'Unmasking the hidden need' - Valley Press

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NEWS THIS WEEK A&E 5 Social Butterfly 6 The Buzz 9 Town News 13 Editorial 18 Crossword 19 Business 20 Calendar 24 Sports 25 Classifieds 30 7 Young champions Courtesy photo The Farmington Recreation Department 1st grade soccer championship went to the Flyers this fall season with a 7-0-1 record. The team scored 26 goals without being scored against. It is the second championship in as many years for this particular Union School-dominated team. From left to right, holding their medals, are: Colin Arnold, Nathan Cutter, Maddy Eddy, Dev Goel, Maddy Foley, Michael Bemis, Michael Del Sesto, Sam Paye Baker, Max Wolinetz, Mateo Maneri, Liam Muldoon, Teddy Lister and coach Jeff Bemis. Quotes of Note “To say that we’re blessed that Cal chose education as his public service is an understatement.” -Granby school board vice chair Ed Ohannessian in “Heminway retires...” on page 3 “Our motto is ‘We all SHINE at Squadron Line.’ This is possible because we live in such a wonderful community that works together to do what is best for you.” -Squadron Line Principal Meg Evans in “Community build allows for creative play space” on page 13 UConn Welcomes REENA CHOKSHI, M.D. GASTROENTEROLOGIST Dr. Chokshi has a special interest in women’s GI health and offers all patients expert care in areas including: REENA CHOKSHI, M.D. UConn Health Center 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington 860-679-8899 www.uchc.edu 2 The Valley Press November 14, 2013
Heminway retires after three decades in public service By Jennifer Senofonte Staff Writer Granby Board of Education Chairman Cal Heminway, who has retired after 32 years on the school board, helped establish the Granby Education Foundation almost 13 years ago and last week, the Cal Heminway Tribute Fund was officially unveiled. As a testament to him and his commitment to education, the tribute fund was announced at Heminway’s retirement celebration Nov. 4. Launched with more than $10,000, it was a “grateful Granby family” who wrote a letter to the GEF with the idea to start the Cal Heminway Tribute Fund. The money collected will be used to support the GEF community grant program, which encourages students through community and public engagement. The announcement, made by Rebecca Brewer of the GEF, created an emotional reaction in Heminway – as did many speakers’ words and gifts that were offered to him by past and present colleagues. State Sen. John Kissel said Heminway opitimizes selfless public service. “To serve on Boards of Education is extremely difficult. … Not only did Cal do it for 30-plus years, he did it happily,” Kissel said. On behalf of former Granby Superintendent Gwen Van Dorp, Superintedent Alan Addley presented Heminway with the “top 12 retirement gifts” that represent his tenure. Gifts included a pair of eyeglasses to represent his lasting vision of the schools, a microphone as a symbol of his voice for the children, a compass for his moral compass and a photo of the sunset for best wishes on his retirement. “I know that I can always count on him. When we were looking for the best interest in kids, he would always be there,” Capitol Region Education Council Executive Director Bruce Douglas said. Heminway was heavily involved in CREC and the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, serving at one time as president. CABE Executive Director Bob Rader and Deputy Director Patrice McCarthy talked about Heminway’s lobbying experience alongside students at the Capitol. “He has spent hours waiting to talk to legislators,” McCarthy said. “His voice was one that legislators listened to.” Many speakers mentioned Heminway’s effect on education not only in Granby, but across the state due to his advocacy at the state level. Locally, school board Vice Chair Ed Ohannessian, who was recently elected to the Board of Selectmen, said when he joined the board eight years ago he looked to Heminway for leadership and consult. “To say that we’re blessed that Cal chose education as his public service is an understatement,” Ohannessian said. He then revealed that the board dedicated its meeting room at Central Office to Heminway and named it the Cal Heminway Conference Room – placing a plaque with his photo just beneath the clock on the wall. Addley was last to speak before Heminway and said that he tried to calculate the number of meetings Heminway has been to in his 32 years and he stopped counting after 1,000. “It was Cal who gave me the opportunity to be assistant principal and then principal and then superintendent. As a first-generation immigrant, I thank Cal for helping me fulfill my dreams,” Addley said. First Selectman John Adams offered his retiring colleague a plaque from the town denoting accomplishments that occurred under his watch from 1981-2013, including school expansions, renovation projects, and most recently, a high school electronic lab and the high school athletic complex. As a retirement gift, Addley, on behalf of Granby public schools, gave Heminway a drawing of all the school buildings in town by Granby artist Sally Melrose, who was commissioned to do the piece for Heminway. Bob Gilbert, director of teaching and talent development, told Heminway, “Your retirement is going to be deeply felt here in Granby.” When Heminway spoke, he attributed his work to the efforts of others. “The thing I’m most proud of is that I was able to work with such a wonderful group of people in the school system and the town,” he said. “Looking at where Granby public schools is now statewide is something that we can all take pride in, and if I had something to do with that, that’s great.” At the Nov. 4 Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Adams, who is also retiring after 10 years in the position, spoke about the conclusion of his time serving the town and thanked his colleagues. “I do want to thank this board who works very hard on behalf of the town and I think it’s a great working board. We have a lot of discussions and ultimately the votes end up being virtually all unanimous and it’s because that’s what’s good for the town. We put personal issues aside and decide what’s best for this community,” Adams said. Photo by Jennifer Senofonte On behalf of former Granby Superintendent Gwen Van Dorp, Superintedent Alan Addley presented Heminway with a pair of eyeglasses to represent his lasting vision of the schools. For the leader in mortgage solutions right this way Depend on us for your mortgage needs: No closing cost loans Fast turnaround time Competitive rates Expert advisors who know, live and work in your community Second home financing Interest rates are still at historic lows and there’s a healthy inventory of homes on the market. But what really are the best reasons to buy or refinance? Knowing you’re ready, and finding a lending partner who meets your needs... perfectly. Our mortgage advisors are just around the corner, and here to help you find the right solution – from fixed and variable rates to home equity loans and lines of credit. We’re ready when you are. And we’re consistently the right way to go. Visit simsburybank.com/mortgages for information, applications and to find an advisor near you. Fourth Annual Canton Holiday Craft Fair Home Gifts Jewelry Saturday, November 23 • 10am-3pm Canton High School 76 Simonds Ave., Canton Contact Tammie Coffey at Dremkr@aol.com Sponsored by Canton Dollar For Scholars -Helping Our Kids Succeed! SimsburyBank.com 860.658.2265 MEMBER FDIC NMLS #441327 November 14, 2013 The Valley Press 3
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Page 5 and 6: PRESSARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Courtesy ph
Page 7 and 8: 1 Art show The Granby Land Trust an
Page 9 and 10: State Rep. John Piscopo shakes hand
Page 11 and 12: Past, present BOF members honored f
Page 13 and 14: PRESSNews Veterans Day celebrated C
Page 15 and 16: Glassman re-elected, majority on BO
Page 17 and 18: Photo by Sloan Brewswter Nancy Fell
Page 19 and 20: GUEST COLUMN: CLUES ACROSS 1. Rever
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Page 23 and 24: PRESSKIDS Baking for a cause Avon B
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Page 27 and 28: Another tough opener for Avon By Da
Page 29 and 30: PRESSPOLICE NEWS Children on the ne
Page 31 and 32: CHIMNEYS CHIMNEYS CHIMNEYS CEILINGS

'Unmasking the hidden need' - Valley Press

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