Recent Stories

People

End of an era as director of public works retires

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You can’t be much more of a native than to be born in a town and to live there all your life, but that is the case for retiring Director of Public Works Kirk Severance. His childhood education, grades 1–12, was right here, as were many of his early jobs. For the rest of his education, he never got far from home, taking classes at the University of Connecticut Transportation Institute and engineering and management classes at the University of Hartford.

About Town

New committees are moving forward

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In the July Drummer update, I detailed the important work two recently reconstituted committees were undertaking. These are the IBAC, the Intra-Board Advisory Committee on shared services and the PBCPC, the Public Building and Capital Project Committee on the possible December bond questions.

Town/Govt

Volunteer needed on Aquarian Representative Policy Board

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Municipalities now play a direct role in helping govern Aquarion through its Representative Policy Board. The board is comprised of appointees from every municipality within its service area and is responsible for approving water rates and overseeing other key aspects of the water authority’s governance.

Town/Govt

WARNING: Notice of special town meeting and referendum vote

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All electors and persons qualified to vote in town meetings of the Town of Granby, Connecticut, are hereby notified that the Board of Selectmen of the Town are convening a Special Town Meeting to be held at the Senior Center Community Room, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035. The Special Town Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on December 1, 2026.

Town/Govt

Granby Food Bank — September 2026

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We currently need: Dinty Moore beef stew, Assorted crackers (Ritz, Saltines, Town House), Canned peaches/pineapple/fruit cocktail, Applesauce, Ketchup/mustard/mayo/pickles/relish, Taco dinner boxes, Dishwashing soap

Great Outdoors

Ray Haack’s legacy at Christensen Pond

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Since 1956, the scenic pond on Wells Road has been open to the public for fishing, picnicking, bird-watching and assorted social gatherings thanks to the generosity of Allen and Carol Christensen, who own the property. The pond has never had an identifying sign, until now.

Fun & Rec

What I’m reading this summer

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A seasonal reading moment that stands out to me each year is when I can finally take my book outside and settle into the plush, green grass. I no longer need a sweater for a walk. It’s the first time I can read outdoors comfortably again.

People

It really is a small world

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Christopher DeGray, director of facilities for Granby Public Schools, recently attended a national symposium on school safety and reunification at The College of DuPage near Chicago.

NOT WANTED

Weeds, Weeds, Weeds: Garden-Variety Invasive Plants

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It’s June and, as every gardener knows, a wet spring means a wild world of weeds.

Weed is a catchall term, imprecise and subjective—plants growing where they’re not wanted! Lots of weeds are annoying but controllable without chemicals. Others are maddening—no matter what we do, they come back and back and back. Some of the worst are truly invasive—on the state Invasive Plants list.

Granby Land Trust

GLT learns deceit can sometimes be the best solution

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In the spring of 2025, visitors to the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve noticed something unusual at the North Marsh: an industrious group of beavers had built a dam directly beneath the footbridge. As a result, water levels rose, the marsh began to resemble a pond, and the altered flow threatened the bridge’s integrity.
The Granby Land Trust was faced with a challenge: how do we protect the marsh, and our bridge, without harming the beavers?

Volunteer for the Drummer!

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The Drummer is looking for volunteers, including experienced and aspiring writers, photo editors, proofreaders, copy editors and folks to assist with our marketing and production teams. We offer training to anyone looking to learn new skills and give back to their local community. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, we’d love to hear from you!

Out of Town

Out of Town — June 2026

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74th Annual Strawberry Festival, East Granby Library’s Programs, Air museum to hold WWII weekend, Porter-Phelps Huntington Museum News, Barn concert sessions, and Concert for fans of CSNY

In Town Focus

In Town Focus — June 2026

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Nonprofit organizations in Granby are invited to announce upcoming events—free of charge—here on the In Town Focus page. According to Drummer readers, this calendar page is the first one they read, so take advantage of this free, no strings-attached option to let the community know what is happening in your organization.

Events

PFLAG Granby celebrates Pride Month with film series

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PFLAG Granby is pleased to announce a series of film screenings to celebrate Pride Month. On June 7 at 4 p.m., the chapter will host a screening of Tomorrow’s Too Late, about British artist Dylan Holloway, formerly known as Lots Holloway, who stepped away from the spotlight during the 2020 lockdown to begin his gender transition. Once a rising star on the UK’s X-factor, Holloway now faced a profound personal and professional crossroads as hormone therapy could irreversibly change the voice that defined his career.

Browse & Borrow

Browse & Borrow — June 2026

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There’s always something happening at the Granby Public Library. With programs ranging from storytimes and teen activities to author talks, hands-on workshops and special events, the library provides welcoming opportunities for the community to learn, connect and be inspired. Registration is required for library programs.

Events

Granby Libraries’ book sale donations start late June

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This year, Friends of the Granby Public Libraries (FOGPL) 43rd annual Used Book Sale will be held at Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Road, West Granby. Preview Night is on Friday, July 24, 5–8 p.m. with a $10 entrance fee. The regular sale is on Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Last chance sale is on Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. with $10 per bag or donation.