Recent Stories

Multiflora rose: Invasive of the month

This column began in 2019 with a series of Invasive of the Month columns focusing on nine of the most common, harmful, difficult-to-control invasive plants in our area. For those who didn’t laminate, frame or memorize those columns, this one restarts the series with updated information.

Drumrolls

Emma Hansen, of Granby, was named to the dean’s list at Wisconsin-Madison University during the fall semester.
Caroline Hall, of Granby, has earned highest honors on the University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for the fall semester.
Samantha Kovaleski, of East Granby, was named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Connecticut.

Badges of Courage Girl Scouts honor veterans

On Nov. 15, 17 Girl Scouts from Granby, East Granby and Hartland participated in an event to honor veterans who have served our country. The scouts had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories from two women in the military, Senior Airman Ashley Seger of the Connecticut Air National Guard and Claire Cashwell, Commander American Legion Post #59.

Pomeroy-Brace Fund at the Hartford Foundation announces $192,000 in grants

Seth Pomeroy Holcombe and Lucy Eaton Holcombe were longtime residents of the village of North Granby in the town of Granby. Both were active in their community, enthusiastically supporting the culture and history of the town they loved. To continue their lifetime of giving back, the Holcombes established the Pomeroy-Brace Fund at the Hartford Foundation to support organizations serving the residents of Granby and the region.

An American soldier remembered

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.

A twist on the usual coleslaw for your next barbecue

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.

Community Garden kicks off!

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.

June’s Gifts

In the park June greets us with her roses.
Their beautiful colors and sweet scents give us Hope and Peace.

A tree for Tom Nystrom

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.

Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve a haven for birds

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.

GLT hosts spring ephemeral walk

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.

Fun and fitness at the YMCA

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.

Companion gardening

Welcome to June—the biggest planting month of the year. The soil has warmed up, making the ground a wonderful host for new, young flower and vegetable plants. With the threat of frost behind us, we can safely plant summer gardens.

Buy Big Y shopping bags in June

The Big Y grocery store in Simsbury has selected the Citizens for a Better Granby (publishers of the Drummer) to receive a portion of the sales of its Community Bags during June. The $2.50 reusable bags both benefit the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic bags and yield a $1 donation to CBG. That sounds like a WIN-WIN to us!

Gran-Bee celebrated its 20 years milestone in style

Wells Road School’s Jim Whitten repeated his Master of Ceremonies duties at the April 25 Gran-Bee trivia competition at Granby Memorial High School. Funds from the trivia contest and auction benefit the Granby Education Foundation’s community grants program.