Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus

Bittersweet is an extremely vigorous woody vine that can grow dozens of feet, smothering the tops of small trees, strangling them, and pulling them down, similar to the southern kudzu vine. In large mature trees, bittersweet can wrap around the trunk, climb 60 feet or more and follow branches out in search of sun.

Land Trust art show

Lovers of art and nature from across the state came to Lost Acres Vineyard for Opening Night of the Granby Land Trust’s annual art show: Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty. The show will be on display through Dec. 8 at the vineyard.

Friends of Holcomb Farm

Harvest Dinner and Auction

Almost 100 friends of Holcomb Farm filled the gorgeous new Gallery at Metro Bis in November to relish expertly-prepared food, bid on donated items, and enjoy the community spirit of so many who make it possible for the Friends of Holcomb Farm’s Fresh Access program to continue to provide fresh, local produce to those otherwise without access. While some may assume November isn’t the best time to eat fresh from the garden, that’s not the case when Farmer Joe O’Grady, his crew, and Metro Bis Executive Chef Chris Prosperi join forces: Moroccan carrots; lettuce, radicchio, and roasted turnips salad; Brussel sprouts with Jerusalem artichokes; Red Dragon Napa cabbage slaw; sausage with sauerkraut; the best mashed potatoes ever; and warm bread pudding for dessert.

Venetian glass art and wall sculptures on sale Dec. 7

Top: Violette’s glass pitchers; middle: a landscape painting; above: Violette with still life wall sculptures. Submitted photos

Glass artist Jen Violette will be having her 23rd Annual Holiday Glass Sale on Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., at 30 Haven Drive in Granby.

Granby Land Trust holds Art Talk

Artist Thomas Adkins talks about his oil painting Winter Stream at the GLT Art Talk at Lost Acres Vineyard in North Granby. At this free event, four award winning artists—Karen Israel, Jim Laurino, Rick Daskam, and Thomas Adkins—discussed the artistic process and methods they use to create their art.

South Church announces Hopeful Living workshop

Buddhist teacher Pema Chodrin writes, “Things come together, things fall apart.” Many of us discover that our effort is to maintain a sense of self as we move through the “coming togethers” and the “falling aparts” of our lives. What part does hope play in this quest?

McLean Home Care & Hospice named to Top 500 of 2019 HomeCare Elite

McLean Home Care & Hospice announced that it has been named to the Top 500 of the 2019 HomeCare Elite, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. For 14 years, HomeCare Elite has annually identified the top 25 percent of agencies and highlighted the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall.

A Cossitt Tradition: Holiday Gift Book Tree

“A Book is a gift you can open again and again.” —Garrison Keillor

Please help Cossitt’s Friends continue its holiday tradition of providing children’s books to include in Granby’s Department of Social Services annual holiday gift packages for families.    

The Holiday Gift Book Tree, decorated with gift tags noting each child’s age and gender, will be on display starting Saturday, Nov.

Connecticut Alliance YMCAs recognize Witkos with 2019 Legislative Champion award

Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) has been recognized by the Connecticut Alliance of YMCA’s as a 2019 Legislative Champion. Senator Witkos joined representatives of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs, the Farmington Valley YMCA, Greater Hartford YMCA, and the Northwest CT YMCA to accept the award. 

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs with this award and take great pride in supporting their efforts and mission.