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Published by Citizens for a Better Granby a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
Volume LIV, No. 3 • November 2023
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IWWC on the frontline of apartment complex pushback By Chris Levandowski
At its July 12 meeting, the Inland Watercourses and Wetlands Commission received Vessel RE Holdings, LLC / Vessel Technologies’ initial application for a 48-unit apartment complex at 37 Hartford Ave. and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 9. Vessel proposes a four-story modularconstruction building on the 2.5-acre site that contains 932 sq. ft. of wetland and lies above a wetland that extends to the West Branch of Salmon Brook. Town water and an on-site septic system would serve the development. The wetlands, septic system and stormwater management plans require an IWWC review and permit prior to applying for Planning and Zoning approval. At the Aug. 9 meeting Attorney Andrea Gomes, Professional Engineer Seamus Moran and Soil Scientist James Sipperly representing Vessel, reviewed the application, noting that the septic system was under review by the Farmington Valley Health District. Public comment and reaction to the plan was negative. At Gomes’ request, the hearing adjourned to Sept. 13. On Sept. 13, Attorney Timothy Hollister told the commission that the Farmington Valley Health District had informed Vessel and the Connecticut Department of Health that the septic system design was lacking a required reserve area. The DOH retracted its approval pending the revised plan approval. Seamus Moran presented the
revised septic and outfall plan submitted to FVHD. He explained stormwater system management and why nitrogen and phosphorus analysis are not required. IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz said she would research case law to determine if that can be a requirement for approval. At the applicants’ request, the hearing was extended to Oct. 11. A letter dated Sept. 19 to the FVHD from the DOH approved the revised septic system plan. On Oct. 11, Bednaz discussed runoff control, DEEP standards on nitrate and phosphate levels in runoff and possible leakage from a septic system. She said that over time even minimum levels of these pollutants can have a damaging effect on a wetland, so wetlands must be protected. During public comment, several attendees suggested that hooking to the existing sewer system be a requirement of approval. Moran responded to the sewer hookup issue—the Dept. of Public Works told him that the sewer line does not extend to 37 Hartford Ave., making that option too expensive to consider. Because of the disparity of opinion for potential pollution, Hollister asked for an extension of the hearing to Nov. 1 and requested that the town hire a thirdparty consultant to evaluate potential wetland impact at the base of the slope. He also requested that the commission suspend further public comment in person and by mail. The commission voted unanimously to hire a consultant and scheduled a special meeting for Nov. 1.
IWWC meeting minutes for these hearings contain additional information and can be accessed at granby-ct.gov and clicking on Agendas and Minutes. Videos of most board meetings may be viewed at gctv16.org
News from Town Hall
Fall is in full swing in Granby, and along with chilly temps and leaf clean up, it brings Election Day, completed projects from Public Works, and updates from the Building Department. The town clerk’s office has been busy preparing for the Nov. 7 Municipal Election. As a reminder for those wishing to vote by absentee ballot, an application must be submitted as soon as possible to the town clerk’s office and cite a qualified reason per the Connecticut State Constitution. Applications may be picked up
from the town clerk’s office or voters can apply online at myvote.ct.gov/absentee Once the application has been received by the town clerk, a ballot will be mailed to qualified voters. When returning your absentee ballot, please be sure to follow all the instructions. Use of the official ballot drop box located near the town hall front door is strongly encouraged for applications and ballots. Officers from the police department will continue to visit the schools for walk throughs throughout the year. The Department of Public Works hired Russel and Dawson, a mechanical HVAC consultant firm, to evaluate the town hall complex to improve heating/
Cossitt Library in 2014. Photo by Peter Dinella
F.H. Cossitt Library to be reimagined By Amber Wyzick, Director of Library Services Throughout the coming winter, the F.H. Cossitt Branch Library will close and undergo a transformation sure to impress all. Granby Public Library’s mission is to support intellectual freedom and the right of individuals to read, learn and gather in a safe and welcoming environment. The libraries provide free access to diverse ideas, resources and experiences and strive to enhance the quality of life in our community by providing and encouraging lifelong learning through a variety of resources. Our motto is “Something for Everyone!” In pursuit of meeting this mission, on Nov. 2 Cossitt Library will close to the public and begin its transformation into Granby’s “makerspace”—The Cossitt Creation Station. How did this come about? The idea was presented to the library board, the Friends of Granby Public Libraries, the Granby Library Association, the board
of selectman, and a variety of clubs in town including the Civic Club. The library staff has been talking about it with regular Cossitt users for the last two months. There was a unanimous response of support and excitement. All members of these groups felt the idea was exactly what Granby and the library needed and felt it was absolutely worth doing. What about the current collection? The library is NOT getting rid of all the books. Many items will be moving to the main branch, but the upstairs at Cossitt will be a circulating library as it is now. It will still be a pickup spot for materials and the upstairs collection will include a small children’s collection, new fiction and nonfiction for adults, a small collection of DVDs and a specialty collection of materials that fit the themes of the lower level—DIY, being creative, innovative and collaborative. What is a makerspace? A place where people meet to share creative
Cossitt Library cont’d. on p. 2
GRANBY Puzzle Slam SCHEDULED FOR FEB. 3
Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Then this is the event for you! Grab your friends or come with your family for a fun and lively puzzle competition! Introducing the Drummer’s inaugural “Puzzle Slam” which will take place on February 3, 2024, at the Granby Senior Center. Jigsaw puzzle contests are a relatively recent phenomenon but are a growing competitive activity. During this contest, teams of four will compete to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Registration will open in November, and the cost to compete is $100/ team. Proceeds will support the Drummer, and sponsorships will be available. The fun will start at 1 p.m. and the bragging rights will be astronomical! More details in the December Drummer.
Town Hall cont’d. on p. 3
Read the Drummer online at GranbyDrummer.com Photo by Paul McDonnell
Page 2
The Granby Drummer
GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 Present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome. Also, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Student Liaison Charles Orluk.
Proclamation
Fiorentino presented a proclamation to Lewis McIntyre in recognition of his service to the Town of Granby. (Please see October issue of the Drummer for related articles.)
Bear Resistant Trash Barrels and Transfer Station Dumpsters Cheng and Severance said that due to the increasing bear population in Granby, residents have difficulty keeping bears out of their trash barrels resulting in many issues including litter, and bears returning regularly as they become accustomed to a food source. The town acquired 104 bear barrels that have been purchased by residents for a one-time fee to cover the cost above what the town pays for a standard trash barrel. Cheng and Severance requested an additional appropriation of $25,964 from the Solid Waste Fund to purchase 75 bear-resistant barrels for re-sale to residents.
The board unanimously approved an additional appropriation of $35,964 from the Solid Waste Sanitation Fund Balance to fund the purchase of 75 bear resistant barrels and a 40-yard roll-off container and forwarded this request to the board of finance to approve.
Search for Town Manager
Fiorentino said that a dedicated email address (GranbyTownManager@govhrusa.com) has been established for residents and qualified stakeholders to send information about the qualifications and characteristics they feel are important for a new town manager so that a profile can be created to advertise the position.
First Selectman Report
Fiorentino requested the board consider adding a standard agenda item for presentations from non-profit organizations or other boards and commissions in the community. This would help the BOS members be better informed and identify areas of concern. Fiorentino also suggested the board add a second student liaison for continuity and to allow more leadership opportunities for students.
OCTOBER 2, 2023 Present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome.
Also, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Student Liaison Charles Orluk.
Proclamation
Fiorentino congratulated the 1973 Granby Field Hockey Team on the 50th anniversary of it representing Granby Memorial High School and winning Connecticut’s first ever state-wide championship. (Please see related article and photo in this issue on page 11.)
Town Manager Report
Fiorentino has been the acting town manager since the resignation of previous town manager in April. The Granby Town Charter establishes a limit of 90 consecutive days before an acting town manager must be replaced. The board appointed Finance Director Cheng as acting town manager for the period of Oct. 3 through Oct. 8, after which Fiorentino will resume the duties. Fiorentino said that as part of the search for a new own manager, focus groups of stakeholders were being scheduled.
Public Session
Virginia Wutka, 130 Lost Acres Road, spoke about the Town Manager search survey and how it was being advertised, the timeline, and how the selection and interview process will go.
Looking for additional information? You can access the entire minutes from any town meeting by visiting granby-ct.gov/AgendaCenter.
November 2023
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 Present: Marty Schwager, Matt Brady, Jim Caldwell, Ken Kuhl, Anna Sogliuzzo. Also, Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon.
Granby Center Update
In an update on the Granby Center Department of Transportation project, line striping and pavement markings will be completed soon, trees are being installed in some locations, adjustments will be made to signal locations, sidewalks will be finished in the project area and driveway aprons will be completed this fall. All crosswalks have been installed except for the crosswalk across the Stony Hill Village/Small World Daycare parking lot because that driveway had not been completed yet. Kenyon reported there will be a “Do Not Block Intersection” sign installed near Hungary Road. The Granby Center Advisory Committee will be meeting at the end of the month. The commission discussed the study and process and agreed a consultant may be beneficial to provide an outside perspective.
Land Use Applications/Update
The planning and zoning commission adopted an amendment to the zoning regulations to allow cannabis establishments by Special Permit in the industrial zone. Kenyon stated the regulation went into effect Sept. 1 and there were very few changes from what the development commission originally proposed. Kenyon stated she has received some inquiries regarding cannabis establishments, but the properties in question are not located in the Industrial Zone so the use would not be allowed. Kenyon noted the owner of the old Masonic Hall located on East Granby Road obtained a variance from the zoning board of appeals to reduce the number of required parking spaces. The planning and zoning commission then approved a site plan for parking adjacent to the building, along the driveway that provides access to the restaurant’s rear parking area. The building will be used for an office.
Cossitt Library cont’d. from p. 1 interests, tinker with technology and learn to make things. Libraries across Connecticut and beyond, have established makerspaces to met the needs in the community, and we are excited to be bringing these opportunities to Granby! What is involved? The lower level of the library will house various tools and equipment for creating, including sewing machines, 3d printers, a laser cutter and a digitization station to convert old home movies. We plan to have classes for patrons to learn about new equipment, and will create a space where the community can come together to help make their visions come to life. This space will be geared toward older teens and adults but kids ages 8–14 will have opportunities to come and create with a parent/guardian. More makerspace opportunities for kids will be made available at the main branch as well. Makerspaces have proven to provide communities with a plethora of benefits. Some include hands-on learning opportunities, a place for creative expression, community collaboration and inspiration, social skills and community involvement, entrepreneurship and career learning, promotion of diversity and individual ideas, assisting with creative affordability and decreasing the digital divide. All of this will be provided through grant funding, donations and fundraising efforts of our library groups.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
PLANNING & ZONING HIGHLIGHTS
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Present: Eric Lukingbeal, Brennan Sheahan, Eric Myers, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, and alternates Paula Johnson and Robert Lavitt. Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Absent: Matthew Peters and Mark Lockwood Seating of alternates: Johnson was seated for Peters and Lavitt was seated for Lockwood.
Public Session
Kate Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, spoke in support of roosters and stated that they should be allowed in all residential zones to support agriculture. Application seeking a Special Permit for the construction of pickleball courts, horseshoe pit, and associated site improvements for property located at 1 Broad Hill Road, R2A Zone: File Z-17-23. Applicant Eric Jackson of 7 Farmview Circle and member of the Granby Tennis Club said the Granby Tennis Club currently has three clay tennis courts, a clubhouse and a practice court, and they are looking to remove the existing asphalt practice court in order to install two dedicated pickleball courts. The proposed location is relatively flat and roughly 60’ x 60’ in dimension. There would be no exterior lighting and hours of operation would be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The closest residence is roughly 360 feet away and the existing backboard for the practice court will be saved in case noise becomes an issue. In addition, the applicant proposes the construction of two additional gravel parking areas; one 16’ x 50’ area near the pickleball courts and another 25’ x 42’ area near the clubhouse, along with a horseshoe pit.
Public Comment
Kathleen Bromage, 15 Simsbury Road, expressed concerns with noise, further expansion of the courts, enforcement of the hours of operation and potential impacts to the quality of life for surrounding residents. She stated no concerns regarding the proposed horseshoe pit or expanded parking area. Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, recommended the use of noise-reducing paddles. In response, Jackson stated that the hours of operation can be altered and noise reducing measures could be implemented if noise becomes an issue. There is no room for further expansion in the future due to ledge, topography and the watercourse. The commission discussed potential requirements for noise suppression and recommended leaving the
News from Town Hall cont’d. from p. 1 cooling and improve efficiency as part of the ARPA funds plan. The town engineer continues to design and replace the current sewer pumps and manhole at Salmon Brook Park. There have been several issues in this area throughout recent years. The project is expected to go to bid in the fall with the hope of getting the project completed before winter. The Community Development Department has issued a Request for Qualifications for a new wetlands agent. Responses will be evaluated at the end of October with the hope of having a new
public hearing open so that the applicant can hold a practice game for the commission and public to attend. A special meeting for a site visit will be scheduled and the agenda will be posted on the town website. [See October 3 notes, below.] Commission Discussion: Possible changes to Zoning Regulations regarding non-conforming buildings and uses; day cares; EV charging stations; recreational vehicles; and roosters. Kenyon outlined potential zoning regulation amendments necessary to comply with legislation that has recently been passed. In addition, staff also thought this would be a good opportunity to propose changes to other sections to clarify and address several issues that have come up recently. Modifications are necessary regarding day cares in accordance with Public Act 23-142. The language pertaining to non-conforming buildings and uses does not currently comply with Connecticut State Statute Chapter 124 Section 8-2d. Public Act 22-25 requires that any new commercial or multi-family residential building with 30 or more parking spaces install level two or direct current fast-charging stations for electric vehicles in at least 10 percent of its parking spaces. Other discussion focused on parking and/ or storage of recreational vehicles, and recommended that language be added stating that no RV shall be occupied or used for living, sleeping or other purposes. In regard to current regulations pertaining to roosters, the commission determined that no changes were necessary.
OCTOBER 3, 2023 Present: Mark Lockwood, Eric Lukingbeal, Brennan Sheahan, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, and alternates Paula Johnson and Robert Lavitt, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon Absent: Matthew Peters and Eric Myers. This meeting took place at the Granby Tennis Club, 1 Broad Hill Road. Eric Jackson, represented the Granby Tennis Club in an application seeking a special permit under zoning regulations Section 3.1.2.4 for the construction of pickleball courts, horseshoe pit, and associated site improvements for property located at 1 Broad Hill Road, R2A Zone: File Z-17-23, showed commissioners the location of the proposed horseshoe pit, parking area, and pickleball courts. Four members of the club then played pickleball while the commissioners observed.
consultant on board in November. The town thanks Kate Bednaz for her work and dedication over the past six years and wishes her the best. The Town of Granby Assessor has started the process of establishing the Grand List, which began Oct. 1, with reviewing and valuing all taxable property. To receive updates about these events and other topics of interest, sign up for notifications at granby-ct.gov Click on the yellow “Subscribe” button on the homepage and follow the instructions.
Page 3
GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
Student Representative’s Report
Present: Kristina Gilton, Katharine Leenders, Monica Logan, Donna Nolan, David Peling, Rosemarie Weber, Katherine O’Neill. Also Student Representative Chase Alexander. Absent: Whitney Sanzo.
Public Comment
Chair’s Corner
Weber announced that the high school was awarded the Michael’s Achievement Cup this year. This award exists to honor CIAC member schools that provide exemplary athletic programs where students are empowered to take an active role in their school climate and their continued support for community service. Congratulations to the Granby Public School’s athletic community. This award speaks volumes about our students and their level of commitment to their sports as well as how they conduct themselves in the classroom and in the community.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Cheri Burke said the search for an assistant principal at the middle school is well underway. More than 60 people have applied to date. Community Communication Plan Focus Groups are underway.
Chase said that high school seniors and their families participated in a senior post-grad planning meeting and learned about different options after high school. Mike Kramarenko, Notch Road, said that sixth grade started off smoothly and he thanked the board and Ms. Burke for all they do. Ali Zafar, no stated address, said he is looking forward to curriculum night at Wells Road tomorrow evening and echoed his gratitude toward Ms. Burke and the board. He shared communication has been very responsive and he is looking forward to attending the focus group discussion.
Annual Summative Testing Report
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Parsons presented the summative test results for the 2022-23 academic year, and discussed the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the SAT. Please refer to the BOE Meeting Minutes on the BOE website for Parsons’ full discussion.
Granby certified as sustainable community By Dave Roberts Granby is among the Connecticut municipalities recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT certification. Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, recognized this year’s certified communities on Oct. 17. The Town of Granby met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious bronze-level certification. “Almost two years ago, the Granby Board of Selectman passed a resolution to pursue Sustainable CT certification and designated the all-volunteer Granby Conservation Commission as the point of contact for the town,” said the Chairman Dave Roberts. “The commissioners worked tirelessly with town staff, volunteers, and other industry leaders to finally accomplish this high goal set by our Board of Selectman to achieve certification for our town.” In its application for certification, Granby demonstrated significant achievements in 12 sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Granby successfully completed actions including making the town more walkable, spotlighting the Salmon Brook Historical Society award-winning Stroll Through Granby History, promotion of
From left, Sustainable CT CEO Lynn Stoddard presents Bronze-level certification recognition to the Town of Granby represented by Granby Conservation Commission chair Dave Roberts, vice chair Mindy Gould and commissioner Kara Marshall. Submitted photo
the agricultural economy, and making all feel welcome to our community to live, work and recreate. “Congratulations to our certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.” Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
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Page 4
The Granby Drummer
Drumbeat
November 2023
editorials, commentary & letters to the editor
Letters to the Editor Consequences
The school year is up and running, and for many of the youth in and out of my office, it seems to be off to a good start. Sadly, however, there are some concerning trends. Beginning at the end of the school year, and continuing into this school year, a concerning number of teens have shared that they are hearing a noticeable increase in the number of slurs directed at LGBT youth. Even more distressing, the straight peers and friends who hear these slurs are afraid to say anything to support them because they fear they, too, will be targeted. This is not a school problem. That was made very clear last June. This is a parent problem. Our schools have been told not to take the lead in teaching about acceptance and diversity, as this is a parental responsibility. Unfortunately, this also seems to have emboldened some of our youth to target their gay, lesbian, and transgender peers with slurs like “fag or faggot” and, horrifyingly, with calls to “go kill” themselves. Words that had become rare now surge in our hallways, sidewalks, parks and playing fields. Parents have the right to teach their children the values they, as a family, embrace. However, does this mean giving your children the right to impose your family values on others in ways that are harmful? Let me be clear: when a tween or teen calls an LGBT peer a derogatory slur, they increase the suicide risks that the person faces. Lack of community acceptance doesn’t make someone not be gay or trans, it simply (and tragically) makes them feel isolated and alienated. This sense of isolation and rejection by family, peers and community leads LGBT youth to have suicide attempts at four times the rate of teens overall. So, I ask you to step up as parents. As you teach your children about your family beliefs and values related to gender, identity and sexuality, also teach them to treat others with, if not kindness, at least with neutrality. I am not overstating the case when I say lives are at stake. Tolerance, kindness and acceptance of differences save lives.
AnneMarie Cox
An accident waiting to happen
It is good to see the new traffic project at the center of town coming to an end but, unfortunately, too many people are still confused by the turn lanes. In the past few days, while I was traveling east on Route 20 through the intersection with Route 202 (Salmon Brook St.), I was cut off on two occasions by motorists who were in the left turn lane on Route 20, which is required to turn north onto Route 202. Instead, these drivers went straight through the intersection, continuing east on Route 20. On each occasion, I narrowly avoided an accident as these drivers darted in front of me. Additional signage might help. A better solution may be to have a traffic officer posted at this intersection. My guess is that the revenue generated by just one day’s worth of traffic tickets could be put to good use.
Steve Morgan
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. The Forward Party is launching a brand-new Appreciation for Granby’s movement of American citizens who believe first responders enough is enough. It’s time to fix broken Congratulations to the five Granby police incentives, change the conversation and allow officers who were recognized for their service at that beautiful mosaic of American ideas to the Sept. 6 awards ceremony. We observed the flourish. The Forward Party seeks to change the dedication of Sgt. Joseph and Officer Abalan incentives through election reforms like rankedfirsthand this summer when they responded to choice voting and open primaries to allow more several calls regarding an intoxicated person than just two parties to succeed. who had been stumbling along the busy road, More than that, the Forward Party is creating ending up on our front lawn. We were impressed a community for those citizens who believe by their speedy response and, more importantly, that grace and tolerance are cornerstones of by the respect and professionalism with which a functioning democracy. We must create a they treated the person who became physically culture that curates a diverse array of ideas to violent despite their best efforts at de-escalation. solve problems. The Forward Party is doing just Congratulations also are due to the that. members of the Granby Ambulance team So, join me to help build the Forward Party who were called to the scene. Their focus in Connecticut into a party that isn’t beholden and compassion facilitated a resolution to to either political extreme and encourages the situation while protecting the dignity solutions over politics. The road ahead is not and safety of the combative individual. We are easy or quick, but if you love the Great American fortunate to have these teams protecting our Experiment as much as I do, nothing, including town. Ruth van Wijk Letters cont’d. on p. 5
Bad incentives and the Forward Party solution
In this divisive era, the American people have lost faith that our government can make meaningful change. They aren’t wrong. We’ve crammed a diverse, beautiful mosaic of national ideas and innovations into two political parties that force ideological purity and hyperpartisanship. Wedging our beautiful American experiment into two extremist camps just might ruin the future of our country. The problem is in the incentives. The truth is this: winning elections is not linked to finding solutions. Congress’ approval rating is at just 21 percent, yet over 90 percent of incumbents win reelection. Why is that? Well, 88 percent of seats in congress are noncompetitive: either one party or the other wins—Every. Single. Time. So, if you’re a congressman, all you must do is appeal to the 10 percent of people who show up to your partisan primary. Keep the extreme wing of your party satisfied, and you’re safe. Frustrate them? You’re gone. We are lucky here in Granby that both major parties work pleasantly together, but not always. Elected officials still feel the responsibility to not “stray” from their respective town committee’s bidding. Unaffiliated voters (more than half of Connecticut’s registered voters are Unaffiliated) are not just unaffiliated, we are disenfranchised; No town committees and no voting in primaries! So, then it’s no surprise that congress is becoming increasingly divided.
CORRECTIONS
The October issue had a photo of Lew McIntyre being recognized for his service to Stony Hill Village. Our caption read “retirement after 40 years of service.” Mr. McIntyre’s service with Stony Hill Village was 25 years. Further, Town Clerk Scott Nolan was misidentified. We apologize for these errors.
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Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed. Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, November 6 and 20 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Dept. Community Room, Monday, November 27 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesdays, November 1 and 15 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesdays, November 14 and 28 Inland Wetlands and Water, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, November 8 Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Monday, November 13
CORRECTIONS
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 ©2023 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, all rights reserved. CBG Board Kathy Norris, Chair David Tolli, Vice Chair Karen Cleary, Treasurer Flo Bishoff, Secretary Carol Bressor, Roger Hayes Rebecca Mikus, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Jennifer Bell, Managing Editor Leisa Ritchie, Production Supervisor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Copy Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Kathy Agresta, Carol Bressor, Carolyn Carter, Nancy Dudenhofer, Karen Handville, Rick Handville, Rita Isaacson, Patricia Kovaleski, Andrea Leshinskie, Eileen Longhi, Nicole Muller, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Chase Alexander, Jennifer Benson, Kate Bogli, AnneMarie Cox, Rob Flanigan, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, C.J. Gibson, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Holly Johnson, Brian Liss, Kim Periera, Nicole Muller, Shirley Murtha, Faith Tyldsley, Todd Vibert, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Amber Wyzik, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Deneika Janski, Advertising Coordinator Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey Website Manager Jake Kean Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Rebecca Mikus
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GRANBY FOOD BANK A SERVICE OF THE FV-VNA We currently need Cranberry sauce, canned gravy, stuffing, sides, canned veggies, crispy fried onions, etc. Assorted soups Canned ravioli/chili/ spaghetti Adult/children cold/hot cereals Paper towels/tissues Dish soap/laundry soap
Donations can be dropped off at the VNA office on Salmon Brook Street
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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
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November 2023
The Granby Drummer
Letters cont’d. from p. 4 the power-holding major parties, can stop our progress to build a bottom’s up, solutionsfocused community of thinkers and doers. Join me at ctforwardparty.com/join Not left. Not right. Forward!
Toby Proctor, State Co-lead, Connecticut Forward Party
VOTE on November 7
The Nov. 7 election includes no candidates for state or national offices. Given our many priorities, one might skip this election. The choice not to vote, however, may impact Granby’s public schools. One of our community’s achievements is our commitment to our children’s education. Over time, our community has educated thousands of children. Our work has spanned generations and our commitment to public education is a source of local pride. The education of our children is the result of investments made in our schools—investments made through local taxes. Granby’s schools are among the best in Connecticut, and it is our commitment, our investment, that has made a profound difference in the quality of many lives. People outside of Granby recognize this and seek to live in Granby because of that commitment. During the past year, there’s been a small, disruptive group of residents who have aggressively questioned our public-school leaders—our superintendents, our principals and our board of education have all been subject to their attacks. While the members of this group appear to be loosely affiliated, based upon the issues they advance, the language they use, and their personal affiliations, they are influenced by and draw upon organizations outside of Granby. These outside organizations are political, partisan and well financed. They operate with political strategies and outcomes in mind. With names that evoke patriotism, the organizations are adept at connecting with local adherents and, via these proxies, foment grievances about a predictable set of issues. They seek to politicize our public education system. Whether propagating fears about “grooming” or “indoctrination”, opposing curricula that broadens knowledge of American history, or advancing book bans in libraries—the outside organizations (and their proxies) have the same objectives—to sow division within communities, diminish trust between the community and its publicly funded schools, and ultimately—their long game—to affect public support for the financing of our public schools. Generating fear, seeking national media attention, demanding “rights”—the local individuals have required our school leaders to shift scarce resources to address their issues. Therein is the crux of what matters in this year’s election. Our community is vexed by a small group of individuals agitating our public schools. In the face of this, there are choices in this year’s school board election. With these choices in mind, consider these questions. Are my local public schools important to me? If yes, are there candidates (or is there a party) that strongly aligns with my children’s educational interests and that will defend our public schools? Elections matter. Balance the Board.
Michael Fitzgerald
Granby Center Issues
The Granby Board of Selectmen recently appointed a center study committee to assess the center and its functionality, but the committee’s recommendations are not yet available. Granby Center is undergoing extensive road construction. We have been under siege with the State’s reconstruction of roads which we think has been badly managed. Our town’s citizens and our local police force have been doing their best to control and direct traffic. I would suggest that there are some issues the committee should consider. Hungary Road has been a well-traveled road to the north especially prior to the road amendments. It has many speeders and traffic to Ahren’s Park. Entering or exiting Hungary Rd has always been difficult. Now there are two lanes to cross to enter Route 20 going west or to reach Route 10, making it even more precarious. Large and small trucks, autos, and SUV drivers on Route 20 block the intersection, ignoring the “don’t block the intersection” sign. Furthermore, what is the justification for keeping such a narrow road open, without room to widen? With new lanes to the north, west and east established, why not close it up altogether? Alternate access to Hungary Road is Canal Road. Another major concern is the house at the intersection of Hungary Road and Route 20. It is apparently for sale (residential/commercial). First, the house is an eyesore right in the middle of town when we’re supposedly cleaning up our act. The tall grass of the un-mowed lawn forces pulling into Rte.. 20 to have a sight line. Abigail Kenyon and Joel Skilton in the community development office were responsive to the tall grass issue and Joel contacted the owner who has since mowed the grass on the Route 20 side. The stockade fence was an accident waiting to happen because it was in disrepair and could have fallen onto the road and caused an accident. That was addressed by Kenyon and Skilton as well. Skilton said that although the owners live in Massachusetts and the house looks abandoned, it cannot be called a “hazardous nuisance” as its doors and windows are all intact and locked. We hope these issues will be considered by the proposed Granby Center Study Committee.
Susan Patricelli Regan
BOE Thoughts
Looking to the upcoming local election and the contest for seats on the BOE, I thought that it might be helpful if I were to offer some perspective from my years as a BOE member. I realize that much has changed since the years that I served on the board (1981 to 2013) but much has not. We ran the gamut from non-contested to multiple candidate elections and survived! We were mindful of the state law demanding minority representation, and as a board actually went a bit further. Seats were filled by representatives from both parties. I served under and enthusiastically supported board chairs often endorsed without party consideration! From day one as a board, we were able to put party labels and personal agendas aside and deal with the business at hand—namely, student success while responding to our taxpayers (both for and against spending more for education), parents, students, teachers, superintendent and support staff.
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Opinion
The delicate balance: equality, equity, and opportunity in education By Bill Regan In the pursuit of a stable society, the concepts of equality, equity and opportunity have been at the forefront of discussions on education reform. Each has its merits and potential drawbacks, and striking the right balance is essential for meaningful progress. Equality in education necessitates providing all students with the same resources, opportunities, and support. This approach aims to eliminate disparities and promote fairness. However, it assumes that a level playing field exists from the start, disregarding varying needs and circumstances among individuals. On the other hand, equity seeks to address disparities by allocating resources based on individual requirements. It acknowledges that not all students begin at the same starting point, aiming to bridge the gaps and ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Yet, a major challenge arises in determining how to define and distribute resources equitably. In the pursuit of equity, it’s vital to consider the unintended consequences that could inadvertently hinder progress. Overemphasis on equal outcomes can unintentionally discourage individual effort and incentivize dependency, detracting from the value of personal responsibility and initiative. This shift may unconsciously stifle innovation A good board member should find the commitment demanding both in terms of time and creativity. The qualities of the person who gets your vote should be: Willing to listen to and sympathize with a broad constituency, often with differing objectives. Have a strong moral compass. Be willing to promote and listen to new ideas. Lobby with decision makers at all levels. Admit mistakes. Be willing to change one’s mind. Consider supporting majority board decisions even if you do not completely agree with them. In short, support whoever you consider to be the best candidate. That person will be a Granby neighbor who is dedicated to student success.
Cal Heminway
and drive, which are crucial for societal progress. Equity can provide a sense of entitlement, where some may expect outcomes without putting in the necessary effort. Moreover, it could create a disincentive for individuals to strive for excellence, as equalizing outcomes might lead to a mediocrity that doesn’t serve society’s long-term interests. Striking the right balance between equality and equity while preserving the fundamental principle of equal opportunity is crucial. Effective educational policies should aim to provide an environment where every student has access to quality education and essential resources while fostering a sense of personal responsibility and effort. The pursuit of equality, equity and opportunity in education requires a delicate balance that examines individual circumstances and encourages both fairness and personal initiative. It’s essential to construct a system that uplifts all while avoiding unintended consequences that may impede progress and hinder individual growth.
Kate has children in Wells Road School and Suffield High School, but her commitment to the Granby Public Schools reaches well beyond the interests of her own children. Kate cares deeply about the quality of education for all students. She will advocate fairly and enthusiastically for all students, families, teachers and administrators to achieve the best possible outcome for Granby and its students. Kate is not just a wonderful mother, wife and friend she has dedicated her life and career to the safety of children throughout Connecticut and can bring valuable insight to the table. She will be an incredible asset to the Granby Board of Education. I encourage all Granby residents to elect Kate in November.
Marissa Auclair
Support for Leenders
I am writing to publicly add my enthusiastic support to the many who already support Kate Leenders in the upcoming School Board election. I have had the pleasure of knowing Kate for the last nine years as a friend, fellow parent and peer in the workforce. I have relied on her on many occasions as a friend and as someone I highly respect. I know her to be a patient listener who remains level headed and fully considers options before making decisions. She is well organized and a practical thinker who follows through on commitments.
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically recommend Kate Leenders for a position on the Town of Granby’s Board of Education. I have had the privilege of knowing Kate for 13 years, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional qualifications, dedication and unwavering commitment to improving our community and educational system. Kate Leenders is not only an outstanding social worker but also a remarkable neighbor who consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Her passion for education and her genuine concern for the well-being of our
Letters cont’d. on p. 6
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Letters cont’d. from p. 5 community make her an ideal candidate for the board of education. As a social worker, Kate has demonstrated her deep understanding for the challenges that students and families in Granby and across Connecticut face. She has worked tirelessly to provide support, resources and guidance to individuals and families in need. Her ability to empathize with others and her exceptional communication skills have allowed her to build meaningful connections with students, parents and educators alike. One of Kate’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of people. She is a great listener, always open to new ideas and perspectives. Her approachable demeanor and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue make her an excellent candidate for the board of education, where decision-making and teamwork are essential. Kate comes from a long line of distinguished public servants. Her family has been actively involved in the Town of Barkhamsted’s government for generations. Her grandfather served on the board of education, while her father has served on the town’s planning and zoning committee for many years. If elected, she would be following in the footsteps of her family’s experience in public service. I wholeheartedly endorse Kate Leenders for a position on the Granby Board of Education and believe that her unique blend of experience, and passion for education will make her a valuable asset. I encourage you to give her candidacy the serious consideration it deserves.
Colleen Peling
I am writing this letter on behalf of my neighbor and friend Katharine Leenders for the position of board of education. I have known Kate for 15 years since she moved across the street from us with her family. Words that I would use to describe Kate are thoughtful, pragmatic, and generous. Kate has two children in Granby Public Schools. Her husband is a Lieutenant in the Manchester Police Force. It is without hesitation that I write this letter of recommendation to the Granby Drummer. I asked Kate to consider running and serving on the board of education because I believe that her professional experience would be a benefit to not only the BOE but also the children and families of Granby. Professionally, Kate is a social worker who has worked directly with schools throughout Connecticut to help our children and their families. As a long-time educator with 30 years of experience in schools, I can tell you that our children are not okay and that their socio-emotional well-being is under stress like never before. Having someone with Kate’s skill set would be an asset to the entire school community as we work to meet the needs of our children and families. Please consider giving Kate your vote for the position on the BOE on Nov. 7.
David Peling Ed.D.
Support for Gilton
I would like to express my support for Granby Board of Education candidate Kristina Gilton. I have known Kristina for over 10 years now, from her tenure as PTO president to her directorship at the Granby Education Foundation. When Kristina told me two years ago that she was going to be appointed to fill an opening on the BOE, I was excited for her and happy for Granby’s students because I know personally how much Kristina cares about our children’s education. She is dedicated to improving our school district’s performance and is the type of person who will work tirelessly to see that our children receive the best education available. Kristina has always been open to considering different points of view and I was greatly impressed by her responses to student questions at the recent BOE candidates’ forum. It was clear she had spent time preparing for the forum—she did a terrific job. Most importantly, I know she is the kind of person who follows through on her commitments, a trait that will be a benefit to both the BOE and Granby’s students. My family and I will be voting for Kristina on election day, and we hope you will as well.
Glenn Cusano
The Granby Drummer We are pleased to endorse Kristina Gilton for re-election to the Granby Board of Education. We have known Kristina and the Gilton family for nearly 15 years and can attest to the passion Kristina shares for education and the town of Granby. Kristina and her husband, Jeff, have two children who’ve benefited from the Granby Public School System. Kristina understands firsthand how important high education standards are and she’s committed to making Granby’s schools best in class. Kristina is openminded, listening to all points of view to help her make informed decisions. Kristina has a proven track record demonstrating leadership, sensibility and a strong sense of community. We encourage all residents to support Kristina Gilton for the BOE.
Eric and Mary Myers
Support for Weber
You have been seeing signs everywhere in the past weeks for various town offices, in different fonts and colors. Signs are pieces of plastic cardboard placed on a metal stake. What’s behind the signs? I’m here to tell you about Rosemarie Weber, whose name you may see on a sign. Who is our Board of Education Chair? Rosemarie was born and raised in New York to immigrant parents who did not speak English as their first language. She is a public high school and ivy league college graduate (UPenn). Served as an officer in the U.S. Army. Proud veteran who is always present in our schools on Nov. 11 to share her experiences as a U.S. veteran. Wife of local veterinarian and proud mom of three children. Accomplished lawyer, working mom and tireless public servant. Brilliant and nononsense approach to every issue she reviews. Deeply rooted in Granby as her home of choice for over 20 years. Rosemarie’s front yard will contain on any given day: a chicken coop with her flock, solar panels on the roof, gardening clogs on the porch, a fig tree, vegetables and herbs in her netted garden and a basketball net. We need more Rosemarie Webers on the Granby Board of Education. Watch a board meeting—she asks the tough questions others will not. She leads, she cares, she questions. Granby deserves and needs people willing to serve in these roles who understand the ultimate goal of our education system—student achievement. We need Granby Public Schools to achieve and we absolutely need Rosemarie Weber re-elected to the Granby Board of Education.
Melissa Migliaccio
Support for Lombardo
We will cast enthusiastic votes for Heather Lombardo, a candidate for the Granby Board of Education. She’s a neighbor and friend who we have come to know as being intellectually curious, a respectful listener and an interesting and comfortable person to be with. Heather grew up with modest resources in a small, working-class Massachusetts town. She had her first job at age 15 and has never stopped working. She attended Westfield State College because she could commute from home and afford its tuition by working two jobs throughout her four years, serving pizza at a local restaurant and entering data at Mass Mutual. Immediately upon graduating, she joined the ABC affiliate in Springfield. In time, she moved on to the CBS affiliate in Hartford and, in 2000, to ESPN, where she has been since then. Heather has thrived there and now manages a diverse team that has produced many of ESPN’s award-winning shows. When we asked her about those awards, she went out of her way to explain that, although they were given to her, they were the fruits of her team’s collaborative efforts. Except for one or two on display, she has them stored away somewhere in her basement. That perfectly reflects her modesty, her respect for the work of others and her style of diverting attention from herself so others can be celebrated. She is a team builder who leads by example and talks about the work “we” do, never seeking praise for her own efforts. People respect her for seeking out everyone’s point of view and working as best she can to find a group consensus. At ESPN, among her friends and among the members of the Granby Agricultural Commission, which she chairs, people know
that, if you want something done competently and with grace and intelligence, or if you need to work through a complex or contentious issue, call on Heather Lombardo. Isn’t that exactly the kind of person Granby needs on the board of education? We think so!
Put and Nannie Brown
Support for Barlow
Liz Harmon Barlow was the first person I met when we moved to Granby more than eight years ago, stopping to welcome us to the neighborhood as she cycled by with her 2-yearold. I found Liz to be dynamic and hilarious, and as we became close friends over the next several years, I also came to see her vast reserves of empathy and compassion. She is deeply committed to her family and friends. She is endlessly supportive and protective, while also holding others accountable for the impact of their decisions on others. Liz has a rare ability to really understand/ connect with all types of people, and meet them where they are—something I know she puts to use in her position as a social worker in a neighboring town. Her work with the special ed population gives her a unique understanding of the education system from the inside. She holds the core beliefs that every child deserves a safe learning environment, and equal access to opportunity, despite socioeconomic status or ability. I know that her knowledge and belief system will help guide her in making informed decisions to best serve the Granby school community. I envision Liz taking on the position on the board of education with the same empathy, drive and push for accountability that she displays in her professional and personal life. Please join me in voting for Liz Barlow on Nov. 7.
Sara Lake
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this endorsement of Liz Harmon Barlow for the Granby Board of Education. Liz is smart, creative, and engaged, and having spoken with her about her ideas for our schools, it’s clear she balances vision with practicality. Liz also has a considerable vested interest, with three kids currently enrolled in the Granby Public Schools. Liz is not just an exceptional critical thinker; she possesses a skill that many of the smartest folks are sorely lacking—the skill of listening, which seems to have fallen by the wayside these days. A strong BOE is comprised of members who listen to one another as well as to their constituents. I’m confident that Liz would do extremely well at both. Liz is a fourth-generation Granby-ite! Her history here makes her unique among the BOE candidates. She grew up in Granby and graduated from Granby Memorial High School, as did her mother before her. Liz left town for a time to attend college and to experience living elsewhere, but she came back to settle and raise her kids here. What better evidence that she values Granby as a great place to raise and educate her kids. And with aging parents in town, Liz understands another facet of living in Granby and paying taxes here. But Liz doesn’t just have history here—she has three kids currently in the system, who collectively have attended all the Granby schools. And another six years to go. This is an incredible asset, to possess a unique perspective on where Granby schools have been, where they are and where they could use improvement. At the top of the list for Liz: holding onto our great teachers! Being attentive to teacher needs and conditions is a priority. Other areas of importance are better addressing concerns around bullying and enabling a climate of inclusivity. It’s my belief that a BOE with members as motivated as Liz could play an active role in addressing the areas where Granby schools can make improvements. I’ll wrap up with a final reason that so many of us with kids in the schools would really like to see Liz on the board—her experience working in schools! For almost a decade and as licensed social worker working in special education at both the high school and the elementary level, Liz has developed an understanding of the unique social, emotional, and mental health challenges currently facing our kids.
Sarah Merrill
November 2023
Support for Peling
I write to let you know of my support of the re-election of David Peling to the Granby Board of Education. I have known David, personally and professionally, for many years. In that time, I have seen him interact as a teacher, friend, coach, public servant and father. In our current times where ideas are diverse, I trust David to be level-headed and fair. With our current fiscal instability and constraints, I trust David to be prudent and responsible. I always trust that David will be hardworking, a good listener, and a tireless advocate for the students of Granby and our education system. Finally, I believe that David, a teacher and former school administrator, is uniquely qualified and equipped to continue to serve on the board of education. His professional training and daily personal interaction in schools—with students, teachers, administrators, and parents—gives him a keen insight and understanding of the issues the Granby schools face every day and makes him most capable and equipped to handle them. I unequivocally support David and ask you to join me in supporting his candidacy with a vote for him on Nov. 7.
Mark J. Migliaccio
I am writing to publicly add my enthusiastic support to the many who already support Dave Peling’s reelection to the board of education this November. I have had the amazing good fortune to be Dave’s neighbor for the past 13 years. I have come to rely on him as a friend and neighbor. I know him to be a patient listener who remains level headed and fully considers options before making decisions. He is well organized and a practical thinker who follows through on commitments. Dave has a son at Granby Memorial High and his daughter is a recent Granby graduate but his commitment to Granby Public Schools reaches well beyond the interests of his own children. Dave cares deeply about the quality of education for all Granby students. He has and will continue to advocate fairly and avidly for students, families, teachers and administrators to achieve the best possible outcomes for Granby. Dave is not just a wonderful parent, husband, friend and neighbor. He has dedicated his life to the field of education as a student, teacher, administrator and coach and recently earned his doctorate in education. He has an exceptionally broad educational vision and is dedicated to helping all students succeed. He is and will continue to be an incredible asset to the board of education in Granby. I encourage all Granby residents to reelect Dave in November.
Kate Morrissey
Support for Guarco
I endorse Michael Guarco for another term on the Granby Board of Finance. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, over many years you have enjoyed the benefit of Mike’s excellent leadership in keeping Granby fiscally sound and property tax increases modest, all while having Granby’s fiscal condition continually strengthen and seeing its bond credit rating steadily improve during his tenure. Please vote for Mike Guarco on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
David Schupp
It is my pleasure to enthusiastically support Mike Guarco for re-election to the Granby Board of Finance. Mike’s tireless devotion to the town and his ability to balance the needs of the town with his commitment to fiscal discipline have served the town well.
Don Wilmot
Support for Logan
This letter is to voice my wholehearted endorsement of Monica Logan’s election to the Granby Board of Education. She is a woman committed to this Granby community. Through helping the district provide the best educational experiences, Monica is facilitating the students’ abilities to excel here at home and in the wider world. I have witnessed her commitment to the
Letters cont’d. on p. 7
November 2023
The Granby Drummer task gets tougher every day, especially when you factor in the fiscal challenges we must constantly address. The job requires both a willingness to always stay focused on our children’s educational needs and the skills necessary to balance input from a diverse group of stakeholders. Our teachers, administrators, staff, students and parents all need to be heard. Kristina Gilton, Katharine Leenders, Dave Peling and Rosemarie Weber have these skills. Collectively, their professional and personal experiences include military service, law, teaching, high school administration, social work and hundreds of hours of volunteer work for Granby kids. More importantly, they are committed to setting aside their own political and personal ideologies to serve the needs of our school district. I know from working closely with them that this is not a commitment they take lightly. I believe this commitment is critically important when serving on our BOE. For these reasons, I plan to vote for Kristina, Katharine, Dave and Rosemarie on Nov. 7. I hope you will too.
Letters cont’d. from p. 6
highest aspirations of neighborliness, amity and diligence as a fellow volunteer on the Granby Racial Reconciliation Steering Committee and currently in her role on the board of education. I respect her thoughtfulness and clear thinking as well as her ability to communicate respectfully and openly. Monica is receptive to a variety of views and takes the time to learn from and collaborate with people invested in building on Granby’s strengths and acknowledging where we can do better as we move further into 21st century citizenship. Her ability to get tasks done toward this aim while working full time and guiding two young sons towards their bright futures motivates me to keep moving forward. She will continue to bring that commitment to assisting all Granby public school students towards their bright futures as well. Granby would be so fortunate to elect Monica Logan to continue the work she has done on the board of education. Thank you for your consideration.
Cathy Watso
Support for Mike Guarco and Bill Kennedy
Mark Fiorentino
We endorse Mike Guarco and Bill Kennedy for the board of finance. Both of us, having served many years on the BOF with Mr. Guarco and Mr. Kennedy, can attest that during uncertain times, these gentlemen have the background and knowledge to guide Granby’s budgets. We have seen firsthand, as during the housing crisis in 2007-08, that having the balanced approach and steady hand that Mr. Guarco provides kept Granby’s General Fund balance and mill rates stable. Also of importance are the many years of service Mr. Kennedy has provided on various boards, commissions, and the board of finance, and that type of service offers insight into how Granby can look past difficult times to chart a secure path forward. Both men’s concerns for the impact of budgets on their neighbors are always paramount.
I write in support of my GOP colleagues who currently serve on the board of education and are on the ballot on Nov. 7—Rosemarie Weber, Kristina Gilton, Dave Peling and Katie Leenders. They have and will continue to put in the time and effort needed in working to keep our school system strong and solid, with a key focus on both the school system’s mission of improving student achievement and helping the children of Granby become solid thinkers and productive individuals. It is said that the children are the future, and they will face an increasingly complex and changing world. The sound foundation and wide range of opportunities that the Granby school system provides the students is critical not only to their future, but to ours as well, as a town…as a state…and as a nation. A critical element in the success of Granby over time as we have transitioned from a rural agricultural town to a more broad-based residential suburb—all the while retaining that traditional small town historic feel—has been the collaborative and cooperative way those elected and appointed to our local boards have worked together for the common good, irrespective of party. While they may differ in
Kelly Rome and Dr. Fred Moffa
Support For Gilton, Leenders, Peling and Weber
Having served eight years on the Granby Board of Education (BOE), I can say from firsthand experience that it is extremely difficult to provide a learning environment where our kids feel safe, challenged and rewarded. And the
Page 7
GMHS Girls Soccer wins 4-3 over Canton No. 7 Mackenzie Boyd covers as No. 14 Anna Tesmer sends a shot at the Oct. 13 home match. Photo by Jay Harder
perspective, people here have generally made it a point to render their own opinion while also working to forge consensus. In my many years of service here in Granby, that spirit of having one’s say and working together for the common good has served us well…in becoming a town seen as a great place to live with a solid school system and strong property values. While one of the opposing Democratic education candidates at a recent forum said she embraced if not welcomed conflict, I would venture that this town—and our students— would be better served by discussion— deliberation—decision-making taking place at the board level rather than bomb-throwing there or anywhere else. In many a town one finds boards that do not work together at all…and in the occasional instance even suing one another, which is far more likely to set a town back rather than help it move forward. Looking to foster conflict strikes me as far more of a negative than a positive— plain and simple. If people want conflict, they can find all the buffoonery and theatrics they want just by switching on the TV.
Mike Guarco
Support for Democratic candidates
On Nov. 7, the voters of Granby have the opportunity to affect the direction of our town. Yet, sadly, municipal elections are often overlooked and voter turnout is always low. This year, I urge everyone to go vote—and register now if you haven’t already. Big decisions will face all of our elected boards over the coming
months and years, everything from school building projects, property tax rates, and how we respond to developers in town. I hope that everyone will vote on Nov. 7 and I’m making a special appeal that you vote for the Democratic candidates on Row A. They come with a unique skill set and professional experience that make them ideal to sit on our town boards making the decisions about our future. On the board of education, the three women endorsed by the Democratic town committee are all accomplished, knowledgeable, and skilled parents of kids currently in the schools. Monica Logan, an incumbent, has spent years in mediation and negotiation as an attorney. We need her in our union negotiations. Heather Lombardo is award-winning journalist with ESPN that will bring better communication to the board as well as her style of leading with empathy and leaning in to data. Liz Harmon Barlow is a fourth generation Granby resident and school social worker that will help Granby meet the mental health needs of our kids. On the planning and zoning commission, Bob Lavitt is an attorney with more than 35 years of experience, five years as the Planning Board attorney in West Orange, NJ. These are the races that are competitive this year. If you’d like to learn more about the Democratic slate, there is more information about each on our website at granbydems.org.
Lynn Guelzow
Editor’s Note: Candidate biographies and goals may be found starting on page 19.
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Page 8
The Granby Drummer
Tree lighting ceremony one of many holiday highlights By Judi Hauser When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Granby Connecticut decked out so dear! Welcome the holidays this year with Granby’s Second Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Town Hall Complex (Granby Public Library). Come together with friends and neighbors to sip hot chocolate, enjoy some caroling and celebrate all of the magic and good cheer the season has to offer. The beautiful spruce tree will not be the only thing brightening the night sky. Be sure
Present: Toby Proctor, Eric Brown, Mark Migliaccio and Donna Nolan Also present: BOE Business Manager Anna Robbins, GMHS Principal Mike Dunn, BOE Director of Facilities Shannon Sullivan, and Superintendent of Schools Cheri Burke.
Update on HS Roof Project
Seven change orders have been submitted to date on the project. The first two, pertaining to skylight and curb work, have been approved. Number 3 is for additional curb flashing which Silver Petrucelli & Associates (architects) recommends approval for approval. Number 4 is for a tapered insulation over the auditorium for proper draining. Brown feels additional investigation is needed. Number 5 is for additional drain installation. Brown noted the cost seems high. Number 6 addresses existing roof drain lines that were not in line. Clarification is being sought before making the corrections.
Scout fundraiser benefits community Granby Stop & Shop is proud to help the East Granby Cub Scouts Troop 70 with its fundraiser. Rosia Kennedy, S&S program organizer, said everyone is proud of Gavin Rolfe and Ethan Schuler for their efforts to raise money for the needy. From left, Liz Segda, Gavin Rolfe, Sue Ellis (floral manager), Rosia Kennedy, Ethan Schuler and Suzanne Milardo. Photo by Sheila White
to take in the more than 20 lamp posts on Route 10 near the center that will be decorated with lights and garlands. The tree lighting is just one of the weekend’s highlights in town. The Granby Artists Association will be hosting its small works show at Pilgrim Covenant Church. Other events include The Granby Lions Club Tree Sale, Valley Brook Community Church’s Live Nativity in Salmon Brook Park and Lost Acres Vineyard Sip and Shop. Please check each organization’s website for details.
SCHOOL PROJECTS BUILDING COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 11, 2023
November 2023
Number 7 is to install steel or wood blocking in cavity wall to reattach existing ladder. Sullivan feels the proposed cost is quite high. The clerk of the works has already submitted invoices that approach the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 and was told to stop work the previous week due to the financial constraints. The committee discussed proper oversight of the remaining work, but decided to not use the clerk of the works going forward. There is a credit for the deck allowance that helps cover the cost of the change orders. Robbins reviewed Phase 1 costs and recommended to pay outstanding bills and close that phase of the project. The committee voted 3-0-0 (Proctor had left the meeting) to approve. Committee meetings are open to the public; the next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 8, 5 p.m. at the BOE building.
St. Therese picnic well attended
The sun was shining when St. Therese held its parish picnic on Oct. 1, attended by 170 people. Bottom left, Father William, in the yellow cap, took on all challengers at table tennis. Photos by Sam Mikus
JCG JUDY COOK GUARCO REALTOR®
CONGRATS TO THE GRANBY AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION ON 60 YEARS!
Heartfelt gratitude for 60 years of providing emergency medical services to my family, friends and neighbors in all the Granby towns and East Hartland! What a difference your volunteers have made in all of our lives! AS A RESIDENT OF GRANBY FOR 60+ YEARS, THIS GRANBY GIRL KNOWS AND SELLS GRANBY! GIVE ME A CALL -- I'M HERE TO HELP YOU! Judy Guarco, Realtor® 860.559.2133 JUDYGUARCO@BHHSNE.COM JGUARCO.BHHSNEPROPERTIES.COM © An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
Kylie Coxon is a published author at age 18
By Faith Tyldsley
Kylie Coxon graduated from Granby Memorial High School this past June. Her book was selling on Amazon’s website months before she had her diploma in hand. In Kylie’s words, “During my junior year I was in a really bad mental state, so I turned to writing poetry as a way to help ease my situation. Eventually I had 90 pages of poems, illustrations, and photos that I compiled into a book.” Kylie had always liked writing but didn’t love the grammar part. “Poetry allowed me to be freer.” Ocean is Kylie’s favorite poem. [see inset at right] Describing herself as a somewhat anxious person in general, Kylie found herself beset during junior year by relationship issues: “the typical behaviors one hears about in high school,” as she puts it. Her staunch belief in speaking the truth about situations resulted in some of her peers retaliating with hurtful behaviors. Kylie stands up to those who bully the underdog. And she dislikes people talking about others behind their backs. Her philosophy is, “Be nice to everyone. Don’t be mean to people who have a different point of view or perspective from yours.” Her candid remarks, spoken aloud in a cafeteria or classroom, often ran counter to the undercurrents of high school culture. Kylie was 17 when she completed her creation. After comparing several
self-publishing sites, she settled on Amazon’s publishing arm, KDP, which required that she must be 18 to publish with them. She turned 18 on Feb. 7, 2023, and the book was published on Feb. 16! Amazon’s website describes her book: “Struck: A Story of Getting Back Up is a book of poems, photos, and drawings, all of which have some relation to bullying and or suicide. The goal of this book is to raise awareness of suicide, especially in teenagers. All the profits are going to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a nonprofit organization focused on saving lives. This book is for anyone who has ever had a bad day, for those who are currently going through mental health challenges, and to illustrate the impact of bullying on mental health.” Statistics about book completion vary widely but there is general agreement that while many may start, few finish. Kylie finished: she faced her issue, created a solution, and jumped through the hoops required of those who choose self-publishing as the way to bring their book to life. Kylie adamantly states that she did not arrive at a better place on her own: she had help from several sources, including her parents, a favorite history teacher and her best friend at school. Now, she is making new connections in her first year at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, studying
New copy machine making life easier at Town Hall By Shirley Murtha
Looking at the chart of initial American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects, you will see an item titled “Plotter,” which is a large format printer/scanner/ copier machine. Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon says that the new machine has made life a whole lot easier in the Town Hall, as it allows the building department to print full size 24 x 36inch plan sets, eliminating the need and expense of outsourcing them. Even more important, Kenyon says, is the department can now scan, save and send large maps. Prior to this, if someone asked for a map, it had to be printed on a reduced-sized paper and, if the department didn’t have the map electronically, only a photocopy could be provided. Sometimes they would find a way to photocopy just a small section of the map needed. Also, because the desired map could not be scanned on the smaller machine, it could not be emailed, so the person who requested the map would have to come into Town
Hall in person to pick it up. Now the copying, scanning and mailing is easily accomplished and readily available online via RecordHub for title searches by local attorneys. The new machine is also making life a lot easier for the town clerk. One of his jobs is to record new maps in the land records. Previously, maps were sent out for processing; he can now scan them in-house and upload them directly to the record books, making them available for viewing online—so much more convenient for all concerned. Town Clerk Scott Nolan is undertaking a process to upload all the town’s older maps into the record books as well, preserving the town’s historical documents. Going back to January 1, 1985, 1,750 maps have been entered into the books. Since early summer when the plotter was first used, 600 have been uploaded. Allocated for this project was $10,000 in ARPA funds. It came in slightly under budget.
International Business and Logistics with Supply Chain Management. Castine is a six-hour drive north from Granby. Kylie hasn’t been home since June: she taught sailing at a camp she’d been going to since she was four in Kennebunk, Maine and then went straight to Castine. After nearly half a year away, she’ll be back in Granby for Thanksgiving with her family. Forty books have been sold as of September. Kylie’s goal is to make a significant contribution to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by the end of this year. The odds are good: Kylie makes things happen. Here is the link to Struck: amz. run/7785
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Above, Kylie Coxon with copies of her new book. Below, one of her poems. Photo by Kylie Coxon
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The Granby Drummer
Communications plan is underway
A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the district’s communications surveys and focus groups. Your feedback is critical to our work on the first goal for the school year: To develop a district communications plan responsive to the needs of Granby Public Schools and all relevant partners and groups, including students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, community members, and local businesses and organizations. Three Zoom focus groups were held. Parents, community members and district faculty and staff offered valuable insights related to our district communications. These candid conversations provided excellent ideas for improvement and reinforced what we are already doing well. Currently, we are working to synthesize the wealth of information gathered
from the survey respondents. We are pleased with the level of engagement from you, our Granby community members. More than 140 people who do not have a child in the school district participated in the survey. We had 70 percent of the faculty and staff and nearly 50 percent of all families complete the survey. In addition, more than 200 secondary students took the time to share their valuable insights. To learn more about the survey results and keep up-to-date on the development of the Granby Public Schools Communications Plan, please visit granbyschools.org New curriculum resources available Parents and community members have asked Granby Public Schools to be more transparent about the curriculum our students are learning at school. I completely agree that this information
November 2023
should be more accessible. Central Services has recently begun taking steps to make it so. We developed Curriculum At-A-Glance guides for each grade level kindergarten to grade five. These guides were distributed to parents at our elementary curriculum nights in October at Wells Road Intermediate School and Kelly Lane Primary School. The guides are also available on the curriculum Niche is the market leader in connecting colleges and page of our website. We will continue adding schools with students and families. to these documents and Visit Niche.com/about for more information. are committed to building out the resources in this section of our Sept. 1, 2019) in order to be automatwebsite. Many thanks to Assistant Suically eligible for kindergarten. perintendent Jennifer Parsons and our This is a change from the current instructional coaches for their efforts kindergarten cut-off date of Jan. in compiling these informative guides. 1. We understand that this adjustment may pose a challenge for some Change to kindergarten start age families and are here to support you A recent legislative change from the through this transition in any way State of Connecticut may affect your that we can. family or someone you know. BeginIf you or someone you know has a ning with the 2024-25 school year, child planning to attend kindergarten children will need to turn 5 years old in the fall, please visit granbyschools. on or before Sept. 1 (born on or before org to learn more.
High school roof update By Eric Brown Those who drove through Granby Memorial High School’s campus this past summer saw mountains of construction products stored throughout the parking lot. During the summer, approximately 90,000 square feet of roofing was replaced. After 22 years, the old roof was springing leaks and in need of replacement. Modern energy code required increased insulation compared to the old roof system, which will result in energy savings in future years. Roof insulation was in very short supply post-COVID but the supply chain recovered sufficiently by 2023 so the project could proceed. Bids were submitted in the spring with a low bid coming from Imperial Restoration Company. The winning bid of $2,441,000 was lower than the next bidder by more than 12 percent. Further, the bid was some $789,000 below the estimate provided by the town’s design firm, Silver Petrucelli. The Town of Granby signed a contract with Imperial and work began shortly after graduation ceremonies in June. The town opted to hire a clerk of the works who witnessed and documented every aspect of the project. The new roof was weathertight by the contract completion date in late August, prior to the start of school. Design architect, Paul Jorgensen, indicated “the project was successful” and recommended commencement of the contract closeout process at a recent school building committee meeting. Warranty inspection, final detailing and closeout should be complete by mid-November according to Jorgensen. He added that the contract included a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty that “offers the town great value and peace of mind for years to come.” Upon final completion, the BOE staff will apply for reimbursement from the State Department of Administrative Services, which may subsidize up to 44 percent of the cost of the project.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
CTVV interviews Cheri Burke
Cheri Burke became the new superintendent of the Granby Public School System in July, coming to Granby from the Glastonbury School District where she was the assistant superintendent. Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views, had an interview with Burke to reinforce her objectives for the upcoming school year for all grades. First and foremost, her focus is on communication and a sound learning system—benefiting Granby students, their parents and all Granby citizens. The theme for the year is “Let Kindness Ripple” for which Burke and the Granby Board of Education chose to establish a more civil tone for respecting others’ input and opinions in future
challenges that will benefit Granby families and their children. This interview segment can be seen at youtu.be/ZORaIzBAD2A For all CTVV programs visit: ctvalleyviews.com CTVV has been on the PATV network for 12 years and is now airing in more than 50 towns in Connecticut. Host Susan Regan and her husband Bill Regan, executive producer, appreciate viewers’ loyalty and invite correspondence or questions via our website.
Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CTVV
GMHS presents A Christmas Carol By Paige Janney & Sierra Ashe The Granby Dramatic Arts’ production of A Christmas Carol is approaching. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story of Mr. Scrooge, a somber and grumpy old man, is being brought to life on the GMHS stage. See Scrooge’s life get turned upside down when he is visited by his late friend, Jacob Marley, and three spirits who show him the true meaning behind Christmas. The entire cast and crew have been working hard on this show, especially the current seniors, who have put their hearts into their last fall high school play. Mackenzie Janski dazzles as Scrooge, with a superb grouchy British accent. Lex Kerr and Caroline Hall perfectly portray the spirits, who evoke feelings that Scrooge has long hidden. And Sid Smith adds just the right humor to Mr. Fezziwig and Topper. The senior set crew is also working incredibly hard, as stage managers Ali Dobbert,
Mikayla Munson and Riley Kuester work overtime to make sure the show runs smoothly. Finally, senior tech crew members Noah Collen, Megan Casavant and Alexis Dimeo, round out the show with their expertise in lighting and sound. Ticket pricing is: $10 children, Granby staff and students (Granby school ID required), $15 senior citizens, teachers and students (with school ID from any school), $18 general public. Be sure to like and follow our Granby Dramatic Art social pages for the most up-to-date production information. Instagram.com/gmhsdramaticarts and Facebook.com/GranbyMemorialHighSchoolDramaticArts A QR code for presale tickets will be available soon on local poster advertisements and on our social media pages. Tickets can also be purchased through Granby Public Schools MySchoolBucks accounts, and will be available at the door with both cash or cashless (preferred) purchasing options.
Conservation Commission advocates for zoning reg change By Dave Roberts Granby Conservation Commission members Zach Donais and David Desiderato provided a presentation to the Granby Planning and Zoning Commission in October on possible changes to the zoning regulations for landscaping on large project site plans to promote
the use of only native, non-invasive plants. The P & Z will take the proposal under advisement and discuss next steps in the future. This project was one of many initiatives of the Granby Conservation Commission under the Sustainable CT initiative.
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1973 Field Hockey team receives its due By Todd Vibert Two months ago, I wrote about the 1973 Granby field hockey team winning the first-ever field hockey tournament in Connecticut. After they won the title, all the players on the team were given dictionaries by the board of education. Today, if a Granby team wins a championship, they receive jackets for their accomplishment, as the field hockey team recently did in 2019. On Oct. 4, at the Granby Memorial High School commons, Rob Penfield, who was the sports editor of the Farmington Valley Coach Dot Johnson (c), surrounded by members of Herald in 1973 and covered that the 1973 field hockey team. From left, Sue Jensen, season’s field hockey tournament, Linda Dewey, Lynsie Wickman, Jody Wickman. conducted a talk about the cham- Photo by Jay Harder pionship. Of the 50 or so people in times. The game was decided on penalty attendance, members of the 1973 team corners, where Granby had the edge. including Coach Dot Johnson, were The championship game was played present as well as the current Granby at Yale University and Granby won that Field Hockey team. Penfield gave a degame in overtime as well. Of the five tailed description of that season, stating games the 1973 team played in the tourGranby was not the best team going into nament, four games went to overtime. the tournament or the most skilled team; After Penfield spoke, First Selectman rather it was the best-prepared team for Mark Fiorentino presented the 1973 every game they played. team with a Proclamation from the town One example Penfield gave was preof Granby. Coach Johnson accepted the paring to play Darien. The few days Proclamation and four members of that leading up to the game were cold and team—Lynsie Wickman, Jody Wickrainy. While the Darien team practiced man, Sue Jensen, and Linda Dewey, indoors, the Granby team practiced outjoined Johnson for a picture of them acside in the rain and the cold. Granby cepting the Proclamation. beat Darien, not because they outscored To the 1973 Field Hockey team—after them—the game ended in a scoreless 50 years—the town congratulates you. tie after regulation play and three over-
Fall Fire Safety By Brian Long, Fire Marshal On Nov. 5, daylight savings time will end, and we will set our clocks back one hour. During this time of year, it is a good reminder to replace the batteries in our smoke alarms—Change Your Clock / Change Your Batteries. It is also a good time to check the age of your smoke alarms. The life expectancy of smoke alarms is 10 years. If you are unsure as to the age of your smoke alarms, it would be a good idea to replace the units. Smoke alarms should be located in every bedroom, in the hall outside of the sleeping areas and on every level of the home. The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office offers free inspection of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for one- and two-family homes in our town. There is no cost or obligation involved. Help us keep you and your family safe. If you have any questions on smoke detectors and their placement, please call the Fire Marshal’s office at 860-844-5321 or email firemarshal@granby-ct.gov Fall is also a good time to prepare for the winter season.
Chimneys: Have your chimneys inspected and cleaned. Propane: Never store LP gas grill propane tanks inside your home or garage. Turkey Fryers: Do not use turkey fryers on decks or close to buildings or vehicles. Avoid Overload: Check for overloaded extension cords—usage should not exceed the recommended wattage. Never use space heaters with extension cords. Give Your Space Heater Some Space: All space heaters should be placed at least three feet from beds, curtains or anything flammable. Home Address Numbers: Be sure your house can be found by emergency teams by ensuring your house address numbers can easily be seen from the street. Plan Your Escape: Practice a fire escape plan with your family. Identify two exits from every room, create a Meeting Place and instruct children on what to do in an emergency.
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The Granby Drummer
Out of Town Christmas Craft Fair
The Christmas Cottage Craft Fair will celebrate its 40th anniversary Nov. 2–4 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street in Avon. The event will run Thursday, Nov. 2, and Friday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 4, fair hours are 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Come see a showcase of beautiful crafts and fine arts for sale by more than 30 local juried artisans. Cash or check accepted, no credit or debit cards. Free admission.
Silent Book Club: Happy hour for introverts On Nov. 15, extroverts and introverts are invited to join the Presidents College Lifelong Learning Program at the University of Hartford (for adults 50+) for its popular Silent Book Club. It will be held at Real Art Ways in Hartford. Bring a book of your choice, mingle over snacks for the first and last half hour, and settle into silent reading for the middle hour. Dive into the pleasure
of your own book while in the company of others. Plus, you might just catch a glimpse of what to read next. $10 admission includes snacks plus a $5 River Bend Bookshop gift card. Popcorn and drinks available for purchase at concession stand. Wednesday, Nov. 15. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information and registration, visit hartford.edu/pc
FV Chorale sings with symphony orchestra The Farmington Valley Chorale joins the New Britain Symphony Orchestra in concert on Sunday, Nov. 5, 3 p.m. in Welte Hall on the campus of Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain. NBSO is celebrating its 75th anniversary year. Under the direction of Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada, the orchestra will present works by Beethoven, Shostakovich and an Armed Forces medley. Brahms’ Nanie will be sung by the
Farmington Valley Chorale, accompanied by the orchestra. The chorale’s artistic director, Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, will lead the chorale in a contemporary piece entitled I Have Had Singing. Ticket price is $25 per person. Free for students with a valid ID, and for children 17 years and under. Tickets are available at the door the day of the concert, or by visiting newbritainsymphony.org
National Small Business Week award nominations The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut District Office has officially launched the call for nominations for the 2024 National and District Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year Award. Individuals or organizations dedicated to the support of the small business community are encouraged to nominate small businesses with exceptional innovation, growth, community engagement or resilience. Individuals may self-nominate. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we believe in recognizing and celebrating their outstanding contributions. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work by small business owners and entrepreneurs dedicated to success and community growth. Nominate today and help us celebrate the spirit of small business that drives our economy forward,” said Connecticut District Director Catherine Marx.
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Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination can be found on the SBA’s website at sba.gov/nsbw The Connecticut District is accepting nominations for National and District awards which include: Small Business Person of the Year (National and District), Small Business Exporter (National and District), Jeffrey Butland FamilyOwned Small Business of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Microenterprise of the Year, Minority Small Business of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, Women in Business of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year. All nominations must be received via electronic submission no later than 4 p.m. ET on Dec. 7. For additional information contact Sheri Cote at Sheri.Cote@sba.gov or 202-445-6709.
November 2023
Harvest Crafts Fair The Suffield Fire Department Auxiliary will host the return of its Annual Crafts Fair on Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center Firehouse, 73 Mountain Road (Rte. 168), Suffield. Craftsmen and local artisans from the area will display numerous items such as jewelry, hand-spun textiles, wooden items, jams/jellies, ornaments, pottery,
floral arrangements, homemade jam, jellies, dips and fudge and holiday gift baskets just to name a few. Something for everyone of all ages can be found. This will be the perfect time and place to start your holiday shopping for those unique gifts you’ve been looking for. We are part of the Christmas in Suffield Craft Fairs.
Musical Club Events The Musical Club of Hartford’s programs are at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2080 Boulevard in West Hartford. Free to club members and students, the programs are open to the public ($5 admission). Ample free offstreet parking, wheelchair accessible entry. Chamber Music Sampler Thursday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m., featuring club member musicians and guests performing A Chamber Music Sampler: Works from the Renaissance, Romantic, and Modern Eras. The concert will run without intermission for about 75 minutes and will include five distinct sets: duos for viola da gamba, madrigals and other songs for mixed vocal consort, Schumann’s Movement I (Introduction) from Piano Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp minor opus 11, Ravel’s Sonate posthume for violin and piano, woodwind trios. Chamber Music for Piano and… Thursday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. All the pieces will feature pianists in various
roles—as soloist, vocal accompanist or ensemble member with other instruments including clarinet, cello, and violin. The concert will run without intermission for about 75 minutes and will include: Arias for soprano from 20thcentury operas, Variations Sérieuses by Felix Mendelssohn for solo piano, Fantasiestücke (Fantasy Pieces) for clarinet and piano by Robert Schumann, the first movement (Allegro con brio) of Trio No. 1 in B-Major, Opus 8 for violin, cello and piano by Johannes Brahms. South Indian Music, Part 2 On Thursday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m., is this season’s first Musical Exploration program—a multi-faceted, multi-media exploration of the Classical Music of Southern India (Part 2) with host David Schonfeld. Schonfeld’s introductory lecture last season was so absorbing, informative, and fun that audience members enthusiastically requested a return engagement to continue the exploration!
CTVV interviews state’s Cyber Security head CTVV host Susan Regan interviewed Jeff Brown, chief information officer for the State of Connecticut to discuss the methods, objectives and strategy to protect the state from potential cyber attacks. Before joining the state, Brown was a private sector IT security veteran for major financial corporations including AIG, GE Capital, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, providing him with the skill set to assure that such financial challenges can be handled effectively. Brown’s knowledge and expertise, while leading a team of 15 members, is essential as Connecticut’s administrative source for such activities, and the
insight that he shares during this segment can be valuable for individuals and for small- to mediumsize companies. He believes that an investment in private cyber security programs for a newly established business is a wise decision—securing the barn door before the horse is out of the barn. Regan interviewed Brown in October; the month designated in 2022 to recognize the importance of being prepared for such attacks. Viewers can watch this segment via the local PATV station program schedule or you can see all CTVV shows on ctvalleviews.com
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
In Town Focus Women’s Breakfast
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group will feature Conservationist Ginny Apple, whose topic will be The Landscape and the Impact on Wildlife. Apple was one of the first full-time women sportswriters in the country. Through the years she has hiked, climbed, kayaked, skied and poked her way through the outdoors, developing a passion for all things natural. Apple volunteers on numerous wildlife projects, and gives talks on a variety of mammals and birds. A tasty breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. and the program will start at 9 a.m. In order to plan an ample breakfast for everyone, please register on the senior center website or call 860-8445352. Cost is $5.
Men’s Breakfast
The Friday, Nov. 3, Granby Men’s Breakfast at the Senior Center is a week earlier than normal due to Veteran’s Day. Veterans will not be charged for this breakfast. The Granby Grunts Robotics team will be the guest speakers and will perform their annual live demonstration, certain to be entertaining as well as fascinating. To attend, please register as soon as possible by calling 860-844-5352. Early registration helps the cook team plan for enough food. Arrive 8–8:20 a.m., check-in, pay the $5 fee. Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., served at your table. Program to follow breakfast.
Camera Club
The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. The guest will be Jonathon Jones of j81 studio, Noble Cooley in Granville. Jones launched j81 studios after nearly two decades of hard work in design and advertising. His work with ad agencies and marketing departments gives him a deep understanding of how photography shapes killer advertising campaigns; he’s got the magic touch to frame images that GRAB attention. Jones’ creativity brings products and brands to life, oozing confidence and building trust with the folks who matter most—the audience. His work is to enhance the visual appeal of products, people, and businesses. REGISTRARS’ CALENDAR REVIEW
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Deadline to postmark a Mail In Registration Tuesday, Oct. 31: Last day to register to vote in person Tuesday, Oct. .31: Voter registration session, Registrars’ office in Town Hall, 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1: Filing of Certified Voter Registry List with the Town Clerk Monday, Nov. 6: Last day to register in person for brand new residents, military service and just turned 18 years old. Special office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall. Tuesday, Nov. 7: Municipal Election. Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the community gym in Granby Memorial High School. Tuesday, Nov. 7: Election Day Registration and voting at the Registrar’s office at Town Hall for those who are eligible and need to register before voting only. Questions? Please feel free to contact the Registrars, Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis, at 860-844-5322, registrarofvoters@granby-ct. gov or lwolfe@granby-ct.gov and pwillis@ granby-ct.gov
Civic Club
The Granby Civic Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. The speaker will be our friend and member Karen Gill, who will share slides of her trip last year to Rome, the Holy Land and Greece. Refreshments will be provided. Guests and visitors always welcome.
Support 4-H Robotics
Please support the Granby G-4s 4-H Robotics fundraising. Bring your redeemable bottles and cans to Granby Congregational Church, UCC South Campus, 242 Salmon Brook St. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Coffee House
A Coffee House will be held at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook Street, on Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. The night will feature the talents of Joanne Desrosiers, Kerrie Stelly, Simon O’Neill, The Pilgrims, Casey Janser and Jeremy Minalga, Teddy Randich, and Elijah Brown. Admission will be $5, and refreshments will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the PCC Youth program. Please call 860-653-3800 or email pccgranby@gmail.com if you have any questions. This Coffee House is intended to offer entertainment in a relaxing atmosphere as an outreach from Pilgrim Covenant Church to Granby, Southwick and surrounding towns with hopes of lifting spirits and building a greater sense of community.
Puzzle and Game Sale
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries will have several tables of puzzles and games for sale inside the main library. There will be a great assortment to choose from with most items priced between $1 to $5. We will gladly accept any donated puzzles and games for the sale. Please drop off items at the main library front desk before Friday, Nov. 17. We also are collecting any holiday books or decorations that we can sell at our holiday sale at the library in December. Check the Facebook page, Friends of the Granby Public Libraries, for more information on events. All proceeds support the libraries.
Wilhelm Concert
“Fred Wilhelm Comes Home to Granby,” a concert presented by the Salmon Brook Music Series, will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. at the Granby Congregational Church, South Campus, 242 Salmon Brook Street. Visit the Salmon Brook Music Series website to purchase tickets.
SBHS News
The Salmon Brook Historical Society is located at 208 Salmon Brook Street. Research Library in the Preservation Barn is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research fee is $25 per hour. Museum Store merchandise includes books, maps, mugs, t-shirts, notecards, jigsaw puzzle and many more Granby items. The store, located in the Enders House, is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Purchases on Tuesday can be made at the Preservation Barn during Research Library Hours. Items can also be viewed at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com On Sundays, Nov. 5 and 12, 1–2:30 p.m., the Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network will present two lectures titled “Why They Came: Immigration to the Farmington Valley.” On Nov. 5, Avon Historical Society, Farmington Historical Society, Stanley-Whitman House, and Unionville Museum will present their stories at Stanley-Whitman House. On Nov. 12, hear stories from Barkhamsted Historical Society, Canton Historical Society, Salmon Brook Historical Society and Simsbury Historical Society at Simsbury Historical Society. Admission fee is $5 per person per day. For more details visit farmingtonvalleyctheritage.org or contact Nancy Weiner-Anstey at 860-680-5298 to reserve your spot. Walk-ins also welcome.
The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations. Announcements may not exceed 120 words.
@
by e-mail:
editor@granbydrummer.org
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TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D
Q. My dentist retired and my new dentist is telling me I need a lot of dental work. Is there any way to get a second opinion? A. Of course! We always give free 2nd opinions. Many times a young dentist is very excited to treat everything he or she sees. After all, every ethical Doctor wants to do the best for their patients. Unfortunately, a more seasoned dentist may have been monitoring or watching certain areas of concern. The senior dentist can monitor the changes and make recommendations for the proper time for intervention. The young new dentist is seeing something first as a snapshot in time, with no reference to the history of the tooth or condition. Your dentist should be able to provide you with intraoral photos to show you what is in your mouth and involve you in the treatment decisions. If you ever need a 2nd opinion, give our office a call. At the Granby Dental Center, we also offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! CALL BEFORE THANKSGIVING AND ASK FOR A FREE SMILE VISION IMAGING The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we offer CEREC, an amazing technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength! We are the only office in Granby to have Cone Beam CT technology every day, right here in our office, allowing us to see 3-D x-ray images instantly. This aids in diagnosis and planning for Implants, and is able to pick up developing abscesses and other areas of pathology more quickly. If you would like a 2nd opinion or have a question you would like answered, or would just like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter/ Scan the QR symbol below to learn more about our office:
Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT
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The Granby Drummer
Valley Pre-School receives grant from Pomeroy-Brace Fund By Sarah Dulude
Valley Pre-School (VPS) is the proud recipient of a generous grant from the Pomeroy-Brace Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The Pomeroy-Brace Fund was created to support organizations serving the residents of Granby. Valley Pre-School is a non-profit organization that has been a pillar of the Granby community for close to 75 years. The grant funding was awarded in the spring to support the installation of a custom, nature- inspired, cedar log playground. On Aug. 3, the VPS board of directors facilitated the installation of the new structure. The children of Valley Pre-School and the community will
Submitted photo
enjoy the structure for years to come and are grateful for the generosity of The Hartford Foundation.
lature’s Education Committee. “This is about giving young people a head- start on their secondary education. It’s about helping students and families save money while developing valuable skills, participating in internships and being mentored. We have workforce shortages in so many vital areas, and we must stay focused on addressing those shortages and strengthening the pipelines to key Connecticut industries. Congratulations to Avon, Canton and Granby on these awards, which are wise investments in our young people’s futures.”
New Grange officers installed By Dave Roberts On Oct. 8, Connecticut State Grange Chief Deputy Peter Keefe and his Winchester Grange Installation Team visited Granby Grange to install the newly elected 2023-24 Granby Grange Officers. One highlight of the installation was using the original gavel of the late Granby Grange #5 member Harvey Goddard, who served as the first Connecticut State Grange President from 1875-78. Philip Marshall was installed as (President) Master, Ron Cowdrey was installed as (Vice President) Overseer, Kara Marshall was installed as Secre-
Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM
Canine dementia explained
Granby among schools receiving grant funding
Sen. Lisa Seminara announced the release of grant funding to help Avon, Canton and Granby Public Schools expand existing dual-credit course offerings and foster stronger partnerships with higher-education institutions. The Avon School District will receive $40,000. The Canton and Granby School Districts will each receive $20,000. “Dual enrollment for college and high school makes more teenagers eligible to earn their associate degree while still in high school, and at a fraction of the cost,” said Seminara, who serves on the legis-
November 2023
tary and Carol Innes was installed as Treasurer. Following the traditional installation ceremony, a brief business program was conducted by Master Philip Marshall, followed by a reception. One new member, Kathy Morgan, was voted into membership. The historic Grange Hall renovation project requires a variance from the Town of Granby. Once that is approved, the new handicapped access ramp, porch and unisex bathroom projects funded by the 2023 Pomeroy-Brace Fund of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving should be started. The contractor will be Wutka Home Improvements.
24 $446.67 $223.30
25
As our canine companions age, they may start to show signs of dementia not all that different from the signs of dementia seen in aging people. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD, is the dog’s version of Alzheimer’s disease. Owners start to notice that their older dog becomes disoriented, begins to stare into space and gets stuck behind the sofa or door. They may be less responsive to their owners and experience changes in their normal sleeping and eating habits. Concerned owners will bring their dogs to their veterinarian for an exam, blood work and radiographs. These tests are often normal, ruling out metabolic disease and tumors. The diagnosis of CCD is really made from observing the dog and taking a careful history from the owner. If the dog exhibits several of the signs—disorientation and confusion, anxiety, changes in routine, no longer responding to their name and commands, extreme irritability, decreased desire to play, changes in urination and defecation routines—the cause may be CCD. One study has found that 28 percent of dogs between the ages of 11 and 12 have at least one sign of dementia and that increases to 86 percent in dogs over 15 years of life.
So, what is going on? Veterinary research is beginning to reveal that the cells in the dog’s brain are experiencing oxidative damage that leads to the build-up of amyloid and other proteins. This results in loss of function in areas of the brain that control memory and social functions. These changes are like the changes seen in the human brain with Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, large scale studies of affected dogs are ongoing with the goal of learning more about how to successfully manage CCD, and by extension Alzheimer’s disease. We know that early intervention can improve the quality of life of your canine companion. Increasing exercise, promoting good sleep patterns, and providing stimulating play activities can help your dog continue to enjoy life. Making sure that the area inside and outside the home is easy to negotiate and comfortable, will keep your pet safe. Medical management for CCD is limited for now, but treatment for other typical geriatric issues like arthritis can encourage more activity. Progression of the disease is variable, but it rarely reverses itself. Hopefully the future will bring more understanding as to how we can prevent these diseases in people as well as our dogs.
PUBLIC WORKS
Transfer Station hours: The transfer station will be open Wednesday mornings (8 a.m. to noon) through Nov. 15. The transfer station will be open on Saturday, Nov. 11. Trash Holiday: Thursday, Nov. 23, (Thanksgiving) is a holiday for Paine’s. All Thursday and Friday trash pickups will be delayed by one day that week. Confused about which holidays will change your pickup schedule? Sign up for email alerts from Paine’s Inc. Don’t worry—they won’t swamp your in box. Notifications are only sent if there is a holiday or weather event that will affect trash service. Sign up at painesinc.com Extra Trash: What do you do if you have extra trash? In these instances, town approved “extra trash” bags are available for purchase. The bags are $2 each. Paine’s will pick up ONLY these designated purple bags. Place the purple bags next to your trash barrel on your regular trash day. The “extra trash” bags
are available at Granby Public Works, 52 North Granby Road from 7:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or from the Transfer Station attendant during Transfer Station hours. Textile recycling: You can recycle textiles curbside, but you must contact Simple Recycling to schedule a pickup. It can be done online at simplerecycling. com or by calling 1-866-835-5068.
Interested in working at the DPW? An entry level position is currently available. Work includes semi-skilled and skilled work in construction, installation, repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, parks, grounds, and facilities. Duties also include plowing snow, sanding roads, operating power equipment and performing heavy physical labor. A valid CDL is required. If interested, fill out an application online or stop by 52 North Granby Road.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
Holiday variations with pumpkin
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread
½ cup softened unsalted butter 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1½ cups canned unsweetened pumpkin 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ cup chocolate chips ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Are you beer color blind? By Scott Riley, Owner of the Cambridge Brew House
By Nina Jamison In 1621 the Plymouth colonialists from England and the Native American Wampanoag people shared an autumn feast, celebrating a successful harvest. That feast is remembered today as the First Thanksgiving. When we lived in Vermont, in addition to giving thanks for food and family, Thanksgiving was a celebration of work well-done. Firewood was cut and stacked, ditches were cleared, and the land was prepared for winter’s imminent arrival. Our race with Mother Nature now over, we brought a hearty appetite to the holiday table. My family looks forward to certain traditional dishes and so I keep experimentation to a minimum— marshmallows always top the sweet potato casserole, and so on. However pumpkin pie is not my husband’s favorite, so I’ve come up with variations to keep pumpkin on the menu. Whether you stick to old favorites or try something new, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Submitted photo
Glaze: 1 Tablespoon heavy cream, ½ cup confectioner’s sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. • Grease a 4½ x 8 or 5 x 8 loaf pan, or individual 3½ x 5½ pans. • Preheat oven to 350°. • Cream butter and gradually add sugar, eggs and pumpkin. • Combine dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture blend together. • Stir in chips and nuts. • Bake at 350° for 45 to 50 minutes for loaf pan, 35 minutes for smaller pans (check after 30 minutes). • Stir together glaze ingredients and drizzle on cooled bread.
Do you like dark beers or avoid them like the plague? Why is a fest beer golden or an Oktoberfest orangish brown? Does the color effect the flavor? What is color and how is it measured in beer? The frequencies at which an object radiates electromagnetic radiation determines the color we see. This ranges from 420 nm, which appears indigo through 750 nm, seen as a red so deep it looks black. Beer color is measured on a scale from 1 to 60, known as the Standard Reference Method or SRM for short. What does this mean to your taste buds? Well, the lighter your beer’s color, the lower its SRM—the darker your beer, the higher its SRM. According to the Beer Judge Certification Program, an American light lager has an SRM of 2 to 3 (CBH S189 is about 3 SRM). American IPAs range from SRM 6 to 14 (CBH IPA is about 7 SRM) and an Irish stout should be between SRM 25 to 40 (CBH 3 Steve stout is about 36 SRM). While the color of your beer may provide the first clues about its taste, color is not a reliable indication of the actual taste. Every stage of brewing beer affects the final color and taste. One of the most influential factors is the types of grain used. Malting is the process of converting raw grains into something that can be used for brewing called malts. The more the grains are roasted after malting, the darker its color. This coloring is due to the Maillard reaction
A Cambridge Brew House sampler, submitted photo.
and contributes a lot of your beer’s flavors and aromas, including caramel, coffee and chocolate as the most noticeable. Once the grains and malts are chosen, time and pH in the mashing process also affects color and flavors. During fermentation, yeast and particle removal will change the color and flavor of the final beer. Then of course there are adjuncts that get added to the beer. Many adjuncts will radically affect the beer’s color, especially fruits like raspberries or blueberries added to cream ale. Just because a beer is dark it does not mean it is heavy or higher in alcohol. A Guiness stout is a light thin beer with an ABV (alcohol by volume) about 4.2 percent but dark in color. Then on the lighter color side, a golden strong ale is usually thicker tasting and above 8 percent ABV. Try a range of different colored beers and see how the colors affect what you really taste. Many breweries and brew pubs will let you have smaller samples so you don’t have to drink a six pack. Try many different beers to see which ones you really enjoy.
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Page 16
The Granby Drummer
November 2023
November 2023
The Granby Drummer own day while getting the job done.” On the job just a short time, Groper was elected union steward. “After a few years, I got into sales with the same company, and I sold for different big supply companies until I retired,” he says. Setting a goal and working with a team to achieve it is a skill that Groper learned in the Army. It has served him well throughout his life.
By Nicole Muller When Bob Groper graduated from Granby Memorial High School in 1966, the war in Vietnam was raging. “My father died when I was 19,” Groper says. “That shook me up, and I had no direction. One day, my friend John Kearns and I decided to enlist in the Army. We didn’t want to be drafted.” Groper and Kearns attended advanced individual training together at Fort Dix, N.J. “One day they asked for volunteers, and someone had told me never to volunteer, so I didn’t,” Groper says. “John volunteered. While those who volunteered attended a general’s retirement party, the rest of us had to rake leaves in the woods. I guess there was a lesson there.” Following 10 weeks of advanced infantry training, Groper received his orders: he was being sent to Vietnam. “They taught us about what happens in Vietnam, especially how to avoid booby traps, and I guess I did a good job of that because I’m still here,” he says. “We lost seven Granby men in Vietnam, and that broke many hearts.”
While serving in Vietnam, Granby native Bob Groper traded a case of C-rations for this dog, whom he named Fubis, to save it from the stew pot in a village where dogs were routinely consumed. Submitted photos
When Granby native Bob Groper could no longer safely ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, he shipped it to his son in Texas and bought Ruby, a 1939 Chevy coupe, his new pride and joy.
While patrolling in a South Vietnamese village, Groper developed an affection for one of the many stray dogs. “The villagers eat dogs over there, and my friends and I couldn’t let that happen to this friendly mutt,” Groper says. “We traded a case of C-rations for him, named him Fubis and made him our mascot.” Although Groper had hoped to bring Fubis home to Granby when his tour ended, his unit was sent into a dangerous zone where a dog would have been a serious liability, so Fubis was left behind. “Until then, he enjoyed being cared for, probably for the first time ever,” he says. Groper served a year in Vietnam from Sept. 23, 1969 to Sept. 22, 1970, followed by four years on standby in the reserves. Understandably, Groper finds it difficult to talk about his year in Vietnam, but he is happy to share the importance of his friendship with other Granby veterans. An active member of Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 of the American Legion, Groper finds being with other veterans critical to healing from the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers. “The fellowship is wonderful, strong and lasts a lifetime,” he says. “It’s an important part of my life.” After his discharge from the Army, Groper worked at a series of jobs, including installing windows and awnings and driving a truck for a building supply company. “I like to drive,” he says. “You’re on your own and make your
Page 17 torcycle, he shipped it to Damion and bought a bright red 1939 Chevy coupe that he named Ruby. “I give her a bath before I take her out anywhere, and I don’t drive her in the rain,” he confides. Like so many others, while serving in Vietnam, Groper was exposed to Agent Orange and has recently begun showing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. “I’m lucky to have made it home alive,” he says. “I’m lucky I made it to age 76.” Groper is a man who counts his blessings. “My wife Mary and I got married right here on this property,” he says, eager to reminisce on that day. “We exchanged vows under the arbor on the edge of the brook, had a bluegrass band and dancing on the driveway. May 15, 2010, was a perfect day.” When Mary is busy with her gardens or visiting friends, Groper enjoys getting together with a group of veterans to take fellow veteran and longtime Granby resident Mo Brassard, 94, to
After serving 20 years, 24 days in the U.S. Army, Granby resident Brian Tarbox served 25 years with the Lost Acres Fire Department. Now, Tarbox cares for his wife, family and community whenever the opportunity knocks.
“My home is a former North Granby schoolhouse,” Groper says. “When I bought it in 1986, we had to move out for three months while a team of carpenters removed the roof and added a second story.” The Army also taught him patience. While helping other veterans, especially those who are battling illness and age, is a priority, Groper also enjoys children. His son Damion lives in Texas, where he has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, whom he visits when he can. Meanwhile, when he has the opportunity, Groper enjoys playing Santa. “When my sister was a travel agent, she had a client who needed a Santa for a Christmas party, and she asked me, so I rented a costume and enjoyed it a lot,” he says. After that first stint, Groper performed an encore whenever asked. Understanding the importance of finding joy in life, when Groper had to stop riding his prize Harley Davidson mo-
Granby resident and veteran Brian Tarbox spent Father’s Day weekend 2021 fishing in Nantucket Sound. His efforts were rewarded with this whopper!
breakfast. “We support each other,” he says. “That’s something special. We have a bond.” Utica, N.Y., native Brian Tarbox has lived in Granby for 29 years, since shortly after he was discharged from the U.S. Army, having served his country for 20 years, 24 days. “I didn’t know a lot about the world in 1973 when I was 19,” Tarbox says. “After high school, I thought, let me go into the military like my two older brothers. One of my brothers told me not to vol-
Veterans cont’d.on p. 18
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The Granby Drummer
November 2023
Sample Ballot: front and back view - November 7, 2023 VOTER INFORMATION One Polling Site
For the Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Granby residents will vote in the community gym in Granby Memorial High School. Drivers should access the community gym using the high school’s entrance off North Granby Road, Route 189, and leave the polls from Salmon Brook Street, Routes 10/202.
Voter ID
To check in quickly at the polls, please bring an ID, photo ID if possible. Should you not have an ID on election day, but have previously proven your identity, either at the time of your registration or when voting previously, you will need to spend a few minutes at the Moderator table. If you are a brand-new voter, and your confirmation letter noted that you have not proven your identity, you must bring an ID to vote on Election Day, preferably a photo ID. Provisional ballots are not available for Municipal Elections.
Granby Ballot Question
“Shall the Granby Town Charter be amended as recommended in the Final Draft Report of the Charter Revision Commission of July 26, 2023, as approved by the Board of Selectmen? Yes or No.” An insert in the September issue of the Granby Drummer had complete details of both the current charter and the revisions requested. You can see this detail on the town’s website or on the Granby Drummer website.
Veterans cont’d. from p. 17 unteer for anything. I volunteered for everything, and it was a blessing.” During his physical exam, Tarbox asked to serve in communications because he liked to tinker. After basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., he was sent to Fort Gordon, Ga., for advanced individual training and then to Fort Ritchey, Md., spending 18 months at a top-secret site. Among his assignments was weekly communication with Air Force One to ensure that all systems were working properly. “That’s where I learned to play pinochle, out of desperation to help pass the time in the underground buildings,” he says. “It was very quiet, very secret. In case of a national disaster, a VIP could be safe there.”
In 1975, after marrying his first wife Dale, Tarbox was sent to Frankfort, Germany, for two years, working in technical communication. He then received orders to return to Fort Gordon, where he helped create a company to support the airborne unit at Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah. While there, his son Steven was born. Two years later, Tarbox was transferred to Athens, Greece. “I was in communications support with top-secret crypto clearance, and the Army had a confidential site in Greece that needed my skills,” he explains. “Our apartment was up in the mountains, with a spectacular view of Athens, which definitely helped relieve the stress of my assign-
ment.” After serving in communications for 15 years, at age 34 Tarbox made a switch to equipment maintenance. “I was tired of constantly learning in the communications field,” he explains. “They sent me back to Fort Gordon, and I spent 10 months in training for maintenance certification. When I graduated, they kept me there as an instructor.” A year later, Tarbox was reassigned, this time as a recruiter, including a stint in Washington, D.C., as a nurse recruiter. “They kept moving me to places where they were having trouble because I knew how to recruit. When I was sent to Albany, I told the general that I’d make the numbers for him, and I did.
When God gives you the ability to do something, you go out and do it,” Tarbox says. It was in Albany that Tarbox met Teresa, a nurse counselor whom he courted and married after he and Dale divorced. Teresa spent more than 21 years as an Army nurse, retiring as a disabled veteran with sarcoidosis, a disease that shuts down the immune system. “Our Veterans Administration doctors have kept Teresa alive,” says Tarbox. “They’re the best.” Tarbox retired from the Army in 1993. Two years later, he bought a home in West Granby and joined the Lost Acres Fire Department, serving for 25 years. He worked repairing TVs and VCRs for 10 years before retiring at age 54. Teresa’s disease was progressing, so Tarbox used a VA grant to remodel their home to accommodate her needs and became her full-time caregiver. Three years ago, Tarbox bought a recreational vehicle so he and Teresa could visit friends and family without imposing on them. “It’s a good way for us to travel and relax,” he says. “The Army took me around the world. Now our RV is taking us around America. “I never served in combat,” he adds. “I was among the many people working behind the scene to keep this country and our troops safe. My time in the military has gotten me more in life than four years of college would have. I traveled the world, and the courses I took to advance my career in communications and electronic maintenance comprised an excellent education.” If any Granby family has a member serving in the military and would like him or her to receive The Granby Drummer in the mail, please contact Managing Editor Jen Bell at editor@ granbydrummer.org, providing their address details.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
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20 2 3 ELEC T ION G U I D E
14 races to be decided by the Nov. 7 municipal election
Voters will have the opportunity to vote for 27 open seats. There are 31 known candidates—one is a petitioning candidate and two are write-in candidates. In the past, the Board of Selectmen race has caused some confusion. All five seats are open every two years but voters can only choose one candidate for First Selectman and two candidates from those running for the board. This year
there are two candidates for First Selectman and four candidates for Selectman. By state statute, a losing First Selectman candidate becomes part of the pool of candidates running for Selectman. Candidates responded to our invitation to submit a brief bio and answer the question, “What in your past experience makes you a good candidate for the office you seek?” As a point of reference, petitioning
candidates are listed on the ballot—they have a line just after the major and minor parties. Petitioning candidates collected enough signatures to qualify to be on the ballot. The number of signatures varies depending on which race that is being petitioned. Write-in candidates are registered with the Secretary of State; there is a form that must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the election. Should someone
fill in a name in the write-in space that has not been registered, the Registrars are required to not count the vote. (This eliminates the official results being cluttered with Mickey Mouse, etc.) Victoria Dirienzo is an official write-in candidate for the open position to fill a two-year vacancy on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Glenn Ballard is an official write-in candidate for First Selectman.
FIRST SELECTMAN
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)
Four Openings 2-year term (vote for up to two)
tunity to work locally arrived I happily moved back to Granby. The people, and more generally the town, supported me when I was young. When I came home, I chose to give back to the town. Granby is blessed with many citizens who give back to the community through school, civic and church organizations. I chose to give back to Granby by serving on its boards, commissions and committees. Most of my time has been on the Board of Selectmen where I have followed a fiscally conservative approach to meeting Granby’s needs while maintaining our current buildings, roads and bridges, and also planning for the future growth of the town. I am asking for your vote this election so I can continue making Granby a better place for everyone to live and prosper.
well as running a local manufacturing enterprise. I have an extensive background in local government here in Granby, having spent four decades on the Board of Finance, as well as a few years on the Economic Development Commission. I have played an integral role in capital planning and budgeting, initially as the Chair of the Capital Program Planning Advisory Committee (CPPAC). CPPAC has Michael B. successfully brought numerous Guarco, Jr. capital and infrastructure projects forward for public approval and execution. I also have been involved with making known to the legislators—both locally, around the state, and in hearings at the Capitol—the impact on local budgets and on taxpayers of unfunded mandates—rules, requirements and restrictions—that dictate what local government has to do and add to the local tax burden. As a long-serving member, and chair, of the Board of Finance, I have continually sought to recommend budgets and capital plans that meet the needs of our town at a cost we can reasonably afford. As a lifelong resident with a keen understanding of the town and its people, I look to continue the work of making our town a great place to live and raise a family, while being mindful of what it costs each of us in doing so.
MARK FIORENTINO - REP
My family and I moved to Granby from Las Vegas in 2009. I am a government affairs lawyer. My wife Kristal is a small business owner, yoga therapist and wellness coach. Our children, Gage and Ellie, are proud graduates of Granby Memorial High School. I am completing my first term as First Selectman. My other public service includes: Board of Education vice-chair, Friends of Holcomb Farm vice president, Capital Program Priorities Advisory ComMark mittee, Kelly Lane School Building Fiorentino Committee, Granby Conservation Commission, Granby Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee, Granby Representative to the Capital Area Education Council, Granby Travel Basketball coach (boys and girls), Granby Recreational Basketball coach (boys and girls), Granby Little League coach, Granby Bears Football volunteer, Granby Drummer volunteer columnist. Granby is a great place to live and we have a lot going for us. We need to continue to work together to develop and implement plans that both sustain our successes in a way that taxpayers will support and capitalize on these successes. I think my combination of work experience and record of service to Granby makes me well suited to lead our efforts. I am proud of the work we have done over the last two years. We have made significant improvements in areas like: preservation of agricultural land, communications with residents and increased coordination/collaboration between our various boards and commissions. We have also made strategic investments in information technology, public safety, roadway maintenance and preservation of our capital assets. Looking ahead, we need to continue to build on these foundations, while also placing an increased focus on growth management strategies and capital planning.
GLENN BALLARD - UNAF WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
Four years ago, more than 1,100 of you (about 40 percent) entrusted me with your vote. I believe I broke the mold—engaging directly and continuously with you online and in person, busting myths, providing unvarnished analysis and out-of-the-box proposals, with help from fellow residents, both during and since my term as Selectman. I got a peek behind the political curtain, and it wasn’t pretty – the events that have unfolded over the past Glenn four years should cause anyone to Ballard want to clean house. My vision continues to be a Granby where many more of “Us” are engaged and directly involved in making decisions and creating choices that will shape our future together. Without this foundation, little else matters— old boss, new boss, you know how it goes. Please join me at thetownisus.org and write in my name on the ballot for First Selectman on Nov. 7. Two things make me a uniquely qualified candidate to lead (facilitate/moderate/mediate) “Us” forward. First, I spent my entire career consulting, not being in charge; serving others by getting measurable results with facts, ideas, creativity and by dealing constructively with conflict. Second, I’m half-engineer, half-artist, one who thinks a lot before speaking, and thinks about it even more afterwards. You can count on me to continue to say what needs saying and needs hearing—and to have extremely high expectations for the conduct and proficiency of those who would be stewards of our public finances and health.
MARGARET Q. CHAPPLE - DEM
In June 2022 I was appointed to the Board of Selectmen to fill a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Sally King. I am a candidate for a full term on the BOS. I have lived in Granby since 1986 and my husband, Wayne, and I have raised our family in this awesome town. I served on the Granby Planning and Zoning Commission for more than 30 years before moving to BOS. My service on the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well Margaret Q. as several other committees and Chapple subcommittees, have prepared me to deal with the various issues that come before the Board of Selectmen. During my first year on the BOS, I have had the opportunity to learn about and be involved in the day-to-day operations of the town. I continue to be impressed by the quality and dedication of our town staff and the many volunteers who are committed to Granby’s success. I look forward to working with them as we face the challenges ahead, which include maintaining high quality programs and services for our residents while making sensible and responsible budgeting decisions.
FRED MOFFA - DEM
My name is Frederick A. Moffa, OD. I am seeking re-election to the Board of Selectman. I am a 30+ year resident of Granby and have had my eye care practice in Granby for 20-plus years. I have been proud of what we, on the BOS, have been able to accomplish in the past two years: steering the community out of the COVID pandemic, finding consensus on projects for the America Rescue Plan funds, prioritizing better communication/transparency with the pubFred lic. I look forward to continuing my work on the BOS, to see projects Moffa like the improved First Responders Communications System completion and the hiring of a new Town Manager. My experience as a small business owner, my background as a health care provider and 16+ years on the Board of Finance, I believe, give me the background needed to continue the important work that needs to be addressed on the Board of Selectman. I appreciate your consideration and vote.
MARK NEUMANN - REP
Mark is a native son of Granby and is grateful to find a home here with his wife Karen. He is committed to giving back to the community and has dedicated time and resources to a number of organizations, including: the Granby Land Trust; and Granby Cemetery Inc. Mark is an Engineer at Collins Aerospace, with 27 years of experience in support projects for the International Space Station program. Mark Mark is completing his tenth Neumann term on the Granby Board of Selectman. His other public service includes: Granby Board of Selectman including two years as vicechair, Granby Board of Assessment Appeals, Town Constable, Town Owned Land Use Committee, Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee, Kearns School Study Committee. I was born and raised in Granby. My family, neighbors and friends looked out for me as I grew up. The Granby school system educated me from first through 12th grade and prepared me for a fine college education and my first job, but when an oppor-
KELLY O’MEARA ROME - REP
Kelly grew up in Granby and resides here with husband Randy, where they raised their two sons, Tyler, and Bryan. She earned a BA in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master’s in business administration from the University of Hartford. Kelly is currently the head of product development and management for Empower and has 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Kelly O’Meara She is currently a member of the Granby Board of Selectman Rome and a member of Junior Achievements of Southern New England Board of Directors. Kelly served eight years on Granby’s Board of Finance and Zoning Board of Appeals. She previously held board and volunteer positions for several other organizations, including the Granby PTO, Granby Rovers, Simsbury Youth Hockey, The Labrador Retriever Club of the Pioneer Valley, and is in the process of becoming a puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes. My priorities are to continue enhancing communication between the town and residents; to maintain the quaint, small-town rural feel of Granby that attracts so many people to our amazing town, and to find innovative ways to increase revenue to lessen the tax burden on residents.
BOARD OF FINANCE Three Openings 4-year Term (vote for up to three)
MICHAEL B. GUARCO, JR. - REP
A Granby native, I went through our school system and then on to the University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated with a degree in economics from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. My wife Judy and I raised our four children here in Granby, while participating in local church, school, and sports activities, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. My professional career has revolved around operating and managing the family business here in town, as
KEVIN HOBSON - REP
I was raised in the Farmington Valley and returned to Granby to raise my family 10 years ago. My two daughters attend Wells Road School and GMMS. I have seen the many changes in our area over the years. While I understand these changes are important for our town to provide services, housing and businesses, it’s also extremely important to preserve the natural beauty and agricultural traditions that make our area so attractive and enjoyable. This balance is something I strive to Kevin achieve in my service to the BOF. Hobson I have also served as an assistant softball coach for Granbeast Softball for the past year and half, and I previously served on the Granby Board of Recreation. Both of those positions allowed me to understand how our parks are enjoyed, used for sport and recreation, maintained and funded. Our parks are an asset to our town that improve our residents’ lives and it’s important we preserve them. I am a Freemason at Valley Lodge No. 36 in a leadership position. Through Freemasonry, I have been involved in the organization of charity events that draw attendees from the entire valley and I have learned the importance of being part of a group with a rich history. In my professional career, I have 20-plus years of experience in both individual and group insurance. I’ve held roles in claim management, project management, analytics and leadership. This variety of roles over the years has helped me quickly pick up
Page 20 on town management and our finances. I was asked to serve on the BOF to fill a vacated position in 2021, and I humbly took the opportunity to continue to serve our town. I have learned that our town is strong fiscally and values careful consideration of spending. I intend on continuing this practice while preparing our town for the future. This balance is something I will strive to achieve on the BOF.
WILLIAM KENNEDY - DEM
Since childhood, service to community was always a theme in my household. My wife Pat and I have lived in Granby more than 50 years. Early in our residency, I served as a reporter for the Drummer, covering the Board of Selectmen meetings. This heightened my interest in our town government and I was fortunate to be elected and serve as a member of the Board of Selectman. I have served on several buildWilliam ing committees, including the New Kennedy Middle School building Committee, Kelly Lane Expansion Committee, Wells Road Abatement Committee, Kearns School Study Committee and most recently the High School Renovation Committee. For the past two terms, I have served as member of the Board of Finance. I would like to continue serving our community as a member of the Board of Finance, and ask that you vote for me in this coming election.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Four Openings 4-year term (vote for any four)
LIZ HARMON BARLOW - DEM
I am running for the Board of Education because I believe that all students deserve a quality education. I am the fourth generation of my family to live in Granby. My husband Joe and I have three children currently attending Granby public schools. I feel fortunate to have grown up here and am proud that my children attend the same schools that my mother and I attended. After graduating from GMHS (Go Bears!), I studied at UConn Liz Harmon for my Bachelor’s and Master’s Barlow degrees. I have been a social worker for almost 20 years with experience in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and school settings. I volunteered with Granbeast Little League, Granby Recreation Department, the Safe Grad party, Connecticut Cat Connection, and GMHS athletic boosters. In my limited free time, I love to read, hike, and watch my children swim, dance, and play sports.
The Granby Drummer As a social worker with almost 20 years’ experience, I am trained in collaboration with those who are different from myself. In my professional life I have successfully worked with doctors, rabbis, prison inmates, HIV patients and dually diagnosed teenagers. I pride myself on my ability to easily build rapport with others, and problem-solve with my fellow team members for the good of any client or institution I serve. In my current role as a school social worker, I support and counsel children with disabilities. I believe this experience in special education has given me a valuable perspective regarding programming needs and considerations for one of the highest cost segments of the education budget. In my positions at public, private and magnet schools, I have seen the successes and challenges of other districts, and this background will guide all votes I cast regarding Granby’s schools. I am already using my professionally honed listening skills to connect with parents and community members, by knocking on doors and noting voters’ concerns. I pledge to continue listening, bringing community concerns to the board, and collaborating with administrators and fellow board members to produce the best possible outcomes for our schools.
MONICA LOGAN - DEM
My name is Monica Logan and I am running for reelection to the Board of Education, on which I have served for the last two years. I currently serve as secretary of the BOE, am a member of the finance subcommittee and participated in two contract negotiating teams. I am the BOE representative to the Granby Equity Team and served on the committee that selected Cheri Burke as our new school superintendent. My husband and I moved to Monica Granby more than seven years ago with our two boys, who curLogan rently attend Wells Road School. I am an attorney working in the insurance industry. I proudly served our community, families and students on multiple boards and commissions including the Development Commission, the Affordable Housing Commission, and as a founding member of Granby Racial Reconciliation. More than 20 years of experience in litigation and complex legal negotiations have given me a unique perspective and ability to problem-solve in difficult situations. I have found throughout hundreds of negotiations that people want to be heard. Taking the time to listen to others helps to develop new and outside-the-box resolutions that can work to satisfy all reasonable minds. I believe in public education and the benefits it provides to our children and community as a whole. As a BOE member, I will continue to advocate for improvement in student achievement, which I believe is a priority right now. Not every child needs the same thing to succeed—some need to prepare for college, some will thrive learning a trade, some need
help with life skills, while others need enrichment programs. Every child equally deserves a safe, supportive learning environment and to be treated with respect for who they are. Being a member of the BOE is a responsibility I take seriously: respecting the delicate balance in responsiveness to taxpayers and offering children the best education we can reasonably provide to pave the path to their happiest and most successful lives.
HEATHER LOMBARDO - DEM
I am running for the Board of Education to help drive student growth, act on complex issues and manage finances responsibly. Life-long New Englanders, my husband and I chose Granby 10 years ago to raise our two children for its nurturing community, open spaces, and quality school system. We raise our sixth and third grader with an emphasis on treating others with kindness, dignity Heather and acceptance. We teach this Lombardo and community engagement through example. I currently serve as chairperson of the Granby Agricultural Commission, supporting our farm community for long-term success, and organizing Open Farm Day. This is my twenty-third year at ESPN where I help lead a team of journalists and documentary directors. My leadership style is to listen first, work collaboratively and lean into data, analysis and evidence to inform decisions, and navigate budgetary challenges to deliver award-winning results. My longevity and success with ESPN have hinged on a strategy that strives for excellence through two-way communication, concise direction and an organizational structure designed to listen to and support the diverse and multi-faceted needs of team members. I understand trust is critical. Prioritizing accuracy and balance in the product we put out into the world is key to maintaining credibility—something an organization cannot succeed without. It is our responsibility to get it right for the individuals on our team—and for our audience. That is the leadership vibe I’d bring to our Board of Education. With my running mates Liz Barlow, and current board member Monica Logan, we’ll act on issues while building trust and a positive culture through transparency and by bringing balance to the Board of Education which, in its current make-up of five Republicans to two Democrats, is a skewed representation of our Granby voters. I pledge to listen to and learn about the challenges and needs of our students and teachers and back policies that: retain quality educators in the face of a national teacher shortage, support students’ mental well-being and address bullying, support a curriculum that fosters growth and is inclusive of all students, call for transparency, engage parents, and provide safe infrastructure and technology through responsible spending. In today’s complex culture, I have a track record of
A D VER TISEM EN T
A D VER TISEM EN T
November 2023 walking toward conflict, identifying issues and working together to find meaningful solutions.
DAVID PELING, ED.D. - REP
Our family moved to Granby in 2005, largely because of the reputation of the schools. Both my wife and I are educators. My daughter Maddie graduated from GMHS in 2020 and is now a senior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in political science and history. Our son David Jr. has just started ninth grade at GMHS and spends his spare time playing football and David baseball. Peling I hold a B.A. in Russian and Soviet studies, an M.S. in United States history and a doctorate in educational leadership. I started teaching at Hall High School in 1994. In 2010, I earned my administrator’s certificate (092) and then became principal of East Granby High School and later Avon High School. In 2019, I returned to the classroom as a teacher in West Hartford Public Schools. For the last four years, I have served on the Granby Board of Education. During that time, I am most proud of our efforts to keep schools open during the Covid pandemic. I have served on both the finance sub-committee, and for the past two years have chaired the curriculum sub-committee. I have also served our community as: Little league coach for six years, Bearcats football coach for four years, Bearcats Advisory Board for two years. My primary qualification to continue to serve on the BOE is 30 years of experience as an educator. That experience helps to inform my decisions on the BOE. I also draw on the experiences my kids had in the Granby Public Schools. Seeing our schools through their eyes is an important lens. My doctorate at UConn investigated the utilization of educational research by school leaders in their decision-making process. I believe that research should inform most aspects of schooling. My goal as a BOE member is to make sure that all children thrive in Granby, as my kids did. My first priority going into a second term would be to make sure that improving student achievement for ALL students is our “North Star.” Secondly, we need to continue our work to ensure that all students feel physically, socially and emotionally safe at school.
KRISTINA GILTON - REP
Our family has lived in Granby for the last 20 years. We chose Granby because of the strong sense of community and the exemplary school system. My husband Jeff is a vice president at Travelers in Hartford. Our daughter Lindsay is a 2020 graduate of Granby Memorial High School, and our son Patrick is a senior at GMHS. I believe in the value of public schools and feel Granby Kristina prepared our kids for the next phase of their educational journey. Gilton
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
I am completing my second year on the BOE. As a board, we have worked hard for the students, families, teachers, and staff. In addition to the BOE, I have been very active within the community. My public service includes Granby PTO secretary, Granby PTO president and vice president, Granby Education Foundation director, Granby Athletic Boosters member, room parent at Wells Road Intermediate School, Granby Girl Scout leader, Parents for a Safe Graduation volunteer, Granby Reopening Task Force member, Granby BOE member, CREC Council. Active engagement in the community is critical to the success of our school system, and I have strived to be involved since becoming a school parent in 2007. During this time, I have served in a variety of volunteer roles that have helped enrich our students’ educational experiences. I am passionate about volunteerism and when the opportunity arose to serve on the BOE I knew it was the perfect position to continue serving the Granby Public Schools. Recently I became a substitute teacher in East Granby. This work experience has been extremely beneficial and has provided me additional insight that I will bring use on the BOE. Working with others and being open to various viewpoints are keys to our success and I believe I have these characteristics. The BOE must continue to focus on the importance of student achievement, effective communication, and creating a positive school environment. I look forward to continuing to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to the BOE.
KATHARINE LEENDERS - REP
I am a lifelong resident of northwest Connecticut and have lived in Granby since 2010. My husband Chris is a police officer. My son James in the ninth grade in the agriscience program at Suffield High School and my daughter Anna is in the fourth grade at Wells Road School. We have been fortunate as a family to have amazing experiences with the Granby school system, and I want to work to ensure as many Granby families as possible are as happy with our schools as we are. As a family we love to experience all that Granby has to offer. My children have had the chance to be active participants in the various sports, band, chorus and exactivities we are fortuKatharine tracurricular nate to have in Granby. Leenders I have worked with children for more than 20 years as a social worker for the State of Connecticut. Many of the children I have worked with over the years had complex educational needs. Through ongoing contact with schools across the state and via the PPT process I was able to advocate for each child to receive the best services for their needs. In my current position, I continue to work with families and school districts across the state in a wide variety of situations. As a result, I feel that I have come to understand the education system from not only a parent’s perspective, but also that of a teacher, student and administrator. Through these roles I have seen the positive effects public school systems can have on young learners. I hope to apply these different perspectives to my work with the Board of Education. If elected, I would like to focus on further improving communication between schools and parents, continue to improve Granby student achievement, and ensure that Granby students remain the priority.
BOARD OF EDUCATION One Opening to fill a vacancy for two years (vote for one)
ROSEMARIE WEBER - REP
Rosemarie Weber
My husband and I moved to Granby over 18 years ago when my husband, Chris, became the newest large animal veterinarian at Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital. We realized very quickly that Granby was the place where we would set down roots and grow
our family. Since that time, we have raised our three children, a dog, a few cats, and a flock of chickens in a neighborhood that has become our extended family. Before arriving in Granby, Chris and I were officers in the United States Army. Chris flew helicopters while I remained firmly on the ground as a personnel officer. The first years of our marriage were spent apart when Chris was deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Endeavor. After serving our country, Chris and I transitioned to civilian life; Chris as a veterinarian staying true to his midwestern farming roots and I became a lawyer. We believe strongly in public service and giving back to our community. Shortly after arriving in Granby, I joined The Granby Drummer and served on the Board of Citizens for a Better Granby. I also spent many years teaching religious education at St. Therese Church and volunteering in other capacities for my parish. From there, I transitioned to the Board of Education where I remain today. While on the Board of Education I have chaired both the Curriculum Policy Technology and Communications subcommittee as well as the Finance and Facilities subcommittee. Additionally, I have served as the Secretary, Vice Chair, and now Chair. What in your past experience makes you a good candidate for the office you seek? My experience in the roles described above have taught me that there is no greater obligation to our town than to insure we are providing a strong education firmly rooted in those skills that will allow our children to succeed in life; to think independently and critically and step confidently into the world and make a positive impact. I hope to continue working with our dedicated school leaders and our talented educators in partnership with families and our community to support our students’ success. Now more than ever it is important to stay focused on our priorities and our goals for the sake of our children.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS One Opening 4-year term (vote for one)
LOWELL C. “WHITEY” JOHNSON - REP
I graduated in 1953 from The Loomis School, Windsor and in 1957 from Wesleyan University, Middletown. In 1961, my wife Paula and I made Granby our home with soon to be three sons—truly a home with community opportunities to become involved: Little League, Holcomb Farm, Granby Land Trust, Republican Town Committee, Granby Congregational Church, 4-H Chaps and Caps, Town Charter Revision. It can’t get any better than this! Currently, I Lowell C. am president of The Johnson Johnson Gage Company, Bloomfield. What in your past experience makes you a good candidate for the office you seek? In 1965, I was first elected to the then Board of Tax Review (BTR), now the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA). During these 58 years, in harmony with our Town Assessor and office staff, the BAA has functioned to review and resolve property assessment issues brought before it by town property owners. My focus when reviewing all issues brought before the BAA is threefold: listen, review, decide. The options are no change, increase, or decrease the assessed value. Of note—in the last 30 years all BTR/BAA decisions have been unanimous. I look forward to continuing my service on the BAA.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS One Opening 2-year term (vote for one)
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VICTORIA K. DIRIENZO - DEM WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
My family and I have lived in North Granby for more than 23 years. Our children attended Granby schools and participated in a variety of town activities and sports. When asked, I served on several town boards and school committees. I have an undergraduate degree in economics from American University in Washington D. C. and a graduate degree in public administration from Westfield University. In my professional career, I worked for the Office of Policy and ManVictoria K. agement in the budget and taxes Dirienzo division and later I worked in nonprofit development. I am a write-in candidate for the two-year position on the Board of Assessment Appeals. I think that with my background I have the skills to work on the appeals and I have a sound understanding of the process which will enable me to work with the other members of the board to make decisions and compromises that are fair to Granby residents and property owners.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Four Openings 4-year term (vote for up to four)
CHRISTINE CHINNI - DEM
Christine Chinni
I have served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the past eight years; four as an alternate and four as a full member. I have found it both challenging and rewarding, and look forward to continuing to serve. My husband and I have lived in Granby for the past 20 years, and are committed to preserving what is special about our town.
MARK LOCKWOOD - REP
My wife and I have resided in Granby since 2000 and have raised our two children in town, both of whom graduated from Granby Memorial High School. I have a BS in management from Syracuse University and a MBA and Law Degree from the University of Connecticut, and currently work in the logistics management industry for project management and as a corporate counsel. Mark I am currently the chair of the Lockwood Planning and Zoning Commission after my previous service as a commissioner. My past public service for Granby includes being a member of the Conservation Commission, Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee, the Greater Hartford Transit District, the Charter Revision Committee and a coach for Granby Little League. Other service includes being past president and secretary of the Hampstead Hill Club, and secretary of the Railway Industrial Clearance Association. I bring to the Planning and Zoning Commission my professional experience in dealing with regulatory and commercial environments, and as the current Planning and Zoning chair, in working respectfully with fellow commissioners and citizens with matters brought before the commission. My past service on the commission and with Granby’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is vital to fairly applying Granby’s regulations and Connecticut statutes in a manner that respects and balances the needs of the Granby community with the rights of property owners. As the commission works with the Board of Selectmen on strategic planning, including the Town Center Study, and receiving input from residents, regulations will be needed, and will assist in prepar-
ing for the upcoming review of the POCD. I ask for your vote on Nov. 7 and thank you for your support.
BRENNAN SHEAHAN - REP
I have been a proud member of the Granby community since 2002. This town means a lot to me, as it is where my three children were raised. I’ve already seen two of my children graduate from GMHS and my son, Gavin, is now entering his senior year. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching all three of my children on sports teams over the past 20 years, which has been a catalyst for meeting parents and their families from every corner of the town. My family has been blessed with the time we have spent in this beautiBrennan ful community thus far, and I will Sheahan continue to cherish future memories made. I am a project manager at a large landscape materials company in Enfield. As our company continues to grow, I have been provided with many opportunities to work through the Planning and Zoning rules and regulations. I know first-hand the difficulties of managing a company, and just how cumbersome expansions and growth can be. Recognizing the pressures of both finances and the management of limited useable acreage has given me a keen sense of understanding of responsible growth. I have served on the Granby Planning and Zoning board for six years (two years as an alternate and four years as a full member). Throughout my time on the Board, I have gained a plethora of experiences serving the residents of Granby, all the while finding sensible solutions in a timely manner. I recognize the importance of maintaining the rural character of the Town, the desire to keep our taxes in check and the need for responsible growth to continue to develop the beauty and charm of this community. I am honored to gain your trust and serve you, the residents of Granby. I will continue to work hard at maintaining the core values of our community. Thank you for your vote!
STEVE MULLER - REP
I have lived in Granby for 25 years, moving to town after graduation from Simsbury High School. I have worked for the Mitchell Auto Group in Simsbury since 1984. My wife Sharon works for The Hartford Insurance Company. Together we have five children: Melissa, Kristen, Natalie, Kyle and Steven. Melissa lives in Massachusetts with her husband Jared and daughter Meredith. They are expecting their second child in April 2024. Kristen lives in Florida and is enjoying the Florida lifestyle. Natalie lives and Steve works as a nurse in the eastern Muller part of Connecticut. Our two boys, Steven and Kyle are in the Air Force stationed in Kansas and Delaware. Natalie, Steven and Kyle are graduates of Granby Memorial High School. I am currently a member of the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals where I have served for four years. I have previously served on the Conversation Commission and other volunteer boards in support of Granby’s high school and youth sports. I love living in Granby, it is a great place to live and raise a family. When I moved here, I performed major remodeling on our home, and during that time I learned about building permits, plot plans and zoning. The process was interesting to me and I’ve reached a point in my life and career where I have the time to give back by volunteering to serve. Granby is successful only because of the many volunteers who donate countless hours to help the town prosper and I want to help. My priorities will include working together with other members of the town’s boards and commissions and the town’s citizens to review applications to ensure proposals meet the requirements outlined in the Zoning regulations. I support landowner’s rights, responsible land use and development to manage growth that ensures the prosperity of the Great Town of Granby.
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION To fill a vacancy for 2 years (vote for one)
BOB ROBERT G LAVITT - DEM
I am Robert Lavitt and I am a candidate for the Planning and Zoning Commission. I have been a licensed attorney for more than 35 years with a specialty in commercial, construction and surety law, attended college at the University of Chicago and law school at Boston University. I was the Planning Board attorney of West Orange, N.J., for five years before I moved to Connecticut with my family in 2000. I am employed by Amynta Surety Solutions in Glastonbury. Bob Robert G. I have lived in Granby for 23 years and put four children through Lavitt the Granby school system. I have a deep commitment to this town. For the past year I have been an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, filling in when other members were unavailable. I now seek a permanent position on the commission. I have a commitment to responsible development of Granby that maintains the character of this town. I want future generations to be able to enjoy the things that attracted my wife and me to Granby: open spaces, good schools and wonderful people. Planning and Zoning requires balancing the interests of the property owner with those of the community within the constraints of the legal system. It is not an easy task; but I have found it a rewarding one.
MARK A. GOTTLIEB - UNAF PETITIONING CANDIDATE
I am a Connecticut Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) with over 30 years’ experience in site assessment and remediation, land use and redevelopment, and the founder and former owner of Catalyst Environmental Consulting, Inc of Simsbury. Since 2021, I’ve worked part time as a Senior Environmental Consultant with GeoQuest, Inc., of Bloomfield. Beyond my professional life, I’ve Mark been a proud resident of Granby Gottlieb
The Granby Drummer for over three decades, with the last 24 years spent at my current address. In addition to my environmental work, I am the owner of Silver Street Glass, LLC, a full-service art glass studio based in North Granby, which I run with my wife Annukka Ritalahti. In the community, I’m co-president and of the Granby Artists Association and serve as a property steward for the Granby Land Trust. In my 30 years in environmental consulting, I’ve worked on numerous development and redevelopment projects across the State of Connecticut and have a solid understanding how zoning regulations work and are implemented. I’ve had the opportunity to represent clients in front of both Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetland Commissions in numerous municipalities. I am running as an unaffiliated candidate on an anti-development platform. As an unaffiliated candidate, I am not beholden to either party’s Local, State or National agenda. I believe that our Zoning Regulations require revision, as our current development trends do not match with what the majority of our residents desire for the future of our Town. While some degree of development is inevitable, revised Zoning Regulations will allow it to be done in a more responsible manner. During my years of environmental consulting, I have seen multiple conversions of agricultural property into residential subdivisions or high-density developments. I am in favor of additional protections of our current and former agricultural properties as well as expanding accessory uses of the properties. Between years of environmental experience and small business ownership, I believe that I have the knowledge and experience to help bring positive change to Granby.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ALTERNATE One Openings 4-year term (vote for one)
PAULA H JOHNSON - REP
I am a Mount Holyoke graduate and have lived in the same home in Granby with my husband Whitey since 1961. We raised three sons, are enjoying our five grandchildren, had numerous cherished horses, dogs and cats, was joyfully employed by the Granby Senior Center and volunteered! My involvement through the years has included Valley Pre School, Granby 4-H, Granby Horse Council, Granby Senior
Center, Commission on Aging, Granby Congregational Church, Granby Land Trust, Granby Camera Club and the Planning and Zoning Commission. My newest venture is being a Bright Spot Therapy Dog Volunteer and Bradley Buddy with my Aussie, Deja. What in your past experience makes you a good candidate for the office you seek? Paula H. My personal goal has been to Johnson help preserve Granby’s distinctive atmosphere for those who have chosen Granby as their home and workplace. Preserving the delicate balance of our rural residential atmosphere and managing the inevitable growth to meet the needs of the town are the greatest challenges facing the planning commission. I have served 36 years on the planning commission; 16 years as the chair. During my tenure, with the support and help of active citizen participation, the commission has been committed to both its planning and zoning responsibility: updating our regulations, working with the Development Commission and the Conservation Commission to develop needed regulations, and implementing many of the goals in Granby’s Plan of Conservation Development. My commitment is to continue to be an active and accessible member of the commission.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Three Openings 4-year term (vote for up to three)
SUZANNE L. YUCHA - DEM
I have lived In Granby for more than 40 years. What was intended to be a short stay quickly changed when my husband and I fell in No photo love with the town of Granby. Our two available children were raised here and now our grandson is being raised here as well. Through the years, I have been involved in numerous organizations and activities, (Parks and Recreation Board, Girl Scouts, Granby Little League). I am now retired and fully enjoy hiking the many trails and public land we have in this great town. I have been on the Zoning Board of Appeals for more than 18 years. I originally started as an alternate and then later was elected as a member. I enjoy being part of this board because I feel it is important to balance the town’s zoning rules with residents’ personal needs.
A D VER TISEM EN T
November 2023
ANDREW BADEAU - REP
My wife, Charlene, and I grew up in Enfield and moved from our first house in Bristol to Granby in 2001. Charlene is a business development professional at an aerospace company in Windsor Locks. Our three children are proud graduates of Granby Memorial High School. Our son, Guy, is a construction foreman and recent homeowner in MassachuAndrew setts, and will be getting married Badeau this year. Our daughter, Rachael, is in the master’s program for biomedical sciences at High Point University. Our youngest daughter, Julia, is studying for her certification in cosmetology. I am new to formal public service, but I have had an interest in serving our community for the past several years. Now that our children have grown, I have time available to pursue this interest. Other volunteer activities include being a member of the Granby roundabout landscaping crew, Granby Youth Lacrosse coach, and the Wildcats Hockey Team video manager. It is Granby’s landscape, school system and community that brought my wife and me, along with one-year-old Guy, to settle in Granby more than 22 years ago. I believe a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals is a wonderful opportunity for me to serve the community while maintaining rules and regulations —but also understanding the townspeople’s requests and reasons for variances. I am a strategic account manager for an aerospace company in East Hartford, working in manufacturing and supply chain for 25 years. My job is working to bridge the gaps between my employer and its largest partners / suppliers, which is critical to making my company and our supply base successful. My initial priorities will include: 1) familiarize myself with the norms of public service, and 2) complete required training for the position and improve upon the appeals process where needed.
ANN CRIMMINS - REP
I’m a fifty-year resident of Granby. My daughters graduated from Granby Memorial High School. I retired from teaching English in the Simsbury Public Schools and now pursue a career in theater, primarily as a teacher and an improviser. I also edit in the science fiction field for two publishers, one in NYC and the Ann other in Boston.
Crimmins
November 2023 I have served on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, the Granby Board of Education (two years as chairperson), and currently on the Zoning Board of Appeals with two years as chairperson. As a member and chair of the BOE I served on multiple curriculum and building committees, and I negotiated contracts with the Granby Education Association on behalf of the BOE. I believe in the character of the Town of Granby, and I hope to continue to honor our traditions and look to the future. It’s wonderful to witness neighbors working with neighbors and crafting compromise in town affairs. I bring years of experience in working with people to formulate and achieve their vision. I’m honored to have been able to serve Granby for so many years. I hope to continue my contributions to Granby’s future.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATE One Openings 4-year term (vote for one)
LYNN GUELZOW - DEM
I have lived in Granby for more than 25 years, raising all three of my kids in this town. I’ve served on several town boards and organizations, including the Board of Education for eight years, I’ve written for the Drummer, and been involved with many youth organizations. Most recently, I’ve served on the Charter Revision committee and am an Alternate on the Zoning Lynn Board of Appeals. I grew up in WisGuelzow consin and attended the UW Law School before eventually finding my way to Granby. My professional experience and skills are a good fit with the Zoning Board of Appeals. I pay close attention to detail and have an ability to grasp the big picture. ZBA has a special role in Granby—it’s our job to consider how to deal with things that don’t quite fit with the existing zoning rules. I approach each question with an open mind and consider all the issues that might be relevant.
The Granby Drummer
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATE To fill a vacancy for two years 2-year term (vote for one)
DAVID W. ROBERTS - DEM
I am a retired business executive and reside with my spouse and children in West Granby. Currently, I serve as an alternate member of the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals, chair of the Granby Conservation Commission, vice president of Stony Hill Village Board of Directors, executive committee member for Granby Grange, secretary for the Salmon Brook HisDavid W. torical Society Board of Directors, council chair for Connecticut LiRoberts ons, vice president of the Connecticut Chapter of the United Nations Association, and am active with Waste Not Want Not and the Granby Men’s Breakfast Group. As a retired business executive and current alternate member on the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals, I believe my experiences qualify me to continue serving in this role. My career began as a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker on the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped, saw me serve in both the Pentagon and Germany for the U.S. Air Force as a financial analyst, included service on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee, as an executive for a Fortune 50 non-profit corporation, and public service as an elected official for 12 years. My family first came to Connecticut in 1629, and I am part of the 13th generation residing here, and we chose to retire in Granby due to the excellent schools, quality services, agricultural industry and small-town atmosphere. My reputation is to listen carefully, understand all the facts prior to making a decision that benefits the quality of life of our community. I would appreciate your vote to serve another two-year term as an alternate member on the Granby Zoning Board of Appeals.
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TOWN MODERATOR One Opening, 2-year term (vote for one)
JOHN ADAMS - REP
My wife Cindy and I moved to Granby in 1990. We have proudly raised two grown children Ben and Hanna in Granby. We enjoyed the many coaching and school related activities created by raising our children in this wonderful town. I have been fortunate to serve the town of Granby in many positions since our arrival in the 90s as: chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, a Selectman, John a First Selectman for 10 years, Adams Town Moderator for the past 10 years, and Town Treasurer. While First Selectman, I served as the vice chair of the Capital Region
Council Governments and as a board member of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority. I am Licensed Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut and have served on the State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals since 1995. Cindy and I have been members of Granby Congregational Church since our arrival in Granby. I am a senior vice president at Tetra Tech, a global leader in environmental and engineering consulting where I have been employed for more than 37 years. I am seeking my sixth term as Moderator and ask for your support. I believe my experience as First Selectman and my experience as Moderator for the past 20 years provides a good basis to conduct Town Meetings. I strive to give citizens opportunities to express their views while maintaining a forum where all feel comfortable to speak.
• Rosemarie Weber • Kristina Gilton • David Peling • Katharine Leenders
A D VER TISEM EN T
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The Granby Drummer
November 2023
Granby Land Trust celebrates community partnerships at Annual Meeting
Amy Blaymore Paterson, executive director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, presented the Council’s Excellence in Conservation Organization Award to the Granby Land Trust for our work in collaborating with the Town of Granby and the Friends of Holcomb Farm to permanently preserve 277 acres at Holcomb Farm; and our collaboration with the Salmon Brook Historical Society to preserve the 45-acre Wilcox Family Homestead. These two abutting properties are located in the West Granby Historic District on Simsbury Road in West Granby. All photos by Doreen McWhirter
At its annual meeting on Oct. 15, the Granby Land Trust awarded the 2023 Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust Award—the GLT’s highest honor—to longtime GLT members Mark and Barb Wetzel. Mark has served on the GLT Board of Directors for more than 20 years, has served as its vice president, and lends his extensive financial expertise to the board. The Wetzels have always been devoted supporters of the Granby Land Trust Art Show and recently helped the Land Trust reach its GLT Holcomb Farm Stewardship Fund goal. From left, Rick Orluk, Mark Wetzel and Put Brown.
Fall social offered a grand old time By Nicole Muller
New GLT members Meg and Buck Jabaily and their children, Cadence and Wyatt, attended their first GLT Annual Meeting.
The GLT awarded the Ann Pelka Unsung Hero award to longtime board member Leslie Judge for her years of dedication to the Granby Land Trust. Judge serves as the board’s secretary and helps the organization in a myriad of other ways. We are grateful for her service. From left, Leslie Judge, Dave Emery and Rick Orluk.
North Pavilion Barn at Holcomb Farm on Oct. 6 for a senior fall social. Rainy skies did nothing to dampen The event marked the second time the spirits of more than 125 Granby sethat the men’s and women’s breakfast niors and special guests gathered at the committees teamed with the senior center to co-host an event designed to bring Granby seniors together for food and fun. A choice of steaming chicken noodle or vegetable soup and a ham, turkey, or roast beef sandwich, along with potato chips, an apple and cookie, provided the perfect lunch for the exuberant crowd, eager to chat with old and new friends. “Happy Birthday to You” rang out to celebrate Jean Levan’s birthday followed by Granby’s own Red Hat ladies shared in the fun at the musical entertainment courtesy senior fall social. of Skip Mission, Nick Faraco and retired senior center program director Lori Blackburn. Blackburn’s We’ll Sing in the Sunshine prompted the crowd to join in, belting out, “We’ll laugh every day” with gusto. The upbeat celebration brought sunshine into lives and hearts on a chilly, gray fall day.
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On Oct. 6, more than 125 seniors and special guests gathered for a fall social. Jennifer Jalbert, left, of the Granby Women’s Breakfast Committee and Jennifer Kielbasa, program coordinator at the Granby Senior Center, were among those serving up soup and sandwiches. Photos by Nicole Muller
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
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Granby Artists Holiday Gift Show at Pilgrim Covenant Church By Tracy Marlor The Granby Artists Association (GAA) will host its annual Holiday Gift Show at Pilgrim Covenant Church on Saturday, Dec. 2, for one day only. Shop for original works of art created by your favorite local artists. Bring a friend and discover the talents of your neighbors. New and long-time members of the Granby Artists Association will be participating this year. Mark your calendar to visit these talented Granby Artists who will be selling their work at the show: Jane Furca will have decorative and useful pottery items including bowls, mugs, vases, and pots in an array of colorful glazes. Sue Canavan will have paper flowers and foliage for sale by the stem as well as other paper creations like mushrooms and holiday décor. Jean-Luc Godard (Art of Lamp) has a brand-new collection of votives, as well as a selection of shoji lamps, new nightlight designs and some cool new lamps. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz will be offering a re-issue of her first ornament design and a beautiful storage box to hold your collection of calligraphic ornaments. She will also be engraving on-site! Bring that wine bottle you want to gift to a friend or client—let her engrave a short message on it. Avis Cherichetti and Linda Yurasevecz will have shelves and tables full of original ceramic creations both useful and decorative for that perfect holiday gift including ornaments, platters, mugs, lamps, raku pieces, votives and more. Laura Eden will reveal her 12th and final ornament of our iconic Granby Oak. She will have a variety of origi-
nal paintings, prints, greeting cards and past years’ ornaments. Be sure to pick up information about art classes she teaches in town Sally Markey will have sock animals, painted wood items, new decoupage ornaments with all manner of interesting themes, original watercolors, prints and cards. Aimee Gilbert, knitter and textile artist, brings her hats, scarves, shawls and some other unique fiber gifts. Carolyn Dittes is excited to display her new spiral forms in her bowls and mugs, and new glazes on her utensil holders, platters and serving dishes. She looks forward to your feedback on her latest work and efforts to balance playfulness and practicality. Kathy Ungerleider creates seashell artwork and decoupage oyster shell trinket dishes, in addition to fun-fur scarves and note cards. Support your local artists and do your holiday shopping with us. The GAA Holiday Gift Show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pilgrim Covenant Church, 605 Salmon Brook Street (near the Southwick town line). Find us at granbyartists.org and on Facebook. We look forward to seeing you!
Pottery by Jane Furca Bells by Avis Cherichetti
Pottery by Carolyn Dittes
Paper flowers by Sue Canavan
Submitted photos
Pottery by Linda Yurasevecz
Thanksgiving Thoughts Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks to our Creator for the Blessings in our lives— A time to be together with family and friends—and to remember those who shared this day with us. In the oven the turkey roasts to a golden brown. The kitchen windows steam from the heat. Mother has made her own cranberry sauce—she placed it in a grape mold, and it will come out looking like berries on a vine. Outside, Dad rakes the last of the fall leaves. There on the table will be mounds of white, fluffy mashed potatoes, yams, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and Jell-o pineapple salad that everyone says is so refreshing. For dessert, there will be pumpkin or apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Before we begin, we go around the table and give thanks for some special blessings in our lives—a new baby, a new job, recovery from an illness, or the joy our pets give us. We pray for those who lack the basic necessities of life. No matter where we are today—in our own homes, in a nursing or rehab center, a hospital, a community gathering, or on a military base, we are grateful to be together and give thanks for our Blessings. Bernadette R. Gentry
“Supporting our community organizations since 1960.”
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Jean-Luc Godard’s shoji lamps
In Memory of . . . Pantano, Steven, 75, husband of Suzanne (Tripp) Pantano, August 27 Mangels, Virginia “Ginny” (Severance), 97, wife of the late Henry Mangels, September 2 Walker, Kaitlyn Ann, 27, beloved daughter of Rick and Steph, September 4 Cochran, Reverend Bart, 58, husband of Valerie Eastwood, September 15 Lowe, Dorothy, 84, wife of the late Theron D. Lowe, September 16 Koch, Robert Frederick, 82, husband of Ann Downing Koch, September 22 O’Connor, Kathleen, 90, wife of the late Thomas O’Connor, September 26 Barry, Mary Beth, 69, significant other of John Urban, September 29 LeClair, Frederick C., Jr., husband of Susan LeClair, September 29
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The Granby Drummer
November 2023
Recognizing a local veteran
Pelizzon: low key and highly successful
battalion of 700 people, with all kinds of vehicles and weapons. I found that a lot Nestled between Starbucks, Four of civilian companies totally lacked any Dads Pub, and Beman True Value Hardtype of leadership.” ware in the center of Granby stands This emphasis on leadership would 18 Hartford Avenue, a single-family become key to Pelizzon’s success. home built in 1927 that now houses a As he notes, in many companies “the multi-million-dollar company known as leadership was flawed. Leadership was Squadron Capital. removed from the people working on Employing nearly 550 people, Squadthe floor; they didn’t understand what ron invests in companies with revenues they were doing.” By providing strong in the range of $10-$100 million dollars. leadership, Pelizzon found that he could The man behind Squadron Capital’s increase the efficiency of a company success is CEO Dave Pelizzon. and guarantee its success. “Service” has been a keyword Pelizzon’s venture into indusof Dave Pelizzon’s life. In 1973, try and manufacturing would at age 17, Pelizzon joined the lay the groundwork for what army to serve his country, and afwould eventually become ter completing basic training he Squadron Capital. After two became a helicopter mechanic. and a half years, Dave expandFrom there, Pelizzon studied at ed into medical and surgical West Point with a concentration technologies, and in June 2008 in weapons systems engineerPelizzon founded Squadron ing. This intensive program, Capital. Squadron grew rapidly, with classes six days a week, exacquiring stakes in a wide variposed him to topics ranging from ety of companies ranging from math, physics and chemistry to pediatric orthopedics to optics courses in propulsion, helicopter and specialty nanofilms to plasengineering and rocket engines. tic molding. “I remember sophomore year,” Despite the large number of Pelizzon notes, “I had physics, companies Squadron Capital is math and chemistry all before involved in, Pelizzon can delunch. And then had classes afscribe the function, mission and ter lunch. I’m not sure I could do products of each in detail. He that now.” provides guidance, resources After amassing 162 credit and leadership to Squadron hours, Pelizzon graduated from Capital’s portfolio companies, the United States Military Acadwhile still being “hands-off” and emy at West Point in 1981 and allowing the companies to run moved into a commission in the themselves. infantry. As a member of the One of its oldest acquisitions 82nd Airborne Division, Pelizis OrthoPediatrics, a company zon served as a lieutenant for based out of Warsaw, Ind., whose about 18 months. mission is the design and manuFrom there, he moved to the facture of pediatric orthopedic first Ranger battalion at Hunter implants and instruments. Since Army Airfield, where he started Squadron Capital’s involvement becoming exposed to special in 2014, the company has grown 1LT Pelizzon at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga. c. 1984 operations. In October 1983, to be worth nearly $700 million Submitted photo Pelizzon parachuted into Grenada dollars. Similarly, Alphatec Spine and was “one of the first guys on (part of Alphatec Holdings), which cutting tool company out of Pittsfield, the ground there.” Squadron Capital has committed fiMass. Even though he did not have a As a capstone to his impressive milinancing to since 2018, has grown from manufacturing background, Pelizzon tary career, Pelizzon enrolled at Harvard being worth $100 million dollars to now became very successful. for graduate school. This education catover $2 billion dollars. He credits this in part to the leadership apulted him into roles at the Pentagon. Even in light of his financial sucskills he developed in the army. “Out of In service to the United States military, cess, service has remained a key part the military, I had so many leadership he travelled to Alaska for a year, served of Pelizzon’s life. Each year, Squadopportunities, everything from leading in special operations at Fort Bragg, and ron Capital donates nearly $1 million a platoon [of 20-50 people] to leading a dollars to numerous charitable causes, which have included an orthopedic fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society Bucket List Bash, and Whitefish Veterans. Locally, Squadron Capital supports the Simsbury Fly-In, the Farmington Valley YMCA’s summer camps and the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, among others. Local events and organizations like GALLERY feat. ALEX ANISIMOV these, Pelizzon observes, make Granby GRANBY-SIMSBURY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and the Farmington Valley a great place to live. Squadron Capital’s largest donaJOHN MICHAEL HAIR DESIGN tion to date, to the Farmington Valley YMCA, stems from the desire to supEDWARD JONES - JIM HAMMEL port the community atmosphere. “An organization like the Y is really critical Acadia ActionCOACH - David Olchowski to assisting families; it’s part of the fabric of the community,” Pelizzon affirms. THE WAY FORWARD COUNSELING “To me it’s almost as important as the school system because it provides a lot SUBSEVEN of activities and a lot of functions that support the town, and especially families.” These activities not only promote exercise, healthy eating and volunteer opportunities, they also encourage the next generation to develop leadership skills—skills that Pelizzon has found critical to his success. By Kim Pereira
was a member of Central Command on 9/11. During his military career, Pelizzon also earned an advanced degree from the United States Naval War College. “I thought the Naval War College was a better intellectual experience than Harvard, actually,” he remarks. In 2003, after 30 years in the military, Pelizzon retired. “I was very fortunate; I had a great time. I’m glad I did it,” he reminisces. The skills he acquired during his military service career translated directly into a strong business acumen. He turned his attentions to an industrial
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
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The bird of the season: the wild turkey
By Shirley Murtha The bird that enters our mind as we get farther into the fall season is the one that often ends up on our holiday table, the delicious turkey. That bird is the domesticated, usually factory-raised version of its natural relative, the wild turkey. We tend to see the wild turkeys in the spring, because that is when they mate and parade around followed by their offspring, but since the holidays are approaching and they are on our minds, this would be a good time to learn about them. The wild turkey is the largest North American game bird, weighing up to 20 pounds, with a wingspan of up to five feet. In spite of their size, they are fast runners and strong short-distance flyers. They are very smart and have good vision, and any hunter will tell you they are not easy to catch. Wild turkeys are most comfortable in open spaces such as fields and pastures adjacent to forests. They like to roost in trees, especially those located over bodies of water, decreasing the likelihood that they will be nabbed by a predator while they sleep. The turkey we see on Thanksgiving cards with its feathers all fanned out is the male, although we are most likely to see that display in the spring when turkey courtship begins. Both males and females have colorful feathers of bronze, gold and green, but the males also have fleshy lobes of skin on their necks, called wattles, and a growth on their forehead called a snood. When a tom (a male turkey) is strutting around displaying his feathers to attract a female (a hen), he can increase the size and change the color of the wattles and snood from the neutral brown to a more visible red by contracting the blood vessels in his head and neck. Another feature of the male wild turkey is the pair of bony projections they have on their lower legs. These spurs can come in handy in self-defense, of
course, but are also useful in fighting off other males who may have their sights set on the same hen. Wild turkeys do not mate for life. In fact, males are known to mate with several hens, and that is about the extent of their family life. The female will scratch out a shallow depression on the forest floor, deposit her 10–15 eggs (buff colored with brown and black spots) and cover them with vegetation. The eggs
A wild turkey hen at left with her much more colorful male counterpart above. Photos by Don Shaw, Jr.
will hatch in about 28 days. The chicks (poults) are precocial, meaning they are fully-feathered and their eyes are open. (Most songbirds are altricial, that is born naked, with closed eyes and require constant care by their parents.) Shortly after hatching, the poults can follow around after their mothers, learning to grub for food. Wild turkeys are
omnivores—they love acorns and other types of seeds, but also fruits and insects and even small vertebrates! The poults stay with their mother until the next spring, when they set out to live on their own. Despite their variable diet, the average life span of a wild turkey is three to five years.
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The Granby Drummer
November 2023
Nothing Stays Here! By C. J. Gibson On a recent Saturday morning I ran into three guys and spent an hour or so talking trash with them. I do not mean that we got on each other’s cases, not because we had previously met, but rather we had a great conversation about a subject near and dear to all three guys’ hearts: TRASH. More accurately, the recycling thereof. Tony King, Paul LaFreniere, and Brian Presbie are three of the staff of eight certified recycling techs employed by the department of public works to manage the operation of our transfer station. You usually see them Saturdays or Wednesdays if you head over to “the trash transfer station” at 103 Old Stagecoach Road to drop off recyclable items. After spending time watching their operation, I have to say that they are certainly folks you might enjoy meeting. We sat and chatted at the old picnic table next to the entrance driveway, frequently interrupted as residents arrived with their “stuff.” I watched as people were quickly processed and dispatched to various bins to unload items. I learned that this site used to be the “town dump,” but was advised that phrase should be stricken from the English language. LaFreniere explained, “It’s not a dump, because nothing stays here! We make sure that everything people bring in finds the right bin, the right place, so it doesn’t end up in some landfill or a dumpster where it shouldn’t be.” Their unofficial motto is “Reuse, Recycle, Reduce”, and all three of these guys were excited as they told me about their daily efforts to help the environment. Each one said their goal is to find a way to meet every customer’s needs,
and a place for all their “stuff” to go so it could be recycled or reused, thereby reducing the landfills around the country and overall, the world. I have to say, if you have had a mental stereotype of “the guys who work at the dump,” it’s time to toss it out of your mind completely. This crew, and their other team members, really know what they are doing, and perform their jobs with energy, while looking like they are having fun. King, LaFreniere and Presbie make a great team, handling the steady stream of cars, pick-up trucks, small trailers and residents that make their way into the driveway. Their easy style of talking to the customers and the light-hearted banter between them as they work was like watching a show on the Hallmark channel. But behind the light mood was a clear sense of responsibility, pride and purpose that was admirable. All three men are retired and decided to work at the transfer station as “something to keep them busy.” King shared that he has been interested in environmental preservation and protection since his youth, having participated in the very first “Earth Day.” LaFreniere and Presbie gave similar reasons for liking their retirement employment, pointing out that they like connecting with the townspeople, and providing a service that helps the environment, and Granby too. As the morning progressed, they went about their duties surveying loads, directing customers, and even running the backhoe to tamp down a bin that was filling up so it could hold more stuff. Presbie told me, with a wink and a smile, that the most enjoyable part of the job for him is “getting to crush things with the big machine.” King and LaFreniere rolled their eyes at that one
From left, Paul LaFreniere, Tony King, Brian Presbie. Photo by C.J. Gibson
and everyone had a good laugh. The guys gave me the cooks tour, pointing out various bins for metal, cardboard, waste oil, paint, mattresses, and even construction debris. No household trash is permitted, only recyclable items. They were eager to show me the Swap Shop, where folks can drop off gently used items that might be needed by someone else. In fact, the shop is so popular that it could use some enlargement, and the crew hopes funding can be found, or volunteer materials and labor might be donated, to make the Swap Shop big enough to help more people in need. They also gave me details about the mattress and bedding recycling program, run by the CT Mattress Recycling
Council. Over the past few years, it has resulted in more than one million mattresses avoiding landfills. As King relayed details of the program, a truck pulled in with a mattress. King asked the driver if anyone was asleep under the mattress, and everyone had a good chuckle as the man checked his truck bed before answering. Such is the mood at the transfer station this day—easy and light but focused on getting the job done. Before I left, the crew told me that the toughest days are when it is raining and cold, and they must be outside in the inclement weather all shift. However, even on those days, they spoke of getting deliveries of hot soup, refreshments, and kind words from some regulars who are frequent customers. They also pointed out that if it is really bad weather, they can take shelter in their office, which is an old cell block from a local jail. No one is sure where it came from, but the heavy concrete walls, tiny window and heavily hinged door were proof that it probably once housed local lawbreakers. We all had a good laugh as we joked about their not being able to escape the transfer station even if they wanted to! As I pulled out from the lot, I watched as the crew went back to their duties, easily working down the queue of three or four cars that arrived almost simultaneously. The line was gone in a few minutes, and it seemed that the “trash talkers” had done their magic. No doubt a few more loads would end up in the right places before the day would end, and that is a good thing for the town and the world. The guys waved to me, and I drove away repeating, “It’s not a dump. Nothing stays here!”
Presented by GMHS Dramatic Arts Friday, November 10th 7:00pm Saturday, November 11th 7:00 pm Sunday, November 12th 2:00 pm at Granby Memorial High School
Tickets $10 - Children, Granby Teachers & Students (Granby School ID required) $15 - Senior Citizens, Teachers and Students (with ID from any school) $18 - General Public *Free Admission for GMMS 8th Graders Saturday Night (Student ID required at door)
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November 2023
The Granby Drummer
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Familiar Faces By Nicole Muller
Old is Gold: Mary Ellen Kinney’s passion for antiques If you have ever watched Antiques Roadshow, you know that many seemingly nondescript items hold surprising value on today’s market. They have survived, intact, through one or more centuries, and the quality of hand workmanship is exquisite. “Every old thing here has a story to tell, a history, a purpose,” says Mary Ellen Kinney, an antiques dealer who has sold —and worked—at Salmon Brook Shops for close to two decades. Born in Hartford and raised in Manchester, Kinney lives in Tariffville. She attributes her passion for antiques to her paternal grandmother, born in 1884 in New Haven, Vt. “My ancestry goes back to the founding of this country, on my father’s side,” she explains. A (many times over) great-grandfather, James Chilton, came on the Mayflower, and is buried in Provincetown, Mass., where the Mayflower first landed in the New World. Among Chilton’s descendants was Daisy, Kinney’s grandmother and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who lived her entire life on the family farm in New Haven, Vt., a land grant during the American Revolution. “My great-great grandfather built the Federalstyle farmhouse where my father grew up and where I visited my grandmother summers and holidays,” Kinney says. “Visiting the farm was magical for me. I loved all the beautiful old things in the farmhouse and in my grandparents’ cottage on Lake Champlain. What I appreciate most about antiques is that every piece is a little work of art, a little piece of history. I think it’s important to preserve and cherish them.” Kinney’s family valued beauty and craftsmanship, and they took care of what they owned, passing it on through generations. “There were old crystal vases on the piano, old cooking implements, beautiful vintage table lamps, not to mention the hand-crafted furniture made from na-
tive New England hardwood,” she says. Kinney has devoted years to researching her family’s history. “I want to know what my relatives were faced with and how they handled what life dished out,” she says. “I learned that Justus Sherwood, who married one of my great [many times] grandmothers, Sarah, was a Green Mountain Boy, who, after falling out with Ethan Allen became a spy for the Crown and turned his New Haven, Vt., property over to his father-in-law Elijah. It was open land with a log cabin at the time. Elijah built the farmhouse.” As the years passed, the farm remained in Kinney’s family. “My father’s sister, my Aunt Marguerite, was the last to live there, and when she passed, my male cousin, my sister and I inherited it,” Kinney says. The property was sold to a Vermont family determined to continue the legacy. Kinney, her sister and cousin shared hundreds of treasures from the centuries-old farmhouse. “I kept three gold pocket watches on long chains, which will go to my three children, and, I hope, will pass to some of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren [she has four of each],” Kinney says. “One, on a long gold chain, was my grandmother’s, a gift from my grandfather at their wedding in 1900,” she says. The other two belonged to Kinney’s father and Marguerite. She will also pass on her grandmother’s silverware, china and selected pieces of a pink depression glass collection. Asked how she began selling some of the Vermont farmhouse pieces at Salmon Brook Shops, Kinney says her husband David, who grew up in Northern Maine, discovered it. “He brought me here because he knew I’d love it,” she says. “I have a huge amount of stuff from the farmhouse, and I enjoy passing pieces I can’t use on to people who will treasure them.”
Mary Ellen Kinney has been selling antiques at Salmon Brook Shops since 2004 and has worked there, sharing her knowledge with shoppers, for the last 17 years. Photo by Nicole Muller
When Kristen Majcher and Jan Kahn bought the building for their own business, New England Pine Timber Company, Majcher introduced crafters and artisans to Salmon Brook Shops. “It’s a nice combination for shoppers, but the
focus is still on antiques,” Kinney says with a grin. The shop at 563 Salmon Brook St. hosts 30 vendors and dealers. Stop in to say hello and take a step back in time, exploring hand-crafted treasures both old and new.
FVVNA earns SHPBest Superior Performer award The Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a Superior Performer for achieving an overall patient satisfaction score that ranked in the top 20 percent of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year. “The VNA achieved this award in 2016, and from that time, with changing regulations, we have worked hard to provide care timely, efficiently and
with compassion. The credit for success goes to the clinical staff that provide care daily. They give personalized attention to each patient to meet individual needs. There is oversight and careful case management of every patient, and this is a result of good communication and teamwork,” said VNA CEO Nancy Scheetz. “There is no higher achievement than to receive confirmation that the patients and families that we care for believe that we do a great job.
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The Granby Drummer
A SUCCESSFUL SEASON DESPITE THE RAINS
It’s been a rough year for chemicalfree farms like Holcomb Farm, as the incessant rains have depleted the soil and encouraged the fungus and rot that attacks so many of the types of produce we grow. Nevertheless, Farmer Joe and his crew have kept the Summer CSA shares full, and the farm store shelves well-stocked. We are already hard at work replenishing the soil, having received a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture that will help us add $20,000 worth of compost. We are already excited for summer 2024, and CSA share sales have opened: go to holcombfarm.org and get yours soon, as we have sold out the past few years.
Washing mud off the equipment has been a constant challenge in this wet 2023 growing season, as Kim Gayle would attest. Photo by Jenny Emery THANK YOU TO KIM GAYLE, CLAYTON GREEN AND MCKEAN THOMAS
We thought it a good time to share with you three of the reasons Joe and team are so successful despite the ravages of the rain: that is, Kim Gayle, Clayton Green and McKean Thomas. (“We love our local crew, too, but since Kim, Clayton and McKean will be
Clayton Green, McKean Thomas and Kim Gayle (l-r) smile for the camera before heading back to work in the Holcomb Farm fields. Photo by Jenny Emery
heading home to Jamaica in November, they are our focus today.”) These professional farmers arrived at the end of April through the federal H-2A program. The H-2A temporary agricultural program helps employers who anticipate a lack of available domestic workers to bring foreign workers to the U.S. to perform temporary or seasonal agricultural work including, but not limited to, planting, cultivating and harvesting. “Farming is about risk management,” explains Farmer Joe O’Grady, “and a few years back, before we tapped into a rich vein of young, local adults who embraced the challenges and rewards of growing food, I wasn’t sure how we were going to get the summer staff we needed.” The H-2A program brings with it significant regulatory hurdles and expenses, designed to protect all involved. O’Grady runs a great farming organization, and the annex attached to the Holcomb farmhouse provides the required housing, so Holcomb Farm offered a great place to give the program a try.
This summer was Gayle’s fourth at Holcomb Farm, after working sugar cane in Florida and picking apples in Vermont. He lives in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, which is rich in its vegetable farming history. He explains why he comes back to Granby: “It’s like back home for us… except, of course, in the winter.” Green is finishing his third year with us—and his 35th in the program—and is looking forward to getting back to his own farm in St. Ann, Jamaica where he grows sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins for the export market. Likewise, Thomas farms at his home in Manchester, Jamaica; this is his first year with Holcomb Farm. The motivation to leave homes and loved ones and come to the U.S. to augment the farm work labor force is, of course, money. “One day of pay here would take a week of work back home,” explains Gayle, so they are happy to make the personal sacrifice. Still, he has a five-year-old and a nine-year-old at home who are anxious for his return. “Daddy, are you packing?” his youngest asked during a recent FaceTime call. Another benefit they all take advantage of is access to much cheaper goods, which the program allows them to purchase duty free. When sales happen, they stock up and send products home, because sales don’t happen in Jamaica. And some appliances and tools are less expensive. Thomas is in the process of purchasing a chain saw to send home. Other than this, though, all three said they don’t do much on their one-day-a-week off, Sunday, but rest up. “We don’t want to spend money while we are here; we are here to support our families.” Green’s kids are grown, and his grandkids number nine already. Young Thomas has a three-year-old. All three say the first thing they will do when they get home is rest for a week. Then, back to work. A few other interesting notes from my conversation with these special friends: To get into the program, and receive a “farm work card,” they need to be nominated by the Member of Parliament that represents their parish.
A new, fun jigsaw puzzle competition!
Granby Puzzle Slam Can your 4-person team complete a 500-piece puzzle in the fastest time?
Feb. 3, 2024 – starting at 1 pm Granby Senior Center
Online Registration begins Nov. 15 at granbydrummer.com $25/person or $100/team Proceeds benefit the Granby Drummer, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
November 2023
While wetter seasons are harder than droughts for Holcomb Farm, the opposite is true in Jamaica, where easy access to fresh water is limited. They all commented on our great fortune to have the West Branch of the Salmon Brook nourishing our fields. Thomas really misses “Yam Roast,” which is yams, salt fish (cod), tomato and peppers roasted over an open wood fire. Gayle misses fresh fruit. “At times I feel like I would pay $100 for a fresh mango!” They see Jamaica as offering a simpler way of life. It is not uncommon for people to rise and work very hard from 6 a.m. until noon, and then be done for the day. They all wish people would look beyond the tourist spots and visit the beautiful places Jamaica offers. They say there are many guest houses available in St. Elizabeth, Portland, and St. Ann, offering restful vacations.
Farmer Joe concludes: “I first viewed the H-2A program as a sort of ‘insurance’ against insufficient access to labor, but it has proved to be so much more. Kim, Clayton, and now McKean have become part of our family. They are supremely motivated, and they provide a bit of diversity and cultural exchange right here in West Granby.” We thank these folks for their commitment to Holcomb Farm, wish them safe travels and much happiness back with their families and, if it proves possible, we hope to welcome them back as the frost leaves the ground next spring.
Clayton Green shows off a couple of trophies from the Holcomb Farm cabbage patch. Photo by Melody Smith INCLUDE HOLCOMB FARM VEGGIES IN YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST
If you’re bringing a vegetable dish to the big meal, take it up a notch by purchasing your vegetables from Holcomb Farm. We will be at the Lost Acres Vineyard annual Thanksgiving Farmers Market on Nov. 20, from 1 to 7 p.m.; and our Farm Store will be open Nov. 17, 18, 20 and 21. We will e-mail our list regarding what will be available. If you don’t get our e-mails now, drop a note to info@holcombfarm.org and ask to be added. CONTINUING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRESH FOOD
While there will not be a Winter CSA Share available this year (due to the aforementioned incessant rains), we do hope to offer some pop-up sales of root veggies and fresh greens from our greenhouses, come January and February, depending on how the greenhouses do. Again, join our email list if you want to be in the know.
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Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Daphne Shinder, Recreation Supervisor Terri Ziemnicki, Recreation Supervisor Jamie Savva, Special Events Coordinator Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com for more information and to register for all programs.
Preschool Programs
Granby Nature Preschool: This farm and nature preschool for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds is based at Holcomb Farm in West Granby. Offering a 5-day program for morning, afternoon or full day, except Fridays which are half day, with visits to or visitors from local farms and nature trails. Some part of every day is spent outdoors except in extreme weather. Offers rolling enrollment for new students including children who turn 3 after school begins. Jumpbunch Little Jumpers (18 months to 3 years): Fridays, 9:30–10 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Classes open and close with obstacle courses and creatively scripted songs using ribbon wands, stretch bands, scarves, rhythm sticks, bubbles and maracas and feature a different sport or fitness activity each week. Please have your child wear athletic clothes, sneakers and bring a water bottle. Caregivers must remain with their children.
Youth Program
McArdle School of Irish Dance, ages 5–16: Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Learn traditional and contemporary Irish Step Dancing, ceili dancing, and group figures. Classes are taught by Jack McArdle T.C.R.G. who has over 35 years of experience. Please wear comfortable street
shoes that tie and street clothes allowing feet and knees to be seen.
After School Programs
After School Childcare at Kelly and Wells: Monday–Friday, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Held at Kelly Lane School for children in grades K-5. Kelly Lane students be dismissed from their classrooms after school and brought directly to the cafeteria and Wells Road students will be bussed over. The program director is Melissa Young, current media teaching assistant at Kelly Lane School. After School Art Class at Wells Road: Mondays, thru Nov. 20, 3:20–4:20 p.m. Each week, kids will learn about a different artist or type of art and use that as inspiration for their own artworks. All supplies are included. After School Fall Field Hockey Clinic at Wells Road: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:40– 4:40 p.m. Develop fundamental skills with drills and scrimmages designed to teach stick handling, passing, receiving, dribbling and basic game play. Coached by Mrs. Laflamme. Held outside, but will go in the gym for inclement weather. After School Fit and Fun Running Club at Wells Road: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. This is a chance for any 3rd–5th graders to improve their fitness and learn the basics of running. Please make sure your child is prepared to run outdoors, wearing proper clothing, sneakers and has a water bottle. This program will be held outside on the grounds of the school and/ or inside in the gym. Food Explorers, Fall Desserts at Wells Road: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Each week make a new recipe focused on fall flavors and ingredients. All recipes are nut free.
After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Migneault: Mondays, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Students will be active and have fun participating in the games and activities you would find in a Wells Road PE Class. After School Tchouk Ball with Mr. Migneault: Thursdays, 3:40–4:40 p.m. at Wells Road. Tchouk Ball is a fast paced, moving and passing game with teams and two rebound nets. Teams of 6-8 players try and move the ball close to the net and score points by bouncing the ball off the net so it hits the ground. After School Mondays PE Games with Mr. Norton: Mondays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. Students will be active and have fun participating in such PE activities as capture the flag, climbing wall, tag games, floor hockey, kickball and basketball. All equipment will be provided. Child needs to bring own water bottle. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to play in. After School Tuesdays Rock Wall Program with Mr. Norton: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. The essential skills, techniques, and important safety information will be taught. Students will learn various ways to climb a rock wall while improving their muscular strength, endurance and balance. After School Mad Science: Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane and Thursdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Wells Road. Learn about the tools scientists use in their laboratories, as well as atoms, molecules and reactions, acids and bases, fluorescence and phosphorescence. Continue the science at home with fun labware take-homes and experiments. After School Art-ventures for Kids: Fridays, Oct. 20–Jan 5, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at Kelly Lane. Children take an imaginary tour through the world’s greatest art museums, inspiring creativity through exposure to the FUN-damentals of artist’s tools, techniques, and art forms, many inspired by the masters. But don’t just admire these great works- decorate your home with masterpieces of your own! Spread Your Wings and Roar ART-ventures: Wednesdays, Oct. 18–Dec. 20 at 3:304:30 p.m. at Wells Road. This art-rageous program is truly like a trip to the zoo. Art-explorers experience painting, drawing, sculpting, fabric design, decoupage, collage, and more, bringing home exciting handmade souvenirs each week. Food Explorers, Brunch Club and Holiday Desserts (Grades 3-6): Thursdays, Oct. 26–Nov. 16, 4–6 p.m. at Holcomb Farm. Each week children will create a recipe from our new
Brunch Club menu along with a holiday-themed dessert recipe. This class will provide dinner and a snack. All recipes are nut free but do contain eggs and/or dairy.
Adult Programs
Basketball, Fall Adult Rec Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays, thru Dec. 21, 7–9 p.m. at the high school community gym. Granby residents can pay $75 for the entire session (includes both nights) or pay a $5 drop-in fee per night. Non-residents drop-in fee is $10 per night. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Hands on Use: Thursdays, Nov. 30–Dec. 14, 6:30–8 p.m. at Salmon Brook Park. This course will cover entry level artificial intelligence education (context, history and terminology), highlight the primary players in the space and cover some real-life examples along with guided hands-on use of multiple AI platforms (generative AI bots and text to image technologies). Each session will also include a “highlights, headlines and happenings” section that will be dedicated to current, timely AI topics that could span from government and regulation, legal action, products and feature releases, etc. You will need to bring your own laptop. Pawsitive Steps Dog Training: Beginner classes on Thursdays, Intermediate classes on Mondays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join certified dog trainer Kim Michalewicz for this introductory 7-week course to learn how to effectively communicate with your best friend. Open to all dogs. Please contact Kim with any questions, 860-614-6625 or kim_michalewicz@hotmail. com TAZ Fitness Challenge: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–8:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this high energy, low impact fitness class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. TAZ Low Impact Fitness Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9–9:55 a.m. at the Gathering Room at Salmon Brook Park. Join Terri Ziemnicki for this easy-to-follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises to fun and motivating music. Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle.
Why Cook for Thanksgiving? Let The Whisk do the cooking and you take all the credit! Complete Meals for 2, 4, 12 or 50... Just Sides or Just the Turkey! How does the turkey work? Pick up completely carved out and beautifuly arranged, simply reheat and enjoy! Or pick up the full turkey, reheat and carve out!
Order on-line at thewhisk.com and pick up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
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November 2023
Browse & Borrow ADULTS Discover Cedar Hill Cemetery: Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn about the uniquely landscaped 270-acre Hartford site, its historic memorial artwork and monuments, and the many distinguished individuals from our nation’s past who chose this site as their final resting place. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries. Lifestyle Medicine, Heart Health: Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Understand the different types of cardiovascular disease and find out how holistic therapeutic intervention is used to prevent, treat and often reverse its harmful effects. Kathleen Olchowski, RN, returns for the final program in the well-received Lifestyle Medicine series. Attendees receive helpful handouts and a healthy snack at the program as well as ample time for Q and A after the presentation. Monday Movie Matinee, The Lost King: Monday, Nov. 13, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Join us for a screening of The Lost King, a 2022 British film based on the book The King’s Grave: The Search for Richard III written by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones. You’ll be delighted and intrigued with the biographical story of a British citizen who attended a meeting of the Richard III Society, embraced a bit of practical sleuthing, and ultimately helped to discover the intact remains of Richard III during an archeological dig in a random parking lot. The Art of The Book: Thursday, Nov. 16, 5–6:30 p.m. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz guides adults and teens on a creative journey to make a unique book structure. We’re breaking the rules about what books should look like and be. All materials provided. Sponsored by The Friends of The Granby Public Libraries. Passion For Papercraft, Fir Tree Quilling: Monday, Nov. 27, 1–2:30 p.m. Adult crafters are invited to create seasonally festive artwork to enjoy as holiday decoration or to gift in the form of a greeting card. All materials are provided to complete a paper-quilled fir tree. Appropriate for beginners and beyond. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Book Clubs
Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Millenials Read: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s and 40s to talk about current book picks. You do not need to be reading anything to participate. A partnership between Bloomfield, Simsbury and Granby libraries and open to all. November’s meet up will take place at Tiger Belly, 9 Mill Pond Drive in Granby. Participants will be responsible for
GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM granby-ct.gov/157/Library 860-844-5275 GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours, Main Branch Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Hours, Cossitt Branch Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3–7 p.m.
Granby Libraries will be closed Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day, and on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving.
Unless noted, programs are free and are at the Main Branch. Registration is required for most programs. To register, visit the library’s website (granby-ct.gov/ Library) and click on Library Calendar, or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter. their own food and drink purchases. If special accommodations are required, please contact the library at least one week prior to the event. Something About The Author Book Club: Monday, Nov. 6, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discuss the novel Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry. This is a powerful novel about divided loyalties and the harsh realities of war. Barry depicts a young man struggling between the issue of Ireland’s involvement with the British army during the first world war and the battle for Irish independence. John Rusnock leads the discussion. Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6–7 p.m. Discuss Name of the Wind, a fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss. Kyothe, a magically gifted young man who grew to be the most notorious wizard in his world, has left a life of adventure and sorrow to become an innkeeper in a small town. When he rescues a scholar named Chronicler who realizes who Kyothe is, he must tell his whole story to keep Chronicler from telling the world where he is. Jim Gorman leads the discussion.
TEEN PROGRAMS Teen Mondays, Honey Heist: Monday, Nov. 20, 4–6 p.m. Grades 6–12. You and your fellow co-conspirators are on a mission to steal some honey. There are two things you must know: 1. Your plan is complex and requires precise timing. 2. You’re a BEAR! Join us for this tabletop role playing game where we’ll plan a heist and see where the dice fall! Teen Advisory Board Meeting: Monday, Nov. 27, 6–7 p.m. Grades 7–12. Pizza served! Be a part of the Teen Advisory Board. Join TAB
for a fun and exciting way to help plan teen library programs, tell us what kind of books, movies and music teens want and gain experience and credit towards community service hours. TAB members also get to volunteer at the library.
WEEKLY STORYTIMES Double check library calendar to confirm weekly dates. Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Nov. 14, 21 and 28, 10:30–11 a.m. Birth to 18 months. Babies with their caregivers are invited to an inter-
active lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language Mother Goose On The Loose: Wednesdays, Nov. 8, 15 and 22, 10:30–11 a.m. 18 months to 4 years. Preschool children with their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, Nov. 9, 16 and 30, 10:30–11 a.m. 18 months to 4 years. Preschool children with their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Registration required.
Friends Annual Puzzle Sale
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries will have several tables of puzzles for sale! Prepare for the upcoming winter weather, get gifts for the holidays or just replenish your supply. Setup will be inside the main library. There will be a great assortment of puzzles and most priced $1-$5. All proceeds go to support the free library programming. We will gladly accept any donated puzzles and games for the sale. Please drop off items at the main library front desk before Friday, Nov. 17. We also are collecting any holiday books or decorations that we can sell at our holiday sale at the library in December.
Your Support Matters. Consider The Drummer for Giving Tuesday , Nov. 28
Donate To make a tax-deductible contribution: By Check: Make out to “The Granby Drummer” and mail to The Granby Drummer, P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035. By Credit Card: email us at editor@granbydummer.org, click “Donate Now” on the website or use the QR Code.
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November 2023
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Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. If you are a Granby Senior Center member, please register for programs through SchedulesPlus.com/granby If you are not a member of the Granby Senior Center or you do not have access to a computer, please call 860-844-5352.
Special Event
Thanksgiving Luncheon: Thursday, Nov. 16, 12 p.m. We can’t have Thanksgiving without a feast! We will serve a traditional turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Instrumental entertainment by the Mass-ConnFusion Duo. Cost: $5.
Trips
Blown Glass Ornament Making at Silver Street Glass: Wednesday, Nov. 1, van departs at 9:45 a.m. All glass blowing classes start with introduction and safety talk followed by a demonstration of your class topic. With instructor’s assistance, you will apply color frit to hot glass, melt the color and shape your item. Please wear clothing of natural materials, tie long hair back and wear closed shoes/no high heels. You must wear safety glasses in studio at all times. Clean safety glasses provided during your visit. Limited to eight, $40 cost includes class and ornament. Additional items can be purchased on-site. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner: Thursday, Nov. 9, bus departs at 8:45 a.m. All around the Blackstone Valley, north of Providence, the nation’s smallest state sports big restaurants
that serve gigantic meals built around boundless bowls of roast chicken. One of the biggest restaurants on earth, Wright’s Farm serves this classic chicken dinner, all-you-can-eat. Your meal consists of dinner rolls, salads with Wright’s Farm classic Italian dressing, pasta with red sauce, French fries, and Wright’s famous, tender and juicy baked chicken. After time in the gift shop, we will keep our winning streak going with a visit to Bally’s Twin River Casino, with over 4,000 slot machines and live table games. Cost: $90.
Lifelong Learning
A History of Huskies’ Hoops: Legacy of Greatness: Friday, Nov. 3, 10–11 a.m. Celebrate the history and greatness of the UConn basketball teams with this fun, lively and enlightening presentation hosted by award-winning sportswriter and author Marty Gitlin. Take a journey from the beginning of the men’s and women’s programs to the present with video highlights of the greatest teams, players and events from the turn of the twentieth century to today. The presentation will also feature fun trivia questions for patrons to ponder and answer, as well as a Q & A following. Free.
Ways of Listening, The Music of Mozart: Monday, Nov. 6, 2–3 p.m. David Stein will explore Seven Gran Partita for Winds, a Mozart masterpiece that plays a crucial role in the movie Amadeus. The program uses video clips of performances and animations combined with live illustration at the piano. It is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music. Free. Seven Connecticut Inventions: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 10–11 a.m. To be an innovation that helped to change the world, the invention must extend beyond delivering a better solution—these innovations often disrupt or radically alter how a problem is defined, perceived and solved. Join us as we uncover some of the background stories about several Connecticut innovations that changed the lives of people around the world. Presented by John Cilio, a historian and storyteller. Free. Origami Boxes with Gail: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2–4 p.m. Each participant will make a decorative box using modular origami and receive complete written instructions to take home in time for the holidays. Instructer, Gail Altschwager. Free. Holiday Card Making: Thursday, Nov. 30, 1–3 p.m. Stamps, scrapbook paper, buttons and ribbon are just a few materials used to create a 10-piece set of handmade holiday cards just in time for the holiday card sending season. Instructed by local artist Katherine Tolve. Cost: $10.
Ongoing Programs
CRT Hot Lunch: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12–1 p.m. Community Café offers a healthy, low-cost lunch for seniors 60+ and the opportunity to join with others. Monthly menus are available at the Senior Center. All participants are required to complete a one-time informational survey. A donation of $3 per meal is suggested to help cover costs, however no one is denied a meal if unable to pay. Reservations are accepted until noon on Friday for the following week by calling 860-844-5350. Ask the Attorney: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free half-hour consultation.
Cribbage: Fridays, 3–5 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Experienced players will assist with refreshing your game play. Free. Set Back: Tuesdays, 1–3:30 p.m. Free. Music Jam, Back in Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your instrument and join in. Music from 60s to the 80s. Open to any type of musicians. Free. Makers Club: Mondays, 10 a.m. Bring your latest project to work on and enjoy some great conversation. Free. History Revisited: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Jerry Perkins, former professor and high school history instructor, has a way of bringing history to life. Join this information and fun view of events from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Class attendees will have the opportunity to request specific subjects to review. Free. Camera Club: Monday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. The club for photography enthusiasts—each month a different topic of interest is discussed. Annual membership is $10. Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. “Connecticut’s Changing Landscape and the Impact on Wildlife” with Conservationist Ginny Apple. Cost: $5. Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m. A week earlier because of Veterans Day. Granby Grunts Robotics Team will present. Cost: $5, Veterans free.
Health and Wellness
Chair Massage: Tuesdays, Nov. 7 and 21, 10 a.m.–12:45 p.m. by appointment only. Bev offers 15-minute chair massages for $10. Must have a current Senior Center membership to participate. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Clinic: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Courtesy of the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association. Held in the Senior Center Community Room. Healthy Minds: By appointment only. Situations such as the death of a loved one, failing health or strained family relationships can be daunting to face alone. Working with a Marriage and Family Therapist may help you move forward with the better part of life. To schedule a confidential appointment, call 860-844-5350.
Senior Center cont’d. on p. 34
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State Awards STEAP Grant to East Granby
Granby Senior Center receives STEAP funding A grant through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) will provide $126,800 in state funding for senior center kitchen renovations. “The senior center is a hub of community activity,” Sen. John A. Kissel said. “We want to make sure it continues to be a safe, accessible and welcoming place for seniors to gather. We appreciate the governor’s attention to this remodeling project, and we will continue to work closely with Granby officials regarding
November 2023
future needs.” “As an active member of the Granby Senior Center, I can attest to how integral this facility is to community development and engagement,” Rep. Mark Anderson said. “These renovations will go a long way in making sure that the monthly breakfasts and other activities have quality refreshments. I know our great staff will be eager to utilize the updated facility.”
Breakfast Groups enjoy monthly meetings On Oct. 4, Wally Banzhaf, pictured left, talked about his harrowing experience as a sea survivor at the Granby Women’s Breakfast Group. Photo by Joan Ducharme
On Oct. 13, Dr. Jason Hawley, Connecticut wildlife state biologist, spoke with the Granby Men’s Breakfast Group, on the topic of bobcats in Connecticut.
East Granby has been awarded a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for the recreational facility upgrades at East Granby Farms. The $500,000 in state funding will help upgrade the town’s recreation area for guests and visitors. Additionally, East Granby will match the grant with $325,000 in town funds. “This is such great news for East Granby! Congratulations to everyone involved in working with East Granby Parks and Recreation and the Town of East Granby on this award, which we are confident will be put to great use,” Rep. Tami Zawistowski said. “The combined effort of state and local leaders to make this generous grant a reality is a testament to the importance that East Granby Farms has for our community and visitors to our great town. We are confident that this grant will provide new recreational opportunities for our area and provide conveniences for those who play sports, hike and attend events there. It is equally important that this grant goes to increase access to nature-based recreation in this wonderful park. This is a clear investment in all of East Granby and I want to thank the governor and his team as well for their consideration of this project and its impact.”
From left, Alicia Van Neil, Rep. Tami Zawistowski, First Selectwoman Eden Wimpfheimer, Rosalie McKenney, Sen. John Kissel Submitted photo
Senior Center cont’d. from p. 33 Tibetan Singing Bowls with Brian: Friday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Soothing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls help to reduce stress and to create a deep sense of peace and wellbeing. This ancient practice has been handed down from generation to generation by the Tibetan Buddhist monks. Participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat; chairs will also be available. Cost: $5.
Exercise Programs
See the current Center Life newsletter for cost on all programs. Gentle Movement: Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 4. Gently increase your strength, help your ability to balance, and provide stretching to maintain
and increase mobility. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 5. Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic Yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening. Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Yoga: Thursdays, 4 p.m. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 7. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog. Chi Gong–Virtual: Wednesdays 9–9:45 a.m. via Zoom. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 6. The practice of Chi Gong
Why We Should Be Your
helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Line Dancing with Jim: Wednesdays, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Next session is Nov. 1–Dec. 27, 9-week session. Instructor Jim Gregory’s expertise will have you learning the steps in no time and having a blast too. This class is for beginners to advanced dancers. Tai Chi Yang Style 24 Forms 1-6: Wednesdays, 2:45–3:45 p.m. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 6. Suitable and encouraged for beginners. Tai Chi is a practice
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that involves a series of slow, gentle, low impact movements, a relaxed, meditative mind set and controlled breathing. The balanced work of Tai Chi can also help reduce inflammation, improve mental health, chronic pain and increase longevity. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Tai Chi/Qi Gong: Thursdays, 9 a.m. Class currently in session, next session starts Dec. 7. Continuing the forms learned in previous sessions, this class will teach forms 9–12 of the Yang style Tai Chi. The first half of class will consist of Qi Gong warmups suitable for abilities. Experience in first eight forms required to participate. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Everybody’s Exercise: Thursdays, 1:30– 2:30 p.m. Next session is Nov. 2–Dec. 28, 9-week session. This class will include strength and weights, some cardio, balance and flexibility. All movements can be modified for chair or standing. Mary will personalize your routine based on current flexibility, strength, etc. Instructor, Mary Root. All About Balance: Thursdays, 2:45 p.m. Class currently in session, next session Nov. 30– Dec. 28, 5-week session. This class focuses on strength for balance efficiency, such as squats, handheld weight maneuvers and walking drills, as well as core conditioning. Instructor: Paula Pirog.
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Evidence Based Program: Wednesdays and Fridays, for 24 weeks. 9:30–10:30 a.m. This free class is possible due to a grant from the CT Healthy Living Collective. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) is a research-based balance training regimen designed for older adults at risk of falling and people with balance disorders. Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., a senior scientist at Oregon Research Institute, developed the program. Although its origin can be traced to the contemporary simplified 24-form Tai Ji Quan routine, TJQMBB represents a significant paradigm shift in the application of Tai Ji Quan, moving the focus from its historical use as a martial art or recreational activity to propagating health by addressing common, but potentially debilitating, functional impairments/deficits. Instructor: Marcey Hickey.
November 2023
The Granby Drummer
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Granby Artist Association Open Studio Weekend ~ October 14 and 15 All photos by Shirley Murtha
Kathy Ungerleider poses with her colorful sea glass designs. George Mattingly with some of his scenic paintings.
Carolyn Dittes shows one of her lovely pottery pieces.
Doug Williams works on a painting between visitors.
Don Shaw shows one of his nature photos. Linda Yurasevecz is ready to help pottery student Ava Santa.
Avis Cherichetti, her husband Lou and a crew from Holcomb Farm pose in front of Avis’s ceramic birds.
T
Jane Furca with one of her pottery displays.
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Annukka Ritalahti watches her apprentice Alex Lopez make glass blown jewelry.
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Laura Eden works on a new painting.
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The Granby Drummer
Line dancers keep stepping and kicking
Closer to Home
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Jim Gregory leads line dance lessons at the Granby Senior Center on Wednesday afternoons. Many in the group are “repeats” since it is so much fun—that is a blessing for newbies, who are still learning the steps! The music covers a wide range, not just country-western, so dancers get to move to varied songs and beats. The next session starts Nov. 1! Photos by Amanda Lindberg
December 2023 deadlines ADS: Monday, Nov. 6 at noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, please leave a message. Email: ads@granbydrummer.org
ARTICLES: Monday, Nov. 13 at noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222. Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Nov. 5-19 Call or email for times.
The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available on the website at granbydrummer.com
November 2023
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Anam Zafar Realtor 31 Beman Hardware 8 Berkshire Hathaway - Nancy Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway - Harness Way 33 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Cahill’s MotorCars 5 Cambridge House 32 Carmon Funeral Home 3 Carter Robert Painting 21 Cetera Investors 17 Chiropractic Care of Granby 13 Christopher Bryant 34 D’Agata-Perry Granite & Bronze 23 Drummer House Ad - Fundraiser 32 Drummer House Ad - Puzzle Slam 30 Evans Automotive 25 Farmington Valley Nutrition & Wellness 9 Friends of Holcomb Farm 16 Glenn Ballard 20 GMHS Dramatic Arts 28 Granby Artists Association 17 Granby Community Fund 25 Granby Congregational Church 10 Granby Democratic Town Committee 22 Granby Dental 15, 26 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 13 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Republican Town Committee 23
Advertisers Granby Self Storage Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Judy Guarco – Berkshire Hathaway Higleyville Coin Co. Mark Brady Kitchens McLean Landscape & Nursery MeadowBrook of Granby Morawski Cleaning Necker’s Toyland Pilgrim Covenant Church Premier Energy Ravenswood Route 10 Tire Sanditz Travel Santa Realty Sarah Byrnes Jeweler Shaffer Beacon Mechanical Small Town Septic State Line Propane & Oil Sullivan Hardwood Floors Swim Center at Westminster The Whisk Thomas Sullivan - Morgan Stanley Tom Tribuzio Troiano Oil Company Two Park Place Westfield Bank Windsor Federal Savings
We have so many people to thank. Starting with you. People like you across the greater Granby area have chosen Westfield Bank as their bank, because we’re the regional community bank that’s focused on you, your financial security, and the communities we share. Your support inspires us to always to better— for our customers and our community.
Thank you for making us feel so welcome. To learn more about us, visit westfieldbank.com, or call 860.838.3766 or 800.995.5734.
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