As we enter December and the holiday season, a lot is going on at Town Hall. For instance, on Saturday, Dec. 6, the annual Tree Lighting to bring in the season will be held outside of the library at 4:30 p.m.
After a little caroling, we’ll head to the senior center for cookies and hot cocoa where we’ve planned some activities for children. We’re also expecting a very important visitor and we hope traffic from the North Pole isn’t too heavy.
In the spirit of the season, the town will also celebrate Hanukkah. Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek army and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, including restoring its menorah.
This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and ends at sundown on Monday, Dec. 22. A menorah candle is lit after sundown each night, with the middle candle, the shamash, remaining lit throughout all eight days. Anyone who would like to participate in lighting the menorah is invited to reach out to Laura Milne in the Town Clerk’s Office at 860-844-5309.
Most of you already know that the Town of Granby appealed the Connecticut Siting Council’s approval of the KCE Battery Project to be located on Salmon Brook Street. The Town of Granby received word on Nov. 7 that KCE has surrendered its permit—and without a permit, KCE cannot build at that site. Thank you to First Selectman Mark Fiorentino and Selectwoman Peggy Chapple for their hard work and leadership during the appeal process.
In other town business, the Capital Program Priority Advisory Committee has been hearing about capital needs like the high school running track, middle school renovations, library expansion, renovated sewer pumps and maybe even a pickleball court at Salmon Brook Park. Its guidance will shape what you as voters may eventually see for a bond referendum question.
Town Hall has also been busy crafting the budget that will begin on July 1, 2026. Each of the department heads again will be making their case to use your tax dollars to continue to provide a host of valuable services. A high-level draft of the budget, called the “Plus One,” will be available in early December for your review.
Let me close this last 2025 Drummer article on a festive note. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being your town manager. It was another productive year that flew by. Town Hall and all its employees are looking forward to 2026 as we work hard to deliver services to the residents.
Since I started my work as your town manager in early March 2024, the community of Granby has welcomed me and my wife Janice with open arms and that has been sincerely appreciated. With our move to Granby this past April, we now call Granby home.
Finally, allow me to extend warm wishes of a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year not only to you and your family, but for the entire Granby community.