Thankful to live in Groton

As most of us celebrate Thanksgiving each year and focus on the things we are thankful for, many of us immediately think of our families, health, jobs, etc. This week’s column focuses on why we might be thankful for our homes — and specifically the place where we make our home: Groton! At the Groton American Legion Post 800’s popular Thursday Grill Night, some regular patrons responded to the question.

Jim and Marge Hovanec have lived here for 11 years, although Marge grew up here and is a 1960 Groton High School alumna. She left after graduation and lived in Ithaca, including after she met and married Jim. But they wanted to settle somewhere else, so began looking for houses 13 years ago.

“We wanted to stay local and looked all over for houses for two years before we came to Groton,” Marge said. “We’re very happy we did. We like the people and our neighbors, and Groton has its own electricity, so it’s more reasonable — plus, it’s nice to have it local.”

“Groton is the best kept secret in Tompkins County!” Jim exclaimed. “The taxes are low, the people are friendly and community minded, and it’s great to meet up with a lot of them at breakfast at Casper’s Diner.”

Hans Van Binsbergen has lived in Groton for more years than he can recall, but he said of the town, “It’s unique, and once you settle here, you never want to leave!”

Bill Leaver has always lived here. It’s his hometown, and he operated his business, Bill Leaver Auto, on Peru Road for decades. His wife, Tina, said she’d wanted to live in Dryden when they got married.

“We tried it, but [we found] the town wasn’t friendly or welcoming,” Tina said. “So, here we are. Everyone and everything is welcoming and friendly. Bill’s business worked out well here, and the schools were very good for our kids.”

Around town, others are thankful to live in Groton

Although she is not originally from Groton, Denise Smith, deputy clerk for the town of Groton, moved here 30 years ago. Having grown up in Ithaca and lived in Rochester, she decided she wanted to raise her children in a smaller town, where she believed they would get a better education.

“At first, I was a little hesitant because I knew that in smaller towns everyone knows each other,” Smith said. “I was apprehensive that I would be treated as an outsider. It was not the case. People were extremely friendly, and all three of my children grew up happy and healthy! In the years I have lived here, I have made great friends and have memories I will cherish forever! I am so thankful that all those years ago I made the right decision. As deputy clerk for the past four years,” she added, “I have had the opportunity to meet new residents and those who have lived here for many years. I am also thankful for this.”

Sharon Newman is the children’s pastor at Groton Assembly of God church. She lived in several states on the east coast as a child, then moved to Lansing with her family, where she lived until she moved to Groton 18 years ago.

“Groton is a wonderful small town with lots of charm and wonderful people,” Newman said. “Groton is now home to me and a beautiful hidden gem in the flowing hills of the Finger Lakes. I am so thankful to live here. As a children’s pastor, one of the greatest blessings is to be able to teach and minister to children and families in the community, and lead or help with various outreach opportunities with children and youth in mind.”

Chris Dempsey, owner of Robert C. Dempsey Insurance on Main Street, has lived in Groton all of his 64 years except for college. He simply said, “I love the people.” Anyone who knows him knows how true that is!

Recently elected as Groton’s new town supervisor, Crystal Young grew up in Cortland. Shortly after her graduation from Homer Central School in 1984, Young began working at  the Groton Hotel.

“Since then, as they say, the rest is history,” Young said. “I met my husband in 1987 while working at the Groton Hotel, made the move to Groton shortly after that, and we married in 1988. In 1989, we bought our home here, where we raised our five boys and still reside.” 

“I am thankful to live in a small community where we are surrounded by caring people who know and watch out for each other,” Young said. “We have been blessed by the many friendships we have acquired in Groton over the years and truly know the value of a small town.”

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:

Groton Community Choir

Under the direction of Ginny Casey, the Groton Community Choir will perform its 75th musical presentation, “Wonderful Grace,” comprising many favorite musical pieces from past GCC presentations over the years. 

Performances will be Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Groton Community Church, 204 E. Cortland St.; Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at Brooktondale Baptist Church, 2311 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca and at 7 p.m. at Dryden Baptist Church, 138 Virgil Rd.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Groton Assembly of God, 701 S. Main St.

Crown City Brass will give pre-concerts roughly 15 minutes prior at each location, with the exception of Brooktondale Baptist.

All locations are handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will follow each performance. There is no charge for the concerts, but freewill donations will be gratefully accepted to assist in purchasing music for future performances.

Groton Holiday Tour

The Groton Community and Business Association will sponsor its third Groton Holiday Tour, Saturday, Dec. 13, featuring beautifully decorated properties and buildings and ending with a Winter Wonderland.

Each ticket holder will go to the properties on their own any time between 1 and 5 p.m., beginning at the Benn Conger Inn, 206 W. Cortland St., to pick up tickets and a map of the tour properties. Secure tickets using this link: https://holidayhousetour.ticketleap.com or purchase them the day of the event at the Benn Conger.