Recent Stories

Granby Student Achievement: Year-over-Year Growth in State Assessments

At the Sept. 17 meeting, the Granby Board of Education received test score results from the prior year’s Smarter Balance (SBAC) tests. These results, coupled with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) assessment and the PSAT and SAT scores provide guidance to the board—and more importantly the administration and the teachers—of what additional work or changes need to be implemented to help our students achieve their best.

Our highways and byways evolved with the times

Last month, I described how, as a result if the flood of 1955, Granby became an island when the bridges and roads on Routes 9, 189, 20, and 10 were washed out or badly damaged, so that no one could get in or out of Granby. Our town green was literally an island as it is surrounded by Routes 10, 20 and 189 (formerly known as Route 9). Here is a brief history of roads through picturesque Granby.

John W. Conley

Colonel John Conley, former resident of Simsbury and North Granby, passed away peacefully at his home in Mays Landing, NJ, on Friday, August 22, 2025 surrounded by his family, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 69.

Fall at Stony Hill Village

Granby Homes for Senior Citizens, which operates Stony Hill Village, will hold its annual Friends of Stony Hill Village meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at 259 Salmon Brook Street.

Women’s Chorale group awards scholarships

The West Hartford Women’s Chorale is proud to announce its 2025 recipients for two $1,500 scholarship awards. From an exceptionally talented pool of applicants, the WHWC Scholarship Committee has chosen Nairobi Mouning from Granby as one of its recipients.

Meet Pastor Dong Hyun Choi

There’s excitement in the air at Simsbury United Methodist Church (SUM) as it welcomes a new pastor, Dong Hyun Choi (Pastor DH), on July 1.

Melba Trott Griffin

Melba Trott Griffin, born in Framingham, Massachusetts on June 3, 1927, completed her journey and passed away at home with hospice care on March 21, 2025.

Calling artists to the 2025 All Members Show

The Granby Artists Association (GAA) presents its annual All Members Show at the East Granby Public Library from June 5 to June 26 with an artist reception on Thursday, June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Mays, Shoulds and Musts

May is the number one month for gardening, and that means decisions! What to add, what to subtract, what to divide—and how to cope with the relentless multiplication of invasive plants.

Bumble bees—the queens of the pollinators

Most people know that bees are one of the most important pollinators of not just our pretty flowers, but also many of our important food crops. You are probably picturing a cute little honeybee perched on the edge of a blossom right now, and you would probably be surprised to learn that it’s not the little honeybee that is the best at pollination but rather the big ole bumble bee!

Of hummingbirds, hawk moths and ephemerals

Years ago, I received a phone call from Melissa, my cousin in Philadelphia. It was early May and she wanted to know about a baby hummingbird hovering over a small patch of flowers. After 27 years of tending to my hillside garden in Vermont, I knew the “baby” was actually a hawk moth, also known as sphinx moth.

Letter Writing

Today, we communicate by texting or email. In my day, it was through writing letters.

Home maintenance reminders

Homeowners sometimes forget to conduct maintenance on the systems that keep homes running smoothly. The majority of appliance manufacturers have recommended practices for cleaning and repairing their products, so they function efficiently and effectively. Below are some reminders and tips.

Raspberry Spinach Salad

I found this recipe a few years ago and it gets rave reviews wherever I serve it. Quick, delicious and nutritious—it doesn’t get better than that. And it’s a beautiful and colorful way to celebrate our new awakening in springtime!

Drummer writers once again score big!

The Connecticut Press Club, founded in the 1970s, is comprised 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 15 articles written by its volunteers in 2024 for consideration—and in April were notified that 12 of its writers received awards.

Roberts addressed the United Nations

On March 22 Dave Roberts spoke about The Future of Service at the United Nations, linking the relationship between Lions International, the United Nations and The United Nations Association of the USA.