Recent Stories

Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve video tour available

The Granby Land Trust recently released the latest in its series of virtual property tours: this one of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby. This is the fourth in the series, the others offering tours of the Mary Edwards Mountain Property, the Katan-Ensor and Old Messenger Road Preserves, and the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

Home Fire Safety

According to National Fire Protection Association Statistics, during the five-year period from 2016-2020, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 343,100 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,610 civilian deaths, 11,090 civilian fire injuries and $7.6 billion in direct property damage.

Showcasing Granby’s agricultural treasures

When it comes to the growth and evolution of rural towns, one sentiment is heard time and time again: “less development, more land, more farms.” It’s natural for people to harken back to a day when agriculture and livestock fields spanned the landscape before apartment complexes, modern neighborhoods or store-front plazas took over.

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.

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.

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date,  time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed.

Residents will help to achieve Bronze certification with Sustainable CT

In 2016, municipal leaders and residents from across the state formed an independently funded, grassroots effort named Sustainable CT. The group created a “roadmap” which set forth the steps needed to promote a town’s eco-nomic well-being while, at the same time, respecting the natural environment. The Granby Conservation Commission’s goal is for Granby to become Bronze-certified.

Granby students recognized at State DECA Conference

Connecticut DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) hosted a virtual state conference for the second year due to COVID-19. With over 58 chapters and 2,500 student competitors and advisors, CT DECA kept its tradition of competing alive despite the challenges of hosting large-scale events.

Jazz clinic held at GMMS

On May 9, guest conductor John Mastroianni worked with the Granby Memorial Middle School Jazz Band. Mastroianni is well known for his work with the Hall and Canton high school jazz programs and is currently a jazz professor at the University of Connecticut.

Why you should NEVER read someone’s diary

I can still remember the day vividly—I came from school a happy 10-year-old kid. I threw my backpack on the ground and ran upstairs to write in my baby blue journal. However, when I opened my desk drawer, I saw that it wasn’t there.

Drumrolls — July 2022

Madeleine McGee, GMHS 2019, graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in health and physical education.

Safe Grad party art contest winners

The invitation design contest winners for the 2022 Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation grad party recipients from left: ART CAS leader Hollie Hecht, first place winner Erin Panella-Malley, second place winner Travis Jude Green, third place winner Emma Hansen.

AEP to hold benefit concert

Africa Education Partnership (AEP), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving communities in Nigeria, felt the sting of the global pandemic along with thousands of other organizations. A benefit concert scheduled in late March 2020 was cancelled as the country shut down and regrouped.

East Granby Public Library events

Drop-in Construction Zone: Every Tuesday in July, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the main conference room. For ages 4-12 years with caregiver. Drop-in and explore the building stations.

Memory Walk held

Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families, held its ninth annual Memory Walk, on May 15 at Northwest Park in Windsor.

In Town Focus

Membership in the Salmon Brook Historical Society, 208 Salmon Brook Street, offers many benefits including free tours, newsletters, annual dinner in April, Christmas house tour and Wassail party in December and the opportunity to learn and help preserve Granby history.

Public Works

Independence Day: Monday, July 4, is a holiday for Paine’s. All trash pickups will be delayed by one day for that week.

Browse & Borrow

Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website, granby-ct.gov/library, or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter in person, on the website or by phone.

American Legion and Grange retire U.S. flags

Granby American Legion Post #182 joined with Riverton Grange #169 for its Third Annual American Flag Retirement Ceremony recently with almost 30 participants aged 9 to 92 participating. This solemn ceremony, authorized by U.S. code title 36, section 176, states, “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”