (March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center Community Room); Board of Finance Public Hearing (April 14 at 7 p.m. in the GMHS Auditorium); and, the Annual Town Budget Vote (April 28 from Noon to 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room).

Granby Party Caucuses are March 27 Granby Democrats will hold their caucus in the Senior Center on Thursday, March 27 at 8 p.m. Granby Republicans will hold their caucus on Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Police Station. To participate and vote in the caucuses, you must be a party member.

PAGE 8

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Valley Pre-School’s core standards are anything but common Rebecca Lobo-Rushin shares her experience as a parent and former student at Valley Pre-School

By Andrea Burns When Rebecca Lobo-Rushin’s threeyear-old daughter, Rose, walks into her classroom at Valley Pre-School in Granby, it feels like she is stepping into the pages of a storybook. “Rose gets to visit a magical wonderland almost every day she goes to school,” Lobo-Rushin said. “Depending on the educational focus of the day, the classrooms are transformed into places like airplanes, beaches, grocery stores and so much more.” Continually changing the learning environment to capture the imagination of students is one of the ways Valley uses play to prepare students for kindergarten and beyond with the new Common Core State Standards in mind. “Our goal is to develop a strong foundation for a child’s education in the cognitive, physical, and social/emotional domains,” said Kathy Jackson, director of Valley and head teacher for the 3- and 4-year-old classes. “But, we do it in a way that is true to the children by sparking their curiosity and creating joy in learning.” That is why Lobo-Rushin decided to send her four children to Valley. “Playbased learning is vital because it makes children want to learn,” Lobo-Rushin said. “My kids enjoyed the process of discovering new things because it was always done in a fun way.” When Lobo-Rushin’s son, Thomas, was in the 4-year-old program at Valley, he experienced the educational power of a stuffed bear named Merly. Each student takes Merly home for a week and at night he comes alive, is adventurous and some-

times gets into mischief. Merly even travels the world. Last year, he found his way into Lobo-Rushin’s husband’s suitcase for a trip to Antarctica. “Merly is a great example of how we take something playful and use it as a teaching tool,” Jackson said. “Among other things, we build literacy and writing skills by having the children keep a journal about Merly’s visit. We also use Merly in geography lessons, highlighting the places he has traveled.” At Valley, the curriculum is fluid to make what happens in the classroom meaningful for each student and their varying degrees of ability and interests. “The children are exposed to everything they will need to know, and they have choice on how they get there,” Jackson said. According to Jackson, something that happened at the science table recently highlights this sense of choice. The table is filled with different objects and creatures from nature such as pinecones and red-spotted newts, depending on the week. One day, two students took the magnifying glass, measuring tape and journal from the table and started measuring things throughout the classroom. “The table sparked their curiosity and they ended up working in a way that touched the three areas of development,” Jackson said. “Socially, they conversed and decided on roles; cognitively, they determined the length of objects and drew pictures of findings; and physically, they climbed on stools to be able to reach tall objects.” Because Valley is a cooperative school, Lobo-Rushin is able to see first-hand the choices children are given and the

intentional teaching at work when she helps out in the classroom. “When I parent-help for a day, I get to know each child and see them learn and grow,” Lobo-Rushin said. “Watching 3- and 4year-olds discover something new is an amazing experience and it happens every day at Valley.” Not only is Lobo-Rushin a parent at Valley, but she is also a former student. After becoming a star on the UConn basketball team and being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, she now works as an analyst for women’s college and WNBA basketball games. “I love that I am able to work and still help at the school and even serve on the board of directors,” Lobo-Rushin said. “I’ve become great friends with other parents and look forward to seeing everyone when I drop my daughter off at school. Valley is a special place.” Part of what makes Valley a special place, Jackson said, is the sense of community fostered among families and the virtues such as gentleness, self-sufﬁciency and patience that underlie the curriculum. In December, the students

experienced the virtue of generosity when they collected greenery and berries from outside their homes to create gifts for some former teachers who volunteer at the school. “Because the children brought in the materials and put the gifts

Valley Pre-School cont’d. on p. 9

Rebecca Lobo-Rushin paints with her daughter Rose at Valley Pre-School. Photo by Lindsay Sessions

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MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 9

Teacher Bruce Mullen fosters love of science experiments in his students By Karly Fisher Bruce Mullen, eighth-grade physical science teacher at Granby Memorial Middle School, demonstrates electrolysis of water to his class in a lab. The focus is to learn how to separate the compound H2O into its individual ingredients, which translates to two parts hydrogen, and one part oxygen. Mr. Mullen is very enthusiastic and students love his class as much as he loves teaching it. With many new and exciting experiments that require strong responsibility and cooperation skills, classes learn safety expectations. He does a very nice job with precautions when doing an experiment, and kids work in a safe manner. Previously, he did an experiment with his students where a bunsen burner was lit, and kids took many different elements and dipped them into the flame. With safety glasses on, students were able to observe the result of the color-changing fire and they were quite shocked. Colors varied from purple to green. Mr. Mullen has completed many other experiments with his classes, such as dropping jelly toast to see what side the bread lands on, salt and ice investigations, making a fire extinguisher, simple machine activities and more. Students certainly do enjoy his fun-filled class

and his witty humor, making the time ﬂy! One of his students, Sarah Cusano, states, “Mr. Mullen is a really good teacher. I like his teaching style and I look forward to his class everyday. He is always open to lots of questions and makes science really fun!”

Bruce Mullen, right, 8th-grade physical science teacher. Photo by Karly Fisher

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Kearns Kindergarten Registration is March 31 Kindergarten registration and Community Connections will be held at Kearns Primary School, 5 Canton Road on Mon, March 31, between 5–7 p.m. Children who will be 5 years of age on or before January 1, 2015, must be registered for 2014–2015 school year. Parents choosing not to enroll the eligible child for kindergarten must complete an option form exempting their child from school attendance. Children do not have to be present for registration. All forms can be downloaded from the Kearns School page of the Granby Public Schools website www.granby.k12. ct.us. Forms are also available at Kearns School and BOE Central Services. Please bring with you at the time of

registration: completed registration forms, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, health assessment record including immunizations, medication orders/authorizations and proof of residency–such as mortgage statement, rental contract or utility bill. Register your child for kindergarten and learn more about Granby’s community services, such as Granby childcare centers, Scouting, Granby Youth Services, Granby Parks and Recreation, Granby Library Services, Granby Early Childhood Council and PTO. If you have any questions please call Kearns School at 860-844-3044.

2014 Safe Grad Party Meets March 24 The next Safe Graduation Party Committee meeting is March 24 at 7 p.m. at the High School Media Center. For more than 26 years, the Safe Graduation Party Committee has hosted a party for graduating seniors. The Safe Graduation Party offers a fun-filled, safe, substance-free event the evening of graduation. Come to the next meeting on March 24 to see how you can help make this event come alive for the senior class. There are many activities planned: chair massages, volleyball tournament, Zumba, ping-pong, a magician, plus raffle prizes. Every senior receives a T-shirt when they pick up their invitation for the event. There is no cost for the students to attend or participate in any activities, including the raffle. Complimentary food and drinks are provided, including a breakfast buffet. Parents of freshmen, sophomores and juniors are invited to attend. Please come and be a part of this special event! Help support this proud tradition and give the seniors a night to remember. — By Sue Hancock

Valley Pre-School cont’d. from p. 8 together, they felt personally invested,” Jackson said. “It was done in a way that they ﬁrst felt it in their hearts and hands so that the virtue could be understood in their heads.” Lobo-Rushin said her children have carried the virtues they learned at Valley and their enjoyment of learning on to elementary school. “I’m thrilled that all my children have been able to experience the magic of Valley,” she said. The slogan of the Common Core

State Standards Initiative is “preparing America’s students for college and career.” “That is exactly what the playbased experience at Valley is meant to do,” Jackson said. “We help students kindle a joy for learning that we hope they will carry on to each stage of their education.” Valley Pre-School is now accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information, call 860-653-3641, or visit www.valleypreschoolinfo.org.

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PAGE 10

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Sandy Hook mother to talk about her healing journey March 26 at South Church By Laura Mazza-Dixon When the news of the tragedy at the Sandy Hook school stunned our communities 14 months ago, it left us grieving along with the parents and families of those children and teachers who died that

morning. Since then, with an outpouring of support from around the world, some Sandy Hook families have undertaken many projects to commemorate the lives that were lost. South Congregational Church invited Scarlett Lewis, the mother of one of the

with Emily Henselder and Sarah Toth

Prepping for the prom Spring is in the air, and so is prom season excitement! Seniors at Granby Memorial High School are excited about the upcoming prom on Friday, May 16. Here are some tips to prepare for the prom. Dress for YOU, not for everyone else. While most girls go for the same style dress, long dresses don’t suit everyone. Don’t be afraid to go against the traditional and stand out. Wear what YOU look good in, not what everyone wears. You’ll have a better time at prom knowing you look amazing in your dress. Don’t forget that you are going to be dancing all night. Make sure you are comfortable and can dance in your dress and shoes. Don’t spend a million dollars on a dress. Why spend hundreds of dollars on a dress you are only going to wear once? Go check out consignment shops. Remember, they were only worn once before somebody brought them in. They will look just the same as a brand new dress, and they will cost a lot less. Don’t return a matching dress. Accidentally bought the same dress as

someone else? Don’t bring it back and get a new one. You bought it because it looks great on you and you feel great in it. Don’t you want to feel great in your top-choice dress? The little details count. Don’t forget about small details with you and your date. Plan out little things from what you are wearing (make sure his silver cuff links don’t clash with your gold accessories) to who is picking who up. You don’t want to have any last moment panic. Order your boutonniere and corsage early. Almost all schools have their proms at the same time, so flower shops do run out of flowers. Make sure to plan flower colors ahead of time, too. Bring a sweater. The ballroom is usually chilly until it heats up from the dancing later. Have fun! This is a once in a lifetime event, and you don’t want to spend the whole night stressing out about your dress or your date! Enjoy yourself and make memories that will last forever. See you there!

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children killed that day, to speak at the church on Wed., March 26, at 7 p.m. Lewis felt she had been given a mission by her 6-year-old son, Jesse, who had written three words—Nurturing, Healing, Love—on a chalkboard in their kitchen just before he died. Lewis has published a book using those three words as the title and has created a foundation and a website in her son’s name called the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation. The website (jesselewischooselove.org) promotes kindness by encouraging people with ideas such as “choose one loving thought over one angry thought and encourage every child you know to do the same.” The author of the book Nurturing, Healing, Love will take listeners through her healing journey and her decision to concentrate on the importance of teaching children about forgiveness, love and compassion. Lewis has connected with others who have also suffered unspeakable tragedy and who have decided to react to it not with anger, but with forgiveness. The educational programs of the Foundation include a wide variety of resources for teachers, parents and

Sandy Hook mom, Scarlett Lewis, to speak at South Congregational Church March 26. Submitted photo

elementary school students and collaborations with international organizations focused on fostering peaceful solutions to difﬁcult situations. Admission to the event is free and the church is wheelchair accessible. South Congregational Church is on Route 10, at 242 Salmon Brook St. Donations for the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation will be welcomed. For more information contact Debby Reelitz at 860-413-9041.

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Penny Gitberg We are pleased to announce Penny Gitberg has joined our team of professionals. Formerly with Landworks Realty, she has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer winning several awards. Penny has a back background in banking as well as Real Estate sales and management. “I am so happy to be a part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Their reputation, state of the art technology and strong commitment to customer service is unparalleled. I love being part of a company that combines local expertise with a global network. Being here will enable me to service all my buyers and sellers with all the best tools and support.” Penny lives in Granby with her husband Mike and where she raised her two children, Emilee and Eric. She has been active in the Chamber of Commerce, Granby PTO as well as the Girl Scouts. She continues to support her local community by assisting The Sunshine Kids and The Hebrew Home Healthcare of CT.

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MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

GECC Happenings

SBHS Seeks Gardens for 2014 Garden Tour

Granby Early Childhood Education Council GECC winter playgroup Baby, It’s Cold Outside! If you and your little one are looking for a warm place to have fun this winter, join us for Kids Play, You Stay playgroup. Every Wednesday morning from 9:30-11 a.m., parents, grandparents, and other caregivers come to the big red barn at the Holcomb Farm for a variety of fun and learning opportunities. The Granby Early Childhood Council, together with the Granby Youth Services, has been offering a weekly playgroup for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0-5). Adults can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and adult conversation, all while participating with their child to play, learn, and explore a variety of fun activities. There is a small indoor gym for the children to climb and slide on, toys, a ball pit, a play kitchen and doll area, a train table, an arts and craft area and an opportunity to make lots of new friends. We sing songs, learn ﬁngerplays, and have a story each week at the end of our play time. It is an informal group;, come when you can and stay as long as your child is having fun. And, it is free! More information can be found on the GECC website: www.GranbyECC.org or follow us on Facebook for more up-

to-date information or weather related closings.

Books For Babies Program The Granby Early Childhood Council (GECC) in collaboration with the Friends of Granby Public Library, is pleased to announce the continuation of the Books To Babies Program. This program was started four years ago to welcome each new baby born in Granby, and to encourage parents to start reading to their babies as early as possible. All children born in 2014 will receive a beautiful picture book tucked inside a canvas tote bag that can be used later to take books to and from the car, the library, or preschool. The Friends of Granby Public Library has included the gift of a wonderful board book that baby will surely love to hear over and over again. If you live in Granby and are the parent of a newborn (Jan. 1, to present) or know of a family who would like to receive this gift, please contact the GECC at: babyregistry@granbyecc.org. All information is conﬁdential and is used only by the GECC to contact the family with congratulation, and to welcome the new baby with our gift.

Green Eggs and Ham breakfast will celebrate birthday of Dr. Seuss Join in the fun Saturday, March 1, as Granby celebrates the 110th birthday of Theodor Seuss Geissel, better known as Dr. Seuss. A breakfast of green eggs (no artiﬁcial coloring) and ham, served with toast, juice and coffee, will be offered to the very young and the young-at-heart. This family event will be held in the new Lodge building at Salmon Brook Park, with seatings at 7 a.m., 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. The room will be ﬁlled with Dr. Seussthemed decorations, lots of his beloved books to read, and a possible visit from The Cat in the Hat himself. What better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, his love of children and learning and kick off the National

Education Association’s Read Across America Day? “You’re never too old, Too wacky, Too wild, To pick up a book And read to a child.” ——Dr. Seuss This event is sponsored by the Granby Parks and Recreation department and the Granby Early Childhood Council. All ages are encouraged to come; advance reservations are suggested as walk-ins may be limited by availability. Reserve at www.Granbyrec.com. Cost is $6 for age 8 and older, $4 for age 7 and younger.

By Bill Ross Attention all gardeners, plant and flower enthusiasts and green thumbers! The Salmon Brook Historical Society is planning its 2014 Spring Garden Tour on June 21-22, and is in need of several additional gardens to be included on the tour. Last year’s tour was very successful with over 180 people touring seven private home gardens all over Granby, Lost Acres Orchard, O’Brien Nursery and Lost Acres Vineyard. It is a terriﬁc town-wide event and really showcases Granby’s homes and gardens in a very positive way. Would you like to participate? The hours will be 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 and Noon–3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. The SBHS will handle everything from tickets to tour guides. You just have to have the garden. For more information or questions, please call Bill Ross 860999-3743 or e-mail bross@needres. com. See you in June and happy gardening!

Birthday in a bag to beneﬁt Granby Food Bank Girl Scout Troop 66475 is running a project called “Birthday in a Bag.” This project will help Granby Food bank families celebrate a birthday by providing them with party supplies. The troop is collecting cake mix, frosting, candles, party plates, party napkins, plastic forks and medium-size gift bags to hold all the items. Donation boxes can be found at Geissler’s, Granby Pharmacy, Stop & Shop and Whip City Gymnastics, as well as at the following schools: Kearns Primary School, Kelly Lane Intermediate School, Wells Road Intermediate School and Granby Middle School. Collections end March 19. Bags will be delivered to the Food Bank March 26. Help the Scouts reach their goal of ensuring that every family can celebrate a birthday!

At Valley Brook Community Church our message is simple.

9:30AM Sunday Mornings Granby Memorial High School

Come as you are, No App required.

We want to ...LGLPCW…

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BRUXISM Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth that wears the teeth down and may cause facial pain. People who grind and clench their teeth, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as in their sleep. When a person has bruxism, the cusps of the teeth flatten out. The outer enamel protection of a tooth can be worn down so much that it exposes the inside of the tooth, which is called dentin. The dentin contains nerve endings and if exposed may make the tooth sensitive. Other times the breakdown is so slow that the nerves retreat and do not become sensitive. However, once exposed, the dentin, which is much softer than enamel, will be prone to erosion by the acids in many of the foods and drinks we consume. The teeth also continue to break down faster and many times break apart. Bruxers will also often experience pain in their jaw joints (TMJ), which may manifest as popping and clicking of the jaw. People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time their teeth become sensitive. They experience jaw pain, tense muscles and headaches along with excessive wear on their teeth. Forceful biting when not eating may cause the jaw to move out of proper balance. If teeth grinding is due to stress, a bruxer may be able to prevent the problem with counseling or strategies that promote relaxation, such as exercise and meditation. The objective of therapy is to get the bruxer to change behavior by learning how to rest the tongue, teeth and lips properly. When some people become aware of their problem, simply advising them to rest their tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut may be enough to change their behavior and relieve discomfort. However, most of the time people still grind at night, so the dentist can make a night guard, which is a custom fitted plastic mouthpiece, that's worn to absorb the force of biting. This appliance can prevent future damage to the teeth and helps change the patient's destructive behavior. Most people find immediate relief from painful symptoms after wearing the nightguard. There are many different types of nightguards and your dentist will recommend the appropriate one for you. The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Lasers can eliminate the need for injections and the sound of the drill! CEREC CAD-CAM technology allows us to make beautiful strong porcelain crowns in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces—we are your Invisalign connection! “Smile Vision” allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with straighter, whiter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to discover some of the exciting new procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our new and improved website: www.granbydentalcenter.com

Love God. Love People. Change the World.

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Susan DePatie, DMD 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 (860) 844-0001 www.valleybrook.cc

Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Out of Town

NEAM Events

McLean Events So Much More Educational Series McLean will host a free presentation on Preparing to Sell Your Home Monday, March 10, 1 p.m. in The Burkholder Community Center, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury. The presentation will feature a panel discussion with experts in the fields of real estate, financial organization and estate guidance and organizing and downsizing strategies. Caregiver Educational Series Mclean invites you to a series to help caregivers better understand how Alzheimer’s and dementia impact their loved one’s needs, and offers support for those facing the challenges of caregiving. This educational series is free and McLean will provide a light supper. The first event is Wednesday, March 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. What’s Happening Inside the Brain and How to Best Connect with Your Loved One is presented by Megan Gill, Director of McLean memory care assisted living and Martha Child, memory care program coordinator. The series continues each Wednesday through April 9: March 19, Navigating the Way to the

Most Appropriate Care Environment, presented by Joann Foss, Owner of Aging Care LLC, Care Manager, RN, BSN, MSN, CMC. March 26, Understanding the Senior Living Services Alphabet, presented by Karen Murphy, senior marketing consultant, Kelly Koretz, director of admissions, McLean. April 2, Supporting the Caregiver-Day Programs, Support Groups, Volunteer Program, Palliative Care Options, and Home Care, presented by Megan Gill, Gao Vang, memory care volunteer coordinator, Deborah Glassey, RN APHN-BC, MSN, MPH, director of McLean Hospice. April 9, Starting the Conversation about Dementia, presented by Patty O’Brian, North Central Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter. Please register for any of the above programs by calling Karen at 860-6583786.

Talent Auditions in Southwick

Area singers, dancers, musicians, c omedians, spoken word artists and magicians of all ages are encouraged to let their inner celebrities sparkle at the open auditions for Southwick’s Got Talent on Sundays, March 9 and 16. Auditions will be held both days at Christ Lutheran Church, 568 College Highway, Southwick, from 1 to 5 p.m. Auditions will be limited to ﬁve minutes, and no appointment is necessary. Created as an opportunity for local

performers of all ages to showcase their skills, Southwick’s Got Talent will be live on stage for the public on Saturday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. All selected entrants will vie for a prize of $100 awarded to the top youth performer, ages 17 and under, or $200 awarded to the top adult performer, ages 18 and older. For further details, please call Christ Lutheran Church at 413-5695151 or visit www.clcsouthwick.org.

Diabetes Support Group A Farmington Valley VNA Diabetes Support Group will meet on Thursday, March 6, 9 – 10 a.m. at the Simsbury Senior Center, ENO Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Enjoy guest speakers, information, and

resources, and an open forum while sharing experiences and supporting each other. There is no charge but please preregister by contacting Kathy Marschall at 860-658-3273.

Simsbury presents opera, The Mikado Join us for one of the most entertaining romps in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon, The Mikado, as the Simsbury Light Opera Company returns to Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. This year the opera company has joined

MARCH 2014

with local Simsbury restaurants for a 10 percent-off pre-or post-theater deal. Show dates are March 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit www.sloco.org or call 860217-0052.

Open Cock Pit Day The New England Air Museum will hold Open Cockpit Day on Sunday, March 16. Visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to nine vintage airplanes including two supersonic jet fighters, the Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, the WWII P-47 Thunderbolt, the Vintage DC-3 airliner and more. A special feature of the day will be a program on the museum’s WWII Goodyear blimp car, which is in its final stages of restoration. U.S. Navy blimps played a pivotal role in patrolling the U.S. East and Gulf coasts searching for German U-boats and in escorting North Atlantic ship convoys. The air museum’s K-ship blimp car is the last of its type. Built in 1942, the museum’s K-ship served in three Navy squadrons in WWII, and was sold back to Goodyear as an experimental ship in 1946. It sat nearly forgotten for 32 years, but just as it was about to be scrapped, Goodyear decided instead to donate the blimp car to the air museum. Almost completely gutted by Goodyear, the car was in rough shape. The restoration of the blimp car to a WWII configuration was begun in May 1993 and is about 95 percent complete today. The museum’s restoration team will present a brief talk and slide show describing Navy blimps’ tactics in WWII, and the history of this particular K-ship, from its wartime missions to its return to Goodyear, to its 20-year restoration at the museum. The presentations will be at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and visitors will be invited to walk around the restoration area, view the blimp car interior through its large observation windows, and converse with the restoration team who will share the fruits of 20 years of research about the mechanical aspects of the K-ship as well as the history of naval lighter-than-air operations. There also will be hands on activities for the enjoyment of the younger visitors during the event. For the convenience of all, a food vendor will be on site serving

sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. The event will be held inside the Museum’s three large, heated display hangars. The Open Cockpit program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the museum and gift shop staying open until 5 p.m. Sneakers or rubber-soled shoes are recommended. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $11 for seniors 65 and up and $6.50 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 are admitted free. For more information, visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. Space Expo The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Space Expo on Sunday, March 30. This is an opportunity to experience aerospace science and technology as well as meet pioneers from the aerospace industry. Exhibits will include demonstrations and hands-on activities. Visitors can meet an astronaut, design a mission patch, try on a real space suit, pilot a space craft simulator, touch a meteorite, learn about the atmosphere of Mars, build a rocket, meet R2D2 and much more. More than 15 exhibitors from across New England will participate in the event including UTC Aerospace, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Aldrich Astronomical Society, FlisKits, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, the CATO Rocketry Club, NASA, the Clay Center, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Mars Foundation, US Space Camp, and Robotics First. NASA Astronaut Daniel Burbank will make two presentations, at 11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. He grew up in Tolland, joined the Coast Guard Academy and has spent over six months at the International Space Station over the course of several NASA missions. The Space Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A food vendor will be on hand all day. This event is being co-sponsored by the Connecticut College Space Grant Consortium and UTC Aerospace.

Safe Boating class in Springfield The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Springfield, Mass. will conduct a nonprofit Boating Skills and Seamanship Class. Classes will be held at Lake Lorraine, Environmental Police Headquarters, 44 Lake Drive, Springfield. The course content includes: type of boats and equipment, trailering and boat handling, rules of the road, inland boating and safety, chart work and tools, boat motors, lines and knots, basic weather and communication. This course is designed for adults as well as children from 7th grade and up. A certificate will be provided after passing the final exam,

which can be presented for a possible reduction on boat insurance. This course satisfies all U.S. state requirements for licensing, including Connecticut. Classes begin on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 – 9 p.m. and will run for 12 to 13 weeks. All classes are taught by qualified U.S. Coast Guard instructors (no instructor fees). A textbook is available from the instructors on the first night of classes. For information about the boating courses in your area, visit www.cgaux1n.org, click on classes, or call instructor Bob Hassett, 413-787-6720.

MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

��

Addiction Recovery Programs

AA meets in the Gathering South Congregational Church Room directly below the sanctuary on Sundays, Tuesdays (women’s group) and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Al-Anon meets in the Teale Room in the Fellowship Building on Sundays at 8 p.m. NA meets in the Youth Building on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

bringing native plants into your gardens. Margery Winters, the assistant director of Roaring Brook Nature Center, will discuss how and why to recapture native habitats in Connecticut gardens because birds, butterﬂies, bees and all pollinators depend on these native plants. A variety of books on gardening will be for sale at this program. Garden Book Sale The Friends of Cossitt Library request donations of garden books for a mini-fundraiser April 3–12. Call 860653-3887 for pickup or drop books off at Cossitt. The Friends also appreciate donations of adult and children’s DVDs and CDs that are on sale in the library throughout the year.

March 6, 13 and 20, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Granby Senior Center; Monday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at First Church Parish House, East Hartland; Thursday, March 27, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at Granby Senior Center. Flu Shots The Farmington Valley VNA continues to offer ﬂu shots to persons 9 years of age and older. Appointments can be made by calling the Granby ofﬁce at 860-653-5514.

�� Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. The featured speaker is Barbara Krawczyk, president of the Westﬁeld Camera Club. The presentation will be on the photo techniques of Andre Gallant.

MS Support Group

Women’s Breakfast

The Granby Women’s Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at 8:30 a.m. at the Granby Senior Center. The topic for this program will be Gardening for Birds with Margery Winters of Roaring Brook Nature Center. For reservations, call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891. Cost is $3.

�� Civic Club

The Civic Club will meet at the Senior Center on Thursday, March 20. The club will host long-time record collector Jerry Crane with a presentation concerning records. Crane will share his 45 years of experience as a musician and collector and give a brief history of the recording industry and do a record appraisal at the time of the presentation so don’t be afraid to bring in a few of your own. He will also offer an appraisal at a location and time to be arranged at your convenience. All women are invited. For additional information please contact Ginny at ginny@lostacres.com or 860-653-6897.

The Granby MS Support Group meets at the Salmon Brook Apartments located at 287 Salmon Brook St. at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Jane at 860-653-2436.

Swedish Pancake Breakfast

A Swedish Pancake Breakfast and Scandinavian Bake Sale to beneﬁt youth mission trips will be held at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook Street on Saturday, April 5 from 8 to 10 a.m. Donations are accepted.

Parenting the Young Musician

An information session will be held about parenting the young musician on Wednesday, March 12, at 9 a.m., Room B14, First Church, 219 N. Granby Road. Laura Mazza-Dixon and parents of students from the Windy Hill Guitar Studio will discuss the parent/teacher/ child dynamic at the heart of the Suzuki method. Cost is $5. Please pre-register at 860-653-6146.

�� West Granby church hosts music groups

The West Granby United Methodist Church will be having some special musical guests in March. On Sunday, March 2, the adult bell choir from Simsbury UMC will be joining the 10:30 a.m. service and later in the month, the Simsbury UMC children’s choir will perform on Sunday, March 23 (also at 10:30 a.m.). West Granby UMC is located at 87 Simsbury Road.

Cossitt News

Gardeners Going Native Mark your calendar and join the Friends of Cossitt Library on Wednesday, April 2, 7 p.m. to learn the importance of 10 Hartford Ave. Granby Village Shops

653-2025

WE NOW DELIVER! Call 860-673-3463 or www.DineinCT.com

DAILY GRINDER SPECIALS Slices of Pizza & Calzone for lunch 11a-4p

ALL DAY SUNDAY Any Large Pizza $11.95 + tax

SUN-THURS 11A-9P FRI-SAT 11A-10P “Where old friends meet again for the first time”

Safe Grad Party Meeting

The next Safe Graduation Party Committee meeting is Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the GMHS Media Center. Come join us to see how you can help make this event come alive for the senior class. For more information, contact Susan Glucksman at sglucksman@snet.net or Sue Hancock at rwhanc@msn.com.

FVVNA Events

Blood Pressure Screenings The Farmington Valley VNA’s free blood pressure screenings are available without appointment on: Tuesday, March 4, 9 – 10:30 a.m. at the Granby YMCA and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at East Hartland Town Hall; Thursdays,

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

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

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

PAGE 13

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Sign up time for Community Gardens By Jim Glenney It’s time to think about the joy of gardening despite the mounds of snow around us. Gardening at the Community gardens located at Ahrens Park on Hungary Road is not only healthy exercise but a great feeling to know you are eating your own home-grown vegetables. The gardens are divided into organic and conventional sections. A pump well provides the water supply. The cost is $5 for a 20 x 20 plot and $10 for a 20 x 40 plot. Last year’s gardeners wishing to reserve the same plots need to have payment in by May 1. After that date, plots will be assigned on a ﬁrst-come basis. The gardens are usually ready for planting by the end of April. Over the past few years a problem has developed with individuals that pay for a plot but fail to get started. Getting started means that you either have begun planting or you have weeded your plot. This is necessary to avoid plots that are overrun with weeds which become breeding ground for pests, and a burden for someone else to clean up. Failure to

get started by June 1 will result in your payment returned and someone taking that plot. All gardeners should help in keeping the pathways clear. Avoid planting right to the very edge of your plot where there is a pathway. Also avoid the use of cheap weedblock. It deteriorates quickly and is difﬁcult to pull up and often ends up being chopped up in other plots in the spring. Use plastic, unwaxed cardboard, newspapers and leaves to keep the weeds down. The use of pesticides is discouraged, but not banned. At the end of the growing season, all plots need to be cleaned up, usually around Nov. 1. All plastic, cages, stakes, fences, strings and ropes must be removed. Volunteers will be needed to help stake out and label the plots, near the end of April. New gardeners interested in reserving a plot should email bluebirds 987@sbcglobal.net or call Jim Glenney at 860-653-6179 or Marge Goslee at 860-653-5100. Make checks payable to Granby Community Gardens and mail to Jim Glenney, 33 Glen Road Granby, CT 06035-2516.

Lunch with Dylan Thomas continues series On Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center, Glyn Dowden reprises his one-man performance as Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, one of the most prominent and lauded poets of the 20th century. Dowden presents Thomas’ works with Welsh witticisms and melodies as the audience is transported back to the era of great promise in poetry. Dowden was born in Wales and is a Granby resident. His own poetry has been published in several anthologies. Dowden is a member of local theater and participates in several writer and poetry groups in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Register for each of the events by calling 860-844-5352. The cost is $5. Bring your brown bag lunch to class; beverage and dessert are provided. Also, mark your calendars for these future Lunch for the Mind programs presented by the Granby Civic Engage-

ment Educational Team: April 9, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, with Tracy Boyce, a Feng Shui master practitioner sharing her expertise on this exciting concept; Bob Venti relates his military experiences on May 14 in A Vietnam Veteran’s Perspective on War, and on June 11, Carol Laun, archivist for Salmon Brook Historical Society, will talk about what gravestones can tell us about the life and death of G r a n b y ’s earlier residents in the program entitled Stories in Stone: a look at Granby’s 14 smaller cemeteries.

Glyn Dowden

Lost Acres Fire Dept. Women’s Auxiliary

AnnualS

Rummage

Bake Sale

�� Center Firehouse �� Accepting donations Mon. & Wed. nights ��

MARCH 2014

GMHS volleyball alumnae top varsity team By Lauren Holt

those, too. The alums were able to reconnect as a team and make new memories they will never forget. They can’t wait to do it again next year! Lauren Holt is a member of the Springﬁeld College Class 2017.

This year Granby Memorial High School volleyball finished its fifth season as a varsity team. For the first time there were enough alumnae to form a team and come back to play against the current team. Returning to the GMHS gym after a season of college volleyball was a weird experience. However, as fellow alums and current players showed up, the memories flowed back. Some of their proudest moments were made in that gym, a connection they will always have. There were hugs and few quick chats before they started since some of them had been apart for a while. A team of six alumni was recruited from the class of 2013: Lauren Holt, Megan Nilson, Heather Longley, Mary Kidd, Anna Fede and Jess Reme. The current varsity team of seven is made up of Cali Holt, Casey Hunt, Shannon Ryan, Brianna Hoyt, Colleen Longley, Molloy Hammock, and Emily Better- GMHS volleyball players are: back, from left: Cali ton. Sara Fede, a junior varsity Holt, Emily Betterton, Casey Hunt, Brianna Hoyt, member, also played. Some of Sarah Fede; front: Colleen Longley, Shannon Ryan. the alums were just coming out of college seasons while others hadn’t played since high school. The game started with a number of silly and somewhat embarrassing plays but as they warmed up it all started coming back to them. The alums teased the current varsity team all in good fun, and used every tricky play and distraction possible. Despite being down a player and playing apart for so long, the alumnae were able to pull out a win! They laughed with each other through the next two games and ended up winning GMHS alumnae are: Lauren Holt, Heather Longley, Jessica Reme, Anna Fede, Mary Kidd and Megan Nilson. Submitted photos

Granby’s 17th Annual

Community Service Awards Do you know an adult or teen whose volunteer contribution to the town deserves to be recognized? The Board of Selectmen are now seeking individuals who exemplify the town’s rich tradition of volunteerism. Anyone but a family member may nominate a candidate, who must have been actively engaged in volunteer community service within the past year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). The selection committee takes into consideration: �� although a one-time project will also be considered �� of life in Granby Organizations or individual are eligible; there is a separate category for teens 13 to 19 years of age. Nomination forms are available at both libraries, or clip and mail the form below.The deadline for submission is April 21. Return your nomination to the Granby Drummer, P.O. Box 165, Granby, CT 06035.

�

Volunteer of the Year Community Service Award Nomination

Your name: _______________________________________________ Your address:______________________________________________ Telephone: _______________________________________________ Volunteer’s name: __________________________________________ Volunteer’s address:_________________________________________ Service activity, program or project: ____________________________

� a one-time project This activity is: � ongoing Category: � adult � teen (13 - 19 years of age) On a separate sheet of paper, please give a brief description of the volunteer’s activity and how he or she has helped Granby. Return to: the Granby Drummer, P.O. Box 165, Granby, CT 06035 or drop off at either library. Deadline is April 21, 2014.

MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 15

Valley Brook’s journey continues in North Granby By Kim Gaudreau January. It’s a time of year that most associate with change—the start of a new year, a new plan, maybe a new dream. For Valley Brook Community Church, January brought God-sized changes and dreams as the church relocated their ofﬁces from Granby Village Shops to their new campus at 160 Granville Road in North Granby. The move came on the heels of relocating the student center to the new campus in December. “We’re excited about the move on so many fronts,” stated Clark Pfaff, Sr. Pastor, “because it represents the next step in the journey God has planned for our church and the community in and around Granby.” The North Granby campus, which is located a mere 5.5 miles from the center of Granby, sits on 85-acres and includes a 30,000 sq. ft. equestrian center and an 8,000 sq. ft. residence. The property was given as a gift to Valley Brook in April 2013 by a North Granby couple. According to Pastor Clark, “in May of 2012 we asked the people of Valley Brook to pray that God would provide us with a Godsized gift so that we could take the steps needed to move into our own building that we could call home. Just about a year later, I stood before our congregation to praise God for answering our prayers in a way that we could never have imagined. For years we’ve claimed the promise of Ephesians 3:20 that says, “His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.” After obtaining the necessary zoning approvals from the Town of Granby, the church took legal title to the property during the summer and the plans began for converting the equestrian center into a worship center. Valley Brook has created a temporary student center in the spacious lobby area

that is warm and inviting thanks to multiple windows, rustic wood floors and a fieldstone fireplace that anchors the space. All mid-week programs for elementary, middle and high school students meet at the new campus. With the offices now located in North Granby, Valley Brook is able to host the majority of their MondaySaturday events at the campus. “We are grateful for the generosity of our church body as they have come together over the past months to lend their skills and time to the move and the reconstruction. We wouldn’t have come this far without their help. It’s a reflection of their love for God and others, and an example of what can happen when we allow God to work through us,” said Pfaff. The church continues to worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Granby Memorial High School Auditorium, located at 315 Salmon Brook Street. According to the church, they will begin worshipping at the new campus when the construction is completed. Valley Brook could not provide a specific date but projects the grand opening will take place later this year. Pfaff stated, “We are humbled and grateful for God’s provision of this campus through Rodney and Janice Reynolds’s gift, and eagerly anticipate the Sunday morning we’ll offer our thanksgiving and praise to God from our new home in North Granby.” On Sunday mornings, Valley Brook offers a nursery for infants through age two and grade-specific classes for children and youth. Valley Brook’s desire is to “Love God. Love People. Change the World.” For more information about the church contact the office at 860-8440001 or look them up on the web at www. valleybrook.cc.

New site of Valley Brook Church Photo courtesy of Clark Pfaff

Farmington Valley Chorale Receives State Grant By Molly Mead The Farmington Valley Chorale with Ellen G. Voth, artistic director, has been awarded an Arts Catalyze Placemaking–Supporting Arts in Place grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts. The program awards grants to eligible arts organizations and municipal arts offices to strengthen the state’s non-profit arts industry as vital to its economy and quality of life. The grant will be used to help fund the chorale’s May 3, 2014, performance of Brahms’ Requiem at Granby Memorial High School. The chorale will be performing this monumental work for the first time in its 40-plus year history. Area

residents who are members of the chorale include: Linda Harrold of East Granby; Peter Barwick, Carolyn Flint, John Flint, Helen Hogan, and Janet Loynes of Granby; Judith Burhans and Kenneth Way of North Granby; and Carol Bressor of West Granby. John Hampton, Simsbury’s state representative, is supportive of the chorale’s grant. “The chorale is a beloved community treasure that enriches so many lives through the power of music. It is critical that we invest in non-proﬁt organizations like the Farmington Valley Chorale that promote arts, culture, economic growth and tourism in the State of Connecticut. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Farmington Valley Chorale.”

MeadowBrook of Granby offers new recreational options MeadowBrook has added to its long list of recreational activities and continues to offer something for everyone. In addition to the residents’ usual favorites, spa day, live entertainment, and pet therapy, MeadowBrook has added some new and interesting options as well. Residents can now participate in a reminisce program where they can document, with pictures and stories, their most treasured memories. Residents can also explore a more holistic aspect by practicing yoga, Tai Chi or balancing their energy with

Tibetan singing bowls. MeadowBrook of Granby is a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Our team of dedicated and caring professionals will customize a rehabilitation plan to meet your individual needs and preferences. For more information please contact admissions at 860-653-9888 or visit our website at athenahealthcare. com/meadowbrook. MeadowBrook of Granby is managed by Athena Health Care Systems.

STATE LINE PROPANE Family Owned

We’ll Keep You Warm This Winter Visit our Showroom to see working displays of

Fireplaces, Gas Logs and Gas Stoves.

EMPIRE Comfort Systems

We install, service and stand behind everything we sell.

860-653-8076

Showroom hours Monday - Friday 10a - 5p or by appointment www.StateLinePropane.com 500 Salmon Brook Street, Rte. 10 & 202, Granby, CT License SI-303179, PI-204150, Fuel Dealer Lic.: HOD0000737

Granby ◆ 860.653.5594

33 Hartford Avenue ◆ Granby, CT 06035 (Adjacent to Northwest Community Bank, across from Starbucks)

Simsbury ◆ 860.651.9391

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Granby canoeing champs prepare for new season By April Jones The snow may still be piled high in New England, but Eric and Phoebe Jones of Granby are looking forward to the time when the snow-melt ﬁlls local rivers with rushing water. The father-daughter paddling team won the New England Canoe and Kayak Racking Association (NECKRA) Downriver Series in canoe in 2013 and anticipate another strong racing season in 2014. “A lot of things came together for us last year,” said Eric. “There are some tougher races this year, but we’ll deﬁnitely still be in the mix.”

The Joneses have been racing together since 2008, when Phoebe was just 4 years old. They participate in NECKRA’s Downriver Series, which features 16 river courses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York. The courses range in difficulty from quickwater to Class IV rapids, though the most difficult rapids the Joneses run are Class III. The season runs from late March through September, with the majority of the races taking place in April and May when melting snow and spring rain make rivers run fuller and faster. Racers earn points based on

Nunsense starts February 28 The cast and crew of Nunsense: (l to r) Paula Kuenzler, Susan Accetura, Nikki Currie-Huggard, Coreen Thompson, Noel-Marie Karvoski, Kevin Barlowski, Lauren Rozeck, Jennifer Jensen and Jessica Turgeon.

their ﬁnishing times in each race, with handicaps assessed for such factors as age, gender, and type of boat. At the end of the season the association presents an award to the top ﬁnishers in both canoe and kayak. The 2013 kayak champion was Brian Beaupre of Vernon. At 8 years old, Phoebe Jones is by far the youngest paddler to have won a NECKRA championship. While she may not have the strength of some of the older paddlers, Phoebe is important to the success of the team, according to her father. “She’s critical to making turns and keeping us on our line,” Eric Jones said. “And keeping morale up,” he added with a chuckle. Phoebe enjoys the thrill and camaraderie of whitewater racing. “It’s fun to feel the excitement when you’re going down through the rapids,” she said. Asked what she’s looking forward to in the coming season, she answered, “I’m looking forward to seeing all our paddling friends again.” The 2014 season will begin on March 29 with the Scantic Spring Splash in the Hazardville section of Enfield. “Scantic is a lot of fun,” said Eric Jones. “Each of the races has its own thing, but

The 2013 NECKRA Downriver Canoe Champions, Eric and Phoebe Jones of Granby, pose with the Downriver Kayak champion, Brian Beaupre of Vernon. Submitted photo

Scantic has the crowds and some tough rapids. It’s a great race to come out and watch.”

Nature Speaks to Me Nunsense will run from Feb. 28 through March 16 at South Congregational Church in Granby. Tickets are available at Granby Pharmacy or goodcompanytheaterct.org. Photo by Danielle Zaugg

March’s presence perseveres, after January’s bitter cold and February’s snows, to make her entrance. She promises soon returning robins and spring’s soft beginnings. It will be awhile ‘til May, but already I dream of the ﬂowering trees along Salmon Brook Street in their glorious colors. Then Nature says to me, “You must have Patience. There may still be days of snow and cold, but have faith in me. I will not disappoint you. My promise of spring will begin to be fulﬁlled toward the end of March. Then you and March must part for soon you will welcome April’s brilliant yellow forsythia. Take heart. Apply my lessons to Life—Persevere in all you do. Have Faith, and in the end, all will be well.” —Bernadette Gentry, 2014

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MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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Granby Land Trust institutes children’s nature series By Trish Percival In order to provide young families with a fun opportunity to gather with neighbors and get some fresh air and exercise, and maybe even learn a thing or two at the same time, the Granby Land Trust is excited to announce that it will sponsor a series of children’s activities this spring. Organized by Dave Emery, a former earth science teacher who owns and manages Emery Farm and who serves on the Land Trust’s board of directors, these events promise to be fun for young and old alike. “These kids are so lucky to live in a town like Granby, with so much protected space,” says Granby Land Trust President Rick Orluk. “We want to give them an opportunity to get out there and enjoy it, and hopefully develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world in the process.” For all these events, each child should

be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please. Appropriate for children of all ages. The Land Trust asks that participants register in advance, so that, in the event of inclement weather, communications regarding cancellations/postponements will be easy. Please email Dave Emery at dwemery79@gmail.com to register and visit www.granbylandtrust.org to learn more about the Granby Land Trust. March 2014: Exact Date TBA (depending on weather conditions) Maple Sugaring: A hands-on learning experience for kids Curious kids who like maple syrup won’t want to miss this event! The Granby Land Trust is sponsoring a hands-on demonstration of how maple syrup is made at the Emery Farm Sugar House at 71 Loomis Street in North Granby. Since the sugaring process is highly weather dependent, the date cannot be set this far in advance, but the demonstration will be

The March event will be held at Emery Farm Sugar House. Photo by Peter Dinella

held on a weekend day in March, from 1-3 p.m. Sign-up now and you will be notified of the date by email, several days prior to the event. The plan is to follow an abbreviated process of sap collection, then transport through to boiling, filtering and bottling of the finished product: maple syrup! Each child should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to taste some Emery Farm maple syrup. All activities will be outside, so dress accordingly. Sunday, April 20: Easter Day “Signs of Spring” Family Hike (or, Get those kids outside after a morning full of sweet treats walk!) The Granby Land Trust will sponsor a children’s hike at the Stanley Dimock Wildlife Sanctuary on LeGeyt Road on the Barkhamsted/ West Granby line on Sunday April 20 from 1–3 p.m. Well in excess of 200 acres, the Dimock property is a seldom-visited patchwork of forests, fields and swamps. Participants will be on the lookout for signs of spring that indicate the long harsh winter season is finally over. We will be tramping across fields, streams and woodlands, so please dress accordingly! The hike will begin

DAR honors female veterans On Jan. 17, the Daughters of the Abigail Phelps Chapter, NSDAR emphasized their dedication to Patriotism, one of the national tenets of the NSDAR, by supporting female veterans who are transitioning back to mainstream society through “Homes for the Brave” Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes. The Chapter had previously held a teacup auction to raise money for the PFC Nicholas A. Midaras Home for Female Soldiers in Bridgeport, and donated items such as manicure kits, hand cream, socks and candy for Valentine’s

Day gift bags. In addition, the members wrote letters of appreciation to the female soldiers. A check and the gift bags were presented to Olivia Ellwanger, the development associate of the “Homes for the Brave” program. Debbie Payne, Abigail Phelps Chapter Regent stated, “This is one of many projects that the Abigail Phelps Chapter does to support veterans causes and we hope to ﬁnd other ways that we can help the residents of this much needed transition home for our homeless female veterans.”

and end where LeGeyt and Enders Roads intersect. Sunday, June 8: Children’s Hike at Godard Preserve (A Connecticut Trails Day event) Join the Granby Land Trust for a children’s hike at the beautiful Godard Preserve on Donahue Road in North Granby on Sunday, June 8, from 1–3 p.m. as part of Connecticut Trails Day. Join us as we explore this 100-plus acre parcel on the lookout for interesting items of natural interest (you and your kids are guaranteed to enjoy learning some nature facts courtesy of hike leader extraordinaire and former Earth Science teacher Dave Emery). We will be tramping across wetlands and forest trails so dress accordingly! For all of these events, please reserve a spot via email with Dave Emery at dwemery79@gmail.com. In the event of postponement or cancellation, those who signed up will be notiﬁed by email.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

Molasses Creek: Cure Your Winter Blues Molasses Creek performs at South Church March 21. photo by Justin Casey

By Carole Bernard

McLean’s Dr. Robert S. Dicks honored in Hartford Magazine for geriatric medicine “We are pleased to see Dr. Dicks recognized by his fellow peers for providing highquality patient care,” said McLean President David Bordonaro, “Awards such as Best Doctors truly reﬂect the uncommon commitment and expertise Dr. Dicks provides to his patients—something we at McLean have known since he began working with us many years ago. Pictured are David Bordonaro; Dr. Robert Dicks, medical director, McLean Health Center and Lisa Clark, vice president and administrator, McLean Health Center. Submitted photo

Have you spent more time with your shovel and Ben-Gay this winter than with your favorite person? On March 21, you can spend a few hours warming up to the sounds of Molasses Creek in concert at South Congregational Church. The concert is part of the Salmon Brook Music Series. Fans of Molasses Creek need no introduction, but for those yet to marvel at their performance, Molasses Creek’s beginnings are traced to Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. Accessible only by

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ferry, the island is a snapshot of times long gone: natural beauty is the perfect background for pirates and shipwrecks in the island’s history, as well as a small but independent group of residents. The energy that endears the listener to this unusual contemporary folk sound belongs unmistakably to the award-winning, ﬁve-person band that is Molasses Creek. Playing a variety of instruments, including a dobro guitar, banjolin, bass, upright bass and a mandolin, devotees of this group savor their performances. Returning to South Church after an extremely popular concert last year, attendees will see and hear why this group has such a strong national and international following. As the proud producers of more than 12 albums over the last 20 years, Molasses Creek will share their love of their special island with listeners, who will happily fall in love with it as well. Opening for Molasses Creek is Ben Fetzner, a 2013 graduate of Granby Memorial High School. Ben is a Colgate freshman studying neuroscience. Participating in the school band since fourth grade and studying piano under the direction of Lee Janssen since seventh grade, Ben has a diversiﬁed repertoire of songs to perform. Having an appreciation for Mozart and Coldplay, and quite a lot of music in-between, the audience will be treated to an eclectic mix of music. Aspiring to become a music director of his a capella group at Colgate during his senior year, Ben will perform for the hometown crowd of family and friends. The Salmon Brook Music Series at South Church supports the talent and treasure of its youth, and they are pleased to bring Ben’s talents back to town. The concert will be held on Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street. Doors to this family-friendly venue open at 7 p.m.. Advance tickets, priced at $15 are available by calling Arlene at 860-916-5066. Tickets at the door will be $17. Refreshments will be available before the show and during intermission. Proceeds from this show help support the mission and goals of South Church. Please visit the website at www.southchurchgranby.org for more information.

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Curator lectures on Hill-Stead Museum architect By Carol Bressor In February, Women’s Breakfast attendees had a glimpse into the life and philosophy of Theodate Pope Riddle, one of America’s ﬁrst women architects, who built the cultural institution known as the Hill-Stead Museum. Melanie Anderson Bourbeau, curator of the museum, captured the progressiveness and compassion of this ahead-of-her-time woman, using items from the museum’s archives including family photos, Riddle’s architectural plans, diary entries and reported observations. Born in 1867, Riddle grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of Alfred and Ada Pope. The Popes, who came from modest means, with roots in Vermont and Maine, worked their way up in Cleveland society. Mr. Pope started in his family’s New England woolen business, leaving that for a more lucrative endeavor, buying a malleable iron company and becoming president at the age of 37. Though christened “Efﬁe,” at age 19, Riddle took the name Theodate, which means “gift of life.” She felt that suited her better and also honored her paternal grandmother who was born in Maine. She began keeping a diary in the 1880s, noting that “the solitariness of being an

only child, gave me the independence to make decisions.” She made entries from time to time that seemed to herald important milestones in her life: attending Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, the start of her father’s extensive art collection and becoming an architect. In an entry for February 12, 1886, she wrote “my life wishes are to live in the country on a farm, build schools and take in orphans.” That entry was a blueprint for her life. Attending Miss Porter’s School introduced Riddle to Farmington and its country nature. The atmosphere there ﬁt Riddle’s progressive and forward-looking attitudes. Her favorite cousin, Elizabeth (Betty) Brooks and cousins Alice and Agnes Hamilton were classmates. Alice became a doctor and pioneer in industrial medicine. Following graduation, Riddle went on the customary grand tour of Europe with her parents. It was during this trip her father began his art collection that became the cornerstone of the Hill-Stead collection. Father and daughter also had a serious discussion of her future. At that time she was torn between being an artist or an author. Reﬂecting his New England roots, Mr. Pope had a notion of having a small farm near Cleveland where he could raise vegetables and some animals.

Kelbick-Brown Wedding Lindsey Kelbick and Michael Brown, Jr. were married on November 23, 2013, at The Riverview in Simsbury by Chaplin Sean Kennelly, JP. A reception at the Riverview followed. Lindsey is the daughter of Barbara Bosso and Roger Albert of Granby and Elliott Kelbick of New Britain. Michael is the son of Michael and Linda Brown of Granby. Lindsey is a 2006 graduate of GMHS, has an MA in Education from James Madison University and is currently working as a second grade teacher assistant in the Collegiate School in Manhattan. Michael is a 2005 graduate of GMHS, has a BA in Business from James Madison University and works at Citi Financial Corp in Manhattan. They honeymooned in Thailand and make their home in New York City.

He felt his daughter should study architecture, design a farmhouse and property and then take on the farm’s management. This suited Riddle’s dream although she didn’t want to stay in Cleveland. Her parents let her return to Farmington where she bought a small house with acreage on High Street that still stands. Interestingly, this house, which she named “The O’Rourkery” after its previous owner, was located at the bottom of the slope upon which Hill-Stead was built. Hill-Stead was built in the Colonial Revival style as an idealized New England farmhouse with construction taking place from 1898 to 1901. The veranda, similar to the one at Mount Vernon, was added in 1902. Hill-Stead was designed by Riddle in association with the renowned New York architect ﬁrm of McKim, Mead and White, which did the required construction drawings. At the time this was a career virtually closed to women. Riddle was not formally trained but studied independently with professors at Princeton University. In addition to the house, there were stables and a milking barn that featured Melanie Bourbeau (left) from The Hill-Stead spoke to Women’s Breakfast attendees Feb. 12. With her is Irene Allen of Simsbury. Photo by Joan Ducharme

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piped-in music . There were sheep, pigs, and chickens too. The farm grew vegetables and ﬂowers. The Popes lived in the house for nearly 50 years. In 1916, at the age of 49, she married John W. Riddle, a diplomat who had assignments in Egypt, Russia and Argentina. She met him through Anna Roosevelt Cowles, the sister of Theodore Roosevelt. The Riddles took in two foster boys. At her death in 1946, and in accordance with Riddle’s will, the house became a museum, leaving the collection for posterity. The museum opened to the public in 1947. Pope Riddle also designed the Avon Old Farms School for boys, the Westover School—a girl’s school in Middlebury, Conn., as well as private homes in New York City and Long Island.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER From left: Incy S. Muir, Farmington Valley VNA executive director; Ed Antos, Granby Super Stop & Shop store manager; and Amanda Neal, Farmington Valley VNA manager of community health programs. Submitted photo

MARCH 2014

Canines comfort cancer patients at CT Children’s Medical Center Susan Regan, right host of CT Valley Views interviews Anita Albanese, owner of Toby. Photo by Bill Regan

Granby Super Stop & Shop patrons provide “Food For Friends” By Andrea Boyle An abundance of generosity was displayed at Granby Super Stop & Shop this past holiday season as patrons participated in the November 2013 Food for Friends fundraising initiative to beneﬁt local food pantries. The Granby Food Bank Program, located in the Farmington Valley VNA’s satellite ofﬁce at 248 Salmon Brook Street, was the recipient of the funds raised when store patrons contributed $1, $3 or $5 at checkout registers, or purchased and donated pre-packaged Hunger Relief Boxes for $10. Store Manager Ed Antos presented Incy S. Muir, Farmington Valley VNA Executive Director, and Amanda Neal, RN, Manager of Community Health Programs, with a $4,165.80 check representing the largest donation the Granby Food Bank Program has received from the Granby Super Stop & Shop’s Food for Friends campaign.

“Stop & Shop is committed to being a better neighbor in all the communities in which we serve and we are so pleased for all the support we have received from our customers and associates in the ﬁght against hunger,” said Lindsay Hawley, spokesperson for Stop & Shop New England. The Granby Food Bank Program is staffed entirely by volunteers, and relies on members of the community for monetary, gift card and food donations. The Food Bank is constantly in need of non-perishable foods, household cleaning products, personal hygiene items and pet food. Donations may be dropped off weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please visit www. farmingtonvalleyvna.org for information on ways to support this essential community resource.

By Bill Regan It has often been said that a dog is a man’s best friend and never so true as proven with the wonderful therapy dogs that visit with the young people at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. Join Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views as she interviews Anita Albanese, owner of Toby an 8-1/2-year-old Goldendoodle who loves to share time with cancer patients at the Center, and Dr. Mike Isakoff, Director of Clinical Trials, who specializes in hematology and oncology. The combination of practical medicine and emotional support provides an opti-

mum environment to aid in the treatment and cure of the devastating effects of cancer our most precious commodity—our communities’ families and children. Be sure to see this inspiring segment on Cox/Enﬁeld Channel 15 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 on Friday, February 28 and March 7 at 6 p.m. This and all CTVV programs are available on the website www.ctvalleyviews.com. CT Valley Views is an award winning, independently produced Public Access TV show series sponsored by Windsor Federal Savings and is seen in 22 towns on Cox/Enﬁeld, Windsor, Simsbury, Nutmeg, West Hartford and Hartford Public Access stations.

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MARCH 2014

�� THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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�� Office Hours: 9 a.m. − 4 p.m. Open 24/7 at www.GranbyRec.com for program registration. Telephone: 860-653-8947 (New phone number!) Website: www.GranbyRec.com. We accept MasterCard/Visa/Discover for payments. 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. Scholarships: Recreational and leisure opportunities will not be denied any resident because of lack of financial resources; program scholarship information is available upon request. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence; apply early. Party and Event Planning Have your next party or event this winter and spring at Salmon Brook Park. The new building at Salmon Brook Park is complete. The beautiful facility has a kitchen, patio, multi-purpose function room featuring a gas fireplace and can accommodate events up to 99 people. Make an appointment today to get a tour and see if it is right for your next event. Summer Employment The Granby Recreation Dept. is seeking concession staff for spring and summer and a limited number of lifeguards and day camp counselors for seasonal employment at Salmon Brook Park this summer. Get an application at www.Granbyrec.com. Application deadline is Friday, April 11. Summer Programs Browse the website for a complete list of summer camp programs available. We are currently accepting registrations for all programs and you can register online. Salmon Brook Park Day Camp, Mission Adventure Camp, Chris Corkum Baseball Camp, Challenger Soccer Camp, Kangaroo Field Hockey Camp, Performing Arts Camp, Let’s Gogh Art Camp, Bears Boys and Girls Basketball Camps, Wicks Sticks Field Hockey Camps, Lego Camps, Tennis Camps, Summer Band Camp, Total Play Multi Sports Camp, Skyhawks Sports Camps, Sports Squirts, Fencing Camp—and more! ARC Babysitting Course This class will give youth ages 11–15 the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parent and adult guardians. This training will help

participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism; basic care; safety and safe play; and ﬁrst aid. Tuesday, May 27, 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. $100pp.

11 – 11:55 a.m. Beginners (age 6–9) at 12 – 12:55 p.m. Intermediate (age 9–16) at 1 – 1:55 p.m. Super Soccer Sundays (age 3–5): We are excited to bring this parent/child program back this spring. With former UConn player and local coach Tammy Zacchera, have fun and spend quality time with your child as you participate in soccer related drills and games. At Ahrens Park, April 27 – June 8, choose 9 – 9:50 a.m. or 10 – 10:50 a.m. $95.

well as the Professional Florists' Invitational will feature hundreds of plantings and arrangements by the region's top amateur and professional ﬂorists and designers. Those who wish to skip the Flower Show will disembark the bus at Quincy Market in the morning and be picked up again at 6 p.m. for the trip home. Depart Salmon Brook Park at 7 a.m. and depart Boston at 6 p.m. $55pp includes admission to Flower Show, $39pp for bus ride only. Boston Duck and Fenway Park tours: Sunday, June 22. Visit the oldest park in Major League Baseball, Fenway Park. Fenway, where the Babe pitched, the Kid hit, Yaz dazzled, and Pedroia and Ortiz still thrill young fans today. Soak up the rich history; hear the echoes of the past, walk on top of the Green Monster, take in the view from the Press Box, walk along the warning track, visit the new Red Sox Hall of Fame presented by Volvo, and take a seat in .406 Club before strolling around the rest of Fenway Park. Our one-hour group tour at Fenway Park is planned for 10:30 a.m. Then we will head over to the Prudential Center to grab a quick snack and up for our 12:30 p.m. Duck Tour.You've never toured Boston in anything that comes close to Boston Duck Tours. When you board your DUCK, a WWII-style amphibious landing vehicle, you'll be greeted by a tour conDUCKtor who will narrate your tour. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of ﬁrsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the TD BankNorth Garden, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower. Your conDUCKtor will give you lots of little known facts and interesting insights. The Duck Tour will last about an hour and 20 minutes. You will have until 4:30 p.m. on your own to shop, eat lunch, or explore the Prudential Center Mall and downtown Boston. Cost is $86 for adults and $80 for kids 15 and under. The bus will leave at 7:45 a.m. from Granby Town Hall. Register early as seats are limited. Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Monday, Aug. 25, visit the world famous Bronx Zoo. With award-winning, cutting-edge exhibits featuring over 4,000 animals, there is no other zoo in the world that offers the diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that visitors can make a difference in the world around them. Our deluxe motorcoach will leave Salmon Brook Park at 7 a.m. and leave the Bronx Zoo at 4:30 p.m. The package includes zoo shuttles, Wild Asia Monorail, Bug Carousel, Children’s Zoo, the New 4-D Theater, and the Congo Gorilla Forest. Everyone should visit this zoo at least once. Cost is $56pp. NYC On Your Own: These days in the city are on your own to enjoy the Big Apple. See Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop. The usual drop off points in the City: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel, and Rockefeller Center. Pickup time is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Deli, at Broadway and 53rd Street. Wednesday, April 16; Saturdays June 7, Oct. 4, Dec. 6. $40pp.

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Spring Preseason Conditioning and Fitness Camp: For grades 7–12. Get in better shape for the start of the spring sport season. This non-sport specific camp is fitness based and will incorporate drills to enhance endurance, footwork and agility, full body strength training, core based exercises, balance and flexibility. There will be some long and short distance endurance runs as well as aerobic and pilates classes. Many core strength exercises to be incorporated throughout the work out each day. Two weeks are being offered; sign up for one or both. All levels of fitness are welcome. You will need an exercise mat, water bottle, hand held weights (approx. 5–8 lbs), and good footwear (cross training and/or running shoes). Sessions generally held in the Community gym but if weather permits we could also go outside. Terri Ziemnicki is a fitness instructor and personal trainer with over 25 years’ experience. $80pp. March 10 to 14, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. March 17 to 21, 2:45 – 4:45 p.m. (March 18, class held earlier.) All Pro Sports April Vacation Camp (grades K–6): Want your children to have fun over April break? Register your child to spend half- or full-days at Wells Road School playing basketball, soccer, floor hockey, baseball and other games in a cooperative atmosphere that stresses fun over competition. Campers will be grouped by age and ability. They should bring a healthy snack/water bottle and wear T-shirt with shorts or sweats, socks and sneakers (no boots or hard-soled shoes). The program is supervised by a local Physical Education teacher. Bring a healthy lunch if staying for full day. Monday – Thursday, April 14 – 17. Half-day is 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $120. Full-day is 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., $160. April Vacation Week Youth Tennis Lessons: The lessons are geared to the beginner and intermediate youth player, instructed by Kevin Imbt, GMHS tennis team coach. Participants should bring an appropriately sized racquet, lots of water, towel and sneakers. Held at Salmon Brook Park Tennis Courts. Monday – Thursday, April 14 – 17 (Friday, April 18 will be make-sup due in case of bad weather.) Cost is $30; register now, lessons fill quickly. Pee Wee (age 3–6) at

Adult Activities

Power Yoga, age 13 and up: Tuesdays, March 4 to April 8, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Jumpstart your day with this energizing and dynamic one hour class. Develop core strength and stamina, improve balance and inner stillness, build lean, strong muscles and improve flexibility in joints and connective tissues. Focus your awareness on harmonious body alignment, integrity of postures, and deepen into poses with the guidance of your breath. Instructor is Mary Ellen Mullins. $65pp. YogaChi with Mary Ellen, age 13 and up: Tuesdays, March 4 to April 8, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Holcomb farm Workshop. YogaChi is a fusion of Yoga, Chi-Gong and Pilates. This class is a great way to stretch, strengthen and relax while creating balance in the body, mind and spirit. $65pp. Tai Chi and Qi Gong, age 18 and up: Mondays, March 3 to April 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park Rec Building. Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is an ancient Chinese martial art consisting of fluid, circular movements, relaxed and slow in tempo. It strengthens and mobilizes all joints and muscles, improving physical fitness and promoting mental relaxation. Qi Gong is the study of Qi (energy); the exercises help calm the mind, regulate the breath, and relax the physical body. Students will be introduced to the basics (body alignment, footwork, hand positions) of Yang-style Tai Chi as well as several movements from the Simplified 24-Form. In addition, participants will be taught an easy-to-learn series of Qi Gong exercises to increase flexibility and stimulate energy circulation. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing, flat-bottomed sneakers, and be able to stand and move unassisted for at least one hour. $75pp. Adult Drop In Basketball, age 18 and up: Mondays from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at GMHS Community Gym. The cost (resident and non-resident) is $3 per person per drop in. Participants must sign a liability waiver before taking part. When school is closed or dismissed early there is no basketball. Schedule: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

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Bus Trips

Here is a partial list of bus trips; visit web site for complete listing. Boston Flower Show: Saturday, March 15. Enjoy the day on your own in Boston or visit the New England Flower Show and Quincy Market. The show will feature 25 show gardens, 240 vendors selling plants and gardenrelated merchandise, free lectures and demonstrations for gardeners at all level of expertise. A lively amateur competition area produced by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts as

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

New England’s Native Americans When the first settlers came to America, their goal was survival. There was no time, and little inclination, to observe and study the native inhabitants of the New World—called Indians. The help of the Indians was cautiously accepted and the land was taken. It was a classic case of two cultures with different values. The Europeans bought the land from anyone willing to agree or make his mark on a deed. The Indians had no concept of land ownership. They believed the land belonged to everyone to be shared, and could not be signed away by one person. Thus, inevitably, was set the scenario for future conflicts and bloody wars. A quote found in an 1890 journal kept by Stanley W. Edwards of Granby, aptly describes the self-righteous attitude of the colonists. “The way our pious New England fathers justified taking the Indian Land. 1st It is resolved that this land is the Lord’s. 2nd Resolved that we are the Lord’s people. 3rd Resolved therefore that this land belongs to us. And they took it.” Granby’s Cossitt Library had a book called The Early History of New England by Rev. Henry White, published in 1843. The author used writings from the 1600s and 1700s for his book. Unfortunately, the book disappeared from the library several years ago. The section of the book dealing with the Native Americans was written by people who actually knew the New England Indian before he was pushed out of his homeland. A description by contemporaries is quite rare. Although the author of the following paragraphs tended to judge the Indians with his English values, it is still a fairly honest delineation. His interpretations of Native American society may be incorrect, but at least he tried to describe what he saw.

“The Indians of New England were large, straight, well-proportioned men. Their bodies were firm and active, capable of enduring the greatest fatigues and hardships. Their passive courage was almost incredible. When tortured in the most cruel manner, though flayed alive, though burnt with fire, cut or torn limb from limb, they would not groan nor show any signs of distress. Nay, in some instances, they would glory over their tormentors, saying, that their hearts would never be soft until they were cold, and representing their torments as sweet as Englishman’s sugar. “When traveling, in summer or winter, they regarded neither heat nor cold. They were exceedingly light of foot and would travel or run a very great distance in a day. I have known them to run between 80 and 100 miles in a summer’s day, and back again within two days. As they were accustomed to the woods, they were exceedingly quick-sighted to discover their enemy or their game, and equally artful to conceal themselves. “Their features were tolerable regular. Their faces are generally full, as broad as those of the English, but flatter; they have a small dark-colored good eye, coarse black hair and a fine set of teeth. The Indian children, when born, are nearly as white as the English children; but as they grow up, their skin grows darker and becomes nearly of a copper color. The shapes, both of the men and women, especially the latter, are excellent. A crooked Indian is rarely, if ever, to be seen. “The Indians, in general, were quick of apprehension, ingenious and, when pleased, nothing could exceed their courtesy and friendship. Gravity and eloquence distinguished them in council; address and bravery in war. They were not more easily provoked than the English; but when once they had received an injury, it was never forgotten. In anger, they were not, like the English, talkative and boisterous, but

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sullen and revengeful. Indeed, when they were exasperated, nothing could exceed their revenge and cruelty. “When they have fallen into the power of the enemy, they have not been known to beg for life, nor even to accept it when offered them. They have seemed rather to court death. “They were exceedingly improvident. If they had a supply for the present, they gave themselves no trouble for the future. The men declined all labor and spent their time in hunting, fishing, shooting and war-like exercises. They were excellent marksmen and rarely missed their game whether running or flying. “They imposed all the drudgery upon their women. The women gathered and brought home their wood; planted, dressed and gathered in their corn. They carried home the venison, fish and fowl, which the men took in hunting. When they traveled, the women carried the children, packs and provisions. The Indian women submitted patiently to such treatment, considering it as the hard lot of the women. This ungenerous usage of their haughty lords, they repaid with smiles and good humor. They were strong and masculine, and as they were more inured to exercise and hardship than the men, were even more firm and capable of enduring hardships. “The clothing of the Indians in New England was the skins of wild beasts. The men threw a light mantle of skins over them and wore a small flap, which was called Indian breeches. The women were much more modest. They wore a coat of skins girt about their loins, which reached down to their hams. They never put this off in company. If the husband chose to sell his wife’s beaver petticoat, she could not be persuaded to part with it, until he had provided another of some sort. “In the winter, their blanket of skins, which hung loose in the summer, was tied or wrapped more closely about them. The

old men in the severe seasons also wore a sort of trousers made of skins and fastened to their girdles. They wore shoes without heels, which they called moccasons. These were made generally of moose hide, but sometimes of buckskin. They were shaped entirely to the foot, gathered at the toes and round the ankles and made fast with strings. “Their ornaments were pendants in their ears and nose, carved of bone, shells and stones. These were in the form of birds, beasts and fishes. They also wore belts of wampumpeag upon their arms, over their shoulders and about their loins. They cut their hair into various antic forms and stuck it with feathers. “They also, by incisions into which they conveyed a black or blue unchangeable ink, made on their cheeks, arms and other parts of their bodies, the figures of moose, deer, bears, wolves, hawks, eagles and all such living creatures as were most agreeable to their fancies. These pictures were indelible and lasted during life. “The sachems, on great days, when they designed to show themselves in the full splendor of majesty, not only covered themselves with mantles of moose or deer-skins, with various embroideries of white beads and with paintings of different kinds, but they wore the skin of a bear, wild cat or some terrible creature, upon their shoulders and arms. They had necklaces of fish bones and painting themselves in a frightful manner, made a most ferocious and horrible appearance. The warriors who, on public occasions, dressed themselves in the most wild and terrific forms, were considered the best men.” This unknown observer of one of the New England tribes painted a vivid word picture of a strong and proud civilization, perfectly suited to their environment; before it was destroyed by a different way of life.

Resident chooses Univ. of Michigan for ﬁeld hockey Morgan Malone, a senior at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in Kingston, Pa., will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. in the fall. Prior to joining Sem in 2012 as a junior she was a starting member of the Granby High School field hockey team and helped lead the Bears to two state championships; she also was named to the Connecticut All-State Team in 2011. Morgan is the daughter of Keith and Vicki Malone of Granby.

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Morgan Malone, right, is pictured with Karen Klassner, Seminary’s director of athletics and head ﬁeld hockey coach. Submitted photo

MARCH 2014

Drumrolls

Audrey Turcotte was named to the fall 2013 dean’s list at the University of Delaware. Brendan Leonardi was named to the president’s list at Plymouth State University. Erin D’Agata was named to Susquehanna University’s dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester. A freshman French major, Erin is a 2013 graduate of Granby Memorial High School. She is the daughter of Thomas and Patricia D’Agata. Casey Buchholz, son of Bruce and Susan Buchholz, has been named to the dean’s list at Wheaton College for the fall 2013 semester. He is a freshman majoring in political science and economics and graduated from Granby Memorial High School. Joel N. Helander was named to ﬁrst honors on the Clark University dean’s list. Christopher C. Haydock of East Hartland was named to second honors. Neil Mitchell, a music major, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Springﬁeld College has named the following local residents to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2013 term: Lauren Holt, majoring in athletic training; Christina Cooper, communication sciences and disorders and Rachel Rocks, biology. Meagan Holung, a senior majoring in communication and rhetoric and Molly Jacobs, a freshman majoring in visual communication design were named to the dean’s list at Nazareth College. The University of Rhode Island named the following students to the fall 2013 dean’s list: Mackenzie Hallenbeck of East Hartland, Megan Kuhnly, Alison Lovkay, Colleen Reynolds, Matthew Repetto, Jillian Lombardi and Melissa Allen.

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

William Bergmann was named to the dean’s list at the University of New Haven for the fall 2013 semester. Stonehill College recently named Granby resident Desiree N. Piette, a member of the Class of 2015, to its dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester. Lindsey Gervascio, a senior nursing major was named to the dean’s list at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for the 2013 fall semester. Kaitlin A. Greene, daughter of Karen and Richard Greene was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester at Saint Michael’s College. Greene is a sophomore computer science major. Six academically outstanding area residents earned a spot on the ﬁrst semester honor roll at Northwest Catholic High School. Earning ﬁrst honors are: Shannon Greene, grade 11; Kirsten Greene, grade 10 and Rachel Sullivan, grade 10. Earning Second Honors are: Brianna Dorbuck, grade 9; Emily Kuczma, grade 12 and Samuel Spak, grade 10. Kristen Forgue was named to the Marist College dean’s list for the fall semester. She is a member of the class of 2016 and is majoring in business administration. Ryan McCue and Gabriella Marandino were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester at Assumption College where they are members of the class of 2014. Kevin M. Forbes, a sophomore majoring in aeronautical engineering and mechanical engineering, was named a presidential scholar for the fall 2013 semester at Clarkson University. Brendon Forgue, has been named to the fall 2013 Champlain College dean’s list. Forgue is majoring in Accounting. Senior Benjamin Toth was named to Lycoming College’s dean’s list for the fall 2013 semester.

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Granby seniors bake Valentine cookies for high school seniors Sweet treats were distributed to the 201 Granby Memorial High School seniors by a dedicated group of senior citizens. Led by Vonnie Cianciulli and Shirley Warn, members of Granby Senior Center’s Civic Engagement Team baked, decorated, bagged and boxed the 1,200 cookies. As Diane Hernsdorf remarked, “I would say it was a successful event with a sweet ending! It was fun.” Submitted photo

Holcomb Farm welcomes spring Though summer seems so far away, the work we are doing now is critical to securing a good farming season ahead of us. Now is the time to put all of our winter planning into action and we are very excited to finally get started. The new Summer Crew will be arriving in the next couple weeks, and the Winter Crew is taking advantage of any warm weather to prep as much as possible for the upcoming season. This means a lot of cleaning and organizing, but more excitingly, it also means seeding in the greenhouse and watching our first transplants grow! Onions and tomatoes are the first crops to be seeded as we want to give them as much time as possible to build a strong root structure. In addition they take a fair amount of time growing in the fields. Soon to come after will be peppers and eggplant! We are excited to experiment with a few new vegetable varieties this year, including some funky-colored cherry tomatoes and a purple daikon radish. Youth Work Skills Program is back, sign up now After last year’s successful season, we are happy to continue the Youth Work Skills Program. The Youth Work Skills program provides a great opportunity for teens age 14–18 to gain essential work skills, leadership experience, knowledge of a sustainable farm and work with their peers outside all summer! For more information visit www. holcombfarm.org/eventsandactivities.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Windy Hill Studio expands offerings of Renaissance and Baroque music from central Pennsylvania. The sculpture, painting and architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods inﬂuenced her musical life in profound ways. At 19, after studying pieces for lute and guitar from the Renaissance and Baroque periods with Jerry Willard, she became an assistant teacher at the Guitar Workshop on Long Island where she also studied folk, blues and jazz. When she moved to Western Massachusetts a few years later, she taught guitar classes in Hadley, Northampton and Greenﬁeld while continuing her studies with classical guitarists Philip de Fremery and David Leisner. Eventually Mazza-Dixon completed a classical guitar degree at Penn State and began specializing in music history. She also learned to play the viola da gamba and the harpsichord, performed in the Penn State Collegium and directed the Fantasia Consort at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Soon after leaving Penn State, MazzaDixon met Judith Davidoff at a viol workshop on Staten Island. Judith encouraged her to apply to graduate school in early music. As a result of Davidoff’s mentoring, Mazza-Dixon performed with Concentus Laurentius in New York City and for the Utah Shakespearean Festival on recorder, lute and viol. Mazza-Dixon holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College in the Performance of Early Music and has attended numerous workshops sponsored by the Viola da Gamba Society of America and is a teaching member. After leaving New York, Mazza-Dixon continued her study of the viol with Grace Feldman, at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven. She brought her love of classical guitar and viol to Granby in 1987, and she has

Local musician Laura Mazza-Dixon is known in Granby for the lessons and classes she offers at the Windy Hill Guitar Studio. Less well known is her career as a performer and teacher of music from the 16th and 17th centuries. The generous gift of a collection of Renaissance and Baroque music has made it possible for Mazza-Dixon to offer lessons and ensembles for recorder, viola da gamba (viol) and harpsichord. Mazza-Dixon’s mentor from Sarah Lawrence College, Judith Davidoff, a pioneer of the early music movement in America, and the director of the New York Consort of Viols, made the gift from her private library. Singer and choral director Ann CarterCox, a colleague from graduate school, contributed her extensive collection of music for voices and recorders, as well as historical treatises on performance practice of the time. Mazza-Dixon’s love for early music started on a trip to Italy with her Italian grandparents when she was 14, the year she began studying classical guitar. It was a life-changing trip for a young girl

Judith Davidoff, director of the New York Consort of Viols, donated music from her private library to Mazza-Dixon. Submitted photo

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MARCH 2014 Laura Mazza-Dixon with her viola da gamba. Submitted photo

Mazza-Dixon recently purchased a harpsichord for Baroque concerts with her ensemble Les Amies de Theodore, which includes Anne Mayo on harpsichord and Susan Allen on ﬂute. They will perform the music of Francois Couperin and J.S. Bach in West Hartford, Windsor and Northampton, Mass. this spring. The ensemble will be featured in the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series at South Church in Granby with guest artist Douglas Johnson on Baroque violin. For more information please contact Laura Mazza-Dixon at 860-653-6146 or at mazdxn@aol.com.

been teaching here for the past 25 years. She has appeared in concerts with the Litchﬁeld Chamber Orchestra, the Hartt Collegium and directed programs for the Musical Club of Hartford and the Trinity Music Series in Tariffville. As Director of the Early Music Ensembles for the Hartt School of Music Community Division for several years, Mazza-Dixon has also presented workshops in Renaissance improvisational styles for the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Long-time Granby resident and pianist, Rosalia Bale, with whom Mazza-Dixon has performed Baroque sonatas for years, donated two beautiful music cabinets to store the music. First to beneﬁt, the Windy Hill Guitar Ensemble’s spring session will focus on music of the Renaissance culminating in a performance in May or June. Classes for home-schooled children follow next fall, with new classes in Baroque chamber music and Renaissance dance music. These classes will be open to modern wind, string instruments and piano students interested in exploring the harpsichord repertoire.

The Oak Tree For decades the old oak tree Has been standing tall and proud Freely oﬀering its gifts . . . Cool green shade for all to enjoy Shelter for birds to raise their young Acorns for hungry animals – large and small Beauty for all to behold THEN . . . THE STORM Broken branches litter the ground beneath Others hang at strange angles Bent, distorted . . . Ready to fall Then the chain saws come . . . Now massive scars appear, Wounded to the very heartwood Sap, like tears, bleeds down the scarred trunk Where once there were branches full of green leaves Does it still live? Will it survive? We watch and wait throughout the winter . . . Finally tiny green buds appear They begin to open . . . It is alive! It has survived Broken and damaged . . . But it is still alive With loving care it will continue To nourish and beautify its surroundings For years to come —Emily Messenger, April 2012

MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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Marquis of Granby celebrates 44th season with annual awards banquet By Lori Catlin Garcia Members of the Marquis of Granby Jr. Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps gathered on January 25 in Cook Hall at the First Congregational Church to celebrate their forty-fourth season. The corps opened the evening by playing a short concert to a crowd of over 115 attendees, including four past directors. After a delicious dinner, Director Audrey Lampert began the program with a video highlighting some of the more memorable moments of the past year, including the summer trip to Quebec. Awards and promotions followed that began with the appointment of newly elected Junior Board Members for the upcoming year: Ivy Nguyen, Casey Lampert, Davis LaPointe and Michael Spence. The Marquis then recognized members who made significant progress in 2013: most improved marching – Lizzie Cappelli and Adam Florian; most improved beginner fifers, Lizzie Cappelli and Evelyn Brook; most improved playing line fifer, Rebecca McCord; most improved snare drummer Dawson Levine; most improved bass drummer, Mike Spence. Rank promotions were awarded as follows: marching recruit: Sam Askew, Evelyn Brooke, Lizzy Cappelli, Adam Florian, Max Hollister, Patrick Leydon, Shannon Leydon, Spencer Malley, Spencer Bolton and Bryce Tomasino; private (flag line): Andrew Durman, Keith Seger, Adam Florian and Shannon Leydon; private (playing line): Brittany Janzer and J.C. LaPointe; corporal: Rebecca

Kaczmarek, Rebecca McCord, Helen Newman, Dawson Levine and Sophia Jahn; sergeant: Rebecca Kaczmarek, Chatman Elliott and Noah Greer; sergeant major: Jonathan Gibson, Jonah Garcia, Mike Spence and Elizabeth Alonzo. In 2013 the Marquis performed at over 20 venues and the corps recognized members with exemplary attendance rate. Corps members with perfect attendance were: Clayton Lampert (fifth year of perfect attendance), Davis LaPointe and Rebecca McCord. Members with an attendance rate of above 90 percent were also acknowledged: Noah Greer, Jonah Garcia, Rebecca Kaczmarek, Casey Lampert, Ivy Nguyen and Juliana Puskar. Corps members with extraordinary attendance records receive their choice of a credit to their travel account, or a scholarship to fife and drum camp. For the third time, the Jacky Award was given to honor the memory of Jacky Welsh, a Marquis member from East Granby who died in August of 2011. This award is voted on by the corps members and given to the person or persons who best exemplify the words used to describe Jacky such as: smart, witty, engaged, mature, confident, passionate, dedicated, quiet, respectful, considerate, caring and brave. This year’s recipient was Elizabeth Alonzo. The recipient of the Knight of Knipton award is also chosen by corps member vote, and is given to the new member who best exemplifies the corps values of a great attitude, overall contributions and willingness to act as an “Ambassador

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Above: Ten Marquis members were promoted to the rank of Marching Recruit in 2013. Right: Elizabeth Alonzo receives the Jacky Award from Major Ivy Nguyen. Below: The Marquis of Granby performs in the 2013 Memorial Day Parade.

of the Corps.” The 2013 recipient was Sam Askew. Several members reached important service milestones with the corps. Sophia Jahn and Juliana Puskar each received a pewter mug for ﬁve years of service, and Jonah Garcia, Jonathan Gibson, Casey Lampert, Clayton Lampert and Ivy Nguyen received pewter plates to commemorate seven years with the Corps. The Marquis Director’s Award went to Clayton Lampert. At the time he left for college, Clayton had performed at 158 events, and he led the corps with ﬁve seasons with perfect attendance. His many accomplishments as a Major with corps were also noted, as well as his work “behind the scenes.” Clayton continues to performs with the corps when he is home from his college studies.

It was announced that the 2013 Peacock Award would be given to the American Legion in a separate ceremony. The evening concluded with comments to recognize the many decades that the Marquis has been part of the Granby community, and the many individuals who have been part of its traditions. Membership in the Marquis of Granby Ancient Fyfe and Drum Corps is open to youth ages 9-21 from Granby and the surrounding towns. Prospective members are always welcome to attend a practice at the First Congregational Church on Wednesday evenings. In the fall of 2014, the Corps will host a muster to commemorate their 45th Anniversary. For more information, visit www.marquisofgranby.org.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Maple View Farm, Salmon Brook Street Although the temperatures can still be cold, March on the farm offers the hope of longer days and the occasional warm afternoon. We’re excited to resume teaching horseback riding lessons this month. Send us an email to schedule your lesson. We’ve got seeds started inside, this year’s stocker cows in the round pen, and detailed plans for Summer Session 2014. Join us for Barn Fun on March 8, 2 – 4 p.m. Follow our new Maple View Minute, a weekly one-minute video about what is happening on our family farm, on Facebook or on our blog at www.mapleviewhorsefarm.com. Otherwise, save the date to check out what goes on here in person at our Open Barn, Saturday, April 27, 12 – 3 p.m. Lost Acres Orchard, Lost Acres Road There is plenty of work to do at the orchard in the winter (particularly pruning the trees), but sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to do outside chores in the cold. We are quite thrilled that March is here, and with it the ofﬁcial start of spring. We are happy to be providing refreshments for Good Company Theater’s production of Nunsense. It’s a hilarious show, and with 10 performances scheduled, try to make time to see it. (And while you’re there, sample some of our delectable desserts!) We’ve had a little time this winter to perfect some new recipes that we think you’ll really enjoy. We’re open Thursday through Saturday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (12:30 – 5 p.m.) Our 27th Annual Winter Quilt Happening is March 22. For more info, email us at ginny@lostacres.com, visit lostacres.com, or call 860-653-6600. Stop by and see us. To get the latest on what’s cooking, check out our Facebook page. Hope to see you soon. O’Brien Nurserymen, Wells Road As our real winter continues it was

good to see so many familiar faces at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show. The show was extra special this year with winter feeling like it will never end. So good to see trees with leaves, flowers in bloom and that wonderful smell of fresh mulch! O’Brien Nursery open garden days are now posted on our website, obrienhosta.com. We have been busy updating the website and uploading pictures for your viewing pleasure. Soon our postcards will be in the mail, so you can keep your O’Brien schedule in a handy place. Hopefully the weather will break soon. Remember: in like a lion, out like a lamb. We will be looking to hire some helpers and scrambling to get the gardens ready for spring. Keep an eye to the morning sky for Venus leading us into each day and don’t miss the crescent moon next to Venus the morning of the 27th. The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, Simsbury Road (Holcomb Farm) We are more than half way through our first year at The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition; the time is flying! Our students come from New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and all over Connecticut. So what have we been doing? We have been learning about the plant model, done a soil test, mineralized the garden and planted next year’s garlic. We are building our beehive for the spring. We have found amazing food out in the wild and brought it back to the kitchen where we have been making delicious dishes. All of us have gained knowledge and confidence in the realm of improvising in the kitchen. We have made teas and tonics to keep us healthy through the cold and flu season, fermented foods to develop a healthy human microbiome, (bacteria that colonize a healthy human). We have cleaned up our personal envi-

MARCH 2014

ronments by making our own body care and cleaning products. We have studied the cultural and science perspectives of nutrition, shared meals that we prepare together, and met some amazing folks. It has been a lovely, lovely time. We are very excited to announce an upcoming workshop open to the public: An Evening with The Rock Star of Fermentation, Sandor Katz, will be held Thursday, March 27, 6 – 9 p.m. The New York Times calls Sandor Katz “one of the unlikely rock stars of the American food scene.” His latest book, The Art of Fermentation (2012), received a James Beard award. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Events page at www.tiosn.com. Questions? Call 860-764-9070. We are now accepting applications for the 2014/15 school year. Sepe Farm, Wells Road ‘Tis the season for a wool blanket. Keep warm and toasty even with all this snow when you wrap yourself up in a Sepe Farm Connecticut Wool Blanket. We’ve got sizes from throws to king; just visit www.sepefarm.com to order yours delivered right to your door. Winter is also a great time to stock up on lamb. Order your whole or half lamb,

which will be custom cut for you into the chops, roasts, and other cuts that you specify. We’ve also got a ground lamb and stew special going on in March while supplies last: �ground lamb is regularly $14.99 per pound; order 10 pounds or more and get it for $9.69 per pound. Stew meat is regularly $15.99 per pound; order 10 pounds or more and get it for $10.29 per pound. Call us at 203-470-4084 to place your order. Lost Acres Vineyard, Lost Acres Road Do you like wine? Do you like supporting local agriculture? Do you enjoy viewing art and listening to music in a beautiful country setting? Are you interested in learning more about wine and getting a behind-the-scenes view of grape growing and winemaking at Lost Acres Vineyard? Then our Wine CSA is for you. How it works: either purchase two cases (24 bottles) of wine as we begin our year or sign up for three pickups of eight bottles each throughout the year. Membership beneﬁts include discounts on wine, private distribution parties, free wine tastings, behind the scenes tours and talks, advance tickets sales to our Harvest Party and more. All for $370 per year.

Registrar of Voters Schedule March 27: Granby Democratic and Republican Town Committees will each hold a caucus for the selection of their delegates to state and district conventions. Monday, April 14 Public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium Monday, April 28 Town budget referendum — voting is between 12 and 8 p.m. at Town Hall Voter registration is a public record, and it’s easy to confirm your voter registration. You can go on the State’s website or stop by the Town Hall, to check the voter registry. You can stop by to register to vote, figure out which is your voting district or make corrections in person at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday. Regular office hours are 9 a.m, to 4 p.m. Voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: www.sots.ct.gov

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MARCH 2014

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Social Services The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director KerryAnn Kielbasa at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fuel Assistance: Applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the CT Heating Assistance Programs (CHAP) will be accepted until March 15. The CEAP/CHAP help households pay for primary heating bills. Applicants must provide: proof of income for all household members for the four weeks prior to the application date, proof of all assets, social security numbers for all family members and proof of rental or mortgage expenses. Please call the office for further information or an appointment. Income screening is available by telephone. Appointments are required to complete the application process. Winter Protection Program: Participants in this program will be coded by the utility company and will not have their utility service shut-off between Nov. 1 and April 15. Households wishing to apply for Winter Protection must meet income guidelines and must provide proof of hardship to the utility company. Granby Food Bank: This community service is offered by the VNA to any family or individual who may need assistance in meeting daily living expenses, particularly due to loss of income or Medicare/Medicaid limitations. Please contact the Social Service office for eligibility screening and registration. Cox Communications Senior Citizen Discount Programs: A 15 percent discount on Cox Limited Basic Service is

Birth Announcement Congratulations to Michael and Heather Guglielmone who are the proud parents of Makena Noel born on Jan. 27, weighing 6 lbs., 2 oz. and measuring 19” long.

offered to qualified seniors. Discounts on telephone service may also be available through the Lifeline Program. Households must be eligible for a state-administered program including: Homeowners or Renters Tax Relief Program, CT Energy Assistance Program, SNAP or Medicaid. Applications are available in the office. The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund: Provides limited assistance to veterans who are residents of Connecticut, spouses living with the veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, and dependent children under age 18. For more information on program eligibility and benefits, contact the office. Elderly and Disabled Homeowners’ Property Tax Relief: Applications will be accepted in the Assessor’s Office through May 15. Maximum income guidelines for the state program are: Married Couple – $41,600; Single – $34,100. Additional local benefits may be available. Contact the Assessor’s Office at 844-5311 for information. Get Help Figuring Out New Health Care Options: AccessHealthCT has about 300 assisters around the state that are ready to help you enroll in health care coverage. The assisters work in the community, at nonprofits, community organizations etc., and will be available until March 31. To find a list of assisters, the areas they serve, and their contact information, visit www.ahctcommunity. org/assisters/.

Second Chance Shop 1�� (next to Welden Hardware)

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Registrar of Voters Granby Democratic and Republican Town Committees Elect Delegates for May Conventions Both major parties will choose their local delegates at town committee caucuses throughout the state during the last week of March. These delegates will attend the numerous May state and district conventions where party nominees are chosen. The chosen delegates can be committed to a particular candidate, or can be unaffiliated. Party Caucuses: Granby Democrats’ caucus on Thursday, March 27 at 8 p.m. will be held in the Senior Center. Granby Republicans will hold their caucus on Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Police Station. To participate and vote in the caucuses, you must be a party member. All currently registered party members are eligible to vote in their party’s caucus. Unaffiliated and unregistered voters must register with a party by noon the day before the caucus to be eligible to participate. Switching party affiliation requires a 90-day waiting period before attaining party privilege, which includes voting privileges. May conventions are meetings to discuss and formally vote on who will be endorsed as the party nominee for each office. At each convention, endorsement speeches are made and qualifications are discussed prior to the voting. Granby delegates will be sent to conventions to vote on nominees for the open seats in the 1st District US House, Governor/Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, 62nd District State Representative, 9th District Judge of Probate (for Granby, Avon, Canton and Simsbury) and two State Senate seats: the 7th (for Granby’s District 1) and the 8th (for Granby’s District 2). If one candidate does not receive a majority endorsement during the first vote at a convention, additional votes can be taken, possibly with a narrowed field. Unsuccessful candidates at these conventions can get a second opportunity

to gain the party nomination through a party primary in August. There are two ways to qualify: either receive 15 percent or more of the votes at the convention, or petition for the primary by collecting signatures. This year, with so many offices on the ballot and such a large field of candidates already declared, the registrars are predicting at least one race will be contested in August for both parties. As there aren’t any municipal offices open for nomination on this November’s ballot, May town committee caucuses will not be needed this year. Please Come to Vote at the April 28th Budget Referendum! On Monday, April 28, 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 Noon to 8 p.m. As with all opportunities to vote, bring an ID, preferably a photo ID, to be checked off our official voter list, which is organized by street, in order to vote on a paper ballot. 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. Absentee ballots can be filed in person with the Town Clerk prior to the voting hours, not during the referendum. Pollworkers Needed! The Registrar’s office is compiling an email list of pollworkers. Pollworkers can be volunteers or paid. Volunteer pollworkers 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 pollworker information e-letter, please email the registrars at their new email address: vr. granby.ct@gmail.com.. Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sarah Thrall. The office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and the email address is: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com.

Upscale Thrift Shop for all the family. Sales benefit Village for Families & Children.

MARCH 3-5

50% off entire store

MARCH 6&7

75% off entire store

MARCH 8

$5.00 bag sale

STORE IS CLOSED March 9 - 11 STORE RE-OPENS: March 12

with a Spring Sale of 20% off

Shop Open Mon- Sat 9:30 – 3:30 Call for info at shop 860-658-7152

ROBERT CARTER

       

Celebrate the Joy of Spring



Quality Comes First 860-653-5859

  Owned & Operated by the Carmon Family 

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

MARCH 2014

�� March Activities

Be sure to stop in to see your Senior Center in action. Attend an event, join an exercise class, check up on your health or visit with friends. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the Granby Senior Center located within the Municipal Complex at 15 North Granby Road. Please call 860-844-5352 for additional information.

how to set up eBay and Paypal accounts. We will also go over how to search for items, evaluate sellers and check out shipping, payment and return policies. Class size is limited. Cost $15 for 3 class session. Brain.e.ology: Thursdays beginning March 13 at 1:30 p.m. The Brain.e.ology program is designed to dispel the limiting myths of memory loss and aging, give a better understanding of how the brain works, and give participants the tools to incorporate brain ﬁtness activities into everyday life. Plus it’s fun! Cost is $10 for seven-week session. Limited class size. Call 860-844-5352 to register. AARP Tax Assistance: By appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. These trained volunteer professionals will assist those 60 years and over with Form 1040 and the standard schedules, including A and B. Electronic ﬁling is available. Call 860-844-5352 for an appointment.

Grandparent Support Group: Thursdays at noon. This is a group for grandparents who are raising children. Loaner Closet: Should you need a wheelchair, walker, cane, tub seat or other durable medical equipment contact 860-844-5352. Donations accepted.

Keeping You Informed

April 25 through May 19. Don’t miss it. Civic Club: Celebrating 100 years! Third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. Senior Club: First Thursday of the month at 12:30 p.m. The Talent Show is coming, consider sharing your talent and join the fun. Learn more at the meetings. Men’s Breakfast: Second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. Gardening for Birds presented by Margery Winters from the Roaring Brook Nature Center. Call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891 to reserve your spot.

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Something Special

New! Alzheimer’s Support Group: Second Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Learning to cope with the changes in their behavior, changes in your relationship with them and understanding how to handle it all is sometimes best explained by those who are dealing with a similar situation. This new group is led by Peggy Coburn, Executive Director of Arden Courts of Avon. Healthy Minds: Coping with life’s transitions are not always easy. The death of a loved one, failing health, strained family relationships or the stress of deciding to leave a home that is too big to manage can be daunting to face alone. Working through feelings of isolation, anxiety, abandonment or failure may ease your mind. Colleen Golnik, therapist, has the ability to help you understand and deal with these feelings so you may move forward with the better part of life. Call 860-844-5352 to schedule a conﬁdential appointment. Donations for service accepted, ask the ofﬁce for guidance. Fraud Prevention Workshop: Thursday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. Safeguard your money and personal information. Hear more about the latest scams targeting seniors. No charge. Lunch for the Mind—Lunch with Dylan Thomas: Wednesday, March 12, 12:30 p.m. Glyn Dowden reprises his one-man performance as Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Dowden presents Thomas’ poetry and stories with Welsh witticisms and melodies as the audience is transported back to the era of great promise in poetry. Dowden was born in Wales and is a Granby resident. His own poetry has been published in several anthologies. He is a member of local theater and participates in several writer and poetry groups. Discovery: The Path for Lifelong Learning project is brought to you by the Civic Engagement Education Team. Please register by calling 860-844-5352. Cost $5. Bring your brown bag lunch to class (beverage and dessert provided). St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon: Monday, March 17, 12:30 p.m. Be Irish for the day, dress in your best ‘greenery’ and come enjoy corned beef sandwiches, coleslaw and chips. We will have Irish trivia, Irish music and Irish dancing. $5pp. Sign up by March 12. eBay Basics and Buying: Tuesdays, March 4, 11 and 18 at 1:30 p.m. Learn

Promoting Your Good Health

Dental Care Clinic: Friday, March 7 by appointment. Licensed dental hygienist will provide dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, denture cleanings and oral health evaluation at an affordable rate. Eligible seniors may receive a subsidized rate. Enrollment forms are available at the Senior Center office. Please call for additional information 860-844-5352. On Grief and Loss: Every other Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Through discussion, sharing and creative activities this group will help you understand and cope with grief. Whether your loss is recent or longer ago, you will find support, information and strategies for helping with the grieving process. Facilitated by Jane Johnson, Granby resident and creator of Bryan’s Landing and the Our Children’s Garden in Salmon Brook Park. No charge. Farmington Valley VNA Blood Pressure Checks: Available every Thursday 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Community Room. No charge. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Friday, March 28, appointments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails, smooth corns and calluses, massage feet and make referrals to medical doctor or podiatrist as needed. Cost is $29 at time of service (not covered by insurance). Reiki Informational Workshop: Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. Find out what Reiki is and how it can aid in relaxation. No charge. Reiki Sessions: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month by appointment. Half-hour session cost is $20.

Ask the Doctor: First Monday of the month at 10 a.m. Dr. Barwick leads a group discussion on varying health topics. The open forum invites questions. No charge. Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. What do you do when a loved one is suddenly unable to make decisions for themselves? How do you ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the event you can no longer communicate? There are documents that can be put in place to make unforeseen events a little less traumatic. Generic situations can be discussed. No charge but please register by calling 860-844-5352. Ask the Tech Trainer: Wednesday, March 12, 1:30 p.m. Bring your iPad and questions about setup and basic operations. No charge. CHOICES Counselor: Second Tuesday of the month by appointment. The CHOICES Counselor will be available to assist with selection or reevaluation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage or other insurance coverage issues. Please call 860-844-5350 to make an appointment. No charge.

Staying Physically Fit

Tai Chi, Yoga, Chair exercise, Cardio, Strength Training, and Pilates offered at various degrees of difficulty. Classes are available six days a week at the Senior Center. Classes are on going, most run for a 6-week cycle and can be joined at any time; cost $36 for 6 weeks for residents, $40 for non-residents. Contact the office at 860844-5350 for registration forms or to discuss what class best fits your abilities and needs.

Social Hours

Setback: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Monday Morning Coffee: Mondays at 8:45 a.m. Community Café: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 p.m. Complete hot meal is served for seniors through the Community Renewal Team. Suggested donation of $2. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. Call 860844-5350 by Friday noon to make your reservation for the following week. Bingo: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Senior Voices Expressing Yourself through Poetry: Second and fourth Tuesday at 11 a.m. for six weeks. Turn everyday thoughts into written works. No experience necessary. Cost $50 for the session. Mexican Train: Mondays at 9:45 a.m. Artist Group: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Needleworks: Thursdays at 10 a.m. Creative Beading: Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

Club News

Camera Club: Monday, March 3, 7 p.m. This month’s topic is Photo Techniques of Andre Gallant. The Granby Camera Club will hold a photographic exhibit at Lost Acres Vineyard from

Senior Van

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call Nancy Grakowsky at 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. All persons who use the van must have a valid van card. Excursions Zanto’s of Southwick: Wednesday, March 5, 11 a.m. Choose pizza, a burger, salad or sandwich at this popular place. Afterwards there will be a country ride with a stop at a local farm store. Cost $3. Essex Village and River Ride: Wednesday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. Stroll through the quaint village with its unique shops and along the riverfront. Lunch reservations are at the Black Seal Grille. Cost $3 for the van, lunch on your own. St. Patrick’s Tour of Hartford: Friday, March 14, 10 a.m. Guide is Mike McGarry, former Hartford councilman, who will point out the many Irish influences the city he has seen over the years. Lunch will be at McKinnon’s. Cost $3 for van, lunch on your own. Polish National Home: Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a great authentic Polish meal and then it’s off to Old Wethersfield to find dessert. Cost $3 for van, meal on your own. Mystic Aquarium: Wednesday, March 26, 8:30 a.m. Tour the aquarium, experience the touch tanks and see the sea lion show. Lunch afterwards at the Mystic Boat House. Cost $27 for van and aquarium fees, due by March 12, lunch on your own. Taste of the Valley: Monday, March 24, 12 p.m. Reservations at Saybrook Fish House in Canton. Cost $3 for van, lunch on your own. Shopping $3 fee for each out-of-town shopping trip. Enfield Mall on Friday, March 7 at 9:30 a.m. Ocean State/Big Y on Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. WalMart in East Windsor on Wednesday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. BonTon’s of Westfield on Friday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. Grocery shopping trips and in-town errands on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Medical/Dental/Personal Care Appointments Local appointments (Granby, East Granby, Simsbury) may be scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays and medical appointments out of the area may be scheduled for Fridays. The Senior Van is equipped with a wheelchair lift. There is no additional fee for local service.

MARCH 2014

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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Granby Public Library

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (thru March 30): 1 to 4 p.m.

Cossitt Public Library

Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to noon; 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required for most of the programs. Please call 860-8445275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); or 860-653-8958 (Cossitt) for information or to register.

Adults and Teens

Something About The Author meets at GPL on Monday, March 3 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the writings of Jean-Paul Sartre, philosopher, writer and political activist of modern day France. Copies of Sartre’s works are available prior to the discussion. Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe: Effecting Social Change on Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. The curators of the Twain Museum and the HBS Center will discuss the impact of Twain’s and Stowe’s writings on the issue of slavery in America. We encourage U.S. History students to attend this program. On Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m., GPL continues its Art in the Afternoon series of how-to paint films from England. This film introduces Shirley Trevena, member of the Royal Watercolor Society, and her unique methods of breaking the traditional rules of watercolor. The Crafter’s Café returns to GPL on Thursday, March 13, 6:30 p.m. with Learn to Knit. It is suggested that participants bring a skein of bulky yarn and a set of #10 needles. Teens are welcome to join this program. Light refreshments will be served. On Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in the Senior Center, The CT Women’s Hall of Fame presents 300 Remarkable CT Women in celebration of Women’s National History Month. This is an interactive multi-media program in which you will learn about some of our state’s most remarkable women, such as Ella Grasso, Katharine Hepburn, Marian Anderson and lesser known heroines across all fields of endeavor, from politics and sports to the arts and sciences. The Sci-Fi Book Group meets at GPL on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. to discuss The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. Terry Brooks commented on Weeks series: “Unforgettable characters, a plot that kept me guessing, non-stop action and the kind of in-depth storytelling that makes me admire a writer’s work.” Copies of the books are available beforehand; teens are encouraged to participate. On Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m. at the Se-

nior Center, The CT Historical Society will present From Hula Hoops to High Fashion: G. Fox in the 1950s. Elizabeth Abbe, Director of Public Outreach, will talk about the many memories of the CT department store and the magic that Beatrice Fox Auerbach and the staff of G. Fox created over the years.

Children

Call the Children’s Room at 860844-5284 for more information or to register. Story Times Wee Ones (age 12–24 months): Offered twice on Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 21, 28, both at 10:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. Also offered on Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 10, 24 at 11 a.m. (Note: No Wee Ones on April 14 or 17.) Join Sheri Litchfield from the Granby Early Childhood Council for a special story time. Sing, dance, read and have fun with your toddler. Advance registration suggested; drop-ins welcome if space permits. Preschool Story Time (age 3–5): Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 8, 22, 29 at 10:30 a.m. (Note: No Story Time on April 1 or 15.) Children with caregiver enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft with Miss Joan. Advance registration suggested; dropins welcome if space permits. Special Programs Craft Weeks: Monday – Sunday, March 3– 9, and Monday – Sunday, April 7 – 13. Drop in anytime during the week and create a craft project. We supply all materials. We Love Legos! Tuesdays, March 4, 18 and April 29 at 4 p.m. Come to the library for Lego fun. We have a generous supply of Legos and Duplos. Ages 3 and up. No registration required. ZUMBA! Saturdays, March 8 and April 26 at 10:30 a.m. Join Amy Thompson from the Farmington Valley YMCA as she leads this fun program for kids ages 7–11. Please register in advance as space is limited. Crafternoon, Stretch Band Bracelets: Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. Bring your own loom , we’ll provide the stretch bands. Ages 6 and up. Registration required. Author Linda Snow McLoon: Saturday, March 29, 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. Do you love horse stories? Come and meet the author of Crown Prince and Crown Prince Challenged, the first two books in the Brookmeade Young Riders series for young readers. For ages 6 and up with a caregiver. Registration required. Author Janet Lawler: Saturday, April 5 (note: new date) at 10:30 a.m. Connecticut author Janet Lawler returns to Granby Library to read and discuss her newest books, Love is Real and Ocean Counting. Mark your calendar and register in advance, as this is always a popular program! Best for ages

Lion’s Club Christmas tree sale a success Jim Matejek, president of the Granby Lions, announced that the December Christmas tree sale was a resounding success. He would like to thank all the citizens of the community who have made this effort another successful fund-raiser. He also thanks Chairman Tom Sullivan and all the Lions who participated in this event. Monies realized from the proﬁts of the Christmas tree sales will be used to beneﬁt the Granby community. Some Granby resident high school students will be selected for $2,000 scholarships.

3 and up. April School Vacation Week Monday, April 14: Toddler Play Group at 11 a.m. Toddlers age 12-24 months and a caregiver are invited to come and play for a while. We will put out toys for unstructured fun and socialization. No registration necessary. Tuesday, April 15: We Love Legos at 1 p.m. Come to the library for Lego fun. Ages 3 and up. No registration required. Wednesday, April 16: Family Movie Matinee at 1 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy a movie. We’ll supply the popcorn! All ages. No registration required.

Wednesday, April 16: Family Game Night at 6 p.m. We have board games, puzzles, and card games for all ages. No registration required. Thursday, April 17: Toddler Play Group at 11 a.m. Toddlers age 12–24 months with a caregiver are invited to come and play for a while. We will put out toys for unstructured fun and socialization. No registration necessary. Thursday, April 17: Stretch Band Bracelets at 1 p.m. Bring your own loom, we’ll provide the stretch bands. Ages 6 and up. Registration required.

Public Works Winter Hints Trash Barrels: Many residents have had their trash and recycling barrels badly damaged or even lost during severe winter storms. When it snows it is imperative that you place your trash barrel and recycling barrel at the end of your driveway, facing the street and not in the street. Otherwise our plow drivers cannot perform snow removal operations in a safe and effective manner. Driveways: The frustration of watching the plow fill the end of a freshly shoveled driveway may be alleviated if you make sure you shovel or plow snow to the right side of your driveway, as you face the street. Please be sure not to plow any driveway snow into the street—this creates a dangerous situation and you may be liable for causing an accident. In addition, it makes our job of clearing the roads twice as difficult. Mailboxes: The U.S. Postal Service requires that rural mailboxes must be at least 42” high (from the ground to the bottom of the box) and 9” – 12” back from the edge of the road. Please be sure your mailbox post is secure enough to withstand snow thrown from the plows. We suggest you visually inspect your post (try poking a screwdriver through the wood at the base of the pole to make sure it’s not rotten). Please note that if a mailbox is damaged from thrown snow it is the responsibility of the resident to make any necessary repairs. If it is obvious that the plow actually hit a properly installed mailbox, then the Town of Granby will take responsibility for repairs. The Post Office also asks that you make every effort to keep your mailbox cleared of snow for mail delivery. Parking: There is an ordinance in Granby that prohibits parking of any vehicle on a town road from the start of a snow or ice storm until 12 hours after the storm ends. The town is authorized to have any car towed that is obstructing snow removal operations. Sidewalks: There is an ordinance that requires a homeowner whose property abuts a sidewalk to keep it clean of snow and ice. In the event of a snow or ice storm, residents have up to 8 hours after the end of the storm to clear the sidewalk, unless the storm occurred overnight. Residents have up to 8 hours after sunrise in this instance. Child Safety: Children love to make snow forts along the edge of the roads, but this is potentially very dangerous because our plow operators cannot see the children. Visibility is difficult even

in the best conditions, so we ask that you keep your children away from the roads during snow removal. Holiday Trash Schedule During a holiday week, if your curbside collection day falls on or after the holiday, your trash and recycling will be picked up one day after your regularly scheduled collection day for that week only. Here is a list of 2014 holidays that will delay service: Monday, May 26, Memorial Day; Friday, July 4, Independence Day; Monday, Sept. 1, Labor Day; Thursday, Nov. 27, Thanksgiving; and Thursday, Dec. 25, Christmas. Salt and Sand Hopefully the winter weather will be winding down soon, but sand and salt mix is still available at the Granby Animal Shelter across from McLean Game Refuge on Route 10. Residents are welcome to the equivalent of one 5-gallon bucket at a time, please. Is your recycling bin running over? Many residents are ﬁnding that one, 95-gallon recycling barrel is not enough to handle all of their recycling. There are two options: the extra recycling can be brought to the Transfer Station on Saturdays or a second recycling barrel to be used curbside can be requested from Public Works. Both options are free. Call Public Works at 860-653-8960. Electronics recycling Please note that it is illegal to dispose of any electronic devices in the trash. This includes desktop computers, monitors and components, laptops, TVs, electronic devices found in appliances, telephones, etc. All electronics can be dropped off at the Transfer Station free of charge. Paper—if you can rip it, you can recycle it The best way to determine if a paper product is recyclable is to try and rip it. If it rips, in most cases it can be recycled. Do recycle this paper: white and colored paper, newspapers including inserts, cardboard, envelopes even with plastic window or labels, folders including those with a metal strip, computer printouts, adding machine tape, junk mail, brochures or pamphlets, note pads, carbonless forms/receipts, books—paperback and hard cover with the cover removed.

Don’t recycle this paper: carbon paper, paper plates or cups, napkins/paper towels/tissues, tissue paper, lunch bags or soiled takeout food containers, waxed paper.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Coloring Contest!

MARCH 2014