Granby Drummer | September 2020

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Volume LI, No. 1 • September 2020

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Granby Schools to transition to full reopening

Granby Public Schools will start the school year on Sept. 1, 2020, using a hybrid model as a transition to a full reopening. This will allow the implementation of proactive health and safety protocols. This transitional entry is a 10- to 13-day period during which students will utilize their “maroon” or “gold” designation to attend school inperson on an every-other-day schedule.

A reduced number of students will be in the building each day while routines and relationships are being established.

Students with last names starting A–K will be assigned to the maroon group and students with last names L–Z will be assigned to the gold group. Families living in the same household with different last names will be scheduled together. On days when students are not in-person they will have daily expectations for engagement and academics.

Pre-Kindergarten students will follow the Monday-Thursday schedules for morning or afternoon sessions as as-

signed. In partnership with the Granby YMCA, a program has been created for families who are in need of childcare during this transitional entry.

Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings while in the school building. Parents cannot opt students out of wearing masks but some students will not be able to wear masks for documented medical reasons. Exceptions are PE, lunch, select music classes, mask breaks when socially distanced, teachers when greater than six feet away, and staff in offices alone.

Full reopening dates are as follows: Kelly Lane Primary School – Wednesday, Sept. 16 Wells Road Intermediate School – Wednesday, Sept. 16 Granby Memorial Middle School – Monday, Sept. 21 Granby Memorial High School – Monday, Sept. 21

Squadron Capital gifts $100,000 to the YMCA for summer camp Squadron Capital’s David Pelizzon made summer camp possible for many children with a gift of $100,000. Holding the check is (l-r) YMCA Director Brian Liss, Pelizzon and Aina Hoskins, also of Squadron Capital. See story on p. 9.

A LOOK AT FARMING IN GRANBY Granby Agriculture in the Summer of COVID-19 This has been a most disconcerting year, but one thing here in Granby has remained constant: the power of agriculture. We are so lucky to have so many agricultural establishments producing such a wonderful array of vegetables, many of which are grown with no pesticides of any kind. Crews wearing masks in the hot sun, constantly disinfecting crates and tables, did their jobs so we could continue to enjoy, literally, the fruits of their labor. A special section beginning on page 25 gives a glimpse into some of the places and people that provide this treasure for us, and introduces two new farmers. Be sure to check out the article on the Virtual Farmers’ Market if you are reticent to go out in public or simply don’t have time to travel to the different farms. Thank you, farmers!

Students will be provided two masks and a pouch for storage when they return to school.

GRANBY SCHOOLS OPENING TRANSITION CALENDAR Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Sept. 1 Early Release Maroon

Sept. 2 Early Release Gold

Sept. 3

Sept. 4

Maroon

Gold

No School

Sept. 8 Maroon

Sept. 9 Gold

Sept. 10 Maroon

Sept. 11 Gold

Sept. 14 Maroon

Sept. 15 Gold

Sept. 16 K-5 Full Return 6-12 Maroon

Sept. 17 K-5 Full Return 6-12 Gold

Sept. 18 K-5 Full Return 6-12 All Remote

No School

Sept. 21 K-12 Full Return

Thursday

Friday

Roundabout nearing completion Photographer Rob Flanigan captured this bird’s eye view of the new roundabout at East Street and 10/202 with his drone camera. The new intersection was designed to reduce speed and increase traffic capacity and efficiency, with less potential for accidents.

Photo by Peter Dinella

Page 2 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 15, 2020 PRESENT via Zoom: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager Minutes On A Motion by Mark Neumann, seconded by Sally King, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 1, as presented.

Unfinished or Tabled Business Long-Term Recovery Committee At the June 1 meeting, multiple appointments were made to the Long-Term Recovery Committee. There were two open spots that were not filled at that time.

It is recommended that Cynthia Adams, a nurse, be appointed as the representative of the medical profession. It is also recommended that Mary Ann Guarco, past President of the Granby Chamber of Commerce, be appointed as the economic development representative until Abby Kenyon, Community Development Director, returns from leave.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to appoint Cynthia Adams to the Long-Term Recovery Committee.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to appoint Mary Ann Guarco to the Long-Term Recovery Committee until the return of Abby Kenyon from her leave.

Business Consideration of Holcomb Farm Fund for Holcomb Farmhouse Improvement Funds.

Earlier this year, work was done on the interior of the Holcomb Farm Farmhouse. It was scraped and painted to remove all areas containing lead paint.

The removal cost was $45,708.15. Town Manager

Ward thanked the Friends of Holcomb Farm Inc. for generously offering to pay half ($22,854.08).

Connecticut Lead Paint Solutions was hired to create the abatement program, to oversee the project, and to submit all the paperwork to the State of Connecticut and the Farmington Valley Health District.

The contract totaled $1,840 and again, the Friends of Holcomb Farm Inc. paid half ($920).

On a separate project, Barrett Builders was hired by the town’s property insurer, CIRMA (Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency), to replace half of the roof on the house that was damaged enough in the hail storm of May 2018 to warrant the job. The entire roof was in poor condition; however, only the side affected by the storm was approved by CIRMA to be replaced. Barrett Builders submitted an estimate of $9,875 to replace the remaining portion not covered

by CIRMA. Holcomb Farm Inc. verbally agreed to pay $1,225.92 to the town upon completion of the roof. Town Manager Ward would like to schedule the remaining work with Barrett Builders.

None of these amounts were budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 adopted budget. Ward is requesting an additional appropriation from Holcomb Farm Improvement Fund balance in the amount of $32,423.15 to fund these projects. He indicated there are sufficient funds in the Holcomb Farm Improvement Fund to cover this appropriation.

In the future, Ward would like to apply for STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) funds to do other work. The exterior of the farmhouse needs work but there is not funding at this time.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize an appropriation of $32,423.15 from the Holcomb Farm Improvement

Fund balance to fund the interior lead abatement and roof projects and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda, placing Business Items C, D, and E to be discussed during closed session following Selectmen Reports.

Executive Session: Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Statute 1-200(6)(D), the board moves to go into Executive Session to discuss the sale of real estate. Ward and Administration Finance Officer Kimi Cheng are invited to attend.

Executive Session: Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Statute 1-200(6)(D), the board moves to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims. Ward and Cheng are invited to attend.

Executive Session: Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Statute 1-200(6)(D), the board moves to go into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining. Ward and Cheng are invited to attend.

Town Manager Reports Ward reported the COVID-19 testing site at Town Hall on June 8, was a success. There were 123 individuals tested. The town would also like to bring the testing to senior housing, or hold a second test site at Town Hall.

Phase 2 of the re-opening began on June 10 and continues to June 20. Gyms, movie theaters and museums may open. Youth sports, including Little League, may begin and social gatherings of up to 50 people may be allowed.

Phase 3 is targeted to begin July 20. Bars and indoor arcades may open and social gatherings of up to 100 people may be allowed.

Budget Operations Report Tax collection is at 102 percent. The town has received the final payment for Education Cost Sharing.

The final payment of tuition from other towns has not yet been received. Intergovernmental Revenue is at 99 percent. Overall, local departments have taken in more than what was budgeted for the year. Town Clerk fees are at 128 percent, Planning and Zoning application permit fees are at 273 percent, building permit fees are at 225 percent and short-term investments is at 323 percent. It was noted that interest rates have been very good and because of that, the pension fund is back to where it was before the COVID-19 crisis. Overall, the town is in good shape financially.

Edward Ohannessian congratulated those responsible for expense management.

First Selectman Reports Scott Kuhnly reported there was a good turnout of 150 people at the recent forum on racial injustice and inclusion. Many stories, comments and suggestions were shared by the community. It was unfortunate that they were hacked during the last three minutes of the forum. As a municipality, all meetings are open to the public and that leaves them vulnerable to these kinds of incidents. It is hoped that the next meeting can be held in public, with social distancing. A date has not been set.

King thanked Kuhnly for hosting the meeting. A lot of good can come from these meetings.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to recess the meeting to closed session.

Closed Session Kuhnly called the executive session to order at 7:19 p.m.

The purpose of the session was to discuss the sale of real estate, discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims, and to discuss collective bargaining. The executive session adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

The regular meeting was reconvened at 8:15 p.m.

There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

JULY 6, 2020 PRESENT via Zoom: B. Scott Kuhnly (First Selectman), Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager Public Session Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road, expressed her disappointment that the Agbotic offer wasn’t scheduled as an agenda item for tonight’s meeting, as it has been five weeks since its presentation. She would like the board to schedule a Public Hearing as soon as possible. Scott Kuhnly noted that tonight’s meeting had originally been cancelled but needed to be rescheduled to address another issue. Per procedure, the board will discuss Agbotic at an upcoming meeting and determine how to proceed on this unsolicited matter.

Business Consideration of the awarding of the project to replace the low-slope roof at Granby Memorial Middle School to United Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. John Ward thanked the Selectmen for rescheduling the meeting to address this issue in a timely manner.

The bid results were opened on June 30. The goal of the building committee is to have the project completed by the end of the summer. The project is estimated to take seven weeks and should start as soon as possible to be completed before school starts.

The School Projects Building Committee drafted a request for proposal to solicit bid proposals for interested companies to replace the low-slope roof at Granby Memorial Middle School. They received seven proposals and after extensive review, selected United Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., the lowest qualified bidder at $350,000. The company recently completed the replacement of the large, red metal roof, which was covered by an insurance claim after a hailstorm.

United Roofing and Sheet Metal is familiar with the building and works well with district personnel. The project will be funded with bond money and is eligible for a grant from the School Grants Program with the State of Connecticut.

On A Motion by Sally King, seconded by Mark Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize Ward to award the project and execute the contract to replace the low-slope roof at Granby Memorial Middle School to United Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. Kuhnly questioned the timing of the process and why this is being done last minute. Ward responded there were several steps to the process. A 240-page bid package was developed for an architect to oversee the project and the town attorney drafted the contract, which took longer than anticipated. This is the fourth project the school committee has to put out to bid.

Neumann asked if this dollar amount was within the budget estimates. He expressed concern if the project would cost more than projected it might have a negative impact on other projects. Ward did not have the budget estimate before him and would check.

Edward Ohannessian asked if the board approved the other projects from the School Building Committee.

It was noted that two projects were small ($25,000) and

BOS Minutes

cont’d. on p. 3

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 3

BOS Minutes

cont’d. from p. 2

did not require board approval. A fourth project is likely to appear before the board at an upcoming meeting.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Kuhnly, the board voted (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20.

JULY 20, 2020 PRESENT via Zoom: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager Public Session Anna Sogliuzzo, 15 Old Orchard Road, asked the board if the Agbotic offer is going to be made public.

Scott Kuhnly indicated Mr. Preete provided information in his presentation that included his offer. Sogliuzzo feels the offer contains more detail than what is in the packet. John Ward noted the price options are in the memorandum, which is the key component to the discussion tonight. Sogliuzzo responded the details would have to be worked out and it would be beneficial to Granby.

William Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, noted he is pleased to see this issue on the agenda tonight. He is aware that it is a complex proposal with many details to work out. He hopes it will become public and go through the same process that has been done in the past, i.e. informational meetings, etc. He hopes the board will not be voting on this tonight because he feels the public has not been informed.

Minutes On A Motion by Mark Neumann seconded by Sally King, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of June 1.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Kuhnly, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 15.

On A Motion by Neumann, seconded by Edward Ohannessian, the board voted (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 6.

Business Resignations and Appointments to be Considered No resignations or appointments were received.

Vacancies: Conservation Commission (1) Consideration of Interest in Town-Owned Land at 107 East Street Ward gave a brief recap of what has been presented over the past several weeks regarding the firm Agbotic, Inc. and its unsolicited offer to the town of Granby for $675,000 for the purchase of 107 East Street.

(Evonsion farm) The land was purchased by the town in 2012 for $2,470,000 and the most recent appraisal done in 2018 estimated the land had a fair market value of $1,500,000 in its entirety. If the town were to sell the development rights and accept the conservation easement, the value would decrease to $675,000.

Currently, there is a license for use of the land held by Northern Valley Farms, Inc. for a fee of $13,130 per year through the year 2023. The agreement contains an option for the town to terminate the license at the end of the calendar year.

Ward indicated that although there are no real details on the proposed Agbotic buildings, the Town Assessor has estimated a rough assessment of property taxes to be $100,000 per year.

The town took out a 20-year bond for the $2.7M. There are now twelve years remaining on the bond.

Because bond funds were used, any proceeds from the sale of the land would have to be used to pay off either debt or one of the capital projects approved at referendum.

If the board would like to pursue this further, there are several procedural steps that are required. There would need to be an affirmative vote by the Board of Selectmen, followed by the Board of Finance, and then an affirmative vote at a Town Meeting.

King inquired about the remaining balance of the bond. Ward noted it was part of a bond package that

also included several projects at the high school. Ward did not have the numbers available but there is over half of $2.47M left to be paid off, including interest, which would be approximately $1.3M. The annual debt payment is in the budget, but that incorporates all the bonds that have been taken out over the past 20 years.

Neumann inquired if the state would be willing to pay development rights. Ward reported it is unknown and would most likely have to be part of the sale.

King suggested consulting with someone who is familiar with this type of company. If we’re going to pursue this proposal, we should get feedback on what the chances of success are, what similar companies are doing, etc.

Ohannessian reminded others that the town was keeping the land open for future town needs. The land is not for sale and was not advertised. If we want to sell it, an RFP should be done to see if there are other options. It was suggested Agbotic could look at other property, possibly Holcomb Farm. Neumann indicated the lack of development rights reduces the land offer dramatically. He doesn’t see the value in discussing the current offer. Glenn Ballard suggested dividing the land, selling Agbotic the 40 acres they want and negotiating a deal. The town should provide a counter offer.

A Motion by Ballard for the board to authorize Ward to negotiate a deal with Agbotic Inc. for the sale of 40 acres at 107 East Street at a percentage of the appraised value, was not seconded. The motion does not move forward.

Ward reminded the board that Agbotic Inc. gave a presentation. Although they sent a six-page draft and sales agreement, there was not a formal submission.

There was no mention of 40 acres or tax abatement, and no agreements were signed. If we are to move forward, more details are needed. Ward indicated he would email Preete requesting a more detailed proposal with specifications, including how this will decrease our bond payments.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Kuhnly, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize Ward to obtain more information from Preete of Agbotic Inc. On A Motion by Ballard, seconded by Kuhnly, the board voted (5-0-0) to amend the previous motion to include a timeframe to reach-out to Agbotic Inc. within the next 10 days.

Consideration of the Awarding of the Contract for Architectural Services for the Granby Memorial High School to DRA The School Projects Building Committee drafted an RFP to solicit bid proposals for architectural services for five projects at the Granby Memorial High School.

The projects consist of making improvements to the following areas: College and career ready rooms; Performing arts storage space; Instrument assembly room; Library media room; and high school kitchen facilities.

Four firms submitted proposals. Of the firms that were interviewed, Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. (DRA) of South Windsor was selected by the Building Committee. They were the lowest bidder and highest in regards to qualifications. The work will be paid for with bond money and is eligible for a grant from the School Grants Program. The contract was prepared by the Town Attorney.

On A Motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted (5-0-0) to authorize Ward to award and execute the architectural contract for five high school projects to the firm of Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. Town Manager Reports Budget Operations Ward reviewed the June budget indicating collection rate is at 102 percent, as well as State Education totals that also have a final payment due for Special Education/Excess. State Municipal totals are at 126 percent. Town Clerk fees are $180,823 over the budgeted amount. Building permits are $191,933 over the budgeted amount and short-term investments are $188,367 over the budgeted amount. The General Fund is in a good position. There is $1.8 million unspent. The Board of Education is returning $706,000

to the town. In 2020, the town and BOE took in more revenue and spent less. There are still some June expenses to be paid but the town is in a very good position right now.

Ohannessian questioned how the short-term investments did so well. Ward responded the market has been better than it has been historically.

Ward announced a target date of Aug. 10 to reopen town hall. Plexiglas barriers have been installed in offices. Signage is installed and everyone will be required to wear a mask. The library has been doing curbside pick-up and is looking to possibly open three to four days a week. Recreation and Leisure Services has been up and running for some time now but playgrounds are still closed as the state has not provided any guidance as of yet.

The Board of Education is working to reopen schools this fall. In regard to the Senior Center, it serves the most at-risk group. The reopening will evolve over time and most likely in stages. There hasn’t been reopening guidelines from the state as of yet.

Indoor congregation is high risk, as are those individuals 65 years of age and older. The senior van is still in service.

Ward continues to encourage patrons to use the telephone, the internet, and email to conduct business.

Neumann inquired about the primary and its location. It was noted the primary will be held at the high school.

Ohannessian inquired about reimbursement for personal protection equipment (PPE). Ward responded reimbursements are first submitted to FEMA and any remaining balance is then submitted to the state.

It was noted the Governor’s Executive Orders are in effect until Sept. 9. Meetings can be held in person, as long as social distancing is practiced, but Zoom is still required for meetings to allow anyone to attend.

Ballard asked for an update on Kearns School. Ward reported that he delayed the Request for Proposal (RFP) because the Board of Education mentioned they may be interested in the building. They have since decided they are no longer interested and the RFP will now be issued.

Ward announced that Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon will return from leave on July 23.

She has been kept abreast of things and will be up to speed when she returns. A big thank you goes out to Dominic Caruso for filling in during Kenyon’s leave of absence. Also, the retirement of Kerry Kielbasa was announced. She is a true professional and will be greatly missed.

Updated information for the bond projects and MIRA is in the Selectmen packets. Governor Lamont has announced he will not use taxpayer funds to help finance and overhaul MIRA. The plan at this time is to ship the waste out of state. The legislative special session is scheduled for July 21 or 23. Police accountability and transparency are issues expected to be discussed.

Amy McCue, Director of Library Services, has been awarded a $64,000 public utility grant to link the Cossitt Library CT Education Network with internet access.

Matching funds are not required by the town.

Ballard inquired if the town is still obligated to send trash to MIRA. Ward responded the contract expires in 2027 but there is an opt-out option every year. We are locked in until February. The Selectmen discussed what the options might be in the future.

Capital Project Activity Update Addressed during Town Manager reports.

First Selectman Reports Kuhnly reported the second August meeting of the Board of Selectmen may be held at the Senior Center with masks and social distancing. Zoom will continue as well. We will let folks know.

Kuhnly announced the Town of Granby will have an official Facebook page. This will be for posting information only, not for discussion. This has been in the works for quite some time. Ward and Kuhnly worked with the Town Attorney and administrators to make this happen. The town website will continue as the primary portal for information.

Selectman Reports Neumann reported that from his own personal experience, the bear barrels work.

Ballard spoke of the letter the Selectmen received from Michael Guarco indicating this has been a rough year for everyone. He indicated he didn’t see this letter posted anywhere and doesn’t know why. The town did not increase taxes to residents this year and any shortfall was made up from the General Fund. The public needs to know that we are dipping into the pot and that we can’t just keep kicking the can down the road. Let folks know the financial reality. Ballard also stated this is the perfect time to review each department to help with next year budgeting. Kuhnly responded the letter was not just for the Selectmen, it was also printed in The Granby Drummer for residents to read.

On A Motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Kuhnly the board voted (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward Town Manager

Drumrolls Sage Kingsley and Jack Tortland, both of West Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Emerson College in May. Ithaca College named the following students, both from North Granby, to the dean’s list for the spring semester: Ethan Beloin, a public and community health major, and Benjamin Kibby, an exploratory major.

Western New England University graduated the following Granby students in May: Emily Cronin graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science, Conner Fallon and Nicholas Veahman graduated with BS degrees in engineering.

Lucy Hart Jacobs, of North Granby, has been named to the president’s list at Clemson University for the spring semester. Jacobs is a psychology major.

Great Opportunities for Homebuyers & Homeowners Ask about Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages.

Refinancing. Programs for first-time homebuyers. Home Equity Loans.

Home Equity Lines of Credit. All with individual attention.

The ATM at our new Simsbury branch at 741 Hopmeadow Street is operating.

Office renovations will be complete this fall.

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Page 4 The Granby Drummer

Drumbeat Letters to the Editor Support for change comes in many forms The recent article headlined, Granby gathers in a show of support for Black Lives Matter, highlights the passion and determination of Granby residents to enact change not only in our town, but in our nation. This passion is particularly strong in the youngest generation; however, young people have the lowest voter turnout rate of any voting generation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 2018 election, 35.6 percent of eligible voters ages 18–29 cast their ballots compared to 66.1 percent of voters ages 65 and older. This is a difference of 30.5 percent.

The youngest generation is the largest and most diverse voting bloc in America. This summer, through my work as an intern for Student PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups), I have witnessed firsthand the passion that young people have to change our nation.

If we can carry this energy to the polls on Nov. 3, we can create that change we want to see. Because of this, I encourage every young person to become a voter by registering to vote today.

Katie Smith

Social Justice Task Force The Social Justice Task Force was formed to bring a local and permanent effort to the bigger movement happening across our nation. In our grief for the continued inequities that exist, we are working to find local opportunities to make for a more just community—and we know that Granby voters care deeply about these issues.

In this election season, we understand the desire to know where all candidates stand on an array of issues, while also acknowledging the challenges of finding answers in the midst of a global pandemic and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

This September, the Social Justice Task Force will email all candidates for

September 2020

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.

the Connecticut General Assembly a survey to learn more about their stances on meaningful issues. With the sole intent of voter education, the candidates’ verbatim responses will be shared with the public and found on the Democratic Town Committee website and on the Granby DTC Facebook page.

For more information on Granby’s Social Justice Task force, email GranbyDemocrats@gmail.com Heather Lombardo

Support cultured-meat research Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy should support federal funding for cultured-meat research. For those unaware, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughtering animals. It has the potential to eliminate unimaginable levels of nonhuman suffering from the food system.

Dr. Mark Post created the first cultured-beef hamburger in 2013. It cost a whopping $280,000. Soon, he thinks, that price could be reduced to $10.

Still, more research is required to make cultured meat economically viable. This is too important—and too urgent—to leave to the private sector. We need federal funding for cultured-meat research.

Jon Hochschartner

Support for Democrat Candidates This November’s election comes at an intersection of unique and unprecedented events that give us the opportunity to not only vote our values but also our conscience and show who we truly are.

In our town, we have three exceptionally qualified candidates running for office.

Audrey Lampert is running to represent the 62nd Congressional District.

As a longtime resident of Granby, she has served the community in a variety of capacities. Audrey worked in the finance industry for over 30 years. This financial experience makes Audrey a strong believer in working with facts

and numbers to provide a sound analysis. I’ve had the opportunity to see this process in action when Audrey served as Treasurer for the Democratic Town Committee. This commitment to facts combined with long-term experience and ability to process complex financial information is precisely the type of individual the 62nd District needs. Audrey is also a vocal and passionate supporter of environmental issues, human rights, and anti-racism, as well as a heartfelt ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Fred Moffa is running for state senate for the 7th District, which encompasses most of Granby. Dr. Moffa and all his children are graduates of Granby High School. He is a small business owner in town, having run his optometry practice in Granby since 2000, and he has served on our town’s Board of Finance since 2005. As a medical professional, Dr. Moffa holds an unequivocal belief in the power of science as well as the value of a strong education and is a clear supporter of inclusivity and social justice. Dr. Moffa’s kindness and approachability always shows his empathy and concern for others. Granby can elect a state senator with experience running a small busi-

Letters

cont’d. on p. 5

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

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

Board of Selectmen, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, Monday, September 21 Board of Finance, 7:30 p.m., Monday, September 28 Board of Education, 7 p.m., Wednesdays, September 2, September 16

Social Media www.facebook.com/Granby-Drummer

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.

Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m., Tuesdays, September 8, September 22 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses, 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 9

@GranbyDrummer

Development Commission, No meetings until further notice.

LETTERS POLICY

The Drummer welcomes letters.

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

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 5 Op-Ed

Spending time in our teachers’ shoes We are confronting complicated and unsettled times. While the impact of COVID-19 is having a monumental impact worldwide and throughout the nation, our state and community, in particular, have shown significant improvement in terms of the number and severity of cases. And thanks to the commitment of Granby’s residents in maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, we should continue to be on track to minimize the impact of this terrifying and uncertain virus.

Still, the tactics we have used to successfully minimize the impact on our community’s health have had an impact on our community’s economy. There are certainly individuals here in Granby who have felt the financial strain, and it is likely we all will continue to face difficulties for a significant period. From those who have lost jobs, to small business owners suffering decline in their income, to those who may see a decrease in their retirement accounts and their essential income, times will no doubt continue to be challenging.

However, thanks to the preparation and diligent work of our town’s elected boards, the impact has been blunted slightly, and Granby is in a better financial situation than many communities across the nation. Despite its devastating effect on the health of Connecticut residents, the COVID-19 crisis has not had a correspondingly serious impact on Granby’s fiscal status. Expenses for 2019-20 came in below what was budgeted, allowing our town to lessen the impact for 2020-21, and the 2020-21 budget was able to meet the require-

Letters

ments of the town while holding our mill rate flat.

In June’s issue of the Drummer, Board of Finance Chair Michael Guarco’s article (“Preparing for when the other shoe drops…”) outlined some of these challenges, most notably that we expect there to be a serious financial impact from COVID in Granby related to the expenses needed to safely reopen the schools just a short time from now.

These expenses are likely to far exceed the budget adopted this past spring.

Guarco’s article also took aggressive and surprising aim at some of the essential workers that serve our community, stating, “wages and benefits comprise about 75 percent of the budgets. Those contracts coming up for negotiation need to fit the bill as they drive operating budgets.” In fact, Granby’s teachers make up the majority of our town’s paid employees. Guarco then projected, “it is better to be still employed with benefits than joining the one in six who aren’t.”

In the spring, teachers were forced to completely change their approach while ensuring that students stayed strong academically and emotionally. Sometimes this involved simple online check-ins or going well beyond their normal work hours to get their jobs done. Other stories of several outstanding teachers in our school system going above and beyond—including in-person, socially distanced sessions with students in need—filled us with pride for our community.

Parents forced to work from home while also helping their children set up for remote learning every day saw

cont’d. from p. 4

ness as well as a medical background combined with financial experience with no special interest ties to help during this difficult and complicated time.

West Granby is fortunate to have Melissa Osborne running to represent those in the 8th Senate District. Melissa is an attorney and experienced mediator. She has served on Simsbury’s Clean Energy Task Force, Charter Revision Commission and is currently serving on Zoning.

Her career involved everything from multi-billion-dollar corporate real estate deals to representing indigent children and parents in neglect proceedings. She believes in data-driven solutions to our state’s economic situation and smart investments in infrastructure to drive economic growth, not by raising taxes as she knows first-hand the barriers that too

many taxes and regulations can put on businesses and growth. Melissa is also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and promoter of affordable healthcare and health insurance for all. Melissa has a particular interest in energy and technology policy, economic growth and Judicial Branch reform and will introduce legislation on day one to bring real solutions.

This year, it is crucial to bring smart representation to the legislature. Audrey Lampert, Fred Moffa and Melissa Osborne will serve our community and our state with empathy, intelligence, and dignity.

Monica L. Logan Chair of the Democratic Town Committee

teachers in a new light, realizing the struggle of getting anything done while managing just a small group of children, let alone 20 or more.

Now, our teachers are being asked—or in most cases, forced—to be in an uncertain environment regarding the spread of this disease. We do not yet know how easily this disease will spread in the return to school. While children seem to be less impacted by the disease, there is not enough data to know the long-term effects or rate of spread at this time.

The challenges that our teachers face include, but are not limited to: • Asking children as young as three to maintain social distance and wear masks • Teaching in an environment with face shields and Plexiglas • Dealing with emotional situations without being able to give reassurances or positive support with a hug, a highfive, or a pat on the back • Working in an environment with close proximity to a large group of people in buildings with ventilation systems that were not designed to handle or reduce the spread of illness The Granby Democratic Town Committee agrees with Guarco that times are tough and everyone needs to be willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the community. However, we also know that there are resources and support beyond our local tax base through

the federal (such as FEMA and other school programs) and state (such as the Education Cost Sharing grants and other organizations) levels. This is ultimately the way to achieve financial balance for the Granby Public Schools, not by taking money away from our teachers and other town employees.

Financial times are tough, and in order to protect our residents, Granby should aim for a flat mill rate again in FY22. Granby needs to maintain its high education standards and strive to compensate our teachers appropriately, not only as a service to our children and their future but in order to keep Granby an attractive place to live.

The bottom line—Guarco’s inference that, in the face of upcoming contract negotiations, teachers should simply feel fortunate to have a job as they walk into circumstances that are at best uncertain and at worst dangerous—is unfortunate. The educators and administrators in our schools are the next group of local heroes that we should be cheering, not marginalizing. The Granby Democratic Town Committee proudly stands for—and with—the teachers of this community that serve our students and families diligently and faithfully.

The authors are Matt Brady and Monica Logan, on behalf of the Granby Democratic Town Committee

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Page 6 The Granby Drummer

JULY 6, 2020

September 2020

GRANBY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES

PRESENT: Jenny Emery, Mark Fiorentino, Melissa Migliaccio, David Peling, Sarah Thrall, Rosemarie Weber, and Brandon Webster; and Superintendent Jordan Grossman and Jennifer Parsons, Assistant Superintendent.

Minutes A motion was made by Melissa Migliaccio and seconded by Brandon Webster that the board approve the minutes from the June 17 meeting. This motion passed unanimously.

Chairman’s Corner Migliaccio stated the sole purpose of this meeting is to receive an update from the Reopening Task Force on the Governor’s plans. The board will meet again July 13 on the same topic.

Superintendent’s Announcements Jordan Grossman welcomed everyone and welcomed new Assistant Superintendent, Jennifer Parsons, who started on July 1.

Middle School Principal Taylor Wrye also started on July 1 and has made a great transition.

First round interviews will be held this week for the Kelly Lane Primary School Principal. The committee consists of 19 members. Thank you to Webster for serving on the committee. Grossman requested the board meet the candidate later in July.

The Reopening Task Force will meet again July 7 and has had several meetings thus far. Thank you, Mike Dunn, Rosemarie Weber and Jennifer Parsons, Co-Chairs of the Task Force.

Parsons is continuing work on the Cultural Proficiency and Equity Action Plan. Grossman is excited about the work to be done with the Granby Equity Team.

All principals will meet with Shannon Sullivan, director of facilities, to tour the buildings and access each school’s needs.

Town Manager John Ward gave permission to use Kearns School for any large items or materials. This will save the district storage fees.

Working with Brian Liss, executive director of the YMCA, on daycare needs for staff. He is developing a plan in partnership with us should we have any needs.

A survey will be sent to families this week with information you will hear about this evening. We will also share our initial plans with the opening of schools.

Grossman is excited to welcome back students.

The Hartford Area Superintendents’ Association is meeting weekly to discuss and align what all Hartford area schools are doing about reopening.

O’Brien

Building projects are continuing and on track.

Working with high school administration, the Athletic Department will send out information this week following CIAC guidelines for athletes to begin summer training.

Planning has begun to focus on the social/emotional well-being for staff and students.

The Board Retreat on Aug. 19 will also include a tour of the facilities.

Grossman would like the board to think about the school calendar for next year to provide leeway for when school starts. Teachers and administrators have a lot to do prior to Aug. 27 and he wants them prepared.

Teachers are scheduled to come back on Monday for three professional days. He will bring a recommendation to the board that school start on Friday, Aug. 28 making Thursday a PD day and change Friday to a half day and make Monday a half day for students as well.

He would like the board to vote on this next week so that he can communicate to families as soon as possible.

Granby Public Schools needs to submit a plan to the State of Connecticut by July 24 that includes a full reopening, students that opt out, and a hybrid approach if the Governor allows 50 percent attendance and a remote environment. Parsons will provide a high-level view of the plan this evening. Administrators are doing an outstanding job and the Task Force is providing a tremendous amount of information.

Reopening Task Force Update Parsons provided an update on the Reopening Task Force Committee saying that the plan is due to the state prior to July 24. She informed the board the Task Force will review the full reopening model, and during the day tomorrow, the administrative team will gather all of its thoughts, which will also be shared with the Task Force.

On July 14, it is hoped the Task Force can review a draft plan and be able to modify it for the July 21 meeting. Work groups will meet to compile sections of the plan under advisement of the reopening Task Force.

Parsons reviewed the six guiding principles from the Connecticut State Department of Education: health and safety of students and staff; return to the classroom full time; monitor school populations and potentially cancel classes in the future if necessary to contain the spread; emphasize equity, access and support to students; fostering strong two-way communication with families, educators and staff; and factoring challenges to the physical safety and social/emotional well-being of our students when they are not in school.

She then reviewed the four main operational considerations: Cohorting (encouraged to place students in cohorts for grades K–8 and where feasible for

Nurserymen Open Garden Days

grades 9–12); Social distancing and facilities (building space/ reconfiguring classroom space and cleaning of high-touch surfaces); Transportation (buses will run at full capacity and load from back to front); and face coverings (require that all staff and students wear face coverings—will provide mask breaks throughout the day). Dave Peling inquired if the district ordered personal protective equipment. Grossman stated that masks, gloves, face shields and partitions have been ordered and that there may be more items to be purchased from a consortium as well.

Fiorentino inquired if students will be required to bring their own masks. Grossman said every student will be given two masks up front and disposable masks will be on-site if students forget them. Webster inquired if there will be a policy for face masks and Grossman stated, yes. CABE is currently working on a policy for facial masks and this is a requirement by the state.

He informed the board that Granby is putting together district and school plans as each school’s face mask policy may be a little different. Emery commented about requirements vs. guidelines and the underlying assumption is that Granby’s intent is to take advantage of the guidelines as well as research and only if Granby has well researched reasons not to follow the guidelines would we want to do an alternative. She stated she feels this will be a helpful message to the community.

Regarding what needs to be included in the plan for a full return, Parsons said there may be students and staff who will opt to not return. There will be a better gauge of this after the questionnaire is completed. Parsons explained there also needs to be a hybrid model that can be implemented on short notice to move to remote learning and be a fluid motion based on tiered hot points as follows: A low tier is 100 percent capacity; buses at full capacity; face coverings required; and, isolation areas for sick students.

A moderate tier level would need the hybrid model implemented with schools at reduced capacity; buses at reduced capacity; and maximize spacing of seating up to six feet.

A high tier level would be 100 percent remote learning with the suspension of extracurricular and athletic activities. In addition to full-time instruction plans as indicated above, districts must be prepared to modify their plans for a partial reopening or to allow for scaling back at a future date if the public health data changes. Thrall inquired if the level determination would be state-wide or local level. Parsons said this can be determined at the local level working with the local Department of Public Health for criteria to help determine the levels, but we are waiting on additional guidance. She then reviewed the notice of the full return plan stating the Superintendent of Schools will share the detailed plan with families that will be submitted to the state after July 24.

Parsons stated the district will ask for preliminary

planning in the questionnaire with regard to opting out and transportation. The district is awaiting guidance for families opting out and what the length of time will be to plan for the students who opt out. At the high school, it would be a virtual high school or another platform to ensure a breadth of course offerings. At the K–8 level, Granby staff will provide asynchronous remote learning using published programs and platforms as well as sharing staff across other school districts. Emery inquired if a picture of what the voluntary opt-out option looks like right now. Parsons stated, yes, there will be a question if you plan to send your student back and, if you choose not to, the model will be asynchronous learning. Grossman stated the other part to be added in is if any child who has an IEP, 504 or medical plan, those parents will be instructed to contact their principal.

If someone opts out, it will be asynchronous learning with posted assignments and check-ins with teachers.

Parsons stated if the model is 100 percent remote learning, Granby will strive for the highest quality possible remote learning, such as, established schedules, calendars of assignments, weekly planners, tier 1 social emotional lessons, accountability check-ins, G-suite with more opportunities, etc.

The Hybrid Model on a short notice would be an A/B rotating model of students in the physical school building and on their off days working on what they need to do to reinforce that physical school building learning. Fiorentino inquired if there are guidelines or criteria for opting out. Grossman said, no, you can opt out just because you want to. Fiorentino said he hopes Granby stays on top of this and continues to explore a period of time that parents can opt out. Webster inquired if the district is asking teachers if any are opting out.

Grossman stated he is speaking to attorneys and, right now, this is something the district is looking at. In some states this has been controversial.

We are going to try to present as much information as we can but it will be an ADA-type survey. Parsons commented what has been done to frame the work for tomorrow’s Task Force Meeting is to pull out the guidance and the requirements and what the expectations are for each school. As we respond to the requirements, we will be looking at the best practices around these requirements. This will all be discussed at the Task Force meeting tomorrow. Thrall inquired if any monetary impact is being attached to the requirements. Parsons stated, yes, and potentially there may also be hidden savings along the way as well.

Grossman said that this is exciting and challenging work but we are excited to welcome students and staff back. Staff and students are going to have to reacquaint with one another. The safety and health of all individuals within the Granby Public Schools is our main priority—to provide an environment that is safe for staff and students to come back. The Task Force

BOE Minutes cont’d. on p. 7

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 7

Focus on Education Jordan E. Grossman, Ed.D

Back to school news I hope this communication finds you and your family well. The time has finally arrived to return to the best school district in the state of Connecticut. I want to thank you for your continued support and understanding as we open the doors to the Granby Public Schools with safety, equity and academic excellence for our students and staff.

We are so excited to welcome our staff and students back to what promises to be a wonderful year. Granby Public Schools has the reputation of being a “flagship” district in the State of Connecticut. It is the effort of the entire school community whose commitment to excellence continuously elevates our sights for student success.

I have received nothing but kindness, warmth and respect from this wonderful school community. Mutual respect binds our community together and is one of the most important values that we will ever learn from one another and I am grateful to the Granby community and honored to be your Superintendent of Schools.

Each school year we have the awesome responsibility to educate children and

BOE Minutes

cont’d. from p. 6

has been very open and transparent. Granby Public Schools will put together a plan that will work and be strong. The social/emotional development of our staff and students has to remain at the core with anything we do. We want to do it right and thoughtfully and that is why the board has been requested to look at the calendar to have school start one day later so teachers can have the time to plan.

Migliaccio said it is the goal of the board is to get as many students back as close to a normal learning environment as possible. She thanked Grossman, Parsons and the Task Force for their work.

continue to prepare them for their future endeavors. In my 27 years as an educator serving children and their families, this year’s opening of school is like no other.

At the time of this writing, Granby Public Schools’ staff and students have not been in our buildings for learning since March 13. They are coming back on September 1 to a different schoolhouse from what they once knew. The Granby Public Schools’ Reopening Task Force, administration and staff have been hard at work this summer completing district and school plans for the return to school.

Our Stronger Together: A Working Plan for a Responsive Return to the Granby Public Schools meets or exceeds all guidelines established by the Connecticut State Department of Education for a return to schoolhouse learning. We were required to prepare for a full reopening, hybrid reopening (50 percent of our student population in each of our buildings at a time), full remote learning, and finally a remote learning environment for students who have selected not to return to schoolhouse learning. This was an incredible task, but with safety, health and the social Migliaccio inquired about Virtual High School (VHS) vs. Edgenuity. Parsons stated VHS is taught by an actual teacher with synchronous and asynchronous learning and Edgenuity is solely asynchronous coursework with no point-person teacher to demand work so a staff person would need to monitor this. Emery commented on the calendar, stating the suggestion seems reasonable but inquired if it will really make a difference. Grossman stated it is within the teachers’ contract and we would give the teachers an extra day up front instead of a professional development day in May. He feels what he presented is good at the moment.

and emotional well-being of students and staff at the core, we developed plans that were approved by the Granby Board of Education on Aug. 10.

Some specific highlights from our plans: • Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings that cover both their nose and mouth while in the school buildings unless otherwise documented by a medical professional. Frequent face covering breaks will be provided throughout the day.

• Students will be grouped to travel through their day in a way that limits the number of other groups with whom they come in contact.

• Social/physical distancing will be maximized in classrooms and other settings through purposeful arrangement of seating and traffic patterns throughout each school.

• There will be enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all areas in each school throughout the day.

• Routines for frequent handwashing and/or use of hand sanitizer will take place.

• Buses will operate at full capacity and face coverings will be required. In order to reduce the number of passengers on a bus, parents/guardians are encouraged to transport their child(ren) to and from school as they can.

For more information regarding our return to school by going to Stronger Together: A Working Plan for a Responsive Return to the Granby Public Schools at sites.google.com/granbyschools.org/ stronger-together-reopening/home

This was also a very busy summer hiring new administrative and teaching staff for the Granby Public Schools. Below you will find names and positions for outstanding educators we welcome to the Granby community: Jennifer Parsons, Asst. Superintendent of Schools Taylor Wrye, Principal, GMMS Colleen Bava, Principal, Kelly Lane Heather Tanis, Asst. Principal, GMMS Carly Williams, First Grade Teacher Ashley Hyatt, Third Grade Teacher Carla Stoddard, Strings Teacher Leigh Ann Ryan, Media Specialist, GMMS Justin Piwonski, Special Education Resource Teacher, GMMS/GMHS Lauren Erickson, School Psychologist, GMMS Jacqueline Davis, Special Education Resource Teacher, GMHS Francis Butler, Social Studies Teacher, GMMS/GMHS Natalia Pylypyszyn, Math Teacher, GMMS Laura Abel, Social Studies Teacher, GMMS Please be assured that the Granby Board of Education and the staff of Granby’s public schools are committed to providing the best possible education for our students moving forward. I urge you to view our district website (granbyschools.org) to learn more about our school district.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 860-844-5260 and follow me on Twitter @GranbySuper.

Thrall stated her concerns of reopening, such as, the orientation programs prior to the opening of school; keeping A/B days all A’s or all B’s for families who have more than one child; and, check-ins for students who are struggling.

Webster inquired about Choice students being on the bus for a long time. Grossman stated Parsons has a meeting with the Open Choice Director in the coming weeks to discuss this. Webster also inquired about freshman orientation and transitions from school to school and how parents will want to see the plan of what school buildings look like. Grossman stated,

yes, he agrees but this may have to be done virtually.

Executive Session/Non-Meeting A motion was made by Migliaccio and seconded by Webster to enter into an Executive Session to discuss a collective bargaining and a contractual issue. This motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Rosemarie Weber, Board Secretary Editor’s Note: The Minutes of the June 17 BOE Meeting are available on the Town of Granby website.

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Page 8 The Granby Drummer

TOOTH TALK by Michael Ungerleider D.M.D

Q. My dentist retired and my new dentist is telling me I need a bunch of dental work. Is there any way to get a second opinion?

A. Of course! We always give free 2nd opinions.

Many times a young dentist is very excited to treat everything he or she sees. After all, every ethical Doctor wants to do the best for their patients. Unfortunately, a more seasoned dentist may have been monitoring or watching certain areas of concern. The senior dentist can monitor the changes and make recommendations for the proper time for intervention. The young new dentist is seeing something first as a snapshot in time, with no reference to the history of the tooth or condition.

Your dentist should be able to provide you with intraoral photos to show you what is in your mouth and involve you in the treatment decisions. If you ever need a 2nd opinion, give our office a call.

At the Granby Dental Center, we also offer “Smile Vision,” which allows us to take a photograph of your current smile and then alter the photo on the computer to show you what you could look like with whiter, straighter teeth! Are you curious? Come in and ask us about SMILE VISION! CALL THIS SUMMER AND ASK FOR A FREE SMILE VISION IMAGING The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! At the Granby Dental Center, we offer CEREC, an amazing technology that allows us to fabricate porcelain crowns in just one visit! This revolutionary CAD CAM unit allows us to preserve more natural tooth structure and restore the tooth to 100% of its original strength!

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

September 2020

Granby Senior Center connecting with seniors virtually The Granby Senior Center has taken its programs online to keep seniors connected during the pandemic. When the Senior Center closed in March, the staff transitioned quickly to Zoom, offering games, informational programs and more.

Because the Senior Center building will not open until after Phase 3 all of the fall programming will be online.

Upcoming programs include: Music Bingo, Trivia, the Aging Mastery Program, Tai Ji Quan, History Lessons, A Survey of the Old Testament, Coffee and Conversation with special guests Kelsey Riggs from ESPN and Bob Maxon from NBCConnecticut, a presentation on Bob Steele, Make your own friendship bracelet with Tully Meyer from McLean Home Care and Hospice, World Culture Series on Italy and much more.

Senior Center staff has connected with many members but we are concerned for the seniors who do not have a way to get online or do not know how. The cost of laptops, tablets and internet is prohibitive for some as they are on fixed

Drumrolls Ithaca College graduated the following students in May: Ethan Beloin of North Granby, with a BS in public and community health, and Sophie Westergren of West Granby, with a BA in writing.

Caitlin Kopf, of Granby, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at Hofstra University in May. Kopf is a history major.

The following students were named to the dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island for the spring semester: Ashton Coghill of East Hartland; Gabriel Davin, Julia Duffy and Persephone Platt of North Granby; Grace Hoeckele and Andy Main of Granby.

Jonah T. Yeakley, was named to the spring dean’s list at Westfield State University.

Courtney Rambush, of East Hartland, was named to the University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for the spring semester.

Erin Keener and Julianna Pestretto, both of Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Gettysburg College in the spring semester.

Granby resident Taylor Nowak was named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s spring dean’s list.

Jessica Marie Gerace, of Granby, was named to Hartwick College’s dean’s list for the spring semester.

Granby seniors playing Zoom Bingo.

Submitted photo

incomes. We are researching ways to assist those who need help, and continuing to do regular checks with members who are isolated, as well as sending out fly-

ers and information periodically. If you know of a senior that needs assistance, please give the Senior Center a call at 860-844-5350.

What’s for Supper? Mexican Frittata

By Pamela Scherrer It’s hard to believe that it is already the end of August. I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy the summer in a safe way. Even though I enjoy cooking, the last thing I want to be doing in the summer is spending a lot of time in the kitchen. So, I am always looking for something that is quick but still nutritious and takes advantage of the seasonal farm-fresh veggies. This recipe hits all of those targets. I made this for dinner but it would also be a great brunch recipe.

Ingredients 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 lb. ground beef 4 teaspoons taco seasoning ½ cup salsa (optional—I did not use when I made and it was still great) 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like) ½ lb. sliced tomatoes 3 scallions, chopped 9 eggs, well beaten salt and pepper (to taste) ½ cup grated cheddar cheese sour cream and fresh cilantro for garnish Directions Brown beef in a skillet with the olive oil. Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet, stir to mix evenly. Then remove the mixture from the skillet and spread evenly into the bottom of an 8x10 inch casserole dish.

Add the bell pepper to the skillet and cook for a few minutes on medium-high heat until slightly tender (do not overcook). When done spread the peppers on top of the meat mixture in the casserole dish.

Layer the sliced tomatoes on top along with the scallions.

Pour the eggs over the top and sprinkle with salt, pepper and the cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes at 375 degrees until egg is set and slightly golden. Let sit for a few minutes before cutting.

Serve topped with sour cream and cilantro as desired Buon Appetito!

If you would like a 2nd opinion or have a question you would like answered, or would just like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us, or visit our website: www.granbydentalcenter.com Follow us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/GranbyDentalCenter/

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 9

Squadron Capital expands local access to summer camp with $100,000 donation to the YMCA Since mid-March children in Connecticut have been at home with little peer interaction, spending hours on electronic devices and not having much access to outdoor activity. When summer finally arrived, cases of COVID-19 were down in Connecticut, and summer day camps were given the clearance to operate with additional cleaning and safety procedures instituted by the state Office of Early Childhood.

David Pelizzon, president of Squadron Capital in Granby, believed the summer camp experience would be more important than ever this year. “With kids cooped up from COVID, families struggling from the resulting economic downturn and the emerging social issues that have always been there but are becoming more prominent, I thought, ‘How can I help families, children and the community all at once?’”

His answer was a record-setting donation of $100,000 that Pelizzon and his company made to the YMCA of Greater Hartford, targeted at providing financial assistance so that more children could attend summer day camp this year.

For many families, summer camp has always been a luxury, a fact that is amplified this year as Connecticut’s unemployment rose to 9.4 percent in May, up from 3.7 percent just one year earlier.

Now, because of Pelizzon’s donation, that luxury became a reality for kids across northern Connecticut.

“You’re only young for a short period, and the circumstances this year are hard on everyone, but particularly cruel on kids,” Pelizzon said. “Part of their youth has been stolen by something out of their control. This is a really worthwhile way to get some of that back.”

49th Granby Road Race runs strong

nesses. As a result, the YMCA was able On Saturday, Sept. 19, our community to continue to support families regardless will celebrate the 49th Granby Road of their ability to pay. The funds allowed Race 5K and 10K. This race has a unique families to send children to camp, attend course that runs over road and trail to swim lessons, use the wellness center, make beautiful running scenery for race participate in its afterschool programs, participants. and much more.

The Farmington Valley YMCA has The YMCA has been serving the hosted the race for 10 of the 49 years.

Farmington Valley for over 75 years.

The event is one of the oldest races in “Seeing our community come together Connecticut and is extra special this with volunteers and sponsors to have an year—it was run virtually in May and event that has direct impact on serving we are looking forward to hosting it in children and families is why working at person on Sept. 19. the YMCA is so rewarding,” said Brian The race would not be possible withLiss, district executive director. out the dedication of volunteers from Live Every Day Physical Therapy, the Blue Blazer crew, the Granby Camera Club, CERT, and a race committee that has worked tirelessly to have another great event.

The race is going to look different this year because of the pandemic.

Everyone must maintain social distance and be safe. The most important change: There will be no race day registration.

Please register early, there are only a limited number of runners permitted. To register, visit ghymca. org/granbyroadrace In 2019, this histor- Runners from an earlier road race making their way along a ic race generated over McLean Game Refuge trail. Submitted photo. $16,000 with the help of MLK & R and many other local busi-

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At the check presentation in June were, from left: Scott Woodaman, Jocelyn Mitchell, Eric Clapprood, Brian Liss, David Pelizzon, Harold Sparrow, Aina Hoskins, Bernadeta Eichner, and Susan Joyse. Submitted photo

The YMCA offered America’s first known summer camp starting in 1885, and since then the Y has been a leader in summer programming for children. A core tenet of YMCA camping is instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

At a check presentation held on June 16, Pelizzon met with the summer camp counselors at the Farmington Valley YMCA who were preparing for the first week of camp. Many of those counselors are high school and college students having their first work experience.

Pelizzon addressed the importance of this, “Our country needs more leaders, and leaders with the right set of values and experience. Any chance you can get for more leadership opportunities and experience is critical. The best thing you can do in high school and college is get a job at a place like summer camp or a local organization where you can lead, inspire and motivate others.”

At the check presentation, Harold Sparrow, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, told a story to the young counselors of how camp impacted him in the way Pelizzon was referring. “I came from a single-parent family and was a scholarship kid. My first experience with the YMCA was at a day camp like the one here at Farmington Valley. The impact that you have on these young people is absolutely life-changing.

Michael Goldman was my first camp counselor when I was 9 years old, and to this day I never forget his name and how he helped me feel good, happy and welcome. The work we do is important.

We do save, change and transform lives every day,” Sparrow said.

Then, addressing Pelizzon, Sparrow

added, “I started as a YMCA camper, and I want you to understand that the investment that you made does change lives, and does make transformational experiences for young people that may not have been possible otherwise.”

Pelizzon recognized that broad impact, which he said was why he chose the Y, “The Y reaches across economic and social spectrums. It is also very well distributed, not just in urban areas, but in rural and suburban areas like Granby, where the Y has had a big impact in the community. If you want to impact a lot of people, the Y is a great place to make that mark.”

This summer the YMCA of Greater Hartford operated 12 sessions of day camps, serving more than 1,000 families across the region.

Pelizzon hoped that with his donation, not only would more children gain access to camp this summer, but also that others would be inspired to contribute to the YMCA and other local organizations.

“Part of me wanted to make an immediate and noticeable impact, but I also wanted to motivate others. If others can accept the fact that we are going through a remarkable period in our nation’s history and that there is a critical need, I would ask those sitting on the sidelines to ask themselves, ‘How can I have an impact right now?’ They all have great intentions, but I hope this donation raises that question. Organizations like the Y need to be supported, and you need direct, local investment to make an impact in your community,” he concluded.

If you are interested in contributing to the YMCA, please visit ghymca.org/ donate to learn more.

Page 10 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

Kim Narciso named Granby Schools’ 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year Evaluation and Mentoring Committee, Narciso assists new Kelly Lane teachers Granby Public Schools is proud to as they complete required learning modannounce that Kim Narciso has been ules and helped to develop Granby’s New selected as the 2020-2021 Teacher of Teacher Orientation program, a two-day the Year. Narciso was recognized for this event in August. distinguished honor in a surprise award Rebekah Goldberg, a first-year teacher, presentation at her home on Tuesday, shared the impact that June 9.

Narciso has had on her In celebration of Narteaching career stating, ciso’s achievement, Dr. “Kim has been an amazJordan Grossman, supering role model and leader intendent of schools, and for me. I admire her abilmembers of the Teacher ity to care for and work of the Year committee with all students.” presented Narciso with Other Kelly Lane facballoons, flowers, the ofulty members commented ficial Teacher of the Year on Narciso’s commitment apple paperweight and to her students. Kim Desa reserved parking sign. sert, the Principal of Kelly Many of Narciso’s famLane Primary School, ily members, including noted that Narciso personher mother, stepfather, alizes instruction for each daughter, fiancé and aunt, of her students by creating were also present for the individualized learning Kim Narciso surprise presentation. goals and providing each The event was filmed by child in her class with exGrossman and shared with the Granby actly what he/she needs to be successful.

Public Schools’ staff later that day.

Jen Miller, a Kelly Lane colleague and Narciso is a first-grade teacher at former Teacher of the Year, said, “Kim Kelly Lane Primary School where she is a dedicated teacher who wants nothing has taught for 19 years. Narciso is also more than to see each and every child in a member of the Kelly Lane Leadership her classroom succeed. She works hard Team, the Team Coordinating Committo make sure that happens. She holds tee and the district Equity Team. She is children, colleagues and, mostly herself, the team leader for first grade and works accountable. Her dedication encourages with her colleagues to review students’ others to work hard.” progress and develop lessons during the Her devotion to the teaching profesteam’s weekly Professional Learning sion is evident in everything she does to Community time. make Kelly Lane a learning community.

As a member of the district’s Teacher Narciso was awarded a fellowship from

By Marian Hourigan

Local graduate awarded JA scholarship winning the first round of the FedEx Kenya Mouning, GMHS class of 2020, Junior Business Challenge, a local busiwas one of three newly graduated Conness competition where Mouning and necticut high school students who earned her teammates presented their business scholarships from Junior Achievement idea, competing against three other JA of Southwest New England in recognistudent-led companies. tion of their dedication, participation Mouning, who successfully led the and leadership in local JA education marketing department, and programs. three other students, went The students received on to represent JA and Sim$1,000 scholarships. plex in Atlanta at the FedEx Junior Achievement Junior Business Challenge is a global leader in Finals. providing cutting-edge, “I will apply the knowledge hands-on financial litand skills learned through eracy, entrepreneurship the Junior Achievement and work-readiness Entrepreneurial Academy to education, bringing inform my educational jourstudents together with ney as I learn the necessary community volunteers skills to teach my students who provide experienexcellently as well as learn tial learning and inspire Kenya Mouning how to run a successful and students to dream big impactful business,” Mounand reach their potential. ing wrote in her essay. “This education Mouning participated in the JA Entrewill help me to properly establish my preneurial Academy with The Hartford school and to start a movement that in 2019. With guidance from volunteer demonstrates the incredible power that mentors, she and her student colleagues education combined with love can have created the student company, Simplex, on a life.”

the Fund for Teachers organization that enabled her to attend a week-long creative writing workshop in Barcelona, Spain.

Narciso brought back many techniques to inspire her children to express their creativity through the use of a creativity notebook, guided visualization, drawing activities, writing with photographs, and a creativity station. She coordinated a school-wide event called “Kelly Kids Create” in which all Kelly Lane students showcased their creativity by designing mosaics, dream catchers and paper plate animals from recycled materials. Narciso also shared the Fund for Teachers grant writing process with other teachers so they could apply for a grant to enhance their teaching expertise.

Narciso is an exceptional teacher who works hard every day to provide an outstanding educational experience for her students and to enhance the Kelly Lane learning community. A Kelly Lane parent summed it up by saying, “My child is getting a top-notch, first grade education from someone who is unbelievably talented in her field and a wonderful human being.”

Narciso will be recognized on Nov. 10 at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, along with Teacher of the Year recipients from all Connecticut school districts.

Editor’s note: The writer was the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Granby Public Schools.

Granby author publishes first book in trilogy Austin Trunick’s The Cannon Film Guide Volume I, explores the legendary b-movie studio, Cannon Films, during the years 1980–1984.

The Cannon Group produced more than 200 films, emphasizing quantity over quality and included many beloved (and notorious) b-movies, making stars of Chuck Norris and Michael Dudikoff, and kept Charles Bronson working into the twilight of his career. While it is rare to find a traditionally good film bearing the company’s logo, it’s even harder to find one that isn’t immensely entertaining.

Volume I of the planned trilogy explores 40 films and franchises produced by the Cannon Group. Through in-depth critical studies and interviews with people involved in the making of these films, the book tells the stories behind

movies across all genres—action and adventure, musicals and comedy, horror and thrillers, drama and romance. To learn more about the movies included in this first volume, please visit cannonfilmguide.com Trunick’s book was published in late June, and by July had earned the top new release spot in the movie reference category on Amazon. The author is available to discuss the new book, the history of Cannon, or individual Cannon films; contact him at CannonFilmGuide@ gmail.com Trunick and his family moved to Granby from New York City in 2018, and enjoyed learning about their new community through reading the Drummer in the months leading up to the move.

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 11

GRANBY PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2020 Present: Mark Lockwood (Chair), Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Brennan Sheahan. Paula Johnson. Also present, Interim Town Planner Dominick Caruso.

Per Executive Order, this meeting was held remotely; commission members who spoke introduced themselves each time they spoke, members of the public who spoke introduced themselves and stated their address.

Minutes On A Motion by Eric Lukingbeal, seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted (5-0-2) to approve the minutes of May 26. Margaret Chapple and Christine Chinni abstained because of their absence at last meeting.

Public Hearing Mark Lockwood announced Public Hearing notices are in line with Executive Orders. Chapple read the Public Hearing notice.

Application seeking a re-subdivision for property located at 103 Petersen Road that proposes to create one additional building lot, continued from the May 26 meeting. File P-2-20.

This item is an open file continued from the last meeting. Lockwood asked if the applicant was present.

With no response from the applicant or the public and no other comments from the commission the Public Hearing closed.

Application seeking a Special Permit and Site Plan approval for a bank for property located at 12 East Granby Road. File Z-12-20.

Allan Borghesi, PE, 2155 East Main St, Torrington addressed the commission. This application seeks to replace the existing single-family residential structure with a branch bank with drive thru facilities at 12 East Granby Road in the Center Commons (CC) Zone.

The proposal is for a single story 3,150 square foot building with canopy over three drive-up lanes. Borghesi noted comments made by the Town Engineer, Kevin Clark and Interim Town Planner have been addressed. The infiltration pond has been eliminated from the front yard. He noted the rear infiltration pond has been enlarged to accommodate the extra drainage directed to the former front pond. Dominick Caruso recommends shifting the longer dimension of the pond from North/South to East/West, keeping the pond at least 30’ from the northern property line. It was recommended shrinking the pond to at least 15’/ 20’ from north property line and reinforcing existing buffer with more plantings. Borghesi stated there will be three drive-up bays and a bypass area. The question was raised if having three drive-up bays was necessary. It was agreed banking needs have changed to demand an increase in outdoor convenience. Borghesi noted the building will be white hardy board; bottom foundation brownstone. There was discussion which Norway spruce cultivar would be planted. Lukingbeal will offer suggestions. Two spruces will be added along the northern curb line for definition. Signage will need to meet Zoning Regulations.

S. Hesketh of FA Hesketh and Associates addressed the commission. He reiterated that banking has changed over the years. Based on state traffic data/ study from September/October 2019 he concluded that any additional traffic will not add much of a delay, noting there will be very little impact to traffic with this proposed facility. It was his professional opinion that the traffic volumes associated with this project will not have a negative impact.

Borghesi brought up adding a sidewalk running east/ west and possibly extending to Route 20 might be unnecessary. Caruso suggested, and the commission agreed, that the applicant shall install the sidewalks as it is a pedestrian oriented zone and area.

The Public Hearing was opened to the public at 7:49 p.m. There were no public comments or written communications.

Caruso asked Hesketh to explain the recommendation for 5’ easement from the easterly property owner across the front of their property to insure proper site distance. Applicant will require such an easement.

Caruso suggested to the commission a performance bond be made part of the condition.

The Public Hearing closed at 7:58 p.m. The Commission has 65 days to render its decision and any extension allowed by Executive Order.

Application seeking a Special Permit to construct a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 80R Donahue Road. File Z-13-20.

Applicant, Anthony King, 80R Donahue Road addressed the commission. The garage use will be non-commercial only, for storage of personal cars, truck, tractors and various tools. The proposed garage is to be located to the east of the existing house and driveway and within 50ft side yard line. Answering a commission member’s question, King noted there is a new property line that is marked on the illustrated diagram. He noted the exterior will be vertical shiplap; lighting will be minimal – above overhead entry doors, and garage bay doors. Caruso added the commission should add as a condition of approval an erosion control plan to the rear of the new garage.

This Public Hearing was opened to the public at 8:06 p.m. There were no comments. This Public Hearing closed at 8:07 p.m.

The commission has 65 days to render its decision which may include an extension by Executive Order.

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

Application seeking a re-subdivision for property located at 103 Petersen Road that proposes to create one additional building lot.

It was noted for the record the applicant requested to file a Fee in Lieu of Open Space in the amount of $4,242. Funds will be submitted prior to selling the new lot. (An agreement for “Fee in Lieu of Open Space” must be filed with the town clerk when the mylar is filed.)

Chapple was recused. Paula Johnson sat in for Chapple.

On A Motion by E. Myers and seconded by P. Johnson the Commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a re-subdivision for property located at 103 Petersen Road that proposes to create one additional building lot with the following two conditions: The applicant shall pay a Fee in Lieu of Open Space as outlined within Section 3.1.3 of the Subdivision Regulations as proposed. Prior to the filing of the final mylar(s) the applicant shall either submit the Fee in Lieu of open space to the town or file a document, suitable to the Commission that requires the payment of the Fee in Lieu of Open Space at such time as the lot is sold. The Fee in Lieu of Open Space is $4,242.

A note which references the required Fee in Lieu of Open Space shall be added to the mylar(s).

A mylar copy of the approved re-subdivision must be prepared and signed by the commission and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk within 90 days of approval. The mylar will not be filed until condition #1.

Fee in Lieu of Open Space, is filed.

Application seeking a Special Permit and Site Plan approval for a bank for property located at 12 East Granby Road. File Z-12-20.

On A Motion by Myers and seconded by Chinni the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve a Special Permit and Site Plan Application, Sections 4 and 3.12.2 of the Zoning Regulations proposing a bank with drive-thru facilities for property located at 12 East Granby Road, in a Center Commons (CC) Zone, File Z-12-20, with the following conditions: The planting of two additional Norway spruce trees along the northerly curb-line. The cultivars of the three (3) Norway spruce trees must be noted and located on the revised landscaping plans; The site and landscaping plans must show the shrinking of the infiltration pond to create an additional 15’–20’ buffer between the pond edge and the abutting residential property to the north; The above buffer must be enhanced with additional plantings to be approved by staff; The applicant must obtain a Site Distance Easement from the easterly property owner as recommended by the applicant’s Traffic Engineer; The architectural plans must be revised changing the foundation skirt from brick to stone; Further revisions to the plans must be made per the Town Engineer’s recommendation of June 22, following: Key map at least 1”= 400’ showing the locations of building and facilities on abutting land, driveway entrances on both sides of the street or streets within 500-feet of the site and zoning designation. (4.1.3.17).

This is noted as being on sheet SP-4 in the response letter but there is no sheet SP-4.

The infiltration basin needs to be shown on the landscape plan.

A list of prescribed stormwater management system operation and maintenance procedures along with a check off list needs to be added to the plan.

Recommended reorienting the infiltration basin to move it further from the west and north property lines.

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Recommend having the design engineer review the size and depth of the proposed infiltration basin.

It appears to be significantly oversized even allowing for future expansion.

All signs must comply with the Sign Regulations, Section 8.6 of the Zoning Regulations.

Submittal of a performance bond per Section 4.2.7 of the Zoning Regulations. Amount to be determined by the staff.

On A Motion by Chapple and seconded by Boardman the commission voted (7-0-0) to approve an application seeking a Special Permit to construct a garage in excess of 1,000 square feet for property located at 80R Donahue Road with the following condition; An erosion control plan for the area rear of the garage must be submitted prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. File Z-13-20.

Staff Report and Correspondence Caruso brought to the attention of the commission a complaint by a neighbor of 37 Cider Mill Heights. The homeowners were in front of the commission in March.

They had cut down more trees than permitted. A Special Permit was granted with a condition they hire a Licensed Landscape Architect to prepare a landscape plan (replace trees). The homeowners had 90 days to complete this task. The town staff has not heard from homeowner since April. Caruso will reach out to the homeowner to ask if the plan has been done. If so, the Landscape Plan must be submitted to the town.

The commission discussed if the current COVID-19 situation is a factor with the delay. It was discussed that Executive Orders do not encompass an extension for a matter such as this. Per regulations, should the Special Permit not be filed within 90 days it will be deemed null and void and the homeowners will need to reapply. If needed to, the homeowners could always write their opinion and submit it to the commission.

Commissioner Reports and Correspondence Myers heard that an East Street property purchase proposal may have been submitted to the town. He asked Caruso to look into this.

The first meeting in July has been cancelled. The next meeting will be July 28.

Caruso noted per Executive Order MM, temporary outdoor dining permit process, which allowed an extension of outdoor dining, ceased May 20. These permits are valid through Aug. 31. A restaurant seeking outdoor dining after June 20 will now have to go through the regular Special Permit process.

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

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Tappenden, Recording Secretary

JULY 28, 2020 Present: Mark Lockwood, Chairman; Jonathan Boardman, Margaret Chapple, Christine Chinni, Paula Johnson, Alternate; Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Matt Peters, Alternate; Brennan Sheahan. Also present, Abigail Kenyon, Director of Community Development; Dominick Caruso, Interim Town Planner Public Session Paula Johnson, 289 Simsbury Road, West Granby, inquired if restaurants will still have outdoor seating during August and into September.

Mark Lockwood welcomed Abigail Kenyon back and noted it is good to have Dominick Caruso present for

Drumrolls

the transition.

Minutes On A Motion by Christine Chinni, seconded by Jonathan Boardman, the commission voted (7-0- 0) to approve the minutes of June 23, as written.

Public Hearing Kenyon was notified by the applicant they would like to postpone the Public Hearing for a Special Permit for outside commercial activity to sell/store sheds at 541 Salmon Brook Street until the Sept. 8 meeting. The applicant will be preparing a revised site plan, which will be distributed to the commission prior to the meeting.

Receive Applications and Set Public Hearings Kenyon reported an application was submitted yesterday for a Special Permit and site plan application for a self-storage facility at 508 Salmon Brook Street. The commission scheduled the public hearing for Sept. 8.

Staff Reports and Correspondence Caruso noted that on Oct. 8, 2019 the commission approved a Special Permit modification for a farm store at Clark Farms, 19 Bushy Hill Road. A condition of approval stated the applicant was to install landscaping to screen the tent by July 1, 2020. The Clarks sent an email to Kenyon on July 4 asking for an extension to Nov. 1. The commission agreed to an extension citing the current circumstances and the fact the tent has not been erected for this season. Kenyon will notify the applicant.

Caruso provided an update on 107 East Street. He has spoken to Town Manager John Ward about an offer that has come in from Agbotic, a farming company located in Sackets Harbor, N.Y. The firm grows organic vegetables in greenhouses and sells its products to Whole Foods, as well as other vendors. Agbotic is looking to expand its farms across North America.

At the Board of Selectmen meeting on July 20, the board asked staff to get additional information on the offer. Caruso noted the project would be in line with the Plan of Conservation and Development. No action is needed by this commission at this time.

Lockwood inquired if there was an update on the conditions of the approved bank application at 12 East Granby Road. Caruso reported the applicant dropped off revised plans last week and there are still some remaining items to be taken care of. He is in touch with the engineers and they are close to completing those plan revisions.

In response to Johnson’s comment in public session, Lockwood noted the Executive Order expires on Sept. 9. The commission is supportive of outdoor dining and a special meeting could be held if necessary to extend outdoor dining. The staff and chairman are aware of this issue and will stay up-to-date on the matter.

Chappell inquired about the trees cut down on the property at 37 Cider Mill Heights. Caruso approved the landscaping plan they submitted yesterday and he will ask Kenyon to forward it to the commission.

Chinni thanked Caruso for his help and guidance during the time Kenyon was away. Caruso noted that the meetings went well and everyone he worked with in town was wonderful, including the applicants.

Lockwood thanked Caruso as well. He also stated he would like to get back to having packets for the meetings, including site plans.

On a motion by Myers, seconded by Chapple, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Kathy Kane, Acting Recording Secretary

Samuel Kuhnly, of Granby, graduated cum laude from Endicott College in May and will be pursuing an MBA at Endicott College this fall.

The following Rochester Institute of Technology students, from Granby, were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester: Matthew Gerace, electrical engineering technology; Anthony Delprincipe, computer science; Chandler Libby, industrial engineering; Ben Hebert, mechanical engineering; and Jake Peverly, computing security.

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

— Mother Teresa

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!

Worship Service at 9:30 a.m.

Streamed until we can reopen.

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

Page 12 The Granby Drummer

Out of Town Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Connecticut’s Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce (East Granby and Windsor Locks) is proud to announce that its annual Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18.

The event will be held at Copper Hill Golf Club, 20 Copper Hill Rd, East Granby.

Registration is open to the public and includes 18 holes of golf, box lunch, dinner, social hour, contests and prizes.

Registration is required with payment

due at time of sign up. Proceeds from the tournament help support Bradley Regional Chamber’s various programs, scholarship awards for East Granby and Windsor Locks high school students.

New this year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the East Granby Emergency Assistance Fund. Visit bradleyregionalchamber.org to register or sponsor.

For questions, please contact the Bradley Chamber at admin@bradleyregionalchamber.org

No used book sale this year but you can still help

By Brian Tomasino If you haven’t heard, the annual Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) used book sale, usually held at Holcomb Farm in September, has been canceled. The decision to cancel was made well ahead of time due to the months of necessary preplanning including collecting and sorting all of the items for the sale. The good news is the schedule has already been set to hold a sale next year in September.

The annual book sale has always played a major part in the fundraising for FOGPL to help support a wide variety of programs, museum passes, magazine subscriptions and supporting materials for the library. Last year the Friends raised $13,100 at its annual used book sale. Without the sale, other fundraising efforts will have to be made to continue to provide the support mentioned above.

One significant way to be of help would be to become a member of the Friends group. The membership campaign for 2020-2021 began on March 1, about 10 days before the pandemic caused shutdown of schools, businesses and even the library. As a result, we are lagging in our memberships for this year, having received only about 10 since then.

There are many levels of membership, and forms are available at the library

on the book sale table by the entry or at granby-ct.gov If you wish, donations are always welcome. Make checks payable to FOGPL and either bring them or mail them to the library.

Items are available for sale at Granby Public Library on the FOGPL Used Book Sale table and new book carts.

Plans are also being discussed to hold an online local auction to help raise funds so think of items that you may want to donate to help in this effort.

You can also use Amazon to support the Friends of Granby Public Library when shopping through Amazon Smile. You can easily set-up your account by going to smile.amazon.com on your device or mobile phone. Sign in, and at the top navigation select the option to search and select your charity. Make sure to select “Friends of Granby Public Library, Inc Granby, CT.” For every order that you place on the smile.Amazon site, a portion is donated to the library, at no extra cost to you.

The elected FOGPL Board for 2020-21: Del Shilkret, President; Carole Bernard, Vice President; Kim Leyton, Treasurer; Sue Tokarz, Secretary; Brian Tomasino, Publicity; Jane Reardon, Programs; Karen Walsh, Membership; Vicki-Bale Saunders, Member at Large.

September 2020

In Town Focus Camera Club

The Granby Camera Club will not be holding meetings at the Senior Center until the Center is open. We will continue to photograph, learn, communicate and share via Zoom and our website. To keep informed as to our offerings please visit GranbyCameraClub.com

Men’s Breakfast via Zoom

The next meeting of the Men’s Breakfast Group will be Friday, Sept. 11, via Zoom. The speaker will be Connor Hogan, director of McLean Game Refuge.

Hogan has spoken to the group before and is very popular, as he is articulate and engaging in sharing his knowledge in an understandable way.

Due to the need to meet remotely there is no breakfast, so the e-Group meetings start at 9 a.m. with time for members to virtually chat and catch up on the local news. The speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Men of any age who are interested in joining the e-Group should email gmensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the invite list for the next Zoom meeting.

MS Support Group

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

Meditation Classes

Odiyana Center is a local non-profit organization dedicated to bringing peace through giving instruction in meditation and positive qualities of mind to community members. Buddhist Meditations and Teachings can help develop peace of mind for yourself and others. Virtual classes include guided meditations and practical advice to carry into daily life.

Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Cost is $5-$10. For information and online registration, visit meditationinconnecticut.org

Bottle and Can Drive

Tired of waiting in line to return bottles and cans? Consider donating them to the Granby 4-H Robotics Program. Your donation will help sustain this excellent STEM program. The next Granby 4-H Robotics Granby Bottle and Can Drive will be Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at South Congregational Church.

SBHS Fall Market

The Salmon Brook Historical Society has cancelled its fall flea market. Following the Governor’s guidelines and to protect our volunteers as well as the public, the Salmon Brook Historical Society has cancelled the fall flea market, which was to be held on Oct. 17. We know some people will be disappointed.

However, we want to side with caution and safety. We thank the citizens of Granby for coming and supporting the flea market in the past and we look forward to seeing you in May 2021.

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 their fur-ever homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare on a weekday morning or evening or on a weekend morning or afternoon, the shelter would love to hear from you.

Call 860-379-4141 or visit the website to find out more: maryskittykorner.org

Women’s Breakfast

The Women’s Breakfast Group monthly meetings are suspended until the Granby Senior Center is open and large groups can meet again.

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

Announcements may not exceed 120 words.

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Business support group formed

Friends of Holcomb Farm benefits from painting auction Fine artist Kate Emery auctioned an original oil painting to benefit the Friends of Holcomb Farm, a Granby-based organization devoted to preserving historic farmland and utilizing sustainable farming methods to feed local families and help neighbors in need.

The landscape painting, Holcomb Farm—East Fields View, depicts the antique house and barn on the property, as seen from the Holcomb Tree Trail.

Bids were accepted through Aug. 31.

The 16x20-inch painting is one of several recent works inspired by the landmark Connecticut farm, founded in 1756. “I love supporting this local farm that represents a lovely collaboration between town, land trust and citizens to grow chemical-free produce, preserve open land and provide access to walking trails. It is these types of thoughtful partnerships that show us a future that can work for us all,” Emery says.

A second-career artist who works full-time from her Farmington Valley studio, Emery partners with charitable organizations so that each of her works sold benefits a community cause. “I’ve always wanted my work to make a difference,” says Emery, who founded The Walker Group, a Farmington-based technology and digital marketing services firm that donates one-third of any distributed profits to community

By John Myers

Holcomb Farm—East Fields View, 16”x20”, oil on canvas by Connecticut artist Kate Emery

projects. She also established reSET, a Hartford-based nonprofit that seeks to advance the social enterprise sector in the state by encouraging nontraditional entrepreneurs who wish to use business as an engine for solving community or environmental problems. “I am committed,” says Emery, “to supporting these types of efforts through my art, as well.”

Emery will donate 75 percent of the price realized for her painting, valued at $800, to the nonprofit Friends organization that manages the 312-acre farm nestled in the hills of West Granby. The organization has an ambitious goal of doubling the amount of produce provided to social service organizations through its Fresh Access program this year.

Remembering Charles Malcolm Dickson, MD

By Alicia Heine Major Charles Malcolm Dickson, MD died on May 11, 2020, with his loving wife Karen at his side. He was 80 years old.

Charlie attended the Lawrenceville School graduating in 1958 as the school president and was a star on the soccer and track teams. After leaving Lawrenceville, he attended Williams College, where he belonged to Kappa Alpha. He graduated with a degree in art history.

He went on to Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and continued his education at Toronto Children’s Hospital specializing in pediatric anes-

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Charlie transitioned from his professional life to a 115-acre sheep farm in Granby where he and Karen enjoyed managing all aspects of the farm.

Charlie and Karen retired to his childhood community, Buck Hill Falls, Pa. in 2015 where he became an active member in that community. He loved to ski (downhill and cross-country), hike and was an avid fly fisherman.

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Granby Moving Forward was started by a group of like-minded professionals and residents who want to make sure the citizens of Granby have the necessary resources they need to overcome obstacles caused by COVID-19, and any future hardships that may come our way.

The group will work in conjunction with the Granby Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

The Chamber will be providing information to its members regarding this project. For those that are not Chamber members, our intent is to reach out via social media and publications such as The Granby Drummer. It is hoped that businesses that are flourishing will step up and help those that are struggling.

Granby Moving Forward’s mission is to: • Work with local businesses on helping them reestablish sales and become profitable.

• Provide advice and guidance for workers who have lost jobs and need help being reemployed.

• Provide advice and counseling to people who need help across all aspects of their lives as it relates to pandemic experiences.

• Offer regular meetings to answer questions related to concerns people

may have. If the group does not have the relevant resources, it will reach out to other entities for additional help.

Point-person, John Myers, will determine what types of services an individual might need and then refer them to the appropriate parties for assistance. This will avoid business people getting numerous calls during their workday. We have set up a Facebook page that we can link to the Chamber and vice versa.

“We will be approaching any business contacts or friends who can provide any support outlined above,” Myers said.

Here is a list of services people have committed to helping with: financial advice, marketing and technology, legal, insurance (health, business, life), job coaching and training and resume assistance, physical and mental well-being and small business sales advice.

If you would like to volunteer your time or need assistance, please send an email to Myers (johnmyers1@gmail.com) or visit the Facebook group page (Granby Moving Forward).

Please let the group know if you have any questions. It is excited about the prospect of working together to help the residents and businesses in Granby recover and thrive.

Engagement Announcement Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Cowles, of Granby, and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Pfaender, of Torrington, are pleased to announce the engagement of Molly Jane Cowles and Dustin Wayne Pfaender. This year, Molly graduated from the University of King’s College receiving a bachelor of liberal arts, having majored in English and classics and begins graduate school in August majoring in information management and library science to earn a master’s degree. In 2017, Dustin graduated from the University of Hartford, having majored in audio engineering technology and is employed as the sound designer for the Warner Theatre in Torrington. The wedding is planned for Dustin Pfaender and Molly Cowles December 2022.

Changes We went to work, made appointments, planned activities, even scheduled in free time—our calendars were full. Then something happened—loss of a job, illness, the pandemic. All our plans were cancelled or changed.

Now, as we move forward and begin again, we ourselves are changed.

We’ve learned that the most important thing we will carry with us is our choice to be a kind, caring, and helping person.

—Bernadette R. Gentry

Drumrolls

Ashlie Novak, of North Granby, was named to Springfield College’s dean’s list for the spring semester. Novak is studying health science/occupational therapy.

Bryce Alexander, of West Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Springfield College for the spring semester. Alexander is studying sport management.

Rebecca McCord, of Granby was named to Muhlenberg College’s spring dean’s list.

—we hope to see you again very soon!

Page 14 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

Test your knowledge with the Good Things in Granby Great Adventure

This past summer Granby Public Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society challenged the community to the Good Things in Granby Great Adventure. Participants were asked to solve clues, learn more about town landmarks and former prominent citizens, and then travel to the local site to take a picture of their visit.

We are pleased to announce the winners, and invite you, Granby Drummer readers, to test your knowledge.

First, congratulations to the winners of the contest: Lisa and Halley Jansen.

They managed to answer all the questions correctly and earn bonus points for creatively recording their travels. At a close second in the contest was Jill Small, Olivia and Max Fitzsimmons. Honorable mentions go to Nancy, Rohman and Selma Knutson, Matthew Becker and Karen Pape and family. Many thanks to the Library Friends for providing the winners with gift certificates from Lost Acres Orchard and Lox, Stock and Bagel.

And now, here is the Good Things in Granby Great Adventure game sheet:

1. Once upon a time there was a 27-hole golf course in Granby. Do you know where? The greens and fairways of the main course stretched across both sides of the Salmon Brook, and eventually more links were added and redesigned by the club pro. The course was closed during wartime in 1943, the clubhouse burned in 1945, and it never re-opened. The space remains a vital recreation area for the community today.

2. Broad Hill Farm was a family farm for generations and operated from the mid 1700s to the mid 1900s.

Shade tobacco and dairy cows are no longer grown nor raised on the site, but it is a working farm today—just under a different name. What farm is it known as today?

3. A North Granby native was appointed the third Connecticut State Librarian and is responsible for radically expanding the mission of the state library system, as well as ensuring the construction of the state library building in Hartford.

Who was this revered native son and in which library did he work at the beginning of his career? Extra points for finding a plaque in his honor, but be careful!

4. Did you know the oldest house in Granby is located at 45 Bushy Hill Road? Take a look and take a pic!

5. This is a ‘twofer’—find the engraved name of Colonel Richard E. Holcomb (Hint: it’s in two locations.)

6. It is estimated that the DeweyGranby Oak sprouted from an acorn around 1600. Where can you find this majestic Granby icon? For extra points, where is Granby’s Constitution Oak located?

7. There is a building in town that has served many purposes over the years. Once a Universalist church, then a school, and now it sports a rather large weapon on the front lawn. Where is it and what purpose does it serve today?

8. The Captivity of Daniel Hayes is an accounting of the capture and eventual return of a Granby native.

In the early 1700s, when he was 22 years old, Hayes was apprenticing as a weaver when he was captured by Indians and taken to Canada (apparently for retribution for mistreatment of a dog). He was allowed to live with the tribe as the caretaker of an old Indian woman until her death when he was sold to a French fur trapper. Hayes sold woven baskets to pay for his freedom and returned to Granby, on foot, seven years later.

Where might you learn more infor-

mation about Hayes’ experience?

9. This building originally served as a one room schoolhouse and then the town hall. It was purchased in 1946 by a local group and moved 150 feet along North Granby Road to its current location. What is it known as today?

10. Granby shares a 4,400-acre natural wonder with Simsbury and Canton.

What is it called? Take a pic of your favorite trail head.

11. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 45-acre Wilcox property was recently acquired by the Granby Land Trust to preserve history and expand wildlife corridors. Where is it located?

12. What name does Forsyth Mills go by today?

13. In November 1921, Dr. Ernest Pendleton founded a hospital and began practicing medicine in Granby.

Tuberculosis patients were treated

in a solarium on the second floor that is still visible as a glassed-in area. What is the address where the hospital was located?

14. The Granby Library Association was founded in 1869 by alumni of the pre-existing Granby Literary Association. A building was constructed for the subscription library and the second floor was rented to the Congregational Society of Salmon Brook (now known as South Congregational Church). A new library building was constructed in 1877, and following a fire in 1917, another community building was built. What organization operates from this building today?

Bonus points were awarded for sharing a picture and a story about your favorite historic Granby landmark.

See page 15 for the answers and several photos.

Rotary gifts defibrillator to Senior Center The Granby Senior Center thanks the Simsbury-Granby Rotary for so generously purchasing a new AED Defibrillator System for the building.

AED (automated external defibrillator) systems are a significant investment and

need to be replaced as parts for older devices become obsolete. The generosity of the Rotary Club made it possible to ensure that when members return to the building, the newest technology to keep them safe will be available.

Seniors improve fitness, get rewarded The Granby Senior Center held a 30-Day Fitness Challenge starting on July 1. Members were encouraged to set a daily 30-minute fitness goal. They recorded their achievements on a Daily Fitness Challenge Sheet. Each person who completed a fitness activity for 30

minutes every day for the 30 days was eligible to be entered to win a $100 Gift Certificate provided by The Residence at Brookside in Avon. Close to 20 members participated, and the winner was Kathy Agresta.

Drumrolls Eastern Connecticut State University named the following students to the dean’s list for the spring semester: Amanda Blejewski, of Granby, biology major; Madeleine McGee, of West Granby, physical education major; Anna Skaret, of East Hartland, liberal studies major; Jenna Smith, of Granby, general studies major; Katrina Wheeler, of East Hartland, accounting major; Abigail Wilson, of Granby, art major; and Ryan Carterud, physical education major.

Matt Spence, of North Granby, has been named to the dean’s list at Merrimack College for the spring semester. Spence is a business marketing major.

Gerald McDonald graduated from Bryant University with a BS in business administration in marketing.

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 15

Great Adventure answer sheet The Good Things in Granby Great Adventure (see p. 14) answers: 1. The golf course was located on the grounds of Salmon Brook Park.

2. Broad Hill Farm is known today as Holcomb Farm and is located on Simsbury Road in West Granby.

3. George Seymour Godard was the Granby native who began his library career at F. H. Cossitt Library, North Granby, and finished after nearly 40 years as the third librarian of the Connecticut State Library.

4. The oldest house in Granby is located at 45 Bushy Hill Road and was built in 1720.

5. Colonel Richard E. Holcomb’s name is engraved on the Civil War monument on the town green, and on his stone at the Granby Cemetery.

6. The Dewey Granby Oak is located at 67-79 Day Street, and the Granby Constitution Oak is located at 4 East Granby Road.

7. The Shannon Shattuck American Legion Post #182 is located at 244 North Granby Road.

8. There are multiple answers to this question including, Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby Public Library, F. H. Cossitt Library, etc.

9. The building is known as Granby Grange No. 5 and is located at 212 North Granby Road.

10. McLean Game Refuge is the 4,400acre natural wonder that occupies land in Granby, Simsbury and Canton.

11. The Wilcox property is located at 143 Simsbury Road, West Granby.

12. Forsyth Mills is known today as Old Mill Pond Village and is located at the junction of Mechanicsville Road and Salmon Brook Street.

13. Dr. Pendleton’s Granby hospital was located at 225 Salmon Brook Street, and the main house still stands there today.

14. The Visiting Nurse Association and Granby Food Bank now occupy the former building of the Granby Public Library.

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum Civil War monument, with Colonel Richard E. Holcomb’s name

GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Rick Kirschbaum GENERAL DENTISTRY IMPLANTS

Dr. Vince Steniger

A golfer wondering where the 27-hole course went!

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Plaque honoring George Seymour Godard

Rewards for reading this summer Granby resident Jen Lowe, right, is one of three lucky recipients of a Stop & Shop gift card. Her name was selected in the library’s Good in Granby 2020 Summer Reading drawing along with Debbie Orszulak and Heather Guglielmone. Other library users received prizes from Beman Hardware, Flowers ‘n’ Such, and Granby Auto Wash. Teens, tweens, and younger children picked up gift cards from Starbucks, Lox Stock and Bagels, and Grass Roots.

Many thanks to sponsors and the Friends of Granby Public Library and Friends of Cossitt

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Jason Raney

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Selfie at Old Mill Pond Village

Drumrolls

Library. They put the “good” in our Good in Granby summer program. Submitted photo

Worcester Polytechnic Institute awarded bachelor of science degrees this spring to the following: Vincent Lucca, of Granby, mechanical engineering with distinction; Connor Field, of West Granby, mechanical engineering with distinction; Spencer Howes, of Granby, robotics engineering.

Russell Stone, of Granby, has been named to the spring dean’s list at American International College.

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Page 16 The Granby Drummer

Registrars of Voters Free Class on Voting and Poll Working Introduction The Registrars of Voters are inviting all interested citizens and students to a Zoom class on voting, applying for an absentee ballot, absentee balloting, moderating elections, auditing returns, polling site protocols and everything in between. The class will be Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10 to 11 a.m. Send an email to registrarofvoters@granby-ct.gov to receive an email with instructions on how to participate.

Poll workers will be needed for the Nov. 3 election. The Registrar’s office is compiling a list of poll workers. Volunteer poll workers must be at least 16 years old and can choose to volunteer for a few hours, as desired to fit their schedules. If you would like to be added to the list or if you did not receive the poll worker information e-letter, please email the registrars at registrarofvoters@ granby-ct.gov Specific training schedules will begin in late September, small inperson classes will concentrate on one job at a time: Demonstrator, Checker, Ballot Clerk, Tabulator Tender, Assistant Registrar and Moderator. Poll worker training is required to serve. For more information or to apply, please contact the Registrars.

August primary was successful test run for Nov. 3 voting Voting during a pandemic proved a winnable challenge for a terrific team of dedicated volunteer poll workers, with the help of Granby Public Works and GMHS staff.

An unprecedented number of absentee ballots were processed by the Town Clerk with the help of the Secretary of the States mailing house, for a total of 1,157 ballots and 562 voters went to the polls to safely vote. The Governor has given permission for anyone concerned about their health or the health of a family

member, to vote using an absentee ballot for Nov. 3.

Presidential Democratic candidates totals for Granby: Joe Biden 912, Bernie Sanders 128, Tulsi Gabbard 23, and Uncommitted 18.

Presidential Republican candidates totals for Granby: Donald J. Trump 467, Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente 51, and Uncommitted 92.

U.S. House of Representatives Republican candidate totals for Granby: Mary Fay 331 and Jim Griffin 222.

Request an Absentee Ballot before Oct. 2 Please don’t wait, the August primary taught us all a valuable lesson, file your application early so that you can receive a printed ballot as soon as they are available, in early October. As of this writing the state has not decided to mail an application to all eligible voters—please don’t wait.

Absentee ballots are handled through the Town Clerk’s office and voters must send in an application to receive an absentee ballot. For the November election, 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 if you are away. Use the new ballot drop box if you can. If social distancing is still in place in November and you choose to request an absentee ballot for your safety, please do NOT neglect to check one of the reasons listed on the form. There is a box for “my illness” and another for “my physical disability.” Neither of these reasons require a doctor’s note for the Town Clerk. The Secretary of State’s office has issued a detailed legal opinion that those at risk for COVID-19 can apply, marking the illness box.

The application is available through the Town Clerk or online at the Secretary of

September 2020

Quilts having a June outing

Jeanne LaPierre participated in the Hang-A-Quilt Day on June 20. The three quilts, part of LaPierre’s Happy series, were hung from a line in front of her North Granby home.

Photo by Paul Keary

State’s website (sots.ct.gov). The town’s new ballot drop box will be available 24/7 once ballots have been issued.

Registration deadline for the Presidential Election is Oct. 27 The Granby Registrar of Voters will hold a special last-day, all-day voter registration session on Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall offices. Same day voter registration has been passed in Connecticut but long lines are expected should unregistered voters wait until Election Day. Voters need to be aware that voter registration is non-transferable; if you move, you must register in your new town and make sure you receive a letter of confirmation within two weeks.

During the pandemic it is recommended that you go online to register.

Voter registration is a public record, and we make it easy to confirm your voter registration 24/7. From the Town

of Granby website there is a link to the Secretary of the State’s website and online voter registration look-up tool (dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx). There is also a link to Online Voter Registration, which is available 24/7, to enroll, or to make name, party or address changes to an existing voter registration (voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do).

Posted office hours for the Registrars’ office are Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paper voter registration forms are also available at any town hall, public library or DMV office and online at the Secretary of State’s website (sots.ct.gov).

The deadline to receive online and postmarked registrations is Oct. 27.

Questions? Please contact the Registrars, Laura Wolfe and Sonja Smith, at 860-844-5322 or registrarofvoters@ granby-ct.gov

Help Us Prepare a

Scavenger Hunt How can you help new people love your town and become part of the community? By sharing your favorite places and telling us where you love to be in Granby. Maybe, you love the gazebo during a summer concert. Or, a quiet corner tucked away from the noise. A park? A restaurant? Send us an email with a picture and a description of your spot. With your input, we can put together a map of all the special places and create a town-wide hunt. Once it’s done, we’ll make it available to anyone who would like a copy. You, too, might discover someplace new!

Do you know where this place is? This favorite place photo was contributed by Robin Zatony from our office. (Hint? Take a drive on a beautiful country road!)

You can count on:

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

While this may not exactly be real estate, we can help you with that, too. Give us a call! We are very happy to answer questions or help you put a plan together.

Robin, Melanie, Cyndie, Jill and Roland

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

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 17 Winding down on our 50th year

Granby’s BiCentennial was 34 years ago—where did the time go?

By Chris Levandowski 1986 was a year of a grand celebration of Granby, both with a look back at the town’s 200-year history and a look forward to a future filled with promise.

Volunteers and organizations planned a year-long agenda of events that culminated on a glorious September Saturday in a burst of fireworks, the best parade and picnic the town had ever seen.

The parade was a display of community spirit, ingenuity and humor.

The fifes and snare drums of the town’s own Marquis and the heartbeat-thump of the GMHS Marching Band’s base drums kept the long line of participants in step. That lineup included Governor Bill O’Neill, local dignitaries in antique cars and horse drawn carriages, LAFD fire apparatus, GPD police cruisers and town trucks, a Governor’s Footguard unit, a color guard from the Connecticut State Police and fantastic floats created by almost every organization in town.

Marching together or singly, residents dressed in Colonial garb, as Mother Goose and in the exercise garb of the day—aerobics leotards. A group of energetic and fun-loving guys put on khakis, navy blazers and straw boaters, fired up their push lawn mowers and performed a synchronized, kazoo-accompanied routine the entire length of the parade route.

Route 202/10 was lined five-deep from the high school to Salmon Brook Park.

When the last unit passed, townsfolk fell in behind and marched to the park where picnic food-booth lines were long but convivial, a “right-on-the-money” parachute drop, carnival rides, square dancing and several bands kept the throngs happy and entertained.

As dusk turned to dark, blankets were spread, and jackets donned against the evening chill. With a magnificent “thwump”, the first volley of a halfhour-long fireworks display lit the sky.

Granby’s day-long 200th year celebration ended with the sky aglow. A bright light to start a new century.

On Sunday, there were an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving on the middle school lawn and the Founders’ Day program with a keynote address by Dr. Leslie Fishel, then director of the Hayes Presidential Library in Ohio. He shared anecdotes of the life of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United

States whose family roots traced deep into Granby history and, generations later, the Hayes family still lives here.

The day ended with festivities and tours at the Salmon Brook Historical Society near where Hayes’ ancestors and other courageous men and women built the settlement of Salmon Brook that would become Granby, Connecticut.

That weekend, 34 years ago, was a celebration that will remain a memory and milestone for the town and for all who experienced it. For the Drummer, it is a wonderful September memory to recall as the paper embarks on its 51st publishing year.

Drumrolls The following East Granby residents graduated from Quinnipiac University this spring: Kaelyn Ludwig, bachelor of science in radiologic sciences; Morgan Mattil, bachelor of science in nursing; Meredith Vanags, doctor of physical therapy; and Michael Wright, master of science in interactive media and communications.

The following Granby residents graduated from Quinnipiac University this spring: Emily Jackson, master of health science in occupational therapy; and Carissa McIntire, master of science in business analytics.

Claire E. Newhall, a fine arts major from East Granby, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Saint Anselm College.

Kyle Desjardins, a sophomore majoring in applied mathematics at Wentworth Institute of Technology, was named to the spring dean’s list.

Desjardins also achieved the spring academic All-CCC baseball honors.

Jonah Garcia, of Granby, was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Connecticut.

Heather Salter, of Granby, was named to the University of Delaware dean’s list for the spring semester.

Madelyn Wilson, of Granby, was named to Furman University’s dean’s list for the spring semester.

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Page 18 The Granby Drummer

Granby Educators Honored Throughout the 2019-2020 school year donations were made to the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) in honor of the educators shown below. As part of the GEF’s mission to encourage educational excellence, the foundation is thrilled to recognize the efforts of these individuals. Please join the GEF in congratulating them and applauding their hard work and dedication to the Granby community.

Honoree Donor Name Chloe Blumberg Amanda and Brandon Webster Ann Buckley Tessa Green Emma Buder Amanda and Brandon Webster Kathryn Busbey The Proctor Family Ann Marie Cox Maddie Green Dave Emery The Orluk Family Laila Faulkenberg Tessa Green Susan Gleason Ella Proctor Kathy Jackson Put and Nannie Brown James Janski Ella Proctor Cathryn Kibby Amanda and Brandon Webster Cathryn Kibby The Willerton Family Philip Livsey Zachary Brewer Jeanne Martino Amanda and Brandon Webster Grace Matthews The Sandridge Family Steve Migneault The Proctor Family Christine Nelson Karen McTeague Sean Passan The Orluk Family Lauren Pomeroy Amanda and Brandon Webster Christine Santa Amanda and Brandon Webster Rodney Scudder Zachary Brewer Melinda Shilansky Zachary Brewer Beth Spellman The Willerton Family Jeff Stanwood The Thrall Family Kim Tawney Put and Nannie Brown Mark Tokarz The Orluk Family Maria Toth Jack Proctor Linda Touchette Maddie Green Michelle Traub Dave Tyrell and Patricia Berghdahl Sarah Warner The Proctor Family James Whitten Jack Proctor

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September 2020

Animal Talk

John Violette, DVM

How much dog drool is too much?

Is your dog drooling excessively?

We expect a certain amount of salivating from our canine friends especially when they are panting from hot weather.

Also, when they smell or see something delicious, they produce an excess of saliva and it spills out of their mouths instead of being swallowed. Some dog breeds are prodigious droolers, such as Saint Bernards, mastiffs, Newfoundlands, etc. If your dog has tighter lip conformation and yet seems to be drooling for no obvious reason then it’s time for a thorough oral exam.

First order of business is check in your dog’s mouth to see if anything is amiss.

Carefully pull back the lips and inspect for any broken or infected teeth. Are the gums healthy and pink or are they bright red and odorous from gingivitis?

Is there brown tartar coating the teeth or are they nice and white? Many dogs will continue to eat even if there is a tooth-root abscess. If you are concerned that the cause may be dental disease, it’s time for a trip to the veterinarian to see if a good exam and cleaning under anesthesia is the next step.

Next, you can try to pry open the jaw and see if there is a stick wedged on the roof of the mouth. This is a classic condition that is easily remedied with a small pair of pliers to pluck the stick from where it is wedged between the teeth. Often the dog won’t cooperate and a visit to the vet is needed for some mild sedation. Injuries are also common from chewing sharp objects like bones.

There could be some blood-tinged saliva to indicate some trauma. We have seen some impressive tongue lacerations that require surgery.

Most dogs don’t complain much so if you observe them having trouble seizing

and chewing food it’s time for a good look by a vet.

One area of greatest concern for a drooling dog is the possibility of tumors in the mouth. They can be attached to the gums or inside of the lips or under the tongue. Many oral tumors can be malignant and require significant surgery.

Some tumors are benign and surgery is curative. Any suspected oral tumor needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out cancer.

Don’t forget that some dogs suffer from motion sickness like we do. They can become nauseous especially in the car. This is quite common in puppies.

They may even vomit. Thankfully, most puppies grow out of this condition but some dogs will always have some degree of drooling in the car. There is an effective motion sickness tablet called cerenia that usually helps.

This time of year, during grilling season, we see dogs who steal very hot food and burn their mouths, tongues and throats. This can be a very painful experience and these dogs may have trouble swallowing. There are medical treatments to help but prevention is the ticket in these cases. The saliva actually helps protect the tissues from this burning injury.

Hyper-salivating due to foreign materials is another example of a defense mechanism in dogs. As you know some dogs like to chew on anything—be it fertilizer in the garage or mushrooms in the back yard. With all of their salivary glands (mandibular, sublingual, parotid) they can muster a huge salivary response in seconds. This type of drooling is a great first line of defense from foreign material. So, all slobbering isn’t a problem, it can be the solution.

Drumrolls Springfield College recently graduated the followings students: Lily Holm of West Granby, with a B.S. in health science and pre-physical therapy; Jessica Storch of Granby, with a B.S. in health science and pre-physical therapy; Frederick Moffa of Granby, with a B.S. in physical education; and Bryce Alexander of West Granby, with a B.S. in sport management.

Sage Kingsley, of West Granby, has been named to the Emerson College dean’s list for the spring semester. Kingsley majors in visual and media arts.

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Special Events Autumn Bingo: Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. Join us as we play Bingo, with special cards featuring everything autumn.

Prizes will be mailed. Register by Sept.

8. Cost $5 members, $7 non-members.

Trivia with Keith Alan Productions: Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Prizes Sponsored by the Farmington Valley VNA. Keith will be bringing the same energy and enthusiasm we have experienced with Music Bingo to this fun and interactive Trivia Game. Prizes will be mailed. Register by Sept. 9. Cost $7 members, $9 non-members.

M a k e Yo u r O w n F r i e n d s h i p Bracelet: Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.

Instructor Tully Meyer, McLean Home Care and Hospice. Tully will be teaching you how to make beautiful friendship bracelets, to keep or to give away.

We will be mailing all the necessary supplies and Tully will be instructing on Zoom. Register by Sept. 10. Cost $8 members, $10 non-members.

Aging Mastery Program: Mondays, Sept. 28 to Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. The Granby Senior Center will be participating in this national, evidence-based program designed to help millions of baby boomers and older adults take critical steps to improve their well-being, add stability to their lives, and strengthen their ties to the community.

The ten-week series explores how to repurpose and support the “Bonus Years” that many Boomers and Seniors will enjoy. Includes lectures, expert speakers, sharing and creating the kind of life you want as you age. Generously supported and funded by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, The CT Healthy Living Collective and Anthem Foundation. This program is valued at $150 per person, but we are offering it at no charge. Limited space available.

Register by Sept. 14.

Special Guest Program, Coffee and Conversation with Kelsey Riggs: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Kelsey Riggs, ACC sideline reporter and anchor for ESPN, will be sharing her experience. She will also talk about how she got into Sports Reporting, her early career and more. Register by Sept. 24.

Free for members, $5 for non-members.

Kayaking Meetup: Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Winchester Lake, Winchester. Call 860-844-5352 to register and for more details.

Lifetime Learning Academy History Lessons: Tuesdays, Sept. 8–Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Presented by Jerry Perkins, history teacher. Jerry brings his unique sense of history to life, teaching on a variety of topics from PreColumbian times to current events. This is a discussion-based group with participants helping to choose which topics are covered. Register by Sept. 5. Cost $10 members, $15 non-members.

Survey of the Old Testament: Wednesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. Instructors, Skip and Beth Mission. This seven-week class is designed to familiarize you with the Old Testament of the Bible. It starts with creation, the fall, and the flood. Next, we will discuss Abraham, the Father of many nations followed by Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Life in the Promised Land includes lessons on David (Israel’s greatest king), Psalms and Proverbs, as well as the other Kings and prophets. No class on Sept. 30, Oct. 14. Cost $10 members, $15 non-members.

Health and Wellness

Coffee and Conversation with Kaitlin Cuas: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. Cuas, transitional care nurse for Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will present How to Make the Most of Your Telehealth Appointment. Learn about the different types of virtual telehealth services,

September is membership renewal month Please visit our website at granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of our health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. All programs are currently being held on Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, please let us know.

All memberships and van dues are renewed in September. Membership fees for Granby residents are $5 and $10 for out-of-town-guests. Van dues are $10.

These minimal fees help defray costs—allowing us to offer free and low-cost events throughout the year.

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

• Online registration and payment is now available. Use your Membership Tag to register and pay online at myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.CT.Granby.

Granby-Senior-Center If you have lost your membership tag, please call 860844-5350 to speak with a Senior Center staff member.

• Call the Senior Center to register and pay with a credit card by phone at 860844-5350.

• Call the Senior Center to register and mail a check to 15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. pros and cons, tips for your virtual environment, technology and preparation. Free for members, $5 for non-members.

CBD and Medical Marijuana: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Presented by Nancy Sheetz, Executive Director Farmington Valley VNA. Can medical marijuana cure cancer? If I use CBD oil will I sleep better? Does it matter if I buy online or will I need a prescription? Few topics stir up as much emotional debate as the use of medical marijuana and its part in medical miracle cures.

Learn what is available, recommended and how to best be informed. Register by Sept. 14. Free for members, $5 non-members.

Personal Development

Intermediate Suzuki Method Violin Lessons: Fridays, Sept. 4–Dec. 18. No class Oct 30.

Instructor, Kasey Calebaugh. Our intermediate violin lessons will continue with a fall session.

Must have experience to join in. Cost $170 members, $190 non-members.

Support Services

Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming.

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.

Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free consultation. 860-844-5352.

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

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren via Zoom: Thursdays at Noon. Join others to share friendships, tips and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Tuesday from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Farmington Valley VNA. Held at the gazebo behind the Granby Food Bank, 248 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. Please wear a face mask.

Senior Van Service

The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Out-of-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10. Call 860-844-5353 to schedule a ride or to get more information.

Exercise Classes Via Zoom

No drop-ins for any exercise classes; preregistration required.

Check out our Facebook Page (facebook. com/GranbyCTSeniorCenter) and our website (granby-ct.gov/senior-services) for updates on exercise classes.

Tai Ji Quan: Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m., Sept. 11–March 22. Instructor: Mary Ellen Mullins. Moving for Better Balance® is a research-based falls prevention exercise program that uses Tai Ji Quan based movements to improve strength, mobility, balance and daily function to prevent falls. It is designed for older adults and people with balance difficulties. No prior experience with Tai Chi is needed. You will

learn the movements in twice-a-week classes over 24 weeks. Classes are taught virtually by trained instructors in a supportive environment.

This program can accommodate individuals who need some assistance with walking, such as use of a cane. Limited space available. No charge but you must have a current Granby Senior Center membership.

Yoga: Mondays at 10–10:45 a.m., Sept.

14–Oct. 26. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis

is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required.

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

Chi Gong: Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., Sept.

9–Oct. 28. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Chi” means “Energy” and “Gong” means “To activate”.

In this gentle, low impact, standing (or seated) class we Activate our vital life force or Energy with a series of breathing, stretching and balancing techniques. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. It is also wonderful for healing and pain management. Like Tai Chi, Chi Gong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.

Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 members; $56 non-members.

Strength and Sculpt: Wednesdays at 4:30–5:15 p.m., Sept. 2–Oct. 28. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Strengthen and sculpt your body using free weights and body weights. Cost: $45 members; $54 non-members.

Cardio and Strength: Fridays at 10–10:45 a.m., Sept. 4–Oct. 30. Instructor, Mary Fuller.

This class offers an emphasis on strengthening mixed with cardio. Cost: $45 members; $54 non-members.

Drumrolls Eastern Connecticut State University graduated the following students in May: Katrina Wheeler of East Hartland, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in accounting; and Griffin Hammack of West Granby, with a B.S. in communication.

Western New England University named the following students to its spring semester president’s list: Emily Cronin, of Granby, who graduated with a BS in health sciences; Nicholas Veahma, of Granby, who graduated with a BSE in mechanical engineering/mechatronics concentration; and Benjamin Ranicar, of North Granby, who is majoring in sport management.

Western New England University named the following Granby students to its spring semester dean’s list: Conner Fallon, who graduated with a BSE in mechanical engineering; Katrina Howes, who is majoring in accounting; and Jacob King, who is majoring in sport management.

Gage Mullaney of West Granby, and Heather Smyth of Granby, were named to the University of Alabama’s dean’s list for the spring semester.

Sean O’Neil, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Western Connecticut State University for the spring semester.

Abigail Sannizzaro graduated cum laude from Bryant University with a BS in business administration degree in human resources management, and was named to the president’s list at Bryant University for the spring semester.

Bryant University named the following students to its dean’s list for the spring semester: Parker Hansen and Gerald McDonald, both from Granby, Cara Ferro from East Hartland, and Erin Henebry from North Granby.

Zachary Ziemnicki of Granby, received a B.S. in national security studies from the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven in May.

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Page 26 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

New life for the former Davis Farm

By Shirley Murtha Long idle since Dr. Forrest Davis’s death, the large farm on the corner of Rte. 189 and Wells Road is now in capable hands that will keep the farming tradition going, although not with cattle.

John and Teresa Coward, owners of the Christmas tree farm and seasonal nursery on Rte. 10/202 in Southwick, Mass. purchased the property in June with the intent to grow tobacco there. In fact, 14 acres of the land have already been planted with what will become cigar wrappers and binders. Another eight acres is planted with pumpkins. They plan to plant Christmas trees in 2021.

The old cattle barn was torn down and new tobacco barns are being built. They will house the drying tobacco leaves.

Farming is in the Coward’s blood, tobacco farming in particular for John.

Teresa grew up on a dairy farm in Southwick that was started by her great grandfather. She and John met at Southwick High School and were

married in 1986, when John was in the National Guard and worked for a tobacco farm in Massachusetts.

In 1985, they purchased 47 acres where their Southwick business is now located and planted evergreens to be sold at Christmas. The trees reached saleable size in 1992. Meanwhile, Teresa worked at Hamilton Standard and John and a partner oversaw 300-plus acres of shade tobacco for Connleaf, Inc. in Westfield. They planted pumpkins on the Rte. 10 property: pick your own, all you can carry for $7, and also had a pick-your own strawberry patch for a while.

In 2004, John left Connleaf and began growing broadleaf tobacco in Southwick. For extra income, he began growing mums from the backyard. In 2007, the couple purchased an additional four acres at the tree farm. John built the impressive barn-style retail building, where, beginning in 2009, visitors can purchase holiday home and tree decorations, kissing balls, roping and wreaths

Virtual Farm Market cont’d. from p. 25 and hemp products made from its own organically grown hemp plants.

At Lost Acres Vineyard, you will see a variety of white and red wines, as well as Old Orchard Apple, Enders Reserve and Salmon Brook Rose.

Lyric Hill Farm provides soaps, lotions, and detergents made from the farm’s own goats’ milk, and scented wands made from the farm’s lavender plants.

At the Maple View Farm site you can purchase sausage, hotdogs, kielbasa, beer and ale.

A wide variety of flavors of goat cheese, cow and goat milk, and cow and goat Greek yogurt are available at

Sweet Pea Cheese.

Sweet Wind Farm packs up a box for $20 that will include a variety of fruits and vegetables. For example, the box for the week ending Aug. 15 included cherries, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers. Sweet Wind also sells a Flower and Herb box. A recent one included choice of sunflower bundle or mini bouquet, basil, mint parsley, sage and marjoram, also $20.

The Virtual Farmers’ Market is a great way to go shopping without leaving your house, and it supports your local farmers. What could be better?

Construction of the massive tobacco drying barns was underway in August.

in addition to the trees.

After several years of a declining tobacco market, the couple began their plans for a seasonal nursery. They added structures to the Rte. 10/202 property, including the large greenhouse, that enable them to provide myriad flowering plants and vegetables in the spring and early summer as well as the trees and other décor at Christmas.

As their seasonal nursery began to grow, the tobacco market began to recover. At that point, their son decided to become involved in the family business, which has been a big help. When John happened to drive by the Davis property this spring and saw the “For Sale” sign, he knew immediately what he wanted to do there. The closing date was in June and shortly after, the planting and renovations began. John expects to plant additional Christmas trees in 2021. These will be harvested and brought to the Southwick location as pre-cuts for those who would rather not cut their own.

What will become of the vintage home on the site? Unfortunately, there is a great deal of decay and absolutely no plumbing. Thieves stole all the copper piping while the place was vacant.

After consulting with professionals, the Cowards realized that it would be far too expensive to renovate the house; eventually it will need to be torn down. Teresa

Teresa, John and Remi Coward pose for a picture in their pumpkin patch at the former Davis Farm on the corner of Rte. 189 and Wells Road. 14 acres of tobacco have been planted.

Photos by Shirley Murtha

notes that the wonderful windows and some other woodwork will be saved.

An appraiser will help the couple decide what should be kept.

Granby welcomes the Cowards to town and our vital agricultural community. Things often have a way of coming full circle, and that is true here for Teresa. That cattle farm where she was raised? Their veterinarian was—you guessed it— Dr. Forrest Davis.

Clark Farm extends apple U-Pick Clark Farms on Bushy Hill Road is expanding its apple U-pick to Thursday and Friday, as well as the usual Saturday and Sunday in an effort to spread out the traffic and allow for social distancing. The hours remain 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, you can pick up tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant and melons from the bins on the porch, and perhaps enjoy an ice cream treat while you are there. When fall arrives, there will be winter squash, potatoes and mums. Also, hard cider will be in production. Watch for an announcement of its availability.

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 27

Record harvest at the Garlic Farm

By Shirley Murtha While 2020 has not been a very good year for most people, Gary Cirullo at The Garlic Farm is thankful for the record harvest of his title crop. About three- and one-half acres planted last fall survived the winter, leading to a harvest of about

The Garlic Farm owner Gary Cirullo shows off some of his large seed garlic, hanging in the barn rafters.

15,000 pounds. If you look up when you enter the retail barn, you will see just about every available rafter overhead is hung with the fragrant white bulbs—a really amazing sight.

Most of this garlic is the large bulbs of hybrid German white useful as “seed garlic” for those wishing to grow their own. To provide enough for this growing market, Cirullo saves some from each season to be used to start the next year’s crop. It’s a good thing he does, because people come from as far away as Maine and New Jersey, as well as the rest of New England and New York, to purchase seed garlic.

Cirullo hires around a dozen workers to harvest the garlic in mid-July. Many applicants reply to his ad for help. Workers need to be able to spend a full day, beginning at 5:45 a.m., in the hot sun in the field. Surprisingly, not all are in high school or college; this year there were some in their late 30s. Cirullo noted that in a photo posted earlier this season, “the harvesters had a look of early depression era agriculture.”

In addition to the garlic, the farm grows a multitude of other vegetables, all without pesticides. Extensive drip irrigation

very busy fall season, Cirullo expects to set up a second cash register outside on the weekends to alleviate long lines and allow for social distancing.

If you want to start your own garlic garden, don’t wait too long to get over to The Garlic Farm on Simsbury Road to get your seed bulbs. They go flying out the door as the season progresses.

keeps everything going strong, despite hot dry summers such as the one Granby just experienced. The heirloom tomatoes, kale, Swiss chard, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers and onions make beautiful displays. Speaking of beauty, customers are also allowed to pick a bouquet of colorful zinnias from the extensive field in back of the retail barn.

For several years, the farm has provided a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program) in which participants pay upfront for a season’s worth of vegetables that they pick up on a weekly basis.

There are usually between 30 and 40 CSA members.

As well as selling all these non-pesticide, non-GMO veggies to the public, Cirullo has been supplying several area restaurants with this produce. For example, the Max Group of restaurants and the Trumbull Kitchen rely on him to make weekly deliveries.

Cirullo spends his days in the fields, so a trio of women help to keep things running in the retail barn. Karen works the cash register and handles the Facebook page; Heather also does the register and she writes the newsletter; Tonya fills in at the register when needed. During the

Garlic Farm produce as delicious as it is beautiful! Photos by Shirley Murtha

New trees on the Holcomb tree trail

Come see the latest addition to the Holcomb Tree Trail, the bald cypress grove.

These trees were generously donated by Granby nurseryman John O’Brien. Bald cypress, commonly found in the south-

The newly planted tree is one of the ten Pendens Bald Cypress trees donated by O’Brien Nurserymen of Granby

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eastern United States, grow in damp or even swampy conditions.

There are several boggy areas on the tree trail, and we chose to plant these trees at the north end of the Holcomb Farm fields, known as the North Field.

This area is quite damp and in spring can have standing water. The Friends planted nine of these trees in a cluster, or grove, which is how they would grow in the wild. We also planted a single plant with more room to grow to show the full width of the tree when given the space.

Bald cypress are deciduous conifers, which means that they have needles which fall off every fall. The needles turn an orange brown color in fall that will be a nice contrast with the White Pines nearby.

These trees are all a cultivar called Pendens, which means that the branches are nearly horizontal, but nodding at the tips with branchlets drooping. They also are fast growers, reaching 50 to 70 feet in 30–50 years and in the wild, they may reach 100 feet or more. While native from Delaware to Florida and West to Texas and Louisiana, they have proved hardy in Minnesota, Southern Canada, and upstate New York. Some have survived -20° to -30°F temperatures. There

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Page 28 The Granby Drummer

FEEDING GRANBY AND BEYOND DURING DIFFICULT TIMES When the coronavirus hit, Holcomb Farm Summer CSA shares sold out in record time and a lengthy waitlist developed. The need for quality, locally grown food became a top concern as people began to really think about where their food was coming from, how much it was handled on its way to their tables, and how stable the food chain was. “Know your farmer, know your food,” resonated with more people than ever before.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus made it more difficult for less fortunate families to put healthy food on their tables. Unemployment, sickness, age, and underlying health conditions kept many people home from work—and home from the store. The food the Friends of Holcomb Farm provides through Fresh Access quickly became more important than ever.

Farmer Joe and his extraordinary crew responded quickly to the shifting dynamics and made sure the farm had more than enough produce to feed all its CSA members, Farm Store customers and Fresh Access partners.

CSA members and customers cooperated with the new rules for wearing masks and social distancing and the farm crew packed CSA bags ahead of time for those who were uncomfortable coming into the store.

In addition, generous donors supported the Friends of Holcomb Farm’s Fresh Access program, increasing our ability to feed people in need. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to provide 12 tons of produce—nearly a 100 percent increase—to people in need through our Fresh Access program this year. This food has been distributed through the Granby Senior Center, Granby Social Services, the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen, Hartford’s Wheeler Clinic, and the Hispanic Health Council.

In spite of all that has changed over the last six months, the farm has been a comforting constant for many of us—a place where flowers bloom, bees pollinate, and crops grow, blissfully oblivious to what is happening in the wider world.

We are grateful for this, and for the food the farm provides.

YOU CAN HELP If you are looking for ways to contribute to others during these trying times, your donations to Fresh Access are always welcome, and go directly to providing the food we grow to people in need right here in Granby and throughout the

greater Hartford region. To learn more or donate, go to holcombfarm.org and click on “Donate.”

GEORGIA MCDOUGALL – A GAL WITH A PLAN

By Shirley Murtha Summer started a lot earlier for Georgia McDougall than she had anticipated—in March, as a matter of fact. Sent home from her freshman year at the University of Vermont thanks to COVID-19, she was able to start working at Holcomb Farm while finishing her courses online.

Prior to the pandemic, she had applied to other farms around the country, but Holcomb won out for a couple of reasons. Not only could she avoid the expenses of living away from home, but also, Farmer Joe’s “beyond organic” cropgrowing practices are pretty much a replica of those taught at UVM, where she is majoring in agroecology. Interested in both environmental science and food systems, she feels that this major is a perfect medley of the two subjects, and that Holcomb is the perfect place for her to study this.

Georgia notes that being able to start the season earlier than expected was very beneficial, allowing her to see all the preparation that goes into getting the crops started. She’s had summer part-time farm jobs before, but never the full-time position she has now. “This is much better than learning about farming in a classroom,” she says about her hands-on experience. She also notes that she is gaining insight to the consumer side of market agriculture with regard to the operation of the Farm Store.

Getting to know the crew from the start of the season instead of joining them later has also been enjoyable for Georgia. She notes that all the workers are great chefs. Harvesting and “spending time with the veggies” inspires them all to go home and cook the produce. They discuss and share their favorite recipes. In her spare time, she likes to trail run, do yoga, and back-country ski in the winter. Horses are a part of her family life, so there’s a bit of riding thrown in there, also.

As for her future career, Georgia says she hopes to “work towards narrowing the glaring disparity of the amount of food wasted and the levels of national and global food insecurity.”

She feels that “shifting towards regenerative agricultural models is a major part of solving this imbalance.” It’s pretty clear that this is a young lady who will make a difference.

September 2020

ANNUAL MEETING

By Shirley Murtha It was masked and socially distant, but the annual meeting of the Friends of Holcomb Farm was held on Aug. 16 in a spot with a beautiful view on the Tree Trail across the road from the main campus of the farm.

After a brief walk led by Eric Lukingbeal, Friends president Bob Bystrowski opened the meeting with an overview of the 2019 year.

Progress was made on all fronts: farming, land stewardship, membership and fund-raising. As it has been in all of Farmer Joe O’Grady’s years, the farm had profitable summer share and winter share seasons, and a well-attended Harvest

Dinner and silent auction, which raised significant funds for the farm’s Fresh Access program.

O’Grady was praised as not only an exceptional farmer, but also an astute business person.

Following the overview, finance, program and committee reports were given. Treasurer Rocky Piccirillo reported on finances, summing up that “everything was fine” last year, although grants are down in this year of COVID-19. Brittany Gauthier, reporting for farmer O’Grady, spoke about the success of the farm store, the farm workers and the addition of chickens, their fertilizer and fresh eggs to the operation. Reporting for Fresh Access chair Mark Fiorentino, Bystrowski noted

Annual Meeting cont’d. on p. 29

Georgia McDougall, an agroecology student at the University of Vermont, brings freshly picked produce into the Holcomb Farm CSA barn. Photo by Shirley Murtha

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Please see updates on website for reopening of in-person services.

Livestream 10 am; also recorded for later viewing.

www.firstchurchgranby.org www.facebook.com/First-Congregational-Church-of-Granby

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Annual Meeting cont’d. from p. 28 that the program provided eight tons of food to thousands of recipients in 2019. Todd Bear Crevier, who delivers some of this produce to the Wheeler clinics in Hartford, Bristol, Waterbury and New Britain, spoke of how appreciated it is, with clients lined up awaiting his arrival.

Lukingbeal described the process of obtaining and planting the trees on the Tree Trail and praised the volunteers who maintain the trails all over the farm. Without this maintenance, there would be far fewer visitors hiking, photographing and painting the scenic views and then possibly checking out the farm store. Susan Canavan reported on the annual appeal and the board’s decision that starting with the 2020 winter CSA,to consider the shareholders as members of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, as they are investing in not just good food, but also the infrastructure of the farm. Donna Snyder reported on her work in the process of applying for and obtaining grants, which is considerably challenging in this pandemic.

Over and over during this meeting, it was made clear that the Farm is thriving in part due to the actions of so many devoted volunteers.

It is humming with activity on all fronts. If you have never walked the trails or visited the Farm Store, it would be worth your while to do so— find out why so many are willing to spend their time helping to keep the place in good shape.

Perhaps you would be able to make a donation, small or large, to make sure that Laura and Tudor Holcomb’s gift to the town continues to be successful. It would certainly be appreciated.

THE LAGANS: A FAMILY AFFAIR

By Shirley Murtha When she was 13 years old, Sarah Lagan was recruited by her brother Caleb to help out with an exceedingly abundant tomato harvest at Holcomb Farm. She enjoyed the experience so much that she continued for the next three summers as she attended the Master’s School, from which she has just graduated. She plans to attend Cedarville University in Ohio in the fall, where she will study to become an athletic trainer. What does that have to do with farming?

Not a lot, but she enjoys the farm culture and being able to be outside not far from home. She likes the feeling of accomplishment she gets when she can successfully complete whatever tasks Farmer Joe asks her to do.

Caleb got a degree in history at Thomas Edison University in 2013, and started working at the Farm in February of 2015. He had checked out several other area farms, but Joe’s personality and the Farm itself won him over. He worked here until August of 2016 when he headed off to China to teach English to primary school children, a job recommended to him and facilitated for him by a Chinese woman who was also working here on the Farm.

In June of 2018, Caleb left China, arriving in California, where he stayed until he graduated from Biola University with a master’s degree in education. He is putting his education to good use as the international student coordinator for the Master’s School where Sarah attended. He helps with applications, arranges appointments, does Visa paperwork, updates the website….and still puts in his hours at the Farm. In addition to

good food and decent pay, just being outside and getting exercise and working with a great crew are the factors that keep him here.

When asked if there were any downsides to working on the Farm, Caleb had to think for a minute and decided that harvesting cucumbers was his least favorite thing to do, mainly because it bothers his back. He also noted that once in a while, a customer in the farm store is less than pleasant, and that’s not fun. He noted, however, that every year the Farm itself gets better and better: a cement floor in the barn, a new tractor, a new method for doing something that makes it easier.

Sarah also appreciates the great farm community and Joe’s teaching ability. For her, the downsides include bad weather (rainy days, hot temperatures) and weaving tomatoes, which is a process of supporting the growing plants with string in their rows, Sarah also noted that the extra work of sanitizing the produce bins, thanks to COVID-19, although necessary, takes a lot of extra time.

When not working, Sarah likes to find a pickup soccer game or some Ultimate Frisbee. She noted that she likes to read historical fiction, but hasn’t had much time for that lately.

As for Caleb, he is studying Chinese. Also, right after a work day at the Farm, he can stay in touch with the parents of his Chinese students, as they are just starting their day on the other side of the globe.

Holcomb Farm is lucky to have these two well-rounded enthusiastic siblings on its crew.

The Friends of Holcomb Farm were blessed with dry weather since its annual meeting was held on the Tree Trail on Aug. 16. Everyone was masked and socially distanced.

Photo by Shirley Murtha

Holcomb Farm paths lined with wildflowers

FARM STORE TO STAY OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Our Farm Store, located at 111 Simsbury Road, will be open to the public through Oct. 31, selling our own produce (grown without chemicals or pesticides), as well as offerings from the larger ag community and other locally sourced items. Be sure to stop by to do your fresh food shopping. The Farm Store is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WINTER CSA SHARES AVAILABLE SOON Winter shares should be available for online purchase via our website in September.

New England storage crops—beets, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, and more—get sweeter over time. Thanks to our greenhouses, the shares will be augmented with fresh greens—spinach, Napa cabbage, arugula, lettuce mix, baby kale, and more.

These shares always sell out, so sign up early.

Go to holcombfarm.org today and sign up to receive news and updates from us. That way, we can send you an email when Winter Shares go on sale.

At Holcomb Farm, the gravel path leading up to the East Fields from Day Street South is bordered by brilliant blue cornflowers (above left) attracting all sorts of bees, and by Joe-Pye weed (above right). The cornflower (also called bachelor’s button) is not native; it was brought here from Europe by the colonists. The cornflower is heliotropic, opening to the Eastern morning sun, but it closes up by mid-afternoon. Joe-Pye weed is native to Eastern and Central North America.

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STAY ON TOP OF FARM NEWS To stay abreast of happenings at Holcomb Farm follow us on social media t and keep up with what is 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).

Caleb Lagan helps his sister Sarah hang the harvested garlic in the barn at Holcomb Farm to dry. Photo by Shirley Murtha

860-653-TAKE (8253) Granby, CT 06035 • Fully Licensed & Insured

Page 30 The Granby Drummer

Emma gets her chickens

By Shirley Murtha Emma Hoyt, the partner of Holcomb Farm’s Farmer Joe O’Grady, has always had a fondness for chickens. She brought two of her own to Granby when the couple moved into the farmhouse on Simsbury Road. She gradually added a few more, but with no real protection, most of them were nabbed by hungry foxes. Not about to give up her dream, a

couple of years ago she acquired a wagon that would be the foundation of the coop, and this year, a CSA member built a substantial hen house on top of that wagon.

Emma got her flock of 50 Barred Plymouth Rock chickens in early March, which turned out to be lucky timing, because soon after the pandemic hit, chickens became rather scarce. It seemed that many people, confined at home for the first time, thought it would be cool to raise their own brood and have fresh eggs.

In early August, the girls started laying; about a dozen or so a day.

Production will increase as time goes on, and Emma expects to be able to market the eggs in the farm store shortly.

Above, Emma ushers some of her hens into their newly built coop.

The hen at right is doing a bit of crowing, having just laid a lovely egg, Photos by Shirley Murtha

Special event coming in October

By Peg Giles Looking for something to do in October? Is TV getting a bit stale for you and the family? Walk your way into Granby’s history.

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, the society is sponsoring a walking tour of Salmon Brook Street during October. The Salmon Brook Historic District contains 35 homes. Each home will have a poster with a picture of the original house in front yard. The posters will include a QR code so walkers can learn about the history of the house and the people who lived in them using their mobile phone or tablet For the hundreds of people who use Salmon Brook street on a regular basis, this could be a real eye opener into the history of Granby. The tour is comprised of 35 properties on 85 acres and extends from Granby Center (Routes 10/202 and 20) about two-thirds mile south on Salmon Brook Street. Most of the struc-

Bunce House then (above) and now (below). Photos courtesy of SBHS

tures are from the 17th and 18th century Watch for more details in the October issue of The Granby Drummer.

Union leader speaks to CTVV

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck Connecticut, the approximately 220,000 members of the Connecticut AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) have been an integral part of keeping the state functioning. Its membership consists of private sector, public sector and building trades. Among the hardest hit are union members employed in penal institutions, bus, shuttle and truck drivers, grocery and medical service workers.

On June 25 Salvatore Luciano, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, spoke with Susan Patricelli Regan, host of CT Valley Views, on a number of critical topics important to the state and the federation of hundreds of local unions. They discussed current contract status moving into FY21, Connecticut’s

road to establishing economic recovery, and its stance for a resolution of police accountability relative to systemic racism. See this important CTVV segment on ctvalleyviews.com or check your local PATV channel.

Salvatore Luciano, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO (ctaflcio.org).

Submitted photo

September 2020

Van Vleck family donates 20 acres Henry and Gail Van Vleck of North Granby have donated 20 acres of land on Loomis Street to the Granby Land Trust.

This property, which is located in one of the GLT’s priority conservation corridors, is bordered to the west and south by the Creamer Preserve, a 48-acre parcel that was donated to the GLT in 1975 by Cordelia Creamer Richards. To the north, it is bordered by the Massachusetts state line. The property will be called the Van Vleck Preserve.

Henry and Gail moved to Granby 47 years ago. They had built a house in Avon, but soon decided they didn’t enjoy the traffic on Route 44. They bought property on Silkey Road in North Granby, and have lived there ever since.

“I like living close to nature,” says Henry.

“I saw two bears in my yard last week and another across the street from my house this morning.”

Henry and Gail bought the Loomis Street property in 1981. “The property was surrounded by preserved land and I didn’t want to see it developed,” says Henry. “I think the GLT is a great organization. I think our property has gone to the right people.”

The Van Vleck Preserve is an undeveloped woodland made up of mature oaks mixed with other northern hardwoods and hemlock. The understory includes dense mountain laurel and white pine regeneration. An unnamed Class A watercourse flows through a wooded wetland on the eastern boundary of the Van Vleck

Gail and Henry Van Vleck, in one of their favorite photos from years past.

parcel and discharges into Dismal Brook.

The parcel has relatively high conservation value for several reasons. Combined with the larger Creamer Preserve, 68 contiguous acres are protected, preserving high quality habitat for mammals, forestinterior birds and sensitive amphibians and reptiles. State-listed species have been recorded near the Van Vleck parcel by the Connecticut Natural Diversity Database, and the site is within an area identified as the Crag Mountain Primary Conservation Area in Farmington Valley Biodiversity Study of 2006.

The Land Trust thanks Henry and Gail for their generosity and foresight.

To date, the Granby Land Trust owns approximately 275 acres in the Loomis Street Corridor and holds conservation easements on another 217 acres.

Drumrolls Michael Brown, Rachel Mintell and Terry Nolan, all from Granby, took part in the virtual 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge in August, raising funds for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The University of Connecticut recently graduated the following students—from East Granby: Benjamin James Buchanan, B.S.; Manish Budhathoki, B.S.; Dennis Cheng, B.S.; Haley Marie Comstock, B.A.; Charles Fletcher Daly, M.B.A.; Andrew Eastman, B.S.; Nicholas Kenneth Fersch, B.S.; Taylor Lynn Malinowski, B.A.; Sarah Elizabeth Martin, B.S.; Timothy Robert McKay, Graduate Certificate; and Colton B. Reardon, B.S. Engineering; from East Hartland: Alysa Nicole Ferro, B.A.; and Laura Belle Irwin, B.S.; from Granby: Lauren Bledsoe, B.S. Engineering; Christopher J. Coon, B.S. Engineering; Emily Paige Cote, B.A.; Todd Matthew Crevier, Graduate Certificate; Caitlin Amanda Daleb, B.A.; Jonah C. Garcia, B.S. and B.A.; Michele Guttermuth, M.S. and Graduate Certificate; Simone M. Huot, B.S.; Christopher A. Juliano, B.S.; Emily Kay Laflamme, B.S.; Cody C. Landry, M. Social Work; Samantha M. Lewis, B.A.; Ryan Mucaj, B.A.; Natalie Mary Muller, B.S.; Victoria M. Myers, B.S.; Andreas C. Paolino, B.S.; James Kennon Rice, B.S.; and Rachel Marie Trotman, M.A.; from West Granby: Ian Richard Hancock, B.S. Engineering; Justin T. Lengvarsky, B.S.; and Andrew Migliaccio, B.A. The University of Connecticut named the following students to its spring dean’s list—from Granby: Sarah Cusano, Sara Feldstein, Jonah Garcia, Jimmy Gnesda, Simone Huot, Adam Kingsley, Amelia Mezger, Kelly-Anne Moffa, Erin Moody, Julia Moody, Victoria Myers, Jacob Payton, Emma Sheahan, Trevor Smith, Rachel Sullivan and Daniel Walter; from North Granby: Grant Dorman, Sarah Fede, Alyssa Grimaldi and Abby Phillips; from West Granby: Ian Richard Hancock, Justin T. Lengvarsky and Andrew Migliaccio.

Samuel Bartoes, of North Granby, Amy Lenihan and Sophia Speliopoulos, both of Granby, were named to the spring dean’s list at Roger Williams University.

Thomas Edwards, of Granby, graduated cum laude from Providence College in May, with a B.A. in both theater and history and a minor in accounting. Edwards was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

Alice Fischer, of North Granby, graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in computer engineering in May.

McLean Home Care recognized McLean Home Care and Hospice has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a 2019 Superior Performer. It achieved an overall patient satisfaction score ranking it in the top 20 percent of SHP clients.

The annual SHPBest™ award program acknowledges home health agencies that consistently provide high quality service to their patients. The 2019 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall satisfaction scores for more than 3,000 home health providers.

“SHP is proud to present the SHPBest awards to our top-performing customers. We commend these organizations for their continuous focus on delivering the highest quality of care to their

patients,” said Rob Paulsson, president of SHP. “We are so proud of our incredible team, that works with each patient and their family to provide top-notch care every day,” said Peggy Coburn, MPH, administrator McLean Home Care and Hospice. “It is our mission to place our patients’ needs at the center of everything we do.”

McLean’s nationally recognized Medicare-certified home health care agency continues exceptional nursing care, social services, innovative and dynamic rehabilitative therapies and palliative care in the comfort of home. To learn more, visit McLeanInspiredLiving.org or call 860-658-3954.

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 31

Farewell, Sally

By John Pullman Our mother Sally had a hell of a run having lived and experienced a vast swath of life for over 101 years. She got to hold and love on her great grandchildren. We made fun of her for saying “Gee look at that” when we were driving somewhere; her interest in geology; her writing Letters Home and a Connecticut history with Marsha Barber that was never finished; her beloved horses when she was a kid. All of these experiences made her who she was to us. She was emotional and real and stuck with dad thru thick and thin.

Some of my happiest moments in recent history were when she and I talked on the phone, one of us would crack a joke and we would start hopelessly laughing. She loved red raspberries. She loved to Charleston with that kneecap hand-thing. She could belt out “What should we do with a drunken sailor?” while playing it on the piano. She had a high soprano yodel that she called dad with and he would answer back in his true tenor. I loved all those moments even though at the time I didn’t realize how much.

Ruth Curtis

Sally Pullman

Over the last several years as her dementia worsened, she time-traveled more and more: riding her beloved horses and summering in Greensboro, Vt. at her parent’s childhood cottage.

Perhaps this is the way that old age prepares us to transition to the other side.

As Roy Rogers used to sing, “Happy trails to you until we meet again.” You were well loved Ma. See you again someday.

Shute, Douglas Matthew, 54, April 5 Kucinskas, Henry “Hank” Leo, 90, husband of Judy Bea Kucinskas, May 24 Meyer, Lucille (Sweeton), 90, wife of the late Ernest Henry Meyer, June 9 Sabatini, Susan B. (Tarkington), 70, wife of Francis Sabatini, June 12 Daly, Dori (Flagg), wife of Thomas Daly, June 15 Camarca, Barbara Ann (Martin), wife of Robert Camarca, June 17 Burghoff, David R., 82, husband of Linda (Gay) Burghoff, June 28 Benjamin, John Granby, 103, husband of the late Betty Benjamin, June 30 Croot, Darrel James, 91, husband of Helen Hamilton Croot, July 1 Chapman, Jane Patrice Arsenault, 60, wife of Scott Chapman, July 2 Corsetti, Lawrence Victor, husband of Maxine Corsetti, July 2 Kilian, Jennie M., 98, wife of the late Robert E. Kilian, July 5 Holland, Timothy F., 67, husband of Donna Holland, July 6 Elliott, Frances Lillian, 83, wife of the late William R. Elliott, July 12 Tseka, John Christopher, Sr., 88, husband of Marjorie (Morgan) Tseka, July 14 Nixon, Leonard Richard “Dick”, 93, husband of the late Margaret B. Nixon, July 15 Walczewski, Walter Michael, 60, July 21 Ducharme, Maryjane Meyers Kunkel (Richter), 74, wife of the late Henri A. Ducharme, July 22 Cutler, Nancy E. (Burman), 82, wife of the late William Clyde Cutler, July 25 Young, Shirley (Seymour), 87, wife of Roger Young, August 2 Curtis, Ruth Z., 97, wife of the late Howard A. Curtis, August 4 Descy, Mary Jo (Brennan), 86, August 7 Samuelsen, Beverly Jeane (Kampf), 89, wife of the late Ralph Samuelsen, Jr., August 14 Kronk, Helen Mae, 91, wife of the late Richard E. Kronk, August 15 Bors, Dorothy Lee (Berryhill), 87, wife of the late Philip P. Bors, Sr., August 18

Ruth Curtis, CBG founding member, passes Ruth Curtis was a Granby resident most of her adult life. She loved our town, its natural beauty, its community and all it embodied.

As her children entered junior high and high school in 1969, Ruth joined a small group of townsfolk to form an organization that would be called “Citizens for A Better Granby” (CBG). This group of caring people would go on to publish this newspaper, the Granby Drummer, for 50 years.

Ruth Z. Curtis, 97, of Granby, passed away peacefully on August 4 at MeadowBrook of Granby.

Ruth was born on December 30, 1922 in Hartford. She was raised in South Glastonbury and later Hartford where

Early Salmon Brook Street families

By Todd Vibert In 1881, Dr. George Edwards and his wife, Anna Eliza Holcomb purchased the house at 250 Salmon Street to raise their two sons, Gaston and Stanley.

Dr. Edwards, a Civil War surgeon, was a practicing physician in town for more than 10 years. Anna Eliza taught school for 14 years before she married George. Three years after the purchase of the house, Dr. Edwards died of Bright Disease leaving Anna Eliza to raise Gaston, age 9, and Stanley, age 7, by herself.

Anna Eliza did a good job raising her sons as Gaston became a successful physician and surgeon in Orlando, Fla. Stanley became a successful attorney in Hartford.

Stanley would marry Helen Bunce, who lived across the street at 239 Salmon Brook Street. They had two children, Jonathon, born in 1910 and Mary, who was born in 1913. Similar to her mother-in-law, tragedy struck Helen when Stanley died six years after Mary was born, leaving her to raise two children by herself.

Helen did a great job raising her two children. Jonathon became successful working for Connecticut Trust Company and led a nonprofit company. Mary became a landscape architecture and also helped many nonprofit organizations in her lifetime. Unfortunately, tragedy struck Helen again when her son

In Memory Of …..

Jonathon died at age 34, leaving Jonathon’s widow two daughters to raise.

Anna Eliza and Helen Edwards showed strong resilience and motherhood and lived long lives. Anna Eliza lived to age 90 and Helen lived to age 96.

Want to learn more about the houses at 250 Salmon Brook Street or 239 Salmon Brook Street? Join the Salmon Brook Historical Society virtual house tour in October. Want to learn more about the history of Granby or its citizens?

Please join the Salmon Brook Historical Society by calling 860-653-9713 or visit salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com

she was a 1940 graduate of Weaver High School.

After high school, she graduated from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing to become a registered nurse. Ruth went on to enlist in the United States Navy and served as a nurse during WWII. Upon returning home she continued her nursing career working for St. Francis and the Institute of Living where she ran the clinical lab, ultimately retiring at age 80.

Ruth was an avid reader and she liked

to ski; she met her husband Howard in the New Britain Ski Club. She also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, vacations on Block Island, golf and tennis.

She was honored, along with three other “Greatest Generation” Armed Service members, by the American Legion on Memorial Day in 2011 and was decorated at the town ceremonies following the parade. Ruth also served on the Granby Library Association for well over a decade.

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Page 32 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

Closer to Home

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

Advertisers Page

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Barrett Builders Beacon Mechanical Beman Hardware Beman Hardware

Granby Chamber of Commerce

State Line Propane Oil Subseven Sullivan Hardwood Floors Swim Center at Westminster Thomas Sullivan-Morgan Stanley TJ Bark Mulch Troiano Oil Company

Two Park Place Vining Hill Equestrian Walsh Chiro West Granby Methodist Church Westfield Bank Windsor Federal Savings

Berkshire Hathaway Copper Brook Berkshire Hathaway Judy Guarco Berkshire Hathaway Nancy Reardon Berkshire Hathaway Shepherds Way

Berkshire Hathaway Steele BNG Law Brignole Bush & Lewis Cahill's Motors Carmon Funeral Home Carter Robert Painting Cetera Investors Chiropractic Care Christopher Bryant D'Agata Granite & Bronze Dowd Realty Evans Automotive First Congregational Church Gary's Mowing

10 28 18 9 18 27 7 25 23 6 2 12 14 26 5 21 5 22 16 14 28 20

17 8 Granby Dental Kirschbaum 15 Granby Dental - Kirschbaum 31 Granby Food Bank 4 Granby Package Store 12 Higleyville Coin 21 Kissel Campaign 24 Larry's Construction 12 Main Street Door 10 Melvin Porter Electrical & Plumbing 4 Northwest Community Bank 3 O'Brien Nurserymen 6 Old Farms Landscaping 3 Pierce Builders-Meadowgate 13 Route 10 Tire 13 Salmon Brook Apartments 11 SanditzTravel 13 Santa Realty 9 Sig's Plumbing & Pump 4 Small Town Septic 29 South Church 11 Granby Dental Center Ungerleider

ADS: Wednesday, Sept. 9 noon Ad Team 860-653-9222, leave message.

Email: ads@granbydrummer.org ARTICLES: Monday, Sept. 14 noon Drummer phone: 860-653-9222.

Email: editor@granbydrummer.org WORK DATES: Sept. 8-21 Call or email for times.

The public is encouraged to submit articles and photos about events of interest to Granby residents. The editors urge you to make submissions by email if at all possible. We acknowledge submissions by return email. If you do not hear from us please follow up with another email or leave a message at 860-653-9222.

Articles should be written in the third person. More detailed information on Drummer submission requirements is available at granbydrummer.org

NEW West

Our new Bloomfield office at 337 Cottage Grove Road in the Copaco Shopping Center is officially open!

Offic Hartford e Ope Too! n,

To celebrate, we’re offering special promotions and a chance to win great weekly prizes.** So stop by today. And see what better banking’s all about.

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when you open a new checking account* *One offer per person available to new WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account customers only. Order a debit card and enroll in online banking to receive $50. Enroll in eStatements and receive $50. Sign up for direct deposit and receive $200. The bonuses will be deposited into your account within 45 days after the criteria is met, which must happen within 60 days of account opening. Minimum balance to open a WB Portfolio, WB Performance, WB CT Signature, WB CT Free, or WB CT 16-25 Checking account is $10. As of 7/6/2020, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on the WB Portfolio Checking account is 0.10% and may change after the account is opened. Minimum balance to earn the APY is $10. Fees may reduce earnings.

Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Offer may be rescinded at any time. Promotional code: $300CTConsumer

Offers Valid at All CT Offices

$500 Bonus Credit for first-time buyers*

*Borrower will receive a $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. First time homebuyer will receive an additional $500 lender credit towards closing costs at closing. A first time homebuyer is an individual who has no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period preceding the date of the purchase of the property.

Subject to underwriting and loan approval. Property must be located in Western or Central Massachusetts or Northern or Central Connecticut. Offer available at the following locations only- Bloomfield, Granby, Enfield, and West Hartford. Refinances of current Westfield Bank loans are not eligible. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

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*This Home Equity Line of Credit requires monthly payments to be automatically deducted from a Westfield Bank checking account. Account must be opened prior to closing. After the initial 6 month introductory period, the interest rate will be Prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, currently 3.25% as of 3/15/2020, with an APR of 3.25%. After 6 months, the interest rate will be variable and may increase. The maximum APR is 18%. The minimum interest rate is 3.25% with an APR of 3.25%. Rates are for owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan-tovalue (LTV) is 80%. Processing fee of $99 will apply if line of credit is approved and closed. Borrower-paid appraisal required for loans equal to or greater than $400,000 or for loans less than $400,000 where the bank is unable to determine a value using the standard method. Appraisal costs are $490 for a single family property or $640 for a 2-4 family property. Other closing costs may vary based on the line of credit amount requested. Property insurance is required. Offer may be rescinded at any time.

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One entry per person. All entries must be received on or before September 30, 2020. Charity must be a recognized 501(c) charitable organization located in northern and central Connecticut. See us for official rules.

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Page 20 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

Browse & Borrow Virtual Programs To register for any program, go to the Calendar of Events tab at granby-ct.gov/ library or call 860-844-5275. Program participants will receive a confirmation email with the info needed to participate.

Questions? Please call 860-844-5275 or email GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov Programs covering a variety of topics are always being added to the events calendar. For the latest information check the Library website and be sure to sign up to receive the Library eNewsletter.

Adults, teens, tweens, and families Coyotes: Nature’s Tricksters: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Eastern coyotes were first documented in Connecticut more than 60 years ago. Today they are common throughout the state.

Often described as opportunistic animals with regard to habitat and diet, the coyote is also known as the “trickster” in Native American folklore. Master Conservationist Ginny Apple presents the eastern coyote’s backstory as well as offering tips about how to prevent conflicts with this North American wild canine. Registration required. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

EFT Tapping Group: Monday, Sept.

14, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a process used by tens of thousands of practitioners around the world. It is said to help people overcome anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, traumatic memories, grief, and emotional or physical pain. First-timers and repeat attendees are welcome to join the monthly group “Tapping” session.

Registration required.

Herbal Teas, Taste the Difference: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Teas have been used to boost immunity, alleviate headaches, treat insomnia and calm digestive problems. Learn about the ancient and modern-day healing properties of herbal teas from Sara Thornton, Ravenswood Natural Health. Be sure

Granby Public Library System The Granby Public Library has moved to the next phase of reopening with preliminary open hours at the Main Branch, access to the Children’s Room by appointment, and continued Curbside Library Pickup, digital services, and telephone support. As with all previous phases, the focus is on public and staff safety, continued access to information, and exceptional service to the Granby community.

The Main Branch of the GPL has reopened with these limited service hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. (closed 3-4 p.m. for cleaning) Saturday 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Children’s room by appointment (call 860-844-5275 to schedule) Curbside Library Pickup For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, Curbside Library Pickup continues to be a great option. Library materials can be reserved online through the catalog or by telephone, and then patrons can schedule a pick-up appointment—no need to come inside. Call the library at 860-844-5275 for details.

Online Granby residents are encouraged to use the library’s “third location,” open 24/7, the Library website (granby-ct.gov/library). There, you can access digital services any time, including online program registration, eBooks and eMagazines, Consumer Reports, Ancestry, and more. New titles are being added to the digital collections weekly, so check back often. Don’t have a library card? Register for your free library card on the library website or by calling the library.

Phone/Email Members of the Library staff are working on-site and are available Monday through Saturday to answer your questions by phone (860-844-5275) and email (GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov). to visit the library prior to the program and pick up a complimentary three-tea sampler pack. Quantities limited. Registration required.

Making Your Money Last in Retirement: Tuesday, September 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Learn how to fulfill your retirement expectations with tips from Cris Jacobs, financial advisor, Edward Jones. The presentation covers key retirement concerns such as inflation, health care expenses, market volatility and other unexpected events. Bring your questions; there will be an opportunity for both live and texted dialog. Attendance does not obligate you in any way and the library does not share personal information with the presenter.

Registration required.

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

By Amy McCue September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a nation-wide campaign to emphasize the importance of library cards to a child’s education and a community’s excellence. This month, all Granby residents are encouraged to visit the library to sign up for a free library card or visit the library website (granby-ct.gov/ library) to register for a temporary card and get immediate access to the digital collections. A library card from the Granby Public Library grants patrons the ability to borrow items from any public library in the state of Connecticut, access to local and state databases including Consumer Reports, Ancestry.com, Value Line, and Transparent Language just to name a few, and access to thousands of free eBooks, eAudio Books, and digital magazines through Overdrive.

Librarians like to say that getting a library card can transform your life, and while that may be an extreme way to phrase it, it can be true. Libraries offer resources and services that help people pursue their passions and give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. Libraries offer free, unrestricted access to everyone, opening doors to information, materials, and services for people of all ages, income levels, locations, ethnicities and physical abilities.

In Granby, patrons use the library to

connect with their community, to access technology, to support new careers, to research decisions, to understand current issues and, especially lately, to find literary sources of joy and comfort when times are tough.

Getting your child a library card this September is not only getting your child the best back-to-school supply in their backpack, but it’s also providing them with the tool to access materials and resources that will support their life-long interests and growth.

Getting a card for yourself grants you access to a community resource that can save you thousands of dollars in magazine subscriptions, DVD rentals and book purchases, as well as an opportunity to get to know your neighbors as you browse the shelves, participate in library programs and take advantage of the community space. In addition, getting a library card helps show our local and regional politicians that you value your library – the number of library card holders in a community is one way that the powers-that-be make decisions about funding and resources.

Support your library while your library supports you and sign up for a free library card this September during National Library Card Month.

The author is Director of Library Services, Granby Public Library

Programs and services For children and families We are so happy to see families in the library again. Due to current safety restrictions, the Children’s Room is open to one family (or pod) at a time, by appointment only. Call 860-844-5275 to schedule your time to visit.

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

Pages from a colorful children’s book are

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

Take and Make Crafts: Check our online calendar throughout the month for the opportunity to register for easy-to-use craft kits that you can TAKE from the library (at curbside or during a visit) and MAKE at home. We’ll provide instruction and all materials needed. Supplies are limited so registration is required.

Back To School: Whatever it looks like this year, it’s time to go back to the classroom. If your child kept a Reading Log of books this summer, be sure to turn it in to your teacher or school librarian.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Studies show that a child who has been read to is more likely to do better in school—and in later life—than one who has not been exposed to books when young. Granby Public Library’s popular program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need! Register and, as you and your child reach 100-book milestones on your way to 1,000 books, your child will receive small toy prizes and books to celebrate your accomplishments. A very special personalized gift will be presented to your child when you reach the goal of 1,000 books. Call the Children’s Room to learn more and to register, 860-844-5284.

East Granby Public Library Events Zoom Bingo Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. Zoom Live to benefit the East Granby Public Library.

Tickets are presale only and sales close Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Six games of Bingo, each game will have a designer bag from Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach or Dooney&Bourke or a $100 Gift Card to certain retailers, you choose.

One Book of Cards for six games $20 each; three Books of Cards for six games $30 each; six Books of Cards for six games $45 each; nine Books of Cards for six games $55 each.

Three-Item Raffle Two $100 gift cards to large retailers and one designer bag — $20 gets you a chance at all three. Don’t have to buy bingo cards or be on Zoom event to buy raffle tickets or win.

To purchase your cards or raffle tickets either email (Allaboutufundraisers@ yahoo.com) or message (@ All About You Fundraisers and Events).

Author Talk Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. via Zoom. Crime and mystery author Joanna Schaffhausen will talk on “DNA” shockers. Please sign up at egpl.org.

Children Room Storytimes Participants must have Zoom downloaded on their electronic device. A link will be emailed to the caregiver prior to the session start. Register at egpl.org Little Ones Storytime: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Ages 18 months–3 years old.

Wiggle, rhyme, and sing with diverse books and fingerplays that encourage language, play, and exploration. Approximately 25 minutes.

Terrific Tales: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3–6 years old. Explore stories, music, fingerplays, and more. Approximately 30 minutes.

Afternoon at the Movies Starting again in September, Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Please visit egpl.org for further information.

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September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 21

Historic Footnotes Carol Laun

Archivist, Salmon Brook Historical Society

Lemuel Haynes – an eloquent man of God Part 1

A young man of mixed parentage— black and white—through his talent, diligent study and hard work, became a well-known and much-loved minister.

Why is this remarkable? Because it happened in the late 1700s in a small New England town, at a time when blacks were considered less than human.

An illegitimate child was born July 18, 1753 in the home of John Haynes in West Hartford, Connecticut. All sources agree that the father was African but it is unknown if he was a slave or free. Local history books and internet sources differ in identifying the mother.

Some sources state that the mother was a servant girl named Alice Fitch and the father a black slave, whose name is lost in time. According to the 1954 History of Granville by Albion B. Wilson, John Haynes discharged Alice Fitch and kept her baby, naming him Lemuel Haynes.

Other sources hint that the mother was a member of the prominent Goodwin family of Hartford.

However, a book written in 1837 by Granville minister Rev. Timothy Cooley, Sketches of the Life and Character of the Rev. Lemuel Haynes, states that the father was a full African and the mother came from a respectable New England family. The quotes in this article come from that book. Cooley was a life-long friend of Lemuel Haynes.

The solution to the problem of this illegitimate baby raises many questions.

Generally, in those days, a woman who had an illegitimate child either had a quick wedding, or raised the child under her own name, or was sent to the poorhouse. For some reason, this case was different. The infant was given the name of a respectable West Hartford family and placed in a good Christian home.

In Lemuel’s own words: “When I was five months old, I was carried to Granville, Massachusetts and bound out as a servant to Deacon David Rose till I was twenty-one. He was a man of singular piety. I was taught the principles of reli-

gion. His wife, my mistress, had peculiar attachment to me—she treated me as though I was her own child. I remember it was a saying among the neighbors, that she loved Lemuel more than her own children.”

Calling a five-month old infant an indentured servant is ridiculous. He was a baby and needed someone to nurture him—he needed a mother. No family would take on a responsibility like that without a good reason. He would need years of care before he could work as a servant. This clearly raises the possibility that the mother was from a respectable family and those involved felt he needed special treatment. A good Christian family, willing to raise this infant, was found in a neighboring state. Problem solved.

It was a condition of his indenture that Lemuel would receive a district school education. “As I had the advantage of attending a common school equal with the other children, I was early taught to read, to which I was greatly attached.”

Lemuel developed an interest in religion early in life. A sermon was read and discussed every Saturday night at the Rose homestead. Soon it became Lemuel’s duty to read the sermon. One evening he read a sermon that David Rose found very interesting. He asked Lemuel who wrote the sermon, “Davies, Watts or Whitfield?” After a long pause, the young man answered, “It’s Lemuel’s sermon.”

When his indenture was over, Lemuel did not leave the Rose home. He continued to live there and work on the farm.

It had become his home too. In 1775, Elizabeth Rose died, the only mother he had ever known. Lemuel felt, “bitter mourning and lamentation.”

Also in 1775, the Minute Men marched to the Lexington Alarm and Lemuel Haynes was with them. In 1776, the troop was sent to guard the recently recaptured Fort Ticonderoga. Lemuel remained on garrison duty until he contracted typhoid fever and was sent home.

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Rev. Lemuel Haynes West Granville) regarded Lemuel as “one raised up of God” and asked him to lead devotions in their church, which had no minister. The community encouraged him to become a minister, and although it was arranged to have him attend Dartmouth, Lemuel was apprehensive and did not go.

Instead, he studied Latin with Rev. Daniel Farrand of New Canaan and then Greek with Rev. William Bradford of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield). Lemuel taught school in exchange for the lessons in Greek.

In 1780, he passed an exam in theology and languages and received a license to preach. He was 27 years old. Lemuel Haynes was unanimously called to be the first pastor at the Congregational Church in Middle Granville, which he accepted.

“It was a wonder of the age to be invited to be the spiritual leader in the town that

knew him as a servant boy and under all the disabilities of his humble extraction.”

Rev. Haynes stayed five years in Granville and was known for his eloquent sermons. It was said of him that, “His articulation was uncommonly distinct and that he presented arguments with great simplicity and striking effect.”

During his Granville ministry, in 1783, Lemuel Haynes married Elizabeth Babbitt. She was teaching school in Granville Center and “possessed a refined education for that day.” Although she was virtuous and pious, she was not shy, because she proposed to him. The marriage of a white woman to their black minister was approved of by all the local clergy and the community.

Elizabeth was born in Dighton, Massachusetts in 1763 and died in 1836. They had ten children and “all were pious but one.”

In 1785, Haynes was ordained as an evangelist minister and called to Torrington, the first African-American ordained in the United States. According to Rev. Cooley, “He overcame the prejudice of bigots with the power of his preaching.” Some internet and historical sources claim that Haynes left after two years, due to the active prejudice of several members.

Haynes was then sent to Vermont as a traveling missionary. It was a “season of great moral darkness in New England and Vermont was considered a moral desert.” In 1788, he accepted a call to be the minister of the mostly white (with a few poor Africans) West Parish Church in Rutland, Vermont (now West Rutland).

(Continued in October issue.)

Men’s Breakfast group continues to meet via Zoom

By Nat Kennedy and Dave Roberts Although the pandemic and Governor Lamont’s “stay at home’ order has kept us pretty much apart physically, the longrunning Granby Men’s Breakfast group led by Duncan Rowles has continued to meet in a new virtual environment.

“We feel it is essential our 200+ member group have an avenue to connect, particularly during this pandemic,” said Rowles, “and thanks to our innovative members, in particular Skip Mission, we are meeting monthly via Zoom for the foreseeable future.”

The men’s group meets on the second Friday of every month. In the past the men have not met during July and August, but the group’s leaders felt a need this year to stay connected, hence the eGroup.

On Aug. 14, Dr. Jordan Grossman, superintendent of Granby Public Schools, spoke about tentative plans on how

the public schools will be adjusting to teaching in this new uncertain pandemic environment.

On Friday, Sept. 11, the speaker will be Connor Hogan, director of McLean Game Refuge. Hogan has spoken to the group before and is very popular, as he is articulate and engaging in sharing his knowledge in an understandable way.

Hogan joined the refuge in the summer of 2017 as the fourth director since it opened in 1932, and oversees research, conservation, education and recreation across 4,400 acres of forests, meadows and waterways.

The Granby Men’s eGroup meetings start at 9 a.m. with time for members to chat virtually and catch up on the local news. The speaker begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Men of any age who are interested in joining the eGroup should email gmensbkfst@gmail.com to be added to the invite list for the next Zoom meeting.

Page 22 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

Parks & Recreation Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Daphne Shinder: Recreation Supervisor Terri Ziemnicki: Program Supervisor Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park; open 24/7 at GranbyRec.com Telephone: 860-653-8947 Website: GranbyRec.com Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED For ages 16 – 99, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room This course, which meets OSHA/ workplace requirements, will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants. This is a blended learning

HEALTH NOTES

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 highspeed Internet connection. Allow approximately 2½ hours 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.

Choose a date: Sept. 1, Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 or Dec. 15. 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers For ages 16 – 99, at Salmon Brook Park Gathering Room.

Breathing new life into resuscitation education, Basic Life Support for By the

Farmington Valley VNA

Virtual healthcare visit How to prepare, what to expect Even before COVID-19, healthcare providers were seeking better ways to increase the availability of care, especially for those who had difficulty traveling to an appointment. With the safety precautions now in place to reduce exposure to COVID, virtual or electronic medical appointments have become accepted.

Both Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance companies now recognize and cover these appointments because they realize that staying connected with your provider is a critical goal of healthcare.

Keeping people at home, away from potential COVID exposure, and being proactive with healthcare are the positive results of a virtual house-call.

When offered an online or telephone appointment with your doctor, establishing a few critical communication issues before the call is essential. Will you be speaking with the doctor on the phone only, or will it be on a Health Care Portal from the hospital, or a Zoom, Skype, or Facetime call where you are looking at each other? Ask what technology is needed and be sure that your computer is ready to handle the requirements.

Check to see if you have the correct app downloaded on your laptop or desktop, if your screen has a camera, and if you know how to adjust all settings.

Know the number that the call is coming in from, as it may not be the number or name you recognize as your doctor’s.

If your call is recorded, ask if it is HIPPA secured. Be sure to have the volume adjusted before the call, and the camera aligned with your face. If the doctor is going to be looking at a particular problem on your body, be sure you wear loose clothing and that you are in a private location. Try to choose your location so that neither the bright sun nor a shadow is on you, and the background should be plain and quiet and not distracting with noises from television, children or pets. You may also ask if someone else may be with you to help walk through the technology and the information requested and given.

Just as you have someone accompany you to the doctor’s office, the second set of eyes and ears is good to have.

Before the appointment, ask the office

if you need to complete any paperwork on the portal or through an email. Ask if you will need to take your vitals, such as your weight, blood pressure and O2 readings. Do you have the necessary equipment to take these, or do you need to purchase and learn how to use them?

Have your insurance information available if you have not given it before the appointment.

Not to worry, you are not the only beginner in this process. The doctor is learning how best to talk to you and gather information at the same time you are learning how to address all issues.

Make a list of things you want to discuss, any new concerns, any pain, any changes in any health or personal status.

Have your medications, including over the counter ones, with you. Be sure you note any changes you have made in how and when you are taking them. Have the name, phone and address of your pharmacy. Be sure to mention how you are handling the social distancing from your friends and family. How you are coping with events has a powerful effect on your physical status.

On your notes, write down what you expect from the appointment. At the end of the session, check to see if you understand everything the doctor has said and repeat back any instructions or medicine changes. Ask what the follow up will be, when you will be seen again, and if any lab work is needed. If there is a portal, ask when the visit notes will be available so you can double-check all information there.

We are fortunate that we have the technology to receive a house call electronically. It is so good to have a one-on-one conversation with your doctor who knows you and your medical history and can monitor your health this way. These virtual appointments help us avoid a potential healthcare emergency or an anxious trip to the emergency room.

The virtual house-call is one positive outcome of the pandemic.

Prepared by Nancy Scheetz, APRN, Executive Director, Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association.

Healthcare Providers (BLS) is designed to train professionals to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies for adult, child, and infant victims. Consistent with the 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC, BLS is the foundation CPR/ AED program typically required for healthcare providers and public safety professionals.

Through the use of lecture, skills demonstration and practice, case-based emergency response scenarios, and reflection and debriefing activities with a focus on team-based response, BLS builds the key critical thinking, problem solving, and team dynamic skills that are needed to drive better patient outcomes. Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a two-year Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers digital certificate with anytime, anywhere access to certificate and training history.

Choose a date: Sept. 3, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19 or Dec. 17. 6 to 8 p.m.

Gentle Yoga with Rachel Little For ages 12–99, at Salmon Brook Park A yoga practice in the park appropriate for all levels of experience. An outdoor yoga experience incorporating breath, balance, flexibility, focus and fun. Rachel will lead the group through movements and yoga postures both standing and down on the mat that build strength, balance and mobility, while

encouraging relaxation and release.

Modifications offered to accommodate common injuries and limitations. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket/towel and water. Optional items: yoga blocks, strap.

You can pay for the whole session or pay per class. Class will be held in the outdoor band shell if weather permits or inside in the Gathering Room.

Choose a session: Wednesdays, Sept.

2–Oct. 21, 6–7 p.m., or Saturdays, Sept.

5–Oct. 24, 9–10 a.m.

National Scrapbooking Weekend/ Crafting Event For ages 16–99, at Holcomb Farm North Barn Pavilion The Town of Granby Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Friday into Saturday Crop/Craft Event. Friday, Oct. 2 goes from 1 to 9 p.m. for $20, and Saturday, Oct. 3 will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for $35. If you sign up for both days, pay only $50 and you may leave your supplies set up overnight in our secure facility. Water, soda and ice tea will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own food or other beverage. Register early as the maximum number of participants for either day is 30.

Contact Cheryl Bliss at blister123@ cox.net if you have any questions. She will also have demonstrations and crafting items for sale. Enjoy the fun crafting with fellow crafters.

Public Works Trash holiday: Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day, is a holiday for Paine’s. All trash/recycling pickups will be delayed by one day the week after the holiday.

Transfer Station extended hours: The Transfer Station will be open Wednesday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The extended hours will be in effect through Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Textile recycling: Pink textile bags are picked up during recycling weeks. The bags should be placed next to your barrels. Simple Recycling accepts clothing, shoes, accessories and small household items. If you need additional bags, you can either call Simple Recycling at 866835-5068 or stop by the Granby DPW. Shred-It: A paper shredding event will be held at 52 North Granby Road from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Proof of Granby residency is required.

Documents are shredded on-site. Plastic bags cannot go into the shredder so please bring items in paper bags or in containers which can be emptied into

the barrels.

Bear barrels: We have less than 10 bear-proof barrels available and will not be placing another order this fall.

If interested, contact Public Works at 860-653-8960. There is a one-time fee for the barrel.

RecycleCT: Do you have questions about what can and cannot go in your recycling bin? Recycle CT is a website (recyclect.com) designed to answer your questions. Sign on and try the recycling wizard. Simply type in the name of an item and you will be directed on how to dispose of it properly.

Yard Waste: Yard waste cannot be placed in your trash or recycling barrel.

Yard waste has been banned from curbside barrels since 1998. Grass, leaves and brush should either be composted on-site or brought to the Granby Transfer Station.

Hazardous Waste: The next hazardous waste collection will be Saturday, Oct. 17.

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 23

Waypoints

By Mark Fiorentino

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

Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) The Salmon Brook Monster There is a monster lurking in Salmon righted itself.

Brook.

There was something about that moveIt hovers, nearly motionless, in that narment, that righting of itself, that gave me row space between dark and light, waiting pause. My heart rate increased just a little. for its chance to feed. Passersby rarely noI was beginning to think it was something tice it, and when they do, they often dismiss alive in the water, but what? I poked it with it as just a shadow, or perhaps a reflection the end of my fishing rod and it rolled again. of something nearby.

I bent over, putting my face close to the Incapable of rational thought, it is water to get a better look at those holes in driven entirely by its most basic instincts. its side. The largest one, the one with the First, an insatiable hunspot in the middle, ger, and later, the primal looked a lot like… need to reproduce. Feed, An eye! It was an feed, feed. Then, spawn, eye staring back at spawn, spawn. For milme! lions of years, that is all Yanking my rod, it has known. arm and face back, It has a unique capacI nearly fell backity to destroy slowly, wards into the water. subjecting its victims to a All of the breath gradual, agonizing death. went out of me. The Those that don’t die outthing in the water, right from an attack often once again, drifted succumb later to exhausdownstream and tion or infection. righted itself.

It is patient and cunThe chicken in me ning, holding in areas wanted to climb out where its prey would be of the stream and the most vulnerable and head straight home. least suspecting. When The fisherman in its selected target gets me wanted to try to close, it coils like a snake catch it. For clearand suddenly, precisely, ly, this was some slams into the victim, kind of fish. An eel just below and behind maybe? the cheek. Dozens of The fisherman Salmon Brook monster, top view. pointed, curved teeth won out. I dipped sink into flesh. Twitching slightly, it uses the tip of my rod into the water in front of its rough lips and circular mouth to form it. No reaction. I nudged it with the rod. Still a tight suction around the teeth. Once senothing. This thing clearly wasn’t going curely attached, it flicks its tongue to create to strike a lure. If I was going to catch it, I a small cut. Then it flicks again and again would need to do it by hand. until the wound is deep and wide enough So, inexplicably, that’s what I did. Heart to allow sufficient blood flow. Finally, it pounding, I tentatively reached behind injects a chemical into the wound to prevent it. Still no movement I could discern. I the blood from clotting, so that it can feed grabbed onto the thin end and slowly lifted slowly and methodically. it from the water. As it stretched to its full Its victims initially feel shock and pain, length, I could feel pulses of life within and then a gradual fading out…. it, but it made no attempt to escape. In a single motion, I began to lift it higher and It was beautiful early June day, and I turn my wrist so I could see its underside. A was trying to take in my surroundings. It’s quarter-turn, and there was that eye again. amazing what you can experience stream Another quarter-turn and… fishing if you just pay attention. On this It coiled like a snake…. outing, I had already seen a submerged duck egg, a huge, five-inch, clam shell and I honestly don’t remember if I screamed a colorful bird I didn’t recognize (it turned as I threw it on the bank, but you’d forgive out to be a Common Merganser). me if I did. Lying bottom-up at my feet was I was wading slowly upstream, heading one of the gnarliest creatures I have ever enback to the truck after catching and releascountered. It seemed to be all mouth, with ing two brook trout, when I noticed an odd concentric circles of hooked teeth and a shape in the water, just a few inches from tongue tipped with needle-like appendages. my right foot. At first, I thought it was a It was unmistakably a sea lamprey, also shadow but its shape was too distinct. A known as the vampire fish. A vampire fish shadow would have flickered under the in Salmon Brook? How could that be? Usmoving water, and this object held its form. ing my boot, I pushed the fish back into the My second thought was that it was a pipe stream and went home to do some research. or some sort of discarded tool. It was long, Sea lamprey have a complex lifecycle. and it tapered from several inches wide on In Connecticut, they start their lives in one end to less than an inch on the other. freshwater, feeding on microorganisms It was dark gray with several splotches of found at the bottom of rivers and streams. lighter grey along its top.

After three to five years, they transform into As I watched, it rolled slightly in the juvenile adults and migrate to the sea. Here current, and it dawned on me that it was is where they become vampires, feeding on hovering in the water, an inch or two above the blood and bodily fluids of other fish. the stream bed. A pipe or tool wouldn’t After another twelve to eighteen months, do that. I also noticed that it had a line of they become mature adults and return to holes in its side. The last of these holes, freshwater to spawn. The cycle repeats the one closest to the end, was larger than itself each year, with mature adults entering the rest and appeared to have a dot in the the Connecticut River and its tributaries in middle. Before I could get a closer look, it early spring. drifted a foot or so downstream and slowly Mature adults do not feed, and once the

Mugwort before cutting.

Find it September is the perfect time to take action on mugwort, an aggressive perennial that rapidly takes over uncultivated and disturbed areas such as streambanks and waysides. It grows to six feet or more in a single season, blooming in August and September in Granby. It grows in all kinds of well-drained soil, grows rapidly and densely in sun or part shade, and is drought tolerant. It has a host of names and resembles a tall, leggy chrysanthemum.

Mugwort’s aromatic leaves have been used beneficially across the globe for centuries for a wide variety of purposes—to flavor beer, as tea, in cooking, as incense, as an insect repellent, as a dream stimulant, and medicinally to treat scores of ailments. It is considered dangerous in large doses, especially during pregnancy, can be a skin irritant, and its pollen is a common cause of hay fever.

Mugwort is sometimes confused with wormwood (Artemisia absinthium),

which has an equally long list of potential uses.

Why it’s a problem Native to Europe and Asian countries, Mugwort has been present in North America for centuries. It has recently become clear that it is aggressively invasive, especially in the northeast, crowding out other plants and creating monocultures.

Mugwort spreads aggressively in two main ways. Through extensive and strong rhizomes (underground horizontal stems that produce roots below and shoots above ground), it forms dense clumps that expand every year. Once established, mugwort clumps are difficult to dig up, and small rhizome bits can start new clumps.

Mugwort also spreads by seeds that appear in the fall after flowering; each plant produces tens of thousands of seeds.

Mugwort produces chemicals that are toxic to competing plants and are not eaten by deer and other grazers.

What to do Cut it! Repeated mowing, cutting and weed-whacking, twice each season but especially in late summer/early fall, prevents seeds from maturing and gradually weakens clumps over several seasons. Do not cut mugwort in late fall—that helps distribute seeds and start new clumps.

Dig it! Carefully dispose of all rhizome parts so they do not start new plants.

Use it! Harvest leaves and other parts and carefully follow tested ways to use it.

For more information on invasive plants, visit: granbyinvasiveplants.weebly.com

spawning process is complete, they die.

Salmon Brook is the outer reach of their range. The lampreys that get that far are almost completely spent.

So yes, there is a monster in Salmon Brook. Or at least there was. Sure, it’s a monster that was near death and no more interested in feeding on me than I was on it. But, if you should happen upon one next spring, I dare you to grab it by the tail, turn it over and take a close look at it.

Salmon Brook monster, bottom view.

Photos by Mark Fiorentino

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

THE GRANBY OFFICE WELCOMES KEITH STEELE We are happy to welcome Keith Steele to our team of professionals. Keith has been a long-time resident of Granby. He has a degree in business management and his MBA from University of Hartford. Over many years, Keith has purchased, renovated, rented and sold many properties.

“I am excited to be part of Berkshire Hathaway. The culture, support, global presence and state of the art technology are just some of the reasons I have decided to be part of this company.“ Keith loves to travel with his wife Roxanne and their three children.

He also shares his home with their 7-year-old Havanese dog.

If you are looking to buy or sell, give Keith a call at 860-324-8032.

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bhhsNEProperties.com Welcome-Granby Drummer

Page 24 The Granby Drummer

September 2020

State Senator John A. Kissel Fighting for Jobs. Lower Taxes and Safer Communities.

Re-Elect JOHN A.

L E S S KI Our State Senator

• Strong supporter of our police officers and corrections officers, opposed police accountability bill that makes our communities less safe • Consistently fighting to lower the tax burden on middle class families, opposing all the democrat tax and spend budgets • Strongly opposed to the implementation of electronic tolls on our highways • Authored PA 18-5, AAC Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence, which takes important steps to protect victims of domestic violence • Introduced PA 19-42, AAC Participation by a Resident of a Nursing Home Facility or Residential Care Home in a Receivership Proceeding, giving nursing home residents a voice in a receivership situation • Played a key role in passing PA 16-195, An Act Concerning the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act and Active Duty Military Service, extending family leave to military families • Honored by MADD in 2016 and 2018 for efforts to prevent drunk driving and make our roads more safe • Supported PA 18-8, AAC Pay Equity, which would strengthen Connecticut’s efforts to secure equal pay for equal work for women in the workplace and help prevent wage discrimination • Helped secure funding to renovate John F. Kennedy Middle School in Enfield • Ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee overseeing the state’s judiciary, criminal justice and corrections systems

Call John anytime at 860-745-0668.

Energy. Experience. Enthusiasm.

Paid for By Committee to Re-Elect Senator John A. Kissel, Scott Kaupin, Treasurer. Approved by John A. Kissel GranbyDummerAugust2020.indd 1

8/19/20 5:12 PM

September 2020 The Granby Drummer Page 25

A LOOK AT FARMING IN GRANBY Addison Farm – growing hemp and veggies in the heart of Granby

By Shirley Murtha How did two young people with no history of farming come to set up a pretty mind-boggling farm on Wells Road? Well, it wasn’t a direct path.

Having grown up in Bristol and Rocky Hill, Courtney and Andrew Hurczyn met on a soccer field, went to prom together, and eventually married in 2011 after they finished college. Andrew got a degree in civil engineering at UConn.

Courtney got a degree in business and human development at UConn, and then received her law degree at Western New England University.

The couple lived in Wethersfield, where daughter Addison was born.

Courtney practiced law and Andrew got plenty of experience in geo-technical and manufacturing fields, as well as running an automotive shop at night. After three years, they felt the need to make some lifestyle changes and were eager to take Andrew’s sister up on an offer to move to Colorado and go in on a hemp farming business. The project didn’t work out, and the couple came back to Connecticut and began their search for some farmland. Within a week, they saw an ad for the farm on Wells Road and here they are.

Farming hemp is an up and coming business, as the popularity of cannabinoids in various health products has really taken off. Only recently has it been legal to do so here in the state; the Hurczyns applied for and received a license in June 2019. They planted 730 seeds in July, transplanted the seedlings outside in August and harvested the flowers in October. This year, the seeds were planted in the greenhouse in June and the seedlings were transplanted outside in July. The three fields of hemp plants are doing very well despite a blistering hot summer and lack of rain, thanks to the couple’s relentless weeding and watering.

The hemp is cured and milled for use in CBD products. Before the hemp flowers are cured and milled, the Department of Agriculture requires that the plants be tested to be sure they have below 0.3 percent delta9THC, which is the psychoactive compound that causes the

“high” one gets when using marijuana products. Hemp-derived products are designed to not have the psychoactive effect, therefore must contain less than the 0.3 percent of THC. Andrew uses the UConn Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering Laboratory to perform the tests.

Once that is completed, the harvest must be done within 15 days, as the concentration of THC increases as the plant grows. The harvested plants are hung to dry and cure in the big red barn on the property. The flowers are hand-picked off the branches and sent to a company in Vermont where the oil is extracted to create the crude compound that will be used to formulate products such as a lotion, scented with coconut. Most of these products are sold through the Hurczyn’s website, happyaddison.com, where there is also a very informative blog regarding their entire operation.

Along with growing hemp, the couple wanted to live a more sustainable lifestyle, so they also have an extensive vegetable garden: potatoes, beans, squash, tomatoes, corn, lettuce, carrots, beets, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers, onions and garlic. There is also watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries, and cherry, pear, peach and apple trees. To complete the farm, there is a chicken coop, built by Andrew with re-claimed lumber from the barn. Andrew also had to fashion an extensive run for the birds when it was discovered that they like lettuce, and ate almost the entire crop one day. The chickens are still happy to provide eggs, however.

As you might imagine, there are more fruits and veggies than the Hurczyns can use, so they have set up a serve-yourself farm stand in a little white truck open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays on the corner of Sakrison and Wells. Stop by and enjoy some of the wholesome items produced on this amazing farm— even more amazing because Courtney and Andrew (and Addison) do all the work themselves.

Editor’s note: Addison Farm is also a participant in Granby Ag’s Virtual Farm website. See article at right.

Andrew, Courtney and daughter Addison Hurczyn(left) and the dried flowers of the hemp plant (below).

Photos by Shirley Murtha

Getting fresh produce—and other things— without leaving your house

By Shirley Murtha When the pandemic hit, Michelle Niedermeyer knew she couldn’t host the annual seasonal farmers’ markets at Lost Acres Vineyard, so she and the Granby Agricultural Commission came up with a plan that makes it possible for residents of Granby, East Granby, East Hartland and Simsbury to obtain vegetables, cheese, wine and specialty meats without leaving their homes: the Virtual Farmers’ Market. In addition to the foods, hemp products, soaps and lotions are also available for purchase.

Here’s how it works. Go to granbyag. org and the Virtual Farmers’ Market page. The participating farms are

listed. You click on the one(s) you are interested in and select the products you want. At this time, separate orders must be placed at each farm, with purchasing instructions listed on each page. Orders can be placed anytime through 2 p.m. on Friday; the items will be delivered on Saturday by Ken Kuhl. Someone age 21 or older must be home to receive the order. The delivery fee is $5, which you can venmo to Ken Kuhl or Paypal at kennykuhl@ gmail.com. You can also simply give Ken the $5 in cash or check when he arrives at your door. If you have any special delivery instructions, send him an email at the address listed in this paragraph.

As of now, the following farms are

Virtual Farm Market cont’d. on p. 26

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FAS009 CRC2189020 09/18 CS9370440 09/18