Recent Stories

Kestrel nesting box added to the Tree Trail

If you’re not familiar with the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail located on the hill across from the entrance to the North Barn event facility, this would be a good time to check out its newest addition. It’s not a new tree—it’s a kestrel nest box placed 12 feet in the air, on the right a short way up the entrance trail.

Bear season in Granby

June is bear season in Granby.

According to Connor Hogan, director of the McLean Game Refuge, there are currently at least three sows with cubs in the eastern portion of the Game Refuge and likely at least one more mother bear with cubs in the west.

June and the color yellow

There is a day in June celebrating yellow, appropriately named Yellow Day. In the psychology of color, yellow is linked to joy, and “the happiest day of the year” was started by psychologist Cliff Arnall to balance Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year, which occurs on the third Monday of January.

June is the start of picnic season

I always enjoy sharing tried-and-true favorites from my recipe box, and this one has become a longtime favorite for good reason. I first brought this salad to a friend’s Labor Day picnic years ago, and after several people immediately asked for the recipe, I knew it was a keeper!

A gardening adventure awaits

Near the center of town, community gardeners work the soil in the tradition of Granby’s agricultural past. On Hungary Road, in Ahrens Park, kids enthusiastically play ball near the south entrance while gardeners use the next entrance for the Granby Community Gardens. Just as enthusiastically they plant, water and care for their little bit of nature.

Gardening for the plants

“Companion planting” is a good way to think about relationships in the kitchen garden. This is a method of gardening where plants are situated alongside one another for mutual benefit: tomatoes and basil, marigolds and squash, cabbage and thyme, cucumbers and radishes for a few. Each relationship offers something different, whether it’s pest control or shading the soil, attracting pollinators or improving soil fertility.

Drummer welcomes Josh Anderson as editor

The board of directors of Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Josh Anderson as the new managing editor of the Drummer. He began his duties on April 1, and he succeeds Heather Lockwood who will continue as a Drummer volunteer.

Courageous conversations video series

Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) will begin a five-part Courageous Conversations Video Series based on the work of Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Ala. and author of the acclaimed bestseller, Just Mercy.

Springtime marks the return of the northern mockingbirds

It’s getting to that time of year when the northern mockingbirds return to Granby, though some hardy individuals stay here year-round. Of course, you may not recognize them by their song since they have more than 200 of those, not to mention the 30 other bird songs they can mimic. This is the talent that gives them their common name. In addition to other birds, these clever avians can imitate crickets, barking dogs, squeaky hinges and many other things.

Naptime is over!

Bears are awakening from their long winter naps and sightings confirm that spring has arrived! Spring becomes a couple of chaotic months for bears and humans and the usual questions arise. How do we keep these large omnivores out of our yards, away from our youngsters and pets, out of garbage bins and our chicken coops? Understanding what’s going on can help put it all in perspective.

Granby Boy and Girls Basketball season highlights

The Granby Girls team lost in the first round of the CIAC Division III State Tournament against Kolbe Cathedral, with a final score of 63-35.
The Granby Boys team lost in the second round of the Division IV State Tournament (there was a bye first round) against Cromwell, 54-36.

Barns that built a town

As winter begins to thaw, the earth slowly reveals itself again after months beneath the snow. Driving through Granby in early spring, it’s impossible not to notice the barns. They rise behind stone walls and quiet fields, their red siding weathered by decades of New England seasons.

Town Manager pinch-hits

The March 4 Women’s Breakfast had a last-minute program change. The GMHS Drama Club was to perform music from its upcoming production of The Little Mermaid but the delayed school opening caused a cancellation.

Spring has sprung

It is the middle of March as I write this and 67 degrees! Weather enthusiasts would call this a false spring yet signs of the season are all around. In the widening circles of soggy brown earth, tree bark is radiating warmth as it absorbs the sunshine and melts the surrounding snow.

Cooking safety starts at home

Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention. This national campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Up, up and away!

Dr. Laura Doherty, a local dentist, spoke at the March Men’s Breakfast gathering about her recently completed Women’s Air Race Classic. Very entertaining and fun.

Special blueberry muffins

This special recipe comes from my mom, Mary Cook. Served in the original Jordan Marsh store in Boston, these muffins were always a family favorite. As spring arrives, they’re such a delightful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering—and now blueberries are plentiful in our grocery stores year-round. Enjoy!

Social Services — April 2026

The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents.