Recent Stories

Drumrolls — February 2024

Andrew La Croix of Granby was one of seven students recognized by Kingswood Oxford School for exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in October 2022.

Civic organizations in town: The Freemasons of Granby

In the July/August Drummer edition, I wrote about how Granby was full of volunteers, mentioning many organizations such as the Granby Club, Bridge Club, and the Boy and Girl Scout chapters. One organization I overlooked was the Freemasons of Granby, a very early civic organization and the oldest fraternal organization in the world.

Simsbury-Granby Rotary: Community service and lots of fun

by Rotary’s end-of-the-year, service-oriented activities truly reflect its commitment to this year’s Rotary theme “We are People of Action!” These activities also generated great enjoyment and tons of fun for all!

Spotlight on lithium-ion battery safety

The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office and Lost Acres Fire Department are working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to raise awareness about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and ways to minimize them.

Toni Boucher (R): Exploratory candidate for governor

Toni Boucher has been a member of the Connecticut Senate from the 26th District since January 2009 following six terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Senator Boucher is currently in an exploratory campaign run for the 2018 Connecticut Gubernatorial race that is crowded with approximately twelve other candidates on each side of the isle plus one independent who has already chosen a running mate.

Guy Smith (D) – candidate for governor

Guy Smith, a Greenwich resident, has initiated his campaign in a run for the 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial race and his skill set has a deep and broad spectrum. His career path includes senior leadership experience in the corporate arena, highest level federal government positions and global non-profit assignments.

Foxfield equine program a winner with veterans

A former member of the Coast Guard and U.S. Army, and Vietnam prisoner of war survivor enjoyed a farrier session while participating in Foxfield F.A.R.M.’s curriculum. For more info on Granby’s destination for veterans suffering with PTSD, visit: foxfieldrecoverymission.org where tax exempt donations can be made.

Foxfield F.A.R.M

Foxfield F.A.R.M recently received a donation of $5,000 from the Ceres Foundation of Charleston, S.C. whose mission is supporting programs that help to change individual lives. By expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth and vulnerable families to develop and make full use of their potential, they will be able to pursue their highest ambitions, earn decent wages, enjoy healthy relationships, and fully participate in their communities.

2 Park Place, Part 3 — The Avery Years

Four generations of Avery’s lived at 2 Park Place from 1925 when Bertha Rice Avery bought the house, until it was sold in 2016 for business suites. George W. Avery came to Granby from Chenango Co.

Maple sugaring demonstration for kids

On Sunday, March 18, at 1 p.m., join Granby Land Trust Board Member Extraordinaire Dave Emery of Emery Farm for a hands-on demonstration of how maple sugar is made. Farmer Dave will follow an abbreviated process of sap collection, then transport through to boiling, filtering and bottling of the finished product. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to taste some delicious Emery Farm maple syrup.

GMHS Athletes of the Month

Maddee McGee
Sports played: Basketball, Softball
Academic accomplishments: Honor Roll Student, Perfect Attendance 2015-16, Spanish Honor Society member, Young Educators Society member
Athletic Accomplishments:
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Girl’s Basketball (Sophomore)
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Softball (Sophomore)
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2017-18 -Girl’s Basketball (Junior)
Captain of Granby Varsity Girls Basketball 2017-18
AAU Basketball player (5 years)
How I prepare for a game/match/meet: Review game film, get to practice early to get shots up, stay after practice to get shots up, scout opponents, write out plays using my whiteboard, work out at the YMCA on weekends, check opponent records and stats, listen to music
Most memorable moment as a BEAR:
Basketball: Ellington Away Game Freshman Year; subbed in six minutes left in 4th qtr, down 28-36, scored 10 points to bring Granby back within one possession (missed buzzer beater)
Softball: Hitting two home runs in back-to-back at bats vs. Bolton (Spring 2017 Season)
Favorite athlete: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder; Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Plans after high school: Attend a four-year university and play women’s college basketball/softball, while earning a degree in Education; play women’s basketball professionally, coach sports
Favorite quote: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”– Michael Jordan

Kaleb Lillestolen
Sports played: Basketball, Track
Academic accomplishments:  Spanish Honor Society, Honor Roll
Athletic Accomplishments: Basketball Captain, four Varsity Letters
How I prepare for a game/match/meet:  pregame snack and relax
Most memorable moment as a BEAR:
Win over St.

MeadowBrook resident celebrates 100 years

MeadowBrook of Granby staff and residents celebrated the 100th birthday of one of their very own residents Florence “Elsie Rowe”. Mrs. Rowe, born January 18, 1918, was showered with balloons and gifts as she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Browse & Borrow

Granby Public Library
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday:  10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cossitt Public Library
Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 12 – 5 p.m.

Find us online 

Town of Granby (www.granby-ct.gov); also use the links to join us on Facebook and Pinterest. Pre-registration is required for many programs. Call 860-844-5275 (GPL Main Desk); 860-844-5284 (GPL Children); 860-653-8958 (Cossitt); or email gplibrary@granby-ct.gov.

Closing

Both libraries will be closed on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 for Easter weekend.

FOGPL wants you

The Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) membership year begins April 1.  We are already planning the fall used book sale, which promises to be bigger and better than last year’s record breaking event. This is the perfect time to join the Friends in making it all happen.

Arthritis in cats

We often think of older dogs being arthritic and having stiff joints and tense muscles. Cats have the same problems but tend to hide their pain and suffering.

Visitors to Granby Public Library impressed by art display

Visitors to the Granby Public Library during the month of February were treated to a special display of paintings compliments of the Painting Study Group — a collection of local artists who meet monthly to discuss techniques, methodology and materials, and to also critique each other’s works. The idea for the showcase came from Pam Jones, who spoke to head librarian Kelly Marscycki for a Valentine’s exhibit, For the Love of Art.

Girl Scout helping seniors learn technology

Ashley Puglise, a Girl Scout Cadette, spends a significant amount of time helping her grandparents navigate technology, especially when they run into problems. So when she began thinking about earning her Silver Award, helping other seniors with technology just seemed natural. “Helping Seniors with Technology” will launch on Thursdays, from 4-5 p.m., and Saturdays, from 11-noon, throughout March and into April at the Granby Public Library.

Humans of Granby

Steve RushinJournalist, Sportswriter; (Sports Illustrated), novelist2005 Sportswriter of the Year(National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association)Age: 51Tell about your career at Sports Illustrated… Steve Rushin photo by Rebecca Lobo I started working there about 30 years ago as a temporary fact checker. Then in 1991, while in my early 20s, I covered the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Minnesota. Over the years I have written up major league baseball, hockey and ten […]

Historic Footnotes: 2 Park Place – part 2 The Vatticus Journal continued:

William Hoadley was visiting the John Hillyer family at 2 Park Place in 1820. He kept a journal and signed it “Vatticus.” One entry concerned a quilting party he attended. The rather bizarre ceremony he described sounds almost pagan. I told this tale to a large number of quilters and no one ever heard of this. However, a quilting book with newspaper clippings from the early 1800s tells about similar ceremonies — all involving much kissing and dancing. It seems to be a way to ha […]