Recent Stories

Breakfast and a trail hike talk

Jo Ann Smith was the May 1 guest speaker for the Granby Women’s Breakfast. Smith entertained more than 70 people with her talk about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Friends of Holcomb Farm — June 2024

Farming News, Shop at Our Farm Store All Summer Long, SNAP? Double SNAP!, Connecticut Trails Day, New Trees on the Tree Trail – Thank You to Our Funders!, and Notes from the Farm Office (aka Cat’s Corner): The Collaborative Nature of Our Community

Southwick launches a new land trust

Southwick landowners seeking to preserve their property have a new option. The Southwick Land Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization of community volunteers, was formed in 2024 to conserve important ecological, scenic, historic and agricultural land.

Tree Trail honors Arbor Day

On April 27, Holcomb Farm Tree Trail members and master gardeners Barry Avery and Eric Lukingbeal led a group of interested folks on a walk that culminated with the planting of a tree in honor of Arbor Day 2024.

Granby Libraries Book Sale July 26-28, Donations start late June

This year, Friends of the Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) 41st annual Used Book Sale will be held at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Preview Night is on Friday, July 28 5–8 p.m. with a $10 entrance fee. The regular sale is on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Last chance sale is on Sunday, July 30 from 11 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. with $10 per bag or donation.

Woodworker’s solar kiln featured in Fine Woodworking magazine

While some of us learned how to make sourdough bread or became Wordle aficionados during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brenon Plourde and his family built a solar kiln. The construction of the kiln was recently featured in a lengthy spread in Fine Woodworking magazine, which Brenon describes as “like being in Rolling Stone.”

Spring migration is underway!

Granby Land Trust Board Member John Weeks and his wife, Christine Chinni, led bird walks on six consecutive days in the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in early May—some for the Land Trust, and some for other organizations, including the Hartford Audubon Society.

Earth Day hike

A young hiker is enthralled with a young tree on the Holcomb Tree Trail. Approximately 50 people gathered for a walk on the trail on Earth Day.

A look at tax relief programs

At this time of year most people have filed their income taxes and may be reviewing their personal finances to plan for next year. Similarly, the town’s elected boards and my staff have just completed the FY22-23 budget process. The input and questions posed by residents attending the Board of Finance Public Hearing in April was appreciated.

Memorial Day Parade plans

Granby’s annual Memorial Day parade and program will be held on Monday, May 30. Parade Marshal Kenneth Rafoss announced that the honorary parade marshal in absentia this year is James O. Hall, U.S. Navy Seabees.

Double rainbow over the Pease Family Preserve

This double rainbow over the Pease Family Preserve is a reminder to pause and give thanks to Bill and Jane Ann Pease, charter members of the Granby Land Trust, who looked out on this view for 60 years before their passing in 2013.

No Mow May: Good Idea?

Recently, a friend was reading the New York Times and saw an article on the No Mow May movement. She contacted me to see what I thought about “No Mow May.” Quite frankly, I responded, I didn’t know much about it, but promised to research it.

Town Clerk retires

Karen Hazen recently retired after serving 15 years as the Granby Town Clerk. On April 18, she was presented with proclamations from the Board of Selectmen and the Connecticut General Assembly.

Kuhnly is Granby’s Republican of the Year

At the Lincoln Dinner held recently in Windsor Locks, B. Scott Kuhnly was honored as Granby’s Republican of the Year. Kuhnly was recognized for all his service to Granby over the past 29 years in elected, appointed and volunteer positions.

Fiorentino hosts session at Senior Center

On March 30, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino hosted an interested group of Granby residents for a discussion of the strategic plan that he and the Town Manager have put in motion.

Property data mailers to be sent in May

The Granby Assessor’s Office has been preparing for the State Mandated Revaluation that is required every five years. The appraisal firm Vision Appraisal Technology has contracted with the Town of Granby to assist with its revaluation for Oct. 1. The company will be working with the Assessor’s office to make the 12- to 18-month process successful.

Aquarion announces water conservation schedule

The Aquarion Water Company has announced the start of the 2022 mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedule for its customers in East Granby, Granby and Simsbury. The schedule helps to conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens.

Granby Racial Reconciliation

The Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) Board of Directors would like to clarify a March 2022 Drummer article submitted by one of its task teams.

Granby Ambulance Association

This past January, I had the misfortune of falling in my home early one evening. This was not my first fall at home and each occasion has resulted in a 911 call to secure assistance in getting back up.

Thanks, Drummer!

To the many staff, volunteers and workers who make The Granby Drummer possible, my mother Shirley Hahn and I extend our heartfelt thanks for all you do to make the Drummer possible.

Thank you, Granby Community Fund

As mask mandates decrease and we hear less discussion surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a false sense that all is well—for everyone.