Recent Stories

Winter activities at the YMCA

As winter settles in and we count down the days to the return of warm summer rays, the Y is here to brighten the season. We’ve rounded up an exciting array of activities for families, youth and adults to keep you warm, happy and engaged during these cooler months.

Girl Scouts help local dogs

Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.

Exotic Pet Series – Part 1: Reptiles

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.

Heaven’s End

This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.

Art Foundation donates portraits

The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Foundation recently donated two portraits painted by Patricelli to a West Hartford church and a local country club.

Letter to Santa 2022

Dear Santa:
Last time I wrote, we were nearing the end of 2020. And, oh my, what a year that was: impeachment proceedings, a global pandemic, Brexit. You must have had your hands full with the annual naughty-nice list. I hope the brownie toffee cookies we left for you provided at least some solace.

Area American Legion Posts conduct flag retirement ceremony

Granby American Legion Post #182 partnered with the Riverton Grange #169 recently to conduct their fourth American Flag retirement ceremony at the private residence of Nate and Karen Roberg on the bank of the Farmington River in Pleasant Valley.

Holcomb Farm preserved

One of the Friends’ strategic goals is to “grow the growing season,” and in New England that means greenhouses aka hoophouses. In February 2019, Mother Nature decided to challenge that goal with 70 mph winds, which took down what was then our beloved Greenhouse #6 (GH6), home to our best chemical-free spinach.

Sleep habits and your weight

Going into the holiday season, we often start worrying about weight gain from all the delicious meals, desserts, and celebrations. One thing we often overlook is to try to get more sleep. Too little sleep appears to impact your hunger, dietary choices, and, ultimately, your weight.

Managing Editor retires to become a woman of letters

A pile of nearly 400 letters written by her family members and discovered when she was a teenager has been in the back of Rita Isaacson’s mind for the past several decades. It is one of many reasons why she has made the decision to step down as the Managing Editor of The Granby Drummer, which was announced in October’s issue.

Stop & Shop customers give to Waste Not Want Not

Rosia Kennedy, Stop & Shop program organizer, teamed up with the store manager of Granby’s Stop & Shop, Kim Lauria, and Lori Madely to raise funds for the Waste Not Want Not Soup Kitchen.

Community Matters

While writing this article, I found myself reflecting on the recent tragedy in Bristol. Bristol lost two young police officers in a heinous ambush. The nightmare that the Bristol Police Department, the families of the fallen officers, and all those who love a man or woman in blue find themselves in is heartbreaking.