Recent Stories

Sunrise hike to celebrate Connecticut Trails Day

Two dozen very early risers joined the Granby Land Trust for its 2023 Connecticut Trails Day Here Comes the Sun Hike on the GLT’s Old Messenger Road Corridor properties. The hike started at 4:30 a.m., and we had visitors from as far away as Rocky Hill and Brooklyn.

Learning for life: Jennifer Kielbasa

Like many little girls, Jennifer Kielbasa grew up wanting to be just like her mother. But Jennifer took this desire farther than most. Her mother, Kerry Ann Kielbasa, served Granby for 25 years as director of human and senior services.

Reardon recognized as one of America’s best realtors

Nancy Reardon, a local well-known real estate professional in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Granby office, has been named one of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals by Real Trends and Tom Ferry.

Summer Delights: Rhubarb and strawberries

June was a busy month for Mother Nature. It’s peak egg-laying time for many birds, frogs and turtles; Lady Slippers blooming in the woods and bogs; and strawberries and rhubarb nearly ready for picking.

July Fourth

The sun’s light coming through the window wakes me, and I know it will be a glorious Fourth of July day—perfect for parades, picnics, barbecues, a trip to the beach or lake for swimming or boating.

Board of Education Considers Closing F.M. Kearns Primary School

As communicated in my September Drummer article, the Board of Education (BOE) has received the administration’s findings and recommendations from The Declining Enrollment Study. Parents and community members were invited to discuss the recommendations at the September BOE and PTO meetings. Similar opportunities will be provided over the next few weeks.Declines in school enrollment are being experienced in districts across the state. The steady decline in Granby’s district enrollment […]

​Granby Democrats host fundraiser for scholarship fund

By Jim LofinkCome and celebrate Decades of Democratic Service to Granby, Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6–8:30 p.m. at Lost Acres Vineyard.This event will recognize public service over the past two decades, showcasing volunteerism of time, energy and talents to help make a difference in the town of Granby. You will also meet the current local elected officials and the candidates running for fall election.Enjoy a full pasta dinner accompanied by a complimentary glass of Lost Acres Vineyard wine, wh […]

​Connecticut Veterans Parade opens middle school essay contest

Connecticut middle school students are invited to enter a contest to express what the heroism and commitment of U.S. veterans means to them. The top winner will ride in the 15th annual Connecticut Veterans Parade on Sunday, Nov. 8.Organizers want students to give some thought to the 2015 essay question: “Why should we honor veterans?” A panel of judges will select one top winner and two runners-up. The contest deadline is Friday, September 26.All Connecticut students entering 6th, 7t […]

​South Church offers five week compassionate parenting course

By Brita GotbergAs fall brings cooler weather, apple pies and pumpkin lattes, it also brings along the packed schedule of the school year. Although the increase in activity is welcome, it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed out and running low on patience. Perhaps this fall is the time to equip yourself with a few new parenting tools to help you get through another busy year.South Church is offering a five week compassionate parenting course led by Heather Legace, Licensed Profession […]

Granby UCC Churches Discuss Racism in America

By Marilyn SponzoFirst Congregational Church of Granby and South Congregational Church are partnering to offera series of conversations on racism in America. The program is based on “Sacred Conversation on Race,” an initiative of the United Church of Christ, the denomination to which both churches belong.The program will use a three-pronged approach to explore issues of race, privilege and systemic inequality in America. First, Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority, a provocat […]

​Brooks Williams rocks Granby Oct. 16

 By Carole BernardLooking for a way to usher in a cool autumn weekend? Join your friends and revel in the sounds of Brooks Williams, as he kicks off the 2015-2016 Salmon Brook Music Series at South Congregational Church.  The family-friendly and totally accessible venue is at 242 Salmon Brook Street in Granby.Brooks Williams, a well-known and popular artist in the acoustic roots genre, is a welcome and anticipated performer at South Church. Brooks is no stranger to this area, and his d […]

Dawn Karlson Joins South Church as Youth Development Minister

Dawn Karlson serving communion to a youth in Ecuador. Submitted photo By Carole BernardIn the 143 years of history at South Congregational Church in Granby, Dawn Karlson is only the third woman to serve in a pastoral role. As the new Minister of Faith Formation and Youth Development, Karlson brings a rich and diversified background along with energy and passion to her role, having filled a similar role at First Congregational Church in Southington.With a religious and spiritual background in the […]

Jazz Alive! Nat Reeves Ensemble coming to Granby

By Laura Mazza-DixonInternationally acclaimed jazz bassist, Nat Reeves, will kick off the 2015-2016 season of the Bruce Porter Memorial Music Series with Mark Templeton on piano and Kurt Berglund on drums. The concert will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street.An associate professor of music at The Hartt School for more than 30 years, Reeves has been a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to become noted jaz […]

CTVV: J.R. Romano-The New Face of the CT GOP

There is a new man on the conservative team — J.R. Romano, Chairman of the Conn. Republican Party. He’s young and indefatigable, yet comes into this new position with an “old soul” experience that has re-energized his conservative party.He’s likable, astute and dedicated to taking on the challenge of educating and informing Connecticut’s citizens in what needs to be done to, as he sees it, reverse the travesties that have occurred under liberal leadership.Susan Regan, host of CT Vall […]

CTVV: PURA, a leading Connecticut gatekeeper

PURA, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, is a three-member quasi-judicial body that oversees and regulates the state’s electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunications companies. This agency has significant responsibility for monitoring industries that economically impact virtually 100 percent of the state’s citizens, private and public commercial enterprises, as well as municipal budgets.Michael Caron, a commissioner for PURA since his appointment in 2012 by Governor M […]

CTVV: Women’s Health – A Priority at Saint Francis Hospital

Dr. Niamey Wilson,, Director of the Hoffman Breast Health Center at Saint Francis, with CTVV Host Susan Regan at the St. Francis Women’s Comprehensive Health Center in Hartford. Advertisement for Old Farm Landscaping. Women are the “caretakers” of the family whether for aging parents, an ailing sibling or partner, a friend or their children no matter what age and put themselves in danger by always prioritizing the needs of others.Saint Francis Hospital reinforced its leadership ro […]

Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction

Save the date–Nov. 7. Join the Friends of Holcomb Farm on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Metro Bis Restaurant for the annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction, in support of the Fresh Access program. This great event raises funds to supply wholesome, nutritious vegetables to those in need in Granby as well as the greater-Hartford region. Dinner will feature delicious food sourced from Holcomb Farm and expertly prepared by chef extraordinaire Chris Prosperi. The evening will also include a silent auction. […]

GMMS Welcomes New Principal

By Kim Becker“I knew it would happen eventually,” said Sue Henneberry, principal at Granby Memorial Middle School, “I just didn’t think it would be so quickly. This is home.” After 27 years in the West Hartford school district that is quite a statement.Henneberry has spent most of her career teaching, counseling and disciplining middle school children. She is passionate about this transitional period, helping students and parents successfully manage the leap to high […]

Lost Acres Volunteer Fire Department lists Recent Responses

By Tim RickisAugust Summary:The Lost Acres Fire Department responded to the following 15 calls: Two cooking fires; Two authorized burnings; Two alarm responses; One medical assist; One grass fire; One smoke/odor removal; One outdoor fire; One carbon monoxide issue; One blasting agent explosion response; One electrical incident; One dispatched and cancelled; One motor vehicle extrication.LAFD reminds you to be safe when heating your home this fall. Cooler October weather is right around the corne […]

Gerry Palmer, “Flower Group” Leader.

Gerry found ways to brighten Granby. She was the leader of the Flower Group or Garden Girls for many, many years. Her mission was to brighten the islands on the town green with pots of flowers. With an annual donation from the Civic Club and the help of volunteers, she made sure the pots were cared for and watered from May through October.In 2013 Gerry convinced the town maintainers to create the base for the garden pictured here. They ran a water line and then sculpted a beautiful base on whic […]

GAA to Host Annual Open Studio Tour

By Lori Catlin GarciaCome and experience the Granby Artists Association Open Studio Tour on October 16 – 18. Thirteen Artists will be showing new works, primarily in their own studios. Among those showing and demonstrating will be potters, a lamp maker, painters, a cork artist, glass workers and jewelry makers.For the first time, the artists will invite the public to an opening night celebration, with most locations open on Friday, October 16 from 5 – 8 p.m. (5 – 7 p.m. at Lost […]

​Kelly Lane School and Schlimpoon

By Judy Siegel“Kelly Lane Kids are the best in the world,” is something I have always said. I was lucky enough to spend twenty years of my life teaching third and fourth grade at my ‘home away from home.” During those years, my rhyming stories featuring a secret friend, Schlimpoon, were an integral part of my classroom.She was pink, green, and yellow,Certainly not a fellowBecause of the sandals she was wearingAnd the sunglasses through which she was staring!Some of my stu […]

GLT Art Show

Granby Land Trust and Granby Artists Association Host tenth annual Paint Out and Juried Art ShowBy Trish PercivalOn Oct. 29, the Granby Land Trust and the Granby Artists Association will officially open their tenth annual juried art show, featuring artworks that highlight New England’s natural beauty. “We live in a beautiful corner of the world,” says Land Trust President Rick Orluk. “Ten years ago, we had the idea to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us by inviting art […]

 Granby Girl Scout Troop #60289 earns Bronze Award

Girl Scout Troop 60289 of Granby has earned the Bronze Award, the highest award that Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4-5) can earn.For its Bronze Award project, Troop 60289 planted a garden and donated the produce to people in need. The girls took multiple sessions to come up with a plan. They discussed their goals, what they wanted to learn, what supplies they would need, who they would ask for help, and what vegetables they wanted to grow. They consulted an expert at Meadow View Farm in Southwick, […]

​@thebarn opens

Proprietors James and Sandy Chen, two of the Farmington Valley’s top restaurateurs have  designed a true fine dining experience named @thebarn, a  new contemporary steakhouse and wine bar located in the center of Granby at 17R East Granby Road.The 170-seat, 4,000 sq. ft. venue caters to every guest’s tastes, featuring a full service bar, upstairs lounge, raw bar, and multiple dining areas including a three-season patio. The bar features a discerning wine list selected […]