Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/2/)
The mission of both the Granby Public Schools and the Connecticut State Board of Education is clear: academic excellence must be our top priority. Granby BOE policy requires board members to act with integrity, accountability and transparency, while working in true partnership with parents and guardians.
For generations, America’s service members have stood watch over our freedoms—on land, at sea and in the air. They have answered the call in times of war and peace, often at great personal cost, to ensure that liberty endures for all. Their mission has always been clear: protect the rights and ideals enshrined in our Constitution.
Where is the Golden Rule? Will our nation survive its current political strife?
Numerous developers including D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) in our valley are vying to plug into the large Eversource electrical transmission line that runs from North Bloomfield to Agawam. Its desire is to install massive batteries that are primarily made from lithium and other toxic metals. The problem is that the public isn’t being told about some of their locations.
Madeleine Ayotte and Zainab Zafar are the 2025-26 student representatives to the board of selectmen. They are well-rounded in their school and personal lives and are enthusiastic reporters of all things going on at Granby Memorial High School. They’re also not hesitant to ask questions or offer opinions when asked to do so.
More than half of the leadership positions of the board of selectmen, board of education and board of finance (BOF) are on this year’s ballot. Whether it is the quality of education that our children receive, the quality of town services, and most importantly, the changes in property taxes, all are impacted by decisions those elected will make.
Early Voting, Voter ID, New voting machines, Election Day Nov. 4, Sample Ballots, and Calendar Review
Community Ham Dinner, Cozy up with Lifelong Learning, and Holiday Bazaar
Camera Club, Women’s Breakfast, Men’s Breakfast, Granby Center Plan, Bible Study, Holiday Farmers Mar-kets, and Civic Club is “buzzing”
Fifty years ago an iconic landmark, the Loomis Bros. Store in the center of Granby was torn down and with it a piece of the town’s sense of place and history disappeared.
Each Friday afternoon, a long line of cars waits off North Granby Road in front of the meetinghouse of Granby Congregational Church’s North Campus. On warm summer days, people mingle between the cars, and on frozen winter days, the windows are rolled up, but the line persists. When the clock strikes 3 p.m., Open Cupboard Pantry opens for business, and cars inch forward to a row of volunteers ready to load bags of groceries into the trunk of each vehicle.
Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital (SBVH) will hold its annual pet food drive on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Cat and dog food donations will go to aid local food pantries and to organizations dedicated to keeping pets with their owners.
As the leaves turn and we head into the season of gratitude, the Farmington Valley YMCA is reflecting on what truly matters—community, connection and compassion. November at the Y is a time to celebrate the heart of our mission: strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Quarry Road Bridge will be under construction starting on Monday, Nov. 3. The road will be shut down heading southbound from Phelps Road starting Wednesday, Oct. 29 to begin staging of materials and equipment.
The road is scheduled to be reopened by the last week of June 2026. Please follow the posted detour signs or plan an alternate route. Any questions about the project may be directed to Lee Corbert, director of public works 860-668-3280 or emailed to Lcorbert@suffieldct.gov
Roger K. Hayes, 93, of North Granby and beloved husband of the late Freda E. (Nolan) Hayes, passed away peacefully on Oct. 11.
Roger Hernsdorf passed away at the age of 87 on Oct. 4, 2025, surrounded by family.
Alix, Shirley Lucille (Cota), 86, wife of the late Laurier Joseph Alix, Sept. 2
Mack, Leland E., 85, husband of Lorraine (Lukszis) Mack, Sept. 12
Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check the Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities.
The Granby Artists Association (GAA) will host their annual Holiday Gift Show at Granby Congregational Church’s North Campus, 219 North Granby Road Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Shop for original works of art created by your favorite local artists.
Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) believes we can if we get to know one another and actually listen to each other. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, GRR will present An Example of Civil Discourse: A Breath of Fresh Air for Polarized Times.
The Granby Capital Priority Planning Advisory Council (CPPAC) has re-convened with renewed purpose and partnership. Meeting twice a month, the council brings together representatives from the board of education (BOE), board of selectmen, and board of finance to review both municipal and school capital needs. Together, the town boards are engaging in forward-thinking discussions to assess capital priorities, balance resources, and plan responsibly for Granby’s future.
Trash Holiday: Please be aware that Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving) is a holiday for USA Waste & Recycling. All Thursday and Friday trash and recycling pickups will be delayed by one day that week.
Rodenticides are one of the most common toxin exposures we see in veterinary medicine. Last month I covered anticoagulant rodenticides, which are the easiest to treat. Now we will touch base on the other two classes of rodenticides—cholecalciferol and bromethalin. These two types of rodenticides are not easy to treat like the anticoagulants. These are newer generation poisons that can cause serious harm to pets if not treated quickly.
On Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, the Granby Drummer will host its third Puzzle Slam competition and fundraiser at the Granby Memorial Middle School. A midwestern favorite, speed puzzling has risen in popularity in recent years.
Friends of Holcomb Farm mourn the loss of Jenny Emery, A Banner Year on the Farm, Yoga on the Hol-comb Tree Trail Knoll, Holcomb Farm Tree Trail Habitat Walk, Generous to the Core, Holiday Gift Bag Sale, Lost Acres Vineyard Holiday Market, and Holcomb Farm Holiday Sales
Join the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries for a puzzle and game sale on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the main library. Browse a wide variety of puzzles and games—perfect for all ages!
At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, daylight savings time will end and we will set our clocks back one hour. That it is a good reminder to replace smoke alarm batteries. It is also a good time to check the age of your smoke alarms. The life expectancy of a smoke alarm is 10 years. If you are unsure as to the age, it would be a good idea to replace the unit.
If someone asks what’s your favorite color, most likely brown is not high on the list. Yet for those who love walking in the November forest, the burnt siennas, umbers, chestnuts, taupes, rusts and many related hues offer a earthy warmth to calm the soul.
Fall in New England always means it’s apple season! This recipe came to me from the Bellott family in Granby. Very easy, very delicious and the recipe makes two loaves—one to keep and one to share with family, friends or co-workers.