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FREE Fall elections

No September Primary for Granby by Laura Wolfe and Maureen Wolf, Registrars

Back to school with a new athletic ﬁeld

After many years of planning, the new high school athletic facility finally becomes a reality for the students and community. The $3.2-million project includes a six-lane track, locations for field events, two artificial turf fields, lights, a 750-seat grandstand, an additional score board, two storage buildings, a ticket/concession booth and the relocation of the girls’ softball field. Opening day is expected to be scheduled for the second week in September. photo by Peter Dinella

In contrast to recent Granby municipal elections with only one contested race, (or in one case no contested seats), in 2013, 12 races will be decided at the November 5 election. Those seats include first selectman, and consequently Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and town moderator. Democrat and Republican parties, during July caucuses, chose a slate of municipal candidates unanimously. Because no candidates have petitioned to win a party seat, no party primary will be held this September. There are five petitioning candidates running for the Independent party line, which will also publish public notices of its caucus to approve its nominations. Minor parties have a deadline of September 4 to file their nomination and certification papers with the town clerk to get on the ballot for the November election. See Registrars column on p. 7

Democrats, Republicans chose slate during July caucuses Jim Loﬁnk endorsed for ﬁrst selectman

Kuhnly running for ﬁrst selectman

The Granby Democratic Town Committee has announced the endorsement of Jim Lofink for first selectman in this fall’s municipal election. In making the nomination, the committee said, “Jim’s leadership accomplishments in business, nonprofit and community organizations will help build Granby’s future.” Lofink stated, “Granby has opened up and welcomed our family, and in turn we want to help it prosper. As your next first selectman, my commitment is to provide open, thoughtful and responsive leadership. I will focus on promoting fiscally smart spending, increasing voter engagement, and upholding the values the make Granby ‘The Pride of the Valley’.” He added, “Importantly, I recognize that this community runs on the back of 238 volunteers in municipal roles, all of whom work together for the public good. An environment that respects past contributions and encourages new participation is what will enable Granby to thrive.” A Connecticut native, Lofink moved to Granby in 2005 and has since volunteered in several town organizations and civic groups. In 2007, the Board of Selectmen appointed him the chairman of the Storage and Wash

The Granby Republican Town Committee has endorsed B. Scott Kuhnly as its candidate for ﬁrst selectman in this fall’s municipal election. Kuhnly will be running for the town’s top position that’s been held by John Adams for the past 10 years. Mr. Adams announced in February that he would not seek another term. In making the announcement, Adams said, “We are very pleased to put forward a candidate of Scott’s stature and involvement in the town. We feel he’s demonstrated the kind of exemplary abilities we need in Granby and that he is committed to preserving our town’s unique values while leading us into the future.” A 21-year resident of Granby, Kuhnly has been intensely active in town affairs. He has been a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, the Board of Finance, and currently serves on the Board of Selectmen. He has also served as a volunteer for various school functions and as a youth sports coach. Professionally, Kuhnly is the risk manager for the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springﬁeld. In this capacity, he manages the consortium’s insurance, risk, claims and safety programs. Prior to that, he was employed by

Loﬁnk cont’d. on p. 4

Inside:

Jim Loﬁnk

Teacher of the Year Page 4

Kuhnly cont’d. on p. 4

West Granby Day

Page 21

Scott Kuhnly

Open Farm Day Page 41

Page 2

The Granby Drummer

Drum beat

September 2013

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor

Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.

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

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

Taxes support services

Indeed we must be living in a magical age where children are educated without enough money in our town budget to make their education relevant to the 21st century, and town services are performed without taxes. Truly amazing! I would not have believed this possible. However, our Board of Education voted down the reinstatement of valued, vital programs that would ultimately be covered by newly acquired funds and, therefore, not impact our taxes. One of our (now) former citizens moved to Massachusetts and wrote a letter to all of us, crowing about how smart she is to escape paying taxes to support our town’s services. Let’s remember: We get what we pay for. Josi Klein

Supports Jim Lofink

This year’s municipal election in November will be an op-

portunity to help make Granby better. The Democratic Town Committee has recruited a slate of caring, qualified and credible individuals with a passion for civic duty, ready and excited to volunteer their time in service to our community. I am supporting the Democratic team in November’s elections because I feel that Granby needs people who are fiscally smart. I think I can speak for most Granby residents when I say that our property taxes have gone up regularly and significantly over the past fifteen years – and this has been under the Republican majority’s rule. This highlights the need to replace the rhetoric of the past with transparency and government accountability, and the Democratic team offers this refreshing and necessary improvement to our local government. Leading the pack is Jim Lofink for first selectman, a well-known and popular leader in our com-

munity. Jim is known for his ability to listen, to collaborate effectively, and most importantly, for his ability to get things done. Annie Hornish

Leadership that listens: think Lofink!

Our next first selectman must be someone who will listen to our needs and has a demonstrated history of leadership experience—a proven track record of community accomplishments. Jim Lofink is the obvious choice. Jim embodies every ounce of energy behind the very simple word ACT. A: Jim is accountable, attentive, altruistic and above-board in everything he does. C: Jim is collaborative, conscientious and credible as he gets things done. T: Jim is transparent, timely and true to his commitments to ACT.

Just to name a few examples, Jim Lofink has proven he can ACT as: • Democratic candidate for P&Z (2007); • Chair of the Storage Wash Bay Study Committee (2008); • Secretary of Democratic Town Committee (2008 to now); • Executive Director of Holcomb Farm (from 2008-2011); • Salmon Brook Historical Society volunteer (2011-2012); • Town Charter Review commissioner (2012); • Senior Center’s Civic Engagement Team (2012-2013); • Granby Land Trust Steward (2012 to now); • Treasurer, Holcomb Farm Board of Directors (current); • Athletic Field Building Committee (current); • Stewardship Committee, Friends of Holcomb Farm (current); • President, Granby Tennis Club (current); and Letters cont’d. on p. 3

The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Outof-town subscriptions are $20 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2013 Citizens for a Better Granby, all rights reserved. CBG Board Lew Noble, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Flo Bischoff, Secretary Carol Bressor, Becky Mikus, Sam Mikus, Barbara Shubert Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Marilyn Sponzo, Copy Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Flo Bischoff, Features Coordinator Barbara Blanchette, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard, Joan Griswold, Shane Kertanis, Patricia Kovaleski, Chris Levandowski, Amanda Lindberg, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Sally Pullman, Lauren Sannizzaro, Kristie Simmons, Donna Schedinger, Anne Schneider Reporters & Contributors Kim Becker, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Sally Crapser, Peter Dinella, Bernadette Gentry, Emily Henselder, Elaine Jones, KerryAnn Kielbasa, Carol Laun, George Lynch, Kelly Marszycki, Shirley Murtha, Paul S. Noble, Karen Stanhope, Sarah Toth, Lou Urban, Laura Wolfe,

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September 2013

The Granby Drummer

Page 3

Teens grateful for community support We, Siena Sandridge and Kurt Bryant, owe our wonderful town a huge thank you. With your support we were able to make a dream come true this summer by going to England and France for two weeks with the People to People Student Ambassador organization. Our group consisted of 42 kids and five adults from Connecticut and New York states. We spent eight months preparing for this trip, attending monthly meetings and completing research projects. We

spent hundreds of hours fundraising; you may have seen us at Geissler’s or Stop & Shop selling baked goods and homemade chocolates. Or perhaps we delivered you some Valentines goodies or sold you a Christmas treat. All the hard work was worth it. We arrived at about 6 a.m. and then quickly started our adventure at our first London destination, the London Eye Ferris wheel. The 30-minute ride gave us plenty of time to enjoy the view as well as get some magnificent pictures of London. Over the next nine days, we visited more sights than we can mention here but the highlights included tours of Runnymede, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guards, a cruise down the River Thames, a night at the Savoy theatre (Let It Be - The Beatles), the Tower of London, meeting with a past member of British Parliament at the London School of Economics and learning about British government, and medieval fortresses where we learned and practiced medieval Kurt Bryant and Siena Sandridge. submitted photo battle techniques and watched the

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 page 40 in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com.

Letters cont’d. from p. 2

firing of a trebuchet. We went to the top of Warwick Castle, explored the Salisbury and Winchester gothic cathedrals, visited Shakespeare’s hometown where we took an acting class, visited the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies, toured the city of Bath and the Roman spas, and visited Stonehenge. We were busy and exhausted every night! From there we crossed the English Channel on an overnight ferry to France. Paris was incredible and we went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a terrifying but rewarding experience for some. We spent a day at Normandy, and participated in a ceremony in honor of our fallen soldiers. We visited the Louvre and saw the “Mona Lisa,” enjoyed a French art class, spent a day at the incredible Versailles, visited Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur, and walked through the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to these amazing experiences, we also got to try unique foods. Bon appetit! Our most talked about appetizers were escargot and frog legs! Some kids dove right in while others just stared at them horrified. We were so sad to see our amazing journey come to an end and we spent our last day having fun and celebrating our new friendships in Disneyland Paris. We hope that some of our friends will have an opportunity like this in the future. It truly is life changing and a priceless experience. We can’t thank you enough Granby for helping us get there. Let us know if you have any questions about the program or our experience – we would love to share it with you! Gratefully, Siena Sandridge and Kurt Bryant

• A devoted husband, step-pop and friend to many. In the upcoming November elections, think about having a listening leader who has demonstrated a strong history of effective collaborations. Think about a community leader who is ACTively “Working for a Better Granby” as your next first selectman. Join me, and think Lofink! Respectfully submitted, Emily Landers

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Ann Buckley named Granby Public Schools 2013 Teacher of the Year by Robert F. Gilbert When Ann Buckley’s name was announced as Granby’s 2013 Teacher of the Year during the school system’s end of the year closing ceremonies, all she could think about, amidst the surprise and emotion, was the huge responsibil-

Ann Buckley

ity she now felt to live up to the honor and make Granby proud. With a full auditorium of colleagues postured in a standing ovation, Buckley made her way to the stage to accept the honor, having the added surprise of her husband Evans, sons Mitchell and Mason, as well as her parents David and Carol Bartholomew joining her on stage. What Buckley may not have realized was that her students, their parents and her Granby Memorial Middle School colleagues have “thought the world” of her and her work during the past seven years as a seventh grade life science teacher at the school. Buckley came to the Granby Public Schools in 2006, following successful teaching experiences in Farmington and at West Hartford’s Watkinson School. She is committed to Granby’s mission to make students powerful thinkers, effective collaborators and compassionate contributors. Using a winning philosophy from her ski coach days, Buckley subscribes to the idea that hard work, teacher guidance and students’ belief in themselves, results and improvement can be seen in every class. That is why Buckley spends important time establishing a climate where students feel safe but also know what is expected of them.

Failure is not an option in Buckley’s class. Described by those who know her as tenacious in getting students to complete their work, she is committed and passionate to engage all her students in science. As she describes, “Visit my classroom, and you might ﬁnd it transformed into a cell, complete with a nucleus, cell membrane and mitochondria. Here, students acting as blood cells rotate from organelle to organelle and act out how a cell works.” In lessons like this, Buckley is always trying new, unique and engaging ways for students to learn. While Buckley expects all her students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and technologically savvy, she does not just care about what they write in their papers. Buckley cares deeply about her students. “We all teach content,” says Ann, “but that is just the medium we use to connect with our students and cheer on those who need someone on their side.” As her colleagues have said, “She cares about how each kids feels inside.” Ann’s caring and commitment to her students can be seen as she chaperones student dances, provides extra-curricular opportunities for her students through the Angel Horses and Lego League programs and chaperones the annual 4-day eighth grade trip to Washington D.C. While her

Kuhnly said, “As your first selectman I will work with our local boards and commissions to balance the benefits and costs of programs and services offered to citizens of Granby. Communication is my highest priority. I will work to find new and innovative ways to communicate with our citizens so that together we can maintain the charm of Granby while making informed decisions that will have a positive outcome for our Town.”

Loﬁnk cont’d. from p. 1

Kuhnly cont’d. from p. 1 Hasbro Games of East Longmeadow as the environmental safety and health director and was a risk manager for the town of Windsor. Kuhnly was appointed by Governor Rell in 2007 to the Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and is a Certiﬁed Safety Professional. Kuhnly holds an M.S. from the University of Hartford and B.S./A.S. from Keene State College. His wife Joanie is a professor at UConn in the School of Nursing. They have ﬁve children who live in Granby.

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Bay Study Committee. He then served as a 2012 Town Charter Revision commissioner and is currently on the Athletic Field Building Committee. Lofink has worked closely with the town manager and his staff, and understands the workings of town government. He noted, “My grandfather served for almost 30 years as finance chair and then first selectman of my home town of Wilton, so town service is in my blood.” Lofink joined Granby’s Holcomb Farm Board of Directors in 2007 and shortly thereafter became the farm’s executive director, leading the non-profit for three years. During this period he graduated from the Executive Management Institute of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. He currently serves as Holcomb Farm treasurer and on the Stewardship Committee that helps the town to continually maintain and improve the farm property for community use. Lofink is also a Granby Land Trust steward, is president of the Granby Tennis Club, and has active involvement in several other town organizations. Professionally, Lofink enjoyed a

colleagues describe her as someone who always strives to improve the school environment, Ann’s contributions and caring extend beyond the classroom. Participating in the Hunger Walk, making and serving meals for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and volunteering for her son’s PTO and her church are a few examples of her compassion and spirit of giving. While Ann has risen to the top with this prestigious honor, she has several career goals yet to fulﬁll. Buckley hopes one day to complete the requirements for National Board Certiﬁcation and is looking to complete her sixth year coursework, most likely in administration. Following some summer swimming and visiting family, Buckley will have a full opportunity to address her Granby colleagues at the district’s opening convocation in August. She will also be honored at the annual State Teacher of the Year recognition ceremony at the Bushnell Auditorium in Hartford in November. Granby and the Granby Public Schools congratulate Buckley and are honored to have her represent them as Granby’s 2013 Teacher of the Year! Robert F. Gilbert is director of teaching and talent development for Granby Public Schools.

corporate executive career with a Connecticut manufacturing company where, as vice president of product development, he was responsible for understanding client needs, developing innovative yet practical solutions, and then overseeing the final design, manufacturing implementation, and market introduction. Jim is also a member of the American Management Association and past vice president of the Professional Picture Framers Association, a national trade association. Lofink is a U.S. Army veteran and holds a B.S. from the University of Connecticut. His wife Celia Lofink, PhD, is an adjunct professor at University of Hartford. Together, they manage a business program at Litigation Solutions, LLC in East Hartford. They have two children who attended Granby public schools and are now in college. Lofink is an avid skier and hiker, and is often seen driving around Granby in his ‘renovated’ yellow MG convertible. In his spare time, he loves to build, fix and restore properties, buildings and automobiles.

Public Hearing on Doherty Road

The Board of Selectmen has announced a public hearing on Monday, September 16 in the Town Hall Meeting Room for residents to comment on the proposal of making Doherty Road a one-way street, as it was during the Silver Street bridge project. Due to the narrowness of the road, it has been suggested that it would be beneﬁcial to maintain that status.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 5

Natural gas lines to be extended along Salmon Brook Street by Shirley Murtha Connecticut Natural Gas has extended the gas line from Simsbury to the Stop & Shop plaza and it wishes to continue the line north to the high and middle schools, including side lines to the municipal complex, Public Works and Kearns School. It is expected that the town would save over $200,000 a year and that homeowners would also benefit substantially due to the lower cost of gas compared to fuel oil. The state plans to pave Rte. 10/202 to the Massachusetts border and will hold off until the gas hook-ups are in place. Granby has 90 days in which to subscribe to the hook-up with CNG; if Granby waits too long to make the decision, the DOT will begin paving and the town will lose the savings. At its July 15 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the expansion of the gas line. Four-year contract ratified for Public Works and dispatchers The Board of Selectmen approved ratification of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with Public Works employees and police dispatchers union (United Public Service Employees Union). The contract specifies a 10.25 percent wage increase to be spread out over a four-year period, the first year of which has passed with the increase awarded retroactively. The union agreed to increase medical copays to 15 percent, bringing it in line with the other town unions. STEAP grant funding for Holcomb Farm A resolution was approved for Town Manager Bill Smith to accept a $500,000 State of Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant for improvements at Holcomb Farm. The money will be used to upgrade parking and rehab the older buildings. Center traffic realignment The board also approved the revised resolution for funding under the STP Urban Protection Program for a study to be administered by the Capitol Region Council of Governments to determine the realignment of the traffic pattern at

the junction of Rtes. 20 and 189 with 10/202. A left-turn lane on Rte. 20 toward northbound 10/202 is proposed. Capital projects update Town Manager Bill Smith reported that the Cossitt Library parking lot, tennis court improvements and Center library roof projects are complete. The Evonsion property clean-up awaits a permit. The Salmon Brook Park pond house should open in August and the athletic fields should be ready for fall sports. The generator installation at the middle school, making the building suitable as an emergency shelter, is pending a $300,000 grant from FEMA; the town’s share is just under $100,000. The original plan isolated a specific area for the shelter, but due to the electrical configuration, it was impossible to do that. A much larger generator will be used to supply power to the entire building. The COPS Secure Our Schools program installed new locks and security cameras. The fund for that program was exhausted. Smith noted that the closeout of the Kelly Lane School and Cossitt Library improvements resulted in about $120,000 left over from that budget. This money will be returned to the general fund for debt service payments as required. With the exception of an upcoming minor shutdown for final work, the Silver Street bridge was completed and is featured on the state DOT website. To see it, go to www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view. asp?a=3197 and q=300022.

Candidate slates set First Selectman John Adams reported that the Democratic and Republican parties caucused on July 18 and elected their slates of candidates. A special voter registration session will be held on September 7. Adams also noted that the town received a letter of appreciation from the town of Avon for the use of Granby’s lacrosse ﬁeld for a tournament after the Avon fields were damaged by heavy rain. Resignations and appointments Victoria DiRienzo was appointed to

the Conservation Commission. Mark Lockwood was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission replacing Paul Lambert who recently resigned. Kelly Rome was appointed to ﬁll the vacancy on the Board of Finance. Party chairs are working on appointing two alternates to P&Z; this should be completed prior to September as per the charter revision. Lynette Simpson presented the names of the three new members of the Hol-

comb Farm Board of Directors: Gary Kanter, Jack Lareau and Marilyn Sponzo. They will each serve for three years. In accordance with state statutes, Frank Carmon IV was appointed second subregistrar to issue burial permits in the absence of the town clerk. John Carmon of Hayes, Huling and Carmon had been appointed by the town clerk upon the death of Bill Carmon in May.

Granby GOP endorses candidates for fall election

Ed Ohannessian, Scott Kuhnly and Mark Neumann are GOP candidates for Board of Selectmen. submitted photo

The Granby Republican Committee announced its endorsed slate of candidates for the fall elections. The committee endorsed B. Scott Kuhnly as the candidate for ﬁrst selectman. He has served as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Finance and currently as selectman. In addition to Kuhnly, Republicans endorsed for selectmen Ed Ohannessian and incumbent Mark Neumann. Republicans also endorsed incumbents Kelly Rome, Alfred Wilke and Gordon Bischoff for Board of Finance. The slate also includes incumbents Benjamin Perron and Ronald Walther and newcomer Melissa Migliaccio for

the Board of Education. Republicans endorsed Mark Lockwood for Planning and Zoning Commission and Steve Royer for Planning and Zoning alternate. The candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals and the ZBA alternate include Robert Lindeyer and Liam O’Leary, respectively. The GOP selected incumbent Celia Eggert for the Board of Assessment Appeals and has tapped John Adams for town moderator. The Granby Republican Town Committee stated, “All these candidates have a strong commitment to the town of Granby and have a background of ﬁscal accountability and transparency.”

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Granby Democratic Caucus endorses candidates for fall elections selected for the Board of Assessment Appeals. All have served admirably in these positions over several years. Their experience brings a well-formed understanding of the regulations and considerations important to appeal cases. The Granby Democratic Town Committee stated, “We are pleased that

so many Democratic members of our community choose to offer service to their town. This volunteerism of caring, educated and experienced citizens has contributed to making Granby a better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Our candidates are excited to meet with voters and develop plans together to create a better future for Granby.”

GMHS senior interns for U.S. Senate, meets VP Biden, Blumenthal by Heather Kula

Democratic candidates from l.: Wayne Chapple, Jim Sansone, Peggy Chapple, Chris Chinni, Jim Loﬁnk, Ron Desrosiers, Fred Moffa, Celia Loﬁnk and Val Hollister. photo by Annie Hornish

by Peggy Chapple The Granby Democratic Town Committee has announced the results of the Democratic caucus and slate of candidates for the fall elections. “This is a strong team that is excited and ready to lead our community,” said Peggy Chapple, DTC chair. “We will run a campaign focused on a transparent, inclusive government that listens.” The caucus enthusiastically endorsed Jim Lofink as its candidate for first selectman. Jim’s proven leadership, commitment to accountability, inclusion, transparency and experience in building collaborative frameworks makes him uniquely qualiﬁed to help make Granby a better community. He has been an active leader in many town and community organizations including positions as executive director of Holcomb Farm, Charter Revision commissioner, member of the Athletic Field Building Committee, and chair of the Storage and Wash Bay Study Committee. The Granby Democratic Town Committee stated, “Jim’s proven business, non-profit and community leadership will help build Granby’s future.” In addition, Democrats supported experienced incumbents Ronald F. Desrosiers and Sally King for the Board of Selectmen, and Frederick Moffa for the Board of Finance. All have

demonstrated years of quality service to Granby. Democrats also endorsed political newcomer Christopher M. Roughton to run for a two-year Board of Finance term. The caucus endorsed a slate of three Board of Education candidates: Valorie A. Hollister, Celia R. Loﬁnk, PhD, and Evan Socrates Dantos. Each of these candidates combines a proven track record of volunteering and involvement with a passion for education. They also know the Granby school system personally, either as parents of Granby students (past and present) or, as in Dantos’ case, as a Granby graduate. Democrats supported experienced Planning and Zoning Commissioners Margaret Q. Chapple and Eric Lukingbeal for continued terms, and Christine L. Chinni for the new position of Planning and Zoning alternate. All three are local attorneys, each with many years of experience in municipal affairs and a commitment to the unique agricultural and environmental characteristics that make Granby “The Pride of the Valley.” Chinni was also endorsed for town moderator. The candidates for the Zoning Board of Appeals and the ZBA alternate include Democratic incumbents Wayne E. Chapple and Suzanne Yucha, respectively. Incumbent James R. Sansone was

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my text books. This experience brought public service to life. I learned that just because you have a difference of opinion, it doesn’t mean you can’t ﬁnd common ground or be friends. We all have to work together to keep our great country strong.” Allen made many lasting friendships across the aisle and looks forward to keeping in touch with them as well as following continued debates on national issues like immigration reform.

This summer, GMHS senior Heavon Allen joined students from across the country to work in Washington D.C. as an intern for the U.S. Senate. While there, Allen studied and met every U.S. senator and observed the legislative process first-hand on major issues such as the farm bill and immigration reform. “To be on the Senate floor listening to members present both sides of the immigration debate, experience the emotion and passion of advocates in the gallery both for and against, watch the press outside the chamber doors waiting anxiously the results, having the vice president seated just a few feet away for the historic roll call vote and to witness bipartisan passage in the Senate was an experience I will never forget,” said Allen. Allen also had the opportunity to talk extensively with Connecticut’s own U.S. Senator Richard Blu- Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Heavon Allen. submitted photo menthal, as well as Majority Leader Harry Reid, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the longest- serving woman senator in history and first woman ever to chair the Senate Appropriations committee, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. Allen observed, “Before I went to the Senate, my perspective was limited to the news and

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Registrars of Voters Two Sided Ballot for November Municipal Election On November 5, voters will have the opportunity to vote for 24 open seats and, as in the past, a two-sided ballot is anticipated to include all of these offices. First selectman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, Planning and Zoning alternates (this is a new position created with the 2012 charter revision), Zoning Board of Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals alternates and town moderator will all be on the ballot. In the past, the Board of Selectmen race has caused some confusion. All five seats are open every two years, but voters may only choose one candidate for first selectman and two candidates from those running for the board. This year the losing candidate running for first selectman automatically becomes a candidate for the board of selectmen. With a total of six people running for seats on the Board of Selectmen, and five positions to elect, the candidate who receives the least number of votes will not be elected. Pollworkers Needed Pollworker training will be done in October, and pollworkers are needed. Email the registrars at lwolfe.granby. ct@gmail.com or mwolf.granby. ct@gmail.com for more information. Volunteer pollworkers must be at least 15 years old and may choose to volunteer for a few hours or as desired to fit their schedules. Town paid official pollwork-

ers must be registered voters in town and must work at the polling place setup at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 4, and all day Tuesday, November 5 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the first time, part of the training may be done online using the Secretary of State’s newly launched online program. The registrars’ office is compiling an email list for those who would like to be notified when and where training will be held. First priority is given to pollworkers who can donate their services to the town, but there are also some paid positions available. Same-Day Registration Debuts in Connecticut Same-day voter registration is now the law in Connecticut and debuts this November. U.S. citizens who are 18 by Nov. 5 can register to vote on Election Day. Implementing this change is anticipated to increase voter turnout. Unregistered voters will need to go to town hall (not the town’s polling site) on Election Day to register. They must bring proof of identity and proof of residence to vote. If they are registered before 8 p.m., they can fill out a ballot and place it an envelope. If their ballot is uncontested at 8 p.m., it will go to Granby’s polling site where it will be counted separately from official ballots and absentee ballots. The registrars of voters strongly encourage residents to register before Election Day, allowing direct balloting, and avoiding potential lines at town hall. Unregistered voters in line at town hall at 8 p.m. will not be able to vote on Election Day.

Voter registration is non-transferable. If you moved from another town or state, you must fill out a new registration card with your current address in order to vote. Please call or write the registrars’ office to receive confirmation on the status of your voter registration or to make changes. Curbside Voting Physically disabled or handicapped voters can choose to vote using absentee ballots through the town clerk (see below) before Election Day. For voters who have a temporary medical issue on Election Day, such as a severe arthritis flare-up, they can participate in a program called curbside voting. This involves making a request at the polling site for help from two assistant registrars, a Democrat and a Republican, while the curbside voter waits in a designated parking space. The assistant registrars check the voter in and receive a ballot in a privacy folder that they jointly carry to the voter’s car to fill out. After the voter fills out the ballot, the two assistant registrars carry the completed ballot to the optical scanner voting machine to be counted. This service is only available to people who are temporarily physically handicapped. Absentee Ballots Absentee ballot applications are being collected now by the town clerk for those who know they will be away from home on November 5 or otherwise qualify for an absentee ballot. The application form is available at town hall or on the web at www.sots.ct.gov. Calendar Review Wednesday, September 4 – public lottery for horizontal candidate order on the November 5 municipal election ballot at 10 a.m. at town hall Saturday, October 19 – voter registra-

PAGE 7 tion session from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at town hall Tuesday, October 22 –postmark deadline for mailed voter registration applications Wednesday, October 23 – public testing of the optical scanner voting machines at 1 p.m. at town hall Tuesday, October 29 – all day voter registration session, with special office hours 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. at registrars’ office at town hall Wednesday, October 30 – supervised absentee balloting at MeadowBrook of Granby Monday, November 4 – last day to register in person for new residents, military personnel and those who just turned 18 years old. Special office hours 9 a.m. to noon at town hall Tuesday, November 5 municipal election – Polls open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Granby Community Gym, Granby Memorial High School Tuesday, November 5 – Same day Election Day registration and voting at the registrars’ office at town hall Stop by to register to vote, determine you voting district or make corrections in person at the registrars’ office in the town hall every Wednesday. Our regular office hours are 9 a.m. –˜4 p.m. Please note that voter registration forms are also available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website: www.sots.ct.gov. Questions? Contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Maureen Wolf, at 860-844-5322 or lwolfe.granby. ct@gmail.com and mwolf.granby. ct@gmail.com.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Administrators, teachers, students, parents honored

Focus on Education

At the close of the 2012-2013 school year, donations were made to the Granby Education Foundation in honor of the teachers, administrators, parents and students shown below. The individuals listed below are recognized in addition to the honorees noted in the last issue of the Granby Drummer. Please join the GEF in congratulating them and applauding their hard work and dedication.

Alan Addley �

�

Welcome back to a new school year The excitement of another school year is palpable around town as school children eagerly anticipate the start of another school year. Pre-K students to high school seniors look forward to a new beginning, a chance to experience success and the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with their teachers and friends. We extend a special welcome to families new to Granby and to students who will be joining the school system for the ﬁrst time. It was an extremely busy summer for the school system. Summer activities included curriculum institutes, facility and technology enhancements, safety upgrades to the schools, the completion of the new athletic facility, preparations for the 8th grade 1-to-1 digital computing pilot, the hiring of 22 new staff members, two successful summer schools (Italian and traditional summer school), and the orientation of a new administrative team that includes new Central Services staff and three new principals. Student achievement scores also arrived over the summer and highlights included the highest SAT and AP scores in many years, increased CAPT scores and some excellent CMT scores.

The district staff has also been working feverishly to prepare for the Common Core State Standards, Smarter Balanced Assessments, Teacher and Administrator Evaluation Plans, and Secondary School Reform. These signiﬁcant changes are happening simultaneously this year even while state expectations for implementation remain a moving target – the work involved is akin to remodeling your entire house while still living in it. As always, the staff’s collaborative work as a professional learning community will help us navigate these reforms and help us prepare our students for the new curriculum and assessments. In embracing these signiﬁcant changes, more than ever, your administrators, teachers and staff need and would appreciate your support. The excitement of a new school year is also felt by the staff. It serves to remind educators of the awesome privilege and responsibility that comes with teaching and inspiring your children. I encourage everyone in the community to stay involved and to help us navigate the changes ahead, keep education a priority for the town and help make our mission become a reality for ALL of our students.

New prep classes for 2014 GED classes begin by Linda Schmaelzle The new GED test is to be released on January 2, 2014. This fall, Windsor Locks Adult Education will be bridging the gap between preparing some students to ﬁnish their 2002 GED by December, as well as preparing others to be ready for the new January 2014 test. High school placement tests will help students select which version they will need to prepare for during the fall semester. The high school placement test sessions begin Monday, September 9. Students will learn what speciﬁc skills they know

and which ones they need to review or learn. Classes will enable students to focus on their individual needs. No test results from the 2002 test can be carried over to the new version. Please call 860292-5712 or email adulted@wlps.org to register. More information is located in the brochure available online on the district site wlps.org. The new test will be very different from the 2002 version because it is no longer a paper-pen test but totally computerized. In addition, takers will have to demonstrate their mastery of skills in different ways. The 2014 test will also include GED prep cont’d. on p. 9

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Honorees Kathi Kortis Christina Fleming Meghan Bavol Alisa Ruggiero Jodi Okenquist Sue Alender Lisa DiCiancia

Sponsors Violet Peverly Vaughan Peverly Vaughan Peverly Mary Beth LaRosa Jacob Peverly Jacob Peverly Will Peverly

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Honorees Linda Marshall Monica Dinuzzo Paul Osypuk Linda Marshall Jane Ann Pease

Sponsors John & Margaret Marshall Wells Road 4th Grade Class The Ungerleider Family The Ungerleider Family Ruth Rosebrooks

CBG scholarship awarded Alexis Roy, a June graduate of GMHS, was awarded the 2013 Citizens for a Better Granby scholarship. Along with a $1,000 check, Alexis was presented with two books by local authors, “Tempest in a Small Town” by Mark Williams, and “In My Lifetime” by William Hart. CBG publishes the Granby Drummer. At left, CBG President Lew Noble presents Alexis her gifts. photo by Dave Tolli

Youth Services Bureau

by AnneMarie Cox

Love and logic parenting workshop begins Sept. 16 Last spring the Granby Youth Services Bureau offered its ﬁrst Love and Logic Parenting Workshop. Ten families participated and the reviews were rave. This program is for any parent who wants to raise a responsible and respectful child in a way that allows parenting to be a less stressful and more joyful experience. This tried and true approach is full of common sense “aha” moments, and useful approaches that really work. Come laugh with us as we explore parenting in the 21st century and ﬁnd ways to have more fun raising our children. The program is held Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and runs for 7 weeks. The cost is $30. On-site babysitting is provided for an additional $5 per child, with a $10 maximum per family. Special needs children can be accommodated by our professional staff. Please call AnneMarie Cox at 860-844-5355 to discuss your child’s individual needs prior to the program. The registration form may be found on the town of Granby website, www.Granby-ct.gov.

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Deb Shulansky of the Brain Injury Association of Connecticut will present “Just A Concussion” October 15 at 7 p.m. at the Granby Youth Services Bureau. Come learn about the laws relating to concussion in Connecticut as well as the signs every parent needs to understand. Adolescents’ brains are still under development, and concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term problems. Learn what every parent and student athlete needs to understand about prevention and treatment. Following the concussion discussion, a brief presentation will be given about the adolescent brain and what cutting edge research is telling us about the risks associated with the use of marijuana and alcohol. For more information or to reserve a space, contact AnneMarie Heller Cox at 860-844-5355.

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

with Emily Henselder and Sarah Toth

School Year Tips Time to sharpen your pencils; school is just around the corner. Here are a few tips make your life easier this school year! Write the calendar of school weeks down in your planner! With our new schedule this year, you’ll need to know

not only whether it’s an even or odd day, but also whether it’s a capstone or non-capstone week so you do your homework for the right classes, and also know what classes to show up to. The easiest way to keep track of this is by writing the schedule down in your

FAVARH family support playgroup available to community by Jean Miller The FAVARH Family Support Playgroup has been meeting at FAVARH in Canton since 2008, thanks to generous start-up funding from the Avon Canton Rotary, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, Canton Community Fund, Knights of Columbus and the Canton Education Foundation. In 2009 FAVARH added a second location at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby, thanks to funding from the Granby Community Fund, CVS Caremark and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Family Support Group provides a free play opportunity for children ages 3-7 with special needs and their siblings, to make new friends, increase socialization skills and have fun. This gives their parents the opportunity to network and discuss topics related to raising a child with special needs. Denise Sheltz, both a parent of a child with special needs and clinical social worker, donates her time to facilitate the parent support group in Canton once a month. FAVARH is considering extending its activities to include children ages 8-12 if there are enough families interested. There is no charge to participate in the FAVARH Family Support Playgroup. For more information, or if you or some-

one you know is interested in bringing children to the program, please contact Jean Miller at 860-693-6662 ext. 128 or jmiller@favarh.org for a registration form and schedule. FAVARH has been helping children and adults with developmental disabilities achieve their personal best since 1958.

PAGE 9

planner, so as soon as you open it up to do your homework you’ll know exactly which assignments need to be completed. Use binder dividers! While teachers always insist that you use three ring binders to keep track of their papers, few truly make sure that you keep using them all year round, so many of us fall off the binder-wagon. However, it’s actually beneﬁcial to truly keep them organized. We suggest using one divider for important class handouts such as the syllabus, one for notes, one for homework, one for class work, and one for tests and quizzes. This system makes it much easier to ﬁnd papers when you need to reference them for projects or for studying for tests. As soon as you need help, get it! Trust us when we say it’s not worth prolonging the issue. Teachers typically post which periods they have free outside of their doors or on their websites. And even if your teacher doesn’t have a free period that matches up with your study halls, don’t be afraid to ask another teacher in the department for help.

They are used to having other students come for help even if they don’t have them in one of their classes. In fact, they even expect it. If you nip the problem in the bud as soon as the issue occurs, it’ll be much better for your mental health and your grade then if you go for help the day before or the day of the test. Keep your locker organized! With only four minutes between classes, hundreds of students in the halls, and four buildings to navigate, we don’t have much time to stop by our lockers, much less dig out our books from them. We suggest putting your textbooks and binders in the order of your classes. It makes it much easier to just grab them in one swoop and rush off to your class. Try not to let it get cluttered with paper too; that’s what the trashcans are for. It’ll just create more of a hallway block when they tumble out all over the ﬂoor when you open your locker door. And believe us when we say you don’t want to face the embarrassment of blocking the hallway. We hope you take our tips and put them to good use. Good luck this year!

GED prep cont’d. from p. 8

Ryan Sheltz enjoys playgroup. Submitted photo

24/7 online registration and scheduling and same-day score results. The GED will continue to measure high school equivalency and provide detailed information about a test-taker’s readiness for college and career training programs. For example, adults will be required to demonstrate basic computer skills and the ability to build arguments based on evidence—the same kinds of skills that employers expect. The Common Core Standards and state standards have also been considered in creating the new GED. GED testing has opened doors to job and education opportunities for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. How-

Time to make a change!

sessment.

The author is director of Windsor Locks Adult Education.

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ever, workforce demands showed needed changes that the new test addresses. “In fact, nearly 4 million middle-skill jobs are unfilled because there aren’t enough people with the right skills and education to fill them,” said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. The new GED hopes to help fill that need. Low-skill jobs need no training/college while middle-skill jobs require some training/ college but not a bachelor’s degree. Currently, only 12 percent of GED recipients go on to further education. To learn more about the 2014 GED test, visit Windsor Locks Adult Education at wlps.org, sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp or www.GEDtestingservice.com/as-

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Farmington Valley VNA – at home in your community by Andrea Boyle After 30 years of renting the building at 248 Salmon Brook Street from the town of Granby, the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association now has a permanent home. The community’s overwhelming response to its $350,000 “Keep Us At Home” capital campaign allowed the Farmington Valley VNA to purchase and renovate the building that houses its Community Programs Department. This ofﬁce is responsible for the creation and promotion of illness prevention programs and health and wellness initiatives, oversees the Granby Food Bank Program for qualiﬁed Granby and Hartland residents, and manages the School Nursing Program for the Granby Board of Education. The Farmington Valley VNA’s Board of Directors and staff would like to extend their gratitude for the outpouring of community support for this ambitious endeavor. Through major gifts received from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the John G. Martin Foundation, together with 705 businesses, organizations and community residents,

the agency exceeded the campaign goal. In thanking the community, Executive Director Incy S. Muir said, “The Farmington Valley VNA’s Community Programs Department is at the heart of our 105-year-old charitable organization. The educational programs, walking groups, health and wellness screenings and assessments, and immunization clinics we host in senior and community centers, town halls, libraries, and other public and private venues throughout the Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Hartland and Simsbury communities allow us to fulfill our mission of delivering health and wellness care to our neighbors across the Farmington Valley region. As one of the few remaining independent and non-profit agencies without corporate ownership or hospital oversight, our ability to establish a permanent home for the Community Programs Department ensures the continued delivery of these important health and wellness initiatives.” During the fiscal year that ended on June 30, the Farmington Valley VNA’s Community Programs Department conducted 3,867 blood pressure screenings, administered 2,648 flu and pneumonia

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vaccinations, received 1,301 visits to wellness walking programs, provided 215 health and wellness screenings, hosted 75 educational programs, and distributed 2,123 bags of groceries through the Granby Food Bank Program. The community is invited to tour the newly renovated building and personally see how their donations have helped secure the long-term future of the Farmington Valley VNA’s vital programs and services. Open house hours will be held Monday, September 23 from 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday, September 25 from 4-7 p.m.; and Friday, September

27 from 8-11 a.m. The Farmington Valley VNA is a Medicare certiﬁed, state licensed home health agency that has been providing home care, hospice services and illness prevention programs across the Greater Farmington Valley region since 1908. The agency earned a “2012 HomeCare Elite” designation as one of the top 100 home health agencies in the United States. Please call 860-651-3539 or visit www.farmingtonvalleyvna.org for more information on the Farmington Valley VNA’s wide array of in-home and community-based health and wellness services.

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Grass Roots Creamery offers a natural approach to ice cream Grass Roots Creamery is proud to announce the opening of its first scoop shop at 4 Park Place on the Granby town green. Grass Roots represents a new movement in ice cream — a protest of sorts against mass-marketed ice cream and a return to the venerable, naturally delicious treat with no artificial dyes made in small, artisan batches. Grass Roots uses the real stuff: nuts, bananas, strawberries, peaches, coconut and pineapple. “We believe simple ice cream is delicious and doesn’t need fake flavors or food coloring,” says owner Eliza Florian. “Our rainbow sprinkles are 100 percent certified organic. Our chocolate sprinkles are 100 percent chocolate.” Owner Lee Florian says, “It’s amazing how people immediately notice the quality difference from typical ice cream.” Grass Roots is proud to use ingredients provided by farmers and producers in the community. It uses milk from Hayes Farm, an iconic Granby dairy, in its milkshakes, and features limited-edition local farm flavors such as Lost Acres Orchard’s scrumptious pecan bourbon brownies, gingersnaps and peach raspberry pie. On any given day, Grass Roots scoops 36 flavors, including much loved standbys like maple walnut, pure pistachio and toasted almond, as well as innovative specials like Sunday Morning Breakfast, a delicious combination of maple syrup

and candied bacon in ice cream. Grass Roots is a simple, nostalgic scoop shop that reﬂects the Florians’ ice cream philosophy. In a little more than a month, the owners renovated an old general store in the heart of Granby center, using many re-purposed materials that they had been collecting over the years and plenty of elbow grease. Getting Grass Roots ready for its big debut was a family project; Eliza designed the new layout and Lee used his carpentry skills to build walls and cabinets, while their daughter Emma drew the logo for the shop. As part of its efforts to bring simplicity back, Grass Roots is closed on Sundays. “There was a time not long ago when all businesses were closed on Sunday, and families could spend time doing nothing but relaxing and being with one another,” says Eliza Florian. “Our family gives it our very best six days a week. We need one day a week to enjoy time together and cultivate family traditions. In fact, we dreamed up our newest Sunday Morning Breakfast ice cream ﬂavor thanks to our weekly family ritual.” Lee and Eliza Florian are a local couple with roots in mom-and-pop farming. Lee raised cows as a teen growing up in Arizona as part of the Future Farmers of America agricultural program. Eliza grew up on a seven-acre farm in Connecticut. She and her seven siblings raised chickens, geese, pigs and cows and

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PAGE 12

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Granby Land Trust invites public comments for national accreditation

The Mary Edwards Preserve on Mountain Road is part of the Granby Land Trust. photo by Peter Dinella

by Rick Orluk As part of its application for national accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance, the Granby Land Trust invites members of the Granby community to express their viewpoints on how the organization complies with national quality standards.

The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation organization whose mission is “to save the places people love by strengthening land conservation across America.” The Land Trust Alliance accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting

important natural places and working lands forever. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of the policies and programs of each accreditation applicant. Applying for accreditation is a rigorous and extensive undertaking, and it has led the Granby Land Trust to review, analyze and improve its operations, policies and administrative procedures. This process is expanding the organization’s capacity and will make the Granby Land Trust an even stronger and more effective land trust. As part of its review, the Accreditation Commission invites public input and accepts signed written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Granby Land Trust complies with national quality standards.

landtrustaccreditation.org/tipsand-tools/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program or to submit a comment concerning the Granby Land Trust, visit

www.landtrustaccreditation.org or email your comment to info@landt rustaccreditation.org. Comments

may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. To learn more about the Granby Land Trust’s current activities, please visit the website at www.GranbyLandTrust.org. Comments on the Granby Land Trust’s application will be most useful if they are received by October 15, 2013.

SBHS accepting items for fall ﬂea market by Heather Tomasetti

Cherish your family as the vacation season is over. Cherish your septic and avoid a backup.

Call now for a fall cleaning!

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The Salmon Book Historical Society is accepting donated items for its tent at the fall ﬂea market. This is a great time to clean out your attic, basement and garage! Items may be dropped off at the society, 208 Salmon Brook Street (Rte. 10/202) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon between now and October 10th. (Unfortunately plastic toys and children’s clothing cannot be accepted.) If necessary, call to arrange for a different time or get more information about donations. Contact either Ellen Cunha at 860-844-8832 or Ruth Robinson at 860-653-3918. If you have a large assortment of items that someone else might consider a hidden treasure, perhaps you’d like to rent a

vendor space! A 20x20 foot space is $25 ($35 after 10/11/13). Send your name, address and phone number along with payment to Dave Laun, 16 Hummingbird Lane, Granby CT 06035. Questions: call Dave at 860-653-3965. Your support helps the non-profit society maintain, preserve and share Granby’s history. The fall flea market is an important fund-raising events. Thank you for helping us make it a great success. The flea market is on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salmon Brook Historical Society, 208 Salmon Brook Street (Rte. 10/202). There’s free parking and free admission. Visit www.salmonbrookhistorical.org or find us on Facebook.

SEPTEMBER 2013

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PAGE 13

TaSA blends unique with functional

Visitors are always welcome during store hours, which run in the summer from Wednesday to Sunday. The TaSA Design website is located at www.tasadesign. com, and features many galleries of the

work of the talented featured artists. Andrea Siana is also available by appointment for consignment opportunities. She can be reached at 860-670-7930.

Women’s breakfast group sets season schedule by Carol Bressor Besides gathering for breakfast and visiting this year, women who attend the monthly Granby Women’s Breakfast will meet authors, walk the Appalachian Trail and step back into the forties without leaving the Granby Senior Center. The breakfast group meets at 8:30 a.m. on the ﬁrst Wednesday each month for a home-cooked breakfast followed by a guest speaker. The breakfast costs $3. Reservations are helpful for the cooks; call Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891 to sign up. As a special treat, members can lunch with author Mary Ann Tirone Smith on Friday, Oct. 25. Tirone Smith wrote “Girls of a Tender Age,” describing life in Hartford’s South End during the 60s.

At the Wednesday, Sept. 4 gathering, Teri Lombardi will take the group “From Cuba to Connecticut.” The rest of the schedule includes: Oct. 2—Robert Steele, Jr., author of “The Curse: Big Time Gambling’s Seduction of a Small New England Town;” Nov. 6 – Granby moms who authored “Just Ordinary Moms;” Dec. 4—a holiday music program from Granby’s Kearns School; Jan. 8—walking the Appalachian Trail; Feb. 5—Sharon Tote of Hillstead Museum on the intriguing life of Theodate Pope Riddle; and Mar. 5—gardening for birds with Margery Winters of Roaring Brook Nature Center. On June 4, the year’s program will end with a Connecticut Historical Society program, “Step Back Into the 40s.”

MOCRATIC DE

September at First Church

The TaSA Trading Company recently opened in the Granby Commons shopping center on Salmon Brook Street. submitted photo

The TaSA Trading Company, which recently opened in the Granby Commons shopping center on Salmon Brook Street, is the fulfillment of a dream for Andrea Siana. The store offers an eclectic mix of gifts and artwork, as well as an array of art classes for all ages. “After working as a visual arts teacher for 25 years, I’ve always had the desire to open a shop like this. My mother had a clothing consignment shop, and for years I have been refinishing furniture, repurposing items and creating art; its always been my dream and a hobby,” Siana said. The TaSA design philosophy is a blend of the unique with the functional. “It’s unique, it’s different,” said Siana. “We like to promote individuality and self-expression. We emphasize re-purposing of items, and selling artistic, unique, functional pieces for your home, dorm or business that cannot be found in your typical retail store or possibly anywhere else, for that matter.” Besides the retail store, the TaSA Trading Company will be offering many opportunities for classes and workshops in a number of artistic media in the design studio. A three-workshop course on illustration is being offered in the fall for adults and teens looking to improve their skills and produce works for their portfolios. There is also a class called “Sign Language” for children, where they create unique signs for their rooms. TaSA Trading Company is also an exclusive sales outlet for the Miss Mustard Seed brand of milk paint and supplies for refinishing furniture. The paint is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic brand of chalk paint that comes in a variety of colors and finishes for giving old furniture a new, yet vintage, look and feel. “We are going to offer workshops demonstrating the techniques used to achieve the various finishes that are possible with Miss Mustard Seed brand of milk paint; instruction will be offered both in scheduled courses and private or semi-private lessons. People will learn to use the paint, and can bring in a piece of furniture of their own or choose one from our Shabby to Fab collection of old furniture to re-finish,” Siana said. “We are all about recycling and selling eco-friendly products. We’ll even let you organize a painting party for you and your friends in our studio,” Siana said. “If you book a Miss Mustard Seeds painting party of six or more the hostess receives the new book ‘Inspired by You.’”

The showroom features hundreds of pieces of artwork on consignment from artists throughout the region. In addition to the many styles of artwork, from wrought iron vases to painted birdhouses and original photography, the store features many items suitable for gifts. At the opening of the showroom on July 10, Siana said, “People have been very supportive.” A customer on the first day proclaimed, “This is just what Granby needs; now I don’t have to go to Avon to get gifts.” Siana and her husband Tony Toland have spent the last several months signing up artists to feature in the showroom. Traveling to shows, advertising in the newspaper, and especially word of mouth have yielded over a dozen featured artists whose work is for sale in the showroom. The styles and media of the artists cover a broad spectrum. Porcelain sculptures, glassware, jewelry, furniture, home décor, original paintings and a unique combination of pottery splashed with poetry are among the types of artwork a visitor will find at TaSA Trading Company. Siana and her husband share the motto “We Love Our Stuff.” “If we wouldn’t have it in our home, you probably won’t see it here,” Siana said. Jillian Barber, one of the artists featured in the showroom, produces porcelain sculptures of whimsical dragons, animals and masks of mythical figures such as the Green Man. There are also several post-impressionist style paintings by local painter Kate Tortland. Painter Linda Jacque transforms everyday objects into stunning pieces of pop art, with lazy susans, light switch covers, and stools among her creations on display at TaSA Trading Company. Zpots, a husband-and-wife team of artists, creates pottery inscribed with original poetry. TaSA Trading Company even offers a selection of jewelry. Working with glass, artist Melinda Morrissette creates dozens of unique earrings and pendants in a variety of styles and colors. “There’s something for everybody here,” said Siana, “whether you want a card for a special occasion, an artistic centerpiece for a room, or a gift for friends and family.” Items can be purchased from as low as $3.50 to more than $1000. Beginning in August, TaSA Trading Company will host Coffee and Conversation on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 am until noon. The public is invited to come to the showroom and meet with some of the featured artists and casually discuss art, life and anything else over a free cup of coffee.

by Steve Kanaras

COMMI

GRANBY

Come and Celebrate Meet our

2013 Democratic Candidates

“Reading with new eyes”

Thursday, September 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

What might we learn if we read our holy texts through other eyes? ��

$25/person, $40/couple (pay at the door) Light fare will be served

Lost Acres Vineyard, North Granby

Let’s journey together as we explore the questions! �� followed by a picnic for all

First Congregational Church UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 860-653-4537 www.ﬁrstchurchgranby.org Sunday Service and Sunday School at 10 am

2013 Democratic Candidates First Selectman Selectmen Board of Education

Jim Lofink Ron Desrosiers Sally King Evan Socrates Dantos Valorie Hollister Celia R. Lofink, PhD

Board of Finance

Fred Moffa Chris Roughton

Planning & Zoning

Peggy Chapple Erik Lukingbeal

Planning & Zoning Alternate

Chris Chinni

Board Assess Appeals

Jim Sansone

And many more! Paid for by the Granby Democratic Town Committee, Shawn Ball, Treasurer

PAGE 14

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Therapeutic Riding Program Strides into Southwick by Andrea Bugbee Families from greater Springfield and Hartford now have an uncommon, effective resource available to them as they care for their loved ones with disabilities. Under the professional direction of Christina Strain, a licensed Massachusetts and Connecticut psychiatric social worker and certified special education teacher, Southwick’s Strain Family Equestrian Center has begun offering therapeutic horseback riding for clients who are physically, emotionally and/or cognitively impaired. “Therapeutic riding takes away limitations,” said Strain, who has owned and operated the Strain Family Equestrian Center with her husband, Bill since 1998. “What people can’t do on the ground, often times they can do on a horse. If you can have that sense of controlling a 1,000-pound animal, what an accomplishment.” Specific research into the efficacy of therapeutic riding shows that the movement of horseback riding provides sensory stimulation to the rider’s body and brain, affecting a variety of muscle groups. One study carried out by the University of Brighton in partnership with Plumpton College in East Sussex, UK, determined that horseback riding stimulates mainly positive psychological feelings, and the passive use of the horse’s physical movements helps riders with neurological disabilities to enhance balance and coordination. Research from the College of William and Mary found that consistent therapeutic riding lessons, over time, maintain positive emotional and physical benefits. “This is very much a wrap-around type of service,” noted Strain, who explained

that each client’s initial assessment includes a medical history as well as all relevant consultations with occupational therapists, physical therapists, school counselors and/or other professional advisors. Next, Strain couples her equine expertise with her skills as a psychiatric social worker and equine facilitated psychotherapist to match her clients to a suitable mount. Massachusetts licensed riding instructors, who are additionally certiﬁed under the rigorous Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship standards, teach all lessons. Small teams of trained volunteers lead the horse and walk beside each rider for safety. According to Strain, animals are uniquely suited for therapeutic purposes because they are welcoming and interactive. “Animals are tolerant of people,” she said. “They’re more accepting. They’re non-judgmental. They’re willing to connect with people.” Studies indicate that riders are motivated to take part in their sport by the sense of well-being they gain from interacting with horses. This uplifting psychological contact with an animal occurs in very few sports. “These riders can develop a bond with the horses,” Strain explained. “That can be really helpful in building relationship skills for someone who has difﬁculties in that area.” The Strain Family Equestrian Center is a full service stable which prides itself on offering a breadth of professional equine services within a fun, family-centered atmosphere. Facilities include an indoor riding arena, two outdoor riding rings, a heated viewing lounge and 70 acres of land rich with trails. “We’re unique in the sense that we run a traditional stable with boarding,

training and lessons, but we also offer equine facilitated psychotherapy and, now, therapeutic riding for people with physical and cognitive disabilities,” remarked Strain. Because the Strain family also operates Strain Family Horse Farm in Granby, which is one of the largest horse sales stables in New England, access to suitable school and therapy horses is virtually unlimited. “Horses can enjoy therapeutic riding just like the riders do, but they’ll tell you when they’re not comfortable. If they’re not, we can replace them,” Strain said. “We’re lucky in that, for the most part, our horses are all show horses with a ton of training behind them. They’re

well-mannered. They’re just good, quality horses.” At present, Strain is ﬁlling openings not only for riders, but also for volunteers to lead the horses and walk beside the riders. Volunteer training is provided, and no previous experience is necessary. For more information about the Strain Family Equestrian Center’s new therapeutic horseback riding program, or for details about becoming a volunteer, please call 413-579-5797, or visit www.strainfamilyequestrian.com.

“The riding is therapeutic,” Strain concluded, “but it doesn’t feel like it. For the riders, it’s just fun.”

Granby Pharmacy launches healthy living support group Do you have diabetes and are you looking for ways to control your blood sugar? Are you looking to take steps to living a healthier lifestyle? Do you follow your own healthy living plan but you’re just looking for support or a place to go and share what has worked for you with others? If any of these apply to you, please consider joining Granby Pharmacy staff as they launch a support group dedicated to helping you live a healthier lifestyle. Whatever your goals are, we would like to provide help and support in any way we can! The inspiration for this support group comes from the book “The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now!” by Mark Hyman, MD. In his book, Hyman talks about the growing problem of pre-diabetes, diabetes and insulin resistance. It is predicted that, by 2020, half of Americans will have “diabesity.” Hyman deﬁnes “diabesity” as a group of problems, ranging from insulin resistance and being overweight to obesity and diabetes. Hyman’s sixweek program includes ways to change your lifestyle, control blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance.

This support group, which will use a modiﬁed six-month version of Hyman’s program, will share healthy eating tips, lifestyle tips, recipes and support for those looking to make a lifestyle change. The program will include monthly meetings; weekly weigh-ins; before and after measurements and pictures to help track progress; email/texting/social media support; individual follow-up meetings as needed; healthy, good tasting recipes to sample and specialty activities or guest speakers; discussion of nutrition basics, supplements, relaxation, exercise and living green; and personalization and follow-up. Although this program specifically highlights obesity and type 2 diabetes, the lifestyle changes that will be discussed can be beneficial to most individuals. Participants should consult with their doctors before beginning this or any other diet program support group to make sure it is a safe option. Granby Pharmacy plans to start this program in September. Those interested can call 860-653-2517 or email beth@granbypharmacy.com , or visit www.granbypharmacy.com. More information on times will become available in the future.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 15

Breast health awareness is focus of Get in Touch Foundation by Cadette Girl Scout Sarah Klotzman On Sunday September 8 at 3 p.m., Mary Ann Wasil, executive director and founder of the not-for-proﬁt Get In Touch Foundation, will give a talk at St. Therese Parish’s Great Hall on her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, her foundation and the importance of breast self-examination. This presentation is geared toward all girls in grades 5 thru 12, but women of any age are also encouraged to attend. Wasil, a mother of three, was first diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2004, endured chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. She currently is undergoing treatments for a Stage 4 recurrence. She developed the Daisy Wheel, a tool to make breast self-exams easier. Her outlook on life continues to be remarkably positive despite what she has been dealt. This afternoon event is the ﬁnal part of Cadette Girl Scout Sarah Klotzman’s Silver Award project. The Silver Award is the highest award that can be earned by a cadette-level (grades 7-9) Girl Scout. Girls in grades 5 through 12, their friends,

moms and any interested women are encouraged to attend this important presentation. To make sure there are enough Daisy Wheels for everyone, please R.S.V.P. to sarapurplek@hotmail. com. Following the afternoon presentation at 7 p.m. on September 8, Wasil will read from her best-selling book, “A Diary of Healing, My Intense and Meaningful Life with Cancer” in the parish’s Great Hall followed by a reception and book signing. R.S.V.P.’s for this presentation should be directed to dk-church@att. net. Both appearances are sponsored by St. Therese Church, as a community service for the town of Granby and its surrounding communities. The Get In Touch Foundation’s mission is to “encourage gals of all ages to get in touch with their bodies, information and each other in our crusade against breast cancer.” Wasil has made it her mission to spread the word about the importance of breast self-examination, early detection and being your own health advocate. Working with school nurses has been an important part of her vocation, as they are the main contact for providing informa-

“We’ll leave a light in the window.” For the past 10 years Jerry and Janeene Crane have signed off their emails from Freedom Candle with this phrase. It complements the friendliness that greets customers as they enter the store at 569 Salmon Brook Street. Both Cranes are personable, with ready smiles and willingness to help with gift selection. Customers, who by the way the Cranes consider “company,” also are often welcomed by “Skeeter the Greeter,” a miniature schnauzer. Initially he’ll bark furiously to remind them of his guard dog status then return to his bed to relax. Now the Cranes and Skeeter have decided to slow down a bit and move on, looking for someone to buy the business. “We want to thank all our loyal customers, from both the local area and online all over the world,” they wrote in the July announcement that the store was up for sale. The store was a second career for both Cranes. Jerry, who was brought up in New Britain, worked at United Technologies, and Janeene, originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, was an occupational therapist. They had lived in West Sufﬁeld for 45 years. Neither had retail experience but were up for something new and acquired the business in 2004. “Freedom Candle was started 30 some years ago by Mike and Laura St. Louis making candles in their kitchen,” he said. Jerry learned to make candles and add scents, ﬁrst from St. Louis and then from their then-partner Ray in Holyoke,

sociation of School Nurses 45th annual conference. More information on the Get In Touch Foundation, the Daisy Wheel and Wasil can be found on the website www.getintouchfoundation.org.

Uninvited guest When the Currier family of Fielding Woods Road was grilling ribs on their deck this summer, they were visited by this black bear. He was not invited to dinner. photo by Theresa Currier

Sufﬁeld Players announces new season

Freedom Candle up for sale by Carol Bressor

tion to Wasil’s target audience – young girls in grades 5 through 12. The Daisy Wheel tool was developed to assist these girls and now is used by school nurses all over the United States and in many countries overseas. Wasil was recently the guest speaker at the National As-

Mass. Today, the hand poured candles are made the ‘old-fashioned’ way in the basement of the store. In addition to a large selection of candles and candleholders, the store sells jewelry and various accessories for house and garden. Janeene does the buying with the result that there are many unique items in their inventory. “I’m a kept man,” Jerry laughingly said about their work arrangement. “We’re hoping a buyer will come forward to keep the Freedom Candle burning,” Jerry said. The entire store is offered: inventory, fixtures, accessories, web site, email list, computer, equipment and supplies in a turnkey transaction. “We’ll offer training and support to the new owners,” the couple reported. Though the Cranes do not own the building, they are confident the new owners could take over the lease. The Cranes plan to stay in the area. Their children live close – son Ken in West Suffield whose family includes a son and daughter, and daughter Susan in Enfield whose family also includes a son and daughter. The Cranes live on Congamond Lake where Jerry is very active in the organization to restore the Babb’s roller rink and complex. Janeene looks forward to volunteering at the Bushnell, St. Francis Hospital and an animal rescue facility. She has promised Jerry she won’t bring animals home. They both look forward to traveling and spending more time with their grandchildren.

Join the Suffield Players at historic Mapleton Hall for a new season of high quality theatre and entertainment! “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman, directed by Rayah Martin, is a theatrical portrait of Henry II of England, the devious and incorrigible Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their passionate struggle for power. It will be presented on Oct. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. “Happy Hollandaise” by Tim Koenig, directed by Jeffrey Flood, features merry mayhem in the household of the Finley family, in which the traditional holiday dinner is disrupted by burglars, bumps on the head, and bedlam. The annual holiday staged reading fundraiser, “Happy Hollandaise” will take place on Dec. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. “A Year in the Death of Eddie Jester” by T. Gregory Argall, directed by Roger A. Ochs, tells the story of stand-up comic Eddie Jester, who has been mugged and is comatose. His disembodied spirit offers up

jokes and commentary, sometimes quite philosophical, on the events transpiring in his hospital room. The play will be presented on Feb. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2014, at 8 p.m., and Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. “Anything Goes” features music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by P.G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, and is directed by Jane Cerosky. The vintage 1930s musical tells the story of Billy Crocker, a man in love, who is mistaken for Public Enemy Number One. Lovely Cole Porter tunes include “You’re The Top!”, “I Get A Kick Out of You,” “Friendship,” and of course, “Anything Goes!” “Anything Goes” will be presented on May 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2014, at 8 p.m., and May 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. The Suffield Players perform at 1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield. For more information, visit w w w . s u f f ieldplayers.org or contact them at

thesufﬁeldplayers@gmail.com.

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PAGE 16

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Out of Town

FRWA Events

Retirement Living Lectures at McLean A free lecture series to help you plan for the retirement lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of is being presented by The Village at McLean. Come enjoy a light lunch and meet residents. The lectures will be held on Mondays from 12:45–2:30 p.m. at The Village at McLean, Burkholder Community Center, 100 Sarah Lane, Simsbury. To register, call 860-658-3786. The ﬁrst lecture in the series will be held on Monday, Sept. 9— Getting Your Ducks in Order: Financial Organization and Estate Guidance, presented by Gary Schwartz, JD, LLM in Taxation,

Gary R. Schwartz and Associates, LLC. Schwartz will present a 10-step system of organizing all important identiﬁcation, asset records, tax information, insurance policies, legal documents, home maintenance and utility accounts. You will learn what items need to be assembled and how to eliminate clutter that can lead to confusion, wasted time and possibly higher legal and accounting fees, by throwing out items that you do not need to be saving. For those who attend, Schwartz will offer one free, conﬁdential hour of organizing in the privacy of their own homes.

Simsbury Grange Hosts Agricultural Fair Simsbury Grange will host its annual agricultural fair on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will feature a bake and craft sale, exhibits from local organizations and farms, kids’ activities and contests with ribbons and cash prizes in several categories. The community is invited to participate. The Grange welcomes exhibitors and entrants into many categories; limited table spaces are available for exhibits. There is no charge for non-proﬁt groups if they aren’t selling items, but $20 fee is due for any group selling items. Adults can participate for ribbons and cash prizes in contests featuring fruits and vegetables, home arts (quilting,

sewing and knitting), baked goods, and ﬂowers and plants. Children’s contests include vegetables, Lego creations and baked goods. Online registration is available at www.simsburygrange.org/simsburyfairentry.asp. Fair brochures are

available at the Simsbury town hall, Flamig Farm, the Senior Center, and the Simsbury Library or online at www. simsburygrange.org. Simsbury Grange Hall is located at 236 Farms Village Road (Rte. 309), West Simsbury. For additional information please contact Barbara Friedland at 860-413-9567 or email info@SimsburyGrange.org.

Suffield Players “The Lion in Winter” set for October dates The Suffield Players announce their fall production of “The Lion In Winter” by James Goldman and directed by Rayah Martin. Dates are October 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and October 20 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield. A riveting portrayal of one of English history’s most fascinating married couples, “The Lion in Winter” is alive with wit, humor, passion and intrigue. Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine scheme to get their respective favorite sons in line for succession, while the sons have ideas of their own. Delicious as well as mali-

SEPTEMBER 2013

cious fun awaits the audience as Henry, Eleanor and sons plot against each other, and ultimately discover the love that unites them in spite of everything. Our cast features the talents of Robert Lunde, Debi Freund, Marisa Clement, Will Matus, Nathan Rumney, Christian Tarr and Brian Rucci. Ticket prices are $17 ($12 opening night) and discounts are available for groups, seniors and students, as well as for season subscribers. For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit www.sufﬁeldplayers.org.

Anniversary Celebration at Ski Sundown On Sunday, Sept. 22, the Farmington River Watershed Association will celebrate six decades of locally based river stewardship with a 60th anniversary party. The festivities will be at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, from 3 to 8 p.m. An informal program will feature comments from past and present directors and board members about famous accomplishments and legendary characters, a montage of past, present and future activities, and a display of FRWA historical memorabilia and publications. There will be live music by two local bands, the Sofa Kings and the Dave Donaldson Band, plus appetizers from Blue Sky Foods, a BBQ buffet from the Meat House and delicious desserts. The goal is to have fun, celebrate the beautiful Farmington River, and support FRWA’s many conservation initiatives. Tickets are $25 per person for a full buffet dinner; cash bar. Call FRWA at 860-658-4442 or visit frwa.

org/events.

River Talks at Roaring Brook A series of talks about the Farmington River will be offered by FRWA this fall, hosted by Roaring Brook Nature

Center in Canton. All are from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and there is no charge (donations accepted). Water 101, Hidden Connections You Should Know—Sept. 19 by Virginia deLima of the U.S. Geological Survey, which will explain how our total water supply is really uniﬁed above and below ground. FRCC and Wild and Scenic—Oct. 3 by National Park Service coordinator Liz Lacy, who will explain how the Wild and Scenic River designation works for river towns through the local Farmington River Coordinating Committee. Testing the River—Oct. 17 by Alisa Phillips-Griggs of FRWA, who will explain the extensive volunteer water quality monitoring program of the Farmington River Watershed Association, what it is ﬁnding, and what FRWA is doing to improve water quality. Spoonville Un-dammed, a Shad Story—Oct. 24 by Eileen Fielding, FRWA’s executive director, who will relate the story of Spoonville Dam from its origin in 1900 to its removal in 2012. For more information, see FRWA’s event calendar at frwa.org/events or call 860-658-4442.

Noble and Cooley Museum Events The free monthly Living History series is on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m., and features camera collector Bill Fournier presenting a program about camera history. From bellows cameras to Brownies to 35mm SLRs, Fournier will illustrate some of the high points in the history of photography using cameras, equipment, images and ephemera from his collection. As an added bonus, you are invited to bring your old/antique camera and Fournier will help identify it and estimate its value. This event will kick off the museum’s new rotating exhibit about the history of photography that includes cameras of all sizes, shapes and ages as well as other photographic equipment and unique photographs. If you have old cameras, photography equipment or photographs you are willing to lend to NCCHP for the exhibit, please contact us. Free Monthly Movie Night is on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring short ﬁlms on historic topics. Come take a step back in time and learn about how things were made “back in the day.”

The museum still has outdoor vendor spaces available during the Granville Harvest Fair, Oct. 12 to 14. The 10x10 spaces (bring your own tent) are available for $85 for the three-day weekend. For more information contact Carol weekdays at 413-357-8814. The NCCHP museum at the Drum Shop is located at 42 Water Street in Granville, Mass. and is open for tours on the ﬁrst and third Sundays of the month from noon to 3 p.m. Tours for groups of 10 or more are available weekdays by appointment (413-357-8814). Museum admission is free for NCCHP members; $5 for adults and $3 for children for non-members. New tour feature, Build Your Own Drum, includes a tour of the museum, a cord and ear drum kit and instructions on how to “string” your own drum. Fun and challenging for all ages. $15. The gift shop is open weekdays year round from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as whenever the museum is open for tours, and features hand-crafted items made by local artists, potters, woodcrafters, quilters, authors and more.

Craft Vendors Wanted West Sufﬁeld Congregational Church, 1408 Mountain Road, West Sufﬁeld will be having its Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. An

outside space is $20. Vendors must bring their own tables and canopies. Spaces are 10x10. To reserve a spot, please call the church ofﬁce at 860-668-2271.

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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McLean Rehab’s Fall Prevention

Although falls are normal effects of the aging process, how do we sort out what is normal and what is not? Falls account for more hospitalizations in Connecticut than car accidents, and are a primary reason for lost independence among senior citizens. More than 90 million Americans have experienced dizziness or a balance problem. McLean Home Care/Outpatient Rehab Supervisor Barbara Evans will provide general safety tips to help improve balance and prevent falls, as well as demonstrate how ﬁtness can help. Workshop will be held at 12:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the Granby Senior Center.

FV-VNA Programs

Blood Pressure Screenings Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 9–10:30 a.m. at the Farmington Valley YMCA; Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Senior/Youth Center. In East Hartland on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. and at the Town Hall on Monday, Sept. 16. Walk-In Flu Clinic The Farmington Valley VNA offers a low-cost flu clinic in Granby on Friday, Sept. 27, 1–3 p.m. at the Senior/Youth Center. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for every person over the age of 6 months. The costs of the flu shots are typically covered by Aetna (Regular/ Medicare), ConnectiCare (Regular/ Medicare), Anthem (Regular), WellCare Choice (Medicare Advantage), and Medicare Part B (as Primary) insurances, or are $39.00 for the regular flu shot, $42.00 for the intradermal vaccine, and $56 for the high-dose vaccine. Call 860-653-5514 for more information, or to schedule an appointment for the flu vaccine in our Granby office.

Sunday Exhibits at SBHS

The Salmon Brook Historical Society presents Granby During the Downton Abbey years (1912-1928). Contrast the WWI artifacts on display in the preservation barn with the beautiful period gowns in the houses. Open Sundays, 2 – 4 p.m. through Sept. 22 (closed Sept. 1 for the Labor Day holiday). Tour the houses, barns and school for $4, children and seniors $2, members free. Special endof-season hours noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29—see all the exhibits, refreshments and fun for $5. 208 Salmon Brook Street. 860-653-9713.

�� MS Support

Granby Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. The program for the evening will be Granby Camera Club on Parade. Participants will explore favorite web sites and enjoy a presentation of photographs that members have taken over the past few years. This is the perfect time to get to know more about the club and have some input on planning of programs for the year.

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

Women’s Breakfast

Terry Lombardi will present From Cuba to Connecticut on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Granby Senior Center. Cost is $3/person. For reservations, contact Corinne Dickerson at 860-653-9891.

Transfer Station Extended Hours

The Transfer Station on Old Stagecoach Road will extend its hours of operation to include Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. beginning Sept. 11 through Nov. 20.

Civic Club

The Granby Civic Club will hold its ﬁrst meeting of the 2013-14 year on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. in the Granby Senior Center. It is the annual membership meeting when the members renew their commitment to the club and welcome new members. A Welcome Tea is the theme of the meeting and each person should bring her own tea cup. New members, as well as guests, are welcome at all meetings.

�� Music Programs at South Church

Lunch For The Mind

A choral performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series will feature Latin American music with the Alturas Duo at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the church. Both programs are free. Donations are welcome. The church is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 860-6537289.

The Town of Granby Civic Engagement Team presents the following series on Wednesdays, 12–1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Sept. 18: Putting your Lawn, Garden and Mind In Condition for Winter, presented by Barry Avery, master gardener. Oct. 16: Giving Thanks—A Native American Perspective, presented by George Ducharme, Ph.D. Nov. 20: Helpful Hints for Foreign Travel, presented by Mario Dei Dolori. Bring a bag lunch; beverages will be provided. $3 for Granby residents, $5 for non-residents. Class sizes are limited so pre-register with Sandra Yost at 860-844-5352.

Gentlemen’s Breakfast (Well, some of us are Gentlemen, but we’re all “old guys”)

You could join us 2nd Friday every month

• Conversation • Comraderie • Good Food • No reservation • Only 2 bucks! Don’t wait for an invitation! Just show up at 8:30.

At the Senior Center We”ll be waiting for you!

Ghostly Tales in the Gazebo

The Friends of Cossitt Library invite families to an evening of shivery fun at the North Granby gazebo. Dennis Picard of Storrowtown Village Museum will share hauntingly good tales with little spooks and parents at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19. Bring a blanket and join the fun. The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

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

PAGE 17

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How to Keep Your Teeth for a Lifetime It's a common myth that senior citizens are destined to lose their teeth. There is no reason seniors cannot keep their teeth for a lifetime, since tooth loss is simply the result of an oral disease – not the aging process. The elderly, who make up the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, are healthier and have kept more of their natural teeth than prior generations. But there's still room for improvement. Many seniors do not visit a dentist even once a year – one of the key preventive strategies in ensuring that teeth last a lifetime. Regular dental visits are especially important for older people since many suffer from dry mouth, which slows down the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Dry mouth often comes with old age, but can also be caused by medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. Dry mouth can often be treated by a dentist. Along with regular dental visits, seniors should floss daily and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. If flossing is too difficult, a great alternative is a Hydrofloss or Waterpik. These irrigators flush out the food particles and get oxygen into the gum pockets to help kill harmful bacteria. Seniors should also ask their dentist about fluoride rinses and gels, since studies show that seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse or gel regularly have fewer cavities. Seniors are most likely to get cavities where old fillings have chipped or where root surfaces are left unprotected by receding gums. Other suggestions for keeping teeth for a lifetime: snack in moderation and avoid snacks with sugars and starches, and alert the dentist to any change in medication. Following these preventive measures should help prevent seniors from having to wear dentures. But even seniors with no teeth still need to visit the dentist regularly, since many aspects of oral health, such as adjusting ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer screenings, can be handled at routine dental visits. With the success of dental implants, loose dentures can be fixed securely to allow the denture wearer to eat apples and corn on the cob and throw away their denture adhesives. The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Lasers can eliminate the need for injections and the sound of the drill! CEREC CAD-CAM technology allows us to make crowns and onlays in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces—we are your Invisalign connection! “Smile Vision” allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with straighter, whiter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com.

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

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

PAGE 18

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

13/14 yr olds ﬁnish #2 in state Little League championship by Gerry deSimas Collinsvillepress.com

Granby Pony Club celebrates 50 years Granby Pony Club members (from l.): Michelle Martin, Amelia Barnett von-Korff, Jessica deAtienza, Megan Stanyard, Kiera Roddy, Jenna Turrini, Faith Wang, Teagan Lapuk, Emma Forster, Marcie Freeman; standing behind are Roxanne Blaze and Daniel Stewart. The photo was taken at the Ethel Walker School following a clinic with Stewart. photo by Lynn Guelzow

by Lynn Guelzow The Granby Pony Club celebrates its 50 year anniversary in 2013. The club was founded in 1963 by two dedicated horsewomen – Eleanor Wells and Pat Hall. Since its founding, the Granby Pony Club has maintained the ideals and values of the U.S. Pony Club (USPC). Members develop their character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community through a program that teaches the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. Unfortunately, neither of Granby’s founders is still alive to celebrate this anniversary. However, the club is planning a host of activities and events during this milestone year and hopes to find as many alumni of the club as possible to participate. The year began with the Granby Pony Club being honored as a “Fifty Year Club” at the U.S. Pony Club’s annual meeting in Denver, Colo. in January. The current district commissioner, Lynn Guelzow, accepted the award in Denver – a beautiful embroidered banner. In March, the club hosted its second quiz rally at the Bloomfield fire station. This event attracted eight junior and senior Dlevel teams from across the region. In May, the club held its annual open schooling horse show. The show, a tradition that dates back to the founding of the club, is the only fundraising event for the club. Through program sponsors, entry fees and food sales on the day of the show, the club generates enough money to support all its activities for the rest of the year.

The club plans a wide variety of activities for its 11 members each year, but this year it will add several new events. In June, seven members of the club competed in three separate regional rallies in Kent. The members did very well competing in dressage, show jumping and eventing. In July, the club held a ﬁve-day camp in Granville, Mass. The club won a grant that helped bring in a visiting instructor from Portola Valley, Calif. Pony club members from two other clubs (Glastonbury and Mad River pony clubs) joined with Granby during camp to make this a one-of-a-kind experience. The club brought in Daniel Stewart, former coach of the U.S. equestrian team, for a well-received clinic in early August at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury. Stewart is an internationally recognized equestrian sports psychology instructor and trainer. The clinic attracted riders from as far away as Long Island and from clubs across Connecticut. Finally, the Granby Pony Club will hold a banquet on October 27 at Lost Acres Vineyard to celebrate the past 50 years and all its amazing members, past and present. The club is reaching out to alumni during this year, but is always looking to welcome new members who want to learn more about the USPC and the ancient and noble skill of horsemanship. For more information on any of these activities, please check out the club’s website at www.granby.ponyclub.org.

The first Little League team from Granby and Canton to play for a state championship was beaten by defending state champion Tolland, 8-0, in the Junior Division (ages 13-14) title game in Orange. The Canton/Granby team had won four straight games to earn a spot in the final against Tolland, a team that had won each of its previous state tournament games by at least 13 runs. A night earlier, Canton/Granby pitcher Peter Myers tossed a no-hitter against Edgewood LL (Bristol) in a 2-0 decision. Throwing 94 pitches, Myers struck out 14 and retired 21 batters (minimum batters faced). But Tolland (7-0, 4-0 state tournament) is an outstanding championship team. From the start, they kept the pressure on Canton/Granby scoring single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings before breaking through with a five-run sixth inning. Tolland pitcher Matt Curtis kept Canton/Granby on their heels for the entire game, allowing just two hits and striking out seven. Curtis did hit three Canton/ Granby batters in the first two innings but Canton/Granby couldn’t capitalize. But there were still smiles at the end for Canton/Granby. This journey began on July 6. Canton/ Granby beat East Granby in a three-game series to win the District 6 Championship and earn a spot in the state tournament. This was the first District Title for a Granby team since 1992. Canton/Granby won game one 11-1 behind a strong pitching performance from Pete Myers. Ty Petrunti led off the game for East Granby with a base hit, and advanced to third on heads-up base running after a bunt by Zach Hall. But he was stranded as Myers struck out the side and finished 5 2/3 innings of one hit ball with 10 Ks. Jake Nichols pitched the final 1 1/3 innings and gave up no hits and struck out 3. Will Zawilinski and Ethan Burke led the team, each with two hits and 2 RBIs. East Granby won game two 5-4 as Nate Langmeire scattered five hits through six innings. Nate Jennings pitched the final inning to preserve the win. Langmeire contributed two singles and two RBIs, driving in Ty Petrunti, who had singled leading off the bottom of the seventh, with the tying run. Nate Jennings’ grounder to the hole at short drove in the

winning run. In game 3, Myers again had a strong pitching performance as he threw a complete game 3-hitter. With the score tied 1–1 in the top of the third, Will Zawilinski hit a 1-out 2 RBI single to left center for a 3-1 lead. Ethan Burke followed with an RBI single. Later in the inning Nate Olmstead delivered a two-RBI single followed by Tristan Sorensen’s RBI single for a 9 – 1 lead. Additional runs were scored later in the game on a sacrifice fly by Mitchell Sorensen, a singles again by Zawilinski and Burke. The 11-day layoff showed as Canton/ Granby dropped its first state tournament game 10-8 as a late rally couldn’t erase a slow start. “I had a heart-to-heart with the players (in that game),” Canton/Granby coach Gary Burke said. “You can quit or you can fight. And they fought hard. I asked them do three things – play hard, play smart and play together. And they did all three. They pushed, they pushed and they pushed. “They were a great bunch of kids and it was a great ride,” he said. Canton/Granby got going in game two with a 10-7 win over West Haven with four runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to take control. They followed the West Haven game with a 9-0 shutout win over Haddam-Killingworth with Nichols and Brandon Peters combining to allow just one hit. Playing Mansfield next, pitchers Robbie Matson and Myer didn’t allow their opponents to get a jump on them. Canton led 5-0 before Mansfield got on the board and 11-2 after five innings. Myer threw a scoreless first inning while Matson went the next 5 2/3 innings. At the plate, Matson had three hits including a double. Against Edgewood, Myers was superb on the mound but he got help from his teammates who had eight hits. In the third inning, Nichols reached on an error, stole second base and took third base on a single from Olmstead. Nichols scored on an error on a failed pickoff attempt for a 1-0 lead. Canton made it 2-0 on a RBI single from Mansur that drove in Olmstead. For the second year in a row, Tolland advances to participate in the Eastern Regional tournament in Freehold, N.J. Canton/Granby was made up of 9 players from Canton from the three Junior League teams that played this spring and 5 players from Granby’s two Junior teams; with permission from District 6 / Williamsport.

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” — Ruth Reichl

The soul grows in silence: Make space to listen. That’s our worship theme this year at South Church. Join us some Sunday to listen and explore your own faith calling. All are welcome! Homecoming Sunday is Sept. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Brunch on the lawn follows worship service! Our new Sunday school year starts. Child care is available. On Sunday Sept. 15th, we resume our regular 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship schedule. Sunday school and child care at 10:30 a.m. service. 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

The Canton/Granby Junior Division baseball team won the District 6 title and ﬁnished second in the state tournament. Pictured are (back from l.): Coach Myers, Will Zawilinski, Coach Zawilinski, Jake Nichols, Pete Myers, Nick Amrose, Nate Olmstead, Ethan Burke, Coach Burke; (front from l.): Mitchell Sorenson, Trey Van De Bogart, Jack Mansur, Tristan Sorenson, Robbie Matson, Cam Neeley and Brandon Peters. Not pictured are Sam Beadle and DJ Clement. photo by Lisa Zawilinski

SEPTEMBER 2013

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9-10 Softball All-Stars team win District 6 The Granby-East Granby 9-10 Softball All-Stars team won the District 6 championship on July 14 at Salmon Brook Park. The Granby-East Granby All-Stars were 4-0 going into the championship playoff against Simsbury All-Stars with a record of 3-1 in the district tournament. Granby-East Granby advanced to the Regional Softball Little League tournament, which was played in East Lyme later that month. Both the Simsbury and Granby-East Granby teams played well and exhibited great sportsmanship. The girls moved on to the double elimination regional district playoffs, which were held in Niantic. Granby-East Granby lost their ﬁrst game to Coginchaug, won their second game against Rocky Hill and lost to Windsor in their third game.

Granby and friends take lacrosse silver at 2013 Nutmeg Games Team Granby and Friends Lacrosse defeated RHAM, Valley Regional and the CT Blue Diamonds to reach the Nutmeg Games 18U Gold Medal game against Windsor on Sunday, July 28 at Conard High School in West Hartford. Windsor won 8-6 in a hard fought contest. Pictured with their medals are: back row from l.: Chris Rising, assistant coach; Abby Orosz; Hala Van Nostrand; Olivia Johnson; Mackenzie Brower; Ali Ricci; Holly Johnson, coach; bottom: Rebecca Rising; Kathy Kleis; Oliva deLeon; Tessa Sinatro; Anna K. Kleis. photo by Bill Shettle/Blue Chip Photography

Drumrolls

Back, from l.: Coach Gilbert, Coach Kidd and Coach May; middle: Abby Kidd, Hannah Cronin, Lindsay Gilton, Leah Langhoff and Lexi Nichols; front: Maddie Guilmartin, Ashley Thompson, Rhiannon Velleman, Hallie May, Lizzy Strapp, Amanda Jacius, Gracie Hall and Maddie Kidd. submitted photo

Mandy Watson was named to the spring dean’s list at Hofstra University Honors College. A senior studying for a double major in political science and sociology, Mandy is the daughter of Darlene and Ken Watson. Joshua Pollock, GMHS class of 2011, has been named to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute spring semester dean’s list where his major is pre-med. He was also selected to attend Army Air Assault School at Fort Hood, Texas. Krista Denise Dionne, a rising junior neuroscience major at Dickinson College, has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester. She is a graduate of East Granby High School. Taylor Spahn has been named to the fall 2012 and spring 2013 dean’s lists for the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland. Taylor is a junior Honors College student majoring in mechanical engineering. He is continuing his studies for the remainder of 2013 at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

PAGE 20

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

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West Granby Day • Sept. 28 West Granby Day focuses on area’s hidden gems by Carole Bernard Several hidden gems are located in proximity to each other, and they are joining forces to focus on West Granby on September 28. In a new location at Holcomb Farm, the Friends of Granby Public Library are

West Granby United Methodist Church will offer lunch, hayrides and a beautiful array of mums for sale on West Granby Day.

holding their 31st annual used book sale on Friday through Sunday, September 27–29. Saturday’s sale is from 9 a.m. –3 p.m. More information on the sale is available at www.granby-ct.gov. Well-known to folks in the Granby and Farmington Valley area, the Garlic Farm, at 76 Simsbury Road, has a wonderful selection of fresh vegetables, fruits and ﬂowers. Open daily rain or shine from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., the Garlic Farm has been a destination for pesticide-free foods for almost 20 years. Gary Cirullo and his staff are knowledgeable about their products, and buyers can be assured of farm-fresh food. Butternut squash, peppers, onions and apples are just a few of the items that will be fresh and available on West Granby Day.

Taking advantage of the book shoppers, the West Granby United Methodist Church will be opening its doors and putting on a wonderful and inexpensive lunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 87 Simsbury Road. Free tractor hayrides will be available between the three facilities from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church will also be selling beautiful chrysanthemums for the fall season. Gorgeous fall colors and fragrant blooms will brighten and decorate your home while helping to support the church. Holcomb Farm is at the intersection of Day Street and Simsbury Road, and the Garlic Farm and West Granby United Methodist Church are further west on Simsbury Road. All three locations are within a half mile of each other. Come

Granby Friends offer unique selection at annual used book sale by Carol Bernard Come on down to the Farm! From September 27 through 29, the Friends of Granby Public Library will hold their 31st used book sale, this year at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Road in West Granby. Less than 3 miles from the library (the former sale location), the farm has lots of free and convenient parking and the facilities are completely accessible. Shoppers can expect to find high quality items which have been carefully reviewed, sorted and stored prior to the event. The selection includes hard cover and paperback books, trade publications, coffee table books, vintage, first edition and autographed books, and specialty items. The children’s area includes many books for toddlers through young adults; puzzles, games and learning toys are also available. Those who have never attended this sale will note the attention to detail in the organization and presentation of the books. Non-fiction books are sorted into over 30 categories, and fiction books are also well presented. Prolific authors like Tom Clancy and Robert Patterson have their own designated sections. Romance, humor, sci-fi and large print are all gathered together into separate areas. Additionally, foreign language books in various genres, DVDs, CDs and books on tape are available. Continuing the Friday evening tradition, the sale begins at 6:30 p.m. and has a $5 entry fee. Those who want a first peek and get prime selection line up eagerly for this exceptional value! Saturday hours are from 9 am – 3 p.m. Sunday hours are from 11 am to 2:30 p.m., and while there are no set prices on Sunday, the Friends ask for donations. All proceeds from this book sale go to support the mission and goals of the Granby Public Library. Programming, magazine subscriptions, museum passes, award-winning children’s books, additions to the library collection, and other initiatives that cannot be covered through

the municipal budget are made possible by this important fundraising event. The Friends are extremely grateful for the generosity of the public, not only for the items donated for the sale, but also for the purchases and donations during the three days of the event. Further information is available on the Friends’ website at www.granbyct.gov, or by calling 860-653-6606. East Granby Public Library is also holding its book sale on September 27 and 28 at the Senior/Community Center

on out for the ﬁrst ever West Granby Day and take advantage of the local bargains and offerings in the beautiful hills of West Granby.

Holcomb Farm is home to the annual book sale by the Friends of Granby Public Library.

Sorted books ready for the sale. photos by Carole Bernard

at 20 Center Street in East Granby. With less than seven miles between the two

sites, shoppers can take advantage of considerable book bargains.

PAGE 22

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Abe Lincoln highlight of 23rd annual summer quilt event

Civic Club starts new year with showcase

by Shirley Murtha

by Ginny Wutka The Senior Center Display Cabinet, for the month of September, will showcase Civic Club memorabilia from the many years of the club’s ex- The new ﬂower bed at the intersection of 10/202, istence. Rtes. 189 and 20, is a project of the Civic Club. photo The Granby Civic Club will by Lynn Van De Bogart have its first meeting of the the community, is celebrating its 100th 2013-14 year on Thursday, year of continuous service to the comSeptember 19 at 1 p.m. in the Granby munity and the purpose continues to Senior Center. It is the annual memberbe “A Better Granby.” New members, ship meeting at which the members as well as guests, are welcome at all renew their commitment to the club and meetings which are the third Thursday welcome new members. A “Welcome of the month in the Senior Center unTea” is the theme of the meeting and less otherwise indicated. Wonderful each person should bring her own tea informative programs are again planned cup. Does your tea cup have a history for this year. you can share with the group? The Civic Club, open to all women of

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The always festive Summer Quilt Happening added a new dimension this year, its 23rd consecutive. After the delicious lunch provided by the Lost Acres Farm Kitchen, a group of Lincoln “students” gathered under one of the spreading apple trees to discuss the 16th president. Led by Granby’s David Bale, Al Jones and Ginny Wutka, they interpreted aspects of Lincoln’s life as presented in several books of current interest, which many of the participants had read. The group plans to convene again in a few months, continuing to study Lincoln and his presidency. The happening had begun much earlier in the day with the usual browsing through fabrics and quilts and the chance to present an uncompleted project to elicit helpful suggestions on how to add just the right ﬁnishing touch. Connie Lapp Ellen Taylor-Stearns of Sufﬁeld examines the from the Mennonite Central Com- stitching on a quilt for sale at the Summer mittee reported on the group’s recent Quilt Happening. photo by Shirley Murtha donations of quilts and comforters to Quilts cont’d. on p. 23 the world-wide underprivileged.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Remembering September 11th

Quilts cont’d. from p. 22 The main focus of this summer happening was the Civil War, as it has been at all the quilt happenings this commemorative year. Wutka lectured on the writings of Emily Clemmons, who lived at 130 Lost Acres Road. In 1833, at the age of 15, Clemmons visited her aunt’s plantation in the South. She was met by a black woman who said, “I am Delia; I am your slave while you are here,” and proceeded to sleep on the ﬂoor of Emily’s room, ready to do whatever was required. Clemmons was taken aback to have encountered slavery in such a personal manner; its effects were quite disturbing to her for a long time to come. Many years later, she wrote what she called a ﬁction, but it was based on what she had experienced in the South. Published in 1851, it was called “Ja-

mie Parker, the Fugitive.” It was very similar in scope and purpose to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” published a year later, but it was not as popular as Stowe’s book because Clemmons used language that was considered too profane to be widely acceptable. Wutka continued her presentation with an accounting of the Granby men who served in the Civil War. Of the 136 who did so, 34 died there — either on the battleﬁeld or in Andersonville. To end the lecture, David Bale, who is distantly related to someone who worked with Lincoln, showed family memorabilia, including original lithographs and a letter from the president to the family on the occasion of the family member’s death in the war.

In Memory Of… Dance, Master Sergeant Paul Joseph, III, 66, husband of Mary-Jane (McCarthy) Dance, July 3 Presser, Jim (“Cowpa”), 66, husband of LuAn Presser, July 5 Nixon, Margaret Bishop, 85, husband of L. Richard Nixon, July 7 Hay, Ian M., Jr. (Greg), 83, husband of Beverly Hay, July 24 Kosher, Cynthia Marie, 65, July 25 Kahlman, Wolmoet (Metzelaar), 79, wife of Frederik Anton Kahlman, July 26 Walsh, William F. “Bill”, 76, husband of Ann (Robinson) Walsh, July 28 Lyons, Anna L., 89, wife of the late William Lyons and Theodore Vallee, July 30 Wicander, David W., 67, husband of the late Rebecca (Gilbertson) Wicander, August 5 Huntington, Anne (Evans), 89, wife of the late George E. Huntington, August 8 Guarco, Michael Bruno, III, 30, son of Judy and Michael Guarco, Jr., August 12 Perilli, Elvira, 82, Natick, Mass., mother of Karen Eustis, August 16

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fter a summer with its intense heat, humidity and ninety-degree days, many will welcome the cooler month of September, and on September 11th we will sorrowfully remember, as we forever will, September 11th, 2001. It began as a beautiful, sunny morning with marigolds and other summer flowers still in bloom. We went about our ordinary routines of work, school, doctors’ appointments and the like. Then it turned quickly into a horrible nightmare—a day of agony in our country’s history. We will remember the unthinkable pain experienced by the families whose loved ones were so violently taken from them by a terrorist attack on our country. We will remember where we were when the news bulletins broke over the airwaves. We will remember the sights we saw on television: the planes hitting, the Twin Towers collapsing, the dark, thick black smoke and the debris everywhere. Most importantly, we will remember the loss of so many innocent people. We will remember the first responders who rushed into the burning buildings, and the many of them who lost their lives trying to save others. We will remember all those trapped in the Twin Towers who valiantly tried to help others. We will see in our mind’s eye the shocked faces of all who came out of the inferno. In our hearts we will hear again the pleading voices of those searching for their loved ones. We will remember the rescue dogs who searched for any signs of life amidst the rubble. Again this year we will have a minute of silence at 8:46 a.m.—the time the first plane hit. We will hear the bells toll, and the names of the victims read by their loved ones. We will remember the words “let’s roll” and think of the passengers who took over that plane in Pennsylvania to save others’ lives. We will remember the people at the Pentagon, protector of our nation, who also heartbreakingly lost their lives. We will remember the great strength of the survivors, who although forever changed, went on to live their lives. All who died we entrust now to God’s loving care in Heaven. New buildings now stand, and we are privileged to visit the soothing reflecting pools, with their calming waterfalls, built in the footprints of the Twin Towers, and lovingly touch the names of those who died, say a prayer, and know that this is truly hallowed ground. —Bernadette Gentry 2013

Seasoned Firewood

Now Carrying Decorative Stone

860-654-1975

Find us on Facebook

413-569-2400

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

South Church youth travel to West Virginia with Appalachia Service Project by Emily Cote In July, a group of 16 young volunteers, along with seven adult leaders, from South Congregational Church in Granby traveled to West Virginia. They made this journey to help families in need by repairing homes, providing spiritual support and offering hope for the future. After traveling for 16 hours in a cramped van, one might imagine that the atmosphere would be exasperated and tense, but instead, our group’s sense of camaraderie among students of different ages, towns and personalities was profound. We grew closer as we crawled under houses and hung insulation, scraped latex paint, laid linoleum flooring, roofed homes and shared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches under the hot West Virginia sun. By the late afternoon two days after we left Granby, we had arrived at Man Middle School, where we spread out our mattresses and sleeping bags on class-

room ﬂoors and played card games in the cafeteria as we waited for dinner. For the remainder of the week, that’s where we gathered, singing songs and growing closer as we waited, covered in sweat and dirt, for an available shower. Though we were tired from working long hours, we were just as eager to return the next day to work even harder for a family. With every brush of paint, nail from a hammer, and dot of glue we began to see their house or trailer come together as a home. As one of our youth said after talking with one of the home owners: “I would build a mansion for that man. Because after the life he has lived, he’s earned it.” Even though we returned to Granby exhausted, our lives have been forever changed by our experiences in Man, West Virginia. In the end, as one of our trip leaders, Mike Hayes, promised, we came back having received way more than we gave!

South Church offers discernment workshop There are corners and crossroads in life that may render our earlier decisions and directions inadequate: the loss of a job; children leaving the nest; graduation from school; a divorce or relational break; retirement; or an inner sense of lethargy that develops seemingly for no reason at all. At this point a person needs to listen to one’s life to discern one’s direction. South Church is providing such an opportunity through a discernment

workshop. This workshop examines the arc of a person’s life to discern one’s gifts, talents and strengths, and seeks to understand how these might be utilized to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. The workshop is free and is led by Rev. Dennis Moon and Rev. Sandra Fischer. It will meet ﬁve Wednesdays in October from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. For more information call 860-653-7289 (limited to eight participants).

A sampling of what we offer:

  PRACTICAL &

MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY RELEVANT TEACHING



EXCITING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & STUDENTS

(we serve coffee, too) Looking for new friends? We’re on a first name basis at Valley Brook Community Church. Come visit us this Sunday, we’d love to know yours.

(860) 844-0001 www.valleybrook.cc

SEPTEMBER 2013

Help needed for river clean-up Oct. 5 The Farmington River Watershed Association’s 26th annual Farmington River clean-up will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. The clean-up is designed to get people and groups of all ages involved in cleaning up litter along the banks of the Farmington River and its tributaries. Participants will gather at several meeting sites on the river in Avon, Barkhamsted, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury and Windsor. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided to all participants. After the clean-up, volunteers are invited to FRWA’s headquarters for a family

picnic where refreshments, sandwiches and pizza will be served. FRWA’s ofﬁce is located at 749 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. For more information on the Farmington River clean-up and to register for a speciﬁc site, please call FRWA at 860658-4442, extension 0 or visit the website at www.frwa.org. The Farmington River Watershed Association, founded in 1953, is a private, non-profit, conservation organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the 81-mile Farmington River and its 609 square-mile watershed.

Valley Brook hosts annual outdoor worship on September 8 Valley Brook Community Church will host its annual outdoor worship service on Sunday, September 8, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on its property at 431 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. This special service is open to the entire community as an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of a service outdoors. Pastor Clark Pfaff says, “The outdoor service is an eagerly anticipated event at Valley Brook and this year will be particularly special. As we look forward to moving to our new campus and property on Granville Road in North Granby in the coming months, we’ll take time to remember God’s faithfulness as we recall the celebrations and events that occurred at our Salmon Brook Street property including baptisms in the brook, community picnics and festivals, prayer gatherings, worship services and food harvests. Through our partnership with Holcomb Farm, crops have been planted

and harvested from the lower fields; each year a portion of the harvest is donated to Foodshare to help fight local hunger. God has enabled us to use this property to serve the community.” Immediately following the worship service, there will be a cookout for families and guests to enjoy. In addition, a baptism ceremony will be held in the brook at the lower portion of the property. The service, held under a large tent, will take place rain or shine. For more information, call the church office at 860-844-0001 or visit www. valleybrook.cc. Valley Brook Community Church worships each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Granby Memorial High School, located at 315 Salmon Brook St. (Route 10/202) Granby, CT. There is a nursery for children who are infants through age two, and classes for children and youth.

Local church participates in statewide “40 Days of Worship” Valley Brook Community Church will host a night of worship at the Granby Memorial High School auditorium, 315 Salmon Brook Street, on Sunday, September 15 beginning at 6 p.m. as part of the 40 Days of Worship, an interdenominational statewide initiative to unify Christian communities in Connecticut. The Barn-Covenant Presbyterian Church of Simsbury is co-sponsoring the event, one of 40-plus gatherings over 40 consecutive days at 40 different venues across the state from September 4 to October 14. More than 100 churches and ministries of various denominations are participating in the 40 Days of Worship which are tied together with three themes: extravagant worship, prayer and unity. Valley Brook is proud to represent Granby and the surrounding communities in the 40 Days of Worship, an expression

of a larger movement known as Impact Connecticut. Clark Pfaff, Valley Brook’s pastor, said, “We encourage all residents of Granby and the greater Farmington Valley to attend and bring their friends and family members to join together as a community to praise and worship Jesus Christ. Immediately following the worship we invite everyone to stay for a coffee and dessert reception and a chance to enjoy the company of others.” This event is free and open to the public. Non-perishable food and household items such as detergents and paper goods will be accepted to support our local food banks and community kitchens. For more information about this event, visit www.valleybrook.cc or call 860844-0001. To learn more about the 40 Days of Worship, visit www.impactconnecticut.com.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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�� September Activities

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

that specialize in everything from selling unwanted items to running errands to long term health care options. It’s one stop shopping for all your needs and it’s free! Flu vaccines will be available by appointment; call the VNA at 860-6535514 for an appointment. Presented in partnership with the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association.

Staying Physically Fit

Classes are available six days a week at the Senior Center and are ongoing. Most run for a 6-week cycle and can be joined at any time; cost $36 for 6 weeks for residents, $40 for non-residents. To register or for guidance in selecting the right class, call 860-844-5350. Monday Classes: Tai Chi (Beginner) at 8:45 a.m.; Smart Moves at 11 a.m.; Strength and Cardio at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday Classes: Basic Training for Men at 8:30 a.m.; Muscle Work for Women at 9:30 a.m.; Chair Yoga at 2:30 p.m.; Yoga and Movement at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday Classes: Advanced Smart Moves at 11 a.m.; Full Body Workout at 4:30 p.m. Thursday Class: Pilates Plus at 4:30 p.m. Friday Classes: Tai Chi (Intermediate) at 9 a.m.; Cardio Combo at 10:15 a.m. Sunday Class: PEAK at 8 a.m.

Creative Beading: Fridays at 9:30 a.m. This group does more than mere stringing. Bring a beading project and share ideas, tips and camaraderie.

Senior Van

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Call Nancy Grakowsky at 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. All persons who use the van must have a valid van card. Van cards are renewable in September; cost is $10 for the year.

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New at the Senior Center

Stuck on Music: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 – Nov. 26. Randy Stuck, music director, will lead you through different genres of music by exploring sounds, teaching you to read music and sharing little tidbits of music history. Previous experience or talent not required, simply the desire to participate. Class size limited. $25 for 12-week session. This program is funded, in part, by the Granby Education Foundation. On Grief and Loss: Every other Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 25 – Dec. 4. Through discussion, sharing and creative activities this group will help you in understanding and coping with grief. Whether your loss is recent or was long ago, you will ﬁnd support, information and strategies for helping you with the grieving process. Facilitated by Jane Johnson, Granby resident and creator of Bryan’s Landing and Our Children’s Garden in Salmon Brook Park. No charge. Computers Simplified: Tuesdays, Sept. 10, 17 and 24 at 1:30 p.m. Confused by your computer? You are welcome to bring your laptop or tablet to the second or third class for hands-on training. There will be plenty of helpful tips and handouts on what is covered in class. Class size is limited. $15 for the session. Mind Sharpener: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Sept. 17 – Nov. 6. Give your brain an aerobic workout with fun and creative activities designed to stretch and challenge your mind. Activities include memory challenges, map reading, Sudoku, listening exercises and more. Designed for those who are interested in tips and techniques for keeping their minds active and engaged. $20 for the eight-week program. Lunch for the Mind: Putting Your Lawn, Garden and Mind in Condition for Winter, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30 p.m. Learn about earth-friendly autumn lawn and garden care, with emphasis on organic methods with Barry Avery, master gardener. Discovery: The Path for Lifelong Learning project is brought to you by the Civic Engagement Education Team. Class size is limited so please register by calling 860-844-5352. $3 per class for Granby residents, $5 per class for non-residents. Bring your brown bag lunch to class; beverage and dessert provided. Ask the Tech Trainer with Elin Centerwall: second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. Come and ask your questions on how to use iPads, iPhones, eReaders and computers. No charge. Senior Showcase: Friday, Sept. 27, 1 – 3 p.m. Representatives from local businesses will ﬁll the Senior Center Community Room showcasing the many services and programs that promote the health, safety and wellness of seniors. Make connections with local businesses

Promoting Your Good Health

Medicare Made Easy Workshop: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. Get all the facts in time for Part D open enrollment. Fall Prevention Workshop: Monday, Sept. 23, 12:15 p.m. Learn both how to reduce the risk of falls and how to fall safely. Receive tips on how to make your home safer and which easy exercises can increase your stability. No charge, presented by McLean Home. Dental Care Clinic: Friday, Sept. 6 by appointment. Licensed dental hygienist will provide dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, denture cleanings and oral health evaluation at an affordable rate. Eligible seniors may receive a subsidized rate. Enrollment forms are available at the Senior Center office. Please call 860-844-5352 for additional information. Farmington Valley VNA Blood Pressure Checks: Available Thursdays from 11:15 a.m – 12:15 p.m. in the Community Room. No charge. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Friday, Sept. 27, appointments 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails, smooth corns and calluses, massage feet and make referrals to medical doctor or podiatrist as needed. $29 at time of service (not covered by insurance). Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Sept. 3 and 24, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Call to make your appointment for a relaxing 15-minute chair massage. $10. Grandparent Support Group: Thursdays at noon. This is a group for grandparents who are raising children. Join others, like yourself, to share friendships, ideas and tips on being a parent again. No charge.

Keeping You Informed

Ask the Doctor: Monday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. Dr. Barwick leads a group discussion on varying health topics. The open forum invites questions. No charge. Ask the Attorney: First Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. What do you do when loved ones are suddenly unable to make decisions for themselves? How do you ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the event you can no longer communicate? There are documents that can be put in place to make unforeseen events a little less traumatic. Generic situations can be discussed. No charge but please call 860-844-5352 to register. CHOICES Counselor: Tuesday, Sept. 10 by appointment. Our CHOICES Counselor, will be available to assist with selection or reevaluation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan coverage. Please call the ofﬁce at 860844-5350 to make your appointment. No charge.

Social Hours

Monday Morning Coffee: Mondays at 8:45 a.m. Start the week with a good cup of coffee and the chance to catch up on what’s happening in the area. Community Café: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 p.m. Complete hot meal is served for seniors through the Community Renewal Team. Suggested donation of $2. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. Call 860844-5350 by Friday noon to make your reservation for the following week. Bingo: Second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Senior Voices, Expressing Yourself Through Poetry: second and fourth Tuesday at 11 a.m. for six weeks. This class is led by local poet Andrew Weil. Weil shares his talent for writing poetry in a comfortable no-rules, no-homework atmosphere. Turn everyday thoughts into written works. No experience necessary. $50 for the 6-week session. Mexican Train: Mondays at 9:45 a.m. This is an easy to learn and fun to play domino game. Artist Group: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Bring your current project to work on alongside fellow artists and share painting ideas and techniques. Needleworks: Thursdays at 10 a.m. Open to anyone with an interest in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. Share ideas, patterns, advice and encouragement.

Excursions

All trips require an up-to-date van card. Payment for trip is due one week prior to departure. Taste of the Valley: Monday, Sept. 16, departs at 11:30 a.m. Da Capo’s of Avon. $3 for the van, lunch expense is yours. Farm Stand Tour: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 11:15 a.m. Lunch at Summer House and then stops at local farm stands. $3 for the van, lunch on your own. New England Air Museum Quilt Show: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1 p.m. The Flights and Fantasy quilt show features Dear Jane quilts, Newtown/Sandy Hook tribute quilts and more. $14. Thimble Islands: Friday, Sept. 20, 8:45 a.m. Tour the tiny islands of Long Island Sound aboard the Sea Mist. Lunch reservations at Chowder Pot follow. Cost $15, lunch not included. (Should the trip fill, second date is scheduled for Sept. 27.)

Shopping

All riders must have valid van card. Transportation fee of $3. Enﬁeld Mall on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. Shop the mall and surrounding stores. Ocean State/Big Y on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m. Holyoke Mall on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m. Grocery shopping trips and in-town errands on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Medical/Dental/Personal Care Appointments Local appointments (Granby, East Granby, Simsbury) may be scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays and medical appointments out of the area may be scheduled for Fridays. The Senior Van is equipped with a wheelchair lift. There is no additional fee for local service.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

�� Director: Tom Tyburski Program Supervisor: Daphne Shinder Office Hours: 9 a.m. − 4 p.m. Telephone: 860-844-5356 (If no answer, please leave a message.) Website: www.GranbyRec.com Program/Trip Registration: All programs and trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Register and pay on-line using MasterCard/Visa/ Discover. Or make checks payable to Town of Granby and return with registration form to the Recreation Office in the Senior/Youth Center or mail to Granby Recreation Department, 15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Policies: Call the office for a copy of the refund policy. In case of snow or early release days, classes are canceled and will be rescheduled at the convenience of the instructor. Gift certificates for all programs are available; make arrangements with the Recreation office. Recreational and leisure opportunities will not be denied any resident because of lack of financial resources; program scholarship information is available upon request. We are now on Facebook—Granby Recreation and Leisure Services. Please “like” our page to receive upcoming program and trip updates. Stay up to date by setting up your family’s account at our website. New program announcements will be sent to your inbox.

Youth Enrichment

Halloween Cookie Decorating Class: Come and learn how to decorate adorable Halloween themed cookies with your friends. Think pumpkins, bats, spiders and spider webs, cats, witches hats, tombstones, and much more. Includes: decorating instruction, cookies, icing, and decorating candies/sprinkles. All participants will take home their drying cookies in a bakery box. Ages 6 and up. Sunday, Oct. 20, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Holcomb Farm workshop. $27pp. Intro to French Language and Culture: We are pleased to present a fun and dynamic introduction to the French language and culture. This class will be taught using a multi-sensory, hands-on approach. An exciting blend of artwork, songs, games, skits and multimedia will lead students to a high level of retention. Students’ learning of practical vocabulary and conversation skills will be integrated with an exploration of the major cultural traditions from France and French Canadian cultures. Classes will include vocabulary development, conversation skills, pronunciation and a variety of fun cultural explorations. Students do not need any prior foreign language experience to take part in this program. For grades 3–6. 3:15 – 4:05 p.m. at Kelly Lane School. Fall session Sept. 19 – Dec. 12, winter session Jan. 28 – April 24. $155pp. Intro to Spanish Language and Culture: We are pleased to present a fun and dynamic introduction to the Spanish language and culture. This instructional class will be taught using a multi-sensory, fun-ﬁlled approach that will allow students to learn fast and with a high level of retention. Students will be engaged with Spanish language and culture in an exciting way, with the primary focus on the acquisition of vocabulary and practical conversation by using different tools to create variety in class experiences. The classroom time will be spent on playful, interactive, hands-on activities. The creative use of posters, colorful associations, magnetic pictures, color-coded word cards, songs, games, acting skits, sign language, books and multimedia will stimulate different learning styles. Classes will include: vocabulary development, pronunciation, games, music, songs and a variety of cultural explorations. Classes will be taught by experienced foreign language teachers. Check www.Granbyrec.com for dates and times. American Red Cross Program Babysitting Course: This class will give youth ages 11–15 the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parent and adult guardians. This training will help participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism; basic care; safety and safe play; and ﬁrst aid. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. $100 pp.

Adult Activities

Beginner Knitting: Here is your chance to create your very own hand knit clothing. In this class you will learn the basics of knitting from casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, blocking and more. You will create a cozy scarf incorporating various simple stitch patterns. This class will give you the confidence to knit for relaxation and enjoyment. For ages 18 and up. Thursdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 24, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at SBP rec building. $75pp. Introduction to Crochet: Crochet is a great way to create a warm durable fabric as well as lacy garments. In this class we will cover all the crochet basics: chaining, single crochet, double crochet, increases, decreases, reading patterns, changing colors and finishing off. You will create a beautiful lacy scarf while learning these skills. We will also cover how to make a classic Granny Square. For ages 18 and up. Tuesdays, Sept. 17 – Oct. 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at SBP rec building. $75pp. Beginner Sewing: At the end of this 6-week session you will have created either a pair of shorts or a skirt. Students should bring a sewing machine (if you have one), thread, fabric scissors, pins, and a measuring tape to the first class. If you don’t have a sewing machine, Deb Crosset (instructor) has one available for use in class. Students will learn about pattern and fabric selection at the first class so you can purchase these items to use during the second class and going forward. Ages 18 and up. Tuesdays, Sept. 17 – Oct. 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm. $90pp. Power Yoga: Jump start your day with this energizing and dynamic one hour class! Develop core strength and stamina, improve balance and inner stillness, build lean, strong muscles and improve flexibility in joints and connective tissues. Focus your awareness on harmonious body alignment, integrity of postures, and deepen into poses with the guidance of your breath. For ages 13 and up. Tuesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. .29, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. at Holcomb Farm workshop. $65pp. YogaChi with Mary Ellen: YogaChi is a fusion of Yoga, Chi-Gong and Pilates. This class is a great way to stretch, strengthen and relax while creating balance in the body, mind and spirit. For ages 13 and up. Tuesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Holcomb Farm workshop. $65pp. Tai Chi and Qi Gong: Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art practiced throughout the world for its many health benefits, consisting of fluid, circular movements, relaxed and slow in tempo. Practicing Tai Chi strengthens and mobilizes all joints and muscles, improving physical fitness and promoting mental relaxation. Qi Gong is a term used to describe the study of Qi (energy); more specifically it is used to describe exercises which help calm the mind, regulate the breath, and relax the physical body. Students will be introduced to the basics (body alignment, footwork, hand positions) of Yang-style Tai Chi as well as several movements from the Simplified 24-Form. In addition, participants will

be taught an easy-to-learn series of Qi Gong exercises to increase flexibility and stimulate energy circulation. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing, flat-bottomed sneakers, and be able to stand and move unassisted for at least one hour. For ages 18 and up. Mondays. Sept. 23 – Nov. 25, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at SBP rec building. $75pp. Full Body Cardio Strength Fitness Class: An hour-long fitness class incorporating cardiovascular moves along with strength training for a full body workout. This workout will target all muscles using various equipment to include free weights, steps, bands and other fitness equipment. All fitness levels are welcome to come participate in this high energy and fun class which, in addition to cardio and strength training, will include core training, balance work, flexibility and stretching exercises. Please bring an exercise mat and water bottle. Instructor: Terri Ziemnicki. For ages 18 and up. Tuesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at SBP rec building. $60pp.

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SBP Pond House

Have your next party or event at Salmon Brook Park. The new SBP Pond House is nearly complete. The beautiful facility has a kitchen, patio and multipurpose function room featuring a gas ﬁreplace, and can accommodate 10 to 99 people. Make an appointment for a tour to see how it ﬁts your next event.

Coming Soon

After School Ski Sundown Program: Registration for the after school Ski Sundown program for children in grades 3–12 will begin Oct. 1. The 2014 weekly trips begin in January. Lessons are available, space is limited. Winter Youth Basketball League: Registration for this popular program will begin Oct. 1 for Grades K–8.

Fall Fencing Program

This program is open to kids and adults; beginner to intermediate level fencers. The program teaches the basic fencing fundamentals, proper technique and bouting experience. Every aspect of fencing is covered developing a solid skill foundation. On the first day of class safety rules and the proper use of the fencing weapon (foil) and protective gear are introduced. Fencing equipment will be supplied (mask, gloves, foil, fencing jacket, underarm protector; chest protectors for girls); masks are disinfected after each use. Participants should wear sneakers, T-shirt, and long pants without pockets or holes (preferably sweat pants) or shorts/capris. Grades 3–12. Dates and times to be announced

Youth Sports

Super Soccer Sundays: The Granby Recreation Dept. is excited to offer this fun and educational sports program once again this fall. Have fun spending quality time with your child as you participate in soccer related drills, games and fun. For ages 3–5, Sept. 8 – Oct. 20 at SBP soccer ﬁeld. Either 9 – 9:50 a.m. or 10 – 10:50 a.m. $95pp.

Bus Trips

NYC On Your Own: Enjoy the Big Apple; see Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop. The usual drop-off points in the city are: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Pick-up time is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Deli, Broadway and 53rd Street. Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 7. $38pp. Register online at www.GranbyRec.com. Pumpkin Festival: Saturday, Oct. 19. The Keene (New Hampshire) Pumpkin Festival is one of the most unusual events held in New England around Halloween. Ever since the early 1990s, people have been turning out en masse in Keene and assembling tens of thousands of jack o’ lanterns in an attempt to surpass previously held world records (which the festival has held in the past). The festival has developed into a large-scale event, with thousands of participants attending to enjoy musical concerts, lots of pumpkin-oriented food and drinks, games, rides and family entertainment. The bus will depart from Salmon Brook Park at 9 a.m. and depart from Keene at 6:30 p.m. $35pp. Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Clydesdale Tour: Begin the day with lunch at the Common Man Restaurant in Merrimack, N.H. located in the former Hannah Jack Tavern, a historical building dating back to 1794, that was once the home of Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Serving great American fare with New England ﬂare—apple chicken or baked haddock, both served with salad, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert, coffee, tea. Then tour of the AnheuserBusch Brewery. One-hour tours of the brewery end with the opportunity to sample the best-selling beer in America (soft drinks are also available). The Bavarian-style hamlet is home to the famous eight-horse hitch, and the Clydesdales welcome visitors. Sunday, Oct. 20, 7 a.m. departure from Senior Center parking lot. $85pp.

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New patio dedicated at Holcomb Farm

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Granby town officials, employees and Holcomb Farm volunteers gathered recently to dedicate the new patio behind the Workshop at Holcomb Farm. The bluestone patio was planned when the Workshop was renovated in 2008, and documented in a sketch by Kristin Cormier. This year, the patio project was completed as a joint project between the Town of Granby and the non-profit Friends of Holcomb Farm, Inc. In July’s 95 degree and extremely humid weather, six Holcomb Farm volunteers laid 200 bluestones comprising the patio. The stones were 24” square and averaged over 40 pounds each. Granby Department of Public Works employees did site prep and built the stone sitting wall. Funding was provided from the non-profit’s capital campaign donations, according to Holcomb Farm Treasurer Jim Lofink. The renovated Workshop is the highestutilized building on the property, which underscores the importance of continued

property improvements. Lofink is credited with organizing the volunteers and coordinating efforts between the two organizations. He said that the patio fulfills the objective of the capital campaign, making permanent improvements supporting community use of the farm. First Selectman John Adams credited the project as an example of the evolution taking place at Holcomb Farm as a result of the partnership between the town of Granby and the non-profit Friends of Holcomb Farm. A plaque commemorates the project and recognizes the following individuals for their work on the project: Holcomb Farm Stewards, Jim Allen, Rod Dimock, Scott Duncan, Dave Emery, Ralph Eustis, Jim Lofink, Granby Public Works Department, James Klase, Rick Maffiolini, Rick Morton, Kirk Severance, Rich Thoms, Town of Granby, John E. Adams and William F. Smith, Jr.

�� In order from l.: volunteers Rod Dimock and Dave Emery, Holcomb Farm President Bob Bystrowski, First Selectman John Adams, Town Manager Bill Smith, Dept of Public Works head James Klase, volunteer Jim Loﬁnk. photo by Jill Ford

Youth Work Skills program a success! This summer Holcomb Farm piloted its Summer Youth Work Skills (SYWS) program with 19 youth. In collaboration with the Granby Youth Services Bureau, area teens wrote cover letters, put together resumes and developed interviewing skills. Upon successfully completing this job preparation, they formed the SYWS farm crew in the ﬁelds of Holcomb Farm where they learned the ‘ins and outs’ of job responsibility as well as the uniquely challenging nature of physical labor (especially during pouring rain and a heat wave). Of course this was not just a job,

and participants engaged in leadership development activities, including group dynamics, leadership styles, communication patterns and group problem-solving. These teens were a great asset to the farm keeping weeds at bay and spirits high. It was a fantastic season and we look forward to continuing to craft this program for next summer. Thank you to all of the amazing youth and their parents who made this happen. We look forward to seeing you back on the farm soon.

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Fresh Access Harvest Dinner is September 8 It feels good to make a difference in others’ lives, especially when that means sharing in our local harvest of fresh, sustainably-grown produce. At Holcomb Farm we are happy to continue the tradition of our Fresh Access program, which was one of the primary philosophies this farm was founded on. Holcomb Farm’s Fresh Access program promotes community health and vitality by providing fresh, sustainably-grown produce from the farm to food insecure neighbors in the Greater Hartford area. To meet the program goal of distributing fresh produce to food insecure communities both locally and in the Hartford area we rely on donations from individuals. We need your help! On Sunday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 9:30

p.m. we will hold a Harvest Dinner and silent auction on the farm. This is not only an amazing farm-to-table event, featuring live music and gourmet cuisine by Chef Chris Prosperi of Metro Bis, but a fundraising event to help raise support for our Fresh Access program. Tickets to the dinner can be purchased online until Sept 6. If you are a member or a friend of Holcomb Farm, and would like to purchase tickets, go to www.holcombfarm. org/harvest-dinner. If you would like to support Fresh Access, but you cannot make it to the dinner, please feel free to make a tax-deductible donation either online at www.holcombfarm.org/freshaccess, or by mail to Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby, CT 06090.

Girl Scouts collect supplies for the needy

Back, from l.: Addy Fede, Olivia Kollmorgen, Maddie Buchman, Madison Kennedy, Tara Briggs, Amber Murdock and Shannon O’Charek; front: Aria Kingsley, Ashley Coon, Samantha Bull, Madison Chamberlain and Sophie Bolton. Not pictured: Jordyn Garcia, Meggie Hennessy, Laura Breau and Anna Lombardo. submitted photo

by Lisa Coon and Jennifer Bolton, co-leaders Junior Girl Scout Troop 66262 from Granby recently made collections for a very worthy cause. The 16 girls, who are going into grade 5, collected boxes of bed sheets and school supplies to be distributed by a mission group (Two Hearts for Hope) to the children in the village of Korah, Ethiopia. The

girls made posters to display in their schools at Kelly Lane and Wells Road, made passionate pleas on their schools’ morning news programs, and contacted friends and family to help. The girls also created a display at the Granby Public Library for the month of August of books to help ﬁght against stereotypes which echo their learning that “you can do anything.”

Happenings Open Farm Day Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Holcomb Farm’s CSA, at 111 Simsbury Road in West Granby, will feature a farm tour by farm manager Karen Pettinelli, and a guided hike of the passive recreation trails on the property. Holcomb Farm’s Farm Store will also be open to the public, where locally-sourced agricultural products are offered for sale (cash or check only). Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction Sunday, Sept. 8, 5 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available until Sept. 6 ($95/person) for this farm-to-table alfresco dinner to benefit the Fresh Access program, prepared by Chef Chris Prosperi. Dine with us and help feed hungry families. For details and to purchase tickets, visit www.holcombfarm.org/harvest-dinner. Friends of Granby Public Library Annual Book Sale Sept. 27 – 29. On Friday the sale begins at 6:30 p.m. and has a $5 entry fee. Those who want a first peek and get prime selection line up eagerly for this exceptional value! Saturday hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and while there are no set prices on Sunday, the Friends ask for donations according to your conscience. YogaChi with Mary Ellen YogaChi is a fusion of Yoga, Chi-Gong and Pilates. This class is a great way to stretch, strengthen and relax while creating balance in the body, mind and spirit. For ages 13 to mature adult. Sept. 24 – Oct. 29, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., $65pp, at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Register with the Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department. Power Yoga Jump start your day with this energizing and dynamic one hour class! Develop core strength and stamina, improve balance and inner stillness, build lean, strong muscles and improve flexibility in joints and connective tissues. Focus your awareness on harmonious body alignment, integrity of postures, and deepen into poses with the guidance of your breath. Instructor is Mary Ellen Mullins. For ages 18 to mature adult, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m., $65pp. at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Register with the Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department. Beginner Sewing Have you always wanted to learn how to read a pattern and use a sewing machine? In this beginner sewing class you will learn that and much more! At the end of this 6-week session you will have created either a pair of shorts or a skirt. Students should bring a sewing machine (if you have one), thread, fabric scissors, pins, and a measuring tape to the first class. For those who don’t have a sewing machine, Deb Crosset (instructor) has one available for use in class. Students will learn about pattern and fabric selection at the first class in order to purchase these items to use during the second class and going forward. Sept. 16 – Oct. 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $90pp, at Holcomb Farm. Register with the Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

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Granby Public Library Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cossitt Public Library Hours

Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to Noon and 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Closing

Both libraries will be closed Sept. 1 and 2 for the Labor Day holiday. Please call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt) for information or to register for a program.

Adults

Evening Writers Series: Whether you simply want to try your hand at the craft of writing or are serious about publishing your work, consider Cossitt Library’s Writing Creatively, a free series of workshops, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10. 6:30 p.m. and continuing on Sept. 24, Oct. 8 and Oct 22. Please register for this series; space is limited to ten participants. Cover-to-Cover Book Talks: This new series will meet monthly at 1:30 p.m. at GPL to discuss: “The Life of Objects“ (Sept. 24); “The School of Essential Ingredients “ (Oct. 22); “The World Without You” (Nov. 19); “The Linen Queen” (Jan. 1); and “So Much Pretty” (Feb. 25.) Please pre-register

to get your copy; refreshments will be available. Crafter’s Café Nights: Join the fun on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., exchange ideas and tips, and learn something new from our guest crafters. Sept. 25—Slowstitching an Herbal Dream Pillow; Oct. 16—Aromatherapy Workshop; Nov. 20—Jewelry-Making; Dec. 4—Origami Holiday Gift Boxes. Please pre-register for the sessions that interest you! Sci-Fi / Fantasy Book Discussion Group: “The Poison Study” by Maria Snyder is the selection for this month’s discussion on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. Multiple copies of the book are available. Borrow an eReader: The Main Library has Nooks, Kindles and Sony Readers available for a 14-day checkout (patrons must be Granby residents and 18 years of age or older). This is a great way to “test drive” these devices. Each eReader has about two dozen titles (ﬁction, mystery, nonﬁction, biography) pre-loaded for your enjoyment. The check-out process takes about 10 minutes, so please plan ahead by calling to reserve an eReader today.

Tweens & Teen

It’s back to school, and we know you’ll be busy getting settled in so don’t stress. Come by the library after school, maybe just chill, read a magazine or two, work on an assignment, check out what’s on the tables in the TEEN area—the library gremlins are always leaving stuff laying

Social Services The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, contact Director KerryAnn Kielbasa at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Granby Emergency Fuel Bank – The Granby Emergency Fuel Bank is funded solely by donations and gifts from the community. Call the office for application information. To donate, make a check payable to the Town of Granby Local Assistance Fund with a notation that it is intended for the Fuel Bank. Granby Food Bank – Offered by the VNA to any family or individual who needs assistance in meeting daily living expenses particularly due to loss of income or Medicare/Medicaid limitations. Contact the Social Services Office for eligibility screening and registration. Elderly and Disabled Renter’s Relief Program – The last day to apply for the program is Sept. 15. Applications may be filed in the social service office by appointment only. Proof of residency and income are required. SSA Form 1099 and a 2010 income tax return (if applicable) must be provided. Income limits are: married - $39,500; single- $32,300. You must have received a check from the program in 2012 to be eligible to apply. Fuel Assistance – Applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) will be accepted after Sept. 18 for households heating with a deliverable fuel. CEAP helps households pay for primary heating bills. Applicants must provide: proof of income for all house-

hold members for the four weeks prior to the application date, proof of all assets, Social Security numbers for all family members and proof of rental or mortgage expenses. Please call the office for further information or an appointment. Income screening is available by telephone. Appointments are required to complete the application process. Note: fuel deliveries will not be processed until after Nov.1, at the earliest. Winter Protection Program – Participants in this program will be coded by the utility company and will not have their utility service shut-off between Nov. 1 and April 15. Households wishing to apply for winter protection must meet income guidelines and must provide proof of hardship to the utility company. Medicare Savings Program – There are three Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) that help pay for your Medicare Part B premiums. They are the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program (QMB), the Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary program (SLMB) and the Additional Low Income Medicare Beneficiary program (ALMB). A household’s income determines which category it qualifies for. All three programs pay Medicare Part B premiums. QMB also pays Medicare co-pays and deductibles on Medicare-covered services. It does

around. We’ll catch up with you later in October!

Children

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month! Every child who signs up for a new library card this month receives a prize! Story Times Wee Ones: Mondays Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 7, 21, 28 at 11 a.m. Join Sheri Litchﬁeld from the Granby Early Childhood Council for a special story time. Sing, dance, read and have fun with your baby. For toddlers aged 12–24 months with a caregiver. Advance registration suggested; drop-ins welcome if space permits. Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays, Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3–5 with a caregiver enjoy stories, songs, ﬁngerplays and a craft with Miss Joan. Advance registration suggested; dropins welcome if space permits. Special Programs Chess Club: Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 at 4 p.m. Come practice your strategies and challenge your friends. We provide the chess sets, but there will be no instruction. Space is limited to 20 participants. Craft Weeks: Monday to Saturday, Sept. 9 – 14 and Oct. 7 – 12. Drop in anytime during the week and create a craft project. We supply all materials. We Love Legos! Tuesdays, Sept. 10,

not cost anything to apply for or receive beneﬁts from this program. Income limits for the three levels of the program are: QMB – $2,012.98 for a single person and $2,728.23 for a couple; SLMB – $2,212.98, single and $2,986.83, couple; and ALMB – $2,356.68, single and $3,180.78, couple. Cox Communications Senior Citizen Discount Programs – A 15 percent discount on Cox Limited Basic Service is offered to qualiﬁed seniors. Discounts on telephone service may also be available through the Lifeline Program. Households must be eligible for a state-administered program including: Homeowners or Renters Tax Relief Pro-

24 and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Come to the library for Lego fun! We have a generous supply of Legos and Duplos. Ages 3 and up. Registration suggested but not required. Children’s Author Sandra Horning: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. The author of the picture book “The Giant Hug,” Horning will read us a story and speak about writing books for children. For ages 3 and up. Advance registration suggested. Crafternoon: Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. Stop by and make a fun craft to take home. Please register in advance. Ages 6 and up. Coming in October K9 Ofﬁcer Joe Malone of the Windsor Locks Police Department will bring his dog, Jaxx, for a demonstration of his special skills. Advance registration suggested. Date and time to be announced soon. Please call the library for more details.

Cossitt Library

Sunﬂower Judging: Bring your sunﬂowers to the Library on Saturday, Sept. 7, between noon and 2 p.m.; judging will be at 2 p.m. The public is invited to view these beautiful blooms Evening Writers Series: Please see description above in Adults section. Drop-in Crafts: Have some fun with our free crafts the week of Sept. 16 in the Children’s Room.

gram, CT Energy Assistance Program, SNAP or Medicaid. Applications are available in the ofﬁce. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly Food Stamps, rules have changed. Most households will no longer be subject to an asset test and the monthly income guidelines are: family of 1 income: - up to $1,723, and family of 2 – up to $2,333. Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund – Limited assistance is provided to veterans who are residents of Connecticut, spouses living with the veterans at the time of the veterans’ death and dependent children under age 18.

Drumrolls Brian Isaacson, a 2008 graduate of Granby Memorial High School, has been named to the dean’s list at Holyoke Community College. An environmental science major, he is the son of David and Shirley Isaacson. Alexis Elizabeth Rome, daughter of Jennifer and Robert Rome, has been named to the University of Massachusetts Amherst spring 2013 dean’s list. A member of the class of 2016, she is majoring in dance. Thomas J. Bunz received a Ph.D in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Rhode Island. Chloe Scobee has been named to the dean’s list at the University of Scranton. Scobee is a senior majoring in occupational therapy in Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. The following students graduated this spring from the University of Hartford: Taya Kleis, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Erin Meyers of East Hart-

land, Bachelor of Science and Danielle Dufresne, Master of Business Administration. Emily Ohannessian has been named to the University of Delaware’s dean’s list for spring 2013. William Bergmann was named to the dean’s list at the University of New Haven for spring 2013. Dylan Lukowski has been named to Siena College’s dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester. Two local students graduated from Gettysburg College: Alice Kraiza of East Hartland, who majored in biology; and Morgan Leamy of Granby, who majored in psychology. Ian Stevens, a business and economics major, was named to the dean’s list at Roger Williams University for the spring 2013 semester. Paraskevi Papachristos was named to the dean’s list at Fairﬁeld University for the spring 2013 semester.

SEPTEMBER 2013

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PAGE 29

Volunteer sewers support Farmington Valley VNA clients by Andrea Boyle Last autumn, a small group of women at Peachtree Village in Avon began sewing “walker carry-all bags” for Farmington Valley VNA clients. The fabric bags easily attach to the front of a walker with Velcro, and feature multiple pockets which allow users to carry their glasses, tissues and other essentials hands-free. News of the project has spread throughout the communities served by the Farmington Valley VNA and to date, more than 20 volunteers have volunteered their time and talent to create over 200 walker carry-all bags for clients’ use. As a token of appreciation, the Farmington Valley VNA staff invited volunteer sewers to a recognition luncheon at the Simsbury ofﬁce on June 18. Volunteers enjoyed meeting each other, exchanging tips and ideas, and received tomato pin cushions with a card declaring “We ‘sew’ appreciate the fruits of your labor.” Incy S. Muir, executive director, and Sandee Fleet, community liaison and project leader, expressed their appreciation for their commitment to this community project, described the in-home and community-based programs and services offered, and discussed other volunteer opportunities available. Donations of cotton material in any pattern, measuring at least one-fourth of a yard, are essential for the continued success of this project, and may be brought to the Farmington Valley VNA

office at 8 Old Mill Lane in Simsbury, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Walker carry-all bags will also be available, for a donation that will support this on-going project, at the regularly scheduled blood pressure clinics held throughout the 22 towns served by the Farmington Valley VNA and at upcoming community-based flu clinics. In addition to sewing walker carry-all bags, the Farmington Valley VNA offers volunteer opportunities in the areas of direct care and activities that benefit hospice clients and their caregivers, marketing and office projects, fundraising initiatives, public immunization and screening clinics, the Granby Food Bank program, and representing the agency at events throughout the communities it serves. Please call 860-651-3539 or visit www.farmingtonvalleyvna.org for information on these opportunities.

A sample walker carryall bag for Farmington Valley VNA clients. The fabric bags easily attach to the front of a walker with Velcro, and feature multiple pockets which allow users to carry their glasses, tissues and other essentials hands-free. submitted photo

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Drumrolls The following local students were named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at Tunxis Community College: Janice Lombard, Christopher Underwood, Andrea Vitrano, Kara Germon, Patrick Waltman and Zachary Mills. Marissa Adamson graduated from the biomedical sciences program in Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Health Sciences and Technology. She also made the dean’s list for the spring 2013 quarter. Jamie Kathleen Dammers graduated with high honors from Becker College with an Associate of Science degree in animal care. She was also named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. Brendan Forbes was named to the high honors list at Sufﬁeld Academy. Casey Lampert was named to the honors list. Both are members of the class of 2015. The following students were named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at the University of Hartford: Katelin Meyers of East Hartland, Robert Attenello Jr, Christopher Cutler, Michael Papa, Nicole Martin, Jacob Leavitt, Stacey Dufrane and Madison Barba. Gabriella Daleo and Jacob Fahey were named to the dean’s list at the Savannah College of Art and Design for spring quarter 2013.

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Patrick J. Gunn received a bachelor’s degree during the 2013 commencement ceremonies of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. His major was geoscience. Madeline Ash was named to the spring honor roll at the Loomis Chaffee School. Zachary Czikowsky was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at Gettysburg College. The following students graduated from Tunxis Community College: John Nolan, A.S. in visual ﬁne arts, photography; Samuel Zidel, A.S. in business administration, CERT business administration; and Nathan Schwartz, A.S. business administration, CERT business administration. Lindsey Gervascio, a junior nursing major, and Sarah Schackner, a junior mathematics and secondary education major, were named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at the College of New Jersey. The following local students have been named to the Marist College dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester: Kristen Forgue, a business administration major, and Parker Rennels, a mathematics - adolescence education major. Both are members of the class of 2015.

SEPTEMBER 2013

The Honey family with their exchange students’ families: Alex, Beth, Abby, and Greg Honey; Petter, Kirstin, Haakon, and Bjorn Solberg; Betsy and John; Lucas, Martin, Alex, and Sophia Berg; Jason, Denise, Vanessa, and Amanda Honey. photo by Lou Urban

AFS exchange families reunite John and Betsy Honey, formerly of Granby, recently celebrated their ﬁftieth wedding anniversary in Falmouth, Mass. It was a special occasion as they were joined by their sons Greg and Jason and their families, but also by Bjorn Solberg and Martin Berg and their families. Bjorn and Martin are former AFS exchange students from Norway and Germany, respectively. They graduated from GMHS in 1988 and 1992 with Greg and Jason. Bjorn lives with his wife Kristen and their sons Petter (age 17) and Haakom (age 15) in

Frederickstad, Norway. Martin lives with his wife Alex and their children Sophia (age 5) and Lucas (age 3) in Luxembourg. Greg lives in Suffield with his wife Beth and their children Alex (age 13) and Abby (age 9). Jason lives in Ashland, Mass. with his wife Denise and their daughters Vanessa (age 7) and Amanda (age 5). John and Betsy have resided in Falmouth, Mass. since they left Granby in 1995. The families had a busy week on Cape Cod with trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Provincetown and enjoyed many delicacies of the area including lobster and swordfish. They have remained close since the boys’ days at GMHS, but this was the first time they have all been together. John and Betsy had the wonderful opportunity to participate in both of their exchange sons’ weddings. However, this was the first time Martin and Bjorn have met. It was a wonderful opportunity for all the families to reunite and enjoy each other’s company.

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CTVV visits Hartford’s true rising star: Habitat For Humanity by Bill Regan Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity is a nonproﬁt organization. However, its core structure is a results-oriented association with a benchmark strategy and a clear vision. It employs a dedicated group of team players in the business of providing a return on investment that beneﬁts not only its recipients, but also those who donate time and money as well as the community in which it resides.

Drumrolls

Kaylee Hageman was named to the University of Albany’s spring 2013 dean’s list. Alyssa Desmarais was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at Salve Regina University. Desmarais is a 2013 graduate who majored in elementary education/special education. Chelsea Blessis was a recipient of the dean’s award for academic excellence during the 2013 spring term at Colgate University, where she is a member of the class of 2014 and studies French.

For those who work there, this invigorating culture is driven by its president and CEO, Richard G. McGeary, who is no stranger to watching the bottom line. He is a seasoned corporate executive with a ﬁnancial career that includes working as the former CFO for Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company as well as ﬁnancial management posts with RJR Nabisco, Pitney Bowes and Arthur Anderson and Co. McGeary is a certified public accountant with a degree in business from

Joel N. Helander and Aaron D. Johnson have been named to ﬁrst honors on the spring 2013 Clark University dean’s list. Christopher C. Haydock of East Hartland was named to second honors. The following students were named to the spring semester dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island: Alison Elizabeth Lovkay, Colleen Reynolds, Jillian Rose Lombardi, Matthew Cole Repetto and Melissa Rose Allen.

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Friday, August 30 and September 6 at 6 p.m. This and all CTVV programs are available on www.ctvalleyviews.com. “CT Valley Views” is an award-winning, independently produced public access TV show series sponsored by Windsor Federal Savings and is seen in 22 towns on Cox/Enﬁeld, Windsor, Simsbury, Nutmeg, West Hartford and Hartford public access stations.

Richard G. McGeary, president and CEO of Hartford Habitat for Humanity, with CTVV host Susan Regan at an underconstruction house on Liberty St. in Hartford. photo by Bill Regan

PAGE 32

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Lost Acres Vineyard—perfect setting for art exhibits Artistic Fusion group exhibits at Vineyard

Above, “Tranquility” by Granby resident Karen Suponski will be at Lost Acres Vineyard as one of the recent works by Artistic Fusion from Friday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 6. Artistic Fusion is a collaborative group of artists that, in addition to Suponski, includes Steve Brunetti, Joan Losee, Karen Israel, Beverly Schiermeier and Maryanne Rupp. The artists’ reception is free and open to the public from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.

Femenino Caballo Yoni (30” l, 21” w, 31” h) by Brad McDougall. submitted photos

McDougall shows iron sculptures The Lost Acres Vineyard Gallery is pleased to present recent works by sculptor Bradford McDougall through Sunday, Sept. 8. His current focus on horses, part or whole, as individuals and in groups, was inspired by his “observing the Icelandic horses in our backyard.” A variety of horses and horse parts are shown individually and grouped in herds inside and on the grounds of the vineyard. His recent works also include tall, attenuated standing human ﬁgures. The exhibition includes both the horse and ﬁgural works. McDougall attended the Rochester Institute of Technology School for American Craftsmen where he studied furniture making. His work has been exhibited throughout North American galleries since 1990 and is also part of the Hechinger Tools as Art and Mattatuck Museum permanent collections. Residing in North Granby, he maintains a studio where he uses blacksmithing and woodworking to create both his sculptural and functional works. The Lost Acres Vineyard Gallery is located at 80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby. The gallery and tasting room are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. For more information about this or other events, visit www. lostacresvineyard.com and check the events page.

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Public Works Extended hours at transfer station The transfer station on Old Stagecoach Road will extend its hours of operation to include Wednesday mornings beginning Wednesday, Sept. 11 through Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Holiday trash schedule During a holiday week, if your curbside collection day falls on or after the holiday, your trash and recycling will be picked up one day after your regularly scheduled collection day for that week only. The remaining 2013 holidays that are affected are: Labor Day, Monday, September 2; Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 21; and Christmas, Wednesday, December 25. Paint recycling coming to Granby It was a bit delayed but the paint recycling program is up and running at the Granby transfer station. Residents may bring a variety of paints (both latex and oil based), stains, sealers, shellacs, etc. to the transfer station free of charge. A complete list of products included in the program can be found on the Public Works page of the town’s website, www.granby-ct.gov. Please note that all containers must have their original labels and no rust. Beman Hardware on Hartford Avenue and Family Hardware on Bank Street are also participating in the paint stewardship program. Composters still available Don’t forget that Garden Gourmet composting units can be purchased at a subsidized price of $35 (tax included). Stop by the Public Works office (52 North Granby Road, next to the high school entrance) weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. to pick one up. Please note that you can compost yard waste and all kitchen scraps except meat, ﬁsh and dairy products. Not only does this

provide great nutrients for your gardens but will also help reduce your solid waste considerably. Need a second recycling barrel? If one 95-gallon recycling barrel is not enough to handle your recycling, you may bring the extra to the transfer station on Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., or you may request a second recycling barrel to be used curbside. Both options are free. Waste oil Waste oil can be dropped off at the Granby Public Works building from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Containers of waste oil should be left in the white shed as you enter Public Works. Please do not empty any containers! If a container is labeled with a resident’s name, the container will be put to the side and can be picked up the following week. Oil is also accepted at the Granby transfer station on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Electronics recycling Please note that it is illegal to dispose of any electronic devices in the trash. This includes desktop computers, monitors and components, laptops, TVs, electronic devices found in appliances, telephones, etc. The transfer station provides residents a convenient, safe way to dispose of these items…and it’s free! A complete list of what is accepted at the Transfer Station can be found at : www.granby-ct.gov/ Public_Documents/GranbyCT_DPW/Electronics.

Service for bulky items Paine’s Inc. provides curbside pickup of bulky household items by appointment only and for a fee. Please call Paine’s at 860-844-3000 for more information.

Drumroll Dr. John Graham Lynch recently received his Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England. He is a graduate of Trinity Pawling preparatory school in Pawling, New York, and Ithaca College. He is currently employed as a clinical psychologist at the Veterans Administration Texas Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, Texas. He and his wife Erin live in Laguna Vista, Texas, on the Laguna Madre. Dr. John Graham Lynch and his wife, Erin

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Vivaldi and Latin American music programs at South Church by Laura Mazza-Dixon

South Congregational Church will host two exciting musical events on the ﬁrst weekend of October. On Saturday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. the glorious choral masterwork “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi will be the centerpiece of a 3-choir concert featuring the choirs of Old Saint Andrew’s Church in Bloomﬁeld, directed by Lisbeth Miller, First Church in Windsor, directed by Mark Watkins, and South Church, Granby, directed by Mattie Banzhaf. Organists Stephen Scarlato from Old Saint Andrew’s and Victor M. Evans from South Church will also participate, along with a small orchestra and the soloists of Old Saint Andrew’s. The popularity of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” stems from its lively attractiveness and frequent performances by choirs worldwide. On Sunday, October 6, at 4:00 p.m., the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series will begin its 2013/14 season with a program of Latin American music for guitar, viola and charango by the Alturas Duo. The charango is a traditional instrument similar to a mandolin made of an armadillo hide. The only group of its kind, the Alturas Duo was formed to play South American and classical music by bringing together the unusual combination of the viola, charango and guitar and in doing so, creating passionate music that moves at ease between the Baroque, South American folk rhythms and new pieces written especially for the duo. The duo has performed in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and throughout the US and Puerto Rico; it has given recitals at Carnegie Hall, Merkin

The Alturas Duo

Hall, the Smithsonian Institution, the Music Mountain Chamber Music Series, La Guitarra California and the 34th International Viola Congress. Always in search of new music and collaborations, the duo has performed with artists as diverse as charango virtuoso Ernesto Cavour, guitarist and composer Horacio Salinas, flutists Nicole Esposito and Janet Arms, quena virtuoso Marcelo PenaLobo, pianist Polly Ferman, Argentine bandoneon legend Daniel Binelli, the Choral Arts Society of Washington D.C., Coral Cantigas, and the Voce Choir of Hartford. The duo recently premiered “Concierto de los Andes” by Javier Farias with the Fairfax, Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Both concerts are free and open to the public, with wheelchair accessibility. Donations are welcome at each concert for the continuation of these musical endeavors. South Congregational Church is located at 242 Salmon Brook Street in Granby. For further information, please contact the office of South Church at office@southchurch.necoxmail.com

or 860-653-2789.

Drumrolls

Gabriella Marandino, class of 2014, has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester at Assumption College. Jennifer Schwegman was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list at the University of Saint Joseph. Lily Garcia, class of 2016, was named to the Tufts University dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester. Elisha Male graduated from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications with a major in cinema and photography. Laura Traﬁdlo graduated from Ithaca College’s School of Hu-

manities and Sciences with a major in psychology. Kelly Ranstead was named to the president’s list at Goodwin College for the spring 2013 semester. Joshua T. Capiga graduated from UMass Lowell at the 2013 commencement exercises. A liberal arts major, he was named to the spring 2013 dean’s list. David Armentano graduated from the College of Saint Rose and was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Granby Civic Club Minutes 1940 to 1950 The Granby Civic Club will be 100 years old this year and will celebrate a century of working to “make a better Granby.” It is quite rare for a local club to last this long. The Civic Club minutes provide a fascinating look at its activities and at life in Granby through the decades. Excerpts from the minutes are featured in these articles. These minutes cover the turbulent years encompassing the end of the Depression, World War II and the postwar period when Granby started to change from a farming town to a bedroom community. 1940 Mrs. Mitchelson introduced Miss Elanor Finch, head of the State WPA Crafts. Miss Finch gave a very interesting talk about toy lending throughout the state, also the different steps on how they repaired the toys in the different shops in the state. 1940 Mrs. Claude Austin furnished us with a very interesting and amusing entertainment for the afternoon by having her kindergarten school sing little nursery songs that were enacted out by the children. 1940 The committee on library equipment reported and the report discussed. It was voted to buy a two burner electric plate and two coffee pots, for our use. The equipment was installed downstairs in the library and a porcelain table was also purchased. 1941 The September meeting was held at the picnic grove at People’s Forest in Riverton. A pot luck picnic was followed by a treasure hunt in the nearby trees and river bank. The December meeting was held only four days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, but there is only a brief mention of the Red Cross in the minutes. 1941 Mrs. Mitchelson gave a report on Red Cross work and that nothing could be done until she had heard from headquarters. Mrs. Etta Holcomb suggested that the club do something about a new rail for steps leading up to the Community House. Mrs. Leon Goddard is giving the

club a hand crocheted bedspread to earn money. 1942 It was voted to give $5 to the Red Cross and $5 to the aircraft observation post and to buy a $100 defense bond for the club. A letter on salvaging metal, rubber etc. was read. 1942 The war has changed some activities but we are still going on – putting one foot in front of the other and we’re going to arrive eventually. We’ve given up the idea of getting new chairs, which we so badly need. I might suggest in closing that we place a sign in the Community House, Sit With Care. 1943 Voted: To donate the sum of $10 to Mrs. H. J. Gilbert of Windsor, to be used for Draftees the morning of their induction into the service. Voted: For Granby Honor Roll, the sum of $10. Voted: Promotion and sale of War Savings Stamps and Bonds for the coming year. With unwarranted optimism and an unknowing prediction of the Cold War, a Civic Club speaker advocated giving control over all of Europe to Russia. 1943 Mr. Stephen Potwin, of the Hartford Courant, spoke on “Peace After the War,” about Russia and the part she will play. He said, “A victorious Russia will be able to control all the nations between the English Channel and the eastern coast of Asia. For this reason we should be willing to concede such territorial demands that Russia may make in the Baltic and Balkan regions.” 1944 Voted: The Granby Civic Club will serve refreshments for the Victory Ball to be given by the War Finance Committee and the Women’s Activities, of which Mrs. E. V. Johnson is chairman. 1944 Meeting at Odd Fellows Hall. Committee appointed to assemble the Russian household boxes. Mrs. Helen Carlson entertained with several songs of Russian origin, accompanied by Mrs. Thede Case at the piano. Mrs. George Mullings showed moving pictures of modern Russia, with voice and music. The

A WWII Aircraft Observation Post located on the Walter Silkey farm on Silkey Road in North Granby. photo courtesy of SBHS

School children were invited. 72 attended, including 30 members. 1944 Mrs. George Guay voted to take charge of the War Bond Drive. The speaker, Miss Sorosko gave an interesting talk on Russian history. Several articles of Russian make were on display and $6.85 was collected for Russian Home Kit Boxes. 1944 This year a luncheon and bridge was the only financial effort to raise funds, due to the War. Decided to have a committee plan projects which would give service to the community in the way of public recreation or entertainment, bringing funds into our treasury, to use later for any community improvement. 1944 The Teen Age Canteen held at the Community House during July and August, was sponsored by the Civic Club. Wholesome entertainment was offered to about 500 people during the season. The program was a huge success and we came out even financially. 1944 Mrs. Mary Mitchelson announced the Red Cross Milkweed Floss Drive. Mrs. Linnell gave a delightful and interesting history of the Library, illustrated by pictures and reminiscences of old timers. 1945 The problem of refuse disposal for the village was talked over and a committee appointed to see what could be done. The problem was temporarily solved because the Town is paying Simsbury $10 a month to use their dump. 1945 The Club voted to take charge of the Snack Bar for the War Bond drive. Mrs. Evans and Miss Hoffman read papers on “Why Foreigners Come to America.” The matter of raising yearly dues to $1 was discussed. 1946 The planned progressive luncheon was changed to a food and plant sale at the Community House. The matter of dividing the Civic Club into a Garden Club Group and a Public Affairs and Current Events Group was suggested. 1946 Mrs. Johnson spoke on “Hungry Europe” and we voted to adopt two families in Holland and send a box of food a month and clothing at Christmas. The Holland families sent tulip bulbs as a Christmas gift. 1947 The idea of working on a cemetery project and restoring the old town cemeteries was discussed. A marker for the “Pauper’s Burying Ground” was planned. 1948 A spring lunch and auction was held in May with a profit of $172. A marked boulder was placed in the Poor Farm Cemetery on Silver Street with an appropriate ceremony. A Granby house tour was planned as a fund raiser. 1948 A panel discussion entitled “Highlights of Granby” was presented by local citizens. A donation of $25 was given to the Historical Branch of the Library. 1949 Mrs. Sylvia Patricelli spoke about the Solomon Islands which she illustrated with her oil paintings. The House Tour and lunch was a tremendous success. The club decided to look into writing a history of Granby. 1949 A spelling bee competition with the Men’s Community League was held (Civic Club won). Voted that we pay $4 for each use of the Community House. 1950 Decided to sponsor a contest for 7th and 8th grade school children for the best composition about Granby, with prizes to be awarded. The winners received money prizes and a trip to New York City. 1950 Another House Tour and lunch was held, with a net profit of $345. A donation of $50 was given to Lost Acres Fire Department toward a new tank truck. 1950 The early records of the Club were placed in the historical area of the Library.

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East Granby’s own Jason Byers: A man with a plan by Dave Kannen Good news is always fun to report and this is one of those stories. It was pretty commonplace, and not that long ago, when area readers followed the exploits of East Granby High’s baseball captain

and pitching phenom, Jason Byers, as the team routinely competed for state titles. It’s natural to wonder what happens when players graduate and either go on to college or other things. Does baseball go by the wayside for other pursuits or do some players stick with it? In the case of Jason Byers, it is definitely the latter. Understandably, many high school athletes graduate and move on from their baseball careers, but for Jay it is his continuing development as a baseball pitching sensation that has the move on. Only these days the moving is happening on the pitcher’s mound at Marietta College, aka. “The Etta Express,” of the Ohio Athletic Conference in Marietta, Ohio. Marietta, besides being a top-notch academic school, boasts a long and storied baseball history about which books have been written. The Etta Express lists not one but five NCAA national baseball championships, numerous team and individual honors and its baseball program has sent more than forty players into the pros. This writer was told by a baseball insider to not be surprised if a certain former pitching star at East Granby High is added to that list. Byers showed up for his freshman year at Marietta in 2012-2013 and proceeded to take the place by storm. He was winning so many pitching performance awards, records and accolades that space prevents listing all of them, but some of them include: • American Baseball Coaches 2013 All Mideast team; • Mideast Region Rookie of the Year from D3 baseball.com (led all OAS teams with 77 strike outs); • Ohio Athletic Conference All OAC first team honors; • OAS All Tournament team; and • D3 baseball All Mideast Region baseball honors, etc. You get the idea. As just a freshman at Marietta, the 6’2”, 180-pound Byers pitched a workhorse team leading 98.2 innings, had an 8-2 win-loss record and a sizzling 2.37 ERA. Good enough to be recognized not only as the best pitcher on the Marietta team but in the entire Ohio Athletic Conference league of teams, Byers was recently named a baseball team captain at Marietta College. You would think all those awards, accolades and pro scouts tracking his summer league games would be a big deal to Byers, but it isn’t. It all seems

The windup and pitch Jason Byers of East Granby was good enough to be recognized not only as the best pitcher on the Marietta College team but in the entire Ohio Athletic Conference league of teams. submitted photos

to be part of a plan—the Byers plan. “I just love to play the game and I enjoy playing,” says Byers. “The rest of it will take care of itself. I always had a plan to play at the next level after high school and I am just sticking with it—so far so good.” The plan also includes his academic work to improve his non-baseball studies and to keep his grades up. That’s not always easy when you play college baseball. Many times teams are playing or practicing six days a week and much of that takes place on the road. It is part of “the plan.” Jay’s hard-working mother does not hesitate to remind him: “Have a plan that also includes serious study for a career, other than just being a baseball pitcher. Because when it ends, and at some point it will, you need to be able to pick up the other career you prepared for and just keep going. You never know what the future has for you and you need to be ready.” It is sound advice that seems to have rubbed off on her son in many ways. “Plan” appears to be the operative word Byers takes to the pitcher’s mound. He has one for each batter, each pitch and the execution of each pitch. He delivers each pitch on the mark and with authority. Byers relishes what he does and it shows. Watching him pitch a game is like watching a master chess player with a nasty curve and a 92-94 mph fastball. This writer and spouse watched him pitch for his summer All Star team at an away game in Pittsﬁeld,

Mass. Taking seats on the lower level behind home plate, we wanted to see the array of pitches and how each looked to an opposing batter coming in to home plate. Baseball types talk about Jason’s “portfolio of pitches,” but to us, from behind home plate, it seemed that an opposing batter might have another description—Jason’s “house of horrors”! The “portfolio” includes a moving sinking change-up, good off-speed stuff, a nasty breaking curve and that 92-94 mph fast ball that seems to vector in toward a batter before crossing the corner of the plate and walloping into the catcher’s mitt for a loud umpire-called strike. As batters struck out, it seemed that each had their own choice words to describe the experience. “Portfolio” was usually not one of the words used! The footnote to this fun evening of baseball and seeing one of East Granby’s own do well was watching the phenomenon after the game. The opposing team’s fans in an out-of-state stadium, lined up to get Byers’ autograph. This was so unusual we asked someone waiting in line about it. His answer was interesting: “Well you have to remember that most of us who follow these advanced summer league players—well, how can I say it—look, we know who’s going to end up in the pros, and you never know for sure, but this kid Byers looks like the real deal!”

Growing Green Michael J. LeBlanc, Licensed Arborist

Invasive insects get media attention The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the Asian Long Horn Beetle (ALB) are the new environmental bad guys in town. EAB has been identified in Hartford and Litchfield Counties and ALB a few miles north of the Connecticut border in Worcester, Mass. Both insects are Asian invaders. Two other Asian invaders have been around for a long time and are again threatening your hemlock trees. Hurricane Gloria was given credit for moving the Hemlock Weddy Adelaid (HWA) from Long Island across Long Island Sound into Connecticut in 1985, but it took several years for it to find its way north. The infestation was so bad during the 90s in the southern third of the state that the area is almost completely void of naturally occurring hemlocks. Most of the HWA population explosion was due to the shoreline microclimate caused by ocean water temperatures. This microclimate is close to that of its native homeland, East Asia, than that of northern Connecticut. For many years, the HWA in our area was kept in check by the microclimate called New England winters. Low temperatures in the single digits with highs in the 20s for two or more weeks killed nearly 80 percent, depending on the location and elevation of the trees. For at least three years, we didn’t have these low temperatures for an extended time, which resulted in a HWA population explosion. It is also possible that these insects have adapted and are more cold tolerant. Elongate Hemlock Scale (EHS), the second Asian hemlock killer, is not easy to detect because it is on the underside of the foliage and gets it name “scale” from

the protective coating on over-wintering eggs. It is difficult to control using conventional horticultural oil spraying, in addition to the other challenges of spraying large trees—too windy, too hot, too cold and the damage to bee hives, fish ponds, gardens and waterways. Modern science has solved many of these challenges with Dinotefuran, a fairly new systemic insecticide. This material is the only systemic effective on scale insects, a major breakthrough in the care of trees and ornamentals. It moves quickly in the plants, which is important with heavy insect activity. It lasts in the plants for a year or more, eliminating concerns about insects’ life cycles and spraying done on that time schedule. It can be applied to the plants in three different ways, options not available before. Spraying large trees is becoming a thing of the past, at least for three of these invaders—HWA, EHS, and EAB. When ALB is identified in an area, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forestry Service follows, sets up camp with a total eradication campaign and you can say goodbye to our maple trees. However, we don’t have to lose valued hemlocks or ash trees. The hemlock killers are both feeding and sucking insects and it takes time for them to stress and kill their host trees. If the insects are controlled, the trees recover fairly quickly. Unfortunately there is little hope for hemlocks and ash trees on public land, parks and open spaces without the funding to manage a control program.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Historical society summer garden tour a huge success by Bill Ross

Check out the Open Farm Day section to learn more about the schedule of events and stops you can make on Saturday, Sept. 7! And of course, visit www.GranbyAg.org for details and updates, including prizes for the passport program. Shinder Family Farm, Case St. Can’t believe fall is knocking on our doors already! We were finally able to finish up first cutting hay in August which is pretty late for us. But Mother Nature wasn’t too cooperative. We are hoping to get at least a little second cutting hay for our animals. They really love that as a treat in January/February. We are happy to announce that our Highlander/Galloway cross, Gris, had a calf over the weekend! It’s a little boy and David decided “Jack” is his name. He is so cute and we hope he’ll be up around the barn area during Open Farm Day. We are in full swing with firewood orders. If you would like to be added to our list, please give us a call. Also, if you are in the area and need some farm-fresh eggs, please stop by. We are also taking orders for rough-cut lumber which makes great fencing posts. We are looking forward to seeing you at our farm on Sept. 7! Sepe Farm It’s fair season! When the kids were in 4-H and FFA, this was the time for showing off all of your hard work throughout the summer: halter-breaking, shearing and fitting (grooming) the sheep. We were fortunate enough to have several blue-ribbon winners along the way, and that’s the foundation for our breeding flock! Now, we’ve graduated to shearing and cooking demonstrations and, of course, grilling in the back yard. Lamb is so versatile - and we love hearing about your creations from the lamb in the Granby Sampler. Need more or want to try some? You can order your half or whole lamb right from the farm - visit www.SepeFarm.com for more information. And individual cuts are available in Granby at Lost Acres Vineyard and at the Holcomb Farm store. Hemlock Knoll LLC, Loomis St. A flurry of activity is happening on this farm – it’s show season. On any given day there is a 4-Her at the farm working with a 4-H project animal, either a

goat, pig or Hereford cow. On July 27, Andy and I brought two 4-H members to the Youth Goat Show in Rhinebeck, New York. It was a beautiful day and the 4-Hers learned from ADGA Judge Carly Neumann, a Granby native and 4-H alumna. The Hartford County 4-H Fair is August 16 through the 18 and most of our animals will be showcased by Granby 4-Hers. Then it is off to the Goshen Fair with the Herefords, Wapping Fair with goats and Herefords, the Four Town Fair with goats and Herefords, then the Big E the weekend of Sept. 19 - 22 with the Herefords and then the 4-H goats on Sept. 26-28, ﬁnishing with the Open Goat Show at the Big E on Sept. 29. If you are at any of the fairs, stop in and say hello. I can be found at the East Granby Farmers Market every Wednesday selling our farm raised beef and veal. Veal is a new product for us and we are very excited to share it with you. Customer reviews have been very favorable on taste, color and tenderness. Our special ingredient for the veal is our goat’s milk. Unfortunately our farm will not be open for Granby Open Farm Day on Sept. 7 but we will have an information table set up at Sweet Pea Cheese. We are accepting orders for a whole or half pig. We are selling beef and veal from our freezers on the farm, so call 860-653-6447 to set up an appointment. Lost Acres Orchard, Lost Acres Rd. The fall season is almost here and the picking season is here. Peaches were plentiful, juicy and delicious and we are still picking a few. We’re making apple pies with our summer Gravenstein apples. Macintosh apple picking will begin the second week of September. Fresh cider will be available around Sept. 15. Wagon rides through the orchard will take place on weekends in September and October. Pumpkins, fancy gourds, and mums will be available in late September. The orchard and farm kitchen are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays 12:30 – 5 p.m. We’re still jamming, pickling and jellying everyday. Soups, bread, quiche, cookies, pies and much more. Please call ahead and give us a day or two to make your favorites.

On June 22 and 23, Granby gardeners were in the spotlight as the Salmon Brook Historical Society sponsored the 2013 Summer Garden Tour. Over 175 visitors toured 11 gardens in Granby and all were very pleased with the quality of the gardens and the enthusiasm of the gardeners. Many were Farmington Valley residents but some people came from Westﬁeld, Southwick, Amherst, and even as far away as Albany, N.Y. The weather was perfect and many participants enjoyed fresh lunch fare at the Peppermill Country Deli and Bakery, Lost Acres Orchard and Lite-N-Up Eatery while some sipped wine at Lost Acres Vineyard after visiting numerous gardens. The day kicked off at Holcomb Farm with a well-attended lecture by Sarah Bailey, Hartford County UCONN master gardener program coordinator. Bailey discussed native plants and provided numerous resources for gardeners to research more about the topic.

Six home gardens and ﬁve commercial/public gardens were included in the tour and all proceeds went to the Salmon Brook Historical Society. All of the gardeners were on hand to answer questions about their gardens and offer suggestions on the care of the various plants and ﬂowers. Home gardens included those of: Jeff and Cheryl Bliss, Mary Jane Ducharme, Karen Chase and Charles Dickson, Josie Klein, Herb and Susan Gardner, and Harry and Sally Jones. Commercial and public gardens included: John O’Brien Nurserymen, Lost Acres Orchard, Lost Acres Vineyard, the Children’s Memorial Garden at Salmon Brook Park and the colonial gardens at the Salmon Brook Historical Society. A special note of thanks to all of the gardeners and the Society volunteers who made it possible: Barry Avery, Sandy Christensen, Vinnie Secord, Bill and Pat Vibert, Sierra and Gabby Ross, Patty Sansone, Diane and Roger Hernsdorf, Heather Tomasetti, Carol Laun, Downey Koch and Ellen Cuhna.

In memory of… Anna L. Lyons, a longtime volunteer with the Drummer, passed away on July 30 in North Dakota. She lived in Granby for over 50 years, where she was also a member of the Granby Lost Acres Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, swimming, gardening, car races and basketball. She leaves behind four daughters: Nancy Pelczar, Sylvia Vallee, Patricia Greenwood and Cynthia Carroll. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren as well as other family and friends.

Anna Lyons

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M I L E S T O N E S •

•

CPA society appoints Granby CPA to leadership position The Connecticut Society of Certiﬁed Public Accountants (CTCPA) has appointed Granby resident Salvatore Giuliano, CPA to serve as a member of its Advisory Council for the organization’s 2013-2014 activity year. The Advisory Council’s charge is to counsel the CTCPA Board of Directors and to appoint a nominating committee each year. Mr. Giuliano is a partner in the ﬁrm of GitlinCampise, LLC in West Hartford. He holds a B.S. from the University of Connecticut.

Adams and Knight expands content generation capabilities Responding to an industry need for more original content for both businessto-business and business-to-consumer clients, Adams and Knight, an integrated marketing communications firm, has created a new position specifically focused on content marketing. Karen Belletsky of Granby, who has served Adams and Knight for the last 16-plus years as an account executive and senior copywriter, now occupies the newly created position of content marketing officer. Over her extensive tenure at Adams and Knight, Karen has served a variety of clients, writing and editing for web, print and other media. In her new role, Karen will leverage the agency’s social media channels to strategically plan and share marketing insights and proven techniques with the agency’s clients on an ongoing basis. Karen holds a B.A. in communications from the University of Connecticut. Adams and Knight is an integrated marketing agency dedicated to serving clients that help people live happier, healthier lives. Celebrating its 25th year in business, the agency serves a roster of regional, national and global clients in the healthcare, financial services and leisure industries.

Giuliano

Belletsky

Decker joins Simsbury Bank mortgage team Simsbury Bank is pleased to announce that Nicole Decker has joined its team as a mortgage loan advisor. Ms. Decker works directly with home buyers and homeowners in central Connecticut to obtain the financing they need to achieve their goals. Ms. Decker lives in Bristol. Matt Morrell, vice president and home loan sales manager, said, “We are very pleased to have Nicole join us. In her mortgage banking career, Nicole has performed a variety of roles and always worked as an advisor to her customers. Using a consultative approach with her customers, Nicole assists them through the entire process, from analyzing the range of mortgage options appropriate for their needs, to closing the loan.” Ms. Decker said, “I am thrilled to join Simsbury Bank. I share Simsbury Bank’s dedication to its advisor model and I was drawn to Simsbury Bank because of its excellent reputation with its customers as well as the breadth of products it offers for every customer. I am very happy to be a part of the bank’s growth in mortgage lending.”

Connecticut Bar Association honors Francis J. Brady Murtha Cullina LLP attorney Francis J. Brady is the recipient of the 2013 Connecticut Bar Association Edward F. Hennessey Professionalism Award. The award was presented at the Connecticut Bar Association’s annual dinner in June and is given to recognize and honor a member of the Connecticut bar

Wedding Announcement Ryan C. Jackson, son of Peter and Kathy Jackson of Granby, was married to Michelle A. Racine, daughter of Norm and Beth Racine of New Britain, Penn., on Saturday, April 13. A nuptial mass was celebrated in St. Joseph’s Chapel at the College of the Holy Cross followed by a reception at the Salem Cross Inn. Michelle and Ryan are 2008 graduates of Holy Cross. They took a honeymoon trip to Antigua. Currently, they reside in Portland, Maine, where Ryan has begun a three-year residency program in emergency medicine at Maine Medical Center.

Decker whose career has manifested a dedication to the highest ideals and standards of the legal profession, so as to provide inspiration to other members of the bar, and to honor the memory of Edward F. Hennessey, whose 41 years at the bar exempliﬁed the criteria of this award. Hennessey was a former partner at Robinson and Cole. “It is an honor to be recognized,” said Brady, of counsel at Murtha Cullina LLP. “I have been fortunate throughout the course of my career to have been able to participate in a number of professional and civic organizations that address the needs of our respective communities.” Brady, who joined Murtha Cullina in 1974, has a broad base of business litigation experience. He has been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America publication for several categories over a number of years and, in its 2012 edition, was listed as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the category of bet-the-company litigation. Brady has been actively involved in several community and professional organizations, including service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hartford Legal Aid Society, as a member of the Granby Board of Finance, as past chairman of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee, and as past mayor of the Town of Windsor.

Farmington Valley VNA welcomes new manager of community health programs Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association Executive Director Incy S. Muir has announced the appointment of Amanda Neal, RN, BSN, as Manager of the community programs department.

Brady

Neal

Neal earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Alfred University and began her nursing career as a neuro medical/surgical staff member and charge nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, and later assumed a similar position at Lutheran General Hospital in Arlington, Illinois. Upon returning to Connecticut, Neal served as a case manager, admissions nurse and per diem supervisor for the East Hartford VNA before returning to a hospital setting as an OB/GYN charge and staff nurse at Hartford Hospital. The majority of her career was spent at McLean’s in Simsbury, where she served in the capacities of home health aide supervisor, full-time day supervisor and clinical nurse educator. Neal has also worked as a school nurse, providing individualized nursing care to special needs students. As manager of the Farmington Valley VNA’s community programs department, Neal is responsible for directing, planning and implementing the health and wellness initiatives the agency offers throughout the Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Hartland and Simsbury communities they serve. She will also oversee the Granby Food Bank program beneﬁtting qualiﬁed Granby and Hartland residents, and the school nursing program the agency provides for the Granby Board of Education. Neal’s vast experience in long-term, post-acute, school nursing, home health and hospice care will be invaluable as the agency expands its illness prevention and chronic disease management programs. Please call 860-653-5514 to schedule a flu clinic or wellness presentation for your business, organization or residential community, or visit www. farmingtonvalleyvna.org for the current calendar of events and for more information about the programs and services offered through the Farmington Valley VNA’s community programs department.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Brushed by an Angel’s Wing

A quiet misty, moisty morning No wind But I had newsletters to deliver, Door to door. Here at Stony Hill So out I go on this misty, moisty morning with Umbrella in one hand, bag of letters in the other. No way could I handle a leash, too. So Prudence stayed home, Willingly, I might add... About halfway through the delivery I stopped to rearrange the papers. I heard a strange sound behind me. Something had brushed against my umbrella. Turning around I was startled to find A broken branch was completely covering the walk! I couldn’t even move without stepping right into the foliage. So, I walked around it, And continued on my way. I went back later to find out what had happened. A crabapple tree had lost a branch, Of about five inches in diameter. I remembered the bright array of pink that had once adorned it. Bees and other little pollinators had performed well. Now a multitude of little green apples was growing Amidst the plush green foliage. Everything was drenched, The combined weight of green apples, heavy foliage and rain Caused the branch to hang low. One little drop too many landed on it The drop that broke the branch’s back. Down it came. Only later did I begin to realize what might have been... Surely, someone was watching over me that day. —Emily Messenger July, 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

Barbershop quartet entertains Granby senior men by George Lynch The Four Tune Seekers, a barbershop quartet, entertained the Granby senior men at a recent Senior Men’s Breakfast. The quartet was formed in 2007, having first sung together as a Singing Valentine quartet from the Manchester Silk City Chorus. Chord production in a barbershop setting differs from that of traditional chorus organization primarily with reference to the melody. Barbershop shows a harmonic pitch (tenor) above the melody (lead) with two voices (baritone and bass) below while a traditional chorus usually sings the melody in the soprano or top voice with three voices (alto, tenor and bass) underneath. Don Dickey, a Granby resident and founder of the group, sings tenor. He is semi-retired from his association management firm. Ted Pero, a retired engineer, sings lead and lives in Somers. Bass singer Steve Holtz, a retired management consultant, comes from Wethersfield. Baritone Dan Fontaine is from Tolland and is employed by the Prudential in Hartford. All are members of the Barbershop Harmony Society

and sing with the Manchester Silk City Chorus. The Four Tune Singers will readily admit that singing barbershop is an addiction. They would say that singing “polecat songs,” the dozen officially designated classics (such as “My Wild Irish Rose” and “Wait Till the Sun Shines Nellie”) that all barbershoppers are encouraged to learn, eases their souls in a way that nothing else can. The four sing together, move and balance together, and when they “touch” that minor chord and make it ring – reverberating, resonating, bouncing in the air, each pitch in harmonious effect – they all feel it – and know it is good. It is good and fun but a lot of work and a lot of time. They rehearse at least once a week and then there are special work-ups for gigs at private parties, corporate functions, restaurants, clubs or wherever there is a gathering of people enjoying themselves. The surprise arrival of this barbershop quartet at your event or business will be a unique and memorable experience for your guests or patrons of any age. You can reserve the Four Tune Seekers by calling 860-653-7424.

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Four Tune Seekers, a barbershop quartet, performed for the Granby senior men’s breakfast. From l.: Don Dickey, Steve Holtz, Ted Farrell and Dan Fontaine. photo by Lou Urban

Drumrolls Local students graduating from the University of Saint Joseph include: Jenna Elizabeth McNally, M.A., school counseling; Elizabeth Anne Mikkelson, M.A., clinical mental health counseling; and Caitlin Reardon Williams, M.S., nursing. Nine academically outstanding area residents earned a spot on the second semester honor roll at Northwest Catholic High School. First honors students are: Kirsten Greene, grade 9; Shannon Greene, grade 10; Abigail Reed, grade 12; Samuel Spak, grade 9; Catherine

Sullivan, grade 12; Rachel Sullivan, grade 9, and Amanda Waltman, grade 12. Second honors students are: Emily Kuczma, grade 11, and Alex Smoolca, grade 9. Austin Ebersole, majoring in mass communication, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2013 semester at Franklin Pierce University. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students named to spring 2013 dean’s list for academic achievement are: Brian Donna, Zachary Konopaske, Joshua Pollock and Daniel Spatcher.

SEPTEMBER 2013

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PAGE 39

Crafts, music and cheese bread featured at First Church AppleFest by Linda Betsch Celebrate autumn in Connecticut at AppleFest, a fun-ﬁlled community event hosted by First Congregational Church of Granby on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the church grounds, located at 219 North Granby Road (Rte. 189) in Granby. The event will feature a variety of crafts produced by local artisans as well as unique international vendors, Granny’s Attic boutique of gently used, handselected home furnishings, housewares and clothes, the Farmers’ Corner for local

produce, music led by DJ Eugene Smyth, and First Church’s famous cheese bread. Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, chili, soups, cider, apple pies and other baked goods will also be available. “I’m excited that our church is offering the AppleFest for a second year,” said Rev. Ginny McDaniel, the senior minister of First Church. “It’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful fall day in the company of friends and neighbors, do some holiday shopping, and taste some delicious foods. Last year was very successful and we’re thrilled to do this community event again. Our church has a reputation

for good cooks – and the cheese bread is legendary in this community.” Admission is free, and free parking is available. AppleFest will be held rain or shine, using both indoor and outdoor

covered spaces. Contact the church ofﬁce at 860-653-4537 for any questions or to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Simsbury Bank’s Granby branch celebrates milestone Simsbury Bank is proud to announce the 15th anniversary of its Granby location. The branch opened its doors in October of 1998 and quickly became a valuable member of the local ﬁnancial and business community. “In building Simsbury Bank, we’ve blended the spirit of community banking —local control, personal service, and civic engagement—with a commitment to helping consumers and businesses achieve their goals,” said Martin J. Geitz, Simsbury Bank president and CEO. “Our Granby location has exempliﬁed our brand of banking for the past 15 years and we look forward to serving our customers and Granby for many years to come.” In honor of this milestone, during the week of September 16, Simsbury Bank invites all its customers and the entire community to visit the Granby branch, located at 11 Hartford Avenue, for a piece of 15th anniversary cake and a cup of coffee. Branch hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m., Thurs 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 – noon.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Granby Chamber hosts annual golf tourney Granby and Bradley Regional Chambers of Commerce look forward to their annual golf tournament at 10 a.m., September 23, at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. Be a part of this memorable event and sign up to golf now. Prices are: $650 for a foursome (early bird discount $600 by August 31);� $350 for a twosome (early bird discount $320 by August 31); $175 for an individual (early bird discount $150 by August 31) and $50 for dinner only (early bird discount $45 by August 31). Registration includes practice/driving range, greens fees and golf cart, lunch, 18 holes of golf, prizes, complimentary beverages on course (sponsored by Edward Jones), dinner, rafﬂe and awards. For more information, contact Rebecca Taylor or Casie Timmons at the Granby Chamber at gcoc@granbycoc.org.

SEPTEMBER 2013

Mystery Photo Contest Well, at last, we had several correct answers to our Mystery Barn Contest. The barn was well recognized, especially by Paul Holcomb, owner of the barn, whose name just happened to be drawn from the pool of winners! It is located on Wells Road, across from Meadowbrook Lane. Send your guesses as to the location of this month’s building to editor@granbydrummer.org. You can identify it by street name and/or number or by the name of the property owners. Good Luck! Barn photo by Peter Dinella

Like a symphony Granby Camera Club member Ed Judge perfectly captured these dueling goldﬁnches this spring.

October 2013 Deadlines ARTICLES: Monday, September 16 noon Drummer phone and fax: 860-653-9222 Email: editor@granbydrummer.org ADS: Wednesday, September 11 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org

WORK DATES: September 9-23, call or email for times. The public is encouraged to submit articles about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to submit articles by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at: www.granbydrummer.org.

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© An independently operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential Logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

SEPTEMBER 2013

Like a symphony Granby Camera Club member Ed Judge perfectly captured these dueling goldﬁnches this spring.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

PAGE 41

Open Farm Day Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 • 10 am – 4 pm Visit 14 farms in Granby!

151 East Street, North Granby sweetpeacheese.com Sweet Pea Cheese extends the House of Hayes traditional cow dairy operation into goat milk, yogurt and cheese. A growing flock of goats produces milk year round for products sold at the farm and at farmers’ markets in the region. The House of Hayes cow dairy has 60 cows and produces cheese, yogurt and milk. Open Farm Day activities at the House of Hayes include tours of the dairy and cheese-making facilities. Visitors can enjoy free bite-sized goat cheese samples.

6 East St. 12

10/202

Creamery Hill Rd. Day St.

to Canton

The corn maze will also be open at noon, with an admission fee of $7 for adults/$5 for children aged 5 to 13; free for children under 5. The retail store sells pasteurized whole goat and cow milk, along with yogurt, feta cheese and chèvre (goat cheese prepared according to the French tradition). Hemlock Knoll Farm will also be at Sweet Pea Farm, with farmraised meat products for sale.

Lost Acres Vineyard

80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby lostacresvineyard.com In the 1700s Lost Acres was a political no-man’s land known as “the Wedge.” In the early 1800’s, the Wedge’s free-spirited, ciderdistilling hill farmers populated the area. At Lost Acres Vineyard, owners Kevin Riggott and Michelle Niedermeyer continue this tradition with grape wine. A former apple orchard, Lost Acres Vineyard reclaimed this land in 2008, and it’s now home to ﬁve acres of wine grapes, contributing to the agricultural spirit and the natural beauty of Granby. On Open Farm Day, the vineyard will have free samples of its newest wine, self-guided tours and hikes of the vineyard and a chance to meet the winemaker at 10 a.m.

Barndo or Hills Rd.

219

Bushy Hill Rd .

to Barkhamsted

Case S t.

Hun gary Rd.

189

d. Notch R

Sweet Pea Cheese at House of Hayes

. Quarry Rd

20 Salmon Broo k

167 Case Street, West Granby smile_167@yahoo.com The Shinder Farm is a family farm specializing in hay and ﬁrewood. Many people don’t realize that ﬁrewood is an agricultural product. The capacity to maintain the productivity of the forest for current and future needs is an essential part of agriculture and the work of farmers like the Shinders contributes to the sustainability of our forests. At the Shinder Farm, the wood-processing machine will be running all day long as well as their new sawmill. Visitors will have the opportunity to see these machines in action.

to Suffield

rook on B Salm

Shinder Farm

74R Silkey Road, North Granby Fiddlehead Farm keeps ponies, goats and chickens. Home to Starbucks, the wonder pony, Fiddlehead Farm offers pony parties at your place or theirs. Each year it offers summer programs for young people. Open Farm Day activities include a perennial plant swap all day long; divide your perennials and bring a portion to swap for something else to add variety to your garden. Pet the ponies and goats. Kids can enjoy making a craft or a treasure hunt in the haystack. Pony rides are available all day.

N Cooley Rd.

. tain Rd Moun

to Southwick

Wells Rd.

29 Bushy Hill Road, Granby Bushyhill.com In June of 2010 Allen and Becky Clark purchased the 75acre orchard from Hal and Nora Law. Since 2010, the Clarks have continued to honor what the Law family had begun, and now with the rehabilitation of the Apple Store and the Creamery all complete, this farming family’s dream has come true! Although it’s an orchard, there is so much more grown on the farm. Seasonally, fruit is available and includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches and pears. Apple picking is available seasonally. Enjoy a cone, sundae or shake

Fiddlehead Farm

7 10

. Rd

Clark Farm at Bushy Hill

53 Case Street, West Granby Dan and Sally Fitzpatrick breed, raise and show registered Herefords on their Old Beech Farm. Originally from Herefordshire, England, United Kingdom, the Hereford has long been the icon of the cattle industry. Their breeding is seeped in tradition and has steadfast supporters. Large framed, red bodied with their trademark white faces, Herefords populate cattle pastures the whole world over. This is a rare opportunity to see this amazing breed of cattle up close and personal. Old Beech Farm will offer walking tours of the pastures, plus opportunities for visitors to view interaction between cows and their young calves. There will be a display of tractors, both modern and antique. Joan Palmer of Real Food Matters will be giving a talk at 10:30 a.m.

8 Lost Acre s Rd.

ry sbu Sim

Old Beech Farm

Throughout the day there will also be chainsaw wood carving demonstrations. There will also be other equipment on display such as their log skidder. The Shinder family will be on hand to answer questions and you can visit their goats, chickens, Scottish highland cows and maybe even a new baby calf. Briarwoods Farm will also be at Shinder Farm, with a display of photos, recipes and produce from their fruit farm.

to Hartland

. Rd ley Hig

198R Salmon Brook Street, Granby mapleviewhorsefarm.com In 1950, Bill and Evelyn Bogli found 50 beautiful acres in Granby to move their young family and take over an existing dairy operation. After coming out of the milking business, the farm was used to board horses and ponies. Jason and Kate Bogli are committed to keeping this land in the center of town a working farm. They now raise cows, chickens, goats and pigs in addition to boarding and leasing horses and providing beginner horseback riding lessons. The farm store offers cuts of their meat and other locally made products. On Open Farm Day, Farmer Kate will lead tours of the property and all the enterprises including cows, pigs, horses and chickens. There will be a riding demo given by some of their students, and a chance to meet Jellybean the pony. The day culminates with a hay balethrowing contest.

at the Creamery, serving Tulmeadow ice cream. On Open Farm Day, you will have the chance to pick your own apples, and sample the farm’s cider donuts.

189

Silkey Rd.

Maple View Farm

to Granville Loomis St.

Open Farm Day is a project of the Granby Agricultural Commission, sponsored by Nationwide Agribusiness, United Bank, Farm Credit East, Simsbury Bank, the Law Offices of Jason Bogli, the Valley Press and the Granby Drummer.

Open Farm Day Map Granby, CT

to East Granby 1

189

10/202

to Simsbury

Sepe Far m (www.sepefarm. com) sheep shearing team—Peter Sepe, Erin Sepe Pirro, and Jonathan Pirro—will be at the vineyard to demonstrate fall sheep shearing. There will also be a felting activity for kids to make a necklace.

Lost Acres Orchard

130 Lost Acres Road, North Granby lostacres.com Since the 70s, the Wutka family at Lost Acres Orchard has grown blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, quinces, pears, pumpkins, and mums in season—also pressing cider when apples are plentiful. In the fall, you can pick your own apples or buy them in baskets. The kitchen at the orchard rightly deserves its reputation for delicious pies and other baked goods and soups. The retail bakery stays open all year round, with longer hours during the fall fruit season. On Open Farm Day visitors can enjoy wagon ride tours of the orchard, plus bite-sized samples of the peaches and apples that are in season. Visitors can also buy a light lunch at the farm store and enjoy it on the porch. The menu includes quiche, soup and pastries.

Open Farm Day cont’d. on p. 42

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THE GRANBY DRUMMER

Farm Day Schedule of events Sept. 7, 2013

Open Farm Day cont’d. from p. 41 Garlic Farm

76 Simsbury Road, West Granby GarlicFarmCT.com The Garlic Farm grows pesticide-free vegetables and ﬂowers and sells them to the public every day in the vintage barn on the farm. Equally well known for its tomatoes and its garlic, the farm also grows peppers, eggplant, squash and other summer veggies, along with onions, leeks and shallots.

SEPTEMBER 2013

commitment to sustainable agriculture. As part of its non-proﬁt mission, Holcomb Farm CSA’s Fresh Access program provides a portion of its harvest to social service agencies in Hartford and Granby. Open Farm Day attractions at Holcomb Farm include Granby 4H exhibits, animals and outdoor cooking demonstrations. The Granby Horse Council will give a drill demo in the riding ring, chef Chris Prosperi will give a cooking demo in the CSA Barn, and the farm store will be open to the public from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and stocked with Holcomb Farm produce. CSA farmer Karen Pettinelli will give a tour of the CSA, and there will be a guided hike of the Holcomb Farm trails.

Schoolhouse Farm

On Open Farm Day, visitors can inspect tractors at close range and perch for a moment on one of them for a photo. Farm owner Gary Cirullo will lead a tour and offer tips on growing garlic at home. A garlic braiding demonstration shows how to turn a few stalks of garlic and some herbs and dried ﬂowers into a rustic culinary ornament. The newsletter editor gives a talk on 50 ways to stuff a pepper.

Holcomb Farm

111 Simsbury Road, West Granby holcombfarm.org Holcomb Farm is a town owned historic property in West Granby that continues as a working farm with ﬁelds full of fresh produce and is also a resource available to the public for passive recreation. Holcomb Farm is committed to preserving the expansive green spaces for which the state is known, and dedicated to offering programs that honor community, agriculture and education. The Holcomb Farm CSA brings the farming tradition at Holcomb Farm into the 21st century. All crops are grown without chemicals and with a

100 East Street, Granby 860-985-0190 At Schoolhouse Farm, MaryJo Toczydlowski breeds alpacas and shows them. You’ll also find pigs, chickens, and vegetables at Schoolhouse Farm, which is so named because it’s located on the former site of the Loomis School, a one-room schoolhouse. Meet alpacas, pigs and chickens at this new farm. Take a look at the John Deere 1946 B tractor on display. Perch on the tractor for a momentary photo opportunity. There will be a spinning demonstration from 10 a.m. - noon, and they will be giving samples of their farm-raised ham. Items such as gloves, hats, socks, scarves and blankets made from the Schoolhouse Farm alpaca ﬁber will be for sale during Open Farm Day.

10 12

Horse Central Stables

31 Wells Road, Granby horsecentralstable.com Horse Central Stables is a western riding and training facility in the heart of Granby and specializes in reining and training young horses. It offers a full service facility with training, boarding, western lessons, showing and direct trail access.

O’Brien

On Open Farm Day, there will be western riding games at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and farm tours all day.

O’Brien Nurserymen

40 Wells Road, Granby OBrienHosta.com O’Brien Nurserymen has grown into New England’s premiere hosta nursery. Its extensive display gardens feature more than 1,600 hosta varieties as well as other shady characters including asarums, pulmonarias, epimediums and arisaemas. The gardens also include a wide variety of unusual dwarf conifers and more than a hundred varieties of Japanese maples. On Open Farm Day nurseryman John O’Brien puts the

spotlight on rare peony species and intersectional peonies (cross of tree peonies and herbaceous peonies). Their showy seedpods ought to be at their peak in early September. Also expect hosta division demos, a tour of the landscaped trails with John O’Brien for fans of the hostas and exceptional and unique plants and a self-guided plant quiz with prizes.

Granby Grange

212 North Granby Road, Granby CTstateGrange.org The Grange is a venerable rural community organization. September 7 is the day of its annual fair, which includes a traditional judging of farm produce (fruit, vegetables, flowers), baked goods, jams

and jellies, canned goods, and photography. For the premium list (description of the contest rules and how to enter), go to GranbyGrange.org. All contests are open to the public; you don’t need to be a member of the Grange to participate. See the new community garden that the Grange and North Congregational Church have partnered to create. Plus, inspect a portion of Bernie Merli’s spectacular restored Farmall tractor collection, on display from 10 a.m. in the lot just north of the Grange on Rt. 189.

Granby Drummer(6-14-13).pdf 6/14/2013 3:19:28 PM

Nurserymen Open Garden Days August 30, 31 & Sept. 1 Prized, Rare Peonies Species and Intersectional

September 7

Granby Open Farm Day – Saturday Only

September 13, 14 & 15 Many New Hosta Varieties Available

Garden Hours 10am - 5pm ��

323 Tribute Series Grill

Star Dance R Vent-Free Gas Stove

860-653-8076

Showroom hours Monday - Friday 10 - 5 or by appointment License SI-303179, PI-204150, SMI-4280

www.StateLinePropane.com 500 Salmon Brook Street, Rte. 10 & 202, Granby, CT

SEPTEMBER 2013

THE GRANBY DRUMMER

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11 Questions for Granby farmer Gary Cirullo Nancy Dunn interviews Gary Cirullo, owner/manager of the Garlic Farm, 76 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Gary owns the Garlic Farm, where he grows vegetables according to the guidelines of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. Open to the public from early July into October, the farm sells tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, onions, garlic, and other veggies directly to the public from its rustic barn. Located 3 minutes off Route 20, it’s protected from the hustle bustle of major trafﬁc but easily accessible. The farm also participates in the Windsor farmers’ market on Thursdays and offers a farmshare program (a.k.a. CSA program). On the web at GarlicFarmCT.com.

How did you get started in farming? While growing up I worked weekends and summers at a farm near my home in Rocky Hill. I took up agriculture seriously at UConn. After college I worked on farms in western Connecticut, in the Midwest, and back home. Then I managed the Auer Farm in Bloomﬁeld and a farm in Massachusetts. I started swinging a hammer to pay the bills for about 15 years, setting aside fulltime farming, but gradually eased back into it. From two rows of garlic, the Garlic Farm eventually arose, a slow evolution to some 20 acres in cultivation. Favorite product that you produce? Garlic, tomatoes, peppers—in that order. What will you farm look like in 10 years? I hope that we’ll be employing a few more people. We’ll be using some new technology because I add something new every year, trying to run a modern farm that produces great vegetables efﬁciently even though we do it without pesticides. Like this year we’re using raised beds for three crops. That lifts the roots up out of any water that puddles between rows; that should help keep the plants healthy during wet weeks. Along with choosing fungus-resistant varieties, the raised beds

Gary Cirullo (l.) grades tomatoes with Justin Tosti and Alaina Casioppo. photo by Nancy Dunn

ought to keep the plants producing for more weeks of picking. How does the community benefit from agriculture? Well, first there’s the obvious: healthful fresh foods just harvested from a nearby field give you a benefit you can taste. You can see how the farm produces the food, so you can hold the farmer accountable for what he puts on the crops—and how the farmer treats the local people hired as help. More than that though, agriculture brings some balance to a community. There’s the social aspect, too: bringing your family or friends together to visit a farm in town is a good way to experience the community. By visiting farms and interacting with farmers, people get some sense of the agricultural world. Agriculture right there in the community serves as a source of education. From whom did you learn the most when you were getting started? So much about farming comes from

years of experience, but the dairy farmer I worked with through college had the biggest influence on my choice to farm and on my initial training. He taught me the basics: field tilling, how to run machinery, how to work with people. He was a very patient person. I listened. I paid attention. I didn’t want to learn the hard way. The one defining moment was when he put me on a set of plows when he fell ill one day. He gave me a couple instructions and then I got to it. All of a sudden I had some responsibility, and I rose to the occasion. I think I plowed till dark that night, on a 20-acre cornfield. My father taught me about being patient with novices. I take a lot of them for the farm crew each season. We were all at that place at one time, new to the job. And I’m still learning every day. What do you wish more people knew about farming? I wish people understood the effort it takes to put food into grocery stores. As with many occupations, farming is very challenging and quite complex. What’s on your farm’s wish list? Stay healthy. Keep the machinery

running. Maybe offer a little more farm education to aspiring farmers and to consumers. I’d also like to cultivate a few more acres so we could put more people to work during the season. What’s the biggest issue facing agriculture today? How are we going to feed 5 billion people in the world? In our country, we have to stop building on prime agricultural land. That land keeps us alive; it’s that simple. The bumper stickers say “No Farms No Food,” but you can take that slogan a bit further: no land, no farms. After that basic issue, the big question is how to produce and distribute healthy food to people at a reasonable price, all year round—not just in season. What’s next on your farm? I’m working on better disease and insect control on the crops, without using synthetic pesticides. Better pest control helps improve yield so we can feed more people. I’m looking forward to improving the cover-cropping system in the fall; that’s for both erosion control to conserve the richness of the soil and for green manure to continually enrich it. You have to clean up the ﬁelds early enough in the fall that the cover crop can take hold before winter sets in. I also plan to use a better seeding system. What’s the most amazing thing you’ve seen on your farm? The enthusiasm of people who visit the farm, including homeowners wanting to try growing garlic. And last year’s garlic, with some bulbs the size of tennis balls. Like Halley’s Comet, another crop like that won’t soon come around. What’s the best thing about farming in Granby? Without a doubt it’s the support of the community. Along with the rural quality of the town, where different kinds of farms coexist with other businesses and homes and woodsy trails. Especially in the past few years the town has demonstrated support for agriculture in Granby. More and more people who live here have become aware of the Garlic Farm and other farms in town, and I’m grateful for that.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Old Beech Farm—one of Granby’s ﬁnest by Molly Hammack

Old Beech Farm’s Hereford bull, Artimus, was selected as the Grand Champion bull for the Hereford breed at the 2013 New Jersey State Fair on August 3, 2013. He went on to win the Supreme Champion bull for all breeds. Congratulations and great job to the Fitzpatrick family. photo courtesy of Old Beech Farm

Get the Open Farm Day Passport! by Pam Burek The Granby Agricultural Commission is sponsoring a free Open Farm Day on Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each open farm will host a demonstration, tour or other activity, with the farmer onsite and ready to answer any questions. Highlights include a hay bale toss at Maple View Farm, meet the winemaker at Lost Acres Vineyard, pony rides at Fiddlehead Farm, and more. You can ﬁnd the complete schedule of events at www. GranbyAg.org, the Granby Agricultural Commission’s web site. Here’s how it works: beginning at 10 a.m. on September 7, start at any one of the participating farms and grab a passport. Spend the day visiting any or all of the open farms and learn where your food comes from, how animals are cared for and trained, and how plants are grown.

Collect a new stamp in your passport at each farm visited! At the last farm, turn in the passport and be entered in a drawing for prizes donated by participating farms and businesses. Visitors who collect six or more stamps will be entered into a special drawing for a week’s share of the Granby Sampler, a CSA-style program that delivers a market basket of Granby agricultural products to its subscribers every other week from June into November for a total of 12 weeks. Among the more than 14 participating farms are Maple View Farm, a mixed livestock farm with pigs, cows, horses and more; Shinder Farm, where you will learn how ﬁrewood relates to agriculture and see a bunch of really cool machines; Horse Central Stables, a horse farm specializing in reining; O’Brien Nurserymen, well known in the region for its extensive hosta collection and acres of

When considering farm life, no one quite thinks about the work it takes to run and maintain a farm. Sally and Daniel Fitzpatrick know better—they own Old Beech Farm, at 73 Case Street in West Granby, and they’ll share the lore and lessons of farm life with visitors on Open Farm Day. Sally grew up on a farm, and when she met Daniel, part of the reason they connected was over their mutual interest in farming. When they settled into their Granby home, they began buying surrounding land in hopes of creating a small farm. In 1991, the couple bought their ﬁrst cow and the rest, as they say, is history. One of the main attractions of Old Beech Farm is its cattle. Dan and Sally raise and show traditional Hereford cows, large bodied animals with red fur and white faces. Many Herefords are actually crossbreeds with other types of cattle, so the Fitzpatricks’ purebred Herefords are indeed rare. Walking tours inspiring landscaped paths; and Sweet Pea Cheese, a fifth generation dairy farm featuring goats and cows with a cheese-making operation that produces award-winning chèvre. “Our local farms are such an important part of Granby’s community, and we want to share this special part of our town. Open Farm Day gives people a chance to interact with Granby’s farmers and have fun doing it,” said Michelle Niedermeyer, chair of the Agricultural Commission. The Agricultural Com-

of the pastures, during which visitors can view the interaction between the cows and their calves, will be offered on Open Farm Day. In addition, the Fitzpatricks will be hosting neighbor and friend Joan Palmer of Real Food Matters, who will give a talk at 10:30 a.m. Palmer is an herbalist who specializes in food and nutrition counseling. Founder of the Institute of Sustainable Nutrition, she will offer regular classes at Holcomb Farm beginning in September that will address the science of nutrition. In describing life as a farmer, Sally explained, “Farming is a lot of work—a lot of dirty and detailed work. The hours are usually maintainable, but sometimes you might have to get up at 2 in the morning, and you don’t have a choice.” She noted that it’s a privilege to observe the cycle of life, and expressed her appreciation of Granby as a welcoming farm town. On Open Farm Day, visit this hidden gem, meet the Herefords and view a display of modern and antique tractors. Come check out all Old Beech Farm has to offer! mission is the committee responsible for advising town boards on the impact to agriculture of any proposed regulations or issues that arise. The commission is also charged with furthering the connection between Granby’s farmers and consumers, which prompted the Open Farm Day event. Admission to Open Farm Day is free. Visit www.GranbyAg.org for more information on Open Farm Day and the Granby Sampler.

“HORSING AROUND” FOR CHARITY

Rosia Kennedy and Kris Strain raised money recently for Manes in Motion Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown. Rosia on Broken Arrow is dressed as the “Groom” and Kris on Mocha is dressed as the “Bride”. The two won “Best Team Spirit”.

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