Recent Stories

Let Kindness Ripple

I am delighted to introduce the overarching theme for Granby Public Schools’ year ahead: Let Kindness Ripple.

Drumrolls —

Mikayla Kai Thompson graduated from Saint Michael’s College in May where she was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. 

Who’s IN when school’s OUT?

During the lazy, hazy days of summer, public schools go on a welcome hiatus. Children enjoy staying up late, attending camp, playing with friends and setting out on family vacations while teachers and administrators sleep late and loll around the pool, right? Wrong.

Social Services

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.

Beaver Pond Wildlife Series

and the Simsbury Public Library in welcoming local filmmaker, Ray Asselin, as he presents the latest episode in his five-part Beaver Pond Wildlife series documenting a full year’s time at New England beaver ponds.

Arsenic and Old Lace takes the stage at The Suffield Players

The Suffield Players is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the timeless comedy Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. Directed by the talented Becca Coolong, this uproarious play promises to entertain audiences with its witty humor and eccentric characters.

Tree planted at GMMS in memory of Jan Amidon

By: Katherine Logee (GMMS student)On Monday, June 6, the Granby Memorial Middle School Student Council held a ceremony to remember Mrs. Jan Amidon. They planted a beautiful Japanese Maple tree with a plaque in memory of her. At the ceremony, her husband, Mr. David Amidon, who was joined by their daughter and son-in-law Karen and George Papagelis, and grandchildren Ryan, Jeffrey, and Kayleigh, noted that Mrs. Amidon spent one third of her life working at GMMS. Mrs. Amidon was known for her dedica […]

Middle level scholar-leader honored at CAS Banquet

Local students, Mark Jones and Dwaritha Ramesh, were honored as outstanding scholar-leaders from Granby Memorial Middle School. They were among 252 scholar-leaders from 126 middle schools honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools Middle Level Scholar Leader Banquet on May 22 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT.The award honors one girl and one boy in each Connecticut middle school whose record of academic achievement and leadership are truly exemplary, whose personal standards and a […]

Volunteers Needed at Cat Shelter

Mary’s Kitty Korner, a no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for their kitties until they find their fur-ever homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare weekdays or weekends they would love to hear from you. They are located in Granby.  To learn more call 860-379-4141 or visit www.maryskittykorner.org. […]

BOS establishes Kearns School Study Committee

by Shirley MurthaAt the June 20 Board of Selectman meeting, the board approved the establishment of a Frank M. Kearns School Study Committee charged with evaluating and exploring opportunities for use of the building and its surrounding property. The committee will recommend the “highest and best use” of the facility to the BOS.The committee will consist of five members nominated by the Democratic and Republican Town Chairmen and one non-voting ex-officio BOS representative. At least one member […]

HUMANS OF GRANBY

By Emma SmithBella KrummAge 13Granby Middle School, Grade 8Lacrosse and Field Hockey player, Clarinet player in band Tell about a great day…“One day I went to Six Flags with my three closest friends. We have known each other since the beginning of elementary school. We liked the Wicked Cyclone so much that we rode it four times and then tried to see how weird we could look in photos of ourselves. Later we got henna tattoos; my friend’s was an infinity sign and mine was […]

Cooking by the Book

“Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”Those are the subtitles of the three parts of Michael Pollan’s book Food Rules—An Eater’s Manual. Pollan is well known for his unappetizing portrayal of the American food industry in his 2006 Omnivore’s Dilemma, and he most recently brought us the stunningly tasty series Cooked on Netflix. He has done his homework, unearthing the good, the bad and the incredible aspects of food in our world. Some of his pieces you can re […]

Area nonprofits team-up to encourage you to Get Fresh!

 By Trish Percival The Granby Land Trust, Granby Agricultural Commission, and Granby Artists Association have partnered to create a map showing local hiking trails, farms and art studios where you can get fresh. Get fresh food, fresh air, and a fresh perspective, that is right here in beautiful Granby. Lost Acres Vineyard’s Michelle Niedermeyer and the Granby Land Trust’s President Rick Orluk spearheaded the creation of the map. They have worked together for years t […]

Tennis Lessons

Looking for summer activities for kids age 5 to 16? The Juniors Program at the Granby Tennis Club is open to the public. Lessons vary according to ability and experience, but will include everything from stroke development to sportsmanship to match strategy. It’s all about learning with an emphasis on fun in an idyllic setting. Participants may sign up for one or more weeks throughout the five-week program beginning the week of June 27. Lessons run between 30–90 minutes, depending on […]

Lions officially present gazebo to the town

By Shirley MurthaThe Board of Selectmen and Lions Club members gathered on the town green on June 6 for the official presentation of the club’s gift of the new gazebo. First Selectman Scott Kuhnly remarked that the structure is a wonderful addition to the center. He noted that First Selectmen from neighboring towns have commented on the attractive addition.Lions Club President Bob Merrick said that the club wanted to do a long-lasting project for the community and the gazebo seemed to be the per […]

NEAM’s Soar into Summer Fun

The New England Air Museum’s annual Soar into Summer Fun programming will begin on Sunday, June 27. The public is invited to eight weeks of interactive activities for children, families and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Daily programs include climb aboard experiences in real aircraft; hands-on Build and Fly Challenges such as Straw Rockets, Parachute Drop, and Kites in Flight; interactive Flight Science Demonstrations; virtual flight simulators; and much more. For more information abou […]

2016 Safe Grad Party a Great Success

By Laura FetridgeThe 2016 Safe Graduation Party, a fun-filled, substance-free annual event, was held at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby on the evening of June 13, after graduation ceremonies. This year’s class was one of the largest in Granby history and a record 81 percent of graduates (154 students) attended the party. Lots of fun was had by all!The night began at 9:30 p.m. when graduates boarded buses at Granby Memorial High School (GMHS) to be shuttled to the YMCA where a variety […]

45th Granby Road Race runs strong

By Scott WoodamanOn May 7, Granby celebrated the 45th Granby Road Race 5K and 10K. This race has a course that involves road and trail to make beautiful running scenery for over 225 runners. The Farmington Valley YMCA has had the pleasure of hosting this race for six out of the 45 years. The event is the second oldest race in Connecticut, after the Manchester Road Race. This event would not be possible without the dedication of over 20 community volunteers and a race committee that worked tirele […]

Tasting Rome via Torta Rustica

By Susan AcceturaSomewhere between an impulsive creative nature, a nettlesome need to question any directive, and the likelihood that I’m missing a key ingredient (or five), I’ve never quite been able to follow a recipe exactly as written.  With a few decades of professional cooking experience under the old apron strings, you can’t help but develop some knowledge of how ingredients are likely to come together. You’d think after so many years one wouldn’t need t […]

Granby has gone to the dogs

By Karyn CordnerPeople are beginning to understand more about the good work Therapy Dogs do, and there is a trio of them helping school kids right here in Granby. James, an Australian shepherd, Ted, a long-haired dachshund, and Raven, a German shepherd, come to Kelly Lane School every week. For three hours each week, James, Ted and Raven nestle on the floor with students and patiently listen to stories read to them by the kids. The young students have an opportunity to practice their literacy sk […]

Lunch for the Mind: Ready for kitchen witchin’?

By Eileen LonghiJoin the Civic Engagement Education Team at the Granby Senior Center on Wednesday, June 15, at 12:30 for a unique program, Kitchen Witchery – Making Food Your Medicine presented by herbalist, Lisl Huebner.  Huebner is an expert in diagnosing patterns of imbalance according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) using pulse and tongue diagnosis and sets up herbal protocols and dietary recommendations for individuals. TMC is a comprehensive medical system that has bee […]

Local girl competing in National American Miss pageant

Kenya Mouning, age 13, has been chosen to participate in the National American Miss Southern New England Pageant to be held July 23 – 25 at the Sheraton Springfield in Springfield, Mass. The National American Miss pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, and have five age divisions. Kenya will be participating in the Junior Teen age division, along with other outstanding young ladies from across  Southern New England. In 2015, Kenya entered her first pageant and won three awards: Top 10 […]

Letters to the Editor

Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial staff and publisher.  Commentary pieces express the opinion of the writer and not necessarily the opinion of the Drummer.Roundabout Project ObjectionIt seems to me that the state has the cart before the horse when it comes to the Five Corners roundabout project. A roundabout may turn out to be unnecessary if all that is needed is better visibility of oncoming traffic from the south side of Rte. 10/202. This suggests that the pro […]

In town focus

Historical Society ToursThe Salmon Brook Historical Society is open for tours on Sundays beginning June 5, 2–4 p.m. Special exhibits in each building focus on Granby children. Group or private tours are available upon request. For more information call 860-653-9713 and leave a message or email Ginny Wutka at ginny@lostacres.com.The society is located at 208 Salmon Brook Street. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children and seniors, family maximum $12, members free.Blood Pressure Screenings […]

There’s a new vet in town

By Shirley Murtha​Actually she arrived last July, but Dr. Caitlin Rothacker has gradually become known to the horse-owners of the greater Granby area as she slips into the shoes of retired veterinarian Liam O’Leary. Although small in stature, her experience prior to arriving in Granby more than qualifies her to fill those shoes! In fact, O’Leary notes that “Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital is most fortunate to have such a talented highly educated and competent equine vete […]

Plan of Development latest draft presented to residents

By Shirley MurthaUnder the co-chairmanship of Paula Johnson and Eric Lukingbeal, the Plan of Conservation and Development Subcommittee presented its first draft of the 2015 plan to Granby residents on April 21. First developed in 1993 and updated in 2005, the plan is designed “to provide guidance and information to all of the town’s boards, commissions, public officials and residents.” It contains policies, goals and standards for physical and economic development and recommend […]