Granby Drummer | March 2018

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Volume XLVIII, No. 6 • March 2018

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Budget workshops planned for March 8, 12 Proposals received for East Street property

By Shirley Murtha The Board of Selectmen workshops in preparation for development of the PlusOne budget will take place on Thursday, March 8 and Monday, March 12, in the town hall meeting room at 6 p.m. and are open to the public. On March 8, Personal and Property Protection will be presented by First Selectman Kuhnly and Public Works and Environment will be presented by Mark Neumann. If time allows, Capital Budget and Debt Services will be presented by Sally King, otherwise King will present on March 12, along with Administration by Jim Lofink and Library, Recreation and Social Services by Ed Ohannessian. Revenues and Other Funds will also be presented by all selectmen on March 12. If more time is needed, workshops will continue on Thursday, March 15 and Monday, March 19 at the same venue and time.

East Street farm proposals Three responses to the request for proposals for the former Evonsion property, due on January 31 have been received. The town is in the process of evaluating the proposals submitted

by Stanley Hayes, Richard Woodger, and Westbrook Farms (Tom Vaughan).

Town Manager John Ward expects to submit a recommendation at the Monday, March 5, BOS meeting, after which the selectmen may discuss the matter further, request more information, or decline to accept any of the proposals.

There is no set time frame for any of the steps involved in the process of selling town property, but if a proposal is accepted by a vote of the selectmen a public hearing will be held. Prior to the public hearing, however, the proposal will be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an 824-statutory review.

BUSINESS Request for CPPAC meeting approved The board approved the Town Manager’s request to seek a meeting with the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee (CPPAC) regarding funding for projects such as bridge work and updates to communication systems and equipment in the fire and police departments.

BOS cont’d. on p. 2

GEF sets April 27 for Gran-Bee

By Ben Perron “Hiving” a hankering for trivia? “Beeing” done with the winter weather? The Buzz that has people thinking spring is the 15th Annual GranBee on April 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Granby Memorial High School auditorium. Trivia questions featuring topics from Granby, music and history, to science, pop culture, plus jokes and silly costumes make for a fun family event.

Want to “bee” a part of this? Want to see how your trivia skills stack up?

Register your swarm, team of friends, colleagues, or civic organizations. The Gran-Bee draws participation from local businesses, community groups, friends and families across the community. It’s a fast-paced event filled with laughter, skill and sometimes the unexpected.

Some of your favorite teams and players will be back along with the Bee’s busiest sponsors. Local “buzz-nesses” have supported the Bee for many years including Simsbury Bank, the Farmington Valley YMCA, Northwest Community Bank, Lost Acres Orchard, MeadowBrook of Granby and Arrow Concrete Products. New to the hive are Fredo Landscaping, The Barn and Han Restaurants, Beehive Home and Granby Dental Center. These wonderful sponsors are the Buzzzzz.

In front of a full house, last year’s winners, The Holcomb Harvesters (Eric Lukingbeal, Sally King and Karyn Corder), flew away with trophies and a six-month individual membership to the Farmington Valley YMCA. The Worker Bees (Jeff Gilton, Glenn Cusano and Steve Newman) outfitted in the latest hardworking Bee wear fashion won the

Gran-Bee cont’d. on p. 5

Inside Waypoints....................... 18 Humans of Granby............. 22

Fortune & Folly of a Female Farmer................ 25

A fresh blanket of snow Long shadows emphasize the fences surrounding the Salmon Brook Historical Society on this crisp, clear winter day. Photo by Peter Dinella

FY19 operating budget guidelines set

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Chair, Board of Finance In mid-February the Board of Finance set the expense limits it looks to see from the two operating boards—Selectmen and Education. Throughout this last November, December and January, their administrations had formulated the Plus One budget projections for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2019 which runs from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. At the annual three-board meeting in January this information along with projections for capital expenses for FY19 and beyond, was provided to the finance board. The initial selectmen request reflected a 4.52 percent increase while that for education was 3.85 percent. The education request is largely driven by anticipated special education costs including outplacements.

In both requests the compensation components include applicable salary steps and benefits that drive a 2-plus percent increase on their own.

Revenue estimates were built taking into consideration what the Governor’s revised budget proposes for Granby for next year. This is a couple hundred thousand dollars less than both what he included last year at this time as well as what the legislature approved in their budget package last fall and was signed by the Governor. The property tax category was built using the full rate across the board rather than the reduced rate of 32 mills which was set by state law for last year, a reduction which was to be

offset by state money that never appeared because of its own fiscal problems. While the state left open to the towns the option to rebill its taxpayers on motor vehicles or even on the entire Grand List including real estate and personal (business) property to offset losses from the state revenue categories once the final FY18 state budget was passed, the boards in Granby declined to do that. Instead they opted to keep a tighter rein on spending to help fill the gap and absorb losses internally. Unanticipated revenues in other categories will also help cover shortages from the state in the current year.

With respect to overall property tax, the Grand List itself is up by 1.36 percent before any final adjustment by the Board of Assessment Appeals. Roughly half of this increase is attributed to revaluation, the remainder to growth. While the growth factor and the use of the full rate on the Grand List’s motor vehicle component help in covering cost increases for the upcoming FY19, negative impacts from the state keep occurring. In just this month, the state bond commission failed to include for bonding the source for half of the Town Aid for Roads revenue line item, shortening Granby by about $130K. The hold backs, the rescissions, the shortages all add up, and in various ways, affect the tightness in operations, the shortages in overall revenue and ultimately in both the health of the General Fund as well as the calculations in setting of the mill rate itself.

FY19 Budget guidelines

cont’d. on p. 2

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

Catching up on Granby developments Fran Armentano talks to the Granby Women’s Breakfast about Granby’s Growth over the years. The group also presented him with a good luck cake for his upcoming retirement in mid-April. From l.: Armentano, Corinne Dickerson and Pat Olechna.

Photo by Joan Ducharme

FY19 Budget guidelines cont’d. from p. 1 The distressed fiscal condition of the state trickles down to the town impacting projections of revenues and how tightly local government spending must be held.

Given the times and the environment, we set operating budget guidelines that look to bring in the selectmen number at approximately 2.1 percent. We look for the BOE piece to be no more than the initial request of 3.85 percent, which less the special education increase, is also a similar low 2 percent operating increase for the remainder. These numbers – though tightening operations – are currently anticipated to bring in a mill rate change similar to that in recent years of roughly and hopefully less than 2 percent. Given the constraints and difficult state fiscal situation, at this juncture we believe this puts us in a reasonable spot overall.

Over the next month the administrations will present their adjusted budget

requests to their respective boards. During March the boards will hold budget workshops on these requests.

On Monday March 26 the boards will submit their budget requests to the Board of Finance per town charter. The Board of Finance will, that night or the following night, assemble a final budget package to take to Public Hearing for public review and comment. Per the town charter this hearing is to be held on the second Monday of April, April 9, with the referendum vote to take place on the fourth Monday, April 23. The Public Hearing is where the recommended budget package will be presented and heard, and where the public may provide input and comment. Once the hearing is closed, the Board of Finance will decide the final budget , as is or modified, to be sent to the machine vote.

BOS cont’d. from p. 1

The board approved the equipment lease/purchase agreement and loan agreement with Simsbury Bank for capital items already in the 2017-2018 budget. One is a five-year lease for up to $950,000 for Department of Public Works equipment including a dump truck and backhoe. The other is for up to $175,000 for the Board of Education’s purchase of Chrome Books. Simsbury Bank was chosen not only because it provided the best rate, but also provided the easiest access to the cash.

Grants to benefit seniors Director of Human Services Sandra Yost received approval to apply for a grant for up to $7,000 for senior counseling. A 20 percent match would be required by the town, and be supplied by in-kind services already included in the budget.

Yost also requested and received approval to apply for a Federal Transit Administration grant for a new senior citizen lift van. This grant also requires a 20 percent match, which would be $12,000 of the expected $60,000 cost.

This same application was denied last year; Yost is hoping for a better outcome this year.

Alcohol at Park House approval The board approved an application for alcohol for a private party at the Salmon Brook Park House on the evening of Aug. 4 (5 p.m. - 9 p.m.). All insurance and certification requirements have been met, including the presence of an on-site monitor.

March 2018

TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Grand List As required by law, Town Assessor Susan Altieri filed Granby’s Grand List with the state. Growth of $13 million was seen in real estate, motor vehicles and personal property; it amounts to a 1.36 percent increase overall.

Revenue Update The town has received $2.4 million of the expected $3.9 million of the Education Cost Sharing revenue, however, it is unlikely that the town will receive the second payment of the state bond taken out for road work. Selectman Jim Lofink asked Town Manager Ward if it could be made clear in the budget report (when it is known) exactly what the town will NOT be receiving from the state.

Project money frozen The state Department of Transportation noted at a recent Capitol Regional Council of Governments (CCROG) meeting because of the current fiscal situation, many DOT projects are on hold, including the proposed roundabout for Granby. The realignment of the center intersections, however, is going forward.

Public session on February 5 Susan Regan is seeking a response to the offer she and her husband made to produce promotional pieces on PATV15. Individuals with commercial and residential interests could see what Granby has to offer. She first made the proposal to Town Manager Ward and First Selectman Kuhnly in July, 2017, at which time Kuhnly thought that the production of these promos at no charge might be construed as an “inappropriate gift.” The Regans then offered to proceed at a minimal charge. No action has been taken, despite a response memo from the town manager saying that “there is no argument to the benefits of positive publicity,” and that “perhaps allowing local businesses and non-profits access to the community portion of the town website ... could be given.” He also noted that the Regans’ “generous offer of producing a promotional video for Granby ... as a donation could/should be explored.” Regan asked the board to discuss this and respond.

Her second suggestion was that Granby would benefit from having an Ethics Committee to act as a direct voice from the residents. The committee could receive public commentary, determine its merit and present it with recommendations to the appropriate boards or individuals.

Her final point: The town paid five times its appraised value for the former Evonsion property ($2.5 million) to protect it from development, and now is considering selling it for half that amount. She advised more fiscally prudent thinking.

NOTCH ROAD APPLIANCE

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P r o v i d i n g

EXPERT APPLIANCE REPAIR t o G r a n b y a n d s u r r o u n d i n g t o w n s f o r m o r e t h a n 4 0 y e a r s

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 3

Granby Democrat, Republican Town Committees elect delegates for May conventions

Both major parties will be choosing their local delegates at town committee caucuses throughout the state during the last week of March. These local delegates will attend the numerous May state and district conventions where party nominees are chosen. The town delegates chosen in the March caucus can either be committed to a particular candidate or uncommitted.

Granby Democrats will hold their caucus on Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center. Granby Republicans will hold their caucus on Thursday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. at

the Community Room in the Police Station. To participate and vote in the March caucuses, you need to 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 then formally vote on who

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES – JAN. 23 MEETING Present: Paula Johnson, Chairman, Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Charles Kraiza, Eric Lukingbeal and Eric Myers. Also present was Francis Armentano, Director of Community Development.

An informal discussion was held with Kate Bogli of Maple View Farm, 192 and 198R Salmon Brook Street concerning a potential application for a manufacturer permit for a farm brewery. Bogli thanked the commission for their recent approval of an amendment to the Zoning Regulations that allows such use by Special Permit. Through a presentation, Bogli reviewed the history of Maple View Farm and the types of farming, crops and events that it currently offers. She discussed the crops that are used in the brewing process and noted a farm brewery would be a new use for the property. They plan to brew beer and kombucha in the barn that is currently under construction. Bogli went on to discuss access and parking and the compatibility of the use with neighboring properties. The business, to be called Brew, would be open to the public for limited hours, Thursday through Sunday. The level of required mapping was discussed along with the necessary details of the design. The commission members asked questions at the conclusion of the presentation and commented that it was a very informative.

Consideration of an application seeking approval of a one-lot resubdivision for property located at 33 Moose Horn Road.

Armentano discussed the need for a revised map based on the change of the open space as presented by the applicant during the public hearing. It was understood that the applicant would complete the map as indicated in conformance with the Subdivision Regulations. A decision on the application must be made no later than the meeting of Feb. 13.

Staff Reports and Correspondence Armentano reported that the funding for the Notch Road/East Street roundabout has been eliminated by the state. Also $800,000 has been granted for Stony Hill Village Renovation that should be under construction in the very near future. All remaining occupancy permits for Greenway on the Salmon Brook Street sidewalk project will be out this week with the construction anticipated for April. Spring occupancy is anticipated for new restaurants in the former McDonalds and ABC Pizza spaces and in the Grassroots building.

Activity will be seen at the site of the Ridgewood Development on Salmon Brook Street in a couple of weeks, with buildings under construction this spring.

Commission discussion of items of interest or concern Chairman Johnson expressed concern about the poor condition and safety of the property and buildings at 265 Salmon Brook Street. Armentano will contact the owner and ask that they walk the property together to discuss the matter.

—Dorcus S. Forsyth, Recording Secretary

NOTICE OF DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

To enrolled members of the Democratic Party of the Town of Granby, Connecticut.

Pursuant to the Rules of the Democratic Party and State election laws, you are hereby notified that a caucus will be held on:

MARCH 29, 2018, AT 7 P.M. Granby Senior and Youth Services Center 15R North Granby Rd, Granby CT 06035

to endorse delegates to conventions and to transact other business as may be proper to come before said caucus.

Dated at Granby, Connecticut, on Feb. 19, 2018 Granby Democratic Town Committee, James C. Lofink, Chairperson

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 sent to conventions will vote on party nominees for Connecticut seats in the US Senate, 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 no one candidate receives a majority endorsement during the first vote at a convention, more 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, a May town committee caucus will not be needed by either Granby town committee this year.

Please vote at the April 28 Budget Referendum!

On Monday, April 23, the Town Budget Referendum will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room in Granby’s Town Hall, 15 North Granby Road. The polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

As with all opportunities to vote, plan to bring an identification to be checked off of our official voter list and issued a paper ballot. The check-in tables will be separated by STREET address, not last name. As in the past, non-registered but otherwise eligible voters who are

Granby property owners will also be allowed to vote. They will need to fill out a special form at the assessor’s table.

Absentee ballots can be filed in person with the Town Clerk prior to the voting hours, not during the referendum.

Pollworkers are Needed The registrar’s office is compiling an e-mail list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid. Volunteer poll workers must be at least 16 years old and can choose to volunteer for a few hours, or as desired to fit their schedules. For more information, or to be added to the list, please e-mail the registrars at: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com Poll worker training will be done in March and April for the April 23 referendum, in June/July if there is an August 14 primary and again in October for the November 6 election.

Poll worker training is required to serve.

Looking ahead March 29: Granby Democratic and Republican Town Committees will each hold a caucus for the selection of their delegates to state and district conventions (see above for specifics) Monday, April 9, is the public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium Monday, April 23, is the town budget referendum Voting is between noon and 8 p.m. at Town Hall Voter registration is a public record and easy to confirm by going to the State’s website or visiting the Registrars at Town Hall. You can also register, inquire as to your voting district or make corrections at the Registrars’ Office in the Town Hall every Wednesday during our regular office hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: www.sots.ct.gov Questions? Please feel free to contact the registrars Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis. Our office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and our e-mail address is: vr.granby.ct@gmail.com

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Praise for Granby schools

My wife and I have lived in Granby for 35 years and both of our daughters are graduates of GMHS; both went on to Bates College and are now successful professionals.

I was the product of the parochial school system in Fairfield county. When it came time to enroll our oldest daughter in high school, I talked with a neighbor in Granby whose daughter went on to Brown. Her words still resonate: “You get out what you put in. GMHS is a great school.” And it turned out that her words were prophetic.

I was honored to have served on the Board of Education and the Board of Selectman for several terms, last in 2002.

Since that time and through today, I have seen our school system continually improve. Our school system has been the subject of impressive state and national rankings.

It’s been very disappointing for me to hear that even with the election over a few people are attempting to brand our wonderful school system as subpar or stagnant. It is untrue, and it permanently stains our beautiful town and community.

Most of us moved to Granby for the same reasons—the sense of community, farms, hiking trails and open space, a safe and nurturing environment for our kids, and our award-winning school system.

I asked and was told members of the Class of 2018 have already been accepted into schools such as Harvard, Syracuse and Williams, with acceptance letters still coming in. Just six months ago, U.S. News and World Report listed Granby Memorial High School as number 11 in our state—higher than Glastonbury (15th) and Avon (18th). To me, beyond impressive.

As a longtime and proud Granby resident, I ask that folks please stop hurting our great school system and start celebrating our successes instead.

Frank Judice

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need: Canned pears Canned chicken Jams/jellies Laundry/dish detergents Toilet paper Paper towels Ketchup/crackers

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

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.

Support for Eastwood

I am writing to extend my support to Valerie Eastwood as candidate for the 62nd district. Eastwood is extremely thoughtful and considerate. She listens to questions and then forms a clear answer or opinion. She does not respond with knee jerk reactions to the headline of the day.

Eastwood is an attorney who has spent her career as a specialist in healthcare policy and as an advocate for health insurance reform and coverage. She has over 25 years in legal practice experience.

I feel that Valerie Eastwood would be an asset to the towns in the 62nd district.

She can hold her own in a debate and when discussing an issue, she has also shown that she is very able to work with others.

Vickie Dirienzo

An exciting choice

I am a longtime Granby resident and find myself very enthused to see two local Democratic women vying for the party’s nomination in the race for the Connecticut House of Representatives in our district. They both appear to be energetic and eager to take on our long-time Republican incumbent, Bill Simanski.

One of the women, Valerie Eastwood,

has particularly stood out to me. Valerie is a lawyer with an advanced law degree in taxation; she has spent her career as a specialist in healthcare policy and as an advocate for health insurance reform and coverage. She has over 25 years in legal practice experience. She has worked as a labor and health lawyer within the federal government, spending years as an attorney-manager in the Medicare program, and in private practice. She is well versed in the intricacies of labor issues, health insurance and public policy, statutes and regulations. She is a team player who is also trained in mediation and conflict resolution—skills that will be useful in the Connecticut State House—and she regularly volunteers as a facilitator at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Facility, a high security prison in Suffield. Eastwood has a long resume of accomplishments and service, and presents a proven track record.

Eastwood’s willingness to work with others, to not just discuss but to take action and seek resolution is why I find her especially impressive. We need to field a candidate with the knowledge and experience to meet Mr. Simanski on his own turf and beat him in an issues-based campaign. Valerie Eastwood is the best candidate to do this.

Whitney Sanzo

March 2018

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2018 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved.

CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Brian Colton, Photo Editor Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer,

YOU ARE NEEDED Granby residents are needed to fill two vacancies: one on the Park and Recreation board and one on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. If you are interested in serving your town in either of theses positions, call the Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-8100274; Republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-653-9668; or Town Manager John Ward, 860-844-5300.

Town of Granby

HERBICIDE AND PESTICIDE STUDY COMMITTEE PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in the Granby Senior Center The Herbicide and Pesticide Study Committee is holding a public information session to gather input from the public at large regarding the usage of Glyphosate by the Public Works Department on roadways and near waterways.

What do you like about Granby?

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is conducting a “listening tour” of its 29 regions to better understand its constituency. The foundation is coming to Granby on Tuesday, March 20, 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The foundation wants to hear about Granby—What do you like about the town? What do you think could be better? How might the foundation help with the town’s needs?

Come to the meeting and let your voice be heard. To register, call Stephanie MacGillivary, 860-548-1888.

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

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

Joan Griswold, Janet Hendricks, Karen Cleary, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Ken Mouning, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Lou Urban, Kay Woodford Reporters & Contributors Alan Addley, Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Sarah Cramer, Marisa DeLuca, Peter Dinella, Bernadette Gentry, Jay Harder, Rachel Hennessy. Carol Laun, Kelly Marszycki, Shirley Murtha, John R. Nieb,

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

KEEP US IN THE LOOP Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org.

Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com.

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, March 5, March 19 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, March 26 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, March 7, March 21 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, March 13, March 27 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, March 14

@GranbyDrummer

Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard,

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, March 12

Tim Nolan, Tim Rickis, Lisa Salazar, Emma Smith, Deborah Timms, Tayloranne Vibert, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Tom Tyburski, Paul Willis, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Carol Bressor, Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey, Karen Eustis, Advisor Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus

LETTERS POLICY

The Drummer welcomes letters. Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the CBG Board and the Drummer. The length of letters will be held to 500 words and less. To be published, letters must be signed and include an address and phone number. This information will not be given to anyone other than the necessary editorial staff. Letters from readers who do not reside in Granby will have the town of residence noted with the letter.

The Drummer reserves the right to edit and shorten letters, and to run them in any electronic form. Letters become the property of the Drummer. Email your letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 5 OpEd

Turning an abandoned school into a learning asset

By Susan Patricelli-Regan Originally, I was going to address the potential for the Kearns School based on currently available information published in the Town of Granby Kearns School Study Committee Final Report dated May 11, 2017. This was part of my research because the issue has recently been revisited by the BOS to determine the school’s future status. The building poses a number of budgetary challenges whether it is retained for rent or lease, sold with the standing building or as cleared land after demolishing the facility, or letting it remain empty and incurring maintenance and potential repair bills.

The new town manager, John Ward, will be preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the property in the near future. I would hope that the public will be advised of its contents and be given an opportunity to comment on it in a public forum. Marketing it, as the final report indicates, would require significant cost to repair, maintain safety, make it code compliant and provide curb appeal appearance for potential buyers solicited via the RFP. Since it costs money to sell it or retain

Kearns School

it, and either incurs budget burdens on taxpayers, why wasn’t this pursued before the property deteriorated to the point that it is close to a “crisis” mode, particularly with the state budget in shambles.

I view the Kearns School property as an investment in our school system by virtue of a trade school facility. It would bring together the community’s wellexperienced business and entrepreneurial senior citizens and high school seniors who are considering their future plans whether it be in business, military, startups, professional or creative careers. There could be an exchange of classes led by mature citizens who could mentor the high school seniors just as grandparents often step in as supplementary supporters. They are not as distracted, uninvolved or simply lacking time to spend with their children as are parents. Simply spending money on your child to reduce guilt and being their friend is not as good as spending time with them, being an inspiring role model and responsible parent. The good news is that young people often have less conflict with non-family instructors simply by being an objective counselor.

N OW R ENTI N G

PERSONALIZED WORK SPACE ONE LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT INCLUDES

In turn, the high school seniors could teach computer and social media skills to the seniors and bring them up to speed on the many aspects of contemporary culture.

Our young people need guidance and a sense of self-discipline and an innate independent thought process rather than simply following the “maddening crowd.” Perhaps some choose the military because they are looking for structure and someone who calls them to account. With this in mind, we may able to establish a constructive platform at an early stage to prevent such a diabolic outcome as school shootings.

Chicago take heed – these are young people who are killing each other on a daily basis.

If we do not do something in this vein along with other safety measures in our schools, we are all guilty of avoiding responsibility and become accessories to the crime. Let’s investigate investing in our youth with a clear eye and cognizant objective.

Our children need to be taught how to be respected contributors to society and the synergy between youth and senior citizens could establish Granby as a “destination” for young people from surrounding communities which in turn underpin some

of the costs through a cooperative fiscal revenue stream. Plus, the physical plant would be there should Granby need to reestablish it as a school to meet the needs of an increased student population.

I look forward to Town Manager Ward’s RFP being shared with Granby taxpayers before it is published to solicit proposals from interested parties. The Evonsion farm purchase was money misused and it forced taxpayers to carry a long-term debt. Five years later we’re wondering if we can sell it for at least half of what we paid. Kearns School was not forced on us as part of a multi-issue referendum budget; it is a valuable asset to be retained and developed as an opportunity to create strong future leaders.

Patricelli-Regan is founder and executive director of The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Fine Art Scholarship Foundation and Foxfield F.A.R.M. )Foxfield for A Recovery Mission), a nonprofit organization established to provide an equestrian groundwork training program for U.S Veterans with PTSD and related issues incurred through military service.

Gran-Bee cont’d. from p. 1 coveted Yellow Jacket Crown winners for the best costume.

The Gran-Bee is the largest fundraiser for the Granby Education Foundation (GEF). Since its inception in 2000, the GEF has underwritten over $500,000 in grants supporting our mission for continual learning for all community members through education and the arts. We are proud to have supported projects for Granby citizens such as the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series, the outdoor performance stage at Valley Pre-School, the Summer Drama Academy with Hartford Stage, as well supporting STEM programs, robotics, emerging leadership (DECA) education and mentoring. GEF’s first project, the Salmon Brook Ecology Center located on the Granby middle and high school complex, provides students

with hands-on learning experience to be environmental stewards.

The GEF is a unique Granby institution embedded in the quality of life for all of the town’s citizens. It continually provides opportunities for innovation in education, learning for all ages, and exploring the arts. By attending, forming a team, or becoming a Gran-Bee sponsor, your generous support enables the GEF to continue to be a vibrant organization helping to make Granby “The Pride of the Valley”.

Team registration forms and business sponsorship forms are on the Granby Education Foundation website at granbyeducationfoundation.org. Teams of three people aged 16 or older may register for $150.

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March 2018

Board of Selectmen

DPW director details department’s services to BOS

By Shirley Murtha Director of Public Works Kirk Severance presented the annual Public Works Department report to the Board of Selectmen on Feb. 5. He detailed the services undertaken by each of the department’s divisions.

The department consists of 16 fulltime employees, three part-time, three seasonal, and three who work the transfer station on Saturdays. Of these, one full-time and three part-time workers maintain the town’s 83,000 square feet of buildings: the Municipal Complex (except for Board of Education building), Holcomb Farm, Salmon Brook Park building, Cossitt Library, Public Works building and the various pavilions and storage areas around town.

The employees clean, paint, wax floors, do minor carpentry and some plumbing and HVAC jobs.

The grounds crew consists of one and one-half full-time employees plus summer help from other areas. It mows just over 85 acres, 58 of which are in the town parks. In addition to grass-cutting, the men trim trees, maintain flowerbeds and irrigation systems, empty trash and prepare for and cleanup after various events.

Maintaining 95 miles of town roads, especially in the winter, involves the entire department crew. As of Feb. 2, DPW was called out over 40 times to deal with storm-related issues that required spreading over 1,000 tons of material. At the time of this report, another 400 tons of salt/sand, etc. was on order. Severance noted that considering the type of winter this has been, that amount is not likely to carry the town through the end of the season.

During the other three seasons, the crew overlays an average of 3.5 miles of road annually, the goal being to repair the roads so that a minimum of 10 years passes before more work is needed.

Success seems to be a process of “chip sealing” a road and overlaying it with two inches of bituminous concrete.

When a road is overlaid, the basins are repaired and their tops replaced. Any drainage concerns are also addressed.

Two full-time employees are dedicated to equipment maintenance. Not just the DPW trucks, but police cars, senior vans and administrative vehicles as well as lawn mowers, string trimmers and myriad other pieces of grounds-keeping equipment.

DPW crews also maintain the town’s two pump stations and the main sewer lines that run through the center to the Simsbury town line.

Although the town contracts with Paine’s to take trash and recycling to Hartford, DPW oversees the operation of the transfer station. Employees facilitate the arrival of construction debris and household items, including mattresses and electronics that are accepted free of charge. Severance noted that the town’s recycling is currently at 33 percent, the state goal being 60 percent of waste recycled. He also added that the tipping fees charged by the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA, formerly CRRA) are projected to be increased by 5.9 percent in the next fiscal year.

Stormwater management is maintained with standards set by MS4, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System regulations designed to prevent pollution of local waters that can affect water as far away as the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The MS4 General Permit requires the town to complete an annual report to document its stormwater management practices. Road sweeping (primarily in developments and parking lots) and basin cleaning is an integral part of this process. Severance reported that by monitoring basin debris, the department is able to determine the most efficient schedule for the sweeping and basin work.

In conclusion, Severance noted that whenever possible, the department works with other local towns to share resources and equipment. In addition, the Capitol Regional Council of Governments and the state Department of Administrative Services assist the towns with functions including bid applications for materials such as road salt.

Focus on Education Alan Addley, Ed. D.

#EnoughisEnough The February mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, resulting in the senseless loss of 17 lives was another tragic event for public education and the nation. It is a sad day when any superintendent of schools cannot 100 percent guarantee the safety of students and staff in school. This all-too-familiar school shooting was yet another awful reminder for our need to be vigilant in maintaining the highest level of safety and security in our schools.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the children, adults and families impacted by the senseless shootings in Florida. At the same time, I am inspired by the students’ call to action as schoolchildren across the country lift up their voices to accomplish perhaps what politicians and professional organizations have been unable or unwilling to achieve. Their efforts have inspired the Enough is Enough movement that calls for a National School Walkout on March 14 and a March for Our Lives on March 24. Education is both the bedrock and future of our democracy. Students’ activism in the democratic process around school safety may actually help ensure a safe education for all of America’s schoolchildren. In Granby, we will be responsive, respectful and supportive of our own students’ opinions and needs as they reflect on these complex issues.

Our school district’s first priority is always the safety and support of our students and staff. In collaboration with the Granby Police Department and outside agencies, we continue to monitor, improve, practice, and maintain safety protocols that are in line with guidelines provided by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security.

We must continue to invest in the security of our schools. While we don’t want to turn our schools into imposing fortresses, we have a responsibility to our students to ensure they can feel safe. Despite the state’s fiscal crisis, Connecticut has led the effort to provide funding for school security. Over the years, fund-

ing from the State Safety and Security Grant, the Capital Improvement Fund and the General Fund has enabled the district to make significant security upgrades. Maintaining safe schools requires cultivating schools that are physically, but most importantly, emotionally safe places for students. It is essential that we continue our efforts to build a culture in which students are comfortable communicating their concerns with school staff. That line of communication is most critical in preventing violence in schools. Cultivating healthy and open relationships between our staff, students and parents remains the foundation of such a culture.

It is hard to discuss school safety without including the role of the Second Amendment. The issues surrounding the Second Amendment can be complex and polarizing. But, surely, we should be able to agree on having gun laws and background checks across the country that will contribute to the safety of our nation’s children.

Finally, we must not only identify individuals at risk of committing acts of violence but we must expand mental health and counseling services to ensure they receive the services and interventions necessary before they resort to violence. The sad reality is that we do not have the ability to require treatment and, in most cases, our hospitals and clinical institutions do not have the staff nor the capacity to address the needs of such individuals.

Moving forward in these troubling times, Granby will continue to take proactive, reasonable and measured steps to protect our children while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment. Every day, Granby parents entrust our staff with their children, which is a tremendous privilege and a huge responsibility.

Collectively, we are appreciative of our staff’s effort to both inspire and protect our schoolchildren. Yes, let us hope and pray during these difficult times but let us also stand with our young people and take action to ensure Enough is Enough!

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 7

STEAM career fair at GMMS On Jan. 30, the students of Granby Memorial Middle School participated in STEAM Day, a day devoted to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Throughout the day, students engaged in a number of hands-on and inquiry-based activities to recognize the various ways that STEAM connects to their daily lives. STEAM education is a high priority at GMMS, as it helps students to develop the necessary skills in today’s tech-savvy world. STEAM represents a pathway to some of the most in-demand jobs that the economy has to offer, and allows students to develop a problem solver’s mentality, always looking to question and wonder about how things work.

The day was capped by a STEAM career fair, which brought in a number of businesses from the local community to share with students how STEAM connects to their various professional fields. Visitors that supported GMMS in implementing a successful STEAM day included Junior Achievement, local art-

ist Matt Ryan, Simsbury Bank, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital, Lost Acres Fire Department, CES Design Studio, Select Physical Therapy, Don “Dr. Flush” Rethke, the GMHS and GMMS Robotics teams, and GPS’s very own district facilities and maintenance staff.

The Middle School would like to thank all of the volunteers, teachers, and students who helped make the day a great success.— Chuck Hershon, Assistant Principal, GMMS

The STEAM Day Career fair was organized in partnership with Junior Achievement.

Here, Ms. Gilroy from JA, discusses technology, math and communication skills necessary for working in a non-profit organization.

GMMS students learning about the medical training that goes into working at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital.

Public Works Trash reminders: March 30 (Good Friday) is not a trash holiday. Put your trash out on your regularly scheduled day and make sure your barrels are at least two feet apart to allow clearance for the automatic arm of the truck.

Like us! Check out the new DPW Facebook page at Granby CT Department of Public Works.

Transfer Station: The Granby Transfer Station is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring proof of residency.

Fees may apply. Check out the Public Works page at the Town of Granby website (granby-ct.gov) or call 860-6538960 for more information.

Spring cleaning If you are getting ready to shake off the dust of the long, cold winter, here are some helpful hints on disposal of some items: Textiles and shoes should be recycled.

They can be dropped off in any collection container around town; including two at the Granby Transfer Station.

Torn and stained items are accepted.

Oil or mold stained items should go in your trash.

Paint is recyclable and accepted at the transfer station. For a list of accepted items check the Public Works webpage or call Public Works. Leaking, unlabeled or empty containers are not accepted.

Donate what you can. There are numerous charities in the area that accept household goods: Goodwill in Avon; Gifts of Love in Avon; ReStore in Bloomfield, Salvation Army in Hartford; and Covenant to Care in Bloomfield.

If in the end you still have more trash than will fit in your barrel, stop by Public Works and purchase town approved trash bags. They can be placed next to your barrel on trash day.

Hazardous Waste must be disposed properly. The town sponsors three collections a year. The next two collections will be Saturday, April 21, at the Farmington Town Hall complex and Saturday, June 9, at the Simsbury DPW. Additional details can be found on the Public Works page of the Town of Granby website granby-ct.gov.

Drumrolls

Local design fabrication and consulting company CES Design Studio showed students how they combined artwork and engineering to develop creative solutions for their clients.

Emily Cronin has been named to the president’s list at Western New England University for fall 2017. Cronin is working toward a degree in health sciences.

Henry Wix, a mathematical sciences major, and Kaitlyn Amuso, a forensic chemistry major, have been named to the dean’s list at Western New England University for fall 2017.

STEAM Photos by Peter Dinella

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

GMHS’s Poetry Out Loud winner heads to statewide finals

By Taylorann Vibert On Jan. 10, Granby Memorial High School held the schoolwide finals of Poetry Out Loud, with nine finalists competing. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation program, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Starting in 2005, Poetry Out Loud has grown to include over 3 million stu-

dents from 10,000 different schools in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This year is Granby’s second year participating in the program.

The participants in the schoolwide finals competed in two rounds of poetry recitation, evaluated on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding and overall performance. Granby

There’s “sNOw” better way to spend your snow day

By Rachel Hennessy Winter weather is chaotic and unpredictable, with its wailing winds, stinging cold and speeding blizzards. In the morning, the feeling students experience after waking up to a blurry landscape outside of their window, with school canceled, is filled with a tremendous amount of joy. However, when stuck inside the house during a heavy snowfall, and after binge watching all of the newest Netflix shows, boredom may strike and ideas are needed.

For many students, a snow day is the perfect day to rewind and catch up on sleep, homework, or cleaning, but for those who want to be active, there’s a lot you can do. If you are literally trapped inside due to the snow, lighting a warm fire and watching a movie with the family is a great way to bond and make memories. Another enjoyable activity for family bonding is a family game night.

Gather up as many board games possible and have family members choose a game. If there is a pool table or table tennis table, a family tournament would be a fun, competitive way to spend time together. An entertaining evening for kids is guaranteed by building a blanket fort, toasting marshmallows and sipping a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Snug-

gling with family with a copious amount of treats would be a snow day well spent.

Eventually the blizzard will die down enough that everyone can venture outside without being blown away. During these times, there are a multitude of activities that can be pursued. A snowman is always a great way to use teamwork to get a finished product. Assign someone to build the base, middle and head of the snowman while others gather decorating needs. After the snowman, there is nothing better than a good old snowball fight. For this activity, there can be sides or a free for all; to make the game even better, the winner (one who hit the most or is hit the least) can receive an extra cookie or gets to pick the movie for the night. Granby has a few hills that are perfect for sledding; one of these hills is on Barndoor Hills near the McLean Game Refuge. This location is a perfect spot for sledding because people can go on a winter hike and sled in basically the same place.

Overall, snow days are great for sleeping in, but there are also plenty of things to keep everyone occupied and content.

Whether it’s having a family movie marathon night, a bake off, sledding or building a snowman, there is definitely no better way to spend your snow day than with the ones you love.

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hosted a distinguished panel of judges to score the reciters, including Laura Mazza-Dixon, Granby resident and poet, Rosemary Walcott, former GMHS English teacher, and Reverend Dennis Moon, published hymn writer and lyricist.

All of the finalists delivered fantastic recitations, demonstrating their long preparation for the competition. However, it was Autumn Munsell, a sophomore, who knocked the socks off the judges.

In the first round of competition, she performed A Song in the Front Yard by Gwendolyn Brooks, and in the second round, she recited Revenge by Letitia Elizabeth Landon. Munsell drew on her experience with the GMHS Drama Club

and general aptitude for the performing arts, delivering a powerful performance.

Munsell was excited by her win and expressed her appreciation for the arts, stating “I love poetry because I find that it is so complicated yet so simple at the same time”. Additionally, she would like to thank all the faculty who lent their time and effort to make this possible, saying “I appreciate all the English teachers and their work with Poetry Out Loud.”

Munsell will now be moving on to compete in the Connection State-Wide Finals March 3. Faculty and students at Granby Memorial High School congratulate her on her win and wish her luck in the competition ahead.

Richard Desjardins was named to the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the fall 2017 semester.

The following local residents were named to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute dean’s list for the fall 2017 semester: Tyler Beaupre, majoring in interactive media and game development, and computer science; Casey Hunt, majoring in management engineering; Jared Grier, majoring in mechanical engineering, and Spencer Howes, majoring in robotics engineering.

The following students have been named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire: Courtney Rambush, Parker Berberian, Brian Rainville, Austin Butler, Jennifer Healy, Jack McCartney and Conor Smith.

Springfield College has named Lauren Grashaw to the fall 2017 dean’s list.

Grashaw is studying health science/prephysician assistant.

The University of Hartford has named

the following to the fall 2017 dean’s list: Charles Delorenzo, Olivia Papa, Jacob Coons, Margaret Falvey, Michael Sayers and Ivan Semyanko.

Renee Bilodeau graduated from Roger Williams University with a master of architecture in December.

Owen M. Harter, a sophomore majoring in environmental engineering, was named presidential scholar for the spring 2017 semester at Clarkson University.

Matt David Hawthorne, a junior majoring in engineering and management, was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Clarkson University.

Olivia Anne DeGray was named to The University of Alabama’s dean’s list for fall 2017.

Michael Main was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at The University at Albany.

Jenna Snyder, Class of 2018, Cassandra Miller, Class of 2020 were named to the Assumption College dean’s list for the fall 2017 semester.

Drumrolls

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 9

For parents:

How to communicate with your teenage children

By Camden Robertson Parents, you are incredible role models and important figures in your children’s lives, but sometimes it is hard for parents and children to get along. The relationship will never be seamless, but this article was created to hopefully open a small part of a teenagers life to a parent, to help them better understand the wants and needs of a teen today.

1. Don’t be hyper-attentive to your student’s grades. Caring about the grades your children receive is a valid emotion, especially in a high school setting.

However, checking their powerschool accounts on a daily basis and constantly reminding them of grades they receive makes students extremely stressed.

Your child will learn so much better in the classroom if they are motivated to get good grades themselves, rather than by avoiding being in trouble at home.

Parents who constantly check their child’s grades and put major emphasis on grades that may not have been so great cause a lot of anxiety for a student. It is better to trust your children and have a conversation together about goals both parties have. Establish an understanding of expectations, and address the issue if the grades both the parent and student agreed to are not met by the end of a quarter or semester.

2. Understand that school today is different from school as you experienced it. Although many things won’t change about public school systems through the years, the generation your children live in is a different world then how you grew up. It is important to avoid judging one generation as better than the other. Keeping an open mind when talking to your child about their experiences in and out of school avoids conflicts. Any advice you give them may be helpful, but do not be offended if it isn’t. Your child and their peers are living a different life than the one you lived, and that is a good thing.

Always be open to new perspectives in our infinitely changing world.

3. Understand that high school is difficult. As homework becomes more and more exhausting for a student on top of other extra curricular events as well as simply the emotional strain of school in general, it’s no wonder your children are so tired all the time. Please try not to be offended if your child just wants to be silent and sleep the moment they get home. A seven-hour school day is exhausting, and social pressures take an emotional toll on your student now more than ever. Keeping that in mind, it is also important to develop an open dialogue

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with your child. All people this age tend to keep most of their emotions inside, which can be extremely damaging. And although difficult, it is important to be able to promise your child that they can have a conversation with you completely free of judgment, and keep that promise.

4. Please try not to be paranoid. Doing things like searching through your child’s phone or room only increases their levels of anxiety, simply because it makes them feel like they are not worthy of your trust.

Telling your child that you genuinely trust them and their judgment will motivate them to make good decisions much more effectively than searching through their belongings. Secondly, all people deserve a place that is completely their own and not altered or looked through by other people, including their parents.

This privacy is critical to mental health.

It is very important for your child to have a place that is theirs, such as their bedroom. Remember that there is no reason to not trust your child unless they have given you a genuine reason not to. If they have, address that issue as you see fit, but always trust that your child will make the right choices.

Cast of the GMHS Performing Arts production of Fiddler On The Roof. Submitted photo

Fiddler on the Roof at GMHS March 16-18 Granby High School Performing Arts is excited to announce the spring musical, Fiddler On The Roof, in cooperation with Music Theater International.

Fiddler On The Roof tells the lifeaffirming story of Tevye, a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the century czarist Russia. With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia in 1905, the story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family’s lives.

Senior Dalton Lemoine heads up the cast as Tevye with fellow seniors Griffin Ware as Lazar Wolf, Hannah Shoaf as Tzeitel, Jake Yoder as Perchik, Audrey White as Yente and Performing Arts President Conor Drennan as the Rabbi.

Over 60 students are involved in this production with Seniors Kat Boit, Katie Karabetsos and Erin Keener heading up set production and Sydney Cote heading up lighting design.

The show will take place Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for students/seniors and $15 for adults. Granby senior citizens are welcome for free.

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Page 10 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

Support Marquis and enjoy an evening out

By Polina Crotty

Mrs. Tawney’s and Mrs. Laird’s 4’s class at Valley Pre-School proudly show off their finished ice sculptures on Jan. 19. Submitted photo

Valley Pre-School shares its annual ice sculptures

By Jessica Cushing Every January, Valley Pre-School students continue the school’s longstanding tradition of working together to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Part art project, part science experiment, this annual event brings together the work of current and past VPS students and families. Like everything at VPS, what may look like pure fun is actually a rich learning experience.

After talking at school about liquids and solids and what happens when water freezes, students experiment at home to learn hands-on. In the days leading up to the event, students create blocks of ice, experimenting with a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and decorative elements. What shapes might be good to put in the sculpture? What container would make that shape? How to get the ice out of the container once it’s frozen?

How can we add color? What happens

if we add something to the water before we freeze it? Will it sink or float?

Students use everything from cake molds to food coloring to berries, glitter, stones, legos, straws, carrots, beads, and everything in between, to make their pieces completely unique. On the big day, teachers, students and families work quickly to stick all of the shapes together, using slush and spray bottles like glue, to create one solid sculpture from many individual pieces. The final product is a beautiful example of what happens when children are encouraged to learn through their imagination and natural creative spirit.

Valley Pre-School is currently accepting applications for its 3’s and 4’s programs for the 2018-2019 school year.

Please visit valleypreschoolinfo.org or call 860-653-3641 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Known for its performances in parades locally as well as across the northeast, this August the Marquis will embark on an international trip to Scotland. This experience will allow the members of the corps to continue to learn about music, history and culture while sharing their award-winning talents internationally from multiple opportunities to jam with Scottish musical reenactment groups, to having the honor of performing at the International Fringe Festival while in Edinburgh. They will learn about Scottish culture, including musical traditions, historical foundations, and modern lifestyle as well as perform with musicians from around the world. What an experience.

The Marquis of Granby Junior Ancient Fyfe and Drum corps has had community support for almost half a century. It is this support that sets the Marquis apart and ensures its continuous success. Having the support of its own community gives members of the corps a distinct sense of pride. When they are out there performing, rain or shine, they know

they are representing their community, a community dedicated to fostering music, historical traditions and the importance of leadership training.

On Friday, March 9, the Marquis of Granby will host a fundraiser at Thomas Hooker Brewery in Bloomfield, from 6 to 9 p.m. Raffles and exciting silent auction items await your bidding. Come enjoy unlimited tastings, brewery tour, food and Scottish music for just $25 per person. Donations for the auction and raffle are greatly appreciated.

The proceeds from the fundraiser will help pay for the transport of drums, flags, muskets and other equipment, as well as off-set costs for members traveling to Scotland.

Inquiries can be directed to Heidi Darling, event leader for the Thomas Hooker Brewery fundraiser, 860-466-0056 or Heidi.darling75@gmail.com For more information about the Marquis, please visit marquisofgranby.org The Corps wishes to extend continued thanks to the Granby Community Fund and the community at large for its longtime commitment of support!

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 11

PTO Corner

By the PTO Executive Board

This month students recognized their 100th day of school with various classroom projects and celebrations.

Reaching this mark means that they are more than halfway through the 2017-18 school year. With only four months until school ends, the PTO is hard at work organizing events and activities but is also planning for the 2018-19 school year.

First, the PTO is excited to announce that it is sponsoring an after-school chess program for students in grades 1-5 at Wells Road Intermediate School. The PTO has gifted chess supplies for the 12-week program as well as additional sets for practice play for students at Kelly Lane. The instructor is Alexander Lumelsky, who has coached elementary and middle school students to championships at state and national chess competitions in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. Lumelsky offers similar chess programs in multiple West Hartford elementary schools to glowing reviews, and has also organized school and community chess programs in many Connecticut towns.

Secondly, the PTO, working with Kelly Lane Media Specialist Amber Wyzik, will host its first ever family coding night on March 22. Wyzik is a parent volunteer and teacher who has generously donated her time and expertise to support the PTO. Children in grades K-5 and their parents or caretakers will play in teams to complete fun Code.org puzzles and challenges at their own pace and learn core coding concepts. At the end of the evening, families will receive a free “Code on at Home” guide.

Thirdly, the PTO would like to recognize the efforts of parent volunteer Mario Lopez of Granby Youth Lacrosse and Steve Migneault, physicaleducation teacher at Wells Road Intermediate

School, who partnered to institute a lacrosse unit as part of the P.E. instruction at Wells. Lopez, whose lacrosse credentials include playing for UMass and being a member of Team USA in the 1999 World Cup, and who is currently a P.E. teacher himself in West Hartford, volunteered to work with Migneault in implementing the program. Migneault applied for and received a grant from the PTO’s E.L.F. (Enhanced Learning Fund) to purchase the equipment for the lacrosse unit, which by all accounts was well received amongst the students.

The PTO is only successful to the extent that parents, grandparents and other family and community members are willing to invest their time and energy to help organize, execute and support initiatives to support students and the school district. Members of the PTO will be present at kindergarten registration on March 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Kelly Lane cafeteria to greet and answer questions about “how to get involved.” The PTO is always on the lookout for new volunteers who are interested in contributing. If you are a parent or teacher who might be willing to lend your time and talent to the PTO, please contact the PTO at president@granbypto.org or vicepresident@granbypto.org The next PTO meeting will be held on Monday, March 12, at 6 p.m. in the Media Center at Wells Road Intermediate School. Superintendent Addley will talk on the proposed 2018-19 school budget, and Ben Perron, Granby Education Foundation Board Chair, will speak about GEF’s mission and its community grant program. Please visit the Granby PTO website, shop the PTO store and/ or make a tax deductible donation by visiting granbypto.org.

Stop & Shop loves its furry friends

Local rescue organizations were the recipients of a pet food drive at Granby’s Stop & Shop. Above left, Angel Cruz, Stop & Shop store manager, shakes hands with Lisa Schmitt, owner of Mary’s Kitty Corner in Granby, one of the recipients. Above right, Rosia Kennedy points to Cruz’s tie, which she challenged him to wear if 10 carts of pet food donations were raised. He sported a white shirt and tie for two days after 16 carts of donations were raised, thanks to the generous customers and diligent cashiers. This has been the store’s most successful pet food drive yet. Thanks to all who helped feed eight rescue organizations.

A thank you to seniors from seniors

By TaylorAnn Vibert Seniors at Granby Memorial High School were pleasantly surprised on Valentine’s Day, when members of the Granby Senior Center walked into class pushing a cart full of goodies. Each senior received a bag of homemade cookies, chocolates and a note wishing them a Happy Valentine’s Day. The students

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were extremely grateful and touched by the gesture and the thoughtfulness of the Granby Senior Center. Not to mention the cookies were delicious (they were gone within the hour). The Senior Class of 2018 would like to express a big thank you to the Granby Senior Center and wishes them a Happy Valentine’s Day as well.

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Most youth who do experiment with prescription drugs do so with medicaThe towns of Granby, East Granby tions they find at home. A good way to and Hartland have joined in launching a start is to clean out your medicine cabinet Change the Script initiative. Change the and safely dispose of unused drugs.

Script is the Connecticut Targeted ReNext, engage your doctor in a dissponse Initiative to the opioid epidemic. cussion of alternate pain management While I am glad to report that we do options and make informed decisions not seem to have a widespread problem about what drugs to use following surwith ourOFFERINGS youth abusing drugs, Advanced gery. Survival, While opioids an important CAMP INCLUDE: opioid Forts & Shelters, Wild Planthave Medicine & Food, weScout sadlyTracker, do have community members in management of chronic and Woodland Arts, Feather, Fur & Fin, place Wildwood Adventurers, Wildwood Rangers, in and the Fire, older age&groups severe pain, there are alternatives that Wood Stone. struggling with this problem. We have lost lives to this may be just as effective in a variety of epidemic in our Don’t Miss Ourcommunity; Free FamilyweFunshould Day Opensituations.

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Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town

New England Air Museum events

McLean Seminar McLean’s Post-Acute and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services partners with Hartford HealthCare Bone and Joint Institute to offer a series of free, educational seminars, open to the community.

Anxiety and Adjustment Difficulties— How to Help Manage and Reduce the Symptoms, will be presented on Thursday, March 8, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Peter Lucchio, Psy.D, will lead the seminar; attendees will learn to identify the experience of anxiety and when it becomes problematic, the triggers for difficulty adjusting to stressors and tools to cope with stress and/or anxiety.

Like to fish?

Join the Simsbury Fish and Game Club. Enjoy trout fishing for the 2018 season in a local secluded reservoir that provides a beautiful natural setting.

Twelve to 14-inch trout are stocked several times during the fishing season. A Children’s Fishing Derby is held in May

Lucchio completed his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford and is currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical health psychology at Hartford Hospital/ The Institute of Living. He specializes in the behavioral treatment of physical and psychological problems, and has specific interest in chronic pain conditions, behavioral sleep medicine, obesity/weight loss, as well as athletic performance.

McLean is located at 75 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required; please call 1-855-442-4373 to reserve your seat. for members’ children age 14 and under.

Membership/permit is required. (The membership is for fishing only.) This is family fishing at its best. Respond as soon as possible, memberships are limited. For an application or more information, call Fred at 860-243-1280.

Pedals for Progress – keep the wheels in motion

Do you have a few hours this spring to spread the word about the Pedals for Progress and Sewing Peace used bicycle and sewing machine collection? For 16 years, local volunteers have worked with Pedals for Progress to host successful collections that have touched the lives of more than 1,600 families in the developing world. Over the last 27 years, Pedals

for Progress, a New Jersey based 501c3, has received, processed and donated over 153,000 bicycles and 4,000 used sewing machines to partner charities in 38 developing world countries.

To learn more about keeping this meaningful project alive in Granby, contact Jackie Johnson at 860-413-9348 or jackiejohnson013@gmail.com.

Granby, Simsbury and East Granby’s Tri-Town Democratic Campaign Forum On behalf of the Democratic Town Committees of Granby, Simsbury and East Granby, a joint invitation is extended to attend a Tri-Town Candidate Forum to be held Sunday, March 18, from 3-5 p.m. at Holcomb Farm North Pavilion in West Granby.

Seven Democratic candidates for Governor have agreed to participate, as well as several candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer. The format will include a question and answer session and an opportunity for candidates to share their vision for our great state. It is planned that the forum will be filmed and aired on local cable access stations.

As the pavilion has a limited seating for around 100 local Democrats, please RSVP for a seating confirmation by sending an email to GranbyDemocrats@gmail.com Please join us as we kick off our local focus on this extremely important Election 2018.

—Jim Lofink, Amy McLean Salls and Mike Malloy Chairpersons, Granby, Simsbury and East Granby DTCs

In Memory Of …

Sprafke, Bernard James “Jim”, 71, husband of the late Janet Johnson Sprafke, Jan. 18 Risley, Peggy-Jean, 86, wife of Clifford Risley, Jan. 21 Stafford, Kenneth, 64, husband of Kathleen A. “Kathy” Stafford, Jan. 21 Cook, Rev. Ralph M., Jr., 91, husband of the late Janet E. (Fickinger) Cook, Jan. 25 Thibodeau, Virginia (Hill), wife of Paul Thibodeau, Jan. 26

March 2018

Dunbar, Gladys Fairweather (Goodrich), 95, wife of the late Philip H. Dunbar, Jan. 29 Hamalian, Lucy (Kevorkian), 90, wife of the late Simon Hamalian, Feb. 2 Gough, Hilda (Christ), 90, wife of the late William “Bill” T. Gough, Jr., Feb. 5 Bale, David Ellsworth, 91, husband of the late Rosalia Bale, Feb. 10

Women Take Flight The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Women Take Flight event on Saturday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in commemoration of Women’s History Month. Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate women’s contributions to aerospace history through special events, hands-on activities and lectures from special guest speakers including Catherine Young, business developer, General Aviation Airports, Connecticut Airport Authority; Melissa Mathiasen, test pilot, Sikorsky Aircraft; and MSgt. Dana Willette, flight engineer, C-5M Super Galaxy, 439th Airlift Wing/337th Airlift Squadron.

Women Take Flight will offer visitors the opportunity to meet women pilots, engineers and industry professionals from a variety of local aerospace companies as well as members of the U.S. armed forces. The event will also feature hands-on STEM activities, climbaboard experiences in historic aircraft, flight simulators and opportunities to discover the history of women in aerospace through the museum’s collection of over 100 historic aircraft including a Lockheed 10-A Electra—the same model aircraft that Amelia Earhart flew during her attempted around the world flight in 1937.

Women Take Flight is supported in part

by Peerless Precision, a woman-owned business.

Easter Egg Hunt Hop into history with the Easter bunny at the New England Air Museum’s fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 30. Families and children ages 1 to 10 are invited to join us from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for the hunt. Participants will be divided into two age groups (ages 1–5 and ages 6–10), and children will collect one egg in each of the following colors: red, blue, purple, green and yellow. Once a child has found all five colors of eggs, they will exchange their eggs for a prize bag of goodies to take home. There is a strict limit of five eggs/one prize per child, and a limited number of prizes will be available on a first come, first

Corned Beef Dinner

Copper Hill United Methodist Church is hosting a corned beef dinner with home baked desserts on Saturday, March 10. There will be a single sitting at 5 p.m. Adults, $12; under 12, $6, and

served basis. Children must bring their own egg hunt bag/basket. To ensure the safety of all visitors, it is requested that parents remain with their children at all times during the Egg Hunt. Please note that strollers will not be permitted in the egg hunt areas.

In addition to the egg hunt, the Easter bunny will greet visitors from 10:30 a.m.

– 12 p.m. and again from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

The museum will also offer an array of activities for children including climbaboard experiences in historic aircraft, computerized flight simulators, hands-on build and fly challenges.

All activities are free with general admission, and the Easter Egg Hunt will be held rain or shine; in the event of severe rain the hunt will be moved indoors. Events and activities are subject to change.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. The museum is closed on Mondays during the winter season with the exception of holidays and during school vacation weeks. Admission is $15 for ages 15 to 64, $14 for seniors 65 and up, and $10 for ages 4 to 14. New England Air Museum members and children under 3 are admitted free. For more information and directions to the museum, please visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. pre-schoolers are no-charge. For reservations, call Mary at 860-653-2834. Copper Hill United Methodist Church is located at 29 Copper Hill Road, East Granby.

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, March 5, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The program will feature guest photographer Lisa Cuchara, who will share her talents and photographic interests with the club.

The scavenger hunt words are favorite, still life, and blue hour (the hour before sunrise or the hour after sunset).

To learn more about the club visit GranbyCameraClub.com.

SBHS Events

Historic Sites of Farmington Valley Saturday, April 28: Farmington River Currents thru Time Bus Tour includes towns of Farmington, Unionville and Burlington. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. with Farmington pickup/drop off. Pre-tour lecture on April 26. For more information contact Nancy Anstey at nancy. anstey@comcast.net.

Spring Flea Market Saturday, May 12: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Society’s grounds, 208 Salmon Brook Street. For vendor information, contact Dave at 860-653-3965. Donations accepted in April on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Antique Car Show Saturday, June 2: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Society’s grounds. For more information contact Spencer at tvibert@snet.net.

Open House Tours Sundays in June through September, 2 – 4 p.m.

Small Engine Show Saturday, Sept. 22: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the Society’s grounds. Contact Don Rethke if you have an engine to show, 860-549-6687 or flushbewithyou@ yahoo.com.

Fall Flea Market Saturday, Oct. 13: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Society’s grounds.

MS Support

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

Swedish Pancake Breakfast and More

The youth at Pilgrim Covenant Church will host a Swedish Pancake Breakfast and Scandinavian Bake Sale on Saturday, March 3, 8 to 10 a.m. at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook St., just before the Massachusetts state line. This is a donation-breakfast benefiting the youth groups. Swedish pancakes, bacon, sausage and breakfast beverages will be served. Delicious Scandinavian and other home-baked goods will be available for sale.

The Senior High Youth Group (grades 9–12) meets Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and the Middle School Youth Group (grades 6–8) meets Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the church. Youth Pastor Matt Gillis can be reached at 860-392-8160.

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, March 7, the Tainted Beauty Studio with Angela Cortez returns for a program entitled The Expressive Beauty Bunch for the Granby Women’s Breakfast program. Breakfast at the Granby Senior Center starts at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 a.m. Cost is $4. Reserve your place with Corinne Dickerson, 860-653-9891.

Volunteers Needed

Mary’s Kitty Korner, a no-kill cat shelter in Granby Center, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find their “fur-ever” homes.

If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon the shelter would love to hear from you. Call 860-379-4141 or visit www. maryskittykorner.org to find out more.

At this time the greatest need for help is on Thursday and Friday mornings and Tuesday evening.

Granby Civic Club

After a two-month winter break, the Granby Civic Club will meet on Thursday, March 15, 1 p.m. in the Senior Center. A local resident will share the Granby history of the retired gentlemen’s sport of Foxhound hunting. The Civic Club members welcome friends of Granby and surrounding communities to this meeting. After the program everyone is welcome to participate in a Sing-a-Long of Irish music with a special guest guitarist. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Ginny Wutka at ginny@lostacres.com.

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

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

@

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

New men’s baseball team in Granby

The Granby Cubs are a new wood bat baseball team for ages 25 and older starting play in the Connecticut Men’s Senior Baseball North League.

The team will play double headers on Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. starting April 15. The first playoff series begins the first weekend in August.

Home games will be played at Ahrens Park. The other teams in the league are in Canton, Bloomfield, Southington, Newington, Marlborough, Kensington

and New Haven.

The team thanks its inaugural year sponsors: The Patchworks Schoolhouse, LLC and Tim’s Automotive, both of Granby, and Gary’s Connecticut Lawn Care of Broad Brook. The team is still looking for players and sponsors. If interested in more information on playing or sponsoring, contact the team at granbycubs@yahoo.com. Also, check us out on Facebook at Granby Cubs.

March Lunch for the Mind features dream workshop

According to Wikipedia, “a dream is a succession of images, ideas, emotions and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.” Do you have vivid dreams while you sleep or even vivid day dreams? Would you like to find out how to interpret these dreams? If so, the Granby Senior Center Civic Engagement Education Team’s March Lunch for the Mind Program can help.

Natalie Griffin of Naughty Shaman LLC in Glastonbury will present the workshop, Dreams and Waking Dreams on Wednesday, March 21, at 12:30 p.m. at the senior center. Griffin says: “The language of the soul is spoken in symbols and dreams. We can have an even richer experience of life when we begin to understand the language of the symbols that show up in our everyday life and in dreams.” The workshop will

examine these dream symbols and four types of dreams and develop our ability to interpret the symbols and events that we see. She will also discuss two tools that we can use to practice and develop the skill of dreaming.

Griffin is the Founder of Naughty Shaman, the Director of the Dharma School U.S. and Director of the Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts.

She is also a certified yoga teacher and was on the teaching staff of The Four Winds Institute of Energy Medicine. Griffin is currently a Senior Teacher of Transpersonal Coaching for Acersentido, an international coaching company headquartered in Chile. Come dream with us on March 21. Please register by calling 860-844-5352. Cost is $5. Bring your own lunch. Beverage and dessert provided.

Page 14 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

Granby Democrats host candidate forum for 62nd house district March 6

By David Desiderato Two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the 62nd House District will appear together on Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in the Granby Town Hall Meeting Room to address interested voters and answer questions.

Amanda Webster and Valerie Eastwood, both of Granby, have been campaigning throughout the district for months, talking with individual voters, groups and town committees. The forum format will include questions gathered in advance and presented by a panel, as well as questions selected from the audience.

“It’s the first time in recent history that we’ve had a dynamic contest between two articulate and determined Democrats for this seat,” said Jim Lofink, who chairs the Democratic Town Committee.

“We’re looking forward to this great opportunity for voters to see and hear the candidates, their qualifications and their positions on issues.”

“The next step after the forum will be our Caucus on March 29, open to all registered Democrats,” Lofink added.

“The Caucus chooses the six Granby Delegates to the convention for the 62nd District in May.” The March 29 Caucus will be held at 7 p.m. in the Community

Valerie Eastwood, Democratic candidate for District 62 Longtime attorney and healthcare advocate Valerie Eastwood is throwing her hat into the ring as Democratic candidate for District 62, Connecticut House of Representatives.

“I am delighted to declare my candidacy for the State House Valerie Eastwood of Representatives,” Eastwood said. “Our towns deserve experienced leadership and a Rep who will fight for progress and protect the health and wellbeing of our hard-working families.”

“I’ve spent my career fighting to improve access to healthcare and services, and I share everyone’s concerns about rising insurance costs and diminishing access to affordable care. I stand for “Medicare for All” and for recognizing and treating the opioid epidemic and gun violence as public health crises,”

Eastwood said.

A resident of Granby, Eastwood noted, “We enjoy a terrific quality of life in our towns, which we need to preserve and enhance with increased services to seniors, in-home solutions for our disabled and elderly neighbors and small business incentives to re-energize businesses in our communities. We need strong progressive leadership that can get things done and cut through divisiveness and obstructionism in our State House. I will work hard to move Connecticut forward, and I will reach across political party lines to find commonsense, progressive solutions for Connecticut.”

Eastwood grew up in Miami, Florida and is a graduate of University of Miami Law School (J.D.) and Georgetown University (LL.M). She and her husband, a minister in the United Church of Christ, have two sons, currently in graduate school in Virginia and New York.

Eastwood is a member of the Granby Democratic Town Committee, and serves on the Granby Library Board.

Room of the Granby Senior and Youth Services Center.

Granby is the largest town in the four-town 62nd district, which includes Barkhamsted, Hartland and New Hartford. Voters throughout the district are invited to attend the March 6 forum.

“These are exciting times for local grassroots democracy,” Lofink observed.

“These two candidates are proof positive of the values and vigor that our party brings to the American democratic experience.” The program will be broadcast live on GCTV Cox Channel 16 and will be available for viewing online GCTV16. org, starting the day after the event. RSVPs are not necessary but can be sent to GranbyDemocrats@gmail.com.

Amanda Webster, Democratic candidate for District 62 Amanda Webster appeared on the cover of the Jan. 29 edition of TIME magazine.

Of the honor Amanda said, “I am inspired by the women who are alongside me on this journey and am grateful for this lifetime opportunity.”

Amanda has gotten the attention of many residents who want to see a change in their representation, and are eager for a strong voice like Amanda’s to speak for them. This is the second national campaign Amanda has been featured in; in November Amanda was featured in a Mic.com video (and subsequently led) the article featuring candidates across the nation. Additionally, Amanda is one of the highly selective candidates endorsed

by Run For Something, as well as being endorsed nationally by The American Women’s Party and locally by the CT Women’s Political Revolution.

Amanda is an active member of many local grassroots organizations that work for progressive causes, the Democratic

Town Committee, Board of Education’s Equity Task Force, and an executive board member for the Granby PTO. Amanda lives in Granby with her husband Brandon, who serves on the Board of Education, and their sons Hank, 6, and Theo, 4.

Amanda Webster

It’s time to sign up for a community garden plot

By Jim Glenney The gardens are located just north of Ahrens Park on Hungary Road and are divided into an organic section and a conventional one. A pump well provides a water supply. The cost is $5 for a 20 by 20 foot plot. No new 20 x 40 foot plots will be given this year until all requests for plots have been met. Last year’s gardeners wishing to reserve the same plots need to make their $5 or $10 payment by May 1. After that date, plots will be assigned to new gardeners. New gardeners interested in reserving a plot should email bluebirds987@ sbcglobal.net or call Jim Glenney at 860-653-6179.

The gardens are usually ready for planting by the end of April. If you pay for a plot but fail to get started by June 1, you will have your money refunded. “Getting started” means you either have started planting or have worked the soil to keep the weeds down. If for some reason you cannot get started but still want to garden, please contact me.

Here are a few common sense rules to follow. Not everyone wants to listen to your radio, keep it low. Don’t plant so

close to the pathways to make walking more difficult. Help keep the pathway clear of stones and weeds. Keeping a 20 x 20-ft. plot free of weeds takes a lot of energy and hard work. Get a friend to share the plot each taking 10 feet. Avoid using cheap weed block. It deteriorates quickly and is difficult to pull up and often ends up being chopped creating a mess.

Use leaves, grass, straw, wood shavings and newspapers to keep the weeds down.

The use of chemicals in the conventional gardens is discouraged but not outlawed.

A simple guideline to follow is that healthy soil produces healthy vegetables and that leads to healthy people.

Make your check payable to Granby Community Gardens, and mail it to Jim Glenney, 33 Glen Road, Granby, CT 06035. All plots need to be cleaned up at the end of the growing season, usually around Nov. 1. If you are still growing a fall crop continue with that, just clean up.

Volunteers will be needed to help stake out the plots once the garden has been plowed.

We are lucky to have a good group willing to help. Why do you think the cost is $5 or $10? Because it is a community effort.

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 15

BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES The Drummer is seeking a reporter for Granby’s Board of Education meetings.

If you are interested, email editor@ granbydrummer.org

FEB. 8, 2018, MEETING

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

• Melissa Migliaccio and staff attended the Open Choice meeting for families. The meeting was extremely well received by the Choice families and CREC employees. Thank you to Mr. Hershon for organizing the event. After listening to the families’ requests, hopes and aspirations, the most popular item that came up was to have a late bus for the kids which is in the plus one budget. This meeting will be held on a regular basis going forward.

• Congratulations to Tyler Brown, Alec Jedamonov and Ryan Ziskin for advancing to the MathCounts State Competition on March 10 at the University of Hartford.

• Congratulations to Ashley Payette and Andrew VanAllen, Grade 2 students at Kelly Lane, for being recognized at the CAS Elementary Celebrations of the Arts on Feb. 12 for demonstrating outstanding ability in performing and visual arts.

• The Robotics team advanced to the State Competition at Greenwich Academy.

• There was tremendous participation from local businesses on Middle School STEAM Day. This event was well received and well run.

• The administrative budget will be presented on March 7.

• Secondary School Improvement Plan Updates: Sue Henneberry, Middle School Principal, and Michael Dunn, High School Principal, updated the Board on their School Improvement

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Plans for their respective schools.

Henneberry updated the Board on the three-year team-based model as well as increasing student achievement in literacy across all disciplines. Dunn stated the high school is working on developing equitable systems and practices that personalizes learning for all students. He stated that going through NEAS&C accreditation process helps to boast personalized learning.

• FY19 Budget Development: Dr. Addley provided an update on the progress of the FY19 Budget. Tough decisions will need to be made prior to presenting the budget on March 7. Granby does not know what is coming down from the state and it will be very challenging.

Dr. Addley stated everything is up for discussion when the administrative

team meets and he will try to bring in a reasonable budget. He also informed the Board that he is close to finishing a special education prediction studentby-student and there is a small change where some outplaced students will be returning to the district creating a savings. Dr. Addley stated he would still like to move the district forward and will have to be creative in the way things are done and structured.

• Dr. Addley presented the FY19 Quality and Diversity (Q&D) Fund Budget to the Board.

—Condensed from BOE minutes of the Feb. 8, 2018, meeting. Read the entire minutes at granby.k12.ct.us/page. cfm?p=5586 or watch the meeting on GCTV16.org.

Rep. Simanski Volunteers for Read Aloud Day State Representative Bill Simanski (R-62) participated in the 27th Annual Read Aloud Day. This annual event helps teachers promote childhood literacy and a lifelong love of reading by having volunteers from the community join classes in the morning to read a book for the class. Rep. Simanski read The Giant Jumperee

by Julia Donaldson to Miss Beblowski’s kindergarten class at Hartland School. He reported, “I believe reading is a critical foundation to learning. Miss Beblowski’s students were engaging and raised their hands at every question. I hope events like this will help stimulate the love of reading for these children.”

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Making a life out of G L A S S tions all over Europe. She is invited to teach all over the world, Jerusalem being one of the more interesting experiences, and also here in the States. During January, for example, she taught in Kansas.

A native of White Plains, N.Y., Gottlieb came to the area while a student at the University of Hartford, where he received a degree in math and chemistry.

He had been intrigued with the melting of glass since his days in high school chemistry and decided to take some classes to learn more about it. He first studied at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, Mass., then Franklin Pierce University and several times at the Corning studio where he became friends with the lovely Finnish girl who would steal his heart.

Gottlieb bought the house on Silver Street in 1999. He renovated the original structure and in 2015, added the studio and gallery. Meanwhile, the couple continued to date across the ocean, as Annukka had returned to Finland to teach.

They married in May 2015 in Granby Town Hall.

In addition to making their own beautiful art objects, the couple is happy to teach others and help them to make simple pieces of their own. Here is the process, seen in the accompanying photos, to make your own paperweight.

A reservoir of molten clear glass is present in the furnace, with a temperature of 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. An appropriate amount is wound onto a metal rod and taken to a metal table where it is rolled and shaped. While still hot, it is rolled into trays of tiny colored glass bits called frit. A piece may contain one or multiple colors.

Using a large ladle, more of the molten clear glass is added to the rod and it is brought to the bench where it is continuously rolled and shaped with a wooden block and a tool called jacks for one to two minutes, by which time it has cooled and must be reheated in the furnace for more shaping. A handheld torch is used to heat specific areas of the piece for the final touches.

This process continues until the desired result is achieved, at which point the object is broken off the rod

By Shirley Murtha If you have been to any of the Granby Artist Association arts and crafts shows during the holiday season or enjoyed visiting the artists’ studios on Open Studio Day in the fall, you have probably noticed the exquisite glasswork done by Silver Street Glass. Pieces of all different sizes, textures and colors capture the eye: wall hangings, paperweights, jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments, vases, bowls, to name a few. Did you know that you could make some of these things yourself by taking a class—either individual or group—at the studio at 105 Silver Street in North Granby? Before the details on that, here’s a little about the people who brought their skill, creativity and imagination to our town.

Annukka Ritalahti was born and raised in Finland where she began her career in glass in 1980, running a glass studio for several years until surgery on a neck problem caused an inability to lift the heavy pieces. She decided to switch her focus to smaller art pieces such as stained glass wall-hangings, mini-sculptures and beads for jewelry making. Her education took place in European glass centers in Berlin, Florence and Murano, and eventually brought her to the Corning Museum of Glass in New York state, where, in 2014, she met Mark Gottlieb, who would become her husband. Many of her art pieces are on display in Finland, and she has had several private art exhibi-

Ladling more molten glass onto the rod.

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and placed in the annealing oven, kept at 950 degrees.

It, and all the other pieces made on that given day, will stay in the oven for about 12 hours. Cooling takes place gradually in a series of steps; if the items cool too quickly stress is built in and they may eventually break.

For something a little less physical, one of Ritalahti’s stained glass classes may interest you. Her stained glass pieces may combine painting, engraving, fusing and etching. She puts these pieces together to make intricate wall-hangings, suncatchers and lampshades. Her work involves both flameworking and lamp-working Rolling the molten glass on the metal table to begin techniques. Flame-working, shaping. with a large torch, is used for making bigger items such as large is a very successful venue for them. To sculptures and perfume bottles. Lampsee examples of their pieces, visit their working, with a smaller torch, produces website, www.silverstreetglass.com. smaller items such as the beads for jewClosed earlier this winter, the studios elry-making. re-opened Feb. 18. Glass blowing classes The Gallery at Silver Street Glass is will be offered through May 13 and again open by appointment and during town from October through the end of the year. art events. Ritalahti and Gottlieb parTo see what is available, visit the website. ticipate in many craft shows, so it is not To sign up for a class, call or text 860possible to have regular gallery hours.

921-1486 or email silverstreetglass@ At this time, their work is for sale at the gmail.com.

Granby Pharmacy, which Gottlieb notes Photos by Shirley Murtha

Guest Billy Baraw from West Springfield inspects his work.

The final product, ready to be placed in the annealing oven.

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

Land Trust announces spring events

By Trish Percival Spring is just around the corner and the members of the Granby Land Trust Board of Directors are ready to get outside.

Members hope you will join them on some GLT properties to enjoy fresh air, exercise, connecting with each other, and learning more about the incredible natural world around us.

FORGOTTEN FARMS, A DOCUMENTARY Sunday, March 11, 2 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library (Lower Level)

New England has lost more than 10,000 dairy farms in last 50 years. This documentary film, created by film director Dave Simonds and producer Sarah Gardner, who teaches land-use planning at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, explores the cultural divide between dairy farmers and farmers who are thriving in the new “local food” movement. The Land Trust has partnered with the Friends of Holcomb Farm and the Simsbury Land Trust to bring this film to the area. It will take place on the lower level of the Simsbury Public Library. No RSVP needed.

MAPLE SUGARING…A HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS Sun., March 18, 1 p.m. at Emery Farm

A hands-on demonstration of how maple syrup is made at the Emery Farm Sugar House. It will follow an abbreviated process of sap collection, transport through to boiling, filtering and bottling of the finished product. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to taste some Emery Farm maple syrup.

No pets, please. Appropriate for children of all ages. The event will be outside for the duration, so please dress accordingly.

The Emery Sugar House is located at 71 Loomis Street in North Granby. RSVP to: Dave Emery at dwemery79@gmail.com

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION HIKE Sunday, April 22, 1 p.m. at GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve A family-friendly walk at the Land Trust’s new Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve.

This preserve contains more than 150 acres of field and forest and a vernal pool where hikers may find some amphibians waking up from their long winters’ naps. The hike leader will be GLT Board Member Jen Plourde, a knowledgeable middle school science educator. All children should be accompanied by an adult. No pets please. Appropriate for children of all ages. You might get your feet wet, so please dress accordingly. The hike will begin at the preserve trailhead/ parking area on Silver Street. In case of significant rain, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. (Raindate is April 29.) RSVP to Jen Plourde at jlplourde@aol.com SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALKS Sat., May 12 and Sun., May 13, 7 a.m. both days, at 253 Loomis St.

Join in for a Land Trust tradition, the Spring Bird Walks led by Land Trust members and expert birders John Weeks and Christine Chinni. These walks on the mornings of May 13 and 14 will take place on Jamie Gamble’s beautiful North Granby property located at 253 Loomis Street—near the Massachusetts line. There is no house at this location.

These events will start promptly at 7 a.m.

You’ll see lots of birds at this time of year as they return from a winter away. You don’t have to be a birder to enjoy this quiet morning in the woods. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. These walks have been completely full the last couple of years so you are encouraged to register early. There are two walks again this year to accommodate as many members as possible.

If there are rain/showers either morning, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. Significant showers will

Granby Memorial High School alum to run in Boston Marathon

By John R. Nieb On April 16, Nicole Kuhnly, a 2012 Granby Memorial High School graduate, will be running in the Boston Marathon for the first time. One of the reasons Kuhnly decided to run in the Marathon is to honor of her late paternal grandmother, Z, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2016.

“She was my biggest cheerleader, so I am thrilled to be running for her,” said Kuhnly.

Kuhnly is also running for Hannah, a two-year-old patient, who is battling leukemia at the Jimmy Fund Clinic.

Since Kuhnly works at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, she is also running in honor of all of her patients and all of those affected by cancer.

“I am honored to run for such a wonderful organization and I’m excited to run for all of those battling cancer,” Kuhnly said.

Kuhnly has been getting the word out about her run by posting it on social media and via word of mouth. She is holding a fundraiser in Boston to help promote the cause to her colleagues.

The Dana-Farber group coach put together a training plan for Kuhnly and her team to follow. It consists of four to five days of running, one day of rest and one or two days of cross training.

Kuhnly is doing some sort of training most days of the week.

Kuhnly is raising money for the DanaFarber Cancer Institute. Kuhnly’s goal is to raise $10,000 and all that money raised goes directly to cancer research.

The Boston Marathon was established through the Boston Athletic Association, whose mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially cancel the walks; raindates would be the following weekend. RSVP to: John Weeks, 860-844-8965 or by email at aerie.

john@cox.net

AN EXPLORATION OF THIS BEAUTIFUL NEW GLT PROPERTY Sun., June 3, 1 p.m. CT Trail’s Day Hike at the Seth & Lucy Holcombe Preserve A family-friendly Connecticut Trails Day hike on trails that crisscross this beautiful, 150-acre parcel of land that was recently gifted to the Granby Land Trust by Seth and Lucy Holcombe, who were longtime, loyal and generous GLT

Seth and Lucy Holcombe were generous GLT supporters.

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running. The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge raises funds for the Barr Program research, which is an initiative at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To date, the Dana-Farber team has raised more than $85 million for innovative cancer research. All of the donations support the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“Cancer has played a significant role in my life and I am dedicating my career to helping those affected by cancer so I could not think of a better forum to fundraise and run the Boston Marathon,” Kuhnly said.

To donate to this cause, please use the following link: runDFMC.org/2018/ nicolek.

Nicole Kuhnly is running in the2018 Boston Marathon on April 16 to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her goal of $10,000 will go directly to cancer research. Submitted photo.

supporters and friends. The hike will be led by former middle school science teacher Dave Emery and current middle school science teacher Jen Plourde, who will be on the lookout for items of natural interest. All children should be accompanied by an adult. No pets please. The hike will begin at the Preserve trailhead/parking area on Silver Street. In case of significant rain, please check the GLT Facebook page for an update. RSVP to Jen Plourde at jlplourde@aol.com

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

The Great Perch Tragedy I suppose there are lots of times in life when you don’t need to know exact numbers. The length of my driveway in inches, the number of cookies I had for dessert and the amount I spent on THE PANHANDLER (a double-edged, single-action, fish-filleting piece of genius that I have never used) all come to mind.

But let me tell you something: when it comes to perch, exact numbers are very important. I learned this the hard way in what will forever be known as The Great Perch Tragedy.

It all started innocently enough. My daughter Ellie and I were fishing a few years ago on one of our favorite lakes and we were down to the last few casts.

We were due home so I could clean up before taking my wife to dinner for our fourteenth wedding anniversary (anniversaries being one of those times when

exact numbers, and punctuality, are critical). Ellie pitched her worm next to a submerged boulder and almost instantly yelled: “Dad, I got a nice one here.”

When she got it on board, I saw she was right. “That is a huge Pumpkinseed.

I bet it qualifies for the state’s trophy fish program. We have to photograph and measure it.”

I explained to Ellie that Connecticut issues a certificate and pin if you catch a fish of sufficient size. There are two ways to qualify: by weight and by length. To qualify by weight, you must have the fish weighed on a certified scale. This usually requires killing the fish in order to transport it to an approved scale. Or, you can release the fish if you take pictures of the angler holding it and clearly showing its length. We keep a yardstick on the boat for this exact purpose.

Killing the fish wasn’t an option for me or Ellie, so we carefully took the required pictures. We submitted the forms to the state, and six weeks later Ellie received her pin. Hers was the largest Pumpkinseed caught that year.

That fish triggered something. Suddenly, Ellie couldn’t get enough of fishing. Clearly, the prospect of earning trophy pins had replaced the desire to occasionally humor me. I say “clearly,” because she told me so.

“Dad”, she said, “we have to get back out on the lake and do some more fishing.”

“Really, you enjoy fishing with me that much?” My heart, ignoring signals from my brain, was swelling.

“Well ... sure. But, don’t you think we can get some more pins? You have always said there are some huge fish in that lake.”

And so, about a week later, we were back at it. I wasn’t optimistic about our chances. The wind was blowing really hard. I knew I could put us on one of the honey holes, but I didn’t think I could keep us there long enough to catch fish.

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.

Ellie made her first cast, and before I could even put bait on my line, she said: “Oh my.”

Those were her only words as she hoisted into the boat the largest yellow perch I have ever seen. I mean, it was a monster.

Twenty full seconds of stunned silenced passed. And then: “Does it qualify?”

“I don’t know. Let’s take some pictures and measure it.”

It was no easy task getting a good shot of her holding a fish whose girth was three times the size of her forearm.

Twice, it powered its way out of her grip by flicking its enormous head. Finally, with her arm shaking, she was able to

hold it just long enough for me to snap a picture.

We then carefully laid it on the yardstick. Sensing, I’m sure, the magnitude of the circumstances, the fish lay still: 17 and one-half inches.

“Is it big enough?”

“I’m afraid not. It needs to be 21 inches.

Sorry, honey.”

“Shouldn’t you take a picture of it on the yardstick just in case?”

“No need. I’m sure. Twenty-one is the minimum.”

We made the drive home in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. And my thoughts were consuming me. What started as nagging doubt was quickly turning to sheer panic. What kind of idiots set these standards? How can a perch exceeding 17 inches not qualify?

I had recently looked at the standard for smallmouth bass--please tell me I didn’t confuse the two. Why, oh why didn’t I just open the book I keep on the boat?

Better yet, why didn’t I just take a picture like Ellie suggested?

I waited until the next day to tell her. “I made a mistake. The minimum is only 15 inches. Your fish easily qualified.”

In response, she stared at me with a mixture of shock, anger and pity. I had never seen that expression on her face before, though its common place with her older brother.

And then it passed.

“Well, dad, we’ll just have to go catch him again.”

Ellie and her 17-inch yellow perch.

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

Parks & Recreation Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open 24/7 at www.GranbyRec.com for program registration.

Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: www,GranbyRec.com. Accepting MasterCard/Visa/Discover for payments.

Register for programs at any time of the day or night, find out right away if a program still has space available, check your account to see what activities your family members are signed up for, and print out a year end receipt for tax purposes.

Program/Trip Registration: All 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: Program scholarship information is available upon request. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence; apply early.

Event Planning: Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm. The SB Park House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace and central air conditioning. The North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people a day to remember.

Dates fill fast so call or visit the website for more information.

Summer Employment: The Granby Recreation Dept. has employment opportunities at SBP for concession staff for the spring and summer, lifeguards and day camp counselors for the summer. Get an application at www.Granbyrec. com and apply by March 23.

Summer Camp: Registration is open for all of our summer 2018 programs. Please visit the website for the latest information and online registration including day camp, youth sport and enrichment camps.

TWILIGHT EGGSTRAVAGANZA Jack, the Spring Bunny, will be visiting Salmon Brook Park on Thursday, March 29 as local organizations put together an egg-citing evening for children ages 2–11 to participate in egg hunts, face painting, bounce house activities, and get a picture with the Spring Bunny. This event is sponsored by the Granby Recreation Department, Granby Early Childhood Council, and Bounce About of Canton. The event is free. The SBP Concession Stand will be open with burgers, hotdogs, snacks, and drinks for sale throughout the evening. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. An egg hunt for 1–2 year olds is at 6 p.m., an egg hunt for children 3–5 at about 6:45 p.m., and a Flashlight Egg Hunt for children 6–11 after it gets dark, about 7:45 p.m. All children participating in the hunts should bring their own basket or sack to collect the hidden eggs, and those in the Flashlight Egg Hunt will need to bring their own flashlight.

TRIPS Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles: Monday, April 16 for the annual Patriot’s Day Game at Fenway Park. This is always a significant home game with the Boston Marathon being run through the city during the game and lots of pre-game holiday pageantry and ceremonies. Seating is in Right Field Box 89 (under the retired numbers). The bus will leave

Granby Town Hall at 7:15 a.m. for the 11:05 a.m. start, and we should be home around 4:30 p.m.

Limited seats, don’t wait to sign up. Tickets can only be reserved with full payment. $115pp.

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees: Friday, June 29 as two of baseball’s biggest rivals meet in Yankee Stadium. We expect to have seats in section 233B (straightaway left field, second level) for this 7:05 p.m. game. Bus departs Town Hall at 2:45 p.m. Limited seats, don’t wait to sign up. Tickets can only be reserved with full payment. $125pp.

Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays: Sunday, July 15 as the Red Sox take on their AL East Rivals at Fenway Park. Seating in Right Field Box 87 (under the retired numbers). Bus departs Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. for the 1:35 p.m. start. Limited seats, don’t wait to sign up. Tickets can only be reserved with full payment. $119pp.

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Monday, Aug. 20, bring your family on an exciting trip to the world famous Bronx Zoo. With awardwinning, 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. Whether you’re nose-to-nose with Western Lowland Gorillas in their famous Congo Gorilla Forest, spotting Snow Leopards in their naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, you’re always within roaring distance of the world’s most amazing wildlife. In the end, you’ll know that your admission fees went to a conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. The deluxe motor coach will leave Town Hall at 7 a.m. and leave the Bronx Zoo at 4:30 p.m. The Total Experience Deluxe package includes zoo shuttles, Wild Asia Monorail, Bug Carousel, Children’s Zoo, the new 4-D Theater, and the Congo Gorilla Forest. Cost is $65pp.

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—use your imagination.

The usual drop off points in the City are The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Pickup is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Coach Tavern, 7th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets. Trip dates: May 5 and Oct. 6 for $46pp, Dec. 1 for $48pp.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Indoor Field Hockey League, grades 9–12: March 1–15, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Four teams will be created to play 6v6, modified indoor rules. Each night there will be four 25-minute games, each team is guaranteed two games; maximum 8 players on each team. $55pp, at GMHS. Preseason Conditioning and Fitness Camp, grades 7–12: March 12–16; 2:30-4:30 p.m. This program is for those looking to get in shape (or help stay in shape) for the start of their 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

In Memory of William H. Parsons, Jr. William H. Parsons, Jr. of Farmington passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2018.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah Parsons, his son Daniel Parsons, his daughter-in-law Sinead Parsons, his grandson Hunter Parsons, and his brother Gary Parsons, as well as hundreds of family members and friends. He was predeceased by his Father William H. Parsons Sr, his Mother Therese A. Parsons, and his sister Claire A. Parsons.

Bill grew up in Cooperstown, N.Y., graduating from Cooperstown Central School in 1970, and went on to attend Vassar College, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. Soon after, he started his own masonry and restoration business, working on historic sites like The Noah Webster House, The Farmers’ Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, Doubleday Field, and The National Baseball Hall of Fame. After moving to New York City to manage the restoration of Belvedere Castle in Central Park, he met his future wife Donna and the two moved to Granby, Connecticut, to have their children. Bill was a wonderful father and renowned whistler who made friends everywhere he went. He was respected in several communities throughout New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and will be sorely missed.

A service for Bill will be held Saturday April 28, 3 p.m. at Christ Church in Cooperstown, N.Y., followed by a reception at Templeton Hall on Pioneer Street. If you plan to attend please notify Donna Parsons at donnaparsons500@aol.com or 860-805-3215 so the family may plan accordingly. In lieu of flowers, a modest donation towards Bill’s memorial service may be sent to Dan Parsons at 541 Pleasant St, Hanson, MA 02341.

exercises will be incorporated throughout the work out each day. 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 held in the Community gym; if weather permits, we will also go outside.

Instructor, Terri Ziemnicki, is a National Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Training and Connecticut Certified High School Coach for over 30 years. $80pp, at GMHS. Super Soccer Saturdays, ages 3–5: Soccer Shots is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. April 21–May 26 at Ahrens Park. $95pp. 9–9:50 a.m., 10–10:50 a.m., or 11–11:50 a.m.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT KELLY LANE, GRADES K–2

F.A.S.T. Super Sports: 3:20–4:20 p.m. This program offers a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, flag football and kick ball, and includes proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport.

Each day will end with a high energy game with the sport played that day. $110pp.

Soccer Shots: Wednesdays, April 18–June 6, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Kids learn the fundamentals of soccer while focusing on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship. Children will be challenged through fun games and team interaction, and introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. $100pp.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT WELLS RD, GRADES 3–5

F.A.S.T. Super Sports: 3:20–4:20 p.m. This program offers a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, flag football and kick ball, and includes proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day will end with a high energy game with the sport played that day. $110pp.

Kids Yoga and Mindfulness: Wednesdays, April 18–June 6, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Bring your yoga mat or towel and have some fun while learning beginner yoga poses and meditative breath work through age-appropriate instruction. Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows moving freely, and bring a water bottle. $100pp.

ALL AGES Combination Safe Boating / Personal Watercraft Course: March 6–9, 6–9 p.m. Upon completing this 8-hour Safe Boating / Personal Watercraft Class and passing the exam (which is given during the last class), the participant will have satisfied the DEEP’s requirements and will be able to apply for their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). The cost to apply for the certificate is $50 and is not included in this class fee. A Safe Boating Certificate/Personal Watercraft Class (SBC/CPWO) is required by individuals 10 years of age and older to operate any recreational vessel registered in Connecticut except a personal watercraft (“Jet Ski” type vessel) on Connecticut’s waters. $25pp, at SBP. WAVE I Women’s Self-Defense Program: Comprehensive program that deals with real life scenarios and situations. The program teaches participants the proper way to deal with threatening and dangerous situations that may arise at any given time of day or night, both inside and outside the home or work. It is a no-frills class that teaches practical techniques that have been proven effective. Techniques will include escape and defense from the many types of attacks a woman may be faced with. Participants will be taught the correct way to use the weapons they possess, i.e. hands, feet, knees, and elbows.

A portion of the class will allow participants to practice in a controlled but realistic setting when they get to defend against an attacker dressed in a fully padded tactical suit that helps protect the attacker as well as the students from injury, but allows the student to use full contact force that helps them realize and feel their full potential of power they possess. Ages 14 and over, Tuesday, March 13, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $25pp, at SBP. Ages

11 to 13, Thursday, March 15, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $20pp, at SBP. Yoga for All, ages 18 and up: Tuesdays, Feb. 13–March 27, 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Mixed level yoga class begins with a gentle warm-up, builds to an invigorating flow and ends with deep stretch and peaceful relaxation. Perfect to help gain flexibility, balance and strength. $65pp.

Holcomb Farm Spring Marketplace Event: Sunday, April 29, 12–4 p.m. (Vendors can begin to set up at 9 a.m.) Are you a crafter or a local home business and looking for an opportunity to showcase and sell your items? Sign up and join us for the first Spring Marketplace. This event will give shoppers a way to get a quick jump on their Mother’s Day and Father’s Day shopping and purchase beautiful, one-of-a kind, handmade treasures for gift giving. This event will be held at Holcomb Farm’s North Barn Pavilion.

Spring Cookie Decorating, ages 5 to adult: Sunday, March 25, 1:30–3 p.m. Learn how to beautifully decorate spring-themed cookies with your friends. Decorate sugar cookies shaped like baskets, eggs, butterflies, bunnies and flowers.

Includes instruction, cookies, icing and candies/ sprinkles. Participants will take home their drying cookies in a bakery box. $27pp, SBP.

APRIL VACATION CAMPS, APRIL 9–13

Art-Ventures: grades K–5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $39/ day, at SBP Monday: Alien Art-vasion Young art-stronauts shoot for the stars in this outer space art-venture.

Sculpt wacky aliens with Model Magic clay and build UFOs for them to fly around in. Learn about symmetry while creating alien drawings based on the letters of your name. Then get a little messy concocting glittery galaxy play dough.

Tuesday: Electric Zebras and Neon Tote Bags. Explore pattern and color while painting electrifying zebras on canvases and create wild neon geometric designs on canvas tote bags using a special resist technique and fabric ink.

Then make a rainbow mandala with a variety of vibrant embellishments.

Wednesday: Wicked Wild and Wonderful Art. In this totally unique art-venture, use oil pastels to draw hilarious self-portraits while imagining yourselves as Minions (from the movie Minions).

Create colorful clay tiles with terrific texture using unexpected tools such as seashells and pasta.

Explore the art of decoupage while designing and decorating large paper mache letters.

Thursday: Zany Zoo Animal Art-ventures. Color ceramic bunny banks with special paint markers and design stained glass animals with wiggly eyes. Then create animal clip bookmarks using watercolor paints and draw some surprisingly ferocious fish!

Friday: Boo! Goofy Monsters and Haunted Houses. In this totally awesome and eerie art program, art-venturers construct haunted houses with spider webs, spooky trees, gravestones, creepy crawly creatures, and more. Then paint colorful ceramic monster planters, and sculpt silly clay skeletons.

F.A.S.T. Athletics: 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. for $155pp or 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. for $225pp, at Wells Road.

Super Sports will offer a variety of sports each day such as: soccer, basketball, flag football, dodge ball, and kick ball, and includes proper stretching and warm-up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each day will end with a high-energy game with the sport played that day. Please remember to have your child wear sneakers, bring a water bottle and snack. Bring a lunch if staying for the full day.

Chess Wizards: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. for $190pp, or 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for $305pp, at Holcomb Farms Workshop.

Join us for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games and cool prizes. You’ll improve your chess skills, meet new friends and work out your most powerful muscle—your brain.

This camp will include fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments and puzzles. Each camper receives a Chess Wizards T-Shirt, trophy and puzzle folder.

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Have you noticed the days are getting longer?

Have you ordered your garden seeds yet? No worries, Granby’s vibrant agricultural community has been busy even as you sit by your fire and watch the plows go by.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm’s own farmer, Joe O’Grady, reports that our non-profit CSA sales for summer 2018 are well underway, meaning seeds and organic soil-strengtheners have been purchased at wholesale prices. The more we can save, the more we can grow, the more you will receive, and the more we can provide to those in need

through our Fresh Access program. It’s a virtuous cycle that leads to nutritious and delicious food on your table, and you can be a part of it by signing up for your share right now! To reserve your share, go to www.holcombfarm.org or call 860-844-8616.

Thanks for your financial support As a nonprofit, membership organization, the Friends work to raise funds to pursue our mission—to preserve, promote and utilize an historic New England farm (including food for those in need through Fresh Access). The Friends count on support from a variety of sources: grants, net income from farming programs, fund-raising events and individual donors to the Annual Fund Drive.

The 2018 Annual Fund Drive drew significant and growing support from the generous community (Granby and beyond), and we thank all who participated. Stay tuned in future Drummer issues for plans to grow more food for more people, while continuing to enhance productive use of this land bequeathed to the Granby community by Tudor and Laura Holcomb.

Plows will soon give way to ploughs at Holcomb Farm. Sign-up for Summer CSA Shares today!

New England’s Forgotten Farms Forgotten Farms, a documentary about New England dairy farms, will be shown Sunday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in the Simsbury Public Library lower level program room. The Friends of Holcomb Farm partnered with the Granby and Simsbury land trusts to host this free

event, which will explore the plight of struggling dairy farms that are becoming increasingly scarce in New England. A vision of future regional food systems will be offered. For additional information, contact Amy Zeiner, Simsbury Land Trust, 860-651-8773.

Save the Date: May 5 is the annual Friends of Holcomb Farm progressive dinner Join the Friends of Holcomb Farm for its annual progressive dinner on Saturday, May 5. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the north barn pavilion at the Holcomb Farm. Participants will begin the evening enjoying light appetizers and libations.

Next, the evening moves to host homes for a sumptuous dinner featuring local products. Later, the community event is capped-off with a return to the north barn for delicious homemade desserts.

To purchase tickets, go to holcombfarm.org. All funds raised go to further the mission of the Friends of Holcomb

Farm – to preserve, promote and utilize a historic working New England Farm.

Event planners and host homes needed The Friends also seek people who would like to help plan the evening’s festivities or serve as dinner hosts. If you would like to support Holcomb Farm in either capacity, please email info@ holcombfarm.org or call Cathy in the Friends of Holcomb Farm office – 860844-8616.

TIOSN presents: Soil, plant and human health effects of glyphosate The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN) is grateful for the unique opportunity to bring two world-class research scientists to Granby for a presentation on the effects of Roundup and it’s active ingredient, glyphosate.

Dr. Don M. Huber, Professor Emeritus, Plant Pathology, Purdue University and Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will discuss the soil, plant and human health effects of glyphosate. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

The event will be held March 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Cost is $15.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Countries worldwide are discussing its detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Some countries have banned its use.

In 1996, the state of New York sued Monsanto for falsely advertising Roundup’s biodegradability and making other environmentally friendly claims. Monsanto removed these claims from its advertising. (big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/fraud.pdf)

Spring’s Journey The wind blows and there’s a talk of more snow.

I ask myself, “When will spring ever come?”

Then I remind myself that the days have lengthened, the sun is stronger, and soon purple, white, and yellow crocuses will be appearingeven if through a covering of snow.

I think of the robins, some of whom I’ve already seen, and the journey of all the other spring birds that will come here to build their nests, raise their families, and offer us their sweet songs.

It’s then I know we must journey through all of winter’s last days until springtime with all its flowers, sweet smelling scents, and Beauty returns to color the landscape again.

I must have faith that life’s journey will bring the reward of spring to us all.

—Bernadette Gentry, 2018

In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), identified glyphosate as “a potential carcinogen to humans. (iarc.fr/en/ media-centre/iarcnews/ pdf/MonographVolume112.pdf) In 2017, France led the European Union in phasing out the use of glyphosate over the next three years.

One reason this topic is so controversial is because long-term studies by independent organizations have not been allowed in the United States. Only limited independent information is available to the public and politicians. This contradicts scientific research methods in the U.S.A. Dr. Huber is an internationally recognized researcher and speaker on this subject. With decades of work in the crop fields of the U.S. and the laboratories of prestigious institutions, he is an expert on the complex subject of the interactions between agriculture practices and plant soil health. He continues to submit research papers and inform government agencies around the world about the effects of this herbicide and GMOs. Huber is a seminal contributor of information on these important topics.

Dr. Seneff has a degree in biophysics, and PhD’s in electrical engineering and computer science. For over three decades her research has been at the

intersection of biology and computation.

In recent years, Seneff has focused her research towards biology, concentrating mainly on the relationship between nutrition and health. Since 2011, she has published over two-dozen papers in various medical and health-related journals on topics such as modern day diseases (e.g., Alzheimer, autism, cardiovascular diseases), and the impact of nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins on human health.

She is a highly sought-after international speaker on these subjects.

TIOSN would like to extend a special invitation to our farmers: Farmers who register in advance may attend this special presentation as our guest at no cost.

We have a limited number of guest seats available. Farmers, please contact Joan Palmer at joan@tiosn.com or call 860764-9070 to register.

To register, go to: tiosn.com/events/ category/all-events/ and select March 24, 2018, and register through PayPal or call 860-764-9070.

If you would like to sponsor or advertise the event, or have any questions please contact Joan Palmer at joan@ tiosn.com or call 860-764-9070 You can pay the farmer now or the doctor later; real food matters

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

Humans

of Granby

Fola Oluwaseun

Granby Memorial High School Senior Age: 18 Tell about yourself...

I live in Hartford and travel to Granby each day as an Open Choice student. I am a full time student at the high school.

As for my background story, I was born in Nigeria and moved with my family to Gambia when I was 2 years old. I lived in Gambia until age 12 when I moved to Hartford to live with my father, a U.S. citizen. He came to this country for more opportunities and a better life. This was the statement I heard many times as a child. I entered middle school in Hartford and had to learn English as quickly as possible. Middle school was difficult for me and I was tormented. Kids made fun of my accent, clothes, language disabilities, and anything else that made me appear different.

Fortunately, I was eventually able to come to Granby since I wanted to concentrate on my studies. I am especially interested in psychology, specifically child psychology. I want to understand the reasons for the behavior of troubled kids. How does their family treat them?

I lean towards classes in the medical fields. Next year I will attend Southern Connecticut State University.

By Emma Smith At every high school there are students that make fun of others. I began to realize that I should work on improving my self-confidence. These days I am feeling happier and glad to be in Granby because the school work is challenging here so I learn more.

My passion is to learn how to help other immigrants access the system in order to acquire citizenship and the things they need. I want to learn more about immigration laws. I didn’t grow up with a mom and dad who could help me with this so it was my responsibility to get this done for myself. It was really tough.

In my sophomore and junior years I played field hockey, soccer and track but my knees bothered me. I am not that crazy about playing sports now, but enjoy watching them. When I lived in Gambia, I used to gather together with family members to watch wrestling matches. I miss those days.

My favorite class here is sociology where we are learning about the behaviors of human society. It is interesting, easy to understand and the teacher is very nice.

I also like K-Pop music and watching Korean dramas. One of the best is Descendants of the Sun. Someday, I would like to visit South Korea.

What excites you about the future?

Violence will always be a part of our world but my hope is that it will decrease.

I believe that the future will get better as people learn how to support each other more and more.

Tell about an event or time spent in Granby just having fun…

One day a year or two ago I was playing in a field hockey game after school. My bus was very late coming to pick me up so I stayed to watch the football game.

Not knowing anything about the game it was hard for me to get excited about the score or strategies. I did, however, really enjoy watching all the happy people in the stands eating and cheering, etc.

DTC Trivia Night raises funds for scholarships

By Audrey Lampert

bers and friends from Granby, Hartland and Simsbury enjoyed a pot luck buffet Members and guests of the Granby and mingled with candidates and their Democratic Town Committee (DTC) representatives for several state offices. gathered for fun, food and friendly comDemocratic candidates for Governor in petition at the second annual Trivia Game attendance were Sean Connolly, Luke Night Out, an event that raises funds for Bronin and Mark Stewart. Dita BharGranby DTC college scholarship awards. gava, also a candidate for Governor, did The event was attended by more than not attend but sent a donation. Candidates 80 people this year. Award levels have for Attorney General, Chris grown over the years Mattei and Paul Doyle atwith the first scholartended, and Clare Kindall ship of $500 awarded sent representatives. Local in 2012 increasing to Democratic candidates seektwo $1000 scholaring to represent the 62nd ships in 2017.

District, Amanda Webster The Honorable John and Valerie Eastwood, also Larson, United States attended and participated in Representative, 1st the trivia contest.

District kicked off A friendly and competithe evening by oftive spirit guided the Trivia fering a brief update contest, where twelve teams on recent events in presented their best answers D.C, then expressed to questions on subjects his gratitude for all that varied from football the work that is beJim Sansone L. receives award to Valentine’s Day, food ing done at the local of appreciation for 47 years and the Olympics.

After level. Congressman several rounds, two teams Larson presented lo- of service in Granby DTC from Congressman John Larson. went head-to-head on four cal Granby resident Submitted photo tie-breaker questions before Jim Sansone with a the “Rabid Barracudas” ficertificate acknowlnally won. edging his 47 years of uninterrupted It was a fun-filled evening for a great service on the Granby DTC. Sansone cause, and the DTC scholarship comwas also presented with a gift from the mittee is confident it will once again be Granby DTC members of a personalable to expand the program. Scholarized Granby Christmas ornament by ships are awarded to deserving Granby local Granby artist Laura Eden, showMemorial High School seniors that have ing their gratitude for his many years of demonstrated positive engagement in service. For the second year in a row, the political process and exemplify the Congressman Larson pledged a generous mission of “Making Granby a Better contribution to the scholarship program.

Community.”

Throughout the evening, DTC mem-

KNOW MORE before you TAKE MORE Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health issue that can be faced effectively with the right resources.

From concept to completion, building distinctive landscapes in the Farmington Valley and throughout our state.

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

For resources, go to drugfreect.org

March 2018

Design Installation Restoration www.oldfarmslandscaping.com Granby, Connecticut Bruce Unger 653-4306

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 23

CT Valley Views: Covering the 2018 political scene Oz Griebel selects Monty Frank as running mate in governor’s race The demographics of the Connecticut show segment. Check local TV listings 2018 gubernatorial race include over for time and date or visit the website two dozen candidates roughly includCTValleyviews.com ing an even number of Democrats and Republicans. Twenty are men and four are women with some additional holdouts who have yet to formerly declare. However, only one is an Independent. It’s Oz Griebel who has already chosen his running mate; Monty Frank is a lawyer from Newtown and recent past president of the Connecticut Bar Association.

Griebel is the former president and CEO of the Metro Hartford Alliance otherwise known as Hartford’s Chamber of Commerce. Susan Patricelli-Regan, host of Connecticut Valley Views, will be interviewing Griebel for an enlightening CTVV Monty Frank, left, is Oz Griebel’s running mate.

Toni Boucher (R): Exploratory candidate for governor Toni Boucher has been a member of already chosen a running mate. Of the the Connecticut Senate from the 26th some two dozen candidates, only five District since January 2009 following are women. six terms in the Connecticut House of Her career achievements and political Representatives. Senator Boucher is cursuccesses include being a 25-year firently in an exploratory campaign run nancial services executive with Fortune for the 2018 Connecticut Gubernatorial 500 companies and leading investment race that is crowded with approximately firms. As an entrepreneurial small busitwelve other candidates on each side of ness founder/owner, she co-authored the isle plus one independent who has a publication on Ethics and the NonProfit. She also holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Join Susan Patricelli-Regan, Host of CT Valley Views for a stimulating discussion with Senator Boucher who has declared that Connecticut is a state worth fighting for and that she is a proven fighter.

Cox/Enfield Channel 15 and Frontier Digital TV Channel 99, Friday at 6:30 p.m., March 2 and 9, and Saturday, March 3 and 10 at 10 a.m. Keep watching all of CTVV’s political coverage with “Proof to the People” Host, Patricelli-Regan at ctvalleyviews.com.

Toni Boucher (R) candidate for governor with CTVV’s Susan Patricelli-Regan at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford.

TAX LAW CHANGES

Call NOW for your Tax Appointment

Guy Smith (D) – candidate for governor Guy Smith, a Greenwich resident, has arena, highest level federal governinitiated his campaign in a run for the ment positions and global non-profit 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial race and assignments. He was special advisor to his skill set has a deep and broad specBill Clinton administration, Director of trum. His career path includes senior Connecticut-based AmeriCares, execuleadership experience in the corporate tive vice president at Phillip Morris and Diageo corporations, and most recently advisor to Hillary Clinton for her 2016 presidential campaign.

He is driven to rise to any challenge, which is reflected in his 2012 book, If It is Not Impossible, It’s Not Interesting. It’s available on Amazon—a great read for both personal and professional aspiration and inspiration.

See this informative interview on ctvalleyviews.com.

Guy Smith (D) candidate for Governor with CTVV Host Susan Patricelli-Regan with at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford. Submitted photos

Foxfield equine program a winner with veterans A former member of the Coast Guard and U.S. Army, and Vietnam prisoner of war survivor enjoyed a farrier session while participating in Foxfield F.A.R.M.’s curriculum.

For more info on Granby’s destination for veterans suffering with PTSD, visit: foxfieldrecoverymission.org where tax exempt donations can be made.

Foxfield F.A.R.M recently received a donation of $5,000 from the Ceres Foundation of Charleston, S.C. whose mission is supporting programs that help to change individual lives. By expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth and vulnerable families to develop and make full use of their potential, they will be able to pursue their highest ambitions, earn decent wages, enjoy healthy relationships, and fully participate in their communities. Susan Patricelli-Regan and her husband, Bill, met the Ceres Foundation Vice President at a Farmington Polo Club tournament this past summer. He was significantly impressed with Foxfield’s charity objectives and promised to make a contribution in early 2018.

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WALSH CHIRO•PRAC•TIC 15R Hartford Avenue (above Lite n’ Up)

860-844-0444 • www.bwalshchiro.com

Chiropractic Today for a Healthy Tomorrow

Page 24 The Granby Drummer

March 2018

to survive despite the competition of the new supermarkets and shopping malls.

The W. Kenneth Avery family was very involved in Granby life. They were members of South Congregational Church and the Granby Grange. Hazel was in the Women’s Society of the Church and was a member of the Civic Club. W. Kenneth was a member of St. Mark’s Masonic Lodge of Granby and Hazel was a past Matron of Eastern Star.

W. Kenneth also served two terms in the state legislature in the 1940s.

W. Kenneth continued to work in Avery’s Store through 1968, with the help of his youngest son John “Chick” Avery.

W. Kenneth died in 1969, age 79. His wife Hazel had died in 1963.

family tradition of active membership in South Congregational Church and the community. Preston was a volunteer fireman with Lost Acres Fire Department and on the board of the Salmon Carol Laun Brook Water Company. Heather, a Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society nurse, worked at Avery Heights. She was active in the South Church Sow and Reap Garden Club, a member of the LAFD Women’s Auxiliary and a Granby Library volunteer. Heather died in 1991 and Preston in 2010.

Four generations of Avery’s lived at 2 Other family papers offer a glimpse of After his father’s death, Chick AvPark Place from 1925 when Bertha Rice prices during the depression years of the ery ran the store alone. He lived in an Avery bought the house, until it was sold 1930s. A trip to the dentist for x-rays, apartment behind the store. They had in 2016 for business suites. cleaning and six fillings cost a total of added a line of Maytag appliances and George W. Avery came to Granby $26. Unlike today’s soaring medical Chick became Granby’s iconic “Maytag from Chenango Co. NY in 1883. He was costs, W. Kenneth paid only $1.50 for Repairman.” An 1870 wooden washing a farmer. He courted a local girl, Bertha 75 digitalis pills. The house was valued machine was on display Rice, and they were married on New at $3600 in 1932 and the and much coveted by Year’s Eve 1884. They had two sons, town tax was $79.20. antique dealers. It was William K. in 1890 (always known as The Avery Store was aseventually donated to W. Kenneth) and Paul L. in 1897. The sessed at $120 and taxes the Salmon Brook Hisfamily lived in North Granby and atwere $2.64. torical Society. tended the First Congregational Church.

Avery’s General Store A visit to the Avery In 1924, George Avery, “a respected at first specialized in Store was like traveling citizen and best-liked neighbor” died farm equipment, as well back in time. The store at age 74. as stocking dry goods, offered an amazing vaThe following year his widow, Bertha, food, hardware and evriety of merchandise, all purchased the large white house on Park erything in-between. in glorious confusion.

Place to share with her son W. Kenneth Shoppers could purThe shopper might find a and his family. At that time, W. Kenneth chase overalls or axe jacket or a baseball. You was working as a clerk and postmaster handles; thread or ladcould enjoy the old phoin the Loomis Bros. Store. In 1929, he ders; canning jars or tographs on the walls or decided to open his own store, adjacent penny candy. If you buy a new stove. Chick to his home – Avery’s General Store. needed something, it would also special orW. Kenneth Avery was married to forwas probably here. der anything you might mer Granby schoolteacher, Hazel Helm.

And there was always want. The Avery Store They raised five children in the old a 45-pound wheel of may have seemed to be Granby Hotel – Janet, W. Kenneth Jr., aged cheddar cheese an anachronism but it Preston and the twins, Joanne and John. from Wisconsin, with Avery’s General Store was opened in 1929 by W. Kenneth Avery. The store was Granby’s favorite Bertha Avery died in 1933, age 75. She samples cheerfully of- closed in 2013 and was sold to Grass Roots Creamery. Submitted photo. anachronism. was one of twelve Rice children and the fered to customers. W. Avery’s General Store first of her siblings to die. The house was Kenneth also continued The next occupants of the house were closed in 2013 and Grass Roots Creaminherited by her two sons and then sold as postmaster for 13 years from 1922 to son Preston Avery and his family. Presery, a very popular ice cream business,

by Paul to his brother.

1935. The Post Office was located in the ton was married to Beverly “Heather” moved in. The people of Granby still Family papers show that W. Kenneth area where J. D. had his barber shop for Hayes and the laughter of their four gather on the Green with their ice cream bought a new furnace for the house in many years. children now echoed in the old hotel. cones and some of them might share 1934 for $500. It evidently did not perThe store was expanded in 1941.

They had a son, Will, and three daughtheir memories of shopping in Avery’s. form as advertised, and there are a series As local farming declined, so did the ters, Allison, Cheryl and Beth. Preston of letters from the company requesting demand for tractors and Avery’s then was a mechanical engineer and worked payment. After a year, the bill was paid shifted to garden equipment and supfor Hamilton Standard. He followed the and included W. Kenneth’s comments plies. They offered paint and wallpaper that he was not satisfied with the furalong with personal service. In winter, nace and despite his many requests for Avery’s was the place to buy work service, the repair man did not show up clothes, warm wool socks and sturdy until warm weather arrived. work or hunting boots. They managed A Design/Build Remodeler

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Fortune & Folly of a

Female Farmer

B y Kate B ogli

Nobody loves animals more than a farmer “I’m just an animal lover so I could never do that,” the lady at the library told me. In fact, she’s not the only one who has said this to me when the conversation about my line of work inevitably turns to the death of animals. I grit my teeth because I know they don’t know how what they just said cuts me like a knife. They’re implying that because, once a quarter, I can load up a couple of cows and several pigs and bring them to the processor or even dispense with a chicken myself, that I am made of stone.

That I can just toss animals aside and don’t give their death a second thought.

In fact, I probably give more thought to their LIFE as well as their death than anyone I’ve ever had this conversation with.

Death is definitely the hardest part of life on a farm. It beats out shoveling manure, heavy lifting and hours and hours of fence work. I’ve never spent a sleepless night worrying about how I’m going to lift those 50-pound bags of grain the next day, but I have spent many worrying about a horse recovering from colic, a pig with scours or an anemic goat. I’ve sacrificed my own night’s sleep nursing these animals back to good health, or sadly, sometimes keeping them company and

making sure they are warm in their final hours. I don’t, however, mourn or worry about animals we send to the processor.

I celebrate them. I give them a final pet on the neck and thank them for providing us with entertainment in life and nourishment in death.

Each time our family eats meat, we are thankful for the lives of the animals that provided that meat to us. Because we are so acutely aware that meat = animals, we are careful to eat less of it and make the most out of each pound. If you love animals more than I do, I’d encourage you to do the same.

Dave Emery stoking the fire at the Emery Farm Sugar House. Submitted photo.

Maple sugaring demonstration for kids On Sunday, March 18, at 1 p.m., join Granby Land Trust Board Member Extraordinaire Dave Emery of Emery Farm for a hands-on demonstration of how maple sugar is made. Farmer Dave will follow an abbreviated process of sap collection, then transport through to boiling, filtering and bottling of the finished product. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to taste some delicious Emery Farm maple syrup. This event is appropriate for children of all ages, but please leave your pets at home. It will be outside for the duration, so please dress accordingly. The demonstration will take place at the Emery Farm Sugar House at 71 Loomis Street in North Granby. RSVP to Dave Emery at dwemery79@gmail.com

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer

GMHS WINTER SPORTS

March 2018

PHOTOS BY JAY HARDER, GRANBY CAMERA CLUB

GMHS Vs. Classical Magnet, Jan. 30 Final score: GMHS 75 – Classical Magnet 80 Top: James Shelansky looks to drive the lane against Classical Magnet.

Left: Danny Pierce gets into the paint to score a layup for the Bears.

Bottom: James Shelansky takes the ball up the court on a fast break.

GMHS Vs. Rockville, Feb. 8 Final score: GMHS 52– Rockville 31 Top: Samantha St. Pierre drives the lane against Rockville.

Middle: Mackenzie Stahl looks to make a cross court pass on a fast break against the Rams.

Right: McKenzie Pedersen tracks down a loose ball for the Bears.

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March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 27

GMHS WINTER SPORTS

PHOTOS BY JAY HARDER, GRANBY CAMERA CLUB

WILDCATS Vs. NW CATHOLIC, Feb. 10

WILDCATS Vs. WEST HAVEN, Feb. 17

Final score: WILDCATS 1– NORTHWEST CATHOLIC 8

Final score: WILDCATS 5– WEST HAVEN 2

LEFT: Ryan Antkoviak pushes the puck up the ice at the game vs. Northwest Catholic.

RIGHT: Cole Battiston looks to get the ice out of zone against West Haven.

GMHS Athletes of the Month Maddee McGee

Sports played: Basketball, Softball Academic accomplishments: Honor Roll Student, Perfect Attendance 201516, Spanish Honor Society member, Young Educators Society member Athletic Accomplishments: All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Girl’s Basketball (Sophomore) All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Softball (Sophomore) All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2017-18 -Girl’s Basketball (Junior) Captain of Granby Varsity Girls Basketball 2017-18 AAU Basketball player (5 years) How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: Review game film, get to practice early to get shots up, stay after practice to get shots up, scout opponents, write out plays using my whiteboard, work out at the YMCA on weekends, check opponent records and stats, listen to music Most memorable moment as a BEAR: Basketball: Ellington Away Game Freshman Year; subbed in six minutes left in 4th qtr, down 28-36, scored 10 points to bring Granby back within one possession (missed buzzer beater) Softball: Hitting two home runs in back-to-back at bats vs. Bolton (Spring 2017 Season) Favorite athlete: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder; Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury Plans after high school: Attend a four-year university and play women’s college basketball/softball, while

earning a degree in Education; play women’s basketball professionally, coach sports Favorite quote: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”– Michael Jordan

Kaleb Lillestolen

Sports played: Basketball, Track Academic accomplishments: Spanish Honor Society, Honor Roll Athletic Accomplishments: Basketball Captain, four Varsity Letters How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: pregame snack and relax Most memorable moment as a BEAR: Win over St. Joseph’s in State Tournament Favorite athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans after high school: Attending Liberty University for Mathematics Favorite quote: “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.”– Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

long warm up, then focus on the race about 20 minutes before the start Most memorable moment as a BEAR: Winning 100 fly at the Class S State meet and winning our dual meet against Lewis Mills by anchoring the 4x100 freestyle relay, catching up from a halflap deficit, and out-touching the other team to win the meet by two points Favorite athlete: Ryan Lochte Plans after high school : College (away from Connecticut) Favorite quote: “I don’t give up on my dreams, I keep them alive by sleeping longer.”

Nicole Szilagyi

Sports played: Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Academic accomplishments: Honor Roll

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Chris Weber

Sports played: Cross Country (Fall), Swimming (winter), Outdoor Track (spring) Academic accomplishments: Scholar Athlete Honor and High Honor Roll Athletic Accomplishments: All Conference XC, All State Swimming and Class S Champion in 100 butterfly How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: Listening to terrible music to get pumped up with friends to relax, do a

Athletic Accomplishments: 2x NCCC Champion, Class M State Champion, 2x New England qualifier How I prepare for a game/match/ meet: Listen to music, go through the race in my head, go through my hurdle drills, and just try to relax and have fun Most memorable moment as a BEAR: Having everyone cheering on our teams in the Den Favorite athlete: Gabby Douglas Plans after high school: I will be attending Sacred Heart University majoring in exercise science and continuing my track career Favorite quote: “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”– Lou Holtz

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March 2018

Happenings at the Center THE “SKINNY” ON MARCH ACTIVITIES SPECIAL EVENTS Events are free unless a cost is noted but registration is requested; call 860-844-5350.

Cracking Cold Cases in CT: Wednesday, March 14, 1 p.m. Presented by Michael Sullivan, Chief Inspector of Chief’s State Attorney’s Cold Case Unit.

Learn more about cold cases and how these cases get prosecuted. Register by March 7.

Scuba Diving Adventures: Friday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. Presented by John Silliman, AETNA Retiree Services. This spectacular program will take you under the sea to explore the colors and sights from various scuba expeditions. Light refreshments will be served. Register by March 9.

Tea and Vintage Jewelry Presentation: Tuesday, March 20, 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Panache on Park Boutique and Suffield By The River.

Marguerite, from Panache on Park Boutique, will teach us about costume jewelry from the 1930s to current times. Bring your own vintage pieces.

Tea and refreshments will be provided. Cost $5.

Register by March 13.

Bears in Granby: Monday, March 26, 10 a.m.

Presented by Paul Colburn, Certified Master Wildlife Conservationist. This engaging presentation provides an overview of the black bears of Connecticut. Artifacts will be shared with the audience. Cost $5. Register by March 19.

Calligraphy 101: Mondays, March 26 – April 16 at 1 p.m. Have you ever admired how beautiful calligraphy looks on cards and letters? Learn Blackletter Calligraphy, a classic, dramatic lettering style. Instructor, Debby Reelitz. Cost for 4-week session plus materials $85. Register by March 16.

Jukebox Bingo and Pizza: Wednesday, March 28, 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Keith Alan, Keith Alan Productions. Not your ordinary game of Bingo— have fun with a Name-That-Tune version for fun prizes. Dinner includes pizza, salad and dessert.

Cost $6. Register by March 21.

TAKE THE SURVEY Please help us to help you. Go to granbysurvey.questionpro.com and take our survey.

The Commission on Aging was established to study the needs of senior citizens, to provide support to the Senior Center staff, and aid in the support of programs and activities of the aging. As part of the commission’s continuing efforts to assess baseline and trending conditions within our senior community we occasionally distribute surveys. Survey information is used by the Commission on Aging and the Town of Granby for strategic planning, grant writing, and the continuing National Accreditation of the Senior Center.

AARP TAX ASSISTANCE Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the beginning of April. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Trained volunteer professionals will assist with Form 1040 and the standard schedules, including A and B. Electronic filing is available. Must call to schedule an appointment, 860-844-5350.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS Live Well With Diabetes: Tuesdays, beginning March 6 at 1 p.m. Presented by Justine Ginsberg, Farmington Valley Health District. Do you have or do you care for someone with Type 2 Diabetes?

This 6-week course can help you take control of diabetes. Learn to manage symptoms to get the most out of life. The Farmington Valley Health District sponsors this course at no charge.

Registration in advance.

Karate for Adults: Tuesdays, starting March 27 at 9:30 a.m. Instructor, Master Jeff Firestone, Fred Villari’s Studios. Regardless of your physical ability, this program will teach easy to learn selfdefense skills and concepts while getting good exercise in a fun, friendly environment. Cost $60 for 6 weeks. Register by March 20th.

FOR OUR VETERANS! Veteran’s Coffee: Tuesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. Presented by Hartford HealthCare at

Home. A monthly coffee to learn about benefits, entitlements and other services. Veteran Liaison Wayne Rioux facilitates the group discussion.

Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES! Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, March 7, 8:30 a.m. The Expressive Beauty Bunch, Tainted Beauty Studios. Cost $4. Register by calling 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, March 9, 8:30 a.m.

Guest Speaker is Sam Sampieri, Fox 61 meteorologist. Cost $2. Register in advance.

Lunch for the Mind: Wednesday, March 21, 12:30 p.m. Brought to you by the Civic Engagement Education Team. Dreams and Waking Dreams, presented by Natalie Griffin, founder of Naughty Shaman. This workshop will examine dream symbols as well as four types of dreams and how to develop your ability to interpret the symbols and events that you see.

Cost $5. Bring your own lunch, beverages and dessert provided.

Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, March 28, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (www.daysforgirls.org) to sew for women in need of sanitary products. Both sewers and non-sewers needed to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.

SENIOR VAN SERVICE AND EXCURSIONS! Senior Van

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

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West Farms Mall, Macy’s, Trader Joe’s on Friday, March 16, departs at 9:30 a.m. $4 Dine and Drive at Maine Fish House in East Windsor on Monday, March 5. Cost of ride $4, lunch is on your own.

Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday, departs at 1:30 p.m. Big Y’s 10 percent senior discount is available every Tuesday.

Geissler’s every Wednesday. Call to arrange a time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount is available every Wednesday.

Stop & Shop every Thursday, departs at 1:30

p.m.

TRIPS Adventure Club: Monday, March 19, 9:30 a.m.

Archery Hall’s Arrow, Manchester. Travel to the largest archery range in New England for a lesson in archery. Learn from some of the best in the industry as you try your hand at this fun sport. Lunch will be on your own at Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria. Cost $20. Register by March 12.

Fascia’s Chocolates in Waterbury: Wednesday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. Enjoy tastings and demonstrations. Make your own chocolate bar with toppings. Cost $14, lunch will be on your own at East Side Restaurant, the home of famous German food. Register by March 14.

Metropolitan Opera’s Cosi Fan Tutte: Saturday, March 31, 10:30 a.m. Watch this winning cast come together for Phelim McDermott’s clever vision of Mozart’s comedy about the sexes, set in a carnivalesque environment, inspired by 1950s Coney Island. Lunch on your own at Bertucci’s.

Cost $29. Register by March 23.

FITNESS AND EXERCISE! Classes are available six days a week and are ongoing. Schedules are available at the office. Call the office to register or to get help in determining which class best fits your abilities and needs. Drop in $8.

Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Rise and shine with this gentle, yet effective, yoga flow class. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. An exercise class designed to increase strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Cardio Circuit Training: Mondays at 4:30 p.m.

Timed stations, core work and stretching will invigorate you and get your metabolism heated.

Instructor, Gina Marecki.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Enhanced breathing, increased blood flow, reduced tension and better posture are achieved through the various yoga poses. Great for those with limited mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

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

Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.

Move to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. This is a low impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. This workout does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing.

Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Straight Forward Workout: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. A cardio with step, weight work and stretch class designed to get your heart pumping with this classic workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, lowimpact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management.

Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.

Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Learn to line dance from the Boot Scootin’Boogie to the Cha-Cha. Appropriate for beginners as well as advanced line dancers. Instructor, Jim Gregory.

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

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

MeadowBrook resident celebrates 100 years MeadowBrook of Granby staff and residents celebrated the 100th birthday of one of their very own residents Florence “Elsie Rowe”. Mrs. Rowe, born January 18, 1918, was showered with balloons and gifts as she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family. Mrs. Rowe, a native of Maine where she lived for most of her life, is a passionate woman with a long career as a catering chef. Elsie worked professionally in many resort communities along the coast of Maine.

Mrs. Rowe is the proud mother of five children and many grandchildren. Besides her passion for food, she is an avid animal lover currently participating in the pet therapy programs at MeadowBrook. Her many talents include oil painting.

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 29

Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

COSSITT PUBLIC LIBRARY Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.

Find us online Town of Granby (www.granby-ct. gov); also use the links to join us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Pre-registration is required for many programs. Call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt); or email gplibrary@granby-ct.gov.

Closing Both libraries will be closed on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 for Easter weekend.

Granby Public Library

Book Clubs Free and open to the public; copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing. Please call 860844-5275 to register or get additional information.

Something About the Author: Monday, March 5, 1:30 p.m. The group will discuss Native Guard (poetry) by Natasha Trethewey.

Around the World: Wednesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. Egypt is the chosen country; the group will read Cleopatra

by Stacy Schiff.

Sci Fi / Fantasy: Wednesday, March 28, 7 p.m. The group will discuss M.R. Carey’s The Girl with all the Gifts.

Adult and Teen Programs Helping Seniors with Technology: This program will launch on Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., and continue weekly on Thursdays from 4 – 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. through April 28. This is a special

project by Girl Scout cadet Ashley Puglise. Ashley will offer one-on-one help to seniors who bring in their own Apple device or use the iPad provided.

She will assist people in learning the device layout, creating contacts and emails, using the camera and Facetime, taking notes and setting alarms, among other functions; she will also provide written instructions to take home to help them troubleshoot, in addition to how-to books she created. Registration is required; call 860-844-5275 to reserve your time.

Everybody’s a Critic and You Can Be Too! March 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. People blog and share opinions about what they see ever more often. If you are interested in blogging as a hobby or a profession, don’t miss Lauren Yarger, blogger, theater critic, playwright and producer.

Learn the basics for publicly expressing an opinion and enjoy an insider’s view about the best and worst shows on and off Broadway. Registration recommended.

Eagles in Connecticut: Monday, March 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The bald eagle is best known as the national emblem of the U.S. Hear more about the eagle population in Connecticut, their life history, range, habitat and diet. CT Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple leads the program. Registration recommended.

Spinning, The Timeless Process of Twisting Fiber: Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (snow date March 28). Humans have been spinning for thousands of years. Are you curious about the craft and its popularity today?

Aimee Gilbert, local crafter, knitter and natural fiber enthusiast shares her knowledge with a live demonstration.

Registration recommended.

Children’s Programs Call 860-844-5284 for more information or to register. Programs will be cancelled if there is no school in Granby due to bad weather.

FOGPL wants you

By Chris Klemmer The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) membership year begins April 1. We are already planning the fall used book sale, which promises to be bigger and better than last year’s record breaking event. This is the perfect time to join the Friends in making it all happen.

“What do FOGPL friends do?” Our mission is to help Granby Public Library serve our town the way we all would like. A big part of this is fundraising to help provide the “want to haves” that don’t quite make the town budget. These include passes to museums programs, and much more.

“What does it mean to be a friend?”

It all begins with membership. FOGPL membership dues and contributions are the foundation of our fundraising.

However, volunteer time from members, like you, is essential to make our programs work, especially the Annual Used Book Sale, Sept. 21-23 at Holcomb Farm.

Volunteers are needed beginning in June to help sort donated books and more, and to serve on the board and assist with special events. One of our year-round activities is the Used Book Table near the main Library entry with

a fresh selection of carefully chosen items (books, DVDs, etc.) each month.

In anticipation of warmer weather, the March sale features books on travel and places to visit.

The Friends provide all funding for Granby Public Library programs such as the Wellness series this month, Kids’ Zumba on Saturdays, and Crafter’s Café nights. Being a member of the Friends means you are actively contributing to a mission that supports activities and purchases for the Granby Public Library in the company of fun folks of all ages and stages. Student volunteers have the extra benefit of earning community service hours while having fun.

We know the economic environment is especially challenging now, not only for Granby and the Library, but also for individuals and families. So, your membership is especially appreciated.

Please read the membership form included in this month’s Drummer. Then we hope you will complete and mail or drop it off at the Granby Public Library.

For more information visit the Friends link on the GPL webpage https://www. granby-ct.gov/granby-public-librarysystem/friends-granby-public-library.

Zumba, ages 5–11: Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Join us for a fun-filled session. Preregistration is required, as space is limited to 12 participants.

Kids Book Club, the Book Crusaders: Thursdays, March 8 and 22 from 4 – 5 p.m. Second, third and fourth graders are invited to join this new book club. This month we’ll read Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater.

We’ll discuss the first half of the story on March 8 and talk about the last half on March 22. Bring your own copy of the book or grab one of ours. Caregivers are welcome to join in. Please register in advance.

Craft Week: Monday – Saturday, March 12 – 17. Drop in anytime during the week and create a fun project to take home. All materials supplied.

Wee Ones Story Time, ages 1–2: Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for little walkers and crawlers with a caregiver.

Drop-ins welcome, space permitting.

Preschool Story Time, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required, drop-ins welcome.

Family Movie Nights: Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 beginning at 6 p.m. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film, we’ll even provide the popcorn!

Call for details on movie titles. No registration needed., all ages welcome.

Cossitt Library Children’s Room AWE Early Literacy Station: Stop by the new AWE Early Literacy Station for toddlers and pre-schoolers. Just like the station at GPL, Cossitt now offers

children a fun, educational way to learn reading, math, music and much more!

The AWE station was funded through the generosity of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Bequest.

Do-Re-Mi Music for Little People: Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2–2:30 p.m. There is a smile on every face when Miss Jessica leads songs, rhymes, finger plays and more. Preschoolers and their siblings are invited to join the musical merriment with a caregiver.

Registration recommended.

Cossitt Craft Days: March 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10. Make and take home a simple craft project in 15 minutes or less. All are welcome, no registration.

Miss Heather’s Special Craft Time: Saturday, March 17, 3 – 4 p.m. It’s your lucky day when you drop by Miss Heather’s craft table. Don’t miss a fun, seasonal craft for kids of all ages.

Materials provided; no fee.

Adult / Teen / Main Room Playing for Pizza & Game Night: Friday, March 9, 6–7:30 p.m. (snow date March 16). Our final winter game night will feature a few rounds of trivia AND a prize for the winners. All ages are welcome to share a slice of pizza and a favorite board or card game. The trivia contest will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is appreciated though drop-ins are welcome if space allows. Thank you to Sotelo’s Pizzeria and Restaurant and the Cossitt Library Friends.

Writers Group: Tuesdays, March 13 and 27, 6 – 7:45 p.m. The group embraces writers of all genres so come by to work on your material with this friendly group every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Sessions feature writing prompts, critiques, and readings.

Call for more information.

OPIOIDS AND NALOXONE WHAT OUR COMMUNITIES NEED TO KNOW

Hartland, East Granby and Granby Community Members:

Please come to this FREE

To catch the reader’s attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.

Informational program

Information on the scope of the opioid problem in our community How to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose Where to obtain Naloxone (Narcan) and how to administer it to reverse an overdose What you can do to help reduce opioid Services and Resources

Join Us:

March 21, 2018 7:00 PM—8:00 PM Granby Senior Center Community Room 15C North Granby Rd Granby CT

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

Arthritis in cats We often think of older dogs being arthritic and having stiff joints and tense muscles. Cats have the same problems but tend to hide their pain and suffering. It can be difficult to observe a cat’s abnormal gait because older cats slow down and become inactive. They do not trot around on a leash or even walk around freely especially in a exam room.

Nor are they willing to bounce around the room searching for a treat. The best way to evaluate musculoskeletal issues in a aging cat is to have your cat examined by a veterinarian.

The physical exam starts with getting an accurate weight. Many older indoor cats are overweight. They may seem to be in good flesh to owners but palpation by the veterinarian often reveals that they have lost muscle mass over the hips and thighs. These cats add fat from the

inactivity caused by painful arthritis. It is difficult for these cats to even groom themselves and they often appear unkempt with a matted coat. A thorough examination often reveals painful areas, stiff joints and taut muscle bands. Cats will often signal a painful area during palpation by giving the examiner a stare, making a fast turn or tensing muscle groups. A grumpy growl is a sure sign that the older cat in some discomfort and will need further diagnostics.

Diagnostics start with lab work to rule out other kitty diseases (chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism). It is important to check blood pressure before sedating the kitty for radiographs. A more complete orthopedic exam of the joints is also performed while it is sedated. The x-rays are helpful to identify

joints that are arthritic and how severe the changes are to the joints. It is common to have degenerative joint disease in the hips, elbows and vertebrae. The resulting myofascial pain can become debilitating in the older cat, which is why owners often report that older cats stay in one place in the house. The inactivity is not because they are sleepy or senile. It is because it hurts to move.

Most of these older cats have chronic kidney disease and need to drink lots of water. One study has reported that co-occurrence is as high as 68 percent.

This is why it is recommended to keep the water handy for these older stiff cats. Make sure there are several dishes of fresh water available at all times or think about getting a drinking fountain.

There are treatments and ways to manage arthritic cats. Weight loss is a good start to decrease extra fat that the kitty is hauling around. There are excellent prescription diets that will also help with the concurrent kidney disease.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can work wonders but have to be used judiciously if there is a kidney issue. Gabapentin is widely used in humans for nerve pain and is now commonly used in cats (and

March 2018 dogs) for chronic musculoskeletal issues. A good joint supplement to try is called Dasuquin that helps to lubricate cartilage surfaces. Depending on the temperament of the cat, we are finding that therapeutic laser therapy and massage will really soften up the tense muscles. Some of these alternate therapies enable the clinician to reduce the oral medicines. This is always a benefit when treating cats. Our senior feline friends can enjoy their golden years if we recognize the signs of discomfort and cater to them.

Drumrolls Michael Atkinson-Woodward was named a world representative for a living-learning community at the University at Albany in fall 2017. World Representatives are students who were selected for demonstrating leadership, and serve as peer leaders in the University at Albany’s Living-Learning Communities.

Caitlin Kopf and Jessica Manion were named to the Hofstra University fall 2017 dean’s list Amanda Jacobs, a senior chemistry major, and Emma Percival, a senior early and primary education major, were named to The University of Scranton’s dean’s list for the 2017 fall semester.

The University of Hartford named the following students to the fall 2017 dean’s list: Mia Alexander, Shannon Jennings, Andrew Kuczma, Charles Delorenzo, Nathan Jennings, Olivia Papa, Brett Buser, Richard Hall, Margaret Falvey, Jacob Coons, Michael Sayers and Ivan Semyanko.

The Assumption College Department of Athletics has announced that Cassandra Miller, has earned a spot on its 2017-18 women’s track and field team.

Anna Wilson, a communication major, was named to the Marist College dean’s list for the fall 2017 semester.

Emma Holt Beman was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Fairfield University.

Romaine T. Hazel was inducted into the Alpha Beta Gamma international business honor society at Manchester Community College.

Jacob Camacho was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Tunxis Community College.

McKayla Hoover was named to the Clarion University fall 2017 dean’s list.

Paige Forsyth a senior at Westfield State University majoring in business qualified for the fall 2017 dean’s list.

Kevin Jepeal, Kaelyn Ludwig, Emily Jackson and Jason Lenihan were named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Quinnipiac University.

Endicott College has named the following students to the fall 2017 dean’s list: Brett Kriss, a senior majoring in business management; Joshua Kriss, a senior majoring in physical ed. teacher licensure; Samuel Kuhnly, a sophomore majoring in marketing communication; Katelyn Sweetland, a senior majoring in hospitality management, and Michael Spence, a freshman majoring in nursing.

Ryan Ohannessian was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Providence College.

Kristen Perry was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Bryant University.

Perry has made the dean’s list for three consecutive terms.

Jonah T. Yeakley, Class of 2020, was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Westfield State University.

Tess Borsecnik was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Seton Hall University.

Angela D’Agata was named to the fall 2017 dean’s list at Westfield State University. D’Agata double majors in criminal justice and psychology.

March 2018 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Visitors to Granby Public Library impressed by art display

By Shirley Murtha Visitors to the Granby Public Library during the month of February were treated to a special display of paintings compliments of the Painting Study Group — a collection of local artists who meet monthly to discuss techniques, methodology and materials, and to also critique each other’s works. The idea for the showcase came from Pam Jones, who spoke to head librarian Kelly Marscycki for a Valentine’s exhibit, For the Love of Art. Marscycki was in favor, so the library’s Holly Johnson and painter Dorothy Dumond organized the event.

Throughout the month, the display attracted a lot of attention from library

visitors. Many were greatly impressed by the number of award-winning artists in the Granby community. Also greatly appreciated were the display cases arranged by Sally Markey, containing graphic examples of topics that the group has studied.

Related to the display, two of the members of the study group presented a talk, Tools of the Trade, on Feb. 16, at the library. Dumond, an oil painter, and Carole Hartwell, who works in pastels, discussed their materials and techniques with an almost over-flow crowd of painters and non-painters alike. Not a staid lecture by any means, the lively talk welcomed questions and comments from the very interested audience.

Art display photo by Peter Dinella

Naloxone has a serious side effect: IT SAVES LIVES. The Painting Study Group: front, from l. Dorothy Dumond, Marian Rowles, Suzanne Roz Magoon, Carole Day; back, from l. Rosemarie Mendes, Fran Miller, Carole Hartwell, Sally Markey, Pam Jones, John Walker. photo by Shirley Murtha

If you’re not on a first name basis with Naloxone, you should be.

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

For resources, go to drugfreect.org

Page 32 The Granby Drummer

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time.

Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer.

Advertiser Page Affordable Painting-John Williams 11 Beacon Mechanical Plumbing 17 Beman’s Hardware 25 Berkshire Hathaway-Babicki & Cox 26 Berkshire Hathaway Corp.

16 Berkshire Hathaway-Gitberg 10 Berkshire Hathaway-Reardon 7 Brignole, Bush & Lewis 9 Cahill’s Motors 3 Carmon Funeral Homes 3 Carter Robert Painting 24 Center Grill 19 Chiropractic Care 5 Christopher Bryant Co. 26 Coldwell Banker 32 Command Corporation 8 Creative Learning Preschool Center 11 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 12 Democrat Caucus 3 Ensle Paint 12 First Congregational Church 13 GEF Gran-Bee 27 GMHS Drama Fiddler on the Roof 30 Granby Dental - Kirschbaum 15 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Package Store 6 Granby Pharmacy 8 Granby Public Works 31 Granby Village Health 10 Granby Youth Services 19, 22, 29, 31 Higleyville Coin 12 Judy Guarco-Berkshire Hathaway 17 Katering by Karen 25 Keir Construction 14 Larry’s Construction 10

Advertiser Page Main Street 31 Maple Corner Farm 14 Mark Brady Kitchen 24 MeadowBrook of Granby 25 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 13 Morawski Cleaning 18 2 Notch Road Appliance O.P. Painting 15 Old Farms 22 Parsons, William Obituary 20 Pierce Builders-Meadowgate 5 Premier Energy Co. 2 Route 10 Tire 6 Sanditz Travel Management 13 Santa Realty 27 Schoenrock & Company 23 Seniors Helping Seniors 22 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 18 Small Town Septic 19 South Congregational Church 5 State Line Propane Oil 8 Strain Family Equestrian Ctr. 3 Subseven 10 Swim Center 24 TJ Bark Mulch 18 Tom Sullivan Morgan Stanley 28 Troiano Oil Company 25 Two Coyotes Wilderness School 11 Two Park Place 5 Valkyrie 6 Valley Brook Community Church 15, 30 Valley View Cabinetry 24 Walsh Chiropractic 9, 23 West Granby Methodist Church 14 Windsor Federal Savings 2

March 2018

Girl Scout helping seniors learn technology Ashley Puglise, a Girl Scout Cadette, of her project, Ashley fundraised money spends a significant amount of time by making hand-made dog toys and helping her grandparents navigate techselling cookies to purchase an iPad for nology, especially when they run into the program and plans to donate it to problems. So when she began thinking the library. about earning her Silver Award, helpShe also has written instructions for ing other seniors with technology just seniors to take home to help them trouseemed natubleshoot, in addition to ral. “Helping how-to books she creSeniors with ated for the library and Te c h n o l o g y ” Senior Center. “I really will launch want to help people, eson Thursdays, pecially senior citizens, from 4-5 p.m., feel more comfortable and Saturdays, with today’s devices so from 11-noon, they can stay in touch throughout with their friends and March and into family,” says Ashley.

April at the Ashley is working toGranby Public wards her Girl Scout Library.

Silver Award which is Ashley is the highest honor a Girl excited to of- Ashley Puglise. Submitted photo.

Scout Cadette (6-8th fer one-on-one grade) can achieve. The help to seniors award involves identiwho bring in their own Apple device fying a community issue that you care or use the iPad provided. She will help about, putting a plan into action and people learn the device layout, creating making it sustainable. contacts and emails, using the camera Please call the Granby Public Library and Facetime, taking notes and setting at 860-844-5275 to sign up for a onealarms, among other functions. As part hour session.

April 2018 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, March 14 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org.

ARTICLES: Monday, March 19 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: March 13-26 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents.

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