Recent Stories

Broadleaf Solar reaches out a neighborly hand

In 2021, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI Renewables LLC of New York City) purchased 665 acres of land in Granby and East Granby, the former Monrovia Nursery Company property, for $7.2 million, with plans to build a photovoltaic solar facility like its 130-acre Tobacco Valley Solar Farm in Simsbury that opened in 2019 and its 485-acre Gravel Pit Solar site in East Windsor, which is set to open this year. The Granby portion of the proposed project, Broadleaf Solar, is 322 acres at 35 Floydville Road and 90 Salmon Brook St.

Town hall happenings

Everyone is gearing up for summer! Grills and barbecues have been cleaned, yards beautified, and weekend plans are being made to enjoy the upcoming season. Many of our town departments are gearing up as well, so read on for information about what’s going on around Town Hall.

It takes a village!

From time-to-time Citizens for a Better Granby, publisher of The Granby Drummer, reviews and updates its mission to inform and educate our neighbors on what’s happening in our town. Applying the philosophy that “it takes a village,” we’d like to share our thoughts for the future.

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date,  time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed.

New England’s Forgotten Farms

Forgotten Farms, a documentary about New England dairy farms, will be shown Sunday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in the Simsbury Public Library lower level program room. The Friends of Holcomb Farm partnered with the Granby and Simsbury land trusts to host this free event, which will explore the plight of struggling dairy farms that are becoming increasingly scarce in New England.

TIOSN presents: Soil, plant and human health effects of glyphosate

The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN) is grateful for the unique opportunity to bring two world-class research scientists to Granby for a presentation on the effects of Roundup and it’s active ingredient, glyphosate. Dr. Don M. Huber, Professor Emeritus, Plant Pathology, Purdue University and Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will discuss the soil, plant and human health effects of glyphosate.

Spring’s Journey

The wind blows and there’s a talk of more snow. I ask myself, “When will spring ever come?”
Then I remind myself that the days have lengthened, the sun is stronger, and soon purple, white, and yellow crocuses will be appearingeven if through a covering of snow.

Fola Oluwaseun

Granby Memorial High School Senior
Age: 18
Tell about yourself… I live in Hartford and travel to Granby each day as an Open Choice student.

DTC Trivia Night raises funds for scholarships

Members and guests of the Granby Democratic Town Committee (DTC) gathered for fun, food and friendly competition at the second annual Trivia Game Night Out, an event that raises funds for Granby DTC college scholarship awards. The event was attended by more than 80 people this year.  Award levels have grown over the years with the first scholarship of $500 awarded in 2012 increasing to two $1000 scholarships in 2017.

Toni Boucher (R): Exploratory candidate for governor

Toni Boucher has been a member of the Connecticut Senate from the 26th District since January 2009 following six terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Senator Boucher is currently in an exploratory campaign run for the 2018 Connecticut Gubernatorial race that is crowded with approximately twelve other candidates on each side of the isle plus one independent who has already chosen a running mate.

Guy Smith (D) – candidate for governor

Guy Smith, a Greenwich resident, has initiated his campaign in a run for the 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial race and his skill set has a deep and broad spectrum. His career path includes senior leadership experience in the corporate arena, highest level federal government positions and global non-profit assignments.

Foxfield equine program a winner with veterans

A former member of the Coast Guard and U.S. Army, and Vietnam prisoner of war survivor enjoyed a farrier session while participating in Foxfield F.A.R.M.’s curriculum. For more info on Granby’s destination for veterans suffering with PTSD, visit: foxfieldrecoverymission.org where tax exempt donations can be made.

Foxfield F.A.R.M

Foxfield F.A.R.M recently received a donation of $5,000 from the Ceres Foundation of Charleston, S.C. whose mission is supporting programs that help to change individual lives. By expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth and vulnerable families to develop and make full use of their potential, they will be able to pursue their highest ambitions, earn decent wages, enjoy healthy relationships, and fully participate in their communities.

2 Park Place, Part 3 — The Avery Years

Four generations of Avery’s lived at 2 Park Place from 1925 when Bertha Rice Avery bought the house, until it was sold in 2016 for business suites. George W. Avery came to Granby from Chenango Co.

Maple sugaring demonstration for kids

On Sunday, March 18, at 1 p.m., join Granby Land Trust Board Member Extraordinaire Dave Emery of Emery Farm for a hands-on demonstration of how maple sugar is made. Farmer Dave will follow an abbreviated process of sap collection, then transport through to boiling, filtering and bottling of the finished product. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared to taste some delicious Emery Farm maple syrup.

GMHS Athletes of the Month

Maddee McGee
Sports played: Basketball, Softball
Academic accomplishments: Honor Roll Student, Perfect Attendance 2015-16, Spanish Honor Society member, Young Educators Society member
Athletic Accomplishments:
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Girl’s Basketball (Sophomore)
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2016-17 -Softball (Sophomore)
All- Conference Honors NCCC Team 2017-18 -Girl’s Basketball (Junior)
Captain of Granby Varsity Girls Basketball 2017-18
AAU Basketball player (5 years)
How I prepare for a game/match/meet: Review game film, get to practice early to get shots up, stay after practice to get shots up, scout opponents, write out plays using my whiteboard, work out at the YMCA on weekends, check opponent records and stats, listen to music
Most memorable moment as a BEAR:
Basketball: Ellington Away Game Freshman Year; subbed in six minutes left in 4th qtr, down 28-36, scored 10 points to bring Granby back within one possession (missed buzzer beater)
Softball: Hitting two home runs in back-to-back at bats vs. Bolton (Spring 2017 Season)
Favorite athlete: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder; Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Plans after high school: Attend a four-year university and play women’s college basketball/softball, while earning a degree in Education; play women’s basketball professionally, coach sports
Favorite quote: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”– Michael Jordan

Kaleb Lillestolen
Sports played: Basketball, Track
Academic accomplishments:  Spanish Honor Society, Honor Roll
Athletic Accomplishments: Basketball Captain, four Varsity Letters
How I prepare for a game/match/meet:  pregame snack and relax
Most memorable moment as a BEAR:
Win over St.

MeadowBrook resident celebrates 100 years

MeadowBrook of Granby staff and residents celebrated the 100th birthday of one of their very own residents Florence “Elsie Rowe”. Mrs. Rowe, born January 18, 1918, was showered with balloons and gifts as she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.