Granby Drummer September 2017

Drummer FO R I M ME DIAT E DE LI V E RY

*****************ECRWSS****

PAID

Local Postal Customer

The Granby

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE AVON, CT PERMIT NO. 466

Your hometown VOLUNTEER newspaper

Follow us on:

Published by Citizens for a Better Granby a non-profit 501(c)3 organization

Volume XLVIII, No. 1 • September 2017

www.granbydrummer.com

FREE

Governor’s executive orders could decimate municipal aid By Michael B. Guarco, Chair, Board of Finance As the new state fiscal year opened on July 1, high drama intensified in Hartford. Governor Malloy took aim at changing the overall municipal aid categories given to towns while simultaneously looking to prod the legislature to do its job in passing a budget. In late June, an executive order came down from the Governor’s office and is still in place that reduced state aid to Granby by $3.1 million from the $5.5 million budgeted in April. The $5.5 million built into our local budget was based upon the executive budget proposal put out by the Governor back in February. Then in mid-August, the Governor threatened to impose a new executive order that would essentially reduce our overall state aid to ZERO! Brinkmanship at its best—or worst—as Malloy endeavors

to force the Democrat-run legislature to finally pass a budget. These actions and words signaled his intent of forcing a balanced budget partly by shifting major money away from the towns to the cities and help close the budget gap. The impact of a revenue loss of this magnitude is severe to say the least, and follows the already built-into-thebudget reduction in state aid of nearly $1 million based on the February executive order. It is the equivalent of roughly a 15 percent increase in property tax if we only deal with this part of the budget. This has prompted sharp criticism from municipalities across Connecticut. These midstream revenue cuts have come months after local budgets were approved and set in place statewide. They have also prompted local governments to develop contingency plans to offset the proposed loss of money from

State budget

cont’d. on p. 3

Celebrate Granby scheduled for Sept. 21–23 The Granby Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors will host the annual Celebrate Granby event Sept. 21-23 at Salmon Brook Park in Granby. The event has been well attended in the past with its many offerings, including: a business expo, a crafters’ expo, food from local restaurants, a carnival, a classic car show and a beer garden. Local band favorites— The Bus Drivers and Outta Whack— will provide live music, and a fireworks display will cap off the celebration. “Every year this event brings our community together to celebrate all that we love about Granby, everything that makes it unique,” said Rob Gangi, co-chair of the Chamber’s Celebrate Granby Committee. “We are looking forward to experiencing this excitement, and to witness, once again, the camaraderie and our collective love of our corner of Connecticut that puts our town on the map.”

Onboard in town hall Newly appointed Town Manager John Ward is immersed in Granby government, having been on the job since July 13. See story on p. 3. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Inside PTO Corner....................... 14 Granby’s bird carver........... 17

Open Farm Day................. 33 Maple View Farm............... 36

Is he gone yet? A tiny chipmunk peeking out of gap in the stone wall photo bombs this photo of a kestral taken by Peter Dinella.

Town manager institutes spending freeze by Shirley Murtha At the August 21 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager John Ward announced a freeze on discretionary spending and non-essential hiring until it is known that the state has finally produced a budget and how that budget will affect Granby. Ward received a letter from the state on Friday, August 18, which spelled out the various funds that the town would not receive if no state budget were reached. Most significantly, the town would not receive anything from the Educational Cost Sharing Fund that last year gave the town $5.5 million. It was although budgeted at $3.9 million this year. Granby would not receive the expected $850,000 from the Special Education Fund but are expected to receive grants under the prior Special Education Excess Costs, estimated to be $152,000. Also pulled would be funds from the Mashantucket and Pequot Funds (distributions from the state casinos) and the Municipal Revenue Sharing Account, among others. The total loss in income to Granby from these cuts would be $5.5 million. In addition, this is the year that Governor Malloy has proposed that cities and towns pay one-third of the cost of teacher pensions, an expense to Granby of $1.5 million. At the meeting, Finance Board Chairman Mike Guarco noted that the $5.4 million represents 15 percent of the town’s property tax levy. He said that with state budget in place, these reduc-

tions would not be as drastic, but faced with the possibility of the dire reduction in income, there are three actions that could be taken. First, the spending and hiring freeze as instituted by the town manager. Second, use reserve funds to attempt to cover the losses. Finally, a supplemental property tax bill and revised vehicle tax rates could be established. The board approved a call for a Three Board Meeting on Sept. 5. At that time, the boards of selectmen, education and finance will discuss what the town’s options would be to deal with a potentially large loss of revenue from the state. The chairman of the board of education has directed the superintendent to institute the same temporary spending and hiring freeze as that implemented by the town manager. First Selectman Scott Kuhnly noted that state income has fluctuated in the past, but the situation has never been this extreme. He asked residents to contact the governor, senators and representatives to push for cooperation in formulating a budget. He remarked that Granby (and other towns) are being punished for prudently managing their taxpayers’ money. The very negative budget news was in contrast to the opening of the previous BOS meeting on Aug. 7 when Ward noted that he was about to say some words that would probably not be repeated often: “There is good news on the budget.” There is $685,131 more in the general

Spending freeze cont’d. on p. 2

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Residents opposed to town’s use of RoundUp by Shirley Murtha At the Aug. 7 meeting of the Granby Board of Selectmen, resident Marge Goslee requested that the town look into the Public Works Department’s use of the herbicide glyphosate (RoundUp) to control roadside vegetation. She noted that it is being sprayed on the vegetation on the bridges over various town streams and brooks, thereby entering the watercourses where it can cause harm to the animal life as well as good vegetation and presumably eventually make its way to residents’ water sources. Goslee remarked that the town was very proud back in 2009 to be the first in the state to use organic land care, but that the current use of this herbicide cancels that designation. Having already been made aware of the situation through the letter sent by Goslee to him and several town commissions and organizations, Town Manager Ward replied that Public Works Director Kirk Severance said that the DEEP approves the use of glyphosate as long as the person applying it is certified for that job and assured that was the case for Granby. Ward noted that he would be looking further into the matter. As residents become aware of the issue, concern is mounting. Several of them attended the August 21 BOS meeting to speak to the matter. Goslee reiterated her concerns and added that a letter from the Farmington River Watershed Association implored the town to reconsider the use of glyphosate. Especially as it applies to use on the bridges over water, it is not known how it combines with road salt and vehicle oil, perhaps exacerbating its effect. Goslee noted that the town’s Plan of Development and Conservation has as one of its goals to protect our watershed. She quoted from a state report that said we don’t yet know the long-term effects of the chemical, but evidence is mounting that it is appearing in products that lead to concern, such as some of our foods,

including ice cream. Other residents who spoke in favor of discontinuing glyphosate use included Bobbie Sullivan, who in addition to noting the harmful environmental effects, said that the treated areas are not at all attractive. Jim Glenney remarked that studies have shown that glyphosate has detrimental effects on humans, animals and insects, especially the pollinators. He quipped that once the public, particularly the organic gardeners, hears about this issue, the town hall meeting room will be full. Al Wilke added the anecdote that recent visitors from Colorado questioned the dead vegetation over the bridges, saying it looked truly “ugly.” “Let’s find another way,” said Wilke. Town Manager Ward said that his research has shown that some studies indicate glyphosate is not unsafe. Regarding fish, one report says it is “practically non-toxic.” A study of its wide-scale use in Midwest farming, however, showed a deleterious effect on monarchs butterflies. Severance (who was praised by Glenney and Wilke for his otherwise excellent leadership of Public Works) reported that Granby and other neighboring towns began using RoundUp last year as it is a cost-effective way to clear specific areas of unwanted vegetation. Spraying it takes one-tenth the man hours needed for manual removal. Since the spraying is completed for this growing season, no action was taken at this time. Selectman Sally King noted that “DDT and PCBs were once thought to be a good thing,” and called for a committee to be formed to study the issue. The board unanimously approved. Mark Neumann said that there might be some specific places where glyphosate could be permitted, but limits were needed. Ed Ohannessian noted that Granby prides itself on being an agricultural town, with many following organic practices. “We should be on the forefront of stopping the use of RoundUp even though other towns may still use it,” he said. Having a career

Stay committed to your health with our

FREE Adults 50+ Vitamin Club!

30 ct.

bottle

tomer

per cus

in risk management, First Selectman Kuhnly said this issue definitely falls into that protocol: “let’s find another product as effective but less toxic.” Residents who would like to be on the

glyphosate study committee should contact Jim Lofink (860-810-0274), Mark Neumann (860-978-4808) or the Town Manager (860-844-5300).

Spending freeze Cont’d. from p. 1 fund than what was budgeted: 2016 taxes have come in at 102 percent over expected, yielding $836,000, which helps to offset some of the losses experienced in revenue. Special education money of $147,000 in came in from the state; however, tuition from other towns was deficient to the tune of $58,000. In other positive news, Ward reported that he had contacted the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) regarding possible grants available to the town. When Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan noted that he had never been to Granby, Ward proposed taking him on a tour along with Director of Community Development Fran Armentano. Scheduled for August 24, the tour will pay special attention to Holcomb Farm, as the DECD awards some grants for historic preservation. In other business news, the board reconfirmed the fiscal year 2017 Transfer of Accounts when an error was noticed and corrected. As reported from the June 19 BOS meeting, there were three transfers of accounts: $10,000 should have come from Insurance, rather than Police Operations, as did the other two transfers. Ridgewood Residential Development The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Ridgewood Residential Development, composed of 50 homes and 130 apartments. The BOS expects to receive a request for an easement approval to begin construction in the near future. Acting as the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority, the board approved the Ridgewood developer’s sewer allocation reserve request for 31,290 gallons of water per day for the development. At this time, Granby is allotted 380,000 gallons per day so the request can be accommodated.

Sidewalk Project Update Director of Community Development Fran Armentano reported on the oftenfrustrating attempt to send the sidewalk project out for bids. This step cannot be done until the state gives its permission upon receiving the necessary information. The plans submitted to CROG (the Capitol Region Council of Governments) were returned several times, each time with a request for more information. Armentano felt that the project should go out for bids by the last week in August and be under construction before the year has ended. If not begun before winter, it would be on hold until spring. Alcohol in the Park requests The board approved two requests for the use of alcohol at events in Salmon Brook Park. One was for the Celebrate Granby weekend September 21–23 and the other for a private wedding on Sept. 8. In both cases, all permits and insurance were in place, and the requests were reviewed and approved by the recreation director, the police chief and the fire marshal. Resignations and Appointments Cheri Berggren resigned from the Library Board. Liam O’Leary was appointed to the Agricultural Commission.

Public Session Aug. 7

Bike Trail Requests Jerry Ledger requested that the BOS study the possibility of having a welcoming center for cyclists using the trails that pass through Granby. He also proposed the construction of two multi-use trails, one from Floydville Road to Stop & Shop and the other from Salmon Brook Park to Stop and Shop.

Depend on State Line for your comfort.

Add warmth and style to your home.

d mmitte e ing co th I’m stayhealth with ™ to my ADER FREE LElts 50+ ! Adu in Club Vitam Limit one

Vegetation that was sprayed on the west branch of the Salmon Brook. Submitted photo

nth.

per mo

It’s easier than ever to remain committed to your health. Stop in today, sign up for our Adults 50+ Vitamin Club and receive a FREE bottle of LEADER™ Multivitamin Adults 50+ Caplets. You’ll also receive a punch card to track when it’s time One Adults 50+ Vitamin Club entry per person. One free 30 ct. bottle of LEADER™ Multivitamin Adults 50+ Caplets. The Adults 50+ Vitamin Club program can be canceled at any time. Ask your pharmacist for details.

Granby Pharmacy

9 Hartford Avenue • Granby, CT 06035 860-653-2517 www.granbypharmacy.com

EMPIRE Comfort Systems

Propane • Heating Oil • Fireplaces • Heating • Hot Water HVAC • Generators • Service Plans • 24-Hour Emergency Service

PROPANE

OIL • A/C

860-653-8076

860-653-7241 StateLinePropaneOil.com

500•514 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT

Lic. S1: 303179 • P1: 204150 • HOD: 737 • 478

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 3

New town manager impressed with town operations By Shirley Murtha Granby’s new town manager John D. Ward is enjoying his introduction to Granby government. He is impressed with the well-run operation of the town, the professionalism of the staff of the various departments and the importance of volunteerism in the community. He likes the philosophy of its Plan of Development for the future, and he finds the fact that 40 percent of Granby is open space to be very significant in describing the town’s character. Ward notes that these factors greatly influenced his choice of Granby when he was looking for a position that would enhance his professional advancement, building upon his skill set. His skill set wasn’t always town government, however. A native of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, he graduated from UMass with a degree in biochemistry while working as a quality control technician in a lab at Friendly’s. His job of testing various Friendly food products against bacterial and manufacturing standards came with an excellent perk: ice cream tasting! Although many of us would be delighted with such an occupation, Ward was looking to the future and, for various reasons, shifted gears to his interest in law, eventually getting a JD from Western New England College. He was employed in Tolland Superior Court and then in private law firms in Tolland and

Hartford where he specialized in civil litigation and workers compensation cases. His last legal position was as a staff attorney for Liberty Mutual, representing those insured by the company. Living in Vernon for the past 25 years, Ward was elected to serve on the Town Council for two years and the Board of Education for six years. In 2008, he was appointed Town Administrator, which is essentially the same as a Chief Administrative Officer. When the town manager position opened up in Granby, Ward felt that he was ready to move into it. Ward’s wife Wendy and their two youngest children Elizabeth and David love the rural nature of Granby, its farmland, forests and open spaces. They are looking to find a home here in the near future. Elizabeth will begin her third year at UConn where she is majoring in music education and is a member of the marching band. David recently graduated from Rockville High School and has enlisted in the Navy where he will be a special warfare combatantcraft crewman. Older son James lives in Bristol and is an equipment technician for CBS Xerox and Joseph, a Rave Cinema manager, lives in Vernon.

State budget

cont’d. from p. 1

the state. While the $5.5 million cut seems unfathomable, and even the $3.1 million beyond the pale, we still need to be prepared for how much the state ends up shorting the town compared to the already reduced amount built into the local FY18 budget. Both the Town Manager and Superintendent have put into place spending freeze initiatives. Depending on the final numbers, some or all of these may be unfrozen when we know we have covered any loss of state money. Deeper freezes may be needed, as well as a greater use of General Fund balance or accumulated surplus than was built into the budget. The last resort alternatives would be: A) issuing adjusted motor vehicle tax bills at the full mill rate in lieu of those previously sent out at the mill rate of 32 as required under current state law (The state may now renege on its commitment to provide the difference back to the town from state coffers), and B) issuing supplemental property tax bills at a higher mill rate to cover the remaining budget gap. Obviously, these last two fixes are something the boards are reluctant to do and therefore are working with the administrations to avoid. Once a final approved state budget is in place and the second year of the state biennial budget is approved, the boards and

the administrators can determine what course of action to take. Within days of the Governor’s renewed revenue threat in August both the Democrat and Republican caucuses came forward with revised budget plans that held state aid essentially the same from last year to this year for Granby. While these both give the boards some comfort that the damage may not end up as severe as in the Governor’s executive orders, we still aren’t out of the woods until the final budget package is negotiated and approved at the state legislative level and signed onto by the Governor. Word is that the legislature will reconvene in special session in mid-September looking to have a budget in place prior to Oct. 1 when major components of revenue are scheduled to flow to the towns. Once we see the final result, we will make our final adjustments, hopefully all within the current budgets and, if need be, with existing reserves, to avoid going to the taxpayers with another billing. However, if the end state budget is more in line with the Governor’s threatened revenue cuts rather than those contemplated in the legislative Republican and Democrat proposals, then it may potentially take more than deep freezes and reserve use to cover the gap.

GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

First Selectman Scott Kuhnly (r.) congratulates Granby’s new Town Manager John R. Ward after the swearing in ceremony on July 13 in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Photo by Pat Chieski

YOU ARE NEEDED Granby residents are needed to fill the following vacancies: one on the Agricultural Commission and one on the Library board. A committee is also being formed to study the use of herbicides on town properties. If you are interested in serving your town in any of these positions, call the Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-810-0274; Republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-978-4808; or the Town Manager, 860-844-5300.

The Granby Board of Education complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting the exclusion of any person from employment, or any student from access to educational programs because of their race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, ancestry, genetic information, or gender identity or expression, subject to the conditions and limitations established by law. It is the policy of the Granby Board of Education that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, ancestry, genetic information, or gender identity or expression is prohibited, whether by students, board employees or third parties subject to the control of the board. The board’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities, including athletics. It is also the policy of the board to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, ancestry, genetic information, or gender identity or expression. For additional compliance information, please visit the Granby Public Schools website, www.granby.k12.ct.us, and select Human Resources under the Central Services heading.

Celebrating our 24th Year in Granby Pain can be relentless and exhausting...

Imagine Life without pain.

Imagine moving easily, freely and with more energy! Imagine coping better and enjoying life again! Sounds great, doesn’t it? Life without pain is possible. At Chiropractic Care of Granby, hundreds of people just like you have been successfully treated. We believe we can help you too! Life without pain is more than something to imagine. It can be a reality.

Our procedures are gentle and effective for personal, work, auto and sports related injuries.

SPECIALIZING IN THE TREATMENT OF: • Low Back Pain • Arm, Leg Pain • Sciatic Pain • Numbness, Hands, Feet • Headaches, Migraines • Mid Back Pain • Whiplash Injuries • Sprains, Strains

Dr. John Hitchiner

Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician

• Arthritic Pain • Bursitis • Joint Pain • Neck Pain • Sports Injuries • On the Job Injuries • Auto Injuries

Massage and Nutritional Therapy Available

$10 Price Reduction for 1 hr. Massage in Sept. 2017, (Reg. $50) - With this Ad Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 6 pm; Sat. 8 am - 11am

CHIROPRACTIC CARE OF GRANBY www.chirocareofgranby.com

50 Hartford Ave., (Rt. 189) 653-5581 Most Insurances Accepted

“Teach only love, for that is what you are.” — A Course in Miracles

South Church: Build Hope Together. “Build up hope together so no one is left out and no one is left behind.” — The Message, 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Join us some Sunday to discover the hope that flows from beyond us, wells up within us, rises between us and waters the world. An Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome! Sept. 3rd service is at 9:30 a.m. HOMECOMING SUNDAY IS SEPTEMBER 10t h . Worship Service & Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Regular Sunday Services start September 17th. Worship Service at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sunday School and Child Care provided at 10:00 service 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Malloy’s Cuts Harmful

FIND US

Governor Malloy’s proposed executive order will decimate public education in small towns across Connecticut. While the ECS formula needs an overhaul, municipalities cannot absorb radical funding cuts and provide quality public education to students. Steep cuts in education will only serve to hasten families’ exodus from the state, demoralize students and teachers, and leave no pathway for young people to have careers, homes and families in Connecticut. As candidates for Granby’s Board of Education, we strongly urge the state legislature to work together to pass a fiscally responsible budget that protects our most vulnerable citizens, provides stability for the business community, and devises a strategy to move Connecticut toward a balanced future. It is time to set aside partisan politics to work for Connecticut’s citizens and for the greater common good. This is no mere plea—it is a demand that our elected representatives in the legislature provide leadership and stability to an ailing state. Municipalities cannot function without financial steadiness: roads go unpaved, community facilities close, senior services disappear and public education crumbles. Our elected officials have a duty to come together and hammer out a fair and honest state budget before the governor’s excessive cuts roll in, due to an overwhelming dose

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.

of self-serving partisan brinksmanship. We also urge Granby citizens to take part in the democratic process by calling our representatives to express your opinion about these proposed cuts and the potential impacts on our community. Here is their contact information: Bill Simanski (State Representative, District #62) 860-240-8700; John Kissel (State Senator, District #S7) 860-240-0531; Kevin Witkos (State Senator, District #S8) 860-240-8800. Thank you, Kim Becker, Brandon Webster and Valorie Hollister

Share the road Readers of The Hartford Courant like me were saddened to read about the recent automobile accident on East Street in Granby involving a car, a pedestrian and a large animal. Of course, I am not privy to or commenting on any of the incident details, but my sadness about it has made me reflect on my own experiences as a horseback rider on Granby streets. As such, I have personally witnessed on many recent occasions the toxic, dangerous mix of driver speed, inattention and impatience when cars encounter horses and riders on Granby roads. Conn. statutes (Conn. Driver’s Manual 2017) specifically require drivers to share the road with horseback riders by, among other things, reducing speed, keeping a reasonable distance, not causing loud

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

@GranbyDrummer

or unusual noses and avoiding frightening the horses. Yet, as a member of the Granby Horse Council, and a person who frequently rides her horse quietly along Granby roads such as Barndoor Hills Road, Bushy Hill Road and across Route 20, cars have passed me at high speeds, honked horns at me and even displayed vulgar hand signals. The laws about sharing the road notwithstanding, don’t drivers realize the danger they expose themselves to when in a speeding car they encounter a big, unpredictable animal like a horse? I respectfully request drivers approaching a horse and rider to slow down and pass with care and a wide berth. It will take drivers only a few extra seconds to pass slowly and carefully, and horse and rider will be very grateful. The rural character and natural beauty of Granby invite all to enjoy her byways, and doing so with respect for others can also be a hallmark of this beautiful town. Karyn Cordner West Simsbury

Letters cont’d. on p. 5

September 2017

The Granby Drummer A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2017 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Hank Rau, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Brian Colton, Photo Editor Barbara Blanchette, Mindy Borrego, George Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Nancy Fischer, Elaine Girard,

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

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

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

GRANBY FOOD BANK : We currently need Dish & Laundry Detergent Paper Towels Toilet Paper Coffee • Juices Mayo •Coffee Condiments

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

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

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

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesday, September 5, Monday, September 18 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, September 25 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, September 6, September 20 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, September 12, September 26 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, September 13 Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, September 11

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

LETTERS POLICY

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

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 Support for Republican candidates I am honored to again be running for First Selectman of this wonderful community. Granby has been a great place to live and raise our family for over 25 years. It has been my pleasure to serve on the Board of Selectmen with such a great team. Our strength in this town has always been in the volunteers and the service they provide to all of us. There have been continued positive enhancements to Granby in recent years, including improved Municipal Bond ratings, awards to our schools, strong fiscal management, well maintained roads and facilities, and forward and open committees and leadership. Our Republican Team knows there are many challenges that we face in Granby—and Connecticut—in this current fiscal climate. We have strong, experienced leaders and board members that will continue to make Granby ready to face the road ahead. Collaboration will continue to be paramount in that readiness. I would like to point out specific candidates that will rise to the challenge and make Granby proud. Melissa Migliaccio, Steve Royer and Sarah Thrall have always been very willing to do what is best for the town and students of Granby. They have a combined 10 children enrolled or graduated from Granby Public Schools, and they care deeply about its progress and continued excellence. Their commitment to Granby is noted by their countless hours of volunteer service on the Board of Education, Registrar of Voters, Building Committee, Charter Review Commission, East Hartland Volunteer Fire Department, Granby Education Foundation and the Granby Parent Teacher Organization. I have enjoyed working with them and learning from them in many different collaborative capacities and have always been in awe at their love of our community and the spirit in which they serve our town. Their election to the Board of Education will reinforce positive improvements and continue with smart fiscal restraint. Please join me in supporting our strong candidates on Nov. 7. Thank you. B. Scott Kuhnly

Support for Thrall I am writing to show my support for

Sarah Thrall in her run for a seat on the Board of Education. I have known Sarah over 10 years and am fortunate to call her my friend. I’ve had the opportunity to work with her on various PTO activities and side-by-side in our children’s classrooms. She has inspired me with her many philanthropic activities and her willingness to roll up her sleeves and get involved. Sarah has an uncanny ability to hear the many sides of a situation and to find the common ground that is often needed. She stands firm in her convictions. She cares deeply about not only the education of her own five children, but the education of ALL children. Her efforts through her job at Junior Achievement are a testament to that fact. Sarah and her family have firmly planted roots in Granby and I have no doubt she will work tirelessly for our community. I encourage you to Vote for Thrall for Board Of Education! Suzy Brinegar

Support for Migliaccio I support Melissa Migliaccio for re-election to the Granby Board of Education. I’ve known Melissa for the past several years when our sons played high school football together. We share a passion for supporting Granby students educationally and athletically. I can’t remember if I voted for Melissa’s first term on the Board of Ed. But I’ve watched her and have appreciated her commitment and leadership to the board, especially in her role as vice chairperson. She continually looks to provide quality education to our students, while being fiscally mindful, especially as the board continues to deal with our declining enrollment challenges. Like many Granby residents, the school district was a primary reason we moved to town 13 years ago. But we also wanted to live in a place where we could feel welcome and become active contributors to the community. Interestingly, Melissa is one of those people who helped fulfill those goals for me. A couple of years ago, I started using the term “Granby Nice” to describe Granby residents. Melissa is a perfect example of Granby Nice! She’s enthusiastically caring, supporting and loving. She’s someone I trust to make the hard decisions for all of our Granby students including the non-residents who live in Hartford and Hartland. This November, I’ll be voting for

N OW R ENTI N G

PERSONALIZED WORK SPACE ONE LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT INCLUDES WI-FI / INTERNET / PHONE / DESKS / ALL UTILITIES PARKING / CONFERENCE ROOM / KITCHENETTE ON-SITE IT SUPPORT / A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT

2

PA R K P CE

2 P A R K P LA C E . C O M 8 6 0.6 5 3 . PA R K 2 PAR K P CE , G R AN BY, CT

Melissa Migliaccio’s re-election to the Granby Board of Education. I’m proud of the accomplishments the board has made over the past several years. With Melissa’s continued leadership, I’m confident the board will continue to help provide the resources needed for the Granby school system. Ken Mouning

to be available to Granby residents to hear their opinions, ideas and concerns. In short, Melissa is exactly the kind of person we need to continue to provide the best possible education to our kids at the lowest cost to taxpayers. Mark Fiorentino

For the past four years, I have had the privilege of serving with Melissa Migliaccio on the Granby Board of Education. Melissa is a tireless public servant who deserves your vote for reelection. We have faced significant challenges on the Board of Education, including: declining student enrollment, rising fixed costs and substantial cuts in state funding. We have met these challenges head-on and continue to provide an excellent education to our students at one of the lowest cost-per-student rates in the state. We have literally done more with less. Our current budget is less than it was two years ago, and yet we have been able to increase programs like advanced placement classes, foreign language curriculum and the arts. Our success is due in large part to Melissa’s passion, dedication and leadership. Melissa is vice chair, a member of our curriculum and policy subcommittee, and our representative to regional/state government and education associations. She spends hours each week at events in the community and goes out of her way

We live off of Barndoor Hills Road, surrounded by the McLean Game Refuge, and noticed that an herbicide had been used on the side of the road. I called the Granby Public Works Department to ask what they were using, and was told it was glyphosate, better known as Roundup. Glyphosate is being added to California’s list of chemicals that can cause cancer. We pay high taxes in Granby, and it’s very disturbing that some of that money has been used to spray a dangerous product. McLean’s, especially, is there for wildlife, which includes plants. If people have a problem with what lives and grows in the wild, then they should keep away. I find it extremely disturbing that Granby, a town that I always thought of as environmentally sensitive, has chosen to use a product that will poison our streams and wells, and endanger the health of our wildlife and residents. Sarasvati Panciera

Poisoning streams?

Editor’s Note: See related article on p. 2.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Drummer Now recruiting: TOWN BOARD REPORTERS PHOTO EDITORS PRODUCTION STAFF Your hometown paper is looking for a few good volunteers to help in these areas. No experience? Training is provided! Email: editor@granbydrummer.org or leave message: 860-653-9222 The Granby

Drummer

Your hometown all-volunteer newspaper. Now in its 48th year!

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Democratic Caucus endorses candidates for fall elections The Granby Democratic Town Committee (DTC) announced the results of the Democratic Caucus and slate of candidates for the fall municipal elections. Held at Holcomb Farm on July

20, the 2017 Democratic Caucus had the highest caucus turnout in memory. “Democrats are energized, and we have a strong team that is excited and ready to lead our community,” said Jim Lofink,

Local woman runs for the State House In an era when many people try to tune out politics and ignore the news from the statehouse, Amanda Webster has been paying attention and wants to do more than call her representative—she wants to be a Representative in 2018. Like many women across the country, Webster thinks this is the year to run against the incumbent for the house seat in the 62nd district. As the state grinds into the fall without a budget, Webster expresses the frustration felt by many. “The 62nd District shouldn’t continually suffer due to poor leadership. Small towns shouldn’t be

Amanda Webster

punished for succeeding or asked to pay higher taxes. We need to bring fiscal responsibility back to Hartford without compromising our strong progressive values,” she states. A Granby resident with two small children, Webster is widely known in town for her community activism, from the PTO Executive Board and fundraising committees to Granby Public School District’s Equity Task Force where she heads the efforts for children with special needs. In addition, she spearheaded Granby’s efforts on behalf of Chris Murphy’s Fight Back CT, attracting many residents from surrounding communities. Running for a house seat was the next step in Webster’s quest to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that towns like Granby can operate independently. At her kick-off event this summer, Webster said, “Far too often, our small towns are forgotten, our funding is cut, our children and seniors are harmed, and the state is forcing us to raise property taxes without offering us any real solutions. This must change. Our municipalities can no longer suffer as a result of misguided decisions at the state level. I love Connecticut. We all do. And our long-term prosperity will require change. Not cuts for the sake of austerity, but a restructuring of priorities and investment in our people.”

DTC Chair. “We will run campaigns focused on transparent, datadriven government.” Of particular excitement are the contested races for Board of Education (BOE), where three Caucus-endorsed candidates -- Kim B e c k e r, B r a n d o n Webster and Valorie Hollister -- are poised Democratic BOE candidates (l–r:) are Kim Becker, Brandon to give Democrats a Webster and Val Holister. Photo by Amanda Webster. majority on the Granby teristics that make Granby “The Pride BOE. Each of these of the Valley”. candidates are excited to give back to the The endorsed candidate for the Zoning system they know so well as parents of Board of Appeals is Wayne Chapple, Granby students, and each brings unique and candidates for the Zoning Board strengths and skillsets that will invigorate of Appeals Alternates include David our schools and bring increased transparHennessey and Suzanne Yucha. All are ency to the BOE. currently serving admirably in these The Caucus enthusiastically endorsed positions. Such experience allows for a incumbents Sally King and Jim Lofink better understanding of the regulations as their candidates for continued service and considerations important to appeal on the Board of Selectman. Sally and cases. The Board of Assessment Appeals Jim’s proven leadership, commitment to nomination is public service newcomer accountability and experience in buildDaniel Chapple, who brings valuable ing collaborative frameworks position professional experience to this position. them to continue to help make Granby a The Granby Democratic Town Comstronger community. mittee stated: “We are pleased that so Democrats supported continued terms many Democratic members of our comfor Dr. Fred Moffa for the Board of munity choose to offer service to their Finance, Planning and Zoning ComTown. This volunteerism has contributed missioners Peggy Chapple and Eric to making a stronger Granby: a better Lukingbeal, and Planning and Zoning place to live, to work, and to raise a famAlternate Christine Chinni. Dr. Moffa ily. Our candidates are excited to meet brings years of BOF experience, and the with voters to share their ideas for a better latter three are local lawyers, each with future, and a stronger Granby.” Find out considerable experience in municipal more on Facebook @GranbyDemocrataffairs and a commitment to the unique icTownCommittee agricultural and environmental charac-

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 7

with Tim Nolan

Fall sports preview Fall athletics have begun at the high school. Consistent with CIAC rules, football was the first team to hit the turf on August 14th; all other teams started practicing on August 24. All seven teams: cross-country (boys and girls), field hockey, football, soccer (boys and girls), and girls volleyball have put in the work this past summer and hope to start the 2017–2018 school year on a high note. Captains Anthony Spica, a junior, and Nate Orluk, a senior, lead the boys’ crosscountry team. These two look to lead a strong team to success in 2017. Orluk credits a strong bond with his teammates as a major key for Coach Lobo’s group. “It’s a close group where everyone is more of a friend than a teammate and that makes people want to do well for more than just themselves,” he explained. The girls’ cross-country team is led by senior captains Hannah Shoaf and Kennedy Baggott. Last year, Coach Hansen’s team placed 4th in the NCCC meet, and 7th in the Class M state meet, with Baggott and sophomore Amy Briggs earning All-Conference selections. Says Baggott, “I think summer training, as well as all of the training we put in during the season, is going to be a major part of what makes or breaks our team this year. We’ve got a lot of potential and I think this is the year that we’re going to put it together.” The field hockey team is coming off yet another successful season. They finished the season atop the NCCC and made it to the semifinals of the state tournament. This season Coach Wickman-Mason’s team will be captained by seniors Cheryl Latona, Grace Hoeckele, and Taylorann Vibert. Hoeckele and Kari Marks are

returning All-Conference selections for the Bears. These four ladies are the last remaining members of the 2014 state finalist team. In order to get back to the finals, Latona believes this team has to rely on its speed and youth: “We have a really fast team and a lot of incoming players with talent.” The football team looks to improve upon last year’s 2-8 season. Despite the record, it was an important learning season for first-year head coach Erik Shortell and first-year varsity starters at 20 of 22 positions. This year’s more experienced squad will be led by senior captains Kyle Courtney, Matt Jacobs, and Tim Nolan, along with junior captain Ben Kibby. Kibby and junior Conor Hogan both earned All-Conference honorable mention last season. As explained by Courtney, “To have this team be successful this season we need players and coaches on the same page and making sure everyone is doing their job. If we work hard in the pre-season and everyone knows their plays, big things could happen this year.” In volleyball, Coach Sprowson looks to continue his success at Granby, most recently going 22-5 and finishing atop the NCCC. The Bears went on to lose in the state semifinal to Seymour in four sets. This year’s squad is led by captains Madisyn MacDonald and Jalyn Brown. With the loss of a strong graduated class, highlighted by All-American Marieke Van Der Mark, the team is unfazed. As MacDonald shared, “Everyone keeps saying that this year’s team is a ‘growing year’. Yeah, we lost the best hitter in the state [Marieke], but if we work hard

enough we have lots of potential. This year we have to be more passionate and work as a team. We have to leave our problems off the court. With enough dedication and focus, we could go far.” Girls’ soccer had a strong season last fall, finishing third in the NCCC at 123-1 before falling in the second round of the Class M tournament to Watertown. Much like football, this was a very young team that gained valuable experience for years to come. Coach Moose’s team lost only one starter to graduation and returns three All-Conference selections: senior Mackenzie Stahl, junior Lucy Jacobs and sophomore Maria Nolan, with Stahl also garnering All-State honors. Stahl believes chemistry and experience will make this team successful. “Our team has many returning players, a huge asset since we are already familiar with each other. We have multiple people coming back at each position that can bring something special to the field consistently and help us win against tough competitors.” Senior captain Maddy Attianese echoes her teammate’s feelings: “We are a family, playing to each other’s strengths while making up for each other’s weaknesses. We have fast forwards,

talented midfielders, and a strong back line,” the four-year starter said. Last year the boys’ soccer team created the most excitement among students with their 17-3 record, including their first win over rival Suffield since 2002 and first NCCC conference title since 2006. Coach Emery’s team advanced all the way to the Class M State semifinals, but lost the match 4-3 in extra time to Ellington. This year’s team will be without a very talented graduated class, forcing other players to step up and fill the void. Senior captain and returning All-State selection Ben Ranicar, is no stranger to stepping up, having been a starter since he was a freshman. Ranicar sees this as an opportunity for his younger teammates, saying, “Everybody returning from the team last year is viewed as ‘key’, with every player excited to pull their weight in what we hope will be another good season.” If you would like to see any of these teams in action, go to ciacsports.com, or follow Granby Sports on Twitter for game times and in-game updates. On behalf of all seven fall sports teams, we appreciate your continued support and look to continue GMHS’ athletic success.

GOP Caucus selects candidates for Nov. 7 election A Republican Caucus was held on July 20, at the Community Room of the Police Department to select candidates for the Nov. 7 Municipal Election. B. Scott Kuhnly was nominated for his third term as First Selectman. Also nominated for the Board of Selectmen are Mark Neumann and Ed Ohannessian. The Board of Finance candidates are Gordon Bischoff and Al Wilke. The Board of Education candidates are Melissa Migliaccio, Steve Royer and Sarah

Thrall. Sarah will be running for the first time on the Board of Education. Eric Myers is nominated for the full-time member seat on Planning and Zoning Commission. The Board of Assessment candidate is Celia Egger. The Zoning Board of Appeals candidate is Robert Lindeyer; Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate is Liam O’Leary. John Adams was nominated again for Town Moderator.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

Today, more people are looking at homes online . . . . . . so working with the right Realtor is essential! Buying or selling a home involves many important decisions. Staging, photography, market conditions are just a few points to consider. Let Nancy guide you through the entire process, from the first click to signing on the dotted line - you’re in good hands!

Experience the Expertise of your Hometown Realtor.

860-836-7506 nreardon@bhhsne.com www.NancyReardon.com Be in the KNOW on the GO - Text EEU to 87778 to get my Mobile App!

© 2017 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity

We are proud to say Nancy is:

• Diamond Award winner - Top 1/2% of 1% Nationally • #1 Selling and Listing Agent in Granby • Top Agent Award in Connecticut • Five-Star Award Winner • Top Customer Service Award in Connecticut

bhhsNEProperties.com

September 2017

Page 8 The Granby Drummer

Administrators, teachers,students and parents honored

Focus on Education

Throughout the 2016-2017 school year, donations were made to the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) in honor of the teachers, administrators, parents, and students shown below. As part of the GEF’s mission is to encourage educational excellence, the Foundation is thrilled to recognize the efforts of these individuals. Please join the GEF in congratulating them and applauding their hard work and dedication.

Honoree

Donor Name

Kim Becker John Bikowski Nannie Brown Jeannie Bryanton Ellen Budda Craig DiCiancia Kate Dumas Frania Fairchild Cynthia Garrey Dean Godin Grace J. Matthews Ken Mouning Kim Narciso Colleen Nisbet John Norris Patricia Orlowski Tracy Pagano Jacky Paton Anne Puzzo Deb Ranicar Lane Rea Mindy Shilansky Steve Stickel Maria Toth Linda Touchette Robyn Weller

Jenny & Dave Emery Emily Brewer Gary Kanter & Kelly Lynch Warren & Sally Markey Zachary Brewer Sandridge Family Sandridge Family Toby & Darcy Proctor Jenny and Dave Emery Sandridge Family 5th Grade Class Zachary Brewer Sandridge Family Jenny & Dave Emery Brian & Julia Clark Sandridge Family Therese Mulvey & Brad McDougall Zachary Brewer Jenny & Dave Emery Bethany Kanter Therese Mulvey & Brad McDougall Therese Mulvey & Brad McDougall Toby & Darcy Proctor Emily Brewer Jenny & Dave Emery 3rd Grade Class Emily Brewer Dr. Michael & Kathy Ungerleider

Nannie Brown Fund When Nannie Brown announced her retirement from Valley Pre-School (VPS), her fellow teachers and the VPS board of directors chose to honor and thank her for all she’s done for the school and for Granby by establishing the Nannie Brown Tribute Fund through the Granby Education Foundation. This endowed fund supports the GEF’s Community Grants, particularly, those programs that involve early childhood education. Donations are accepted year round and a listing of all donors to date may be found on the GEF website. Cal Heminway Fund Upon Cal Heminway’s retirement from the Granby Board of Education, a grateful Granby family established a Tribute Fund through the GEF to honor him for his many years of community service. This endowed fund supports the GEF’s Community Grants, particularly, those programs that encourage civic involvement. Donations are accepted year round and a listing of all donors to date may be found on the GEF website. For more information about these tribute funds or the grant programs that they support, please visit the GEF’s webpage at www.granbyeducationfoundation.org. Donations to any of these tribute funds can be sent to the GEF, P.O. Box 351, Granby, CT 06035. 10 Hartford Ave., Granby in the Starbucks plaza

860-844-8608 Open 7 days: Mon-Wed. 9-6, Thu.-Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5

granbyvillagehealth.com

September 2017

Alan Addley, Ed. D.

Districts left scrambling ahead of school opening Across Connecticut, families and students are experiencing the annual excitement and anticipation that accompanies the first day of another school year. At the same time, the state’s financial problems dominate discussions. Superintendents and town officials remain anxious about the lack of a state budget and the proposed draconian budget reductions in state aid to municipalities. At the time of writing this article, there is still no state budget and the Governor’s most recent Executive Budget Order eliminates state aid to approximately 85 school systems. Under the Executive Order, Granby’s town and school aid is reduced by approximately $5.4M. In absence of a state budget, the Executive Order goes into effect in October. Despite the fact that Granby’s town finances are extremely well managed, if the legislature cannot work together to produce a more reasonable budget, this type of reduction would be devastating to the town and school system. While we are hopeful that Granby will not ultimately lose all of its funding, the boards of Finance, Selectmen and Education are working proactively and collaboratively in the best interests of the taxpayers and students to plan for a number of possible scenarios. The boards will come together again for a Three-Board Meeting on Sept. 5 to discuss the state and local budgets. As the district prepares to open its doors for another school year, enrollment is down slightly as projected and, assuming the town finally receives the majority of its budgeted state funding, the district looks forward to making

some program improvements in the areas of mathematics, one-to-one computing, teacher partnerships for intermediate students, a community student mentoring program, expanded high school course offerings, middle school teaming, and school safety. Exciting recommendations pertaining to the performing arts and a solar project to reduce district expenses are slated to be considered by the Board of Education. Additionally, the high school will finalize its self-study process as it prepares to host the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation visit in 2018 and the district will continue to work with parents to ensure a smooth transition for students to the new school configuration. As the legislature works on resolving the necessary funding, students enter school this week with their new supplies but also with excitement, new hopes and aspirations to be successful. As educators, we have the awesome privilege and responsibility to work with our young people. We look forward to fueling our students’ passions and keeping the flame alive on the first day of school and every day. As another school year commences, the district extends a special welcome to families new to Granby and to students who will be joining the school system for the first time. I encourage parents and community members to stay involved and help us to navigate the financial challenges that lie ahead by keeping the highest quality education a priority for the town at the least expense to the taxpayer.

Our Plumbing Services Can Save You $$. Save 10%

ON EVERY CALL WITH A SERVICE PLAN Aromatherapy Supplies!

Fresh

THE

HIGHEST

QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS with the BEST PRICING available!

l Exceptional skin care, natural candles,

ORGANIC PRODUCE Delivered Weekly Wholesale

BUYING CLUB buy in bulk and SAVE BIG!

The area’s MOST COMPLETE selection of

Over 100 items stocked in our

BULK

section including over 50 different organic herbs and spices

l

VEGETARIAN CAFE

EARTH FRIENDLY ALLERGEN-FREE household products

foods l

open daily 10-3

l

Award winning

JUICE BAR

open daily till 4

EVERYDAY senior discount! 20 years of proudly serving our community! Owned by the Love Family since 1995

3 HEATING 3PLUMBING 3COOLING 3OIL 3 Yes! We do that! SERVICE & REPAIR | ANNUAL MAINTENANCE | NEW INSTALLATIONS FULL PLUMBING SERVICE | WELL PUMP INSTALLATIONS+REPAIRS

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE:

860.844.0111 beaconmechanical.com

CT Lic# S1-0397099, P1-203890, HOD-0000787, MA Lic # 062090

your comfort Experts in Heating, cooling, Plumbing, and oil

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 9

Granby Field Hockey earns silver at Nutmeg Tournament

Upper classman offers freshmen advice Camden Robertson

(From left to right) Back row: Taylorann Vibert, Abby Bascetta, and Gaby Sturgeon Middle Row: Haley Clark, Alana King, Georgia McDougall, Lauren Roy, and Heather Salter Ground: Nina DeGagne. Submitted photo

By Taylorann Vibert The Granby Memorial High School Field Hockey Team competed in the Connecticut State Nutmeg Games, held at Veterans’ stadium in New Britain on July 18. This year, Granby had two teams competing in the high school division, but only one continued on to the final round. Coached by Granby

alumni Abby Bascetta,the team faced off against Enfield for the gold round. Both teams held a 3-0 record that made for a close game, ending in a loss for Granby. Enfield won, 2-1. Although Granby ultimately lost, the overall success the team had looks promising for the upcoming season, as they will be contending for their 14th championship title.

BOS Student Liaison needed

Granby Memorial High School students interested in being appointed the 20172018 student liaison to the Board of Selectmen should see Principal Mike Dunn’s secretary Donna Andrews for the proper form. Liaisons attend all BOS meetings to learn about Granby government and are encouraged to report on events taking place at the high school.

1. Don’t be scared! Freshman year is undeniably a new experience, but remember that your entire class is in the same boat! And furthermore, the classes above you, though they may not seem like it, were freshman once too. 2. Challenge yourself! When choosing between an honors or an academic class, default towards the harder option if even part of you feels ready. You can always change classes after two weeks if you think the class is too difficult, but it is important to challenge yourself and learn as much as you can. Plus, it is much easier to drop to an easier class, than to change to a harder one. 3. Carry lots of ones, and water... This advice may seem strange, but the high school has vending machines that students can frequently use, which only accept one dollar bills, and the high school can be quite hot during the early fall weeks, so it is very important to stay hydrated. 4. Step out of your comfort zone! High school is the time to figure out what kind of a student you are, and what subjects you enjoy. Take some classes you would not normally take, and don’t be afraid to join a new club or sport! 5. Apply yourself and get involved! It is so very important to try your best in all of your classes, as this is you first school year where your grades, whether you like it or not, do truly matter. That

being said, it is also important to have a little fun! Go to the football games, the dances, the band concerts, etc. Your high school experience flies by quickly, and it is important to get as much as you can out of your next four years. 6. Stay organized, and don’t create stress for yourself. Although the workload is a lot, it is very important to keep your work straight. Write down when things are due in whatever manner you choose, and organize your papers using binders or folders. Losing homework or study materials can be extremely stressful, and in order to keep your GPA up, it is important to keep your schoolwork organized. It will save lots of time! 7. Be healthy, physically and mentally. Eat healthy, drink water, get exercise, and sleep sleep sleep. When completing your assignments, try to look at the big picture. Do the things that are due the next day first, and give yourself some time to rest. Keeping yourself sane as best you can is so important, especially when midterms and finals come around. 8. Study! More than ever, studying and paying attention in class is vital. Use flashcards, quizlet, study groups, etc., and find what works for you. Prioritize what information you need to spend time on, and eliminate distractions as best you can. 9. Have fun! Breathe, don’t stress, and take things as they come. Freshman year is a blast if you allow it to be!

Think of it as a housewarming gift.

$500 off closing costs

Buying your first home? Get $500* off closing costs on any approved home loan! *Borrower will be credited $500 toward closing costs. Available to First-time Home-buyers for the purchase of their first home only. A First-time Homebuyer is an individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the property. Refinances of first homes are not eligible. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

What better banking’s all about . sm

westfieldbank.com

Member

FDIC

Page 10 The Granby Drummer Registrars

September 2017

September BOE Candidate Forum

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, candidates running for the Granby Board of Education on the November ballot have been invited to attend a candidate forum being sponsored by the registrars office. The event will be held in the Town Hall meeting room on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. The public is invited to meet the candidates, learn about local issues, and understand the importance of voting and registering to vote. The statutory duties and responsibilities of our local boards will be discussed. If you have a question you would like to ask prospective members of the Board of Education, please submit it to the registrars of voters by Sept. 13. Sept. 27 pollworker introduction and recruitment meeting At 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, the registrars will have a very quick overview of poll working for anyone who has questions about participating on Election Day and how elections are run. This meeting is open to all, and will be held in the Granby Town Hall Meeting Room before the Candidate Forum. Veteran poll workers will answer questions and describe their experiences. Poll workers will be needed for the municipal election on Nov. 7. The registrar’s office is compiling an e-mail list of poll workers. Poll workers can be volunteers or paid, must be at least 16-years-old and must complete poll worker training in order to serve. Hours are available to fit your schedule. If you would like to be added to the list, or if you did not receive the poll worker information e-letter, please e-mail the registrars at vr.granby.ct@ gmail.com. Public lottery for horizontal ballot order On Sept. 6 there will be a lottery to determine the horizontal ballot order of the candidates for Board of Selectman, Board of Finance, Board of Education, and Planning & Zoning Commission. The lottery will be held at 2 p.m. in the Town Hall meeting room and is open to the public.

No Primary in September; Nov. 7 is Election Day The 2017 municipal ballot will have openings in 10 different boards and offices with 26 candidates running, including Board of Selectmen and Board of Education seats. As both major party slates were unanimously approved at July caucuses, and no one contested the nominations by petition, Granby will not have a primary on Sept. 12. Student interns helping deliver democracy The Registrars were pleased to have two interns in the office over the past year, and this summer. Alden Metzger is a 2017 graduate of Granby Memorial High School and is attending Westfield State University this fall. He was a great addition to the office and learned about running elections, election law and record keeping. Einnon Timms is currently a senior at Granby Memorial High School and earned community service hours by working at the registrars office over the summer. The registrars are actively looking for students to participate this year, email the registrars for an application. A reminder to young voters who are leaving for college—you can register to vote or check your registration online by visiting the Secretary of State’s website. If you are staying in Connecticut, you may transfer your registration to your new town of residence. If you will be attending college or university outside of Connecticut, every state has different rules and you will need to check with the local election officials. You may also vote by absentee ballot; applications are being accepted now by the Town Clerk for anyone wishing to receive a November ballot. Voter registration is a public record, and it is easy to confirm your voter registration. From the Town of Granby website there is a link to the Secretary of the State website’s online voter registration look-up tool: www.dir. ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx. There is also a link to Online Voter Registration

Why We Should Be Your

to enroll, or to make name, party or address changes to an existing voter registration voterregistration.ct.gov/ OLVR/welcome.do. Posted office hours for the registrars’ office are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paper voter registration forms are available at town halls, libraries, DMV offices and online at the Secretary of State’s website. The registrars also offer a free 5–15 minute overview on voting for any interested town groups. Please contact the registrars at 860-844-5322 or vr.granby.ct@gmail.com to arrange this. Absentee ballots are handled through the Town Clerk’s office and voters must complete and send an application to receive an absentee ballot. For primaries and general November elections, send the application for your absentee ballot at least one month before the election or primary and mail your completed ballot immediately after you receive it. The application is available from the Town Clerk or online at the Secretary of State’s website: www.sots.ct.gov. Calendar Review Absentee Ballot Applications are being collected now by the Town Clerk for those who know they will be away from home on Nov. 7. The form is available at Town Hall or on the web at www.sots.ct.gov. Wednesday, Sept. 6, Public lottery to determine horizontal ballot order at 2 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room Wednesday, Sept. 27, Pollworker Recruitment Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room Wednesday, Sept. 27, BOE Candidate Forum at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room Friday, Oct. 6, Absentee ballots become available from the Town Clerk for Nov. 7 election Questions? Please contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis. Office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and email address is vr.granby.ct@gmail.com.

Septic Company

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Vince Steniger GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Ezra Friedman ENDODONTICS

Emergency Service 24/7

Chris & Bryan 1983

Ask your neighbors about us!

Dr. Staci Allen

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST

We are:  Family Owned and Operated  Professional & Knowledgeable  Fully Licensed & Insured

General Dentists and Certified Specialists All Under One Roof!

CT License # HIC0559131

Buying a home is one of your biggest investments… LET US HELP YOU PROTECT IT! All major credit cards accepted

(860) 651-7060

www.ChristopherBryantCompany.com

SEPTIC CLEANINGS * INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS * PUMP & PUMP CHAMBERS FIBER OPTIC VIDEO INSPECTION * SEWER CONNECTIONS * E XCAVATION & DRAINAGE

860-653-7596

WWW.GRANBYDENTAL.COM ……….

Appointments 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturdays!

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 11

Youth Services Bureau

by AnneMarie Cox

What’s new at Granby Youth Service Bureau? Exciting community service opportunity for youth! Community Service Peer Education Program Beginning in September we are recruiting for T2T: Teen to Teen, a prevention program. Offered by the Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau, the program is open to both middle and high school students. T2T is a peereducation-based community prevention program. Peer education programs are built on the concept that accurate information related to topics of concern is most likely to be listened to if it comes from peers in a natural, organic conversation. By taking a group of interested teens and training them to be peer experts on a few different topics, they can take that accurate information back to their peers. They can correct inaccurate information as it comes up in conversation in a way that is far more likely to make an impact than if the information is coming from an adult. Throughout the year about ten different trainings will be offered on all the different prevention topics the YSB addresses from typical things like why underage drinking is a problem, the impact of legalization of marijuana on teen use, to LGBTQ issues and preventing STDs. Each participant will commit to at least four trainings during the year. Participants get to pick the topics they are interested in or comfortable with. Parents are given the option of requesting that a topic not be presented to their child as well as the opportunity to attend a training session if they want to know how a sensitive topic (like birth control or LGBTQ issues) is handled.

Participants will get community service hours for the time spent in training. They then log their times and actually get to use the information. This will also translate into community service time. Lastly, for T2T members interested in a more public or theatrical role, YSB will work with a film student to develop some PSAs for publication on YouTube that will be linked to the YSB website. Interested in learning more? Contact AnneMarie at 860- 844-5355 or ahcox@ granby-ct.gov. Prevention programs on YouTube In recognition of the digital and busy age we live in, this year the Youth Service Bureau will be focusing on getting its most current and up-to-date prevention programs onto video and posted on YouTube so parents can easily access the information at their convenience. YSB would love to recruit some parents to take part in these efforts. A studio audience will add to the depth of coverage of different topics as real questions and comments can drive the presentations in directions that reflect the community’s needs. Please call AnneMarie Cox if you would like to participate! Audio only, filming will focus on the PowerPoint presentation. Call 860-844-5355 for more information. The Build Your Teen’s Stress Rx Toolbox workshop is offered again on Monday evening, Sept. 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The workshop introduces participants to a wide range of stress and anxiety coping strategies, from mindfulness to meditation, diet and exercise, to time management and study skills. The program is free but registration is required. Call YSB for more information.

2017 Granby teacher of the year By Christopher Tranberg The Granby Public Schools proudly recognized Joy Cloukey as the 2017–18 Teacher of the Year at the dist r i c t ’s c l o s i n g ceremo n ies o n June 19. In celebration of Joy’s Joy Cloukey achievements and contributions to the students of Granby, she was joined on stage by her husband Ryan, children Owen and Tessa, as well as her parents. Joy is currently a fourth grade teacher at Wells Road Intermediate School who takes a “kids first” approach to her work. Since graduating from Marist College, Joy has been a dedicated member of the Granby schools. Joy is celebrating completion of her fifteenth year at Wells Road Intermediate School where she changes lives on a daily basis. Joy is known among her colleagues as a quiet leader who works behind the scenes to make Wells Road a wonderful community to learn and grow. She is described as a flexible team player who is always willing to share, and goes above and beyond in all aspects of her work. Joy is a great listener, thoughtful collaborator and a forward thinker. It is no secret that Joy has a love and passion for reading. She collaboratively

worked to bring One Book, One School, to Wells Road, an initiative that builds community and literacy by focusing a school on one common piece of literature. This initiative exemplifies Joy’s passion for reading and her desire to instill a similar love with her students and colleagues. This school year, literature took Mrs. Cloukey’s class on a special journey as they read Pax by Sara Pennypacker. This incredibly beautiful story came to life in her classroom as students explored themes of loyalty, peace and friendship. There is no question that Joy resonates with Pennypacker’s message when the author writes “I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing. That is peace.” Personally, Joy is incredibly close with her family and relaxes with camping, and finds adventure through skydiving. She keeps her family and church community close and remains active on behalf of her children as a member of the PTO in Ellington. As Granby’s Teacher of the Year, Joy will be recognized at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in November, along with all other Teacher of the Year recipients from Connecticut towns. Please join us in congratulating Joy Cloukey as Granby’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. Note: The author is director of teaching and talent development for Granby Public Schools

DTC scholarships awarded The Granby Democratic Town Committee (DTC) has announced that recipients of the fifth annual DTC Scholarships are Kelly-Anne Moffa and Julianna Pestretto. The Granby DTC awarded two $1000 scholarships this year due to the increased support from community fundraising, and a generous matching gift by our U.S. Congressman, John Larson. Both young women graduated from Granby Memorial High School this June as high honors students and both are college bound. Kelly-Anne will be attending the University of Connecticut and Julianna will be attending Gettysburg College. Granby DTC scholarships are awarded to deserving Granby High School seniors who demonstrate positive engagement in the political process and exemplify our mission of “Making Granby a Better Community”. This year, applicants were asked to focus on The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States

which reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” They completed an essay response to the question: How do you think this first amendment right affects you as a citizen of Granby on a daily basis, and what is its importance to us as Granby citizens striving to make Granby a better community given the current political climate? Both recipients responded with informed, substantive, and insightful essays reflecting well on their Granby education and their civic awareness. Congratulations to Kelly Ann and Julianne on their successful high school careers and community participation, and well wishes in their future university studies.

Drumrolls Gloria Seery earned a BS in business management from Western Governors University.

Meghan Blasig and Catherine Sullivan earned degrees at the Sienna College spring commencement exercises.

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town

New England Air Museum events

Simsbury Grange Agricultural Fair The Simsbury Grange will host its annual Agricultural Fair on Saturday, Sept. 16, 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. Entertainment featuring folk musician Bill Benson will also be provided. The community is invited to participate as an exhibitor and/or as an entrant in one of the many categories. Limited table spaces are available. Exhibitors charged $25; non-profits exhibiting only (no sale items), no charge. Several contests with ribbons and cash prizes will be held. Categories for adults: fruits and vegetables; home arts—quilting, sewing, knitting, jamming, canning; baked goods; flowers and plants. Categories for children: vegetables; LEGO creations; baked goods; two-dimensional art (original art

and photography). Online registration is available by visiting www.simsburygrange.org/simsburyfairentry.asp. Fair brochures are available at the Simsbury Town Hall, Flamig Farm, the Simsbury Senior Center, the Simsbury Library or online at www. simsburygrange.org. Entertainment will be provided by Bill Benson. Benson is a singer/songwriter from Collinsville, who plays a variety of acoustic folk rock and is known for his ballads and smooth, strong vocal style. In August 2013, he won the Northwest Idol Finals, a vocal competition held at the Warner Theater in Torrington. To learn more about Benson and his music, visit www.reverbnation.com/billbenson. Simsbury Grange Hall is located at 236 Farms Village Road (Rte. 309), West Simsbury. For additional information please contact Simsbury Grange President Barbara Friedland at 860-4139567 or info@SimsburyGrange.org.

Chorale announces new season, seeks new singers The Farmington Valley Chorale, with Ellen Gilson Voth as artistic director, will begin rehearsals for its 2017/18 season on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, 55 Bushy Hill Rd, Simsbury. The new season will include a December holiday program featuring Amahl and the Night Visitors in partnership with the Hartford Opera Theater, and a spring performance of works about the passage of time culminating in John Corigliano’s Fern Hill. The chorale invites new singers in all voice parts (SATB) to join the non-auditioned group for what promises

September 2017

to be an exciting season. The chorale of more than 100 members has been performing classical music in the Farmington Valley since 1970. Members come from Greater Hartford and Greater Springfield, with more than ten hailing from the Granby area. Programs feature professional soloists and orchestral accompaniment. In April, the chorale presented Mendelssohn’s Elijah at Granby Memorial High School. To find out more about the Farmington Valley Chorale and how to join, please visit www.farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

Jets and Vettes Car Show The NEAM will host a Jets and Vettes Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 17. All Chevrolet Corvettes are welcome to show. Attendees have the opportunity to take a photograph with one of the museum’s historic jets. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; show field gate closes at 3:30 p.m. Show car admission is $20 for the driver and one passenger. Museum admission is included. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded for Best Vintage and Best of Show. All proceeds will benefit the NEAM’s Aircraft Restoration. The New England Air Museum is located at 36 Perimeter Road (off Route 75) on the north end of the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. For more information please visit www. neam.org or call 860-623-3305. Connecticut Takes Flight Dr. Thomas Crouch, Senior Curator of

Aeronautics at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, has been added to the 2017 Speaker Series at the New England Air Museum. Crouch takes a look at the Yankee aviators and innovators that helped shape New England’s rich aerospace legacy. The program will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. in the museum’s conference room. $20 for non-member, which includes admission to museum. Members are free. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please call 860-623-3305 Dr. Crouch has been a Smithsonian employee since 1974, having served both the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History in a variety of curatorial and administrative posts. Prior to the Smithsonian, he was director of education at the Ohio Historical Society and director of the Ohio American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Commission.

In Memory of . . . Yasny, Gloria (Toof), 87, wife of the late John Yasny, March 22 Abbott, Eileen Theresa (Keegan), 79, wife of Vaughan Abbott, May 28 St. John, Russell George, 88, husband of Anne St. John, June 17 Winter, Steven Thomas, 31, June 18 Kapsis, Anita, 76, wife of Anthony Kapsis, June 25 Shaw, Lyall Harry, Jr., 88, husband of Vivian (Crane) Shaw, June 25 Starble, Pasquale (“Pat”) E., husband of Dorothy Morgan Starble, June 25 Champagne, Walter (“Big Butch”) Stephen, 66, June 26 Spaulding, James A., 77, July 3 Gerrish, Michael Patrick, 54, husband of Risa Alice (Strickland) Gerrish, July 11 Smith, Matthew W., 55, fiancé of Cheryl M. Champagne, July 11 Gegetskas, Marion (“Cookie”), 73, wife of Robert B. Gegetskas, July 14 Dalrymple, Karen Lenentine, 60, wife of George R. Dalrymple II, July 16 Champagne, Kevin (“Guido”) Jonathan, 39, July 18 Olivieri, Donald C., 86, husband Elizabeth (Ahern) Olivieri, July 22

Laiuppa, Judith T., 67, wife of Paul Laiuppa, July 25 Zuliani, Frank C., husband of Judith (Kulk) Zuliani, July 29 Wilder, Vivian Shirley (Marshall), 92, wife of the late Frank Wallace Wilder, August 3 Cutler, William (“Bill”) Clyde, 81, husband of Nancy (Burman) Cutler, August 4 Smalley, Sharon Eckhart, 77, wife of Roger Smalley, August 5 Charette, Elise (“Lisa”) S., 82, wife of Harold Charette, August 8 Mollineaux, Susannah (“Sue”) Dubois, 52, long-time friend of Larry Harden, August 8 Newhall, Gertrud S., 102, wife of the late Lawrence Johnson Newhall, August 14 Cunningham, Daniel Joseph, 87, husband of Pauline (Dixon) Cunningham, August 16 Bounds, Robert Wiley, 88, former husband of Jean B. Bounds, August 19 Vincent, William F., 77, husband of Frances (Holman) Vincent, August 20 Yeck, John Wesley, 72, husband of Esther (Scheinblum) Yeck, August 22

Sam Collins’ Birthday Bash! at the

Canton Historical Museum

Sunday, Sept 24th 11am - 4pm Bands: Vitamin J Jazz Band, Sue Lopes Quartet, DeMar Jamz Talks: Sam Collins & His Company, The Collins Company Buildings, Railroads of Collinsville For Kids: Pony Rides, Face Painting, Balloon Animals Demonstrations: Spinning, Pottery, Blacksmithing, Weaving 11am to 4pm: Classic Cars, Hotdogs & Canton Museum Soda, Model Trains, Sam & Sarah Collins and Margaret Dyer impersonators, Birthday Cupcakes and more! Platinum Sponsors: Premiere Energy, Ace Truck Repair Gold Sponsors: Lava Motors, Collinsville Savings Bank Silver Sponsors: CasKel Manufacturing, Sisters Oil, Canton Auto Parts Bronze Sponsors: Kathleen Taylor, Katherine Jenkins, Bahre Real Estate, Canton Village Construction, River Road Storage, Suburban Sanitation Non Monetary Donors: Martel Transportation, Shop Rite

Parking and Shuttle Bus from the High School Visit CantonMuseum.org for more information

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus MS Support

Tag Sale Cancelled

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

The Friends of Cossitt Library have cancelled the Sept. 9 tag sale. Thank you to those who saved items for the sale. The Friends regret any inconvenience. To have donations returned, please call 860-653-3887.

Celebrate first day of school! Stop by MeadowBrook on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. for a complementary cupcake, and tell us about your day. MeadowBrook, 350 Salmon Brook Street, is managed by Athena Health Care System. Dementia Support Group MeadowBrook of Granby hosts a monthly dementia and Alzheimer’s support group, presented by Nicole Matson, the director of therapeutic recreation and a dementia specialist. The next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:45 a.m. at MeadowBrook. Apple Cider Stand Drop by MeadowBrook of Granby on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a cup of apple cider.

Mum Sale Mary’s Kitty Korner, 281 Salmon Brook St., will sell mums to benefit its no-kill cat shelter on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eight-inch mums will be $6 each or 3 for $15. Twelve-inch mums will be $20 each. Brighten up your yard and help Mary’s Kitty Korner at the same time. Volunteers Needed Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find “fur-ever” homes. If you love cats and have time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon, the shelter would love to hear from you. Call 860-379-4141 or visit www.maryskittykorner.org.

MeadowBrook Events

Autumn in Granby Means AppleFest at First Church By Linda Betsch

Celebrate autumn in Connecticut at AppleFest, hosted by the First Congregational Church, located at 219 N. Granby Road! On Saturday, Sept. 30, the day starts at 9 a.m. with a churchwide tag sale. Early birds welcome! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the tag sale continues with a wide variety of area artisans and vendors displaying their wares for sale. Come hungry and enjoy some delicious homemade goods. For the sixth year, enjoy this traditional taste of New England at this fun-filled event with crafters and vendors, a super-sized tag sale of gently-used handselected home furnishings, housewares and sporting equipment, and locally grown produce. Choose hot dogs, chili, soup, baked potatoes and the famous cheese bread for lunch. For dessert have a slice or a full apple pie or choose from many other home-baked items. “Each year, AppleFest grows as people around the community come to expect it,” said Rev. Ginny McDaniel. “The variety of the vendors is eclectic, interesting and there are new ones each year. The food is always a big draw. We hope you’ll come, shop and stay for lunch!” Admission and parking are free. AppleFest will be held rain or shine, using indoor and outdoor covered spaces. Contact the church office if you have any questions (860-653-4537).

Mary’s Kitty Korner

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Sept. 11, at the Senior Center at 7 p.m. The meeting topic will be Getting to Know the Granby Camera Club. The scavenger hunt words are Americana, Weird and Favorite. To learn more about the club visit www. GranbyCameraClub.com.

Civic Club 104th Year

The Granby Civic Club will have its first meeting of the 2017–18 year on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Granby Senior Center. It is the annual membership meeting when members renew their commitment to the club and welcome new members. A wel-

come tea is the theme and each person should bring their teacup and enjoy time together. The Civic Club, open to all women of the community, is beginning its 104th year of continuous serving the community and the purpose continues to be “a better Granby.” New members, as well as guests, are welcome at all meetings on the third Thursday of the month. Please contact Ginny Wutka (ginny@lostacres.com) for additional information.

Tag and Bake Sale

Copper Hill United Methodist Church will hold a tag and bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items to be donated for the tag sale may be dropped off on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 27 Copper Hill Road, East Granby. For more information, call Susan at 860-668-1031.

Marquis Fundraiser

Come see the Marquis corps and have dinner at Wayback Burgers on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 4 p.m. to closing. Wayback Burgers is helping the Marquis raise money by hosting this fundraiser. Monies raised will go toward this youth 501c3 organization, supporting the corps and its members.

Granby Library

The Granby Library Board will host a community discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Granby Senior Center. This discussion is a follow up to a recent survey related to the future of the Granby Library System. All members of the public are welcome to attend and share their thoughts and ideas as the board works to prepare its strategic long-range plan. The meeting will also include representatives from various boards, commissions and community organizations.

TOOTH TALK by MichaelUngerleider D.M.D

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A HEALTHY SMILE As parents prepare to send kids back to school, it is important to schedule a back to school dental appointment. Many times during the summer months, normal routines can be ignored or forgotten. Visiting your dentist gives you an opportunity to easily get back on track with healthy habits. Encouraging good oral health habits is particularly important for children because good oral health, if you start young, can carry throughout life. Some schools require a back to school dental exam, but even if your child’s school doesn’t, a visit to your dental office for a check-up is always a good idea. It tends to be a busy time, so call to schedule an appointment as soon as you can to ensure your child can visit your dentist before school starts, and doesn’t need to miss class for an appointment. Another way to help children maintain good oral health for schools is packing healthy meals and snacks. Sugary foods and drinks aren’t good for children’s teeth, and won’t do them any favors staying awake in class, either. Eating healthy is an important part of maintaining oral health, especially when considering that more than 40% of children under the age of 11 have cavities. After you’ve scheduled your kid’s back to school dental check-up, make sure you understand your child’s oral health and needs. Here are some questions you can ask to stay in-the-know: • How is my child’s overall oral health? Is there anything to look out for? • Will my child get a cleaning today? • Does he/she need an x-ray? • Does my child have any cavities? • What about sealants? 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 CADCAM technology allows us to make crowns in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces—we are your Invisalign connection! “Smile Vision” allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with straighter, whiter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Page 14 The Granby Drummer

PTO Corner

By PTO Executive Board

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! The Granby PTO is excited to share its first edition of the PTO Corner, to keep you informed about the PTO, it’s activities and initiatives. The Granby PTO serves the students, their families and school staff at Kelly Lane Primary School and Wells Road Intermediate School. The PTO believes that parental involvement is a powerful tool to support your child’s education. Over 30 years of research shows that one of the most effective ways to increase student achievement is for parents to be actively involved in the education of their children. The PTO helps families establish a meaningful connection with school staff and to partner with the district to support student learning. When parents are involved at all grade levels, children go farther in school, earn better grades, score higher on tests, show improved behavior and have a more positive attitude toward school. Parent involvement in the educational process makes a difference, both in creating a positive school atmosphere and in the success rate of student achievement.

The PTO supports several different committees, each of which is chaired and staffed by parent volunteers. The committees not only provide an opportunity for parents to make and deepen connections with each other, their children’s classmates, teachers and staff, but they are also the driving force behind the activities the PTO sponsors throughout the year. Heading into the 2017-18 school year, you and your children can look forward to the following fall programs: an ice cream social for all Pre-K and kindergarten families on Aug. 31 and a yahoo/boo-hoo breakfast for all parents on the first day of school, hosted by the Family Activities Committee; a September forum for parents and caretakers regarding understanding your child’s rights in the special education process, presented by the Special Education Committee; and the second fall festival at Valkyrie Equestrian Center on October 14, co-hosted by the family activities and auction committees. This fall the PTO will hold its first autumn auction, an exclusively online event running from Oct. 14-21. The autumn auction will be its primary

fund-raiser for the year, replacing (at least temporarily) the Jog-a-Thon that most families may know well and have supported. Proceeds from the auction will be used to support all PTO activities and initiatives, including author visits to the schools, in school cultural arts assemblies, classroom based science field trips, family activities programming and classroom teacher grants. In recognition of youth lacrosse as a fast growing and popular team sport in Granby for our youngest athletes, last year the PTO approved a grant to purchase lacrosse equipment for Wells Road Intermediate School to start a lacrosse segment for physical education classes. Last year the PTO’s Enhanced Learning Fund also helped teachers purchase classroom materials to expand students’ STEAM education, including Ozobots, KEVA planks, iPads, incubators, Mak-

September 2017 erSpace, and Snap Circuits. In addition, the PTO annually provides each Kelly Lane and Wells Road teacher with a check for $50 at the beginning of the school year to help offset the extras such as fun pencils for birthday gifts or an added poster for the wall that teachers typically pay for out of their own pockets. The cost of these extras can be substantial. On average nationally, most teachers spent nearly $500 last year, and one in 10 spent $1,000 or more according to the Education Market Association. These are just a few examples of the many ways that the money raised by the PTO directly supports our teachers, students and their families. The PTO is very thankful for the generous support of the Granby community, including individual donations and gifts from sponsors such as Geissler’s.

Flanagan achieves the honor of Eagle Scout

John Flanagan (above), a member of Boy Scout Troop 70 has earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that Boy Scouts offers. Only two percent of Boy Scout members ever attain this prestigious honor. John achieved the 21 merit badges required to receive the Eagle Scout award. For his final project he constructed a “Buddy Bench” and patio at East Granby’s Allgrove elementary School. Once construction was completed he gave a presentation at the school to students and staff about the great thought behind the buddy bench.

Trail signage updated at the Farm New Holcomb Farm Trail signage, courtesy of Eagle Scout candidate Jacob Payton. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Newest Salmon Brook veterinarian glad to be back home By Shirley Murtha Samantha Marquis McNamara knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from the tender age of six years. Not just a childhood dream, the aspiration lead her to a BS in Animal Science at the University of Connecticut after graduating from Granby Memorial High School in 2005. From the friendly confines of her home state, Sam was off to the University of Prince Edward Island, where she received her degree to practice general veterinary medicine. After taking a few additional specialty courses, she developed an interest in the care of “exotic” animals — definitely a selling point when on a job hunt! McNamara’s first employment was with a practice in Andover, Massachusetts, but when an opening occurred here in her home town, she was eager to apply and

hopefully return to the place where her family is located. As a youngster and teen, she had brought the family pets to SBVH and had even worked in the kennels for some time. She was hired and began work this past January. Although she takes care of the regular cat and dog clients at SBVH, a fair number of exotics have found their way to her. Turtles with vitamin deficiencies, snakes with respiratory infections and “egg-bound” parrots and cockatiels are among some of her interesting cases.

McNamara notes that there is rarely regular preventative medicine for exotics that there is for dog and cat house pets. The veterinarian doesn’t usually see a reptile, amphibian or bird unless the owner has perceived something is not right, so problems tend not to be caught until they are full-blown.

Sometimes the owner doesn’t have enough knowledge of the animal husbandry of their unusual pet and that inadvertently causes the problem. For example, most reptile owners know that they should use UV lighting for their animal so that it can make a sustainable amount of Vitamin D. What they don’t know, however, is that the ultraviolet part of the bulb burns out well before the light bulb itself burns out. A substantial amount of time may go by during which the animal becomes Vitamin D deficient. Although the town has changed a bit since she was in high school, she is mostly pleased with the new aspects, such as the diversity in restaurants — something she thought she would miss, having lived close to Boston. In her spare time, McNamara likes to hike and

Samantha Marquis McNamara is newest vet in town. Submitted photo.

read fiction. By the time this issue of the Drummer is published, she and her husband Daniel will have welcomed a golden retriever puppy into their home. No doubt that pup will receive the best of veterinary care!

September Lunch for the Mind presents: They Called Her Reckless – A Story of One Extraordinary Horse. Do you enjoy books about horses? Would you like to learn more about the Korean War, often referred to as the “forgotten war?” A special horse and the war come together for the September Lunch for the Mind program as the Civic Engagement Education Team welcomes author Janet Barrett’s discussion of the fascinating story: They Called Her Reckless-A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse at the Granby Senior Center on Wednesday, Sept., 20, at 12:30 p.m.

The story begins in Oct. 1952 when a Marine lieutenant decided his unit needed a horse to help carry heavy shells from ammo dumps to their firing positions. Reckless became a hero and legend in March 1953 carrying more than 9,000 shells in 51 trips over three days and also getting slightly wounded. Barrett’s book reveals that “Reckless was an extrovert whose antics delighted the war-weary Marines, such as her stealing food, Goebel beer and mess hall chow and, when she could snatch one, cigarettes from

her admirers.” Her unofficial epitaph has become, “She was no horse-She was a Marine!” When Barrett first heard the story of Reckless, she knew she would write They Called Her Reckless. She has been fascinated by horses all her life and for 25 years she rode, owned and cared for them. At one time she had a company, Horses for Courses, which booked horses for print and TV ads. Barrett has also written about health, sports and education as well as written for TV, radio and the

public relations field. Copies of the book about this amazing warhorse will be for sale after the program. Please register by calling 860844-5352. Cost is $5. Bring your own lunch. Beverage and dessert provided.

Page 16 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Start With With aa Strong Strong Start Foundation. Foundation.

Granby • $319,900

NEW PRICE

NEW PRICE

Eden Wimpfheimer • 860-878-0209

Granby • $349,900

Spectacular views from this updated Colonial in cul-de-sac neighborhood.

Nancy Thoma • 860-836-1069

Lana Ferguson 860-878-8324

Granby • $389,900

Many updates in this home! Freshly painted and ready to move in.

Judy Guarco • 860-651-2127

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Anna Sogliuzzo • 860-995-0279

East Granby • $199,000

Potential abounds in this Colonial nestled on over two gorgeous acres.

Eden Wimpfheimer • 860-878-0209

NEW LISTING

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506 NEW LISTING

Tim Kronk • 860-214-6400

Coldwell Banker

36.20% Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

Terry Lucash 860-881-0660

Granby • $329,900

Colonial home in a sought after cul-de- sac in a good location.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Joanie Muller 860-977-1938 Granby • $390,000

Neighborhood Colonial in a private setting w/gourmet kitchen & large sunroom.

Anna Sogliuzzo • 860-995-0279

Granby • $330,000

Nancy Reardon 860-836-7506

Custom built nine room Ranch nestled next to a babbling brook.

Anna Sogliuzzo • 860-995-0279 Sandy Quigley • 860-836-0207

Granby • $525,000

Beautiful, spacious home with an open floor plan and custom details.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Robert Nye 860-258-9016

5.55% William Raveis

Granby • $875,000

Judy Guarco 860-559-2133

Granby • $449,000

Open and bright home with spacious rooms and beautiful views.

26.60%

Keller Williams

An exceptional equestrian facility. www.31WellsRd.com.

Tim Kronk • 860-214-6400

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties closes more volume in Granby than anyone else.*

11.14%

Granby • $419,900

Sun-filled Colonial with a walk-out basement perfect for an in-law or au-pair.

Bloomfield • $185,000

Raised Ranch in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood with a level lot.

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

Granby • $559,900

Quality and fine finishes are found in this home with gorgeous views.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506 NEW LISTING

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Nice and bright 3-level Townhouse that is move in ready.

Granby • $459,900

Renovated Colonial and horse property located on 4.83 level acres.

NEW PRICE

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Enfield • $179,000

Don Barrett Ken Kuhl 860-559-3000 860-836-0881

Granby • $239,900

Sprawling Ranch with an open floor plan and beautiful landscaped lot.

NEW PRICE

Beautiful Cape with a flexible floor plan located on scenic Day street.

Gerri Asres 860-922-1571

Eden Wimpfheimer • 860-878-0209 NEW LISTING

Anna Sogliuzzo • 860-995-0279 NEW LISTING

Sandy Fine Office Leader

Granby • $669,900

Stunning Colonial with attention to detail. billiards, media room and more!

NEW PRICE

Luxurious custom home overlooking golf course.

NEW PRICE

Bloomfield • $550,000

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

As a full service real estate company, our core values, service philosophy, innovative As a full service real estate company, our core service technology and, most importantly, our people, arevalues, what make us philosophy, the leader ininnovative the areas technology and, most importantly, our people, are what make us the leader in the areas we serve. we serve.

Granby • $599,900

*Based on sales transactions reported by CTMLS for residential, condominium multi-family and land properties for the period of 1/1/2017- 8/4/2017

Granby • $249,900

Diamond in the rough! Bring your decorating and improvements.

Judy Guarco • 860-651-2127

Suffield • $589,900

Suffield’s historic district, The Austin house is beautifully updated.

Rob Nye • 860-258-9016

Airy and bright custom built Colonial with aupair suite.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Anna Sogliuzzo 860-995-0279

Granby • $309,900

Historic home with updated amenities in a good location.

Gerri Asres • 860-922-1571

Tim Kronk 860-214-6400

Eden Wimpfheimer 860-878-0209 Granby • $277,500

One floor living in this sprawling Ranch with an open floor plan.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Granby • $339,900

Historic charm home abutting open land trust with post & beam barn.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Granby • $499,900

Granby • $185,000

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

Anna Sogliuzzo • 860-995-0279

Elegantly restored Colonial sits on a beautiful, expansive level 2 acre lot.

Granby • $349,900

Beautiful free standing unit at award winning Hunt Glen complex.

Judy Guarco • 860-651-2127

Adorable three bedroom Ranch on 1.6 acres.

Suffield • $385,000

Private lake house on the best end of Congamond Lake.

Tim Kronk • 860-214-6400

Glastonbury • $249,900

Charming antique Colonial updated with today’s amenities!

Eden Wimpfheimer • 860-878-0209

Granby • $324,900

Serene setting with a beautiful kitchen and an aupair bedroom.

Nancy Reardon • 860-836-7506

bhhsNEproperties.com bhhsNEproperties.com Granby | 22 Hartford Avenue | T 860-653-4507 Granby | operated 22 Hartford Avenue | T 860-653-4507 © 2016 An independently member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2016 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity.

September 2017

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Carving out a life in birds By Tim Nolan Paul Morrissette sits on his back deck. It is an early morning in May 2010. The chorus of life echoes from the dense woods beyond him. He sips his coffee slowly, savoring its taste and the moment. He reminisces of a childhood spent finding a similar joy and peace from nature, kayaking on the Farmington and hiking in Vermont. That was before he was laid off from his job as a printer for an insurance company two months earlier. In retrospect, Paul humbly says he was lucky, as his kids were already grown, and he and his wife Melinda were living comfortably in Granby. However, he needed something to fill the void. Sure, he had been carving birds out of wood since 1992, but he never imagined it could take up enough of his time or completely satisfy him. Paul was introduced to the art of bird carving while on vacation in Hyannis, Mass. He was at a store named Call of the Wild when he saw his first carving. Always having had an affinity for birds and the outdoors, he was hooked. Paul read everything he could about the art: Its history, prevalence, and techniques. Through his research, he came about the Wood Carvers Shop in Meriden, where he studied with Keith Mueller. From there, he began to carve on his own. On that May morning seven years ago, Morrissette’s wife of 41 years was flipping through a magazine when she happened upon an ad for a birdcarving seminar at the Vermont Raptor Academy taught by its founder, Floyd Scholz. Wanting to cheer her husband up, she ran the idea across him. To put it in perspective, imagine spending 10 days with your favorite athlete or chef or musician, heeding their advice

while building a personal connection in the process. By comparison, Scholz is one of the world’s top carvers, having been a professional carver since 1983. Not surprisingly, Paul gave a resounding yes. For 10 days, he spent 10 hours a day learning from and working with a world–renowned carver. They discussed everything from banjos to RC helicopters. “Floyd had the most influence on my carving skills. He is a friend and a mentor,” says Paul. When he came back home, he went to work with a fury. “I normally spend 50-60 hours on each bird. Being a perfectionist, I almost always find something wrong with the bird and go back to it to add or change something,” he explained. This 50-60 hour process is just that: a process. Every bird begins with a block of wood and a vision. “From there it‘s a downward bell curve. I start out confident with what I want to carve, and by the halfway point I think to myself “this is a disaster,” but in the end it turns out being all right,” says Paul of his thoughts during a project. “All right” is quite the understatement. Mr Morrissette can turn an unassuming block of tupelo wood into a magnificent bird, mounted on a wood base similar to its habitat. Only the eyes, legs and talons are not wood. The eyes are glass and the legs are metal rods coated in epoxy. The legs and talons are then painted over with acrylic paint. With some birds, he carves an open beak and inserts an epoxy tongue with tweezers. His pieces are so lifelike that he now has to hide his birds of prey when his grandchildren visit. “I wish I could mount one of my hawks on a mouse or a rabbit, but if my grandson or daughter saw it I’d never see them again,” he jokes.

Clockwise from top right: a block of tupelo wood is the material with which Paul Morrissette begins his carvings; a bird begins to take shape and, finally, a finished bird. Photos by Tim Nolan

Morrissette’s first carving was a western tanager. He has since done everything from smooth hunting decoys to a red-tailed hawk whose tail feathers he purposely staggered and overlapped to make more realistic. Paul has entered a number of his birds into carving competitions, where he has placed anywhere from honorable mention to second best -in-show. Morrissette stresses that bird carving isn’t just a crafty hobby. It’s an art form. It’s turning something rough into some-

thing magnificent. It’s turning a rough time into a wonderful opportunity, much as Morrissette did seven years ago. If you would like to see more of Morrissette’s carvings, go to his Facebook page Morrissette Bird Carvings. If you would like to learn about bird carving or Morrissette himself, or purchase one of his works, feel free to email him at paulmgranby@cox.net.

Supportive lifestyle in an enriching, vibrant community. Discover Assisted Living at McLean. (friendship included) We all need a helping hand every now and then as we age. And we all want to be part of a caring and supportive community. At McLean our assisted living neighborhoods provide a warm, welcoming, family-style setting with the assistance and life enriching activities needed to live as fully as possible for as long as possible. Come meet us!

Call for details.

860-658-3786 OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, September 27 • 4-7 pm Assisted Living Communities

McLean Health Center | 75 Great Pond Road | Simsbury, CT

Assisted Living • Memory Care Assisted Living • Enhanced Assisted Living www.McLeanCare.org | 75 Great Pond Road | Simsbury, CT 06070

Page 18 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Friends of Granby Public Library host 35th annual used book sale By Carole Bernard The backpacks are getting dusted off and flip-flops are going into the back of the closet, but the volunteers who put on the annual used book sale for the Friends of Granby Public Library are gearing up to work. This year’s sale will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15–17, at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. Generous donors have flooded the Friends with hundreds of items, that a cadre of volunteers have worked on all summer long. Donated items were inspected for quality and condition, meticulously sorted and stored, to be ready for the sale. Being known for the quality of items and level of detail in organizing and presenting items for sale, the Friends are proud to continue this tradition for the

35th year. Bargain hunters are never disappointed at the Friends used book sale. Hardcover and paperback books, coffee table and vintage books, a collection of first edition and autographed books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games, learning toys and other book-related items will be available for purchase. Set in gorgeous West Granby, Holcomb Farm will again be the setting for the book sale. There is plenty of free parking, a fully accessible site, great lighting and many eager and helpful volunteers. All the necessary ingredients for a delightful shopping experience are provided. The sale starts on Friday, September 15, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. An entry fee of $5 gives Friday evening shoppers the first peek and best selection of the sale. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.,

Drummer board update By Rebecca Mikus Karen Cleary has joined the board of Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG), the publisher of the Granby Drummer. Her expertise in bookkeeping and accounting will be a valuable asset and will assist board treasurer, Roger Karen Cleary Hayes.

Citizens for a Better Granby board members include: Kathy Norris, chairperson; Dave Tolli, vice chair; Roger Hayes, treasurer; Becky Mikus, secretary; Lewis Noble, Carol Bressor, Flo Bischoff and Sam Mikus. The board is seeking input from residents with expertise in social media who would like to volunteer with the Drummer. Anyone interested should call 860-653-9222 or email editor@granbydrummer.org.

and prices are as marked. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and although there are no set prices, reasonable donations are appreciated. Look in the Yankee Flyer and Southwick News during the two weeks prior to the sale for a coupon entitling the bearer to two books (restrictions apply). Proceeds from the book sale, the primary fundraising event sponsored by the Friends, support the mission and

goals of Granby Public Library. Funds assist in the purchase of additions to the collection, programming, museum passes, special events and other needs that may arise. For more information on the sale, please visit the Friends website, www. granby-ct.gov, and follow the link to “government,” “library services” for information on the book sale. You can also contact the library at 860-844-5275.

Meals-on-Wheels serves homebound residents If you’re looking for a way to become more active in the community, consider becoming a Mealson-Wheels driver. McLean’s Meals-on-Wheels drivers help deliver delicious and nutritious meals such as chicken parmesan, meatloaf and herb-encrusted cod to over 140 local homebound residents every year. Drivers are needed for routes in Avon, Canton, Simsbury, East Granby and Granby. Becoming a Meals-onWheels volunteer is easy. All you need is access to a reliable car and two hours to give, at least twice a month. Call Sophia Thorson at 860658-3980 to get started. For additional volunteer

opportunities at McLean, please call 860-658-3700, or visit McLeanCare.org.

Dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer Lewis Noble packs up his route. Submitted photo.

10 Hartford Ave. Granby Village Shops

653-2025

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

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

ALL DAY SUNDAY Any Large Pizza $10.95 + tax

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

NOTCH ROAD APPLIANCE Exterior

Painting and Staining Spraying and Brushing Power Washing Aluminum Siding Painting Handyman Service on Wood and Glass Repair Window Re-glazing Fully Insured

Quality Is Priceless!

For a FREE estimate or advice on a painting project, please call

86 0 - 6 5 3 - 6 8 2 8

Residential • Commercial

653-7147

Interior

Painting and Staining Textured Ceilings Water Stains Sheetrock Repair Wallpaper Removal Smoke Damage CT License #564538

P r o v i d i n g

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

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Granby Booster Club hosts successful 5K, looks forward to homecoming By Deb Ranicar The Granby Bear 5K Challenge has become a fun-filled tradition for the Granby community and students, and this year’s fourth annual event was no exception. The race took place on June 17 and with over 100 runners participating, beautiful weather, tunes from high school band TBD and more community sponsors than ever, the event was a win for all involved. They also hosted the very popular Kids Fun Run, and celebrated the success of all athletes with bananas and bagels while cash prizes were awarded to the top runners. The top male runner from Granby was Beach Sessions, and the top female finisher was Katie Busby, who each received a cash prize of $50. Overall race winners were Ben Yost of Canton and Melissa Stellato of Windsor were awarded a cash prize of $200 each. The club would like to thank the community sponsors who help support the GMHS Booster Club not only for this event, but throughout the year. Platinum Sponsor: The American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 Gold Sponsors: St. Francis Hospital, Granby Family Eye Care Silver Sponsors: Anytime Fitness,

Leopard Lawne Care, LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage– Pam Spica, Oxifresh Carpet Cleaning, Dante J. Boffi Design LLC, Pierce Builders, Inc., Frank Schoenrock, CPA and Investment Advisor, Small Town Septic, Granby Dental Center, SNM Lawn Care Landscaping, Granby Rovers Soccer Club, Stitches By Me, The Doctor’s Treatment Center of Granby Bronze Sponsors: Allstate Insurance – Jett Holdings, McKenna Orthodontics, Granby Insurance, Windsor Federal Savings, KREOnline.net – Ken Mouning Partners: AIM Insurance Agency, D’Agata Granite, Auto-bon Inc., Green Island Landscape Construction, Commercial Flooring Concepts, Stateline Oil and Propane Friends: Creative Encompassing Solutions, LLC, Lox, Stock and Bagels, Geissler’s, Simsbury Bank, Horses and Hounds The GMHS Booster Club is looking forward to the next big event, the 2017 Granby Memorial High School Homecoming Week. Plans are already underway so that students, families, and the entire community will have the opportunity to witness some of the most

Physical Education teacher and coach Wally Hansen congratulates 5K Challenge participants and presents awards to the race winners in each age category. Photo by Lisa Kadis

First Church hires new music director By Sue Miltenberger First Congregational Church has hired Dr. Julie Hagen as its music director, effective Sept. 1. Hagen and her family recently moved to Connecticut to become assistant professor of choral music education at the Hartt School, University of Hartford. In Minnesota she was assistant professor of music at Concordia College and served as director of music at First Congregational Church, UCC, in Moorhead, Minn. Originally from Rochester, N.Y., Julie received her bachelor and master of

music degrees in music education from Ithaca College. While primarily a vocalist and choral singer/director, Julie also has training in flute and piano. She taught music in public schools for 11 years before receiving her PhD in music education from Michigan State University. She served previously as minister of music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Elmira, N.Y. and Williamston United Methodist Church in Williamston, Mich. While not making or teaching music, Julie is an avid sports fan, cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees and Michigan State Spartans.

1 DAY

1 KNIFE private \ culinary

a m k i e ng f i n k •CLASS•

exciting competitions of the high school fall sports season. Homecoming week will take place in mid-October. More details will be available soon. Proceeds raised by these activities directly support the GMHS Athletic Booster Club whose mission is to support, encourage and advance athletic programs for Granby Memorial High School. Past items purchased by the GMHS Booster Club include a defibrillator, weight lifting equipment, the Snack Stand, a golf cart for use by the athletic trainer, track pole vault mats, and most recently, comfortable seating for athletes competing in the upstairs gymnasium. The boosters look for your support and involvement; contact them at gmhsboosterclub@granby.k12.ct.us for information about meetings, events and volunteer opportunities.

Faith formation for special needs children Do you have a child with special needs that you would like to enroll in faith formation at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church? Celia R. Lofink, PhD, who runs the Regional Religious Education Program for Special Needs Children, will offer a program called iGIFT (Individually Growing in Faith Together) this fall. The class will begin on Sept. 24, and meets twice a month at St. Therese Parish Center on Sundays 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. An information session about this program will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17. Drop in anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are info cards available at each entrance to the church. Any and all inquiries welcome via email at stafffsttherese@gmail.com or call 860-653-3371.

See and hear the Marquis of Granby By Madeline Christensen The Marquis (mar-kwis) of Granby has been on the road and busy this summer. The corps participated in several events including the Deep River Muster (the nation’s largest fife and drum muster), Nathan Hale Muster, the National Muster held in Patterson, NY, and closing the summer with the Westbrook Muster. As is tradition, the corps took its summer camping trip, sightseeing through New York’s Hudson Valley. Stops included were a guided tour of West Point, cooling off at a local water park, checking out the beautiful vistas atop Bear Mountain, and Hyde Park. The trip concluded with music and performances at the National Fife and Drum Muster in Patterson, N.Y. You can find the corps continuing its busy schedule, playing ancient military music into the fall. You’ll find the Marquis at the Windsor Muster, Sept. 9, Big E, Sept. 17, as well as Celebrate Granby, Sept. 23. We also want to get word out that Wayback Burgers in Granby is helping the Marquis raise money by hosting a fundraiser on Sept. 26. Fundraising dollars will go towards this youth 501c3 organization supporting the corps and its members. The corps continues its Wednesday evening practices at 6:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Route 189 in Granby. Stop by on a Wednesday to listen and watch the corps. The Marquis of Granby would like to thank the Granby Community Fund for its continued support. Check out the Marquis of Granby:www. marquisofgranby.org

Tarbox Ramblers ramble into Granby By Carole Bernard Back to the regular routine that is autumn and the beginning of the Salmon Brook Music Series season. The 20172018 season is looking exciting and entertaining. Kicking off the season is a group whose music you’ve heard “Sons of Anarchy” and “Supernatural”, so come and hear them perform live! Tarbox Ramblers, whose music has been described blues/folk revival or adult alternative will perform in Granby on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Formed in Cambridge , Mass., in 1994, the band has brought their hillbilly rock jive to the masses. Shake up your fall with the toe-tapping sound of Tarbox Ramblers. Its energizing sound, smooth vocals and varied songs will make you forget about the to-do list and transport you to your happy place. In keeping with its tradition of debuting local young musicians, a local student artist will open for Tarbox Ramblers. Come and see the young talent that Granby has to offer. Join Tarbox Ramblers on Saturday, Sept. 30, at South Congregational

Tarbox Ramblers

Church, located at 242 Salmon Brook Street (Rts. 10/202) in Granby. The venue is a relaxing and casual environment, especially family friendly and fully accessible. Tickets are available for purchase at www.salmonbrookmusicseries.com or by calling Arlene at 860-916-5066 to reserve tickets. Check out the website at www.tarboxramblers. com. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 on the day of the show. Concert proceeds will support the mission and goals of South Church. The doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 show, which will feature an intermission with refreshments and beverages available for donations.

$1,180 call for details

860.558.8598

BradfordMcDougall.com

Page 20 The Granby Drummer

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

4 East Granby Road – Part 1 The imposing white mansion at the head of Salmon Brook Street was built in 1805, originally in the Federal style. It was a square two-story house, with a story and a half ell in the rear. Col. Ozias Pettibone had the house built for his son, Ozias Jr., although he also shared the dwelling. According to the account book of Seth Hayes, he supplied clay for building the chimneys of Ozias Pettibone Jr. in 1804. There were fireplaces in every room of the main house, upstairs and down. The house was in an ideal location for a tavern or inn, and the ballroom on the second floor adds further evidence. Partitions separating the three front chambers were of single boards hung from the ceiling by strap hinges so they could be hauled up and fastened to the ceiling, thus making one large room for meetings, dances or other celebrations. However, neither Ozias Sr. or Jr. ever had a tavern license, so there is no proof that the home ever was a tavern. In fact, considering how wealthy Pettibone Sr. was, it seems unlikely that he wanted a tavern or travelers in his home. The large ballroom may have been intended for political gatherings, Masonic meetings or private parties and dances for family and friends. Col. Ozias Pettibone (1737-1812) was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, later promoted to Lt. Colonel. His father Jonathan, the first commander of the 18th Regiment, died in 1776 during the retreat from New York. Ozias Sr. married Sibyl Guernsey. They had five children, Chauncey, Anna wife of Samuel Hayes, Jane wife of Dr. Joseph Jewett, Ozias Jr. and Sybil wife of Joshua Jewett. All of the families, except Anna, lived in the Salmon Brook Street area. Pettibone was an entrepreneur, involved in many business enterprises. He was the major shareholder of a sawmill in West Granby and also invested in real estate, owning several houses and nearly 1,000 acres of land. In addition, he worked at farming, storekeeping, cider production and as a lawyer. Store ownership and partnerships changed frequently. In the 1770s he had a store with neighbor Pliny Hillyer. At times he was a partner with one son or the other. In 1801, the new store was called Pettibone, Clark and Goodrich.

Ozias Pettibone served in the Connecticut General Assembly and was a Justice of the Peace. He accumulated a fortune and had the wealth to be one of Granby’s two slave owners, listing five slaves in the 1790 census. Granby Town Records show the registration of “The account of Col. Ozias Pettibone’s negro children.” The birth dates of three children were recorded, Earl in 1784, Juba in 1788 and Rhoda in 1791. In his will, Ozias left the services of “my two Black Boys Juba and Earl” to his wife Sibyl, until they were “freed by law.” When Pettibone died in 1812, his personal inventory filled nine closely written pages in the probate book and was valued at over $22,000. Ozias Pettibone Jr. continued to live at 4 East Granby Road. He was married to Elizabeth Pease and had five sons and two daughters. He also kept a store, but was not as successful as his father. He died in 1824, just 12 years after his father, and the estate was insolvent, with more debts than assets. In 1834, Dr. Jairus Case bought the property for $1188 from the estate of Ozias Pettibone Jr. It then consisted of about two acres of land with the house and outbuildings. Dr. Case was 32 years old, married to Mary Theresa Higley age 25, and they had a two year old son named John. Case, of Barkhamsted, studied medicine at Yale in 1822. He was 20 years old. After studying for one year, he graduated and practiced medicine in Torringford, Connecticut for eight years, before moving to Granby. Jairus Case left a medical account book covering a three year period of his long career. The book reveals a man who chose not to experiment with some of the potent (and often deadly) preparations he learned about at Yale. Case, like most doctors in the early 1800s relied heavily on pain killers (opium, morphine, alcohol), bloodletting and purges. He didn’t seem to have an office, he made house calls – nearly 700 in three years. His fees were modest, 25 cents for a visit and medical advice, 50 cents if he changed a bandage and 75 cents for a night call. Sometimes he stayed as long as 12 hours. He prepared and sold the medicines,

September 2017

charging three cents for the glass vials (which were returned for credit). Patients who paid in cash were rare. Most of them paid with labor, food, clothing or an amazing variety of other items. Dr. Case visited the Ephraim Gillett family 49 times in 1836. Gillett was a 76 year old Revolutionary War veteran. His bill was paid with labor, two pounds of candles, butter, oats, beef and two pumpkins. The medical care was successful because Gillett lived ten more years. With payments like this, Dr. Case also became a trader, operating a store in his home. He sold old iron, brandy, gin, matches, sperm oil, cravats, steel pens, paint, snuff and much more. He was both a compassionate doctor and a practical man. The Granby Town Records indicate that Jairus Case was also a trusted man. He was elected Town Treasurer from 1835 to 1840, was an inspector of wood, a tithing man and a Grand Juror. In 1851 he chaired several special town meetings about building a bridge near Tariffville. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1852 and also became the Town Clerk that year. However, a small notebook that belonged to Case discloses a rather contentious and controversial man. He saved a newspaper clipping of a mocking and satirical poem about the “Cattle Show and Fair and Wide Awake Parade in Salmon Brook” in 1859. The Wide Awakes were a semi-military organization who backed Republican Abraham Lincoln and the abolition of slavery. The poem is crude, offensive and clearly anti-black. Jairus Case was a Democrat. Case ran for the State Legislature in 1859 and wrote an angry letter to the newspaper, claiming he lost because of lies, bribery and illegal voters. A return letter from the Town Selectmen called Case a liar and a crook. He quickly wrote back a very erudite and sarcastic rebuttal

and challenged them to prove him wrong. A hand written note dated 1860 says “no reply, all still.” Another newspaper clipping concerns a contested election in 1868 when Case was running for State Senator. One article called him “a genuine, unmitigated copperhead of the worst variety. During the War he wore a badge of copper to distinguish and proclaim his Tory character.” Case was declared the loser, but after a recount, he won by three votes. If he was a copperhead (or Southern sympathizer) during the Civil War, it would seem to negate the frequently told story that the Case house was a stop on the underground railroad. A “copperhead” would not provide shelter for fugitive slaves. Evidently a passage wide enough for a man to climb was discovered next to the right chimney and this started the fable of the underground railroad. Besides his political interests, Case was also a coin collector. He owned a rare Massachusetts “pine tree shilling” from 1652, also a “Washington cent” of 1791. Not many of these coins were made, because Washington thought it was “too kingly” and the die was destroyed. He had a Connecticut copper of 1787 and many other fine coins. Jairus and Mary Theresa Case lived at 4 East Granby Road for the rest of their lives. Their son John Higley Case became a lawyer and moved to Minnesota. Their other son, William Cullen Case, also became a lawyer and inherited the family home. Dr. Jairus Case died on New Year’s Eve in 1874. The Hartford Times (that had employed him as the Granby correspondent) wrote an obituary saying “he will be missed by the people of his own and surrounding towns, who have so long known and respected him.” His widow, Mary Theresa Higley Case died in 1889.

4 East Granby Road as it looked when first built.

SALMON BROOK APARTMENTS 287 SALMON BROOK STREET GRANBY, CT 06035 HOUSING FOR ELDERLY & DISABLED Applications being accepted for our Waiting List One Bedroom units

The Case house after renovations in the late 1800s.

(including one handicapped unit) USDA – Rural Development Regulations Rents

based on income/credit & criminal check required

Managed by: MJKH PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC For additional information or to receive an application, please call:

(860) 653-7885 • TDD: (800) 842-9710

“This institution is an equal opportunity provided and employer”

KEIR CONSTRUCTION, LLC www.drewkeir.com Now is the time to call and schedule your Fall home improvement projects!

Additions • Renovations • New Construction Kitchens • Bathrooms

Excellent References

(860) 653-6887

email: Dkeir@cox.net CT/MA Licensed & Fully Insured • license # 0605704

The Strain Family EQUESTRIAN CENTER LLC 18 Vining Hill Road • Southwick, MA www.strainfamilyequestrian.com

Boarding Lessons Training Sales Leasing English & Western Riding Lessons Available Therapeutic Riding for Individuals with Disabilities

(413) 569-5797

Find us on Facebook

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 21

First Church and South Church sponsor compassionate conversation on race By Linda Calder Howard Goodrow is the new Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Greater Hartford. Submitted photo

Granby resident named chief development officer of YMCA of Greater Hartford The YMCA of Greater Hartford has ratified the selection of Howard Goodrow to serve as the organization’s next chief development officer. Goodrow comes to the YMCA from the American Cancer Society, where he most recently served as the senior director of corporate relations. Howard holds a business degree from the University of Hartford, a BS in management from the College of St. Joseph and an MBA from Plymouth State University. He has served the American Cancer Society in a number of roles since 1999. This includes director of planned giving, state vice president for development, senior operations vice president for development and senior director of national business development for Coaches vs. Cancer. “The YMCA of Greater Hartford is thrilled to add Howard to our senior leadership team,” says Harold Sparrow, president/CEO. “Each year, our organization is tasked with raising millions of dollars; not only to provide financial assistance for thousands children and families in need, but to ensure the finan-

cial stability of the YMCA and cement our ability to serve the Greater Hartford community for generations to come. Under Howard’s leadership, we hope to effectively tell the story of the Y and continue to provide life-changing programs and services for all who seek them.” During his time with the American Cancer Society, Goodrow was responsible for the oversight of fund development in six New England States with an Annual Fund of $48,000,000. He has an extensive background in major gifts, planned giving and community relationships. Prior to his work with the Cancer Society, Goodrow was active in the banking industry. “I am humbled and honored to take on this new role,” says Goodrow. “I look forward to securing a solid financial future for the YMCA of Greater Hartford as they strive to build strong communities by promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.” Goodrow lives in Granby with his wife, Katie, and two sons, Cole and Aidan.

Smile for your Friends Did you know that you may donate money to the Friends of Granby Public Library, when buying things you would normally buy, and making your purchases on www.smile.amazon.com? The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate .5 percent of each qualified purchase to the Friends. Items are marked as being eligible for this donation. By logging onto the smile.amazon. com website, and choosing the Friends as your designated charitable organization, every time you make a purchase, the

ch-ching rings and money goes into the Friends account. It’s a painless way to make donations to the Friends, and with back to school needs, holiday purchases and every day needs, please consider this simple step. The Friends will thank you! Smile.amazon.com

House Cleaning

20 years of cleaning experience throughout CT. Affordable, responsible, and diligent residential and commercial cleaner. Can provide references in your area. Weekly, biweekly and monthly cleaning available as well as seasonal cleaning and party prep. First home cleaning comes with a free plate of pierogis! Contact Regina for a free in home estimate.

860-869-5021

“The greatest problem is not with flatout white racists, but rather with the far larger number of Americans who believe intellectually in racial equality but are quietly oblivious to injustice around them.” -Nicholas Kristof The book, Waking Up White, by Debby Irving, will be the springboard for a gathering on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. Members of the greater Granby community are invited to read the book, and attend and participate in the discussion. “Compassionate Conversation on Race” is part of an ongoing periodic conversation that has taken place over the last two years. In the face of white supremacist groups coming out of hiding and rising again to public expression in our culture, it is increasingly important to understand what it means to be white in America. Debby Irving will take listeners on her personal journey coming to understand her own whiteness, and

in the process, will challenge them to look beneath cultural assumptions. She writes, “Without meaning to…my mother gravely misled me (Why there are so few Native Americans in New England? ‘Because they couldn’t handle alcohol.’) She d i d n ’t d o i t because she was evil or stupid or had upholding racism on her mind. My mother was warm, compassionate and bright. She told me the versions of events as she knew them, errors and omissions included.” Everyone has been misled to one degree or another. Many intend to understand their own biases so that they might understand others better. If that is your goal, come and join this conversation.

The need to choose wisely By Nancy Scheetz, Farmington Valley VNA The Hartford Courant posted an article recently on a startling new finding. Without much effort, a brief literature search confirmed that there is a new problem facing our seniors in health care. More often than should be happening, today’s seniors are refusing home care when it is being recommended. The time that immediately follows an acute-care hospitalization is a critical period in the recovery of an illness or injury. Lengths of stays in hospitals are getting shorter and shorter, all to contain costs and get patients home. Physicians know that being home is an optimal place for recovery, when the right care and services can easily be provided. Unfortunately, a surprisingly high number of senior adults are refusing the help they need putting themselves at a far greater risk of ending up right back in the hospital. In a recent Kaiser Health News article, author and aging expert Judith Graham revealed that as many as 28 percent of adults, most of them seniors, who are offered home health care upon discharge from the hospital refuse it, even though in most cases the cost is largely covered by Medicare. Not choosing to receive professional care puts patients at risk of a difficult, incomplete or slower-thananticipated recovery. The Kaiser report

• Individual • Corporations, S Corp • Partnerships • Trust, Estate, Gift, Monthly Bookkeeping Quickbooks/Training Part Time Controller Payroll • Sales Tax Tax Planning Compilations/Reviews Setup of Non-Profits

Frank A. Schoenrock, CPA

Starting a New Business – Call Us! frank@schoenrockfinancial.com 860-653-0734 34 East Granby Road • Granby, CT 06035 www.schoenrockfinancial.com

also identified that older adults that refuse home health care services are twice as likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 or 60 days. It is not always easy to open ones’ home to strangers. There are those individuals that prefer to be left alone. People often have a difficult time admitting to needing any help. Of the many possible reasons why people refuse care, one may stand out as the deciding factor and that is that it is very confusing as to what is really being recommended. Often, people do not even understand what home care really is. After an acute care stay, when a physician is recommending home health care, this means that skilled, licensed professionals come and provide continued support until recovery is to the point that an individual and their family can maintain care independently. This may mean having a nurse educate and monitor medications, change and calculate progress on wound recovery. There may be the need for a physical or occupational therapist to help after a stroke or joint surgery. Sometimes, social workers are needed to assist in understanding benefits or to gain knowledge of further supportive services. Certified nurses’ aides may be required initially to assist with bathing and activities of daily living. There is so much that a licensed Home Health Care Agency can provide, all for the goal of helping you stay where you want to be and that is within the comfort of your own home. While you have the right to choose the agency that provides that care, it is critical to make sure that you do not overlook the importance of choosing at all. Refusal of skilled care for the time that it is needed is a mistake that will only lead to poor outcomes. What matters is to choose the care that is available. If you have questions, or you do not understand what your options are, please feel free to call 860-651-3539. Let the Farmington Valley VNA be a resource or support in helping you choose what is best for you. Visit the website at www. farmingtonvalleyvna.org

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Remembering September 11, 2001

It comes again with its painful memories—that heart wrenching day September 11. Those who died that fateful morning went to work or got on planes not knowing they would never come home again. They lost their lives in the Twin Towers, in the airplanes, and in the Pentagon. Many first responders died rushing in to try and save them. The day began so beautifully with blue skies, sunshine, and still blooming summer flowers. It ended with billowing black smoke, fires, soot, debris and air unhealthy to breathe. After, our country came together with the presence of those so willing to help in many ways including blood drives and financial contributions. It came together, too, in prayer—for those who died, for their families, and for our country. This September 11th, take time to remember all those who lost their lives. Let us pray that terrorism and war will end. Let us vow to be courageous and loving people like those who died that day sixteen years ago. May they rest in peace. Bernadette Gentry, 2017

A Late Summer Day

The birds still wake me at dawn, and I hurry to begin my day. Outside, the elegant Queene Anne’s lace, the tall pink petaled echinaceas, and the red geraniums, planted in the spring, all bloom abundantly. The joyous colors of the zinnias—yellows, reds, pinks and whites—the coleus leaves of blended colors, the pungent orange marigolds, and the friendly black-eyed Susans, all add to the beauty of the scene. Butterflies visit the flowers, and I marvel at their delicate, but powerful wings. All around us Nature gifts us with her beautiful presence, and I am grateful to be a part of all I see. Bernadette Gentry, 2017 The hand of the Creator is near. . .

Rock Garden

Once there was a rock garden Growing on the stump of a tree On a trail that led to a field Where I enjoyed walking to see All Nature provides… The rock garden grew One at a time From rocks I would find Growing near a vine, Or in the sand… Day or night walks I would pass by and gaze At the sparkles and colors In the rock garden Until… This past walk The rock garden was gone Taken away The tree stump bare No rocks to share With Nature Or Friends… But I will start again To build a rock garden On the stump of a tree For all to see And share what Nature provides.

CT Valley Views TV Fall Lineup

CT Valley Views has some informative and in-depth interviews coming this fall. Guests include Congressman John Larson and Dr. John Rodis, president and CEO of St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center to look at the current status of the health care system both on a state and national basis. In addition, CTVV will visit the venerable Hartford Golf Club and take viewers to the exciting world of polo in the Farmington Valley. See these informative interviews Susan Regan, as she brings “Proof to the People” on Cox/Enfield Channel 15 Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Watch CTVV shows at www.ctvalleyviews.com any time or check with the local PATV listing for all other town and airing schedules. CT Valley Views is an award-winning, independently produced Public Access TV series seen in 40 towns on Cox/ Enfield, Cox/Manchester, Windsor, Simsbury, Nutmeg, Norwalk and Hartford Public Access stations.

— Debora Gottschalk

Susan Regan

Haines-Jendrejcak nuptials Mr. and Mrs. David E. Haines of North Granby and Mr. and Mrs. David Jendrejcak of Avon are pleased to announce the marriage of their children Nancy Lynne Haines to Brian Samuel Jendrejcak on May 27, 2017. The ceremony was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newington and the reception was at The Log Cabin in Holyoke, Mass. The bride wore an ivory A-line silhouette strapless gown glittered with a heavily beaded bodice of crystals, sequins and rhinestones and lace-up back. It had a draped body and apron front skirt with sparkling sequins and crystal beading with a chapel train. The bride wore a lace wedding jacket for the wedding ceremony. She wore her sister’s wedding tiara and cathedral length veil with embroidered Italian lace. She carried her mothers bridal handkerchief and wore her great grandmother’s pearl necklace. Her bouquet was a mixture of roses with rhinestones inserted in the center, hydrangeas, stock, lisianthus and tea roses wrapped in ivory satin and lace. The couple Mr. & Mrs. Brian Jendrejcak honeymooned in St. Martin.

Larry’s Construction Co. LARRy KRAizA OWnER LiC. # 0552657

Free Estimates Fully insured

• • • • •

Site Work and Excavation Septic Systems and Repairs Garages and Additions Concrete Foundations, Floors Design Work

Office 860-653-6150 • Cell 860-490-3472

29 Hartford Ave, Granby, CT 06035 • 1LPK1@sbcglobal.net

Local accountant appointed to CPA Advisory Council The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) has appointed Jessica Aniskoff, CPA of East Granby to serve as a member of its Advisory Council for the organization’s 2017-2018 activity year, representing the Governmental Accounting and Auditing Interest Group. The advisory council contemplates the future of the Connecticut Society of CPAs and the accounting profession, and serves as a sounding board and source of information for the

CTCPA Board of Directors. Aniskoff is a manager with BlumShapiro in West Hartford. She holds a B.S. in accounting and a MBA in international business, both from Central Connecticut State University. Jessica Aniskoff, CPA

Attorney named to Foxfield F.A.R.M. advisory board

Foxfield F.A.R.M., Corporation, (For A Recovery Mission) is pleased to announce Attorney Tegan Blackburn has joined its advisory board. Tegan brings extensive expertise gained in private practice, and former senior business and legal roles at a national company, to advising a diverse group of for-profit and not for-profit companies such as technology companies, healthcare providers, real estate investors, professional services firms, retailers, online businesses and private foundations to helping clients accomplish important business and financial goals. She often acts as outside general counsel assisting

CEOs, CIOs and management teams protecting client’s interests in procuring significant contracts, resolving contract disputes, assessing and mitigating risks, structuring deals, asset sales, mergers, buy-outs, protecting intellectual property rights, data privacy and cyber security issues. She also serves as chief compliance officer to several highlyregulated industry clients. She enjoys working with entrepreneurs and start-ups providing them with strategic guidance to successfully accomplish their goals in today’s increasingly complex, timedriven environments. Her practice also assists individual clients with personal transactions, estate planning and probate.

Housecleaner Wanted in Granby Area.

Great for Moms with great pay. Make your own consistent hours. Must be experienced, independent and have transportation. Call Sandy 860-651-4601

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 23

Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation sponsors polo tourney Simsbury Polo Club Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation is a 501C3 organization was established for equine groundwork therapy to treat U.S. veterans dealing with the trauma of PTSD and related mental challenges. The program encompasses the use of rescued/retired sport horses, most specifically polo ponies, which provides a reciprocal synergy in the rehabilitation of human and equine. The foundation has vested sponsorship of Farmington Valley polo tournaments to expand visibility of the program and to raise awareness of this most debilitating issue facing many brave U.S. veterans as well as to help to reduce the excessive use of opioids, prevent domestic violence and the potential risk to the family unit. Farmington Polo Club Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation recently sponsored its polo team, as a fundraiser against the Mercedes polo team at the Farmington Polo Club where spectators enjoyed a day of sunshine, hospitality and an exciting and a thrilling match that ended in an 11 to 11 tie with no “sudden death” play off called by the umpire. Susan Patricelli-Regan, president of Foxfield F.A.R.M., presented the respective prizes to the eight awe-inspiring players including three women and five men, as well as the “Best Playing Polo Pony” award. On Saturday, August 12, Foxfield F.A.R.M. also sponsored a “Best Playing Polo Pony” award at the Simsbury Polo Club USPA Master’s Cup Tournament in front of an enthusiastic spectator crowd.

Susan PatricelliRegan, president and founder of Foxfield F.A.R.M. (For A Recovery Mission) presents the “Best Playing Pony” award at the August 12 Simsbury Polo Club USPA Masters Cup Tournament to Benji Daniels’ horse “Bypass.” Submitted photo

Susan Patricelli-Regan, president and founder of Foxfield F.A.R.M. (For A Recovery Mission) recently presented the Best Playing Pony award at the Aug. 12 Simsbury Polo Club USPA Masters Cup Tournament to Benji Daniels’ horse “Bypass.” Games have been held during the outdoor season on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and the fall indoor game schedule can be seen on the Simsbury Polo Club website. Foxfield F.A.R.M. is listed on Charity Navigator and is a recognized member of GuideStar. Be sure to visit www. foxfieldrecoverymission.org for more information and to make a tax deductible donation to support our nation’s military heroes.

These events reinforce the organization’s objectives to support its mission to find alternative therapies for veterans with PTSD issues and related concerns involving prevention of domestic violence, family unity at risk and opioid addiction. The utilization of rescued/ retired polo horses provides a unique synergy for healthy recoveries of both humans and equines who have been subjected to stressful and demanding circumstances. Please see the website: www.foxfieldrecoverymission.org to donate to the Foxfield F.A.R.M. equine therapy program for Veterans with PTSD and other related mental challenges. Email to foxfield@cox.net. Donations are tax deductible.

Advisory board members are: (from l.) Tim McCarthy, CPA; Kenneth Endres, DDS; David Howlett, MD; Susan Patricelli-Regan, president and Bill Regan, vice president of Foxfield F.A.R.M. Corp

New England Dance & Gymnastics Center

Making dreams come true for over 30 years!

Tap • Ballet • Jazz • Lyrical • Pointe • Tumbling • Hip Hop • Contemporary Student Josh Burrage touring the country in the hit show Newsies and can now be seen in the Newsies movie!

Ages 2 - Adult • Beginners to Professional levels • Boys & Girls

Voted #1 Dance Studio in the Northeast! Q Terrific 2s classes (diapers OK)! Q Combination classes! (2 or 3 styles for the price of one!)

11 Mill Pond Drive Granby, CT (860) 653-1974

Q Dads love our recitals! Only 1 to 1-1/2 hours long! Q Trophies to all dancers!

Q Nationally recognized teaching staff! Q Opportunity to join our nationally ranked competition teams!

Now Accepting Fall Registrations! danceatnewengland@yahoo.com

•

www.newenglanddance.com

28 Southwick Road Westfield, MA (413) 568-3731

Page 24 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Bruce Porter music series opens with jazz concert By Laura Mazza-Dixon Jazz Bassist Nat Reeves, Poet Kate Rushin and the State of Emergency Quartet in Concert on October 22, at 4 p.m., South Church, Granby CT. Jazz bassist Nat Reeves and poet Kate Rushin will open the 2017-2018 season of the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series on Sunday, October 22, at 4 p.m. Please note the date has been changed since the article in the last issue of the Drummer was written. You will be amazed and delighted by the energy generated by this new collabora-

tion between Reeves and Rushin, which began last winter with performances at the Artist’s Collective with the State of Emergency Quartet and at the West End Poetry Series in Hartford. Reeves and Rushin will be joined for the October 22 performance by the musicians of the State of Emergency Quartet from the Artist’s Collective in Hartford. The concert Reeves gave in the fall of 2015 for the BPMMS, with his Jazz Alive! ensemble, was one of the most popular concerts ever on the series. His artistry and his reputation in the jazz community attract jazz aficionados from far and wide.

Rushin is the author of The Black BackUps. She is an Oberlin College alum and earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Brown University. She is a Former Fellow of The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown and The Cave Canem Foundation. Her poems appear in Raising Lily Ledbetter: Women Poets Occupy the Workspace and Sunken Garden Poetry. Her poem My Lord What a Morning, inspired by the contralto, Marian Anderson, was commissioned by The New Haven International Festival of Arts and Ideas for Freedom’s Journey, a Connecticut Freedom Trail Poetry Project. Rushin has taught at MIT, Brown and Wesleyan University, and has led workshops for Connecticut Humanities, The Hartford History Center/ Hartford Public Library and The Mark Twain House. She is a member of the James Merrill House Committee and serves as an adviser to the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival and is a frequent guest on Colin McEnroe’s “The Nose.” In the fall of 2015, Rushin led a poetrywriting workshop at The Mark Twain House. She also served as moderator at the Riverwood Poetry Festival’s “Crucial Conversations: Poetry, Race and Racism.” She has worked with the Amistad Com-

mittee and the Connecticut Office of the Arts to help take the story of the Amistad captives and their subsequent trials in the Old State House, Hartford, into the public schools. Rushin’s connection to the Granby community has been established with the Words Matter: Courageous Conversations on Race poetry workshops that she conducted last year for South Church and First Church. She also read her poems at the joint Martin Luther King Day service of the two United Church of Christ Churches in Granby. These are poems that demonstrate the depth of the connection she has to her own community and her commitment to reaching out to others. The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series is supported by a grant from the Granby Education Foundation and the music ministry at South Congregational Church. The concerts are free and open to the public in the sanctuary of South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door. The church is wheelchair accessible from the side entrance. For more information call 860-653-7289.

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH® While supplies last.

Nat Reeves and Kate Rushin in performance at the West End Poetry Series in Hartford on April 8.

YOUR CHOICE

9.99

20 lb. Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed

It’s time for a fall clean-up!

We inspect, clean, install and repair your septic system!

L 106 363 1

14 lb. Songbird Seed L 180 677 1

Beman Hardware 20 Hartford Ave. Granby, CT. 06035

860-653-2598 ©2017 True Value® Company. All rights reserved.

Sale ends 9/30/17

Cox ® Technic controls Back & Neck Pain

$50 OFF a cleaning with this ad Offer Expires Sept. 30, 2017

• Opens the spinal canal area • Reduces pressure on nerves • Restores motion to your spine Cox ® Technic is a safe and gentle researched technique. Hands-on, doctor-attended care is personalized for each patient.

Dr. Barry F. Walsh Certified in Cox ® Technic

860-653-TAKE (8253)

WALSH CHIRO•PRAC•TIC

Granby, CT 06035 • Fully Licensed & Insured

Chiropractic Today for a Healthy Tomorrow

15R Hartford Avenue (above Lite n’ Up)

860-844-0444 • www.bwalshchiro.com

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Celebrating Moth Night! By Shirley Murtha The Granby Land Trust and Holcomb Farm held a party at the Farm on July 29, National Moth Night. Once it got dark, a light was shone on a white sheet that had been hung at the border of a grassy area. Eventually some moths made their way to it, attracted to light as they are, but not many, thanks to the strong breeze and a bit of a nip in the air. Wildlife biologist Charles Strasser of Hamden was on hand to identify the few tiny species that showed up. As luck would have it, several large and interesting specimens arrived much later when Farmer Joe O’Grady went to take down the sheet. The wind had died down and Joe and his wife Emma were treated to some lovely specimens. Prior to the moth activity, various entertainers from the Hartford area sang and recited with guitar accompaniment. They included Olusanya Bey, Ashley Hamel, Prince Royal and Sarah Rose, accompanied by Alex Nakhimovsky on piano. Also on hand was the Comfort Zone food truck offering artisan pretzels. The Ligitimus Brewery offered beer tastings.

Faith Matters Evil must be confronted

Some of the colorful specimens that arrived “after hours” at the Moth Night celebration at Holcomb Farm. Photos by Joe O’Grady

Coldwell Banker residential Brokerage

PAM SPICA TOP AGENT 860.558.8834

PAMSPICAHOMES.COM

GRANBY $324,900 Village at Hunt Glen, 55+ community. Opn flr pln, EIK, mstr BR & 4 season sun porch. 2BR, 2BA, 2038 SF.

GRANBY $725,000 Georgian cust-built Col. Spac rms, frplcs, mstr suite is your own private oasis. 5BR, 3.1BA, 4816 SF.

GRANBY $319,900 Col w/Roaring brook on prop. Separate in-law apt. Opn fl pln, M suite w/full BA. 4BR, 2.2BA, 2520 SF.

GRANBY $389,000 Beautiful and Bright. Generous sized rooms, 2 fireplaces and wood floors. 4BR, 2.1BA, 2930 SF.

HARTLAND $312,000 One of kind! Side by side apts each w/ in-law potential. Great investment prop for owner or full rental.

GRANBY $379,900 Welcome hm! Cntry style Col. Vltd ceils, lrg deck w/ hot tub. Opn flr pln, upd kit. 5BR, 3.2BA, 4236 SF.

GRANBY $279,900 California style contmporary. Unique flr pln, wrp arnd dck, real in-law w/sep entrance. 4BR, 3BA, 2 FP.

Granby Office | 10 Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT 06035 | 860.844.0135

ColdwellBankerHomes.com REALTOR®

©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. 93239CT_6/17

Family Owned

Since 1985

Visit TJBarkMulch.com for Coupons 18 Different All Organic Double Ground Mulches

Pine • Spruce • Hemlock • Cedar • Red, Black & Brown Playground • Forest Blend • Topsoil • Firewood

The gathering of white supremacist groups in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12 was legal, but it was also deeply evil. Yes, our Bill of Rights guarantees the right to free assembly and free speech. But a rally of heavily armed people who identify as neonazis and white nationalists, people who came from all over the country brandishing clubs and flags and swastikas, needed to be met by demonstrators against their hatred. And the act of an angry young man from Ohio who drove a car into the crowd, killing Heather Heyer and injuring scores of others, needs to be named for what it was: terrorism. For those who identify as Americans, this moment calls for patriotism of the highest order—to actively insist on the equality and dignity of each person. For those who identify as white, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the cancer of racism that has scarred this country since the first Africans were kidnapped and brought to North America almost 400 years ago, and to work to bring healing. For those who identify as people of faith, it is our job to actively pursue how it is we might make the world a better place for all of God’s children. Many faith traditions call on people to defend the rights of the oppressed and the marginalized. We are reminded to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, offer shelter to the poor, and to welcome the ‘stranger,’ to stand with the weak, and work to lift up the downtrodden. It doesn’t matter what your political affiliation is; these values are the foundation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and should bring us together. In the words of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.” You do not have to be part of a faith community to share these values. We must not remain silent about the Granby violence that is daily perpetrated Drummer against religious, ethnic, or sexual 3minorities. col. We must not shy away from talkingxabout these issues with (7.625") our children. 4.5" = 12 We must not be afraid to talk about this evil because some may col. deeminches it too political. Our silence will total = us. $120 not save These are frightening times. But it’s never too late to become part of the solution that creates a positive change in the world. Ginny McDaniel, Senior Minister

Worship - Sundays 10am

Find Us on Facebook

Now Carrying Decorative Stone We are a mulch manufacturer, not a resaler of other people’s products. This means no middleman, and you save on the best product around. Come visit us on the web for great deals!

860-654-1975

| 25 Sam West Road, Southwick, MA | 413-569-2400

First Congregational Church of Granby 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT

860-653-4537

www.firstchurchgranby.org

Page 26 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Local cyclist bikes to raise money to cure cancer By John R. Nieb On Aug. 5 and 6, Terry Nolan of West Granby biked 192 miles in the Pan Mass Challenge to help raise $48 million for research and cancer care at the DanaFarber Cancer Institute. The Pan Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon created in 1980 by Billy Starr, executive director, bicyclist, and fundraiser for the event. The PMC contributes more money than any other athletic event. Ever since the first challenge, it has raised $547 million for adult and pediatric care and cancer research through the Jimmy Fund at the Dana Farber Institute in Boston. The Jimmy Fund is Dana Farber’s biggest contributor. The PMC has raised over 52 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual

revenue. The Red Sox Foundation and New Balance present the PMC each year. Nolan was one of 6,200 bicyclists from over 40 states and eight countries that participated in the Pan Mass Challenge, where they choose 12 routes of varying length that run through 46 towns. The bicyclists are between the ages of 15 and 84 and are from seasonal triathletes to weekend warriors who either train alone or do everything in between their work and life schedules. Many participants honor their family members or friends that either lost their battles to cancer, are battling cancer or are being treated for cancer. Over 600 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients, and are called “Living Proof” of the PMC mission to find a cure. The average bicyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors and raises more than $7,000. Volunteers, At the finish line are Terry Nolan, his wife, Donna and their children, Tim, Maria and John, and his brother Rich’s children, Nikki and Chris. Submitted photo

spectators, donors and sponsors come together on ride weekend to work together to find a way to cure cancer. Four years ago, when Nolan’s brother, Rich, lost his life to cancer, Nolan started to participate in the Pan Mass Challenge. Both of Nolan’s parents also lost their lives to cancer, further motivating him. Rich had powered his way through the first 42 miles of the event in 2011, despite the fact he was battling multiple myeloma, an aggressive blood cancer to which he succumbed in 2013 at the age of 52. “I decided to follow in his footsteps and rode my first PMC in 2014 and every year since then,” Nolan said. “I’ve raised over $25,000 for the lifesaving research and care at Dana Faber, where Rich was treated.” Nolan’s wife, Donna, and their three children volunteer at the finish line. Nolan’s sister-in-law and her children also volunteer. Nolan is on the Patriot Platelet Peddler’s Team, sponsored by the Kraft family and the New England Patriots. They wear sports jerseys with Rich’s initials on them, along with the initials of other individuals who lost their lives to cancer. Nolan goes through months of training. Even though Nolan works during the week, he trains on the weekend. In the winter, Nolan rides a bike indoors. As for fundraising, Nolan made his minimum commitment at $4,800,

Retirement isn’t an end. It’s just the beginning. A long and successful career should be followed by a long and happy retirement. But it won’t happen on its own. You have to be sure you’re investing properly to help you

SI #0302317 PI #0202118

reach it, and then follow a solid strategy both now and through your retirement years. As a Financial Advisor, I have the experience and tools to help you develop a strategy that is right for you, to adjust your investments as needed and to manage your wealth

R CALL FO ! ! SAVINGS

through all the potential changes to come. Call to arrange an appointment today and let us help you keep your Thomas D. Sullivan First Vice President Financial Advisor

wealth working for you.

433 South Main Street, Suite 100 West Hartford, CT 06110 860-313-7132

The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. GP11-01364P-N09/11 7177596 MAR010 10/12

which is the amount he was on the hook for. If he falls short, the Pan Mass Challenge charges his credit card for the difference. The minimum fundraising requirements are a key to the PMC’s annual fundraising success. Nolan reached his minimum commitment this year but is still short of his annual goal to reach the “heavy hitter” designation, which he has done in each of his three years. This year, “heavy hitter” status requires $7,800. Nolan is always optimistic about reaching that goal. Collin Sheppard of Granby also planned to ride in the Pan Mass Challenge but he was called into work that weekend and was unable to participate. He had to cancel his ride, which turned into a virtual ride. It would have been Sheppard’s first Pan Mass Challenge. When Sheppard was younger, three out of four of his grandparents lost their lives to cancer. Sheppard always wondered how to contribute to finding a cure for cancer. After Sheppard met his wife, she invited him to see her sister ride in the Pan Mass Challenge. Sheppard hopes to ride next year. He hasn’t met his fundraising goals and that would be the only thing that would stop him from riding next year. Vi s i t w w w. p m c . o rg f o r m o r e information about the event, make a financial contribution for a hometown rider or become a virtual rider. People can also connect with #PanMass2017 on Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.

T

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1934

H.O.D. #115

Se Dis nior cou nts

TROIANO OIL COMPANY • Automatic

Oil Delivery • Oil Contracts /Service Contracts

• Boiler / AC Service • 24 Hour Emergency Service

777 ENFIELD ST. • ENFIELD, CT • 860.745.0321

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Browse & Borrow Granby Public Library

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sundays, November to March: 1 – 4 p.m.

Cossitt Public Library

Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 3 – 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m. Closings Both libraries will be closed for the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2 to 4. Find us online at Town of Granby (www.granby-ct.gov); use the links for blogs, Facebook page and Pinterest boards. Pre-registration is required for many programs. Call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt). Techie Update There are 9,648 OverDrive eBook Shared titles and 3,439 audiobook Shared titles in Encore, the online catalog. Granby patrons also can enjoy “Advantage” titles and RB Digital titles, which are for Granby patrons only (see Library Resources Page on www. granby-ct.gov/granby-public-librarysystem). All you need is your 14-digit library barcode number to set up an account and start ordering.

Cossitt Library

Tree Identification and Toxic Plants: Thursday, Sept. 14, 2 – 3 p.m. Master Naturalist and retired DEEP supervisor

Brad Robinson returns to Granby with a program for youth and adults. Learn to identify the trees around you, as well as the toxic plants encountered on trail hikes in New England. Meet in the upper level at Cossitt Library for a brief overview, to be followed by an outdoor amble on the library grounds. Registration recommended; space is limited. Call 860-844-5275.

Granby Public Library

Book Groups: The book groups are free and open to the public; please register in advance for a copy of the selected works. Something About The Author: This group will take a break in September and reconvene on Monday, Oct. 2, 1:30 p.m. to discuss author Hampton Sides, an American historian and journalist. Around the World Book Group: Meet on Monday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., to discuss Constellation of Vital Phenomena, by Anthony Marra (Chechnya). Sci Fi Book Group: Burning Paradise, by Robert Charles Wilson will be the topic on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.

Children’s Department

September is New Library Card Month, and children receive a prize when they register for a library card. No age restrictions. ZUMBA with Amy Thompson, ages 5–11: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. in Program Room. Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Join us for a fun-filled session. Preregistration is required, as space is limited to 12 participants.

Sports Of All Sorts, ages 3 and up: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. in Program Room, with YMCA instructor Miss Randa. Join us for a fun-filled sampling of various sports. We’ll use hula hoops and practice our balance and ball handling skills. Learn the basics of good sportsmanship while having fun with your friends. For ages 3 and up. Please register in advance. Craft Week, any age: Monday – Saturday, Sept. 18 – 23. Drop in anytime during the week and create a craft project to take home. All materials supplied. Preschool Story Time, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, Sept. 12 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. in Program Room. Children with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft with Miss Joan. No registration required; drop-ins welcome. Wee Ones Story Time, ages birth–2

years: Thursdays, Sept. 14, 20 and 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for babies and toddlers, with a caregiver. Drop-ins welcome, space permitting. Play Time: Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Program Room. Drop by with your baby or toddler for unstructured play time with toys, blocks, puzzles and train table. Relax and socialize with other caregivers while your children make friends. Family Movie Nights, all ages: Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6 p.m. in the Program Room. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film, we even provide the popcorn. Movie titles are posted one or two weeks in advance. No registration needed.

East Granby Library September Events Movies each Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Sept. 6 : Megan Leavey Sept. 13: The Wedding Plan Sept. 20: Wonder Woman Sept. 27: The Hero Author Talks Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., Susan Harrison Rashid will talk about her book set in Pakistan, Beneath a Shooting Star. Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m., Steve Rushin will talk about his new book, Sting Ray Afternoons, a hilarious account of growing up in the Midwest in the 1970s. Concert Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., the Farmington Valley Chorus

Granby resident has received CAHCF volunteer of the year award Horticultural Society visits O’Brien Nursery By Shirley Murtha The Connecticut affiliate of the American Horticultural Society visited Granby’s O’Brien Nursery on June 28. Arranged by chapter members Bob and Lynn Murray, a few dozen people listened to an introductory talk by owner John O’Brien, who then took the group on a guided tour, highlighting specific plants. Group members were then free to meander around the beautiful 11acre property, five acres of which are gardens. The group visited 12 gardens in all on its tour, some of which were private. In addition to the hosta for which the O’Brien Nursery is known far and wide,

there are many other plants, including shrubs and trees to capture the interest of even the most discriminating gardener. Making the site a popular one for visiting groups is the fact that it includes a pond, a stream and a landscaped island of sorts — so inviting with its Adirondack chair. Birdsong and frog croaking add to the ambiance. American Horticultural Society president Holly Shimizu (who is a past director at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC), commented in her thank you letter that “O’Brien Nursery was filled with incredibly interesting plants,” and wished that the group could have spent more time examining them.

John O’Brien (L.) greeted Lynn and Bob Murray of the Connecticut chapter of the American Horticultural Society at his nursery on June 28. photo by Shirley Murtha

By Rachel DeMaida MeadowBrook of Granby volunteer and Granby resident Veronica Ducharme received the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities (CAHCF) Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award was given to Ducharme to acknowledge her dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for residents at MeadowBrook of Granby. The occasion was celebrated at MeadowBrook of Granby with an elegant dinner prepared by the Director of Dining Services, David Vertefeuille. Ducharme was surrounded by her family and fellow staff members. Ducharme’s commitment to each resident at MeadowBrook is unprecedented. She gives a piece of herself in each interaction she has and takes the time to get to know the residents and their needs.

Ducharme also sews residents wheel chair bags, walker bags, and garment protectors as well as taking residents clothing home to hem or mend on her own time. Ducharme comes in faithfully every Saturday and Sunday night and plays bingo or trivia with the residents and has rallied other volunteers to get involved as well. MeadowBrook of Granby offers: short-term rehabilitation, long-term, respite, and dementia care, as well as providing a continuum of care through Athena Home Health and Hospice. Please call 860-653-9888 to schedule a private tour today. MeadowBrook of Granby is located at 350 Salmon Brook Street and is managed by Athena Health Care Systems. For more information please visit our website at athenanh.com/meadowbrook.

Drumrolls Amanda Jacobs of Granby was among seven University of Scranton undergraduate students granted President’s Fellowships for Summer Research in 2017. The fellowships, administered by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, offer each student the chance to partner with a faculty mentor to complete a research project during the summer. Each project was proposed and designed by the student and their faculty mentor. Jacobs partnered with David Marx, Ph.D., associate professor

of chemistry to research “A Novel Silver Containing Hydrogel Wound Dressing”. Elizabeth Fetzner and Benjamin Fetzner both earned the Dean’s Award with Distinction for the spring 2017 semester at Colgate University. Rachel Sullivan was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Marist College. Sydney T. Geer and Kirsten A. Greene have been named to second honors on Clark University’s spring 2017 dean’s list.

Page 28 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Parks & Recreation Office Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open 24/7 at www. GranbyRec.com for program registration. Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: www.GranbyRec.com. Accepting MasterCard/Visa/Discover for payments. The registration system and website allow you to register for programs at any time of the day or night. Find out right away if a program still has space available, check your account to see what activities your family members are signed up for, and print out a year end receipt for tax purposes. Program/Trip Registration: All programs/trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Scholarships: Recreational and leisure opportunities are not denied any resident because of lack of financial resources; program scholarship information is available upon request. All inquiries are kept in the strictest confidence; apply early.

Event Planning

Have your next family or other private event at Salmon Brook Park or Holcomb Farm! The SBP House is a beautiful facility that can accommodate up to 99 people, featuring a gas fireplace and central air. The North Barn Pavilion at Holcomb Farm is built to look like a barn but this gorgeous new building has all of the modern amenities to make your event for up to 125 people special. Dates fill fast, call us to get more information or visit the website to see pictures and rental info.

TRIPS NYC On Your Own: These days in the city are on your own to enjoy the Big Apple. See Chinatown, Little Italy, Central Park, a museum, the zoo, a Broadway show or shop, just use your imagination. Depart Town Hall with drop off points in the City at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Center. Pickup is 7 p.m. in front of Stage Coach Tavern, 7th Ave between 53rd and 54th Streets. Saturday, Oct. 7, depart 7 a.m. or Saturday, Dec. 2, depart 7:30 a.m. $45pp.

FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES Family Movie Night: Saturday, Sept. 9 starting at 5:30 p.m. for The LEGO Batman Movie. There will be a bounce house, costume party, games, prizes and fun! The movie will play on the big screen around 7:30 p.m. The movie is free and the SBP Fan Fare Concession Stand will be open. Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2 – 4 p.m., come together as a community and have a fun afternoon of “trick or treating” at Salmon Brook Park. We want YOU to come to the park at 1 p.m., decorate your trunk and start giving out goodies at 2 p.m. Get your neighbors, friends, civic groups, book club, co-workers, family and friends together to come up with a great theme!! We will be giving out prizes for the best decorated, spookiest, most creative trunks in the park. Sign up your trunk by Sept. 24.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Super Soccer Sundays, ages 3–5: Sept. 17 to Oct. 29, 9–9:50 a.m., 10–10:50 a.m. or 11–11:50 a.m. Start early and learn soccer from the pros. Cleats and shin guards are not necessary for this program. This program will be supervised by a professional soccer trainer from Soccer Shots. $95pp at SBP. Music Time with Miss Carrie, ages 6 months–4 years: Thursdays, Sept. 14 to Oct. 26, 10–10:50 a.m. Children and a caregiver will enjoy learning basic melody, finger play, rhythm skills, dancing and music and movement in this entertaining and lively atmosphere. Start your toddler’s day with singing, dancing, laughter and especially fun. $125pp at SBP Gathering Room. Farmington Valley Girls Field Hockey League: Sept. 10 to Oct. 22, grades 5 & 6 at 2–3:30 p.m., grades 7 & 8 at 3:30–5 p.m. The Towns of Granby, Avon, Canton, Farmington and Simsbury have formed this league; teams for each age group will be formed in each town. Teams will practice one a day week, in its town, and games will be played in the various communities on Sunday afternoons, Sept. 13 – Oct. 18. Makeups will be added as needed. Players will receive a reversible numbered jersey. All players will need a mouth guard, shin guards, eye protection, cleats and field hockey stick. $85pp at GMHS. American Red Cross Babysitting Course, ages 11–15: Tuesday, Oct.10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class will give youth 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. $100pp at SBP. What’s Cookin’ Jr. Chef, grades 5–8: Tuesdays, Oct. 3 to Nov. 21, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Cooking is a life skill that incorporates health and nutrition, math, literacy, geography and creativity. Participants will learn how to work together to create delicious meals that can be easily replicated at home. This new program is held at the Holcomb Farm and is led by Alicia Newton, a nutritionist with experience teaching children nutrition and cooking skills. $155pp at Holcomb Farm Main Barn.

FALL AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT KELLY LANE, GRADES K–2 Mad Science, Secret Agent Lab: Sept. 11 to Oct. 30, 3:20–4:20 p.m. $129pp. Energy, Forces & Flight + Robots. Explore inertia, gravity and centripetal force by launching racecars and spinning bike wheels, and hurling ping pong balls with rubber band powered catapults. Learn about tension and compression, experiment to see what the strongest shapes are, and even make an earthquake proof building from toothpicks and marshmallows. People aren’t the only ones who build things—robots can too, once we build them. See how a robot can follow a maze of lines, pick up toys, or even listen and react to sounds. Build your own robot hand to continue the exploration at home. Discover different aspects of energy,

Drumrolls Jonah T. Yeakley, Class of 2020, was named to the Spring 2017 Dean’s List at Westfield State University. Robyn Domanico graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Alex Domanico was named to the Dean’s List at Villanova University for Fall 2016. He earned Dean’s List at the Honors College at University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Spring 2017 and has been accepted in the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst for Fall 2017. Rachel Domanico was named to the Dean’s List at Salisbury University in

Maryland both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. The Salisbury Seagulls Field Hockey team, of which she is a member, played in the Division III Final Four in Geneva, NY in November 2016. Haley Cormier graduated cum laude from Boston College with a BA in history and psychology. Tunxis Community College spring 2017 graduates included Faith Cosby, A.S. general studies, CERT early childhood education, and Kimberly Leydon, CERT health information technology. Alyssa Calder, a summa cum laude graduate of Northeastern University has been accepted to the Drexel University College of Medicine.

such as potential and kinetic energy. Soccer Shots: Sept. 13 to Nov. 1, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Kids will learn the fundamentals of soccer while focusing on individual skill, fitness and sportsmanship. Children will be challenged through fun games and team interaction, and will be introduced to competition in a developmentally appropriate manner. The program will be held outside on the Kelly Lane field (back of school). In the case of inclement weather, the program with be held in the gym. Please have your child wear sneakers (no cleats) and bring a water bottle. $100pp. Pre-engineering using LEGOs: Sept. 14 to Nov. 3, 3:20–4:50 p.m. Let your imagination run wild with tens of thousands of LEGO®! Build engineer-designed projects such as boats, bridges, mazes and motorized cars, and use special pieces to create your own design. Explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO® building system with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor. This is an ideal way to prepare young builders for the challenge of Engineering FUNdamentals. $180pp. Art-ventures for Kids, Let’s Gogh Art—Pirates and Fairies: Sept. 22 – Dec. 9, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Sail the high seas on a fantastical art adventure through a world of pirates and princesses, fairies, sea monsters and talking parrots. Children will really get into character, donning handcrafted pirate hats and swords or fairy tiaras and wands. Create wooden rowboats and set out on a search for buried treasure, then create gem-studded treasure chests to hide the riches; build castles and sculpt clay dragons to guard them; design pirate flags or fluttering fairy wings; paint a froggy note holder—perhaps he’ll turn into a prince. Princesses and Pirates explore painting, beading, fabric, clay art and more. Humorous stories are included each week, as well as surprises and laughter. First six weeks is $99pp, second sex weeks is $99pp. Register for 12 weeks and get one week free, $179pp.

FALL AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT WELLS ROAD, GRADES 3–5 Adventures in Creativity! Sept. 11 to Nov. 6, 3:20–4:20 p.m. This program is for students who would like to have fun developing their thinking skills and creativity. Students will engage in a variety of activities that will enhance their abilities and build confidence in trying new things; includes creative problem solving, logic and strategy, improvisational theater games, higher order thinking skills, psychology and philosophy, communication, collaboration and teamwork. $100pp. Engineering FUNdamentals using LEGO: Sept. 13 – Nov. 22, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Power up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO®! Apply real world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as arch bridges, skyscrapers, motorized cars, and the Battletrack. Design and build as never before, and explore the craziest ideas in a supportive environment. An experienced instructor will challenge new and returning students to engineer at the next level. $180pp. Fall Field Hockey Clinic: Sept. 19 to Oct. 20, 3:20–4:30 p.m. Join the fun while learning the game of field hockey, no experience necessary. Develop fundamental skills with drills and scrimmages designed to teach stick handling, passing, receiving, dribbling and basic game play. The program will be coached by fifth grade teacher and former field hockey player Mrs. Laflamme. All participants must supply their own mouth guards, sticks, balls, cleats and shin guards. Bring lots of water. New players: when going to a sports store to buy equipment, provide two measurements for correct size stick: 1) from hipbone to floor and 2) height. $60pp. Art-ventures for Kids, Let’s Gogh Art— Spread Your Wings and ROAR! Nov. 1 to Jan. 10, 3:20–4:20 p.m. This all new art-rageous program is truly like a trip to the zoo. Design stuffed Teddy bears, create cool owl paintings on canvas, and sculpt clay peacocks with zany feathers; color real rubber duckies, make wooden animal puzzles in the style of Oaxacan alebrijes,

and even travel back in time to paint dancing dinosaurs with watercolors. We’ll also stop at the zoo food court to create mixed media sandwich collages, and visit the gift shop to design sticker resist T-shirts, make cardboard mustache masks, and build wacky mix-and-match character blocks. Art-explorers experience painting, drawing, sculpting, fabric design, collage and more, and bring home exciting handmade souvenirs each week. $129pp. Mad Science, Secret Agent Lab: Sept. 14 to Nov. 9, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Energy, Forces & Flight + Robots. Explore inertia, gravity and centripetal force by launching racecars and spinning bike wheels, and hurling ping pong balls with rubber band powered catapults. Learn about tension and compression, experiment to see what the strongest shapes are, and even make an earthquake proof building from toothpicks and marshmallows. People aren’t the only ones who build things—robots can too, once we build them. See how a robot can follow a maze of lines, pick up toys, or even listen and react to sounds. Build your own robot hand to continue the exploration at home. Discover different aspects of energy, such as potential and kinetic energy. $129pp.

ALL AGES Yoga for all levels, ages 18 and over: Sept. 19 to Oct. 31, 8:15–9:15 a.m. Mixed level yoga class. Class begins with a gentle warm-up, builds to an invigorating flow and ends with deep stretch and peaceful relaxation. Perfect to help gain flexibility, balance, and strength. It will be a great way to start the day! $65pp at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Card Making Class: Saturday, Sept. 30, 1 – 4 p.m. What can be more fun than quality time crafting with friends to create beautiful, handmade Christmas/holiday cards? The best part of all is that you will have your cards done before the holidays. Please bring double sided tape/ adhesive and scissors of your choice. $32pp at Salmon Brook Park. Elementary Italian, ages 18 and up: Sept. 27 – Dec. 6, 6–7:30 p.m. This Introduction to Italian course is for the individual who is looking to begin studying Italian, brush up on language skills learned many years ago or perhaps to prepare for that dream vacation to Italy. Classes offer a basic introduction to Italian grammar, vocabulary development, pronunciation and conversation skills. No prior experience required. Text to be determined by instructor at first class; small additional fee (payable to instructor) may be required. The same text will be used in the spring and does not need to be purchased a second time for those who choose to continue with the class. $107pp at GMHS. Elementary Spanish, ages 18 and up: Sept. 27 – Dec. 6, 6–7:30 p.m. This Introduction to Spanish course f is for the individual who is looking to begin studying Spanish, brush up on language skills learned many years ago or perhaps to prepare for that dream vacation to Spain. Classes offer a basic introduction to Spanish grammar, vocabulary development, pronunciation and conversation skills. No prior experience required. Text to be determined by instructor at first class; small additional fee (payable to instructor) may be required. The same text will be used in the spring and does not need to be purchased a second time for those who choose to continue with the class. $107pp at GMHS. Intermediate Italian, ages 18 and up: Sept. 25 – Dec. 4, 6–7:30 p.m. This class will pick up where Elementary Italian left off, and continues with practice of Italian grammar, writing, conversation, culture, and readings. Text as determined by instructor; small additional fee (payable to instructor) may be required. 12-week session, with prerequisite Elementary Italian or comparable knowledge. $107pp at GMHS. Intermediate Spanish, ages 18 and up: Sept. 25 – Dec. 4, 6–7:30 p.m. This class will pick up where Elementary Spanish left off, and continues with practice of Spanish grammar, writing, conversation, culture, and readings. Text as determined by instructor; small additional fee (payable to instructor) may be required. 12-week session, with prerequisite Elementary Spanish or comparable knowledge. $107pp at GMHS.

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 29

It has been a busy summer for the Friends of Holcomb Farm, and all of our friends and neighbors should plan to join us in reaping the benefits of our labors as we transition to fall. Here’s what we have been doing, and what’s next.

SHARING THE BOUNTY THROUGH FRESH ACCESS The Fresh Access program is growing, in more ways than one. Through donations and fundraising, the Friends purchase produce from our farming operation, to provide greater access to quality local food and help address food insecurity right here in Granby and the larger community. This summer we have grown our relationships with two of our institutional partners. Through Fresh Access, the Granby Senior Center makes donated Holcomb Farm produce available to its members every Thursday. Here’s what people involved in the program say, “That the Granby Senior Center partners with Holcomb Farm to offer fresh vegetables to its seniors is a gift. Food brings people together. That is never more apparent than watching the seniors walk through our doors on a Thursday morning. People light up when they see the display of vegetables. I’ve heard seniors talking about the dinners they plan to cook, exchanging ideas and recipes—even inviting each other over to dinner. I heard one senior say, ‘What’s this?’(pointing to an unknown vegetable) and another replied ‘It’s fennel.’ ‘Well, what do you do with it?’ and the conversation ensues. Sometimes we will make up recipe cards. Conversations start, people gather. It’s social. Proper nutrition for our elder population is lacking for a myriad of reasons but when faced with such fresh, succulent vegetables at their fingertips, they are all over it. All members of the Granby Senior Center are welcome to participate.”

Seniors enjoying free Holcomb Farm produce through the Granby Senior Center’s relationship with the Friends of Holcomb Farm. Photo by Trish Tappenden

HEALING MEALS COMMUNITY PROJECT This program serves organic meals for free to families in a health crisis. They tell us, “We are blessed to be part of the Holcomb Farm Fresh Access program for the second year in a row. We are able to give our clients freshly picked local, nutrient-dense meals. We pick up our produce on Tuesday and prepare and cook it on Wednesday and deliver it on Thursday. The time from harvest to plate is much shorter and therefore the meals are more nutrient-dense, giving our clients the support they need. When the food comes from a local farm, we know it is safer. With fewer steps between us and

the food source, there is less chance of contamination. Our clients are immunecompromised and we take great pride in giving them the cleanest food possible. This bounty of donated produce from Holcomb Farm also supports us financially, allowing us to help and serve more families.” Learn more about Healing Meals at healingmealsproject.org. The biggest annual Fresh Access fundraising event is the Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, to be held at Metro Bis restaurant in Simsbury on Nov. 4. If you would like to make a donation or get involved, please contact info@ holcombfarm.org.

MUCH HAS BEEN “GROWING ON” AT THE FARM While farmer Joe 0’Grady and his crew worked the fields, many in our community participated in free events as a part of this summer’s Holistic Living Series, including everything from cooking demonstrations to food quality testing to yoga and essential oils. We will share more about these events in a future issue, but for now know that there is still plenty of time to visit YOUR community farm. The Farm Store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and sells both Holcomb Farm produce and other local farm products at the CSA barn at 111 Simsbury Road. Everyone is welcome. OPEN FARM DAY Plan to celebrate on Saturday, Sept. 9, with events throughout Granby. Events at or near the Holcomb Farm CSA barn include: A display of mammal pelts and various raptors that are regular visitors to the farm, provided by the State DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist program; At 10 a.m., Farmer Joe will offer a Show & Tell of all the unusual things we grow at the farm; and At 1 p.m., Julie Wern (of the Wholesome Gourmande and the Holcomb Farm Simply Fresh Food Blog) will offer a not-to-be-missed cooking demonstration using farm-fresh produce. PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES One of our dedicated volunteers, Hana Fulwider, will be at the farm on Sept. 23 and Oct. 17 offering her professional photography services, with a portion of the proceeds contributed to the Friends of Holcomb Farm. This is a great chance to have a family portrait taken in beautiful surroundings while supporting a good cause; the cost is just $65 per 10-minute session, so call 978-933-1522 to book yours. CELEBRATE GRANBY This town-wide event is held in Salmon Brook Park and Holcomb Farm Friends will be there, along with our fellow farmers. We will share information about the local farm scene in Granby and maybe raffle off some goodies. Visit our booth on Sept. 23.

Susan LeClerc shows farm crew leader Dave Spatcher a batch of pickled beets and veggies as a part of the Farm’s Holistic Living Series. Photo by Sarah Nunes

TRAIL AND LAND STEWARDSHIP Thanks to Jacob Payton’s Eagle Scout project, our trail map has been updated and can be found on our website as well as on the Town’s Park and Rec site. Jacob’s project also included new signage for the trail system, including quick read bar codes that will access the trail map electronically. For those of us who still like old-fashioned paper, the Friends are in the process of publishing new pocket maps. Plan to pick one up at our Celebrate Granby booth. In conjunction with the trail map project, members of our Friends of Holcomb Farm Stewardship Committee re-blazed the trails so no one should get lost on fall foliage hikes. They also organized a number of volunteer workdays at the Farm. A list of accomplishments include: the abandoned silo foundation along Simsbury Road was partially excavated and back-filled with topsoil (provided by the Town) to accommodate plant-

ings of daylilies and grasses, which are growing nicely. White oaks, an apple tree and a black birch tree were liberated from invasive species that were choking out these beautiful specimens. This can become a periodic activity, with a larger volunteer group. If you’d like to help the Friends of Holcomb Farm liberate more trees from these invasive species, please contact the Farm.

CALENDAR September through October: Farm Store open 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; Hiking Trails open dawn to dusk Sept. 9: Open Farm day, all day, throughout the town and at the CSA barn Sept. 23: Joint Friends of Holcomb Farm and Granby Ag Commission booth at Salmon Brook Park Sept. 23 and Oct. 7: Portraits at the farm by Hana Portrait Design Nov. 4: Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction at Metro Bis, Simsbury

Drumrolls Jenna Snyder was named to Assumption College’s spring 2017 dean’s list. Emma Beman and Madeleine Davis were named to Fairfield University’s spring 2017 dean’s list. Megan B Kuhnly, Sarah M Pizzanello, Kaitlyn R. Moskey and Andrea Dewey were named to the University of Rhode Island’s spring 2017 dean’s list. Emily M. Stone completed her studies at Hartwick College. Justin P Ranicar, a senior English major, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College. He is the son of James and Deborah Ranicar. Emily Guillerault, class of 2020, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at the College of Our Lady of the Elms. The University of New Hampshire’s spring 2017 dean’s list included: highest honors: Parker Berberian, Charles Gates and Conor Smith; high honors: Paige Lee; honors: Austin Butler and Jennifer Healy. Gina DiCiancia graduated magna cum laude from Roger Williams University with a B.A. in global communication. Mia Casey Olsen earned a B.A. in sociology from Trinity College. She also was awarded Faculty Honors for spring 2017.

Charles Pfeifer graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester with a BS in neuroscience and a BM in applied music. He is the son of Richard Pfeifer and Lisa Corbett. Tess Borsecnik and Casey Stickel were named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Seton Hall University. Margaret Ellis was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at University Of New England. Ben Hebert, who is studying mechanical engineering, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology. The following recently graduated from Simmons College: Jennifer Wilson earned an MS; Tara Pagliaro earned an Ed.S. in special education; Meaghan Schultheis earned an M.A. in teaching, and Christy Tortland earned an M.F.A. in writing for children. Kyle J. Hebert earned a BA in biological sciences from Binghamton University, State University of New York. Recent graduates of the University of Rhode Island include: Megan B Kuhnly, BA in psychology magna cum laude; Miriam Nichols, BS in business administration, marketing, and Meghan Catherine Gilmore, BA in psychology cum laude.

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Happenings at the Center ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING IN SEPTEMBER Silk Scarf Tie-Dyeing: Friday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. Learn a freeform and easy technique of applying a rainbow of vibrant dyes to beautiful silk scarves. Scarves can be folded, pleated and knotted to create interesting patterns to end up with a beautiful product. Cost $20 which includes your first scarf and all materials, $15 per additional scarf. To register call 860-844-5350 by Sept. 5. Women and War: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1 p.m. Presented by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Women have been involved in military conflicts from the beginning of time. Learn about a teenager who helped save Danbury during the Revolutionary War, how Harriet Beecher Stowe sowed the seeds of conflict leading to the Civil War, and how Margaret Bourke-White’s photography brought civilians face to face with the war front for the first time. Cost $5. Call 860844-5350 to register by Wednesday, Sept. 6. Coffee Hour for Veterans: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. Presented by Veterans Liaison Wayne Rioux. This free monthly coffee hour is a wonderful time for Veterans, their widows and family members to come together and share stories and life reviews. Learn about benefits, entitlements, programs, events and other services to support local veterans. Lunch for the Mind: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 12:30 p.m. They Called Her Reckless—A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse, presented by Janet Barrett. The story of a horse who became a hero and legend during the Korean War. Cost $5. Bring your own lunch. Call 860-844-5350 to register. Helping Hands Needed: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International (www.daysforgirls.org) sewing for women in need of sanitary products around the world. Need sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860653-5752 or josiklein@sbcglobal.net. Greeting Card Stamping Class: Thursday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. Learn the basics of creating your own greeting cards, no experience necessary. Register by calling 860-844-5350. Cost $5.

SENIOR VAN The van provides rides for adults 60 and over to shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call transportation coordinators at 860844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling. Kohl’s/HomeGoods in Canton on Friday, Sept. 29, departs 11:30 a.m. $3. Dine and Drive on Friday, Sept. 15, Joey Garlic, then shopping at Stew Leonard’s. $4 GROCERY SHOPPING

Ocean State Job Lot and Big Y in Southwick every Tuesday, departs 1:30 p.m. Big Y’s 10 percent senior discount is available every Tuesday. Geissler’s in Granby every Wednesday, call to arrange a time. Geissler’s 5 percent senior discount is available every Wednesday. Stop & Shop in Granby every Thursday, departs at 1:30 p.m. TRIPS

Lighthouse Tour, New London/Groton: Wednesday, Sept. 6, departs 9:30 a.m. Cruise by nine lighthouses, two Revolutionary Era forts and much more. Lunch will be on your own at Monica’s State Street Diner. Cost $35. Register by calling 860-844-5350. Oklahoma at the Goodspeed: Tuesday, September 12, departs 10:30 a.m. The Rogers and Hammerstein classic that changed American musicals forever. Watch two people fall in love with passion, laughter and high-kicking choreography in a land where the “wind comes sweeping down the plain.” Lunch will be on your own prior to the show at the Gelston House or LaVita. Cost $68. Register by calling 860-8445350. Adventure Club Northwest Park Hike: Wednesday, Sept. 20, departs 9:30 a.m. The Adventure Club will travel to Northwest Park and Nature Preserve in Windsor for a morning hike.

CELEBRATE SENIOR CENTER MONTH ACTIVE AGING WEEK

AND

Whether through fitness classes, social activities, trips, and a vast variety of other programs—centers for older adults continue to be the community experts on aging. We hope you will join us in September for one or more of the many new and exciting programs offered as we celebrate both Senior Center Month and Active Aging Week! SENIOR CENTER MONTH The National Institute of Senior Centers encourages communities to participate, engage and discover the wonderful programming, events and information at hand at their local center.

ACTIVE AGING WEEK Monday, Sept. 25 – Friday, Sept. 29. We will be celebrating this year with special events and activities throughout the week. You will have the opportunity to learn, have fun and win prizes. Current paid members who bring a new friend during Active Aging Week will be entered into a drawing for a prize if your friend joins the Senior Center. You will receive one ticket for each new member. We will be giving away prizes to the two people that attend the most activities during Active Aging Week. For every new event or activity you attend during Active Aging Week, you will receive one entry into a drawing for a great prize. All prizes will be awarded at the Italian Dinner and Dance on Friday, Sept. 29. You do not need to be present to win, but you really should come for a fun night out! Call or stop by the Center for complete details. Mind Sharpener Kick-Off is Monday, Sept. 25 and Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. Mind Sharpener is a twice-weekly, 8-week course for those who are interested in keeping their minds active and engaged while having a good time. This fun and creative program takes you through a variety of activities that give your brain a workout. Cost $20. Class size is limited, call 860-844-5350 to register. Bio-Sway Balance Testing: Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. Presented by McLean Rehabilitation. Bio-Sway testing provides valid, reliable and repeated objective measurements of a person’s ability to balance on firm or unstable surfaces. This is a great measure of how you are doing and what areas you might need to work on to prevent falls. Limited appointments available, call to secure a time slot at 860-844-5350. No charge. What If? You Encounter a Life Change— What Does That Mean? Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m. Presented by Karen K. Needham, KKN Coaching. There are different facets of life and each of us determines what we focus on, whether it is health, career or family. We will discuss dreams to pursue, what do we want to change and how do we move forward? Call to register

at 860-844-5350. No charge. Matter of Balance Kick-Off is Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. This four-week program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance. Cost $10. Class size is limited, call to register at 860-844-5350. Flu Clinic: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1 to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Farmington Valley VNA. Call the FVVNA at 860-651-3539 for an appointment. Please note that they will not be offering pneumonia shots this year. Planning For Health Care in Retirement: Thursday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. Presented by Westfield Bank. Health Care is likely among your greatest expenses in retirement. How will you manage? Learn more about Medicare, premium costs and determine if you are in the best plan for your needs and budget. Go through a Health Care Cost Assessment. Light refreshments will be served. Call to register at 860-844-5350. No charge. Tossing and Turning All Night vs Getting a Good Night’s Sleep: Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. Presented by Justine Ginsberg, Farmington Valley Health District. Have you noticed a change in your sleep patterns and quality of sleep? Wide awake at 3 a.m.? You might be interested in knowing how these relate to the normal aging process and why they happen. We will discuss sleep, what’s normal, what’s not, medications, food to assist, lifestyle changes to make, alternative therapies to try, how to use these new biorhythm changes to your advantage and more. No charge. Mama Mia—Let’s Celebrate! Friday, Sept. 29, 5 p.m. As Active Aging Week and Senior Center Month come to a close, we want to celebrate all of our achievements—taking new classes, trying new things and showing the world that aging doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! We will be holding an Italian Dinner and Dance. The meal includes stuffed shells provided by Suffield by The River, salad, Italian bread and dessert. Entertainment will be provided by East Chicago Joe, singing the songs of Sinatra, Tony Bennett and much more. Cost $8. Register by calling 860-844-5350, reserve no later than Sept. 22. Sponsored by Suffield by The River, a Senior Residential Community.

Granby 4-H Sign-Up Night Sign up night for Granby 4-H is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. The Workshop will begin at 7 p.m. with a presentation for all new and current members to introduce the youth officer team, leaders, and project groups available for sign up. Valuable information will be provided for prospective new members on the uniqueness of the club and how it works. Following the introduction, you will have the opportunity to speak with individual leaders and sign up for their groups. In order to offer new and exciting opportunities for Granby 4-H members, it is seeking additional volunteer leaders.

Please consider what you have to offer the 4-H youth. Granby 4-H encourages you, friends, family members, co-workers, etc., to share your knowledge with the youth of the club. Commitment can range from a couple of hours per year, a few hours per month, or any amount of time in between. You can help “Make the best better.” If you have any questions about joining or volunteering, please contact granbyct4h@gmail.com.

There are several trails as well as a butterfly garden, animal barn and boardwalk. Bring plenty of water and a bagged lunch. Cost $15. Call 860-844-5350 to register Norfolk Village: Friday, Sept. 22, departs 9:30 a.m. We will start with a tour of Battell Chapel, founded in 1758, to view the many Tiffany stained-glass windows. Stroll through the historic village and shop at the boutiques. Lunch is on your own. Enjoy ice cream from Dairy Queen on the way home. Cost $10. Register by calling 860-844-5350.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Community Café: Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. Complete hot meal is served for seniors through the Community Renewal Team nutrition program. Suggested donation of $2.50. Monthly menus are available. Call 860-844-5350 by Friday noon to make your reservation for the following week. Healthy Minds: A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has the ability to help you move forward with the better part of life. Call 860-8445352 to schedule a confidential appointment. Suggested donation is $20 per session. On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Sept. 13 and 27 at 2:30 p.m. Facilitated by Jane Johnson, drop in/no charge. Farmington Valley VNA Blood Pressure Check: Every Thursday 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Community Room. No charge. Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: Friday, Sept. 22, by appointment. Cost is $29 at time of service (not covered by insurance). Hearing Clinic Screening: Thursday, Sept. 7, by appointment. No charge. Reiki Sessions: Tuesday, Sept. 26 , by appointment. Half-hour session $20. Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Sept. 5 and 19, by appointment. A 15-minute chair massage for $10. Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group for Caregivers and Their Loved One: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. As a caregiver, while you are in the support group there will be a supervised activity for your loved one. Learn how to cope with the changes in behavior, changes in your relationship with them, and understand how to handle it all. Led by Peggy Coburn from McLean Home Care and Hospice. MS Support Group: Mondays, Sept. 11 and 25 at 1 p.m. This is a self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers. Raising Grandchildren Support Group: Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. Support for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. Medical Equipment Loaner Closet: If you are ever in need of a wheelchair, walker, cane, tub seat or other durable medical equipment contact 860-844-5352. Donations accepted by appointment only. Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, Sept. 6, by appointment only. Call 860-844-5352. Generic situations can be discussed.

STAYING FIT Classes are available six days a week and are ongoing. To register or find out which classes best fit your abilities and needs call the office at 860-844-5350. Drop in $8. Yoga Flow: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Cardio Circuit Training: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. Weight Training for Women: Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Chair Yoga: Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. Yoga: Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Full Body Workout: Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. NEW Chi Gong, starting Sept. 29: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A gentle, low-impact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Like Tai Chi, Chi Gong is routed in traditional Chinese medicine. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Cardio Combo: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Peak: Sundays at 7:30 a.m.

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Granby Agricultural Commission hosts Open Farm Day The Granby Agricultural Commission is sponsoring a free Open Farm Day on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farms will open their gates to host demonstrations, tours, offer samples and more. Farmers will be onsite to greet visitors and answer any questions. Returning Farm Day attendees will be pleased to find old favorites such as the Hay Bale Toss at Maple View Farm and

tractor rides at Lost Acres Orchard, and will also discover some new additions to the annual festivities. For the first time, visitors can watch cows milked by two state-of-the-art robotic milking units at Sweet Pea Farm/House of Hayes, and say hello to two new pigs at Holcomb Farm CSA. New to Open Farm Day, Valkyrie Equestrian Center will join the fun this year with beginner and advanced riding

Public Works Trash holiday: Monday, Sept. 4 Labor Day is a holiday for Paine’s Inc. and all trash pickups will be delayed by one day the week after the holiday. Transfer Station extended hours: The Transfer Station will be open Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13. The extended hours will be in effect through Nov. 15. RecycleCT: Do you have questions about what can and cannot go in your recycling bin? If so, there is a great new resource to help. Recycle CT is a website designed to answer your questions. Sign on and try out the recycling wizard. Simply type in the name of an item and you will be directed on how to dispose of it properly. You can find it at www. recyclect.com. Yard Waste: Yard waste should not be placed in your trash or recycling barrels. Yard waste has been banned from curbside trash barrels since 1998. Grass,

leaves and brush should be composted onsite or brought to the Granby Transfer Station. Mark your calendars: two events are coming this fall. Saturday, Oct. 14, there will be a shredding event at the Granby DPW facility from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, will be the next Household Hazardous waste collection. It will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simsbury DPW, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury. A list of accepted items is available on the Town of Granby website. At each collection, the following additional services will be provided: Electronics recycling (items with Freon not accepted) and document shredding, special hours 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or until truck is full. Two-box limit per resident. For information on either event, call the Granby DPW at 860-653-8960.

MARK BRADY KITCHENS A Design/Build Remodeler

860-306-5867 • Simsbury markbradykitchens.com

In the market for a new home? The process of finding your home to closing on it can be easier with a pre-approved mortgage from your community bank. No obligation, no fee. Just helpful assistance and competitive rates for the mortgage you’re looking for. Apply today. Avon 860-677-2809 Granby 860-653-7228 New Hartford 860-693-8397 Torrington 860-482-3423 Winsted Main Office 860-379-7561 Northwestern Regional High School Academic Branch

www.nwcommunitybank.com

Owner occupied. Residential only. Limited time only. All loans subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NCB MLO#510148

hosta collection and acres of inspiring landscaped paths; Clark Farm at Bushy Hill Orchard, a fruit orchard and veggie farm popular for fresh apple cider donuts; and Lost Acres Vineyard, a farm winery producing hand crafted wines and offering wine tastings, wine by the glass and bottle, art and more. “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 Commission is 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. For more information, visit www.GranbyAg.org .

Resident serves on 7th international Habitat for Humanity project Granby resident and Hartford Habitat board member emeritus Don Shaw, (r.) congratulates Habitat for Humanity homeowner-to-be Yusuf Ahmed on completion of his family’s 500 hours of sweat equity at the 2017 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Edmonton, Alberta, July 9-14. The work project celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary helping build 150 houses, and highlighted Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Edmonton was Shaw’s seventh Carter project having served previously in South Africa, Mexico, India, Thailand, and twice in Haiti after its 2010 earthquake. Submitted photo

HIC.0557564

House hunting to moving in goes faster when you’re pre-approved

YOUR COMMUNITY – YOUR COMMUNITY BANK FOR OVER 150 YEARS

demos. The complete schedule of events is at GranbyAg.org, the Granby Agricultural Commission’s website. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9, start at any one of the participating farms and grab your 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 you visit. At the last farm you visit, turn in your 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 $100 gift certificate to spend at the Nov. 20 Farmers Market at Lost Acres Vineyard! Among the participating farms are: The Garlic Farm, famous for its German White garlic and other pesticide-free veggies; Hidden Acres Farm, an art and yoga studio as well as a farm with a medicinal herb garden, alpacas, mini donkeys and chickens; O’Brien Nurserymen, well known in the region for its extensive

Tues-Weds: Lunch 11:30a.m.-4p.m., Dinner 'till 9p.m., Bar Open Late Thurs-Saturday: Lunch 11:30a.m.-4p.m, Dinner 'till 10p.m., Bar Open Late Sundays: Lunch 11:30a.m.-4p.m., Dinner 'till 9p.m., Bar Open Late

It's déjà brew time! Oktoberfest starts Friday, September 15th! Come on down! 357 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035 | 860.653.2739 www.cbh.beer | Facebook: Cambridge House Brew Pub | Instagram: cbh.beer | Snapchat: cbh.beer

Page 32 The Granby Drummer

Broken Arrow January 1989 – May 2017

On May 25 at 11:30 at night, my best friend Broken Arrow passed away peacefully at Tufts University for large animals.All that could be done for him by the staff there (above and beyond) was done. I was with him as he went on to his next journey. Broken Arrow was a horse of many hats. Parades, champion many times at Western Pleasure. Rides for those who needed a smile. He rode at Susan Komen Foundation Ride for a Cure for 10 years. He participated in Manes and Motion for Disabled Children in Middletown for six years. He was the first horse to be put on the Silver Platter Hall of Fame at Tyron Farm in Pomfret. Broken Arrow rode for three years at the ASPC benefit in Rhode Island and at the 2015 Jimmy Fund fundraiser at Stop & Shop in Granby. A special thanks to Kris Strain who was one of his best human friends; John Kennedy, his weekend friend, and to Dr. Ann Creden of Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital for all the love she gave him over the 17 years he was at Rainbow End Farm. He always made things right. He is missed from all at Rainbow End Farm. I will see you again, my friend.

Rosia and all at Rainbow End Farm

September 2017

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 33

Spend a day on Granby’s farms!

Granby Agricultural Commission

OPEN FARM DAY • Sept. 9• 10 – 4 Maple View Farm

192 Salmon Brook Street, Granby mapleviewhorsefarm.com

On 50 acres in the center of Granby, Maple View Farm is home to horses, cows, goats, pigs and chickens in addition to the farmers who, for three generations, have lived on and farmed the property. Founded in 1950, the farm has been a dairy, provided pony rides and boarded horses. Today the farm grows food for its neighbors and offers horseback riding lessons and weekly summer sessions to kids. The pastured-based operation provides meat, veggies, eggs and other local products through the Farm Store on the property. The Boglis are committed to taking care of their 50 acres of land in the center of town so it can be farmed by their own children and grandchildren for years to come. On Open Farm Day, Farmer Kate will lead tours where you’ll get to meet all of the animals and walk through the garden to see how everything

1

works together on the farm. There will be a riding demo given by some of their students and a chance to meet Jellybean the pony. Come early for coffee with Farmer Kate or come at lunchtime to purchase a Maple View burger or dog. The day culminates with a hay-bale-throwing contest.

Granby 4-H at Maple View Farm 192 Salmon Brook Street, Granby granbyct4h@gmail.com

Come see what Granby 4-H is all about! It is a volunteer- and youth-run organization that exposes its membership to everything from agriculture to technology and teaches leadership and responsibility along the way. Check out the accomplishments of our young people, see some of our community service projects and educational displays, make a custom button, build with Legos or enjoy our coloring pages. We’ll have Granby 4-H t-shirts and cookbooks filled with members favorite

Pick up a passport at your first farm and collect a stamp at each farm visit to be entered in a drawing for farm prizes! You are eligible for prizes with just one stamp; those collecting 6 or more stamps could win a $100 gift certificate to use at local Granby farms. More information is available at www.granbyAG.org recipes available for purchase. You can learn more about us, our fair and how to join Granby 4-H at Maple View Farm this Open Farm Day!

horses’ needs, whether it be a specific feeding regimen, a buddy for turn out, or a tailor made training program. Beyond that, we are certain

Valkyrie Equestrian Center

175 Barndoor Hills Road, Granby www.valkyrieequestriancenter.com Valkyrie Equestrian Center is a full service hunter jumper facility. Nestled between the Barn Door Hills, it boasts 48 stalls, an indoor and outdoor riding arena, 10 turn out paddocks, heated viewing lounges and many more amenities for you and your horse. Our clientele ranges from the brand-new beginner to the very experienced competitor. We provide community lessons on one of our 16 school horses and help more advanced riders find great matches to lease or own. We also have a fantastic interscholastic equestrian team, which has been very successful. Our primary philosophy is to put the horse first. We pay careful attention to each

2

Open Farm Day Sponsors

Open Farm Day cont’d. on p. 34 THE LAW OFFICE OF

JASON BOGLI

Craig J. Meier - Agent 860-644-2811

www.jboglilaw.com

SALMON BROOK PARK • Sept. 21-23, 2017 Thurs. Sept. 21

Hosted By:

5 – 9 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 22 5 – 9 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 23

11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Start your new house story with a $500 CASH-BACK MORTGAGE.* CARNIVAL • Local

Salmon Brook Park, Granby, CT

Business & Non-Profit Expo

Live Music by Local Bands The Bus Drivers and Outta Whack~ Wine Tastings ~ Artisans, Makers & Farmers Markets ~ Food by Local Restaurants ~ Beer Garden ~ Classic Car Show ~ Children’s Activities & Performances plus much more

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Platinum SPonSor

Your community bank has competitive rates for a new home mortgage. And we’ll help you through the process to closing. Apply today and get $500 cash back when your mortgage closes.

YOUR COMMUNITY – YOUR COMMUNITY BANK FOR OVER 150 YEARS

The Granby Drummer • Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home • Cahill’s Motorcars •Walker Kitchen Design

East Granby 860-653-2515 Granby 860-653-7228 Avon 860-677-2809 New Hartford 860-693-8397 Torrington 860-482-3423 Winsted Main Office 860-379-7561 Northwestern Regional High School Academic Branch

www.nwcommunitybank.com

*$500 cash back at closing. $500 cash back to be used towards closing costs which include prepaid interest, prepaid escrow and title insurance. Owner occupied. Residential only. Limited time only. All loans subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.

WWW.GRANBYCOC.ORG

Page 34 The Granby Drummer

Open Farm Day cont’d. from p. 33

to create a warm, friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable. On Open Farm Day, Valkyrie will be having two demonstrations to highlight some of our horses and riders. We will demo both our advanced show riders and our beginner riders and school ponies. We will also have farm tours available for anyone who would like to see our facility and ask any questions. We are very excited to open our facility up to this wonderful program in Granby.

Clark Farm at Bushy Hill 29 Bushy Hill Road, Granby Bushyhill.com

Clark Farm at Bushy Hill Orchard in Granby is one of three farms run by the Clark family. Bushy Hill is a 75-acre farm/orchard growing: apples, blueberries, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines, and vegetables. The farm is open seasonally, offering a farm-to-table cafe, ice cream and a full bakery (including the famous apple cider donuts), pick your own apples and blueberries. The farm offers a great location for family outings and small events. There are many things to see and do at the farm and farm store: apple cider pressed fresh from the farm, local products, dairy (both goat and cow) from the Clark’s Griffin Farmstead dairy in East Granby, and flowers from their Goodyear Farm location in Suffield. The Creamery offers local ice cream from Gran-Val Scoop in Granville, Mass., and homemade goat milk gelato (seasonally). On Open Farm Day, you will have the opportunity to pick your own apples from 17 varieties, take a wagon ride, and sample those famous homemade apple cider and donuts!

3

Granby Grange #5

212 North Granby Road (Route 189), Granby CTstateGrange.org

4

The Grange is a venerable rural community organization. On Open Farm Day, the Grange will be hosting a photo contest and chili-cooking contest. Come have chili for lunch and vote on your favorite! This year’s photo contest theme is “Down on the Farm”. Enter the contest or vote on your favorite photo. In the evening after Open Farm Day is over, there will be an auction of agricultural fair entries.

Sweet Pea Cheese/House of Hayes 151 East Street, North Granby sweetpeacheese.com

The dairy cows at House of Hayes are moo-ing into the future with two new state-of-the-art robotic milking units. Watch the cows being milked in the new viewing room open to the public. Sweet Pea Cheese, at the House of Hayes, milks a herd of dairy goats and processes milk, yogurt and cheese. Open Farm Day activities at the House of Hayes include self-guided tours of the dairy and cheese-making facilities. Visitors can enjoy free bite-sized goat cheese samples. The corn maze will also be open, with an admission fee

5

of $8 for adults/$6 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). Open Farm Day t-shirts will also be for sale at Sweet Pea. Hemlock Knoll Farm will also be at Sweet Pea Farm with an informational display about their farm-raised meat products.

Hidden Acres Farm and Stables 114 East Street, North Granby hiddenacresyoga.com

In 2014 Deb Orosz and Gary Melnysyn settled into their antique home that was built in 1860. Their vision was to transform this historic property into a respite for people from the hectic pace of life with yoga and an art gallery exhibiting Gary’s wildlife, nature photos and art. Within the past two years they have expanded to include horse boarding, medicinal herbs, raising alpacas so Deb could spin their fiber into yarn and mini donkeys for entertainment. Deb is finishing her master’s degree in nutrition and herbal medicine and uses this knowledge to blend medicinal teas from herbs grown on the farm. On Open Farm Day, Hidden Acres Farm will have animals, herbs and art. We will have alpacas, chickens and mini donkeys for visiting all day. The medicinal herb garden will be open for viewing. Visitors can stop in and see the art of Gary Melnysyn and enjoy herbal tea samples. The Granby Horse Council will be at Hidden Acres all day. Members will have a table with information about the council and pictures of some activities. They will also have a children’s obstacle course. At 11 a.m., the drill team will present a routine at 2.

6

September 2017

demonstrate fall sheep shearing. Wool spinning demonstrations and a felting craft for kids will be ongoing throughout the day.

Lost Acres Orchard

130 Lost Acres Road, North Granby lostacres.com

Since the ‘70s the Wutka family at Lost Acres Orchard has grown peaches, apples, quince and pears. In the fall, you can pick your own apples or buy them already picked. They also sell local winter squash, pumpkins and gourds. 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. Enjoy some hot apple crisp on the front porch (with ice cream from the Gran-Val Scoop), or select something to take home – soup, quiche, pie, cookies, jams, jellies and more. On Open Farm Day, enjoy complimentary wagon rides through the orchard every half hour. Each hour, on the hour will be a five-minute talk on the history of the orchard and the area of North Granby where it is located. Apples, farm store products and a light lunch will be available for purchase.

8

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.

9

Lost Acres Vineyard

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 several tours and offer tips on growing garlic at home. Samples of roasted garlic and peppers will be available.

Holcomb Farm CSA

111 Simsbury Road, West Granby holcombfarm.org

Holcomb Farm is a town-owned historic property in West Granby. Today the property 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 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. At the CSA Barn on Open Farm Day, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the farm and visit the new pigs! Come at 1 p.m. to see a cooking demo featuring farm-grown produce with Julie Wern of the Wholesome Gourmande.

10

Open Farm Day cont’d. on p. 35

80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby lostacresvineyard.com

In the 1700’s Lost Acres was a political noman’s land known as “the Wedge.” In the early 1800’s, the Wedge’s free-spirited, cider-distilling, 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 is 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 their Wedge White wine and demonstrations of an old style wine press. Lost Acres Vineyard will welcome the Granby Pony Club, now in its 51st year. The Pony Club will offer pony rides for a small fee and give demonstrations. The day will finish with a riding demo by Marcus Rhatigan of Hillbrook Sport Horses. Sepe Farm (www.sepefarm.com) sheep shearing team—Peter and Carolyn Sepe, Erin Sepe Pirro and Jonathan Pirro—will be at the vineyard to

7

2017

6th Annual

Saturday, September 30 10am-4pm

First Church -219 North Granby Rd (Rt. 189)

    

Crafts Vendors Cheese Bread HUGE Bake Sale Lunch– Soups, Baked Potato Bar & more





Tea Cup Auction Baskets Tag Sale

www.firstchurchgranby.org

Apple Fest

TAG SALE Starts at 9am! Women’s Boutique, Kitchen Shop, Furniture, household items, sports equipment, toys & more!

860-653-4537

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 35

10:00

10:30

11:00

11:30

Noon

12:30

1:00

1:30

2:00

2:30

3:00

3:30

Sit in a saddle, shop the Farm Store, Granby 4H onsite. Maple View burgers & dogs for sale from 11-2.

1-Maple View Farm

Coffee with Farmer Kate. Kids’ Life on the Farm Tour Meet Jellybean the pony!

2-Valkyrie Advanced Show Equestrian Center Rider Demo

Open Ride Demo - watch students ride lesson horses

Farm Tour

Farm Tour

3-Clark Farm at Bushy Hill

Self-guided tours of farm, visit goats and cows, check out new robotic milking units! Sample goat cheese and explore corn maze (small fee), Open Farm Day tshirts for sale, Hemlock Knoll onsite Come see the livestock, Medicinal Herb Garden, Art Gallery. Granby Horse Council onsite with info and children's obstacle course

6-Hidden Acres Farm

Granby Horse Council Drill Team Demonstration

Herbal Medicine Show

Herbal Gardening Talk

Alpaca Yarn Spinning Demonstration

Wedge White wine samples and grape juice sample, Sepe Farm spinning demos & kids felting activity, Pony Club onsite with pony rides (small fee) Cellar Tour

Sheep Shearing

Pony Rides

8-Lost Acres Orchard

Pony Rides

Sheep Shearing

Riding Demo with Marcus Rhatigan

Sheep Shearing

Tractor rides every 1/2 hour, 5-min talk on the history of the orchard on the hour Lunch available for sale Working tractors on exhibit, garlic, tomatoes & other veggies on sale in vintage barn

9-The Garlic Farm

11-O'Brien Nurserymen

Farm Tour

Carnival rides & Agricultural Fair, Be a judge at the Chili Cook-Off (small fee) and "Down on the Farm" Photo Contest all day. Pony rides from 12-4.

5-Sweet Pea Cheese/House of Hayes

10-Holcomb Farm CSA Barn

Meet Jellybean the pony!

Beginner Kid's Pony Demo

Haybale Throwing Contest/ Button up the farm

History of the Farm Walking Tour

Apple picking, wagon rides, cider donuts, Farm Store open

4-The Granby Grange

7-Lost Acres Vineyard

Foodie’s Look Around the Farm Tour

Farmer Tour

Sample roasted garlic & peppers

Farmer Tour

Growing Garlic Q&A

Community Supported Agriculture using holistic, sustainable growing methods Farm Show and Tell

Cooking Demo with Julie Wern

Farm Tour and visit new pigs!

Discover the pleasure of plants! Many unique and unusual specimens. Plant Quiz just for FUN Hosta Dividing Demo at 10:45

Hosta Dividing Demo at 1:45

Garden Tour at 3:15

Open Farm Day cont’d. from p. 34

Come explore the twists and turns of the Hayes Corn Maze!

2017 Granby Open Farm Day Map to Granville 189

to Hartland

710

9

. Rd

Sweet Pea Cheese

10

Goat Chevre and Feta • Cow Milk and Yogurt Goat Milk and Yogurt• Goat Milk Soap

2

S to Canton

Rd. Notch

3 20

Salmon Brook S t.

ry sbu Sim

219

10/202

Creamery Hill Rd.

St. rook on B Salm

to Barkhamsted

11

4

20

Visit our Farm Store 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Check us out on Facebook!

East St.

5

d. tain R Moun

W

d. Quarry R

6

Wells Rd.

For more info, call 860-653-4157 or check us out on Facebook!

189

. Rd ley Hig

After Dark Really Rocks!

to Suffield

Cooley Rd.

Lost Acre s Rd.

Silkey Rd.

Come after dark for a totally different experience. Be sure to bring a flashlight!

N

8

Fridays 4-9 p.m. • Saturdays 12-9 p.m. • Sundays 12-6 p.m. Call for group rates. Last ticket sold 1/2 hour before closing. Please note visitors under the age of 4 must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed.

to Southwick

E

Hun gary Rd.

Opens Sept. 9 and runs through Halloween

Loomis St.

Answer the questions correctly and you’re off to another section. Guess it wrong and you may be lost forever!

Rd.

151 East Street, which runs between Rts. 10 & 202 and 189 in N. Granby, CT.

11

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

Bushy Hill

Corn Maze

40 Wells Road Granby, CT OBrienHosta.com

Barndo or Hills Rd.

HAYES

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 its 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 a self-guided plant quiz for fun. Discover the Pleasure of Plants, many unique and unusual specimens.

O’Brien Nurserymen

Day St.

VISIT THE

20

to East Granby 1

189

10/202

to Simsbury

Page 36 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Maple View Farm — Granby’s #onestopshop for local food “Most people don’t realize we have so much land right here in the center of town. They see horses up front and watch us teaching lessons and summer camps, but they don’t realize we have 50 acres here, with about half in hay fields, pasture land and light woods,” said Kate Bogli, owner of Maple View Farm. “When you stop by our Farm Store it can be a little tricky to see all the animals as well.” That’s because the Boglis run a pastured-

based livestock farm where animals rotationally graze the fields. “You never know where they’ll be,” she comments. “I move the cows every 2–3 days. They tour a big loop of the farm all summer long, then they lightly graze the hay fields before they get covered with snow.” For winter, all of the animals are housed in paddocks closer to the barn where water and electricity are more easily accessible. The newest addition to the farm is vegetables. “We’ve had a garden on and off through the years, but we’re really trying to kick up the production to have a constant supply of veggies for our Farm Store.” The Boglis opened the Farm Store at 192 Salmon Brook Street in 2013 as an

A selection of local offerings at Maple View Farm Store. Photo by Kate Bogli

Personalized Mortgage Solutions No closing cost loans Fast turnaround time Competitive rates Second home financing Expert advisors who know, live and work locally

outlet to sell their cuts of beef and pork. It was a big upgrade from selling the meat out of the freezer in their garage. “People would have to call and make an appointment with me in advance. It just wasn’t convenient,” says Kate. “I always wanted to capitalize on our location,” Bogli’s husband, Jason commented. “That’s why one of the first enterprises we started when we took over the farm from my father was selling Christmas trees from the front paddock,” he continued. “That has proved to be an invaluable business, providing income for the farm through the end of the year.” Making the farm financially viable hasn’t been easy. “We’ve tried a few different enterprises that haven’t worked well for us,” explains Farmer Kate. Meat goats was one. Though they were loved on the farm, they were just taking up too much time in maintaining fencing. And when

they escaped, it was disastrous. “I can’t even count how many fruit trees they destroyed,” Jason explains. So it was a hard decision, but they decided to sell their small herd this spring. Meat chickens were also a struggle. The high expense of raising them combined with the lack of USDA processing facilities meant they didn’t raise any meat chickens this year. “I’m not saying ‘no’ forever to anything. I’m just saying ‘not right now’,” added Jason To make the farm viable, they constantly assess what is working and what is not. Right now what IS working is their Farm Store. It has grown since 2013. In addition to their beef and pork, they are now selling milk, yogurt and cheese from Sweet Pea Farm in Granby, eggs from local producers, honey from Alba Apiary, maple syrup from Sweet Wind Farm and

Maple View cont’d. on p. 37

COMING SOON

235 Salmon Brook Street Granby, CT

• Starting in the high 300’s • 1800-2300sqft • 33 Quaint Neighborhood Homes • 1st floor master bedroom available • 2,3 or 4 bedroom designs • 2-car garage • Walk to Town Center and Salmon Brook Park

860-803-4254

pennygitberg@bhhsne.com pennygitberg.bhhsneproperties.com

© 2017 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

bhhsNEProperties.com

Right place. Right time. Doors open faster when you’re pre-approved. Whether youʼre looking for your very first home, or the one youʼve been dreaming of for years, nothing gets you to closing quicker than a no-cost, no-obligation mortgage pre-approval from Simsbury Bank.

Drummer ROBERT CARTERGranby July/August 2017

PAINTING

SimsburyBank.com/pre-approved 888-467-8075

NMLS #441327

HomeServices

QUALITY COMES FIRST • Interior • Exterior • Insured • Written Estimates

860-653-5859 What can I do for you?

20 Pendleton Rd. Granby, CT 06035 CT Lic. # 00559744

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 37

Maple View cont’d. from p. 36 jams and jellies from Lost Acres Orchard. They also stock cans of crushed tomatoes from Holcomb Farm and a selection of cut flowers grown in the paddock next to the store. As for the selection of vegetables, Farmer Kate notes: “We kept the crop plan pretty simple this year. We focused on crowd-pleasing veggies like tomatoes, peppers, salad mix, kale, peas and beans. We’re still finding our footing in the veggie world both in production and marketing. It’s a tricky mix to produce enough to make customers interested and also get enough customers to buy the veggies since they have a short shelf life.” But no worries: nothing

is wasted on the farm. Any unsold veggies are fed to chickens or pigs who don’t complain if a tomato is a little over ripe or green beans aren’t crisp. “Our hope is that people will love the convenience of having all of this local food in one place,” added Kate. The Farm Store is open to the public every day 8 a.m.–8 p.m. It is self-serve, so bring cash, check, or your PayPal login info. Just pick out what you want, record it in the log book and pay. It’s that easy. Come tour the farm on Sept. 9 for Granby’s Open Farm Day. Check out Maple View Farm’s website or Facebook page for more information. Mapleviewhorsefarm.com

Adventure Club hikes Outer Island

By Lori Blackburn Thirteen seniors, part of the Adventure Club from the Granby Senior Center, braved the 90-degree heat to hike Outer Island, part of the Thimble Island Chain off the coast of Connecticut. This was the first outing for the newly re-formed club and everyone enjoyed the scenery despite the hot weather. The club is led by Judy Cooper and Donna Snyder. The Adventure club has several activities planned for the upcoming months including kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, bowling, cross-country skiing and more. The club is open to anyone 60 and over. If you would like more information please contact the Senior Center at 860-844-5350.

Farm animals graze on the pastures at Maple View Farm. Photo by Kate Bogli

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

Are you

START SWIMMING TODAY! Mention this ad & save 50% of joiner fee! Swim Center at Westminster School Crystal-Clear Water Lap Swimming Swim Lessons Water Fitness Monthly Memberships Masters Swimming Family Fun!

looking to sell your home?

The market is active and homes are in demand. Now is the perfect time to consider selling your home. I work with a team of professionals who are by my side to get your home ready!

2016 President’s Circle Award Winner!

Call me . . .

. . . Let’s make time to talk!

This Granby Girl Knows GRANBY!

Judy Guarco 860-651-2127

e-mail: judyguarco@bhhsne.com website: www.judyguarco.bhhsneproperties.com

860 408-3021 www.SwimCenter.net 995 Hopmeadow Street (Route 10) Simsbury

• Resident for 50+ years • Customer Service Awards for 10+ Years • Five-Star Professional Realtor Award for the last 4 years • Awarded the 2016 “President’s Circle” -Top 4% Nationally for Berkshire Hathaway Designation for Company Excellence

© 2017 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity

bhhsNEProperties.com Granby Drummer Guarco, Judy Sept 2017

BREAKFAST served all day! 3 Turkey Hills Rd • East Granby, CT (Center Shops Plaza)

860-413-3238

Page 38 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Your summer bucket list should include a tour of Cape Cod By Sarah Cramer Cape Cod, a place full of fun, diversity, and beaches is a well-known family vacation location during the summer. The laid-back lifestyle of the Cape is heading out to enjoy ice cream or for a walk on the beach during a magnificent sunset. The multitudes of activities to do during the day, and even at night, make this a desirable summer getaway. During the hot summer the perfect way to cool down is to visit the beach. On Cape Cod, there are many beautiful beaches whether it’s on the bayside or ocean-side and they continue on for miles. One of the most popular beaches to visit is Coast Guard Beach, known for its breathtaking sunrise views, for being a great spot for swimming and for the abundance of seals and wildlife to observe and photograph. There are a few ways to get to this beach, including walking, biking, or taking a ride on the shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center. The wind in their hair and salty smell while riding the shuttle gives beachgoers the full Cape Cod summertime feelings and completes the ocean experience.

During low tide, skim boarding, surfing, sunbathing and building exquisite, handcrafted sandcastles, are the more popular pastimes. High tide is perfect for swimming with the seals and playing kanjam with family and friends. If Frisbee isn’t their forte, there are other games like beach volleyball or rallying a ball back and forth with paddles. When walking down the road near the bay or ocean and the restaurants in town, the mesmerizing smells of seafood and salt are incredible. One of the advantages to being so close to the ocean is that fresh seafood is served from ocean side to tableside instead of being retrieved out of a freezer. All sorts of seafood, including lobster, crab, clams and other shellfish is on the menu. All of this scrumptious seafood can be found at one of the local’s favorite restaurants, PJ’s in Wellfleet. This family-friendly restaurant serves a multitude of entrees and desserts. Some of its more popular items include the lobster rolls and fried clams. When looking for a good spot to grab some delicious ice cream, the place to visit is Nauset where the creamy, homemade dessert is served. Great food and beautiful beaches aren’t

the only things Cape Cod has to offer. There are plenty of outdoor activities that nature lovers would enjoy such as hikes and whale watching. Whether visitors are riding on the bike path that travels through the lower cape or walking on one of the many trails through marshes, bogs, and sand dunes, they are surrounded by nature and wildlife. Some of the best nature walks are the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp in Wellfleet, and Fort Hill in Eastham. The marshes, swamps and

bogs here have very complex ecosystems making Cape Cod a great place for studying marine biology. The cape also has endangered species such as the piping plover. On oceanfront beaches visitors can walk along the top of the beach and see the protected nests and the occasional baby piping plover. Cape Cod is an incredible family friendly vacation spot where tourists can enjoy themselves and experience some marvelous adventures. These features make visiting this alluring place “a must.” It should be placed at the top of everyone’s summer bucket list for next year.

Not to be missed: breath-taking sunrise views on Cape Cod. Photos by Sarah Cramer

2-way texting now available for Eversource customers

Eversource customers can now report a power outage and get updates on that outage through text messages, thanks to the energy company’s latest two-way text option. “Many people rely on text messages for updates from family, friends and others, so giving customers the option to get updates on their energy service is a natural fit,” said Eversource’s Penni Conner. Customers who want to take advantage of this convenient two-way texting option must first register their mobile device online at Eversource.com, or directly from their mobile phone by texting “REG” to 23129. Once registered, Eversource recommends customers add the outage text number to their contacts for quick access. Then, it’s easy – text “OUT” to that number when the power goes out and “STAT” to that number for updates.

On your road to recovery, at

PROVIDING

• Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care • Phyiscal, Occupational & Speech Therapies • IV Therapies • Orthopedic Rehabilitation • Stroke & Neurological Rehabilitation • Pulmonary & Cardiac Recovery • Complex Medical Care • Pain Management • Wound Care 350 Salmon Brook Street, Granby CT 860.653.9888 athenanh.com/meadowbrook Managed by Athena Health Care Systems

RICK SANTASIERE (860) 930-1998 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

We have immediate openings in your area InteGrity · Respect · Empathy · Accountability · Tenacity

#1 Small Real Estate Business Owner CALL ME AT (860) 930-1998 FOR:

Rick Santasiere

Companions & Homemakers Inc., has been serving clients since 1990, helping the elderly remain safe, comfortable and independent within their own homes. Come join the best Home Care Team in CT.



Free customized pricing analysis



Seller Representative Specialist

(860) 930-1998



Accredited Buyer Representative

santasiere1@hotmail.com

• Flexibility, FT/PT based on your availability and skill-set. • We offer Medical 80%, Dental 50% and 401K benefits for full-time. • Competitive wages, merit-based bonuses, paid training, recognition, incentive programs. • Live-in positions available.



Graduate Realtor Institute



Customized Investment property analysis, representing landlords, first time investors, and homeowners interested in wealth creation through Real Estate

For employment opportunities call us now: 1-888-844-4442 Applicants must complete a comprehensive background check as required by CT law.

CT DCP HCA # 0000101

Broker CT/MA

WWW.SANTA-REALTY.COM

September 2017 The Granby Drummer Page 39

Visit Ireland for its rich history and panoramic vistas By Rachel Hennessy The arrival of summer presents an opening for travel. You can travel as close as your backyard or hop on a plane to an

13th century archway of O’Dea Church.

entirely different country. A summer trip should be taken to a country renowned for its greenery, not to mention the St. Patrick’s Day holiday —Ireland. Having visited Ireland on multiple occasions, it is still breathtaking to see panoramic vistas around every twist and turn of the narrow countryside roads. After stepping out of the airport and breathing in the fresh, salty, ocean side air, the country dream springs into life. At first, it takes a couple of rides to become accustomed to being in what we call the “driver’s seat” and reminding the driver to stay on the left side of the road. However, on some roads in Ireland, the path becomes so narrow and surrounded by tall bushes that there is no left side to drive on and oncoming cars have to be expertly passed, often requiring car mirrors be turned in so they don’t collide. In fact, these roads are called “green roads” because of the grass growing in the middle that car tires don’t flatten. One of Ireland’s more interesting features is sheep, cows and horses grazing peacefully behind stonewalls just about

anywhere. This concept is different from America since farm animals are only seen when visiting local farms. While spending time in Ireland, it felt as though something was missing; something that had become all too familiar back home— bears. Yes, while there are horses, sheep and cows roaming the fields, there are no bears, mosquitos or snakes in Ireland. Ireland has historical monuments almost anywhere you look and they are waiting to be explored. When visiting an ancient country such as Ireland, it is important to talk to locals who know the land since many ancient sites go unnoticed. Luckily, my father was born and raised in Ireland, and he is knowledgeable on Ireland’s historical locations from his ramblings as a boy. One of many places we visited was Dysert O’Dea castle. It is a fortified tower house and loosely called a castle. Diarmuid O’Dea built the castle in 1480 A.D. After Cromwellian damage to the staircase and uppermost levels was repaired in 1986, the castle was reopened to the public. For a small fee you can visit

Green Irish roads. Photos by Rachel Hennessy

the various exhibits and look about the extensive museum. After tourists have explored the castle, they leave without knowing that other older sites are walking distance away. While the tourists turn left to go home, my father and I turned right until we came to a gate leading to a field of cows. We jumped the gate and walked on a bit to a thousand-year-old cross and church. After walking between the grazing cows, we saw the engravings and the detail of the cross. The time it must have taken to build the cross is astonishing. The cross is named St. Tola’s cross and dates back to the 12th century. On the shaft, a bishop is featured as well as an indentation or hole in the cross itself. If you look into the hole you see spare change piling up, which is where people made a wish and placed a euro or two inside. Interestingly, when Michael O’Dea repaired the cross in 1683, the stones from the nearby church were used to form its pedestal. The nearby church dates back to the 12th century and its architecture includes 13th century lancet windows, and a stone arch entryway that features 12 human and seven animal heads. A magnificent 30-meter, 11th century round tower completes the monastic site. This is only one historic site to check out in Ireland. There are thousands more including the Ballyhack Castle located in Wexford, Ireland that was built by the knight hospitallers and the oldest operating lighthouse in the world: 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse. Besides the animals and history that Ireland has to offer, there are many other activities such as surfing Ireland’s ginormous bright blue waves. However, wear a wetsuit because the ocean is a chilly 60 degrees. Go to a rugby or hurling match as these sports are very popular in Ireland and an adrenaline rush is experienced amongst the crowds of cheering fans. Ireland is a great place to start a European tour.

Free Lunch continues to run classes and events for all ages and experience! New classes for all starting in September! Visit Free Lunch at the Tariffville Mill or Free Lunch Studios on Facebook! www. freelunchcomics.com

Page 40 The Granby Drummer

September 2017

Closer to Home

Lunch Time

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer. Advertiser Page ABC Pizza 18 Beacon Mechanical 8 Beman Hardware 24 Berkshire Hathaway Corporate 16 Berkshire Hathaway-CopperBrook-Penny Gitberg 36 Berkshire Hathaway–Nancy Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway – Judy Guarco 37 19 Brad McDougall Knife Making Cahill’s Motors 5 Cambridge House 31 Canton Historical Society 12 Carmon Funeral Homes 5 Carter Robert Painting 36 Center Grill 37 Chiropractic Care 3 Christopher Bryant 10 Coldwell Banker Realty 40 Coldwell Banker–Pam Spica 25 Command Corp. 35 Companion & Homemakers 38 Creative Learning Preschool Center 11 21 Czekaj House Cleaning D’Agata Granite & Bronze 11 12 Debbie Finney Sewing First Congregational Church Applefest 34 First Congregational Church 25 Gary’s Mowing 21 GOP Granby 6 Gran-Val Scoop 12 Gran-Val Scoop Scooptacular 14 Granby Chamber of Commerce 33 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 13 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 10 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Package Store 22 Granby Pharmacy 2 Granby Village Health 8 Hayes Corn Maze 35 Higleyville Coin 14 Keir Construction 20 Larry’s Construction 22

Advertiser Page Mark Brady Kitchens 31 McLean Care 17 MeadowBrook of Granby 38 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 4 Morawski Cleaning 22 New England Dance 23 Norman Woodcrafts 39 Northwest Community Bank 31 18 Notch Road Appliance Nutmeg Dance 15 O.P. Painting 18 O’Brien Nurserymen 34 Old Farms Landscape & Design 26 Oxi Fresh 4 Pierce Builders-Meadowgate 19 Riches Jewelers 36 Rosia Kennedy’s Broken Arrow 32 Route 10 Tire 14 Salmon Brook Apartments 20 Sanditz Travel Management 22 Santa Realty 38 Schoenrock Financial 21 Seniors Helping Seniors 36 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 4 Simsbury Bank 36 Small Town Septic 24 South Congregational Church 3 State Line Propane & Oil 2 Strain Family Equestrian Center 20 Subseven 40 Swim Center at Westminster 37 TJ Bark Mulch 25 Tom Sullivan—Morgan Stanley 26 Trinity Church 38 Troiano Oil 26 Two Park Place 5 ValleyBrook Community Church 39 Walsh Chiropractic 24 West Granby Methodist-Tag Sale 13 West Granby United Methodist Church 11 9 Westfield Bank Windsor Federal 18 Windy Hill Guitar 37

The Gaynors in North Granby snapped this photo of some visitors to their property recently. “After draining our bird feeders, mama bear takes time to feed her cubs.” Submitted by Howard and Lyn Gaynor.

October 2017 deadlines

ADS: Wednesday, September 13 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org. ARTICLES: Monday, September 18 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: September 12-25 Call or email for times.

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

subseven Locally Owned

860.653.6630 info@subseven.net Supporting the Farmington Valley.

Digital Workflow. Computers. Networks. Digital Security.

Coldwell Banker residential Brokerage

Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

Laurie Bertrand 860.833.6164

GRANBY $725,000 Georgian custom built Colonial. Spaciaous rms, fireplaces, mstr suite is your own priv oasis. 5BR, 3.1BA, 4816 SF. Pam Spica 860.558.8834

GRANBY $499,900 Colonial on Tinker Trail cul-desac. Priv grounds, 1st flr mster BR. Opn flr pln, eat-in kit. 4BR, 3.1BA, 3478 SF. Matt Christie 860.490.2090

NORTH GRANBY $389,000 Beautiful and Bright. Generous sized rooms, 2 fireplaces and wood floors. 4BR, 2.1BA, 2930 SF. Pam Spica 860.558.8834

GRANBY $349,000 Very private home set in a lovely neighborhood. New kitchen, 1st fl study & roomy master BR. 4BR, 2.1BA, 2826 SF. Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

Ariel Brignole 860.202.4314

Bill Christie 860.614.2249 Pam Broderick 860.729.2725

Els Fonteyne 860.878.4188

GRANBY $337,000 Contemporary close to heart of Granby. Mstr suite w/private deck overlooking pasture lands. 4BR, 2.1BA, 2492 SF. Gina McDonald 860.712.8171

GRANBY $324,900 Village at Hunt Glen, 55+ community. Opn flr pln, eat-in kit, mstr BR & 4 season sun porch. 2BR, 2BA, 2038 SF. Pam Spica 860.558.8834

EAST GRANBY $279,900 Schoolhouse Landing! Charmng Colonial, opn flr pln, pampering master w/priv bath & huge walk in closet. 3BR, 3.1BA. Katie French 860.977.3802

EAST GRANBY $279,900 Utterly charming, antique colonial on 6 acrs of land. Horses allowed. 2 stall barn outbuildings. 4BR, 2BA, 2067 SF. Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

Matt Christie 860.490.2090

Gina McDonald 860.712.8171 Chris Pope 860.305.2178

Maura Hammick Sales Manager

GRANBY $239,900 One of a kind, move-in ready Cape. 1st floor fireplace, updtd BAs, HW floors & patio area. 4BR, 3BA, 1517 SF. Gina McDonald 860.712.8171

EAST GRANBY $169,900 Rare find! 3BR condo in Chelsea Commons. Overlooks pond from living room & back deck. Remodeled eat-in kitchen. Sarah Neighbours 860.778.1408

EAST GRANBY $3,000/mo Beautiful Colonial Rental. Near winery, hardwood floors, master suite w/fireplace and full Jacuzzi bath. Barbara Berkowitz 860.490.3776

GRANBY $2,400/mo Waterfront prop. Remodeled Colonial. Separate in-law apt. Opn fl pln, mstr suite w/full BA. 4BR, 2.2BA, 2520 SF. Pam Spica 860.558.8834

Granby Office | 10 Hartford Avenue, Granby, CT 06035 | 860.844.0135

ColdwellBankerHomes.com ©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. 93239CT_6/17

Pam Spica 860.558.8834