Recent Stories

Volunteers Needed at Cat Shelter

Mary’s Kitty Korner, a no-kill cat shelter, is looking for volunteers to help care for their kitties until they find their fur-ever homes. If you love cats and have some time to spare weekdays or weekends they would love to hear from you. They are located in Granby.  To learn more call 860-379-4141 or visit www.maryskittykorner.org. […]

BOS establishes Kearns School Study Committee

by Shirley MurthaAt the June 20 Board of Selectman meeting, the board approved the establishment of a Frank M. Kearns School Study Committee charged with evaluating and exploring opportunities for use of the building and its surrounding property. The committee will recommend the “highest and best use” of the facility to the BOS.The committee will consist of five members nominated by the Democratic and Republican Town Chairmen and one non-voting ex-officio BOS representative. At least one member […]

HUMANS OF GRANBY

By Emma SmithBella KrummAge 13Granby Middle School, Grade 8Lacrosse and Field Hockey player, Clarinet player in band Tell about a great day…“One day I went to Six Flags with my three closest friends. We have known each other since the beginning of elementary school. We liked the Wicked Cyclone so much that we rode it four times and then tried to see how weird we could look in photos of ourselves. Later we got henna tattoos; my friend’s was an infinity sign and mine was […]

Cooking by the Book

“Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”Those are the subtitles of the three parts of Michael Pollan’s book Food Rules—An Eater’s Manual. Pollan is well known for his unappetizing portrayal of the American food industry in his 2006 Omnivore’s Dilemma, and he most recently brought us the stunningly tasty series Cooked on Netflix. He has done his homework, unearthing the good, the bad and the incredible aspects of food in our world. Some of his pieces you can re […]

Area nonprofits team-up to encourage you to Get Fresh!

 By Trish Percival The Granby Land Trust, Granby Agricultural Commission, and Granby Artists Association have partnered to create a map showing local hiking trails, farms and art studios where you can get fresh. Get fresh food, fresh air, and a fresh perspective, that is right here in beautiful Granby. Lost Acres Vineyard’s Michelle Niedermeyer and the Granby Land Trust’s President Rick Orluk spearheaded the creation of the map. They have worked together for years t […]

Tennis Lessons

Looking for summer activities for kids age 5 to 16? The Juniors Program at the Granby Tennis Club is open to the public. Lessons vary according to ability and experience, but will include everything from stroke development to sportsmanship to match strategy. It’s all about learning with an emphasis on fun in an idyllic setting. Participants may sign up for one or more weeks throughout the five-week program beginning the week of June 27. Lessons run between 30–90 minutes, depending on […]

Lions officially present gazebo to the town

By Shirley MurthaThe Board of Selectmen and Lions Club members gathered on the town green on June 6 for the official presentation of the club’s gift of the new gazebo. First Selectman Scott Kuhnly remarked that the structure is a wonderful addition to the center. He noted that First Selectmen from neighboring towns have commented on the attractive addition.Lions Club President Bob Merrick said that the club wanted to do a long-lasting project for the community and the gazebo seemed to be the per […]

NEAM’s Soar into Summer Fun

The New England Air Museum’s annual Soar into Summer Fun programming will begin on Sunday, June 27. The public is invited to eight weeks of interactive activities for children, families and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Daily programs include climb aboard experiences in real aircraft; hands-on Build and Fly Challenges such as Straw Rockets, Parachute Drop, and Kites in Flight; interactive Flight Science Demonstrations; virtual flight simulators; and much more. For more information abou […]

2016 Safe Grad Party a Great Success

By Laura FetridgeThe 2016 Safe Graduation Party, a fun-filled, substance-free annual event, was held at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby on the evening of June 13, after graduation ceremonies. This year’s class was one of the largest in Granby history and a record 81 percent of graduates (154 students) attended the party. Lots of fun was had by all!The night began at 9:30 p.m. when graduates boarded buses at Granby Memorial High School (GMHS) to be shuttled to the YMCA where a variety […]

45th Granby Road Race runs strong

By Scott WoodamanOn May 7, Granby celebrated the 45th Granby Road Race 5K and 10K. This race has a course that involves road and trail to make beautiful running scenery for over 225 runners. The Farmington Valley YMCA has had the pleasure of hosting this race for six out of the 45 years. The event is the second oldest race in Connecticut, after the Manchester Road Race. This event would not be possible without the dedication of over 20 community volunteers and a race committee that worked tirele […]

Correction!

In the April Drummer, we told you about the newly-available monograph, Holcomb Farm Heritage, Struggles and Success. We failed, however, to thank Citizens for a Better Granby and The Granby Drummer, which helped fund the book’s publication.

May Highlights

Queen of Omelets: Wednesday, May 2, 1 p.m. Simsbury resident John E. Finn, author of The Perfect Omelet: Essential Recipes for the Home Cook, talks about the process of writing his definitive book on the iconic omelet. The book is full of practical wisdom about omelets, cooking and life.

Lunch for the Mind explores Scandinavia’s cities and countryside

The May Lunch for the Mind program takes an armchair tour of Scandinavia, a convenient term for the three kingdoms of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Join the Civic Engagement Education Team at the Granby Senior Center on Wednesday, May 16, at 12:30 p.m. as photographer Mallorie Ostrowitz presents a slideshow covering her travels throughout Scandinavia in the summer of 2017.

Vote at the April 23 Budget Referendum

On Monday, April 23, the Town Budget Referendum will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room in Granby Town Hall, 15 North Granby Road. The polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. As with all opportunities to vote, plan to bring identification so you can be checked off the official voter list and issued a paper ballot.

VPS students go on imaginative journey

Since 1991, Valley Pre-School has been using the power of imagination to transport its 4s classes on a magical beach vacation for one day each March. The annual “VPS Florida Trip”, now in its 27th year, is one of the school’s most beloved traditions and the source of many happy memories for VPS alums.

A true labor of love, parents and teachers spend hours clearing out the classroom and preparing the space.

Challenges and complexities in building 2018-19 budget

As the boards near the conclusion of the budget-making process in preparation to send the final product on to Public Hearing for review and comment, they are faced with twin difficulties: managing the moderate but constant increase in the cost of doing business, and the uncertainty in state aid levels as seen throughout last year’s rollercoaster ride. Granby has experienced a nearly million-dollar reduction in state funding from last year’s state budget compared to what the Governor has proposed for the upcoming fiscal year.

A community bands together

“When something happens to someone in your community, when you live in a small town, you band together and do what you can,” said Rebecca Lobo on NBC News Connecticut. Rebecca was referring to Katherine “Katie” O’Neill, 10-year-old Granby resident who was seriously injured over the long Presidents’ Day weekend when a dead tree fell on her as she was walking with a group (including her brother, PJ) in the McLean Game Refuge.

Registrar of Voters Calendar

Wednesday, April 4: Spring Voter Registration Drive at Granby Memorial High School

Monday, April 9: public hearing for the town budget at the GMHS Auditorium

Monday, April 23: town budget referendum – voting is between noon and 8 p.m. at Town Hall

Monday, May 7: potential date for a second revised budget referendum from noon to 8 p.m. at Granby Town Hall, should the budget fail to pass on the first vote. Voter registration is a public record and it’s easy to confirm your voter registration by going to the State’s website or visiting the registrars at Town Hall.

Bischoff named Republican of the Year

Mark Neumann, Granby GOP Chairman, introduces Gordon Bischoff as the Republican of the Year, 2018 at the Lincoln Day Dinner held by the 7th Senatorial District on March 16, in Windsor Locks. Gordon was recognized for his more that 20 years of service on the boards of Education, Finance, building committees and Holcomb Farm.

Appreciation for art display

The Painting Study Group would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the Granby Library for allowing us to display our artwork at the main library for the month of February. We appreciate the opportunity to share our art with the greater Granby community.

Support for candidate

I am exceptionally proud to offer my support to Valerie Eastwood, Democratic candidate for the CT 62nd Congressional District, and here’s why:

Valerie has a strong professional background. As an attorney with specific experience in tax law, health care law, and the complicated intersection of Federal versus State laws, she is ready to write effective legislation on day one.

Don’t sell East Street farmland

I urge townspeople to ask the town not to sell our land at 107 East Street—the Evonsion farm. The Selectmen are debating doing that, along with selling the development rights to the State.

Town vote wanted

I am writing in support of a town-wide vote on the proposals for 107 East St. Our Selectmen are to be commended for their time and dedication but the implications of this decision are far reaching and the responsibility should be borne by all town residents, not just the five Selectmen.

Let the voters decide

The Town of Granby has received an unsolicited offer to purchase the Evonsion Farm located at 107 East Street. This property was purchased by the town for $2.5 million, and is currently leased to two farmers who raise corn on it for their cattle.

You are needed

A Granby resident is needed to fill a vacancy on the Park and Recreation Board. If you are interested in serving your town on this board, call the Democratic Town Committee Chairman Jim Lofink, 860-810-0274; Republican Town Committee Chairman Mark Neumann, 860-653-9668; or Town Manager John Ward, 860-844-5300.