Recent Stories

People

Don Shaw gives CNN an interview about Jimmy Carter

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Granby resident Don Shaw received a call on Dec. 30 while he and wife Peggy were packing food bags at Granby Congregational Church’s Open Cupboard Pantry. It was from the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, telling him that representatives of the Isa Soares Tonight show that airs on CNN International in London wanted to interview him about his experiences and memories of working with former President Jimmy Carter who had died the previous day.

Fun & Rec

Winter activities at the YMCA

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As winter settles in and we count down the days to the return of warm summer rays, the Y is here to brighten the season. We’ve rounded up an exciting array of activities for families, youth and adults to keep you warm, happy and engaged during these cooler months.

People

Girl Scouts help local dogs

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Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.

History

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

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In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.

Animal Talk

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

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Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Drumrolls

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

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On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.

NOT WANTED

Heaven’s End

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This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.

The Arts

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

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Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.

Town/Govt

FY 2023-24 Budget Passes

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On April 24, 1,178 voters and property owners came to Town Hall in person to decide on the annual budget presented by the Board of Finance.

Ask your Friendly Farmer

Ask your Friendly Farmer

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Dear Friendly Farmer,
I sent my husband to the local pet store to get some dog food in Mid-March and he came home with six fluffy and adorable baby chicks. We thought they were all hens, but one has started to crow! How do I find a new home for this rooster before my neighbors want to kill me? Help!

Town/Govt

Message from the Town of Granby Fire Marshal

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There have been reports in the state of people posing as fire inspectors and approaching businesses to perform inspections and collect cash payments. They may be in uniform and have fake identification. These people do not represent the Town of Granby. Fire Marshal Brian Long rarely performs unscheduled inspections.

Events

Monrovia supports US veterans

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Monrovia Nurseries in Granby has once again been very generous in its support of the Foundation for Veterans with PTSD (foxfieldrecoverymission.org) with a donation of several plants for the Veterans’ Victory Garden.

Events

Lost Acres Vineyard to host Arts and Craft Show

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The Granby Artists Association will present a Pop-Up Arts and Crafts show at Lost Acres Vineyard on Sunday, June 4 (rain date June 11). It will be located on the lawn across the driveway from the Vineyard seating area. Show hours are the same as the Vineyard’s, 12 to 5 p.m.

Great Outdoors

Stopping mosquitoes before they hatch

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Ahhh, spring is here! The deck and patio furniture are set up, the grill is ready to fire, and the garden’s perennials are waking from their winter slumber. As I’m basking in warm sunshine, listening to songbirds, and planning my next spring cleanup task, I hear that dreaded sound that ruins even the most tranquil outdoor moment: the buzzzzzzz of a blood-sucking mosquito!

In Town Focus

In Town Focus

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Blood Drive, Free Veteran Breakfasts, Camera Club, Women’s Breakfast, Men’s Breakfast, and SBHS News

Out of Town

Out of Town

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Upcoming Events at Simsbury Grange: Agricultural Fair and Beaver Wildlife Docuseries,

Town/Govt

Aquarion water conservation schedule

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Aquarion Water Company reminds customers that the 2023 sprinkler irrigation schedule is in effect and continues until Oct. 31. The program is mandatory for Aquarion customers in East Granby, Granby and Simsbury.

Uncategorized

— JUNETEENTH SCHEDULE —

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The second Granby Celebrates Juneteenth festival will be held at Salmon Brook Park on Saturday, June 17. This free arts and education festival is hosted by Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) to commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate Black culture through music, dance, art and presentations.

People

“It’s my job”

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Returning bottles and cans to the grocery store is about as much fun as watching paint dry.

Town/Govt

Public Works

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A household hazardous waste collection will be held Saturday, June 10

Events

Wooden model of Mighty Mo presented to American Legion Post 182

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Vince Tokarz of North Granby presented a large and beautifully restored wooden model of the famed battleship USS Missouri to the Granby American Legion Post 182 on March 24. Tokarz salvaged the battered model that had lain in the basement of a church in Hartford for many years. He then carefully restored it to its original condition and donated it for display at Legion Hall on North Granby Road.

School & Sports

Kelly Lane students help to “save the earth”

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The Granby Conservation Commission contacted assistant superintendent Jenn Parsons about starting a composting program in the school district to help Granby move closer to being a Connecticut Sustainable Town. When Kelly Lane literacy coach Elisabeth Diemer heard about the initiative, she was very interested.

School & Sports

GMHS choir singers to perform at All-Eastern Honors Ensemble

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Granby Memorial High’s music director Mindy Shilansky was stunned when she received notice earlier this year that not one, nor two but four students of her chorus students had been selected to perform at the 2023 National Association for Music Education’s All Eastern Honors Ensemble. The prestigious event was held in Rochester, New York on April 15 and 16, and featured the best high school vocalists and musicians from 11 eastern states.