Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/12/?trk=public_profile_project-title)
A Cedar Waxwing perched on a fallen tree overlooking Spring Pond at the McLean Game refuge.
Last month, our introductory column started to re-explore virtues pushed out of our lives. Think of it as re-plowing a field for a new “crop” of thoughts. Per Ben Franklin’s recommendation last month, we’ll start with humility.
In the knitting and crocheting world, there is one word that divides us all: gauge.
In my last column, I covered the many options for flea and tick prevention. Heartworm disease is becoming more common in New England. We are not only seeing a lot of dogs coming from the southern US, where heartworms are endemic, but we also see many home-grown heartworm cases. Annual prevention is a fraction of the cost of treatment—and treatment is painful and can be dangerous in certain cases.
The 2026–27 school year is off to a wonderful start in Granby Public Schools.
Middle school students at the Salmon Brook Ecology Center have learned that the term “brown trout” might be a misleading common name for the species. Their scales include special, pigmented skin cells called chromatophores, which allow brown trout to routinely change colors.
The other day, a friend said to me, “I know this might sound silly, but could you teach me how to attach two boards together?” She wants to build a bookshelf eventually, but needs to start at the beginning. I started to answer quickly and then stopped, recognizing that it wasn’t a silly question at all and I needed to think through how I would teach what exactly goes into attaching one board to another. I can do it without thinking on my own, but I’m fluent in hardware. Her question asked me to go back to the nuts and bolts of building.
The Friends of Holcomb Farm welcomed its newest partner to the Fresh Access program this summer: New Horizons Village.
What a day! On Aug. 30, the Friends of Holcomb Farm welcomed hundreds of neighbors, families and friends to Holcomb Farm for the Holcomb Hoedown—a free afternoon filled with music, dancing, games, animals and plenty of good old-fashioned fun.
As summer comes to a close and families settle into a new school year, the Farmington Valley YMCA is getting ready for a busy fall. From youth programs and afterschool care to community events, fitness and opportunities to connect with others, there is something happening at the Y for everyone.
Julien Tessier’s dream was to start an American bakery featuring scratch-made cinnamon rolls, muffins, donuts, cookies, biscuits and croissants. Tessier, a French-born and trained pastry chef, worked at high-end London restaurants and was employed as a private chef in New York City. In December 2025, he was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant association during its CRAZIES awards ceremony.
Granby Artists is celebrating 25 years as a community arts nonprofit organization. We invite you to our 25th Anniversary Showcase and Celebration, a two-part event on October 4, 2026 at Holcomb Farm.
With some primping and clowning, the seniors ready themselves for graduation.
Granby Public Schools has named Jessica Foskitt, music educator and orchestra instructor, as its 2026–27 Teacher of the Year, recognizing her dedication to music education and her instrumental role in building the district’s orchestra program.
The 2026 CBG/Granby Drummer Scholarship was awarded to Mariah Salvini.
Kingswood Oxford awarded Riley Anderson, from Granby, The Richard C. Buckley Award.
Ring Out, Ye Joyful Bells!, Granby Bible Study, Men’s Breakfast, and SBHS News
PFLAG Granby will hold a cookout and ice cream social on July 19 to celebrate one year since its launch. The cookout is open to anyone interested in participating with the chapter and is a chance to celebrate our first year of activities, including social gatherings, support meetings, guest speakers, a film series and the launch of LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts.
Each year the American Legion Post 182, Granby awards scholarships to deserving graduating seniors of Granby Memorial High School.
The pledge to “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor” reflects a transition from looking inward to looking outward.
Cared for and revered by many, the Dewey-Granby Oak on Day Street is a white oak. The white oak is the Connecticut state tree, formally designated as such by the state’s General Assembly in 1947. It was a choice made easy considering the importance a white oak played in protecting our independence.
Have you ever wanted to write for the Drummer? Do you have an idea for an article or monthly column you would like to pitch? Bonus: do you have a good potluck dish or dessert you would be willing to share?
William B. Moody of Granby, Connecticut was born in Olney, Illinois, December 30, 1928. Son of Byrl and Marjorie (LeFever) Moody of Oblong, Illinois, and died at age 97 on May 22, 2026.
There’s always something happening at the library. With programs ranging from Storytimes and teen activities to author talks, hands-on workshops and special events, the library provides welcoming opportunities for the community to learn, connect and be inspired.
Whenever I walk into the library it’s always a surprise if my friends are there. Also, the library has SO many suggestions on books to read and I even get suggestions from my friends.
At its June 1 meeting, the Granby Board of Selectmen honored long time public works employee Michael J. Leamy on the occasion of his retirement. Leamy served the town as a Public Works Maintainer for 33 years before being promoted to Fleet Mechanic. In this capacity, he was responsible for more than 60 pieces of equipment of all sizes.
The Tractor Supply store on the Granby-Simsbury town line shows its appreciation for US veterans and military personnel every day.
It’s good to revisit the freedoms we have and rediscover some seldom discussed “Fun Facts.” We should ponder our history as it goes beyond the indictment of the king and his abuses found in the Declaration.