Recent Stories

Granby Food Bank

We currently need: Jar spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs/meat raviolis, Salad dressings, Knorr and/or pasta sides, Brownie and cookie mixes, Asstd cereals regu-lar/sweet, Progresso soups, Dishwashing soap/laundry detergent

Silence is not Golden

The First Amendment was enacted to assure the freedom of conscience in speech, religion and assembly without coercion by government. However, we’ve forgotten the moral religious underpinnings of the Amendment, living in a day where all sides are trying to silence the other’s free speech with who can “shout” and “profile” the loudest for their cause.

Chamber of Commerce golf classic teed up community spirit

On Friday, May 16, the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce hosted its much-anticipated Annual Golf Classic at the picturesque Simsbury Farms Golf Course. With the early morning rain giving way to sunny skies, more than 100 local business leaders gathered for a day filled with camaraderie, competition and commitment to community.

Valley Pre-School celebrates 50 years with Nannie Brown

For half a century, Nannie Brown has remained a dedicated and passionate presence at Valley Pre-School. Her wisdom and experience influenced countless children, parents and teachers since she took on the role of lead teacher in 1975. Brown served in this role until 2011, when she “retired” from teaching, but she did not go far!

Salmon Brook hosts annual rubber duck race

The third annual Granby Grange Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by Lincoln Tech, was held on May 10 at Salmon Brook Park and was a tremendous success. With beautiful cold weather and high spirits, the event drew a lively crowd and community participation. Over $1,400 in prizes were awarded to the top 16 rubber duck winners and the last place winner.

The wrens return

Two years ago, I purchased a bird house thinking how lovely it would look in my tiny garden. I wasn’t sure if birds would ever nest in it, but I followed online instructions on how and where to situate it and a few weeks later I saw twigs sticking out from under the roof. We had a nest in progress—a wren! She’s back this year and another nest was built.

Tree Swallow

Jay Harder’s photo of a tree swallow is one of several by Granby Land Trust members during Spring Migration Walks in Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

Davis painting to hang at country club

On April 23, Susan Regan of the Sylvia Davis Art Foundation presented an oil painting to Dick Zanini, director of history at the Wethersfield Country Club. The painting was completed by Sylvia Davis Patricelli in 1961 and reflects the practice tee at the 1961 ICO championship at the club.

Silver Street Glass at Wadsworth Atheneum

Annukka Ritalahti and Mark Gottlieb were pleased to be invited to the Wadsworth Atheneum’s 42nd Fine Art and Flowers exhibit April 25–27. It was the pair’s second invitation to be part of the display of arts and crafts, paintings and sculptures throughout the museum. Live entertainment, including music, was part of the festivities.

Social Services — June 2025

The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents.

News and Notes as of April 22, 2025

As I write this column, it’s the morning after Granby voters approved the FY26 budget.
A direct budget vote on the operation of our town is democracy in action and an important act in the self-governance of our community. Of the more than 8,500 registered voters in Granby, 1,126 exercised their voting privilege.

Opportunity Knocks!

The Granby Drummer seeks Part Time Managing Editor
For more information, please contact editor@granbydrummer.org

FY26 Budget Passes

The town’s FY26 Budget Referendum was held on Monday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Granby Town Hall.
The 2025-26 Budget PASSED by a vote of 686 to 440.

What’s that in the bush?

Did you hear something rummaging in the undergrowth, but you couldn’t see who was making all the noise? It could be an Eastern towhee, like this one that Merle Yoder photographed on the Granby Land Trust’s Katan-Ensor Preserve.