Recent Stories

Winter activities at the YMCA

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.

Girl Scouts help local dogs

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.

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

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.

Exotic Pet Series – Part 1: Reptiles

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.

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

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.

Heaven’s End

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.

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

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.

Art Foundation donates portraits

The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Foundation recently donated two portraits painted by Patricelli to a West Hartford church and a local country club.

80-year-old Granby resident walking 400 miles in honor of ancestor

In the summer of 1993, 51-year-old George Gill Ducharme received a letter from his aunt, Lauretta, that changed his identity, his understanding of family, and the course of his life. The letter confirmed rumors centering around George’s 5th great-grandfather, Samuel Joseph Gill, that had swirled around family reunions since his boyhood.

Granby Grange installs new officers

On Sunday, Jan. 15, Granby Grange was honored to welcome Connecticut State Grange President Rob Buck for his first visit to historic Granby Grange Hall at 212 North Granby Road. His visit was especially appropriate as Granby Grange #5 was the home of Connecticut’s first State Grange President, Harvey Goddard, from 1875-1878.

Think about a community garden plot

It doesn’t seem like it now but spring will be here before you know it. If you love to garden, but don’t have a garden spot at home, the Granby Community Garden might be just the place for you.

Granby Road Race: Introducing the next generation to running

The Granby Road Race (GRR) committee is gearing up for its 53rd race on May 6, 2023. The GRR has become a consistent part of the community, and we have become used to hearing about the race, seeing the banner at the center of town, and waiting in traffic on race day; but if you take a step back and look at what the Granby Road Race does for the town of Granby, it really is amazing.

Music Series features fiddler

For over three decades this prize-winning fiddler from Prince Edward Island has blown away audiences around the world.

March is Maple Season

Back when we lived high up in the Vermont hills, one of the first signs of Spring was the chorus of spring peepers in March. The jingle-like sound of their mating calls echoed up from the marsh a mile below us.

Wells Road teachers lead by example

At Wells Road Intermediate School, we are always talking about being kind and helping people when they need it, so it’s good to see the teachers leading by example. That is exactly what teachers Rob Faber and Sarah Warner did in response to the Ofsuryk family’s loss.

Meet me at the Center

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.

Health District releases community health assessment

The Farmington Valley Health District (FVHD) is the local health department that serves the town of Granby. It has recently released a community health assessment which uses data from more than 20 different sources to describe the health status of the population of  Farmington Valley.

Happiness

Happiness is found everywhere

Stop & Shop’s sweet treats

Stop and Shop made sure that The Waste Not Want Not community dinner attendees had sweets for Valentine’s Day. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Stop & Shop customers, over 300 double-pack chocolate covered strawberries were donated.

Hospice volunteers needed

Are you a compassionate person who loves to provide companionship, provide a listening ear, and help someone smile?

Triggers for high blood sugar and prediabetes

Many of us are hearing that our blood sugar levels are in the pre-diabetes level. Often, we shrug it off, but we should not. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.