Recent Stories

A study in contrasts: Dana McSwain

If you’re lucky enough to have encountered Dana McSwain over the 18 months since she and her husband Winston moved from Cleveland to Granby, then you’ve been warmed by her radiant smile. Perhaps you’ve seen her walking Simon and Pippi, her standard poodle puppies.

Coach Terri Ziemnicki honored with prestigious award

Granby Park and Recreation Department’s Recreation Supervisor Terri Ziemnicki is the 2024 recipient of the Thomas R. Monahan Award, one of the highest awards given by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.

Memorial Day Parade planning is underway

Granby’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the town’s biggest events of the year. The American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 partners with organizations throughout the area to honor those who paid the ultimate price — like Philip Shannon and Glen Shattuck for whom the post is named.

YMCA News

Chasing away the winter blues and No one fights this battle alone

It’s high season for the Marquis of Granby

By Polina R. CrottyAnother full summer is in store for Marquis of Granby Ancient Junior Fyfe and Drum Corps. The corps has already participated in a flurry of events including the Granby Little League Opening Day parade at the end of April, the North Haven, Enfield and Simsbury Memorial Day parades and, most recently, the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island. Marquis of Granby marched in the Gaspee Days celebration in Rhode Island. Photos by Kent McCord We all missed Granby’s own […]

Farmington Valley Chorale to host Elijah sing in.

By Deborah CareyThe Farmington Valley Chorale invites all singers to join its members in an open Sing In of choruses from Mendelssohn’s great oratorio, Elijah, on Sunday, August 14, at 3-5 p.m. The 100-member chorale, under the direction of Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, is beginning preparations for a Spring 2017 performance of Elijah. “This is an exciting way for us to kick off our Elijah year,” said Chorale President, Lorna Wright. “We hope that the opportunity to perform this […]

Blueberry Pie Supper

The West Granby United Methodist Church is hosting its Annual Blueberry Pie Supper on Saturday, July 23. Sittings are at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the church, 87 Simsbury Road in West Granby. The menu includes delicious ham, turkey, potato salad, cabbage salad, baked beans, dinner rolls and, of course, its famous blueberry pie with real whipped cream. Please call 860-653-2449 or 860-653-8045 to make your reservations. Tickets for adults are $14; children 6–12 are $7, and child […]

FOGPL is accepting donations for the 34th annual used book sale

By Kathleen MackThe Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) will gladly accept your “gently loved” books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games, toys and other book-related items for the 34th Annual FOGPL Used-Book Sale. From June 6 – August 13, all items may be dropped off at three convenient locations: Granby Public Library, Farmington Valley YMCA and Geisslers’s Supermarket. Please note that if you are bringing your items to the YMCA, Granby Public Library or Geissler’s Supermarket, do […]

Residents recognized for service to the town

by Shirley MurthaPrior to the Board of Selectmen meeting on June 6, several Granby residents were recognized for outstanding service to the town. First up were the Community Service Awards, which are based on nominations by residents and selected by a committee of representatives from the Drummer, GCTV and Selectman Mark Neumann.This year, there were two outstanding individuals who received the award. Cheryl Wickham was recognized for her contributions as a hospice volunteer for the Farmington V […]

FOGPLis accepting donations for the 34th annual used book sale

By Kathleen MackThe Friends of Granby Public Library (FOGPL) will gladly accept your “gently loved” books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games, toys and other book-related items for the 34th Annual FOGPL Used-Book Sale. From June 6 – August 13, all items may be dropped off at three convenient locations: Granby Public Library, Farmington Valley YMCA and Geisslers’s Supermarket. Please note that if you are bringing your items to the YMCA, Granby Public Library or Geissler’s Supermarket, do […]

Glid Doman, pioneer in aviation design

1921 – 2016Glidden Doman, a pioneer in the design of helicopters and wind turbines, passed away June 6.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1921, he came from a family of inventors and entrepreneurs. He majored in aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan, and after hearing Igor Sikorsky speak at a Society of Automotive Engineers meeting he became interested in helicopter rotors. In 1943, Doman went to work for Sikorsky in Bridgeport where he participated in intensive experimentation and […]

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 […]