Recent Stories

Drummer welcomes Josh Anderson as editor

The board of directors of Citizens for a Better Granby (CBG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Josh Anderson as the new managing editor of the Drummer. He began his duties on April 1, and he succeeds Heather Lockwood who will continue as a Drummer volunteer.

Drummer writers once again score big!

The Connecticut Press Club, founded in the 1970s, is composed 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 13 articles written by its volunteers in 2025 for consideration—and in April were notified that nine of its writers received awards.

What would Jefferson do?

The 250th Declaration of Independence anniversary warrants a look at the “riddle” of Thomas Jefferson. His resumé as a Founding Father includes being the key writer of the Declaration and the third president. The first amendment’s freedom of religion and the wall of separation between church and state also bear his “mark.”

Record-Breaking Bear Cubs

The largest litter of bear cubs ever recorded in Connecticut was spotted in Granby this April. After a long, cold winter, a mother black bear emerged from the woods with a litter of five cubs.

Season of Joy art show at Lost Acres Vineyard

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.

Art Show at Lost Acres Vineyard showcases nature-inspired works

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.

Land Trust hikers view recently installed beaver deceiver

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.

Browse & Borrow — December 2025

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.

Jeff Sturgeon: a local new author

Jeff Sturgeon has called North Granby home for more than 20 years. A proud Navy veteran and retired correctional lieutenant, Sturgeon’s life has been defined by service, discipline and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He and his wife of 33 years, Jennifer, raised their daughters, Danielle and Gabrielle, here in Granby.

Sally Carr Smith

Sally (Carr) Smith, 89, of Granby, CT, beloved wife of the late Walter H. Smith, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Sally was born on July 7, 1936, In Winthrop, MA, daughter of the late Preston A. and Annette E. (Sears) Carr.

Holiday gift sale and book gift tree at Granby Library

For the month of December, the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries will have several tables set up for gift giving this holiday season. The sale begins Monday, Dec. 1 at the Granby Public Library and will continue during regular open hours throughout the month while supplies last.

Common Toxin Series: Chocolate

Most people who have pets know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. It is the most well-known toxin as well as a very common one. Chocolate is also toxic to cats, though we do not see our feline friends ingesting chocolate as often as our pups. But why is chocolate toxic?

75 years loving horses

Betty Hart, a Granby native, is pictured with a horse 75 years ago side-by-side with a photo taken this year by her granddaughter, Granby Police Officer Nichole Abalan.