Recent Stories

Simsbury-Granby Rotary: Community service and lots of fun

by Rotary’s end-of-the-year, service-oriented activities truly reflect its commitment to this year’s Rotary theme “We are People of Action!” These activities also generated great enjoyment and tons of fun for all!

Spotlight on lithium-ion battery safety

The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office and Lost Acres Fire Department are working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to raise awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways to minimize them.

Gingerbread Recipe, Vintage 1950s

From the late 19th to the mid-20th century, culinary ephemera, including recipe booklets and appliance advertising pamphlets, were published by the US government, farmers’ organizations, and food companies. These were mostly mailed or given out free at grocery stores, and they serve as a historical record of the way we cooked and ate at the time.

Seth Lapuk honored by American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) recognized Granby resident Dr. Seth Lapuk with the Leadership Legacy Award on Dec. 14. The award recognizes volunteers for exceptional service and contributions over a significant period of time.

HeMan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Anytime is cookie time! This recipe was one of my mom’s favorites, and likewise one of my kids’ favorites, especially Mike.

Youth Services Bureau: Fall is here!

The Youth Service Bureau is looking for local students interested in picking up extra cash helping other community members stay on top of Fall clean ups. Call to register for the Youth Employment Service.StressRX, a program focused on teaching both relaxation techniques as well as targeted study skills, is still being offered. Check out the YSB website or Facebook page to find the dates the program will be offered throughout the school year.Takes a Village parent support group will be meeting th […]

Human of Granby

Stanley HayesCo-owner with son and wife of House of Hayes farm(Sweet Pea Farm)Age: 59Where did the name “Sweet Pea Farm” come from?Years ago my wife acquired a herd of goats. At that time my mother used to grow Freezonian peas. Since every herd was given a name, hers became Sweet Pea because these goats liked to eat the sweet Freezonian peas. Our farm actually dates back to the 1830s and the Hayes families were some of the first settlers in Granby during the 1690s to early 170 […]

Let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater

By Alan Addley, Ed. D., Granby Superintendent of SchoolsLike many other Connecticut residents, my eldest son is currently planning to leave the state and relocate to North Carolina for a more prosperous future. Meanwhile, here we are again, another month has passed, school is up and running and, at the time of this article going to print, the State Legislature and Governor have still not been able to pass a budget. Given the Governor’s promise to veto the most recent Republican budget prop […]

YMCA 200 meter medley relay swim team crushes state record

By Shawneen BuckleyThe Farmington Valley YMCA Tsunami Swim Team completed its summer season with stellar team and individual performances marked by individual, team and state records, state and regional championships, and national achievements. The successful May to August summer season, included short-course (25-yard pool) and long-course (50-meter pool) swim meets requiring exceptional commitment and dedication by coaches and team members.At the Connecticut Long Course Age Group Championships, […]

Rebecca rocks the Hall of Fame

By Shirley MurthaBy all accounts, the acceptance speech given by Granby’s Rebecca Lobo was one of the best ever; certainly the best of that night, September 8, 2017. That was the night the women’s basketball player, now WNBA analyst, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Accompanied by her family and escorted to the podium by her college coach, UConn’s Geno Auriemma, Lobo used humor and poignant stories to describe what this accolade me […]

Going for the Gold Teaching music to children

By Rachel AbrahamsonChildren have musical capabilities that, when nourished, can change and improve their lives. However, many preschools, daycares, and even homes, lack music. Children deprived of music may be more restless and even have a decrease in brain development. If teachers and parents incorporate music into daily routines, both child and teacher will enjoy a variety of physical and mental skills and also find an appreciation and joy in music. By introducing music to children in early a […]

​Revaluations to be mailed mid November

By Susan Altieri, CCMA, II, AssessorState Law requires all municipalities to conduct a revaluation every five years. The State of Connecticut requires that Towns perform a revaluation so that all properties can be brought to current market value and contribute an equitable portion of the total tax burden. Granby’s last revaluation was completed in 2012 and the Assessor’s Office has been engaged in the process over the last 16 to 18 months for the 2017 revaluation.The Assessor is in t […]

​Granby Senior Club Café

Grab-n-Go! or Sit-n-Stay! Every Friday beginning Oct. 20, the Granby Senior Club Café will  offer soup and a sandwich for only $5. Lunch includes a cup of soup and your choice of one of two sandwiches. You can eat your meal at the center or take it to-go. Menus will be posted at the Senior Center and on the website at www.granby-ct.gov/senior-services.This new service is a great way to enjoy the company of friends throughout the winter months. Walk-ins are welcome, though we will ser […]

​Granby UNICO to hold Festa di Ottobre fundraiser

By Bob MarxBeer and Wine tasting, an Italian dinner, live entertainment, “tea cup” raffles and a Silent Auction will highlight Granby UNICO’s annual Festa di Ottobre beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday night, Oct. 9, at the Cambridge House Brew Pub in Granby. Tickets are available in advance at the Cambridge House, Village Cork and Keg or from any UNICO member for only $35. Enjoy appetizers and an Italian dinner featuring such items as antipasto, fried ravioli, stuffed breads, c […]

​Learn the artistic process from local artists

All are invited to join the Granby Land Trust and the Granby Artists Association as they host an art talk, where area artists will discuss the artistic process and the methods they use to create their art.The discussion will be led by two incredibly talented artists who live in Granby and support the Granby Land Trust: Laura Eden and Bill Simpson. They will discuss their works and engage other artists in the discussion, as well. The event will take place in the Lost Acres Vineyard Ar […]

Music and Magic and Mayhem… Oh my!

Please join the Sound of New England Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, for an evening of amazing a cappella and magnificent magic at their Music, Magic and Mayhem show. Sweet Adelines Chorus Special guests are 2017 North Atlantic Regional quartet champions, Boston Accent, and professional magician David Coraro.Don’t miss this fantastic show to be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford, 335 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford […]

Veteran’s Tribute Concert

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. for a Veteran’s Tribute Concert with the Governor’s Foot Guard Band @ Valley Brook Community Church. The concert is co-sponsored by the Granby Senior Center, Valley Brook Community Church and Resilience Grows Here. […]

See and hear the Marquis of Granby

By Madeline ChristensenThe Marquis (mar-kwis) of Granby has been on the road and busy this summer. The corps participated in several events including the Deep River Muster (the nation’s largest fife and drum muster), Nathan Hale Muster, the National Muster held in Patterson, NY, and closing the summer with the Westbrook Muster. As is tradition, the corps took its summer camping trip, sightseeing through New York’s Hudson Valley. Stops included were a guided tour of West Point, c […]

Carving out a life in birds

By Tim NolanPaul Morrissette sits on his back deck. It is an early morning in May 2010. The chorus of life echoes from the dense woods beyond him. He sips his coffee slowly, savoring its taste and the moment. He reminisces of a childhood spent finding a similar joy and peace from nature, kayaking on the Farmington and hiking in Vermont. That was before he was laid off from his job as a printer for an insurance company two months earlier. In retrospect, Paul humbly says he was lucky, […]

Granby Agricultural Commission hosts Open Farm Day

The Granby Agricultural Commission is sponsoring a free Open Farm Day on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farms will open their gates to host demonstrations, tours, offer samples and more. Farmers will be onsite to greet visitors and answer any questions. Returning Farm Day attendees will be pleased to find old favorites such as the Hay Bale Toss at Maple View Farm and tractor rides at Lost Acres Orchard, and will also discover some new additions to the annual festivities. For the first […]

Maple View Farm — Granby’s #onestopshop for local food

“Most people don’t realize we have so much land right here in the center of town. They see horses up front and watch us teaching lessons and summer camps, but they don’t realize we have 50 acres here, with about half in hay fields, pasture land and light woods,” said Kate Bogli, owner of Maple View Farm. “When you stop by our Farm Store it can be a little tricky to see all the animals as well.” That’s because the Boglis run a pastured-based livestock far […]

Local cyclist bikes to raise money to cure cancer

By John R. NiebOn Aug. 5 and 6, Terry Nolan of West Granby biked 192 miles in the Pan Mass Challenge to help  raise $48 million for research and cancer care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.The Pan Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon created in 1980 by Billy Starr, executive director, bicyclist, and fundraiser for the event. The PMC contributes more money than any other athletic event. At the finish line are Terry Nolan, his wife, Donna and their children, Tim, Maria and Joh […]

Adventure Club hikes Outer Island

By Lori BlackburnThirteen seniors, part of the Adventure Club from the Granby Senior Center, braved the 90-degree heat to hike Outer Island, part of the Thimble Island Chain off the coast of Connecticut. This was the first outing for the newly re-formed club and everyone enjoyed the scenery despite the hot weather. The club is led by Judy Cooper and Donna Snyder. The Adventure club has several activities planned for the upcoming months including kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, bowling […]

Newest Salmon Brook veterinarian glad to be back home

By Shirley MurthaSamantha Marquis McNamara knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from the tender age of six years. Not just a childhood dream, the aspiration lead her to a BS in Animal Science at the University of Connecticut after graduating from Granby Memorial High School in 2005. From the friendly confines of her home state, Sam was off to the University of Prince Edward Island, where she received her degree to practice general veterinary medicine. After taking a few additional specialty cour […]

Meals-on-Wheels serves homebound residents

If you’re looking for a way to become more active in the community, consider becoming a Meals-on-Wheels driver. McLean’s Meals-on-Wheels drivers help deliver delicious and nutritious meals such as chicken parmesan, meatloaf and herb-encrusted cod to over 140 local homebound residents every year. Drivers are needed for routes in Avon, Canton, Simsbury, East Granby and Granby. Becoming a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer is easy. All you need is access to a reliable car and two hours to […]