Recent Stories

BOE welcomes new member

I hope that you and your family are enjoying those last few beach days but feel, as I do, a sense of excitement as we turn to the new school year ahead. Before we launch into what promises to be an exciting year, I wanted to update the community on a few changes on the Granby Board of Education. 

Planning for autumn

As September begins and summer ends, it’s time to look ahead to fall. School buildings are preparing to open doors and welcome back students and families, and fall sports are gearing up for the new season.

New principal for GMMS

Cheri Burke, Granby’s superintendent of schools, announced that Heather Tanis has been selected as the principal of Granby Memorial Middle School.  

IWWC public hearing continued to SEPT. 13 

At an Aug. 9 public hearing, a 48-unit, four-story apartment complex proposed for 37 Hartford Avenue by Vessel Development of New York, was presented to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) for permit approval of its storm water management plan. The review and permits are required because the site includes 932 square feet of wetlands. 

Your Support Matters!

Welcome to the Drummer’s first issue this autumn! During the past several months, we’ve successfully completed our transition to a new editorial team and we’re excited to continue bringing Granby’s news to you in print, on our website and on social media.  

GMHS civics students host BOE Candidate Forum

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, candidates who are running for the Granby Board of Education on Nov. 7, have been invited to attend a Candidate Forum sponsored by the GMHS Civics Department and the Registrars of Voters Office, in the Granby High School Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

Help CT corporate taxes benefit Granby, Book Sale was success!, Embracing Our Agrarian Roots, and Lack of Parent Engagement at BOE Meetings 

“What Ifs” in Life Series

The Granby Senior Center starts a new series in September for people who plan to retire and stay in Granby. This is a chance to educate yourself on what resources are available and what you will need to do in preparation. Come to the Senior Center on Monday, Sept. 19, 1 to 3 p.m. for the first in this four-part series. […]

SBHS Fall Flea Market

Mark your calendar: Saturday, Oct. 15 is the Salmon Brook Historical Society’s Fall Flea Market, open from 9 a.m. and to 4 p.m. Anyone interested in renting a 20×20 space to sell goods to the public may reserve it for $30 before Oct. 8. The price is $40 after Oct. 8. Call Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 or Todd Vibert at 860-653-9506 to reserve a spot. Donations to the society to sell may be dropped off at the Preservation Barn on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon after Oct. 1. No pl […]

CIVIC CLUB 9’16.

Civic Club welcomes Chief RosensweigThe Granby Civic Club will begin its 103rd year with a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Guest speaker Granby Police Chief Carl Rosensweig will give an overview of the police department, talk about criminal activity in Granby and touch on scams to watch out for. Refreshments will be served. Guests and new members always welcome. For more information, please email ginny@lostacres.com. […]

A Christmas Carol auditions

A Christmas Carol comes to GranbyGood Company Theater announces its next show, a holiday musical called A Christmas Carol, with songs from Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.Auditions for adult and youth parts will be held at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. on Thursday, Sept. 15 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The production dates are Saturday, Dec 3 at 3 and 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.This whimsical show will spread m […]

HUMANS OF GRANBY

By Emma Smith Sarah BennetAge 15Granby High School SophomoreJV Volleyball, JV Track, trying for Varsity, Horseback ridingTell something you are proud of…I have a really strong work ethic and am self-motivated. I’m proud of my grades in school. When I completed a presentation for a recent Intro to Business class I got a 96. I interviewed a manager at Peaberry Café in Simsbury and was then able to do a thorough write up of their business plan.Tell about something you wi […]

Granby Community Fund receives award

The Farmington Valley YMCA awarded the Granby Community Fund the “Community Partner Award” in recognition of its collaborative efforts that have allowed the YMCA to better serve the community.From l.: Lee French and Patty Sansone, Granby Community Fund board; Brian Liss, YMCA executive director; Jean Miller, Granby Community Fund president, and Peter Olson, YMCA board chair. Submitted photo […]

 “Gerry’s Flowers” Brighten the Granby Town Green

By Doreen McWhirterNow in its fourth year, the garden at the intersection of Routes 10/202 and 20 in Granby provides a splash of color and classic beauty to the town green. This year a memorial plaque has been placed in the garden to commemorate the garden’s founder, Gerry Palmer. The plaque was designed by her sons, Justin and Jordan, and coordinated locally by her friend, Beth Matlack, using donations made by many family members and friends.  Gerry established the current ga […]

 “Gerry’s Flowers” Brighten the Granby Town Green

By Doreen McWhirterNow in its fourth year, the garden at the intersection of Routes 10/202 and 20 in Granby provides a splash of color and classic beauty to the town green. This year a memorial plaque has been placed in the garden to commemorate the garden’s founder, Gerry Palmer. The plaque was designed by her sons, Justin and Jordan, and coordinated locally by her friend, Beth Matlack, using donations made by many family members and friends.  Gerry established the current ga […]

Update on the plans for the Holcomb Farm arboretum

By Eric LukingbealAs was noted in the most recent issue of the Drummer, the notion of an arboretum at Holcomb Farm is now under study. This is not a new idea. Rather it was the idea of Tudor and Laura Holcomb as expressed in the terms of the deed by which they gave their farmland to the University of Connecticut. They stated that an arboretum would be among the uses that they approved. Now, the town owns the land without restrictions.The idea of an arboretum captured the interest of several resi […]

Off to training

guiding eyes dog – submitted photo Bette is heading to training at Guiding Eyes for the Blind after a special blessing at First Church. This is the second puppy that was raised by the Cappelli family of North Granby that will assist the blind to foster independence and fulfillment for a person in need. We wish Bette much success in her lifetime of service. […]

South-of-the-Border dinner and music night planned

Sen ctr mariachi band Prepare for a fun night out on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. and bring your friends. The Granby Senior Center hosts an enjoyable evening full of great music and dinner with a Mexican flair—but not too spicy. The Fiesta Del Norte Mariachi Band has thrilled audiences throughout New England for over 25 years with its musical skill, high energy and cultural authenticity. Cost is $15 per person. Please call 860-844-5350 to reserve a place. […]

Celebrate Granby set for Sept. 16-18

The annual “Celebrate Granby” event sponsored by the Granby Chamber of Commerce will take place this year at Salmon Brook Park. The three-day celebration will kick off on Friday, Sept. 16 and will end on Sunday, Sept. 18 on the following schedule: Friday 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.A carnival with games and rides, as well as local food vendors offering selections from their menus will run all three days. There will also be: live […]

Young fifers and drummers, their inspiration at home and away

By Polina R. CrottyMarquis of Granby Junior Ancient Fife and Drum corps wants to thank the Hampstead Hill Club for inviting the members of the corps and their families to celebrate the Fourth of July in the club’s relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The Marquis, known to Granby residents for their part in Granby’s Memorial Day parade, delivered a more intimate performance at this holiday gathering, which was followed by the traditional Fourth of July feast, generously provided by Hamps […]

​Granby Education Foundation gets $2,500 grant from GoodWorks Insurance

GoodWorks Insurance recently gave a $2,500 GoodWorks Community Grant to the Granby Education Foundation (GEF). Based in Glastonbury, GoodWorks Insurance is a regional independent insurance agency with other Connecticut offices in New Milford, Avon and Columbia.“The people at GoodWorks Insurance are truly committed to Granby and to furthering the vital mission of our foundation,” said Kristina Gilton, Chair of the GEF’s annual Gran-Bee.Since its founding in 2000, GEF has raised […]

​Granby Artists Open Studio Tour to Showcase New Members

By Lori Catlin GarciaThe Granby Artists Association will hold their annual Open Studio Tour Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16 at home studios throughout the Granby area. In addition, Lost Acres Vineyard will again host a group of artists on both days of the tour.The group is very excited to showcase the work of three new members this year. Barbara Schmitt is a landscape architect and owner of B Designs. She is also a young, creative chain saw artist and a painter. Her sculptures are whimsica […]

​La Cucina Frutteto (The Orchard Kitchen)

Running a kitchen, raising a family, and dreaming of Italyby Susan AcceturaIf months had mascots, September’s would surely be the apple. Symbolizing the beginning of fall, the gift for the teacher, and all things cool and crisp. This summer has been anything but cool and crisp. The scorching and waterless July turned supple green lawns into flaxen crisps. Blossoms wilted and gardens stalled. This is pure botanical conjecture, but perhaps the lack of rain drove the roots deeper, so when the […]

​Granby Food Bank Acknowledges Generosity

By Andrea Boyle​ The Granby Food Bank Program would like to thank all of the donors who make a significant difference in its ability to offer food assistance to qualified Granby residents.In addition to a number of individual and business donations, the program is extremely grateful to the Granby Youth Lacrosse team members for giving back to the community with a $500 contribution to the Granby Food Bank, and to the sixth grade students at The Bear Paw Store at Kelly Lane School who chose […]

​McLean resident tracks family roots back to the 1700s

By Ellen Meuser​When McLean Resident Michael Gorman heard about the wonderful work that Media Center Coordinator Stephen Root was doing in genealogy, he seized the opportunity to learn more about his family’s history. “It turned out to be even more interesting than we initially thought it would be,” said Michael, as he explained his project that spanned several months to complete.Michael’s mother and father both grew up as a single child, so their family unit was sm […]

Evans Automotive Holds Open House

By Shirley Murtha​A new automotive repair shop—Evans Automotive—held its open house in early August. Partners Steve Couchon and Dean Evans bring different areas of expertise to the business. Evans is the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanic, specializing in Hondas and Acuras, having worked at Acura Avon in Canton for 23 years. Couchon brings his management, marketing and finance background to the new business, having owned a very successful house painting comp […]

​New England Dance Centers wins big at national competitions

By Ashley WilliamsOver the summer, the dancers at New England Dance and Gymnastics Centers (NEDC) in Westfield, Mass. and Granby, took home national titles and made their mark on the dance world. The competition teams headed to Star Systems National Dance Competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C. to compete against the best dancers in North America.  New England Dance Centers’ Mini National Dance Champions. Submitted photo The mini gym team, The Wizard of Oz, was named the highest scoring […]