Recent Stories

Granby artist offers free summer show

Alexander Anisimov will open his Granby studio at 2 Park Place Gallery for an exhibition from July 1 through Aug. 5. Among the works the public can enjoy is this photograph of a family of black bears, titled Midday visitors.

Drumrolls

Caroline Hall, of Granby, earned highest honors on the dean’s list at University of New Hampshire this spring.

Making new friends in Granby

Building close relationships in adulthood can be challenging. Many social situations call for polite small talk, not heart-to-heart conversations, making it difficult to really connect deeply with people.

Volunteer opportunity at medical equipment closet

Farmington Valley residents have a great, free resource for durable medical equipment (DME) in the Granby DME Closet. Residents of the Farmington Valley can borrow wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and more, free of charge.

GMHS Athletics: Year in review

Granby Memorial High School athletes had an amazing year, both on and off the field. Led by our incredible student-athletes and a supportive community, GMHS Bears have continued to be strong contenders across all CIAC state athletic divisions.

Don’t let fear keep you from your goals

Another school year has come to an end. As we move forward into the summer months, I want to express my gratitude to our educational staff and community for making Granby a wonderful place to live and raise kids.

Drumrolls

Brooke Popella, of East Granby, and Ryan Ziskin, of Granby, were named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University for the fall semester.

Stony Hill Village: a little-known community asset

Have you ever driven through the center of Granby and seen the large sign that says Stony Hill Village? The sign stands between the Brignole, Bush and Lewis offices and the Small World Learning and Childcare Center at 259 Salmon Brook Street. Many of us have driven by for years and thought it was an apartment complex. It is much more than that.

Don Shaw gives CNN an interview about Jimmy Carter

Granby resident Don Shaw received a call on Dec. 30 while he and wife Peggy were packing food bags at Granby Congregational Church’s Open Cupboard Pantry. It was from the CEO of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, telling him that representatives of the Isa Soares Tonight show that airs on CNN International in London wanted to interview him about his experiences and memories of working with former President Jimmy Carter who had died the previous day.

Winter activities at the YMCA

As winter settles in and we count down the days to the return of warm summer rays, the Y is here to brighten the season. We’ve rounded up an exciting array of activities for families, youth and adults to keep you warm, happy and engaged during these cooler months.

Girl Scouts help local dogs

Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.

Heaven’s End

This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.

Art Foundation donates portraits

The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Foundation recently donated two portraits painted by Patricelli to a West Hartford church and a local country club.

Mark Williams wins award

As January arrives each year, The Granby Drummer submits articles published during the preceding year to the Connecticut Press Club’s annual communication contest. Writers, editors and other media professionals across Connecticut vie for awards in over 60 categories.

Save the Date

Granby’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, March 28, 5 to 7 p.m. in GMHS cafeteria. All proceeds benefit the Granby and Hartland food banks. See March issue for details!

Winter is here!

December view of the North Marsh on the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby.

Feathered visitor—or hunter?

John Dewey photographed this broad winged hawk sitting on a plastic owl, watching birds at the feeder at his house on Hungary Road. It was taken during one of January’s many windy days so its feathers were ruffled from the wind.