Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/36/)
As Granby prepares to honor America’s 250th anniversary, we remember one of our own: Captain Samuel Hayes, a Revolutionary War veteran whose service and legacy remain woven into the fabric of our town’s history.
Colonel Henry Knox left Boston 250 years ago this month with orders from General Washington to retrieve artillery for the Continental Army from the captured British fortresses of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, New York.
Shop local for gifts at Granby Artists Association’s Season of Joy Art Show. This annual show is back at Lost Acres Vineyard from Dec. 13 to Jan. 6. There will be a great variety of pieces available for purchase including glass, pottery, paintings, photography and seashell resin art.
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.
With the holidays fast approaching and having friends over for holiday parties, there may be thoughts about what gifts to get friends or loved ones. Most towns like folks to shop locally, which is a sound investment in those communities.
The Town of Granby provides Notary Public services for residents, town employees and patrons. The notary fee is $5 per notarization.
The 2025 Celebrating New England’s Natural Beauty Art Show, hosted by the Granby Land Trust (GLT) and the Granby Artists Association (GAA), once again brought hundreds of people to Lost Acres Vineyard for an evening of art, community and appreciation for the natural world. The vineyard’s gallery walls were filled with works inspired by New England’s diverse landscapes—from sweeping mountain vistas to familiar scenes from right here in Granby.
The Granby Land Trust (GLT) extends its heartfelt thanks to the Granby Memorial High School Boys Soccer Team and all GLT members who volunteered their time at the Mary Edwards Mountain Property during the Fall Preserve Our Properties Day on Nov. 1.
Oct. 26 was a sunny warm day—perfect for the Granby Land Trust’s Dave Emery to take a group of 20 hikers on a walk that highlighted the beaver deceiver installed at the Dismal Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. A very industrious group of beavers had constructed a dam under the footbridge, effectively raising the water level on one side of the Dismal Brook and lowering it on the other side of the bridge.
Registration is required for library programs unless noted otherwise. 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.
The Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce (GSCOC) held its Annual Meeting on May 1 at Holcomb Farm, drawing more than 75 local small business owners and community members. The evening celebrated the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, recognized key leaders and ushered in the chamber’s leadership for the upcoming year.
The students of Granby Memorial High School are coming together in a powerful show of support for one of their own. On Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., GMHS will be the site of a special benefit concert for Jake Rossi, a cherished senior currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
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.
One year ago, Karen Young showered kudos on Granby’s community garden in an article entitled, It takes a village to make a garden grow, published in The Granby Drummer in May 2024.
David Desiderato’s column, NOT WANTED, has appeared in The Granby Drummer since 2020. His writings identify invasive plant species and suggest eradication methods, warn of “bad bugs” like the spotted lanternfly, and commiserate with fellow gardeners who recoil from the dreaded jumping worm.
Photo by Jim Watso during the GLT Spring Migration Walks at Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.
Textile volunteers at the Salmon Brook Historical Society happened across a blue wool military coat last year. The coat appeared to be from the Civil War era. A detailed search of our records found no information about this coat, but a handwritten signature was discovered inside its left sleeve. In flourishing cursive, it states “C. A. Coffin, Co. A.”
In the final days of the school year, students at Granby Memorial High School receive their yearbooks and flip through the pages filled with memories, signatures and well wishes. It is a beloved tradition that has endured for generations.
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.
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.
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.
In the park June greets us with her roses.
Their beautiful colors and sweet scents give us Hope and Peace.
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.
The McLean Game Refuge (MGR), Connecticut’s largest private wildlife sanctuary, needs a new headquarters to continue the important work to study, maintain and preserve its 4,415 acres.
Take A Breath community forum, a non-partisan informational session on several key topics of interest, was held at the East Granby Senior/Community Center on April 26.
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.
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.
The seeds are planted—let the season begin!, A Successful 2024, Joe O’Grady is our Businessperson of The Year!, At the starting gates for 2025, Feed your soul with a tree trail walk, and Save the date!
Friends of Granby Homes for Senior Citizens, Inc. held its spring Community Serve Day on May 3 at Stony Hill Village, Granby’s 49-unit affordable senior housing community.
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.