Recent Stories

A visitor from Mystic Aquarium visited Kelly Lane to say “thank you”

By Amy Lupoli During the month of March the students, families and staff of Kelly Lane Primary School participated in the Pennies for Penguins fundraiser coordinated by Mystic Aquarium. The spare-change fundraiser was held in support of the South African penguin, a species at the highest risk of extinction in the animal kingdom. The wild population of the African penguin has declined by 70 percent over the past 10 years. Due to pollution and over-fishing, the penguins must travel farther an […]

Safe Dates Boot Camp

The Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau offered its Safe Dates Boot Camp for the first time over winter break. Nine of the 10 middle-schoolers provided 100 percent positive reviews of the program, despite not being thrilled that they had been signed up to take the class in the first place! Safe Dates explores healthy and unhealthy dating relationships. An evidence-based program, it is proven to reduce dating violence for the teens who complete it. The 10 one-hour sessions have been con […]

Local workshops offer solutions to solar energy generation in Granby

By David Desiderato “If you’ve ever thought about going solar, this is the perfect time,” Kent McCord told the crowd gathered for the second Solarize Granby Workshop on May 15. “Costs are down 70 percent compared to just five years ago, and we chose a great company—RGS Energy—for the Solarize Granby campaign,” he added.Solarize Connecticut is a statewide non-profit that helps towns choose high-quality installers, negotiate low group purchase prices, […]

Municipal Complex roads named for retiring town manager

The culmination of Bill Smith’s retirement party was the announcement that the two drives into Granby’s Municipal Complex, the development of which Smith had overseen, would be known as William F. Smith, Jr. Way. The crowd rose to applaud the announcement and honor its recipient.It was standing room only, with every seat in Holcomb Farm’s North Barn occupied and people two or three deep around the perimeter for the June 4 celebration honoring Smith’s almost 40 years of se […]

New town manager selected

John D. Ward of Vernon has been appointed as Granby’s new town manager, effective July 13. Ward will replace William F. Smith, Jr. who retired after 39 years.Ward has served as chief administrative officer for the Town of Vernon since January 2009. His responsibilities were very much the same as a town manager except he reported to the mayor and not a council or board of selectmen. He previously served on the Vernon Town Council and Board of Education. He was a practicing attorney from 199 […]

Wilhelm Farm awarded U.S.D.A. grant

By Shirley MurthaThe Wilhelm Farm on Rte. 189 in North Granby has been awarded a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture for the period March 1, 2017 through September 30, 2019. The official title of the project is Wilhelm Farm: Demonstrations of Silvopasture and Other Agroforestry Systems. The NRCS demonstrations will include web pages, videos, fact sheets and onsite activities. They will be used by a […]

Celebrate Granby – scheduled for Sept. 21-23

Granby Chamber of Commerce and its sponsors are proud to announce that the annual Celebrate Granby event will take place in Salmon Brook Park, Sept. 21–23.This year promises to be as exciting and entertaining as every year before with a business expo, a crafter’s show, a carnival and live music from local favorite bands Outta Whack and The Bus Drivers. Also, new this year—fireworks! “Every year Celebrate Granby brings our community together to celebrate all th […]

Grad Night art competition winners

Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation announced the winners of the 2017 art competition. The first place entry will be used to design the invitation for the Granby Memorial High School’s safe graduation party. The winning design is featured on a complementary grad night t-shirt that all seniors receive. The grad night party is free to all graduating seniors and will be held this year on June 19 at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby. From l.: GMHS Principal Mike Dunn, Olivia McDougall […]

Planting a pollinator garden

There’s a new pollinator garden on the grounds of Cossitt Library thanks to local volunteers, Bosco’s Garden Center, and the Granby Department of Public Works. Look for more free library programs and workshops about gardening, pollinators and making better summer salads on the Granby Library’s websitewww.granby-ct.gov Photo by Holly Johnson […]

Exciting things happening at Wilhelm Farm

By Shirley MurthaFor those who still miss having the Wilhelm farm stand open and stocked with fresh vegetables and fruits in the summer, take heart. You will soon see the results of collaboration with Sven Pihl of CT Edible Ecosystems, who has leased some of the farmland and plans to grow some old favorites. Sven Pihl constructs a “high tunnel” on the Wilhelm Farm to serve as a holding area for transplants and seedlings. Photo by Shirley Murtha A native of Guilford, veteran of t […]

CTVV news

John G. Rowland, former Governor of Connecticut, provided an open and inspiring interview with host Susan Patricelli Regan. Rowland, elected at 37 as the 86th Governor of Connecticut in 1995, was youngest to serve in the state’s history. 

Friends of Holcomb Farm

The Board of the Friends of Holcomb Farm spent the year-end season assessing results from the year and planning for 2019. As a non-profit organization, we rely on members, volunteers, and farm store, restaurant and CSA customers to do what we do

Parks & Recreation

Kristine Vincent, CPRP: Director of Recreation and Leisure Services

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Salmon Brook Park; open 24/7 at www.GranbyRec.com

Telephone: 860-653-8947 

Website: www.GranbyRec.com 

Program/Trip Registration: All programs/trips are based on a first come basis and space availability and require advance registration; payment must accompany registration. Please register early to avoid disappointment.

Granby Artists Association gallery opens its doors

After 17 years, Granby Artists Association recently embarked on an exciting new adventure and opened its doors to the Granby Art Gallery at 2 Park Place near the town green in the center of Granby. Several members signed up together to display and exhibit their fine artwork.

Simpsons writer delights crowd at library

In early January, the Granby Library held a book talk and signing of Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss. Reiss has been a writer and producer of the show, The Simpsons, since it’s been on the air for 30 years, from the beginning to the present. 

In the book, he discussed with the packed audience at the library, he provided a first-hand look at how it all began, how the show is made, and why it keeps going.

Thank you, CES Design Studio!

The Granby DPW was asked to look into updating the sign at the Granby Animal Shelter located on Salmon Brook Street. Quotes were received but before a decision could be made, Matt Newton owner of CES Design, had made a sign that he would donate.

Granby artist awarded cultural arts grant

In an effort to support and encourage the preservation of skilled traditional arts and crafts, the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CCHAP) at the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) announces its 2018-2019 grant recipients. These awards are given to mentor artists in the Southern New England Apprenticeship Program who intensively teach their expertise to student apprentices and help sustain cultural expressions that are important to their ethnic and occupational communities.

Bank sponsors Salvation Army Holiday Store

Simsbury Bank made a $2,500 sponsorship contribution to the Salvation Army as part of WTIC NewsTalk 1080’s annual Holiday Store program. Additionally, the bank facilitated the collection of toys for children of all ages.

A warm gathering under a cold moon

While the idea of hiking to the top of a mountain on a cold dark night in the middle of winter might not appeal to everyone, it certainly appeals to many, as evidenced by the fact that more than 40 people showed up to do just that with the Granby Land Trust (GLT) on December 23. The hike started at dusk on the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve on Silver Street and ended in complete darkness, with a cozy gathering at Emery Farm on Loomis Street.

New equipment to clear new sidewalks

Have you seen the latest addition to Granby’s Public Works Department? You are sure to see the bright orange machine this winter so keep an eye out for it.