Granby Drummer | October 2019

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Volume L, No. 2 • October 2019

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Competitive election for Granby

Eleven different races will be decided by the Nov. 5 municipal election including First Selectman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Moderator.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote for 24 open seats using a two-sided ballot that will include all of these offices. In the past, the Board of Selectmen race has caused some confusion. All five seats are open every two years. Voters can choose only one candidate for First Selectman and two candidates from those running for the board.

Candidates on the Nov. 5 municipal ballot FIRST SELECTMAN – 1 opening, 2-yr. term (vote for 1) B. Scott Kuhnly – Republican Glenn G. Ballard – Petitioning Candidate BOARD OF SELECTMEN – 4 openings, 2-yr. term (vote for any 2) Sally S. King, James C. Lofink – Democrat Edward E. Ohannessian, Mark Neumann –

Republican John Alexander Bazyk – Petitioning Candidate BOARD OF EDUCATION – 4 openings, 4-yr. term (vote for any 4) Lynn Guelzow, Christine Peaslee, Monica Logan, Jenny Emery – Democrat Rosemarie Weber, David Peling,

Mark Fiorentino – Republican BOARD OF FINANCE – 3 openings, 4-yr. term (vote for any 3) William Kennedy – Democrat Kelly O. Rome, Michael B. Guarco, Jr. –

Republican BOARD OF FINANCE to Fill a Vacancy for 2 Yrs.– 1 opening (vote for 1) James Tsaptsinos - Republican

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS – 1 opening, 4-yr. term (vote for 1) Lowell C. Johnson – Republican PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION – 4 openings, 4-yr. term (vote for any 4) Christine L. Chinni – Democrat Mark Lockwood, Brennan Sheahan,

Jonathan Boardman – Republican PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ALTERNATE – 1 opening, 4-yr. term (vote for 1) Paula H. Johnson – Republican ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – 3 openings, 4-yr. term (vote for any 3) Suzanne Yucha – Democrat Steve Muller, Ann Crimmins – Republican ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES – 1 opening, 4-yr. term (vote for 1) David Hennessey – Democrat TOWN MODERATOR – 1 opening, 2-yr. term (vote for 1) John E. Adams – Republican

A look back: The Granby Drummer: 1970–2019

By Chris Levandowski In the late 1960s, CPPAC* didn’t exist; there was no financial model to predict and prepare for capital expenditures or taxes. Granby’s population was booming, and the schools weren’t keeping pace. Granby Memorial High School was overcrowded and on the brink of losing accreditation, mainly because of a lack of classrooms and support infrastructure. The Board of Education had a plan that included major additions and renovations to the existing two-building campus. The Board of Finance projected *Capital Projects Priorities Advisory Committee

the project’s cost after state reimbursement (sound familiar yet?) and took a bonding issue and a large tax increase to the taxpayers for approval. Almost a year and four budget referendums later, the proposal had not been approved.

A group of concerned citizens formed an ad hoc action committee hoping to find a way to influence town opinion. The members of “The Loose Group” gathered in Bruce and Bobbie Sullivan’s living room to brainstorm a course of action. Their kids’ education was on

Drummer at 50 cont’d. on p. 10

Inside GMHS Homecoming ............ 8

Invasive plants................. 22

Hawk watch..................... 17

Open Farm Day photos....... 29

Playing in the orchard

Alessandra Vitelli, age 4, enjoyed playing among the apple trees at Lost Acres Orchard on Open Farm Day. Photo by Lisa Vitelli

Mill rates and such – How do we stand?

By Michael B. Guarco, Jr. Chair, Board of Finance Occasionally the question arises on how Granby compares to other towns in Connecticut and what factors affect the mill rate. This is the rate per thousand dollars of assessed value in real estate, motor vehicles, and business personal property. In a nutshell, while Granby is a financially strong town owing to its twin pillars of fiscal discipline and long-range capital planning, it also has to contend with a modest non-residential, commercial/industrial/public utility component of its grand list, and the resultant negative impact on intergovernmental revenues from the state. Granby has little in terms of state buildings within its borders and additionally, we are ranked by the state as a relatively wealthy town — 24th in terms of median household income at $111K, equaling 150 percent of the

state average. In comparable towns with the same spending per capita, these two factors alone would lead to a higher mill rate relative to the others.

The mill rate set for the current year FY20 is 39.61 — 23rd statewide. The equalized mill rate, a slightly different calculation from the state, ranks us at 31st. Considering that we were ranked fourth in the mid-80s when I first joined the Board of Finance, we’ve made steady progress over time. As I’ve said previously, over the next decade or so we look to continue that slide down into the next quartile. Yet the fact remains that property taxes fund 83 percent of our budget, while many nearby towns are in the 70plus percent because their commercial grand list component is greater than ours.

Since the 80s, the non-residential component of the grand list grew from 4 percent then to 8 percent now, but Avon, Canton and Simsbury have about 17 percent in

Mill rates cont’d. on p. 3

Photos by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

TOWN OF GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 Present: Paula Johnson (chairman), Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, James Sansone and Brennan Sheahan. Also present: Abby Kenyon, director of community development.

Seating of alternates, if applicable: Brennan Sheahan was seated for Mark Lockwood.

Action on the minutes of July 23, 2019 ON A MOTION by E. Lukingbeal seconded

by J. Boardman, the commission voted (70-0) to approve the minutes of July 23, 2019 with two corrections. Under Public Hearing, paragraph two should read, “at the July 9, 2019 public session” and under Staff Reports and Correspondence, the first line should read, “submitted a site plan modification.”

Public Hearing Application seeking to modify a Special Permit for an existing farm store under Zoning Regulations Section 8.15.17 to allow special events for property located at 29 Bushy Hill Road.

Continued from July 23, 2019 Representing the applicant, Attorney Carl Landolina of Fahey and Landolina Attorneys, LLC, addressed the commission and answered questions that were raised July 23. Clark Farms received conditional approval from the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture to hold agricultural events, educational farm tours, summer church services and up to six weddings/

farm-to-table events for up to 150 people each year under the tent; there are 74 parking spaces on the site with an additional 35 spaces near the tent; and cones or parking staff to be used to assist with parking. Becky Clark of Clark Farms noted natural barriers, slopes and pine trees assist with common sense parking.

Per the Commission’s request, the applicant has defined several terms with regards to use of the tent. “Everyday use” is defined as use of the tent during regular business hours for educational tours, use by people picking apples, people sitting to enjoy hard cider or wine and use by church groups. There would be no amplified music with everyday use of the tent. “Events” is defined as six after-hours events per year, such as, but not limited to, weddings, farm-totable dinners, or catered events with amplified music ending at 9 p.m., for 125 to 150 guests.

“Special occasions” is defined as birthday parties, bridal showers, retirement parties with no amplified music, which may be held during regular business hours with up to 75 guests. The applicant is requesting up to 35 special occasion gatherings per year.

In response to a question regarding the location of the tent, Clark explained the previous location was in close proximity to the tractor route, which created a lot of dust. The tent was moved to minimize the impact from dust. It was also noted the tent would have to be moved about 80 feet closer to the building to ensure

compliance with proximity to restroom facilities.

However, for convenience, Port-o-lets could still be used for the duration of the event then removed after the event.

Ronald Lewis, 28 Bushy Hill Road, stated he lives directly across the street from Clark Farms and he has never seen a parking issue at the farm. He supports the application.

Christopher Strapp, 10 Indian Hill Drive, noted concerns regarding noise and compatibility with the neighborhood.

Lisa Bennett, 27 Mechanicsville Road, stated for the record that all events and amplified music will end by 9 p.m., noting other residents host loud parties well past midnight.

Ann Carey, 11 Strawberry Fields, emphasized the need to honor the intent of the purchase of development rights agreement and to limit the commercial use of the property outside the commercial envelope.

Eric Lukingbeal requested to enter into the record the following documents: the current Plan of Conservation and Development and the prior two Plans of Conservation and Development.

The public hearing closed at 7:53 p.m.

Application seeking to renew a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.5.2.3 and 8.21.4.9 for an automotive repair facility in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone for property at 352 Salmon Brook Street.

Applicant Tim Lyons addressed the commission.

He noted compliance with all previous conditions of approval. He stated the arborvitaes have been replaced and additional plantings will be installed to further screen the property from the neighbor to the north. Regarding the parking of vehicles, Lyons stated people park their cars where they can. However, he is trying to keep the vehicles off the grass and is exploring options for additional parking for employees to the rear of the building or on adjacent property.

Kenyon mentioned there is outstanding site work to the rear of the building; the town is holding a performance bond until all work is completed. She also noted that the commission approved the previous Special Permit with a condition that a farm gate be installed to separate the front parking lot from the rear. Shaun Levesque, property owner, noted that the farm gate, when opened, would block several parking spaces. Instead of the gate, a stockade fence has been installed and a chain separates the automotive repair business in the front from the landscaping yard to the rear. The commission agreed this new treatment was preferred.

Kenyon visited the site and noted all containers are marked and off the floor so spills could easily be seen and addressed and there have been no reports of spills over the past year. There are no concerns with the renewal of the Special Permit.

Receive applications and set public hearing Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.5 for an accessory apartment for property located at 14 Spring Glen Drive. File Z-12-19. The public hearing has been set for Sept. 24.

Application seeking a 1-lot re-subdivision for property at 142 Case Street. File P-1-19. The public hearing has been set for Sept. 24.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.1.3.3 for a garage within 100 feet of the street line and in excess of 600 square feet for property located at 4 Powder Mill Lane. File Z-14-19. The public hearing has been set for Oct. 8.

Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 8.3 for the sale of alcoholic beverages for property at 4 Park Place, Deep Roots Street Food. File Z-15-19. The public hearing has been set for Oct. 8.

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

Regarding the application seeking to modify a Special Permit for an existing farm store for property located at 29 Bushy Hill Road, Paula Johnson noted all information should be reviewed and the commission would consider the application at a later meeting.

ON A MOTION by Eric Myers seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted (70-0) to approve the renewal of a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.5.2.3 and 8.21.4.9 for an automotive repair facility in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone for property at 352 Salmon Brook Street subject to modifications as proposed during public session.

Staff Reports and Correspondence Kenyon noted the Department of Transportation held a utility meeting for the roundabout project.

Utility work will start this fall and construction will begin in spring 2020 and is expected to be complete by fall 2020. Addressing a question regarding a home on the northwest corner of the roundabout, Kenyon explained the state has been working with affected property owners to make proper acquisitions.

At the next meeting, Kenyon anticipates there will be an informal discussion about Mill Pond Drive and the potential expansion for Greenway Village apartments.

A Special Meeting workshop regarding restaurant drive-thru windows is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16, at the Granby Senior Center, Activity Room 2. Kenyon will distribute draft regulations and mapping for commission review beforehand.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Two commission members are unavailable to attend the Sept. 24 meeting. Johnson recommended all commission members be present for discussing File Z-10-19, Special Permit to allow special events for 29 Bushy Hill Road, and suggested moving the decision to Oct. 8, when all commission members will be present.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 3

TOWN OF GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 Present Board Members: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino; Melissa Migliaccio, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, Brandon Webster, and Dwaritha Ramesh (Student Representative).

Absent Board Members: Lynn Guelzow Administrative Reports Superintendent’s Announcements Interim Superintendent Mark Winzler stated that the opening of school went very smoothly noting it was the smoothest opening he has ever experienced in his entire career including new teacher orientation (nine new teachers), professional development for teachers, and convocation.

Many projects completed over the summer and others are continuing to progress, such as, the playground shade at Kelly Lane and the MS/HS gas detection project.

FY21 budget season began yesterday. Met with all administrators and distributed budget worksheets and timeline.

The district will be participating in Sandy Hook Promise/Safety Assessment and Intervention (SAI) training this month as part of an interdistrict collaborative with Simsbury, Windsor Locks, Plainville, and the Master’s School. SAI is a national violence prevention program that establishes and trains multidisciplinary teams within schools to identify, assess and respond to threats of violence.

The high school project involving the music rooms, kitchen and tech education areas must be filed with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) no later than June 30, 2020.

The DAS only allows projects of this nature to be filed once a year.

SBAC scores are still embargoed. There are positive gains in ELA; however, still work to do in math.

Winzler thanked the board for having him return to the district to serve as interim superintendent stating he first served in this capacity in Granby 10 years ago when Alan Addley was out on medical leave for a few months.

I.C. Teaching and Learning Katie Busbey, director of summer programming, and Jennifer Miller, assistant director of summer programming, reported on the Summer School Enrichment Academy and Camp Kelly held in July. Busbey stated there were huge changes to the program last year and this year was a year of adjustment. The Drama Academy occurred again at the end of June for Grades 4-9 in collaboration with The Hartford Stage. Thirteen Open Choice students participated this year and 45 students overall. Students performed their play on Friday for parents. The board inquired about the increase in Open Choice participation and what attributed to that and Busbey stated the brochure was given out at open houses, which was a tremendous help and there was also a lot of follow-up with parents.

Busbey stated the Summer Enrichment Academy in July offered a wide range of programming for half-day or full day and the district also partnered with the YMCA again this year. There were many options for all students from kindergarten through high school. There were some new class offerings and the district also partnered with NewGate Prison and the Connecticut State Museum Program for a class where students created trashcans that will be featured at New-Gate Prison. A total of 214 students enrolled for summer programming with 41 Open Choice students and 71 special education students.

Twenty teachers staffed the Summer Enrichment Academy and Camp Kelly in addition to four teachers for reading and math labs, one occupational therapist, one physical therapist, two social skills camp teachers, one speech therapist, 16 high school volunteers, two Camp Kelly teachers, and teaching assistants.

Jen Miller presented on Camp Kelly and stated the reading and math labs saw an increase with 42 students attending this year compared to 24 last year.

These labs provide direct instruction for students with specific needs in small group settings. Students who are one–two years behind their peers are eligible to attend the reading and math labs. Camp Kelly ran for five weeks with consistent classroom routines and expectations.

Additionally, 17 students participated in the Social Skills Camp this year that was expanded to four weeks to better support students in the transition/work within enrichment opportunities.

Busbey stated a survey was sent out again this year and of the few people who responded, families stated that their child enjoyed the program. A comment was made on the brochure and how it was categorized this year. With regard to future planning, she said she would like to begin developing class ideas and teacher recruitment; continue collaboration with outside agencies; have more promotion for middle and high school classes and look at enrollment offerings to adjust offerings. Chris Tranberg stated the marketing would need to be a little different for the secondary offerings next year. He thanked Busbey for all of her work in developing this program.

Public Comment Bill Regan, 62 Hungary Road. made a public comment to the board about special education stating he has a different perspective in that he has been driving special education students in Simsbury for the last 10 years. He stated he does not know how the facilities that special education students attend are monitored or evaluated but that each Connecticut town or regional BOE should be able to negotiate collectively either via a fee for services or on how each student progresses. Tax dollars are spent on an everincreasing special education budget with little

or no end in sight unless the BOE and others take a proactive approach to the problem and engage the parents to become more of a part of the solution.

Consent Agenda A motion was made by Rosemarie Weber and seconded by Jenny Emery to adopt the consent agenda. Melissa Migliaccio thanked the negotiating team of Rosemarie Weber, Sarah Thrall and Lynn Guelzow. This motion passed with three abstentions (Sarah Thrall from the 6/19/19 minutes and Mark Fiorentino and Rosemarie Weber from 8/7/19 meeting).

New Business CABE Board Recognition Award Application The board discussed applying for the CABE Board Recognition Award again this year.

Melissa Migliaccio stated Granby has received this award from CABE the last 11 years and she is in favor of applying for the award stating the Level Two criteria is met handily by the board.

The board agreed to apply for the CABE Award again this year.

Mill rates cont’d. from p. 1

Board Standing Committee Reports Finance/Personnel/Facilities This subcommittee will meet before the next board meeting. Mark Fiorentino stated the facilities tour held before school opened was great and the facilities staff does a terrific job.

Mark Winzler stated the facilities staff takes great pride in their work and it shows across the district.

Jenny Emery stated the Building Committees have been appointed by the BOS and she is hopeful that a chairman is selected for each committee soon so work can begin.

Before adjourning the meeting, Student Representative Dwaritha Ramesh, inquired about the difference between Pre-AP and honors courses for underclassmen. Christopher Tranberg stated the main goal is high expectations for all students and this is a way to meet one of the districts equity goals. Melissa Migliaccio inquired if students get a weighted GPA and Christopher Tranberg stated courses are weighted as an honors course.

Board Secretary Rosemarie Weber

is essentially flat since the early 90s, excommercial/industrial grand list comcept for adding police officers to provide ponents. Suffield and Somers are at 14 broader coverage given their medical first percent, but come out way ahead dollarresponder roles. wise because they host prisons. Somers Turning to the expenditure side of the gets about $2.5M and Suffield nearly ledger, what the numbers within the $5M relating to having state-owned propstate report and from what I’ve seen erty versus the $1K Granby receives for from neighboring towns, is that Granby PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) on does not overspend, and looks to be in state-owned property. Considering that the middle or lower tiers overall. What Granby receives in total about $5.7M in that should indicate is efficiency – being revenue from the state from all categoboth effective as well as economical. ries, monies from other state categories The state current per-pupil expenditure would make a significant difference. But ranking consistently puts us down in the does Granby want a prison, an airport or 130-145th range, while the graph used at even Route 44? It wasn’t that long ago budget time reflects continued superior when hundreds came out against Walmart testing results versus and big box developcost. Municipal opment in Granby.

QUESTIONS ON erating numbers look That leads into the THE BUDGET to be in line with the additional factors of region. Long-term and property values and net PROCESS AND pension debt per capita grand list per capita.

THE MILL RATE? are about half the state Per the January 2019 300-page Municipal Board of Finance Chair Mike Guarco averages. Even with will hold office hours on these days: the capital bonding Fiscal Indicators report recently approved by for FY2017, the median TUESDAY, OCT. 8 voters at referendum, owner-occupied home 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. our debt service line values in Granby, CanPolice Dept. Comm. Room item will be roughly ton, Somers and East a million dollars less Granby are all roughly THURSDAY, OCT. 17: annually than it was in $300K. Simsbury is 5 to 6:30 p.m. last year’s budget once about 10 percent higher, Town Hall Meeting Room it hits the books. and Avon 25 percent Granby has changed more. Simply put, to over the last 30 years, but it has purposeraise the same amount of tax dollars with fully retained its rural and farm belt feel. higher-valued homes a lower mill rate Voters have voted wisely to steadily meet can apply. If the values are 10 percent and maintain the capital needs of the more, the rate can be about 10 percent town, its taxpayers, its students. Granby less. Add in a higher grand list comcan and should be proud of the quality ponent of 18 percent versus 8 percent, of its infrastructure and the success of its which means that rate could be roughly operations. All this has occurred through another 10 percent less. Throw in another the combined and cooperative efforts $3.8 million in PILOT money for a sigof the operating boards on a bipartisan nificant state presence, and another 10 basis year after year, with an adherence percent from the mill rate could be cut to the twin pillars of fiscal discipline and off. Those factors all affect the revenue long-range capital planning. Isolating side of the equation and the mill rate any affect of revaluation, for the past calculation. decade both budgets and the mill rate The above also explains why Greenhave risen about 17 percent IN TOTAL wich has a mill rate of 11.682. While — an annual average of 1.7 percent over having about 5.5 times Granby’s poputhe last 10 budgets. Through these recent lation, it has a grand list of $32 billion decades we’ve seen that the actual and versus our $1 billion so that it can easily equalized mill rate rankings keep falling use a lower rate. The median ownerto better positions. We have also seen that occupied home there is valued at $1.2M our credit-worthiness rating for bonding – four times our value per the state. I improve three times, with a likelihood of doubt a similar home there pays less perhaps attaining the next step up to AAA in property tax than here even with the rating for the upcoming round of bondlower mill rate. I’d note as well that its ing as our reserves steadily strengthen. overall municipal budget is just about 10 Given what this town may face from times ours with just under 1,000 full-time various headwinds, we are in a strong employees per its budget book versus position to meet those challenges as they our 56 full-time municipal employees. arise — balancing the needs of the town Despite the fact that Public Works now with a sensitivity to the taxpayers who has about 20 percent greater road mileage foot the bill. and more buildings to maintain, Granby

Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Ban glyphosate

The town is once again spraying glyphosate (Roundup) in Salmon Brook Park and throughout the Town Hall complex. Glyphosate is a known carcinogen and in August 2017 the Board of Selectmen placed a moratorium on the use of glyphosate until a committee was established to investigate the herbicide and make a recommendation on its use.

In April 2018 the Herbicide Committee concluded that the town should ban its use by the town. The BOS never voted on the recommendation made by the Herbicide Committee. We now discover the town has been spraying glyphosate in Salmon Brook Park and around the Town Hall complex without notifying the public that the moratorium was lifted.

When glyphosate is sprayed, the particle and vapor drift can extend two miles. Everyone working in town hall, the library, senior center and Board of Ed building is subject to exposure. Library patrons, adults and children, seniors visiting the senior center and any member of the public making use of services in this area are all subject to exposure, as is anyone making use of the facilities at Salmon Brook Park. The public was not notified ahead of time that the spraying would commence. The long-term effects on the DPW employee administering the chemical have been ignored.

Granby had the opportunity to become one of the first towns in the state to ban the use of this toxic chemical by the town, but now we’re lagging far behind as many other Connecticut towns have adopted their own bans.

The First Selectman has refused to call a vote on the Herbicide Committee’s recommendation to ban the town’s use of glyphosate. If the “preservation of … health and safety of the town and its inhabitants” (as stated in the Town Charter) is not his number one priority, he should relinquish that post.

Marge Goslee Herbicide Committee member

Kearns Community Center

I’m a freelance writer and the mother of one small child. My husband provides much of the childcare, but he has a job as well, and often I find myself torn between the demands of work and the need to take my son out so he can play with other children.

During the summers, I’ve tried to work everywhere: the park, the library, the yard. None of these situations are ideal for me, my child, or the people around us.

FIND US

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

A co-working space with daycare, like the one included in the Kearns Community Center proposal, would be a lifeline for parents like me. So often, all I need to concentrate on work is a quiet space and the knowledge that my son is in good hands. Right now, I often plan my meetings and work time around my husband’s work schedule. The co-working space will give me much-needed flexibility when it comes to work in the summer.

Childcare is a huge need for us right now, but later, when my son is older, he’ll be able to attend activities, play at the indoor park, or meet up with his friends in the teen space while I’m working.

I cannot think of a single more amazing resource for a work-from-home parent, and, if current trends continue, there are going to be many more workers like me in town in the coming years. According to the most recent reports from the U.S. Census Bureau, eight million people worked from home in 2017 and that number is ticking upward.

Child-free remote workers will need that co-working space too. Kearns Community Center will be a gift for anyone who has ever tried to have a work meeting in a Starbucks, any freelancer who has ever felt isolated at home, and every work-at-home parent who has had to choose between taking a meeting and taking their child to the park.

Ann O’Connell

Support for BOS candidate

In our Nov. 5 local election, I am voting for Jim Lofink, a Democrat who has been on the Board of Selectman for several years. I hope you do too. Jim pays attention and listens. He has integrity. He is willing to take a stand. For example, he was an early advocate of separating the three funding votes (bridges, school matters, and solar power), which gave the public a meaningful vote. He has been an active volunteer in our community for many years—such as by contributing countless hours to the Friends of Holcomb Farm, from helping make policy to skilled hands-on work. He works hard

GRANBY FOOD BANK We currently need: Canned fruit —all kinds Saltine/Ritz crackers Pasta sauce Hamburger Helper Beef stew/Spam Paper towels Dish soap Instant oatmeal Canned tuna

ADVERTISERS AGREEMENT

Donations may be dropped off at the Shed at Food Bank site on Salmon Brook St., Stop & Shop, Geissler’s, FV-YMCA, and Granby Senior Center.

for townspeople in whatever he does. He is doing a good job as a selectman—so vote for Jim Lofink.

Peggy Lareau

Support for BOE candidates

I am writing to offer my support to Rosemarie Weber for re-election to the Granby Board of Education. Rosemarie and her husband, Dr. Chris Weber, moved to town in 2005. Both Rosemarie and Chris have served our country as officers in the U.S. Army and now they serve our town—Chris as a veterinarian, and Rosemarie as a member of the Board of Education.

My two sons have gone through Granby public schools and received the finest education here. Their Granby education got them to the colleges and career paths of their choice. I can think of no better benchmark of success than to see their education pay off in their adult life.

Rosemarie’s common sense approach and fiscally responsible decisions are what we need to keep Granby schools strong. Go Bears!

Brad Field, former President GMHS Football We would like to voice our family’s support for Rosemarie Weber for the upcoming Board of Education election.

Over many years, it has been a pleasure to know her and to live in a community where our elected officials are so dedicated and accessible. Rosemarie exemplifies those qualities. Our daughter served as a liaison to the BOE during her senior year of high school, and Rosemarie helped to make her experience a positive and educational one. Please consider voting for our good friend and neighbor, Rosemarie Weber.

Glenn and Karen Cusano

Letters cont’d. on p. 5 CORRECTIONS Please tell us if you find an error in this issue of the Drummer. We’ll attempt to correct it in the following issue. Leave a message at 860-653-9222 or send an email to: editor@granbydrummer.org.

A volunteer, non-profit publication established in 1970. The Granby Drummer (ISSN 1547-1497) is published monthly except January and August by Citizens for a Better Granby at 11 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. It’s delivered free of charge to all Granby households and businesses. Out-of-town subscriptions are $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Granby, CT, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE GRANBY DRUMMER P.O. Box 165 Granby, CT 06035-0165 Copyright ©2019 Citizens for a Better Granby, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization all rights reserved.

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

KEEP US IN THE LOOP Send your news articles and ideas, photos and letters to: editor@granbydrummer.org.

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

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Mondays, October 7, October 21 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Police Community Room, Monday, October 28 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Central Office, Wednesdays, October 2, October 16

Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Wednesday, October 9

@GranbyDrummer

The Granby Drummer

John Violette, Laura Wolfe, Sandy Yost

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Town Hall Tuesdays, October 8, October 22

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

October 2019

Development Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Tuesday, October 15

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

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 5

Letters cont’d. from p. 4 Support for BOE candidates, cont’d With the combination of state mandates, unpredictable special education costs, and a primarily residential tax base, it’s challenging, to say the least, to find the right balance of educational spending. Despite these challenges, thanks to the hard work and partnership of our teachers, administration, and Board of Education, Granby students continue to excel while touting one of the lowest costs per pupil in the state.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work with Mark Fiorentino and have seen firsthand how instrumental Mark has been in helping drive these results. As a parent, volunteer, and a board member, Mark is committed to providing quality education at a reasonable cost. He recognizes the need to compromise, is open to new ideas, and seeks creative ways to solve our educational budget challenges. Mark is very approachable, listens to town residents, and is willing to make tough decisions. I want to thank Mark for his continued leadership on the Board of Education and hope you join me in voting for Mark on election day.

Kelly O. Rome I hope that you will join me in voting for Lynn Guelzow for the Board of Education. With two terms on the board, Lynn consistently advocates for good student outcomes, smaller class sizes especially at the elementary level, and for teachers’ assistants in the primary school. She also pays particular attention to budget issues, asking good questions that get to the heart of the issues.

While I have not always agreed with board decisions, Lynn has been consistently responsive to my questions and concerns. She is well versed in research about curricula and is very committed to maintaining high standards and creating an equitable culture for students, families, and teachers. Her focus on student outcomes and fairness to taxpayers has resulted in her voting against proposed education budgets at the board level on more than one occasion.

As a mother of three children who went through the Granby public schools, she well knows the triumphs and pitfalls of the system and is steadfast in her mission to make our schools the best they can be. Lynn looks out for our students, our community, and our taxpayers. Please vote for Lynn Guelzow on Nov. 5.

Kim Becker I write this letter in support of incumbents Mark Fiorentino, Lynn Guelzow and Rosemarie Weber for re-election, and in support of educator Dave Peling for election to the Granby Board of Education.

Mark, Lynn and Rosemarie bring a wide skill set, deep sense of community and volunteerism to the BOE. They have lived in Granby for a collective 50+

years, and their backgrounds include serving our country in the U.S. Army, involvement in our horse and farming community, educational advocates and student athlete supporters. From STEM programming, 1 to 1 computing, doing more for our highest achievers, support for robotics and drama, negotiating union contracts to serving on the Equity Task Force—these are dedicated public servants who spend hundreds of hours a year in service to the Granby BOE. Rosemarie, Lynn and Mark are passionate advocates for our rigorous curriculum and continual improvements to our high achieving school system all while never losing sight of being fiscally responsible to Granby taxpayers.

The facts speak for themselves—Granby’s cost per pupil is in the lowest quartile in the state, yet student achievements consistently place Granby Memorial High School in the top of rankings. U.S News and World Report ranked our high school #21 in Connecticut, and in the top 10 for the Hartford Metro area (2019).

We have a fantastic community and school system! As the Board searches for a new superintendent to lead our schools, board stability, commitment and experience is critical.

BOE candidate Dave Peling and his family have lived in Granby since 2005 and have two students in our schools.

Dave is the only candidate who has worked as both a teacher and public school administrator in Connecticut.

Dave’s experience and passion for public education and “other side of the coin” view from leading high quality school districts would be an invaluable addition to our BOE. Dave has bachelors and masters degrees, has taught internationally, and is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at the UConn NEAG School of Education. You can find Dave in his spare time coaching Little League and Bearcats Youth Football.

Melissa Migliaccio We write today in support of Jenny Emery’s candidacy for reelection to the Board of Education because we believe that Granby is best served by volunteers who step forward, not to push any ideology or agenda, but to bring relevant experience, to listen and learn, and to then provide leadership and solve problems. Now more than ever we need thoughtful leaders who will work hard to find creative solutions to the issues facing our town. This is what Jenny Emery has done and will continue to do as a member of Granby’s board of education.

Jenny and her husband, Dave, have lived in Granby since 1982 and their three children attended Granby public schools. Jenny recently retired from a career in insurance, where she worked with thousands of towns and schools across the country. This experience has proven invaluable in her eight years on Granby’s BOE. Jenny also has developed a deep understanding of our particular

issues in Granby and in the State of Connecticut and she has worked hard to maintain the quality of our schools while finding cost-saving measures, keeping fat out of the budget and even finding new revenue sources for the school system.

(Jenny worked to bring the planned solar installation to Granby, which is projected to reduce operating costs by more than $350,000 annually.)

All she has accomplished in her career and in her time on the BOE has required commitment, creativity, intelligence, and integrity—qualities Jenny has in abundance and qualities we should demand in our elected officials. We are lucky to have her and we’ll be voting for her on Nov. 5. We hope you will too.

Rick Orluk and Trish Percival Granby’s municipal elections are coming up on Nov. 5 and there is some healthy competition for Board of Education: four seats are open and seven candidates are running. While I wait to hear more from them all, I already know that one of my votes will be cast for Jenny Emery. Here’s why.

Jenny is finishing her second four-year term on the BOE, which is responsible for setting policy that touches Granby families every day and manages costs that account for the largest part of our local tax dollars. Every decision requires judgments that weigh the interests of every Granby citizen, with short- and long-term consequences. I’ve followed Jenny’s work on the BOE including, as its Finance Committee Chair, taking the initiative to close Kearns school in light of the then-predicted declining enrollment, and working to educate voters about the value of the investments approved in the recent bond referendum—Jenny has been a real leader.

As the search for a new superintendent unfolds and more scrutiny is aimed at school and town budgets, I’m certain she has the public’s best interest in mind and I’m glad she is willing to serve another term if elected. I hope you will join me in voting for Jenny Emery.

Toby Proctor I am writing to voice my support of Dave Peling as a candidate for the Granby Board of Education. Having known Dave for nearly a decade, I can unequivocally say that there are few who possess his caring and kind demeanor coupled with a passion for lifelong learning and an impressive educational resume. I believe these attributes make Dave a clear choice for the Board of Education on the Nov. 5 ballot.

An educator by trade, Dave is committed to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Having served as a classroom teacher, building principal, and current doctoral candidate in educational leadership, Dave would bring a “boots on the ground” perspective to the Board of Education. During his tenure as principal at East Granby High School, the school received numerous recognitions for academic excellence. Outside of the traditional educational setting, Dave has years of coaching youth baseball and football, as well as being a proud “dance Dad,” under his belt. Personally, Dave is incredibly honest, has impeccable ethics, and is always looking to provide the best learning opportunities for all. He and his wife, Colleen, have called Granby home for 14 years and currently have two children in the school system.

Please join me in voting for Dave Peling for the Granby Board of Education on Nov. 5.

Sarah Thrall

Tsaptsinos to fill Bischoff vacancy on BOF At the special meeting on Sept. 5, the Granby Republican Town Committee selected James Tsaptsinos to fill a vacancy on the Board of Finance. The vacancy was created by the passing of Gordon Bischoff whose term was to run through 2021. With the Board of Selectmen’s approval, Tsaptsinos will be a full member of the Board of Finance immediately and will be a candidate on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election.

Mark Neumann, chairman of the Republican Town Committee said, “We are pleased to add Tsaptsinos to the Board of Finance. He brings a business background, a wealth of energy, and a desire to work on behalf of Granby.”

Tsaptsinos grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He, his wife Jessica and 7-year-old son, Demetrios, have been residents of Granby since 2012. James has been an active member of the com-

munity volunteering as an assistant Little League and Lacrosse Coach as well as serving as a Granby Parks and Recreation board member. He is an active musician and recording engineer with a love of snowboarding.

He has spent the last 20 years as a corporate executive responsible for sales and expense budgets.

He is currently vice president of sales at KMC Music (Kaman James Tsaptsinos Music Corp) in Bloomfield.

Tsaptsinos said: “I have big shoes to fill. I look forward to working hard to represent the citizens of Granby.”

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Page 6 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

TOWN OF GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES August 5, 2019 PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and Town Manager John D. Ward, First Selectman Kuhnly asked for a moment of silence to acknowledge Board of Finance member Gordie Bischoff, who passed away on July 26. The town has lost a great volunteer. Also, he asked that people remember those lost in the shootings in Texas and Ohio over the weekend.

PUBLIC SESSION William Regan, 62 Hungary Road, spoke about the submission of the Neighborhood Tax Act Credit they have applied for, stating final status is expected by September 1, 2019.

BUSINESS Resignations and Appointments to be considered On March 12, 2019 the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Designation bill was signed into law by President Trump.

With designation now in place, the Farmington River Watershed Association, Inc. is establishing the advisory Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee (LFSWS), which will be responsible for helping to protect the free-flowing nature of the two watercourses and to protect and enhance the special resources that earned them the Wild and Scenic designation. LFSWS will include a representative and an alternate to serve for a term of three years, renewable if that is agreeable to both parties. Eric Lukingbeal and Fred Jones have been recommended for appointment as the representative and alternate. Approval by the Board of Selectmen is requested.

On a motion by Selectman Lofink, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the appointments of Eric Lukingbeal and Fred Jones to the advisory Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee.

Appointments to the Project Building Committees are being worked on and should be ready for the next meeting.

Consideration of Approval for Alcohol at Park House at Salmon Brook Park for a Private Party Town Manager Ward reported there is an

application for use of the Park House at Salmon Brook Park on Oct. 13, from 1 to 7 p.m. for a birthday party. The applicant is requesting permission to serve alcohol. Kristine Vincent, director of recreation and leisure services, will take the necessary follow-up steps to insure that all state laws relating to alcoholic beverages will be strictly complied with. This approval is requested because it falls outside the date range approved in the changes to the Alcohol Permitting Policy at Salmon Brook Park.

Selectman Ohannessian questioned why alcohol use at Holcomb Farm is not included for Board of Selectmen approval. First Selectman Kuhnly indicated he believed it was because of all the children’s activity at Salmon Brook Park. Town Manager Ward will review the Park Rules.

On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve use of the Park House at Salmon Brook Park for an event on Oct. 13, and the dispensing of alcohol at this event.

Consideration of Approval of Establishing a Local Complete Count Committee (LCCC) In anticipation of the 2020 census, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz has created a Local Complete Count Committee (LCCC). The committee will include an advisory panel of community leaders across the state to look at undercounts in the census from previous years, as well as recommend strategies to ensure a full count in the upcoming census. The committee will assist municipal governments in forming their own LCCC’s to encourage and promote response in the census within their community. Soliciting recommendations of individuals to serve on a Local Complete Count Committee for the town is being recommended. A charge should be created and three members should be considered.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded

by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve soliciting recommendations for three individuals to serve on a Local Complete Count Committee.

Town Manager Reports Town Manager Ward thanked everyone for their support and encouragement of him and his family, during his recent health issue.

He was sad to have missed the Bluegrass Festival, but he hopes to attend next year after hearing it was such a success. He acknowledged

the biggest Bounce House having been at Salmon Brook Park and was pleased to see that safety matters due to the extreme heat were so well addressed by town staff and the event coordinators.

First Selectman Reports (B. Scott Kuhnly) Announcement for Board of Selectmen Student Liaison Program First Selectman Kuhnly announced that with school starting at the end of August, it’s time to think about Student Liaisons. Any interested student can obtain forms from the Principal’s office and should contact Donna Andrews, Secretary to the High School Principal.

Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward Town Manager

August 19, 2019 The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m.

PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward Town Manager First Selectman Kuhnly announced the recent passing of Kay Woodford, former Director of Recreation and Leisure Services. She served in this role for approximately 25 years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this difficult time.

MINUTES Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting On a motion by Selectman Neumann seconded

by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Aug. 5, as presented.

BUSINESS Resignations and Appointments to be considered Selectman Lofink recommended the following names for the building committees: Town Bridges Building Committee: David Demchak (D), 22 Silkey Heights Drive School Projects Building Committee: Jenny P. Emery (D), 71 Loomis Street, William J. Kennedy (D), 1 Duncaster Wood Solar Project Building Committee: Stuart C. Browning (D), 6 Eastwood Drive, Clayton D. Lampert (D), 120 Loomis Street

Selectman Neumann recommended the following names for the building committees: Town Bridges Building Committee: Jonathan T. Boardman (R), 128 Petersen Road, Glenn F. Cusano (U), 23 Sunny Heights Road Solar Project Building Committee: Mark H. Fiorentino (R), 296R Loomis Street, Jamison Scotto (R), 23 Holcomb Hill Road, Kevin M. Riggott (U), 2 Clemons Spring Road School Projects Building Committee: Mark J. Migliaccio (R), 6 Black Oak Drive, Thomas P. Proctor (U), 2 Silver Brook Lane The Republican Town Committee will have its final confirmation on these individuals on Aug. 22. It still needs to find one more member for the School Projects Building Committee.

On a motion by Selectman Lofink, seconded by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (50-0) to approve the appointments to the various building committees, as submitted provided the Republican Town Committee approves its nominees on Aug. 22.

Vacancies: Board of Finance (1), Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee (1), Commission on Aging (1), Conservation Commission (1).

If anyone would like to serve on a Board or Commission, they should contact the Democratic Town Committee: granbydemocrats@gmail.com; Mark Neumann, Chairman of the Republican Town Committee; or the Town Manager’s Office.

Kearns Community Center Advisory Committee Report First Selectman Kuhnly stated this item was put on the agenda in error.

On a motion by First Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by Selectman Lofink, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to move discussion to the next meeting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 1-200(6)-(D), the Board of Selectmen motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a real estate matter. Town Manager John D. Ward and Community Development Director Abby Kenyon are invited to attend.

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 1-200(2), the Board of Selectmen motion to

BOS Minutes cont’d. on p. 7

2019 DEMOCRATIC MUNICIPAL SLATE Your neighbors working with you to bring Granby’s best forward This is a time for intelligent, experienced, and dedicated public servants to work with everyone in Granby to keep it the wonderful town we all decided to make our home.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SALLY KING

PLANNING & ZONING

JIM LOFINK

BOARD OF EDUCATION

JENNY EMERY

BOARD OF FINANCE

BILL KENNEDY

SUZANNE YUCHA

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALT.

MONICA LOGAN CHRISTINE CHINNI

LYNN GUELZOW

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CHRISTINE PEASLEE

Paid for by the Granby Democratic Town Commitee, Audrey Lampert, Treasurer

DAVID HENNESSEY

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 7

BOS Minutes cont’d. from p. 6 enter into Executive Session to discuss union negotiations. Town Manager John D. Ward is invited to attend.

Reordered to be discussed after Selectman Reports.

TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Updates Town Manager Ward reported the Recreation Department has had a successful summer camp season. Administration will be conducting interviews on Aug. 21, for the Administration Finance Officer. The license for farming the town property on East Street went out to bid earlier this year. A new five-year license, effective May 1, 2019 was awarded to Northern Valley Farms, the high bidder. Licensee fees are $13,000 per year, with a 1 percent annual increase. The agreement does prohibit the use of glyphosate, a/k/a Roundup. There will be a report on herbicides at the next meeting.

There seems to be some confusion on the current procedure and dates for approval of Park House rentals that also request a special permit for the serving of alcohol. There was an amendment to the Park Rules in 2015 allowing the park director to approve serving alcohol between Oct. 15 and April 15. It was decided that it is time for another review of the park policy for alcohol.

Budget Operations – July Town Manager Ward briefly reviewed July budget operations. Tax Collector and Assessors offices have done a great job. Collections are on target. Expenditures are not out of alignment.

The question was asked, what are Town Clerk fees; statutory collections? The Town Clerk reported this is for document recording fees.

Executive session On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Lofink, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to recess the regular Board of Selectmen meeting and go to executive session at 7:21 p.m.

Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, and Edward Ohannessian. First Selectman Kuhnly called the first executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:28 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a real estate matter.

The executive session adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, and Edward Ohannessian. Also present, Town Manager

that to date, no offers have been received on this property.

Discussion and comments included: the appraisal seems extremely high; the steering committee continues to look for funding; actively explore other options that might include reaching out to CREC to see if they might have a use for the building; keep it as a learning facility; knock it down (consideration of asbestos in the floor tiles should be kept in mind); modify it for elderly housing; subdivide the property; redevelop the property so it would result in elimination of operating expenses for maintenance and potentially yield general fund revenue; town use (senior activities); or actively market the property for sale at $2.6 million.

Selectman Lofink questioned the letter of intent that expired in July. Since the Steering Committee has not come up with the funding and the letter is non-binding, we are currently in a holding pattern. It can still come back to the Board of Selectmen at any time if the money becomes available.

Town Manager Ward stated this board has not done anything but agree to allow the steering committee the opportunity to explore its proposal.

There was no legal intent and the board hasn’t formally decided on the proposal except to say flesh it out for consideration.

On a motion by Selectman Ohannessian, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the Kearns Community Center Advisory Committee Report.

Rita Wood, 80 North Granby Road, was an employee of CREC and has seen them level buildings and build their own.

Susan Hackett, 42 Lakeside Drive, is concerned about what is really good for Granby and suggested sending out a Request for Proposal for the property and weigh the options.

Eliot Altomore, executive director of Kearns Community Center Steering Committee, indicated they are still hopeful for funding.

Carolyn Flint, 54 Barn Door Hills Road, asked if there will be time for discussion on herbicides.

She thanked DPW for not using RoundUp at Salmon Brook Park and Barn Door Hills Road.

Christopher Klemmer, 14 Winhart Drive, asked what the town’s exit strategy would be if the project defaults. That information should be included in the RFP. The response was; in the case of a default, the town takes possession.

What is the cost to level the building as opposed to upkeep cost? Selectman King responded

John D. Ward.

First Selectman Kuhnly called the second executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:01 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss union negotiations. The executive session adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

September 3, 2019 Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, and John D. Ward, Town Manager PUBLIC SESSION Town Manager Ward thanked the Kearns Community Center Advisory Committee members, Committee Chairman Diane Hernsdorf and Community Development Director Abby Kenyon for all their work.

Chairman Hernsdorf read the names of the committee members, including representatives from several active boards and commissions.

In addition, the committee worked with and received guidance from Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon. Hernsdorf read the charge and indicated they met 11 times from Jan. 23 to June 12. It did not meet the two-month deadline to report to the Board of Selectmen and were given an extension. During that time, members evaluated proposed programs and activities, reviewed the budget, toured the school, met with members of the Steering Committee and received comments from the public.

Hernsdorf presented highlights from the committee report. Without funds in hand at the time of a lease execution, it would be difficult for the community center to achieve financial stability.

As one of the final recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, the committee unanimously recommends that, before any agreement is executed between the Kearns Community Steering Committee and the Town of Granby, proof of a commitment for sufficient funds to complete the proposed improvements and other expenses set out in their submission — currently estimated at $2.5 million — must have been received and submitted to the town.

Also recommended is that the Board of Selectmen set a deadline for compliance and if that is not met, the town should pursue other options.

Town Manager Ward reported there was an appraisal of $2.6 million on the property that was done by a professional. It was also noted,

cleanup is much more expensive than leveling.

Town Manager Ward responded it would cost approximately $500,000 to demolish the building.

The bare bones to upkeep the building would be $30,000 according to Kirk Severance, public works director.

Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, thanked Hernsdorf for her work and also Ward for the appraisal. He indicated the idea to explore other options is fair to residents. It would be better to rent the building for $300,000 per year than to lease it for $1 per year.

Alicia Newtown, Kearns Community Center Steering Committee member, indicated as much as she would like to see a community center in Granby; if it doesn’t happen here, it will happen somewhere else.

BUSINESS Resignations and Appointments to be Considered Selectman Neumann reported the Republican Town Committee approved the recommendations to the Building Projects committees that were announced at the last Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Herbicide and Pesticide We have significantly reduced the use of Round Up in the Town of Granby. It is not being used on roadways or at Ahrens Park. It is being used at Town Hall and Salmon Brook Park to get rid of poison ivy. The Department of Public Works has drafted a Pesticide and Herbicide Management usage guide. It was noted that little signs are put up at Salmon Brook Park marking the area where the pesticide is being used and is applied by a trained employee. There was a question as to why the town is still using Round Up. Town Manager Ward responded it is a legal product. Evidence is not conclusive and he understands it is a passionate issue. The facts are not clear-cut. It is an effective and legal product. It was noted the commission previously did a study and said the DPW should not use the product.

Ward reported that he was not present at the bear discussion meeting but he will put together some information on a bear ordinance and possible bear proof receptacles.

Respectfully submitted, Town Manager John D. Ward

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

2019 Granby Memorial High School Homecoming Oct. 24-26

By GMHS Athletic Booster Club The 2019 Granby Memorial High School Homecoming, sponsored by the GMHS Athletic Booster Club, is set to begin on Thursday, Oct. 24. Plans are underway so that students, families and the entire community will witness some of the most exciting competitions of the high school fall sports season. Fans will enjoy home games with the Girls Volleyball Team, Girls Field Hockey, Varsity Football and the Boys and Girls Soccer Teams. The current schedule for these events is listed below.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of an event that started as Soccer Under the Lights, where the boys and girls soccer teams played evening games under a

bank of noisy rental lights. The Homecoming event has grown to include a pep rally, a multitude of athletic contests and a semi-formal school dance.

Admission will be charged on Thursday, Oct. 24, for Field Hockey and on Saturday, Oct. 26, for Boys and Girls Soccer. Adults will be charged $5, and students /senior citizens will be charged $3. All proceeds support the GMHS Athletic Booster Club. The booster club, along with the GMHS Football Booster Club will be on hand to sell a variety of snacks and dinner items so that you won’t miss a minute of the action. Additionally, the booster club provides an event program featuring photos of all our Granby Bears home teams.

The GMHS Athletic Booster Club supports, encourages and advances the high school athletic program. With funds raised through various events and generous community support, the club has purchased and donated the high school concession stand, a defibrillator for the trainer, the high school/middle school information sign, scoreboards for the soccer, softball, field hockey, lacrosse and basketball teams, a golf cart, track pole vault mats and most recently seating for athletes competing in the high school’s upstairs gymnasium.

If you would like to make a donation to the GMHS Booster Club, or if your business would like to support the booster club as a sponsor, please contact info@

gmhsboosters.com for additional information. Thank you for your support and Go Bears!

Homecoming Week Schedule Oct. 24: 5:30 p.m. JV Field Hockey 7 p.m. Varsity Field Hockey Oct. 25: 4 p.m. Freshman Volleyball 4 p.m. JV Volleyball 5:30 p.m. Varsity Volleyball 6:30 p.m. Varsity Football Oct. 26: 1 p.m.Freshman Boys Soccer 3 p.m. JV Girls Soccer 3 p.m. JV Boys Soccer 5 p.m. Varsity Girls Soccer 7 p.m. Varsity Boys Soccer

Granby Basketball Association continues its winning tradition On the heels of the girls’ yesteryear success lead by head coach Rebecca Lobo, each of the handful of GBA travel basketball teams spanning grades 3 to 8 advanced deep into 2019 league play offs. Pictured here are the grade 5-6 boys of Team Steele-Lamb who captured the coveted hardware. Their championship game was played in March on the hardwood of Forrest Mars Athletic Center [as in M and M Mars chocolate], at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville.

These ambitious ballers conquered 92 percent of their opponents to secure the #1 seed going into the post-season and ultimately capped their journey with hard-fought finals victories over teams from New York and Connecticut.

To inquire about playing, email GBAroster@gmail.com or chat with one of the lead coaches: boys grade 4-6, Chris Cramer; boys grade 5-6, Larry Auer and Greg Teclaw; boys grade 7-8, Ben Steele; girls grade 7-8, Rebecca Lobo and Joe Bordonaro. GBA is now gearing up in preseason and thanks all players, volunteers and sponsors: Stitches by Me and Bodyarmor.

Pictured from left: #35 Kayden Davis, #30 Cooper Steele, #24 Joziah Burris, #11 Cooper Lamb, Head Coach Ben Steele, #8 Alexander Krauland, #20 Jake Teclaw, Assistant Coach Jesse Lamb, #2 Stone Tran, #34 Otto Gotberg, #12 Will Auer, #23 Oliver Douglas. Submitted photo

ON NOVEMBER 5, 2019

VOTE TO KEEP GRANBY SCHOOLS STRONG FIORENTINO — WEBER — PELING

Community Leader MARK FIORENTINO

Public Service ROSEMARIE WEBER

Experience in Education DAVID PELING

Mark is completing his sixth year on the Granby Board of Education. Mark has served on the Board’s Finance subcommittee for six years and has served as the Board’s Vice Chair for the last two years. Mark is a government affairs lawyer, with more than 25 years of experience working with, and for, businesses and government entities at the local, regional, state and federal levels.

Mark’s other public service includes: Kelly Lane School Building Committee, Granby representative to the Capital Area Education Council, Capital Program Priorities Advisory Committee, Granby Conservation Commission, Granby Plan of Conservation and Development Advisory Committee, Friends of Holcomb Farm, Coach for Granby travel and rec. basketball and Little League, Granby Bears football volunteer, Granby Drummer Columnist, First Congregational Church Youth Group Advisory Committee on Funding.

Mark and his wife, Kristal have two children; Gage, a GMHS graduate and junior at UCONN, and Ellie, a GMHS senior.

Rosemarie is our longest serving Board of Education member and has used her experience to ensure academic excellence for all students, policies that keep our children safe, and challenging curriculum that prepare our students for the future. Rosemarie currently serves as Secretary of Granby’s Board of Education and has served as the Chair of the Curriculum subcommittee for the last six years.

Rosemarie graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she was also commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army through the ROTC program. Following her active duty military service, Rosemarie graduated from Quinnipiac University School of Law and serves the State of Connecticut as a child protection attorney.

Rosemarie and her husband, Chris (also a veteran) believe strongly in public service. Rosemarie is the past Chair of Citizens for a Better Granby (Granby Drummer), a lector and active member of her church community, and helps build homes for Habitat for Humanity. Rosemarie and Chris have three Granby Bears – Benjamin (8th grade), Jennifer (6th grade), and Christopher - a recent GMHS graduate.

Dave has worked as a teacher and high school principal since 1994. During his tenure as principal of East Granby High School, EGHS received numerous state and national recognitions for academic excellence. Dave believes that a rigorous curriculum that challenges all students to develop 21st century skills is the key to preparing students to be productive and contributing members of society.

Dave graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Russian Studies. After studying and working in the USSR, Dave returned to school, earned a master’s degree in history and started teaching in 1994. He also holds an administrative certificate from UCONN and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership.

Dave and his wife Colleen have lived in Granby since 2005. Dave has coached Little League and BearCats youth football. They have two children in Granby public schools.

Paid for by the Granby Republican Town Committee, David Tolli, Treasurer

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 9

Artists association community art show opening reception on Oct. 11

By Tracy Marlor The Granby Artists Association is excited to announce a brand new All Member Show. In an effort to continue to create a vibrant and supportive community for the arts, it has enlisted all members to show off their talents.

An invitation went out in September to all new, emerging and accomplished artists who are GAA friends, have a family membership or are an exhibiting artist to exhibit their work at Lost Acres Vineyard in its beautiful gallery for the entire town and all visitors to admire. The show will run from Oct. 11 to Nov. 3 with an opening reception on Oct. 11, the first night of the show.

It hopes to have an amazing spectrum of community art to share with friends, family and visitors.

To participate in the show, simply visit granbyartists.org, under About Us and Membership click on Membership Application Form and join GAA. Everyone is invited to visit and support the artists during the opening reception on Oct. 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. to enjoy this community’s artistic talents. Many of the pieces will be available for purchase!

Wine will be available for purchase along with complimentary light refreshments.

Artists invited to enter Granby Land Trust Art Show

By Trish Percival

Calling all artists—you are invited to enter your work in the Granby Land Trust’s 14th annual juried art show celebrating nature and the art it inspires.

Works should be inspired by New England’s natural beauty. All genres of visual art are encouraged.

The show, which is hosted by the GLT in partnership with the Granby Artists Association, features nearly $5,000 in show awards. It will be held at the Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery in North Granby, from Nov. 7 (Opening night preview and award reception from 5 to 8 p.m.) through Dec. 8.

All art must be available for purchase, with a portion of sales benefiting the Granby Land Trust. Art drop-off dates are Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. You can save on your registration fee if you pre-register by mail by Oct. 28.

(See prospectus for details.)

For complete show info, go to www.granbylandtrust.org/events. htm#artopening19 and click on Attention Artists.

Each year, the GLT hosts this show to celebrate the beauty of the natural world and to raise funds to protect the land, water and wildlife of Granby. The land trust is grateful to its generous award

underwriters and its event sponsors— Mark Wetzel/Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC and Ted Cormier/ALIRT Insurance Research, LLC—for their ongoing, loyal support of the show.

Founded in 1972, the Granby Land Trust protects Granby’s scenic vistas, open space corridors, ecologicallysensitive areas, and agricultural land.

The GLT currently protects more than 2,500 acres of land. For more information, visit granbylandtrust.org.

GRANBY LAND TRUST

ART SHOW Lost Acres Vineyard Art Gallery North Granby Nov. 7 – Dec. 8

Salmon Brook Music Series features folk/rock artist Susan Werner

By Steven Miltmore Susan Werner has made a name for herself coast to coast. From her 1995 major label folk/rock debut Last of the Good Straight Girls to her 2007 collection of agnostic gospel hymns The Gospel Truth to her 2017 travelogue An American In Havana, Werner writes ambitious concept albums with subject matter and sounds to match. Spring 2019 brought a fresh set of songs from Werner, this time a New Orleans-inspired piano throwdown entitled NOLA. One of the

Family Owned

few songwriters to have been featured on legendary Marian McPartland’s NPR Piano Jazz, Werner also made three trips to New Orleans to take in the city and the live music, and while there met David L. Harris, trombonist at Preservation Hall. “David was really key in helping me dial in on the right sounds, the right approach, and Folk/rock musician Susan Werner. Submitted photo having him with me through the On Friday, Oct. 11, Werner will perprocess and on the recording itself was form in the Salmon Brook Music Series enormously important.” at South Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. in Granby. Show starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open 7. Tickets may be purchased for $25 Granby online at salmonbrookmusicseries.com Drummer or by calling 860-916-5066, or at the door col.Homemade refreshments will be for3$28. available at intermission.

Proceeds go to (7.625") x support the mission of South Church.

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Supporting a Caring Community since 1960 Your donation to the Granby Community Fund helps support multiple organizations providing programs and services to residents in Granby, West Granby & North Granby.

Watch the mail for your opportunity to contribute.

Learn more or donate through our website granbycommunityfund.com

Page 10 The Granby Drummer

A look back: The Granby Drummer: 1970–2019 Continued from p. 1

the line. Their research determined that those voting “no” were mostly emptynesters or younger people unaware of the ramifications of losing high school accreditation. They decided to publish and direct mail a pamphlet with information answering all of the voter’s concerns.

It underscored the downside of doing nothing—a lower credit rating for the town, lower property values, decreased state reimbursement for education and schools, the community’s reputation and negative impact on college admissions.

It worked. At the next referendum the proposal passed. Until the most recent renovations in 1999, the results of that vote served the community well. Out of that effort came the idea to continue providing the community with a “voice” and forum. In 1970, the group again gathered and changed the organization’s name to Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG).

The new organization took on two major tasks: creating The Granby Drummer as a monthly all-volunteer publication and sponsoring a public forum series that lasted for several years. Decades after the forums went silent, the Drummer thrived and also won the Hartford Courant Volunteer of the Year Award for community service.

Volunteers have always been the heart of the Drummer. Those who, in the early years, set up Green-Stampfinanced Selectric typewriters on their dining room tables to type the content in pre-measured columns. Writers who covered board meetings, told human interest stories, historic tales and wrote monthly columns or poetry. Folks who gathered for three nights ten times a year, first in private homes and later at the Masonic Hall next door to Bank of America, to “wax” and lay down the typed copy on poster-board weight “boards”. It was a volunteer commitment fondly referred to as “Paste Up.” The completed boards were handed off to a volunteer courier who drove them to the printer in Rocky Hill regardless of the weather. An advertising manager beat the bush every

month for enough ads to pay printing and mailing costs and there were times when volunteers dug into their own pockets to make up the difference. A long list of editors managed assignments, trucked typewriters (and later computers) and copy to typists at the Masonic Hall. They laid out the content, trained new volunteers and found a way to fill a lean paper’s pages to meet the printer’s edict—add or decrease by four pages only!

Some editors served for several years and sometimes returned to serve a second stint. However, there were times when a new editor took the helm each year. Finding an editor was often a monumental quest—ads and editorials unabashedly begged for candidates and didn’t hesitate to proclaim, “Without an editor for next year, the Drummer will cease to exist!”

Obviously, someone always stepped up.

They grew the paper from an 18-page, 8.5x11 newsletter to the 32–40 page, full-color, standard tabloid-size paper it is today.

The Selectrics were replaced with boxy little Mac Classics in the late 1980s and the editors have kept pace with publishing technology ever since. The ad manager now has a staff to handle the demand for local ad space. After the paper moved into the Victorian next door

to the police station and outfitted it with volunteer-built and -donated fixtures and furniture, production was extended and now is ongoing all month long. The actual computer-based production cycle that creates the files for submission to the printer takes place during the next-to-last week of the month. The same printer in Rocky Hill prints, bundles and delivers the “hot off the press” papers to the post office for delivery to your mailbox. The editor oversees every stage of production but also keeps the computer system current and functioning, engages in community outreach and coordinates the many activities in which the Drummer participates.

The Drummer is one of a handful of like papers across the country—one started with a political agenda, by a politically motivated group of volunteers—that has survived for more than a couple of years.

Unlike the scores of papers that failed, the Drummer evolved and became not a mouthpiece for politics or a single issue, but a well-balanced voice of the community.

Granby Drummer volunteers and CBG are proud and humbled to have served this community for 50 years.

October 2019

TOOTH TALK by MichaelUngerleider D.M.D

Q: I don’t smile much because I don’t like my smile. Can Invisalign help?

A: Most likely YES! Everyone, ages 14-94, is a potential candidate for the Invisalign system. As long as all the permanent teeth are present, you are a candidate. You are never too old to have your teeth straightened. As long as you are in good health, your body’s bone physiology will still allow your teeth to move into a beautiful alignment to give you that smile you’ve always dreamed about! The Invisalign process uses a sequence of custom made, clear, plastic aligners to slowly reposition and straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are completely removable, requiring no metal wires or brackets.

After your initial consultation, we will digitally scan your teeth, take photographs and a digital x-ray.

We send these records to the Align Corporation and they send us back a computerized series of images, called a Clincheck, which will show us exactly how the teeth will move and just how long the treatment will take.

Once we approve the Clincheck, your custom aligners will be made and then shipped to our office within a few short weeks. The aligners are changed weekly, and you come in about once every six weeks for evaluation and to pick up the next sets of aligners.

Most adults will find that their treatment time is under one year. Treatment is fast, simple, and subtle because the Invisalign system is designed to fit your life. The best way to have a successful outcome is to follow our instructions exactly, like using “chewies” to assure the aligners are securely fitting to the teeth.

Wear your aligners 22 hours per day to have the best results in the shortest amount of time.

Dr. Ungerleider is your Granby Invisalign Preferred Provider, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted and the ideal dental health you deserve. Granby Dental Center offers a complete dental experience.

Dr. Ungerleider has traditional orthodontic training, as well as Invisalign training, so that he can offer a wider variety of orthodontic and orthopedic options for patients. He completed certification in orthodontics from both the United States Dental Institute and the International Association for Orthodontics.

Fall Thoughts Even though Fall’s great Beauty may be touched with poignancy, we must partake of it with fullness of heart. We must honor the leaves magnificent colors that shine so proudly in the October sun.

In life, glorious moments touch our hearts, and we wish they could last forever.

But, like the leaves, those moments, too, have their life cycles. In the end, the Beauty of the leaves, and the Beauty of life’s moments are all gifts from the Creator. They will live within our hearts forever.

—Bernadette R. Gentry

Because the Granby Dental Center offers orthodontic care, as well as the full scope of comprehensive dental treatment, you can feel comfortable getting all your smile needs met here. Give us a call to set up a consultation today to see if you qualify for Invisalign.

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 even offer CEREC, an amazing new 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 have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/GranbyDentalCenter/ Scan the QR code below to find out more about our practice:

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Michael A. Ungerleider, DMD Vipasha Desai, DDS 41 Hartford Avenue, Granby 860-653-3220 Visit our website at: www.granbydentalcenter.com ADVERTISEMENT

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 11

A look back: The first issue of the Granby Drummer Once the high school building project was settled, the newly formed Citizens for a Better Granby started work on the first edition of The Granby Drummer. For the first time since its adoption, the town charter was being revised by a BOS-appointed commission and was scheduled for a referendum in November of 1970. Following through on its commitment to keeping the community informed, the late David Hildreth wrote the first report dealing with a topic of importance to Granby citizens. He would go on to write Board of Selectmen reports for three decades.

Charter Revision

(reprinted from the first issue, Oct. 1970)

by David Hildreth Granby’s charter form of government, not yet 10 years old, is undergoing its second revision. Between now and Nov. 3, when adoption of the proposed changes comes before the voters as a question on the ballot, is the time to find out what these changes are and what their significance is.

Chief features of the changes

I. Many of these changes reflect the need to clarify to whom various town officials report. At the present time, many administrative officials report to the Selectmen—as does the Chief Administrative Officer. In the opinion of the Charter Revision Commission it is preferable for the CAO to appoint the people working for him and to be able to discharge them if they don’t measure up. The first major charter change is aimed at making the Town Clerk and the Tax Collector appointees of the CAO, along with the Assessor, the Chief of Police, the Highway Foreman, the Tree Warden, the Fire Marshal, the Building Inspector, the Civil Defense Director, the Director of Health, the Town Accountant, and the Welfare Case Worker. All of these appointments are subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.

Under the revision, the Town Treasurer would be appointed by the Selectmen to avoid a conflict of interest since town checks are signed jointly by the Treasurer and the CAO. II. A second revision change is the elimination of the Board of Selectmen as the Police Board. Since control of the police department rests with the Selectmen, through the merit system, which is established under an ordinance passed by the Selectmen, the immediate day-to-day operation belongs under the Chief Administrative Officer, as with other appointed officials. In turn, the Chief of Police should have—and will have under these changes—disciplinary powers over the members of his force, including the right to suspend a patrolman for up to 24 hours. The continuance of any suspension actually rests with the Selectmen.

III. The third main change is in the section on the annual budget, Three changes are suggested: 1. Formalize the right of the Board of Finance to adjust the budget during a recess of the Town Meeting.

2. Provide a mechanism for continuing to pay town obligations according to the old budget if the new budget is rejected by the town after June 15th.

3. Increase the limit on additional appropriations from 1/4 percent of current levy to 3/4 percent of same. (Current amount was impractically small.)

The remaining changes are to procedures and in matters of style. Several sections (4-1, 8-1, 11-3) were deleted or changed because their subject matter is included in the state statutes. Sec. 4-2, as changed, gives the CAO full power to act as the Chief Executive Officer. This is a formality—it brings the CAO’s title in line with the services he performs. In Sec. 6-2, a general reference to appointments by the Selectmen replaces the present specific references to terms of duty for various commissions. Changes in Chapter 10, Finance and Taxation, other than those prescribing the duties of town officials in the adoption of the budget, affect procedural handling only; setting definite calendar dates for the steps in the budget process, defining the fiscal year, etc. Finally, a change in Chapter 12, Miscellaneous Provisions, would make the terms of present officials continue until the first Monday in January following biennial elections.

A separate question

A separate vote will be called for this fall in the question of a compulsory referendum on the adoption of the budget. This item was not one of the original changes recommended by the Charter Revision Commission. They had felt that a compulsory referendum was a questionable use of town funds, running $700-$800 each time, and that the need for such a move had not been clearly established by the events of the last two years. There was considerable feeling also that a referendum vote would work against the existence of an informed electorate, already small, by making it possible for many persons to vote without having attended any hearings on the budget. However, in view of the stand taken by the Granby Taxpayers Association that townspeople should at least be able to vote on the question of adopting an automatic referendum, and that a referendum makes it possible for persons to vote that would be unable to attend an evening town meeting, the separate question was added.

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The cover of the first Granby Drummer, October 1970

Oct. 29 is deadline for seven-day in-person registration for the municipal election The Granby Registrar of Voters will hold a special last day, all-day voter registration session from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their Town Hall offices. Residents are encouraged to stop in or call to verify their voter registration. You can also check your voter registration online using the Secretary of State’s website: sots.ct.gov The State legislature has changed the state statutes so that U.S. citizens who are 18 by November 5 can register to vote on Election Day. Unregistered voters will need to go to Town Hall (not the town’s polling site in the Community Gym) on Election Day to register. They must bring proof of identity and proof of residence to vote. If they are registered before 8 p.m., they will get to fill out a ballot and place it an envelope. If their ballot is uncontested at 8 p.m., it will go to Granby’s polling site at the High

School where it will be counted separately from the official ballots and the absentee ballots. The Registrar of Voters strongly encourages everyone to register before Election Day, so you can place your ballot directly into the machine to be counted, and avoid potentially long lines at Town Hall. Unregistered voters in line at Town Hall at 8 p.m. will not be able to vote on Election Day. Voters need to be aware that voter registration is NON-transferable. If you moved from another town or state, you still need to fill out a new registration card, with your current address, in order to vote.

Online voter registration is available for new voters or to make changes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: voterregistration.ct.gov Voter Registration can be verified 24/7 at: dir.ct.gov/sots/lookup.aspx

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Out of Town Flu shot clinic offered at McLean McLean Home Care and Hospice will host a flu shot clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 2:30–5:30 p.m. in the McLean Burkholder Community Center, 100 Sarah Lane, Simsbury. The clinic is open to McLean Village residents and the general public (adults, 18 years or older). No appointment is needed.

Quadrivalent or a high dose influenza vaccine will be administered. McLean accepts: Medicare, Aetna, Blue Cross, ConnectiCare or $35 cash or check to McLean Home Care; $65 for high dose vaccination. Please call 860-658-3950 if you have questions.

Local baseball players awarded scholarships Nate Orluk of Granby (left) and Jon Wilson of East Granby helped lead the Simsbury American Legion Baseball Team to a Zone 1 Championship this summer and both were awarded the 2019 Elmer Vincent Scholarship Award.

Orluk currently plays at Williams College and Wilson plays at the University of Southern Maine. Presented by Simsbury Legion General Manager Tim Vincent (Elmer’s son) and Simsbury Legion Coach Tom Vincent Jr. (Elmer’s grandson), the Elmer Vincent Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 and is presented to a Legion player who throughout his career has displayed the attributes Elmer loved most about his players—hard work, dedication to the program, respect for his opponents, loyalty and support

for his teammates, and sportsmanship.

Elmer Vincent’s service to baseball was legendary in Simsbury. After playing semi-pro ball himself, Vincent served the Simsbury Little League as coach, president and commissioner for 24 years; managed the Simsbury Legion Baseball team for almost 20 years; and served as assistant coach of the Simsbury High School team. He was instrumental in building four fields at the Simsbury Little League complex and the renovation of Memorial Baseball Field.

The road leading into Memorial Field is named Elmer’s Way in his honor.

Nate Orluk of Granby (left) and Jon Wilson of East Granby.

Submitted photo

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

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

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

Opens Sept. 14 and runs through Halloween Fridays 4-9 p.m. • Saturdays 12-9 p.m. • Sundays 12-6 p.m.

Call for group rates. Last ticket sold 1/2 hour before closing.

Please note visitors under the age of 4 must be accompanied by an adult.

No dogs allowed.

Come after dark for a totally different experience.

Be sure to bring a flashlight!

After Dark Really Rocks!

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

Visit our Farm Store 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sweet Pea Cheese Goat Chevre and Feta • Cow Milk and Yogurt Goat Milk and Yogurt• Goat Milk Soap

Check us out on Facebook!

Konrad Rogowski and Alyssa Walters Submitted photo

Proof, at Suffield Players Of math, madness and the power of love—The Suffield Players present Proof, the Pulitzer Prize winning drama by David Auburn.

It will be performed at 8 p.m. on Oct. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20, at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield.

The Story: Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. After his death, she must deal with her estranged sister, and her father’s curious former student, who is seeking secrets in her father’s mathematical journals. A burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: how much of her father’s madness – or genius – has she inherited?

The Cast: Alyssa Walters (Northampton), Konrad Rogowski (Chicopee),

Karen Balaska (Somers) and Joe Van Allen (West Springfield).

Behind-the-Scenes Talents: Direction by Chris Rohmann (Amherst), Set Design by Kelly Seip (Springfield) and Konrad Rogowski (Chicopee); Technical Direction and Lighting Design by Jerry Zalewski (Enfield), Stage Management by Jason Fregeau (Longmeadow), and Costume Design by Patricia McMahon (Enfield). Produced by Rissa Fregeau (Longmeadow).

Proof is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Tickets are $20 ($15 opening night).

Discounts available for groups, seniors and students, as well as season subscribers. For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit suffieldplayers. org

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 13

In Town Focus

Women’s Breakfast

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Granby Women’s Breakfast group will welcome Heather Styckiewicz from Manchester Community College who will present “Oh Captain, My Captain,” A Tribute to Robin Williams. Robin Williams’ fans know this great line from the Dead Poets Society. From the time that Williams first appeared on the TV show, Mork and Mindy, the world fell in love with him. His countless movies are among everyone’s favorites and will never be forgotten. The program will highlight his life and untimely death, his outstanding performances, and the demons that plagued him.

Breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m. and the program will start at 9 a.m. Cost $4.

Please reserve early, call Corinne Dickerson, 860-658-9891, for a reservation.

Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will meet on Monday, Oct. 7, at the Granby Senior Center at 7 p.m. The guest speaker for the evening will be Mark Battista, a freelance artist and fine art photographer. Mark’s photography has been influenced by his paintings and he enjoys creating a visual dialogue between the two disciplines. His painting both influences and is influenced by his study of photography. Guests are welcome for this special program. To learn more about the club visit GranbyCameraClub. com

Men’s Breakfast

Join us Friday, Oct. 11, at the Granby Senior Center. October’s presenter will be Abigail St. Peter Kenyon, Granby’s director of community development.

Breakfast is 8:30–10 a.m. If you are a new participant, please arrive by 8:15 and ask for Nat. After the morning welcome and news update, we enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, followed by a 45-minute presentation. The breakfast typically includes eggs, pancakes, or French toast, sausage, home fries, coffee, and orange juice.

Civic Club 1913–2019

The Granby Civic club will meet on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. It is the annual membership meeting when the members renew commitment and welcome new members. A Welcome Tea is the theme and each person should bring her own tea cup.

The Civic Club, open to all women of Granby and surrounding communities, is beginning its 106th year of continuously serving the community.

Its purpose continues to be “A Better Granby.” New members, as well as guests, are welcome at all meetings on the third Thursday of the month in the Senior Center, unless otherwise indicated. Wonderful informative programs are again planned for this year. Please contact Ginny Wutka (ginny@lostacres. com) for additional information.

SBHS Fall Flea Market

The Salmon Brook Historical Society’s annual fall flea market will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Society grounds. For vendor info contact Dave at 860-653-3965. Donations accepted Oct. 1 – 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. – noon.

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

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

Annual Birdseed Sale

The Granby Lions will be conducting its 24th Annual Birdseed Sale this month. Orders may be placed up to Oct. 26 for pickup or delivery on Nov. 2.

Anyone not already on the Lions’ birdseed mailing list may call Lion John at 860-653-3086 for an order form or with questions. Granby Lions—We Serve!

MS Support Group

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

Volunteers Needed

Mary’s Kitty Korner, Granby’s no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for its kitties until they find “fur-ever” homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon Kitty Korner would love to hear from you. Currently, the greatest need is for Friday mornings.

Call 860-379-4141 or maryskittykorner. org.

@

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

by e-mail:

editor@granbydrummer.org

Fire Marshal offers smoke detectors

By Fire Marshal Harold Holmes The Granby Fire Marshal’s office is participating in Operation Save A Life, a public service campaign designed to educate consumers on the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. There are a limited number of smoke detectors available to install free of charge for any resident who has the need. Please contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 860-844-5318 for further information.

Operation Save a Life is a proud partnership between Kidde and WTNH Channel 8 Television. Through Operation Save a Life, Kidde has donated more than 1.5 million smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to fire departments.

For more than five years, these donated alarms feature 10-year sealed-in batteries that eliminate the need for battery replacement and simplify protection.

This will help save even more lives this year and the years to come.

Faith Matters Building a Meaningful Life

How does one build a rich, meaningful life? That’s the question behind New York Times columnist, David Brooks’, new book entitled The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. I’ve just started listening to the audio book, so I can’t give a full review here, but he workshops the primary thesis in a TED talk that you can view on YouTube. For Brooks, what it comes down to is what I would call “connection.”

Brooks notices a lack of meaningful connection both in his own life and in contemporary American culture.

He diagnoses some of the cultural factors that contribute to this sense of isolation. Then he offers some remedies based on examples of people--both famous and not famous--who have lived joyful, meaningful, deeply connected lives.

One of the contrasts he draws is between people who have been broken by life and those who have been “broken open.” All of us suffer.

But each of us responds differently to that suffering. Some respond to suffering by becoming “smaller” spiritually. They grow angry, bitter, inward-focused, and isolated.

Others become “broken open,” that is, they use their experience of suffering to connect with others.

Their suffering actually enlarges them. They become more generous and more joyful. Their lives become richer and more meaningful as they use their pain as a source of connection and healing for others.

Brooks calls these people, “weavers.”

This fall at First Congregational Church of Granby, we are focusing on reaching new people so that we might learn to become better weavers. In doing so we not only hope to be a source of connection for the people of Granby, but we also hope to cultivate joy for ourselves. Let us know how we can connect with you. Visit us at www.firstchurchgranby.org.

Hope to see you soon.

Pastor Todd Yonkman

Join us Sundays…

Worship at 10am

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

860-653-4537 www.firstchurchgranby.org ADVERTISEMENT

Page 14 The Granby Drummer

HEALTH NOTES

By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Good carbs, bad carbs, keto and you The current trend to be on reduced-carbohydrate diets, such as the keto diet, has made us all junior nutritionists discussing ketosis and what it takes to put our bodies into and out of that state. The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that involves drastically reduced carbohydrate intake and replaces it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning body fat for energy.

When we intentionally create a change in our metabolism, it must be taken seriously with full knowledge of the benefits and potential issues. Knowledge of basic nutrition is essential to understanding the types of carbohydrates and their roles.

Foods are three basic ingredients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In this article, we focus on carbs. Carbs consist of sugar, starches and fiber. They are either simple or complex, depending upon the absorption rate in the body. Simple carbs are digested quickly, producing an immediate release of sugar (glucose) into our bloodstream. As the glucose level increases, our pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which enables the glucose to enter the cells in our body where it is used to produce the energy our body needs to function. Complex carbs are digested slowly and supply a slower, steady release of glucose, avoiding a sugar high and greater demand on the pancreas for insulin.

Simple carbs include refined sugars like white sugar, honey, maple syrup and refined grains found in white bread and baked goods, pasta and white rice. The

process of refining removes nutrients, vitamins and fiber, leaving calories that lead to weight gain. These are the socalled bad carbs. The average American consumes about 20 teaspoons of refined sugars a day with many eaten unknowingly. Nutritional recommendations suggest a maximum of nine teaspoons of refined sugar a day. Many people do not equate eating white bread with ingesting sugar. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a refined sugar often found on nutritional labels as an ingredient. Sugar is a sneaky addition to many favorite foods.

Watching labels on processed foods, and limiting baked goods, condiments, and candies are the start in reducing the amount of sugar intake.

Complex carbs contain plenty of fiber and include whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. These starchy foods are the good carbs that slow down digestion and give us a full, satisfied feeling, helping us eat less. Whole grains, like oatmeal, help to lower blood cholesterol levels. One slice of whole-grain bread should have at least three grams of fiber.

Fiber is essential in our diet and mostly comes from plant foods. There is little fiber in animal products such as milk, eggs, meat, poultry and fish; they have a purpose in the diet as protein.

Fiber helps to cleanse our digestive tract and eliminate waste products and may help to prevent colon cancer. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is an easy way to improve your health, providing the necessary vitamins and fiber. They are low-fat, high-fiber and energy. Juices have less fiber, and while

“When we start to act, hope is everywhere.”

— Greta Thunberg

South Church: Faith = Hope Enacted 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!

The Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 5 – 31 The Salmon Brook Music Series presents: Susan Werner on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The Bruce Porter Music Series presents: Jazz bassist Nat Reeves and poet, Kate Rushin on Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.

Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Sunday school and childcare at 10:00 a.m.

242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT / (860) 653-7289 / www.southchurchgranby.org

October 2019

Public Works Transfer Station hours: In addition to Saturdays, the transfer station will be open Wednesday mornings (8 a.m. to noon) through Nov. 13.

DPW Open House and Shred event: Join us Oct. 5 to learn about your DPW. The facility will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the trucks and equipment while hearing about the many functions we handle to keep Granby beautiful and safe. Refreshments will be served.

A paper-shredding event will also be held from 9 a.m. to noon. This event is for residents only, no businesses. Documents are shredded on-site. Plastic bags cannot go into the shredder. Please bring items in paper bags or in containers that can be emptied into the barrels Household Hazardous waste: the next collection will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simsbury DPW facility, 66 Town Forest Road.

For information, call the Granby DPW at 860-653-8960.

RecycleCT: check out this great new

recycling resource, recyclect.com Plastic bag recycling: Plastic bags and plastic wraps are recyclable—just not in your curbside bin. When you place these items in your curbside bin, they get wrapped into the equipment at the recycling facility. Workers have to stop the machines and climb onto the equipment to cut off the bags. Please look for the Store Drop Off label and take your bags/ wraps with this label to your local store, often in or near the bottle recycling area.

Along the same lines, please do not place your recyclables in plastic bags.

Once the bag reaches the processing plant, they will assume it is trash and remove it from the recycling line. You’re basically wasting your recycling effort by doing this.

Yard Waste: Please be aware that yard waste should not be placed in your trash or recycling barrels. Yard waste has been banned from curbside trash barrels since 1998. Grass, leaves and brush should be composted on-site or brought to the Granby Transfer Station.

beneficial, should not replace fruits.

Sometimes the body has difficulty metabolizing glucose, and simple or bad carbs are often the source of glucose.

Diabetes is a serious condition caused when insulin is not available or not effective in transporting glucose into cells to produce energy. Usually diagnosed at an early age, Type I diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin; approximately 5 percent of diabetics are Type I. Type II diabetes develops over time as a result of genetics, obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles; 95 percent of people with diabetes have Type II. Diabetic symptoms are a result of high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. They include fatigue, hunger, thirst, weight loss, frequent urination and rapid breathing.

These symptoms appear almost immediately upon the onset of Type I diabetes.

With Type II diabetes, the symptoms show up gradually. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be controlled. People with Type I diabetes typically will be dependent on insulin, and those with Type II may require oral medications. There are many treatment options to discuss

with your doctor. Weight loss, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are essential for all diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Having regular blood work and watching for the key symptoms are essential to monitoring sugar health.

Whereas eliminating carbohydrates in diets is a current method for quick weight-loss, the duration of the diet requires caution. When starting a true keto diet, be sure to check with your physician, have blood levels checked, and be on the alert for signs of complications such as kidney stones, liver function issues, and other metabolic complications.

A sensible low good-carb diet focusing on all food groups promotes health and nutrition, and when coupled with exercise, is recommended for a healthy lifestyle.

The Farmington Valley VNA offers free blood sugar testing, as well as blood pressure and flu immunizations, at various locations each month. Please go to farmingtonvalleyvna.org/wp/events/ to find locations on our calendar.

By Jean Pickens, RN, Manager of Community Services, Farmington Valley VNA.

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Frederick H. Cossitt’s gift to Granby

By Ken Kuhl As the Friends of the Cossitt continue the process of restoring the venerable old building, an introduction to the generous benefactor after whom the building is named seems appropriate.

On Dec. 18, 1811, Frederick Henry Cossitt was born in Granby. He was the great-great grandson of French ancestors, Rene and Ruth Cossitt who had settled in this area in the 1720s. Cossitt was educated mainly in the old New England free schools but attended for a short time the Westfield Academy in Westfield Massachusetts and the school of S.E. Woodbridge in West Hartford. For the most part, he remained in Granby until 1826 when his father died. At the request of his uncle, George Germain Cossitt, at the age of 15, he bid Granby a final farewell and moved Tennessee.

After being engaged in business ventures in Arkansas, Mississippi and Clarksville, Tenn., he moved to Memphis in 1842 where he carried on a successful wholesale dry goods business. In 1859, like the majority of businessmen, he found it necessary to be represented in New York and remained there for the purpose of facilitating his business in Memphis.

He soon became interested in real estate,

making large purchases and profits. His knowledge of the value of railroads and their securities was remarkable. Cossitt also held many positions of honor and trust in addition to being Trustee of the Mutual Life Insurance Company and Vice President of the Central Bank and Trust.

In 1846 he married Catherine Andrus of Hartford and they had three daughters and one son. The eldest daughter, Helen, married Augustus D. Juilliard of New York City. They had no children and upon their deaths, (Helen 1916, Augustus 1919) they left over 12 million dollars to create the Juilliard Musical Foundation.

Prior to Cossitt’s death on Sept. 23, 1887, he had orally expressed a desire to build libraries in his birth town of Granby as well as in Memphis, Tenn. Although this desire was never put in writing, his heirs honored his wish and gave $10,000 to the town of Granby and $75,000 to start a library in Memphis.

The Granby library, an architectural “masterpiece,” was opened in 1891 with 1,300 books on the shelves. It was located across the street from the house where Frederick H. Cossitt was born 80 years earlier and on property that was once owned by Rene Cossitt.

When traveling from Granby center to the library, look for an old cemetery on the same side of the street with a sign that says Baptist Cemetery. This is where Rene and Ruth are buried.

How Murtha’s Way got its name Passersby who are new to town might wonder how Murtha’s Way at the new Ridgewood housing development behind Freshie’s cafe got its name.

It is named for the late Bud Murtha, volunteer extraordinaire who was the chairman of the Municipal Complex Improvement Building Committee, which completed its work on time and under budget in 1998. He also was the driving force behind the acquisition of the property on which the new housing community is located. Here is how that came about.

In 2011, Granby became aware that the property at 83 Salmon Brook Street would soon become available for sale.

It was being offered at the price of $90,000, and there were investors who would buy it and re-sell it to the town at a much higher price. Town Manager Bill Smith and then Development Commission chair Murtha were well aware of the importance of obtaining this property for the town. Directly opposite Floydville Road, it could complete a future four-way intersection and become the primary access for developments on the west side of Salmon Brook Street—an area of great potential for the town.

This opportunity presented itself at the height of late summer season, however, with many decision makers on vacation. The outcome was in jeopardy.

Murtha threw all his efforts behind the purchase,— motivating, and most likely annoying, the vacationers to move —the matter forward with haste. He even planned to buy it himself at one point — for re-sale to the town, of course.

That got everyone’s attention, and the necessary boards and commissions quickly approved the funding and purchase of the property.

Former Community Development Director Fran Armentano (rear left) and former Town Manager Bill Smith (rear right) join Bud Murtha’s family for a trip down memory lane. From l., son Steven, daughter Mary, his widow Shirley, daughter Susan. Daughter Cindy was unable to join the festivities.

Photo by Cathy Wynne

In 2012, in recognition of Murtha’s role in acquiring the property, the Development Commission recommended that any future road leading into the property carry his name.

This recommendation was followed in the Ridgewood application and the road name became a requirement with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval. It became a reality in the spring of this year.

It was decided that instead of the more formal “Bud Murtha Road,” “Murtha’s Way” was a more accurate description of how the purchase of the property came about.

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October 2019 Page 16 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 17

Eagles and vultures and hawks—oh, my! of water, and from Labor Day through December, other raptors stream past on At Granby Public Library on Sept. their way to southern climes, making the 11, Granby resident John Weeks gave Hill a perfect spot for observing these an entertaining and educational talk beautiful creatures. and slide show of the raptors (birds of From 1999 – 2015, Weeks led regular prey) that live in or migrate through hawk watches and bird counts on our area. “Hawks—the view from Blueberry Hill; he continues to do so Blueberry Hill” presented an overview on a limited basis. The data collected of the eagles, hawks, falcons and other are submitted to an online database birds that can be seen on this exposed (Hawkcount.org), a clearing house hilltop about five miles northwest of for counts performed from Canada to Granville center. Known by many Panama. He noted that the best day ever local residents as the place where the was Sept. 18, 2002, when he counted Sussmann blueberries are picked, this 2,478 birds on the Hill.

Massachusetts property is open to the The four major groups (genera) of public and provides spectacular viewing raptors seen on Blueberry Hill, in in all directions. On a clear day, one can descending order by size, are eagles, see as far as Mt. Monadnock in New buteos, accipiters and falcons. Their Hampshire, which is 65 miles away. flying methods include flapping, soaring, Blueberry Hill is situated between gliding, and hovering—each of which the Cobble Mountain Reservoir and provides clues as to their identification. the Barkhamsted Reservoir. Eagles and Weeks noted that the birds are much ospreys fly between these two bodies easier to recognize when flying, as opposed to sitting still on a branch.

The buteo group includes the following hawks: redtailed, red-shouldered, broad-winged, and the rarely seen here roughlegged. The accipiter hawks are the sharpshinned, Cooper’s, and the northern goshawk.

The falcons include the kestrels, merlins, and peregrines. Weeks’ charts and photographs illustrated how it is often A pair of soaring raptors. Photo by Jay Harder quite difficult to make precise identifications,

By Shirley Murtha

John Weeks and Christine Chinni searched for and spotted bald eagles, sharp-shin hawks, broadway-wing hawks, ravens and vultures, as well as monarch butterflies, cedar waxwings, a chimney swift, flicker, ruby-throated hummingbird, and many other songbirds. Photo by Holly Johnson

especially between the sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks. Ospreys, northern harriers and golden eagles round out the list of raptors that can be seen flying over Blueberry Hill.

Many of these birds, as well as many songbirds, almost became extinct because of the widespread use of DDT, which interfered with proper egg shell production. The chemical was finally banned in 1972, and most of the birds have made successful comebacks, although not all are exactly the same.

For example, the peregrine falcon became extinct east of the Mississippi, but not on the west coast. The bird we see today is actually a hybrid of gene

pools from the west coast and Europe.

Considering how common the turkey vulture is in our area today, it is hard to believe that they were quite rare here until 1970. We see them today, soaring in groups, riding the thermals.

Likewise, the sandhill cranes of the Nebraska sandhills on the American plains (and northeastern Siberia) are now nesting in western Massachusetts.

Bird life is certainly not static; the observations and counts carried out by birders such as Weeks are important tools in tracking the evolution of these interesting creatures with which we share the planet.

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Rebecca Lobo and Steve Rushin to speak at YMCA event Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame star Rebecca Lobo is best known for her career highlights on the court playing for

UConn, the New York Liberty and the USA’s Olympic Team, but as a Granby resident with her husband, author Steve

What’s for supper?

Tomato Dijon Turkey Meatballs

By Pamela Scherrer Fall is almost here and it is my favorite time of the year. The weather changes and so does the menu; more soups and stews and warm comfort food and, of course, pumpkin everything! I am still trying to eat a lower carb diet and I follow an author named Kyndra Holley.

She has written many keto/low carb cookbooks—her recipes that I have tried have been delicious. This one in particular is the new favorite in my house. Fast and easy with wonderful complementary flavors; I think many of you might find this to be a new favorite in your house, too. Please note that I use more mustard and tomato paste than the original recipe calls for just for personal preference. I would recommend making it as directed first and then adjust to your tastes.

Tomato Dijon Turkey Meatballs Ingredients: 1-½ lbs ground turkey ¼ cup Dijon mustard ¼ cup tomato paste 3 Tbsp. fresh chopped Italian parsley 3 small cloves diced garlic, or 1 large clove 1 Tbsp. diced sweet onion 1 tsp. sea salt ½ tsp. black pepper ½ cup grated parmesan (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients well in large bowl. Roll into 12 evenly-sized balls. Arrange in a 9x13 baking dish with a little space between meatballs, they will make a nice juicy broth as they cook. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, cover with foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Pour juices over meatballs before serving.

Note that the meatballs will be reddish in color and might look uncooked. Cut one in half after the 30-minute mark to make sure they are cooked through.

Buon Appetito!

Rushin, and their four children, she is an active participant in the Granby community and a stalwart at the Farmington Valley YMCA. “My family has been part of the Farmington Valley YMCA family for more than a decade,” said Lobo, who has been an active member for more than 13 years. “My kids played sports at the Granby Y, learned to swim at the Y, and participated in early childhood activities that helped introduce me to other moms who remain my closest friends.”

Lobo and Rushin—a sportswriter best known for his four books and work in Sports Illustrated magazine, for which he won National Sportswriter of the Year—are taking their dedication to the YMCA of Greater Hartford to the next level. The couple is this year’s honored guests and featured speakers at the YMCA Celebrates Champions event on Oct. 17 at the Connecticut Convention Center, which will also serve as the 10-year anniversary event for the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center in the North End of Hartford. The event, which is the YMCA’s signature annual fundraiser, pays tribute to those in the Greater Hartford community who advance the work of the Y’s mission in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Lobo said, “The Granby Y provided us with a community when we were new parents in a new town, and I am so honored to give back and be part of the Y’s annual fundraiser.”

In addition to the great work all branches of the YMCA of Greater Hartford do, this year’s event will honor Wilson-Gray as the branch celebrates 10 years of helping North End residents. For the past

decade, the Wilson-Gray Y has worked to address challenges facing Hartford’s residents, including educational, safety and socioeconomic disadvantages. During the past decade, the Wilson-Gray Y has evolved, and now serves as a beacon for a brighter future for the 4,000 youth and families in that community who are members or program participants.

Harold Sparrow, current president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, said, “I am excited to welcome Rebecca Lobo and Steve Rushin to help the Y look towards the future. I am proud to have them as members of the Y family who represent our vision to build lifelong success. Steve and Rebecca and their children have found a second home at the Farmington Valley Y, which is what we want for all of our members.”

Sparrow said he is also excited to welcome back Kevin Washington, current president and CEO of the YMCA of the U.S.A., and former CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford. “Kevin Washington was instrumental in the creation of the Wilson-Gray YMCA, and his vision has endured with the work we continue to do at that branch, including this year’s addition of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center to teach youth skills that will set them on a journey to success. We are excited to have him back as we start the next decade of work in the North End community.”

YMCA Celebrates Champions will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. Tickets are available to the public, and can be purchased at GHYMCA.org/Champions. If you cannot attend but would like to donate to the YMCA, please visit GHYMCA.org/Donate

VOTE NOVEMBER 5th FOR EXPERIENCE

KEEP GRANBY STRONG

B. Scott Kuhnly, First Selectman

Mark Neumann, Selectman

Ed Ohannessian Selectman

Scott and his wife Joan have been in Granby for over 27 years and have raised their five kids in town.

Scott has served as First Selectman, Selectman, and Member of Board of Finance. He serves on the State Insurance and Risk Management Board and is employed as a Director of Risk Management in Springfield. Scott is completing another Master’s degree at Westfield State in Public Administration.

Mark is a native son of Granby and has participated in the life of Granby from scouting to the Granby Cemetery Assoc. He has proudly served on the Board of Selectmen for 8 terms, and prior to that served on the Board of Assessment Appeals and a Town Constable. He is a graduate of Granby Memorial High School.

Currently Mark works at Ranstand Technologies in Windsor as an engineer in aerospace.

Ed has lived in Granby since 1999 with his wife Cindy and three children. He currently serves on the Board of Selectmen. Ed previously served on the Granby Board of Education and has volunteered in several organizations, including: past board member of the Private Placement Industry Association, past president of the CFA Society Hartford, past board member of Holcomb Farm and past board member of Granby Little League.

I believe that strong communication and working together to develop new ideas will make us the best Granby we can be. I have continued to reach out through events like “Koffee with Kuhnly, Budget workshops, and being active in town wide events to obtain your input. Together we can continue to provide the quality services you demand while seeking out ways to conservatively control spending and burdens placed on us from the state.

I am seeking my fourth term as First Selectman and would greatly appreciate your vote on November 5th!.

I have followed a fiscally conservative approach to meeting Granby's needs and am asking for your vote in this election.

Granby’s success has been rooted in conservative fiscal policy and I firmly believe in balancing fiscal responsibility with the demanding needs of our vibrant town. Balancing increasing expenses and unfunded state mandates while resisting increased local tax burdens requires us to continually review our current practices and develop innovative methods to meet the needs of Granby’s citizens.

I am enthusiastic about continuing to serve and would be grateful for your vote.

Paid for by the Granby Republican Town Committee, David Tolli, Treasurer

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 19

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

A Tale of Three Churches, Part 1 In the beginning, the church was in Simsbury, and the people of Salmon Brook had to travel this distance on foot or horseback. The roads were mere tracks through the wilderness; mud, dust or snow, according to the season.

After numerous pleas of hardship, in 1736 the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut allowed the Ecclesiastical Societies of Salmon Brook (Granby) and Turkey Hills (East Granby) to have their own churches.

For several years, the people of Salmon Brook met in the large tavern room of Daniel Hayes. His sturdy plank house was located on Salmon Brook Street just south of the present fire department. Hayes received 30 shillings a year for rent.

In 1740, the first of the three churches was built, according to church records, “at the north end of a broad street in said Society, where two roads meet, one from the northerly, and the other from the westward, on the southeast corner of a hill.” A militia map of 1812 depicts this “broad street” clearly. It ended at the present Rte. 20 and only narrow roads continued north, east and west.

The exact location of this church is unknown, but following English custom, it was probably placed in an area with room for a future cemetery.

An 1895 letter in the Connecticut Historical Society quoted 95-year-old “Aunt Julia” who said that a church was situated “on a rise of ground west of the present school of Salmon Brook (which was located on the WWI Monument corner). It was on the southeast corner of the cemetery. A Pettibone gravestone now stands on the exact location of the old church.”

The monument of Col. Ozias Pettibone, a Revolutionary War soldier who died in 1812, stands close to the brow of the hill leading to the WWI monument.

At one time the hill was closer to the corner, much of the hill was cut back when the school was built in 1822.

The new church was a crude struc-

ture, only 34 by 45 feet; built without a steeple or fireplaces for heat. A citizenry struggling to build homes, farm the land and to just to survive, had neither the time nor the money to construct an elaborate edifice.

An ill-mannered traveler passing through town, caustically remarked, upon viewing the Meeting House: “I have seen many of God’s houses, but never one of his barns before.”

This simple church served the people of Salmon Brook until 1767, when church records indicate the first vote on rebuilding the Meeting House. The New England tradition of lengthy debate was well-established in Salmon Brook, and the Meeting House location was not changed until 1775.

The old church was taken down and rebuilt across from the small cemetery on Creamery Hill Road. The population of Salmon Brook was moving north and west, and this was a more central location.

According to the 1812 map mentioned before, the church was located on the south side of Creamery Hill Road, then called Meeting House Road. Church records state it was “in a field of rye belonging to Ebenezer Lampson, about 50 rods east of said Lampson’s dwelling house.”

Ten years later, in 1785, “bords” were still needed “to finish the Meeting House.” In 1791, Tille Gossard was hired to make a door and set glass in the Meeting House. The congregation considered building a new church in 1793, but voted the following year “to make an addition to the Meeting House and finish it off.”

Also in that year, 1794, the Rev. Isaac Porter was ordained minister of the Salmon Brook Society. He ruled the church for the next 38 years with grim piety and an iron hand. He was called “Priest Porter” by the less-reverent.

His clothing and doctrine never left the 18th century. He invariably wore knee breeches and a tricorn.

James Hayes (1821-1914) described the church and Rev. Porter in the memories he wrote in his 86th year.

“The old church on William Pratt’s corner was conspicuous in all but convenience. There were no Stoves, consequently no fire in the church and nothing for comfort, but notwithstanding, there was a large congregation in those days. People, many of them coming five or six miles, out of pure Puritan principle.”

“Seats or pews were made square, big enough to hold Father, Mother and eight to twelve children. The pulpit was a half circle and high, so one had to go up two flights of stairs; going up one flight, then turning a right angle, going up another flight and there you are up among the rafters.”

“Here the Rev. Isaac Porter, a large man, preached the doctrine of election in two written Sermons of an hour’s length each Sabbath. He disgusted everybody, wore it completely threadbare. He read his sermons in the same tone of voice, never looking up to see whether his people were awake or asleep. His Prayer was about a half-hour long, in the same tone. No matter what his text was, the doctrine of election was the beginning and the end.”

Election or predestination was the Calvinist doctrine that believed God chose those who would be saved or damned and God’s plan was absolute.

The theory that man had free will and could take responsibility for his actions was heresy to the Calvinists.

In 1831, Rev. Isaac Porter was 65 years old and the church was in trouble. The times were changing; old ways were questioned; new churches were forming with more liberal religious doctrines.

People were making choices, not just docilely accepting the word of the established church. It was a time of dissent and change, but Rev. Porter would not change. (to be continued)

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.-–4:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park Open 24/7 at GranbyRec.com for program registration!

Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com

Plan Your Party or Special Event

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

Youth Basketball Registration Begins

Granby Youth Basketball provides basketball instruction in a positive and fun-filled atmosphere. Players will develop individual skills, and coaches foster teamwork and proper sportsmanlike attitudes. Granby basketball will establish a foundation of basics for future support of the high school programs. The staff works hard to create an opportunity for every child to be with their friends and to make new friends while doing physical activity and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Holcomb Farm Playgroup

Wednesdays, beginning in October, 9:30–11 a.m. at Holcomb Farm. Kids stay; you play at the big red barn at Holcomb Farm. Parents and caregivers can relax and enjoy adult conversation,

Camera club hosts fine arts photographer The Granby Camera club is hosting Photographer/Artist Mark Battista at its Oct. 7 meeting. His presentation will cover Still Life Photography and Compositional Concepts. The meeting is held at the Granby Senior center at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged.

Battista, markbattista.com, is a freelance artist and fine art photographer who has worked as an illustrator, fine artist and art educator for over 30 years. He has won major awards and is currently represented by The Branford Art Center and Gallery in Branford. He has exhibited and been represented by numerous nationally known art galleries and art organizations.

Battista works in oils, watercolor and charcoal. His portraits, skillfully developed and rendered through years

of study, capture the inner quality of the subject. His realistic sharp focus still lifes capture intricate detail and the creative interplay of light and shadow. James Weiss, art editor for the New Haven Register commented, “Battista’s most technically accomplished paintings create a tranquility not always achieved in other works in the show.”

While his portraits and still lifes in oil are highly detailed, exploring the archeology of layers, his watercolors express a much looser, fluid approach that explores gesture, light and color.

Battista’s photography has been influenced by his paintings and he enjoys creating a visual dialogue between the two disciplines.

while participating with their children to play, learn and explore a variety of fun activities. Infants can enjoy soft toys and some tummy time together in the baby area, while toddlers and older children can participate in more physical activities like climbing, sliding, ride-on toys and a ball pit. $5 per day drop-in. Buy a punch card for $20 and 5th visit is free.

Taz Fitness Challenge

Oct. 2 – Dec. 20, 8–8:55 a.m. A high intensity, low impact class which includes a full body cardiovascular, interval and strength training workout.

Join in on the fun with motivating instructor Terri Ziemnicki who has been a certified instructor and teaching in the Valley for over 25 years. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. $90 for 30 classes.

Taz Low Impact Class

Oct. 2 – Dec. 20, 9–9:55 a.m. An easy to follow low impact class including cardiovascular and strength training exercises to fun and motivating music.

This is a great class for all levels and especially for the senior population.

Balance and stretching exercises are incorporated in each workout. Please bring your weights, exercise mat and water bottle. $90 for 30 classes.

Basic Sign Language Class

Wednesdays, Oct. 2 – Nov. 13, 6:15–7 p.m., at Holcomb Farm. Ever find yourself in a situation where knowledge of sign language might have come in handy? Sign language is not only used by people that are hard of hearing or deaf, but also by individuals with speaking challenges or difficulties, and even babies and toddlers learning to communicate with others. Join us for these classes where you’ll learn basic sign language to help you navigate everyday situations and expand your language proficiency. $40.

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Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at Holcomb Farm. Immerse yourself in a yoga class designed to delight your senses and unwind your body. Experience the wonderful synergy of yoga and essential oils. Open to all levels. Bring your own yoga mat and water. Aubrey Schulz is the instructor for this delightful class held in the Workshop at the beautiful Holcomb Farm. Class requires a minimum of 3 people to run. $17.50 per class/$64 for all four.

Pumpkin Run Family 5K

Sunday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. at Salmon Brook Park. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.

Register at GranbyRec.com. This timed, two-loop course in beautiful Salmon Brook Park is mostly grass terrain around the soccer and baseball fields.

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First Aid and CPR Class

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6–8 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. Allow approximately two hours, 30 minutes to complete the online portion. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. $90.

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, Oct. 26, 1–3 p.m., at Salmon Brook Park. Come together as a community and have a fun afternoon of “trick or treating” at Salmon Brook Park. We want YOU to come to the park at noon, decorate your trunk and start giving out goodies at 1 p.m. Get your neighbors, friends, civic groups, book club, coworkers, family and friends together to come up with a great theme. We will give out prizes for the best decorated, spookiest, most creative trunks in the park!

Tiny Food Explorers, ages 3–5

Wednesdays, Oct. 30 – Nov. 20, 10–11 a.m., at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room. Bring your Tiny Food Explorer to learn all about new foods. Learn how to introduce new foods in a fun and exciting way from Registered Dietitian, Katie Shepherd. Each week will focus on a new concept around food and picky eating, and making a tasty snack together. Get ready to get messy and play with some food. All recipes will be nut-free, but may contain dairy. Fee $52.

Lunchtime Walkers Club

Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Dec. 10, 12– 12:45 p.m., meet at Salmon Brook Park House. Being active is the secret to staying healthy! Walking is an easy and inexpensive way to get moving. Join the walking club and come walk every Tuesday at the beautiful Salmon Brook Park and enjoy 45 minutes of fitness, conversation and fun. We will stay on the pavement. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. Dress for the weather.

Registration is required. We are looking for a volunteer to lead this group. Please contact the Recreation Office if you are interested.

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Take a hike It is fall in New England, and Granby offers some of the best open space hikes around; the Town’s own Holcomb Farm is one of them. The Friends’ Stewardship volunteers have been busy mowing the east field, maintaining walking paths, planting and labeling trees, installing eight new interpretive signs, installing new boardwalks over muddy areas, and rehabbing the South East Field.

Everyone is welcome, and trail maps are easily accessible at holcombfarm. org/trail-map/.

This year, the Connecticut Tree Protective Association celebrates its 100th anniversary of the passage of a Connecticut’s Arborist Law by planting a white oak—the same species as our own Granby Oak—in every one of Connecticut’s 169 towns. Granby’s new oak was planted in Holcomb Farm’s east fields, about a five-minute walk up from the intersection of Simsbury Road and Day Street south. Be sure to check it out while you are there. To learn more about our state’s unique tree-protecting Arborist Law, visit www.ctpa.org

cial way to share the bounty is to join the Friends for the annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, Saturday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m., at Metro Bis, newly relocated to the old Ensign Mansion in Simsbury.

All of the proceeds from this event go to the Fresh Access program, through which the fresh, chemical-free food grown at Holcomb Farm is provided, free of charge, to local organizations like the Senior Center and Waste-NotWant-Not, and area institutions like Healing Meals, the Wheeler Clinic, and the Hispanic Health Council. This year we will have provided over 8,000 pounds of fresh food through Fresh Access; with a successful Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, we hope to do even more next year.

Laura Eden generously donated her original painting, Salmon Brook Autumn, to be one of the fabulous items to be auctioned at the Harvest Dinner on Nov. 9. Photo by Laura Eden

A new boardwalk on Holcomb Farm’s red trail (Laurel Loop) is ready for both human and canine hikers looking to enjoy the fall foliage. Photo by Eric Lukingbeal

Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction support a good cause The wet spring and warm summer has resulted in a great harvest, and one spe-

What do you get, beyond the satisfaction of knowing your money is helping others right in your own town and region? In addition to a fabulous meal, expertly prepared by Chef Chris Prosperi, you can bid on a wide variety of donations from local artists, businesses and individuals. Here is just a sample: 1) a Laura Eden original artwork; 2) a case of fine wines; 3) a complete Thanksgiving Dinner with all locally sourced foods; 4) a winter ski weekend at a private home in Vermont; 5) a home garden starter kit from Farmer Joe; 6) a handmade quilt; 7) a hand-knit sweater and accessories; and 8) a number of other hand-crafted items and hand-knit

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items. Please get your tickets now and bring a friend. Go to holcombfarm.org or call 860-844-8616 to purchase your tickets today.

Chris Prosperi cooking demo In September, Metro Bis Chef Chris Prosperi gave an amazing cooking demo in front of a packed crowd. Chris knows better than anyone what do with Holcomb Farm veggies, and he made several dishes almost entirely from what was available in the Farm Store (all he brought was olive oil, salt, homemade wine vinegar and soy sauce). Using Holcomb Farm tomatoes, eggplant, beans, herbs, peppers, onions, garlic, cabbage, scallions and hot peppers, he made incredible gazpacho, stir-fried beans, and eggplant ratatouille. He even threw in a quick demo on how to make lactofermented sauerkraut. The Farm Store, with an abundant harvest, remains open to the public Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at 111 Simsbury Road.

Local produce all winter—order today Farmer Joe says he is making more Winter Shares available than ever before; still, we expect them to sell out quickly. Here is a sampling of the vegetables included in a 2019 winter share: orange carrots, rainbow carrots, red beets, golden beets, crushed tomatoes, potatoes, parsnips, celeriac, kohlrabi, turnips, rutabaga, black radishes, watermelon radish, daikon radishes, sweet potatoes, onions, winter squash, cabbage, kale, collards, spinach, arugula,

Farm Store patrons Cat Bautista and Xander Le eye the Holcomb Farm bounty.

Photo by Donna Snyder

Harvest Dinner will take place at Metro Bis’s beautiful new location at the Old Ensign House, 690 Hopmeadow Street (corner of Drake Hill Road) in Simsbury.

Submitted photo

lettuce mix, baby kale, and much more.

Get your share before they are gone at holcombfarm.org or by calling 860844-8616.

Stay on top of Farm news Want to stay abreast of happenings at Holcomb Farm? Follow us on social media to learn about upcoming events and keep up with what’s in season at the CSA and Farm Store. Like us on Facebook (HolcombFarm); follow the CSA on Instagram (@holcombfarmcsa), and learn about the plants and trees on the trails at the Farm on Instagram (@ friendsofholcombfarm).

VOLUNTEERS The Friends of Holcomb Farm is a volunteer organization, and we are always looking for more people interested in trail maintenance work or getting involved with special projects around the farm. We are especially interested in someone with farm equipment mechanical skills. We are also open to tax-deductible contributions of quality farming equipment. If you have something to share—time or treasure—please contact us at cathy@holcombfarm.org. Thanks!

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

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

Purple Loosestrife Purple Loosestrife – Lythrum salicaria ­ is October’s Invasive of the Month.

— Here is how to identify it, and what to do about it.

Find it Its brilliant purple flowers in late summer through fall make it easy to identify this plant, which is several feet high and one–two feet wide. It grows in wet areas, wetlands and near ponds and waterways.

It tolerates a wide range of soil. It prefers full sun but also grows in part shade.

Why it’s a problem Once established, purple loosestrife may spread slowly for several years, until optimal conditions allow populations to explode. It then takes over, crowds out native species and wildlife food sources, and eventually leads to a loosestrife monoculture. It mainly spreads by seeds, transported by air, water, animals, boats and people.

What to do Do not plant it. All variants are inva-

sive, even if they are advertised as not.

Remove it. Pull it out by the roots before it finishes flowering. Dig it out. Cut at the base. Dispose of it, without allowing seeds to disperse. Do not compost.

Control with beetles. UConn supports biological control of purple loosestrife using Galerucella leaf-eating beetles, which are beneficial insects that feed almost exclusively on this one plant. Beetle control is a very successful strategy that takes several years to achieve full effect.

Anyone can raise and release the beetles and monitor their impact over time. The beetle is very susceptible to pesticides.

For information on Galerucella beetle and information about becoming a Beetle Farmer, search for Purple Loosestrife at UConn.edu.

More information on Purple Loosestrife and the NOT WANTED campaign will soon be available on the Granby Conservation Commission webpage.

October 2019

Sylvia Davis Patricelli Fine Arts Scholarship The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Fine Arts Foundation, a sponsor of a Granby high school scholarship for a graduating student pursuing a post-secondary education in the creative arts since 2018, is now recognized as an IRS 501c3 charity. This establishes the foundation as a non-profit that recognizes donations made by individuals, grants or corporations as tax deductible contributions.

Mrs. Patricelli was an internationally acclaimed portrait artist from Sydney, Australia whose first exhibition in the U.S. was opened by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and sponsored by the Wadsworth Atheneum, WTIC and G. Fox and Company in Hartford at Centinel Hill Hall. Among the notable portraits completed by Patricelli were Eleanor Roosevelt (right), Beatrice Fox Auer- The portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt by Sylvia bach and General Douglas MacArthur. Davis Patricelli.

See sylviadavisart.org to hear Mrs. Contact Susan Patricelli Regan Roosevelt’s speech at the opening of the at sdpregan@gmail.com for further exhibit. information.

Nov. 5 municpal election

One polling site at GMHS Community Gym

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. All major town boards have seats up for election/re-election: Selectman, Finance, Education, Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and Town Moderator. All Granby residents will vote at the same location, in the Granby Community Gym, located in Granby Memorial High School in the center of town. Traffic is anticipated to be light to moderate. It is recommended that drivers access the gym using the High School’s entrance off North Granby Road (Route 189), next to Public Works, and leave the polls from Salmon Brook Street (Route 10/202), next to the Middle School. All Granby schools will be closed on Election Day. The registrars strongly recommend voting between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if you have the option to do so. The heaviest voting will be between 6 and 10 a.m., and the second rush will be between 4 and 8 p.m.

Purple Loosestrife. Submitted photos

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SBHS Flea Market is Oct. 19 The Salmon Brook Historical Society’s always popular Fall Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 19. Vendor spaces (20x20) are available for $30 if received by Oct. 12 and $40 if received after Oct. 12. Make checks payable to SBHS and include your name, phone # and return address. Mail your check and information to Dave Laun, 16 Hummingbird Lane, Granby, CT 06035.

The society is accepting donations to the sale tent. Drop off items on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon from Oct. 1 – 17 (no clothing please).

There is free admission and parking.

The flea market is held rain or shine.

Stop at the food booth where Mrs. Murphy’s donuts will be sold along with hot dogs and chips for lunch. For more information or questions, you can contact Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 or Todd Vibert at 860-653-9506. The Salmon Brook Historical Society is located at 208 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. Visit its website at salmonbrookhistoricalsociety. com.

Busy Bees Marilyn Davis captured these bees doing their late summer work on a sunflower.

The spring Flea Market was well attended. Photo by Peter Dinella

New Poll Workers Meeting Oct. 8 Please join the Registrars on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. to learn all about the joys of helping democracy happen here in Granby. The registrar’s office is actively recruiting new workers and has set up an extensive list of options for training to try to make it easier to participate. Only one class is required to participate as an official poll worker.

Poll workers can be volunteers or paid, and must be 16 years or older. If you would like to be added to their list or if you did not receive the poll worker information and signups, email the registrars at: lwolfe@granby-ct.gov or ssmith@granby-ct.gov

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Page 24 The Granby Drummer

Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation Foxfield F.A.R.M. (For A Recovery Mission) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans and first responders.

VetConnect Foxfield F.A.R.M.’s groundwork equine therapy program to overcome the issues related to PTSD and related mental health issues has been chosen to be the leading and featured program through a new website—VetConnect.

Visit vetconnect.us/#! for more information.

OPSiiX team Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation helps to meet the challenges of PTSD through its groundwork equine therapy program, and continues to expand its reach to the target segment. The latest collaboration to meet this objective is an association with OpSiiX (OpSiiX.com), which was founded in response to the alarming rate of suicide among the veteran population. Its mission is to bring the veteran community together under the common goal of fighting isolation. Its team has veterans and civilians from a variety of backgrounds, all passionate about making every veteran feel mentally healthy, physically healthy, and fulfilled in their life.

Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation for Veterans and First Responders with PTSD received the Courant’s CTNOW “Hartford’s Finest 2019 Profile Series” Award.

Gloria, an Argentine thoroughbred polo mare donated by Yale University, and Jake O’Leary, member of the OpSiiX team.

Submitted photo

Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation will, for the third consecutive year, participate in the Rocky Hill, V.A. Hospital Stand Down Day 2019 portal.ct.gov/DVA/Pages/VeteransStand-Down

To donate to Foxfield F.A.R.M. Foundation go to foxfieldrecoverymission. org to obtain further information.

October 2019

Africa Education Partnership welcomes Nigerian partners Africa Education Partnership (AEP), a 501(C)3 organization, welcomes Bishop Markus and Mrs. Nana Dogo to speak at the Gathering Room, Park House, Salmon Brook Park, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7—9 p.m. There will be a slide presentation describing the work done to improve schools in the Kafanchan area as well as reflection on the realities of life in a developing third world country.

Both are dynamic speakers; the event should prove to be very special.

The pair will be introduced by Elaine Chagnon, retired Granby teacher and member of the AEP board. Chagnon met Bishop Markus on several previous trips to Nigeria; however, it was her trip in October 2018 that cemented the partnership with AEP to support the work needed to renovate schools at five different sites. Returning in May, Chagnon spent two weeks living with the Dogos while visiting the schools and interacting with teachers and students. Her report to the AEP board has fueled its desire Bishop Markus and Mrs. Nana Dogo, to continue financial support as directed Kafanchan, Nigeria. Submitted photo by its partners. public, it may not be suitable for very Join us for an eye-opening night of young children. information. While event is free to the

GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECORDS DESTRUCTION NOTICE On Nov. 8, 2019, the special services department of the Granby Public Schools will destroy all special education and related records of students no longer enrolled in the school system for a time period of six years or greater. That includes students who have graduated in 2013 or before or were born in 1995 or before. Parents and students should be aware that these records are sometimes necessary or useful in acquiring certain other government benefits such as Social Security.

No records of students presently enrolled in the school system will be destroyed.

Former students over the age of 18 or parents/guardians of minors may contact the special services department at 860-844-5257 should they have any questions in this matter.

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LIFETIME LEARNING ACADEMY

History and Culture

CT 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Connecticut: Friday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. Presented

by Marty Podskoch, travel and history author.

From the quaint splendor of the town of Kent in the northwest hills of Connecticut to the great restaurants that dot the shoreline of Westbrook to New Britain’s industrial roots, Podskoch will highlight the many wonderful places to visit in our home state. Cost $5. Register by Sept. 26.

History, Ghosts and Witches...Oh My! Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. Presented by Webb Deane Stevens Museum. Just in time for Halloween, in this presentation about witches and ghosts and history in the 17th century and beyond, you will hear interesting stories and facts you may have never known. Cost $6. Register

by Oct. 22.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Dry Needling—What is it? Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m. Presented by Bonnie Tormay, Hartford Health Care. Trigger points are irritable, hard knots within a muscle that can cause pain over a large area. This event will focus on dry needling as a treatment approach that releases the tight muscle bands and lead to decreased pain and improved function. Free. Register by Oct. 1.

Lavender Heat Packs—Make Your Own: Thursday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m. Instructor is Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice.

Lavender heat packs are helpful for restful sleep, muscle strain and tension and so much more.

Make your own pack that can be heated in the microwave. Cost $5. Register by Oct. 17.

Walk With Ease: Wednesdays, Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, 10 a.m. Justine Ginsburg, Farmington Valley Health District. This Arthritis Foundation program offers many benefits, such as feeling better, reducing pain and stiffness, increasing energy, confidence and the opportunity to be active and social. Free. Register by Oct. 9.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ask the Attorney with Kraner and Hess: By appointment on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call for an appointment for a free consultation.

AARP Safe Driving Course: Friday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Presented by AARP. Learn how you can manage and accommodate common agerelated changes in vision, hearing, reaction time and much more. Cost $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Pay instructor on day of class day. Register by Oct. 4.

Creative Arts

Pottery Ornaments: Fridays, Nov. 1 and 8. 1 p.m. Instructor Cooley Buy, potter. If you missed Cooley’s Pottery Flowers class earlier this year, you want to make sure you sign up for this event.

Make holiday ornaments to hang on your tree, for gifts or for home decorating. This is a two-part class. Cost $25. Register by Oct. 25.

Stamping Class: Thursday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.

You will learn how to make four beautiful cards using a variety of techniques. Cost $5 member, $7 non-member.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES

Women’s Breakfast: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 8:30 a.m. Tribute to Robin Williams, with Heather Styckiewicz, an instructor at Manchester Community College. Cost $4. To register call 860-653-9891.

Men’s Breakfast: Friday, Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m.

Granby Community Development with Abby Kenyon. Cost $2. To register call 860-844-5352.

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. To register for a program please call 860-844-5352.

Octoberfest!

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. It’s time to put some oompah in your step! Join us for this fun evening of great food, good company and entertainment. The meal will include traditional German fare: knockwurst, red cabbage, German potato salad and German apple pudding cake. John Banker will provide authentic German folk songs, polkas and many other favorites. Cost $8pp. Register by Oct. 2.

A History of G. Fox in Hartford

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. Presented by the Connecticut Historical Society. In the 1950s, just about every major city had a landmark department store. In Hartford, it was G. Fox and Co. This presentation will bring you back in time to Fox’s heyday, as we go from floor to floor and recall the various departments. You’ll also learn about Beatrice Fox Auerbach, the remarkable woman who made every visit to Fox’s special. Cost $7pp. Register by Oct. 15.

My Life in Sports with Joe D’Ambrosio

Thursday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m. Joe D’Ambrosio, Fox 61 Sportscaster and former voice of UConn Athletics, will share his stories from a life of reporting and calling sports in Connecticut. Free. Class size limited. Register by Oct. 7.

Major League Baseball in Gilded Age

Friday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. Presented by David Arcidiacono, author and baseball historian. Enjoy a trip back to the nineteenth century, when “base ball” was young (yes, it was once two words) and Connecticut played a key role in its development. Arcidiacono will present the historical highlights of Connecticut’s three major league clubs. Cost $6pp. Register by Oct. 11.

Suzuki Method Violin Lessons

Fridays, Oct. 18 through March 6, no class Nov. 1 and 29, Dec. 13, Jan 24, Feb 21. Intermediate class at 9 a.m., beginner class at 10:30 a.m. Learn or continue to learn to play the violin through the Suzuki Method. Beginner class violin rental rate is $21.27 for the session. Intermediate students call for more information.

Cost $160 members, $180 non-members. Register by Oct. 11.

Wigs and Giggles

Monday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. Presented by Jan Webber. Have you ever wondered what you’d look like as a blonde? A redhead? Well now you can find out. Join us for this fun and entertaining morning as we put on a “new” look just in time for the holidays. Try different wigs, accessories and more to create a new you.

Cost $5. Register by Oct. 28.

Lend A Helping Hand: Helping Hands needed on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please join Days for Girls International to sew for women in need of sanitary products. Need both sewers and non-sewers to volunteer. To learn more please contact Josie Klein at 860-653-5752 or josiklein640@gmail.com.

SUPPORT AND HEALTH

Alzheimer’s Support Group: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. Peggy Coburn, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Learning to cope with the changes in their behavior and understanding how to handle it is sometimes best explained by those who are dealing with a similar situation. Free.

NEW—Reiki Sessions: By appointment, Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 22. Tannia Hotchkiss, Reiki Practitioner. Reiki promotes healing, stress relief and relaxation in a calm, quiet setting.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

MS Support Group: Monday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. Self-help group for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and their caregivers.

On Grief and Loss: Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 2:30 p.m. Led by Jane Johnson. Through discussion this non-therapeutic support group will help you in understanding and coping with grief. You will find support, information and strategies.

Foot Care Clinic with Pedi-Care: By appointment, Monday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Oct. 25. A specially trained nurse will assess feet and lower extremities, trim, file and clean nails. Cost is $29, not covered by insurance. Call 860-8445352 for an appointment.

Free Blood Pressure Checks: Every Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Free Blood Sugar Checks: First Thursday of the month, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Farmington Valley VNA. Held in the Senior Center Community Room.

Chair Massage with Bev Harris: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29. Concentration is on upper and lower back and shoulders. Fifteen minutes is $10.

TRAVEL

For extended tours and travel please visit granby-ct.gov.

Senior Van Service and Excursions

The Granby Senior Van provides rides for adults 60 and over for shopping and activities at the Senior Center. Please call 860-844-5353 one week in advance for scheduling, and call 860-844-5352 to register for all trips.

Canton Shoppes/Walmart, Friday, Oct. 25, departing 9:30 a.m. Cost $5.

Dine and Drive, Cheesecake Factory in West Hartford, Wednesday, Oct. 30. Cost $5.

Goodspeed Opera House, Billy Elliot: Wednesday, Oct. 16, depart 9:30 a.m., estimate return time 5:30 p.m. Young Billy Elliot is pulled between his family’s coal mining roots and his newly discovered passion for dance. Lunch on your own at the Gelston House. Register by Oct. 2. Cost $70.

New England Falconry: Wednesday, Oct. 23, depart 9:15 a.m., estimated return 3 p.m. New England Falconry is located on open meadows and forestland in beautiful Hadley. Experience the ancient art of falconry while learning about the life history of raptors, their role in the environment, and the efforts underway to ensure their survival. Enjoy lunch on your own at Ession Café. Cost $30. Register by Oct. 16.

GET FIT GRANBY NEW CLASSES ADDED

The Granby Senior Center offers a variety of affordable exercise classes throughout the week for anyone 25 and older. Intensity levels range from house cat to cheetah. Only $6/class for Granby residents when you pay the session price. Classes run by session or you can pay a drop-in fee.

NEW Cardio Pilates: Mondays at 4:30 p.m. OR Thursdays at 5:30 a.m.

This class combines Pilates, hand weights and cardio into one workout that is fun and effective. Includes Pilates core exercises with classic lifting moves and low-to-no impact cardio bursts adaptable to every fitness level.

You will never be bored. Instructor, Mellanee Harmon.

NEW On the Ball: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. This class incorporates the use of large stability balls for core and balance training with weighted medicine balls for muscle strengthening and small play balls for isometric muscle building. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

NEW HIIT: Sundays at 7:30 a.m.

This high intensity interval training class will incorporate strength and cardiovascular training for a great full body workout that will increase strength and maximize your calorie burn. Instructor, Jennifer Dzielak.

Yoga Flow: Mondays at 9:45 a.m.

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 helpful but not required. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Gentle Movement and Balance: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. This class is designed to gently stretch muscles and joints to promote flexibility. Leg and core strengthening to help with fall prevention. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Chair Yoga: Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

Enhanced breathing, seated and standing classic Yoga poses, plus balance training and core strengthening.

Guided meditation finishes the class in a calm and relaxing manner. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Yoga: Tuesday at 4 p.m. Strength building sequences, standing and on the mat. Includes balance and Pilates floor work. Instructor, Paula Pirog.

Tone-up Tune-up: Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. A low-impact cardiovascular workout with intervals of weight work for upper and lower body strengthening. Does not go to the floor; core training performed seated or standing. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Body Blast: Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. This fast paced class gives you an all-around great workout. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Chi Gong: Fridays at 8:30 a.m. A low-impact, standing or seated class focusing on flexibility, balance, healing and pain management. Chi Gong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins.

Cardio Combo: Fridays at 9:45 a.m. Quicker pace and more aerobics.

Instructor, Mary Fuller.

Line Dancing: Fridays at 1 p.m. Get a solid hour workout while enjoying many musical forms. Learn steps and sequences, develop balance and your own personal style. Instructor, Jim Gregory.

Page 26 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Browse & Borrow Granby Public Library Main Branch Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cossitt Branch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 2 – 5 p.m.

Holiday Closing Both libraries will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14.

To register for any program call 860844-5275, email gplibrary@granby-ct. gov or register on the website, granbyct.gov/library. Just click on the Program and Events Calendar tab and select the programs you want to attend. Of course you can still call or visit the library to sign up for programs, talks, activities and special events. We encourage you to take a look at the calendar today so you don’t miss out.

Adults, teens, tweens and families

Farmington River Quilt Exhibit: Oct. 1 thru 31, during library hours at the Main Branch. The Farmington River Quilt Project is an inspiring and creative undertaking by dozens of quilters. The culmination of their effort is a 50-foot long quilt representing 25 locations on the Wild and Scenic Farmington River.

Drop by for a self-guided tour of the quilt and learn more about the artists and the locations they chose to depict.

Wild And Scenic: Salmon Brook and Lower Farmington River: Thursday, Oct. 3; 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch.

Learn about the recent federal “Wild and Scenic” designation granted to local waterways. Environmentalist and Committee Chair Sally Rieger leads the talk and explains what the legislation means for towns in the Farmington River Valley. Members of Salmon Brook Watershed Association will also be available to answer questions.

Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

Friday Fitness Sampler: Shaolin Butterfly Style: Friday, Oct. 4, 9–10 p.m., Main Branch. Sample the ancient Kung Fu art form of Shaolin Butterfly with a master, Sifu Michael Fuchs.

Enjoy learning about the origins of this physical art form, its historical and philosophical significance, and then apply the technique under Fuchs’ guidance. Incorporating over 30 years of experience in a variety of Asian martial, meditative, and healing arts, Fuchs has authored The Shaolin Butterfly Style: Art of Transformation. Copies will be available for purchase after the program.

The program is free but registration is required.

You Can Uke: Mondays, Oct. 7, 21, Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 6:307:30 p.m., Main Branch. This popular ukulele instruction series for advanced beginners keeps on strumming through the fall. Musician Jim Lenn leads the group of adults and teens. Registration required; space limited. Suggested donation is $5 per session. For more information about lessons, ability level and commitment requirements, please contact library staff.

Movie Matinee: Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 22, 1 – 3 p.m., Main Branch. New this fall! Enjoy free screenings of pre-selected movies on the library’s big screen.

Join us the second and fourth Tuesday of the month when we feature awardwinning films from all genres. Movie listings are posted the beginning of each month. Registration recommended.

Cossitt Writers Group: Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 22; 6 – 7:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Fiction writers are invited to join this friendly group. Hone your skills with writing exercises, sprints and critiques at bi-monthly sessions.

Registration recommended, but drop-ins are always welcome.

Explore the Connecticut Wine Trail: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Main Branch. When looking for great wines you don’t need to travel far. There are dozens of fantastic, award-winning wineries right here in Connecticut.

With beautiful scenery, daily tastings, live music, and lots of special events, Connecticut wineries are the perfect destination on your fall foliage tour.

Pick up insider tips for exploring the Connecticut Wine Trail from Michelle Griffis, wine trail advocate and former writer for ctwine.com. Grape juice and cheese will be served. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Chess, Anyone? Thursday, Oct. 10; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., Main Branch.

Chess fans are invited to friendly, competitive games the second Thursday morning of the month. Play the most popular game in the world. Registration recommended; drop-ins are always welcome.

Mostly Makers for teens and tweens: Wednesday, Oct. 16; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Main Branch. Kids ages 10 and older are welcome at monthly maker sessions where we design, build, mix and tinker.

All materials are provided; there’s no fee. Check the library website for featured projects. Please register to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.

Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Crafters Café: Leather and Beads Bookmark: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30– 7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Need a special gift for a friend? Create a unique bookmark with leather and jewelry beads.

Instructor Tannia Hotchkiss leads the group of adults and older teens in this DIY craft session. All materials are provided. Register early as space is limited.

Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Not-So-Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Friday, Oct. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Kids 8–12 and their parents are in for a treat. First we’ll make a seasonal puppet craft with puppeteer Audrey Laird. Then—if you dare— we’ll head upstairs in the historic library building for some scary and not-soscary storytelling. Registration required.

Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt.

Scottish Country Dance: Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park House Gathering Room. Join your friends and neighbors for a festive evening of music, dance and merriment.

Members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society share the history of the dance, a bit of Scottish lore, and demonstrate traditional dance formations in multi-couple sets. Brave souls are encouraged to take a turn on the dance floor. Start your week off with a smile by joining us. Registration recommended.

Amish Fiction: It’s All in the Research: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Do you know how

to tell whether an Amish male in Lancaster County, Pa. is in his late thirties or early forties? Do you know why some Amish raise white tail deer or how an Amish bishop is chosen? Learn the answers to these and other questions about Old Order Amish from national bestselling author Laura Bradford. The talk includes pictures, fun facts, and other anecdotal information gleaned while researching Amish-based women’s fiction and Cozy Mystery novels. Copies of the author’s books will be available for purchase after the talk. Registration recommended.

Spooky Tales: Vintage New England Legends and Ghost Stories: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Celebrate the season with historian Dennis Picard when he shares eerie tales from the past. Adults and teens are invited to the upper level of the historic Cossitt Library building for chills and thrills. Registration required. Sponsored

by Friends of Cossitt.

Adult Book Groups

Something About the Author: Monday, Oct. 7, 1:30 p.m., Main Branch.

Featured author is Candice Millard.

Around the World: Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (South Africa) SciFi/Fantasy: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7–7:45 p.m., Main Branch. FEED, by Mira Grant

Children and Families

Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8 and 22 (no Oct. 15), 10:30 a.m., Main Branch. Preschoolers and a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft. Ages 3–5. Drop in.

Wee Ones Story Time: Thursdays, Oct. 3, 10, 24 and 31 (no Oct. 17), 10:30 a.m., Main Branch. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for birth to 2 years with caregiver. Drop in.

Bedtime Stories for the “I’m-NotTired”: Thursdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 (no Oct. 31), 6:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch.

Picture books, songs, stories and a craft for ages 4–7 with caregiver. Pajamas encouraged. Drop in.

Preschool Halloween Party: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10:30–11 a.m., Main Branch. Preschoolers and a caregiver are invited to listen to some (not-too-scary) stories, sing songs and take part in our costume parade around the library. Everyone gets a goody bag to take home.

Please register in advance, and remember to wear your Halloween costume!

Zumba for Kids: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:15–11:15 a.m., Main Branch.

Move it to music with instructor Amy Thompson. Boys and girls ages 5–11 are welcome to register.

Yoga for Kids: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:15–11:15 a.m., Main Branch. Learn some simple poses, stretch and relax with instructor Aubrey Schulz. Bring a towel or a yoga mat. For boys and girls ages 5–11. Please register in advance as space is limited.

Not-too-Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Friday, Oct. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Older kids and their parents are invited for storytelling followed by puppet crafts to make and take. Ages 8–12. Registration required in advance as space is limited.

Craft Week: Monday to Saturday, Oct. 7–12, Main Branch. Drop in during the week and create a fun craft to take home. All materials supplied.

Family Movie Night: Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, beginning at 6 p.m., Main Branch. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film with popcorn provided. All ages. Call for titles.

STEAM Lab: Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29, 4–5 p.m., Main Branch. Check out the new maker kits! Age 6 and older.

No registration needed.

Chess Club for Kids: Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 22, 4–5 p.m., Main Branch. We provide the chess sets and some guidance. Ages 6 and up. Drop in.

Pokémon Club: Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 16 and 30, 4–5 p.m., Cossitt Branch.

Bring your cards and play a game with a fellow fan. All ages encouraged to drop in.

We Love Rainbow Loom: Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 4–5 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Swap design ideas with your friends. Bring your loom and your stash of bands. Age 6 and over. Drop in.

Coming Early November

Author Talk with Serene Hackel: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1–2 p.m., Main Branch. Author Serene Hackel is best known for a book she co-authored with her late husband Eugene. Skipper Goes to War: The True Story of a Pilot and His Dog is a true story of a WWII B-17 pilot, crew and canine good-luck mascot. Copies of book are available for purchase after the talk. Registration recommended.

Let’s Talk Turkey: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Master Conservationist Ginny Apple offers a timely presentation about the wild turkey. Registration required. Sponsored

by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Habitat’s first volunteer to speak at First Church

By Don Shaw, Jr. As part of his visit to Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity to celebrate its 30th year, and in recognition of Granby hosting Hartford Habitat’s first rural build in 2016, Clive Rainey, Habitat’s very first volunteer,will be speaking at First Congregational Church on Sunday

morning Nov. 3.

Throughout his 35-year career, Rainey has been a key inspirational leader and advocate for building affordable housing in support of Habitat’s goal of eliminating substandard housing worldwide. Its efforts have helped make it one of the most recognized brands globally.

Among his innumerable contributions,

BPM Music Series opens October 20 Poet Kate Rushin and the Nat Reeves Jazz Quartet will open the 2019-2020 season of the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. The popular Jazz and Poetry! event for this year will feature Nat Reeves on bass, Matt DeChamplain on piano, Josh Bruneau on trumpet and flugelhorn, Kirk Woodard on drums, and poet Kate Rushin reading from her own work. We are proud to welcome them to Granby and looking forward to hosting an afternoon of exuberant music and poetry by these remarkable artists.

The Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series is supported by a grant from the Granby Education Foundation. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of

one of Rainey’s first was introducing the concept of “sweat equity” in which families help build their new homes in lieu of making a down payment. Today, “sweat equity” is an essential part of every Habitat build in 80 countries. Rainey’s leadership landed him his first major assignment as Habitat’s Africa Director guiding its expansion into 12 countries across the continent.

More recently as director of community relations, Rainey has taken Habitat’s message around the world speaking to audiences and inspiring countless others to pick up their hammers and get involved. Rainey’s unwavering commitment has helped Habitat for Humanity

grow from an idea hatched on a small Georgia farm in 1976 to a household name. Worldwide, Habitat has helped more that 22 million people build or improve the place they call home.

Recently retired from Habitat, Rainey moved to Guatemala where Habitat Guatemala has built more that 35,000 homes. He continues to volunteer for Habitat and for a local ministry dedicated to rescuing children from the street and providing them with the necessities of life, including housing, clothing, food and educational opportunities.

—Don Shaw, Jr. is Board Director Emeritus, Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, and a Granby resident.

Clive Rainey, right, will be speaking at First Congregational Church’s 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 3. The church is located at 219 North Granby Road, Granby.

All are welcome to come and hear his message, and meet him after the service.

Submitted photo Kate Rushin and Nat Reeves.

Submitted photo

$15 to support the series. The venue is wheelchair accessible from the side door.

For more information call 860-653-7289.

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Freshen Up For Fall A new season is upon us, time to shift gears! Here are some suggestions to make your home welcoming and bright during the fall selling season.

Enhance your Curb Appeal Remove screens and wash windows  Sweep patios, decks and porches  Remove cobwebs  Clean gutters and down spouts 

Store hoses and lawn accessories  Clean up the yard  Add fresh mulch to garden beds  Decorate with a colorful mum or two 

Make your inside space Cozy, Clean & Bright

Live Simply

   

You can count on:

Truth in our Words Humility in our Actions Kindness in our Hearts



Clean out closets & cupboards; reorganize Mop and vacuum floors and fabric furnishings Wipe down cabinets, woodwork and appliances Dust walls eliminating those cob webs that appear this time of year Dust light fixtures

    

Wipe down blinds and widen curtains to encourage daylight to fill the room Experiment with lightbulbs to find the most flattering hues Accessorize with neutral, but color coordinating throw pillows Show off your hardwood floors by removing unnecessary rugs Lighten up paint colors to reflect more light

If you would like some help in the home selling process, give us a call.

Robin, Melanie, Cyndie and Roland

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Page 28 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Animal Talk Dr. John Violette, DVM

So you have a diabetic cat?

Splish-splash, taking a bath!

It was a busy day at the Davis family’s bird bath! Photo by Marilyn Davis

Diabetes is a fairly common problem in cats. Some pet owners are daunted by the thought of managing this complex disease. The good news is that most cats do well with treatment if the owners pay attention to the details. The veterinary team is there to help and will guide you every step of the way.

The first question is, “Does my cat need insulin?” In most cases they do require insulin injections; however, there are some overweight cats that only eat dry food that can go into remission with a simple change to canned food.

If the clinical signs (increased hunger and thirst) haven’t been going on for too long, then carbohydrate restriction may be enough to reduce hyperglycemia.

By keeping a diabetic log and carefully documenting appetite and amount of urine clumps in the box an owner can get an idea if getting rid of the dry food is the ticket to success. Otherwise, we are on to insulin injections twice daily.

Your veterinarian will recommend the type of insulin she prefers and her team will give instructions on how to administer the injections. The needles are very fine gauge and most cats hardly notice the little pokes. It is especially easy to give the injections when they are happily eating. Client education is important and there will be discussions on: how insulin works, the signs of hypoglycemia and how to monitor water intake and output.

There will also be the need for a blood

glucose curve from time to time. Each cat metabolizes insulin differently and the curve will help make adjustments in insulin dosages. Most of the time the kitty comes into the hospital and the blood glucose is checked every two hours for the entire day. This valuable information helps the veterinarian fine tune the amount of insulin to be given.

Spot checks can also be useful later on to determine if the patient is well regulated. Some owners even purchase their own little machine (called a glucometer) to check their cat’s blood glucose at home. This approach can be helpful for the timid cats that find the hospital setting too stressful. The extra stress can increase the blood glucose numbers and result in a poor understanding of the cat’s insulin requirement. Some cats do not “curve” properly and this can be a worry for owners. The best remedy is for the owners to keep a detailed diabetes journal that includes checking accurate weekly weight changes.

Feline diabetics do not need to be as tightly regulated as humans. Cats do just fine with less-than-perfect regulation and the goal should be to reduce the clinical signs. It is not necessary to overly worry about each little detail on a daily basis. It is best to work with broad brush strokes and make sure that quality of life for the cat (and the owner) is the important goal. Your veterinarian and her staff will help you keep your cat on the right track to managing diabetes.

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 29

Open Farm Day

Driving the tractor at Lost Acres Vineyard.

photos by Shirley Murtha

Imagining a great ride at Schoolhouse Farm.

Nancy Butler explains the process of soap-making to her visitors.

Veggies at the Garlic Farm.

Wilhelm Farm’s working goats greeting visitors.

Jellybean has a snack before making her appearance at Maple View Farm.

Feeling the buzz at the beekeeping display at O’Brien’s Nursery.

Start Your Saturday with Us – Join Us for Coffee and a Tour

Assisted Living Open House Saturday, October 5th • 9:00-11:00 am McLean Health Center 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury

McLean Assisted Living offers beautifully appointed residences, gracious living areas and a newly renovated secure outdoor courtyard, PLUS all of the care and life enriching programs that have earned McLean our reputation for providing exceptional senior health care services in the community.

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Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

Curse of the Pyramid Lake Water Babies, Part II Author’s note: This is the second installment of a two-part story about a trip I took this spring to Pyramid Lake outside Sparks, Nev. To read Part I, go to granbydrummer.com/2019/08/curse-ofthe-pyramid-lake-water-babies/.

As we drove towards Pyramid Lake, I said to Dan, “Too bad we didn’t start earlier. I’ve heard that the lake’s rock formations, especially the iconic Pyramid Rock, are breathtaking right at dawn and again as the sun goes down.”

Dan responded, without any real emo-

The fish that may have cost Mark a tooth.

Dan with his nine-pounder.

tion, “Yeah, but didn’t you tell me that the Water Babies are most active at dawn and dusk?”

“No seriously,” I said, “The lake is known as much for its beauty as for its giant trout. In fact, people from around the world have seen the lake, even though they’ve never been here. Apple used a photo of the lake as a default screensaver on its original iPads.”

We crested a hill and the lake came into view below us. I wasn’t sure about giant trout or Water Babies, but there was no doubt we were going to get our money’s worth of scenery. The lake was, indeed, breathtaking.

Sky-blue water, as smooth as glass, stretched from shore to shore. The rock formations along the opposite shore were bathed in a reddish-orange hue. About two-thirds of the way across the lake, the Pyramid Rock jutted through the surface.

It somehow avoided the color of the other formations, seemingly giving off its own brown/gray/blue light. It was probably just my imagination, but I felt like the rock was trying to tell us something.

We parked near the boat launch, and Glenn began to get the boat and gear ready. I wandered over to a bulletin board near the restroom. There was a weather-worn poster tacked to the board.

It contained pictures of two middle-aged men and the word “MISSING” in large red letters across the top. The poster also contained these words: “Johnson’s Truck and Empty Boat Trailer Were Found On 5-12-17 At Pyramid Lake.”

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Later, we asked about the men at the ranger station. The Paiute woman who ran the station told us that the men were still missing but that the families had not given up hope. She also freely shared lots of other information about the lake, its history, Paiute traditions and the surrounding area. But when I asked her about the Water Babies, she got very cold and quiet. All she would say was: “I have no information about that.”

When we returned to the boat, Glenn laid out his plan. We would use spinning weights and line-counting Okuma reels to troll lures at depths ranging from 2040 feet. Line-counting reels are exactly what they sound like: they measure line as it is released from the reel, allowing the fisherman to keep accurate count of how much line is in the water. These particular Okuma reels were big and beefy, designed to withstand the torque of pulling large lures and, hopefully, large fish through deep water. They were roughly twice as big as my ZEBCO. Glenn explained that we would fish with three lines in the water. One Okuma would be set on each side of the boat. Dan and I would each be responsible for one of these lines. We would also set the ZEBCO up behind the boat. The Okumas would run at the deeper depths, and the ZEBCO at 10-15 feet.

Glenn’s lure of choice is called a flatfish.

Flatfish are arc-shaped, cylindrical for most of their length, but with a flat “face” where the lure attaches to the line. The face causes the lure to wobble violently as it moves through the water. “I have other lures,” Glenn said, “but this time of year, nothing works as well as the flatfish.”

“We’ll keep switching sizes and colors until we find what the trout want.”

As we motored to our first fishing spot, I got to learn more about Glenn. After his military service, he found it difficult to hold down indoor jobs. Guiding, he said, was really the only option for keeping his sanity. And it suited him well, allowing him to combine his love for the outdoors with his extensive knowledge of the lake and the surrounding area.

October 2019 I asked Glenn again about the Water Babies. “I’ve never seen an actual Water Baby,” he said. “But, I have seen a number of inexplicable things on the sonar. Images appear out of nowhere on the screen, then suddenly disappear.”

I was beginning to wonder if this was all part of some show. Maybe there was a conspiracy among those who have a financial interest in the lake to perpetuate stories about curses and other weird things. But Glenn spoke about the images on his sonar with the same ease and candor that he displayed when talking about his rough transition back into civilian life. If he was part of the show, he should have gone into acting. And who would fake “MISSING” posters just to promote financial interests?

Glenn’s voice yanked me from these thoughts. “…and when you set the hook, set it firmly but only once. I get a lot of bass fishermen who are used to setting the hook twice in order to get it firmly imbedded in the fish’s mouth. Don’t do that here. You’ll lose the trout every time.”

The boat slowed and Glenn said: “Here we are. Let’s get those lines in the water.

Start by letting out 30 feet.”

After just a few minutes of trolling, Glenn boomed: “Fish on!” The tip of Dan’s rod bent violently, straightened out, then bent again. Dan stood up, removed the rod from its holder and pulled back to set the hook.

“Good,” Glenn said. “Keep pressure on him and reel steady.”

Dan pulled back on the rod again. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he wasn’t trying to set the hook again, but rather, he was just following Glenn’s instructions to keep pressure on the fish. Glenn must have thought otherwise because he sighed loudly.

After a short fight, Dan had the fish near the boat. There was a brief silver flash as the fish turned and dove. It didn’t look particularly big to me, but Glenn said: “That’s a good sized one. Over ten pounds.”

Just as Glenn reached for the net, the line went slack. There was a touch of

Waypoints cont’d. on p. 31

October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Waypoints cont’d. from p. 30

Pyramid Lake is famous for its giant Lahontan cutthroat trout.

frustration in his voice: “Remember: only one hook set.”

We resumed trolling. It wasn’t long before the rod on my side doubled over. I

grabbed it and set the hook. Then, out of sheer habit (I fish for bass a lot), I set the hook again. The line went immediately slack.

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“Okay, new rule,” Glenn said. “Don’t set the hook at all. Just reel in, fast.”

When Dan got hit again, he followed the new rule and had no trouble landing the fish. The trouble began after we had it on board. The trout, a nine-pounder, was all muscle. As we were taking pictures, it powered its way out of Dan’s hands, bouncing a couple of times on the deck.

We had that fish out of the water way longer than any of us wanted, but to our relief, it swam strongly away when we released it.

Over the next five hours, we settled into a rhythm and caught five more trout, including three on my tiny ZEBCO. Although none were trophies, they totaled more than thirty pounds.

Finally, Glenn said: “There’s one more spot I want to try before we have to call it quits.” “Near where they release fish from the hatchery. It’s shallower and we might be able to land one more on the ZEBCO.” As Glenn slowed the boat to set up the troll, I noticed a tumbleweed floating in the water, maybe thirty yards away.

“Hmm,” I thought. “I haven’t seen any other tumbleweeds all day, either in the water or on the shore.” I was about to ask Dan and Glenn if they saw it, but it sank suddenly below the surface.

“Fish on the ZEBCO.” Glenn’s voice was filled with a mixture of pride and humor.

I don’t know whether that fish fought harder than the rest we caught that day, or if my ZEBCO was just worn out. But the trout was exhausted when we got it aboard. I should have known better than to risk taking pictures, but we were all caught up in the moment. I dropped him twice before getting a picture of the two of us smiling together. To make matters worse, I lost my grip while trying to revive him in the water. As he floated away, I felt terrible, and I told Glenn so.

Glenn tried to make me feel better.

“That fish was pretty beat up from being worked over in the hatchery. I could see the wounds on his sides. He wasn’t long for this world, even if you hadn’t caught him.”

As I contemplated this, Glenn said: “I can see his fins moving. I think he’ll make it. And if he doesn’t, he’ll provide a good meal to the pelicans. He will not be wasted.”

I knew Glenn was right. Fish sometimes die no matter how carefully you handle

But strange things happen at the lake.

them. To be a fisherman, you have to be willing to accept this. But I didn’t feel any better. Fish fatalities always cause me anguish, even when we plan to eat them.

“There, he’s gone down,” Glenn said. I saw it too. The trout finally righted itself and swam away.

On shore, we thanked Glenn for the great day of fishing and headed back to our places in Carson City. Exhausted, I slept well that night.

Three days later, while trying to guard a larger and much more skilled player in a basketball game, I took an elbow to the mouth. A hard elbow. So hard that I thought my jaw might be broken. So hard that I developed a sinus infection, then an abscess, then a nagging tooth ache. When I finally got around to seeing a dentist months later, he took one look in my mouth and said: “That tooth is unrecoverable. It is split vertically, from the crown to the root. We don’t see that very often.

We have to remove it. Right now.”

I suppose there are three possible explanations for why I got a cracked tooth just days after fishing Pyramid Lake.

1. What I saw in the water wasn’t a tumbleweed.

2. My handling of that last fish wasn’t respectful enough of the lake’s resources.

3. The incidents are unrelated. Given the amount of basketball I play and my general lack of defensive skills, it’s a wonder I have any teeth at all.

I’m inclined to believe the latter explanation, but you never know. After all, they’re still looking for those missing men.

All photos courtesy of the author.

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Page 32 The Granby Drummer

18th annual Open Studio Tour is October 19 and 20

By Mark A. Gottlieb The Granby Artists Association is pleased to announce its 18th annual Open Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,both days.

Working from south to north, a brief description of the studio tour is as follows: Barbara Schmitt, 2 Woodland Drive Barb, an accomplished chainsaw carver, has been working hard on many different projects this past year. She will be doing demonstrations of a few of them; one will be the beginning steps of a large standing bear, another the finishing work on a mama bear and cubs she began last year.

Pam Jones and Susan Canavan, 19 Copper Brook Circle Pam will be working on an oil painting of a local scene in her studio and discussing how she approaches a painting from concept, to drawing, to finishing.

She will be showing landscapes which include Holcomb Farm, the Garlic Farm, McLeans as well as Cape Cod. It will be Susan’s first year on the tour, she will be making crepe paper flowers.

Susan Canavan’s paper flower

October 2019

living soul and flesh. My brushes and palette knife are the scalpels of a skillful surgeon… painting is myself! And only I can show what I am made of. Nobody else. That’s the way I see my and your creative universe!” Alex will be exhibiting at the The Granby Artist’s gallery where works from other members will be on display as well.

Avis Cerichetti working on honey pot

Linda Yurasevecz, Avis Cherichetti and Lou Cherichetti, 31 Barndoor Hills Road Potters, Linda and Avis, will be exhibiting their work at Avis’ studio, Honey Hill Pottery. There will be ongoing pottery demos throughout the weekend. Lou, another first-time participant, invites you to share in his fascination with Scandinavian textiles; the simplicity of design, the color combinations and charming motifs. He will provide inspiration and information about the beautiful weaving technique of Krokbragd. Demonstrations will be ongoing and include various stages of weaving on floor loom as well as a small tapestry loom. The two looms from Family Fun Day will be available for hands-on weaving for both young and old.

Alexander Anisimov, 2 Park Place In Alex’s words, “Painting for me is not making pretty pictures to satisfy consumers. I have to spit (metaphorically) my guts out on the working surface. Paint is representing parts of my

Alexander Anisimov

Laura Eden, 11 Juniper Drive Painter of egg temperas and watercolors, Laura will have a series of new lobster buoy paintings and other nautical inspired works. She will have ongoing demos all day Saturday and Sunday.

Debby Reelitz and Aimee Gilbert, 24 Silkey Road At her calligraphy studio, Debby will offer visitors the option to experience a free mini-class about calligraphy and an introduction to the broad-edge pen.

Saturday’s classes will introduce the Irish lettering style, Uncial, and Sunday classes will focus on blackletter. Classes are at 10 a.m. and limited to eight students so registration is required. Call

Debby at 860-413-9041 to reserve your spot in a free class. At 2 p.m. both days, Debby will be talking about gold leaf, how she uses it in her artwork and demonstrate how she does it. Aimee will be spinning and knitting all weekend. She will have items on display and for sale.

Katherine Tolve, 33 Silkey Road Katherine, a first-time exhibitor, is a mixed media artist with a background in painting but a love for all materials.

Pattern, design and ornamentation have always been recurring themes in her artwork and are a driving force behind every new creation. Her highly stylized works employ recycled and up-cycled materials, including anything from buttons/beads to fabric/old magazines even antique embroidery. Visitors to her studio will have an opportunity to participate in “Make a Flower, take a Flower.” Participants will have the opportunity to be creative while contributing to a collaborative artwork; in return each participant will be gifted one of her handmade flowers. The final collaborative project will be used for future nonprofit fundraising purposes.

Sally Sargent Markey, 137 Wells Road Sally will be demonstrating paste paper and making small books. She will also have a variety of works for sale.

Annukka Ritalahti and Mark Gottlieb, Silver Street Glass, 105 Silver Street Annukka will be demonstrating a variety of flame-worked glass techniques using glass rods and torches. She will demonstrate basic stained glass techniques as well. Mark (and friends) will be demonstrating various glass blowing techniques using the traditional fur-

Open Studio cont’d. on p. 33

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 33

Open Studio cont’d. from p. 32

Calligraphy class with Debby Reelitz Lou Cherichetti weaving

Mark Gottlieb’s blown glass

nace and glory hole with a teamwork approach to create larger blown glass objects. Both Annukka and Mark will have finished works for sale in their gallery.

Gary Ebersole, Lost Acres Vineyard, 80 Lost Acres Road Gary, a first time exhibitor, has worked

in advertising, display, exhibit design, website project planning and the IT industry. Born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Gary started his graphic design career in an advertising agency in Lancaster. He moved to West Granby in 2005, and returned to his creative roots.

He started drawing again and currently works in charcoal with horses as a primary subject matter. He is extremely excited about this next chapter in his creative story.

O’Brien

Nurserymen Open Garden Days September 27, 28 & 29 Unique Conifers for the Winter Garden

You will also find the Granby Artists’ All Members Show at Lost Acres Vineyard as well. This is a great chance to see the range of talents and interests of all our members: lamps, glass work, painting, carving, concrete, calligraphy, knitting, jewelry and more!

Maps for the Open Studio are enclosed

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October 11, 12 & 13 November 1, 2 & 3

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Page 34 The Granby Drummer

October 2019

Seniors job bank marks 40th anniversary with gala reception

By Bernie Weiss

Stop & Shop supports Autism Foundation Stop & Shop Store Manager Angel Cruz (and a plaster cast guide dog, courtesy of Kim Michalewicz) with the display that prompted shoppers to donate money toward a service dog. The store is grateful for its generous customers that always support these charitable causes. Submitted photo

Drumrolls Sydney T. Geer and Kirsten A. Greene were named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Clark University.

Henry Wix graduated cum laude in May with a BS in mathematical sciences from Western New England University.

Benjamin Ranicar was named to the president’s list at Western New England University for the Spring 2019 semester. Ranicar is working toward a BSBA in sport management.

Emily Cronin was named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Western New England University. Cronin is working toward a BS in health sciences.

Quincy McGee, GMHS Class of 2016, graduated from UConn in May, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently a production engineer at Kaman Specialty Bearings and Engineered Products in Bloomfield.

Jennifer Ungerleider has been selected to join Dickinson College’s Sigma Alpha Pi chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success. The organization is a nationally recognized leadership society achievement based on academic accomplishment, leadership potential, and/or nomination from faculty.

The Seniors Job Bank celebrated its 40 years of service to the Greater Hartford community with a festive cocktail reception on September 24. The nonprofit, volunteer driven organization connects men and women over 50 looking for work with businesses, government agencies and households that have part-time job openings.

Dennis Carrithers, SJB president, called the event “an opportunity to share some celebratory time with the folks we’ve helped find jobs, the employers we’ve helped fill jobs, and the donors and other members of our community who support our mission.”

The reception was an element of SJB’s fundraising program. “Since it was our 40th anniversary, we asked for at least a $40 contribution. We hoped people would give generously in honor of this special event,” said Gail Crockett, a member the SJB Board and chairperson of the reception project.

According to its executive director, Sheila Diamond, the Seniors Job Bank, maintains a database of approximately 650 background-checked job seekers, representing about 150 discrete skills

and talents, blue and white collar.

When a client needing to staff a position calls, SJB identifies individuals in the database who are qualified to handle the task, then provides contact information for several appropriate candidates to be interviewed and considered. The client and candidate selected for the job negotiate the terms of the assignment: its duties, expected results, hours and compensation.

The Seniors Job Bank does not charge the client or job seeker for facilitating the referral.

While all job seekers are at least 50 years old, clients may be of any age.

Companies and non-profits most commonly turn to SJB when they have openings for help such as administrative assistants, bookkeepers, and receptionists. Residential clients often need pet sitters, companions, repair technicians, and gardeners, among many other kinds of domestic aid.

Information about the 40th anniversary reception as well as the Seniors Job Bank itself is available via its website, sjbct.org, email at info@sjbct.org, or phone, 860-521-3210.

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October 2019 The Granby Drummer Page 35

Voter ID at the polls

Breakfast hosts library director The September Women’s Breakfast featured Granby Library Director Amy McCue who gave an overview of the library’s services. She is pictured with Susan Nilsen (r.), a program committee member.

Photo by Joan Ducharme

How to file an absentee ballot Absentee Ballots are handled through the Town Clerk’s office, and represent a complete ballot, identical to the ballots used by voters on Election Day just on a different color paper, as they are tallied separately. Connecticut has specific guidelines for the use of absentee ballots; essentially the voter must testify on their absentee ballot application that they have a reason for not voting at the polls. The form is available at Town Hall or on the web at .sots.ct.gov. Send in an application for your absentee ballot at least one month before the election and mail your completed ballot immediately after you receive your ballot to ensure your vote will be counted.

If you can come to the Town Hall, you can complete the process in person after Oct. 4. Any ballots received by the Town Clerk after Nov. 5 will not be counted.

Senior van service available on Election Day Homebound registered voters can arrange for transportation to the polls by calling Social Services at the Senior Center at 860-844-5353. The service will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon on Election Day and it is strongly recommended that voters call now to arrange for a ride before Nov. 5.

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To check in quickly at the polls, please bring an ID. Should you not have an ID on election day, but have previously proven your ID, either at the time of your registration or when voting previously, you will need to spend a few minutes at the moderator table, as there is a state required form to fill out. If you are a brand new voter, and your confirmation letter noted that you have not proven your identity, you MUST bring an ID to vote on Election Day, preferably a photo ID. Provisional ballots are not available for municipal elections.

Registrars’ Calendar Review The Town Clerk is now collecting Absentee Ballot Applications if you know you will be away from home on November 5 or otherwise qualify for an absentee ballot.

The application form is available at Town Hall or on the web at sots.ct.gov Friday, Oct 5 - Absentee Ballots are available from the Town Clerk (for completed applications) Tuesday, Oct 8 – New Poll worker Meeting at 2 p.m. in the Granby Town Hall Meeting Room Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Supervised Absentee Balloting at Meadowbrook Nursing Home Tuesday, Oct 29 – Seven Days before Election / Deadline to postmark a mail In registration Tuesday, Oct 29 – Seven Days before Election / Last day to register to vote in person Tuesday, Oct 29 - Voter Registration Session Registrars’ office in Town Hall from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m..

Wednesday, Oct 30 – Filing of Certified Voter Registry List with the Town Clerk Wednesday, Oct 30 Public Testing of the Optical Scanner Voting Machines at 11 a.m. at Town Hall Monday, Nov 4 Last Day to register in person for brand new residents, military service personnel and just-turned-18-years-old. Special office hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Town Hall.

Questions? Please contact the registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith. Our office phone number/voice mail is 860-844-5322 and our e-mail addresses are: lwolfe@ granby-ct.gov or ssmith@granby-ct.gov

In Memory Of …

Kimball, Ruth (Cotton), 100, wife of the late David W. Kimball, August 24 Goldschmidt, Christine A., 74, wife of Richard D. Goldschmidt, August 25 Wilbanks, Gloria Helen (Coss), 88, September 5 Voskowsky, Barbara (Johnson) “Deda”, RN, 90, wife of Edward John Voskowsky, September 8 Spoering, Lisa Jeanne (Turnbull), 63, wife of George Spoering, September 9 Rome, Nathan T. (“Scott”), 87, husband of Judith Rosenstein Rome, September 10 Isenberg, Charles S., husband of Edith I. Isenberg, September 12 Dooley, Matthew J., 64, former husband of Debra Smith Dooley, September 13

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Page 36 The Granby Drummer

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Action Carpet 24 Beacon Mechanical 35 Beman Hardware 28 Berkshire Hathaway 21 Berkshire Hathaway Copper Brook 33 Berkshire Hathaway RE 16 Berkshire Hathaway Reardon 7 Berkshire Hathaway Shepherds Way 31 Brignole Bush & Lewis 2 Budget Blinds 31 Cahill’s Motors 14 Carmon Funeral Home 11 Carter Robert Painting 32 Chiropractic Care 14 Christopher Bryant 23 Coldwell Banker 36 Command Corporation 30 Creative Learning Preschool Center 26 CT Foot Specialists 21 D’Agata Granite & Bronze 5 Democrat Town Committee 6 Dowd Realty 27 First Congregational Church 13 Gary’s Mowing 13 GOP Board of Education 8 GOP Selectmen 18 Gran-Val Scoop 12, 22 34 Granby Artists Open Studios 27 Granby Community Fund 9 Granby Dental – Dr. Kirschbaum 19 Granby Dental Center – Dr. Ungerleider 10 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Insurance 5 Granby Package Store 25 Granby Public Works 28

Granby Village Health 32 Hayes Maze 12 Higleyville Coin 3 Larry’s Construction 20 Main Street Door 34 McLean 15, 29 MeadowBrook 22 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 13 Northwest Community Bank 28 O.P. Painting 9 O’Brien Nurserymen 33 Old Farms Landscaping 30 Pierce Builders—Meadowgate 3 Route 10 Tire 13 Sanditz Travel Management 13 Santa Realty 30 Sig’s Plumbing & Pump 9 Simsbury Bank 27 Small Town Septic 35 South Congregational Church 14 State Line Oil Propane 34 Strain Family Equestrian Center 20 Subseven 28 Suffield Performing Arts Center 12 Sullivan Hardwood Floors 20 Swim Center at Westminster 23 Thomas Sullivan Morgan Stanley 34 TJ Bark Mulch 9 Troiano Oil Company 33 Two Park Place 33 Valley Brook Community Church 19 Walsh Chiropractic 32 West Granby Methodist Church 11 Westfield Bank 17 Windsor Federal 10

October 2019

The Granby Land Trust needs you

Please join The Granby Land Trust on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 12:30 p.m., for a fun and productive afternoon on the Land Trust’s Mary Edwards Mountain property on Mountain Road in North Granby.

This is a great way to spend some time outdoors with like-minded people while contributing to a good cause. Help the GLT clear blow-downs and trail encroachments, battle invasives and re-blaze trails. Stay a little while or as long as you can. Bring tools to help with property clean-up and trail clearing/maintenance efforts (rakes, saws, clippers, etc.) as well as work gloves and water. Please wear long pants and leave all furry friends at home. RSVP to Lowell Kahn at 860-653-4911 or at l.kahn@ hartlandbldg.com.

November 2019 deadlines ADS: Wednesday, Oct. 16 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org.

ARTICLES: Monday, Oct. 21 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Oct. 15-28 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents.

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

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Pam Broderick 860.729.2725

Gina McDonald 860.712.8171

New Hartford | $325,000 Custom ranch just minutes from West Hill Lake.

Granby | $319,900 | New Price 4BR Colonial with sunny granite kitchen & CAir!

Granby | $299,000 Home with addl in-law apt, close to town center.

Suffield | $259,000 | New Price Pretty brick Ranch with updated kitchen & baths.

Call/Text Katie French 860.977.3802 Search 170227916 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Elaine Groundwater 860.729.3489 Search 170219911 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Pam Spica 860.558.8834 Search 170216538 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Gina McDonald 860.712.8171 Search 170210234 on cbhomes.com

Els Fonteyne 860.878.4188

Kathleen Shippee 860.614.4941 Granby | $254,900 | Just Listed Updated raised Ranch w/HW flrs & new driveway.

Granby | $239,500 | Land Panoramic views. Subdivided for two lots.

East Granby | $225,000 | Just Listed Brick cape with courtyard. Open floor plan.

Granby | $159,900 | Land Private lots ready to build, easy to access!

Call/Text Pam Spica 860.558.8834 Search 170233611 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Gina McDonald 860.712.8171 Search 170036010 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Pam Spica 860.558.8834 Search 170226362 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Gina McDonald 860.712.8171 Search 170081285 on cbhomes.com

Katie Franch 860.977.3802

Elaine Groundwater 860.729.3489

Ruth Mercier 860.993.7506

Pam Spica 860.558.8834

Windsor Locks | $129,900 Ranch on corner lot. Investment opportunity!

Suffield | $74,900 | Land Vacant lot with building plans subject to approval.

Hartland | $65,000 | Land 9.5 AC town approved lot. Priced to sell!

Barkhamsted | $65,000 | Land Home site will have Valley views. Near river!

Jordan Torres 860.519.6513 Search 170225737 on cbhomes.com

Jordan Torres 860.519.6513 Search 170226762 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Pam Spica 860.558.8834 Search 170218980 on cbhomes.com

Call/Text Sarah Neighbours 860.778.1408 Search 170220478 on cbhomes.com

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

Jordan Torres 860.519.6513

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