Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/28/)
As the temperatures rise and school lets out, the YMCA is buzzing with energy, excitement and opportunity. From athletic programs that honor legacies to brand-new playgrounds and innovative family fitness classes, this summer at the Y is shaping up to be one of the most active and enriching yet.
Welcome to June—the biggest planting month of the year. The soil has warmed up, making the ground a wonderful host for new, young flower and vegetable plants. With the threat of frost behind us, we can safely plant summer gardens.
The Big Y grocery store in Simsbury has selected the Citizens for a Better Granby (publishers of the Drummer) to receive a portion of the sales of its Community Bags during June. The $2.50 reusable bags both benefit the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic bags and yield a $1 donation to CBG. That sounds like a WIN-WIN to us!
Wells Road School’s Jim Whitten repeated his Master of Ceremonies duties at the April 25 Gran-Bee trivia competition at Granby Memorial High School. Funds from the trivia contest and auction benefit the Granby Education Foundation’s community grants program.
Rob Flanigan took this photo at Enders Falls on May 10 with his Canon R8.
On April 25, the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) proudly celebrated the 20th Annual Gran-Bee—marking two decades of trivia, teamwork and transformative community giving. This beloved fundraiser, held at Granby Memorial High School, brought together friends, families and neighbors to compete in a spirited trivia competition and to bid on a buzzing silent auction—all in support of GEF’s mission to fund innovative educational grants in the community.
More than 100 Granby Land Trust (GLT) members and friends fanned out across Granby over the course of Earth Day weekend, picking up roadside trash from more than 50 miles of road as part of the GLT’s fourth annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup.
Rick Orluk took this photo of the field in the GLT’s Ann Pelka Preserve in North Granby.
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.
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!
I made these potatoes for a family dinner over the holidays and got rave reviews. Absolutely delicious and easy to make—definitely a special dish to serve with any menu. Enjoy!
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.
Please note that the center is closed Feb. 17 for Presidents’ Day.
Skaters were taking advantage of the ice at Christiansen’s Pond before a snowstorm.
Registration is required for all library programs unless otherwise indicated. To register, visit granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program.” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter. For the most updated information on dates and programs, refer to the library’s online calendar.
On Dec. 5 the attendees of the Granby Women’s Breakfast enjoyed the music of the Granby High School Chorale led by Chorale Director Mindy Shilansky. The Women’s Group invited Town Manager Mike Walsh, Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Police Chief Scott Sansom to speak at its Jan. 8 meeting. Submitted by Joan Ducharme
Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 had a very rewarding year and phenomenal support from the community. Here is a rundown of many 2024 events and activities.
Many individuals have spent their entire lives in Granby contributing to the town’s growth and community spirit. One such was Merrill W. Clark, a dedicated town resident whose legacy of hard work and service left a lasting impact on Granby.
Have you ever driven through the center of Granby and seen the large sign that says Stony Hill Village? The sign stands between the Brignole, Bush and Lewis offices and the Small World Learning and Childcare Center at 259 Salmon Brook Street. Many of us have driven by for years and thought it was an apartment complex. It is much more than that.
Granby resident Don Shaw received a call on Dec. 30 while he and wife Peggy were packing food bags at Granby Congregational Church’s Open Cupboard Pantry. It was from the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, telling him that representatives of the Isa Soares Tonight show that airs on CNN International in London wanted to interview him about his experiences and memories of working with former President Jimmy Carter who had died the previous day.
As winter settles in and we count down the days to the return of warm summer rays, the Y is here to brighten the season. We’ve rounded up an exciting array of activities for families, youth and adults to keep you warm, happy and engaged during these cooler months.
Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.
Important Investments; Successful year of food production means winter shares; Winter Trail Work; Take a Hike, Virtually; and Exploring the Repurposing of the West Granby United Methodist Church
In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.
Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.
On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.
State’s Healthcare Insurance Administration, and Podcaster Mike Allen
This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.
Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.
The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Foundation recently donated two portraits painted by Patricelli to a West Hartford church and a local country club.