Recent Stories

Vegetable bounty served up cold

It is September again (already), school has started and the gardens and farm stands are overflowing with bushel baskets of vegetables. This month’s recipe for marinated vegetables makes great use of any and all of the garden treasures in a healthy way!

Meet me at the Center — September 2026

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
September is National Senior Center Month—celebrate with us!

Fall is a season of new beginnings at the Y

As summer begins to wind down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all of the fun, growth, and connection that happened at the Farmington Valley YMCA this summer. Our camps were filled with field trips, swimming, games, friendships and plenty of opportunities for kids to try something new.

Electrofishing for (not-so electric) eels in the Salmon Brook

Seven years ago, the National Park Service added the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook to the National Wild and Scenic River System, joining the previously designated Upper Farmington River.
The designation recognizes the rich biodiversity, cultural significance, geological features and recreational opportunities within the watershed.

Kestrel nesting box added to the Tree Trail

If you’re not familiar with the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail located on the hill across from the entrance to the North Barn event facility, this would be a good time to check out its newest addition. It’s not a new tree—it’s a kestrel nest box placed 12 feet in the air, on the right a short way up the entrance trail.

Bear season in Granby

June is bear season in Granby.

According to Connor Hogan, director of the McLean Game Refuge, there are currently at least three sows with cubs in the eastern portion of the Game Refuge and likely at least one more mother bear with cubs in the west.

June and the color yellow

There is a day in June celebrating yellow, appropriately named Yellow Day. In the psychology of color, yellow is linked to joy, and “the happiest day of the year” was started by psychologist Cliff Arnall to balance Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year, which occurs on the third Monday of January.

June is the start of picnic season

I always enjoy sharing tried-and-true favorites from my recipe box, and this one has become a longtime favorite for good reason. I first brought this salad to a friend’s Labor Day picnic years ago, and after several people immediately asked for the recipe, I knew it was a keeper!

A gardening adventure awaits

Near the center of town, community gardeners work the soil in the tradition of Granby’s agricultural past. On Hungary Road, in Ahrens Park, kids enthusiastically play ball near the south entrance while gardeners use the next entrance for the Granby Community Gardens. Just as enthusiastically they plant, water and care for their little bit of nature.

Gardening for the plants

“Companion planting” is a good way to think about relationships in the kitchen garden. This is a method of gardening where plants are situated alongside one another for mutual benefit: tomatoes and basil, marigolds and squash, cabbage and thyme, cucumbers and radishes for a few. Each relationship offers something different, whether it’s pest control or shading the soil, attracting pollinators or improving soil fertility.

Drummer welcomes Josh Anderson as editor

The board of directors of Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Josh Anderson as the new managing editor of the Drummer. He began his duties on April 1, and he succeeds Heather Lockwood who will continue as a Drummer volunteer.

Drummer writers once again score big!

The Connecticut Press Club, founded in the 1970s, is composed of writers, editors, authors and other media professionals. Each year media outlets throughout the state are invited to submit pieces of their published work in a variety of categories. In January, the Drummer submitted 13 articles written by its volunteers in 2025 for consideration—and in April were notified that nine of its writers received awards.

What would Jefferson do?

The 250th Declaration of Independence anniversary warrants a look at the “riddle” of Thomas Jefferson. His resumé as a Founding Father includes being the key writer of the Declaration and the third president. The first amendment’s freedom of religion and the wall of separation between church and state also bear his “mark.”

Record-Breaking Bear Cubs

The largest litter of bear cubs ever recorded in Connecticut was spotted in Granby this April. After a long, cold winter, a mother black bear emerged from the woods with a litter of five cubs.