Granby Drummer | March 2025

Drummer

Ballot question, survey and focus on capital projects

As the calendar turns to March and I mark one year on the job, let me thank the Granby community for allowing me the opportunity to be your Town Manager.

About town

with Mike wAlsh Town Manager

I’d like to bring to your attention three items of interest in today’s column. The first item is a bond question you will see on the ballot when you vote on the budget in April. The question is straightforward. Can the Town expand the scope of a 2019 bond resolution that approved the repair of several bridges to now include the Doherty Road Bridge? If approved, money that the town has already bonded will be coupled with a State grant of an equal amount to repair an additional bridge not contemplated in the original authorization. We’re able to do this because construction costs on the 2019 bridges came in under budget. No new bonding is being requested, but existing bonding, with your permission, is being reallocated to get more done. The second item I’d like to apprise you of is the Town has hired GZA Architects to complete a master plan on the Salmon Brook and Ahrens Parks so that any new infrastructure investment is based on a thoughtful review of the facilities in place. GZA is working closely with the Town and Parks and Recreation Board to include the community in the planning to get the best input on the future direction of both parks. Please stay tuned for a survey and public input session that we’ll advertise both via social media and the town website. Your thoughts are important to us.

The last item I want to bring to your attention is a slightly different way of doing municipal business now underway here in Granby. Most municipalities focus on the operating side of the business, meaning how we plow the snow, collect the taxes, assess your home, and cut the grass among the many things we do. While that’s still important work, we have capable employees who know their jobs, so we give them the autonomy to do their jobs and ask the supervisors and directors to focus on delivering a higher level of customer service while dedicating more time to capital projects.

About Town cont’d. on p. 3

Wildcats Alumni Game pulls three towns together

The Wildcats Hockey 7th Annual Alumni Game was held on Jan. 4, 2025. More than 40 players joined in the game including athletes from the 1990s through March 2024. Granby participants include: Marc Adams, Guy Badeau, Will Caley, Ryan Hughes, Patrick Leydon, Mark McWhirter, Aiden Murray, Evan Napierata, Ryan Ohannessian and Ryan Stone. The team is coached by Granby’s Jake King, Keven Slyne, and Hunter Stone. Wildcats hockey is the high school co-op hockey team for players from Granby, Suffield and Windsor Locks. The team’s home rink is the International Skating Center of CT in Simsbury. A complete schedule is available at ciac.fpsports.org. Come see a game!

Photo by Doreen McWhirter

BOS selects 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty for Kearns development

By Shirley Murtha

During its February 3 meeting, the Granby Board of Selectmen approved the selection of 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty as the developer for the Kearns School property. This decision came after much deliberation after the presentations given at the January 13 meeting. It was also the group chosen by the Commission on Aging. When polled individually, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino said he was glad that we had local developers from which to choose and favors 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty. Peggy Chapple appreciated the

informative presentations given by the developers and favors 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty. Although Fred Moffa would have preferred to keep the Kearns footprint, he thinks that 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty seems to be more flex-

ible. He noted that its partial reliance on state grants might not work out well in the current financial climate, however.

cont’d. on p. 2

New PropertyCheck software helps keep residents’ property safe

A new feature called PropertyCheck, in partnership with Cott Systems Inc. ,has been implemented to help protect residents from potential property and mortgage fraud. This is an enhancement powered by Cott Systems, Inc. in conjunction with the land-record recording software system that will alert property owners when documents are recorded in the Granby Town Clerk’s office. With a simple opt-in and personalized alert creation, users access this additional layer of protection against property fraud. The 24/7 service allows residents to sign up on the town’s website Granby-ct.gov to receive notifications when official documents are recorded on their prop-

erty. Residents can activate alerts based on their name and/or property address. There is no cost to participate. Property records in many states are made available for viewing online, which makes it easier to track recordings on your property, but it does require persistence and, in some cases, costs the taxpayer for access. PropertyCheck eliminates the time associated with searching on your name or property by alerting you via email or text message when a document has been recorded that matches the alerts that you activated. The Granby Town Clerk’s Office works in partnership with Cott Systems to offer this no-cost solution,

cont’d. on p. 2

Town to appeal CT Siting Council’s approval of battery storage facility

By Mark Fiorentino, First Selectman

On Jan. 24 the Connecticut Siting Council approved a 4.99-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) facility at 100 Salmon Brook Street. The proposed facility presents significant public safety and environmental risks.

The Town of Granby vigorously opposed the proposal and provided detailed testimony and other evidence regarding these issues during the Siting Council’s proceedings. The council nevertheless approved the proposed facility by a vote of 6-2. The town will appeal the council’s decision in superior court. The appeal seeks to overturn the siting council’s decision.

Because the risks associated with BESS facilities affect the entire state, the board of selectmen is also working with state legislators on legislation that would place a moratorium on such facilities until the state adopts minimum standards related to protection of the environment, public health, safety and welfare. To stay informed on this and other matters, citizens can sign up to receive notifications from the town. Go to granby-ct.gov and click “Subscribe.”

Photo by Peter Dinella

Kearns

The existing Kearns school property.

Second Puzzle Slam sets new standard

Left

Property owners interviewed by Center Advisory Committee consultants

By Shirley Murtha

The consultant firm Buckhurst Fish and Jacquemart (BFJ) reported at the January 29 Granby Center Advisory Committee meeting that it had met with some Granby Center property owners earlier in January. Traffic, parking issues, and zoning were discussed. The property owners supported having consistent landscaping and lighting throughout the center and hoped to keep its historic character. Although BFJ initiated some discussion of special districts, the owners showed little interest in that topic. Committee members would like to have more of the center property owners consulted. Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon agreed to obtain contact information for BFJ.

routes and recreational amenities,” according to Committee Chair Marty Schwager.

Agreement was strong on the topic of investigating a possible change in the multiple zoning areas that make up the center. A simpler unified “Village District” was suggested. This will be discussed further at the Feb. 26 meeting. Meanwhile, Kenyon will look into the history of how the multiple center zones came to be.

Public meeting is 7 p.m., April 3 in the Senior Center

The presentation of a market study by BFJ participant Thomas Madden included a lot of information on business in Windsor and Hartford that actually “plays a crucial role for Granby with respect to residential draw, commuter

In the Public Session, resident Kate Bogli stated that she thinks it is good to attract outsiders to Granby in support of local businesses She also suggested taxing vacant properties to stimulate action by the owners of such properties to find occupants, and also requested clarification on the marketing study of other areas. Resident Peggy Lareau importantly noted the space constraint of the center, being located between two state roads, and cautioned to not make drastic changes all at once, but to consider incremental ones.

The next meeting was scheduled to take place on Feb. 26 and will be covered in the April issue of the Drummer

Mark Neumann favors 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty, as does Kelly Rome, who hopes to keep the units mainly for senior and affordable housing, not so much for work-force pricing.

The Commission on Aging presented a list of issues it hopes to see addressed as meetings begin with the town and the developer. As far as the actual Kearns property, the commission hopes that the people of Granby, not the developer, get to decide what enhancements might be made there in addition to the building(s.) It is also against the possibility of a three-story building, because if evacuation were necessary, seniors and handicap persons located on a third floor would find it difficult.

The commission asked if the units will be available to out-of-town residents as well as Granby people and wondered if there would be a housing authority to which residents could bring issues that may come up. They also suggested visiting 7 Summits/New Samaritan Realty’s completed sites to see first-hand the layouts and to ascertain if the residents are happy there.

Town Manager Mike Walsh reminded everyone that while the presentations were helpful in selecting the preferred developer, the details of any development agreement are a “blank slate” and must conform closely to the input of the Board of Selectmen and the Commission on Aging or no agreement will be executed.

Walsh noted, “In order for this development to work for the town and developer, the financial feasibility must work for both sides. While the town will have a variety of demands to negotiate toward, in the end, the viability of the project will depend on a reasonable balance of cost, amenities and curb appeal.”

helping residents feel safer about their properties and online security. Granby residents can sign up for PropertyCheck alerts at: https://recordhub.cottsystems. com

For more information, please visit: Town of Granby - granby-ct.gov/271/ Land-Records

Kearns cont’d. from p. 1

Property Check cont’d. from p. 1

Left top: Pastor Ellis Miller’s team members were Diann Bailey, George Harris and Kate Lincoln.

bottom: Susan Montano’s Team included Shannon Lynch, Alicia Colletti and Mitchell Montano.

See story on p. 16.

Photos by Ed Judge

Finance sets guidelines to constrain mill rate growth

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

The Board of Finance set operating budget guidelines of 3.25 percent for the Board of Education and 2.4 percent for the Board of Selectmen at its Feb. 10 meeting, with the goal of keeping the mill rate change for FY26 in the 3 percent range.

While this accepted the initial request from the Town Manager of 2.4 percent, it reduced the Plus-One want list from the school administration of 5.67 percent down to the 3.25 percent. By not doing so, the tax rate hike for FY26 would have been well over 6 percent.

After the Three Board meeting on Jan. 21, the Board of Finance awaited finalization of the Grand List as of Oct. 1, 2024, required to be filed with the state OPM by Jan. 31. While we had anticipated a growth factor of around 1.5 percent, reflecting construction activity at both Station 280 and Harness Way, that expectation was effectively reduced to a reported 0.28 percent level of Grand List growth, mostly because of state actions that affect all of the state’s169 towns.

Last spring a bill was passed providing property taxpayers with a 100-percent military disability rating a full exemption from paying local property taxes. With no reimbursement from the state, that in effect shifts the tax burden onto the rest of the Grand List taxable base by $165K to cover it. The state also required a change of methodology in how motor vehicles are assessed, essentially shifting from using the market value of used vehicles to using the original manufacturer’s suggested retail sales price less a set depreciation schedule over time. Combined—these two brilliant moves by the state effectively negated what otherwise would have been a decent growth factor in the taxable Grand List. Granby is, however, fortunate because a host of towns actually saw their net Grand Lists decline because of these two changes. Another state-related issue that also hits the towns – and local taxpayers – is that state government continues to shortchange the towns on the Excess Cost reimbursement grant for high-dollar special education outplacements. The outplacement programs for students who cannot be easily handled

within the district are often extremely expensive, often running $100-200K+. Per state law, the town is responsible for the cost for a qualified student up to 4.5 times (93K) the cost of an average student (20.7K) in our school system, after which the state is supposed to reimburse us for the remainder. However, there is a tiered prorated system of reimbursement so that a town only gets a percentage of what it should be reimbursed. For a decade we got about 75 percent of what we should have been reimbursed, but two years ago the legislature changed the law so that we were in an 88 percent reimbursement tier. But the reality has been that we have received 62 percent of what we should have seen from the state for last year and this year. What does it mean to us? Between the change in case load and the projected shortchange in rate, Granby looks to end up receiving about $500K less than budgeted in this revenue line this year and therefore budget a similarly reduced number for next fiscal year. Combined, these three state-related factors are the equivalent of roughly half of the mill rate increase on the table, with the intent being to hold any increase somewhere below 4 percent given our consideration of long-term affordability. One should note that this goes a long way in highlighting how the actions — and inactions — of both the current leadership in the state legislature and the executive branch fit in the playbook of seeming to benefit one group or another, only to in effect shift the cost to others. All reminiscent of Tammany Hall—the buying of the votes—if not a legalized red-light district.

By early March the boards of selectmen and education will receive the final budget requests from their respective chief administrators and will spend a few evenings reviewing and digging into the proposals before moving to adopt their requests for submission to the board of finance. On Monday March 24, the board of finance will review the respective budget proposals, and send an overall budget package, as presented or revised, to the annual budget public hearing. Finance does not take public comment on the 24th, as the work being done that evening is being sent for public review and comment at the public

TOWN HALL HAPPENINGS

By Catherine Lanyon, Town of Granby Communications Staff

Although spring will soon be here there are many winter updates and spring announcements from various departments at Granby Town Hall.

The Granby Police Department is seeking donations towards the newly-formed student scholarship that will be awarded annually. For 2025, Granby PD has partnered with participating Granby Memorial High School senior students to redesign the Granby PD Challenge Coin. The winner of the design contest will be chosen by a panel and publicly announced during the annual GMHS Awards Assembly in the spring. Through artistic interpretation, the coin will serve as a symbol of GPD’s shared commitment to community service.

Monetary donations to the scholarship fund will contribute to the purchase and distribution of Granby PD Challenge Coins and to the growth of the student scholarship fund. Granby PD is seeking to raise $3,000. The scholarship is an investment in our community’s future and with your help, we can make it possible.

Checks can be made out to Granby Boe Student Scholarship Account, memo “challenge coin” and mailed to 15-B North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035, ATTN: Scholarships

Individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring or donating to the scholarship, should contact Sgt. Kreimes by email at ekreimes@granby-ct.gov or by phone at 860844-5339.

With a renewed focus on capital projects, things like the Salmon Brook Park Walking Path can be completed for the benefit of the community, while we still do the good work of operations.

As I’ve said before but worth saying again, Granby is a special place to

hearing to be held on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. That meeting opens with presentation of the overall FY26 budget proposal by the boards, followed by comment and ques-

It might be cold now, but there’s a lot of work going on at Granby Parks and Recreation to prepare for the summer season. Parks and Rec has opened job applications for summer staff positions including summer camp counselors, lifeguards, and a waterfront director. For more information, or to apply, please visit granbyct.gov/Jobs. Also, the process of booking to participate in programs like summer camp has begun. For more information, please visit GranbyRec.com

The Granby Board of Selectmen honored various community members at its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, for generous donations that reinstalled a community clock in the Town Hall Complex. Those honored were Paul Willis and Bob Groper (American Legion Post 182), Deborah Klotzman (Lion’s Giving Committee), Deb and Mark Kulwich (The Kulwich Family), Jen Burkhart (Arrow Concrete), Rob Pancost (Windsor Federal Bank), Brian Guarco (State Line Oil and Propane), Patty Sansone (The Granby Community Fund), and Kirk Severance and Stuart Young from Granby Public Works who handled the installation. The town thanks all who contributed to reinstall the “missing clock.”

To receive updates about these events and other topics of interest, sign up for notifications at granby-ct.gov — Click on the yellow “Subscribe” button on the homepage and follow the instructions.

live and work, and with your help, the Town’s focus is to continue to maintain that atmosphere.

Please contact me at 860-844-5302 or at MWalsh@Granby-ct.gov with any questions, or better yet, to just say “hello!”.

tions from the public. Once the hearing is closed, we will consider whether to send the budget package forward —as is, or modified —to referendum to be held two weeks later on April 21.

About Town cont’d. from p. 1

Drumbeat

Letters to the Editor

Learn CPR and save a life

As a 30-year-plus resident of Granby and longtime a member of the Connecticut Board of Directors of the American Heart Association (AHA), I wish to congratulate our town supervisors, managers, volunteer ambulance, police and fire departments along with generous philanthropists who have supported the AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers goals. Their efforts have resulted in our town now having eight publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These are at the main library, town hall, Department of Public Works, Ahrens Park Salmon Brook Park Recreation building, Salmon Brook Park Rovers Field, Holcomb Farm and at the GHMS Track. Along with the other AEDs available in the schools and at private businesses our town is well covered and an exemplary small town. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States, including 23,000 children. When you pair that with the fact that almost three out of four of those happen at home and 90 percent don’t survive, it’s clear that more people

Correction

need to learn CPR and have access to (AEDs). I am personally aware of children and adults who have had their lives saved from community available CPR and AEDs.

The American Heart Association recognizes this need and encourage everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and learn CPR. This movement, led by the Association, has a goal to double survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030.

How can we reach that goal? When everyone learns this lifesaving skill.

You can learn CPR by taking a local certification course or in just 60-seconds, learn Hands-Only CPR. Go to CPR.heart.org for local classes and videos. With research showing that kids as young as 9 years old can learn, this is something the whole family can do together.

I encourage everyone in Granby to go from bystander to lifesaver today.

Seth Lapuk, MD, FACC Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Assoc. Clinical Professor of Pediatrics University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Town Budget Meetings

Includes regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance

Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m — Town Manager Budget Presentation and Board of Selectmen (BOS) Meeting, Town Hall.

Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. — Board of Education (BOE) Meeting and Administrative Budget Presentation, Town Hall Meeting Room/ Zoom

Thursday, March 6 at 5 p.m. — BOS Budget Workshop I in Town Hall.

Monday, March 10 at 5 p.m. — BOS Budget Workshop II in Town Hall.

Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m — BOE Budget Workshop, Central Office Boardroom

Thursday, March 13 at 5 p.m.— BOS Budget Workshop III in Town Hall.

Thursday, March 17 at 5 p.m. — BOS Regular Meeting, Town Hall.

Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m — BOE Budget Workshop, Town Hall.

Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. — BOS and BOE Budget Presentations to BOF in Senior Center Community Room.

Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m .— BOF Public Hearing in High School Auditorium.

Monday, April 21 — Annual Budget Machine Vote, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Town Hall.

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 ©2024

Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, all rights reserved.

CBG Board

Kathy Norris, Chair

Sam Mikus, Vice Chair

Karen Cleary, Treasurer Flo Bischoff, Secretary

Carol Bressor, Karen Handville, Roger Hayes

Amanda Lindberg, Rebecca Mikus

Dave Tolli, Lew Noble

Staff

Jen Bell, Managing Editor

Leisa Ritchie, Production Supervisor

Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor

Amanda Lindberg, Copy Editor

Rick Handville, Photo Editor

In an article on the development proposals for Kearns School in the February Drummer, Town Manager Walsh is hopeful that a contract signing will be completed by summer’s end, not the end of June as stated in the article.

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.

CORRECTIONS

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

KEEP US IN THE LOOP

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

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed.

Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, March 3 & 17

Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Dept. Community Room, Monday, March 24

Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, March 5 & 19

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, March 11 & 25

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday,March 12 Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, March 10

248 SALMON BROOK ST., GRANBY 860-653-5514

We currently need

Taco dinner boxes

Canned chicken

Dinty Moore beef stew

Canned beets/ white potatoes

Mayonnaise

Strawberry jam/jelly Tissues

Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Fran Brown, Nancy Dudenhofer, Karen Handville, Rita Isaacson, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Mikayla Munson, Nicole Muller, Patty Sansone, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley

Reporters & Contributors

AnneMarie Cox, David Desiderato, Cindy Dixon, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Monique Fitzpatrick, Bernadette Gentry, Judy Guarco, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Holly Johnson, Catherine Lanyon, Brian Liss, Monica Logan, Brian Long, Nicole Muller, Shirley Murtha, Trish Percival, Kim Pereira, Lisa Pyatt, Scott Riley, Faith Tyldsley, Todd Vibert, Mike Walsh, Paul Willis, Laura Wolfe, Amber Wyzik, Sandra Yost, Karen Young Advertising Team

Deneika Janski, Advertising Coordinator Fran Brown, Deborah Kulwich

Website Manager

Jake Kean

Subscriptions & Delivery

Sam & Rebecca Mikus

The Drummer appreciates hearing from its readers.

Letters and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the CBG Board and the Drummer The length of letters will be held to 250 words and less, and opinion pieces shall not exceed 500 words.

To be published, material must be signed and include an address and phone number. This information will not be given to anyone other than the necessary editorial staff. Material from readers who do not reside in Granby will have the town of residence noted at publication.

Only one letter or opinion piece per household will be considered for publication in each issue. The Drummer reserves the right to edit, shorten or not publish a submission, and to run the material in any electronic form. Material becomes the property of the Drummer Email your letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org

GRANBY FOOD BANK

Budget Time

Now through April, the Granby Board of Education’s top priority is budgeting for the 2025 - 2026 school year. Granby school district operating costs make up approximately 70 percent of the entire town budget. Any increase or decrease in school expenditures impacts all taxpayers, a responsibility no town board volunteer takes lightly. It’s also a reality that invites extra scrutiny to the BOE. While the BOE budget book provides detailed costs, I thought it would be helpful to provide some specifics regarding its largest expenditures and answers to some common questions.

Where Does the Money Go?

It’s important to understand the makeup of Granby’s tax base. Granby has a population of approximately 11,000, with a median household income of approximately $117,476. (https:// www.connecticut-demographics.com/

Salaries and Benefits:

The largest part of the BOE budget is salaries and benefits for staff. This amounts to 72 percent of the budget, or approximately $29 million. Enrollment versus staffing (see in the chart below). It’s natural to ask, “why has the total number of employees gone up in recent years when enrollment has gone down?” The answer is rooted in the evolving needs of today’s students. Since joining Granby in 2023, Superintendent

granby-demographics). Granby’s infrastructure is limited and cannot support the type of large commercialization that would help relieve the individual taxpayer burden. This results in a greater impact on individual households.

Cheri Burke, with BOE guidance, has streamlined and reorganized district administrators in a way that better addresses students’ social, behavioral and academic needs. Teachers have been either reduced through attrition (retirement and resignation) or repositioned to other grades. The superintendent expects to reduce staff by an additional four members in FY 26.

The Granby Public Library has completed a renovation project aimed at modernizing and revitalizing its space for the community. Updates included the removal and installation of new carpeting, the removal of outdated wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint and brighter more efficient lighting in the adult services area and staff workspace. You’ll also notice the popular Fox Meeting Room has an updated look with new furniture.

Library staff are excited to create a more welcoming and functional environment for patrons. “Libraries serve as vital community hubs, and we want to ensure that our space is comfortable, accessible, and conducive to learning and engagement,” said Amber Wyzik, Director of the Granby Public Library.

“This is just the beginning of bringing the Granby Public Library up to speed with current trends and demands of the community.” Wyzik added. In Novem-

ber 2023, a group compiled of library staff and Granby residents created the Granby Public Library Strategic Planning Committee. Over the course of one year, they worked together to create the library’s long-range strategic plan by evaluating data collected at focus groups, through one-on-one interviews and with a digital community survey. This will be the guiding document that outlines the library’s mission, vision, goals, and priorities for the future. The plan assesses the library’s current strengths, challenges, and opportunities and aligns its services, resources, and facilities with the evolving needs of the community. Three strategic priorities stood out and are the focus of the plan; space and facilities, programming and community awareness.

To view the Granby Public Library Long Range Strategic Plan visit granbyct.gov/library

—Submitted by Library staff

INLAND WETLANDS MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JAN. 8, 2025

Nicholas Dethlefsen, John Laudati, Sue Okie, Fred Jones, David Tolli, and Aurelle Locke; IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre (via Zoom)

Permit Requests

188 Day Street – Kirk MacNaughton c/o Peak Mountain Development, LLC – Permit application for a 7-lot, single-family residential subdivision and associated site work within a regulated area.

Special Education

The second largest expenditure in the BOE budget is special education. Special Education (SPED) costs are substantial and children requiring these needs are increasing dramatically, not

How Can We Save Costs?

Superintendent Burke and School Finance Director Nickie Stevenson engage the BOE finance subcommittee monthly with challenges, ideas and cost savings -- such as the recent renegotiation of the school bus contract that saved the district just over $200,000 this year. A significant step discussed to offset massive SPED costs is to create specialized programs that would allow keeping more special needs students indistrict.

Currently, Granby transports several children to out-of-district facilities whose programs meet their needs. Each

BOF Guidance

The BOE would need a 3.4 percent budget increase just to maintain the schools as they are this year — no additions. To add the School Resource Officer program recently passed by the BOE would require a 3.67 percent increase. Granby’s Board of Finance has provided guidance that would require the BOE to reduce our need to 3.25 percent meaning difficult cuts must be considered.

We believe the future of Granby is our children. We know that property values

just in Granby, but throughout the entire country. We are legally required to meet all of our students’ special education needs.

Applicant Kirk MacNaughton of Peak Mountain Development, LLC and Civil Engineer Skip Alford were present to discuss the application and answer any questions the commission had. The applicant is proposing a 7-lot, single-family home subdivision at 188 Day Street, which consists of 15.63 acres. The property consists of two different zones (R50 and R30) and has 965 feet of frontage on Day Street and 545 feet of frontage on North Granby Road. MacNaughton indicated that soil testing has been completed, and the soils are suitable for on-site septic systems. The property consists primarily of open fields with some wooded areas along the road frontage and property boundaries.

Wetlands are located at the southwestern corner (wetland #1) and northeastern corner (wetland #2) of the property, and to satisfy the open space requirement, 3.55 acres on the eastern side of the property are shown to be open space. Wetland #1 consists of .43 acres and consists of a 150-foot-long watercourse that enters the property from the west through a 42” culvert pipe under Day Street and flows south onto the abutting property. The house proposed for lot #7 is located within 200 feet of the watercourse, and all site activity is located 50 feet outside of the wetlands. Wetland #2 consists of 0.09 acres and is located within the proposed open space parcel. Connecticut Soil Scientist Ian Cole conducted a wetlands survey of the property, flagged the wetlands onsite, and submitted a wetland and watercourse delineation report.

The commission discussed how the property has been agricultural for years and whether to hold a public hearing on the application.

On a motion by V. Dirienzo seconded by S. Okie, the commission voted 6-0-0 to receive the application and schedule a public hearing for the next regular meeting due to public interest and the proximity of significant impact.

outplacement on average costs the district $110,000 per student. Our costs to educate a student with special needs in Granby schools is often less than half of that cost. While it’s fiscally rewarding, keeping children among their hometown peers also positions all students to be contributing members of our school community. An established program could also host students from other towns, which would generate income for Granby. Investments like these, however, require seed money. Today, that is a challenge.

are dependent on thriving schools and a strong educational system. We are proud to have a superintendent and administrative team that is forward thinking and navigating students’ needs for specialized education along with the demands of rising costs and lost grant funding since COVID. Our goal is to come in at the BOF guidance of 3.25 percent; however, many challenging decisions remain. We invite you to engage in the budget process and share your opinions.

BOS SPECIAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 21, 2025

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark C. Neumann, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome. Absent: Margaret Chapple, Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Student Liason Zainab Zafar.

APPOINTMENTS

Fiorentino informed members of appointments and reappointments to the following boards and commissions effective immediately:

Andrew Small (R) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 12, 2026

James Szipszky (D) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for the balance of a four-year term ending Jan. 12, 2026

Valerie Eastwood (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 8, 2026

Lynn Guelzow (D) – appointed to the Library Board for a term ending Jan. 10, 2028

Laurel Farrer (U) – appointed to the Library Board for a term ending Jan. 10, 2028

Ellen Whitlow (R) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029

Sara Esthus (D) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029

Shirley Murtha (U) – re-appointed to the Agricultural Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029

Kimberly Becker (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Jean A. Donihee-Perron (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Jennifer Jalbert (R) – appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Ellen Thomson (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Lynette M. Simpson (D) – re-appointed to the Commission on Aging for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

William Madsen (U) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029

Kara R. Marshall (R) – appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending Jan. 8, 2029

James K. Caldwell (R) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Kenneth O. Kuhl (R) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Robert J. Rome (U) – re-appointed to the Development Commission for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Fran Armentano (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Anthony M. McGovern (U) – re-appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

Jared Barry (D) – appointed to the Park and Recreation Board for a term ending Jan. 11, 2027

The board unanimously approved these appointments.

Town Manager Project Update and Financials

Walsh said that the radio project grant submission was completed, and the Marcus contract signed. He noted that the acquisition of 229 Mountain Road is underway and working towards a closing date. The acquisition of 87 Simsbury Road is complete, and the “church” group is making solid progress on a recommendation. Work continues a terms sheet for the Freshies property. The Plus One budget document was compiled and distributed. GZA was hired for the Park Infrastructure Review/ Master Plan kickoff on Jan. 17. He also said that recently the Town held a public presentation session on the Kearns Senior Housing concept.

Kimi Cheng, Finance Director Cheng addressed the December 2024 Budget Operations noting that the tax collection was higher than the prior year at 69 percent. She noted that the expenditures were consistent with last fiscal year at 59 percent and that the public works department overtime expense was $36,547.59 due to rainstorms that caused wash outs and fallen trees in August. Cheng noted that the Police Department’s overtime expense as of Dec. 31, 2024, was $95,433.38 due to the high school lockdowns, rifle training, and specific officers’ recertification.

Looking for additional information?

You can access the entire minutes from any town meeting by visiting granbyct.gov/AgendaCenter

PARKS & REC BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 7, 2025

Members present: Anthony McGovern, Greg Dion, Sheri Litchfield, Julie Haefner, Kathy Ungerleider and Sandra Yost. Absent: Jen Bilodeau.

Park Improvements/Master Plan:

At the end of October 2024, Town Manager Mike Walsh issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Parks and Recreation Facility Analysis Consultant to assess the program, what offerings might be redundant and what the community might demand to insure townwide recreation programs are best in class and represent the desires of the community. Two firms returned proposals. GZA (Springfield, Mass) was selected. The process is expected to take six months with a concentration on Salmon Brook Park and Ahrens Park.

Board Vacancies: Kathy Ungerleider announced she would not seek another term on the board after having served for 20 years. Julie Haefner decided not to continue for another term and submitted suggestions for her replacement.

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Members present: Anthony McGovern, Greg Dion, Sheri Litchfield, Jennifer Bilodeau, Jared Barry and Sandra Yost: Newly appointed members; Francis Armentano and Valerie Eastwood

Newly appointed Board member Jared Barry was introduced. McGovern brought attention to the by-laws that state officers are to be elected at the February meeting. Because three new members have joined the board, elections will defer to the next meeting.

Park Improvements/Master Plan:

GZA toured the parks with Department of Public Works Grounds Foreman Chis Lesiak to review current layout of facilities. GZA has a list of contacts for organizations that use Salmon Brook and Ahrens Parks, utility site plans, and the last completed needs-assessment survey (2019).

New Business:

Sandra Yost shared the planned community events for 2025 (events marked with * are new). Granby Skate Night at ISCC – March 2

BOS highlights from Three Board Meeting

By Shirley Murtha

As required by the Granby Town Charter, the annual Three Board Meeting was held on January 21. This meeting brings together the boards of Education, Finance and Selectmen to present their initial components of the town’s Plus-1 budget.

Education and Selectmen explain what they feel is necessary to deliver the best education and the best town operation. The board of finance explains what the town’s financial situation is and how the proposed expenditures of the BOS and BOE fit into that parameter.

In his opening remarks, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino announced that the town proposes to hire a new police officer, separate and distinct from the school resource officer that the board of education recommends hiring. This decision was driven partly by population growth, and also for the safety of the current officers, who are “wearing out” covering more shifts than optimum. Chief Scott Sansom occasionally responds to daily calls when both officers on a shift are already occupied. Fiorentino praised the chief for fostering

positivity and awareness of the department’s increased public activities.

For the BOS, Town Manager Mike Walsh prefaced the budget numbers with his assessment of the town’s current financial status. He noted that the fund balance indicates the town has saved adequately for a rainy day despite having a relatively small grand list and minimal help from the State. The town makes its annual actuarial required contribution, has a very conservative earnings rate set for its trust funds, and comparatively low bonded debt.

In presenting the town operations proposed budget, Walsh noted a few things to which residents can relate.

For example, Granby Ambulance, in particular, suffers higher costs postcovid along with reduced insurance reimbursements. A new ambulance is needed approximately every four years.

A dwindling endowment requires that the town address these issues soon. The sale of Paine’s to USA Waste and Recycling has not resulted in any changes in trash and recycling pick-ups, but the cost to the town has increased since refuse is now shipped to Ohio or Kentucky.

Granby Community Garden applications open

By Deborah Roe

Sign up for a garden plot in the Granby Community Garden. Enjoy a fun, affordable way to grow and enjoy your own fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers this season. Granby residents can lease a 20-by-20-foot garden plot for just $10.

Gardening with others fosters a sense of community, providing a space to share ideas, seeds, and even extra produce. Experienced gardeners share tips and tricks with

beginners eager to learn. Connect with your neighbors and with nature. Growing your own food is good for the environment by reducing reliance on store-bought produce. Sign up for this cost-effective way to grow fresh, healthy food of your choice in an accessible, local plot on Hungary Road.

Visit PlanetEandMe.com and click on the community garden tab to download the application. Spots are limited. Nothing beats the taste of homegrown produce.

Walsh finished his presentation with the description of some improvements in the budget process. The town now uses ClearGov software and will display a personnel services report of employees’ salaries by position in the published budget book that will be more easily understood and transparent. A detailed budget workbook for the

BOS and BOF members will include a narrative of statutory responsibilities, goals and objectives by department and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the activities of each department. The proposed budget and associated documents can be viewed on the town’s website after March 3.

THREE-BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 21, 2025

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome (via Zoom), Frederick Moffa, Monica Logan, Cheri P. Burke, Donna Nolan, Heather Lombardo, Liz Barlow, Karen Richmond-Godard, Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Jenny P. Emery, Kevin F. Hobson, William J. Kennedy.

Also present: Scott A. Nolan, Kimi Cheng, Kirk A. Severance, Amber Wyzik (via Zoom), Sandy Yost (via Zoom), Jon Lambert, Abigail Kenyon (via Zoom), Scott Sansom, Krista Shaffer, Zainab Zafar.

Review of Plus-One Budget - BOS

Mark Fiorentino explained that the town works within a budget process that includes a call for a “Plus-One Budget” and that this budget requires that the board of selectmen and the board of education meet with the board of finance to review expenditure needs and fund balance expectations for the upcoming fiscal year.

Fiorentino explained that the Plus-One budget is a high-level view of big-ticket items such as contractual obligations, anticipated benefits and insurance costs, utilities, and other mandated expenses and that both the board of selectmen and the board of education PlusOne Budgets are presented to the board of finance at the Three Board Meeting held in midJanuary. Fiorentino noted that the management team developed a Plus-One Budget that outlines budget expectations for salary and wages for employees, preliminary cost estimates for employee benefits, and items that are contractual in nature or that are deemed important to maintain operations adequately.

The Plus-One Budget addresses items that are believed to be important to maintaining service levels and addressing issues identified

in the strategic goals and objectives that include regular full-time salaries, medical benefits, retirement benefits, general government items, capital funding, lease funding, debt service bonds, and other items. Further discussion took place.

Review of the Plus-One Budget - BOE

Monica Logan gave a brief overview of the board of education budget. She noted that the proposed increase for the board of education was 5.67 percent, which includes a school resource officer, expansion of in-district special education programming, replacing tutors with a certified reading intervention teacher, additional grounds and maintaining personnel, unfunded mandates which include reading program, teacher evaluation plan, and athletics.

Logan explained that 72 percent of the budget supports salaries and benefits, which is an increase of 4.96 percent to meet the demand of the salary contract rates in FY25-26 noting there is a high demand for qualified teachers, and the U.S. inflation is up 2.7 percent, impacting the cost of supplies and services. Logan also explained that special education was up 1.82 percent going into more detail regarding the breakdown of students in the district, the B.E.A.R. transition academy costs analysis, and the small capital plan.

Board of Finance Comments

Mike Guarco noted that for the past decade, the budget has continued to improve, and that this opportunity gives the board of finance an early opportunity to get a sense of what is coming. Guarco explained the worksheet that was presented at last Fiscal Year’s budget time and noted that the current sheet shows a mill rate change. Guarco explained that the Grand List was due at the end of January and what the Town of Granby can expect for revenue.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome and Student Liaison Ben Lavigne. Also present: Town Manager Mike Walsh

Communications

A proclamation was presented to the American Legion Shannon Shattuck Post 182 for procuring a new sound system and generously donating its use to the town for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Bond referendum question – Doherty Bridge Town Manager Mike Walsh presented a bond referendum package seeings to amend the 2019 bond authorization approved by the voters to include the Doherty Bridge reconstruction. It is recommended that the board review the package and approve the resolution at their March 17 meeting, which allow the board of finance to review and approve the resolution at their March 25 meeting. A town meeting will be held on Monday, April 14 and the referendum on April 21. The town clerk will post the notice of the Town meeting and referendum on or before April 9, 2025. Walsh will consult with the bond counsel to determine if the bond question can be addressed simultaneously with the town meeting and budget referendum and will advise the board. The time of the vote will also be confirmed to be 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Public Works garage roof – placement of a solar array

At a CPPAC meeting in late 2024, solar opportunities available to the town were discussed. After viewing a presentation prepared by Connecticut Greenbank, the group’s consensus was to identify one solar application and work with the Greenbank to estimate the financial benefits to the town. As a result, the Public Works Department garage was selected as the site for the installation. There is a potential revenue stream of between $323,000 to $404,000 over 20 years depending on how the contract is structured. The DPW garage roof is about 38 years old and eventually will need to be addressed. If the $97,000 replacement cost

was incorporated into the contract, the available revenue stream to the town would be $206,000 to $287,000 (or $10,000 to $15,000 of savings annually) including the new roof. The board unanimously approved a motion to direct Walsh to move forward in a more substantive way to bring an executable contract for the board’s consideration in the future.

Lease

agreement – 83 Salmon Brook Street

The town received information about the improvements needed at 83 Salmon Brook Street (Freshie’s), which required amendments to the proposed lease agreement. A copy of the amended lease was distributed and will be posted on the town website. Walsh requested the agenda item be tabled to allow reviewing the details of the changes to the lease terms. Changes include a 2.5 percent rent escalation that begins in year six, a deed restriction and an increase in the pool of funding from $75,000 to $125,000 for the repairs to the roof, the foundation and the mechanicals. The increased cost to the repairs is supported by quotes from contractors.

Request for permission to submit a STEAP Grant application

The town seeks to submit a project under the State of Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program Grant (STEAP) to create a new walking path at Salmon Brook Park from the parking lot near the Dog Park through the north Rover’s field, and handicapped accessibility to Salmon Brook Park from the Route 20 overflow parking lot to the Rover’s fields. The total cost of the project is estimated at between $600,000 and $700,000. The board unanimously approved a resolution to authorize Walsh to execute all documents, agreements and contracts necessary to obtain the 2025 STEAP Grant.

Park and Recreation fund appropriation for Holcomb Farm signage

At the June 17 meeting, the board approved reallocation of $75,000 of ARPA funds for repairs, signage, sidewalks, fencing, tree removal and AV upgrades at Holcomb Farm. An unpaid balance of $2,297.27 for the replacement sign

was not paid before the December 31, 2024, deadline for ARPA funds. The staff is requesting an additional appropriation form the Parks and Recreation Fund to pay the remaining balance. The fund has sufficient funds to cover this appropriation, with a balance of $560,297 as of June 30, 2024. The board unanimously approved the appropriation and forwarded the request to the board of finance.

KCE possible appeal

The KCE BESS Battery Project was recently approved by the Connecticut Siting Counsel over the town’s objections. As a result of that approval, the town wanted to explore all options including an appeal of the decision and directed the Town Manager to identify a qualified attorney specializing in appeals of this type.

Attorney David Sherwood, with the firm of Moriarty, Paetzold and Sherwood, who has brought similar appeals was selected and agreed to represent the town through the appeal process at a rate of $400/hour. The board voted unanimously to ratify the filing of the appeal.

Town manager report

The Town has hit the reset button on the Kearns senior housing development project. No decisions on the site or legal decisions with the respect to the developer have been made at this time. The partnership of 7 Summits Reality and New Samaritan has earned it the right to discuss the project with the town. The negotiating team will be transparent with the community and work in the best interests of the town in negotiating a project beneficial for Granby. Weekly development meetings will be held to determine the scope and design of the project based on input from all sources. The process is expected to take several months. Once completed the town and the developer will research next steps including financing of the development.

Public session

Tony King, 80 Donahue Road spoke to clear up what he considers a misunderstanding on the type of battery that was approved for the KCE Battery Project. It has been presented as a lithium-ion battery when it is a lithium iron phosphate battery which is different than what has been depicted in the media at the Moss Landing fire in California.

Robert Flanigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive spoke in favor of selling the property at 83 Salmon Brook Street rather than leasing it.

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

Members Present: First Selectman Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome, Margaret Chapple, Mike Walsh, Town Manager, Scott A. Nolan, Town Clerk, Zainab Zafar, Student Liaison, Ben LaVigne, Student Liaison

Department of Public Works supervisor job description approved Town Manager Mike Walsh announced that Rich Thomas has been promoted to the Facilities Supervisor position The board approved the new supervisor job description provided by Human Resources Director Krista Shaffer dated Jan. 16, 2025.

Outside council request

Walsh informed the board that because the KCE Battery Project was approved by the Connecticut Sitting Counsel over the objections of the Town of Granby, the town wants to explore its options including an appeal of the approval. To fully explore the Town’s rights, it needs to seek a qualified attorney/law firm specializing in that appeal process. The board authorized hiring an attorney/law firm to assist in legal matters related to the KCE Battery Project and directed Walsh to execute an engagement letter with the firm that is in the best interest of the Town and report on his progress at the Feb. 18 meeting.

Town Clerk resigns

Walsh informed the board that he had received a letter of resignation from Town Clerk Scott Nolan and said that it goes without saying that Scott will be missed. Fiorentino thanked Nolan for his service to the Town of Granby and board members wished him well.

Nolan noted that while his tenure has been short, it has been enjoyable and rewarding. He thanked Assistant Town Clerks Jini Ruscitti and Laura Milne, Fiorentino, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Hall staff for this rewarding opportunity to serve the residents of Granby.

Kearns developer vote

Walsh referenced the RFP issued in mid-2024 seeking developers to turn the Kearns School site into Senior Housing and the Jan. 13, 2025, presentations by two developers to the board, the Commission on Aging and residents. At a

BOS Highlights cont’d. on p. 9

Un-BEE-lievable! The GranBee turns 20!

By Rosemarie Weber

Come celebrate the twentieth running of Granby’s favorite trivia contest! This year’s GranBee will be held on Friday, April 25 at Granby Memorial High School.

This year’s “buzz”worthy event will be “swarm”ing with challenging trivia questions, fantastic costumes, and a honey pot auction for a fun filled family event! Trivia questions range in topics from music, history, science, and pop culture. Teams of three will “hive” great fun battling to become the “Queen Bee” and receive the coveted “honey” of a trophy. The “buzz” on the street is that Jim Whitten will emcee this year’s event. This year the Bee will be… Sorry! Can’t spill the “bee”ns because we “hive” to keep some things a secret!

All bad bee puns aside, the GranBee is the Granby Education Foundation’s (GEF) largest fundraiser. Thanks to

its local business sponsors and team participants, the GEF has raised over $500,000 which goes right back into the community by way of educational and enrichment grants to schools and com munity non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2000, the GEF has underwritten over $500,000 in grants that support our mission for continual learning for all community members through education and the arts. GEF has supported programs such as the Salmon Brook Ecology Center, the Bruce Porter Memorial Mu sic Series, the GMHS TV production studio, nutritional programs at Holcomb Farm, Granby Celebrates Juneteenth arts program, and the Wildflower Meadow Educational Enrichment Program. So, join us on April 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. for the silent auction and 6:30 for

the main event! Let’s see which team will taste the sweet “honey” of victory and which teams will feel the “sting” of defeat. Better yet, “bee”friend two other trivia buffs and form a team to compete. Team registration is due on or before April 18, 2025. Save $50 if your team registers before March 25, 2025. Team registration and sponsorship forms are on the Granby Education Foundation website at granbyeducationfoundation.org

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

Community Scholarship – a long history of giving

Friends of Granby Public Libraries kicks off annual Membership Drive

by Brian Tomasino

Inserted in this month’s Drummer you will find our membership form for this year’s fund drive. We are reaching out to those who would like to become a new member and those renewing their current membership. By becoming a member, you are helping to support numerous activities and purchases for the Granby Public Libraries throughout the year.

Membership forms can be dropped off at either of the libraries or mailed

to the address on the form. You can be assured that 100 percent of the membership contributions go towards fulfilling our mission in support of the Granby Library System. The Friends help support many weekly programs and activities, help with items such as magazines, DVDs, and museum passes, along with items utilized by patrons for the library. Thank you for your support. Please join our Facebook page the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries. You can also reach us at friends.gpl@gmail.com

Stony Hill Village Community Serve Day is May 3, 2025

Join your friends and neighbors for the fourth biannual Stony Hill Village Community Serve Day on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. This community service event is a fantastic opportunity to give back and help improve the 49unit Stony Hill Village affordable housing community located at 259 Salmon Brook Street in Granby. Everyone is invited to participate whether you’re a resident or a local community member. This is your chance to make a direct impact on the upkeep and enhancement of our neighborhood. Tasks will vary, and there’s

Highlights cont’d. from p. 8

special meeting during the week of Jan. 20, the COA voted in support of working with New Samaritan/7 Summits to reach an agreement to develop the Kearns School site as Senior Housing and provided a list of its priorities. Deborah Holcomb (COA Member) addressed BOS regarding her concerns related to Senior Housing. She noted her concerns about what the assessed impact is on the Town, sewer usage, goals of the property, and the draw on other town resources. She further expressed concern on the Town’s recourse should the developer not meet their obligations.

something for everyone to contribute to. Participants are asked to arrive at the Stony Hill Village Community Room by 9 a.m. for instructions. This event is not only a great way to serve but also an opportunity to meet your neighbors and work together to strengthen our community.

Email stonyhillgranby@gmail.com or visit granbyhomesforseniors.org and complete the “contact us” form for more details. Learn more about Stony Hill’s mission on the website or make a donation there as well.

A motion was made by Mark Neumann that the Granby Board of Selectmen direct Town Manager Mike Walsh to begin working with New Samaritan/7 Summits to create a development agreement for the Kearns School Senior Housing Initiative with emphasis on the priorities provided by the Commission on Aging and the Board of Selectmen. Walsh will return to the board no later than April 30, 2025, with either an update on the progress of the development agreement or an agreement for the Board of Selectmen to consider for approval. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.

The Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) has awarded over $650,000 in scholarships to nearly 400 college bound Granby Memorial Highschool seniors making a significant impact on their young lives since 1958. CSAG has been performing this service while managing contributions of all kinds, but particularly funds from a Holcomb Family Endowment. Applicants must be Granby Memorial High School seniors accepted at an institution of higher learning approved by the selection committee. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, academic excellence, community service and demonstrated leadership. Scholarship applications are available online through Naviance, at the College and Career Center or through your guidance counselor. Completed applications should be submitted to Mrs. Caruso in the GMHS counseling office on or before May 1.

CSAG invites the Granby community and former scholarship recipients to consider making taxdeductible contributions to CSAG so that the organization can award more substantial scholarships. Checks should be made out to CSAG and mailed to Gary Ebersole, 30 Firetown Road, West Granby, CT 06090.

Executive session

The board went into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. to discuss potential litigation and invited members of the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager to join.

BOS

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Present: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Karen Richmond-Godard and Ali Zafar. Absent: Student Representatives Sofia Brenson and Katie O’Neill

Public Comment

Mike Kramarenko, Notch Road, Granby, shared concerns on student safety and security and thanked the board for its communication on the recent lockdown. He also shared that the Ellington Board of Education wrote letters to Governor Lamont promoting healthier food options for school students and suggested that Granby may want to do the same.

Julie Haefner, West Granby, also commented about healthy foods and informed the board of local Farm-to-School Grants. She thanked the board and police department for presenting the SRO Program for Granby.

FY26 Small Capital Expenditures

Christopher DeGray, Director of Facilities, addressed small capital expenditures in the FY26 Budget, specifically indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC testing and oil tank removal. He explained the state parameters around IAQ and HVAC testing, and its requirement for an HVAC assessment for each school building. The original deadline for January 2024 was not met, and the new deadline for 2025 was also not met. The new deadline is June 30, 2031, and many districts are testing one school per year.

IAQ testing needs to be conducted annually. DeGray has received quotes on this work that fluctuate from $50K to $200K. HVAC testing is more extensive and vendors being contacted have availability over the summer to collect the necessary data. The state is mandating this testing and the funding for it is borne by the district.

Peling asked about additional expenses incurred after the testing and DeGray said that is very possible and the district should allow for amendments. Lombardo inquired about data

BOARD OF ED MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

available from schools that performed testing this year. DeGray said results would be specific to buildings. This process will need to be very transparent and be a learning process for everyone. Barlow inquired if the Department of Administrative Services was offering grants as was noted in the bill. Burke said no concrete information is available yet as to grants but the district will monitor it closely and take advantage of any potential grants.

Removal and replacement of the oil tanks at Kelly Lane and Wells Road: The tank removal cost is approximately $6K. Additional costs include heavy equipment to remove the tanks; soil testing; temporary fencing; asphalt gravel subgrade; as well as installation of an aboveground tank. DeGray emphasized that this project will realize energy savings as propane is much cheaper than oil.

Business Requiring Action

School Resource Officer Program Presentation and Approval

Superintendent Burke, along with Police Chief Scott Sansom and Captain Kurt LaFlamme, provided an update to their original presentation regarding a School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.

Burke reviewed the survey results and several questions raised in it related to the duties of an SRO. The SRO would give educational presentations on law enforcement, safety and other related topics, conduct investigations into any crimes occurring on school property and develop strategies for preventing and managing safety risks. Others question a SRO’s involvement in discipline matters. Burke said an SRO is not responsible for school discipline, enforcing school rules or leading searches of students. A Graduated Response Agreement will be created regarding the position. She mentioned that staff training will occur. Sergeant Todd Kushman from the Simsbury Police Department and former SRO for Simsbury Public Schools shared some of his experiences and shared that he was not involved in discipline.

He did, however, encourage students to follow school rules and policies. He was not involved in searches of students, lockers or backpacks or investigating bullying incidents. He said it is unfortunate that results of what an SRO prevents daily cannot be measured, because much of the prevention work is related to relationships and connections built with students and families. An SRO works with administration to investigate potential crimes. Burke inquired about having one SRO dividing time across multiple buildings. Kushman stated it is not easy to cover multiple buildings. He advised drop-ins on lunch waves in the cafeteria as well as recesses. There’s tremendous value in knowing the elementary kids when they move up to the middle and high schools.

Burke said 80 percent of survey takers were in favor of an SRO; 79 percent were in favor of an SRO being funded in the budget, and 81.3 percent believed an SRO would be beneficial. The remainder of the survey was open-ended feedback. Some who were in favor had concerns with the cost and budget impacts, the need for additional mental health supports, fears of racial profiling and having an armed officer in a school setting. Burke reviewed funding for the position. An SRO’s salary would be approximately $98K and benefits (including health care, pension, life insurance, long-term disability and payroll taxes) would be an additional $60K for a total of $158K.

A motion passed with one abstention that the board of education approve a School Resource Officer Program. Burke will now work on the budget impact and how to make this work and make priorities come to fruition.

Granby Education Foundation

Barlow shared that a substantial grant was awarded for a student-led and designed courtyard project at Wells Road.

JANUARY 15, 2025

Present members: Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan, David Peling, and student representatives Sofia Brenson and Katie O’Neill. Absent member: Karen Richmond-Godard Finance and Operations Report

Nickie Stevenson, director of operations and finance, said that based on the December expense report, personnel and program account expenditures are consistent and anticipated to be covered within the appropriated budget. Special education expenses continue to be within the spending plan.

The first installment of the Open Choice Grant funding was received as well as additional funds for PreK tuition. Revenue to the town decreased approximately $280K since November. Revenue from the BEAR Transition Academy reduced due to decreased enrollment from 3 to 2 students, but the district anticipates increased special education tuition revenue. The state recently provided preliminary excess cost reimbursement percentages for FY25

and, at this time, Granby’s expected reimbursement is 62.07 percent, decreasing revenue by $383, 338 from the previous report. Per Pupil Expenditures should be available by increased by $764 to $20,725. The board unanimously approved this report.

FY26 Plus-One Budget Superintendent Cheri Burke said that the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst position would benefit students with behavior issues or emotional and behavioral disorders. A cost analysis of the B.E.A.R. Transition Academy shows a savings of more than $800K in FY26. Burke added that expected reductions for FY26 include 2 classroom teachers (one at Kelly Lane and one at Wells Road) due to grade enrollment reductions and 1.8 full-time employees in world language.

Approval of June 2025 Graduation Date

The board will discuss and consider the approval of the June 2025 graduation date to be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (rain or shine). Superintendent Burke stated the district is legally obligated to have students in school 180 days so the projected last day of school is Tuesday, June 10 after one snow day. She stated if a snow day is called tomorrow, students in grades K-11 would need to make up this snow day. It is best practice to try to honor the 180-day requirement. A motion made by Donna Nolan and seconded by David Peling that the Granby Board of Education approve the June 2025 graduation to be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (rain or shine) as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Finance/Personnel/Facilities

Donna Nolan reported this subcommittee approved the Budget Expense Report for December 2024. Received an update on CPPAC — preparing a fact sheet on the BOE priorities on the turf, track and field replacement; middle school renovation; and safety upgrades. Received a transportation update — there are two years left on the contract and there is an upcoming meeting with CREC to renegotiate rates. The Plus-One Budget was discussed as well as outstanding meal balances at the high school and the pursuit of reimbursement for these balances.

Celebrating 100 days

February was a busy month for the Granby Public Schools. Feb. 3 was Job Shadow Day at the high school. Eightyfive students participated and attended a variety of businesses and organizations including financial services, insurance, town and state government offices, veterinarians, auto body shops, builders, and health care organizations.

One job shadow host, Jim Marlor, partner at New England Financial Group, stated students met with him and five team members to discuss the world of finance from financial planning, investing and insurance to the sales support side. He shared that the students were “… professional, respectful and asked great questions. Makes me proud of all you do at Granby High School.”

Feb. 4 was the 100th day of school and schools across the district celebrated this day with many activities. Kelly Lane Primary School students celebrated the day with math activities, crafts, guessing games, and projects from home; Wells Road Intermediate School students celebrated their own way by designing hats, t-shirts or another way of their choice. Granby Memorial Middle School teachers made over 100 positive phone calls to families highlighting students who showed remarkable independence,

GMHS Drama Goes Pink: Don’t Miss Legally Blonde

Submitted by the Granby Fine Arts Booster Club

Granby Memorial High School’s Dramatic Arts program is gearing up to wow audiences with its spring production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, running March 14 through 16. This lively, award-winning musical brings the beloved story of Elle Woods to the stage, following her as she trades Malibu for Harvard Law School to prove that kindness, determination, and a lot of confidence can defy stereotypes and make anything possible.

Audiences can expect show-stopping dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and heartfelt moments—all set against dazzling sets and costumes that capture Elle’s signature style. From the hilarious courtroom scenes to the inspiring message of self-discovery, this production is sure to entertain and uplift the entire family.

What makes this performance even more special is the incredible effort put forth by the students of the GMHS Dramatic Arts program, from the talented cast delivering powerhouse vocals and sharp choreography to the hardworking crew designing the sets, costumes, and lighting. The Granby Fine Arts Booster is calling on the entire Granby community to help make this production a huge success. Supporting this show means supporting the creativity, dedication, and talent of local youth, the creative leadership team and volunteers who have poured their hearts into this project.

Tickets are available now at gmhsfinearts.com/legallyblonde. Reserve your seats today to ensure you get the best view for this unforgettable production. Let’s show up for our students and give them the audience they deserve.

worked diligently in class, and demonstrated dedication in various subjects. Parents were appreciative of the unexpected positive messages with one parent sharing, “Thank you for the positive feedback—it made my day!”

Additionally, the week of Feb. 10-14 marked Random Acts of Kindness Week, and the Kids Heart Challenge at Wells Road was also kicked off this month. At the elementary schools, Kelly Lane Primary School students were tasked with completing kindness checklists and making Kelly Lane a kinder place. Classes at Wells Road Intermediate School made kindness cards and drawings which were donated to the Senior Center and American Legion. Students also collected socks for Hands on Hartford.

All Granby Memorial Middle School students received a Post-It note on their locker, and a bulletin board at the middle school is regularly updated with student

contributions, showcasing their creativity and messages of kindness. Additionally, the Renaissance Club spread kindness in the community by creating Valentine cards for the residents of MeadowBrook. Lastly, Granby Memorial High School students gave bags of treats to Teaching Assistants and Secretaries and thank you notes to teachers. Acts of kindness were certainly represented across the district and community!

Budget Process Underway

Please follow our budget development by visiting our website and attending the Board of Education budget presentation and workshop. Information will be updated regularly on our district website and social media platforms @ Superintendent_Burke on Facebook and Instagram.

The FY26 Superintendent’s Budget will be presented to the Granby Board of Education on Wednesday March 5 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room and via Zoom. In addition, the Board of Education Budget Workshop/Budget Adoption meetings will take place on March 12, at 7 p.m. (location TBD) and March 19, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room and via Zoom.

The Public Budget Hearing is scheduled for April 7, at 7 p.m. in the GMHS Auditorium.

High school students attend Job Shadow Day at New England Financial Group with job shadow host Jim Marlow.

Students across the district celebrated kindness in a number of ways. Submitted photos

Basket Donations

Beman Hardware

Cambridge House Brew Pub

Cindy Papageorge

Drago’s Kitchen

Farley’s Pub

Farmington Valley YMCA

Geissler’s Supermarket

Granby Autowash

Granby Parks & Recreation

Ivy Nails & Spa

Jake’s Wayback Burgers

La Verona Pizzeria & Restaurant

Lost Acres Fire Dept.

Lost Acres Orchard

Lost Acres Vineyard

Milk & Honey Boutique

Neo Nail Salon

Old Mill Pond Village Shops

Sarah Byrnes Jeweler

Spak Pak

Starbucks Coffee

The Trading Post Eatery

Tractor Supply Company

Unique Antiques of CT

Village Cork & Keg

Wisdom of the Ages

Dave Pelizzon Squadron Capital

Jen Bell Granby Drummer

granbyeducationfoundation.org/the-gran-bee

Granby Memorial High School boys took a loss in action on Jan. 17 vs Aerospace.

(Clockwise from Left) Stone Tran (#1), Joziah Burris (#10), Jake Teclaw (#33) and Brady Liss (#11)

GMHS Girls Basketball took the court in a win vs Morgan on Dec. 28. (Clockwise from above) Brenna Nicholas (#24), Jalisa Matthews (#5), Mia Crunden (#15) and Sophia Bodman (#3).

Photos by Jay Harder

TOOTH TALK

by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q: Do I Really Have to Replace a Missing Tooth?

A: Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. For one thing, a large space between your teeth may affect how you speak or eat. Even if it’s not noticeable, a missing molar can affect how you chew. Remaining teeth may shift and in some cases, bone loss can occur around a missing tooth. With today’s advances, you don’t have to suffer from missing teeth.

Here are some options to replace a lost tooth or teeth. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you:

Implants: Most similar to a natural tooth. These are the longest lasting replacement and they can never get a cavity. Implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Bridges: Anchored to your adjacent teeth, these are NOT removable and they will look and act just as your own natural teeth do.

Partial Dentures: are removable, which allow easy cleaning, and are usually less expensive than bridges. However, not everyone can get used to having them.

Overdentures: These are full dentures that are attached, usually by snaps to some remaining teeth roots or a couple of implants

Full Dentures: Also called a “plate” An option if you’ve lost all your teeth. The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Conebeam CT technology allows us to view your head and neck in 3 Dimensions, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and early detection of problems and Computer guided implant placement. At the Granby Dental Center, we even offer CEREC, an amazing technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength!

At the Granby Dental Center, we offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION!

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

Follow us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/ GranbyDentalCenter/ Scan the QR code to learn more!

Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220

Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT

Out of Town

Simsbury Library to host sleep expert

The Simsbury Public Library will offer a free program with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz who will share tips to improve sleep and restorative rest. During restorative sleep the body not only rests and recharges, it also cleans the brain of toxins and debris, consolidates memories, repairs tissues and organs, and grows new cells, including brain cells.

Dr. Hurwitz is a nationally recognized expert on stress and helps organizations and individuals achieve peak performance by enhancing vitality and wellness with practical, easy-to-use techniques people can use to maintain and enhance vitality. This program will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at 725 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. For more information or to register call the library at 860 658-7663 or register online at: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/ event/sleep-w-wendy-hurwitz-48615

East Granby Library activities

The East Granby Public Library, at 24 Center Street, welcomes residents from the surrounding communities to its programs. Register at egpl.org or call 860-653-3002.

Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies: Movies start at 1 p.m. March 5, Sound of Music (60th anniversary); March 12, Napoleon; March 19, The Last Rifleman; March 26, Here. Library Mini Golf Event: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at EGPL. Cost: $5/person, max $20/family. Get ready for a day of fun and adventure as we transform the library into an 18-hole mini-golf course! Each hole will be uniquely themed and sponsored by local community groups. This is the perfect outing for families, friends, and golf enthusiasts of all ages. Come for the fun, stay to support your library and community!

Quilter’s Trunk Show

The Granville Quilt and Needlework Guild is hosting a quilter’s “trunk show” on Tuesday March 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Southwick Senior Center at the rear of the Southwick Town Hall. Diane Burns is an excellent quilter with an eye for color. She loves making scrap quilts and will have many to show. If you wish to attend there is a fee of $5 for nonmembers. Membership to the guild is only $15 annually so feel free to come and see the presentation or to see if the guild is a fit for you.

Farmington Valley Chorale

Farmington Valley Chorale and New Britain Symphony Orchestra present Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The concert will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 3 p.m., Welte Hall, on the campus of Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, Conn. For ticket information contact newbritainsymphony@ gmail.com

Lifelong Learning at University of Hartford

The Presidents’ College Lifelong Learning at the University of Hartford is taught by professors and community experts. Non-credit courses include 1.5-hour lectures and short 2-3 sessions on various topics. There’s no membership fee, and students pay a modest amount for only those courses they wish to take.

A few of the offerings include the Hartt School’s production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Director Robert Davis and composer Kathryn Swanson will discuss their collaboration on the original musical score and dramatic sound design. Then attend the performance the following week. Or join the conversation on artificial intelligence with AI and the Future in Media. In Health and Harmony: Music to My Ears, we’ll explore some of the research around music’s influence on well-being. Delve into Why Poetry Matters with Connecticut’s Poet Laureate, or into the Effects of Declining Birth Rates. Explore How Race and Place Influenced Pop Music. Go to hartford.edu/pc. for details. Email pcollege@hartford.edu to be added to the mailing list.

Winter Fun at the Connecticut Trolley Museum

The Connecticut Trolley Museum will be open on Saturdays (weather permitting) through March 29. The Museum will be open every weekend beginning in April. In addition to taking a ride on an historic trolley, learn about the rich history of trolleys through interactive exhibits. Get a hands-on experience aboard stationary trolleys in the visitor’s center. Create your own motorman hat at the crafting station or design a fare ticket. The dress-up station is a perfect photo opportunity for all ages. Visit the LEGO station and fire truck museum with over 15 fire trucks and historic firefighting equipment dating back to 1923.

March 15 celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Shamrocks and Streetcars. A day filled with Irish-inspired fun, hands-on activities and the history celebrating the contributions of Irish Americans to the development of the trolley system. Events include a leprechaun scavenger hunt with a chance to win exciting prizes. Trolley rides with Irish music. An Irish-themed photo station, a kids’ craft station, with hot chocolate and St. Patrick’s Day-themed cookies available for purchase.

Admission prices are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), $12 for youth (ages 12-17), children (ages 2-11) $9, children under 2 and museum members free. For more information visit cttrolley.org or call 860-627-6540. The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road, East Windsor on route 140.

Women Take Flight at Air Museum

The New England Air Museum will conduct its annual event, Women Take Flight, on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum’s family-friendly celebration of women in aerospace features hands-on activities, flight simulators, open cockpit experiences in historic aircraft, lectures, and opportunities to meet local women in the aerospace industry.

This year’s event will feature two panel presentations. Pratt & Whitney will be presenting Pratt & Whitney: Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation and Inspiring Future Generations at 11 a.m. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of dependable engines from Pratt & Whitney.

The second panel of the day will feature women from the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, at 1 p.m. Speakers will share about their careers in the guard. The “Flying Yankees” is based at Bradley International Airport and provides tactical airpower and mission support for Connecticut and the country.

Visitors will have the opportunity to climb aboard several of the museum’s historic aircraft including the Lockheed 10A Electra, which is rarely open for public viewing. Food will be available to purchase onsite from Fat City Kid food truck.

For more information and a full event schedule, please visit www.neam.org.

Activites at Auerfarm

Pancake breakfast March 15 – 16 Join us at Auerfarm for a delightful morning of farm-to-table pancakes topped with our fresh maple syrup! Experience the magic of maple sugaring with live demonstrations, tours of our sugar shack, and more. 158 Auer Farm Road Bloomfield.

Spring break day camp April 14 – 18 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.. The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm will host a week-long day camp program for Connecticut youth aged 5-12 during Spring vacation. The camp will run on the 120-acre farm located at 158 Auer Farm Road, Bloomfield.

4-H Summer Camp June 23 – Aug 8 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Registration is now open for the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm’s summer camp program. Auercamp provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences for children aged 3-15 on our 120-acre farm, fostering curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. For more information on any of these programs, call 860-242-7144 or visit www.auerfarm.org

In Town Focus

Art show at Park Place

You could go to the center of Granby every day and never notice the small art gallery tucked away at 2 Park Place. Its large and tiny oil paintings are whimsically arranged by the gallery owner and artist, Alexander Anisimov. Being a member of Granby Art Association and an exhibiting artist keeps him busy and creative. His new show: “Made in Granby, CT.” runs from March 1 to April 12. Always free to the public. Contact: alexanderanisimovstudio.com

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, March 5, the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group will host guest speaker, Kathleen Scranton, a talented artist who repurposes vintage books by fashioning them into one-ofa-kind purses. This interesting program will be held at the Granby Senior Center. Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 9 a.m. program. Cost is $5. Please call the senior center to make your reservation or register online.

Empty Bowls

Granby’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Granby Memorial High School.

Empty Bowls is a grassroots organization that works to fight hunger in local communities. Students from Granby’s National Honor Society organize and run the event to fight local hunger. Several hundred attendees are expected to enjoy the handmade bowls as well as unlimited soup and bread donated by local restaurants. All of the proceeds go directly to the Granby and Hartland food banks. The cost is $20 for soup and a handcrafted bowl, $15 each for soup and a bowl for a family of 4 or more, and $10 for soup only. No reservations are needed; you can pay at the door.

Granby Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. The evening program will discuss, share and learn more about AI in photography. Bring your questions and any files you would like to experiment with. The Scavenger Hunt Words are: AI, abstract in nature, and Favorite. In case of stormy weather, we will have a Zoom meeting. Email: phj38@gmail. com for the link.

Civic Club

After a long winter break, the Granby Civic Club is happy to welcome the first day of spring. The club will meet on March 20 at 1 p.m. in the Granby Senior Center. A “Welcome Tea” is the theme and each person is asked to bring a favorite tea cup. “Does your favorite tea cup have a history you can share with the group?” The Civic Club, open to all women in Granby and surrounding communities, has as its single purpose to be “a better Granby.” We meet the third Thursday of each month in the Senior Center, unless otherwise indicated. Contact Ginny (ginny@lostacres.com) or 860-539-2556 for additional information.

Men’s Breakfast

On Friday, March 14, the men’s group will be serving a hot breakfast prepared by our volunteers. The speaker will be Dave Emery on the technology of making maple syrup. The cost remains at $5. Last month Mark Ranstead showed us great pictures from Antarctica. April’s speaker will be Amber Wyzik with a library facilities update. We hope to see you there!

Contra Dance at Granby Grange

Join us for an evening of lively music and dancing at Granby Grange, 212 North Granby Road, on Saturday, March 29, from 7–9 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or brand new to Contra Dance, all are welcome—no partner needed!

Suggested donation: $10 per person, $5 for students, and children under 12 dance free.

Come enjoy a fun-filled night at the Grange!

Salmon Brook Historical Society News

The Research Library in the Preservation Barn is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research fee $25 per hour.

The Museum Store has a great assortment of Granby items. Located in the Enders House, it is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Purchases may be made on Tuesdays and are completed at the Preservation Barn from 9 a.m. to noon. Items can be viewed at: www. salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network Bus Tour – Way Back When: A Witness to History farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org The first of a four-year series, the tour will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will cost $50. More details will

appear in the April issue of the Drummer. Call Mary at 860-841-8344 with questions or to reserve your spot on this popular event.

Spring Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the society’s grounds. Please contact Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 for vendor information. Flea market donations to the society can be dopped off any Tuesday or Thursday between 9 a.m. and noon through May 13.

Membership in the Salmon Brook Historical Society at 208 Salmon Brook Street offers many benefits including the opportunity to learn and help preserve Granby history. Membership dues: Students $10, Individuals $25, and Family $40. Donations in any amount are always welcome and appreciated. You don’t need to be a Granby native, own an old house or be old; you do need to care about the history of Granby. Visit our website or stop by the museum for an application.

The Beat Goes On - Drummer’s Second Puzzle Slam an Intense Success

By Nicole Muller

A sequel is considered better than the original when it builds on its audience’s existing knowledge and takes it to the next

Participants in the award-winning, allvolunteer Granby Drummer’s second Puzzle Slam, conducted on Saturday, Feb. 1, unanimously agreed that this year’s fundraiser delightfully surprised them.

Twenty tables were added to last year’s 40, accommodating 80 more puzzlers. Granby Memorial High School’s fine arts boosters were on hand selling

refreshments, and a bigger and more diverse raffle entertained guests before they got down to the serious business of completing a 500-piece puzzle within 90 minutes.

This year’s puzzle resembled a scene from Granby Center in summer. “The building reminded us of Beman’s Hardware,” said Jen Bell, the Drummer’s managing editor, who along with former editor Rita Isaacson, the Citizens for a Better Granby board of directors and members of the Drummer staff, presented a seamlessly organized event.

Emceeing the Slam for the second

year was Rick Orluk, president of the Granby Land Trust, who exchanged last year’s puzzle-themed shirt and hat for a colorful puzzle tie. “Think new and fresh,” Orluk said, grinning.

Terry Spak of Granby purchased 12 tables, exceeding last year’s 10. Her son Sam Spak, a UConn graduate, brought a dozen college friends, all fellow engineers, to enjoy the fun. Some Spak Pak puzzlers wore red shirts to honor Terry, who recently underwent heart surgery.

Among this year’s newcomers, Jan Marnicki of East Windsor, Kristen Thompson of Somers, Joyce Feeney of East Windsor and Lebo Lyle of Manchester met for the first time just a few weeks ago after seeing the 2025 Puzzle Slam flyer on Facebook. Strangers who enjoy puzzling, they agreed to meet up before the big event to get to know each other and to plan their strategy.

Four teachers from the Powder Mill School in Southwick heard about last year’s Slam, registered for this year’s event and ordered blue Puzzle Queens T-shirts to distinguish their team.

“I always have a puzzle going in my classroom,” said Leslie Clark of Avon. “Puzzles provide students relaxation,

are a visual learning tool, and teach them patterns and patience. They have a sense of gratification when they find a piece that fits. We can all benefit from these skills.”

Granby Public Library Director Amber Wyzik’s table boasted three generations: Wyzik, her daughter Kayla, her father-in-law Michael, and her mother, Linda Goulet.

“I couldn’t come last year because it was ‘Take Your Child to the Library Day,’” Wyzik said. “This year’s library event was morning only, so we could spend the afternoon enjoying the Puzzle Slam together.”

While puzzlers were allowed 90 minutes to work, the first-place team completed the challenge in just 35 minutes, 10 seconds. First-timers to the event, Karen Godere of Norwich, Laura Tighonsini of Manchester, Danny Robillard of Clinton and Therese Wilson of Norwich surprised themselves with their win.

Just seven seconds later, Robbin Smith of West Hartford, Russ Delemos of Granby, Alessandra Mitrano of

Puzzle Slam cont’d. on p.17

Members of the Granby Memorial High School fine arts booster club sold refreshments to puzzlers to support the upcoming production of Legally Blonde. From left, Holly Bolduc, Laurel Farrer, and Abbey Heller. Photo by Nicole Muller

First place winners of The Granby Drummer’s Feb. 1 Puzzle Slam, completing the 500-piece puzzle in 35 minutes, 10 seconds, are from left, Therese Wilson of Norwich and Danny Robillard of Clinton, Karen Godere of Norwich and Laura Tighonsini of Manchester.

Photo by Ed Judge

off not one but two raffle wins is

Canton, N.Y., and Marisa Mitrano of Granby placed their final puzzle piece, taking second place. “We didn’t think we’d have a chance,” Marisa Mitrano said. “We were here last year and had so much fun we just had to come again. It’s a tradition in our family every summer to finish a 1,000-piece puzzle, so puzzling is a part of life for us.”

Others took longer to complete the challenge, working until the very end of the event. Before leaving, they claimed raffle prizes and sugar cookies, courtesy of The Whisk.

Christiane Pimentel, member of the Friends of Holcomb Farm board, traveled from Glastonbury to compete in the Slam. Pimentel claimed not one but two raffle prizes, making the long trip well worth her while. “This entire afternoon has been simply amazing,” she said, beaming.

Dave Pelizzon, president of Squadron Capital, which was among the event’s sponsors, observed that the difference between a town and a community is that a community is a place where people help each other. Indeed.

Friends of the Granby Public Library were the happy recipients of three carloads of puzzles, donations from those who came to compete. Look for them at the library’s next puzzle sale, with proceeds benefiting the Granby community.

Finally—and happily—the Drummer will continue to deliver town news to Granby residents and businesses for another year, thanks in no small part to a successful community fundraiser.

Photos by Ed Judge, Jay Harder and Nicole Muller

Winning the second-place spot in the Feb. 1 Granby Puzzle Slam are, from left, Robin Smith of West Hartford, Russ Delemos of Granby, Alessandra Mitrano of Canton, N.Y., and Marisa Mitrano of Granby.

Three generations of Granby Library Director Amber Wyzik’s family competed in the Feb. 1 Puzzle Slam. From left, Kayla Wyzik, Michael Wyzik, Linda Goulet and Amber Wyzik.

Showing

Christiane Pimentel of Glastonbury who serves on the Friends of Holcomb Farm board of directors.

Joyce Feeney’s team included Jan Marnicki, Kristen Thompson and Lebo Lyle.

Mara Henze’s team included Kerri Crough, Beth Lindsay and Beth Nichols.

Puzzle Slam cont’d. from p. 16

Faith Tyldsley’s team included Diana Hughes, Shirley Warn and Martha Miller.

Exotic Pet Series Pt. 2: Rabbits and guinea pigs

Small mammals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters and other rodents, can make a wonderful addition to the family. Approximately 8.1 percent of households in 2024 owned some type of small mammal. Much like reptiles, we don’t always see them at the vet for routine visits, but it is still important for them to have veterinary care.

Rabbits and guinea pigs

Rabbits and guinea pigs are both herbivores that digest using hindgut fermentation, just like horses. Unlike cats and dogs that are fed twice daily, rabbits and guinea pigs must always have access to food. If they do not have access to food, their gastrointestinal tract can stop moving, which is a condition called gastrointestinal stasis. This is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the vet. If you own either of these species, I often recommend having special food on hand, such as Oxbow Critical Care or Lafeber EmerAid, for syringe feeding in case this happens.

Basic diets for these animals include hay, pellets, and fresh veggies. There are many different types of hay that can be fed like timothy, oat, meadow and alfalfa. It is important to note that only young rabbits and guinea pigs should be eating alfalfa hay because of its high calcium content. Young animals need that extra calcium to help grow their bones, but if an adult consumes extra calcium, it can cause urinary issues.

There are many fresh veggies that rabbits and guinea pigs can have. Dark leafy greens are best, but they can also have small amounts of other veggies.

Guinea pigs have a very large vitamin C requirement, so bell peppers are a great diet addition due to their high content. We recommend daily vitamin C supplementation for guinea pigs as well. Fruit should be fed as a treat only.

Both rabbits and guinea pigs can make very personable pets. I often talk to owners about how they have such a big personality in a small package! Even with their small size, they can be mischievous. It is very important to “bunny proof” your home if you are considering adding one of these little ones to the household. They love to chew, which is necessary for good dental health. Their teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, and they need to grind them down to eat properly. Providing chew toys like bamboo sticks, compressed hay, or wood can be helpful and good enrichment.

Rabbits can get vaccines like other pets. We only have one vaccine in the US that has conditional approval through the FDA, which is for the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). This was approved on an emergency basis because of the spread of RHDV from wild populations to house rabbits. Because there have been positive cases in Connecticut, I highly recommend talking with your veterinarian to know if vaccination is right for your bunny.

If you are thinking about adding a small mammal to the family or already have one, I recommend finding a veterinarian with the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV).

Local artist showing at Litchfield Gallery

By Shirley Murtha

Alofft Gallery in Litchfield, Conn., is presenting an exhibit of local artist Bill Simpson’s charcoal drawings and oil paintings. Including up to 20 pieces of his work, the show will open on Thursday, March 6, running through Sunday,

March 30. There will be a special opening reception on Saturday, March 8, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The gallery is located at 41 West Street in Litchfield. Hours are Thursday – Saturday, 11:30 to 5, and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Spring fire safety –time to change your batteries

By Fire Marshal Brian Long

On March 9, we return to daylight savings time, and we will be setting our clocks ahead by one hour. During this time of year, it is a good reminder that we all should be replacing the batteries in our smoke alarms. Change Your Clock / Change Your Batteries. It is also a good time to check the age of your smoke alarms. The life expectancy of smoke alarms is 10 years. If you are unsure as to the age of your smoke alarms, it would be a good idea to replace the unit.

Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, in the hall outside of the sleeping areas and on every level of the home.

The Granby Fire Marshal’s office offers free inspection of smoke and carbon

monoxide alarms for one- and two-family homes in town. There is no cost or obligation involved. We have a limited supply of replacement smoke alarms available to homeowners. Help us keep you and your family safe. Contact us today at 860-844-5321 or firemarshal@granby-ct.gov

Some spring fire safety tips to help keep you safe include cleaning out your clothes dryer vent pipe and removing combustible items from on or around your clothes dryer. Do not dry clothes that have been in contact with gasoline, paint thinners or similar chemicals. Air dry these items outside.

Only store gasoline in a container designed for that purpose. Never store gasoline containers or power equipment in basements or occupied space of the home and be sure container caps and vents are closed completely.

Never store liquid propane gas grill propane tanks inside your home or garage. Inspect your grill to make sure it’s free of grease or other combustible debris and check grill propane tank hoses for leaks or damage prior to use.

Be sure your house can be found by emergency teams by ensuring your house address number can easily be seen from the street.

St. Paul’s, London, 1958 is a charcoal drawing by Bill Simpson that will be on exhibit at Litchfield’s Alofft Gallery.

Social Services

The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director Sandra Yost at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

Elderly (65+) or Disabled Homeowners

Tax Relief

Applications for the Homeowners Tax Relief program are accepted through May 15. You must own or have life use of the property to qualify and live at the property as your permanent residence. A SSA 1099, or its equivalent, is required to be provided by each applicant. To apply, contact the Assessor’s office at 860-844-5312.

Elderly (65+) or Disabled Renters

Rebate Applications for the Renters Rebate program will be accepted beginning April 1 through Sept. 30. Applicant must have turned 65 years of age by the end of 2024. Persons under 65 years of age who are receiving Social Security Disability are also eligible and are required to provide current proof of disability (Award letter from Social Security).

Renters Requirements (not comprehensive):

• Must have rented in Granby, Conn., during 2024 and currently reside in Connecticut.

• Provide proof of rent paid in 2024 (rent receipts from landlord or cancelled checks).

• Provide proof of actual bills paid in 2024 for electricity, gas, water and fuel.

• Bring in proof of income: For example, Form SSA 1099; pensions, etc. Energy Assistance Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): is designed to help offset the home energy costs of Connecticut’s lower income families, specifically those households whose annual income falls at or below 60 percent of the state median income ($87,751 for a family of four in 2024). Call Granby Social Services at 860-844-5350 to schedule an intake appointment or apply online at: portal. ct.gov/heatinghelp/connecticut-energyassistance-program-ceap Eversource Assistance Programs: Winter protection for income eligible households prevents shutoff between Nov. 1 and May 1. Call Eversource at 800-286-2828 or visit Eversource.com/ BillHelp Operation Fuel: Offers emergency energy assistance for heating expenses for households who meet program guidelines with incomes at or below 100 percent of the state medianincome guidelines who are in crisis. operationfuel.org/about/how-we-help/ Granby Local Assistance Program: Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of state median income unless extenuating circumstances can be documented. Resources and Services

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

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

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

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800273-8255

When it Builds Up, Talk it Out: Campaign launched by United Way 211 and DCF, you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct. com

State of Connecticut Department of Social Services: For assistance with applying for benefits, such as Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/formerly known as Food Stamps, call 860-724-6443 ext. 275 for the Benefits Enrollment Center.

Senior Job Bank: A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people over the age of 50 find parttime work in the West Hartford community and surrounding towns. Jobseekers are put in touch with parttime job opportunities in businesses, municipalities and nonprofits as well as per diem work with individuals. Visit seniorsjobbankct.org or call 860-5213210.

Food Resources

Granby Food Pantry: 248 Salmon Brook Street, Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m. Before using the food pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary; call 860-844-5350 to schedule.

Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available every Wednesday 3–5 p.m. at Granby Congregational Church-South Campus, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.

Mobile FoodShare: Every other Tuesday, 1–1:30 p.m. Call for 2025 dates. Please park behind Granby Congregational Church, South Campus only. Remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather

cancellations visit ctfoodbank.org/gethelp/connecticut-food-banks-mobilepantry-schedule

Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: 23 Griffin Road, open on select Wednesdays, 2–6 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Please bring your own bags. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.

Open Cupboard Pantry: Granby Congregational Church, North Campus, 219 North Granby Road. Distributions are on Fridays, 3-4 p.m. on a drive through basis. Enter the church parking lot via north entrance on Stratton Road. Call the church at 860-653-4537 with questions.

SNAP: CT Foodbank will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone. For help with SNAP call 860-856-4357. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and CT Foodbank will mail you a packet to sign and return.

Winner’s Spotlights

By Faith Tyldsley

Dr. John Violette, DVM, The Granby Drummer’s “Animal Talk” columnist, wins award

Dr. John B. Violette has been a practicing veterinarian at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital (SBVH) in Granby for 37 years. His column, “Animal Talk,” commenced in The Granby Drummer soon after he joined the veterinary practice. Pet-loving Drummer readers have appreciated his sage advice on companion animals for 36 years. In January 2025 he passed column authorship to colleague Dr. Monique Fitzpatrick. We say goodbye and thank you to Dr. Violette. We welcome Dr. Fitzpatrick who is currently writing a series about exotic pets.

In the Connecticut Press Club’s 2023 competition, Dr. Violette won a thirdplace award in the Columns category. His prize-winning article, Lessons on leashing your pet, emphasizes the importance of dog owners teaching their pets to walk politely on a leash.

SBVH began providing curbside service during the COVID epidemic. Violette observed that technicians who led dogs away from their owners into the hospital experienced differing behaviors. “Many of our patients had no problem walking on leash away from their owners.” Others were not comfortable on leash. They would pull away, setting up the risk of possible aggression or of becoming free by slip-

ping out of ill-fitting collars or harness. Violette noted: “Successful leash training resulted in a more confident dog who could handle this stressful situation.”

“Lessons on leashing your pet” can be read by visiting the archives section of the Drummer’s website granbydrummer.com. Click “read online” and select the April 2023 issue. The article is on page 11.

Warnke achieves Circle of Success

Granby resident Jason J. Warnke BFA™, CMFA®, CRPC™, CFS® is a Private Wealth Advisor with the OakBridge Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Avon. He recently qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2025. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction. He has 26 years of experience in the financial services industry.

As a private wealth advisory practice, The OakBridge Group provides

financial advice in one-on-one relationships with clients. For more information, please contact Amy Glasgow at (860) 986-6655, visit the Ameriprise office at 2 Mountain View Ave., Avon, CT 06001 or visit the website, TheOakBridgeGroup.com

11am to 9pm

Shirley Murtha’s tribute to Tom Wutka a winner

“Most Granby folks today remember Tom Wutka sitting on the porch at Lost Acres Orchard, peeling his apples for the many delectable ways they would be used in the family bakery, including his own specialty, Tom’s Dried Apples.”

Shirley Murtha’s reminiscence, published in the February 2023 issue of the Granby Drummer, begins with this warm recollection. Her words touched many Granby hearts. And they proceeded to shine brightly in the Connecticut Press Club’s 2023 annual state-wide competition. Murtha received a firstplace award for her praise of Wutka as a kind and gentle person who served his community in extraordinary ways. Murtha became a staff writer for the Drummer in 2001. She subsequently served as copy editor for 10 years, continuing to write. From among the hundreds of articles she has submitted over 24 years, “Remembering Tom Wutka —a man of many talents” is among her favorites. “It came straight from my heart and was easy to write.”

Her article can be read by visiting the archives section of the Granby Drummer’s website granbydrummer.com

LaRosa joins Nair and Levin P.C.

Granby resident Mary Beth LaRosa recently joined the law offices of Nair and Levin P.C. A member of the Connecticut Bar Association, she graduated with a B.A. in Government from Cornell University and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Most recently, she has worked alongside the quasi-governmental agency, Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, in administering Connecticut’s Paid Leave program. Attorney LaRosa’s office is located at 707 Bloomfield Avenue in Bloomfield, Conn.

Once Again

The winter snow, slippery ice, bitter cold temperatures, and wind chills are gone. On the sides of the road, melting snow runs down in thin rivulets of water. And, from the once frozen ground, its spring flowers emerge. Robins and other songbirds return adding music that warms our hearts.

The glorious color of the forsythia brightens the landscape. Soon, the tree buds will blossom adding more Beauty. All around us, we see signs of nature’s rebirth. It is once again springtime, and we are once again Blessed by the Creator. Bernadette R. Gentry – 2025

Las Potras Story

Las Potras welcomes you to discover a unique take on Mexican cuisine with Mexico’s heart.

A fascinating blend of authentic and fresh dishes, experiencing the avors and inspiring aromas that honor our Mexican heritage. Featuring classic favorites like Quesadillas, Burritos, Enchiladas and Chimichangas, as well as some more adventurous tradition meals such as the El Patron Carne Asada, Mole, Ceviche, or our variet of amazing avorful Tacos!

Las Potras Mexican Restaurant o ers our guests the ideal dine-in lunch/dinner gathering, as well as catering for estas or a large group meeting.

In addition to our avorsome food, we also present a diverse collection of fresh-squeezed Margaritas in our bar, where our bartenders serve Micheladas, Mojitos, Spicy Margaritas and fresh ground co ee for Espresso Martinis - everything is made fresh. At Las Potras we invite you to discover and enjoy all the traditions and amazing avors Mexico has to o er (made for every age!)

Dr. Violette with his dog Birdie. Submitted photo

Jason J. Warnke

Click “read online” and select the February 2023 issue. The article appears on page 19.

Shirley Murtha Submitted photo

M.B. LaRosa Submitted photo

Familiar Faces

By Nicole Muller

Milk and Honey boutique is a dream come true

for Tooker and Masini

Albert Einstein famously said that “the person with dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts.” Clearly, Einstein never encountered Kristin Masini and her daughter Robin Tooker, who in 2022 combined their factual knowledge to make a dream come true on the Granby/Simsbury town line.

“One day Robin and I were at lunch, and I wrote ‘Milk and Honey’ on a napkin,” says Masini. Tooker adds, “I always wanted to have my own fashion line and run a business with my mom. We wanted our project, whatever it would be, to be called ‘Milk and Honey’ because it represents the balance between strength and sweetness, masculinity and femininity.”

A graduate of Farmington High School, Masini grew up in her family’s balloon decorating and event planning business. “I married at 19 and divorced at 23,” she says. “As a single mom, I supplemented my income from the family business working for Barter Business Unlimited (BBU).”

But business experience wasn’t the only skill that Masini inherited. “I grew up with horses,” she says. “My mom rode hunters and jumpers. I was in her womb on a horse, so of course, I learned to ride. I trained with Hugh Kerrigan, former owner of Farmington Polo Grounds. I was about eight when I started competing in jumping competitions.”

When Masini left BBU, she opened Royal Reflections, selling her personally designed line of trumeau mirrors “I saw people at tracks spending money on photos, so I partnered with the track photographers,” Masini says. “I brought samples to the tracks, and people custom ordered my mirrors. At tracks, horses are like their owners’ children.”

Traveling to tracks from New York to Florida meant more time away from her daughter than Masini liked. “Robin often came with me, but when she started high school, I needed to get off the road and do that on the side,” she says.

Back home in Simsbury, Masini took a job with RJS Associates as a recruiter. “I have learned on my feet for each role in my life,” she says. “When one door closed, another door opened, but everything I have done had a common thread.”

As for Tooker, following graduation from Simsbury High School, she studied theater at Central Connecticut State University, later moving to Manhattan. “I wanted to be an actress and had a few theater gigs in design, but not in New York,” she says.

Then, shortly before the COVID lockdown, Tooker’s lease was ending and she realized that her design gigs were all in New England. “I moved temporarily back with my mom to decide what my next move would be,”

their

she says. “During the lockdown, I worked for Anthropologie at West Farms Mall doing online sales. I wanted to get back into theater, but it didn’t return to normal until ‘21. That’s when we decided to open Milk and Honey. It’s my baby. Now that it’s in its third year, like a toddler, you cut the strings and bring it to preschool.”

Tooker plans to use the extra time to get back into theater design. She also waitresses and recruits scientists and doctors for pharmaceutical companies. Since mother and daughter both live in nearby Granby, someone is always available to run the shop.

“Robin and I are 50-50 partners, and whatever profit we make goes back into the business, so she needs income from elsewhere,” Masini says. “Our goal is to expand and for this to be our only job.”

Tooker and Masini’s vision, now a successful reality, includes selling ecofriendly, nicely tailored clothes along with fun, girly pieces. They sell men’s and women’s apparel, fine and costume jewelry, and home décor, some with an equestrian theme. “We want to be accessible and affordable,” Masini says.

“Fashion is aspirational,” Tooker adds. “Some people think looking good and fashionable is not affordable, but we try to make it so. And we believe in ethical trade. It’s important to us to sell eco-friendly merchandise. You can be fashionable and feel good doing it.”

When you stop by Milk and Honey at 1618 Hopmeadow St., in the Far-

ley’s Pub plaza, look for the MH logo on handbags and backpacks. “I started sourcing leather manufacturers in Europe and found a company we liked in Ukraine,” Tooker says. In 2025-2026, look for additional MH designer pieces.

Masini and Tooker also believe in supporting local communities. “We do fundraisers for Healing Meals and support some of Granby and Simsbury sports teams,” Tooker notes. “We donated a raffle gift to the Drummer’s Puzzle Slam, and we plan events for people who don’t want to do it themselves. We’re in the people business. We like people to leave our shop feeling changed in some way.”

Know of a resident for a future Familiar Faces column? Please email your suggestions and contact information to Nicoleoncapecod@gmail. com

Milk and Honey owners Robin Tooker, left, and her mother Kristin Masini realized a shared vision when they opened

boutique in 2022. Photo by Nicole Muller

Granby Land Trust earns Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

A thick layer of ice over the waterfalls on Mountain Brook, on the GLT’s Garmany Preserve (accessible via the trail that starts on the GLT’s Katan-Ensor Trailhead in West Granby). This fast-moving section of the brook doesn’t freeze often, but extended stretches of below zero temperatures have led to quite a build-up of ice!

The Granby Land Trust is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing effectiveness and reliability have helped it earn a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates Granby Land Trust as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that the organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s comprehensive criteria that go beyond financials to reflect the work charities do.

Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest charity evaluator, providing donors with thorough and credible ratings of more than 230,000 organizations. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.

“We are delighted to provide Granby Land Trust with third-party accreditation that validates its operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that Granby Land Trust can

accomplish in the years ahead.”

“Our Four-Star Charity Navigator rating is further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance, and that we’re using our donors’ gifts effectively,” said Granby Land Trust President Rick Orluk. “We hope it will introduce our work to new supporters who can help us advance our mission to preserve Granby’s natural heritage through land conservation.”

Granby Land Trust’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on charitynavigator.org

Become a GLT Member Today

The GLT is a member-based organization managed by an all-volunteer board of directors. Annual membership dues are just $30/family. Our members are the heart and soul of our organization, providing us with not only their financial support, but with their energy, expertise and enthusiasm. A robust and vibrant membership helps us spread our message and demonstrates our community support when applying for accreditation, grants and awards. Our 2025 membership drive is happening now. Members receive invitations to GLT hikes, talks and special events (including our annual meeting and potluck supper), a quarterly newsletter regarding GLT news, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped preserve Granby’s beautiful places. You also will receive a GLT decal, so you can show your support for land conservation. To donate, go to GranbyLandTrust.org and click on “Support;” or mail a check to us at Granby Land Trust, PO Box 23, Granby, CT 06035.

Photo by Rick Orluk

Winter scenes from the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve

One of Granby’s most beautiful places in any season, the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve is 210 acres of diverse habitat - a unique combination of woods, freshwater marsh, open fields and ridgeline.

In 2020, the preserve was donated to the GLT by Jamie Gamble, a longtime GLT board member and a lover of nature, who was a devoted steward of this land. Today, the property offers nearly three miles of trails, which are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily, year-round. All are welcome. Please keep dogs on leash and stay on the trails to protect wildlife habitat, and please leave no trace. The Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve is located at 253 Loomis Street in North Granby.

All photos by Rick Orluk

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

If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352

SPECIAL EVENT

St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Everyone is Irish today! A wee bit of entertainment and traditional corned beef and cabbage! Entertainment by David Giardina and partner! Cost: $5

AARP Tax Program

Appointments available on Tuesdays (9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and Wednesdays (afternoon only) by appointment only. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained, and IRS certified every year. Appointment Priority to Granby Residents. Cost: free with active membership.

Lifelong Learning

Exercising Your Brain: Never Too Late. Thursday, March 13 at 1 p.m. “Whether a certain white bread “builds strong bodies eight ways” is debatable. Not up for debate is that exercise builds strong bodies in multiple ways – and strong minds, too. This program explores the exercise-mental health connection. What kinds of exercises

alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress? Are only symptoms lifted, or does exercise diminish underlying causes of these disorders? What do we know about the science at work? Tina Riordan and Barbara Sanchez will identify different exercises and link them to specific mental well-being results.” This program has been custom designed to meet the unique needs of the Town of Granby Senior Center members. Free.

Instructors: Tina Riordan, PhD, is an assistant professor of Exercise Science at the University of Hartford. Dr. Riordan uses her blend of athletic trainer experience and a deep interest in psychology to improve the quality of life and work-life balance in helping professions.

Barbara Sanchez, PhD, an assistant professor of Exercise Science at the University of Hartford, specializes in kinesiology with a focus on women’s health, resistance training, and exercise physiology. Dr. Sanchez combines her academic expertise with practical experience to advance the understanding of female health and performance across the lifespan.

Trips

Shopping: West Farms: Monday, March 10, depart center at 9 a.m. Cost: $5.

Mohegan Sun: Monday, March 17, depart center at 8:45 a.m. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! What better way to test your luck! Hit the casino or shop ‘til you drop. Cost: $15.

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352

Dine and Drive: Cheesecake Factory, West Hartford, Monday, March 31, depart center at 11 a.m. Cost: $5.

Ongoing Programs

CRT Hot Lunch: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12–1 p.m. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. All participants are required to complete a one-time informational survey. A donation of $3 per meal is suggested, however no one is denied a meal if unable to pay. Reservations are accepted until noon on Friday for the following week by calling 860844-5350.

Cribbage: Fridays, 3–5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Come join this lively group. Experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free.

Set Back: Tuesdays from 1–3:30 p.m. Free.

Music Jam, Back in Time: Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s to 80s. Open to any type of musician.! Free.

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

History Revisited: Tuesdays. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor has a unique way of bringing history to life. Join this fun view of events from PreColumbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Free.

ASK THE … Series

Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., by appointment at the Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.

Ask the Realtor: Wednesday, March 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., by appointment only. Lifelong Granby resident, Judy Guarco has worked for more than 20 years representing both buyers and sellers. Her goal is always to be a trusted advisor to help navigate the ever-changing world of home ownership with good advice, solid market knowledge,

customer service and attention to detail. Please call to set up an appointment for a free 30-minute consultation.

Ask the Registered Dietitian: Wednesday, March 19, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., by appointment only. Amy Woodman, registered dietitian from Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness, will meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to answer your nutrition questions.

Ask the Financial Advisor: Wednesday, March 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., by appointment only. Meet with Financial Advisor, Matthew Sondrini from The O’Brien Group for a free 30-minute consultation.

Health and Wellness

Chair Massage: Tuesdays March 4 and 18, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m., by appointment only. Bev offers 15 minutes chair massages for $10.

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Courtesy of the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Litchfield County.

Healthy Minds: By appointment only. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be daunting to face alone. Working with our marriage and family therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.

Foot Care by Sarah: Wednesday, March 12 (full) and Wednesday, March 26 (Appointments available – added date), by appointment only. Sarah from Mobile Manicures will be here on the second Wednesday of every month for 30-minute foot care appointments. Cost: $35.

Exercise Programs

See current Center Life newsletter for session dates and costs.

Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. This class will gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain and increase mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Total Body Tone: Mondays, 12:45–1:45 p.m. Class will consist of circuit style strength training/cardio using a variety of equipment like bands, weights, and steppers, etc. Each class

The Center cont’d.on p. 25

Meet Nickie Stevenson, Granby Schools’ director of finance and operations

By Nicole Muller

It’s not every day that a girl from a small town in rural Nebraska, population 400, grows up to be director of finance and operations in a Connecticut town more than 1,500 miles away.

“My high school class was 17 kids,” said Nickie (Nicole) Stevenson, who joined the Granby Public Schools’ administrative team in May 2024.

Stevenson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and a Master of Science in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She is certified in Connecticut as a school business administrator.

Along her way to Granby, Stevenson worked in the UNK financial aid office as a paraprofessional, assisting students and their families in completing financial aid forms and applying for scholarships. After graduation, she moved to Denver, Colo., to work as executive assistant to the managing partner of a large law firm.

It was in Colorado that Stevenson met her husband Jonathan through a friend. “They went to school together in Connecticut, and when Jon came to Denver on business, we were introduced,” Stevenson said.

The Center cont’d. from p. 24

will be different to keep our muscles guessing, keep it interesting and most importantly to keep it fun! Class will include chair and standing exercises. Instructor: Michelle Rancourt.

Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Instructor Jim Gregory has been teaching dance full-time for 40 years. His expertise will have you learning the steps in no time and having a blast, too. This class is for beginners to advanced dancers. Instructor: Jim Greggory.

Everybody’s Exercise: Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. This exercise class is

Her first job in Connecticut was as executive assistant to the chief financial officer at Simsbury Bank. “After a little over a year, I became the business office supervisor with South Windsor Public Schools, where I was later promoted to assistant director of finance and operations,” Stevenson said. “After 17 years there, I was afforded one of my greatest opportunities, which was to become the director of finance and operations for Granby Public Schools.”

Asked what attracted her to Granby, Stevenson was quick to respond. “Granby is a small-town community that is doing great things, and in my opinion will continue to be more successful as the town invests in its schools and community,” she said. “This is a community and a leadership team that I wanted to be a part of. Everyone, in every facet of the school district, whether it be the leadership team, teachers, secretarial staff, custodial/facility staff, cafeteria staff, teaching assistants or coaches, has one common goal, and that is to see our students grow, learn and essentially become positive contributors to society. It is this team of people and this community that I wanted to be a part of, so when I saw the position open, it was an easy decision for me to apply. And as an added bonus, it brought me back to

suitable for anyone and everyone. This class will include strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Instructor Mary Root will personalize your routine based on current flexibility, strength, etc.

All about Balance: Thursdays, 2:45 p.m. This class focuses on strength for balance efficiency, such as squats, handheld weight maneuvers, and walking drills, as well as core conditioning. Instructor: Paula Pirog.

Adult Fencing: Fridays, 11 a.m. Sport of Olympic Fencing is open for everyone with any physical abilities. Sport of Fencing does not have weight categories or age limits and there are fencing tournaments even in 90+ age groups. Fencing is an elegant and complex sport that makes your brain think fast and clearly, keeping it healthy and alert and it’s maintaining your motor skills in top condition throughout your life. Instructor: Coach Marc.

my roots, as that kid growing up in rural Nebraska. It has made me regain that sense of home.”

Goals

Stevenson’s nine months in Granby has given her perspective and insight as she tackles her first budget.

“I know a school budget is always a hot topic, and it is a large piece of the myriad responsibilities that this position manages,” she said. “A school’s budget is the driving force behind most, if not all, decisions made within a district on any given day. Typically, the schools’ overall mission, vision and/ or strategic plan are rooted in the numbers. For informed decisions to be made, school business officials must be highly involved.”

Stevenson not only manages the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day operations within the financial arena, she also oversees facilities, transportation, food service, insurance and more. “Granby Public Schools are thriving because of the team of people I work with every day,” she said. “Collaboration and teamwork at every level are what make a school district successful.”

Hoping that her experience will contribute new ideas and perspectives that will positively impact operations, Stevenson said she hopes to bring the entire community together to reach common goals and to gain commitment and understanding for all students. “My goal is to increase collaboration among all stakeholders, making every educational decision multi-faceted and the results mutually beneficial,” she said.

“Oftentimes, this means a certain level of change, but change that will promote forward thinking and the ability to advocate for those who need it most, our students,” Stevenson continued. “At the same time, my experience has made me realize that I must take ownership as financial steward by holding myself accountable for not only ethically budgeting and expanding taxpayer dollars, but for managing change and ensuring

that I am the transformational leader the school district not only needs, but deserves.”

Family

Stevenson lives in Windsor Locks with her husband Jonathan, her daughter Aria, 13, her son Grayson, 11, and their “smart, goofy” Doberman Pinscher Piper, 7.

“I grew up with Dobermans, and they’re great with kids,” Stevenson said. “Our kids keep us super busy. Aria does competitive gymnastics and Grayson plays soccer and basketball. We enjoy being outdoors hiking, camping, occasionally testing ourselves on a challenging ropes course or competing in a road race. We also love having down time at home, spending time with family and friends sitting poolside, watching football or roasting marshmallows around the fire pit.”

Nickie Stevenson joined the Granby Schools’ administrative team in May 2024 as director of finance and operations and is now hard at work on the upcoming year’s budget. Photo by Nicole Muller

Summer is right around the bend

While there is plenty of winter left here in New England, Farm Manager Joe O’Grady has turned his attention to preparing for the growing season. We are thrilled to report that our entire farm crew will return to Holcomb Farm this summer! We know our customers will be as happy to hear this as we are! In addition, as of this writing, the planting plan is done, the seed order is in, and the Summer CSA shares are selling fast. We’re getting excited!

Act now to join our CSA!

Fewer shares will be offered in 2025, as we continue to focus on the longterm sustainability of the soil, which requires periodic resting of the fields. Those who commit now will receive 20 weeks of food that far exceeds its retail value. If you haven’t already done so, secure your place in our CSA membership at holcombfarm.square.site

A transformative opportunity?

Last month, we shared the news of the Friends’ work, with the support of the Town, to explore the repurposing of the former West Granby United Methodist Church into a facility to expand our farming programs. That work continues, and while no decisions have been made, what we have learned is that, if all the pieces come together, this opportunity would be transformative for

Granby’s own Holcomb Farm.

The vision that is emerging includes several exciting elements.

First, we envision a post-harvest production facility – known as a Wash and Pack – allowing us to process winter and greenhouse produce throughout the winter. As this article is being written (mid-February), our crew is working in the cold and snow to prepare the final pick-up of our sold-out Winter CSA. This year, the number of Winter CSA shares we were able to make available were limited more by our ability to process them than they were by what we grew. This new facility would enhance working conditions year-round; and would enable us to significantly increase the amount of local, chemicalfree, nutrient-dense, fresh produce we could make available to our customers throughout the winter. Imagine having access to fresh, local greens all winter long.

In addition, the repurposed building offers the potential for a year-round retail Farm Store, stocked with our own produce as well as products from other local producers, and perhaps even artists and craftspeople.

Staff break rooms and office are sorely needed. With very little renovation, the church’s former offices and classrooms could be reborn.

Finally, a lovely “parlor” and large kitchen suggest additional possibilities for both the Friends and other community partners.

Tariffs and Your Investment Portfolio

In our November column, we wrote about the US election and what the new administration’s policies could mean for the economy and your portfolio. We noted tariffs, and now a month after inauguration, it’s time to explore that further.

What is a tariff? It is a tax imposed by one country on the goods and services imported from another country.

Why are tariffs used? They can be used to influence the country that produced the good, to raise revenues, or to protect competitive advantages.

Who pays the tariff? Here is a common misconception. When it is said that tariffs are used to “punish” the exporting country, it does not mean that country pays the tax. The company that imports the goods pays the tariff fees to Customs and Border Protection within 10 days.

www.metricfin.com

So, the problem for the exporting country is not that it has to pay the fee; it is that their goods become less appealing to importers who may be able to find competing domestic products without having to pay the tariff.

So, what is the end result? Basically, one of two things happens: (1) the importer finds an alternative product at a lower cost or (2) the importer pays the tariff, increasing the cost of said product. But what then? If they pay the tariff, the company now chooses whether to eat the cost (which reduces profitability) or pass it along to the consumer (which increases inflation). It is the latter that has caused so much concern in the US. With a Federal Reserve already laserfocused on inflation, how will they react to price pressures from tariffs? And will the tariffs actually be put in place or are they bargaining chips with other nations?

All of this remains to be seen and leaves the question: how should I change my portfolio to account for what may come? Changing a portfolio for an unknown outcome can often lead to mistakes. Instead, focus on what you can control. Keep your fees (advisory and investment) as low as possible and make sure your portfolio is allocated according to your time horizon. Aggressive if you won’t need to withdraw for a long time and conservative if you need to withdraw in the near future.

For more information, a description of Metric Financial and disclosures, please visit metricfin.com. Contact us at (860) 256-5895 or info@metricfin.com

So, where are we now? Behind the scenes, projections are being made, estimates secured, and numbers crunched. Grants are being sought, and some quiet fundraising is taking place. The building itself, which was left fully furnished, is being cleaned out. We have invited other nonprofit organizations to take whatever they could use. Here are just a few examples:

Granby’s Congregational Church found bibles, music, and similar items it could use.

Several pre-schools, including Granby’s Valley Preschool and Auer Farm’s new “Discovery Barn” found furnishings and toys to enhance their programs. ReStore, which supports Habitat for Humanity, took a truckload of chairs and tables, and even a refrigerator, destined for new lives in new homes.

The Granby Senior Center will be repurposing an industrial meat slicer and some other kitchen items in its new kitchen.

No home here for the spotted lantern fly

For more than 30 years, the Friends of Holcomb Farm’s mission has been the same: to preserve, promote and utilize an historic working farm in West Granby. Preservation took a giant step this January, when a large grove of invasive trees was cut down and reduced to tiny chips.

The trees were so-called Trees of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). They grew along a rock wall running parallel to Simsbury Road several hundred feet uphill on the east side of the farm. Trees of Heaven are native to China and were first brought to this country in 1784. At the time, they were viewed as desirable, tough and fast growing, with purple blossoms in the spring. They were offered in nursery catalogs into the twentieth century. They are now naturalized over much of the United States. They are very fast-growing at three Holcomb Farm cont’d. on p. 27

Tim Baker, CFA Founder & CEO Metric Financial, LLC

to five feet per year and reach 60 feet tall. They sucker and quickly result in spreading colonies. Leading authorities Michael Dirr and Keith Warren describe the species as “remarkably adaptable to salt, grime, soot, air pollution, low and high pH, heavy clay soil, sandy soil, and low oxygen tensions in the soil.” They add “that for impossible conditions this tree has a place.” It is extremely common in much of the Bronx, where it grows among abandoned buildings. The decision to remove them was driven by their status as the favored host tree of the Spotted Lantern Fly (Lycor-

Drumrolls

The following students were named to the Quinnipiac University dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester: From East Granby: Corriana Howard, Liam Phelan, Benjamin Rickevicius, Erin Russell and Sarah Springer; from Granby: Pippa Large, Erin Panella-Malley, Krystal Rupram and Talin Tran; from North Granby: Jonathan Marlor, Olivia McGovern and Jason Platti. Anna Montoney and Taylor Popella were named to the dean’s list at Endicott College for the fall semester.

Lauren Roy was named to the dean’s list at Lehigh University for the fall semester.

Owen Roy was named to the dean’s list at Skidmore College for the fall semester.

Lauren VonHassel and Maureen VonHassel were named to the Fairfield University dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester.

Hayden Mueller was named to the fall dean’s list at St. Olaf College.

ma delicatula), or SLF. According to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the SLF has two small established populations in New Haven and Fairfield Counties, and individuals have been identified in numerous towns. It arrived in the state in 2018. Prior to its arrival, it had destroyed many vineyards in Pennsylvania. It is a particular threat to forests, orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. The SLF arrived from China, Taiwan and Vietnam, and it attacks more than 70 woody plant species. A sap-feeding plant hopper, it feeds on agricultural crops like apples, grapes,

Noah Collen, Shane Gove and Kasia Kaczkowski were named to the University of Hartford fall 2024 dean’s list.

Caroline Hall, Kevin Jones and Gwendolyn Ockerbloom were named to the dean’s list (highest honors) at the University of New Hampshire for the fall semester. Rachel Wojciak was also named to the honors dean’s list.

James K. Rice was awarded a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and is pursuing a PhD from the University of Essex in the U.K.

Mark McWhirter was named to the Dean’s List of the College of Engineering at the University of Connecticut for the fall semester.

Editor’s Note: Universities are no longer regularly notifying the Drummer of honors and graduations so Granby residents are encouraged to let us know by sending information to editor@granbydrummer.org

Corned beef and cabbage — a St. Patty’s day tradition

By Judy Guarco

Tom

and Joe O’Grady ready the baby kale for the final Winter CSA pickup in mid-February.

hops, and fruit trees. Friends of Holcomb Farm was advised by the CAES director, Dr. Jeffrey Ward, to remove all the Trees of Heaven. The CAES website reports that the SLF is “probably the most serious agricultural pest to hit the U.S. shores in a long time.”

The Friends contracted with Bobby Macaulay’s company, Macaulay Excavation & Tree Services LLC, of East Granby, to remove the trees. In late January, Macaulay and his crew removed about 30 trees along the rock wall and ground the stumps and wood into small chips.

wedges (if you like it)

Directions

into a holding barn for the moment. We are in the process of building a Discovery Barn for our educational programs. We are in the beginning stages, but we plan to use the half-round kids’ tables in that space, with the small wooden chairs and the bookcases as well. We are going to use one of the large cabinets for supplies that we can switch out with different curricula. The other large cabinet will be used to store the items we have for our volunteers. Most of our building space is for education programs and we need to have a space where the regular volunteers can keep their outerwear, work gloves, safety equipment, etc. I noticed that they also have corkboard on the exterior, so we can use them to keep sign-in sheets, schedules and more. There was a small desk we also brought over which the assistant camp director will use in the office. The box of games will be used at summer camp. The baskets are in the classrooms already; the children use them when sorting loose parts and washing fiber. We are so grateful for the donations!” Holcomb Farm cont’d. from

My grandmother Katie Hurley immigrated from Ireland as a young girl. Though I never had the privilege of knowing her firsthand, my mom always kept her memory alive with wonderful stories, and most importantly, by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a big way. Erin Go Bragh! My dad loved turnips so I always include them in his honor. Also, many recipes today say to add a bottle of Guiness to the water, great addition if you’d like to try it.

Ingredients

1 corned beef brisket (4 to 6 pounds)

Seasoning packet that comes with corned beef

16 to 24 small potatoes, peeled

8 to 12 medium carrots, halved

1 large head cabbage, cut into wedges

1 to 2 heads turnip, peeled and cut into

Place brisket in a large Dutch oven and cover with water. If a spice packet is enclosed with the meat, add it to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat;,cover and simmer for 2 hours. Add potatoes and carrots. Return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until meat and vegetables are just tender. If your Dutch oven is not large enough for cabbage to fit, remove potatoes and carrots and keep warm (they can be returned to cooking liquid and heated through before serving.) Add cabbage; cover and cook for 15 minutes or until tender. Remove cabbage and meat. Let meat stand a few minutes; slice across the grain. Serve with vegetables. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled.

The Discovery Barn at Auer Farm

The Friends of Holcomb Farm learned that Auer Farm in Bloomfield might need items for its new Discovery barn, so we invited them to come and take whatever they could put to good use. Here is what Jonni Marshall, director of education at the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm, Inc., had to say: “It was rainy and slippery when we arrived, but we were able to get everything in one trip. We unloaded the items

NEED EXTRA SPACE?

Friends of Holcomb Farm hired Bobby Macaulay to bring in his heavy machinery and remove 30 Trees of Heaven, to protect against the destructive, invasive Spotted Lantern Fly. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

Holcomb Farm farmers

Spatcher

Photo by Jenny Emery

Auerfarm’s Jonni Marshall directs volunteers as they repurpose preschool furnishings from the former United Methodist Church, adjacent to the Farm. Photo by Melody Smith

The largest stump was more than 36 inches in diameter, and was only about 35 years old, based on a ring count. The work took two days.

Making friends and making a difference — the Granby Lions Club

By Heather Lockwood, Lions Club member

A while back I was looking to get more involved in the community, to find a way to lend a helping hand, and I knew there were many great options. This town is full of generous, giving people and organizations that reach out to help others, but it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. It turns out that a lot of these great people belong to the Granby Lions Club and a good friend of mine was a member.

When I was a little girl, my grandfather was a proud charter member of his local Lions club for over 65 years. It never occurred to me that I might want to be a Lion someday, too. I thought it was for grandpas. Fortunately, my friend invited me to come along to a meeting to see what it was all about.

It turns out, being a Lion means helping many people and organizations locally, nationally and even internationally. I love knowing that what we have done on a local level has had such impact, including contributing to the

Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation, Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, college scholarships for Granby students, Camp Rising Sun, Granby GRUNTS Robotic Team, collecting thanksgiving items for Connecticut Foodshare, donating toys for the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, providing vision screening to pre-school children, hosting an annual paper shredding event, maintaining flags that honor our veterans, donating items for veterans in need at the Veterans Affairs Stand Down event, supporting the local little league, volunteering at blood drives, and more. Lions also respond to local disasters whenever we can be of help.

Of course, the Granby Lions Club also contributes to the global causes that Lions International supports: childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, vision, hunger, youth, the environment and humanitarian needs. Check out lionsclubs. org for more details on how we help.

How does the Granby Lions Club do all this? Our members come out, work hard and have a great time giving back to the community at annual fundraising events such as the Christmas Tree Sale, Mother’s Day Plant Sale, Golf Tournament and bird seed sale, all supported by the great people of Granby. It’s a chance to make friends and make a

difference, and to live up to our motto, “We Serve.”

The Granby Lions always welcomes visitors to club meetings held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at New England Pizza. On March 18 Lion John Spatcher will present “An Introduction to the Granby Lions.” Any interested Granby resident is encouraged to attend.

The website is e-clubhouse.org/sites/ granby_ct/ or you can call John Spatcher at 860-930-3782 for more information.

In Memory Of …

Fertig, Betty Lee, 91, wife of Walter Fertig, Jan. 3

Brodeur, Gustave J., 92, husband of the late Lorraine Marie Brodeur, Jan. 4

Condon, Edward C.,78, husband of the late Linda (Lepkowicz) Condon, Jan. 4.

Skinner, Donald Richard “Don”, 69, husband of Debra Lee (Shearer) Skinner, February 4

Urban, Jeanne Marie (Schontag, Bercier), 97, wife of the late Louis Urban, Sr., Jan. 8

Bazyk, William J., 84, husband of Janice (Casey) Bazyk, Jan. 14

Bentley, Andrew Dornie Esplin, 45, Jan. 16

Schmahl, Carol Lee, Jan. 17

Tonucci, Armand William, 84, husband of Martha McLaud, Jan. 21

Jenson, Mary, 74, Jan. 22

Guay, Evie May “Dolly” (Watkins), 80, wife of Theodore George Guay, Jan. 23 Robinson, Douglas Arthur, 96, husband of Faith (Mills) Robinson, Jan. 26 McConnell, John Bruce, 92, husband of the late Charlotte (Miller) McConnell and the late Diane (Schmidt) McConnell, Jan. 30

Chamberlain, Dale (Seaton), 68, wife of Kevin Roland Chamberlain, Jan. 31 Bateson, Lori, wife of Moe Bateson and the late David McCorison, Feb. 7 Kahlman, Frederik Anton, 94, husband of the late Wolmoet (Metzelaar) Kahlman, Feb. 10

The Mother’s Day plant sale is one of several Granby Lions Club fundraisers.

Granby Lions toy drive. Submitted photos

Lions Club’s annual Christmas tree sale.

Moving the Cooley School to the Salmon Brook Historical Society Campus

By Todd Vibert

For decades, the Cooley Schoolhouse sat quietly on the Clark family property, a relic of a bygone era when one-room schoolhouses were the heart of local education. Weathered by time in history, the building had a second chance. That chance came on August 26, 1980, when a determined community effort brought the schoolhouse to its new home at the Salmon Brook Historical Society, ensuring its legacy would live on.

The roots of this historic move date back to 1972, when George Tuffin, a longtime member of the Historical Society and a former First Selectman, approached Merrill Clark with an ambitious idea.

Tuffin asked if Clark would consider donating the schoolhouse, which had been on his property for decades, to the Historical Society. The idea resonated with Clark, who had attended the one-

room schoolhouse along with his sister, Anita, and even his father, George. In fact, his mother, Myra Clark, had taught at the school for fifteen years, making the building an integral part of the family legacy.

Originally built in the 19th century, the schoolhouse has been unused since 1948 when the town opened the Consolidated School, which would become Memorial School. Over time, the structure suffered vandalism and neglect, but it remained structurally sound. Seeing its potential as a historical exhibit, the society took on the challenge of relocating and restoring the schoolhouse.

Raising the necessary funds proved to be a significant hurdle. George Tuffin launched the “Friends of the School House” campaign, rallying the community to contribute to the cause.

A major boost came in the form of a $7,500 Challenge Grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving,

which required the Society to come up with another $2,500 to pay for the move and restoration. An auction held on August 10, 1978, along with generous donations, successfully met the goal, securing the necessary funds to proceed.

The physical move was no small feat. The Morris Movers of Morris, Conn., were contracted to transport the building, while local builder Robert Bernard was tasked with removing and reattaching the roof to ensure clearance under power lines. On moving day, August 26, 1980, East Street and Salmon Brook Street were temporarily closed as the truck carrying the historic structure made its way south to the Salmon Brook Historical Society at 208 Salmon Brook Street.

Once relocated, the real work began. Volunteers and historians spent the next two years restoring the interior

and exterior, repainting the building, and carefully curating period-appropriate furnishings, including a wood stove and vintage school desks. By 1982, the Cooley School House was fully restored and ready to welcome visitors eager to experience a slice of Granby’s school history.

Thanks to the passion and perseverance of the Granby community, a vital piece of local history has been preserved for future generations to enjoy. Today, the schoolhouse stands as a cherished exhibit, open to the public during the Society’s summer tours so visitors can feel the experience of being in a one-room schoolhouse. If you want to learn more about the Cooley School house or Merrill Clark, please join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling, 860-653-9506, or go online at www.salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Cooley School, Aug. 11, 1967

Cooley School on moving day, Aug. 26, 1980. Submitted photos

Browse & Borrow

Adult Programs

A History of Buttons In Connecticut

Sunday, March 2, 1:30–2:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. The manufacture of buttons, first by hand and then by machine, has been a big story in Connecticut for more than 200 years. Abigail Sites, Mattatuck Museum, shares the story of Waterbury, the Brass City, and its role in the elaborate working of metal buttons. View these miniature works of art up-close at the end of the presentation. Sponsored by FOGPL and the Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Crafters Café, Button Landscape Art: Sunday, March 2, 2:45–3:45 p.m.; GPL Program Space. For adults. Use one of history’s most versatile objects - buttons - in this creative art project. Create a scene of your own and accent with buttons of all styles and colors to bring depth and dimension to your artwork. Sponsored by FOGPL and the Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Author Talk: T.J. Banks. Saturday, March 8, 12:30–1:30 p.m.; FHC, Upper Level. For adults. Welcome local author and editor T. J. Banks. Hear how she finds inspiration for her novels and develops characters based on real-life impressions of people she meets. Animal-lovers will be heartened by the human-feline story lines in both her fiction and non-fiction. The author’s books are available for purchase after the talk. Register to attend; space is limited.

Monday Movie Matinee, Arthur The King: March 10, 1:30–3:30 p.m.; GPL Fox Meeting Room.

For adults. Follow the true story of adventure racer Mikael Lindnord (Mark Wahlberg) who befriends a stray dog while competing with his team in a grueling, 435-mile endurance race in South America. (Rated PG-13). Enjoy the film with complimentary snacks. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries. Music In The Stacks:

The Blues With Ramblin’ Dan: Wednesday, March 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room.

Traveling blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens performs live on authentic vintage instruments and traces the development of this unique music genre from its origin in the late 19th century. Sponsored by the Friends and the Connecticut Blues Society.

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

granby-ct.gov/Library 860-844-5275

gplibrary@granby-ct.gov

Library Hours – Granby Public Library Main

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.

Library Hours – F.H. Cossitt Library Branch

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:1– 6 p.m.

Second and fourth Saturday of the month: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Registration is required for all library programs unless otherwise indicated. To register, visit granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter. For the most updated information on dates and programs, refer to the library’s online calendar. GPL – Granby Main Branch FHC – Cossitt Branch

Art Of Songwriting: Sunday, March 9, 2–3 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. Every song has an origin story—something that inspired the songwriter. Connecticut musician and songwriter Dean Bolt shares how he creates music and performs original pieces on acoustic guitar. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Cycling The Erie Canalway Trail: Thursday, March 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. For adults and teens. New York’s Erie Canalway Trail closely follows much of the active and historic Erie Canal. Explore life on the trail with cycling enthusiast Aubrey Schulz and learn how to safely navigate the 360-mile trail on two wheels. Pick up tips for packing light, where to eat and sleep, and hear about places of interest along the way.

Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice: The National Medal of Honor. Tuesday, March 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. For adults and teens. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded for conspicuous acts of valor. Members of American Legion ShannonShattuck Post 182 offer a timely presentation to celebrate the opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum. You’ll be moved by the selfless acts that distinguish the recipients and the storied history of the medal itself. Sponsored by

Granby Public Libraries and American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182.

A Dash Of Nutmeggery In The Revolutionary War: Sunday, March 30, 2–3 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. For adults and teens. Connecticut’s first troubadour, Tom Callinan, performs songs from the 1700s and shares tales featuring the Constitution State. Join us in celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of The Declaration of Independence. The program offers history, inspires patriotism, and features musical entertainment. Sponsored by CT Humanities, The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries, and Salmon Brook Historical Society.

CCS Makerspace Programs At FHC

CCS Equipment Demonstration and Training: Days and times vary; check library website for most up-to-date information; FHC. For adults, teens 16+, youth ages 10 and up with an adult.

Give your creative ideas life! Visit the Library’s makerspace and learn to use the 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing and embroidery machines, sublimation printer, vinyl cutter, mug and bottle presses and all manner of digitizing equipment. Find more information on the library webpage.

Introduction To Tinker CAD: Saturday, March 8, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.; FHC Makerspace. For adults and teens 16+. Are you inspired to design in 3D? Do you want to create an object based on your own specifications? Join us to learn about Tinker CADcad, an online 3D design program that brings your ideas to life! Participants will receive an overview, have an opportunity to practice design skills, and print a free 3D object using the makerspace’s Bambu Lab P1S 3D printers.

Sew Simple, Traditional Rug Hooking: Wednesday, March 12, 1:30–3:30 p.m.; FHC Upper Level. For adults and teens 16+. Learn to use wool and linen to create a landscape design. All fabrics provided; participants must bring a rug hooking hoop and rug hooking tool. (See website for recommendations.) $5 program fee. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Hooked On Stitches, Knit and Crochet

Group: Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; FHC upper level. For adults and teens 16+. Get hooked on stitches! Knitters and crocheters are invited to a monthly meet-up to work on individual projects. All skill levels are invited to join the fun the fourth Saturday of the month. Dropins are welcome when space allows. Book Clubs

Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Register online or call the library 860-844-5275 to reserve your seat.

Millennials Read: Wednesday, March 5, 6:30–8 p.m.; Farley’s Pub. At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk about current book picks. You do not need to be reading anything to participate. A partnership between Bloomfield, Granby, and Simsbury libraries and open to all. Participants will be responsible for their own food and drink purchases. This month’s location: Farley’s Pub (formerly Farley Mac’s), 1616 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury.

Something About The Author Book Club: Monday, March 3, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discussing Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Winter Garden is a historical fiction novel based on the Siege of Leningrad (St. Petersburg) during World War II and features several themes that explore what it means to overcome grief, issues surrounding identity and family, and the power of women’s relationships. John Rusnock leads the discussion.

Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, March 26, 6–7 p.m. Discussing A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. This is a young adult fantasy novel and the first installment of the Shades of Magic series. Kell Maresh, one of the last Antari magicians, possesses the rare ability to travel between parallel worlds. When a dangerous artifact from a forbidden realm falls into Kell’s possession, he and a thief named Lila Bard become entangled in a perilous adventure. Jim Gorman leads the discussion.

Browse & Borrow cont’d. on p. 31

Cutting and ironing cloth pieces for doggie bandanas.

(Left) One of the many waterfalls in Iceland.

Submitted photo

(Right) Millions of Atlantic puffins come to Iceland in April and May to breed and nest. Photo by Jennifer Jalbert

Women’s Breakfast Group travels to Iceland with Jennifer Jalbert and Suzanne Scarcella

by Faith Tyldsley

“I don’t travel a great deal but this was definitely one of my favorite trips.”

So began Jennifer Jalbert’s narrative about her and her husband’s 2024 trip to Iceland. Coincidentally, Suzanne Scarcella and her husband had visited Iceland one year earlier in 2023.

Browse & Borrow cont’d. from p. 30

Teen Programs At GPL

Teen Fiber Arts Club: Wednesday, March 12, 3–5 p.m. For grades: 6–12. Join our Fiber Arts Club for teens and explore the world of crochet, needlepoint, sewing, or paper crafts! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is a great way to upcycle materials and make a cute keepsake to brighten your space. Light snack provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Teen Tuesdays, Dungeons and Dragons: Tuesday, March 4, 3–5 p.m. For grades 6-12. Join us for a thrilling session of Dungeons and Dragons with Dungeon Master P.! Prepare to face new challenges, exciting battles, and explore deeper into the fantasy world. The adventure awaits-are you ready? Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

The Ring Road

Jalbert and Scarcella, Granby Women’s Breakfast regulars, shared impressions, facts and photos in their joint presentation during the group’s February meeting. Both couples started their self-driving tours in the country’s capital, Reykjavik. They proceeded

Children’s Programs at GPL

Hands-On Innovators, Seat Challenge: Monday, March 3, 4:30–5:15 p.m. For grades 3–5.

Design and build a small chair using only newspapers and tape. Once constructed, test how much weight they can hold. Will your chair be the strongest? Join us for hands-on fun and innovation! Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Granby Hall Of Heroes: Publication Party. Monday, March 8, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. For all ages. Celebrate the creativity of our young library heroes. Families are invited to a special publication party honoring their child’s unique character designs. Using AI, these imaginative creations were transformed into collectible playing cards—just like Pokémon—and featured in the Granby Hall of Heroes game book. Join us for an exciting event where participants can receive their cards, sign their character’s page in the book, and see their heroes come to life. In Collaboration with The GIANT Room, sponsored by the Connecticut State Library.

Keychain Exchange, Clay Creations: Tuesday, March 11, 4–4:45 p.m., For grades K–2. Get creative and craft your own unique clay keychain. After shaping and designing your keychain, take part in a fun exchange where you trade your creation with someone else. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Simplyart, Squiggle Art: Wednesday, March 19, 4:3–5:30 p.m. For grades 4–5. Squiggle art is a fun and creative way to make art using curvy lines and doodles. In this project, you’ll use three different materials: Sharpie mark-

Homebound Delivery Service

The Granby Public Library is excited to announce a new Homebound Delivery Service. This service is designed to bring the joy of reading and access to library resources directly to individuals who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness, disability, or other mobility challenges. This includes new moms and dads as well! This service ensures that all community members can continue to enjoy books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials from the library’s collection without leaving their homes. Library volunteers deliver items on a monthly schedule, based on the preferences and interests of the participants. The service is free of charge and reflects the library’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering a love of lifelong learning for everyone in the community. Visit the library at granby-ct.gov/library to apply for this service or give us a call at 860-844-5275.

clockwise on the Ring Road, an 800mile loop around the island, staying at pre-booked hotels along the way.

Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanos and puffins

Each day brought views of nature’s wild beauty. There are more than 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. Jalbert found it difficult to adequately describe these giants. She settled on “Majestic” with a capital “M.” Scarcella and her husband rode a “duck boat” to view areas comprised of multiple glaciers, referred to as ice fields. Jalbert and her husband went snowmobiling on top of a glacier.

ers to create your design, watercolor paints to make your art whimsical and colorful, and colored pencils to add detail and bring your squiggles to life. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Young Explorers, Rock and Roll: Monday, March 24, 4:30–5 p.m. For grades K–2. Join us for a fun, hands-on adventure with Ricky the Rock! After enjoying the story, kids will put their creativity to the test by designing the best way to help their rock roll down our hill. Will your design be the fastest or the most unique? Come experiment and find out!

Keychain Exchange, Perler Beads: Tuesday, March 25, 4:15–5 p.m. For grades 3–5. Design and fuse your own colorful Perler bead keychain, then take part in a fun exchange where you trade your creation with someone else. Get creative, make something unique, and swap for a surprise design! Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.

Weekly Storytime/ Music Programs

Check the library calendar to confirm weekly storytime dates. Some weekly storytime classes are subject to change.

Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, March 11, 18 and 25, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages birth–14 months. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language.

Mother Goose On The Loose: Wednesdays, March 12, 19 and 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m. For ages 2–4 years. Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language de-

There are 100 volcanos on the island, of which 35 are active. Access to active ones is blocked; dormant areas are popular exploration sites. Rocky cliffs provide perfect spots for puffin breeding grounds. These colorful seabirds return to Iceland yearly in the millions, forming the largest puffin colonies in the world.

Ease of language and currency Iceland’s population is 389,450. The mean age is 38.5 years. While the official language is Icelandic, English is spoken as well and is a required subject in primary school. Although the official currency of Iceland is the króna, credit card payments are the preferred method of payment across the country, offering convenience and security to travelers.

“Would you go back?”

Following the talk, a member of the audience asked if a return trip might be considered. “Absolutely,” Jalbert and Scarcella replied simultaneously.

velopment, visual literacy, social and emotional skills.

Toddler Time: Thursdays March 6, 13 and 27, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 15–24 months. Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and sign language. Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, March 13, 20 and 27, 6–6:30 p.m. For ages 4–7 years.

Children are invited to join us for an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches, and an interactive activity.

Mini Movers: Friday, March 14 and 21; 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 15 months–4 years. Children are invited to join us for an interactive music program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and egg shaker activities.

Audrey M. Phelps

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey M. Phelps beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend, of West Suffield, CT who peacefully passed away at home on January 22, 2025 at the age of 89.

She was born August 20, 1935, to George & Lois Duncan. Audrey graduated from Simsbury High School and went on to Dean Jr. College; from there she went on to Morse Business College. Audrey met and married her soulmate Russell Phelps on October 1, 1955. She loved the outdoors, gardening, snowmobiling and was an avid walker, but most of all she loved her family who will miss her deeply.

She is survived by her beloved Husband of 59 years Russell Phelps, her Daughter and her Husband Darlene & Robert Gradwell of Granby, CT, her Son and his wife Steven and Marybeth Phelps of Virginia Beach, VA, her Son and his wife Scott Phelps and Gretchen Brautigam of Pawcatuck, CT, her Granddaughter and her Husband Kate and JB Maas of Virginia Beach, VA, her Grandson and his wife Nick and Elisa Phelps of Sudbury, MA and great grandchildren Charlotte, Johnny, Lee, Kosta and Eva.

A private Graveside Service was held on February 5, 2025. Donations in Audrey’s memory can be made to the Suffield Ambulance Association P.O. Box 642, 205 Bridge Street, Suffield, CT 06078. For condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Patrons making personalized sublimation puzzles. Submitted photos

Making “Milagros” or Tin Valentine Hearts for Valentine’s Day

Granby Artists Association accepting 2025 scholarship applications

By Tracy Marlor, GAA Scholarship Coordinator

Graduating high school seniors who are permanent residents of Granby, are invited to apply for the 2025 Granby Artists Association Annual Scholarship. The scholarship is a cash award of $1,000 given to a student with higher artistic skill to be utilized toward upcoming college expenses. Seniors expecting to graduate at the end of the current school year with acceptance to a college degree program or further educational programming are eligible to apply, including students from Granby Memorial High School, private schools, and home-schooled students. (Family members of any Granby Artists Association exhibiting artist members are not eligible.)

Students can find details on the Granby Artists Association’s website: www.granbyartists.org

Applications must be submitted by May 11, 2025, for consideration. Submissions are juried by the exhibiting

artist members and the scholarship is awarded on both the quality of work in the student’s portfolio and how experiences and achievements have solidified the student’s desire to continue to pursue art in the future.

Simsbury Public Library Art Show

The Granby Artists Association presents their annual art show at the Simsbury Public Library from March 3 to March 30. We invite everyone to stop by and see the variety of works created by our local artists. The show is located on the lower level of the library in the FSPL Room and in the hallway showcases. Please join us for an Artists Reception on Tuesday, March 25 from 5-7 p.m. hosted by Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce and the Granby Artists Association. The Simsbury Public Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 1–5 p.m.

Girls Scouts participate in pottery workshop with Granby Artists’ potters

By Samantha Warner

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and creativity, four local artisans—Jane Furca, Tracy Marlor, Linda Yurasevecz and Avis Cherichetti—visited a local Girl Scout meeting last week to teach the girls how to create unique clay pieces. From bowls to small sculptures, the girls spent the afternoon discovering the art of pottery in a hands-on workshop that encouraged both creativity and teamwork.

The talented artists provided all the necessary materials and tools, ensuring that each participant could be fully immersed in the experience. The session began with a brief introduction to the craft of pottery with each artisan sharing a bit about her background and what inspires their work.

Under the guidance of the artisans, the Girl Scouts quickly got to work, molding, shaping, and decorating their clay creations. All of the girls started by focusing on crafting small bowls and then advanced to making small sculptures, experimenting with texture and design. Throughout the workshop, the artisans offered helpful tips, from

kneading the clay properly to using sculpting tools to add intricate details.

“We wanted to create a space where the girls could explore their creativity and learn something new,” said Avis Cherichetti. “Pottery can be so much fun and it’s a great way for them to express themselves.”

The girls are so excited for their next workshop, which will include painting their pottery. The workshop not only taught the girls new skills but also inspired them to see the world through a more creative lens.

The Girl Scouts are grateful to the artisans for their time, effort, and generosity in sharing their craft with the girls. Tracy Marlor, one of the artisans, summed up the experience: “It’s a privilege to work with these young minds and watch them grow through art.”

This hands-on activity provided a memorable experience for all involved and reinforced the importance of supporting local artists and fostering creativity in the community.

Just ask the pet who doesn‛t have one.

Granby Artists Association potters held a hands-on pottery workshop for a Granby Girl Scout troop. Photo by Michael Bentley

Dad’s Home, watercolor on paper, by John Stevenson, will be on display at the Simsbury Public Library from March 3 to March 30.

PUBLIC WORKS

As reported in last month’s Drummer, USA Waste and Recycling is now working in partnership with Paine’s Inc. to provide municipal trash and recycling service to the residents of Granby. There have been no changes in operations. All routes and drivers remain the same although you may see a USA truck from time to time. Any questions or concerns regarding trash or recycling should be directed to the Granby Department of Public Works at 860-844-5241.

The Paine’s alert system is still available to residents. This service will notify you of any changes to its pickup schedule. This includes reminders as to whether a holiday will affect your service or not. Sign up at painesinc.com

Barrel Placement: When at the curb, please leave a two-foot gap between your barrels to allow the automatic arm to grab the barrel. Barrels should never be placed in the road.

Household Hazardous Waste: The first collection for 2025 will be Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 10 Monteith Drive, Farmington, Conn.

Transfer Station: During March the Granby Transfer Station will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring proof of residency. Fees may apply. Check out the Public Works page at the Town of Granby website (www. granby-ct.gov) or call 860-844-5241 for more information.

The transfer station will be open on Wednesday mornings beginning April 16, 2025.

DPW Updates: For updates on the transfer station or the DPW, check the Granby website, www.granby-ct.gov, or our Facebook page: Granby CT Department of Public Works.

The Super Bowl helps the soup kitchen!

The Granby Stop & Shop teamed up with customers in a friendly competition to see which donation cart win: the Eagles or the Chiefs. The Chiefs were leading when the Eagles fans swooped in to create a tie. Thank you to loyal Stop & Shoppers for all your food donations! L to r: Rosia Kennedy, Stop &Shop program coordinator, Ashley Robblets, and Dakota McCready. Submitted photo

Scouts hold Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby

By M Salvini, GMHS Class of 2026

On Saturday, Jan. 18, 46 Girl Scouts held a Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby in the East Granby Community/Senior Center showcasing their creativity and competitive spirit. The girls were given a race car kit and encouraged to customize it however they pleased. Cars ranged from glittery fuchsia to a mouse atop a cheese wedge.

Before the racing began, the girls were tasked with understanding the importance of aerodynamics, weight distribution and friction in their car designs. Some girls experimented with different shapes to reduce air resistance, while others adjusted the weight placement to maximize speed. Many also used tools to smooth their cars, ensuring that the wheels would spin freely with minimal friction. The process not only encouraged creativity but also introduced the girls to fundamental engineering concepts.

A variety of awards were distributed including Most Artistic, Best Paint Job, Most Aerodynamic, and a new category of Girl’s Choice where participants voted for their favorite car among the group. The Fastest Car Award was won by a Daisy Scout with a record of 3.01 seconds.

The day was a resounding success, filled with laughter and smiles, and`it provided a learning experience for STEM and artistic creativity. These memories will follow the girls for years to come.

The Salmon Brook Service Unit includes troops from Granby, East Granby and Hartland and provides opportunities for girls of all ages to become involved with a variety of activities including community service. To learn more about Girl Scouts, to join a troop or to become a volunteer, email the Girl Scouts of Connecticut at customercare@gsofct. org or the Salmon Brook Service Unit at salmonbrook717@gmail.com

“Biking,

GCF supports FV YMCA’s many special events, including LIVESTRONG, Kids Night Out and The Granby Road Race, and scholarships for swim lessons and other programs.

Supporting a Caring Community since 1960

Walking, Running, Swimming...The Y has it all!”

The Girl Scouts’ customized Derby cars. Submitted photo

By Nina Jamison

Bird Song and Maple, Spring 2025

It was early February, just after a light, fluffy snowfall, but I was already thinking spring! Two of my favorite late-winter events triggered such sunny thoughts:

First was the sweet (though surprisingly loud!) song of the Northern House Wren through the glass doors to our deck. Wrens don’t migrate very

far, with most wintering in the southern United States. This means that they’re among the first birds to return, and some don’t leave at all. I left the wren house attached to the tall shepherd’s hook behind our house all winter. Perhaps they used it as shelter on the chilliest days?

The second is maple sugaring season. In Vermont there is the traditional Open Sugar House Weekend in March, where 90 of the state’s 3,000 syrup producers open their doors for a tour. Every year we would travel the muddy back roads (mud up to the hubcaps, you learn to “wiggle” the steering wheel to move forward) to visit local places, from hi-tech operations with gleaming stainless-steel evaporators to small wooden shacks still using metal buckets. Each had different stories to tell and their syrup had distinctly different flavor profiles.

Maple syrup season in Connecticut extends from early February until late March. The flow of sap depends on the freezing nights and warm, sunny days at the end of winter. Sweet Wind Farm in East Hartland has some of the best syrup I’ve had. Venture up the wood-

en stairs when they are boiling, and you are immediately surrounded by a maple steam bath sauna. Tasting the syrup piping hot, straight from the spigot, is one of life’s pure pleasures. Rather than including a recipe, I suggest you take advantage of this local seasonal bounty and experiment with everything maple. Syrup, of course, but maple sugar, maple candy, maple salad dressing, maple butter, and maple cream on cinnamon raisin toast — yum! Happy Spring!

Opportunities for moms, children at Valley Brook

By Ray Clark

Mama’s Moments is a monthly gathering for mothers and their children up to age 8 to get together to share life with others, play together, pray, and participate in community projects. It takes place on the first Saturday of the month and runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Valley Brook Community Church. Brenda Gooley, one of the mothers who attends, said: “I love bringing my five-year-old to these gatherings each month because he loves playing with the other kids and I’ve made some significant friendships with the other women. I would recommend it to anyone.”

The second opportunity is Valley Brook’s annual summer kid’s camp. This year’s camp will run from Monday July 21 to Friday July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The theme for this year’s camp is True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.

Described by Chelsea Smith, Children’s Ministry Director, “At True North, kids will discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world. They will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, collect Bible memory buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love, and test out fun science experiments they’ll never forget. Plus, kids will learn to look for the evidence of God all around them through something called God sightings. Each day concludes with a closing gathering that helps everyone get involved in living what they’ve learned.” The True North Summer Kids Camp at Valley Brook is for kids from ages 4 through fourth grade and will run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day.

Valley Brook offers programs for children, students and adults. The church holds worship services on Sundays at 10 a.m. on their campus at 160 Granville Road in North Granby which are streamed live and available on-demand on their website. Valley Brook’s vision is to “Love God. Love People. Change the World.” For more information, visit their website at valleybrook.cc

Valley Brook offers a number of activities for children. Photos by Rebecca Smith

Above, piping hot syrup filling a jug. Right, a sugar house. Photos by Nina Jamison

Part Five: Passing of the amendment

By Skip (Walter) Mission

Here we are at the culmination of our five-part series. We started with Granby’s Congregational church life and added the Connecticut River Valley’s Great Awakening, plus the church’s harsh response. This awakening moved to the Southern colonies, resulting in yet harsher persecution by the Episcopal Church of Virginia. Madison and Jefferson were instrumental in the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776, but how did their religious freedom idea get to be the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1789, 13 years later?

Madison’s relationship with John Leland (the Baptist evangelist from part four) continued throughout the Revolutionary War, and played a key role in this amendment. The nation’s Constitutional Convention in 1787 was in a debate—would it have a strong central (federalist) government, or should government be strongly invested in the states? One key resolution was the Connecticut Compromise of the two branches of Congress (House and Senate) that we have today. By September, the US Constitution was published with a ratification convention to occur in 1788.

In Connecticut, Granby’s pastor was Isaac Porter, a strong fire and brimstone Calvinist. Gone were the peaceful days of Pastor Joseph Strong. Porter came from Yale and was mentored under Timothy Dwight, then president of Yale. Porter greatly feared that Jefferson’s enlightenment thinking was a gateway for atheists. He defended the state church concept of imposed religion so that people would not be derelict in morality.

Virginia was a key state and hotbed for the debate between Madison the federalist and Patrick Henry the antifederalist. As such, the election of representatives to the Ratification Convention was significant. The heart of the debate was in Orange and Culpeper counties, where the persecution occurred some thirty years earlier. Starting in 1783, those same churches formed Baptist Associations with the head being John Leland, a close friend of Madison the federalist. Yet Leland was an advocate for antifederalist individual freedom of conscience.

Mark S. Scarberry’s 2009 Penn State Law Review paper, Religious Influence on the Ratification of the Constitution and on the Proposal of the Bill of Rights, details the Madison-Leland relationship, letters, meetings and the events that transpired. The two antifederalist Baptist counties ironically voted for a landslide victory for the federalist Madison. This occurred not once, but twice. First, electing Madison to the Ratification Convention to approve the Constitution. Secondly, Madison was elected to the first Congress. This enabled him to propose the First Amendment, only three months after the first Congress started. By it, he also fulfilled a promise to Leland and the Baptist Associations for the freedom of conscience. Scarberry also notes that, “It is good to read The Writings of the Late Elder John Leland to understand the context for the intent of the language used.”

An outsider’s perspective on the American experiment is in order. In

1840, the French historian, Alex De Tocqueville, wrote the oft-quoted perspective, Democracy in America. “In the United States, religion governs not only behavior but extends its influence to men’s minds…Thus while the law allows the American people to do everything, religion prevents their imagining everything and forbids them from daring to do everything.” His point is that the government of America and its liberty functioned properly because of the restraint of religion on the conscience, though not legislated. It also implies that the founders were not atheists but believed in a creator God of providence of “inalienable rights.”

In conclusion, there are some history lessons from this series:

The Congregational and Episcopal State Churches proved that you can’t legislate belief. This is a pattern repeated throughout history, no matter what religion.

The true history of the First Amendment must include the influence of religion. Religious persecution and John Leland’s freedom of conscience teaching plus his relationship with Madison and Jefferson are the untold story. Freedom is not the license to do what you want, but the ability to do what you ought. Freedom’s religious moral underpinning was key for the early success of De Tocqueville’s American experiment.

As a result of Leland’s influence, the First Amendment codified both the inalienable (God given) personal right to believe and the right not to believe. The Bible’s teaching of mankind’s individual free will was the basis of the First Amendment.

Jefferson’s papers would note that John Leland “was as courageous and resourceful a champion of the rights of conscience as America has produced.”

When Did It Happen?

By C J Gibson

When did it happen? I surely don’t know But honestly it distresses me so. I look in the mirror and what do I see? Certainly no one that looks like me!

I know that I don’t look at all like this guy. This guy has a little bag under each eye. I try grinning broadly, there’s a wrinkly smile I wonder, has this face been here for a while?

It seems not long ago I was running five k’s And just before that I was swinging away At drives that sailed way down the fairway to greens This aging thing seems to be just a bit mean.

My kids aren’t kids anymore, that’s for certain And crawling with granddaughter leaves me a hurtin’ The long hikes with Elsa, our shepherd, are shorter And when we get home, my legs feel like mortar.

Where is this guy that I used to know?

My wife must be wondering “Where did he go?” Inside I still feel like her shining bright knight But outside she may see a different sight.

So I am resolved to search high and low I WILL find that guy that I used to know And I will again run those five k races

So what if my sneaks are the kind without laces.

For at the end of the day, inside we must find That one in a million, that one of a kind It makes us the person we all want to be The smiling young person we all used to see.

Happy Hunting, and keep on truckin’

CTVV investigates transgender curriculum

Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views recently spoke with Dr. Jane Anderson, a career pediatrician and board member of the American College of Pediatricians. Regan and Anderson explored the ramifications of the early introduction of transgender issues to children, as young as kindergartners. This show seg-

ment is recommended for all parents to better understand their child’s immediate and long term physical and emotional health. See this show and all of our programs on ctvalleyviews.com

Hiking on Martin Luther King Day

A hardy group of hikers braved single-digit temperatures on Martin Luther King Day to enjoy the beauty of the GLT’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property together. Many thanks to all who came out, and especially to Property Steward Fran Armentano, who led the hike, and who said afterwards, “This was so great that we might have to make it an annual event!” Submitted photo

April 2025 deadlines

ADS: Monday, March 10 at noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, please leave a message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org

ARTICLES: Monday, March 17 at noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org

WORK DATES: March 10 to March 23 Call or email for times. The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available on the website at granbydrummer.com

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