Talking With Someone Who Is Seriously Ill

The unexpected death of actor Robin Williams in 2014 may have drawn depression into the spotlight, but in spite of the multitude of available online and community resources, many misconceptions about mental illness still remain. Although depression is a treatable medical condition, it often goes undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in older populations.The psychiatric definition of depression is “a condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and more prolonge […]

​Little Shop of Horrors begins Oct. 23

By Peggy ShawGood Company Theater has started rehearsals for its fall presentation of the deviously delicious Broadway smash musical, Little Shop of Horrors—the story of a meek floral assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles upon a new breed of plant that he names “Audrey II” after his co-worker crush.This foul-mouthed, rhythm-and-blues singing carnivore promises him unending fame and fortune as long as he keeps feeding it. Over time, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of […]

Granby High School Drama Club announces Fall Show!!

Granby Memorial High School Drama Club will present Inherent The Wind, Nov. 13, 14 and 15. This courtroom drama is based on the 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial,” in which a Tennessee teacher was charged with teaching that humans evolved from apes, instead of the state-mandated theory of Creationism. The drama contains a powerful confrontation between a character based on William Jennings Bryan, who believes only what he reads in the Bible, and another based on Clarence Darrow, who defends sc […]

​October

Orange pumpkins, leaves of red, and gold, cool mornings, theHunter moon,Month of color, month of Beauty, month of joy!Exuberant October we welcome you! You call us outdoors to be with you, and to store yourWarmth within us for too soon, we know, colder days will come.We will feel sadness at your passing, but we will have hopeand faith, for once again, the trees have set their budsfor spring…Bernadette Gentry 2015 […]

New leadership at Farmington Valley VNA

By Andrea BoyleNicholas B. Mason, President of the Farmington Valley VNA’s Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members. The applications of Stephanie F. McGuire, John J. O’Connor and Paul Mikkelson were unanimously approved at the September 10 Board of Directors meeting.Ms. McGuire, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse with Board Certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, brings o […]

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 […]