End of an era as director of public works retires

You can’t be much more of a native than to be born in a town and to live there all your life, but that is the case for retiring Director of Public Works Kirk Severance. His childhood education, grades 1–12, was right here, as were many of his early jobs. For the rest of his education, he never got far from home, taking classes at the University of Connecticut Transportation Institute and engineering and management classes at the University of Hartford.

Eagle Scout candidate Evie Bunz gives back to Granby

At just 15 years old, Evie Bunz is poised to earn the rank of Eagle Scout—Scouting America’s highest rank and an accomplishment many scouts do not achieve until they are 17 or 18. A rising sophomore at Granby Memorial High School and a member of Troop 76G in Simsbury, Evie chose to dedicate her Eagle Scout service project to the Granby Land Trust, replacing an aging bridge on the trust’s Godard Preserve.

Lions welcome new members and present awards

The Granby Lions Club welcomed a record 15 new members at its New Member Induction and Annual Awards Dinner in June held at the Lost Acres Vineyard. The club boasts over 60 members and is one of the most vibrant clubs in Connecticut.

Think on These Things

I’m introducing my new column, “Think on These Things,” by asking: Have you ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat?” This is not only true physically but also for a person’s character, emotional and spiritual well-being.

September 11, 2026

Twenty-five years ago today, a great tragedy occurred in our country. A terrorist attack caused the loss of nearly 3,000 people. This event changed us as a country—we became united against the enemy who had done so much harm.

Teens attend First Responder Camp

Granby’s First Responder Camp is offered to teens entering 9th and 10th grade, providing them the hands-on experiences that first responders do on a daily basis. The August 2026 camp was the fourth “sell-out” camp and plans are underway for 2027 with bigger and better ideas.