Recent Stories

What to read this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I want to share two short reading recommendations that have long been part of my own Thanksgiving traditions: “Free Birds” by Michael P. Branch, and “Perhaps the World Ends Here” by former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.

The Year in Review

Town Hall organizational changes, The 2026 spring budget process and future budget processes, Five December bond questions for voters to consider, Emergency radio communications, Kearns School developing into senior and workforce housing, Granby Ambulance Association town increased contribution, Building envelopes—explored for efficiency, Regional performance and inventive program grants, and Volunteers recognized through an Appreciation Gathering

Could Broadleaf preserve the land for Granby’s future?

A recent survey of 49 residents found the community evenly divided over the proposed Broadleaf Solar project: 41 percent supported it, 41 percent opposed it, and 18 percent were undecided or wanted more information.
The voluntary survey was intended to identify residents’ questions and priorities and share them with town officials. Although respondents disagreed about the project, they showed considerable agreement about what Granby should pursue if it moves forward.

Drumrolls

Congratulations to Kasia Kaczkowski, Paige Elizabeth Janney, Leon D. Totten, Andrew La Croix, Riley Anderson, Siena DuBois, Caroline Hall, Gwendolyn Ockerbloom, Erin Russell, Sarah Springer, Erin Panella-Malley, Talin Tran, and Jason Platti on their academic achievements.

Eagle Scout candidate Evie Bunz gives back to Granby

At just 15 years old, Evie Bunz is poised to earn the rank of Eagle Scout—Scouting America’s highest rank and an accomplishment many scouts do not achieve until they are 17 or 18. A rising sophomore at Granby Memorial High School and a member of Troop 76G in Simsbury, Evie chose to dedicate her Eagle Scout service project to the Granby Land Trust, replacing an aging bridge on the trust’s Godard Preserve.

Stony Hill Clean Up Day is September 26

Community Serve Day at Stony Hill Village will be Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to noon at 259 Salmon Brook Street. Stony Hill is a senior living community managed by the nonprofit Granby Homes for Senior Citizens. Volunteers work together helping to improve living spaces and outdoor areas. Volunteers may stay for all or part of the event.

Think on These Things

I’m introducing my new column, “Think on These Things,” by asking: Have you ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat?” This is not only true physically but also for a person’s character, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Vegetable bounty served up cold

It is September again (already), school has started and the gardens and farm stands are overflowing with bushel baskets of vegetables. This month’s recipe for marinated vegetables makes great use of any and all of the garden treasures in a healthy way!

Meet me at the Center — September 2026

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
September is National Senior Center Month—celebrate with us!

Fall is a season of new beginnings at the Y

As summer begins to wind down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all of the fun, growth, and connection that happened at the Farmington Valley YMCA this summer. Our camps were filled with field trips, swimming, games, friendships and plenty of opportunities for kids to try something new.

Electrofishing for (not-so electric) eels in the Salmon Brook

Seven years ago, the National Park Service added the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook to the National Wild and Scenic River System, joining the previously designated Upper Farmington River.
The designation recognizes the rich biodiversity, cultural significance, geological features and recreational opportunities within the watershed.

Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus): Invasive of the month

Like the southern “kudzu” vine, Asiatic bittersweet spreads a drapery of death across thousands of acres in the northeast US. Bittersweet is an extremely vigorous woody vine that can grow 60 to 80 feet high, completely smothering small and medium sized trees and shrubs, wrapping tightly around and girdling trunks, covering and depriving leaves of light, weakening trees over time and often pulling them down.