Granby Drummer | June 2021

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Volume LI, No. 9 • June 2021

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Bear feeding the issue at BOS meeting

We are free! Mask-free! Not 100 percent of the time, but today, as I write this, is the first time in 15 months that I can legally and ethically go mask-less both outdoors and indoors —imagine! Still, there are those among us who have yet to be inoculated or have underlying conditions that place them at higher risk, so I will do my utmost to stay aware, cautious and respectful. That is the role of own a good neighbor and community member, all right? Let’s all try to do the same, and alk maintain our public by Jim Lofink safety via cooperation and respect, on all fronts. Including wildlife — read on. Granby Bears are a continuing hazard. Not our local sports teams, but the actual four-legged black bears. Granby has suffered at least one reported bear versus dog incident this spring, despite a 5-foot tall chain link fence around the property. Murphy, the dog, suffered grievous injuries, has undergone multiple surgeries and is hopefully recovering. But that event has triggered a renewed awareness of the safety hazards we all face living so close to nature. What can we do to reduce risk? That has been discussed at length by our public officials and residents at several recent meetings. Stop intentional feeding and bear habituation. That is the strong message from DEEP and other experts. It seems common sense. For example, we all know the message from park rangers is “Don’t feed the wildlife” when we visit a park. However, there is factual tracking data the DEEP has collected locally that confirms there are cases in Granby where residents intentionally feed bears, causing them to change their habits and behaviors and putting those bears, and us, at risk of injury. That has to stop, say both town officials and residents, but how do you stop people who persist in this action? Education? Identification of violators? Discussions with violators? More laws? Fines? Lawsuits? Does that work? Is a new anti-feeding ordinance the answer? Simsbury and Hartland have

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passed intentional feeding legislation recently, but so recently that the legislation itself has not been proven to work, or to not work. The one example of actually changing this behavior was based on enforcing a zoning regulation in court, not a feeding ordinance. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) discussed how they could actually change the behavior of these few residents, and if Granby is committed to take the expensive legal actions against its own residents in the interest of the greater public safety. If so, could it be done under existing laws—breach of peace, blight or zoning—or does it require new laws? More to come as town officials continue to seek solutions that will actually address the issues. What about non-intentional feeding? There are other human-supplied sources of food for bears, such as bird feeders or trash containers. The owners may not intend to draw the bears, but they come nonetheless. Murphy’s owners had a bird feeder, and have since learned that it’s best to take bird feeders down in March, and not put them back up until December. Providing bird feed that is not desirable to bears, such as nyjer or thistle seeds, reduces the attraction and should be used by everyone. Bear-resistant trash containers have been offered and sold out by DPW. They are pricey but also help—and the town will be looking into obtaining more. If you want a bear-resistant trash bin, please call DPW at 860-653-8960 and reserve your place on the wait list. Other summer-time issues to watch. The BOS is seeking a new town manager, using a process initially developed in the 2017 search, and hopes to hire over the summer. Kearns is still on the market, with at least one potential buyer recently expressing interest. Bridge and road work will be starting on Hungary and Griffin roads. Bridge preparation could cause minor delays. Watch for drainage work and raising of catch basins in preparation for road overlays on Barn Door Hills Rd, Bushy Hill Rd, Canton Street Extension, Case Street and Edgerton Rd. Be safe and well, get outside and enjoy summer in Granby. Just be aware of the black tar and the black bears. —Jim Lofink

Granby residents show support for Parentage Act On May 2, 72 people from the Granby area assembled on the town green in a public display of support for the local LBGTQ+ community and the Connecticut Parentage Act legislation. Granby resident Audrey Lampert organized the rally. See story on page 15. Photo by Bart Cochran

FOGPL will accept donations for annual book sale starting June 14 By Brian Tomasino The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) will accept donations June 14 through July 17. Drop off locations starting on June 14 will be at these convenient places: Granby Public Library, Farmington Valley YMCA, and Geissler’s supermarket in Granby during normal business hours. Please do not leave books outside the library or businesses. We can also accept donations at Holcomb Farm only on Monday evenings, 6 to 7 p.m., from June 14 to July 12. This year, for its 38th annual Used Book Sale, FOGPL will gladly accept gently used items in good condition, including books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games, toys, LP records, newer (20052020) textbooks, and other book-related items. Please try to use boxes that are not too heavy with the books. Items not accepted: VCR or cassette tapes, old computer software, “condensed” books, magazines, encyclopedias, sets of common books such as Time-Life series and items with any kind of odor (smoke, mold, or musty smell).

We are also happy to accept sturdy boxes with lids, especially the paper copy boxes, which will be put to good use when sorting and storing all the items to prepare for the sale that will be held Sept. 24 – 26 at Holcomb Farm. We encourage students to volunteer for community service credit by helping with sorting on Monday nights. If you need assistance for someone to come to your home and pick up items for the sale, contact us at Friends. GPL@gmail.com For more information, visit granby-ct. gov and go to the FOGPL page.

Celebrate Memorial Day with Stroll Through Granby History

Memorial Day presents an opportunity to combine Granby’s iconic Memorial Day parade with the return of Stroll Through Granby History. The prize-winning Stroll from October 2020 will be back from May 28 through June 25. The 35 signs will again be on lawns on Salmon

Brook Street from the town green to just south of the Salmon Brook Historical Society campus at 208 Salmon Brook Street. The temporary signs include a picture of the earlier houses and a QR code that provides a link to the stories about the people who lived there. Before you begin the Stroll, you will need

a QR Code Reader on your phone or tablet. The no-cost app is available at the App Store on your device. This interactive opportunity is fun for all ages. Granby residents are fortunate because the Salmon Brook Historical Society archivist, Carol Laun, has been researching and writing

Read the Drummer online at GranbyDrummer.com

Photo by Peter Dinella

about Granby residents for more than 40 years. The stories she has gathered range from being dreadfully sad to hilarious. And now those stories are “on the street.” All the information, as well as a map for the Stroll, is available at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

June 2021

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES APRIL 6, 2021 SPECIAL MEETING The special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m. Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann and Edward Ohannessian Also Present: Kimi Cheng, Administration Finance Officer, William F. Smith, Jr., Interim Town Manager

Appointment of Town Manager

Ballard questioned the details of the agreement between the Town and William Smith and requested a copy of the agreement to review before voting on the motion. Kuhnly shared that a copy would be available after the meeting: however, the agreement was previously discussed in executive session. Ballard referenced the town charter and that the First Selectman does not have the authority to appoint the Interim Town Manager before the Board of Selectman votes on the agreement. Kuhnly explained that the circumstances are different in this case and the town attorney agreed. Ballard would not vote to approve the contract since the board did not have the opportunity to review and approve the draft agreement. On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (4-1-0) to ratify and approve the agreement dated March 29 between the Town of

Granby and William F. Smith, Jr. pursuant to which Smith will serve as the interim town manager. Ballard voted no.

Information and Update on Proposed FY21-22 Budget

Smith provided an update on the approval requirements for the 2022 Budget. It has been determined the Town will be required to hold a Public Hearing on April 12 followed by a referendum machine vote on April 26 unless otherwise specified. In the event the Governor eliminates this process, notifications to the public will be made. On A Motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to recess the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Mazzotta Recording Secretary

APRIL 19, 2021 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Vice Chairman Sally King at 7 p.m. Present: Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, William F. Smith Jr., Town Manager; and John Bell, Student Liaison. Also Present: Sheri Cappa, GAA; Kate Coupe, GAA, Kimi Cheng, Administration Finance Officer; John Horr, Jr., LAFD Fire Chief; Kristine Vincent, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services

Presentation Regarding Radio Communications

LAFD Chief John Horr, Jr. reviewed the emergency communication needs for the Town of Granby and discussed the need to establish a Town of Granby Radio System Committee. All the emergency services for the Town of Granby, which include Police, Fire, Ambulance and Public Works, are coordinated through the 911 Dispatch Center. The system is 21 years old. It is currently full and no new channels can be added. In addition, the system is incompatible with new equipment and the availability of parts is decreasing. The Granby Police radio equipment is 15 to 20 years old and needs improved reliability and compatibility with other organizations. The Granby Ambulance Association equipment is also 15 to 20 years old. Its call volume is 1,837 and increasing. In addition, its equipment is incompatible with newer systems and there is a need to have coverage with hospitals in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Lost Acres Fire Department mobiles and tower are over 30 years old, and portables are 20 years old. Parts are no longer available for existing equipment and it needs compatibility with mutual aid towns, as well as equipment that allows upgrades and improvements. The department is pursuing a new frequency and an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license is in the process.

The Public Works radio repeater is over 30 years old and portable/mobiles are over 20 years old. Mobiles have poor coverage in areas of Granby and portable coverage is worse. Mobile communications are needed when operating in adjacent the towns of East Granby, Simsbury and East Hartland and a separate channel for traffic control. Horr reviewed the Radio Committee and Charter. The committee consists of: Town Manager William F. Smith, Jr.; Chief of Police Carl Rosensweig; Chris Gordon, Granby Ambulance Association; Kirk Severance, Department of Public Works; LAFD Chief John Horr, Jr. (Chairman). The Charter: Hire a technical consultant to advise/assist the Radio Committee. A Request for Quote was published and bids are due May 7. Perform an existing systems analysis and needs assessment. Review existing technologies/options. Develop bid specification(s), publish and evaluate bidder responses for potential solutions. Provide recommendation(s) and cost(s) to implement in time for 2022-2023 Town of Granby Budget submittal. Monitor the installation and testing of the four selected new systems and ensure the installer and equipment meets all the specified performance criteria. Provide periodic updates throughout the process to the Board of Selectmen. Smith noted the first phase is the consultant phase and noted the reserves in the Communication Fund would cover the consultant fee. Once a consultant is found and provides an amount, there will be an analysis of the full cost, which most likely will be a bond amount. The proposals would be for the equipment. The cost and service to the town are the most important considerations. While there may be an expense that goes into the operating budget, ultimately this could be a capital expense that would go to CPPAC. Ohannessian inquired what is being asked in the RFQ. Horr noted it is asking for someone to help with the process. Ohannessian also inquired whether it is viable to own our own system or could we share a system with other towns. He would like the consultant to consider the option of a regionalized system versus purchasing our own and felt those options should be part of the analysis. It was noted those options are not the charge of the RFQ. The committee could review this once they have a price. It was noted safety of the town’s citizens and emergency personnel is the most important factor.

Consideration of Resolution for Board of Education Grant Application

The Board of Education is requesting the Board of Selectmen to consider the resolution regarding the Grant Application for Phase I of Alterations at Granby Memorial High School. Superintendent Jordan Grossman introduced the process. The alterations in this phase include the cafeteria, the music area and the roof at the high school. An approved resolution is needed relative to the music areas, cafeteria kitchen and high school roof, as well as the approved minutes. Business Manager Anna Robbins explained the process indicating the projects listed are part of the approval of the Bond Resolution. The grant application deadline is June 30, 2021 and the anticipated reimbursement rate is 39.64 percent, provided all conditions are met. This is standard practice and they have been working very closely with the State to make sure everything is done properly. King read the resolution: Resolution for Board of Education grant application for phase 1: alterations at Granby Memorial High School that includes the construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas and the roof at Granby Memorial High School. Resolved, that the Town of Granby Board of Selectman authorizes the Granby Board of Education to apply to the Office of School Construction and Grants and to accept or reject a grant for phase 1: alterations at Granby Memorial High School that includes the construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas as well as the Granby Memorial High School Roof. Resolved, that the School Project Building Committee is hereby established as the building BOS Minutes cont’d. on p. 3

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 3

BOS Minutes cont’d. from p 2 committee with regard to phase 1: alterations at Granby Memorial High School that includes the construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas as well as the Granby Memorial High School Roof. Resolved, that the Town of Granby Board of Selectman hereby authorizes at least the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for phase 1: alterations at Granby Memorial High School that include the construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas as well as the Granby Memorial High School Roof. On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (4-0-0) to approve the resolution for the Board of Education Grant Application for Phase I of Alterations at Granby Memorial High School. Consideration of Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) Setting Sewer Use Rates for 2021-22 King recessed as the Board of Selectmen and opened as the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) at 7:56 p.m. The GWPCA held a Public Hearing earlier this evening to receive comments on the proposed sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2021-22. No verbal or written comments were received. There was a brief discussion in regard to the established rates and if they would support any expenses that may incur. It was noted unless there is a major incident, the rates are good and they are compatible with other communities. On A Motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (4-0-0) to set sewer rates for residential users at a minimum of $220 for average gallons (55,000 gpy) used per year and $308 per year for commercial/industrial users (100,000 gpy). For all gallon usage (residential and commercial/industrial) above the minimum will be charged $65 per gallon. King adjourned as GWPCA and reconvened as BOS at 7:58 p.m. Consideration of Resolution and Compliance Statement Supporting Fair Housing To reaffirm the Town’s commitment to Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Smith recommended the Board of Selectmen re-adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution, the Fair Housing Policy Statement, and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. King read the resolution:

Fair Housing Resolution

Whereas, all persons are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and Whereas, Federal fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and Whereas, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful course of income, familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression be given equal access to all housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and Whereas, the Town of Granby is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and

equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice. Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Town of Granby hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, and obtain financing and enjoy all other housing-related services of their choice on a non- discriminatory basis as provided by state and federal law; and Be It Further Resolved, that the Town Manager of the Town of Granby or his/her designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of illegal discriminatory housing practices in the Town of Granby and for advising such person of the right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from the CT Fair Housing Center, legal services, or other fair housing organization to protect his or her right to equal housing opportunities. On A Motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (4-0-0) to re-adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution, Fair Housing Policy Statement, and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil rights Act of 1964, Affirmative Action Policy Statement, Municipal Grievance Procedure and ADA Notice (memo attachments).

Consideration of Town Manager Selection Process After a brief discussion, it was decided to table this agenda item to the next meeting when the entire board will be present to discuss the Town Manager selection process.

Consideration of Park and Recreation Fund Appropriation

Recreation and Leisure Services Director Kristine Vincent requested permission to appropriate $45,900 from the Parks and Recreation Fund to purchase 2021 summer camp supplies that are in line with COVID safety guidelines. These COVID safety expenditures were not budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 adopted Parks and Recreation Fund Budget. These funds are intended to be reimbursed by the American Rescue Plan Act to the Parks and Recreation Fund. There are sufficient funds in the Parks and Recreation Fund to cover this appropriation. On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (4-0-0) to authorize an additional appropriation of $45,900 from the Parks and Recreation Fund balance to fund the additional 2021 Recreation and Leisure Services summer programs COVID safety related expenditures and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.

Town Manager Reports

Ballard inquired about updated information regarding Kearns School, as it is nearing the 120day milestone. Smith responded he will have an update for the next meeting.

MAY 3, 2021 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m. Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, William F. Smith Jr., Town Manager; and John Bell, Student Liaison

Public Session

Granby residents Valerie Eastwood and Bart Cochran, 10 Haven Drive, reported a bear climbed their five-foot chain link fence and attacked their dog last week. The dog received extensive injuries from bites and claws requiring multiple surgeries.

They are hopeful the dog will survive. Eastwood admitted she has been feeding the birds and after speaking with Animal Control Officer Jen Abalan, she learned the downfall of bird feeding is it attracts bears. She is asking the Town for an ordinance similar to Simsbury’s restricting bird feeding to certain times of the year. Jenny Emery, 71 Loomis Street, reported she is familiar with the process of recruiting candidates for high level positions and knows it to be very time consuming, especially if it is to be done in-house as opposed to hiring a consultant. With all due respect, she advises everyone to consider long and hard before they take it on themselves.

Unfinished Or Tabled Business

Consideration of Town Manager Selection Process Smith reviewed the selection process he has recommended to the board, and suggests they agree with the concepts in order to begin the search process as soon as possible. The search committee would consist of the First Selectman, one other member from the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, and one other individual should the committee deem it necessary. The Town’s former Director of Human Resources, Kerry Kielbasa, has agreed to assist with the recruitment process. Advertising for the position will involve solicitation to the Connecticut Town and City Manager’s Association, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA), and the Massachusetts Managers Association, as well as other New England associations. The top four or five applications will be provided to the Board of Selectmen for further review. It is expected a new manager would be appointed this summer. Smith has considered other processes and feels it would be costly and put time constraints on the board and staff. He hopes to move quickly and if he finds it is not working, then they would move to an outside consultant. On A Motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (4-1-0) to adopt the selection process for a Town Manager. Ballard voted no. After some discussion, the board decided to move ahead with the selection process as presented to them. There will be updates as the

process moves forward. If the Board feels things aren’t moving to their satisfaction, the process may be changed.

Business

Resignations and Appointments to be Considered On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following Democratic Town Committee appointment: Commission on Aging, Ellen A. Thomson (D), 250 Salmon Brook Street

Town Manager Reports

Update on Radio Communications Smith noted the deadline for bids for the Public Safety Communication Consultant is May 7. The payment for the consultant will come out of the Communication Fund. It was noted the Town system needs to be updated whether or not we regionalize. Bonding Update Smith spoke to the advisor and we are in the process of having the remaining balance of the bonds issued. Kearns School Update Goman + York, the brokerage service contracted by the Town of Granby to sell Kearns School, has informed the town there is an interested party who may want to purchase the property. The broker has been in communication with the party and a tour was arranged. Further updates will be provided as they become available. Smith reported that as a requirement of the Fair Housing Plan, the Board of Selectmen will need to select a committee to draft a plan. This will be an agenda item for the next Selectmen meeting.

First Selectman Reports

Kuhnly reported there will be a Memorial Day parade this year on May 31 beginning at 10 a.m. Selectman Reports King would like to look at a bear ordinance and have it put on the agenda. Respectfully submitted, William F. Smith Jr. Town Manager

Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Bear attack

On April 26, our 78-pound family dog was viciously attacked by a bear that entered our yard over a 5-foot chain-link fence. This happened in broad daylight (11 a.m.). We were able to rush him to the vet, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was both clawed and bitten and his survival was in doubt; there were large pieces of skin, muscle and fat falling off of him as we got him into our car. Since the attack, he has been hospitalized with only a few respite days at home, and required multiple surgeries, with more to follow. We think he is going to make it but he is looking at even more surgeries and a long recovery. Surely something needs to be done about the bear population in Granby. Since the attack, I have talked with our animal control officer here in Granby (who is terrific) and with DEEP, and I have educated myself on these issues. The bear population is growing by 7 to 10 percent per year, perhaps more. These animals have no natural predators and they have no fear in approaching houses, people and pets. My husband and I cannot help thinking that if this had been a small child how much more horrible it would be for the entire community. And preventable. I am going to take responsibility for this. I did not always accompany him outside in our fenced yard (although I had the slider door open). Also, I know now that I contributed to this situation because I did have birdfeeders out in the winter, had only taken them down a couple weeks before the attack. I did not at the time understand the magnitude of the problem or have a clear understanding that these bears are opportunistic omnivores. They WILL attack farm animals and pets, and they present

June 2021

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.

a danger to humans as well. And a 5-foot chain link fence may make you feel safe but does not in fact protect your family, property and pets. Please consider joining me in support of an ordinance regarding feeding of all wild animals in Granby. This could be easily done by modeling it on the Simsbury ordinance passed last July. I did not know, but learned from the Simsbury ordinance, that having bird feeders out from December 1 through March 31 is less risky and permitted. Also, that there are certain types of birdseed like Nyjer and thistle that are not attractive to bears and can be used year-round. A “no feeding” ordinance will not entirely solve the problem of the bear population, but it is a step we can take toward public safety in Granby and also help educate people about the dangers that DO exist in bear-people interactions. Valerie Eastwood

Funding for alternative protein research

I was happy to learn the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, supports equal funding for alternative protein research. “The United States can continue to be a global leader on alternative protein science, and these technologies can play an important role in combatting climate change and adding resiliency to our food system,” she said in a recent agricultural hearing. I assume DeLauro includes cultured meat in the category of alternative protein. For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughter. It offers clear benefits to the environment, public health and animal

welfare over conventional meat. All legislators should support increased funding for alternative protein research. I’m thankful for DeLauro’s leadership on this issue. Jon Hochschartner

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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 ©2021 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, President

CORRECTION The correct email address for Granby Cub Scout Pack 325 has no hyphen: pack325granby@gmail.com

David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Jennifer Bell, Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor

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

Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Mindy Borrego, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Nell Gorbal, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, T. Johnson, Carol Laun, Jim Lofink,

GRANBY FOOD BANK

Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha John R. Nieb, Kristin Rice, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe,

We currently need:

Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost Advertising Team

Wheat Thins/Triscuits Relish, pickles, olives Salsa and chips Bread crumbs Italian, French and ranch salad dressings Near East rice mixes Small bags white rice

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

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Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Mondays, June 7 and 21

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Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 28 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Wednesdays, June 9 and 23

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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

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 5 OpEd

It’s time to ban the intentional feeding of bears in Granby by Thomas Bunz

I am writing in support of any ordinance that would allow the town to regulate the feeding of wildlife on private property. The town of Granby, as well as surrounding towns, continues to struggle with wildlife being habituated through the bear-feeding practices of private homeowners. This habituation is leading to a large increase in daily encounters, a lack of hesitance or fear on the part of the animals and is going to lead to a severe and perhaps life-threatening encounter. Just recently, a dog was mauled by a bear in town. It is my deep concern that this event will repeat itself, with dire consequences. The bear population appears to be expanding and poor behavior by some of our neighbors is exacerbating the issue. We often see five to six bears crossing our yard on any given day. The woods and meadow behind our home are littered with garbage due to bear feeding by our neighbors. As a result, we are unable to make use of our own property. While bears are part of the natural environment that makes Granby a wonderful place to live, actively attracting those animals into residential areas creates danger to the bears, to our residents, to our agriculture, and to the reputation of the town. The solution to this issue may not be simple, but the beginning is to ban wildlife feeding in town, and to fine those irresponsible enough to do so. Bears frequent our property and that of our neighbors far more intensively than would be expected for animals with a wide

OpEd

range, especially given the hundreds of undeveloped acres behind our own. This frequency of bear sightings can only be attributed to our neighbors on Mountain Road feeding the bears every day. Evidence of this feeding is rampant on our property, with seed bags, and black bowls dragged through the woods by the bears. The bear scat, which is entirely too common on our property, is full of sunflower seeds, showing that the bears are eating enormous amounts of a food not found in their environment. These animals frequenting our property makes it difficult to let our dog out, and impossible to let the kids enjoy their yard. Beyond our personal concerns, the feeding of bears in our area creates significant risks to the town. The neighbors feeding the bears are also neighbors of the Mary Edwards Granby Land Trust. It is only a couple hundred feet from where the bears are being acclimated and fed by people to the trails frequented by many families in town—likely without protection from a bear looking for a handout. While we are all aware that bear attacks are uncommon, it is also clear that they are more likely when bears are acclimatized to people. This risk was tragically demonstrated recently when the pet of one of our neighbors was mauled and nearly killed by a bear last week The dog is still in and out of the hospital at this time. This irresponsible feeding is not only dangerous to residents and visitors to Granby, but it is also dangerous to the bears themselves. There have been accidents, and many near misses, with

Thoughts from a young undecided voter By James Rice

Independent political parties get a lot of bad press. Not enough turnout at the polls, underfunded campaigns, poorly planned policy agendas, and inconsistent platforms of “ideology.” It seems to many people that independents such as Libertarians are trying too hard for an unattainable utopia. Actually, the libertarian philosophy over the years has become more focused, even though this is not displayed by those running for office. Libertarian political philosophy is based on one central idea: that what is best for one person is not best for all people. A government that has a highly complex and overbearing tax system, created by the elected or non-elected bureaucracy, fails to consider the freedoms of the individual. Among young people today, movements such as Libertarianism are on the rise. Young people are fed up with the status quo, seeking to challenge embed-

ded patriarchal governments. For youth who are paying attention, the freedoms to create social movements and create social impact are two main drivers of political economy. The social movement space is crowded, especially among young people who are chasing after a rebellious dream online under the COVID lockdown restrictions. For Granby youth to truly be engaged, it can seem as if having a computer and internet access is the only prerequisite. It’s not. A global citizen seeks out knowledge and doesn’t let the circumstances of the instant dictate their destiny. It’s important to dream about the world, and moving out of your immediate comfort zone. Even if it means leaving behind some friends, it lets you take a more active role in your own life. Footnote: This article is written partly in response to last month’s article, A Growing Population of Unaffiliated Voters in Connecticut.

bears being struck by cars while trying to cross the road. Encouraging bears to enter neighborhoods only increases their interactions with traffic. Banning wildlife feeding is a simple way to begin managing some of the danger created by acclimatizing bears to humans. Wildlife and bear feeding ordinances are common in the Northeast. Several states, including New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island levy

OpEd

significant fines – up to $1,000, to individuals who feed bears (cga.ct.gov/2012/ rpt/2012-R-0351.htm). Several surrounding towns including Simsbury, Hartland and Barkhamsted already have or are discussing wildlife feeding ordinances as well. Reining in this irresponsible behavior is essential to keep our residents, visitors and bears safe. We look forward to seeing action taken.

Collateral fiscal damage not limited to any political party By Susan Patricelli Regan

It is hoped that you and your family have been safe during the lengthy quarantine this past year. For those of you who have lost a loved one, suffered a business shutdown, lost a job, faced fiscal hardship, endured the challenges of your children’s educational isolation and generally experienced a subsequent state of depression— the overall result is the loss of a quality of life we all desire. Today’s issues are not consigned to people of any given political party but they have severely impacted the middle, lower income and poor segments of Connecticut’s population. What makes it worse is that, concurrently, our administrative leadership expanded the tax base, curtailed our freedom to worship, meet the needs of our extended family or even say “goodbye” in a meaningful manner to our elders. The first leg of the stool is that the people’s constitutional freedoms are being traded for the Connecticut Governor’s freedom to declare Executive Orders by virtue of a Democratic majority. In addition, that same majority can freely propose taxes that will further constrain the ability of families to manage their

personal finances. The second leg of the stool is the ability of the State to freely close the State buildings to the public and impose mandates on commercial enterprise to conduct business. The third leg of the stool is the peoples’ loss of freedom to speak “freely” while the media has the freedom to report subjective commentary rather than factual news. Not to put too fine a point on it, it is the responsibility of elected officials to not only worry about the State of the State but the state of our Connecticut residents. It is these delegates upon whom the voters rely. The State of the State address by the Governor in February of any year should not only be about the budget and their anticipated objectives, but the condition of their constituents’ pocketbooks and lifestyle. The State will only do well if its inhabitants are sufficiently nourished with common sense economics, fiscal ingenuity and integrity, moral motivation and solutions based on expedient compromise. If you are a taxpayer, registered voter and resident of Connecticut, it is your opportunity, right and accountability to make a change in the captain of our State’s ship and its crew.

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tionally, individuals who work as home health aides and have not received the vaccination may be eligible. Any family member providing care to a homebound person is also eligible. Any resident who has a history of severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis or has required the use of epinephrine is not eligible for home vaccinations for safety reasons. Please contact the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association at 860-6513539, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–330 p.m., to register for an in-home vaccination. The FVVNA will provide your information to the Health District, who will call you to confirm eligibility and schedule your appointment.

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Page 6 The Granby Drummer

June 2021

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES APRIL 21, 2021 Present: Jenny Emery (via Zoom), Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Brandon Webster, Rosemarie Weber and Student Representative Jack DeGray. Absent: Mark Fiorentino and Student Representative Jacob Scotto.

Superintendent’s Announcements

SBAC testing began this week for fifth grade students; fourth graders will take their tests next week, and third graders the following week. AP testing begins on May 3. The collaborative effort with East Granby Public Schools for providing breakfast and lunch to East Granby students continues to go very well. So far this month, a daily average of 84 breakfasts and 173 lunches were served and Granby numbers thus far in April are 194 breakfasts and 704 lunches. Outdoor tents are back up at all of our schools now that the weather is nice enough to go outside. There will be a Memorial Day Parade this year. Grossman said he had a conversation with Jim Hall from the American Legion and he will be the keynote speaker this year. He invited board members to walk the parade route with him and said students will be walking with him as well.

Student Representative Reports

Jack DeGray announced that he will be attending the University of Florida next fall. Senior Prom and graduation will be held on June 10 and June 11, respectively.

Schools in the Spotlight

Colleen Bava, principal of Kelly Lane Primary School, presented a day in the life of a preschooler at Kelly Lane and welcomed Mrs. Scully and her students. Scully said the preschool program is an integrated program with morning and afternoon sessions and that it has been a different year for the students. It has been challenging to develop social/emotional skills while being socially distant. Students taught board members how to do mindful breathing that they learned this year demonstrating various breathing techniques. A video was shown about the day in the life of a preschool student showing how they learn, play and interact throughout the day.

School Improvement Plan Update: Kelly Lane Primary School Bava presented an update on her 2020-21 School Improvement Plan. Bava reviewed her Vision, Mission and District Achievement Goal to support a positive, safe and collaborative environment by focusing on building and maintaining positive relations with staff, students and families. She said this is being done via a quarterly staff checkin survey; integrated second step bullying prevention unit; training in Responsive Classroom; school-wide participation in kindness activities and school/family communication. Bava said the Student Achievement Goal is for all students to increase achievement in literacy and numeracy standards across disciplines as measured by the STAR Reading/Math and the

Benchmark Assessment (BAS) by June 2021. She said assessments are done three times per year. In Kindergarten, students received 81 percent at or above goal for STAR Reading; 64 percent for BAS; there is no assessment for Star Math. First graders do a winter and spring baseline as follows: 59 percent for STAR Reading; 75 percent for BAS; and, 87 percent for STAR Math. Second graders are just under 80 percent at 79 percent for STAR Reading; 88 percent for BAS; and 79 percent for STAR Math. With regard to the Instruction Goal, teachers will increase opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning to foster an environment of independence and engagement. Kelly Lane organized a Global Play Day and STEAM Day; kindness activities; student-led goal setting; and the establishment of an Equity Team. Bava said in looking ahead to next year, Kelly Lane will work on an aligned instructional focus with teaching assistants, review schedule and instructional minutes for all grades, create a School Improvement Team and hire an Elementary CAS Leader to support the instructional work and analyze school-wide data.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Jennifer Parsons provided COVID updates and said the district is full steam ahead to the end of the year. All staff vaccination clinics are complete and staff will be fully vaccinated the beginning of May. With state guidance, she is hoping to encourage vaccinations for students aged 16-18 through the FVHD and is expecting to bring some normalcy back to the end of the year with the prom, graduation and perhaps field days. Addressing equity work, Parsons said the pool for the Teacher Residence Program is being finalized and the mentor position is currently posted for an internal Granby teacher to work with a resident. The book club for Stamped has begun and over 60 staff members and 50 community members have signed up. She will continue to promote the book club for students. She said the K-12 math program is up for curriculum revision as well as program evaluation. It has been over five years since Eureka was brought into the district. Prior to Common Core State Standards, the district made a move to algebra for all. With Common Core there are now slightly different standards across the nation and state. There are gaps at the middle school level. All students have two years of standards condensed into one year and not all students are ready to stay with the pacing of the integrated and condensed standards. Currently discussing a model based on readiness accelerating with three years of standards which would lead to the same outcome—algebra for everyone by ninth grade. The math curriculum needs to be written for the majority of all the middle school grades; however, it is expensive at $1,500/unit ($10,000/ course).

Business Manager’s Report

Anna Robbins presented the March 2021 Statement of Accounts and said it reflects a receipt of coronavirus relief funds. Funds received for prior years’ expenses in FY20 were returned to the town, which was just over $1M. Overall, the district is in a very positive place

currently considering the expenses incurred in bringing everyone back to school safety. Emery said the Finance Subcommittee reviewed the statement of accounts this evening and despite unbudgeted COVID expenses, the grant money has made a huge difference.

Old Business

Second Reading and Approval of Revised Policy 4118.231/4218.231-Drug, Alcohol and TobaccoPersonnel The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee recommended revised Policy 4118.231/4218.231, Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco – Personnel to the board for a second reading and approval. Weber said there were no changes made to this policy since the last meeting. A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Webster that the Granby Board of Education adopt revised Policy 4118.231/4218.231, Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco – Personnel, as recommended by the Curriculum/Policy/ Technology/ Communications Subcommittee. This motion passed unanimously at 7:52 p.m. Second Reading and Approval of Revised Policy 5135.5 - Drug and Alcohol Use - Students The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications recommended revised Policy 5135.5, Drug and Alcohol Use – Students, to the board for a second reading and approval. Weber said there were no changes made to this policy since the last meeting. A motion was made by Weber and seconded by Webster that the Granby Board of Education adopt revised Policy 5135.5, Drug and Alcohol Use – Students, as recommended by the Curriculum/Policy/Technology/ Communications Subcommittee. This motion passed unanimously at 7:52 p.m.

New Business

High School End-of-Year Activities Michael Dunn, GMHS principal, discussed the planning for end-of-year activities for the senior class of 2021. He said this has involved many meetings with staff, students and speaking to other districts. Unfortunately the Senior Outing and Safe Graduation Party have been cancelled this year; however, a traditional graduation on the stadium field will occur on Friday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required, and guests will be invited. There will be rain dates rather than a rain location. Rain dates are Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13. Senior Prom will be held on Thursday, June 10 at the Riverview in Simsbury from 6-10 p.m. Senior and Underclass awards will be held virtually on Friday, June 4 similar to last year. Spring concerts for band and chorus will be held in-person outside in the main high school entrance circle. The band concert will be held on May 20 and the chorus concert on May 27. AP Exams will be held May 3-17 in person. There will be no final exams for high school students this year. Migliaccio expressed concern about the decision for no finals this year. Dunn said there have been many conversations about it this year and the impact this year has had on students especially more vulnerable students. Most schools in our DRG and the Farmington Valley did not do midterms, but Granby did. Student Representative Jack DeGray said he was quarantined four times this year and feels that he would be at a disadvantage when taking finals this year. Weber asked if we going to make sure students are up to grade level with standards and able to make normal gains in a non-pandemic year. Dunn replied that there are other sources of information used: assessments, final presentations/projects.

In terms of overall impact, Webster is happy to see the prom happening and inquired if extra chaperones are necessary. Dunn said students will have daily screenings and there will be grouping by cohorts and table groups will have fewer than 10 students. If anyone tests positive after the prom, and we are aware of close contacts, the number of quarantined students should be minimal. Grossman said the June 10 date was chosen specifically and the chances of quarantine are almost null after attending graduation, etc. There is a strong possibility that the senior class could be offered vaccines on May 1. Educational Specifications for Phase I: Alterations at Granby Memorial High School The board discussed and considered the approval of the educational specifications for Phase 1. A motion was made by Thrall and seconded by Migliaccio that the Granby Board of Education approve the educational specifications for Phase 1: Alterations at Granby Memorial High School that includes the construction of a kitchen and reconfiguration of the cafeteria, choral and instrument areas as recommended by the Finance/Personnel/ Facilities Subcommittee. Emery said the educational specifications are part of the process that the state requires to follow through and make payment on the grant. This was on the Board of Selectmen agenda this past Monday. Toby Proctor presented and it was endorsed. The Finance Subcommittee reviewed and endorsed these educational specifications this evening. This motion passed unanimously at 8:18 p.m. Educational Specifications for Granby Memorial High School Roof The board discussed and considered the approval of the educational specifications for the Granby Memorial High School roof. A motion was made by Thrall and seconded by Peling that the Granby Board of Education approve the educational specifications for the Granby Memorial High School roof as recommended by the Finance/Personnel/ Facilities Subcommittee. Emery said the same process is followed for this project. The high school roof was experiencing problems and it was realized that this project needed to be done sooner rather than later. The Finance Subcommittee reviewed the educational specifications this evening. Webster inquired if this is the roof that Shannon Sullivan said was previously repaired. Grossman said it is all related and is basically the entire high school roof. This motion passed unanimously at 8:21 p.m.

Board Standing Committee Reports

Finance/Personnel/Facilities Emery reported that this subcommittee met this evening to discuss the following: statement of accounts; began to review a year-end needs assessment; update on the Food Service Program – the federal program of funding meals for students will be continued through the 2020-21 school year and Granby is hoping to continue our partnership with East Granby; and, Healthy Food Certification, which will be brought forward to the board at the next meeting.

Board Member Announcements

Migliaccio said she is in awe as to what Granby accomplished this year by being in school full inperson since Sept. 17, transporting students, holding sports and, on top of that, returning $1M to the town with a 0 percent mill rate increase. Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary

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June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Granby scouts earn silver awards

Focus on Education

By Caroline Hall

Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D

2020/21 school year wraps on a high note This school year will be marked as the year the Granby Public Schools developed and implemented Stronger Together: A Working Plan for a Responsive Return to the Granby Public Schools. As your Superintendent, I am proud to inform the community that not only did the Granby Public Schools operate this entire school year with both in-person and remote learning, but our students also continued to excel in and out of the classroom. The system has been committed to providing the best possible education for our students during this pandemic year. The foundation for our success focused on safety, equity and academic excellence for our school community. The past few months have been a very exciting time in the Granby Public Schools. We honored our staff during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week and held our first outdoor band/choral concert in-person in over a year. Spring sports were in full action; students participated in field days; middle school students worked in the community garden and, a collaborative Nature’s Classroom for 5th grade students held at Salmon Brook Park were just some

of the incredible activities that took place. I cannot thank the entire school community enough for the dedication, perseverance, commitment, and enthusiasm displayed allowing our staff and students to engage in end-of-year traditional activities. On Friday, June 11, we will honor the Granby Memorial High School Class of 2021 at their graduation on the Granby Memorial High School Stadium Field. This is a night I am confident our graduates and their families are looking forward to as they mark the end to their formative time in Granby public schools. The Granby Board of Education, staff and administration are committed to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2021 and sending them off in style for their next journey in life. The Granby Public Schools are committed to providing the best possible education for our students. I urge you to view the district website (granbyschools.org) to learn more. I want to thank the entire community for supporting our work during this most difficult year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 860-844-5260 and follow me on Twitter @GranbySuper

Granby Girl Scout Troop 66362 members Caroline Hall, Daisy Rzecinski, and Mackenzie Janski have earned their Silver Awards. The Silver Award is the highest possible award for a Girl Scout Cadette to earn. A minimum of 50 hours of work is required to earn the award. Five percent of all Cadettes in Connecticut earned this award in 2020, which equates to around 190 girls. The Silver Award is also the second in a series of highest awards, with the Bronze Award being available to Girl Scout Juniors and the Gold Award being available to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. The goal of all these awards is to find the root cause of a community issue and help fix it. For Hall’s project, she helped educate prospective pet owners on how to care for their pets. To do so, she hosted a virtual class on responsible pet care. The class discusses important pet care tips, along with interviews with cat and dog care experts. The recording of the class can be found on the Granby Public Library

YouTube channel, and accompanying resources to the class—which include a coloring book—are also located at the library. Rzecinski decided to help kids be more interested in going outside and exercising. For her project, she created a scavenger hunt for people to explore McLean Game Refuge in Granby. She designed cards with pictures of different woodland objects that can be checked off as the hunt is completed, and these cards will be posted on the McLean website soon. If you decide to do the scavenger hunt, use the hashtag #gsmcleanhunt to let us know! Janski’s project helped people to access books while libraries were closed during the pandemic. She constructed a little library for her neighborhood, and it contains books of all reading levels and genres. People can borrow books from the library and leave one of their own if they choose to. The books are disinfected before being returned to the little library to ensure everyone stays healthy while sharing books!

Caroline Hall, Mackenzie Janski, and Daisy Rzecinski at their Silver Award ceremony. Submitted photo

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer June 2021

How long will Cossitt be “Under Wraps”? job linked to the building’s condition: repairing previous water damage and stopping new water damage to the building. Once the funds are in place, the Library Projects Committee, composed of the Director of Library Services, Friends’ representatives, the Chair of the Granby Library Board, and the Director of Public Works, can begin this second joint Friends–Town project. The pandemic slowed every aspect of completing the first step, the Survey and Planning Project, and COVID-19 impact continues to affect our work even now. The closed and plastic-wrapped Cossitt Library Building in North Granby. Submitted photo

By Susan Werner As we drive by the closed and plasticwrapped Cossitt Library Building, many of us ask the same question: “When will Cossitt re-open?” There is not a single answer to this question as the library’s re-opening is dependent on numerous factors. Most importantly, the Town of Granby dictates use of public spaces such as Cossitt during the pandemic. At present, with the main library only now slowly returning to full use, and a number of sector guidelines still in place, it makes sense to keep Cossitt closed. The recent Survey and Planning Report from Architectural Preservation Studio evaluated the Cossitt building’s condition rather good overall, identified tasks that need to be addressed and prioritized those jobs. The knowledge we gained from this report is helping the Town and the Friends make informed

decisions about what, when and how best to preserve and use Cossitt. One of our goals is to help ensure that any repairs made to Cossitt are completed using Historic Restoration guidelines appropriate for a building on the National Register of Historic Places. This process involves making repairs and changes with historic accuracy, detail and appreciation—often using specialized materials and craftsmen. The Town cannot follow such guidelines due to budget and numerous other projects on their docket. The Survey and Planning Project was funded thanks to your donations and a Pomeroy-Brace Grant from the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving. Applying for Pomeroy-Brace Grants is made possible through the generosity of the late Seth and Lucy Holcombe. Now, the Friends must raise funds— through donations and applying for new grants—to perform the most pressing

The good news is that we successfully completed a grant/project management process once, so we know the system. Rose Scott Long and Carl Rothbart of Architectural Planning Associates and Brad Schide of Connecticut Preservation Trust, are excellent advisors and are guiding us through these processes. Best of all, Director of Library Services Amy McCue chairs the newly formed Library Projects Committee. Her leadership and enthusiasm are contagious! So, while it may seem that progress is slow, we are working diligently to get that plastic off!

Open Farm Day returns in Sept. By Shirley Murtha

A youngster checks out a tractor at the 2019 Open Farm Day. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Thanks to the success of the COVID vaccination program, things are beginning to return to normal, and one of those normal things is having Granby’s Open Farm Day! This year it is being planned for the same day as the Granby Road Race—another event happy to be occurring live instead of independently and virtual—on Saturday, Sept. 18. Plans are not finalized by any means, but farms that have agreed to participate so are Addison, Holcomb, Lost Acres Vineyard, Lyric Hill, Maple View, O’Brien Nursery and Sweet Pea. As usual, there will be activities and demonstrations at these venues, as well as just the sheer joy of being out on these properties that are such an important part of the Granby community. The July/August issue of the Drummer will have more details. In the meantime, as they say: save the date!

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Horse Council’s Share The Road awareness event is June 19 By Billie McNealey To increase awareness of little-known motor vehicle laws, the Granby Horse Council is hosting a community event— Share the Road. On Saturday, June 19, (rain date June 20) join Horse Council members at Salmon Brook Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 3rd Annual Share the Road event. Come and meet horses, enjoy pony rides and learn about horse safety on the road. Almost any driver will tell you that when you see a school bus, with lights flashing, you must stop and wait. But what is your responsibility as a driver when you see a horse and rider on the road? Most riders will actively avoid riding on the road when possible. However, it is often necessary to ride on or across main and side roads in order to reach many of the trail riding areas in our community. Television and the movies present horses as calm, brave, and easy to control with every rider appearing experienced and able to manage every horse they mount. In reality, both rider and horse may be inexperienced and nervous, especially on the road and in traffic. Horses are “flight” animals, which means that when something startles or frightens them, they can be unpredictable. Their natural response is to move away from the fearful object as quickly as possible. A startled horse may jump, run, or rapidly move into or away from whatever surprised them, including into the path of a car. Even experienced riders on well-behaved horses may be challenged in this type of situation. This can be dangerous for the horse and rider, and others in the area.

Horses often react to things suddenly appearing in their line of vision and to loud sounds. If you are walking, jogging or riding a bike and moving toward a horse, calmly say something as you approach. This gives the horse the information it needs to know you are approaching. So, when you meet a horse on the road, what should you do? The good news is that Connecticut motor vehicle laws give guidance about how to respond in this situation. Exercise due care by: First, making certain that you attend to the rider who may signal for you to slow down or stop. Pass wide and pass slowly. Avoid any actions likely to spook a horse (e.g. don’t rev an engine or honk a horn). Accelerate gently once you have passed the horse. While most riders like to acknowledge considerate driving and a safe pass, remember their top priority is to keep their hands on the reins and maintain control of the horse. However, know that every rider truly appreciates the considerate driver who keeps everyone’s safety in mind. If you are unfamiliar with horses, when approaching them, remember to ask permission of the handler and to get direction for the safest way to approach. Seeing a horse can be exciting, for both you and the horse. While horses are curious, many will startle easily. The person riding or leading the horse will tell you the best way to interact with the animal for your safety, and theirs. Find out more about the Granby Horse Council at granbyhorsecouncilct.com and on the Facebook page, “Granby (CT) Horse Council.”

Come by Salmon Brook Park on June 19 for pony rides and fun equestrian demonstrations. Submitted photos

Granby’s Jodi French named Nightingale Nurse Granby School Health Services Supervisor Jodi French, RN, has been named the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association’s Nightingale Nurse of the Year 2021. Once a year, this highest of nursing honors is presented to a small, select group of nurses whose practice and expertise stand above others. The Nightingale for Nursing Excellence Award is granted and bestowed upon nurses in the state who have been nominated, presented to a committee and voted on for evidence of excellence in practice. These nurses must demonstrate by experience, achievements that set the practice and profession of nursing to new health and wellness levels for the people they serve. The Nightingale honors practitioners who develop groundbreaking achievements, often setting new healthcare standards that enable people to achieve healthy living, even during an international pandemic. This year has been unprecedented, and all healthcare workers have shown remarkable resiliency. “Jodi has led the Granby School health services as a model of meeting the challenge. Through her work, Granby Public Schools was the first in the State of Connecticut to enable in-person learning, and it has done so throughout this entire school year,” stated Nancy Scheetz, CEO of the Farmington Valley VNA. “From the very beginning of the statemandated school closure last school year, Jodi started working on what needed to happen to change this for the community that she serves. She worked with school leaders and the Governor’s task force to develop protocols, establish clinical best practices and safety measures that could be implemented both before the reopening and during a successful school season. Jodi educated the engineering and custodial

Jodi French

Submitted photo

staff on safely and properly working with disinfectants and designing safety protocols to prepare schools. She created and implemented the training needed for teachers and keeping the health of students, teachers, and staff as her number one priority,” Scheetz said. “The Town of Granby can truly thank Jodi French for the continuity of education this past year during the epidemic. Her dedication and professional nursing and management skills have been essential in providing a safe environment for the students and staff,” concludedScheetz. French received her bachelor of science in nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her BA in biology from Hartwick College. She began her career in the Granby school system in 2011 as a substitute per diem school nurse with the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association that supplies the Granby Schools nursing staff. Her skills were recognized, and she became the supervisor at the end of that academic year.

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Page 10 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Granby Cub Scout wins first place in district Pinewood Derby Granby Cub Scout Pack 325 congratulates Matthew Brissette on his victory at the District Pinewood Derby race. As reported in the March Drummer, Matthew won the overall Granby Pinewood Derby with a car that sped down the track at 213.13 mph. Next, he represented Granby at the Charter Oak district PWD race, which included packs from 25 surrounding towns. Matthew took first place for his rank of Arrow of Light plus first place overall at this prestigious race.

A Backwards Glance

Matthew recently completed his Arrow of Light requirements and is on his way to becoming a member of the Granby Boy Scout Troop. Pack 325 congratulates him on building such an amazing car. Pack 325 also congratulates Andrew Harvey for his first place at districts for the Webelos rank and Coleton Reilly for his second place for the Bear rank at the district race.

Jim Hall leads the color guard in the 2014 Memorial Day parade. Photo by Peter Dinella.

June 2003 In June 2003, Jim Hall (pictured above) was given much-deserved recognition for his service to American Legion Post 182 and for organizing Granby’s Memorial Day parade for 33 years. This year we thank Jim for his 51st Memorial Day parade and celebration in a year that desperately needs a drum-thumping, fife-playing outing on the Green.

Above left, Matthew with his trophies from the Granby Pinewood Derby race. Above right, Matthew with the trophies from the district race (First place Arrow of Light and first place overall). Photos courtesy of the Brissettes.

Granby Camera Club holds 20th photo exhibit By Del Shilkret The Granby Public Library is featuring the Granby Camera Club’s twentieth annual photo exhibit from June 1 – June 27. The club was formed to pursue photography as an art form and welcomes everyone who shares a passion to learn, create, and enjoy the beauty of photography. In the last 25 years, there have been significant changes in the world of photography – digital cameras and sophisticated computer programs have enhanced the visual results and have opened the photographic world to many more people. Due to the pandemic in 2020-21, the exhibit last year was cancelled and meetings normally held in the Granby Senior Center were held via Zoom. It is hoped that the meetings will resume in September 2021 through May 2022 on

the first Monday of each month at the Senior Center. Each features a program that relates to either photographic skills, techniques and printing or other photographic presentations. A special feature at each meeting are the results of the scavenger hunt in which members present photos taken since the last meeting that best represent two specific designated words as well as their favorite photo. Club members then determine the winner in each category. These photos are featured in the Community Room of the Senior Center until the next meeting. Club members have had photos selected for the annual Simsbury Bank calendar and have been participants in many other exhibits or competitions. There are, however, photographers with every level of ability as members.

October 1970 The Drummer was politically correct for the time, but it certainly wouldn’t fly today! “Anyone interested in joining Citizens for a Better Granby should call Mrs. Edward Horan . . . for an application.” May 1972 The first-ever 6.5-mile-long Granby Road Race, sponsored by the Granby Ecology Festival and the Hartford Track Club, hosted runners from Granby and several Connecticut and Massachusetts towns in 1972. It’s still being run today! June 1982 On June 1, 1982, voters rejected the budget presented by the BOF for a second time; on June 14 it would pass on its third try with 1,151 yeas and 561 nays. BOF set the mill rate at 41.0 to support the $6,523,751 budget.

April 1984 An article titled Granby’s changed with its farms noted that, “In one decade, (1949–‘59) the [town’s] school population jumped by 695 students and the system had added six grades. Farmland became school playgrounds.” April 1984 The Granby-Dewey Oak became the town’s official symbol on the Town of Granby seal in 1975—an interesting fact about the venerable old tree from the front page of the April 1984 issue. December 1991 “Hail to Granby’s All-Conquering Bears!” was the December 1991 headline. The GMHS boys’ soccer team went into the NCCC Class S State Championship seeded 14th after playing an extra game to qualify. They routed the best teams in their class and took the Championship. Go Bears! —By Chris Levandowski

“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Join us for on-line Sunday Worship Services @ 10 a.m. On FaceBook Live or firstchurchgranby.org. Service is also recorded for later viewing. Check website for in-person worship updates.

Upcoming Events: Complimentary Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs Fridays, 3 - 4 pm. Granby Food Bank Collection Saturday, June 5, at First Church parking lot, 9:30 - 11 a.m. 219 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035 Telephone: (860) 653-4537 www.firstchurchgranby.org

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 11

PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES APRIL 13, 2021 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers. Also present: alternate Matthew Peters; Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development

Seating of Alternates

Matthew Peters was seated for Brennan Sheahan.

Public Hearings

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.12.1 for a mixed-use building to add one residential unit for property located at 25 Hartford Avenue, COCE Zone. File Z-3-21. Gordon van Welie, 5 Black Oak Drive, addressed the commission. He explained the commission recently approved a change to the Zoning Regulations to allow mixed use buildings in the Commercial Center Zone by Special Permit. He is now applying for a Special Permit under that regulation to add one residential unit to his property at 25 Hartford Avenue. He stated the first floor would remain commercial. The exact configuration of the second floor would be decided once a tenant is found or the building is sold. There are no other proposed changes to the site. Kenyon stated the Fire Marshal and Building Official would review building plans to ensure compliance with all applicable codes. The commission discussed this application and future potential uses on the property. Answering a question, Kenyon stated if the owner wanted to add additional residential units in the future, a Special Permit for a multi-family use would be needed. The public hearing opened. There were no comments. The public hearing closed at 7:13 p.m. The Commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension granted by Executive Order. Application seeking a modification to a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10 to expand outdoor dining for property located at 9 Bank Street, La Figata, COCE Zone. File Z-4-21. Kristin Garcia, agent for the owner, addressed the commission. She stated in 2020, the commission approved indoor and outdoor entertainment and a seasonal outdoor dining area located to the east of the La Figata restaurant. The applicant is requesting to expand this dining area to place six tables on the sidewalk in the front of the restaurant. A walkway 48 inches wide between the end of the tables and the parking lot would remain unobstructed. The commission discussed if a barrier should be installed between parked vehicles and the proposed seating area to prevent vehicles from encroaching into the walkway area. They also discussed how the site is monitored for trash. The public hearing opened at 7:40 p.m. Kelsy and John Von Kaenel, 15 Oakridge Drive, addressed the commission. They stated the noise from the restaurant and plaza area is loud, trash from the plaza blows into their backyard, light is disruptive, and they would like a taller fence installed between the plaza and their property. The public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension granted by Executive Order. Application seeking a modification to a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10 to expand outdoor dining for property located at 17R East Granby Road, At the Barn, COCE Zone. File Z-5-21. Kristin Garcia, agent for the owner, addressed the commission. She stated they would like to expand the outdoor dining area by adding four tables on the grass island area adjacent to the parking lot to the southwest of the restaurant. Answering questions from the commission, Garcia stated the only separation from the parking area is curbing around the grass area. She noted they are considering making the grass area a paved patio. The commission requested the applicant come back with a more detailed layout plan showing the proposed improvements. The public hearing opened at 7:55 p.m. Kelsy Von Kaenel, 15 Oakridge Drive, asked the commission how to contact the Geissler’s Plaza landlord. Kenyon answered her question. As there is additional information requested, the commission decided to continue the public hearing at the commission’s April 27 meeting.

Receive applications and set public hearing

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.4 for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet, for property located at 63 Day Street, R50 Zone. File Z-6-21. Application seeking to modify a Special Permit and Site Plan under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.7.2.1, 3.10.2.11, 8.21.4.8 for a multi-family

residential development to convert single family homes to duplexes and use within an aquifer protection overlay zone, for property located at 2 Murtha’s Way, PDM and T1 Zone. File Z-7-21. Application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Sections 8.29 and 1.4 to add Alternative Energy System regulation and applicable definitions. File Z-8-21. The above applications are scheduled for public hearing on April 27. Consideration of above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing On A Motion by Chapple, seconded by Lukingbeal, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.12.1 for a mixed-use building to add one residential unit for property located at 25 Hartford Avenue, COCE Zone, File Z-3-21, as proposed. On A Motion by Myers, seconded by Chinni, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a modification to a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10 to expand outdoor dining for property located at 9 Bank Street, La Figata, File Z-4-21, with the following conditions: modification to the litter control plan to be approved by staff; all previous conditions of approval for outdoor dining shall apply to this expanded dining area; no more than four chairs to be placed at each approved table located in the expanded dining area; no chair shall be placed on the short-end of the table facing the parking lot; the walkway shall be maintained at 48 inches in between the table and parking areas at all times. Commission discussion regarding request for outdoor special event, May 5 through May 9, At the Barn, 17R East Granby Road. Kenyon addressed the commission. Town staff received a request from At the Barn for an outdoor special event from May 5 through May 9 for a May Fest celebration. At the Barn would like to locate a 30 by 40-foot tent in the parking lot for the celebration. There will be outdoor dining and music, no later than 9 p.m., in the tent. Recent legislation allows the expansion of outdoor dining in the parking lot area. Staff determines outdoor seating under the tent permissible under this provision but entertainment is excluded. She asked the commission to consider outdoor entertainment. The commission discussed the request, noting temporary outdoor dining permissions are not automatic, an application and layout plan must be provided for staff review. It was also suggested outdoor music follow existing guidelines, including the decibel level from the property line and hours of operation. Lockwood noted this is not a Special Permit and permissions are for a limited timeframe. Commission discussion regarding Farm Store and Agritourism Regulation. Kenyon and Peters presented to the commission an overview of the draft Farm Store and Agritourism Regulation drafted by the Agritourism Committee. It was noted one committee member wrote a letter of dissent, which was provided to the commission. The commission agreed to schedule a special meeting in the near future to discuss the regulation.

Staff Report and Correspondence

Kenyon stated the Town must develop an affordable housing plan by July 2022. The Board of Selectmen will consider creating a committee regarding this and it is expected a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be asked to sit on the committee.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence

Myers commented the Zoning Board of Appeals is discussing a ground-based solar array at an upcoming meeting. He stated the newly approved Alternative Energy and Utility Zoning Regulations came at a perfect time.

APRIL 27, 2021 Present: Mark Lockwood, Margaret Chapple, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Also present: alternates, Paula Johnson and Matthew Peters; Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development

Public Hearings

Application seeking a modification to a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10 to expand outdoor dining for property located at 17R East Granby Road, At the Barn, COCE Zone. File Z-5-21. (Continued from April 13) Kristin Garcia, agent for the owner, addressed the commission. The plan is to extend the patio into the grass island adjacent to the parking lot. The 4-foottall black metal fence that encloses the existing patio would extend around the new area. Eight tables will be located on the expanded patio. Answering commission questions, Garcia stated additional lighting would be

consistent with the existing lighting and possibly the addition of string lights. Kenyon stated no additional parking requirements are necessary. Lockwood stated the applicant shall work with the Building Official for the fence area. The public hearing opened at 7:16 p.m. There were no comments. The public hearing closed at 7:18 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension granted by Executive Order. Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.4 for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 63 Day Street, R50 Zone. File Z-6-21. Patrick and Kate Campagnola, 63 Day Street, addressed the commission. They wish to build a single story 30 by 48-foot barn. The roof will be a charcoal gray color and there will be light sconces similar to their home on the barn. The barn will be used for horses, tack and supplies. The public hearing opened at 7:08 p.m. Betty Maus, 76 Day Street, asked the applicant if he would be running a business out of this new barn. P. Campagnola stated the barn is for personal use. The public hearing closed at 7:10 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension granted by Executive Order. Application seeking to modify a Special Permit and Site Plan under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.7.2.1, 3.10.2.11, 8.21.4.8 for a multi-family residential development to convert single family homes to duplexes and use within an aquifer protection overlay zone, for property located at 2 Murtha’s Way, PDM and T1 Zone. File Z-7-21. Lukingbeal recused himself. Johnson was seated for Lukingbeal. Present were Reggie Kronstadt and Bard Kligerman with property owner CT Realty Trust, and Tom Daly and Mark Arigoni, both of SLR Consulting. Arigoni addressed the commission. CT Realty Trust acquired the property from Upstream Properties earlier this year and is seeking modifications to both the Special Permit and site plan approvals for the single-family home portion of the development. There were 50 single family homes approved, the applicant proposes a mix of single-family homes with the remaining homes converted to duplexes. Arigoni explained changes to the site plan include the reduction in the number of structures from 50 to 47, of these structures there will be 19 single family homes and the remaining will be duplexes for a total of 75 housing units. There will be additional parking spaces on the site and a sidewalk will connect the homes to the apartment development to the east. The applicant does not propose to build the clubhouse and pool, residents will share amenities with the apartments. Pedestrian lighting will consist of 14-foot, dark-sky compliant lights. Arigoni stated the proposal is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development, which has a goal to expand the number of rental units, increase housing options and create walkable neighborhoods. Daly reviewed how stormwater will be managed on site, noting the site is mostly sand and gravel which allows for infiltration. There will also be dry wells in place to handle stormwater. Arigoni presented the traffic report, stating there will not be a significant increase to peak morning and afternoon traffic. Kronstadt presented to the commission renderings of the single family and duplex structures, noting the project offers diverse housing options in the community. He stated Nelson Construction will be brought on for the project. In response to questions, it was stated the homes will likely be a mix of for-sale and rentals; however it may be decided to rent all units. The landscaping plan includes maples, oaks, evergreens and ornamental trees. This landscaping will be throughout the development and will also be used to buffer the development from the existing homes to the south. Construction is expected to start in summer of 2021 and take approximately 18 months to complete. Lockwood commented for the record that one correspondence was received from D. O’Connell, 12 Woodland Drive. Kenyon stated no additional comments were received. The public hearing opened at 8:10 p.m. Brian Liss, 38 Glen Road; Barbara Schmitt, 2 Woodland Drive; Willie Feldstein, 45 Glen Road; Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road; Sue Oakie, 141 Loomis Street; and Nancy Canfield, 42 Glen Road are in support of this application. However, a concern over an increase in traffic was noted and it was also suggested hemlock trees be included in the screened buffer. Kenyon noted any items from the previous Special Permit approval, not specifically modified by this application, will remain in effect as previously

approved. It was stated there are outstanding comments on staff review memos dated April 22, 2021 and April 19, 2021 that have to be addressed. The Public Hearing closed at 8:38 p.m. Lukingbeal was seated for Johnson. Application seeking an amendment to Zoning Regulations Sections 8.29 and 1.4 to add Alternative Energy System regulation and applicable definitions. File Z-8-21. Kenyon addressed the commission. She stated the purpose of this regulation is to promote the use of alternative energy systems, specifically solar, wind, and geothermal. Kenyon briefly outlined each subsection of the regulation. She noted these proposed regulations were reviewed by CRCOG which have not identified or noted any concerns. The Granby Conservation Committee submitted comments to the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding solar energy systems. The commission briefly discussed their comments, noting the Special Permit process required for residential ground mount may discourage residents from installing systems. It was agreed to review these comments in more detail at their next meeting. This public hearing shall continue on May 11.

Receive applications and set public hearing

Application seeking a 24-lot single family residential subdivision for property located at 76 West Granby Road, R30 Zone. File P-3-21. The above application is scheduled for Public Hearing on May 25. Consideration of above applications, where the commission has concluded the public hearing On A Motion by Chapple, and seconded by Boardman, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a modification to a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.16.10 to expand outdoor dining for property located at 17R East Granby Road, At the Barn, COCE Zone, File Z-5-21, subject to the following: outdoor lighting to be approved by staff; submission of a litter control plan; fence to be placed around the expanded area as shown on the layout plan; eight tables are permitted in the expanded area; and all previous conditions of approval for outdoor dining remain in effect. On A Motion by Chinni, and seconded by Lukingbeal, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.4 for a barn in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 63 Day Street, R50 Zone, File Z-6-21, subject to the following; lighting to be approved by staff. Johnson was seated for Lukingbeal. Lukingbeal was recused. On A Motion by Myers, and seconded by Chinni, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking to modify a Special Permit and Site Plan under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.7.2.1, 3.10.2.11, 8.21.4.8 for a multi-family residential development to convert single family homes to duplexes and use within an aquifer protection overlay zone, for property located at 2 Murtha’s Way, File Z-7-21, which will increase the number of housing units to 75, consisting of 19 single family homes and 56 duplexes for a total of 47 structures, subject to the following: all items contained in the original Special Permit issued for this property remain in effect unless modified as noted in the staff review memos and compliance with all outstanding items in the staff review memos dated April 19, 2021 and April 22, 2021 is required. Lukingbeal was seated for Johnson. Schedule Meeting to Discuss Farm Store and Agritourism Regulation A special meeting is scheduled for May 4, at 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed regulation. Planning and Zoning Commission Appointment to Affordable Housing Plan Committee Kenyon stated Connecticut General Statute Section 8-30j requires each municipality to prepare and adopt an affordable housing plan for the municipality by July 2022. The Board of Selectman will consider creating a committee to prepare such a plan. It is suggested a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission serve on the committee. Kenyon asked the commission for a representative. Chinni agreed to sit on the Affordable Housing Plan Committee with an alternate who could occasionally assist with attending meetings. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

Page 12 The Granby Drummer June 2021

NOT WANTED A campaign to raise awareness of and control invasive plants sponsored by Granby’s Conservation Commission

Invasive action in town and at home Local Action! Invasive Plant Activists (IPAs) now gather monthly on the second Saturday morning to control invasive plants and allow natives to flourish. IPA volunteers make friends, learn together and get great results in publicly visible areas. In March and April IPAs focused on three sites at Holcomb Farm: a row of statuesque shagbark hickories on Day Street South, the path to the CSA field and at the bridge over Salmon Brook The Salmon Brook site is experimenting with a new “solarizing” technique. In a few short years the area has become completely dominated by Oriental knotweed and mugwort, super rapacious invasives —see the April and September 2020 Not Wanted columns in the

Solarizing strategy to control invasives at Holcomb Farm, Salmon Brook (aka “cooking” mugwort and knotweed under plastic). Submitted photo

Drummer for details. In April the IPAs leveled last year’s growth of both plants and then spread clear plastic over the

area, heavily weighed down with river rocks. Hot sunny days will raise the underground temperature to over 100 degrees, roasting the plants right down to the roots. Knotweed is so vigorous that in places it shrugged off the plastic and needed to be covered again. By now it may be cooked rare, while the mugwort appears to be well-done. In a couple months the IPAs will remove the plastic and replace the imported invasives with native plants. A companion strategy is also being tested on nearby clusters: cutting repeatedly throughout the season, over several years, to exhaust the plants’ resources. In May the IPAs attacked the rapidly expanding infestation of garlic mustard; see the Drummer’s March 2020 Not Wanted column. This biennial invasive spreads rapidly in yards and fields and can be controlled easily over time by pulling it by the roots. June is the perfect time to invite friends and family to a “pulling party” before garlic mustard goes to seed and starts thousands more new plants. Repeat next year and the year after because the seeds remain viable for several years. To join the IPAs or stay informed, send a note at the GranbyInvasivePlants webpage.

Hear Ye Hear Ye Be it known that the

Marquis of Granby

is recruiting for new members – Ages 8+ See Us Perform in Simsbury and Granby on Memorial Day

* * * *

Weekly Music Lessons – Fife, Snare or Bass Drum * Learn about American Military Tradition * Perform in Regional Parades and Events * Travel to Fun Summer Trips and Activities

Open House – Recruitment Night

Wednesday, June 9, 6:30pm First Congregational Church, Route 189, Granby Kim McCord, (860) 778-5230, director@marquisofgranby.org

Invasives of the month – June June is a great month to use non-chemical methods to control very vigorous invasive plants. Solarize large concentrations after cutting to the ground, or attack plants individually. Bittersweet: Pull seedlings and small vines by their telltale orange roots. Cut big vines near the ground. Multiflora rose: Pull young plants by the roots. Cut and trample larger ones before they go to seed. Barberry: Don’t plant: all varieties are invasive. Pull young plants by the roots. Cut larger plants low to the ground (bright yellow stems). Winged euonymus: Don’t plant: all varieties are invasive. Pull young plants. Cut larger ones. Autumn and Russian olive: Pull and cut to the ground. For more information on invasive plants and what you can do to control them visit GranbyInvasivePlants.weebly.com

Consumer News

Kidde recalls TruSense smoke and combo smoke/ carbon monoxide alarms

The smoke alarm and the combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) alarm can fail to alert consumers to a fire. The recall involves Kidde TruSense Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms. The recalled units are Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060 and 2070 Smoke and Combination Smoke/ Carbon Monoxide alarms. Only alarms with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the back of the alarm. The alarms were sold at Walmart, Home Depot, Menards and other department, home and hardware stores and electrical distributors nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com and other online retailers from May 2019 through September 2020 for between $10 and $70. Consumers should immediately contact Kidde for a free replacement alarm. Consumers should keep using the recalled alarms until they install replacement alarms. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus SBHS News

The Salmon Brook Historical Society Research Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. SBHS Store is not open for regular hours but you can view items for online sale at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety. com Merchandise available includes books, maps, mugs, notecards and many more Granby items. Tag Sale (no vendors) to be held Saturday, June 12 (rain date June 19) from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. in place of the Spring Flea Market. There will be a huge assortment of artwork, steamer trunks, furniture, dishes, kitchenware, collectibles, children’s toys, Christmas decorations and much more. SBHS is located at 208 Salmon Brook Street. Stroll Through Granby History has returned. This program will run through Friday, June 25 and includes 32 sites in Granby Center. Use your cell phone or tablet to scan the QR code and read the history behind each site. More information is available at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com Fall Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Society’s grounds. Please contact Dave at 860-653-3965 for vendor information. Flea Market donations to the Society will be accepted beginning Thursday, July 1. We look forward to seeing our many returning and new vendors and patrons.

There’s no place like home.

Strawberry Shortcake Drive-Thru

First Congregational Church of Granby has hosted community Strawberry Suppers for years. Last year the event was greatly missed but this year it’s back, just done a little differently: a Drive-Thru Strawberry Shortcake event. Delicious shortcake with local berries, homemade biscuits and fresh homemade whipped cream will be ready for pickup. So convenient, you won’t have to get out of the car. This year a meal will not be available. Sunday, June 13, pick-up from 2 to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the church at 219 North Granby Road. Cost is $5 each. Call the church office to place your order at 860-653-4537 or use this link: signupgenius.com/ go/20f0a4ba4aa29a7f85-strawberry

MS Support Group

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will resume when the Granby Senior Center reopens. Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Meaghan at 860-4282463.

Men’s Breakfast

The next Granby Men’s Breakfast eGroup is Friday, June 11. The next three meetings will focus on Granby updates. June will be Jordan Grossman, Granby Superintendent of Schools reviewing the school opening challenges with the pandemic. The following meetings include: Granby Conservation Commissioner, David Desiderato with a presentation on eliminating invasive plants; and Abbie Kenyon, Granby Community Development Director with updates on projects effecting the town. Due to the need to meet remotely there is no breakfast. The meetings start at 9 a.m. with time for members to virtually chat; the speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Men of any age interested in joining should send contact information to gmensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the Zoom invite list. The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

@

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

Thoughts While on a Walk What a Blessing it is to see the flowers blooming in the yards, To hear songbirds singing in the now leafed trees, And to breathe in the warm, soft air of late spring. People venture from their homes. The world begins to right itself. The vaccines are doing their job, And God has His hand in all that is good.

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Interested in bears? Here’s a reading list Learning the facts about the wildlife that meanders through your backyards, tips over the garbage can or does damage to the chicken run, is the best way to adapt to the presence of those animals, because it’s a two-way process. Here are some books that may help you to understand the black bear … and make cohabitation easier. Living with bears By Linda Masterson A highly acclaimed guide and narrative for its insight into the black bear. Everything from understanding the black bear and its behavior to bear-proofing your home, and hiking, camping and playing in bear country. Recommended by National Park wildlife biologists, the Audubon Society and the National Be Bear Aware campaign. Walking with bears By Terry D. DeBruyn, Ph.D. Recommended and applauded by Jane Goodall, this is the author’s experience with three generations of black bear mothers and their offspring. After pioneering a GPS system to track collared bears in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he took his research one step further by walking with these bears from 1990–1999 in the state’s longest running black bear research project.

Drumrolls

Among the bears By Benjamin Kilham Kilham is known world-wide for his work rehabilitating orphaned and injured bear cubs at his facility in Lyme, N.H. His work has been featured in BBC documentaries, Animal Planet documentaries and in the iMax movie, Pandas. Because of his years-long record of success with black bear cubs, he was invited to advise Chinese bear biologists on returning captive-born pandas to the wild in the mountains of Sichuan, China. He traveled to China and spent many months working with the government financed program to reestablish pandas in the wild. The movie Pandas is available online. In the company of bears By Benjamin Kilham An eye-opening book that offers insight into the daily lives, sophisticated communications, and interactions between bears that allows them to share territory and food through alliances and conduct codes. The research and subjects’ lives and adventures add interesting and amusing antidotes to the book. The book has had excellent scientific reviews.

Nora Spataj, of East Granby, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business. Luke J. McFarland, of East Hartland, was awarded a National Merit Scholarship of $2,500. Tram Briggs, of Granby, was accepted into the Alpha Iota Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) at Tunxis Community College.

Rededication of memorial to Scoutmaster Bierman

By George Ducharme

All former and current Scouts of Troop 125 in Granby, and all grateful residents are invited to the Mary Edwards Land Trust Property on Saturday, June 12, at 11 a.m., for a very special ceremony honoring John R. Bierman. Scoutmaster Bierman served from 1965 until his death in 1969 at the very early age of 29 from cancer. In 1972 a memorial flagpole and plaque were erected with the permission of Miss Mary Edwards

on her Mountain Road property in North Granby—a favorite camping spot for the scout troop. On June 12, the flagpole, which has been vandalized twice, will be rededicated and renewed. Family and friends of Bierman will honor his dedication and commitment to young Granby boys. Please join us at one of the most picturesque high spots in North Granby to honor a man who lived the words on the plaque, “A man never stood so tall as when he stooped to help a boy.”

Public Works Hazardous Waste: a household hazardous waste collection will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simsbury DPW facility, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury. Accepted items: Batteries; fluorescent bulbs, compact bulbs, other bulbs containing mercury; lawn care chemicals; household cleaners—acids, adhesives, aerosol cans, ammonia, drain cleaner, disinfectants, moth balls, etc.; chemicals from the garage or workshop—antifreeze, ant/ bug spray or bait, brake fluid, old gasoline, oil-based paint, lighter fluid, polyurethane, pool chemicals, road flares, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, wood stain, etc. Items not accepted: Ammunition or explosives; asbestos; business waste; car batteries; cement; electronics; empty containers; fire extinguishers; Freon; marine flares; ice melt; latex driveway sealer; medicine, drugs, needles, syringes; propane tanks; appliances; smoke detectors; tires; used oil or oil filters. Recycling: Due to the ongoing issue of

contaminants in our recycling stream, the recycling drivers will be checking barrels prior to emptying them. A tag will be left on a barrel if it is deemed unacceptable. A list of accepted items is posted on the Public Works page on the Granby website or at recyclect.com Please no plastic bags/ film, tanglers, yard clippings, construction waste or trash in your recycling barrel. Yard debris: Residents are asked to keep their yard debris out of the road. This will help to keep drain basins clear and open allowing for proper drainage. Transfer Station: The Granby Transfer Station is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Road work: Town crews will be out repairing roads this summer. Please drive carefully and take extra caution when passing work crews. DPW updates: For updates on the transfer station and other DPW events, check either the Granby website or our Facebook page—Granby CT Department of Public Works.

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Granby residents show support for Connecticut Parentage Act By Rev. Bart Cochran On Sunday, May 2, 72 people from the Granby area assembled on the town green in a public display of support for the local LBGTQ+ community and the Connecticut Parentage Act legislation. The bill, currently making its way through the Connecticut general assembly, clarifies parental rights for the LBGTQ+ community and unmarried partners. The enthusiastic crowd included many families and young people, and three local members of the clergy, including myself. The Act passed the Connecticut House with a margin of 141-1, demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support across the entire state. However, Granby’s State Representative Mark Anderson cast the only “nay” vote against the Act. Anderson is the founder of Connecticut’s Republican Assembly that is also known as the Tea Party, which narrowly defines families as “consisting of persons related by blood or adoption through the marriage of one man and one woman… the government is duty bound to protect the integrity of the family

unit through legislation and tax policies.” His “no” vote was seen by people at the rally as an extremist gesture that is out of step with the opinions and desires of his constituents. Granby resident Audrey Lampert, who organized the rally in support of Granby’s LBGTQ+ residents, remarked, “Anderson has brought an extremist agenda to the State House that is consistent with his views, but not with the majority of people living in our district. Seventy percent of people in this country are in favor of measures to support the LBGTQ+ community, and if the response of people passing by us on that day was any indication, support here in Granby is even higher.” The demonstration took place peacefully for about an hour and disbursed without incident.

A few of the supporters of the Connecticut Parentage Act who came out to support the LBGTQ+ community. Photos by Bart Cochran

THIINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?

What’s for Supper? Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts By Pamela Scherrer I am so happy that the local farms are starting to open and we can once again get fresh vegetables and fruits. I love asparagus season and am always on the lookout for a new recipe that showcases this versatile veggie. Of course, I also love easy recipes, especially as the longer days are here and we all like to spend more time outside and less time preparing dinner. The most important thing about this recipe is that you use the proper Italian seasoning—you do NOT want the Italian seasoning packet that you make salad dressing with. If you do not have this seasoning in your cupboard, you can make it by mixing the herbs that are in it, just Google for list of herbs needed. Ingredients 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 4 breasts) 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika ¼ teaspoon each sea salt and pepper 12 asparagus stalks, cleaned and ends trimmed off 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, sliced into strips 4 deli slices of sharp provolone or Swiss cheese 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 cup water Directions Preheat oven to 400. Mix all of the seasonings together in a little bowl. Dissolve the bouillon cube in the water and

set aside. Cut each chicken breast like a sandwich roll. Take care not to cut all the way through; you want to “butterfly” cut it. Open it up and place a slice of cheese in the middle, put 3 asparagus stalks on top of the cheese and sprinkle ¼ cup of the dried tomatoes evenly next to the asparagus. Fold the chicken breast closed and secure with a toothpick to hold, coat entire outside of chicken with some of the seasoning in the bowl, leave some to coat the remaining chicken. Repeat steps for the rest of the breasts. Heat the olive oil in a pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and sear each breast until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and pour the cup of bouillon water into the dish. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cooked all the way through. (You may also like to put one extra slice of cheese on top of each breast about 5 minutes before they are done cooking for some extra Yum!) The juices left in the dish make a nice broth to drizzle over the cooked chicken before serving. Buon Appetito!

Is your septic sick of you being home? Time for a cleaning.

Demand for housing is the hightest it has been in CT in our lifetimes. If you or anyone you know is thinking about selling please call, text or email Santa Realty. Rick Santasiere - Broker/Owner 860-930-1998 rick@santa-realty.com

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone — we find it with another.”

— Thomas Merton

South Church: Serve God With Gladness Join us some Sunday to discover how living faithfully can make a world of difference. We are an Open and Affirming Community. All are welcome!

Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. Streamed until we can reopen. 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

Page 16 The Granby Drummer June 2021

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GRANBY | 860.653.4507 | www.bhhsNEproperties.com ©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, was ranked number one Real Estate Brokerage Nationwide by transactions in the 2020 Real Trends 500.

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Granby Artists’ Pop-Up Arts & Crafts at Lost Acres Vineyard After a long pause due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Granby Artists Association is launching a new event series at Lost Acres Vineyard this summer. We’re all excited to get up, out and into action and the Granby Artists Association is grateful to the Vineyard for this opportunity. The new event series, Pop-Up Arts and Crafts at Lost Acres Vineyard, will happen Sunday, June 6, Sunday, July 18, and Saturday, Aug. 21. Rain dates are June 13, July 25 or Aug. 28 as needed. Opening hours will be the same as the Vineyard’s: Saturdays 12 – 6 p.m., Sundays 12 – 5 p.m. This will be an outside sales event. Hopefully this will turn into a new annual activity. Many of the exhibiting members of the Granby Artists Association will be participating. There will be a unique mix of artists each month, so be sure to come each time and not miss out. Doug Williams brings paintings. He is a contemporary Impressionist painter who primarily paints landscapes. He is inspired to go outdoors throughout the year to paint local scenes with changing seasons and light conditions. Sue Canavan will be selling her handmade paper flowers. These flowers can be purchased by the stem. Linda Yurasevecz will bring her pottery creations. Avis Cherichetti has circled back to making fairy doors. There will also be the usual mugs and bowls. Laura Eden will bring small paintings, prints and notecards for sale. Stuart Browning works in many mediums including pencil, pen and ink, pastels, watercolors, acrylic and oils. His work is influenced by his engineering training, which is evident in the detail. He will also be sharing his woodworking, including hand carved items such as wooden spoons.

Alyssa Coburn will be selling art prints, vinyl stickers, and greeting cards featuring her original illustrations. She will also be taking orders for custom watercolor house portraits. Sally Sargent-Markey will bring greeting cards, FIMO clay jewelry, painted wooden items and small books, little paintings and prints. Mark Gottlieb will bring glass flowers and selection of other blown glass items such as paperweights, vases and drinking cups. Annukka Ritalahti will have stained glass, jewelry and glass beads. Aimee Gilbert’s knitted creations such as scarves, shawls, cowls, hats and miscellaneous fun items will be there, too. Lori Garcia’s art and jewelry will be available during the July event. In August, Bill Bentley will bring his watercolors featuring landscapes, old farm buildings and flowers. These free summer outings will also include live music and food from Grill n’ Chill. Join the artists and your friends at Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road in North Granby.

Laura Eden painting

Avis Cherichetti Fairy door

Mark Gottlieb blown glass

Susan Canavan paper flowers

Submitted photos

Annukka Ritalahti Flame worked glass beads necklace Alyssa Coburn house portrait

H onor in g Me mo ri es & M ak ing Way for the Fu ture Part Four - Recycling & Disposal You are almost there… this is the last step! Once you have cleared out everything of value, you will be left with things that just need to be disposed of. (Yes, this is true for everyone.) Our suggestions for disposing of what remains: Hire a dumpster: Hire a removal company: Hire a local guy with a pick-up: Recycle cans & bottles: Return old paint to a local store:

CT Dumpster Rentals (860) 609-4027 1 (800) GOT-JUNK we have recommendations local grocery stores or CT Bottle & Can Return (860) 729-1893 Sherwin Williams (860) 745-2459

When all the physical work is complete, be proud of what you have accomplished! This was hard! (Some emotional work may still remain especially when you look around an empty house.) If it’s time to sell, we would be happy to help you with that process as well. Robin, Melanie, Cyndie and Roland Curious about our different approach to real estate? Roland has written a series of books called Doing Work That Matters and we’ll send you a free copy of Part 1 - Stone Soup - Relationships when you notify us that you donated to your favorite charity (like Granby Community Fund).

3 57 N M a i n S t S u f f i e l d , C T | 8 6 0 . 6 6 8 . 6 5 4 9 | i n f o @ D o w d Re a l t y G r o u p . c o m | w w w. D o w d Re a l t y G r o u p . c o m

Page 18 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Eric Truntz promoted at Adams & Knight Adams & Knight, one of the region’s leading digital marketing services providers, has added a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to its senior leadership ranks. Eric Truntz, a proven technology leader with over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and technology consultancies, has joined the agency as its new CTO Truntz will lead the agency’s rapidly growing team of technology specialists. In addition to overseeing the agency’s own increasingly sophisticated IT infrastructure, Truntz will direct the agency’s marketing technology and custom application development services. Prior to joining Adams & Knight, Truntz served as a senior principle of NEOS, a management consulting firm providing data-driven technology strategies and services to half of the financial services companies on the Fortune 500 list.

Off The Wall

American Legion highlights the Purple Heart medal By Clifford W Burrell

Eric Truntz

Truntz, a software engineer by trade, holds a B.S. in computer engineering from the University of Hartford and a master’s certificate in business administration from the University of Connecticut. He lives with his family in North Granby.

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For Aquarion Customers In Granby And East Granby

Smarter Watering Begins With You

Among the many plaques on the north wall of the legion post hangs a large copy of a stamp issued in 2003, a 37-cent stamp depicting the Purple Heart medal. How did this medal come to be? The first of these U.S. military decorations was instituted by General George Washington in 1782 and awarded for bravery in action. The records show that only three men received it during the American Revolution, all of them noncommissioned officers. Two of these coveted badges still exist. The original medal, sewn onto the coat, was simply a purple heart-shaped piece of cloth edged with silver braid. Although this was the medal of honor of the Revolution, it seems to have been forgotten for about 150 years. The 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth (February 22, 1932) marked the revival of the award. The current purpose of the medal is as an award for those wounded or killed and awarded posthumously in the service of their country. An Oak Leaf Cluster is granted to a member of the U.S Army or Air Force who has been previously wounded and who already has a Purple Heart, and a Gold Star is awarded to a member of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard for the same purpose. Perhaps one of the most beautifully designed of all U.S. decorations, the medal is a purple heart-shaped badge with bronze edges that depicts a profile relief bust of Washington in the uniform

Original Purple Heart instituted by George Washington. Courtesy of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire; photograph, Dennis A. Waters

The Purple Heart. Photo courtesy of Stockphoto/ Thinkstock

of a general in the Continental Army. The reverse side bears the inscription “For Military Merit” with the recipient’s name below. The National Purple Heart Museum in Enfield is a memorial honoring service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. Originally called the Badge of Military Merit, the first medal was presented by George Washington to Sgt. Elijah Churchill on May 3, 1783. Since then, it is estimated that over a million men and women of all ranks, from every branch of military service, have been awarded the medal no one tries to win—The Purple Heart. If you know of a Granby resident that has received this distinguished honor, we would like to hear. We will print a list of names in a future article.

Patricelli Regan visits Republican Town Committees across the state

Smarter watering is watering without wasting such an important, irreplaceable resource while also keeping your lawn and garden looking their best. Most importantly, it can be as easy as following Aquarion’s new, mandatory irrigation schedule. Or go a step further… upgrade to a high-efficiency, irrigation system. It’ll do all the work for you and may even qualify you for a variance from the schedule. Either way, you’ll reduce what the EPA has identified as one of America’s biggest water wasters – lawn and garden overwatering. Meanwhile, you’ll make more water available for vital needs throughout your community – like for fire protection and drinking. And that’s just plain smart. Questions? Contact Aquarion’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-732-9678 or speak to a licensed irrigation professional. For more information about the irrigation schedule and variance options, visit www.aquarionwater.com/watering.

Mandatory, Maximum Twice-Weekly Sprinkler Irrigation Schedule Last Digit of Your Address Number

Please Water Only On:

0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 (even numbers)

Sunday & Wednesday 12:01 am – 10:00 am, or 6:00 pm – Midnight

1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 (odd numbers)

Saturday & Tuesday 12:01 am – 10:00 am, or 6:00 pm – Midnight

No address number

Sunday & Wednesday 12:01 am – 10:00 am, or 6:00 pm – Midnight

Susan Patricelli Regan, as a 2022 Connecticut Republican candidate for Governor, has continued her grass roots campaign with RTC visits throughout Connecticut. She is pictured L-R at Enfield, New Britain and Rocky Hill meetings. Submitted photos

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June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 19 supportive community.

SPOTLIGHT ON

GRANBY ARTISTS

Insight into the creative process

The Granby Artists Association is debuting a new monthly column, Spotlight on Granby Artists: Insight into the Creative Process. Each month will feature two artists. The pandemic has limited all artists’ exposure so we hope this will be an interesting way for Granby to get to know new members and reconnect with other members. This first column features the newest member and a founding member. We hope you enjoy!

Debby Reelitz engraves a custom glass piece. Submitted photo

Debby Reelitz, Calligraphy, member since 2002 letteringdesign.com calligraphy@cox.net 860-413-9041 What is the most exciting aspect of being a calligraphic artist? Best of all, as a lettering artist, I get invited into people’s lives when something precious or important has happened. From graduations, retirements, weddings, births, even deaths, expressions of gratitude, or words that support a person in being their best self—I’ve had the chance to be a part of lifting up the best parts of our human existence. It’s an enormous blessing and incredibly humbling to celebrate life’s journey with handwritten letters. Do you take art classes, workshops and do you teach your craft? Yes! To all parts of this question! Even though I am a teacher of calligraphy, I’m constantly learning—from other calligraphic lights, my students, experi5 x 3 new mediums, etc. The menting with learning is what keeps the calligraphy interesting and exciting as a career! Over the last year, one of the things that has taken off for me is teaching online, both library programs and my in-depth

six-week classes. The mind-bending thing is that I’ve been teaching for 15 years, but just in the last nine months and thanks to the online access, I’ve shared calligraphy skills with more people than I did in all my previous 14 years—even students as far away as Armenia and India and British Columbia! Anyone who’s intrigued can join me on June 29, when Granby Library will be hosting a new program I’ve created. It combines a decorated letter with a creature and is created with colored pencils. No lettering or drawing experience is necessary! Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years? The skill I am currently developing is engraving. I’m lettering on all sorts of surfaces now, glass, wine bottles, even metal objects. I’m excited to start offering this service as the world opens up and the pandemic winds down. What year did you become an exhibiting Member of Granby Artists Association? I’m lucky enough to be one of the founding members of GAA, some have called me the founder. I cringe a bit when I hear that description. No one founds an organization without a lot of support and involvement by many people. A description of instigator may be more appropriate. I moved to Granby in 2001 from the Midwest where I knew of an open studio event in Madison, Wisconsin and thought that was cool. Moving to Connecticut, I wanted to make calligraphy my full-time job like it was in Chicago and thought an open studio event could help get my name out there, but being a newbie, nobody was going to show up at my door! That gave me the excuse to reach out to other local artists, and see if others wanted to create an open studio event. Clearly, 20 years later, some magic combined with lots of hard work, amazing art and artists and critically, fantastic support from the Granby community made that 2002 Open Studio tour the start of Granby Artists’ grand adventure. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact working together as Granby Artists has had. It’s encouraged so many in their creative endeavors and for some, supporting them in transitioning to art as their career. It’s been truly amazing to be a part of this

Rita Law-McConaughy, Painter: acrylics, mixed media, watercolor, egg tempera; member since 2021 www.ritas-art.com Ritamclaw@gmail.com 860-266-8877 What inspires your art? Being outdoors where there is an endless treasure of visual beauty and stimulation of the senses. Does Granby have an influence on your art? Granby most definitely inspires my art. The many open spaces, land trust properties, hiking trails, my backyard, the sky, trees, and the incredible scenery, are perfect subjects. In a split second what you see can change. The weather, time of day; there is always something new. For example: The way the color of trees frames another set of views at Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve; the special way bears select a certain tree to mark; the views from the hill across from Holcomb Farm. I’m inspired by how a sudden early snowstorm covers a leaf laden tree in my back yard, only lasting a few moments before it all melts; and the blur of color as you walk in fall and how something

specific catches your eye in the distance. Wherever I am, I see an image I want to capture and translate. Do you have any specific goals for your art in the next few years? I want to be less critical of my paintings, to create the work that I truly love, to start painting on large raw canvases, and most of all—to always have fun. Working towards having a solo show would be my ultimate objective. Tell us about a satisfying art accomplishment you had? I assisted the Salmon Brook Historical Society with the concept, design and production for a grass roots “Save the Barn” billboard. It was placed on Simsbury Road in front of the barn at Holcomb Farm. The funds that were collected funded the restoration and the roof is now completed. Now, whenever I drive by, I smile. Artist’s statement My newest works reflect my focus on a single moment in time. Often based upon a photograph I’ve taken, I let the elements of the moment evolve as I paint it. I delve deeper into the image through color choices, the energy or calm of brush strokes, and particular elements that emphasize the emotions of that memory.

Holcomb Farm 1 Triptych, October, 2020, Acrylic, 12 x 36 in.; The sun hitting the field at Holcomb Farm at a certain moment. Courtesy of Rita Law-McConaughy

Melting Snow, March 2021, Acrylic, 16 x 20 in.; The days are getting longer and the sunsets are brilliant. Courtesy of Rita Law-McConaughy

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Browse & Borrow GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

Website: granby-ct.gov/library Phone: 860-844-5275 Email: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Library Staff Support: Library staff are in the building and available to answer questions, provide recommendations, fill holds, schedule curbside pickup and technology appointments, and assist with online research/resources six days a week. Library Open Hours – updated and extended as of June 1 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All patrons over the age of 2 are expected to wear masks and sanitize their hands as they enter the building. All items being returned to the library should be put into the outdoor book drops prior to entering the building. Curbside Library Pickup: For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, Curbside Library Pickup continues to be an option. Library materials can be reserved online through the catalog or by telephone, and then patrons can schedule a pick-up appointment—no need to come inside. Call the library for details. Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website, granby-ct.gov/library, or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter on the website or by phone. Library Programs – Adults and Teens Plan B Book Club: Virtual, Tuesday, June 1, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation, and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, who have led our popular SciFi/Fantasy and Around the World book discussions. The June 1 discussion title is The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Copies are available at the library, via Overdrive and hoopla, and through curbside pickup. No time to read before June 1? No problem! Join us on July 6, when we discuss The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Leport. Register online or call the library 860-844-5275. Look for a confirmation email with a Zoom link and log-in information if you sign-up online. No computer/internet at home? Join us on the phone! Call the library for information. Outdoor Local Author Fair: In-person, Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (rain date Sunday, June 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) You’re invited to Granby Public Library’s first-ever outdoor Local Author Fair. Join us on the lawn under the tent to meet several authors of adult and young adult fiction and non-fiction. The event is free to the public. There are giveaways and prize drawings, music, and an opportunity to purchase great reads signed by the authors! Support the library when you stop by the Z Catering truck to purchase beverages and breakfast foods. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Friends of Granby Public Library. The featured authors represent many genres, including mystery, fantasy, photojournalism, steampunk, historical fiction, paranormal, humor, memoir, poetry and more. Authors eager to meet you include: James R. Benn, Katie L. Carroll, Aliza Eliazarov, Shawn P. Flynn, Corrina Lawson, Sarah Lemire, AJ O’Connell, Steve Parlato, Cindy Rodriguez, Nancy Roman and Lisa Samia. Visit the library website for information and author profiles. The library requests all attendees follow CDC guidelines. EFT Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Virtual, Monday, June 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Certified instructor and Life Coach Cris Jacobs is back and he’s helping us take care of our mental and physical health. Learn proven techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Jacobs introduces Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as “Tapping,” and covers an introduction to simple meditation practices at the end of the session. Handouts are available. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Around The World Craft and Culture: Virtual, Tuesday, June 15, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Adults and children 10 and up will make a lovely lotus flower lantern while learning about Korea’s unique history and culture from educators with the Korean Spirit and Culture organization. Register early as space and materials are limited; then visit Granby Public Library’s main branch to pick up the project supplies and a complimentary softcover book featuring Korean culture. Samples are on display at the

Granby Public Library’s Summer Celebration!

June 17 – Aug. 7 Tails and Tales at Your Library Granby Public Library welcomes library patrons of all ages to participate in a series of fun-filled events this summer that will get you excited about reading, learning and growing together. This year’s theme, Tails and Tales, invites patrons to explore stories and events that feature animals, as well as opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors in a safe, distanced way. Register on the library website or in person, and visit the GPL for opportunities to enter our prize drawing and to borrow materials – the library truly has something for everyone! Summer Reading Kickoff with Jester Jim: In person, Thursday, June 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Rain date June 19). All ages, at the Bandshell at Salmon Brook Park. Our Summer Reading Program begins with master juggler and all-around amazing performer, Jester Jim! This is not your ordinary juggling show – he’ll make you laugh and make you gasp – did we mention there will be fire?! You won’t believe your eyes! A performance the whole family will enjoy. Please bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on as we try to stay socially distant on the lawn. Everyone over the age of two must wear a mask. Please register in advance at GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov or by calling 860-844-5275. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Mama! It’s A Llama! Tuesday, June 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Rain date June 19). Ages 3 and up. At the GPL Patio. Country Quilt Llama Farm returns for another visit. Come meet a real, live llama and learn all about these beautiful, gentle creatures. We’ll read a story, answer your questions, then give everyone a chance to pet our guest of honor. We’ll also have a special llama craft for kids to take home and complete. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on as we stay socially distant – and masked – out on the library lawn. Hand sanitizer and baby wipes will be available. Please register in advance. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Godspeed The Plow: Songs of Farming and Rural Life: In-person, Thursday, June 24, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm’s North Barn Pavilion, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Join us for a musically entertaining and historically inspired program featuring songs celebrating farm and rural life throughout American history. Performers Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle include light-hearted songs about rural life, as well as contemplative, philosophical pieces about the challenges of making a living from the land—from the 1780s to modern times. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society. Cats and Dogs Series: Virtual programs. Does your dog have a mind of its own? Is your cat having difficulty adjusting to a new home? Understand why this happens and learn steps you can take to modify your pet’s behavior when the library hosts two virtual programs for cat and dog lovers. Understanding Your Dog: Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Join Phil Klein, certified dog listener, and learn to “speak” the language of canines. Gain an understanding of the four key drivers of canine behavior as well as the surprising cause of common issues including anxieties, toileting indoors, excessive barking, aggression, jumping, pulling and destructive chewing. Help transform your dog’s behavior in a kind, lasting way by using simple, dog-friendly practices. Have your questions ready for an informative, fun, virtual session. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Understanding Your Cat: Wednesday, June 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Nationally recognized cat behavior counselor and author Rachel Geller, Ed. D. provides resources to help you work with a behaviorally challenged feline. Understand ways to help a shy cat adjust, get informed advice about living in a multicat household, and learn tips for dealing with litter box and scratching post issues. The author of Saving the World, One Cat at a Time: What I Know About Cats - And Why You Should Know It, Too is donating proceeds from her online book sales to Granby’s local feline rescue organization, Mary’s Kitty Korner. Be sure to have your questions ready for the virtual session. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Ebony Horsewomen Equestrian Center: In-person, Saturday, June 26, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. You are invited to visit and tour a nationally recognized equine therapeutic facility at 337 Vine Street (Keney Park) in Hartford that is the only African-American organization in the country doing intensive equine-assisted therapy with people of all ages. Meet founder Patricia Kelly, tour the grounds and visit the Mary Fields Museum. Born a slave, Mary Fields (1832–1914) lived in Montana with the Ursuline Sisters who established an Indian boarding school and mission. Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary and Black Mary, was the first African-American female Star Route mail carrier in the United States. Register online and note transportation requirements in the Special Needs box. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Creative Corner Series at Holcomb Farm Workshop: Fairy Tails: In-person, Tuesday, June 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Holcomb Farm, Workshop, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Ages 10-18. We’re kicking off the Tails and Tales summer craft series with our favorite art educator, Debby Reelitz. Kids 10 and older will create a unique and colorful piece of art that combines animals and versal letters. It’s like a personal monogram for your favorite animal. Check out samples on the library’s website or Facebook page. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own set of colored pencils; all other materials will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. The Creative Corner program series will continue Tuesdays in July—July 6, 13 and 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now and see the library calendar for additional information. main branch. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Writers Group: Virtual, Tuesday, June 8 and 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Adult fiction writers are welcome to meet virtually at bi-weekly workshops. Hone your writing skills using a variety of creative writing activities in these interactive sessions. If you’re looking for inspiration, kindly critiquing, and an opportunity to meet other adults who share a passion for writing, register online to receive the Zoom program link. Library Programs – For Children and Families Good Morning Story Time: In person, Tuesdays: June 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Now that the weather is nice

again, it’s time to get outside. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for Story Time outdoors on the Patio. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Please bring a blanket or beach towel for your family to sit on as we try to stay socially distant. Everyone over the age of two must wear a mask. Hand sanitizer and baby wipes will be available. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Take And Make Crafts: In person, Saturdays: June 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Age 3 and up. Calling all crafty kids—stop by the Children’s Room and select a craft kit from our Craft Box to take home and complete. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be

provided. First come, first served. Craft kits will be available between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. Supplies are limited. Note: some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Craftin’ Around with Miss Heather: Virtual, Tuesday, June 29, 3 - 6 p.m. Ages 4 and up. Celebrate the 4th of July with a fun and festive paper wreath. Craft kits will be available for curbside pickup on Tuesday, June 29 from 3-6 p.m. Miss Heather will post a video guide with instructions so you can make the craft along with her. The video will be posted to our Facebook and YouTube channel on June 29 for you to view and complete at your convenience. Printed instructions will also be included with the craft kit. Supplies are limited. Please register each child separately online at GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov or by calling 860844-5275 to receive your kit. Note: You will need glue for this craft. All other supplies will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Yoga For Families: In person, Wednesday, June 30 from 10-11 a.m. Ahren’s Park on Hungary Road. Kids age 5-12 and their caregivers are invited to join instructor Aubrey Schulz in a yoga session for the whole family. Let go of some of that “pandemic stress” while enjoying time outside in the fresh air. Please bring a towel or yoga mat for each participant. Please register in advance for this free program. In case of rain, please check Granby Public Library’s online calendar for an update. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library. Story Stroll: In person, on the lawn near the GPL Patio. Stop by anytime and check out the latest Story Stroll. Just follow the numbers on the signs to read an entire picture book or complete a fun family activity challenge. A new Story Stroll will appear every few weeks, all summer long, so be sure to check back often. New Nutmeg Books! The New Nutmegs books are here! Stop by or make an appointment to check out the new titles for grades 2-6 in the Children’s Room. The new titles for grades 7-12 are also available in the Teen area. Come and check out your favorites. Two New Nutmegs per patron, please. New and Ongoing Library Services hoopla! Granby Library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your GPL library card. Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month, in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby and in person. Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com): The GPL now offers patrons free access to this comprehensive online learning database, where patrons can register using their library card and take classes in a variety of professional topics, including everything from Photoshop to Python, Change Management to Construction Management, Interpersonal Communication to iPads. Jigsaw Puzzles: The library now has a collection of puzzles for patrons to borrow. Visit the library inperson to select one, or call to pick one up Curbside. Puzzles with 300 or 500 pieces are available. Story Time On Your Time: Too busy to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or call the library and request a Story Time Bag for you and your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in our online catalog or by calling 860-844-5275. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. We would love to help you get started! Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian. Personal Children’s Service: Need help choosing books for your family? Miss Joan, our Children’s Librarian, is always happy to help. You can call her directly at 860-844-5285. Pick up your items curbside or schedule a time to come in and meet. Please leave a message with a callback number.

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Parks & Recreation Director of Recreation and Leisure Services: Kristine Vincent, CPRP Recreation Supervisor: Daphne Shinder Program Supervisor: Terri Ziemnicki Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com Open 24/7 for program registration

Summer Day Camp

Salmon Brook Park Day Camp and Mission Adventure: Ages 6-14. All Day Program. June 21-Aug. 13, many weeks to choose from. A summer day camp program committed to serving your child’s needs. This traditional day camp fills each day with active games, special events, sports, arts and crafts, teamwork, group interaction and the wonders of nature. Salmon Brook Park has a playground, soccer fields, baseball fields, outdoor basketball hoops and picnic pavilions, and tennis courts. Your child will have the opportunity to swim in Salmon Brook Park Pond, enjoy exciting special events, and see spectacular entertainers. All children are grouped by age/grade and all activities are age-appropriate. Camp Counselor-In-Training Program: Ages 14-16. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 21-Aug. 13. Our Camp Counselor-In-Training Program is designed to offer qualified young people an opportunity to prepare for positions such as camp counselors. Emphasis is placed upon developing leadership skills, sensitivity to children, and program skills. Granby camp staff, along with our camp director, will provide your young teen with leadership skills and how to work with children. CITs will build self-confidence and learn how to make decisions — both independently and as a team — and how to manage responsibility for themselves and for others. CITs get to enjoy the same activities they loved as campers too! Held at Salmon Brook Park.

Toddler and Preschool Programs

Soccer Program: Ages 2-5. 9:15-9:45 a.m. Age 2. -11:30 a.m. ages 3-5. Monday-Thursday, July 12-15 and Aug. 9-12. Sundays, June 6-27, 9, 10 or 11 a.m. classes, at Salmon Brook Park Band Shell. Tiny Tots Drawing: Ages 3-6. 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays, July 6-Aug. 10, at Holcomb Farm Main Barn.

Tumble Tots: Ages 3-6. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, at Salmon Brook Park.

Youth Sports Camps

Granby Bears Girls Basketball Camp: Entering grades 1– 9. 9 a.m. –12 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 28–July 1 and Aug. 16-19. Kara Wolters “Dream Big” Girls Basketball Camp: Entering grades 4—10. 9 a.m.—3 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 26—30. Granby Bears Boys Basketball Camp: Entering grades 1 – 9. 8-11:30 a.m. for grades 1-4. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for grades 5-9. Monday through Thursday, June 22 – 25. Boys Lacrosse Camp: Entering grades 1 – 9. 8-11:30 a.m. for grades 1-4. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for grades 5-9. Monday through Thursday, June 22 – 25. Soccer Camp: Ages 4-14. 9-10:30 a.m. for ages 4-6. For ages 7-14, chose half day 9 a.m.12 p.m. or full day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 28-July 2 and July 26-30, at Salmon Brook Park Soccer Fields. Soccer Goalkeeper Camp Presented by Keeperstop: Ages 11-18. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday–Thursday, July 12-15, at Salmon Brook Park Soccer Fields.

Chris Corkum’s Baseball Camp: Ages 7-12. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 21-24, at Salmon Brook Park Baseball Field. Wiffle Ball Camp: Grades 5-10. 9–11 a.m. Monday through Friday, June 28-July 2, at East Granby Farms Recreation Complex. Tennis Camp: Ages 9-16. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 21-24 or July 19-22 and Aug. 9-12, at Salmon Brook Park Tennis Courts. Tennis Lessons: Morning lessons are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced tennis players and are held on a weekly basis. Visit GranbyRec.com for a complete listing of times and dates—lessons are held all summer. Flag Football Camp: Ages 7-12. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 12-15, at East Granby Farms. Softball Camp: Ages 7-13. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 21-24 and Aug. 16-19, at Granby High School Field. Volleyball Camp: Entering grades 4-9 on Monday through Thursday, June 21-Aug. 5 (5 weeks to choose from). Entering grades 9-12 on Monday through Thursday, Aug. 2-5. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park. TNT Field Hockey Camp: Entering grades 4-9. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 2-5, at Granby High School Field

Youth Enrichment Camps

Chess Camp: Grades K-5. 9 a.m.—12 p.m. or 12-3 p.m., or stay the full day. Monday through Friday, June 21-25, at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Band Camp…Popular Program: Grades 5-12.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 12-16 or July 19-23, at Granby Middle School. Synchronized Swimming: Ages 7-12 at 4:305:30 p.m. Ages 13-18 at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 9-13, at Salmon Brook Park Waterfront. Circuit Labs Camp: Grades 3-6. Monday through Friday, July 26-30. Hands-On Electronics, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. App Inventor, 1-4 p.m. At Holcomb Farm Workshop. Art Camp: Ages 5-12. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 2-6, at Holcomb Farm Workshop. Week of Baking Camp: Grades 3-6. 2-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 12-16, at Holcomb Farm Kitchen. Food Explorers Camp: Grades 2-5. 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 2-6, at Holcomb Farm Kitchen. Photography Class for Teens: Ages 13-17. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturdays, May 1-June 19, at Salmon Brook Park and Holcomb Farm. Irish Step Dancing: Ages 8-12 at 4-5 p.m. Ages 13-17 at 5:15-6:15 p.m. Mondays, May 3-June 28, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Adult Programs

Pickleball: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 30-Aug. 4, at Salmon Brook Park Tennis Courts. Basics of Knitting: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 9-23, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Ballroom Dancing: 6-7 p.m. Saturdays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Photography Class: 10-11 a.m. Saturdays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Gentle Restorative Yoga: 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Gentle Flow Yoga: Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion. Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Yoga for Strength: 8-9 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Yin Yoga Aromatherapy: 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Taz Fitness Challenge: 8-8:55 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Taz Low Impact Fitness: 9-9:55 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. “Pawsitive Steps” Beginner Dog Training Classes: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Page 22 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

Granby Town Hall and Schoolhouse, built in 1903 and sold to the Grange in 1948. Photos courtesy of Salmon Brook Historical Society

The Elusive Academy in North Granby Hunting history is a mixture of research, detective work and luck. A search for an elusive academy in North Granby resulted in finding not one, but at least four of them. The files of the Salmon Brook Historical Society had bits of information about a school for higher education in North Granby, located near the First Congregation Church on North Granby Road. The school was confusingly called either the Granby Academy, the Granby North Academy, The Granby Central Academy or (for some obscure reason) the Plainville Academy. A circa 1890 photo album yielded a pictured Granby Central Academy that tantalizingly resembled the present Grange building—but not quite. Several months of research led to the records of the First Congregational Church, a book of Allen family papers compiled by Charles Allen, the diary of Eliza Ann Colton and the selectmen’s

records. But the puzzle did not fall into place until a cryptic notation in our files was interpreted correctly and a newspaper clipping supplying the missing link of information was found by chance. Public school education in the 19th century stopped at the eighth grade. Those desiring a high school education were sent to private select schools or academies. The first North Granby Academy was built by Truman Allen in 1833. It was paid for by subscription and by issuing stock to stockholders. There was a very strong connection to the First Congregational Church. The church was a stockholder and the records of stockholder meetings were kept in the church records. Church leaders were instrumental in organizing and building the school. The Academy was there before the present church was built in 1834.

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Granby Central Academy and Town Hall

According to an 1855 map, the Academy was located between the church and the parsonage, but to the rear of both. The original parsonage, now gone, was located on today’s Stratton Road. This location fits other documentation. At that time the road between the church and the parsonage did not exist and horse sheds were also located behind the church. Jefferson Cooley, Granby native and Yale graduate, was the first teacher. Luther Allen paid him $1.83 in 1834 for seven weeks tuition and fuel. Tuition was $3 a quarter. The diary entry of Eliza Ann Colton for March 25, 1834, states “attended an examination in the Academy, heard Wat-

son speak a peace and all the Gentlemen spoke peaces, the ladies read compositions. At noon the Gentlemen laid a cornerstone to the new Meeting House.” Eliza Ann lived at 249 Granville Road and her brother Watson was a student at the Academy. The school building was used for First Ecclesiastical Society business meetings until the new meeting house was completed. It was also used evenings for lectures and other meetings. Eliza Ann’s diary tells of attending an anatomy lecture in January 1835 given by Dr. Jairus Case; a February lecture on astronomy by Jefferson Cooley; and in March, a

Historic Footnotes cont’d. on p. 23

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Historic Footnotes cont’d. from p. 23 history lecture by Rev. Charles Bentley. During the summer vacation of 1835, the Academy was finally completed. Twenty-nine citizens subscribed amounts ranging from $10 from Deacon Bethuel Holcomb to 50 cents from Hiram Chapin. Most of the men gave $5. The Truman Allen papers include an expense list for completing the school. Although no pictures exist, the list provides information about the physical appearance of the Academy. There was a cellar for $12, partitions for $8, chimney for $3.62½, fence for $3, three doors, plaster walls and the aptly named “necessarium” or outhouse cost $5.37½. Also in 1835, the stockholders of the Granby Academy met and elected Cullen Hayes as chairman, Anson L. Holcomb secretary and Levi Rice treasurer. They voted “the Prudential Committee be directed to act discretionary with regard to procuring a teacher and use of building for the year ensuing.” Although many select schools were for one sex only, the Granby Academy was co-educational. The students in 1835 included 15 girls and 15 boys. Most were local students, but some came from other towns and boarded in the area. The Connecticut State Library has a “Catalogue of Granby North Academy 1837-1838 Oliver S. St John, Instructor.” The list of 16 girls and 17 boys indicates 26 from Granby and others from Hartland, West Hartford, Haddam, Sharon, Southwick, Mass. and Elizabeth R. Baldwin from Forest Lake, Penn. On the back of the program is a farewell poem from the teacher. Willard Griffin of West Granby was the teacher in 1844. Truman Allen paid him $1.50 for half of son Henry’s tuition and $2 for 2/3 of son Lewis’s tuition plus 50 cents for fuel (wood). By 1859, the Academy was in need of repair and the prudential committee, or board of trustees, tried to solicit funds for this purpose. They were evidently unsuccessful, because in 1861 the stockholders debated whether to repair, rebuild or sell the school. They also considered building a room in the church basement for a school. Finally, a decision was reached and on May 19, 1866, the Academy was auctioned off to Harvy Godard for $26. Godard owned the cider mill, grist mill and sawmill at the Crags in North Granby. What disposition Godard made of the building was a mystery, until the chance discovery of a 1934 newspaper clipping provided the answer. It was moved to 264 North Granby Road

and attached to a Colton family house. Later, Edward R. Rice lived there and the house (including the old Academy) burned to the ground around 1930. In 1868, Rev. Thomas D. Murphy came to the First Congregational Church. Sometime in this period (1868-1871), the second floor of the parsonage (now torn down) was used as a select school. By 1872, Murphy was teaching a different select school on the second floor of the library building in Granby Center (this building later was South Congregational Church and burned in 1917). However, in 1871 the Granby Central Academy Association was formed under the leadership of Levi Rice, Jr. He lived on Creamery Hill Road, was the father of 12 children and was eager for a school. The association bought ¼ acre from Albert S. Wells on the northeast corner of Sakrison and North Granby Roads for $25. Again, money was raised by subscription to build the school. Watson Colton, who attended the original Academy in 1835, was involved in building the Granby Central Academy in 1871. His account book lists such items as foundation brick, 8,500 shingles for $56.98, front door for $25, eight windows and frames for $72, window blinds for $60, three small windows, four inside doors, blinds for the tower, a front circular window and 14 sheets of roofing tin. The Granby Central Academy was located north of the present Grange building, directly across from Stratton Road. Jennie Griffin of the Hungary section of Granby taught there several years. The school yard was fenced in 1878. The Academy thrived for over 20 years, but interest apparently waned because in 1893 the building and furniture were auctioned off. The historical society has a poster listing “One large desk and chair and 27 school desks and chairs to be sold.” The school building was sold to Albert Latham and William Stults for $200. They, in turn, sold it to the Town of Granby for $300 to be used as a town house or town hall. The town voted in 1893 to “fit up the building this fall suitable and convenient for town purposes.” In 1896 it was voted to build a “suitable fence around the Town House and also to build a water closet.” The building was again used for a “Special School” in 1899, with the permission of the Town. School trustees had to “put the room in condition for school use and restore it for town use at the close of the year, free of expense to

the town and in good condition.” The historical society has a program for the closing exercises of the Granby Select School in 1901, so it seems the town continued to allow this use of the town house. The differences in construction between the old Granby Central Academy or town house and the present Grange, were explained by a note in the history files saying the town house burned in 1901. Selectman records verified this fire, which took place in November or December of 1901. The voters of Granby promptly decided to build a new town house on the same site. The building was to be 30 by 40 feet with a 10 by 28-foot addition. The planner was local carpenter Albert H. Gillette. The new town hall was under construction in 1903 when plans were amended. Voters decided to enlarge the anteroom to 16 by 30 feet and equip it as a school and build a “suitable woodshed” outside the building. “Said room always to be subservient to town purposes.” The building was finished in the summer of 1903. In 1905 and 1906 the town hall school-

room was used as a public-school ninth grade. This is the last recorded use of the building for a school. Granby high school students were then bused to Simsbury High School. The Grange started meeting in the town hall in 1929 and about 20 years later, they bought the building. It was raised and moved a little south to a new foundation with a cellar to provide a basement dining room and kitchen. The building was no longer needed for a town hall because, in 1947, the Granby Memorial Consolidated Elementary School was built and the town hall was moved to the old 1st District School in Granby Center. That building later became Old Town Hall Kindergarten until summer 1992, then was used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and now belongs to South Church. It is a rare and happy experience to tie up all the loose ends of research on a specific quest. This saga of the select school search ends with the discovery of three different buildings used as academies (plus the second floor of the old parsonage). For nearly 75 years Granby parents built and subsidized private high schools because they believed in the importance of education.

American Impressionist: Then and Now

Alexander Anisimov invites the public to an exhibition of his art, held at 2 Park Place in Granby center from May 31 to June 27. The exhibition benefits the Granby Art Association, with 100 percent of sales to be donated to the GAA. Shown at left is the oil on canvas, Face, texture, color…

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

Ticks have rebounded in our area Ticks are already having a banner year in Connecticut. This is especially evident with our pets as we pull off multiple ticks a day. The last few years have been relatively quiet but now the American dog ticks and Deer ticks, or Black-legged tick, have rebounded in our area. New species have recently been reported in southern Connecticut with the appearance of the Asian longhorned tick, the Gulf coast tick, and the Lone star tick. The big, and fast, American dog ticks can potentially spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The three new ticks are also disease vectors that can transmit serious illnesses to pets and livestock as well as humans. These diseases include ehrlichia, rickettsial infections, and tularemia. Of course, the biggest worry in our area is the tiny and notorious deer tick that spreads Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Over 2,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in people in Connecticut last year. Many more cases are diagnosed and treated with our pets especially dogs and horses. What can we do for our pets? It is important to carefully inspect pets and pull off any ticks that are crawling on their coats. A flea comb is handy especially around the ears, face, and top of the head. A comb works well on the deer tick pre-adults (nymphs) that also transmit diseases. In addition to close inspection it is recommended to use tick preventatives. There are topicals, oral medications, and collars. The oral medications are becoming more popular because they are safe, very

effective and given as a chewy treat. The FDA-approved oral drugs in the class are called isoxazolines. The isoxazoline brand names are: Nexgard, Bravecto, Credelio, and Simparica. They are also very effective against fleas and some cases of mange. There have been rare cases of neurologic side effects so it is important to consult with your veterinarian about these prescription drugs. The Seresto collar has been on the market since 2012 and is very popular. It is supposed to kill fleas and ticks for eight months if the collar is kept dry. It should be removed from the dog during bathing and when swimming to ensure effectiveness. Seresto collars have come under greater scrutiny recently due to reports of adverse side effects. The EPA regulates flea collars and has had more than 75,000 incident reports that included 1,700 deaths. Many of these reports are anecdotal and most veterinary experts consider Seresto collars to be safe. Most of the illnesses were GI in nature and resulted from ingesting the collars. Counterfeit collars that are ordered online are produced in China and may result in skin irritation and other reactions. Don’t forget to treat your cats too. Topicals are still the best bet with Bravecto and Frontline leading the way. Seresto collars are also available for cats. Flea combs are a must for cats that go outdoors. So good luck with the tick plague this spring. Let’s hope for some improvement this summer.

Quilts on display previous years as a part of Connecticut-Hang-A-Quilt Day. More photographs from previous years can be found at FVQUILTER.ORG Submitted photos

Hang-A-Quilt Day is June 19 Farmington Valley Quilters is sponsoring its third annual Connecticut Hang-A-Quilt Day event on Saturday, June 19 with a rain date on June 20. This free outdoor quilt show will showcase the art and beauty of quilting. In a time of social distancing, this is the perfect event for art lovers and quilters. Anyone who owns a handmade quilt is encouraged to display it outside their home on a fence, clothesline, railing, tree, garage, chair or any other creative way to display it. Neighbors who drive or walk by will enjoy its beauty. Quiltfolk Magazine covered Connecticut Hang-A-Quilt Day in its January

2021 issue that featured Connecticut quilters. This national magazine is helping to promote the event nationally. Farmington Valley Quilters will have a large display in the center of Simsbury and also plan to list addresses to view other quilts. Last year quilts were displayed all over Connecticut and quilt shops helped to promote the event. Plan to participate to showcase Connecticut. If you participate and post a picture of your quilt on social media with #CTHangAQuiltDay, everyone will be able to enjoy it no matter how confined we may be.

In Memory Of …

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Fischer, Nancy J., 77, September 30, 2020 Struzenski, Jean Marie, 78, wife of Richard Struzenski, April 2 Thibault, Clemence, 87, wife of the late Guy Thibault, April 24 Nyman, Nels P., 78, April 27 Hayes, James A. “Jim”, 86, husband of Louise (Raabe) Hayes, May 1 Antonucci, Derek Mark, 32, May 4 Hofmann, John Wright, Jr., 81, husband of the late Monica Hofmann, May 6 Fahey, Jill Marie (Hahn), 57, wife of Tim Fahey, May 8 Warren, Charles (“Charlie”) A., Jr., 81, husband of Leslie Rose Warren, May 8

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Eva Dewey: Saving Granby’s Past By Todd Vibert Picking up from last month, where we met Bertram Dewey and his career as a rural free delivery man for the U.S. Postal Service in Granby, this month we introduce his wife, Eva, who was equally committed to Granby and public service. While Bertram worked multiple jobs as a mailman and groundskeeper, Eva was raising three boys in their 1932 Sears Roebuck home. Their small farm supplemented their income when Eva started selling eggs and milk. By 1936, four years after they built the house, they were able to pay off their mortgage. As her children grew, Dewey’s involvement in town life increased. In 1939, she founded the Women’s Bridge Club; in 1942 she joined the Women’s Forest Fire Crew; and four years later, she founded the Lost Acres Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. In 1960, she started the Sow and Reap Gardening Club out of the South Congregational Church, where she was a member for over 50 years. Members still host an annual plant sale there. In 1959, Dewey would become the archivist and curator of the Salmon Brook Historical Society. The society was incorporated that year and was led by Ethel Linnel, who founded the organization in 1945 and established the Granby History Room in the basement of the Granby Library. When Linnel retired, Dewey took over. As the historical society grew, so did its collection of documents and artifacts and the Granby History Room overflowed into Dewey’s home for storage. In 1966, the Salmon Brook Historical Society was fortunate to be gifted the Abijah Rowe

house from the Colton sisters, Mrs. Allison Nathan and Mrs. Carolyn Avery. In 1974, the society received the Enders Home from West Granby. These additional buildings would afford the space for Dewey to move the archives from her home to where the Salmon Brook Historical Society sits today and start a research library. For over 15 years, Dewey kept Granby’s history in her home, preserving these records and creating copies and transcription by both typewriter and hand. Dewey also contributed greatly to the research. She created genealogical family histories of the Wilcox, Gillet, Griffin Hayes, Jewett, Goddard’s, Case, Dibbles, Holcomb, Shattuck and Loomis families, as well as 30 other families. In the book Heritage of Granby, published in 1965, Dewey contributed a chapter discussing ten prominent families in Granby. This book is available on the SBHS website for interested parties. Dewey spent hundreds of hours researching for this as well as answering letters from Granby citizens interested in their family history. Today, her files can be found inside the Preservation Barn at the Salmon Brook Historical Society. While researching, I often find a reference of Dewey by signature or read one of the copies she wrote out by hand. Her legacy of preserving our town history is still appreciated today. While Dewey reduced her volunteer hours at the society in 1986, she kept gardening and sewing in her Sears and Roebuck house. Eva outlived Bertram by 20 years and died in 1997 at the age of 94 and is buried next to him in the Granby Cemetery. For over a quarter of a century,

Photos of Eva Dewey courtesy of the Dewey family

Eva Dewey dedicated herself to collecting and organizing Granby’s history and we at the Salmon Brook Historical Society are grateful for her contribution. To learn more about Eva or Bertram

Dewey or Sears Roebuck Houses or prominent families in Granby, join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713 or visiting salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Here comes the sun

These Salmon Brook Park geese would agree that it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter— they sure are enjoying early morning rays. Photo by Paul McDonnell

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Special Events

Summer Bingo via Zoom: Thursday, June 10 at 10 a.m. Sponsored by McLean Home Care and Hospice. It’s summertime and we will be playing bingo for fun, summer-themed prizes. That could mean anything from gift cards, to outdoor living grab bags and more. Let’s celebrate the warm weather and have some fun. Register by June 3. Strawberry Shortcake to Go: Monday, June 14, 1 to 2 p.m. at Granby Senior Center. Sponsored by Dispatch Health and Home Helpers Home Care of Farmington Valley. In celebration of Strawberry Shortcake Day, we will be packing up your own individual shortcakes to enjoy at home. Register by June 7. For current members only. Not a member? Call 860-844-5352 to join. Holcomb Farm Fresh Access for Seniors: Thursdays starting June 17, 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Granby Senior Center. This highly successful program is back for another season. Enjoy fresh produce graciously donated from the Fresh Access Program through the Holcomb Farm CSA. Please bring your reusable bag. Drive-thru only. Must be a senior with paid membership. New membership cards will be given out during your first visit with us and then shown at each subsequent visit. Limit one bag per household. Call to pre-register.

Lifetime Learning Academy

Connecticut’s Early Water Mills via Zoom: Wednesday, June 16, 1 p.m.

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

GRANBY SENIOR CENTER RE-OPENING The Granby Senior Center has begun a gradual re-opening for specific classes and programs. If a program is scheduled in the building, you will find a location under the description. If it will be held via zoom, it will be noted in the title or description of the program. All in-person classes will be subject to pre-registration, social distancing and mask wearing while in the building. Programs and classes will have a strict capacity limit. If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for all programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352 to register. Presented by John Cilia. Water-powered mills expanded across Connecticut beginning in 1650 and spread throughout the state expanding technologies and production for 300 years. Connecticut water mills expanded to serve a world market in the mid-1800s. Please join us for this interesting presentation as Cilia highlights many of the water-powered mills that helped create the great state of Connecticut. Register by June 9. Italian Cuisine: How to Make Perfect Risotto via Zoom: Thursday, June 24 at 1 p.m. Presented by Jonathan Rosenfield. Explore Italian cuisine as Rosenfield shows you how to make risotto. Rosenfield is a true lover of all things food with a background that includes the restaurant industry and culinary school. He will show you that with a few vegetables, rice, and cheese, you’ll be creating a meal that’s sure to delight. Register by June 17.

Senior Van Service

Center Programs

Men’s Breakfast via Zoom: Friday, June 11, 9 a.m. The Status of our Schools During the Pandemic, with Dr. Jordan Grossman, Superintendent of Granby Public Schools. To register, send email to gmensbkfst@gmail.com Hiking at Burr Pond State Park: Tuesday, June 8, 10 a.m. Judy Cooper guides this hike leaving from Burr Mountain Road, Torrington. Round trip is 2.75 miles around the pond, relatively flat, but plenty of rocks and roots—not an open trail. Pre-register required for all hikes. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.

Health and Wellness

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic with the Farmington Valley VNA: Thursday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Granby Senior Center. By appointment only; call 860-844-5350 to register. Masks and social distancing required.

Support Services

Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900. Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment at the

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Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call 860-844-5352 to set up an appointment for a free consultation. Social distancing and masks required. CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free. The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Outof-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10. Call 860-844-5350 to schedule a ride or to get more information.

Exercise Classes

via Zoom and at the Granby Senior Center New sessions for Chi Gong, Yoga and Chair Yoga will start in July. Yoga Flow via Zoom: Mondays, 10–10:45 a.m., June 7-June 28. Four classes in the session. Led by Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Cost: $20 residents; $24 non-residents. Cardio and Strength via Zoom: Fridays, 10–10:45 a.m., June 4-June 25. Four classes in the session. Instructor, Mary Fuller leads this quick-paced class with cardio and a concentration on strength building. Cost: $20 residents; $24 non-residents

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June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Guard Gate marker installed on Southwick Rail Trail bike path Friends of the Southwick Rail Trail and Southwick Historical Society Inc recently installed a Guard Gate marker at the Connecticut/Massachusetts border on Southwick’s bicycle path. The marker was provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to provide communities with historic canal markers. The marker or plaque says “Farmington Canal. Opened in 1828 to transport goods between MA and CT. Replaced by railroad ca 1847. Remains of original guard gate visible here.” The Massachusetts Hampden and Hampshire Canal and the Connecticut Farmington Canal came together at this location. The canal ultimately became the New Haven and Northampton Canal Company in 1836. The purpose of the guard gate or guard lock was to prevent Congamond Lake water from draining into the old canal; a modern guard gate exists just north of this location. The old waterway is long gone and may be forgotten by many. Fortunately, today you can hike or bicycle alongside much of the canal by using this linear park or greenway on the New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway. The canal, begun in 1824, was not a commercial success and the right-of-way of the canal became a railroad. In 1968 the railroad came to an end and in the late 1980s advocacy groups started converting this right-of-way corridor one more

time into a bicycle and hiking trail. The Southwick Rail trail is 6.2 miles long and it borders the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Granby to the south and the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail to the north in Westfield. The overall distance of the greenway is about 80 or 81 miles long with just a few sections yet to be connected in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The overall greenway is part of the New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway Alliance (nhncg.org) made up of seven non-profit groups and is managed by 18 town and city governments. The overall length of the canal as it meandered in and around the terrain was about 87 miles. Using the canal, heading north, to get to Westfield from Congamond Lakes, canal boats traversed through eight locks in Southwick. Lock 9 is along Shaker Road in Westfield. To leave Congamond Lake heading south, canal boats had to travel down six locks in Granby (crossing CT-189). Lock 7 is 26 miles away in Southington, along the “long level.” The Guard Gate was similar to a lock in that it prevented the draining of Congamond Lake. Readers interested in additional information can read about the greenway from the Southwick Historical Society’s book New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway, bike and rail trails following the canal by Robert R. Madison. The watercolors by Madison appear in his book.

L-r: Robert Madison, Sl Ranzio Friends of the Southwick Rail Trail, Ruth Preston, President Southwick Historical Society Inc, David DeiDolori Southwick Parks and Recreation, Pat Odiorne Southwick Historical Society Inc, and Pete Heap Friends of the Southwick Rail Trail. Submitted photos

Watercolor of the guard gate as a canal boat begins to enter Congamond Lake.

Watercolor of the same canal boat leaving Congamond Lake heading north on its journey toward Westfield.

Dog smitten with horses The Hennessey’s golden retriever loves to sit on the front lawn and watch the horses trot up and down North Church Road throughout the morning as part of their race training. Photo by Kelly Hennessey

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Page 28 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Farm Store Opens to the Public June 15

The Summer CSA sold out early this year, which is one of the reasons we need to grow more produce, but you aren’t completely out of luck. The Farm Store in the CSA Barn next to the Methodist Church, at 111 Simsbury Road, is opening for the season June 15. It will be open daily, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and in addition to Holcomb Farm-grown produce, will be stocked with lots of other items from local farms and producers. A complete list can be found at holcombfarm.org/ one-stop-shopping/

The Resurrection

Farmers are known to require skills that go well beyond planting and harvesting. Sophisticated knowledge of soil chemistry and its impact on nutrition come to mind. Mechanical skills are required to keep the equipment operating. And, of course, there is construction. To wit: back in February 2019, some serious wind, accompanied icy cold, did a number on Holcomb Farm’s Greenhouse #4 behind the CSA Barn on Simsbury Road. At the time, that greenhouse was home to fresh spinach, planted to round out the CSA winter shares. It was a big loss for our small farm. Through that summer, during the spare time that no farm worker ever has, Todd Crevier led the disassembly work required to position us for the rebuild. Then… COVID. Now, a mere 27 months later, the rebuild is 80 percent complete, spearheaded by Assistant Farm Manager Tom Spatcher. As time permits, the work to cover the structure will be completed with the goal of having it ready to once again host spinach for the 2021-22 Winter CSA. Only now, this structure will be called Greenhouse #5. Longer term plans have us adding even more greenhouse capacity—this structure is destined to become #6—as we look to increase our Winter CSA capacity.

Five-Year Farm Business Plan Complete

Tons of volunteer time from board members Donna Snyder, Rocky Piccirillo and others, as well as some consulting support funded through a State grant, have helped the Friends of Holcomb Farm complete a Five-Year Business Plan for our farming operations at Holcomb Farm. The work sought to answer questions like: how has this non-profit business changed since it was assumed by the Friends in 2012; are there growth opportunities in any or all of the segments we serve – CSA summer and winter, retail farm store, wholesale restaurants, and food contributed through Fresh Access; do we have the acreage necessary

to support the growth; and how does this fit in with our objective of also supporting others in agriculture here in Granby? We don’t have all the answers, but we are proud to know that we have developed a growing and sustainable farming program, both economically and agriculturally. In addition, we are excited to begin work that could see us double our annual production, through increased production well beyond the summer months, with particular focus on increasing our support to Fresh Access, providing the best food possible to people in need right here in Granby and throughout the greater Hartford area. Our next step it to integrate this Farm

Business Plan into an update of our overall strategic plan, so the work of the Friends—on behalf of our members, donors, and grant-providers—can continue to serve the Town of Granby. Our other areas of focus include development of Fresh Access partners for funding and distribution, stewardship of the rest of the 312 acres of Townowned land, including developing and maintaining miles of public trails, and planting and enhancing the new Tree Trail, and making sure the Granby community is aware of and participates in this wonderful town treasure, the gift of Tudor and Laura Holcomb.

Emma’s little orchard By Shirley Murtha Being the partner of farmer Joe O’Grady, Emma Hoyt is well aware of the goings on around Holcomb Farm. Last year, in fact, the Drummer published a story about her mobile chicken coop and its productive occupants who are now laying lots of eggs and eating lots of insect pests in the growing fields. The increase in activity on the Tree Trail in the east fields got her thinking that it would be nice to feature some trees that provide food for both wildlife and humans and, to that end, she has established what she calls a “demonstration orchard”—a half dozen fruit-bearing trees, planted in April. So far, there are

peach and plum trees, and a couple of varieties of cherry trees. Nearby, the Tree Trail arborists have planted some blueberry bushes (both high and low varieties) which complement her miniorchard. Hoyt isn’t sure where this project will go—it’s just a beginning, but she hopes that it might inspire homeowners to plant similar types of plants that nurture nature as well as humans. On a recent walk up to “Emma’s orchard,” Hoyt discovered that some critter, probably a deer, had been munching on the delicate branches of one of the newly planted trees. It seems the next step will be to put some protective cages around the trunks before the fruit gets nipped in the bud.

Emma Hoyt with her sour cherry tree. Photo by Shirley Murtha

Tree Trail Continues to Grow

Now entering its third year of development, the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail is really taking shape. The entrance, off Day St. South near its intersection with Simsbury Road, will soon host an information kiosk, and more interpretive signs and maps are planned. We asked Eric Lukingbeal, one of the principal architects of this wonderful and educational development, to share some information on what you may see if you take a walk there. Here’s his update: “One of the design principles at the Holcomb Tree Trail is to plant some trees that are not usually seen. That is why we planted an amur maackia (Maackia amurensis) last fall. Most people have never seen one. “This tree is unusual in at least two

ways. First, it is a summer bloomer, usually in mid to late June. The flowers are fragrant and white, in six-inch panicles. By that time, most of our other bloomers—the Cornelian cherry dogwoods, the Eastern redbud, and the Sargent cherries—are long past. Our one red horse chestnut hangs on until late May. It’s in bloom now. We do have two other summer bloomers, the Japanese tree lilac, and the Kousa dogwood. “The second way the maackia is unusual is, as leading authority Michael Dirr’s says, that it is “a tough little cookie.” It seems to prefer harsh and cold conditions, tolerates high and low pH soils, and is a nitrogen fixer to boot. It helps build its own soil nutrients. “A native of Korea, Northeast China

and Manchuria, its leaves are pinnately compound, 8 to 10 inches long, and unfurl in a striking silvery gray color that eventually turns dark green. Fall color can be a good yellow, but we shall see. Ours is about seven feet tall, and should reach 25 feet, but slowly. It was sourced as a bare root tree from Rare Earth Nursery in Cazenovia, N.Y.” So, take a walk on a beautiful summer day and look for the maackia, which will be labeled. Many thanks to all the volunteers and donors who are making this trail come alive. If you didn’t have a chance to contribute to our recent Tree Trail campaign, it’s never too late. Go to holcombfarm.org/holcomb-tree-trail/ and click DONATE.

The newly-planted maackia shows its spring green, and holds the promise of flowers later this summer. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

The Tree Trail in the East Fields offers a beautiful frame for the Holcomb Farm barn in the distance. Photo by Susan Canavan

The Eastern rosebud on the Tree Trail is showing off. Photo by Susan Canavan

Mother Nature showed Holcomb Farm Greenhouse #4 who was boss back in February 2019. Photo by Joe O’Grady

The rebuilding process: it took all of 2019 to prepare the greenhouse for a rebuild, and then COVID hit. Photo by Joe O’Grady

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 29 Who’s Who at Holcomb Farm

Those fresh veggies drew Donna Snyder to the Farm By Shirley Murtha In the fall of 2006, Donna Snyder arrived in Granby with her young family, returning to the New England area where she had been born and raised. The next spring, she discovered Holcomb Farm when she was looking for a place to purchase pick-your-own vegetables. She became enamored of the quality and variety of the Farm’s produce, and the friendliness and knowledge of the staff and other folks she met while at the facility. Her family’s enjoyment of the CSA bounty led her to take an active role at the Farm in 2007 and she has held a work/ share position since 2008. For nine of those years, she spent her days seeding in the greenhouses, although she pitches in wherever she is needed. This season, she will be interacting with the public in the farm store. Snyder’s professional life included engineering, management and supply chain positions at nuclear, aerospace and building materials companies, but since 2008, she has focused on raising her family and giving back to her community through volunteering in various Granby and Simsbury organizations, including the Granby Youth Services advisory board, the Cider Mill Heights Homeowners Association, and currently, Granby’s Commission on Aging, where she is the chairman. She also volunteers at the Granby Senior Center, helping out with the Durable Medical Equipment Closet, special events, and the Fresh Access produce distribution. Joe O’Grady suggested that Snyder join the Friends of Holcomb Farm board in 2018. She is an excellent grant writer for the board, assisting with the applications and final reports, and she has generated a very helpful database to that end. She helps with the fund-raising annual Harvest Dinner and silent auction. Her most significant recent project was leading the

In Memorium The Friends want to acknowledge the recent passing of our friend and neighbor, Charlie Warren. Charlie and his wife were known for many things; for us, they were Santa and Mrs. Claus around the large Christmas Tree in front of the Farm, for years. Charlie’s obituary, with much more information on all his contributions to Granby—truly a life well-lived, can be found at tributearchive.com/obituaries/21088003/Charles-A-Warren-Jr.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm mourn the loss of Charlie Warren, who played Santa Claus at our Holcomb Farm Christmases for years. Photo from Charlie’s published obituary

Donna Snyder checks on the progress of seedlings in one of Holcomb Farm’s greenhouses. Photo by Shirley Murtha

formation of the Holcomb Farm fiveyear Business Plan, which reviewed the Farm’s operations, including consumers, competitors, current and projected financials and a master plan of capital and infrastructure concerns. She notes that, “This document can be used to help ensure the continued financial viability of Holcomb Farm.” She also notes that she enjoys learning about the many facets of the Farm and contributes where she can—so her role on the board has evolved into a more widespread nature. That being said, however, her goal for the year ahead is to help secure capital and infrastructure funding. In her down time, Snyder likes to stay active with her friends and family and especially appreciates the beautiful place we call home here in Granby. She enjoys many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, kayaking and swimming. She also likes to cook, knit and read. Although she would like to have an extensive garden, the abundance of hungry wildlife and the rocky soil have contributed to limiting her gardening activities to those at the Farm. Snyder’s home life includes husband Jim, twin daughters Georgia and Bridget (both 2020 graduates of Boston College and busy working), and pet rabbits Kate and Pippa. Now we wonder who they are named after…

First Church Volunteers: Mountain Road crew on Mary Edwards Mountain Property. (LR) Don Shaw, Rich Crapser, Lisa Reinhardt, Troy Chicoine, Ken Way, Barbra Link, Mary Chicoine and Linda Betsch. Submitted photos

First Church celebrates Earth Day with clean-ups By Don Shaw, Jr. In support of the Granby Land Trust and McLean Game Refuge, a First Congregational Church crew celebrated Earth Day on April 24 by collecting a dozen trash bags of roadside litter in just one hour. Eight bagsful of litter were extracted from the edge of GLT’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property field bordering Mountain Road. Four more

bags full of debris were picked up on a one-half mile stretch of McLean Game Refuge property on Barn Door Hills Road starting across from the refuge’s entrance and running south to the hill leading to Hillyer Way. Imagine what could be accomplished by organizing a collaborative town-wide roadside clean-up effort next year. That’s what First Church is thinking!

Barn Door Hills Road crew. (L-R) Todd Yonkman, Jerry Kimble, Spencer Kimble and Hunter Chicoine.

Page 30 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Variety of birds spotted on bird walks blue-winged warbler, singing near the old entrance gate. The group proceeded After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVto the spot and the bird popped out in ID-19 pandemic, the Granby Land Trust response to a recording of its song. (GLT) once again hosted two bird walks The elegant bird flitted back and forth over the Mother’s Day weekend at the just over the group’s heads. The blueGLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. winged warbler is a species in decline, The excursions have become somebecause its preferred habitat—open thing of a tradition since local birders spaces dotted with large bushes, such Chris Chinni and John Weeks first led as abandoned farm fields—has become them in 2005 at the GLT’s Godard increasingly scarce. Preserve. In 2007, the walks took place Blue-wings have been present at for the first time on Jamie Gamble’s Dismal Brook for years. To encourage property at the north end of Loomis them to stay, GLT Board member Dave St.—the 210-acre property that is now, Emery worked last year to enlarge the thanks to his generous donation to the suitable habitat by clearLand Trust last year, open ing small areas that had to the public as the Dismal become overgrown. Brook Wildlife Preserve. Baltimore orioles are Saturday’s walk took always a favorite sight place under less-than-ideal during these walks, and conditions, with cloudy several of them put on a skies and chilly, almost show this time as well. March-like temperatures. An American bittern Despite this, the 20 parboomed out its “onkticipants enjoyed fine a-donk” song—if you views of many species of At the end of Sunday’s bird can call that a song, birds. The “teacher, teacher, walk, a rose-breasted grosbeak from somewhere out TEACHER!” cry of a half- perched near the bridge, as if in the South Marsh but dozen ovenbirds resounded to bid everyone good-bye. declined to show itself. through the woods. Male Avid birders prize any red-winged blackbirds, in their black sighting of this scarce bird, and Granby livery with red-and-yellow epaulettes, is fortunate to be able to offer it a place jousted noisily over the two marshes. to stop and rest during its travels. A Virginia rail yucked it up out in the At Creamer Pond, two green herons south marsh as in past years but was stalked the muddy margins in search uncharacteristically shy. At Creamer of fish, frogs and crayfish. One of them Pond, a male wood duck displayed posed calmly in plain sight atop the his polychrome finery, while a pair of beaver lodge. As the group made its Canada geese cruised the pond with way back towards the parking lot, a their six offspring in tow. Towards the male rose-breasted grosbeak perched end of the walk, a pair of rose-breasted up near the bridge as if to bid everyone grosbeaks exchanged close looks with good-bye. Fifty-two species were noted the human visitors. Trip leaders Chinni during the day’s visit. and Weeks tallied 49 species in all. The variety of birds to be found at Sunday saw an improvement in the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve —140 weather—mostly sunny skies, with species and counting— is nothing short somewhat warmer temperatures. The of remarkable. Yet all the participants birds were correspondingly more active in this weekend’s field trips would no and more vocal. doubt agree that the preserve itself is The walk kicked off right in the parkthe real star of the show. It is thanks ing lot with a brown creeper, a winsome to Jamie Gamble’s generosity and the little bird that hunts insects by hitching Granby Land Trust’s stewardship that its way up a tree trunk like a miniature this ever-changing spectacle is now brown woodpecker. Prior to the walk, open to all. Weeks had heard an uncommon bird, a

Despite chilly temperatures, participants in the GLT’s annual bird walks got to see many species of birds (49 one day, 52 the next) on the Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Photos by Jim Watso

By John Weeks

O’Brien

GLT’s Youth Conservation Corps construct and blaze trails Members of the Granby Land Trust Youth Conservation Corps, along with a solid cadre of adult volunteers, including members of the GLT board of directors, property stewards, and GLT members at-large, have spent six weekends working to construct and blaze trails on the GLT’s Katan-Ensor Preserve and Old Messenger Road Corridor properties. Volunteers have constructed bridges, laid steppingstones, cleared brush, removed invasives, hung trail markers, posted signage, and constructed Adirondack chairs. Stay tuned for more information on when this trail will officially open to the public!

Dave Emery, John Kroninger, Sean Kennedy, Mark Kennedy, Tim Heinze, Thomas Kennedy, Sean Dowd, Zach Orluk, Elliot Plourde, and Peter Dowd. Photo by Rick Orluk

Mark Kennedy, Steve Perry, Laura Eden, Sean Kennedy, and Jen Plourde. Photo by Rick Orluk

Zach Orluk, Rick Orluk, Dave Emery, John Kroninger, Elliot Plourde and Sean Dowd hard at work on the Katan-Ensor Preserve. Photo by Peter Dowd

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Hours: Friday 10-5; Saturdays 10-5; Sundays 10-5 (On Above Dates Only) Also by Appointment – Please Call Ahead Directions: From Granby Ctr., Jct. Rte 10/202 & Rte 20; West on Rte 20 to first light; Right on Rte 189 North; 1 ½ miles, Right onto Wells Rd; #40 Wells Road, ½ mile on Right 40 Wells Road Granby, CT 06035 • (860) 653-0163 • www.obrienhosta.com

Pat McGee, Ron Dufrane, and Chase McGee. Photo by Rick Orluk.

John Kroninger, Liam Cramer, Tyler Kroninger, Colby Milbrandt, Thomas Kennedy, Zach Orluk, and Dave Emery. Photo by Rick Orluk.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

T H E G R A N BY O F F I C E W E LC O M E S

Missy Ballard

We are happy to welcome Missy to our Granby Berkshire Hathaway office. Missy is a top producing agent with 23 years of experience, licensed in the State of Connecticut and Florida and a past Office Leader in our Southbury office. We are very excited to have her “ home again” and back to being a part of our team! “My long-standing real estate experience coupled with rejoining one of the most premier real estate brands in the world will help me provide the best service for my clients.” Missy relocated back to Granby with her husband to be closer to family and one special granddaughter. She enjoys hiking with her 2 English bulldogs, traveling, golf, and exploring all the quintessential towns and antique shops New England has to offer.

If you’re looking to buy or sell your home, Call or text Missy at 230.788.0441 © 2021 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity

bhhsNEProperties.com Simsbury ValleyLIFE April 2020

June 2021 The Granby Drummer Page 31

STUDENT PAGE

What Needs to Change?

I’ll tell you what needs to change; Things that need to go as well Small things to big things All need to change in one way Our attitudes need to change They need to be more positive

Who Is To Say Normal.

Why is it that everyone must live up to the standards of normal, that some normal is worse than being abnormal, that some abnormalities are worse than being normal? Normal. Why is it that when someone is unique, creative, or artistic; they are not allowed the luxury of being called any of these beautiful words? No, instead they are merely belittled as weird, strange, or abnormal.

Our neighborhoods need to change They need to be stronger and kinder Our schools need to change They need to help kids succeed Our towns and cities need to change They need to be more accepting

Normal. But who is to say that weird, strange, and abnormal aren’t compliments, that being popular, well-known, or “in-demand” are compliments, that a difference is bad, and not good?

Our government needs to change They need to listen to the people Our countries need to change They need to help others

Normal.

Our world needs to change To help rebuild and not tear down

Why is it that a different skin color is unacceptable, that a different hair color is weird, that a different way to dress is odd, that a different point of view is strange, that a boy liking a boy, a girl liking a girl, and everything in between is abnormal? Why is it that being “different,” or abnormal is weird, wrong, bad, strange, odd, unusual, peculiar, or bizarre?

Things need to change and fast Little things to big Just then we can start To deal with the problems We all need to change Then change will come into view By Amelia Hosack GMMS, Grade 7

Normal. By Heather Craney GMMS, Grade 7

We are afraid of COVID And yes, it is alarming But something no one mentions Is the disease within our own heart Humans. We all bleed the same blood Though the amount of iron Or protein varies Yet we believe that some are Less And that some are Better To be frank, We miss the point The pale moon is just as Beautiful as the twinkling stars People forget that though roses Are a beautiful shade of Garnet red, They still have thorns. But roses are so beautiful That we value them Over The common carnation. Our eyes are both Wonderful and awful Because we appreciate beauty, But only certain kinds We find roses breath-taking Though the beauty fades quickly While carnations continue to glow Without being appreciated By Jordan McIntire GMMS, Grade 8

CROSSWORD ANSWERS: Across: 3. dog days; 4. precipitation; 6. dusk; 7. tide; 9. knot; 10. Alaska. Down: 1. earthquake; 2. dawn; 5. Celsius; 8. March

By Olivia Teclaw GMMS, Grade 8

Ambiguous Rose

Family Owned

Since 1985

Only Human In life, where there is light, there is a shadow. Through a world of judgement, opinions are free. Though you may consider your opinions as right, you must understand other’s opinions too. We as humans lead a life that is controlled by our own choices and emotions, but through a blindfold, we cannot see what’s really there. The naked eye can see colors, but it can see more than what’s visible. It can see the life inside another—their characteristics, their emotions, the palette another holds in their being. Through a world of judgment, words can be as sharp as a knife. The happiness in another you love is precious. Anger can drive the pain of someone and weighs the mind with regrets. Mistakes are made so you can improve. Cuts and bruises are created so they can mend. There may be people out there who hate you for who you are, but you can persevere through the pain and move forward. You may falter, but each part of you is important. These are the memories that will drive you ahead—each journey to triumph. With each swipe of a brush, each color you draw, each line, each detail, becomes the beautiful masterpiece you are. You are only human, with a heart, mind, and soul. But your worth is beyond that. “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eye, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!” ~ Maya Angelou By Lauren De Los Reyes GMMS, Grade 7

Global Warming Ice caps are melting. Weather is out of whack. Rainforests are being cut down. States are burning. The Earth is sick, and most people won’t do anything about it; and those who do try to help are ridiculed and dismissed. Why? Because global warming hasn’t directly affected most people. Does that sound right? No, not in the slightest. So why would people decide to not care about a problem because it doesn’t directly affect them? Well, this is because the human race is sometimes slow to accept change, that instead of listening, they instantly want to push it away. Even if it’s something that has been scientifically proven, people still refuse to trust change because they think that if they refuse the truth, then maybe—just maybe—they might be able to stop the change. But what everyone repudiates is this: just because you reject the truth, doesn’t mean that it’s going to stop. Therefore, people need to understand that whether or not something directly affects you, they should still step up and help; because one day, everyone will wish they had done something to help instead of looking dismissively at those who were trying to help. By Heather Craney

Granby GMMS, Grade 7 Drummer 3 col. (7.625") x The rain falls as if the ground pulls at it with 4.5" = 12 a magnet. Unwillingly. Fall rain. Please fall. I let col. inches the droplets caress my smile, my eyelids, and my cheeks. I soak it in, staring up at the black sky. total = $120

Summer Nights

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860-654-1975

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

We move about as if it’s instinct. Me and my sister. My sister and I. Under the watchful sky. One foot here. Another there. Drenched and soggy. Carefree and happy. The rain continues to fall. But we keep dancing. The air is sweet and sticky. It catches on my cheeks and fills my nose making me feel giddy. My bare feet slip and slide. The slick deck tumbling beneath me. But my sister is always there to catch me. Hands grasp. The moment is pulled back into reach. Is it a dream? Please pinch me. My feet find the rhythm of the rain. My hands glide back and forth dancing between the droplets. Time has paused. And it feels magical. Under the sweet summer sky, with my best friend. By Sydney Henry GMMS, Grade 8

Page 32 The Granby Drummer June 2021

Jabberhead marks five-year anniversary Jabberhead Agency, a full-service Digital Marketing Agency, founded in 2016 by Granby native Janice Gucciardi, celebrates its five-year anniversary this month. After a 17-year career in digital strategic marketing and branding, mixed with a multimedia background, Gucciardi launched Jabberhead, despite knowing that women business owners were still vastly underrepresented in the tech sector. According to a 2019 CIO.com article, women business owners in tech represent less than 13 percent of business owners in the industry. An advocate of supporting food insecurity, Jabberhead’s business mission was created around it—taking action in the fight against hunger. Every time the agency attains a new social media customer, they donate food to a local shelter. Gucciardi has always been an ardent advocate for women. She supports and mentors women who are re-entering the workforce and provides a flexible work environment to create a family-first culture at Jabberhead. “I am thrilled to be marking this milestone. Elevating the client’s brand

Closer to Home

Support our local businesses while saving some gas and time. Tell them you saw their ad in the Drummer.

Janice Gucciardi, founder of Jabberhead. Submitted photo

and delivering innovative solutions that businesses cannot envision is what Jabberhead does best. I’m excited for the next five years,” stated Gucciardi.

July/August 2021 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, June 9 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, June 14 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: June 8-20 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 granbydrummer.org

860-651-8406

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