Granby Drummer | November 2020

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

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2020 Candidate Profiles p. 28

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Volume LI, No. 3 • November 2020

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Election, first responders and bears share the spotlight As of this writing, the surge of over 1,600 mail-in absentee ballots has made quite an impact at Town Hall. Our town staff has mobilized for an election that, procedurally at least, is unprecedented.

Town Clerk and own The Registrars of Voters followed state all have protocols to set up alk processing the ballots

by Jim Lofink while also supporting in-person voting on Nov. 3 at GMHS under COVID protection protocols. They called upon an army of over 130 Granby volunteers to get trained and assist in the voting process. Many thanks to all in Granby for your volunteerism.

Granby offers tax relief to volunteer first responders. In an important “Thank You” to our fire and ambulance volunteers, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) has approved legislation offering them a tax exemption. Qualified volunteers of the Lost Acre Fire Department (LAFD) and the Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) may receive up to $1,000 in property tax exemptions which scales up to $2,000 over three years.

Part of Public Act 26, this program rewards these vital volunteers for the time, talent and energy that they contribute to our community safety. These volunteers help keep our taxes low, and the tax ex-

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ception is one indication of the town’s appreciation of their good work.

Town hires broker Goman and York to sell former Kearns school. No one has volunteered a viable offer for the property, so the BOS has moved forward on hiring the services of Goman and York of East Hartford, to market the property.

Mike Goman spoke at the Oct. 19 BOS meeting about his approach, the market conditions and other recent sales. He cautioned that in today’s commercial market, appraisal values are often not a good indicator of the amount a buyer may offer, as they may only be interested in the land and not the buildings. Any sale would have to be approved by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance, and ultimately pass a Town Meeting vote. If anyone wants a 38,722-sq.-ft. building and 33.8 acres of land, contact Goman and York.

Bear feeding issues still under discussion. Do you voluntarily and intentionally feed bears? Several residents and organizations have raised a safety issue connected to residents that do. An ordinance has been drafted by Town Hall for consideration, based on ordinances passed in Simsbury, Hartland and other towns. Both State Senator Kevin Witkos and DEEP wildlife biologist Jason Hawley have addressed the issue at recent BOS meetings, and input from Granby’s Animal Control Officer and our Chief of Police has been requested

Town Talk cont’d. on p. 6

ELECTION UPDATE

From the Registrars of Voters: Pandemic will force long line outside on Nov. 3 For the Presidential Election on Nov. 3, many new precautions are being implemented to ensure the safety of both poll workers and voters. If you come to the polls, plan for a long wait, be patient, wear a mask, and dress warmly—it will take lots of extra time to vote. We are expecting between 5,000 and 6,000 people to vote in person on Nov. 3. The CDC guidelines for social distancing and maximum capacity for indoors will necessitate lines waiting outside of the building.

To speed check-in at the polls, have your photo ID handy. Should you not have your photo ID, there is a form used to swear and attest to your identity. It must be completed at the moderator’s table but that is only possible if you have previously proven your identity. Brand new voters who did not present an ID at registration are required to have an ID or they will be issued a provisional ballot.

Parking spaces will fill quickly with longer voting times We are anticipating over 300 cars per hour, so please be patient. Anticipated heavy traffic will necessitate a one-way traffic pattern—enter using the North Granby Road/ Route 189 entrance next to Public Works and exit using the Salmon Brook Street/Route 10/202 exit, next to the middle school.

If you are concerned about voting during the pandemic, the Registrars advise you to vote by absentee ballot.

For more voting information, go to page 25

On a clear day

Rob Flanigan captured this unusual angle of the fall colors recently. Shot from the Mary Edwards property in North Granby looking north, the city of Springfield, Mass. is visible.

Balancing today with tomorrow

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance At its September meeting, all six members of the Board of Finance supported using the General Fund over the next few years to offset all or a portion of the projected Debt Service for the capital projects approved last year.

The intent is to help flatten the rate of increase in the mill rate over the next few years.

While the voters authorized the Town to issue bonds for the projects approved by the public at referendum last year, nothing has been borrowed, because the initial design work and expenditures have been covered from cash reserves. It is felt that by using existing reserves we can prevent the impact of the school and bridge projects­ which were projected to require two percent more in taxes over time.

The General Fund is essentially the checkbook that tax dollars and most other revenues flow into each year. Expenditures approved within the annual budget and any additional appropriations approved throughout the

fiscal year, get paid from the General Fund. The residual balance at the end of any given year is essentially the sum of the pluses and minuses of that year and all previous years—similar to the corporate concept of retained earnings. While it is a recommended good practice to keep sufficient reserves on hand—currently recommended by credit rating agencies to be 12–15 percent of the annual budget—it is also true that some reserves are often used to hold down the mill rates of upcoming budgets as well as to cover one-time expenditures such as capital items.

The Board of Finance has a long history of looking to moderate mill rate changes over time while meeting the needs of our community. This is another step in doing so. Using the General Fund to cover much or all of the debt service or project costs, directly isolates the impact of the capital expenditures from affecting the mill rates of upcoming budgets in the near term. We believe this is sound policy as we endeavor to balance meeting the needs of Granby given the cost of doing so.

Photo by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held via Zoom and called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m.

PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager Public Session Bill Regan indicated he was encouraged by the Aug. 19 meeting in regards to Glenn Ballard’s presentation of his analysis of Agbotic. He thanked Ballard for his resourcefulness. Regan also reported he was not happy with Kuhnly’s response to Ballard’s presentation and he felt it was unprofessional.

Anna Sogliuzzo thanked Ballard for his input at the last meeting and she is hopeful the board moves forward with this tonight. In light of the recent bear incident, Sogliuzzo reminded the Selectmen that many surrounding towns have an ordinance against feeding bears, but Granby does not. She would like an official response to this.

Ballard recommended suspending the rules to allow public conversation to take place after the presentation of Town-Owned Land at 107 East Street.

Kuhnly replied the opportunity for individuals to speak is during Public Session.

No more public addressed the Board.

Minutes Ballard indicated meeting minutes need to be accurate and written without bias. He would like to make some corrections to the minutes from the Aug. 19 meeting. He also noted specific figures on his project spreadsheet were not properly reflected and should be

corrected. Ballard requested the minutes be changed to properly reflect his request to add agenda items.

On A Motion By Ballard, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to amend the minutes of Aug. 19 to reflect the information as stated by Selectman Ballard.

Ballard also responded to Kuhnly’s response to his analysis on Agbotic at the last meeting during Selectman Reports. He felt he was treated unfairly.

Kuhnly clarified that Ballard’s presentation was not a Selectman’s report, but a presentation of a spreadsheet he had done on Agbotic. This information should have been submitted to the board at least 24 hours prior the meeting and added as an agenda item.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda, placing this item to be discussed during closed session following Selectman Reports.

Unfinished or Tabled Business Consideration of Town-Owned Land at 107 East Street Ward presented the estimated taxes for Agbotic based on information from the Assessor as of Aug. 12 as $165,000 to $180,000.

It was noted Agbotic believes the buildings and robots are exempt from taxes.

Agbotic proposes to enter into Virtual Net Metering with the Town of Granby which would provide a revenue increase that is greater than the current outstanding financial obligation for 107 East Street. Upon further investigation with Eversource, they currently do not have cap space available for Virtual Net Metering projects. It is expected that space will not become available until July 2021 at the earliest and it may be dependent on new legislation being passed, which

would both authorize the program and determine the cap. Currently, there are nine agricultural applications in the queue. Some questions were: Ballard inquired to see if Agbotic would be interested in allowing a trash to energy facility on the property.

They were open to the idea. Based on one estimate provided by Ballard, it was estimated it would take $8 million to get it started and it would pay for itself in eight years. The town would be required to bond the $8 million.

Kuhnly stated the proposed purchase price of $330,000 for 50 acres is a steal. The property was originally purchased for future use by the town and/or agricultural purposes. There are many potential uses for this land. Two residents provided letters regarding their views on the project.

Kuhnly read letters from concerned residents Peggy Lareau and Bob Lindeyer.

Ballard requested a timeframe to move forward.

King stated this is prime farmland. She believes the board needs to be careful and think long and hard regarding this proposal.

Neumann stated the land purchase was approved by voters for future use by the town. The high school and middle school are located on a small parcel of land adjacent to the Department of Public Works. The town may need the land to expand these campuses. The solicitation came to the town and the town was not looking to sell the property.

Ballard indicated the board needs to look at the total value of the offer and maybe it should be sent to the town people for a vote.

Ward responded on the timeframe and process to make a decision. Virtual Net Metering (VNM) currently

has nine VNM projects scheduled. We are still working with the state to get an answer regarding development rights and with Eversource regarding an agricultural proposal. If a trash to energy facility is part of the proposal, the town would need to hire an engineer.

There are too many “ifs” in the overall proposal: In order to move forward, an affirmative vote is needed from the Board of Selectmen and then Board of Finance before it can go to a Town Meeting for a vote.

Typically a trash to energy plant would take eight to ten years to be permitted.

Kuhnly reminded everyone the town would be gaining some money, but losing an asset. This was the purpose of purchasing the land for the town.

Ohannessian summarized his analysis of the proposal.

He repeated that the board has been unfairly accused of not being transparent and that is not the case. He noted he voted in favor of the purchase of the property.

The use of this property needs to be looked at longterm. Granby is known for its open space and what future generations will need is unknown. The town is not in a distress situation and he believes the property should not be parceled out. Although he supports the business of automated smart farms, he does not believe the sale price and a trash to energy plant is in the best interest of the town.

Ballard would like final dollar figures on property taxes and the solar project from the Assessor. He felt Agbotic may possibly be willing to add the value of the solar credits into their mortgage so the town is not at risk for a delay or reduction in the output. He felt an informed decision needs to be made.

Neumann noted it is not an appropriate use of a town asset, even at a positive cash flow.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Kuhnly, the board voted (4-1-0) to stop the consideration of the offer for this use of East Street as being not what we intended for East Street, that we not pursue it further. Ballard voted against the motion.

Long-Term Recovery Committee At the May 18 Board of Selectmen meeting, the board approved the creation of a Long-Term Recovery Committee and at the June 1 meeting, the board made multiple appointments to the board. The appointment to education sector has since been vacated. It is recommended that Taylor Wrye be appointed as the representative for education in lieu of Charles Hershon who resigned.

Ohannessian questioned if Wrye is a Granby citizen.

Ward was not sure, although appointments to this committee are not restricted to Granby residents. Wrye is the principal of Granby Memorial Middle School.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to appoint Taylor Wrye in lieu of Charles Hershon to the Long-Term Recovery Committee.

Business Resignations and Appointments to be Considered No resignations or appointments were received . There is one vacancy on the Conservation Commission.

Anyone interested in serving on a board or commission, should contact Monica Logan of the Democratic Town Committee, Mark Fiorentino of the Republican Town Committee, or the Town Manager’s Office.

Consideration of Neglected Cemetery Account Grant Program Connecticut General Statute Section 19a-308b established the Neglected Cemetery Account and authorizes the Office of Policy and Management to make grants to eligible municipalities for the purpose of municipal maintenance of burial grounds and cemeteries. The maximum grant award is $2,000 and no match is required.

The Town of Granby would like to apply for a $2,000 grant to maintain cemetery property. Per guidelines, the work would be completed by the Department of Public Works outside of the regular work day and the grant money will be used to cover overtime pay. Grants are paid on a reimbursement basis.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize Ward to apply for and accept on behalf of the town, a grant from the Neglected Cemetery Account. In addition, the board authorizes Ward to enter into and execute any and all agreements, contracts and documents necessary to obtain said grant should the town be awarded the grant.

Consideration of Amending Ordinance, Exemption for Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Personnel The town currently has an ordinance that allows for the reduction of property taxes in the amount of $1,000 for the town’s volunteer fire and ambulance personnel.

The proposal is to increase the amount to $1,500 per year and eventually to $2,000 per year. At the rate of $2,000 per year it would work out to be $68,000 in reduced town taxes. Ward indicated we are very fortunate to have these volunteers and this is the least the town can do for them. They have never stopped working during COVID. This would be treated as any other ordinance. The legal notice must run for ten days and there is not time to do this before the next BOS meeting. Ward proposed the Public Hearing be scheduled for Oct. 5.

BOS Minutes cont’d. on p. 3

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 3

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES BOS Minutes cont’d. from p 2 On A Motion by Kuhnly, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to call for a Public Hearing on Oct. 5 for the purpose of consideration of an Ordinance amendment.

Kuhnly thanked Chief John Horr and Lori D’Battisto and noted this is the least the board can do for them.

The Town Attorney will be contacted to determine whether Horr and D’Battisto can make a presentation before the Public Hearing Executive Session: Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Statute 1-200 (6)(b), the board moves to go into Executive Session to discuss settlement of a claim. John D. Ward, Administration Finance Officer Kimi Cheng and Director of Public Works Kirk Severance are invited to attend.

Reordered to follow Selectman Reports.

Town Manager Report Ward reported how well the Fire Department, Police Department, and the Emergency Management Department worked together during the COVID pandemic.

Ward discussed private duty pay where a third party pays for police officers performing traffic duty. The rate was revised from $70 to $100 per hour, which is a more appropriate figure.

Ward reported he received the department review proposal from Ballard, but has not reviewed it in detail as of yet. Kuhnly asked Ward to forward Ballard’s proposal to the Board of Selectmen. There was no objection.

Ward commended the Administration Finance Officer for her work on the annual audit. The process has gone very smoothly and is scheduled to be completed soon.

There has been an increase in public interest for an ordinance against feeding bears after a bear cub was struck and killed by a motor vehicle on Mountain Road.

Kuhnly asked that this be considered as agenda item for the next Board of Selectmen meeting, with possibly Senator Witkos and a DEEP representative to provide some insight regarding the bear situation.

Selectman Reports Ballard reported he is trying to fulfill a campaign promise and he has made a tracking spreadsheet he wishes to introduce as a tool for the board. The spreadsheet can be used to track comments/items from meetings and to discuss priorities. Ballard researched prior meetings and public comments to identify open issues and unfinished business.

This item was not on the agenda and First Selectman Kuhnly reminded the members that items must be added to the agenda at least 24 hours in advance.

This allows the board, as well as the public, to review the documents.

Kuhnly reiterated that the board must work together for the betterment of Granby.

Closed Session Kuhnly recessed the meeting to closed session at 8:45 p.m., and called the Executive Session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:46 p.m.

The Executive Session adjourned at 8:59 p.m., and the regular meeting of the BOS was reconvened at 9 p.m.

There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held via Zoom and called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m.

PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, Glenn Ballard, John D. Ward, Town Manager Public Session Bill Regan, 62 Hungary Road, expressed his disappointment with the Board of Selectmen regarding their rejection of the Agbotic proposal for 107 East Street.

Hope Schaffrick, Maple Hill Drive, also expressed her disappointment with the board’s rejection of the Agbotic proposal. She feels the meetings are confusing and would like to see the board track issues that are brought forward so they are not forgotten. In addition, she is concerned about trash, particularly regarding MIRA. Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, stated he would like to see the no-rate increase budget be repeated in the upcoming fiscal year. He would like to drop off documents to the Town Manager’s Office that would help in managing goals, as well as best practices.

He also mentioned financial risk considerations the town might have with the police not having immunity to lawsuits any longer. The town should explore the risk level we have and consider risk policies. In regard to Agbotic, he feels a task force should be created to set up a new process for evaluating opportunities that arise. He also feels the RFP process is broken as only one bid has been received for the property.

Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road, also expressed disappointment with the board and their rejection of the Agbotic proposal. She believes it should have been evaluated more thoroughly and gone to a Public Hearing. She felt it was a forgone conclusion and didn’t like the way it was handled. Also, the past

purchase of the East Street property was brought up again indicating it was pushed on the town’s people.

In the future, she would like to see a task force that would evaluate proposals.

Bob Lindeyer, 367 North Granby Road, responded that the town’s purchase of the East Street property was voted on by residents for use by the town. The property was not listed as being for sale. He commended the town for holding onto it because that is what the property was purchased for.

Minutes On A Motion by Mark Neumann, seconded by Sally King, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Sept. 8.

Glenn Ballard referred to the most recent board minutes where there seemed to be some confusion about the Governor’s Executive Order and a 24-hour rule regarding information being available on the website prior to the meeting. He believes there is some confusion around the Governor’s Executive Order and it is referring to specific agenda items that would be discussed and acted upon by the board.

The Selectmen Reports is not an agenda item or a discussion. It is the sharing of information. He suggested the Town Attorney may have an opinion to clarify the appropriate use of the Selectmen Reports as it relates to the agenda. In the past, there have been no updates under Selectmen Reports and if there is, it is regarding activities or event updates. He would like to see more appropriate use of this in the future.

Business Consideration of Ordinance Banning the Feeding of Bears Kuhnly welcomed Senator Kevin Witkos to the meeting. He was invited to the meeting by the BOS to discuss and provide some insight on what the state and possibly DEEP are doing. John Ward provided a brief introduction and explained that a draft of a proposed ordinance was included in the packet.

DEEP has been keeping track of the statistics and the bear population and sightings have increased over the years.

There are numerous Granby and Hartland citizens who are concerned about the growing risk of the bears endangering people and increased motor vehicle contact with the bears. So far this year, the Granby police have received over 30 calls regarding bears. Rick Orluk, president of the Granby Land Trust, forwarded a letter stating the Land Trust is in agreement with an ordinance. Ward stated if an ordinance is put in place, it would be enforced by the police, the Animal Control Officer, and any other designee by the town and it would prohibit the feeding of wildlife and the feeding of birds from April 1 to Nov. 30, as well as the improper storage of food.

Senator Witkos stated he has been dealing with this issue for a little bit of time. This past Legislative Session, he was on a working group to deal with wildlife management. He noted that as of Sept. 10, there have been 42 reports of bears that have entered people’s homes. The bear population doubles every seven years. They can travel from 50 to 100 miles a day and they maintain a close proximity to where they can obtain food.

He noted the draft being reviewed tonight closely mirrors Simsbury’s ordinance and it was very contentious with the inclusion of birdfeeders. The draft ordinance before the legislature included bears only and excluded refuse and birdseed. The concern with drawing up an ordinance is in the wording. If the town is trying to go after bears, limiting the ordinance to just bears may be preferable. If you exclude garbage and bird seed, it can help narrow it down and prevent a lot of issues that would put neighbor against neighbor. If the town decides to move forward, Witkos would be willing to provide some guidance.

The town’s draft includes an immediate fine. In Hartland, a monetary fine did not come into play until an official warning is given. He suggested the use of what is called a “non-projecting hazing pistol” which costs $250 and essentially scares the bears away. It is non-lethal and has been proven to work.

The board had some comments and inquired about a policy at the state level that would be uniform statewide. Witkos doesn’t think that is likely as the state would prefer to let each town deal with the problem themselves. There was a question inquiring if any studies have shown a difference when individuals follow policies against feeding bears. There is no science-based answer. It was noted that some bears are already getting into the “bear proof” trash cans.

There was a suggestion to meet with Witkos to get some assistance with wording and invite a representative from DEEP as well. Witkos is familiar with the new DEEP Commissioner and has offered to work with Ward to get a representative from DEEP to talk to the board.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to table the Ordinance Banning the Feeding Bears.

Resignations and Appointments to be Considered There were no resignations or appointments before the board. There are two vacancies on the Conservation Commission. Anyone interested in serving on a board

or commission should contact Monica Logan of the Democratic Town Committee, Mark Fiorentino of the Republican Town Committee, or the Town Manager’s Office.

Public Works Department Head Report In light of the length of the agenda, this item is moved to the next meeting.

Consideration of Selectman Retreat/Workshop to Set Goals There was some discussion regarding holding a selectmen’s retreat to review and set new goals.

Neumann indicated it would be an excellent opportunity to get together to discuss issues. Edward Ohannessian would like to discuss budget goals with the hope of repeating the 0-percent budget increase from this year, as well as agenda goals. He is unsure if an outside moderator is necessary. Ballard would like to discuss Granby’s Plan of Conservation and Development. King was undecided about an outside party. Kuhnly indicated the board could do it on their own. As always, it would be open to the public.

Consideration of Freshie’s Café Request to Serve Beer and Liquor Freshie’s Café is requesting to serve beer and liquor on the premises. Looking ahead, they feel their outdoor business will be curtailed by the weather.

When outdoor dining is no longer an option, and in order to maintain social distancing indoors, the capacity of the restaurant will be reduced by half.

In an effort to compensate for the lost revenue, the establishment would like to serve beer and wine. As the owner of the property, Fabiola Bowles is asking for the Town’s approval.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the request of Fabiola Bowles to serve liquor at Freshies Café.

Ward indicated the Town will also verify the insurance policy is modified to best protect the town. CIRMA will be contacted to ensure the proper coverage is in place.

It was noted that other towns do this on town property, Simsbury Farms for example, as does Holcomb Farm.

Town Manager Status Report Town Manager Ward reviewed the reports he provides, including a biweekly Town Manager’s report submitted for the BOS meeting, a monthly update to the board on the status of the current capital projects, which is also submitted to the Board of Education, the department heads, and posted on the town website.

The BOS also receives Management Notes from the department heads, as well as the monthly Town Budget Operations. These are also posted on the website and are part of the BOS packet. In the past, he has included specific updates on non-capital and recurring agenda items such as Kearns School in the Town Manager’s report. He would be happy to do that again if the board wishes.

Ballard suggested this be discussed at the retreat as a way to measure and monitor what is happening.

Neumann appreciates what the Town Manager puts in the packet and his timely response to emails.

King agreed there is a good transfer of information from the Town Manager to the Board of Selectmen.

Ohannessian also would like to discuss this at the retreat.

Approval of Settlement of Johnson v. Town of Granby A resident of Granby has made a claim that road salt infiltrated her well, causing damage to her appliances and causing a negative impact on the quality of her water. It was investigated by the town and a claim was made with the town’s insurance carrier, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA). CIRMA

sent the claim to CHUBB, their pollution underwriter.

The adjuster investigated the claim and proposed a settlement of $30,000. The recommendation for the claim is based on the expected engineering and legal fees of contesting the claim without the ability to bring the State of Connecticut in as a party defendant. The settlement is not an admission of wrong doing or fault.

Ward reported the town has insurance coverage but the deductible is $75,000. The state is not agreeable to be a party with the town in a settlement. The proposed settlement provides a resolution with the $30,000, with no admission of fault and is in lieu of going further with the claim. It is recommended the town resolve this.

King inquired if the money would come from the General Fund if approved. Ohannessian does not like going directly to the General Fund and would like to look at the budget to see where the money could be found. Ward indicated he doesn’t know where in the budget he could find $30,000 and Administration Finance Officer Kimi Cheng agreed. The Town Attorney has reviewed this and concurs to settle.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the full and final settlement of the claim Johnson v. Town of Granby in the amount of $30,000.

Additional General Fund Appropriation for the Settlement of Johnson v. Town of Granby Ward is requesting an appropriation from the General Fund Balance in the amount of $30,000 to fund the settlement of Johnson v. Town of Granby. The town’s Liability-Auto-Property Insurance with CIRMA has a $75,000 deductible on pollution claims. Therefore, the town is responsible for paying the full settlement. This was an unforeseeable incident and not budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 adopted budget. There are sufficient funds in the General Fund to cover this.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize an additional appropriation of $30,000 from the General Fund balance to fund the settlement of Johnson v. Town of Granby and forward this request to the Board of Finance to approve.

Consideration of Proposal to Evaluate Town Departments Ballard proposed evaluating various town departments for the purpose of improving efficiency and possibly reducing costs. Ward thanked Ballard for his initiative and his desire to improve town operations. He has no reason to disagree with an attempt to improve the effectiveness in serving the public. However, he did suggest a slightly different approach. He proposed a review to start with approximately two departments to ensure that the work is likely to produce a benefit that exceeds the cost in time and money. He also recommended an outside vendor be used to avoid any confusion or conflict between roles and responsibilities. A more detailed proposal was attached for Ward to review.

Ohannessian stated this is not the first time this has come up and suggested a more holistic view of the whole town, including the Board of Education. There is 30 percent of the budget for the town, 25 percent for capital and debt, in addition to the Board of Education.

Combining services has been discussed in the past.

He felt the budget should be looked at holistically first, then work down to the departments, and a consultant should be hired for evaluation purposes. Ballard responded it would be a sub-step, along with looking at the departments.

Neumann thanked Ballard for bringing this proposal to the board and agreed a third party is needed.

Kuhnly stated several of the members have lived in, and been involved with the town, for a number of years.

BOS Minutes cont’d. on p. 6

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Rise Against Hunger support appreciated The First Congregational Church of Granby thanks everyone who contributed to the Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event that was scheduled for this past April. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement and eventual cancellation of this hands-on service project. Despite the alteration in plans, the community raised $3,200 for this cause, and that equates to over 9,000 shelf-stable meals for those who face acute hunger.

Rise Against Hunger is a nonprofit organization committed to the United Nations sustainability goal of ending world hunger by 2030. Each year it mobilizes more than 400,000 volunteers to help with this urgent and important work. In the future when groups can gather safely, the First Congregational Church of Granby will again assist Rise Against Hunger to connect local volunteers to the goal of alleviating hunger.

It is heartening to witness the generous and loving spirit present in this community with so many people willing to contribute both their time and money to help the world’s most vulnerable.

Ann Wilhelm, on behalf of the First Congregational Church of Granby

Support for BLM

FIND US

I placed a Black Lives Matter sign on my lawn and received three hostile, threatening unsigned letters of the same style in response.

The need to assert that Black lives matter is born out of centuries of discrimination and biases against Black people. We have been made painfully aware of this from on-site videos of extreme police behavior towards people of color. Now, Black Lives Matter has become a movement to address the longstanding racial inequities of all kinds that still persist, even though many thought the Civil Rights legislation of the 1960s had taken care of all that. Nationally, unarmed Black people are two times more likely to be killed by a police officer than unarmed White people. As a result of job discrimination and by extension lack of health insurance, inadequate educational systems, housing too often only available in polluted areas, the median wealth of Black families is only 10 percent that of White families.

This is not “their” problem, this is all of us Americans’ problem if we are to be true to our moniker, “with liberty and justice for all.” As Americans, we need to educate ourselves about the continued inequities that simmer below the surface and then explode for us to reckon with.

For too long, Black lives have not mattered equally. Until they do, we need to respect this call to action.

Josi Klein

editorials, commentary & letters to the editor Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher. Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.

Thanks Shirley Murtha Shirley Murtha is ubiquitous and the Drummer readers are the beneficiaries!

How one person can produce so much good journalism month after month is astounding.

Every article (often with pictures) that Shirley writes is a feature article in itself. Obviously, a great deal of research, time and effort goes into producing each of her articles.

So many years, so many articles—unbelievable!

Bob Simmons

Cultured-meat research If Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal care about animal welfare, they should support federal funding for cultured-meat research. For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughtering nonhumans.

It has the potential to save billions and billions of creatures every year who are killed for food.

Many people recognize there is something problematic about our relationship with animals, particularly those raised on factory farms. Cultured meat will make it easier for these people to align their values and actions. Legislators should encourage compassionate choices by helping bring this revolutionary protein to market.

Jon Hochschartner

Be patient and confident on Election Day It’s the time of year where many of us give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

In Granby, we have a lot to be thankful for. One such blessing is the hard work and dedication of our election officials.

Over the past few months, our registrars, our town clerk and her staff and a group of trained volunteers have been working diligently to ensure that voters have the best possible experience on election day.

The process will be safe, secure and accurate. But we need your help. We are expecting a very strong turnout, and

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need: White or chunk lite Tuna Chicken breast/Beef stew in cans Potato/stuffing mixes Canned peaches Ketchup, salsa Paper towels Bar soap/Dish soap, Apple/cranberry juices Dry/wet cat food

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

with the safety measures that will be in place, voters may, especially during peak hours, experience wait times. Prepare for the weather—dress warmly and bring an umbrella (if necessary), a cup of coffee and a mask. If you can, avoid the early morning and evening hours.

Above all, please be patient, cooperative, respectful and kind.

But, rest assured, every registered voter will get an opportunity to vote, so long as they are in line by 8 p.m. or their absentee ballot is placed in the ballot box by that time. Every vote will be counted and only once.

In a year where there are so many additional stresses in our lives, worrying about the integrity of our election process in Granby is not one of them.

So, get out and vote, and while you’re out, say hello to a neighbor or friend.

Monica Logan, Chair, Democratic Town Committee Mark Fiorentino, Chair, Republican Town Committee

In support of John Kissel John Kissel is one of the few Republicans that have held on to a seat in the state senate for a number of years be-

Letters

cont’d. on p. 5

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CBG Board Kathy Norris, President David Tolli, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Becky Mikus, Secretary Flo Bischoff, Carol Bressor, Karen Cleary, Sam Mikus, Lew Noble Staff Rita Isaacson, Managing Editor Chris Levandowski, Copy Editor Amanda Lindberg, Special Pages Andrea Leshinskie, Photo Editor Dave Tolli, Photo Editor Mindy Borrego, Carolyn Carter, Karen Cleary, Nancy Dudenhofer, Patricia Kovaleski, Eileen Longhi, Lew Noble, Donna Schedinger, Faith Tyldsley Reporters & Contributors Lori Blackburn, Jennifer Benson, AnnMarie Cox, Marisa DeLuca, Mark Fiorentino, Bernadette Gentry, Mike Guarco, Jay Harder, Carol Laun, Jim Lofink, Joanne Mayornick, Amy McCue, Shirley Murtha John R. Nieb, Camden Robertson, Lisa Salazar, Pam Sherrer, Jessica Tsaptsinos, Faith Tyldsley, Kristine Vincent, John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Merle Yoder, Sandy Yost Advertising Team Jen Bell, Carol Bressor, Daneika Janski Deborah Kulwich, Beth Rathey, Subscriptions & Delivery Sam & Becky Mikus

KEEP US IN THE LOOP

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

Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Mondays, November 2, November 16 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Monday, November 23

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Tuesdays, November 10, November 24 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Thursday, November 12

@GranbyDrummer

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Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org.

Please include your name, phone and email address. Deadlines for the next issue are printed on the back page in this issue or visit our website: www.granbydrummer.com

Board of Education, 7 p.m., Wednesdays, November 4, November 18

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

November 2020

Development Commission, No meetings until further notice.

LETTERS POLICY

The Drummer welcomes letters.

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

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Letters

cont’d. from p. 4

cause he manages to reach and support a broad range of constituents in multiple towns. Although his district overlaps only a small portion of Windsor, he has always been available and responsive to anyone in the town of Windsor and the other towns within Senate District 7.

He notifies us when issues of concern are coming before committee or a vote so that we can write to him and state our concerns if we are signed up for updates via his website or Facebook page.

He has been steadfast in his opposition to tolls as one more tax on residents who are already overburdened with taxes and hidden fees.

Democratic opponents to Republican incumbents are crying out for change, but they don’t mention that the legislature has been controlled by their party for more than 40 years and that a myriad of their policies has resulted in our current financial burden of high taxes and fees on Connecticut residents.

Kissel’s opponent would like you to believe that he is personally responsible for Eversource’s rate issues, but the matter is far more complex. Legislative mandates requiring utility companies to purchase so-called green energy are a big factor in the current rate hike, but the entire issue requires careful analysis by a bipartisan committee. Let’s move towards a more balanced legislature.

Please help John Kissel retain his Senate seat and vote for him on Nov. 3.

Linda S. Alexander, MD Windsor I would like to add my voice to those supporting John Kissel’s candidacy for reelection as Connecticut’s District 7 senator.

A strong advocate on the Judiciary Committee, John Kissel has also been a great help to me and Granby over a number of years. This help came in a number of ways. First, as a citizen needing services and information. More lasting and more valuable assistance came to Granby and me as an advocate for public education and a member of the Granby Board of Education. Senator Kissel, though not primarily involved with education issues and their intricacies, always made himself available to me, took the time to listen and to understand, and then responded positively to my requests for help. As a result, he both served local public education and also became more accustomed to our needs as a town. He has earned and deserves our support!

Cal Heminway Over the years as a voting adult, I have written to Senator Kissel about concerns I had about various issues. I have always received back either an email or note regarding those specific issues and information or his plan for a vote. It is never a form letter so I know he is listening. I admire his experience and service to improve the quality of life for all of us here in Connecticut.

Carol Hulbert Senator John Kissel has been a business-friendly, fiscally responsible legislator. I know him as a family

man who is pro-family in his voting.

He is a true government servant ... not a politician who is self-serving. He definitely has earned our trust for reelection.

Larry Laureno, East Granby I am writing in support of Senator John Kissel.

Senator Kissel has been such an amazing support to my family over the years.

He has always been accessible to me as a constituent and very responsive to my needs. He has been an advocate for my family and our special needs child for many years.

Senator Kissel exemplifies the type of man and politician that every town in Connecticut should be fortunate to have working for them in Hartford. His voting record is consistent with lowering taxes and protecting our 4th amendment rights. He has been at our service for 28 years and while some may think that is too long, the citizens of Suffield, Enfield, Windsor, East Granby, Somers, Granby and Windsor Locks have clearly said differently with their votes over the years.

Please consider voting for Senator Kissel as his record and his commitment to our towns and state represent a proven track record of listening to his constituents and always doing the right thing by them.

Thank you, Melissa Sullivan Suffield

Support for Lampert I am a registered Independent. My affiliation is not tied to a specific party but with the candidate I believe is best for the job. Candidates who have strong morals, ethics, values and the necessary skills, experience and knowledge will receive my vote, regardless of their own party affiliation. Audrey Lampert has the ability, desire and skills to be our State Representative and I will be voting for her. Among many of Audrey’s outstanding qualities, the two I respect most are her determination and passion for others.

Audrey’s 30 successful years in a corporate environment have made her an expert in navigating difficult situations.

She has vast experience in standing up for what is right to those in high, powerful positions. She is a winner against all odds.

Audrey is passionate and genuine about helping others; she truly cares about the people of our community.

She regularly donates her time, talent and treasures to numerous local charities and she has volunteered in various leadership positions. Her faithfulness to our town and its people is unwavering.

When I was a kid, every day my classmates and I would recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Every so often I would fumble the pronunciation of the word “indivisible” most likely due to a combination of an accelerated tempo and lack of understanding of the word. As an adult, that word is much more meaningful to me. Indivisible is defined as incapable of being divided or separated.

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Today, our country is more divided than I can ever recall. It’s time to bring our country back together, “with liberty and justice for all.” We can start with our community.

Your vote is important and represents the change that you want to see for our small piece of this beautiful country we call home. Please join me in supporting Audrey Lampert. Not because it’s a vote based on blue or red but because it’s based on the individual who is the best candidate to be our State Representative.

Laura Murach

Support for Anderson Mark Anderson is the right choice to represent Granby and the 62nd House District.

Mark listens. When you encounter him in the neighborhood or in town, he turns the conversation to what YOU think.

He wants to know what is important to YOU. And he concludes every discussion by asking what he can do to help.

Mark is a man of his word. We can count on Mark to act upon his commitments. He is committed to holding government accountable to constituents, while supporting and protecting town resources. He will stand up for small businesses, because he knows they are the source of our growth and prosperity.

He will stand up for policies that make Connecticut a more affordable place to live, because he knows that keeping families in Connecticut provides the sound foundation upon which we grow and thrive.

Mark understands the importance of protecting our freedom to grow and prosper in Connecticut, not just for us, but for the generations to come.

Mark Anderson is the right choice.

Please support him for State Representative.

Jane Miller As the current sitting Representative for the 62nd District, I know what is required to be an effective legislator and advocate for the district. That is why I highly recommend Mark Anderson as my replacement.

I have worked extensively with Mark over the past two years and he has demonstrated an in-depth grasp of the issues facing our state. With a bachelor’s degree in government and master’s degree in public policy, he certainly understands the “big picture” as well as the local issues.

Like me, Mark is a compassionate conservative: opposed to further taxation.

He believes in efficient government, not a bloated bureaucracy. As the father of a special needs child through marriage he certainly understands the issues fac-

ing our less fortunate residents and the need for a government safety net. Safe communities and support for our dedicated law enforcement personnel is a priority with Mark. A major issue to be addressed in the next legislative session will be local control of our schools and zoning. Mark Anderson is an advocate for municipalities determining what is best for their residents, rather than ceding control to the Hartford bureaucracy.

In addition to all the assets cited above, Mark’s record of serving this country in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, speaks about his dedication to public service. He continues in public service as an active member of the American Legion Post 182 in Granby, and secretary of Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church in East Hartland.

Mark’s service to our country and local communities proves his commitment to service.

The 62nd District would do well to elect Mark Anderson, a proven, knowledgeable public servant, as your next State Representative.

William Simanski

A Word of Caution—NOT A recent letter to the editor claims that the Connecticut Republican Assembly is a radical organization and cites its thirteen principles as concerning. I had never heard of this organization so I checked into it. Let’s see, the first principle, “We believe that man’s rights flow from the Creator and the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable and cannot be legitimately granted or rescinded by men.” This means that politicians of all persuasions, be them Democratic, Socialist, Marxist, etc., should not be allowed to subjugate their citizens to the state.

The second principle, “We believe in the guiding force of moral law as expressed by the Judeo-Christian ethic and contained in the Holy Scriptures of these historic faiths.” The point here is the guiding force of moral law. This in no way speaks to excluding freedom of religion or the moral laws that other religions embrace.

It is a sad day when the activities purportedly caused by Marxist organizations and other far left groups are ignored in the nightly news while at the Granby level we find people questioning the moral character of a local candidate.

I don’t feel it is appropriate or moral to funnel criticism in this manner and draw conclusions that are just personal opinions.

Richard Zlotnick

Page 6 The Granby Drummer

Great fall weather for church fundraiser

November 2020

Granby resident promoted at Windsor Federal Granby resident Lynne Stanley has been promoted to vice president - cash management officer at Windsor Federal, headquartered in Windsor.

“As our commercial business continues to grow, Lynne’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service to our customers has remained steadfast,” stated Luke Kettles, EVP and chief loan officer.

Stanley joined Windsor Federal in 2008 as business banking officer with over 25 years of prior work experience in the retail and business development areas.

She has held the position of commercial relationship officer and was promoted to assistant vice president - cash management officer in 2018. “I enjoy working with our commercial customers and finding the best solutions to help them grow and thrive,” said Stanley.

Stanley resides in Granby with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. Stanley has been actively involved in community

First Church of Granby held a fundraiser on Oct. 10 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, selling scarves and whoopie pies on a perfect autumn day. Sophie Riggott (l.) and Samantha Bordonaro, both of North Granby, were among the supporters. Photo

by Heather Dobbert

Town Talk cont’d. from p. 1 at an upcoming meeting. According to DEEP, bird feeders and trash containers are unintentional sources of bear feeding.

However in Granby there are a few cases of “super-intentional” feeding that alter bear behavior and create safety concerns.

Do you know where your bears are?

DEEP does! Hawley shared that DEEP has placed radio collars on many local bears and they track and record their movements. They know, factually, exactly where bears congregate unnaturally, sometimes 10–20 bears on a half-acre private lot. The tracking data confirms that intentional “food conditioning” occurs on these sites and alters bear behavior.

Hawley confirmed that this does include one Mountain Road property in particular. He also confirmed that he has

BOS Minutes

had to euthanize bears known to have been food conditioned on that property, including multiple times for bears injured by cars in front of the property. One notorious bear, that in his early days spent most of his time at that property, went on to break into and ransack a house directly across the street. The property owner has been spoken to by DEEP officials, but evidently so far refuses to curtail the activity. There is no recourse based on current state laws. A town ordinance might address this through the imposition of fines.

Please don’t voluntarily and intentionally feed bears. But do say “thanks” to those who volunteer to help within our Granby community.

Stay safe, Jim Lofink

activities and is currently serving her third term as treasurer of Windsor’s First Town Downtown.

Stop & Shop donates to Waste Not Want Not Restore, Stop & Shop’s reduced emissions fuel program, has donated $10,000 grants to five hunger relief organizations. Granby’s Waste Not Want Not Food Pantry is one of the five organizations receiving the donation. For the past 12 years, Waste Not Want Not has provided services and support to the food-insecure community in Granby, Simsbury and beyond.

The grant will help those struggling with the current COVID-related food insecurity crisis, who continue to be burdened by hunger. The Restore Program will also calculate and offset each organization’s operational carbon

emissions making them carbon neutral to help protect our environment.

Of the donation, Stop & Shop regional vice president of operations Stephen Iasimone shares, “Although the Restore program is centered around reducing the impact of fuel emissions, our funding has shifted to help local hunger-relief organizations such as Waste Not Want Not. As the holiday season approaches and communities continue to face challenges of food insecurity, this grant will provide additional assistance to Waste Not Want Not, which serves a critical role in feeding those in need across Hartford county.”

Mark J. Migliaccio Attorney at Law

cont’d. from p .3

The Intra-board Advisory Committee (IBAC) consisting of the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education, was in favor of some reforming and finding efficiencies.

It has been advised that they start back up again.

He stated he disagrees with Ballard and feels the BOS should improve the budget process and that can be discussed at the retreat. He does not agree with hiring someone and felt this matter can be discussed further at the retreat. There is always room for improvement, but he does not see any excess in town departments.

All the Selectmen agreed this will be discussed at the retreat.

Consideration of Donation to Police Department Ward reported a Granby citizen donated $1,000 to the Granby Police Department in gratitude for their service.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the donation of $1,000.

Town Manager Reports Capital Project Activity Update The state roundabout project on Route 10/202 at East Street and Notch Road is proceeding rapidly.

The state project for major improvements on U.S. 202/ Route 10 at Route 20 and Route 189 is continuing with the design and intersection improvements.

Updates regarding the bridge projects were briefly reviewed. The state has finished the Moosehorn Bridge design and a public hearing was held on Sept.

10. Construction to widen the bridge is targeted to begin in 2022 and it will require a shutdown for 56 hours. The design work for the Donahue and Simsbury Road bridges is proceeding and construction is likely in 2020.

The school projects at the middle school are moving along. The roof over the gym is almost done. The School Building Committee will meet this week to start brainstorming project designs.

Upcoming flu clinics are scheduled in Avon on Sept.

30 from 1 to 5 p.m. and in Simsbury on Oct. 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. Information and locations will be posted on the town website and Facebook page.

One proposal from the broker for Kearns School was

Lynne Stanley. Submitted photo

received and is being reviewed. If it is positive, it may go before the board at the next meeting.

The Long-Term Recovery Committee has prepared a survey for town residents to determine the needs and concerns of the people related to COVID-19.

The Granby COVID-19 update reports that there have been 35 cases out of 10,000 residents, resulting in a 2.3 percent positivity rate. No deaths have been reported.

Neumann inquired about the Registrar of Voters purchasing supplies and equipment for the upcoming election and the possibility of using grant money to cover the cost. There was discussion regarding some available grants. It is not a lot of money but it may cover some of the equipment. It was also mentioned the Registrars may need to hire help with the expected increase in the volume of Absentee Ballots. Ward was not sure of reimbursement from grant money but an application will be made.

Budget Operations Revenue collection is good. Town Clerk revenue has a strong start at only two months in and it is at 35 percent. Expenditures are in good shape. Revenue is above target. Expenses are at the expected range.

First Selectman Reports Kuhnly reported there will be a free drive-in movie at South Church on Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. It is being sponsored by Granby Racial Reconciliation and they are showing Hidden Figures. It is requested that individuals who are at high risk of COVID should stay at home.

Selectman Reports Ballard reported he was approached by some Granby residents to consider a town Ethics Committee. He would like to work with them to get it started. He also proposed making some structural changes to the town website. He is open for discussion and anyone can reach out to him through the website.

Adjournment On A Motion by King seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward Town Manager

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 7

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 Held at high school auditorium Board Members Present: Jenny Emery (via Zoom), Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster (via Zoom), and Student Representatives Jack DeGray and Jacob Scotto.

Melissa Migliaccio called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Chairman’s Corner Migliaccio shared opening remarks saying that there have been tremendous resources devoted to the safe reopening of the schools. Thank you to custodians, secretaries, teaching assistants, nurses, and Central Services’ staff who have performed the impossible.

The culmination of that and our website Stronger Together says everything.

Superintendent’s Announcements Dr. Jordan Grossman thanked the public in-person and online for attending the meeting tonight.

The first 11 days of school have gone extremely well.

Today’s first full in-person day for Kelly Lane and Wells Road also went very well. It was the first full in-person day since March 13. On Sept. 21 we will welcome back middle and high school students.

Jennifer Parsons, assistant superintendent, will present the metrics from the Farmington Valley Health District. The FVHD will be involved in any decisions we make for school, school closures, etc.

Attendance for the full reopening today for Kelly and Wells were as follows: Kelly Lane had a 98.4 percent (5/311) attendance rate for in-person students and a 94.8 percent rate (3/58) for remote students; Wells Road had 97.8 percent (6/279) for in-person and 97 percent (2/66) for remote students.

The State of Connecticut is requiring school districts to have in-person and remote options.

The final Reopening Task Force Meeting was held last week. A special thank you to Rosemarie Weber who was a Chair of the Committee.

Also, a special thank you to the YMCA child care program.

This evening Athletic Director Brian Maltese, will speak about where the district is with athletics and football.

Open houses will start next week and will run through Oct. 1.

A reminder that the BOE retreat will be held on Sept.

30 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Kindly complete the two surveys on board goals and self-evaluation, by this Friday.

There will be no school on Sept. 28 in observance of the Yom Kippur holiday.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report Parsons collaborates with the FVHD and has a direct

line with them on a weekly basis. A document provided by the FVHD was presented that showed the leading indicator in making decisions around school models.

That indicator is new COVID-19 cases on a sevenday average per 100,000 people. This document is published every Thursday or Friday and states how Granby is doing week-to-week. A low-risk level and full reopening is less than 10 cases per 100,000 on a seven-day rolling average. Currently there are 1.4 cases per 100,000 in the Farmington Valley, 3.9 cases in Hartford County; and 3.2 cases in Connecticut for the period Aug. 30-Sept. 5. If the rates creep toward the orange category (10-25 cases per 100,000), Granby would be in a true hybrid category. Over 25 cases would indicate full remote learning. The metrics will be reviewed on a weekly basis but the FVHD will contact us on any given day if there are any changes.

Parsons has also been working with teachers and administrators on the various working models as the district may need to pivot at any time into a different model. Across the district before returning to school inperson, all learners have had the ability to participate in live synchronous meetings. Additionally, Parsons has been working with remote teachers and the remote learning coach on scheduling. Technology work is being done on a suite of tools to offer teachers support if they need to move into hybrid or remote learning. Parsons stated another focus of her work has been policies, meeting with the Wellness Committee around the new food service program and meeting with the Professional Development and Education Committee to make a recommendation on flexibility provided around teacher evaluation for more informal observations.

Student Representative Report Migliaccio extended a warm welcome to Jacob Scotto as the new student BOE representative. Jacob shared that he is involved in football, tennis, drama club and chamber singers.

Jack DeGray stated his experience is going well at the high school thus far.

Football, soccer and field hockey teams are practicing and happy to be doing so.

Today in advisory, there was a class vote to see if students were happy to go back to school. The consensus was that many students fear going forward in full could put them back to full remote; however, speaking for everyone, Jack stated students are happy to be back full time.

Brandon Webster asked how the buses are working for students. Grossman said some buses have one or two students on them, there are others that have up to seven and today some had 15. We will get a better handle on this by the end of the week for Kelly Lane and Wells Road.

Business Manager’s Report Anna Robbins, Business Manager, presented the June and July/August statements of accounts. For FY20, financial results show a return to the town of $902K. Special education expenses were unfavorable $106K and regular education expenses were favorable just over $1M. Salaries and benefits made up 75.93 percent of the total budget for FY20.

Due to the pandemic and the unprecedented move to remote learning in mid-March, nearly every line item showed budgetary savings except for special education, out-of-district tuition and general supplies.

The over-budget condition in general supplies reflects spending on PPE and other COVID-related expenses that were submitted for the FEMA claim.

The Quality and Diversity Fund was favorable $164K due to savings on magnet school tuitions, afterschool activities, transportation, and professional development. Revenue to the town showed a shortfall of $55K for FY20 which was offset by unfavorable results in the Excess Cost Reimbursement, rental fees and pay-for-participation fees.

For FY21, as of Aug. 31, the BOE shows a negative forecast of $325K. Special education expenditures were unfavorable $60K and regular education expenses were unfavorable $265K. The driving factor for special education is the net change for out-ofdistrict placements. The forecast for regular education is related directly to the return to schoolhouse learning.

The personnel line items include the forecast for additional custodial support and bus monitors.

There are also projected increases for software, transportation and general supplies. The district received a Care Grant for $47K which will offset some of the over-budget conditions and there could also be some additional funds to help offset the additional unbudgeted costs associated with reopening; however, the district has not received an application yet. Revenue for the town reflects a projection of additional revenue from regular tuition from other towns; however, Excess Cost Funding from the state is lower than budgeted. Although out-of-district costs for special education are higher than budgeted, fewer students are meeting the stop loss limits. Projections for rental fees and pay-for-participation are uncertain at this time. The overall projection for revenue to the town is unfavorable $146K. Jenny Emery stated the board will deal with budget transfers later in the agenda and stated the net is less than anticipated revenue and that $900K returned to the town is unprecedented.

Expenditures in this year certainly would be outside of the budget. Purchased some PPE and other items out of last year’s budget (almost $200K) and still turned over $900K to the town. Emery stated this year’s

situation does not concern her yet. Major things are the temporary custodians and bus monitors and both are related to safety.

Robbins has been very proactive in seeking other grants and is hoping to receive more relief.

Public Comment Grace Matthews, 1 Quail Lane, North Granby, thanked the board for allowing her to express her concerns, stating that she has brought her concerns to leadership and the Association prior to speaking. She stated it is a shared common goal of acting in the best interest of children and wanting students back in the classroom.

She stated she feels that every measure must be checked and rechecked prior to a full reopening and it is clear the Stronger Together Plan is intended to be refined based on new knowledge and feedback. Her personal concerns are that, according to students, the self-assessment is not being used and better systems should be implemented since we are not proactively checking temperatures or requiring testing. Student workstations spaced 3’ apart up to 6’ apart will not be the reality for some teachers in her building upon full entry; desk shields will not work unless students stay faced forward; and, the masks distributed to students are not of high quality. Matthews stated fully reopening schools might dissuade families of remote students from sending their students back to school since they chose to keep their children home during the staggered transitional opening. She would like to ensure the district can say everything has been done to protect staff and students.

Karl Kampfmann, Granby, stated his reasons for speaking are twofold: 1) He feels this in-person meeting sends a powerful message that we are back on the road to recovery; and, 2) He thanked the BOE, educators and administrators for all they did during Phase I of the pandemic. The distance learning plan was not perfect; however, it kept students engaged and also put a plan together to get students back to school, not only for education but also for social reasons as well as the mental health of students to get back to a normal way of life. It gives students hope.

Danieka Janski, Granby, stated she is a parent with two children at the high school and she is happy that all students will be back in school on Monday and that keeping our kids in the best learning environment is the best thing for them and their education.

Sarah Scotto, West Granby, stated she is a parent of a Class of 2020 graduate and as well as two high school students. She thanked the board for all they have done to get students back to school and is happy students will be back full-time and in-person on Monday.

She stated she is a dentist so she feels confident sending her children to school in a mask. Her children have told her students do keep their masks on.

BOE Minutes cont’d. on p. 10

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bhhsNEProperties.com Granby Drummer November2020

Page 8 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

State Senator John A. Kissel

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 9

Granby potter raises funds for Food Bank

Granby’s 49th Road Race

By Don Shaw, Jr. Teaming up with First Congregational Church at its monthly food collection drive on Saturday, Nov. 7, Avis Cherichetti, local potter, artisan and owner of Honey Hill Pottery, will be offering a selection of her distinctive bowls in exchange for monetary donations to the Granby Food Bank.

Recognizing that the number of Granby families who are food-insecure and in dire need of support is large and growing, Cherichetti hopes her initiative will spur more support for the food bank, as well as encourage others to creatively sponsor similar efforts.

At the food drive, donors will be able to select from an array of Cherichetti’s uniquely handcrafted bowls in exchange for a monetary donation based on the recommended value of each piece.

Cherichetti will bundle the donations for direct and immediate submission to the food bank.

Sponsoring monthly food drives since May, First Congregational Church of Granby has a safe and secure collection procedure requiring social distancing and wearing masks. The drives are conducted the first Saturday of each month in the church parking lot at 219 North Granby Road. The hours of collection are 9 to 11 a.m. Please stop by on Nov. 7, and give as generously as you are able.

Potter Avis Cherichetti provided this photo of several of her beautiful bowls.

Peter Burnham, photo taken by Jay Harder, Granby Camera Club

On Sept. 19, the Granby Road Race ran for the 49th time. This race has an unusual course that covers road and trail, making beautiful running scenery for the over 290 registered runners.

The Farmington Valley YMCA has had the pleasure of hosting this race for 10 out of the 49 years. Though the race looked a little different this year, the support it received from runners, sponsors and the community did not waiver.

This year’s race had limited numbers, a staggered start and a quiet finish. There were not a lot of in-person races happening this year, so the committee was bound and determined to make it happen.

The volunteer-led group spent countless hours planning and preparing for a safe and socially distanced race.

This event would not be possible without the dedication of over 35 volunteers from Live Every Day Physical Therapy, the Granby Camera Club, and Granby CERT. The race also relies on the support from the McLean Game Refuge, the Granby Board of Education, Granby PD and other local police departments, Granby Parks and Recreation, and a dedicated race committee.

Jennifer and Everett Caley, photo taken

by Paula Johnson, Granby Camera Club

Thomas Ahn, photo taken by Jake Koteen, J. Koteen Photography

The road race Presenting Sponsors were Deloitte, Live Every Day Physical Therapy, Murphy, Ladauti, Kiel, and Rattigan – Attorney’s at Law, and the Zen Restaurant Group. As more local businesses and runners support the race, the Y can provide more financial assistance to those in our community who need our support. This historic race generated over $12,000 with the help of sponsors and runners. These funds allow the YMCA to support families in need, including access to membership, swim lessons, the wellness center, after school programs and much more.

The Y would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make this year’s race a success: Al and Helen Wilke, Antonucci Electric, Arrow Concrete Products Inc., Beman Hardware Inc., Cahill’s Motorcars Inc., Cambridge House Brew Pub, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Connecticut Periodontal & Implant Associates, Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists LLC, Dalene Hardwood Flooring Co., David Schupp, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Farley Mac’s Restaurant, Four Dads Pub, Granby CERT, Granby Dental Center LLC,

Granby Family Eye Care LLC, Horses & Hounds, Live Everyday Physical Therapy, Lost Acres Vineyard, Maple View Farm, Maple View Farm Brewery, McKenna Orthodontics, McLean Game Refuge, Murphy, Laudati, Kiel & Rattigan LLC, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, Soma Grille, Starling Physicians, The Grand Luxury Apartments, Walker Kitchen Design LLC, Young Farms, and Zen Restaurant Group.

The YMCA has served the Farmington Valley for over 75 years. “Seeing our community come together with volunteers and sponsors, especially during such a difficult time for everyone, is a testament to the amazing community in which we all live, work, and play” said Brian Liss, district executive director.

The Farmington Valley YMCA thanks everyone that was involved in this historic race. We are looking forward to the 50th Granby Road Race on May 1, 2021.

The YMCA encourages you to save the date for another great event.

To learn more about the race and volunteering, please contact us at granbyroadrace@ghymca.org

Drumrolls Mikayla Fallon, of Granby, graduated from Hofstra University in the spring, earning a bachelor of arts in dance.

Angela Gardner, of East Granby, was named to the dean’s list at the University of Saint Joseph for the summer semester.

Alexander Smoolca, of Granby, graduated from Stonehill College during a virtual commencement ceremony this summer.

The Assumption University Student Government Association elected Elizabeth Cappelli, of North Granby, as senator of the class of 2024 during the 2020-21 academic year.

Charles Psholka, of North Granby, graduated from Western New England University with an MSE in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics Concentration in August.

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Page 10 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES BOE Minutes cont’d. from p. 7 She stated there are challenges with remote days because her students feel they are not part of the class. Today a teacher was having an issue with technology and got frustrated. There is no substitute for in-person learning. The plan created minimizes the risks.

Karen Richmond-Goddard, resident and teacher at the high school, stated she has a son in 11th grade at the high school. She said she is currently taking a graduate class and her school provided 14 days of professional development, so teachers felt equipped for the return. The technology department and administration tried to give the best they could, but more instruction should have been given for remote and on-line learning. She said technology has shaken a lot of people’s confidence. She also said that social distancing in the commons will be difficult to monitor and expressed concerns that Granby is going back earlier than other districts.

Consent Agenda A motion was made by Rosemarie Weber and seconded by Sarah Thrall that the Granby Board of Education adopt the consent agenda. This motion passed at 7:56 p.m. with two abstentions (Melissa Migliaccio and Brandon Webster).

New Business Athletic Update Brian Maltese, athletic director, updated the board on the fall athletic program and stated this year will be much different than sports seasons in the past and the health and safety of the students to get them back to their respective sport is of the utmost importance.

Maltese informed the board the first three weeks students will be in cohorts of no more than 10 students with 30 minutes of conditioning and 30 minutes of skill work. Masks must be worn to and from practice.

The NCCC is split into two sections of seven rather than 14 in our geography pool in order to mitigate travel. Each team has sanitizer spray bottles to sanitize equipment between uses. Locker rooms are currently being used for storage and athletes are encouraged to dress in athletic clothing for the school day. Maltese is working with Mike Dunn on revising these protocols with colder weather approaching.

Games will begin on Oct. 1 with six home and six away games. CIAC did not have any guidelines for cheerleading so Granby got together with other districts who have cheerleading and came up with guidelines.

Received news today that the CIAC is not allowing football. There will be no practices in the fall; however, the team will work on conditioning. Awaiting guidance as to what the potential later date might be—possibly the spring. Maltese stated there are 263 total athletes for the fall, which aligns to what we have had in the past.

Middle school field hockey and cross country started

this week, aligning with what is being done at the high school. Migliaccio inquired if football athletes will be able to change to another sport. Maltese stated, yes, players can switch up to the first contest of that sport on Oct. 1. Thanked Maltese for his presentation and also Shannon Sullivan for getting water to the fields.

David Peling inquired if there was any guidance on the winter season. Maltese stated there is no guidance as of yet. Mark Fiorentino inquired if people are allowed to attend games when they start. Maltese stated this is an ongoing conversation with Dunn and Grossman; however, the district is trying to wait and see what metrics tell us in the next couple of weeks.

First Reading of Policy 6172.3, Homeschooling The Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communications Subcommittee recommended Policy 6172.3, Home Schooling, to the board for a first reading. Sarah Thrall stated this policy normalizes an existing practice that a family needs to file with the district when planning to homeschool a student. She has received some comments and will incorporate those changes for the second reading.

First Reading of Policy 4118.237/4218.237/5141.8, Face Masks/Coverings The subcommittee recommended Policy 4118.237/4218.237/5141.8, Face Masks/Coverings, to the board for a first reading. Thrall stated she has received a few comments on this policy and will also incorporate them for the second reading.

Jennifer Parsons stated this policy correlates to the Executive Order in place. Emery inquired if there are any discipline issues with students wearing masks and Parsons stated mask wearing by students has been exceptional. Rosemarie Weber stated she is impressed with the level of mask wearing going on with the students and it is truly a testament as to how much they want to be in school and participating in activities.

FY20 Year-End Budget Transfers The board discussed the approval of FY20 yearend budget transfers as recommended by the Business Manager and Finance/Personnel/Facilities Subcommittee. A motion was made by Emery and seconded by Peling that the Granby Board of Education approve year-end budget transfers for FY20 as recommended by the Business Manager and Finance/Personnel/Facilities Subcommittee. Emery stated there are several specific pages in the packet about budget transfers. The budget is approved by the voters but the BOE has the discretion of returning money to the town. Some accounts are underspent and accounts are moved around. $199K was spent in June once the equipment needs were known but, other than that, it is just the moving around in line items and the BOE needs to approve the changes from one line to another where the money was spent. This motion passed unanimously at 8:29 p.m.

Board Standing Committee Reports Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communication Thrall reported this subcommittee had a special

meeting this evening to discuss a draft Title IX policy and it was decided to keep the policy in subcommittee for one more meeting as it is a pretty comprehensive policy. In May, there were new federal regulations on Title IX and changes to the definition of sexual harassment and broadens the district to events and supervision as well as who you can report sexual harassment to and the process followed. Migliaccio stated she prefers that the subcommittee take their time with this policy. Parsons stated although we do not have this policy revised as of yet, we are in compliance with our current Title IX policy as well as staff training.

Finance/Personnel/Facilities Emery reported this subcommittee met this evening and discussed food service issues. Last spring Granby participated in the federal seamless summer option program to keep feeding students despite schools closing. Sodexo was our food service provider at the time and the program was supposed to be cost neutral; however, now Sodexo is stating we owe them money, which administration is working to resolve.

Separate from that issue, Fresh Picks out of VT, our current vendor, has been dealt a difficult hand to make the food system work and be cost neutral to us. This requires a certain level of participation and since school has restarted, we are at 20 percent or less of what is normally expected for students purchasing lunch. This is happening to all of the vendor’s other customers as well. CDC guidance states for students to bring food from home even though there is no instance of transmission with food service. This is causing a real cost to the district so we invited the food service representative to talk to us and through a combination of expense reduction and activities that promote more utilization of the food service program, looking to try to ultimately move toward the revenue neutral program. There is no final answer but the good news is the federal government re-upped the summer seamless option program and Granby may want to participate in this, which would allow access to food service to everyone for free. Administration will summarize the details and make a recommendation to the subcommittee at the next meeting.

Other Board-Related Reports CREC/CABE Fiorentino said that CREC met today for the first time this school year. CREC schools went back in full five days a week at the beginning and reported it is going

well. Additionally, CREC is expanding the program to help certify minority teachers and Granby should not lose focus on this for our plan.

Calendar of Events: Open houses will be done virtually this year.

Executive Session/Non-Meeting A motion was made by Migliaccio and seconded by Thrall to enter into an Executive Session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement. This motion passed unanimously at 8:43 p.m. The Executive Session ended at approximately 8:50 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 RETREAT Held at high school commons Board Members Present: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Brandon Webster.

Melissa Migliaccio called the retreat to order at 4 p.m.

Superintendent Updates Dr. Jordan Grossman shared updates of activities around the district.

Assistant Superintendent’s Update Jennifer Parsons presented Let’s Talk: A responsive approach to uncomfortable topics that was presented to the staff by the Connecticut Center for School Change.

BOE Self-Evaluation The board reviewed and discussed annual survey results for their self-evaluation.

BOE/Budget Goals The board discussed BOE and budget goals for the 2020-2021 school year. They reviewed the current goals and Grossman presented a draft of goals for 2020-2021. The board will review these goals again at an upcoming meeting.

The board also discussed its strategic goals and will begin the development of a new strategic plan.

A motion was made by Dave Peling and seconded by Brandon Webster to adjourn the retreat and enter into an Executive Session to discuss a collective bargaining agreement. This motion passed unanimously at 7:05 p.m. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary

Note: Minutes for the Sept. 2 BOE meeting can be viewed on the BOE website.

Tips for Home Selling During the Holidays When your home is dressed up for the holidays, it looks GOOD! Here is how to make sure it shines.

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Feature centerpieces and garlands from nature

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Select a tree that won't take over the room

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If you would like help with the home-selling process, give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions!

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 11

Social Services Director: Sandra Yost Office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Telephone: 860-844-5351 The focus of the Social Service Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs, please call the office.

Granby Local Assistance Program: Granby residents facing financial hardship may access funds once in a 12-month period. The gross household income cannot exceed 60 percent of state median income, unless extenuating circumstances can be documented.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): During the winter months, help is available to households to help pay for heating fuel in the form of oil, gas, or electric heat. Benefits are available to households with incomes up to 60 percent of the state median income.

Processing will be delayed if necessary paperwork is missing. Call office to see if your household qualifies.

Resources and Services Childcare: Additional resources and information regarding childcare can be found at the Office of Early Childhood at 1-800-5050-1000 or visit ct.gov/oec/ site/default.asp Child Welfare Resources: Tools for supporting virtual times for families, and child welfare workforce tools are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway at cwig@ communications.childwelfare.gov Housing Resources and Utility Assistance Eversource: There are COVID re-payment programs available.

You can contact our office for help with this. You can also contact Eversource directly at 800-286-2000. For more information visit the PURA webpage at portal.ct.gov/PURA/Consumer-Services/ PURA-COVID-Actions Rent and Mortgage Assistance: The State of Connecticut has launched temporary housing assistance for renters and homeowners impacted by COVID-19. For more information on the program call 1-860-785-3111, Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. This program is managed by the Connecticut Department

of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

Food Resources Granby Food Pantry: Located at 248 Salmon Brook Street. Before using the Granby Food Pantry, you must qualify with the Town of Granby Social Services Department. An appointment is necessary. Call 860-844-5350 to schedule appointment. Granby Food Pantry hours are Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to Noon and Thursdays 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen: Free meal available as drive-up to pick-up service every Wednesday, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The meal is free, but an offering is always welcome.

Mobile FoodShare: Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, 15 and 19, 1:30 – 2 p.m. Please park behind South Congregational Church and Visiting Nurses Building only. Please remember to bring your own bags. For more locations or weather cancellations visit foodshare.org Life Church Hope 4 Life Food Pantry: Located at 23 Griffin Road.

The food pantry is open on Wednesdays 2 to 4 p.m. to members of Life Church as well as anyone who is in need. No qualification necessary. Due to COVID safety concerns, we have a drive through service. Volunteer staff will place boxes of food in the trunk of your car. Each box weighs approximately 50 pounds. For more information, please call the church office at 860-653-3308.

SNAP: Foodshare will continue to facilitate SNAP applications by phone.

For help with SNAP, call 860-2869999 ext. 104. This process will take approximately 30 minutes and Foodshare will mail you a packet to sign and return.

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

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800273-8255. When it Builds Up, Talk it Out, a campaign launched by United Way, 211 and DCF—you can talk to a professional by calling 833-258-5011 or talkitoutct.com

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Did you hear THAT? Historian Dennis D. Picard reads Edgar Allen Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart in North Granby’s Lee Cemetery.

The half-hour program is available to view on Granby Public Library’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and GCTV website. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Photo by Holly K. Johnson

Chorale to offer a free streamed event On Sunday, Nov. 15, the Farmington Valley Chorale continues its 50th Anniversary year of celebration with a free event, streamed live, featuring Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, artistic director, in conversation with Professor Kathy Saltzman Romey, director of the Minnesota Chorale. The two will be exploring in depth, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, a cantata published, and first performed, in 1936. This is the second in the chorale’s Music in Response series, which features a close look at a piece of music that was composed in time of crisis or, in some way speaks to our vulnerability and coping through such times.

Romey serves as director of choral activities at the University of Minnesota and artistic director of the 200-voice Minnesota Chorale, which serves as

principal chorus for the Minnesota Orchestra. Voth, a resident of West Hartford, is a conductor, educator, composer and pianist/organist.

She has been the FV Chorale’s artistic director since 2007.

The Farmington Valley Chorale performed the Dona Nobis Pacem with orchestra in 2016. Kathy Saltzman Romey For information about the Music in Response programs, and to access the link for this free program, visit farmingtonvalleychorale.org

Legal and Financial Information Legal Help: Greater Hartford Legal Aid is available to answer your questions about benefits that may be available to you, as well as other legal issues. For more information visit ghla.org/

You can also visit Statewide Legal Services at slsct.org Unemployment: Guidance on applying for Unemployment can be found at dol. gov/

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

Local author publishing two new novels amid pandemic

UNICO tournament was successful fundraiser

By Bob Marx Thanks to its generous sponsors, volunteers and enthusiastic participants, At left, Joy Marx, president of the Granby the Granby UNICO Club, a service orchapter, with current UNICO national ganization of Italian-Americans, raised president Dr. Frank DeFrank. more than $12,000 for this year’s scholLive auction contributors include arship fund and “Secret Santa” project Granby artist (and UNICO Chapter to assist needy families in the Granby President) Joy Marx, Bob Beaudoin of community.

The Travelers, Farmington Valley Y and Played on Sept. 11 at the Tunxis John French (Suffield Country Club).

Country Club, UNICO’s 14th annual Tournament chairman Bob Marx charity tournament attracted 94 players wishes to also thank the many volunin a scramble format. UNICO National teers, raffle prize donators and players President Dr. Frank DeFrank attended for another successful charity event. from Pennsylvania and former National UNICO is the nation’s largest ItalianPresident Tom Vaughan came from American service organization and the Wethersfield. Gold sponsor was State Granby Chapter was chartered in 2003.

Line Propane and Oil, which provided Any Granby resident of Italian ancestry golf umbrellas to each player and also (or their spouse) is welcomed to join the sponsored the carts. organization. For further information, Other sponsors included Liberty Bank please contact Joy Marx at 413-977(Bronze), Four Dads Pub (dinner), An6306. tonucci Electric (10K Hole-in-One), Graham Construction (drink tickets), Murphy, Laudati, Kiel and Rattigan (reception), Landmark Tours and Cruises (driving range), Carmon Funeral Home (putting green), Dick and Mary Briggs (lunch).

Other hole-in-one contests were sponsored by Arrow Concrete, Duncaster and Mark Laudati. Tee sign sponsors included Metric Financial, Granby Family Eye Care, Route 10 Tire, Tom Fredo Home Builder, Schoenrock/Baranowski Financial, Granby Dental Center, Fauteux Construction, Control Aire, Dei Dolori Painting, Zen The Gold sponsorship team from State Line Restaurant Group, Dante Boffi Propane and Oil included, from left, owner Brian Designs, Northwest Community Guarco (currently UNICO’s eastern regional district Bank, Beacon Mechanical, Steve governor), Steve Vaughan (past UNICO national Tutulo, Law office of Gregory president), Kirk Severance (Granby’s director of Goodstein, Tom Caputi and Joan public works) and Mario Giovanucci (past UNICO Israelson, Mario Giovanucci and district governor). Submitted photos Budget Printers.

In the wake of COVID-19, Hartland’s Liz Delton had to get creative to continue her publishing career, and the result is the release of her seventh novel, The Alchemyst’s Mirror.

After forming her own publishing imprint last year, Delton planned several books for 2020, which she was planning on selling at local shops and events, including the Simsbury Flea and Smorgasbord and the Big E. Now all of her book sales have moved online. Even though she believes supporting local shops is critical right now, Delton is expecting her second child and is practicing extreme caution with distancing.

Delton’s newest book, The Alchemyst’s Mirror, published Oct. 27, will be followed by the release of a Christmas novella, The Clockwork Ice Dragon, on Nov. 10. Both are in the fantasy genre of steampunk (think Victorian era with more technology—usually steampowered).

In The Alchemyst’s Mirror, Petra and Maisie Everturn just want to run their family’s tea shop, but when their explorer brother goes missing while looking for an alchemical artifact, none of them are safe. Featuring alchemy, tea, and a set of tenacious sisters, The Alchemyst’s Mirror will be the first in the Everturn Chronicles series, and is suitable for Young Adults (and up).

Delton was inspired to write this book to branch out into the up-and-coming genre of steampunk. Being a fanatic of tea and having once worked in a tea shop herself, it was easy for her to write about two sisters who run a family tea shop.

When writing, her motto is “fierce heroines, fantastic worlds” to help inspire girls and women, just like in the books

Author Liz Delton and her seventh novel, The Alchemyst’s Mirror. Submitted photo

she read as a teen and even now. She had fun writing sisters Petra and Maisie because they’re both very independent, brave, and loyal to their family.

Instead of doing a book tour for her upcoming releases, Delton will be doing a virtual book launch party through Facebook for both new books on Nov. 10.

“I think it’s wonderful to escape into a book, especially in these times,” Delton says. “As an author I enjoy creating these fantastic worlds and characters to inspire others. And it gives your brain a break from stress and worry to lose yourself in a good book—any book.”

For more information on Delton’s books or online events visit LizDelton. com

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 13

Face masks for sale at GMHS

By Benjamin Gottsche The Class of 2022 student government saw a need for face masks in response to COVID-19, and asked the community for material to make face coverings.

People from all over Granby donated a generous amount of yarn, fabric, buttons, elastic and nose pieces.

Over the last four months, the class spent weekends making masks and mask extenders that are being sold at the high school as a fundraiser. The masks are made out of two layers of cotton, lined with a nose piece and interfacing to better seal around the nose. The mask extenders are sold for $1 each, the child-size masks, $3 and the adultsize masks, $4 each. Three adult masks can be purchased for $10 and two child masks can be purchased for $5. The masks consist of fabrics varying in color and patterns with no emblem.

Keep art alive in Granby Alexander Anisimov will display his artworks in a one-man show at 2 Park Place Gallery, through Dec. 31. The artist believes that, “Art embellishes a home, it adds to a home’s character, and absolutely adds value.” The show is open and free to public. For more information, call 860-436-8599.

To purchase, please email Maeve Dingley, 22DingleyM@granbyschools. org

Smart Recovery programs offered by Youth Services

Drugs, Tobacco, Gambling, Alcohol, Shopping, Hoarding—ADDICTION The Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau is now offering two SMART Recovery programs.

The Family and Friends support group will meet on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This support group for family and friends of a loved one with addictive behavior has two goals: first, to provide self-management and life skills tools to people struggling with the challenges of living with and caring about a person with an addiction (SMART Recovery, 2020). And second, to support friends and family in increasing the interactions with their loved 5 x 3enabling and maximize the one that avoid possibility that the loved one will choose recovery for their addiction.

The second group is the Youth and Teens recovery support program. This evidence-based group is for young people with an addictive behavior that

is causing them problems. It focuses on the SMART four-point recovery system.

1. Building and Maintaining motivations 2. Coping with Urges 3. Managing your Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors 4. Living a Balanced Lifestyle Both programs are free, confidential support groups. A onetime HIPPA-compliant registration is required.

The meetings will be offered in person, face masks required, at 15 C North Granby Road, Granby. If small group gatherings of two to 10 people are a health concern, you may choose to join the meeting via a Doxy. me telehealth link.

Call AnneMarie Cox at 860-844-5355 for more information or to register for either of these groups.

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Stroll Through Granby History You may have noticed the temporary signs in front of 32 houses from the town green down Salmon Brook Street to just below the Salmon Brook Historical Society. The official Stroll ended Oct. 29, but if you did not get to enjoy it during October, the house pictures and all their stories will be on the Salmon Brook Historical Society website starting Oct. 30. Anyone can practice social distancing, stay warm and comfortable, and still have fun learning about Granby history. Plus, some of the houses have pictures from the current owners who are renovating them and recapturing their original beauty. Granby

860.653.6630 info@subseven.net Supporting the Farmington Valley.

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history is alive and interesting.

The house at 231 Salmon Brook Street has the story of an early police chief with the nickname of “Two-Gun Hotchkiss.”

Fall virtual programs for the autism community Autism Families CONNECTicut, (AFC), is launching revamped virtual programs for those ages 3 to young adult on the autism spectrum. Like in-person programming, participants will be able to explore creativity through fun activities where they can interact with peers and express themselves freely via virtual platforms, such as Zoom and the Houseparty App. Although AFC’s doors closed on March 13 to comply with COVID-19 directives, it has remained committed to providing programming for the autism community.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to have access to social and recreational activities to help reduce pandemic-related isolation and anxiety within this vulnerable population. AFC is extremely fortunate to be able to continue providing weekly virtual programs free of charge.

Playing on the Spectrum: AFC’s signature program, now offered Saturday mornings virtually via Zoom, engages children in an interactive play-based format that provides fun movement ac-

tivities such as yoga, basic sports skills, music and physical fitness.

Building on the Spectrum: Individuals of all ages will be encouraged to share their creativity, practice problem-solving skills, and make social connections with peers using LEGO and other building mediums.

Teen Nights: This music- and movement-based program gives teens loads of opportunities to socialize, establish and maintain virtual social connections, and have fun while participating in themed activities such as music, dancing, and trivia—just to name a few.

Young Adult Hangouts: This is “the place to be” for young adults on the autism spectrum who are looking for some fun, games and good laughs. Hangouts are a fun social evening that includes conversation, social activities and games with friends.

For more information, visit autismfamiliesct.org For questions, contact Maria Mascoli, AFC’s executive director, at maria@autismfamiliesct.org

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Page 14 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

Granby men open their dream pub

By Dylan Cavaciuti Four Dads Pub is Granby’s newest local business and the most recent addition to the growing culinary choices that the town has to offer. The pub is the brainchild of four Granby dads. Mike Garbeck, Dante Boffi, Eugene Smythe and Mario Fino were on their way out of town to watch a ballgame when they hatched the idea of a local pub that would serve a need in Granby: a place to watch a game and enjoy some elevated pub fare along with good whiskeys and craft beers.

After searching local real estate, they settled on 18R Hartford Ave. The building, built in 1786, was originally a carriage house. During construction, they discovered that much of the original woodwork, buried under layers of sheetrock, was still in excellent condition. The 30-foot long chestnut beam that runs the length of the building is now as it was 200 years ago. They also found the original door to the hayloft as well as some horseshoes from the era that are incorporated into the new design, paying tribute to the building’s history.

Inside at Four Dads patrons can watch sports or enjoy Rock & Roll-themed music. The outdoor patio has a TV as well, along with outdoor speakers.

The pub menu features many locally sourced products including vegetables, cheeses, meats and, of course, local craft beers and wines. Sauces are made from scratch and fresh breads are supplied by San Remo Italian Bakery. Some menu favorites from customer reviews are Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, and the Firehouse Chili and Signature Wings. In addition, there are several creative pub sandwiches, salads and the children’s menu.

Behind the bar, Mario Fino has collected over 40 different whiskeys, 12 taps, assorted spirits and several local beers and wines.

In addition to a creative menu and impressive design, Four Dads Pub is already giving back to the community.

It has partnered with Waste Not, Want Not, the community kitchen associated with South Congregational Church. All its excess fresh ingredients are donated to the kitchen, so nothing is wasted while supporting those in need in our community.

Youth Conservation Corps created With time on his hands due to the Coronavirus lockdown, high school senior Zach Orluk and his friends started going for hikes in McLean Game Refuge and on Granby Land Trust properties. It was a great way to break up the boredom of days at home, distanced from friends. The kids were happy to get away from their parents; and their parents were happy to see them spending time outside.

When the GLT started looking for volunteers to assist with the work it would take to get the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve ready for its opening, Zach asked some friends to come help. Ten high school students showed up that first Saturday morning. Every few weeks, Zach would organize another work party.

It was the start of the Granby Land Trust Youth Conservation Corps (GLT YCC).

To date, the group has volunteered more than 80 work hours at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Under the guidance

of a GLT board member, they cleared blowdowns, chopped and stacked wood, cleaned out the pond’s sluiceway, dug a gutter along one trail to reduce erosion, removed invasive plants and widened trails.

They work hard for a few hours on Saturday mornings. The reward? Community service hours, time spent with friends in a beautiful place, the acquisition of new experiences and new skills, the knowledge that you worked hard and accomplished a good thing, and, sometimes, apple cider donuts.

If you are a high school student who is interested in joining the GLT YCC, please email the GLT at info@granbylandtrust. org and we will put you in touch with Zach. When not working on property maintenance, the group will offer socially distanced hikes for its members. Watch our website for scheduled work parties and hikes this winter and next spring.

Above: Four Dads Pub is located at 18R Hartford Ave. Right: The four dads pause in their remodeling for a “before” photo.

Submitted photos

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Granby Land Trust Youth Conservation Corps volunteers, (l to r): Charlie Attianese, Mason Levy, TJ May, Zach Orluk, Chas Orluk, Tyler Kroninger, Carter Frith, Noah Kroninger, Brayden Milbrandt, and Sean Dowd. Not pictured: Colby Milbrandt and Elliot Plourde. Photo

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Helen Cossitt Juilliard and the Floating Hospital

By Ken Kuhl Frederick and Catherine Cossitt had four children. The oldest was Helen Marcellus Cossitt who married Augustus D. Juilliard in 1877. Augustus, like Frederick, was a self-made men who made immense wealth in the dry goods business as well as banking and insurance. By 1895 Augustus was one of New York City’s most prominent and wealthy citizens.

In 1903 Helen and Augustus purchased the mansion at 11 West 57th St. in New York City from an estate for $215,000. In today’s dollars that would be more than $5,000,000. Since Helen and Augustus were living across the street from this new purchase, they decided to have their new purchase torn down and a new mansion built for them.

The Julliards never had any children and in addition to extensive traveling, Helen was a well-known philanthropist.

In fact, she was more well-known for her philanthropy than her lavish lifestyle.

When she passed away in 1916, Helen left an estate worth $5 million from which charities and educational institutions benefited greatly.

One cause that captured Helen’s heart was the poor and underprivileged children and their mothers in New York City. The life of the poor during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was truly deplorable. The streets and tenements were dirty, rat infested and exceptionally unhealthy places to live. A million horses, burning coal, and crowded conditions created a lung-damaging stew that doubled as air. For children already

stressed by malnutrition and a lack of child labor laws, sea air was one of the few remedies available to combat widespread juvenile asthma.

The Floating Hospital traced its origins to 1866 with rented barges to its first hospital ship in 1872. Despite her wealth, for years Helen managed the Lincoln Hospital and Home and around 1895 gave the St. John’s Guild its first hospital boat, the Helen C. Juilliard.

The primary role of healthcare was relief, through the distribution of milk and the assurance of a monthly bath, both of which were luxuries unavailable to most poor families in the post-Civil War era. Opium, laudanum, and spirits were widely used as remedies. Beer and bread were the basics of many children’s diets. By taking these child laborers and their moms out onto the sea for a day, the hospital provided a respite, albeit brief, from the miseries of daily life.

The ship began its voyages at a time when pediatrics was still an emerging branch of medicine. Before the mid-nineteenth century, there were no pediatricians, no children’s hospitals, and very few parents brought their ailing children to physicians. Instead, family members, midwives, and community healers nursed sick youngsters.

The Floating Hospital was a revolutionary concept in the late 1800s, turning the routine occurrence of quarantine barges into a health excursion that combined medical care, healthy eating, and entertainment into one experience. Aboard the Floating Hospital, patients and visitors enjoyed puppet shows, dancing, singa-longs, art classes, games, celebrity

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Above, scenes of the Floating Hospital, which offered revolutionary care for sick children and their mothers. Submitted photos

appearances and movies. They snacked and lunched as they spied breathtaking views of sea and city. No wonder it was nicknamed the Happiest Place on Earth.

In the wake of the success of the first Floating Hospital, the first Helen C. Juilliard ship launched on May 4, 1899.

The first land-based pediatric hospital was the Seaside Hospital of Staten Island that tied together sea excursions and a facility for longer-term care and infant deliveries. Improvements in living conditions in the early days of the twentieth century were tempered with better diagnosed maladies, and an understanding of

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Helen’s health began failing in 1915 and on April 2, 1916, after a long illness, she died in the house on West 57th Street.

Just before her death in 1916, another hospital boat (Helen C. Juilliard II) was launched in Wilmington, Delaware in 1915.

As you pass by the Frederick H. Cossitt library today, pause to think of the legacy of this amazing Granby family.

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

MARK

for State Representatve

ANDERSON

62nd District

Barkhamsted Granby Hartland New Hartford

A Compassionate Conservative fighting for you!

Endorsed by incumbent Representative Bill Simanski, who is retiring!

More Information:

Making Connecticut More Affordable by:

: 860-200-7300

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: mark@mark4ct.us

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: @mark4ct : www.mark4ct.us

• • •

Prioritizing economic growth policies rather than raising taxes, which will result in more revenue in the long run to fund local aid and pay off unfunded liabilities Reducing health care and insurance costs through increased medical service price transparency, competition, and flexibility of coverage Lowering electricity costs by requiring real cost-benefit analysis of energy sources, rather than imposing hidden taxes in consumer’s electric bills to support green-new-deal-type programs Opposing tolls (road taxes) that would collect less funds than estimated, and would never go away Stopping Bottle Bill increase to 10¢, and preventing inclusion of non-carbonated soft drink containers

Making Connecticut Safer by: • • • •

Amending the well-intentioned but rushed police bill that impedes good cops, causes increased crime by deterring proactive policing, and imposes burdensome costs on local governments Supporting the Second Amendment Prohibiting deliberate bear feeding, and allowing limited bear hunting Repealing 2019 amendments to The Trust Act (sanctuary) that protect an individual from a federal immigration detainer who has “pending criminal charges,” “an outstanding arrest warrant,” “is identified as a known gang member,” “is subject to a final order of deportation,” “or presents an unacceptable risk to public safety” (“ “ = from the bill language of PA 19-20 & 19-23)

Reining in State Government by: • • • • •

Passing legislation that asserts state law as superior to state employee union contracts for all future contracts, as is the case in all other New England states Supporting local school system independence, and opposing forced or coerced regionalization Maintaining local control of zoning, letting towns adopt measures that make sense for them (NOTE: there are multiple Democrat Party-backed proposals for the state to override local zoning) Revising the governor’s emergency powers to better ensure that constitutional rights are protected, and that the legislature has more input during a prolonged emergency declaration Providing for school choice vouchers at 25-50% of public education cost, while allowing local boards of education to keep the difference

For a Principled Policymaker, elect Mark Anderson on Nov. 3rd!

Paid for by Mark4CT, Peter Dickinson, Treasurer. Approved by Mark W. Anderson.

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve opens Overview photo of Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve by Steve Perry

On Oct. 19, the Granby Land Trust opened its newest property, the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. Located at 253 Loomis Street in North Granby, the preserve was donated to the Land Trust by longtime board member Jamie Gamble In Gamble’s vision statement for the property, he says, “This 210-acres of diverse habitat represents a unique combination of woods, wetland, open fields and ridgeline to be cherished by the creatures living here and nature lovers exploring the landscape. With the

stewardship of Granby Land Trust, Inc. (GLT), I imagine this property maintaining its unique niche for generations to come. This land is being donated for the purposes of passive recreation and active preservation: to provide trails to the public for activities including hiking, exercise, leashed dog walks, picnics, education, research, and wildlife observation.”

The Granby Land Trust is exceedingly grateful to Gamble for this incredible gift, and vows to steward the property

Peggy Shaw on the new birding platform at Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

in accordance with his wishes. Gamble has created a stewardship fund to ensure both that appropriate habitats are preserved and that the property is otherwise maintained as it should be.

Already, with Gamble’s support, the GLT board has overseen significant property enhancements, including two new bridges, improvements to the dam and cabin, construction of two birding platforms, and upgrades to the trails.

All are welcome to hike the preserve’s 3.5 miles of trails. The GLT has constructed a new parking lot and trail kiosk at the entrance to the preserve, at 253

Newly constructed bridge at Dismal Brook.

Photos by Don Shaw

Loomis Street. To protect and preserve the fragile wildlife diversity that exists on this spectacular property, dogs must be leashed at all times. Please see the trailhead kiosk for other important rules.

To learn more or to download a map, go to granbylandtrust.org and click on Trails, then GLT Properties with Trails.

You can also download a map via the Avenza app, then track your progress as you walk the trails. Due to poor cell service at Dismal Brook, we suggest downloading this map before you leave home.

Land Trust annual meeting bestows Mary Edwards, Ann Pelka awards Each fall, Granby Land Trust members gather, often on a special GLT property, to reconnect with each other and with the natural world, to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, and to learn about exciting new projects on the horizon.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s meeting had to be held virtually, but the GLT offered Members-Only guided hikes of the new Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve on the day of the meeting. About 65 members joined us on the trails over the course of three hikes on a beautiful fall day. In the evening, we reconvened via Zoom, and, as one member said after the meeting, “I was hoping the Annual Meeting held virtually would still be the special celebration it always is and still be a chance for all of us to bask in the glow of another wonderful year— and it was!”

Knowing a Zoom meeting would present unique challenges, GLT president Rick Orluk worked hard to create a meeting that was both entertaining and informative. Highlights included two slideshows: one, a virtual tour of the GLT’s new Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, and the other, a slideshow of GLT properties and people, set to a moving song written by Fred Wilhelm Jr. and Lisa Brokop, and performed by Lisa Brokop. A native of Granby and a friend of Orluk’s, Wilhelm is now a songwriter living in Nashville, Tenn.

Brokop is a country music singer/songwriter and actress who has recorded seven studio albums and charted more than 20 singles on the country music charts in her native Canada. The song was inspired by an experience Wilhelm had, as a young man, walking through the fields and forest behind his family farm on North Granby Road. The GLT is exceedingly grateful to Wilhelm and Brokop for granting the GLT permission to use their music for this purpose. Both slideshows can be seen on the GLT’s website and YouTube channel.

Other highlights of the meeting included the news that the GLT has acquired three remarkable new properties this year. Longtime GLT Board Member Jamie Gamble donated the 210-acre Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve at 253 Loomis Street (see article above), as

well as a 30-acre agricultural parcel at 107 Loomis Street—incredible additions to one of the GLT’s priority conservation areas: the Loomis Street Corridor in North Granby. The Estate of Theodore Maltbie and the Maltbie Family donated a 12-acre parcel in another GLT priority conservation area, the Old Messenger Road Corridor in West Granby.

Another meeting highlight was the presentation of the Ann Pelka Unsung Hero Award that recognizes an individual who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of the Land Trust.

This award was given to GLT Vice President Dave Emery, whose efforts surpass expectations every year, but especially this year, as he spent countless volunteer hours managing and making property improvements — including new bridges, the construction of birding platforms, dam improvements, cabin

improvements, a new parking lot, and more—at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve. In awarding the honor, Orluk said, “This year’s recipient is truly dedicated to Granby and its natural places. He’s multi-talented, a wonderful mentor, teacher and coach, loved and respected by all, committed to our community, an incredibly hard worker willing to go the extra mile…”

Finally, the GLT presented its Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust Award, the GLT’s highest honor. This year’s award was presented to Jamie Gamble, the longtime GLT board member who donated two incredible properties to the Granby Land Trust in 2020: a 30-acre agricultural parcel at 107 Loomis Street and the 210-acre Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve at 253 Loomis Street. In presenting the award, GLT Board Member Put Brown said, “Jamie wanted this to be a wildlife

preserve, named after a watercourse on the land. It isn’t to bear his name at all, because it is the land, and not Jamie himself, that is to be honored. But such humility honors him even more, as all true humility honors those rare individuals who have it.”

Two board members relocated this year: Jim Wickham to South Carolina and Jamie Gamble to Vermont. Tim Heinze and Karen Dowd were unanimously elected to fill those vacancies; and board members Lowell Kahn, Eric Lukingbeal, Shirley Murtha, Jen Plourde, and Mark Wetzel were reelected to three-year terms.

“The work the Granby Land Trust does is more important than ever,” said Orluk. “Our properties have never been busier and the need for public spaces where people can connect with nature has never been greater. Spending time on our properties is a balm for the soul.”

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

GMHS Varsity Field Hockey game highlights Thanksgiving Thoughts

The fields were harvested. The pumpkin pies have been baked, and in the oven, the turkey roasts to a crisp, golden brown.

Either in person, or virtually, we come together this day to give thanks for the Blessings in our lives.

GMHS Field Hockey Team led by Seniors (l-r) Captain Avery Bryanton, McKenna Ryan, Captain Maddie Gilmore, Captain Mya Rivard, Lauren Roy, Captain Meggie Hennessey, Anna Lombardo, Addy Fede and Goalkeeper Ani Cashman.

Senior #24 Addy Fede makes things happen for Granby with her strong play up and down the field.

Senior Captain Avery Bryanton scored a beautiful gamewinning goal in Granby’s 1-0 (OT) win over a tough Farmington team.

Senior defender McKenna Ryan clears the ball downfield helping Granby to a 5-0 win vs Canton.

Photos by Kelly Hennessey

It’s different this year; a dear friend has passed due to complications of the virus, and he, as others will be deeply missed. Some of us will have younger people, socially distant, deliver our dinner to us, and we will miss being together as a family. Still, we know, there is much to be thankful for—the Beauty of nature that speaks of God, the Creator, the birth of babies that says life goes on, our pets that bring joy to our lives, and the caring acts of friends and family that keep us going.

Yes, even though times are difficult, it is still good to say a sincere thank you to all who make our lives better by their work and thoughtful actions—especially those In the medical field, all who work in stores, and all who bring deliveries to our homes. May God bless them, and may God bless our beloved country. —Bernadette Gentry

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 19

In Town Focus Men’s Breakfast

The next Granby Men’s Breakfast will be Friday, Nov. 13. The speaker for the eGroup will be Kirk Severance from the Public Works Department. Kirk will be discussing various happenings around Granby. We are looking forward to his presentation and a lively Q&A following.

Due to the need to meet remotely there is no group breakfast. The Zoom meetings start at 9 a.m. with time for members to chat; the speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. The Granby Men’s Breakfast is open to all men of Granby and surrounding towns. If you would like to get connected with this eGroup, please send your contact info to gmensbkfst@ gmail.com

MS Support Group

The Granby Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will resume when the Granby Senior Center reopens. Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. For more info, contact Meaghan at 860-428-2463.

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club is unable to use the Granby Senior Center for its meetings at this time. Although many members are not ready for group indoor meetings, that is not keeping the club from sharing, communicating and enjoying photography.

The next monthly Zoom meeting is Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. Madeline Catania will present some of the photographs she has taken during the quarantine and share the techniques she has been working on. The scavenger hunt words for this month are: alone, scary, Halloween and favorite.

The club’s Facebook account, Granby Camera Club, is an easy way for members to share scavenger hunt pictures as well as other photos that they would like to share. To learn more about the club go to GranbyCameraClub.com

Volunteers Needed

Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to

Out of Town East Granby Public Library Events Pokemon Adventure: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore our outdoor grounds and search for Pokémon. Roll the dice and see if you can capture the Pokémon or if they will run away. Each child registrant will be given instructions, dice and a tracking sheet the day of the event.

For ages 4–9. Rain date, Nov. 14. Please register at egpl.org Story Trail: On display until the end of November. Family hikers are welcome to explore the story trail located at the East Granby Land Trust’s Ian Clark Preserve (located directly across #140 Kimberly Road). The children’s story, When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree, by local Suffield author, Jamie L. B. Deenihan, will be displayed along this half-mile trail loop. Sponsored by the East Granby Public Library and the East Granby Land Trust.

Knot! Knot! Knot! Thursday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. Join local macramé artist Linda Dick on Zoom to make a macramé beaded bracelet. For age 10 to adult. Each kit costs $10 and comes with supplies to make two bracelets. Please register at egpl.org and you will be contacted to coordinate pickup of materials. Please call with any questions, 860-653-3002.

Protecting Our Native Pollinators: Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.

The East Granby Land Trust and the East Granby Public Library invite you to enjoy a presentation by The Humble Bee Honey Company about protecting bees and butterflies. Learn more about beekeeping, pollinator gardens, and the importance of protecting our pollinators. Sign up at egpl. org or call 860-653-3002 to reserve a spot.

A week before the event, the Humble Bee Honey Company will provide literature and seeds for pick up at the library. All attendees will be entered to win raffle prizes.

Any Book Book Club Jr: Mondays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 5:30 p.m., via Zoom.

For ages 7–12. Choose 1–3 of your own books—books you have read in the past or are reading now—and tell us about the books. We will discuss characters, settings, favorite passages and more.

Listeners are welcome too. Please register at egpl.org

In-Person Book Club: Monday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. at the library. The November book is Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. If you are interested in joining, please call or stop by the library to pick up your copy of the book.

Virtual Book Club: Tuesday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m. via Zoom. The November book is The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,

by Kim Michele Richardson. We have some physical books and copies on our kindles available for check out.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Strive to share 1,000 books with your child before they enter Kindergarten in this reading incentive program. Keep track and check in with us to earn prizes. Visit the library to register and receive your welcome kit.

Afternoon at the Movies: Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Reservations required, 860-6533002.

Nov. 4: The Secret Garden Nov 18: The Secret: Dare to Dream

help care for its kitties until they find their fur-ever homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon, the shelter would love to hear from you. Call 860-379-4141 or visit the website to find out more: maryskittykorner.org

Bottle/Can Fundraiser

Please consider donating your bottles and cans to the Granby 4-H Robotics program on Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Congregational Church.

With COVID-19 restrictions, this program can’t undertake its traditional fundraising efforts. Every nickel makes a difference in sustaining this program for kids. Thank you.

The Drummer welcomes announcements of upcoming events sponsored by Granby organizations.

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

@

by e-mail:

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

editor@granbydrummer.org

TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

YOUR GUMS AND YOUR HEALTH

Periodontal Disease, also known as Gum Disease or Pyorrhea, is one of the two most common infectious diseases occurring in the mouth. It causes gum recession, bone loss and can lead to tooth loss if not controlled.

A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research indicates that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Previous studies have pointed to associations between periodontal disease and other types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease, strokes and heart attacks.

The study states that their findings “advance our understanding of the interplay between oral health, microbiome, and early colorectal carcinogenesis, and reinforce the importance of good oral health to ensure a healthy oral microbiome.

The following are warning signs of Periodontal disease: gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that are red, swollen, puffy or tender, bad breath that doesn’t go away, loose teeth, change in your bite, change in the way your partial denture fits.

However, you may not have any signs at all, but still have the disease! Just like you may have high blood pressure, and not know it, gum disease is a silent killer. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist at least twice per year to prevent the gum disease and save your teeth, and improve your health.

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 offer Cone Beam CT technology, allowing us to see 3-D images instantly. This aids in diagnosis and planning for Implants.

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.

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

Special Events

Coffee and Conversation: Thursday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. via Zoom.

Guest speaker Bob Maxon, weekday morning meteorologist on NBC Connecticut News Today, will share stories from his long career—from the craziest weather he has covered to what it is like behind the scenes.

Register by Nov. 3. Free for members.

Thanksgiving Bingo: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Turkeys, pilgrims, pumpkins and more will be the order of the day with this fun, Thanksgiving-themed bingo. Prizes will be mailed. Register by Nov. 1.

Free for members.

Pumpkin Pie and Say Hi: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will be holding a drive-thru “Pumpkin Pie and Say Hi” event. All participants will receive a piece of pumpkin pie to take home with them.

The staff will be on hand to greet you and say hello. Register by Nov. 11.

Free for members.

The Communal Table: Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Join the staff at the Granby Senior Center as we share stories of our Thanksgiving traditions, enjoy pictures from past dinners at the Senior Center and talk about what we are grateful for in a year that has been full of challenges. Register by Nov. 12. Free for members.

Lifetime Learning Academy American History…What do you Know? Tuesdays, Nov. 3–Dec. 29 via Zoom. Presented by Jerry Perkins, a former history professor who brings his unique sense of history to life, teaching on a variety of topics from Pre-Columbian times to current events.

This is a discussion-based group with participants helping to choose which subjects will be studied. Free for members.

Why She Plays: The World of Women’s Basketball: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Since the enactment of Title IX in 1972, that question has come to be asked of more girls and women— and answered in more ways—than ever before. Author Christine A. Baker, herself an avid player and an assistant coach, pursues an answer through the ranks of the sport from youth basketball to the WNBA. Register by Nov. 5. Free for members.

Art Talks from Museums Around the World: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Presented by Elizabeth McDonald, who has traveled extensively to many museums all around the world.

You will be invited to take a virtual tour of a museum prior to the event and then participate in a discussion format, noting group observations, reflections, and takeaways. Register by Nov. 11. Free for members.

OUR GIFT TO YOU The Granby Senior Center will offer all Special Events and Lifetime Learning programs for free to all current members during the months of November and December. This excludes exercise classes.

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. All programs are currently being held on Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, please let us know.

There are three ways to register and pay for Senior Center membership dues and programs.

Online registration and payment. Use your Membership Tag to register and pay online at myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.CT.Granby.Granby-SeniorCenter If you have lost your membership tag, please call the Senior Center.

Call the Senior Center at 860-844-5350 to register and pay with a credit card by phone.

Call the Senior Center at 860-844-5350 to register and mail a check to 15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035.

Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment.

Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free consultation. 860-844-5352.

CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon via Zoom. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Share friendships, tips, and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Provided by Farmington Valley VNA. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Call 860-8445350 to reserve your time. Please wear a mask. Free.

Senior Van Service

The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Out-of-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10.

Call 860-844-5353 to schedule a ride or to get more information.

Exercise Classes

Held via Zoom. Must pre-register, no drop-ins.

Must have a minimum of eight participants per class.

Yoga: Mondays, Nov. 2–Dec. 28, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and

exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement.

Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Cost: $45 residents; $54 non-residents.

Chi Gong: Wednesdays, Nov. 4–Dec. 30, at 8:30 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Chi means “energy” and Gong means “to activate.” In this gentle, low impact, standing (or seated) class we activate our vital life force or energy with a series of breathing, stretching and balancing techniques. The practice of Chi Gong 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. It is also wonderful for healing and pain management. Like Tai Chi, Chi Gong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Expand your knowledge of the wonders of traditional Chinese medicine and the physiological functions of the meridians and internal organs of the body. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.

Cardio and Strength: Fridays, Nov. 6–Dec. 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required.

Cost: $30 residents; $36 non-residents.

For updates on exercise classes check our Facebook page or website.

GranbyCTSeniorCenter or granby-ct. gov/senior-service

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Support Services

Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.

November 2020

—we hope to see you again very soon!

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

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

Two Lost Souls—A Granby Haunting Where do spirits go when their home is destroyed? An early 19th century dwelling at 18 East Granby Road was torn down late in 1998. Former residents of the house shared their home with two ghostly beings—a young man in his twenties and a little girl about eight or nine years old.

The Salmon Brook Historical Society was called by a tenant wondering if “anything ever happened in this house.” When asked for clarification, she admitted to being a bit un-nerved at seeing someone who wasn’t really there.

Belief in ghosts was antithetical to her religion, philosophy and logical mind.

And yet, “I saw reflected in the mirror a young girl with long, dark-blonde hair.

She was wearing an ankle-length ecru muslin dress, gathered at the waist, and high laced black boots. She looked very sad.”

The other apparition was described as a young man dressed in black and carrying something. Evidently the figure of the man was not very distinct, and his face was hard to see. But the little girl was very clear.

A panicky description of the encounter with the little girl, brought this calm response from another tenant, “Oh her.”

He had lived in the house for about eight years and had seen the figures about a dozen times. He was rather casual about the whole experience. There were several apartments in the old house and he had lived both upstairs and downstairs. The girl had been seen on both floors, but the man was only seen downstairs.

Not all of the tenants or visitors saw the resident spirits. Belief in ghosts was not a prerequisite to a sighting. The two figures never did anything and seemed rather benign. But who were they? And why were they still in the house?

The house at #18 had been dated by a state survey as probably built between 1800 and 1820. It was a clapboard, center chimney house with a stone foundation, and two and a half stories high. It had been changed, remodeled, and added on to through the years. One fireplace lintel was dated 1834, but that could have been added later.

The first known owners of the house were William Lewis and his wife Harriet Pettibone. They were married 12 August 1805 in the First Congregational Church.

Contemporaries called them “very pious people.” Harriet was the daughter of General Chauncey Pettibone and Theodosia Hayes, who lived south of the present South Congregational Church in a large Colonial home (now gone).

After their marriage, William and Harriet rented a house from Henry Gillette, but in 1809, William Lewis purchased land on East Granby Road from his father-in-law, Chauncey Pettibone. The four-acre parcel cost $97, and no house was mentioned in the deed. There may have been a house on the property, or perhaps the house was built around 1809.

William and Harriet had no children.

They did have a girl (perhaps a relative or a servant) living with them in 1810 and 1820. She was in her teens in 1810.

In 1820, a small boy under the age of ten, was also in the household. He was probably Picton Hillyer, Harriet’s nephew. Andrew D. Hillyer was married to Harriet’s sister Betsey. They lived next

door at 8 East Granby Road. The Granby School or Academy was located between the two houses.

Andrew D. Hillyer, a lawyer, died in 1816 of typhus. He was only 36 years old.

William Lewis was made the guardian of the four fatherless children; Richard, Andrew, Picton and little Betsey. It is very likely that several of the children lived with them at different times. Young Betsey Hillyer was not the ghostly child, because she died at the age of 34.

The entire neighborhood was closely related. Harriet’s grandfather, Ozias Pettibone, lived at 4 East Granby Road. A little to the north was Harriet’s Aunt Sybil Pettibone who was married to Joshua R. Jewett. Harriet’s father Chauncey, her Aunt Jane Jewett, and her sister Clarinda Holcomb all lived on Salmon Brook Street. William’s brother James lived on the corner. With all these relatives nearby, there were probably many young girls in the house, but there is no record of any who died there.

The only Lewis child who died young in Granby was Lura Minerva Lewis, William’s six-year-old niece. Lura was the daughter of James Lewis and Lura Barber and died in 1845. James Lewis, brother of William, lived on the southwest corner of Salmon Brook Street and North Granby Road. Lura cannot be the sad little spirit, because the Lewis home was owned by someone else before 1845.

William and Harriet Lewis were probably living in New Haven by 1830, because they were not listed in the Granby census. The house in Granby may have been rented to someone.

They always provided a home for a Yale student during their residence in New Haven. They also educated Walter and Mary Ann Clark and Walter became a minister. When William died and Harriet was in financial need, Walter and his sister would not help her. William Lewis died in 1836, age 54, and for the rest of her long life (to age 93) Harriet had to rely on the kindness of family for a place to live.

Harriet sold 18 East Granby Road, described as four acres, dwelling house and buildings, to Sylvester Barnes in 1838, for $710. Sylvester was the son of Samuel Barnes 2nd and his wife Patty.

He had just one brother, Allan. Sylvester was only 21, and unmarried, when he bought the property. In 1840, Sylvester and a woman aged 50–60 (probably his mother) lived in the house. Two years later, Sylvester died at the age of 25. He was buried in the old Baptist Cemetery in Granby. It is possible that his restless spirit was the one wandering on the first floor of his old home. The cause of his death is not known. It may have been a sudden illness or an accident.

The Barnes family then sold the house to Orville Griffin in 1845. Orville was born in 1819, the son of Aristarcus and Jael Griffin. He was married twice, first to Elizabeth H. Jones (1813-1873) and then to Louisa Rodgers (1837-1908). No children were born to either of Orville’s wives. Salmon Brook Historical Society files indicate an adopted son named Walter LaFleur, but nothing is known about him, and he is not in the census records.

Orville Griffin died in 1900 and his executor sold the property to Hubert

18 East Granby Road, taken down in 1998 to build the Medical Center

L. Cowles, who later owned a general store on Hartford Avenue. Hubert and his wife Edith had two daughters, both alive in 1930. In 1906 the property changed ownership again and was sold to Frank Devnew, who sold it to his son Philip Devnew five years later. None of the Devnew children died young. The Devnew men were blacksmiths, and later had a garage and car dealership, located in the former Masonic Hall building.

The first three owners of the house had no children. The next three owners had children, but no early tragic deaths.

However, the available information tells an incomplete story. Any of the families could have had young relatives living with them. Many times, young children from poor families, some as young as eight years old, were sent to live with and work for, other families.

If a child was in the house and died between census taking, there is no way of knowing. Friends or relatives could have been visiting. The house could have been rented to someone for a time. None

of these possibilities would ever show up in official records.

Any house that is nearly 200 years old, has had many things happen in it.

The historical society files do not show any violent deaths in #18. Generally, in a small town, most violent or tragic deaths were noted somewhere—often on the gravestone.

The young man seen in the house may be 25-year-old Sylvester Barnes. The identity of the sad little girl remains a mystery. Perhaps their spirits wander because they died too young, their lives unfinished.

Through the years, many different people have lived at 18 East Granby Road. I wonder how many of these residents were aware they shared their home with two others.

They seem to be gentle spirits, without malevolence. There was no poltergeist activity, no mysterious rocking chairs or unlocked doors. And the question is still unanswered, where will they go now that their home is gone?

Public Works Transfer Station hours: the transfer station will be open 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays through Nov. 18.

Trash Holiday: Thursday, Nov. 26 — 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 mean a change in your pickup schedule?

Sign up for e-mail alerts from Paine’s.

Don’t worry, they won’t swamp your inbox. 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? Town approved “extra trash” bags are available for purchase at $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 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or from the Transfer Station attendant during Transfer Station hours.

Storm damage: This has certainly been a busy year dealing with damage caused

by Mother Nature throughout our town.

During the recent storms, the DPW has worked diligently to clean up the damage in an efficient manner.

Here is a brief overview of what the DPW does during and after a storm. We prioritize our cleanup efforts to focus on the most dangerous trees that impact the traveling public. We work closely with the Granby Police Department to close roads and warn motorists in areas where trees are in the wires. Once we have dealt with the road closures, we can begin to remove trees from the roads. If a tree does not involve wires, we immediately move it off the roadway. For trees that are in or near wires, we must wait for Eversource. Once Eversource has shut off the power and deemed that the area is safe, we can begin removing these trees.

Next, we will remove any broken limbs hanging over the road. From there, we work to clean up any damaged tree that is on town property. Depending on the storm and the amount of damage, it may take days before we get back to clean up debris from a town tree. Please contact the DPW if you have any questions or concerns regarding a tree near your property.

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

Browse & Borrow ADULTS, TEENS, TWEENS, AND FAMILIES Learn more about upcoming programs and register on-line under the Calendar of Events tab or call to speak with library staff. An email address is required to register for a virtual program. Programs covering a variety of topics are always being added to the events calendar. For the latest information, sign up to receive the Library eNewsletter on the website.

EFT Tapping Group: Monday, Nov. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a process used by tens of thousands of practitioners around the world to help people overcome anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, traumatic memories, grief, and emotional and physical pain. First-timers and repeat attendees are welcome to join the monthly group Tapping session. Registration required.

Plan “B” Book Group: First Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. When the Library Book Clubs can’t meet in the library, they go online! Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, who have led our popular SciFi/Fantasy and Around the World book discussions.

Register online or call the library. Look for a confirmation email with a Zoom link and log-in information if you sign-up online. No computer/internet at home?

Call the library for information on how to connect without a computer.

The Nov. 3 selection is News of the World, by Paulette Jiles. Copies are available in the library, via Overdrive, and through curbside pickup. The December selection will be available online and in the library by Nov. 3.

Write On! Tuesdays, Nov. 10 and 24, 5–6:30 p.m. Virtual program. Adult fiction writers are invited use this time to “get the words out” and meet personal goals for National Novel Writing Month.

Be a part of this internet-based creative writing project with like-minded writers and enjoy a pep-talk or two from wellknown authors. Registration required.

Leave It To Beavers: Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual Program. Ever wonder why beavers are called “eager” or why they cut down saplings, even larger trees, to build their dams and lodges?

Find out when Connecticut DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple presents the basics of this keystone species, including their biology, behavior, history and unique role as nature’s engineers. Beaver ponds and wetlands shape the North American landscape and help fight environmental problems from water pollution to erosion and climate change.

Registration required.

GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM Library website: granby-ct.gov/library Library phone: 860-844-5275 Library email address: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov Visiting the Library In Person Main Branch Open Hours Tuesday and Thursday, 12–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. (closed 3-4 p.m. for cleaning) Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Children’s room by appointment during open hours (call to schedule) Curbside Library Pickup For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, Curbside Library Pickup continues to be a great option. Library materials can be reserved online through the catalog or by telephone, and then patrons can schedule a pickup appointment—no need to come inside.

Visiting the Library Online Granby residents are encouraged to use the library’s “third location,” the library website. There, any time of day or night, you’ll find: Libby/Overdrive (eBooks, eAudio Books, eAudio Books, and eMagazines); Program Registration; Library eNewsletter registration; Library Card sign-up; Consumer Reports; Ancestry. com; Universal Class; Transparent Language; JobNow and Job and Career Accelerator; Value Line.

Connecticut Aviation History: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Virtual Program. Enjoy hearing a full flight of stories from Connecticut’s long and rich history of aviation innovation.

Historian and author John Cilio shares fascinating tales spanning 17 decades.

Connecticut provided the global aviation community with critical engines, instruments, technologies and more. Did you know that in addition to being an aviation industry leader, the state was home to the pioneers of aerial photography? Or that Connecticut’s Gustave Whitehead successfully flew a powered airplane in Fairfield on Aug. 14, 1901, beating the Wright brothers by more than two years?

Learn more in a fun, fact-filled virtual presentation. Registration required.

Managing Forestland, From Acorns to Ancients: Monday, Nov. 30, 6:30– 7:30 p.m. Virtual Program. For an in-depth look at our native oaks, join Connor Hogan, McLean Game Refuge Director and Forest Manager. Learn the story of their past, hear about their current status and gain insight regarding their future. Climate, wildlife, carbon storage and old growth potential are all part of the discussion. Registration required. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 10:30 a.m., in-person at GPL. For ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Have you been missing Story Time as much as we have? Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her outdoors for a very special Story Time. We’ll meet on the patio for stories, dancing, finger plays and fun!

Please wear a mask and bring a blanket

for your family to sit on, as we must observe social distancing. In the event of bad weather, we will move indoors with our masks and blankets. Please register in advance. Limited to five families.

LEGO Challenge: Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19. Virtual program, for all ages.

Check the library’s online calendar each Thursday for a different challenge. Then use your LEGOs, or any other materials you have at home, to build your creation.

Email us a photo of your completed project and we’ll post it to our Facebook page. No registration needed.

First Chapter Fridays: Fridays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20. Virtual Program, for ages 8 and up. Get a hot cup of cocoa, find a nice spot to snuggle in and listen as Miss Joan reads aloud the beginnings of some favorite—or soon-to-be favorite—books.

There will be a new video posted each Friday. No registration needed. Nov. 6: Framed! by James Ponti; Nov. 13: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo; Nov. 20: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.

Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14, and 21, 10 a.m.–noon. Curbside at GPL. Our popular Take and Make craft program will continue right through the fall and winter months. Stop by the Main Library’s curbside pickup area on

Saturday mornings to select a craft kit from the Craft Box placed outside. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available, and all materials and instruction will be provided. One craft kit per child, please—first come, first served.

Supplies are limited. Note: Some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under.

Story Stroll: Have you discovered our Story Stroll yet? You and your family can read a picture book together as you stroll the grounds of Granby Public Library.

Pages from a colorful children’s book are posted on several signs trailing around the library lawn, and if you follow the numbers on the signs, you can read the book in its entirety. Each story begins near the walkway to the patio (to the right of the library’s front door). Check back every time you visit. New books will be posted often, through the fall season.

Family Puzzle Packs: All month long.

Shorter days and cooler nights mean longer evenings inside at home. It’s the perfect time for puzzles. All month the library will be handing out free paper puzzle packs with crosswords, word games, mazes, dot-to-dots and coloring sheets for children of all ages. Packets will be available in the Children’s Room for in-person pickup or they can be included in curbside bags. Just ask. Give your family a “screen time” break and relax with a puzzle or two.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Ongoing. It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Studies have shown that a child that has been read to is more likely to do better in school—and in later life—than one who has not been exposed to books when young.

Granby Public Library’s popular program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. Just call the library to register and schedule a convenient time to stop by for curbside pickup of your program information folder. Then start reading together. As you and your child reach 100 book milestones on your way to 1000

Library cont’d. on p. 23

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 23

What’s for Supper?

Celebrating creepy, cute and creative On Oct. 3, the Granby Public Library hosted Goofy Gourds and Petrifying Pumpkins on the lawn at the main branch. The most outlandish designs earned prizes for participants and everyone received treats —no tricks!

Special thanks to the sponsors who made it possible, including Stop & Shop for the huge pumpkins, Meadow View Farms for the dozens of gourds, and Friends of Granby Public Library for prizes and treats.

Photos by Holly Johnson

Library cont’d. from p. 22 books, your child will receive small toy prizes and books to keep motivated. And a very special, personalized gift is presented to your child when the goal of 1000 books is reached. We would love to help you get started. Just give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for the Children’s Librarian.

Need help choosing books for your family?

Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian, is happy to help. Reserve a time to stop by in person or call her direct line, 860-8445285, leave a message with a callback number and she will respond as quickly as possible.

Chicken and Mushrooms with Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce

By Pamela Scherrer I know we are heading into turkey season, but this month I have another fantastic chicken dish that will warm you up and dazzle your tastebuds on these cold fall nights. You can serve this over pasta or zucchini noodles or with mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Either way it’s a winner.

Ingredients 1 ½ lbs. chicken breasts, cut into tenders 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1 shallot, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 6 oz. fresh mushrooms (your choice), sliced ¼ tsp dried thyme 1 ½ cup cream (will be thicker and richer with heavy cream; I made with light cream and it was still delicious.) ½ cup chicken stock 1 cup grated parmesan 10 oz. roasted red peppers, chopped fresh Italian parsley, chopped salt and pepper, to taste Directions Sprinkle chicken with some salt and pepper. Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high. Once butter is melted, add chicken and sear, browning both sides.

Remove from pan and set aside. (Chicken might not be cooked all the way through at this point, but not to worry)

Deglaze pan with chicken stock, scrape off bits stuck on pan and mix in.

Add shallot, garlic, mushrooms, thyme and a little salt and pepper. Sauté until veggies are soft.

Add the cream and parmesan to the pan, mix until cheese is just melted, stir in the peppers.

Add the chicken back into the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If sauce is too thick you can thin with a little extra chicken stock. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Buon Appetito!

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer

Granby’s first female state representative

By Todd Vibert The stone house at 109 West Granby Road is where Helen Green lived all her life. Green was the first woman from Granby to represent the 7th District in the state legislature and she dedicated her life to public service and education.

Growing up in Granby, Green went to the one-room school house on Bushy Hill Road and then went to Simsbury High School. Her father would drive her to the train station for 7:30 a.m. and pick her up at 5 p.m. After she graduated from high school, Green and some friends went into Hartford to take two four-hour exams to obtain teaching certificates. Her first stint of teaching was in a one-room school house in Granby.

During World War I, she taught at the Terry Plains School in Tarriffville. After the war, Green started teaching elementary school in East Hartford. However, she would take a year off in 1924 to pursue a political career.

Green was very involved in town life, participating in the Granby Civic Club, the Republican Women’s Club,

This picture of Helen Green was taken around 1924. SBHS photo

South Congregational Church, and many Republican Caucuses in town.

In 1920, when the Connecticut state legislature ratified the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, Green registered to vote. Four years later, she received the Republican nomination to run for the 7th District. Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, both who served in the state legislature, Green won the election.

Helen Green was one of 11 women serving in the Connecticut State Legislature in 1925. Green had hoped to be on the agricultural or educational committee in the legislature; however, she was a freshman legislator and instead was assigned to the library committee and the committee on counties and county seats. She took a liking to the library committee perhaps because the state librarian, George Goddard, was from Granby. The two committees she served on did not have a clerk or secretary, so Green took notes and the minutes for these meetings for free. She did get paid $300 as a representative and received an allowance of five cents a mile for travel cost.

When Helen’s leave of absence was up, she went back to teaching elementary school in East Hartford. Later, she would serve as principal for over 20 years at the Woodward School in East Hartford. After retirement as principal, she started the Head Start program in East Hartford.

Throughout her career and retirement, Green remained very active in Granby affairs. She would also become a member of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, the Granby Cemetery Association, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Mark Twain House, and remained a member of OWLS—Organization of Women in Legislature.

Want to know more about Helen Green or her family? Join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713 or visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

Swim Your Stress Away in the

Valley’s Best Water

November 2020

Animal Talk

John Violette, DVM

When to spay or neuter your pet Our pandemic puppy, Birdie, is being a pest today. She’s a nine-month-old Irish setter who was spayed last week and doesn’t understand why she can’t go outside and run. It’s our turn to follow the post-surgery instructions and we are reminded of how painful it is for the pet and owner to get through the two weeks of restrictions. So far so good.

She’s being a good girl with the cone and managing just fine.

Let’s start with the easy pet, cats. The rule of thumb is to “Fix Felines by Five” months. Most of the time cats come into their first heat cycle at six months of age. Both male and female cats should be sterilized at this time. This approach prevents unwanted litters and allows for normal growth and development.

Waiting on neutering males may result in spraying urine in the house. Females spayed at five months are less likely to have mammary tumors later in life.

Young cats recover very quickly from their surgeries and don’t require much aftercare.

Dogs are a different story. Veterinarians for decades had recommended spaying or neutering all dogs at six months of age. Most dogs have their first heat cycle at six-12 months of age.

The smaller dogs tend to come into heat around six months and the larger dogs are later. Spaying at six months beat the heat, which is ideal because the risk of mammary cancer is greatly reduced.

Neutering the males early helped to reduce the unwanted male behaviors that are reinforced over time if the dogs are left intact (mounting, aggression, marking).

Then in 2013 a study at UC Davis was published with Golden Retrievers.

Goldens are a popular breed with lots of health problems. The research showed that early spay/neuter in this breed increases the risk of several cancers (mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma) and also may promote musculoskeletal issues (ACL disease, hip dysplasia). So now it isn’t so clear when to spay or neuter your puppy.

“Conehead” Birdie. Submitted photo

This was one study on one breed but it has changed the recommendations.

Obviously, more research is needed to understand what is best for all of our canine companions.

The best idea for now is to discuss the decision about when to spay and neuter your new dog with your veterinarian. There are lots of opinions. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that dogs projected to be less than 45 pounds should have surgery at six months of age. Large-breed male dogs should be neutered between nine and 15 months after growth has stopped.

When to spay a female over 45 pounds is anytime between five and 15 months depending on breed and disease risk.

We spayed Birdie at nine months of age. She’s a small setter at 35 pounds.

Luckily, she didn’t come into heat at six months and was able to finish her musculoskeletal development. They heal so quickly at this age but we have one week to go!

We moved here because of the amazing location.

Walking distance to the park and the center of town.

We loved the neighborhood, the quality of the homes. ~Ann

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 25

Registrars of Voters Vote safely— Use your absentee ballot Only 31 percent of the town’s voters have requested absentee ballots as of Oct. 16. If you wisely chose to do so, you should have received your ballot in the mail. We implore you to put your completed ballot in the drop box in front of Town Hall before Election Day. Any ballots dropped off on Nov. 3 will not be counted until it is verified the voter has not also voted at the polls.

If you misplaced the application sent to you in September, there is still an opportunity to vote absentee. Go online to get a blank application: portal. ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/ Absentee-Ballot-Application-ED-3/ED3-Rev-20-Final.pdf Or stop by the Town Clerk’s office for a hard copy. Please return the completed absentee application to the Town Clerk immediately and plan to wait for the processing—there is no longer time to mail your ballot. Due to the pandemic, Town Hall has limited hours, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.—expect to wait outside to ensure social distancing. You can use the official ballot drop box in front of Town Hall to deposit your completed ballot.

Please get your application in as soon as possible to help the Town Clerk deal with the unprecedented volume expected. Carefully read the instructions and put your completed ballot in the official ballot drop box. Use both envelopes provided. If you are a brand new voter who has never shown ID, you need to enclose a copy of proof of identity in the outer envelope—the inner envelope is just for your ballot.

Do NOT bring absentee ballots to the polls; the polling place is exclusively for in-person voting.

Please be aware if you have given the Town Clerk a ballot by 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 then your name will be crossed off the voter lists in red, and you cannot vote at the polls on Nov. 3. Any absentee ballots dropped off on Nov. 3 will NOT be counted if we find that the voter came to the polls to vote on Election Day. Top reasons for rejection of absentee ballots in Granby Forgetting to use both envelopes, forgetting to sign the inner envelope and not sealing as directed. Read care-

fully and follow the directions. NEVER SHARE envelopes, each voter must use their own issued envelopes.

Invalid signature on the inner envelope. The signature must match the person to whom the ballot was issued.

Family members and those with power of attorney cannot vote a ballot for someone else.

Received after Election Day. Only ballots received by the Town Clerk by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 will be counted. There is no grace period, no check of postmarks.

Verify you are registered before going to the polls Voters need to be aware that voter registration is non-transferable. If you moved recently, you need to register at your new address. Currently there is a seven-day registration deadline, whether it is done online, mail-in or in person. There are a few exceptions: for brand new residents (within the last week before the election), handicapped and military. Please review the calendar below for these deadlines. The Registrars strongly recommend going online at dir.ct.giv/sots/lookup.aspx to check your registration and ensure your right to vote.

IVS Ballot Marking System is available for everyone A touch screen voting option is available for those who have trouble using a pen, or seeing the ballot. This system can also read aloud the ballot to a voter, allowing everyone to vote privately and independently. It is a printer ballot marking system that fills the ovals as requested by the voter.

Calendar Review Official Drop Box for Ballots and Applications is open 24/7 in front of Town Hall.

Monday, Nov. 2: Last day to register for brand new residents, military, handicap Monday, Nov. 2: Voter registration at Registrars’ office in Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day polls open at 6 a.m., close at 8 p.m., GMHS Community Gym Questions?

Contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860-844-5322 or registrarofvoters@granby-ct.gov

Girl Scouts helped across the bridge by local businesses

By Whitney Sanzo The Girl Scout Salmon Brook Service Unit thanks Mark Oquisanti of Mark’s Auto Parts and Recyclers for generously donating his time and space for the Girl Scouts to hold an outdoor Bridging Ceremony safely. We also thank Amy Geigner of Amy Geigner Photography for generously donating her time to take photos of the girls, allowing parents to stay back and keep social distancing.

This is an important event for the girls as they move on to their next level in skill-building, creating change and community work.

In this time of so much change and adaptation, Mark and Amy’s support and

willingness to lend a hand speaks well of their community involvement and their leadership in the community. What a great example they set for our girls.

Thank you, Mark and Amy, for your constant community giving.

Photos by Amy Geigner

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

GRANBY P & Z MINUTES

Autumn is a fine season at Valkyrie Equestrian Center

SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

Valkyrie’s owner, Carolyn Mainardi, with a lead-line rider.

Valkyrie Equestrian Center held an outdoors schooling show on a gorgeous fall day in September, with student riders giving demonstrations of their skills with a limited number of family members on hand. Attendance was restricted, of course, and spectators maintained respectful distances to keep everyone safe. The riders were excited to show how much progress they made over the summer, and are looking forward to the next show.

Photos by Dan Goberman Mira Goberman and Red handle this flowery jump easily.

Instructor Cali Ebersole looking over a line of her students.

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Present: Mark Lockwood (Chair), Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Paula Johnson, Eric Lukingbeal and Eric Myers.

Also present: Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development Call to Order Mark Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Per Executive Order this meeting shall be held remotely. Commission members who speak shall introduce themselves each time they speak. Members of the public who wish to speak shall introduce themselves and state their address.

Seating of Alternates Paula Johnson was seated for Brennan Sheahan Minutes On A Motion by Christine Chinni seconded by Eric Lukingbeal the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve the minutes of July 28.

Public Hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.5.4.3 for outdoor commercial activity to sell/store sheds with the existing garage use at 541 Salmon Brook Street in a C-2 Zone. File Z-14-20. (Postponed from July 28, 2020) Applicant Dean Evans addressed the commission.

He explained he would like to store and sell sheds from his business location at 541 Salmon Brook Street.

The sheds are assembled out-of-state and transported to Connecticut. There will be about five sheds on display at any time for sale. He will offer delivery and setup service for the sheds. Answering commission questions, Evans noted a crane is not necessary for transporting the sheds or loading/unloading them off the truck. There is no internal lighting in the sheds.

The sheds will be located to the side of the building and will not take up any required parking space. And advertising will be through the internet and social media. Paula Johnson recommends a permanent sign, not a sandwich board sign, be used if additional signage is needed and she suggests the applicant come back at a future date if changes to the sign are required that do not comply with the Zoning Regulations.

The applicant provided an overview of proposed landscaping along Fern Hollow Drive. The commission had no concern with the landscaping. In response to a commission question, the applicant said an existing shed would remain on site as it is used for office space.

The hearing was open to the public for comment.

There was no public comment.

The public hearing closed at 7:13 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension as granted by Executive Order.

Application seeking a Special Permit and site plan approval under Zoning Regulations Section 3.8.2.11 for a self-storage facility and outdoor storage of trailers/campers for property located at 508 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-15-20.

Christian Alford, Alford Associates, and property owner Brian Guarco presented the application.

Alford addressed the commission and explained the applicant seeks to construct a self-storage facility that will consist of three, one-story buildings and one parking area for the storage of campers and trailers.

The applicant proposes to revise the property line between 508 Salmon Brook Street and the abutting property at 514 Salmon Brook Street. Once the lot line is revised, 508 Salmon Brook Street will have just over five acres and 514 Salmon Brook Street will be reduced from six to four acres. An internal driveway will

be constructed to provide access to the storage facility.

It will extend from the existing private way north of the site to 500 Salmon Brook Street. No additional curb cut on Salmon Brook Street will be needed. The parking area will be located closer to Salmon Brook Street on the west side of the proposed internal driveway and will contain 20 over-sized parking spaces and will be surrounded by an opaque vinyl fence.

Alford explained customers will schedule an appointment to obtain access as the parking area will not be staffed. The applicant proposes to construct the parking area with millings, which will provide a suitable base for the proposed use. The self-storage facility will be constructed to the east of the proposed internal driveway and will be accessed with a key fob.

The applicant proposes an opaque vinyl fence around the storage buildings, which is the same proposed for the parking area, however he would prefer to use a chain link fence. Commission members agreed a chain link fence was the better choice for security.

Furthermore, since the buildings are not visible from Salmon Brook Street and the fence is internal to the property and it is not a perimeter fence, the chain link fence is permissible under the Zoning Regulations.

In response to a question from the commission, the applicant explained there is no additional on-site office proposed for the self-storage buildings as a current office in an existing nearby building will be used as office space. Three parking spaces are designated for the office to comply with the Zoning Regulations.

Alford also noted some of the current landscaping will be removed and spruce trees will be planted on top of a berm to screen the parking area from view from Salmon Brook Street. Lukingbeal commented that Colorado blue spruces are dying and are not recommended. It was noted all vegetation must remain in a healthful state and replaced if needed in the future.

Alford stated the current landscaping on the eastern side of the site provides the required buffer to the residential use to the east.

The applicant stated the self-storage buildings will have full cutoff, dark-sky compliant wall-pack lights that will be motion activated. There will be no other lighting on the site. The applicant also indicated there is no sidewalk planned for the site and the commission agreed a sidewalk was not needed in this location.

The proposed sign was reviewed. The existing freestanding sign on Salmon Brook Street will be modified by adding one panel for the self-storage facility, which will be the same size as the existing sign panels already in place.

Alford concluded the project is in the Industrial Zone, is not visible from street with no impact on the environment or neighbors and meets the criteria for the Special Permit. Kenyon added that the Town Engineer reviewed this application today and all comments have been addressed by the applicant.

The hearing was open to the public for comment.

There was no public comment.

The Public Hearing closed at 7:51 PM. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension as granted by Executive Order.

Receive applications and set public hearings Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 51 Loomis Street. File Z-17-20.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.3 for a garage in excess of 600 square feet within 100 feet of the street line for property located at 230 Simsbury Road. File Z-18-20.

P&Z cont’d. on p. 27

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November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 27

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES P&Z cont’d. from p. 26

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.3.2.1 and 3.1.2.5 for a health care facility providing counseling and equine assisted therapy services for property located at 31 Wells Road. File Z-19-20.

The above applications are set for public hearing on Sept. 22.

Consideration of above applications, where the Commission has concluded the public hearing.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.5.4.3 for outdoor commercial activity to sell/store sheds with the existing garage use at 541 Salmon Brook Street in a C-2 Zone. File Z-14-20.

On A Motion by Eric Myers seconded by Johnson, the commission voted (7-0- 0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.5.4.3 for outdoor commercial activity to sell/store sheds with the existing garage use at 541 Salmon Brook Street in a C-2 Zone, with the following condition: the applicant will maintain all plantings and replace as necessary.

Application seeking a Special Permit and site plan approval under Zoning Regulations Section3.8.2.11 for a self-storage facility and outdoor storage of trailers/campers for property located at 508 Salmon Brook Street. File Z-15-20.

Lockwood stated this facility supports residential uses and apartments in town and is also compatible with the surrounding area. It was noted the internal driveway will provide adequate access to the site.

On A Motion by Myers seconded by Chinni, the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit and site plan approval under Zoning Regulations Section 3.8.2.11 for a self-storage facility and outdoor storage of trailers/campers for property located at 508 Salmon Brook Street with the following conditions: a chain link fence is permitted around the self-storage building portion of the facility; a panel may be added to the existing freestanding sign provided the panel is the same size as the existing panels; and the applicant will maintain all plantings and replace as necessary.

Appoint Director of Community Development to serve as Interim Zoning Enforcement Officer during vacancy of the Building Official and ZEO position.

On A Motion by Johnson seconded by Chapple the commission voted (7-0-0) to appoint Abigail Kenyon as Interim Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon noted the DOT Granby Center design project is moving forward and DOT is currently working with affected property owners to obtain easements where required.

Regarding 12 East Granby Road, Kenyon stated the mylars have been received. They will be reviewed and then filed on the land records.

She also noted the roundabout project will wrap up in the fall and truck apron will be paved so trucks will be able to maneuver through the area.

Kenyon answered a question regarding the 107 East Street offer from Agbotic. She stated the Board of Selectman is meeting about this topic tonight. She will provide an update at the next regularly scheduled Planning and Zoning on September 22, 2020.

Chinni applauded local restaurants for providing safe seating arrangements, take-out options and more amid the COVID-19 challenges.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Lockwood spoke with Kenyon regarding the subcommittee appointed to review farm store regulations. Communication will be sent to those involved.

Lockwood asked the commission to reopen the last motion of a Special Permit and site plan approval under Zoning Regulations Section 3.8.2.11 for a self-storage facility and outdoor storage of trailers/ campers for property located at 508 Salmon Brook Street, stating the motion should include a waiver for sidewalks.

On A Motion by Chinni seconded by Lukingbeal, the commission voted unanimously (7-0-0) to reopen and amend the motion of a self-storage facility and

outdoor storage of trailers/campers for property located at 508 Salmon Brook Street to include waiving the requirement of a sidewalk along the frontage of all roads.

Adjournment On A Motion by Lukingbeal seconded by Chinni,the commission voted (7-0-0) to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

Present: Margaret Chapple (Vice Chair), Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan and Matthew Peters, alternate. Also: Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development Per Executive Order this meeting was held remotely.

Commission members who spoke introduced themselves each time; members of the public who spoke introduced themselves and stated their address.

Margaret Chapple was acting chair in Mark Lockwood’s absence. Matthew Peters was seated.

Minutes On A Motion by Erik Lukingbeal, seconded by Christine Chinni, the commission voted (5-0-2) to approve the minutes of Sept. 8. Brennan Sheahan and Peters abstained.

Public Hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 51 Loomis Street. File Z-17-20 Lindsay Holcomb, 51 Loomis Street, addressed the commission, proposing to add an in-law apartment above an existing detached three-car garage. The apartment will be approximately 900 square feet and contain one bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. There will be direct access to the outside via two decks, one in front and one to the rear of the building, with stairs leading from the decks to the ground. Holcomb stated there will be lighting on the front deck to illuminate the front door and landscape lighting, all lighting will match the existing home. It was also noted there are two parking spaces adjacent to the garage in addition to the three spaces in the garage and spaces near the home. The building will be vinyl sided. Holcomb noted paperwork has been submitted to the Farmington Valley Health District for the septic system. Abigail Kenyon stated the application complies with Section 8.5 detached accessory apartments.

The hearing was open to the public for comment.

There was no public comment.

The public hearing closed at 7:11 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension as granted by Executive Order.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.3 for a garage in excess of 600 square feet within 100 feet of the street line for property located at 230 Simsbury Road. File Z- 18-20.

Applicant William Pascucci, 230 Simsbury Road, addressed the commission to propose construction of a 30’ by 24’, 720 square foot garage. The garage will be located approximately 84 feet from the street.

Any structure over 600 square feet and within 100 feet of the road requires Special Permit approval.

A civil engineer concluded the proposed location is the best location for the garage due to the property’s topography and the steep slope to the rear. Answering commission questions, Pascucci stated the lighting and exterior siding will match the existing house.

Kenyon noted that the applicant has stated in his proposal the garage is for personal use only.

The hearing was open to the public for comment.

P. Johnson of 289 Simsbury Road supports this application. There was no further comment.

The public hearing closed at 7:17 p.m. The Commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension as granted by Executive Order.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.3.2.1 and 3.1.2.5 for a health care facility providing counseling and equine assisted therapy services for property located at 31 Wells Road. File Z-19-20.

Applicant Steve Fydenkevez, 18 LaFountain Road, Suffield, addressed the commission to explain that North Shore Wellness Services seeks to operate a

health care facility from 31 Wells Road. North Shore has fully licensed mental health professionals and has been in operation since 2004. It offers traditional counseling sessions, which would involve using the existing office space on the property and it also plans to offer equine therapy services in the existing horse arena. The business will run six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be seven staff members.

Victoria Manion Fleming, property owner of 31 Wells Road, addressed the commission. She explained her credentials and those who will be practicing at the facility. She noted they are contracted through the Veterans Association to offer trauma resolution services to veterans through both traditional and equine assisted therapy. Answering commission questions, she explained the equine therapy is very quiet and a non-invasive use. There is little to no riding involved. They use professionals who are highly qualified and work with trained horses. These horses have the temperament for this work. She noted this is a day program and equine assisted therapy will be provided to individuals or small groups of people; the maximum would be two groups of five people at any one time. There are no proposed changes to the site, any changes will be interior. The previous horse training/boarding facility-use had 10 required parking spaces. The applicant provided a parking layout to show the location of parking spaces. It was also noted existing lighting will be used, there are no plans for additional lighting.

The hearing was open to the public for comment.

Matthew Henebry, 30 Wells Road, addressed the commission and raised concerns of increased traffic and for the safety of the residential community as a whole asking if clientele are sex offenders or have violent tendencies. He stated this business should be in a commercial zone not a residential zone.

Answering Henebry’s concerns, Fleming said that in her years as a professional therapist, the clientele she and her team help do not pose a danger to either herself, her family or the surrounding community.

She has not worked with sex offenders or those who are violent. She explained the clientele they serve seek help with anxiety, couples’ therapy, marriage and family therapy. In response to questions by the commission, she stated there will be a maximum of 16 horses on site. Sheahan asked if there are other therapy facilities in town in a non-commercial zone.

Kenyon said there is a non-profit horse therapy use that was approved several years ago in a residential zone.

The public hearing closed at 7:38 p.m. The commission has 65 days to render its decision plus any extension as granted by Executive Order.

Receive applications and set public hearings Application seeking to modify a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 8.6.13 and 8.6.14 for an illuminated freestanding sign for property at 116 Salmon Brook Street, C2 Zone.

File Z-20-20.

Application seeking to modify a Special Permit for a FRD re-subdivision under Zoning Regulations Section 8.20 to change limits of approved tree clearing for property located at 33 Cider Mill Heights, R2A Zone. File Z-21-20 Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 6.16.13 and 8.16.10 for an illuminated building sign, expansion of seasonal outdoor dining area and outdoor entertainment, for property located at 18R Hartford Avenue, COCE Zone. File Z-22-20.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 9 to excavate and remove earth materials for property located at 100 Wells Road, R30 Zone. File Z-23-20.

The above applications are set for public hearing on Oct. 13.

Consideration of above applications, where the Commission has concluded the public hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 51 Loomis Street. File Z-17-20.

On A Motion by Eric Myers seconded by Chinni the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application

seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for a detached accessory apartment for property located at 51 Loomis Street. File Z-17-20.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.3 for a garage in excess of 600 square feet within 100 feet of the street line for property located at 230 Simsbury Road. File Z-18-20 On A Motion by Lukingbeal seconded by Jonathan Boardman the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.3 for a garage in excess of 600 square feet within 100 feet of the street line for property located at 230 Simsbury Road. File Z- 18-20 Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.3.2.1 and 3.1.2.5 for a health care facility providing counseling and equine assisted therapy services for property located at 31 Wells Road. File Z-19-20.

The commission discussed the concerns raised.

Lukingbeal stated Wells Road is a highly traveled road and there has been little difference to traffic volume since the horse boarding ceased operations.

The entrance to the property is north of the nearest neighbor and will not create a nuisance. The commission concluded there was adequate parking for the proposed use. They noted there will be no site changes to this property. It was also noted the boarding of horses is permitted by right in the zone.

Peters added the office is small and based on the number of employees and clients, will not create a traffic problem. If the applicant wishes to expand its practice in the future it would have to come back to the commission. The commission agreed the narrative submitted with the application covered their conditions.

On A Motion by Myers seconded by Boardman the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.3.2.1 and 3.1.2.5 for a health care facility providing counseling and equine assisted therapy services for property located at 31 Wells Road as proposed in the applicant’s narrative. File Z-19-20.

Expiration of Cider Mill Heights Section IV Abbey Kenyon reported the Cider Mill Heights subdivision Section IV approval is expired. This residential subdivision has exhausted the last extension allowed under State Statute. The town attorney provided a notification that is to be filed on the land records and the commission should make a motion for the Notice of Expiration of Subdivision Approval. She concluded the developer has indicated he is working with a potential purchaser of the undeveloped lots and may submit plans for approval in the future.

On A Motion by Lukingbeal seconded by Chinni the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve the Notice of Expiration of Subdivision Approval for Cider Mill Heights Section IV. Staff Report and Correspondence Kenyon reported the Board of Selectman will not take action on the proposal made by Agbotic for the property at 107 East Street.

Kenyon reported there have been state modifications to liquor permits; she will look into modifying current text accordingly for future use.

Answering a question, Kenyon stated there has been no movement with the commission to study the Farm Store Zoning Regulation.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Myers raised a question regarding the property of 76 West Granby Road; he noticed the ‘for sale’ sign had been removed and surveyor stakes present.

Kenyon reported she has not received any land use applications yet.

Chapple asked the status of the apartment complex approved by the commission on Salmon Brook Street.

Kenyon replied the developer is not breaking ground this year and is looking at options to sell the property or find partners to help develop it.

Adjourn On A Motion by Chinni seconded by Myers the commission voted (7-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

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Page 28 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020 • NOVEMBER 3 Each of the state and local candidates in the November election was invited to submit biographical information and to reply to the questions below.

What are the top two issues facing Connecticut and what will you do about them if elected? Here are their responses.

Representative, First Congressional District John Larson Democratic Incumbent

John Larson is the Representative for Connecticut’s First Congressional District and, with his wife Leslie, is a lifelong resident of East Hartford. He’s a former school teacher and small business owner. He previously served on the East Hartford Board of Education and Town Council and 12 years in the Connecticut State Senate. He has three children.

The top issues for Connecticut are the pandemic and our economy. This John Larson includes more relief to small businesses and the unemployed, which is vital to strengthening our economy. The health of our nation and the economy are inextricably linked until this pandemic ends. We can’t fix one without fixing the other, but we can work to address both at the same time.

To address these issues, we need a nationallycoordinated response to set federal standards to address this pandemic. States shouldn’t have to fight over supplies. We need to utilize the Defense Production Act and the Defense Logistics Agency to produce and distribute PPE, supplies, and tests across the country.

I introduced legislation to utilize both of these programs to move our country forward.

At the same time, Congress needs to offer more relief to help industries that are the most impacted and small businesses. I have voted for the Heroes Act, which offers more of this needed relief and makes significant investments to increase testing. The Heroes Act increases unemployment benefits by $600/week through January and improves the Paycheck Protection Program that has been vital for small businesses.

The increase in testing will allow us to get our nation back on track and help us contain the virus.

Mary Fay First Congressional District Republican Candidate

Mary M. Fay is a second-term Republican West Hartford Town Councilor. She has experience working with finance and budget, human services, public works, and special services as assigned. She has been a resident of West Hartford for 17 years and is a Financial Services Senior Executive. She has held several senior business leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sun Life Financial, where she also chaired diversity and inclusion employee resource groups and served on Sun Life boards. Mary has also been senior vice president of GE Capital, and senior

vice president of ING. Starting out as a financial analyst, Mary has also held executive positions at Travelers, Hartford HealthCare, The Hartford, and AIG. Mary is the daughter of a school teacher, was raised in East Hartford, and attended public schools. She went on to graduate from Skidmore College with a B.S. in business/accounting and a minor in government. She played basketball and started the women’s softball team at Skidmore.

Mary earned an MBA from Rensselaer Mary Fay Polytechnic Institute.

Active in her community, Mary is a two-term member of West Hartford’s Town Council. She was appointed to the West Hartford library board, is a frequent volunteer at Morley school, is active in Concerned Citizens of West Hartford, and Save our Water, CT. She also serves on the board of overseers for Newton-Wellesley hospital, is chair of the reviewing stand for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, and was named a “Top Woman in Business” by the Hartford Business Journal.

Mary has served as an alumni admission’s correspondent for Skidmore College since graduating. Mary was an inaugural member of West Hartford’s first Parent Leadership Training Institute, where she was elected class speaker at the state-wide graduation at the state capital.

She is a member of the Irish American Home Society and The Thistle Lawn Bowling Club and is a parishioner at St. Timothy’s.

Mary is married and has a 10-year-old daughter, Katie.

Top two issues facing the state are the economy and public safety. We need to get people back to work in quality jobs. Connecticut has been a laggard in economic and job recovery.

Blue-chip companies, like GE, have left. We need to get back to economic prominence to provide an opportunity for all by keeping taxes down, funding the trades, and manufacturing in high schools, we can train our workforce going forward.

We need to keep our neighborhoods safe. I back all first responders. I will not defund the police. We need good, capable police staff and we need to support them, and get rid of the bad actors. We need to hold nonperforming schools accountable.

If elected, I will reach out to congressional leaders on all sides and start building relationships. I will put my hat in the ring to obtain key assignments. I will advocate my constituents’ positions immediately and build coalitions. My priorities will be the economy and jobs, public safety and backing all first responders and police, and improving education. I will be in our district and consistently get input on key issues.

Thomas McCormick, First Congressional District Green Party Candidate

Tom McCormick is a long-time citizen activist, starting with opposing the Vietnam War while a student at UConn in 1973. He participated in blocking gates at Westover AFB. Gave up deferment and sent his 1A draft card back to sender. He organized with the Clamshell AllianceSeabrook. Shutting Millstone has been his avocation.

He brought the successful action at the DPUC to have Millstone removed Thomas McCormick from electric rates when it was closed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Organized the Reagan demonstration when he spoke to Knights of Columbus. Active in the Central America Peace and Justice movement and was arrested at CIA gate. Active in the Stop the Trident campaign and was arrested at Electric Boat gate. Marched against the Klan with Hartford Anti-racism Coalition. Marcher at the Freeze March NYC. Attended the Anniversary of the Poor People’s March DC. Long-time Chair of Greater Hartford Group of the Sierra Club. Former board member People’s Action for Clean Energy. Former board member CT Clean Energy Coop. Member CT Anti-Apartheid group.

Attended Nelson Mandela Rally in Boston.

McCormick was raised in Hartford, and now resides in West Hartford. He is married to Dianne and has a son, Benjamin.

Reliance on war contracting for Connecticut jobs encapsulates much of what must change in our nation if we are to have economic prosperity and the social benefits that flow from full employment. War spending is highly inflationary and directs investment away from more productive sectors of the economy, such as investing in human capital. (Education) PW&A must switch from producing engines for the deeply flawed F-35 to producing the finest, most fuel-efficient engines for general aviation. Electric Boat must end production of unneeded SLBM boats—the Columbia Class and the fast attack sub–Virginia Class. Conversion to productive endeavors such as wind turbines/light rail cars will place the state on a sustainable growth path.

The ever-decreasing chance for individual/ group for economic, educational, and social advancement (Opportunity) must be turned around for a prosperous future to occur.

Increasingly disparate wealth and income levels are hollowing out Connecticut’s middle class and miring too many in poverty. The underpinnings of opportunity, equal access to technology and quality education must be strengthened.

I favor a state-wide owned-and-operated broadband network to promote a wide diffusing of knowledge. I support expanding public education by two years in academic and skill areas. I support highly progressive wealth, inheritance, and income taxes to counter the ever-increasing power of economic elites to rule with their own selfish ends in sight. Economic inequality results in a less efficient, robust economy for all.

State Senator, 7th District Frederick Moffa Democratic Candidate

Dr. Fred Moffa is a father, husband and small business owner. He graduated in 1995 from the New England College of Optometry and afterward moved back to Granby with his wife Jennifer, another lifelong Granby resident. Dr. Moffa and Jennifer started a family and soon after founded Granby Family Eye Care.

Just like Fred, all three children are graduates of Granby Memorial High School. Dr. Moffa has been active in Granby town government for more Fred Moffa than 14 years, having served on the Board of Finance. He’s worked with both Democrats and Republicans, and knows how to face the challenges of managing tough budgets.

The SARS-COVID-2 pandemic is of course the most important issue for Connecticut to address, while the inequity in healthcare that’s been put into such sharp relief by the pandemic closely follows. I’ll listen to epidemiologists and other experts on how to keep families safe, while acknowledging the science that says masks and social distancing remain the best way to protect ourselves. Further insurance reform is needed to ensure residents of Connecticut have quality, affordable care, especially as we face a challenge to the Affordable Care Act on the national level that must be taken seriously.

The pandemic has shown a real weakness in employer-provided coverage, one I’ll work to address in Hartford.

State Senator, 7th District John Kissel Republican Incumbent

State Senator John A. Kissel, the Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader, represents Connecticut’s 7th Senatorial District, which includes East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and parts of Granby and Windsor.

Senator Kissel is the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, addressing matters relating to the Department of Corrections, courts, judicial procedures and criminal law. He also serves on the General Law Committee and the Transportation Committee.

For many years, Senator Kissel has been a leading advocate for seniors. He has received Legislative Achievement Awards from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for his efforts to protect seniors from financial exploitation in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Additionally, the Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) selected Senator Kissel to receive the Public Policy Award for his dedication to promote safe and sober driving through legislation in 2016. Senator Kissel was also recognized by MADD as one of their 2016 Legislators of the Year.

Senator Kissel was raised in Windsor. He received a bachelor of bcience degree from the University of Connecticut School of Education in 1981, a juris doctor degree from Western New England College School of Law in 1984,

Candidates

cont’d. on p. 29

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 29

GENERAL ELECTION 2020 • NOVEMBER 3 Candidates

cont’d. from p. 28

and a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts and sciences, with a major in history, from the University of Connecticut in 2002. He is also past adjunct professor at Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Mass. Senator Kissel lives in Enfield with his wife, Cynthia, and their sons, Nathaniel and Tristan.

I believe the top issues Connecticut lawmakers need to focus on are: Making Connecticut more affordable and Growing jobs and rebuilding our economy. Our state has so much to offer, but far too many families cannot afford to live, work or raise their families here.

Taxes on the working and middle class John Kissel have grown year after year. Health care remains unaffordable and inaccessible for far too many people. The pandemic has only worsened the situation for many families and small businesses. We need to address affordability by fighting to keep taxes down and creating stability in the state budget so that state financial issues do not fall on the backs of our residents.

Connecticut’s growing unfunded pension liability and increasing fixed costs put an enormous burden on our families today, and future generations. We must continue to pursue policies like the ones Republicans successfully advocated for in the 2017 budget that reduce debt, cap spending and borrowing, bolster our rainy-day fund, and pay down on our unfunded liabilities.

We also need to focus on jobs and economic recovery. The pandemic has left thousands of people unemployed, small businesses shuttered and people scared for their future. We need to reduce burdens on small businesses so they can grow jobs and support workers. We also need to prioritize workforce development and education initiatives so that we have the skilled workforce needed to support growing jobs and so all people have a real opportunity to succeed.

The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all residents and has magnified many of the problems that have long existed in our state under one-party rule. We have come a long way on many issues when Republican voices have been included in conversations and policy making. I will continue to stand up for my constituents on these issues and many others as we work to recover and strengthen our state.

It has been my honor to serve you and I humbly ask for your vote on November 3.

State Senator, 8th District Melissa Osborne Democratic Candidate (no response) State Senator, 8th District Keith McConnell Independent Party Candidate (no response)

State Senator, 8th District Kevin Witkos Republican Incumbent

Kevin Witkos is serving his sixth term as a State Senator and currently serves as Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore. He previously served the towns of Canton and Avon for six years as a state representative.

Witkos was raised in Granby, graduated from Granby Memorial High School, and the Conneticut Police Academy while serving as a supernumerary police officer for the Town of Granby. He retired from Canton Police Department as a Sergeant, having served for 28 years.

He has served as vice chairman of the Canton Board of Education, and Kevin Witkos served as chief of the Canton Volunteer Fire Department. He currently resides in Canton with his family, their cats and chickens.

One of the top issues we need to address is how to rebuild our economy safely and in a way that does not increase taxes or add undue burdens on businesses. Small businesses across Connecticut were struggling even before COVID, and this pandemic has added a litany of new challenges to our economy. A strong economy benefits our small towns, our residents, and our state as a whole. As we continue to reopen businesses, public health should remain a top priority, however we also need to ensure that new regulations or executive orders are created using data-based metrics.

Too often we see legislation created and implemented that adds new taxes, increases red tape and bureaucracy, and overall makes our state even less business friendly. This absolutely needs to change. The pandemic has shone a new light on the needs of our business community, and this is an ideal time to recognize how the state can better support businesses and grow our economy. I take full advantage of my position as Ranking Member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee to raise these issues and advocate for legislation that does not harm our businesses or hold back our economy.

If I’m re-elected, I will continue to be an advocate for businesses of all sizes and continue to fight against the steady stream of tax increases that have become commonplace in our state.

The other issue that I constantly hear about is the recent Defund the Police bill that was rapidly pushed through the legislature in special session this summer. To be clear, common sense reform is not a bad thing. The horrific events we’ve seen across our country have spurred many long overdue conversations. This bill, however, went far beyond needed reforms and ultimately has made the job of our state troopers and local officers even harder.

Almost immediately after this bill was passed, we heard and saw reports and evidence of numerous troopers and officers making plans to retire or leave the profession early. At a time when it is already difficult to recruit new men and women to law enforcement, this bill makes that task even more challenging. Public safety and quality of life issues will always be a top priority of mine as I recognize just how important they

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are to our daily lives. I have joined calls from legislators of both parties to address various aspects of this bill and would also advocate for greater involvement of the public as well.

Whenever important issues like these are being discussed it is vital that we get as much public feedback and response as possible and I will always push for greater public participation.

State Representative 62nd District Audrey Lampert Democratic Candidate

Audrey Lampert is a finance professional with more than three decades of experience overseeing billions of dollars of investments while consistently prioritizing client needs above her own. She has worked with both governments and corporations during periods of stress, and has experience navigating through financial challenges to find a secure path forward. She knows how corporate interests shape public policy, for the good or not. As a longtime resident and volunteer in Granby, she looks forward to bringing Audrey Lampert both her experience and desire to serve to the General Assembly.

The top issues facing Connecticut are our economy and the environment, because interwoven into those two issues are a host of other factors that impact our town budgets, education, seniors, and our quality of life.

If elected, I will focus first on our economy.

The pandemic has hit Connecticut hard. More than 100,000 people have lost their jobs as of October, and often their health insurance as well.

Many others are now earning less than they once were. Economic security is at the core of our ability to live well and thrive, and the recovery to a new normal will take time. As your state representative, I will bring expertise in finance to the table, and believes we are going to need it.

In the near term, we need to find ways to support people through this pandemic. Programs that address food security, relief for rent and utility payments, and healthcare coverage will need to continue well into next year. We also need to be prepared for future pandemics, including the manufacturing of PPE right here in Connecticut.

Longer term, Lampert believes the pandemic will have lingering effects on both the job market and education. The technology to work from home has both strengths and weaknesses, but overall more people are transitioning into that model on a permanent basis. We need to make sure that we continue to encourage investment in our telecommunications infrastructure, both wired and wireless, to make sure this works for people.

Second—the environment. We need to start taking energy policy seriously and come up with more than just empty platitudes when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. For too long, fossil fuel companies have dictated what the delivery of electricity will look like, to the point that Connecticut taxpayers are underwriting outsized profits for our energy providers.

Governor Lamont’s recent announcement to join with the New England consortium to reevaluate the efficiency and redundancy of the electric grid in this region is a good step in the right direction. Additional programs to encourage the development of solar and wind energy are also going to be important.

Attention to our economy and environmental policy encompasses a wide range of social issues impacting children, seniors, and people of color. I am committed to remaining focused on how legislative action impacts our communities on both an intentional and unintentional basis.

We must be vigilant to prevent unfunded mandates from unexpectedly pushing outsized costs onto our rural towns.

State Representative 62nd District Mark Anderson Republican Candidate

Mark Anderson served for 35 years in the Army, in various capacities. He mobilized as a reserve officer to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for two-and-one-half years, with duty on the Joint Staff in support of the Iraq Intelligence Working Group. While with DIA at the Pentagon, he was promoted to his final rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mark retired from the Army in 2016.

Born in Hartford, Mark lived his early years in East Granby.

Mark Anderson He then moved to nearby Western Massachusetts. After marrying Carole in 2014, he returned to his Connecticut roots, first living in East Hartland, and then settling in Granby.

Between them, Mark and Carole have five adult children. Carole is a dental hygienist in Granby.

To help prepare for a second career, Mark earned a master’s degree in public policy with high distinction from Liberty University in 2018. The same year, he also worked as Representative Simanski’s campaign manager in a successful re-election effort. Perceiving road tolls as a great threat to affordability, he volunteered with No Tolls CT starting in January 2019.

Mark considers seeking elective office to be a continuation of a life of public service that began in the military. As a prospective legislator, Mark believes that the top two issues facing the state of Connecticut are, first, reining in the cost of state government, and second, making the state more affordable for businesses and individuals.

He sees these issues as opposite sides of the same coin.

Up until about three decades ago, Connecticut was a national model of flourishing economics.

Mark believes that can recur if the legislature passes legislation prioritizing economic growth.

Mark describes the current situation as one in which the growth rate of government exceeds the growth rate of the state economy. This is an unstainable situation. The state faces long-term unfunded pension liabilities of about $50,000 per taxpayer. Budget deficits are projected at $8 billion over the next three years, and the “rainy day” fund of $3 billion is insufficient to cover that. Connecticut is at the bottom 10 percent of just about every economic metric. Job growth has been flat for 30 years, with high paying jobs being replaced by low paying jobs.

Regarding the first important issue, Mark cited a recent Yankee Institute policy paper about the root cause of the cost control problem. It is the “supersedence,” or dominance, of state employee union contracts over state law. Some of the things that this has resulted in are: not fully funding pensions, allowing some salary schedules to be set outside of OPM, using excessive overtime, and imposing no-layoff provisions. The way to address this is to pass reform legislation that asserts state law as superior to state employee union contracts for all future contracts, as is the case in all other New England states.

On the second issue, making the state more affordable, Mark advocates pro-growth policies such as eliminating the Democrats’ payroll tax to finance FMLA, and allowing it to be replaced with private programs; stopping the minimum wage increase to $15, which causes unemployment of entry-level workers; and phasing out taxes on a business’s capital assets, which overburdens start-ups the most. Mark opposes new taxes and fees, to include the Democrats’ proposal to increase the Bottle Bill to 10¢, and to include non-carbonated soft drink containers. To reduce health care and insurance costs, require increased transparency, competition, and greater flexibility of coverage. Finally, to rein in electricity costs calls for a real cost-benefit analysis of energy sources, rather than imposing hidden taxes in consumer’s electricity bills in order to support green-new-deal type programs.

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

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

Expert Advice, Day of Action Saturday Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon This month the NOT WANTED campaign is sponsoring the first in a series of events to remove invasive plants from a visible public site in town. It will be a safe and family-friendly event with tools and expertise provided. Lots of volunteers make it possible to have a real impact on invasive plants. Rain date is Saturday November 14. For more information, call or text David at 860508-0107.

Great Advice from State Experts The state’s information and action hub on invasive plants, the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (pronounced “sipwig”) held its annual symposium virtually Oct. 7. It was packed with information, strategies and inspiring stories of success. For a very detailed agenda and speaker resources, contact David at 860-508-0107.

Information and Strategies Soil disturbance—both wholesale, through construction and earthmoving, and retail, when we pull roots or transplant and leave open soil—is a huge cause of invasive plant spread. Invasive seeds live in the soil for many years and take advantage of any opportunity for light and moisture. Just as boats are washed before moving from one body of water to another to deter the spread of aquatic invasives, construction and landscaping vehicles should be washed between worksites. When we pull a plant and disturb the soil, we should take a minute to press it back into place to help nurture non-invasive plants.

Alternatives: of the 2,800 plants known to exist in our state, about 1,800 are native and 1,000 are non-native. Of the non-natives, only 97 are considered invasive —“non-native plants that are disruptive in a way that causes environmental or economic harm, or harm to human health”—CIPWG. Native plants often are outcompeted and overshadowed by the invasives, but are usually still present and emerge when given the chance.

Native grasses are lifesavers for birds and other wildlife that survive on grass seeds in the dead of winter.Native grasses can be planted where invasive plants have been removed. Examples are Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium),

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and Deer-tongue grass (Panicum clandestinum).

Success Methods Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), described in the September 2020 NOT WANTED, is really tough: tiny root bits can rapidly form whole new colonies. A presenter from Mystic described their success with non-chemical solarization.

Mow or cut the mugwort as low as possible, then cover with heavy clear plastic, weighed down well, and leave in place for several months during the growing season. The temperature under the plastic can exceed 110 degrees, destroying the plants above and below ground. Remove the plastic and plant native alternatives.

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), described in the April 2020 NOT WANTED, is also a super-invasive. East Lyme presenters described their “Power of 3” non-chemical approach. Three tools: clippers/loppers, gloves, industrial strength garbage bags; three actions: cut the knotweed below the lowest node, bag and dispose, repeat; three cuts: May, mid-July, before the end of August; three years: be persistent and patient.

November Invasive Action Late fall is a great time to pull young Japanese bittersweet, multiflora rose, Russian olive and garlic mustard plants before they get established. As the sun wanes, their hold on the soil weakens.

Japanese bittersweet. Cut larger vines close to the ground, so they have to resprout in shade rather than the full sun on top of whatever they have been climbing, to weaken the plant over time.

An alternative with large vines is to cut and carefully paint stumps with liquid herbicide, any time of year except for early spring when the plant is drawing resources up from the roots.

Multiflora Rose. The base of the shrub is more visible after the leaves fall. Use a pole saw or other long handled tool to cut close to the ground by early winter so that heavy snow crushes the dying plants in place and make it easier to follow up next year.

Find more on Granby’s invasive plants at granbyinvasiveplants.weebly.com

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

— Desmond Tutu

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

Worship Service at 9:30 a.m.

Streamed until we can reopen.

242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

November 2020

Who’s who at Holcomb Farm

By Shirley Murtha Last month we profiled Jenny Emery, the new executive director of Holcomb Farm. In this issue, and each upcoming one, we will feature other members of the Friends of Holcomb Farm and the staff.

Following is a recently conducted interview with Bob Bystrowski, the president of the Friends group. After reading this, we think you will understand why the Friends is extraordinarily lucky to have him in this leadership position.

When did you move to Granby; how did you become familiar with Holcomb Farm?

My wife Catherine and I, along with our children Jonathan and Catie, moved to Granby in the summer of 2003. Our daughter Caroline, who is now a sophomore at GMHS, was born that November.

Prior to Granby, we lived in a wonderful neighborhood in West Hartford, but sought the lifestyle of a more rural community to raise our children and perhaps a few farm animals. My mother grew up on an onion farm from which my grandfather would truck the onions to sell in the New York City produce markets, so I was familiar with farming, and having grown up watching Green Acres on TV, I found the idea of moving to the country appealing. I immediately purchased several antique tractors, with the intention of doing my own farming, or at least haying to feed the horses we had acquired.

Frequent breakdowns of equipment, frustration at reliance on the weather, and recognition of the tremendous work ethic and skill required to be a successful farmer led me to conclude that I was wholly unfit for that life. Perhaps sensing this, Catherine contacted Sam Hammer, Holcomb Farm’s manager at the time,

Friends of Holcomb Farm president Bob Bystrowski, speaking at the annual meeting on Aug. 16. Submitted photo

who was seeking additional land for the CSA program. Sam performed soil tests and agreed that our Spring Hill Farm on Wells Road would be a good place to grow squash and kale.

What attracted you to the Farm and motivated you to become a part of the Friends?

In addition to the farming operation, the Farm had educational programs, including “Link and Learn,” which brought together students from Granby and urban areas. Jonathan and Catie participated in these. The more I learned about the Farm and the volunteers who generously give of their time and money to support its programs, the more I wanted to play a more significant role. I spoke with Jim Lofink, who was then executive director,

Who’s who

cont’d. on p. 31

Farmer’s Kitchen breakfast revived at Verdura

By Tracy Cavaciuti Granby has a new breakfast option.

Verdura, which is located in the former Farmer’s Kitchen space, is now serving breakfast. The new menu includes some old Farmer’s Kitchen favorites as well as some new offerings with a Spanish flair. The breakfast burrito is different and delectable. The Monte Christo sandwich made with Serano and cheese between slices of French toast will also be a favorite.

As always, if you want something special or different, they will always try to accommodate. This added concept to Verdura is in response to the area’s need for a local breakfast location where people can gather in comfort and spaced according to restrictions. The morning sun shines in through the east facing windows transforming the Verdura dinner spot into a delightful morning dining experience.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, the breakfast/lunch menu is available from

James Chen (l.) and Art Gagnon at Verdura. Submitted photo

7 a.m. until 2 p.m. James Chen will be cooking in the kitchen and longtime Zen Restaurant Group server Art Gagnon will be serving every day. The Verdura Tapas dinner menu is rich in culture, the breakfast addition raises it up to become one of the most versatile dining options in the Granby/Simsbury area. Stop in for breakfast, you will not be disappointed.

James Chen is always evolving Zen restaurant group to accommodate the needs of the community. With this addition, they have put together one of the best breakfast offerings in the area.

In Memory Of …

Bolan, Ruth M., 94, wife of the late Peter Bolan, Sept. 11 Mangold, Margaret Gore, 93, wife of the late John Frederick Mangold, Sept. 20 Bolduc, Ronald F., 70, loving partner of Cindy Weir, Sept. 25 Howard, Rev. Francis Curzon, 93, husband of Joyce Howard, Sept. 25 Kushner, Steven, 63, husband of Helaine (Smith) Kushner, Sept. 26 Kupchunos, Elvia (Ackerman), 94,

wife of the late Anthony Kupchunos, Sept. 28 Fahy, Thomas Brian, Jr., 57, Oct. 5 Scotti, Susan Truth, 57, wife of Kevin Scotti, Oct. 6 Smith, Linda Lee, 74, Oct. 7 Garner, Gary R., 65, Oct. 16 Alexander, Matthew Lee, 49, partner of Pamela Parker, and former husband of Jacqueline Alexander, Oct. 20.

Cylkowski, Thomas Robert, 30, partner of Ashley Harlan, Oct. 21.

November 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Farming in November If you Google “farming in November,” you will find lots of interesting descriptors: a time of transitions, a time for gleaning, a time to take stock. At Holcomb Farm, our strategic focus on “growing the growing season” means that while the last CSA summer share has been distributed, and the retail farm store has closed for the year, the farming continues.

Our cold storage and hoop houses are in full swing, and it’s a good thing they are.

We have promised thousands of pounds of fresh produce to our Fresh Access partners, and the need has never been greater. Our Winter CSA shares sold out in record time, and Summer 2021 signups are already underway. Farmer Joe has promised a few “pop up” farmer’s markets over the holiday season. If you want to be sure you don’t miss these, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, and make sure we have your email address for periodic notices. Sign up on our website or contact cathy@holcombfarm.org Welcoming neighbors to Granby’s Holcomb Farm In mid-October, what was left of the warmth of the autumn sun offered a perfect day to share the fast-evolving Holcomb Farm Tree Trail with members of the Hartford Garden Club. Thanks to longtime Friends of the farm Put and Nannie Brown, members of this organization came to learn about the work

Who’s who

Tree Trail volunteers Jill and Walter Ford, Barry Avery, Eric Lukingbeal, David Desiderato, Shirley Murtha, and Jack and Peggy Lareau plant three Zelkova Schmidtlow cultivars, a gift from the Friends of Holcomb Farm.

Members of the Hartford Garden Club visited Holcomb Farm on a beautiful fall afternoon to learn about the work that has been done here to fight invasives, reclaim meadows and fields, and plant, nurture and label trees for environmental and educational advancement.

that has been done to fight invasives, reclaim meadows and fields, and plant, nurture and label trees for environmental and educational advancement. The group spent several stunning New England autumn hours learning about the work of the Friends of Holcomb Farm through its intrepid Tree Trail volunteers, including Eric Lukingbeal, Susan Canavan and Barry Avery. The Garden Club members were so inspired by their work that the Garden Club made a financial gift to the Tree Trail, in honor of Eric and his crew.

New Trees and New Signs The Holcomb Tree Trail volunteers also completed the annual fall planting on Oct. 17, adding seven new trees to the trail, including one of each of the

cont’d. from p. 30

and Eric Lukingbeal, who was the board president. They offered me the privilege of serving on the board of directors.

What are your duties as president of the Friends? What do you like best?

My duties are myriad and subject to interpretation and improvisation. I am blessed to work in tandem with an extremely talented and motivated board of directors and executive director Jenny Emery. An important and essential part of my mandate is to maintain the relationship with the Town of Granby.

The positive relationship established by former First Selectman John Adams and former Town Manager Bill Smith has thrived and continued to grow with the support of Scott Kuhnly and John Ward.

Although the physical plant of the Farm is owned by the town, the Friends receive no direct financial support from it, and in fact, pay for our use of the CSA barn, fields and farmhouse. Over time, the Friends have provided many hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of the Farm by facilitating grants and donations.

My favorite job, without question, is interacting and communicating with our numerous legacy volunteers and generous donors to the Friends organization.

Many of the volunteers have participated at the Farm for decades, and our legacy donors can always be counted on to provide much needed support for both ongoing and new programs. Although I love getting together with our volunteers and members at our Farm events such as the Progressive Dinner, Harvest Dinner and Annual Meeting, many of my “meetings” are spontaneous and informal—taking place at Geissler’s, a coffee shop or a school concert or sport-

ing event. There is always someone who wants to learn more about the Farm and/ or provide a helping hand.

Do you have any personal goals as you navigate another year of your presidency?

COVID has impacted the Farm as it has the entire country and world, but my goals remain the same as they were in January, but with renewed focus and energy. Under the leadership of Joe O’Grady, our farming program has never been stronger, and has paid off in the form of sold out summer 2020 CSA shares and the upcoming winter shares as well. This year, our Fresh Access program is especially important. Working with local community and religious organizations and limited select non-profits outside of Granby, this program donates thousands of tons of nutritious, chemicalfree produce to persons in need—and we will keep doing so throughout the duration of the pandemic and beyond. A silver lining to the pandemic is that many Granby people have come to know the Farm by exploring the dozens of miles of well-marked and maintained hiking trails—all of which are stewarded by volunteers of the Friends organization. We have also established a Tree Trail on the east side of the Farm. It includes mowed paths, tree identification and interpretive signs, highlighting the sights and history encountered along the trail. You can check out our website www.holcombfarm.org for trail information and follow us on Instagram at holcombfarmcsa What is your career background?

I grew up in Newington, and after graduating from college in New Jersey, came home to attend UConn law school.

I am a partner with Morrison Mahoney,

following: Amur Maackia, Yellowwood, Bald Cypress, Hornbeam, Hophornbeam, Eastern Redbud, and Ginkgo. All these trees were planted in Hillside Field, except for the Hophornbeam, which was planted on the eastern edge of Hilltop Field, the CSA’s potato crop field. We also planted three Zelkova Schmidtlow cultivars, a gift from the Friends of Holcomb Farm, in the grassy area between the farmhouse and North Barn at the main farm complex, to replace the ailing birch that was removed earlier this year.

In addition, the Tree Trail added eight new interpretive signs, which provide information on a variety of topics including farm history, invasive plant species, geology and specific tree species. These signs were purchased with funding from a Pomeroy-Brace grant and a Granby Education Foundation grant. We also added 25 additional tree labels to mature trees, bringing the total of labeled trees to more than 100. Many thanks to our volunteers including Barry Avery, Sue Canavan, Joel Danke, David Desiderato, Jill Ford, Walter Ford, Jack Lareau, Peggy Lareau, Heidi Lindberg, Eric Lukingbeal, Shirley Murtha, Bill Simpson and Lynette Simpson.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm has installed new interpretive signs on their Tree Trail, which provide information on a variety of topics including farm history, invasive plant species, geology and specific tree species.

Tree Trail volunteers Bill Simpson, Walter Ford and Barry Avery plant trees on Holcomb Farm’s East Hill.

Submitted photos

Help us provide food to families in need The need has never been greater November is typically when we hold our annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, our single largest fundraiser in support of Fresh Access, through which Holcomb Farm grows and distributes produce to people in need in Granby and the greater Hartford Region. But, of course, there is nothing typical about 2020: so, no Harvest Dinner fundraiser this year.

If you are in a position to do so, please join us in a special campaign seeking donations that will go directly to continue to making our Granby-grown produce available to guests at weekly Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen community dinners, to Granby families through Granby Social Services, to Granby Seniors through the Granby Senior Center, and to families in Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury through our regional partners. Go to Holcombfarm.org and hit the “Donate” button and note that your contribution is for Fresh Access. Thank you!

a Hartford law firm.

What do you like to do in your “down time?”

My down time has been dominated by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rovers practices—and I have loved every minute of it. We still have one soccer player left in Granby, Caroline. Jonathan and Catie are attending university in Europe. I have a barn in West Granby where I dream of pursuing hobbies such as woodworking, metal working and car restoration. At the

moment, however, I am taking a deeper dive into the phenomenal opportunities to explore nature that Granby provides— especially the Land Trust properties and McLean Game Refuge in addition to the Farm. Our family moved this summer from the farm on Wells Road to Reed Hill, where ironically, I find myself surrounded by more nature than I did at my farm: I have visits from hawks, turtles, turkeys, deer and the occasional bear.

Page 32 The Granby Drummer

November 2020

Closer to Home

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StateLine Oil-Propane 13 Subseven 13 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 29 Swim Center at Westminster 24 Thomas Sullivan Morgan Stanley 25

Troiano Oil Company Two Park Place Walsh Chiropractic Services Westfield Bank Windsor Federal Savings

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December 2020 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Nov. 11 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, Nov. 16 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Nov. 10-23 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222.

Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at granbydrummer.org

Better banking has come to Bloomfield.

NEW West

Our new Bloomfield office at 337 Cottage Grove Road in the Copaco Shopping Center is officially open!

Offic Hartford e Ope Too! n,

To celebrate, we’re offering special promotions at all of our Connecticut offices. So stop by today. And see what better banking’s all about.

$300

15 19 11 32 17

$500 Off

Home Equity Line of Credit

Costs 1.99% APR Bonus Closing on any approved mortgage

*

*

when you open a new checking account* *One offer per person available to new WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account customers only. Order a debit card and enroll in online banking to receive $50. Enroll in eStatements and receive $50. Sign up for direct deposit and receive $200. The bonuses will be deposited into your account within 45 days after the criteria is met, which must happen within 60 days of account opening. Minimum balance to open a WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account is $10. As of 7/6/2020, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the WB Portfolio Checking account is 0.10% and may change after the account is opened. Minimum balance to earn the APY is $10. Fees may reduce earnings.

Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Offer may be rescinded at any time. Promotional code: $300CTConsumer

Offers Valid at All CT Offices

$500 Bonus Credit for first-time buyers*

*Borrower will receive a $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. First time homebuyer will receive an additional $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. A first time homebuyer is an individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the property.

Subject to underwriting and loan approval. Property must be located in Western or Central Massachusetts or Northern or Central Connecticut. Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Refinances of current Westfield Bank loans are not eligible. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

Bloomfield

337 Cottage Grove Road Copaco Shopping Center

Enfield

47 Palomba Drive

Granby

for the first 6 months

Prime +0% for the life of the loan

*This Home Equity Line of Credit requires monthly payments to be automatically deducted from a Westfield Bank checking account. Account must be opened prior to closing. After the initial 6 month introductory period, the interest rate will be Prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, currently 3.25% as of 3/15/2020, with an APR of 3.25%. After 6 months, the interest rate will be variable and may increase. The maximum APR is 18%. The minimum interest rate is 3.25% with an APR of 3.25%. Rates are for owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan-tovalue (LTV) is 80%. Processing fee of $99 will apply if line of credit is approved and closed. Borrower-paid appraisal required for loans equal to or greater than $400,000 or for loans less than $400,000 where the bank is unable to determine a value using the standard method. Appraisal costs are $490 for a single family property or $640 for a 2-4 family property. Other closing costs may vary based on the line of credit amount requested. Property insurance is required. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

10 Hartford Avenue

West Hartford

977 Farmington Avenue

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westfieldbank.com

Member

FDIC