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ZBA Gets Legal Advice on Solar Permitting
Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, August 22, 2024, Part 1. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Steve Judge (Chair), Everald Henry, Craig Meadows, David Sloviter, and Philip White. Associat members: David Ahlfield, Hilda Greenbaum, and John Varner. Staff: Jacinta Williams (Planner), Rob...
ZBA Denies Permit for Nonowner-Occupied Duplex on Chestnut Street
Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, August 22, 2024 , Part 2. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Lixiang Yao applied for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to convert the house she purchased in April at 161 Chestnut Street into a nonowner occupied duplex. The house is at the corner of Chestnut Street and Mattoon, near the middle school and high school and has an in-ground swimming pool in the rear. The previous owner occupied a one-bedroom accessory unit, while renting the two-story, three-bedroom main house. Both units are currently unoccupied, and the pool has not been opened this year. The property has had no rental registration permit since 2019.
Protecting the town and its assets: That’s called risk management
When our police department responds to a call, when our public works department plows snow, when our teachers educate students and when the town building inspector inspects buildings to ensure they comply with the building code, the Town of Granby is exposed to liability. The way the town protects its...
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. We’ll travel from Granby’s historical roots in Part one, to the Great Awakening (Part two), the formation of the Bible Belt down south (Part three), religious persecution in Virginia (Part four), to the First Constitutional Amendment (Part five). The trail may cause one to consider the context of religious influence and even surprise one about the role of religious people defending the freedoms we enjoy.
The Bear’s Den: Granby’s newest family-friendly pub
Granby welcomes a new addition with the opening of The Bear’s Den Pub, founded by Tony Fera and Peter Taylor. Originating from diverse backgrounds—one from across the pond and the other from Michigan—Fera and Taylor share a passion for revitalizing local spaces and contributing to the town’s economy.
Lost Acres Orchard owners looking forward to Open Farm Day
A previous Drummer article introduced readers to the Bennett family, the new owners of Lost Acres Orchard. Since acquiring the farm in April 2023, they have done a wonderful job maintaining many of its familiar aspects while introducing some new personal touches. As the Agricultural Commission began its plans for this year’s Open Farm Day, it was only natural to invite the Bennetts to continue the tradition of the orchard’s participation in the event. They enthusiastically agreed to do so.
Horse Council receives Greenways Award
In early summer the Granby Horse Council (GHC) received a Greenways Award from the Connecticut Greenways Council for promoting the values of the greenways and their stewardship. In the words of the nominator, “The Horse Council of Granby has been nominated for an award for their continued work of 45...
A splash of panache comes to Granby Center: finds by rural and roots
Granby native Janet Anderson and New Jersey transplant Dana Carlson met by chance years ago in the florist department of the Granby Stop & Shop. “Back then, I had a shop in Simsbury, Turning a Page Antiques, and every other week I went to Stop & Shop for balloons. I met Dana, who was working there, and over time, we became friends,” says Anderson.
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. The CSA and Farm Store have been operating at full tilt since early June, and both will continue well into October. Farmer Joe and his crew have managed through the excessive heat of July and, more recently, the excessive rains, and we ask all who have any pull with Mother Nature to please ask the rains to subside.
Town Clerk streamlines recording land records
Granby Town Clerk Scott Nolan is always looking for ways to make things more efficient and, in the process, usually easier. He recently brought a proposal to the board of selectmen regarding a way to streamline recording land records. The current system employed in the clerk’s office is the Resolution...
New president for Rotary Club
Alma Kruh is the new President of the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Kruh has been a proud and active Rotarian for 28 years. Her extensive management experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is a great asset for the club. She has attended many Rotary meetings throughout the world, including in Thailand and Canada, and will enthusiastically be attending the opening of the Rotary Peace Center in Turkey in 2025. During Kruh’s time in Rotary, she has participated in many community service projects. Her priorities for the club this year include expansion of activities in Granby.
UMass Hosts Providence in Home Opener
University of Massachusetts Men's Soccer Notes & Information. AMHERST, Mass. – Massachusetts (0-0-2, 0-0-0 A10) takes the field of Rudd Field for the first time this season on Monday, taking on Providence (1-1-1, 0-0-0 BEC) at 4:00 p.m. in a Labor Day home opener. Action will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Wilcox House to celebrate opening upper floors
During Open Farm Day on Sept. 14, Salmon Brook Historical Society will host a public opening of the Sadoce Wilcox House, at 145 Simsbury Road in West Granby. On this day the historical society will be celebrating the recent restoration of the pantry, second floor chambers and garret (or attic), complete with interpretive signs. These rooms are now furnished with 18th century items carefully preserved by six generations of the Wilcox family. As in past openings, there will be weaving demonstrations on the 300-year-old loom.
Admissions Changes at Amherst and Tufts Highlight Decline in Diversity Following Supreme Court Ruling
The Impact of Admissions Changes at Amherst and Tufts. In the charming college town of Amherst, Massachusetts, things are feeling a bit different as the new academic year kicks off. The buzz around campus is all about the notable shifts in the diversity of student bodies at two prestigious institutions — Amherst College and Tufts University. Fresh data reveals that both schools have seen a drop in the percentage of Black freshmen enrolling this year, a trend that many believe is linked to the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions.
FDU-Florham Volleyball Falls to UMASS Dartmouth in Season Opener
The FDU-Florham volleyball team opened their 2024 season with a loss to UMASS Dartmouth, falling 3-0 during the Montclair State Quad-Match. Key players included Lilli Nawrotzki, who recorded 15 assists, and Genevieve Fitch, who led the team with six kills. The Corsairs dominated offensively, with Kate Wade and Olivia Suetter combining for 30 of their 48 total kills.
Library Project Gets Past Historical Review with a Little Help from Its Friends
Amherst Historical Commission Nixes Asphalt Roof, Window Repairs. Amidst complaints that they were ignoring advice from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), the Amherst Historical Commission (AHC) voted 3-1 to declare that recent cost-saving cuts to the design of the Jones Library Demolition-Renovation-Expansion “meet the [Town-Library] Preservation Restriction standards and comply with the Secretary of the Interior standards.”
How to Watch UMass vs. Eastern Michigan: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – August 31, 2024
At Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday, the UMass Minutemen meet the Eastern Michigan Eagles. You'll want to head to ESPN+ for the upcoming matchup between the Minutemen and Eagles. Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports. Learn more about the UMass Minutemen and the Eastern Michigan...
Granby holds First Responders Camp
The second Granby First Responders Camp was held Aug. 12–14, offering local youths an immersive and educational experience with the town’s dedicated emergency services personnel. The three-day camp, designed to introduce participants to the vital roles of first responders, was a resounding success, providing hands-on activities, simulations and demonstrations.
Library book sale raises $13,350
The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) 41st annual book sale in July raised more than $13,350. The book sale is by far the Friends’ largest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds go toward helping fund both Granby libraries. The sale’s success would not be possible without our super volunteers, the donation of items, our sponsors, and the hundreds of people who came out every day for the three-day sale. The Friends thank everyone for making our annual used book sale a great success! Photos by Brian Tomasino.
Granby Racial Reconciliation’s Racial Unity Festival a success
Although rain may have suppressed attendance for the June 29 outdoor arts and education festival celebrating the diversity of humanity, those who attended experienced a high-vibe, uplifting day. Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) was pleased to bring many talented groups to Granby as examples of the beauty of our diverse humanity.
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