Recent Stories

GLT learns deceit can sometimes be the best solution

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!

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 — June 2026

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 — June 2026

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.

PFLAG Granby celebrates Pride Month with film series

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 — June 2026

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.

Farmer Joe discussed soil and sustainability

Holcomb Farm’s Joe O’Grady opened his talk at the Granby Public Library on Feb. 24 with this remark, “Sustainability is all about the soil.” He proceeded to back up his comment with facts garnered during his 20 years of studying this basic component of the farming process.

Courageous conversations video series

Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) will begin a five-part Courageous Conversations Video Series based on the work of Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Ala. and author of the acclaimed bestseller, Just Mercy.

Springtime marks the return of the northern mockingbirds

It’s getting to that time of year when the northern mockingbirds return to Granby, though some hardy individuals stay here year-round. Of course, you may not recognize them by their song since they have more than 200 of those, not to mention the 30 other bird songs they can mimic. This is the talent that gives them their common name. In addition to other birds, these clever avians can imitate crickets, barking dogs, squeaky hinges and many other things.

Naptime is over!

Bears are awakening from their long winter naps and sightings confirm that spring has arrived! Spring becomes a couple of chaotic months for bears and humans and the usual questions arise. How do we keep these large omnivores out of our yards, away from our youngsters and pets, out of garbage bins and our chicken coops? Understanding what’s going on can help put it all in perspective.

Granby Boy and Girls Basketball season highlights

The Granby Girls team lost in the first round of the CIAC Division III State Tournament against Kolbe Cathedral, with a final score of 63-35.
The Granby Boys team lost in the second round of the Division IV State Tournament (there was a bye first round) against Cromwell, 54-36.

Barns that built a town

As winter begins to thaw, the earth slowly reveals itself again after months beneath the snow. Driving through Granby in early spring, it’s impossible not to notice the barns. They rise behind stone walls and quiet fields, their red siding weathered by decades of New England seasons.

Town Manager pinch-hits

The March 4 Women’s Breakfast had a last-minute program change. The GMHS Drama Club was to perform music from its upcoming production of The Little Mermaid but the delayed school opening caused a cancellation.

Spring has sprung

It is the middle of March as I write this and 67 degrees! Weather enthusiasts would call this a false spring yet signs of the season are all around. In the widening circles of soggy brown earth, tree bark is radiating warmth as it absorbs the sunshine and melts the surrounding snow.

Cooking safety starts at home

Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention. This national campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Up, up and away!

Dr. Laura Doherty, a local dentist, spoke at the March Men’s Breakfast gathering about her recently completed Women’s Air Race Classic. Very entertaining and fun.

Special blueberry muffins

This special recipe comes from my mom, Mary Cook. Served in the original Jordan Marsh store in Boston, these muffins were always a family favorite. As spring arrives, they’re such a delightful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering—and now blueberries are plentiful in our grocery stores year-round. Enjoy!