Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/15/)
This column began in 2019 with a series of Invasive of the Month columns focusing on nine of the most common, harmful, difficult-to-control invasive plants in our area. For those who didn’t laminate, frame or memorize those columns, this one restarts the series with updated information.
Winter is still a great time for birding in Connecticut. It is a season filled with the dark-eyed junco, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch and the Northern cardinal, to name a few.
Emma Hansen, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin-Madison University during the fall semester.
Caroline Hall, of Granby, has earned highest honors on the University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for the fall semester.
Samantha Kovaleski, of East Granby, was named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Connecticut.
On Nov. 15, 17 Girl Scouts from Granby, East Granby and Hartland participated in an event to honor veterans who have served our country. The scouts had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories from two women in the military, Senior Airman Ashley Seger of the Connecticut Air National Guard and Claire Cashwell, Commander American Legion Post #59.
Holiday spirit filled the air as more than 100 residents gathered at the Town Hall Complex for the town’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration, an evening that blended music, tradition and community connection.
Tillotson, Timothy Nolan, 73, husband of Cynthia Tillotson, November 6
Dejean, Jacques Bernard, 32, former husband of Katelyn DeJean, November 25
Don Shaw, Jr. took a photograph on Christmas Day that he thought Drummer readers may find interesting—Christmas Day hikers enjoying the Crag Mountain panoramic view from Granby Land Trust’s Emery Family Preserve.
On Dec. 3, the Granby 4-H Club gathered for its monthly meeting and transformed the Senior Center’s gathering room into a mini-holiday workshop with tables of stickers, beads, markers, pipe cleaners and glitter.
Seth Pomeroy Holcombe and Lucy Eaton Holcombe were longtime residents of the village of North Granby in the town of Granby. Both were active in their community, enthusiastically supporting the culture and history of the town they loved. To continue their lifetime of giving back, the Holcombes established the Pomeroy-Brace Fund at the Hartford Foundation to support organizations serving the residents of Granby and the region.
On Dec. 11 and 12, volunteers from the Granby Lions Club and Granby Memorial High School Leo Club helped host the Lions Club Special Education Children’s Holiday Party. The event welcomed 410 students and staff from eight towns, including those from Wells Road and Kelly Lane schools in Granby.
Members of Granby’s American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 came out to clean the Granby Veterans Wall of Honor located in Salmon Brook Park on Oct. 18.
The Granby Lions recently completed its annual vision screening of preschool and elementary school children in Granby.
On Sept. 19, the Granby Lions participated in the Veterans Stand Down event at the State Veterans Home in Rocky Hill for the third year in a row. The Lions members collected toiletry items, clothing, eyeglasses and first aid items throughout the year to donate to military veterans in need.
Registration is required for library programs unless noted. To register visit granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275.
Highlights from the meeting held on October 8th, 2025
The Granby Registrars of Voters office worked hard to get ready for early voting in Granby.
Dr. Harry Werner, retired veterinarian, entertained the Woman’s Breakfast Group on Oct. 1 with humorous anecdotes about his years working with large farm animals.
Highlights from the meeting held on October 6th, 2025
More than 110 Granby Land Trust members gathered for the 2025 GLT Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper on October 19 in Cook Hall at the Granby Congregational Church North Campus.
Members of the Board of Directors and staff members took a moment to celebrate the accomplishment of attaining accreditation renewal through the Land Trust Alliance.
When the Board of Directors of the GLT accepted the 210-acre Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, given to the GLT by Jamie Gamble, in North Granby, they knew it would require a good deal of maintenance and loving care and there needed to be someone available to take care of issues as they arose. Luckily, they knew just the people for the job—Bob and Karen Saunders.
This award recognizes an individual who provides exceptional property stewardship support to the GLT. In this case, that involves caring for a single extraordinary tree that requires thoughtful care and ongoing attention.
The 2025 Mary Edwards Friend of the Land Trust Award—the GLT’s highest honor—was given to Will Hart and his sister Sarah Koeniger, who donated 44 acres of land—now known at the Hart Family Preserve—to the trust earlier this year.
The GLT recognized and honored outgoing GLT Board member Paula Johnson for her incredible dedication and generosity to the Land Trust.
The Granby Horse Council (GHC) is announcing its 2026 scholarship award of $700 to a senior enrolled in their high school or home school program. Membership in the GHC is not required.
You can now take a video tour of the Granby Land Trust’s (GLT) Emery and Hart Family Preserves in North Granby. Starting at the GLT’s Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve trail head located off Silver Street (these two preserves connect to the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve trail system) you will virtually explore the Emery and Hart Family Preserves located on the Silver/Loomis Street ridgeline.
Hear from Mike Walsh, Mark Fiorentino, Mike Guarco, Monica Logan, Rick Orluk,
Eric Lukingbeal, and Joe O’Grady.
Fall is in full swing here in Granby, and it’s time to adjust for the cold weather and plan for leaf cleanup. The chill in the early morning air slides away as the sun comes out, and there’s lots to see and do around town. Fall brings more program offerings, completed projects from public works, and updates from the building department. Read on for news and upcoming events from various departments at Granby Town Hall.
Photos by Lynette Simpson
