Groton municipal building and school district projects forging ahead in 2024 

As people begin a new year, there is often much reflection on the year that has just gone by, as well as a sense of hope, new beginnings and perhaps even some resolutions made for the new year.  

Here in Groton, we can all have such ponderings individually, but also as a community. We can look back on what we accomplished in 2023 and then look forward to seeing the fruition of some major undertakings, as well as anticipate the continuation of some of our most treasured traditions.  

One of the most anticipated projects to be completed in the coming year is the new building at 308 Main St. that will house the village offices, the Groton Police Dept., the Groton Fire and Ambulance Service and a community center — all in one location.  

This past August, Village Mayor Christopher (Joe) Neville said, “This has been an ongoing project for the last five years, trying to get all the pieces of the puzzle together. I’m looking forward to 2024 when everyone can use [the new building].” 

Now, just five months later, the progress on the building is an incredible sight to see, and what will soon become a site with ample parking, spacious bays for the fire engines and ambulances, opportunities for use of the community room and so much more, makes watching it transform into reality very exciting! 

Another major institution in Groton is our school district, with so many wonderful things happening for its students, including the addition of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning center at the elementary school this past year.  

In November 2022, the New York State Department of Education sent out a memo requiring schools with a Native American mascot to retire team names, mascots and logos. Thus, Groton Central School District (GCSD) embarked on its process to comply with this ruling, which is another big change for all.  

In June 2023, the GCSD Board of Education (BOE) sought public input on ideas for a new mascot for the district. By September, the BOE narrowed seven options down to three finalists: the Grizzlies, the Red Hawks, and the Steamrollers, after which the Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) graphic design and communications class went to work generating possible logos for each mascot for the BOE’s consideration. By December, the BOE had selected some sample graphics, which were subsequently presented at a public forum, followed by a survey for all to weigh in on.   

Brynn Blasz, one of the students who worked on the mascot logos, explained that she and her fellow students “attended a few meetings where we learned about the history of our mascot and why we should be looking to find a new one,” which all found enlightening. The meetings included a visit from representatives of the Onondaga Nation. 

“After careful consideration from all, we were proud to announce ourselves as the Groton Red Hawks,” Blasz said. “I think the next step is to go back to the drawing board to think of some designs for what our future logo will look like. Bringing this back to the class with focus on one mascot can make them possibly be more creative.” 

The official announcement of the new mascot name occurred on Dec. 21, just before the school closed for its holiday break. Blasz is correct that the next step is for the class to focus on creating some final Red Hawk logo ideas to bring back to the BOE, and a final decision will be made soon.  

“I believe the process we followed for the naming of a new mascot allowed for ample public input, both from within the school as well as the community at large,” GCSD Superintendent Margo Martin said. “The final survey collected, that asked which mascot the public felt was most aligned with the district’s mission and vision, reflected the above, as over 35% of the over 800 survey results came from the community at large.” 

Another Groton tradition is the GHS musical, not only for the school, but also for the community. The show will be “Hello Dolly,” and folks should save the dates now for March 14 through 16. Blasz will be playing the role of Minnie Fay. As she is a senior, this will be her eighth and final show at GHS.  

“Seeing ‘Hello Dolly’ was our show made me so excited to see how we could showcase all the talent in our cast,” Blasz said. “There are many roles, not just two main ones, that includes a lot of the cast, which I find pretty cool. It gives everyone a lot of stage time and work to make themselves an even better actor. I am so excited to see what we are going to put on for this magnificent story!” 

Annette Twitchell, who is the GHS Drama Club advisor, said she finds it noteworthy that this production will be her 19th musical, and it also marks the 19th year since the last musical was presented before she resumed them again with “The Wizard of Oz” in 2006. 

“I’m thrilled for the chance to direct ‘Hello Dolly’ this year,” Twitchell said. “I was the prompter when my school did it when I was in eighth grade, and it was the show that ignited my desire to be on the stage myself.” 

A few of the other seniors who have roles in the show are Megan Cute, playing Dolly Levi; Julia Garcia as Irene Malloy; and Arianna Rumpff as Ernestina Money. They added their thoughts to the conversation.   

“I am ecstatic about this opportunity and cannot wait!” Cute said. “I have been involved with drama club since seventh grade and have loved it ever since. I am so honored to be playing Dolly. It is an absolute dream come true. When I first saw this show, I connected with it on another level. I related to the character Dolly Levi so much, it felt like fate. From that moment on, I felt that I knew that I had to be Dolly. The day the cast list came out, there was nothing but excitement coursing through my body. I felt like I knew. Then my thoughts became reality when my name was on that list saying that I was Dolly Levi. From that moment on, she came to life through me, and it has been the most amazing, surreal experience of my life.”  

Garcia said that she is “very excited about the role and this opportunity to portray such a great character. I adore Irene Molloy and feel very lucky and so grateful for this role. ‘Hello Dolly’ is an amazing show, and I believe the cast we have will be amazing in our performance!”  

“I am very excited to play this role,” Rumpff said, “because Ernestina is a spunky and eccentric kind of woman. With her personality, I’ll have to bring a really fun character to life, and it’s going to be very exciting. The show overall is going to be amazing to be a part of. My cast members are phenomenal, and this show is perfect for us.” 

Last, but certainly not least, is another exciting opportunity for Groton that will hopefully become a reality: the possibility of a $4.5 million NYForward grant that was submitted this past fall. The GHS STEAM program produced a video for the presentation, which can be viewed at https://www.grotoncs.org/article/1328950 — another great community and school collaboration. Here’s to 2024! 

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922.  

In brief: 

Still time for Scottland Lights! 

Scottland Lights, the incredible holiday light show set to music at the home of John Scott and Beth Underwood Scott, 411 Peru Rd., runs daily through Saturday, Jan. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. and loops until 10:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. On Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday the music is Christian-themed; Monday and Wednesday play traditional Christmas songs; and Friday and Saturday shows offer a blend of both. Each show lasts 45 to 60 minutes. 

Pull your vehicle off to the side of the road, tune your car radio in to 89.7 on the FM dial, relax and enjoy, but please don’t block any driveways or enter the lawn area where the displays are.  

There is also a donation box on the right-hand side of their driveway. It is not to benefit the Scotts in any way, but to give back to the community. All donations will benefit the Groton Fire Department to help with the free firefighter kids’ camp. 

Fun times at the Legion! 

There are always opportunities at the Groton American Legion Post 800 for food and fun that are open to the community. Lowell Smith and his crew of We Be Jammin’ will be on site at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Come hear some great music and enjoy a great afternoon with great friends. 

Thursday Grill Nights at the Legion are from 5 to 7 p.m. weekly. It’s a nice way to get out and enjoy a reasonably priced meal, prepared and served by volunteers, with all the profits going to the Post.  

Regular menu items include Hoffman’s hot dogs (with or without sauerkraut), Gianelli’s hot or sweet Italian sausage with peppers and onions, Angus sirloin hamburgers, cheeseburgers bacon cheeseburgers and an assortment of homemade sides and desserts. Main dishes range from $3 to $6; desserts and sides are $3 each. 

Free food at the Groton Public Library 

Healthy Tuesday Free Food Giveaway happens every week at 12:30 p.m. at the Groton Public Library. There is also a Kids Farmers Market delivery from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier once a month on Mondays. Produce may be taken by kids or parents of families with kids. The next delivery will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8. The upcoming dates will be Feb. 5, March 4, April 4 and May 6.