Recent Stories

Town/Govt

Granby Food Bank — Nov. 2025

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We currently need: Canned chicken; Canned chili; Knorr Rice sides; Brownie, cake and cookie mixes; Applesauce; Pineapple chunks; Progresso Soups; Stuffing/Salad Dressings; Bar Soap /Dishwashing soap

Opinion

BOE not putting students or excellence first

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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.

Opinion

Where do they plan on locating the 100-megawatts of utility-scale batteries?

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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.

People

BOS fortunate to have outstanding student representatives

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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.

Opinion

Granby’s finances

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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.

History

An American soldier remembered

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I recently found a small book, The American Soldier’s Creed, in my grandfather’s papers. My grandfather, Elmer C. Vreeland, proudly served in WWI and the creed (reprinted in this article) depicts the ideals for which his generation was fighting.

Great Outdoors

A twist on the usual coleslaw for your next barbecue

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So delighted to share this recipe—I made it many moons ago for a Cook sister’s gathering and birthday celebration for our mom. Horseradish is a great addition, just enough to add spice and flavoring but not enough to send tears down your face! This is a perfect salad for summer gatherings or barbecues, and might taste even better the next day—if there is any leftover.

Great Outdoors

Community Garden kicks off!

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The Granby Community Garden, located at 79 Hungary Road, officially launched its growing season on May 3 with its annual work day, drawing a strong turnout of returning gardeners and enthusiastic newcomers alike.

Verse

June’s Gifts

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In the park June greets us with her roses.
Their beautiful colors and sweet scents give us Hope and Peace.

Drumrolls

A tree for Tom Nystrom

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Many readers will remember Tom Nystrom. His life was full of service to the Town of Granby: Boy Scout troop leader, senior van driver, Sunday school teacher, 100-time blood donor. He drove the Marquis of Granby bus and won the Granby Congregational Church chili contest.

Granby Land Trust

Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve a haven for birds

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The Granby Land Trust’s (GLT) annual spring migration bird walks at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve delivered exciting sightings again this Mother’s Day weekend. Despite the somewhat windy conditions, participants identified 50 bird species on Sunday and 48 species on Monday.

Granby Land Trust

GLT hosts spring ephemeral walk

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On a beautiful late April evening, GLT member Aubrey Schulz helped a group of 24 participants locate and identify spring ephemeral plants on the GLT’s Mary Edwards Mountain Property in North Granby.

Fun & Rec

Fun and fitness at the YMCA

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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.

The Garden Corner

Companion gardening

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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.

Events

Buy Big Y shopping bags in June

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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!

Fun & Rec

Gran-Bee celebrated its 20 years milestone in style

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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.

Bonus Pages

Gran-Bee celebrates 20 years in style!

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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.