Recent Stories

Stroll through Granby history returns!

In the fall of 2020, during the pandemic, the Salmon Brook Historical Society found a way to share Granby’s history outdoors. We called it “A Stroll through Granby History.” The Stroll was an opportunity to both walk and learn; no one went inside any of the homes. We are doing it again!

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 1

You might ask, “How does Granby relate to the first amendment of the United States Constitution?” The first amendment prohibits government from establishing any religion or abridging speech, the press, or peaceable assembly. This is Part one of a five-part series covering 50 years of religious and other historical tensions to answer that question.

Time for Transition Soup

I have an autumnal personality. Maybe being born in the fall is why I have an affinity for all things rustic and earthy. Nature is an inspiration, a cycle of overlapping endings and beginnings.

Holcomb Farm moves into autumnal mode

It’s been two months since we last shared all that is happening at Holcomb Farm, which means there is so much to share: more than we could ever convey in our monthly Drummer installment (for which we are immensely appreciative). We hope you have found—or will find—time to visit us and experience our beautiful farm and trails for yourselves.

YIKES….I have poison ivy!

September is upon us. Our hot, steamy months of gardening are turning into cooler nights, shorter days and a slow down to the summer planting season. But we are still contending with the weeds.

Browse & Borrow — September 2024

Registration is required for most library programs. To register, visit granby-ct.gov/Library and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter. For the most updated information on dates and programs, refer to the library’s online calendar.

The Goats of Granby: The Goat is the G.O.A.T.

What is your favorite barnyard animal? Choices include chicken, cow, donkey, goat, horse, pig and sheep. Each of these has its claim to fame, its singular breed with unique characteristics, definable personalities and very specific uses. Of course, there is no wrong answer. Animal lovers’ favorites are not debatable.

Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve video tour available

The Granby Land Trust recently released the latest in its series of virtual property tours: this one of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby. This is the fourth in the series, the others offering tours of the Mary Edwards Mountain Property, the Katan-Ensor and Old Messenger Road Preserves, and the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

Tree trail kiosk dedicated

On Earth Day, April 22, the Friends of Holcomb Farm formally dedicated the Tree Trail Kiosk, made possible through a donation from the Granby Lions Club.

A Hot Cup of Tea

After my operation, I was really depressed from a combination of pain and medication. I felt very alone and was so uncomfortable that I just lay crying in my hospital bed.

Spring migration is underway!

Granby Land Trust Board Member John Weeks and his wife, Christine Chinni, led bird walks on six consecutive days in the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in early May—some for the Land Trust, and some for other organizations, including the Hartford Audubon Society.

Earth Day hike

A young hiker is enthralled with a young tree on the Holcomb Tree Trail. Approximately 50 people gathered for a walk on the trail on Earth Day.

A look at tax relief programs

At this time of year most people have filed their income taxes and may be reviewing their personal finances to plan for next year. Similarly, the town’s elected boards and my staff have just completed the FY22-23 budget process. The input and questions posed by residents attending the Board of Finance Public Hearing in April was appreciated.

Memorial Day Parade plans

Granby’s annual Memorial Day parade and program will be held on Monday, May 30. Parade Marshal Kenneth Rafoss announced that the honorary parade marshal in absentia this year is James O. Hall, U.S. Navy Seabees.

Double rainbow over the Pease Family Preserve

This double rainbow over the Pease Family Preserve is a reminder to pause and give thanks to Bill and Jane Ann Pease, charter members of the Granby Land Trust, who looked out on this view for 60 years before their passing in 2013.

No Mow May: Good Idea?

Recently, a friend was reading the New York Times and saw an article on the No Mow May movement. She contacted me to see what I thought about “No Mow May.” Quite frankly, I responded, I didn’t know much about it, but promised to research it.

Town Clerk retires

Karen Hazen recently retired after serving 15 years as the Granby Town Clerk. On April 18, she was presented with proclamations from the Board of Selectmen and the Connecticut General Assembly.

Kuhnly is Granby’s Republican of the Year

At the Lincoln Dinner held recently in Windsor Locks, B. Scott Kuhnly was honored as Granby’s Republican of the Year. Kuhnly was recognized for all his service to Granby over the past 29 years in elected, appointed and volunteer positions.

Fiorentino hosts session at Senior Center

On March 30, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino hosted an interested group of Granby residents for a discussion of the strategic plan that he and the Town Manager have put in motion.

Property data mailers to be sent in May

The Granby Assessor’s Office has been preparing for the State Mandated Revaluation that is required every five years. The appraisal firm Vision Appraisal Technology has contracted with the Town of Granby to assist with its revaluation for Oct. 1. The company will be working with the Assessor’s office to make the 12- to 18-month process successful.