Recent Stories

People

Don Shaw gives CNN an interview about Jimmy Carter

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Granby resident Don Shaw received a call on Dec. 30 while he and wife Peggy were packing food bags at Granby Congregational Church’s Open Cupboard Pantry. It was from the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, telling him that representatives of the Isa Soares Tonight show that airs on CNN International in London wanted to interview him about his experiences and memories of working with former President Jimmy Carter who had died the previous day.

Fun & Rec

Winter activities at the YMCA

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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.

People

Girl Scouts help local dogs

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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.

History

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

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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.

Animal Talk

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

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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.

Drumrolls

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

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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.

NOT WANTED

Heaven’s End

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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.

The Arts

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

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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.

College Scholarships

CSAG’s long history of giving

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The Community Scholarship Association of Granby (CSAG) has been awarding deserving graduating high school seniors scholarships since 1958. CSAG has awarded more than  $650,000 in scholarships to nearly 400 college-bound Granby Memorial seniors, making a significant impact on their young lives.

Events

Safe Grad planning and fundraising efforts underway

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The folks who put the parents in Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation (GPSG) have been busy! Planning for the party is in full swing, but the committee is still working to fund this celebration of the Class of 2024. You can help by supporting one of its upcoming fundraisers.

Events

Footloose is coming to Granby

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The Granby Dramatic Arts’ production of Footloose is coming March 15 to 17. This musical gets you on your feet with uplifting songs like Footloose and Holding Out for a Hero, while touching on important topics like grief, and how people handle connections when emotion takes over.

Out of Town

Out of Town — March 2024

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St. Patrick’s Day Dinner, Musical Club of Hartford March Concerts, Pancake Breakfast, Suffield Players search for theatrical directors, Shakespeare in Focus: The major tragedies, and Take-Out Corned Beef Dinner

Events

Race, Religion and Politics Workshops come to Granby

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Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) is hosting a series of workshops with the first two on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday May 19. The Race, Religion, and Politics workshops will be guided conversations where participants can deepen their understanding of the dynamics of these social forces at work in our nation.

Events

Buzzing about the Gran-Bee

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Have you been hankering for a night out of the hive with friends? Looking to show off your queen bee costume skills? Does trivia sweeten the honey pot? The 19th (not quite) Annual Gran-Bee flies into view on Friday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the GMHS Auditorium.

Verse

Thoughts

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Lack of kindness
and lack of compassion
equals lack of love.
So let us begin by being kind.

Events

Empty Bowls fundraiser set for April 26 

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With the change from winter to spring comes a student favorite event at Granby Memorial High School—Empty Bowls. The GMHS National Honor Society’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, April 26, 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Granby Memorial High School.

Town/Govt

Public Works

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Good Friday (March 29) is not a trash holiday. Trash barrels must be out on your regularly scheduled day.

Town/Govt

Social Services

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ocial Service Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents. For more information about any of the following programs please call the office at 860-844-5351. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Events

Salmon Brook Historical Society News

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The Research Library in the Preservation Barn is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research Fee $25 per hour.

NOT WANTED

Progress, in town and at home

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It sometimes seems impossible to make even a dent against invasives, but a dedicated bunch of volunteers are making big progress in visible public places. Property lines mean nothing to invasive plants, so every step we take at home benefits our neighbors as well.