Granby Living June 2020

A Monthly Magazine Connecting Granby's Neighbors & Businesses
JUNE 2020
Photo by
Meg Pascucci
THE SIMARD FAMILY
They Express Appreciation
for Town by Giving Back
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Granby Real Estate
Teacher Appreciation
Celebrating Our Seniors
Granby History
Calendar of Events

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2 | JUNE 2020

PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher | Anthony Serino
Content Coordinator | Bruce Deckert
Designer | Marcelle Hockers
Contributing Photographer | Meg Pascucci
ADVERTISING
Contact | Anthony Serino
Phone | 860-305-4065
Email | tserino@bestversionmedia.com
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Content Due:
Edition Month:
June 25....................................................................August
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©2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE
This is June... right? With our crazy new normal it's been
hard keeping track of the day or even the month.
With all of us getting used to navigating the world in
new ways, one consolation is that we are all going through this together. Our town,
state, nation and the world at large have been going through excruciating times. It's
going to be awhile until we get back to anything even close to our old normal. We've
all been feeling the stress on our personal, social and economic health. But even in the
darkest of times there are glimmers of hope.
If nothing else, humankind has been resourceful and possesses a unique ability for
creative problem-solving. There's an old saw that states, "When the going gets tough,
the tough get going." There have been extremely troubling times in our history, it's
never been easy, but we will all get through this. One day at a time.
We hope that you enjoy this June issue of Granby Living. And as we try to maintain
our normal routines, we look forward to continuing to publish a neighborhood
magazine that highlights the wonderful people who make Granby great.
I also want to thank all of our advertising sponsors who continue to support our
efforts.
Stay well and strong.
Anthony Serino, Publisher
tserino@bestversionmedia.com | 860-305-4065
Like us on FB | Granby Living - Best Version Media
FAMILY / COSMETIC /
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Kenneth Endres
Salmon Brook Dental
860-653-4551
salmonbrookdental@hotmail.com
SENIOR LIVING /
HEALTH CARE
Christine M. Looby
The Mercy Community
860-570-8400
clooby@mchct.org
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Chester Darling, CFP® ChFC® CLU®
RICP® APMA® CASL®
Financial Advisor, Stepping Stone Wealth
(860) 313-1313, ext. 5
chester.darling@ampf.com
PLUMBING / HEATING /
COOLING
Jason Brusa
Beacon Mechanical Service
860-844-0111
jbrusa@beaconmechanical.com
URGENT CARE /
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE
Dr. Stephen A. Kei, M.D.
The Doctors Treatment Center
860-653-2382
www.urgentcarecentersct.com
REAL ESTATE
Judy Guarco
Berkshire Hathaway
NE Properties
861-651-2127
jguarco@bhhsne.com
INSURANCE
Daniel Hess
Southwick Insurance Agency, Inc.
413-569-5541
dhess@southwickinsagency.com
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor, contact
ANTHONY SERINO at tserino@bestversionmedia.com or 860-305-4065
GRANBY LIVING | 3

GL
RESIDENT FEATURE
The Simard Family
They Express Appreciation for Granby by Giving Back
By Bruce Deckert
Photos by Meg Pascucci
A marketing major and an exercise science
major met on a volcano and later made a
multidisciplinary residential choice, settling
in the Poet's Corner section of Granby. If you
were playing the icebreaker game Two Truths
and a Lie with Stephen and Kortney Simard,
what would you identify as the lie in this lead?
Let’s answer with another question: How
exactly did the couple meet?
“I was climbing a volcano and noticed
someone in distress who had fallen deep into
the volcano,” Stephen says. “The heat was
incredible but I knew I had to act. I rappelled
down in without ropes, put Kortney on my
back and climbed out. The rest is history.”
While the rest of this story is historically
accurate, the preceding statement is fictional —
Stephen’s humor in action.
“Since we moved here Granby has
really seen a transformation. It has
become a destination town.”
— Kortney Simard
“Actually, we met in a supermarket in 2003,
began dating in 2005 and married in 2008,”
says Stephen, a CCSU marketing major.
“We had a destination wedding in St.
Thomas USVI,” says Kortney, a UHart exercise
science major. “Our closest family and friends
were there and everyone was on vacation in
the Caribbean, so we were all so relaxed, not to
mention the backdrop for the pictures was the
island of St. John, so it looked amazing.”
Kortney, who also has a master of science in
physical therapy from UHart, is the Chief of
Physical and Occupational Therapy at Central
Western Massachusetts VA Medical Center.
4 | JUNE 2020

RESIDENT FEATURE
GL
“I began working with the VA shortly after
obtaining my degree and knew I wanted to
stay here,” she says. “I take pride in helping
the veterans. They’re an amazing group who
sacrificed everything for our country, and
it feels good to pay them back by offering
exemplary rehab services.”
Stephen, 46, is a Realtor with eXp Realty
LLC. He grew up in Maine and is a ’91 graduate
of Biddeford High School. He has lived in
Connecticut since ’95, when he took a job as a
manager with Shaw’s Supermarkets. Kortney,
39, grew up in Connecticut and is a ’98
graduate of Terryville High School. The couple
moved to Granby in 2006.
“It was important for us to find a town with
highly rated schools and one that had a strong
sense of community,” Stephen says. “We are
fortunate our instincts were right.”
Their first house in town was on the channel
of Manitook Lake.
“It was a great spot, kayaking and fishing off
the backyard,” Kortney says. “Before moving
to Granby we would take our two dogs to the
McLean Game Refuge and got to know the
area. We were looking for a town with a quaint
feel with good access to both the Hartford and
western Massachusetts area.”
Since arriving in town, they have welcomed
two daughters: Brynne, 11, a 5th-grader at
Wells Road Intermediate School, and Teagan, 5,
a kindergartner at Kelly Lane Primary School.
“I love my school and my teachers,” Brynne
says. “I miss them and my friends now more
than ever.” Teagan’s school favorites? “Recess
and lunch,” she ventures.
“Hey, she’s 5 — she has her priorities,” quips
Stephen.
The family lives on Whitman Drive, in the
Poet’s Corner section of Granby — other local
streets are named for Shelley and Byron.
“It’s a very close-knit neighborhood,”
Stephen says. “Kortney is on the small
committee that plans block parties and festive
holiday parties each year. Poet’s Corner is the
type of place we’ve always wanted to live in,
a great neighborhood in close proximity to
“I love my school and my
teachers. I miss them and my
friends now more than ever.”
— Brynne Simard
downtown Granby with wonderful neighbors
you can have fun with and lean on for help
if needed. We cherish the access to the game
refuge and great streets to walk and ride bikes.”
Kortney is the manager for Brynne’s Granby
Rovers soccer team and has coached rec
basketball, and Stephen has also coached his
daughters’ basketball and softball teams.
“I love my Rovers teammates and coaches,”
Brynne says. “Everyone on our team is great.
We played in a tournament last October in
Cape Cod and made it to the final game. Hope
we get to do it again this year.”
Meanwhile, Kortney has taught classes for
11 years at Knock Out Fitness in Agawam,
GRANBY LIVING | 5

GL
RESIDENT FEATURE
Mass. “Our family enjoys getting
outdoors, playing and attending
sporting events, and volunteer
work,” she says.
Stephen is a self-described
“die-hard Boston fan — Patriots,
Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins … sure
going to miss Tom Brady!” He
has been a member of the Granby
Lions Club since 2007: “It’s a
great group and I’m proud of the
contributions we get to make to
this community.”
The club gives three $2,500
scholarships each year to high
school seniors, provides eye
screening at schools and day-care
centers, sponsors town events
like the Bluegrass Festival, and
gives to many local organizations.
“It’s important to give back to the
community in which we live,”
Stephen says.
He also serves on the board
of directors of Granby Park &
Recreation, which manages an
array of programs for youth and
adults: “The facilities — including
Salmon Brook Park, Holcomb
Farm and Ahern Park — are
something all of us residents
should be proud of. Hats off to the
Park & Rec staff.”
A member of the Granby
Chamber of Commerce, Stephen
notes, “As a Realtor, I am always
sharing my enthusiasm about
the town. We cherish the smalltown
charm, the best teachers
and schools, outdoor space,
commitment to agriculture, and
some good sports teams. It’s a
friendly and supportive town with
a strong sense of Granby pride. A
perfect place to call home.”
What about constructive change
in town?
“There isn’t much change
needed,” he says. “Growth is
good if done with respect to the
town’s character. It’s a balancing
act to make improvements that
don’t completely change the town
identity. I realize that logistically
there isn’t really space for it, but it
would be nice if we had a location
for a commerce/business park.”
“It was important
for us to find a town
with highly rated
schools and one that
had a strong sense of
community.”
— Stephen Simard
Kortney appreciates the town’s
outdoor recreation options
— hiking, kayaking, biking,
rollerblading and more.
“Since we moved here Granby
has really seen a transformation,”
she says. “It has become a
destination town. Credit the town
leadership and local business
with great vision. With so many
good restaurants, a vineyard, a
farm brewery, summer concerts
at Salmon Brook Park, Celebrate
Granby — there really is a lot to
do.”
Another worthy family event is
the Baystate Health Rays of Hope
Walk & Run that combats breast
cancer. “For several years I’ve run
this five-mile race with my Mom,”
Brynne says.
Yes, a five-mile run is more
plausible than rappelling into
a volcano to save a damsel in
distress.
HOME IS NOT A PLACE,
IT’S A FEELING.
You may have questions about
your home, let me help
you answer them.
Top 5% in BHHS
National Network
of Realtors
Call or text
(860) 490-2090
© 2020 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. ®Equal Housing Opportunity
6 | JUNE 2020

June
Calendar
of Events
Helpful Numbers for Updated Event Info
Granby Public Library — (860) 844-5275
Granby Parks & Recreation— (860) 653-8947
Granby Senior & Youth Services — (860) 844-5350
Granby Social Services — (860) 844-5350
Granby Town Hall — (860) 844-5300
At the time Granby Living went to print, event times and locations
were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current
information — some events may have been postponed or canceled.
Car and Engine Show
Saturday, June 16
@Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby
The car show will feature classic cars, including Model T, Model A,
Rolls-Royce, Packard, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet and more, plus antique
gas engines and tractors. All vehicles built prior to 1970 are welcome
with a show fee of $5. Concession stand: Mrs. Murphy’s donuts, hot
dogs and beverages. To include your car or for info: Todd Vibert, 860-
653-9506. Proceeds to the Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Time: 8 am – 1 pm
Cost: FREE parking + admission
www.salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com
Ice Cream Social
Saturday, June 20
@Salmon Brook Historical Society, Granby
The Salmon Brook Historical Society will celebrate its 75th anniversary
with an Ice Cream Social offering free ice cream, games, a photo booth
and tours of SBHS buildings. Come help the society celebrate this
momentous occasion.
Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: FREE
www.salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com
Casual Bikers: Upcoming Events
Throughout the month
@Various locations
Check the Casual Bikers website for details about weekend and
weekday bike rides all month long.
Cost: FREE
www.meetup.com/Casual-Bikers/events/calendar/
Something About the Author Book Club
First Monday of month — call to confirm
@Granby Public Library
Call 860-844-5275 to register and for more info. Copies of books are
available at the library.
Time: Call 844-5275
Cost: FREE
www.granby-ct.gov/granby-public-library-system
Around the World Book Club
Third Monday of month — call to confirm
@Granby Public Library
Call 860-844-5275 to register and for more info. Copies of books are
available at the library.
Time: Call 844-5275
Cost: FREE
www.granby-ct.gov/granby-public-library-system
Family Movie Night
Wednesdays — call to confirm
@Granby Public Library
All ages can drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film. We'll provide the
popcorn! Call for movie titles. No registration needed.
Time: Call 844-5275
Cost: FREE
www.granby-ct.gov/granby-public-library-system
Sci Fi / Fantasy Book Club
Last Wednesday of month — call to confirm
@Granby Public Library
Call 860-844-5275 to register and for more info. Copies of books are
available at the library.
Time: Call 844-5275
Cost: FREE
www.granby-ct.gov/granby-public-library-system
Open Mic Night in the Bistro
Every Thursday
@Infinity Hall, Norfolk
Whether you like to listen to great music or are an aspiring performer,
join us on Thursdays to enjoy local talent. Performers sign up after
7 p.m. A few artists will be chosen to compete in our Big Stage
Competition and play an opening act at an Infinity Hall concert.
Time: 8 pm
www.infinityhall.com/Events/
GRANBY LIVING | 7

GL
TEACHER APPRECIATION
Art teacher enjoys
problem-solving with students
HOLLIE HECHT
Art Educator, Grades 9-12
Fine Arts CAS (Content Area Specialist)
Granby Memorial High School
By Bruce Deckert
Photos by Meg Pascucci
Grades and subjects that you teach — Grades 9-12 Art • Primarily 3D
classes, but also Contemporary Crafts/Makers and Materials • I also coteach
the Chemistry of Art with my science colleague, Jacky Paton.
Began teaching — 1994 in Farmington, CT
Began teaching in Granby — 1995
Career history — I graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a B.A.
in Studio Art. Came to Connecticut to work a summer job at YMCA
Camp Jewell. Moved to Germany for a year and then returned to CT in
1985. Managed an art gallery and custom frame shop in Southington, CT
for five years while working on my teaching certification at CCSU. I got
my first teaching job in 1994. In 2000 I earned my M.S. in education with
a concentration in ceramics from CCSU.
Born and raised in — Ohio
What motivated you to pursue a teaching career?
I was getting bored at work and wanted to take some classes.
The most rewarding aspect of your work as a teacher?
Getting to know students and helping them develop individual abilities.
Also, I really enjoy how my students force me to think on my feet when I
need to help them solve problems.
What do you enjoy most about working with young people?
They are young — and they can be really funny.
What is the biggest impediment to student success today?
Social distraction.
How can teachers help students overcome this obstacle and succeed?
Help students to discover their capabilities, to value themselves and to
balance their reliance on technology with practical skills and common
sense, and to recognize the potential and creativity that they most likely
possess.
A brief anecdote that gives a glimpse of your work in education:
Teachers often develop relationships with students based on the love of
their content area and wanting to share that with others. I like the fact
that former students will often reflect on what a safe haven the art room
was and how much they miss “that class” — and the efforts they take to
keep their creative outlet going after GMHS.
Family — My husband is a middle school science teacher in
Wethersfield.
8 | JUNE MARCH 2020 2020

REAL ESTATE STATS
RECENTLY SOLD IN GRANBY
Granby Real Estate page is sponsored by Santa Realty
ADDRESS TOWN LIST PRICE SALE PRICE BEDS TOTAL BATHROOMS # OF ROOMS SQ FT
41 Cone Mountain Rd. Granby $665,600 $650,000 5 3 Full & 2 Half 10 5,545
24 Cider Mill Heights Granby $599,900 $580,000 5 4 Full & 2 Half 13 5,540
41 Copper Brook Circle, Unit #41 Granby $435,000 $500,171 3 2 Full & 1 Half 6 2,042
6 Copper Brook Circle, Unit #6 Granby $439,900 $442,775 3 2 Full & 1 Half 6 2,280
2 Duncaster Wood Granby $389,900 $385,000 4 3 Full 8 3,004
278 Simsbury Rd. Granby $349,900 $360,000 6 5 Full 12 4,765
73 Spring Glen Dr. Granby $319,900 $313,500 4 2 Full & 1 Half 8 2,667
9 Eric Dr. Granby $309,900 $309,000 2 1 Full & 3 Half 6 2,536
2 Whitman Dr. Granby $295,000 $300,000 3 2 Full & 1 Half 9 1,918
25 Granville Rd. Granby $299,900 $300,000 4 4 Full & 1 Half 10 3,191
16 Danielle Rd. Granby $259,900 $267,500 3 1 Full & 1 Half 6 1,808
23 Muriel Dr. Granby $249,900 $249,900 4 1 Full & 1 Half 7 1,700
6 Pond Lane Granby $255,000 $249,000 3 2 Full 6 1,400
430 Salmon Brook St. Granby $209,960 $209,000 3 1 Full 6 1,200
17 Copper Hill Rd. Granby $199,900 $197,400 3 1 Full 6 1,302
472 Salmon Brook St. Granby $189,900 $190,000 3 1 Full 8 1,074
75 Higley Rd. Granby $83,600 $90,000 2 1 Full 6 2,036
161 W. Granby Rd., Unit #R Granby $59,900 $30,000 1 1 Full 4 624
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate
community in the area. Any real estate agent's ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
GRANBY LIVING | 9

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CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS
ERIC LUKINGBEAL’S
environmental care evident at Holcomb Tree Trail
By Sarah Merrill
Eric Lukingbeal was born on Nov. 26, 1945 in Farmersville, Ohio — “a teeny-weeny
little town” near Dayton, the same town where his father grew up.
When Eric was born, his father, Kent V. Lukingbeal, was returning home from the
service after spending most of World War II on a Navy submarine in the Pacific.
Eric’s parents met at Ohio State University. “I’m a huge Ohio State football fan. It
drives my wife Sally nuts!” Eric laughs.
Kent Lukingbeal and Virginia Hummell were married in 1945. Eric has two younger
sisters.
Virginia was born on Halloween 1919 and grew up in a small farming town not far
from Columbus. Now 100, Eric’s mother lives in an assisted living facility in Ashville,
N.C.
Kent was born on Valentine’s Day 1918. “My dad’s middle name is V because of that
birthday — it’s not an initial! Incidentally, Harry S Truman had a similar story. His
middle name was S.”
Like his father and his grandfather before him, Eric’s nickname was always “Luke.”
After returning from the service, Eric’s father started his career as a lawyer. When
Eric was about 5 years old, his parents bought a home in Westwood, N.J., where Eric
attended school through the sixth grade.
“In the 1950s, that part of New Jersey was not very developed. I was surrounded by
woods and streams — it was rural, not unlike Granby,” says Eric. “My friends and I
spent our time doing two things: playing baseball and fishing.”
The family’s next move was to New Canaan, Conn., where Eric attended junior high
and high school. “New Canaan was a very different place when I lived there! It was a
quiet, rural town,” says Eric. “In fact, I got my first job working on a farm.”
Eric took up tennis and finished high school as the top player. In addition to playing
competitively, he worked jobs maintaining the town’s tennis courts and assisting the
tennis pro at the local club.
Eric as a boy on Cape Cod, circa 1955
Eric admits that he was not a motivated student: “I
studied enough to do pretty well, but I was kind of a
reckless kid who got into my share of trouble with my
friends. Looking back, it’s kind of embarrassing.”
He says Latin is the only school subject he really
enjoyed: “For some reason, Latin came easily to me, and I
had a teacher who I really admired.”
In 1964, Eric attended Williams College (Williamstown,
Mass.) but explains that he dropped out halfway through
his junior year — “I just wasn’t interested in school at that
point.” With the war in Vietnam, Eric went directly to the
draft board. When he found there was a long wait to be
drafted, Eric enlisted. “My parents were horrified,” he says.
Eric’s hopes to attend officer candidate school did
not pan out, but he did attend journalism school in
Indianapolis, followed by radio and television broadcasting
school. At Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, Calif., Eric worked
in the public information office. “I ended up becoming the
editor of the base newspaper, which I really enjoyed,” he
says.
Celebrating Our Seniors is sponsored by McLean
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
To our staff for the daily displays of unwavering courage and compassion.
To our families for trusting us as we care for your very precious loved ones.
To our residents for your strength and resilience as we travel unfamiliar territory together.
And to our friends and neighbors for the many ways you are showing us your heartwarming support.
We are so grateful.
75 Great Pond Road | Simsbury, CT 06070
860-658-3700 | McLeanInspiredLiving.org
10 | JUNE 2020

CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS
GL
After the service, Eric returned to Williams, graduating in 1971, and
then attended law school at the University of Virginia, graduating in
1974. He married his first wife in 1970 and they lived in West Hartford.
Eric’s daughters are Emily Catherine and Mary Amanda. He has five
“wonderful” grandchildren, three who live in Hartland, Conn. and two in
the U.K.
Eric enjoyed a 40-year law career with the Hartford firm of Robinson &
Cole, where he met his wife Sally King. They were married in 1982. Eric
retired in 2014.
Living in Barkhamsted, Sally and Eric found that the commute to
Hartford got to be a bit long. “We counted 38 traffic lights between our
house and our office!” says Eric.
In 1984 Sally and Eric moved to Granby, buying their current home on
Day Street. “It’s actually a Sears Roebuck kit house, built in 1920 after the
original farmhouse burned down,” Eric explains.
“When we moved here, we were struck by how welcoming the town
was to newcomers,” says Eric. “We both got involved right away in town
government.”
Sally joined the Wetlands Commission, and in 1987 Eric got a spot
on the Planning & Zoning Commission. “Paula Johnson and I actually
campaigned together, even though we were with separate parties,” Eric
explains. “We’ve enjoyed the cooperative attitude in Granby town politics.”
Eric joined the Wetlands Commission around 2000, and in 2008 he
returned to Planning & Zoning. Sally has been on the Board of Selectmen
since 1992 and is currently vice chair.
In 2005, Eric joined the board of the Friends of Holcomb Farm and
got involved in Link and Learn, an after-school environmental education
program.
“We love our proximity to Holcomb Farm,” says Eric, who walks a
dog there a couple of times a day (Sally and Eric have three Australian
Shepherds). “It used to be very quiet over at the farm, but these days —
since the coronavirus is keeping us all at home — it seems like everyone
in town has taken up hiking!”
Eric is on the board of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. “It’s
astounding, the pressure at this moment for people to get out of their
houses and into the woods,” says Eric. “I’ve been on the board for 25 years
and this level of use is unprecedented.”
Eric has also been on the board of the Granby Land Trust: “Obviously,
I love the outdoors and I’ve put a lot of energy into environmental
concerns. Since retirement, I spend most of my time landscaping or
Eric at Holcomb Farm with three grandchildren and Jack the Aussie, 2019
planting trees for the Holcomb Tree Trail.” The tree trail is on the east side
of Simsbury Road across from the Holcomb Farm complex.
“That’s my current passion,” says Eric. “And we have a small but
dedicated group of people who have embraced this vision.” For more
information, visit www.holcombfarm.org/holcomb-tree-trail.
Sarah Merrill is a personal historian based in Granby. She works with
individuals and families to capture and record their personal memoirs
and family histories. Visit her website at www.memoirsbymerrill.com
Sarah Merrill is a personal historian based in Granby. She works with
individuals and families to capture and record their personal memoirs and
family histories. Visit her website at www.memoirsbymerrill.com
GRANBY LIVING | 11

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THIS MONTH IN GRANBY HISTORY
Short history of surveying land and boundaries
By Ken Kuhl
June 22, 1840 — Minutes from Town of Granby records: Survey for a
road beginning at the Turnpike Road at the west side of a post standing in
the northeast corner of Sereno W. Holcomb's land running north 60 degrees
West 6 chains 22 links to the point of a rock in the hill then South 76
degrees West 3 chains to a stone bound then South 49 degrees West 2 chains
to a stone bound at Lemuel Colton's line. Then South 52 degrees West 5
chains 60 links to a stone bound then South 64 degrees West 1 chain and 87
links to a maple tree standing near a small Bridge.
Since long before the settling of the American colonies, property
boundaries were described by the metes and bounds method, a system
of descriptions using physical features of the local geography, along with
directions and distances, to define and describe the boundaries of a
parcel of land — but heavily dependent on local knowledge of movable
stones, impermanent trees and transient neighbors.
Metes and bounds systems have long been the subject of ridicule
among scholars, but the rich descriptions of the metes and bounds of
colonial properties were customized to the preferences of American
settlers and could be tailored to different types of property interests.
This system has been used in England for many centuries, and is
still used there in the definition of general boundaries. The boundaries
are described in a running prose style, working around the parcel in
sequence from a point of beginning, returning to the same point. By
custom, it was applied in the original 13 colonies that became the United
States. Young George Washington was an excellent mathematician and
studied surveying. He started by measuring the different fields of the
Mount Vernon plantation where he lived. He spent many evenings
measuring the fields and then using his compass and a ruler to draw
maps of the land he had measured.
Historically, there was the oral ritual of beating the bounds, an ancient
custom still observed in some English and Welsh parishes today.
Members of the community would walk the boundaries of the parish,
usually led by the parish priest and church officials, to share their
knowledge of where the boundaries lay and to pray for protection and
blessings for the lands.
Judy Knows Granby!
• Customer Service Awards for 15+ years
• Five-Star Professional Realtor Award for
the last 5 years.
• President’s Circle” award top
4% nationally
• Top 4% Nationally for Berkshire
Hathaway Designation for Company
Excellence
• Granby resident for over 50 years.
Even though we’re apart, I’m never too far away.
Our highly sophisticated technology platforms allow me to
operate at every level digitally, from our online management
program, to virtual tours through Facetime, video
conferencing, plus you can submit an offer, all through the
comforts of your home.
Call me and let’s discuss how I can be of service to YOU!
Judy Guarco | 860-651-2127
judyguarco@bhhsne.com | www.judyguarco.bhhsneproperties.com
12 | JUNE 2020

THIS MONTH IN GRANBY HISTORY
GL
Metes — The term "metes" refers to a boundary
defined by the measurement of each straight
run, specified by a distance between the two
points and an orientation or direction. A
direction may be a simple compass bearing
or a precise orientation determined by typical
survey methods.
Bounds — The term "bounds" refers
to a boundary defined by a more general
description, such as along a certain
watercourse, a stone wall, an adjoining public
roadway or an existing building. The sequence
begins with an identified corner serving
as benchmark. The description then gives
distance, direction and various boundary
descriptions as if one were walking the bounds,
pacing off the distance to the next corner where
there is a change of direction.
One of the problems with this system is that
the description might refer to landmarks such
as “the large oak tree” that could die, rot and
disappear — or be confused with a different
tree that grew over time. Streams might dry up,
meander or change course. Man-made features
such as roads, walls or stakes that marked
corners and determined boundary lines
between corners may have changed. Because
these features can move and disappear over
time, the United States largely replaced this
system except in eastern states.
Beginning with the Land Ordinance
of 1785, the U.S. began a transition to the
Public Land Survey System used in central
and western states. The original eastern
states continue to use the metes and bounds
surveys of their founders, along with states
that were previously part of one of the 13
colonies, or where land was allocated before
1785 — including West Virginia, Tennessee,
Kentucky, Maine and Vermont. Because
Texas was an independent republic prior
to statehood, even its land system remains
primarily metes and bounds.
UNITED STATES
June 20, 1840 — Samuel Morse receives the
patent for the telegraph.
WORLD
June 12, 1840 — The World Anti-Slavery
Convention meets for the first time at Exeter
Hall in London.
Ken Kuhl is a member of the Salmon Brook
Historical Society in Granby.
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GRANBY LIVING | 13

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DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU.
Call me and let’s get through this together.
As always, when it comes to buying or selling
your home, I’m here to help you every step of the
way.
As a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices sales
professional, I’m committed to working with you
based on your comfort level. Buyers are still
buying and sellers are still selling their homes.
I have access to exclusive digital tools that help
me showcase the full potential of your home. I
offer online tools to tour a home, sign important
documents from the comforts of your home and
help you organize your move.
Nancy Reardon
Whether buying or selling I greatly appreciate your
referrals and the opportunity to be of service.
860-836-7506
nancyreardon.com
nreardon@bhhsne.com
14 | JUNE 2020

GL
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Here's help in deciphering
real estate jargon
Part 2
By Judy Guarco
Like so many other professions, there is a whole litany of terms used freely by real estate
agents, mortgage lenders and closing attorneys.
Here’s a simple glossary of phrases (H through P) that real estate professionals often use (A
through F appeared in March's issue)
Homeowners association (HOA): The governing body of a housing development, condo or
townhome complex that sets rules and regulations and charges dues and special assessments
used to maintain common areas and cover unexpected expenses respectively.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A revolving line of credit with an adjustable interest
rate. Like a credit card, this line of credit has a limit. There is a specified time during which
money can be drawn. Payment in full is due at the end of the draw period.
Home inspection: A nondestructive visual look at the systems in a building. Inspection
occurs when the home is under contract or in escrow.
Homeowners insurance: A policy that protects the structure of the home, its contents, injury to
others and living expenses if damage occurs.
Housing ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine
a borrower’s eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares total housing cost (principal,
homeowners insurance, taxes and private mortgage insurance) to gross income.
In escrow: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and
a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title searched
for liens, etc.
Listing price: The price of a home, as set by the seller.
Loan estimate: A three-page document sent to applicants three days after they apply for a home
loan. The document includes loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs.
Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The amount of the loan divided by the price of the house. Lenders
reward lower LTV ratios.
Mortgage broker: A licensed professional who works on behalf of the buyer to secure financing
through a bank or other lending institution.
Mortgage companies: Lenders who underwrite loans in-house and fund loans from a line of
credit before selling them off to a loan buyer.
Mortgage interest deduction: Mortgage interest paid in a year subtracted from annual gross
salary.
Mortgage interest rate: The price of
borrowing money. The base rate is set by
the Federal Reserve and then customized
per borrower, based on credit score, down
payment, property type and points the buyer
pays to lower the rate.
Multiple listing service (MLS): A database
where real estate agents list properties for sale.
Origination fee: A fee, charged by a broker
or lender, to initiate and complete the home
loan application process.
Principal, interest, property taxes
and homeowners insurance (PITI): The
components of a monthly mortgage payment.
Private mortgage insurance (PMI): A
fee charged to borrowers who make a down
payment that is less than 20% of the home’s
value. The fee, 0.3% to 1.5% of the yearly
loan amount, can be canceled in certain
circumstances when the borrower reaches 20%
equity.
GRANBY LIVING | 15

Granby Living
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