Recent Stories

Local Voices

Why BOE’s budget deserves community support

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While Granby students look forward to spring break, the town’s budget process is in full swing. Superintendent Cheri Burke’s forward-thinking education budget includes investments in staffing and programming to meet the needs of students, staff and facilities now and in the future. Unfortunately, the Granby Board of Finance budget guidance does not align with these goals. The Granby Board of Education now faces tough decisions to balance educational needs with taxpayer concerns.

Correction

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In March’s article about the Drummer Puzzle Slam, Amber Wyzik’s daughter was incorrectly identified. Kaya Wyzik was the puzzler team member. We apologize for the error.

Town/Govt

Granby Food Bank

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We currently need: Taco dinner boxes, Canned chili, Canned beets/white potatoes, Strawberry jam/jelly, Pickles/relish/olives, Asstd crackers/cookies, Coffee/tea, Toothpaste, and Dishwashing soap

Granby Land Trust

Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve video tour available

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The Granby Land Trust recently released the latest in its series of virtual property tours: this one of the Seth and Lucy Holcombe Preserve in North Granby. This is the fourth in the series, the others offering tours of the Mary Edwards Mountain Property, the Katan-Ensor and Old Messenger Road Preserves, and the Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve.

People

Home Fire Safety

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According to National Fire Protection Association Statistics, during the five-year period from 2016-2020, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 343,100 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,610 civilian deaths, 11,090 civilian fire injuries and $7.6 billion in direct property damage.

Great Outdoors

Showcasing Granby’s agricultural treasures

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When it comes to the growth and evolution of rural towns, one sentiment is heard time and time again: “less development, more land, more farms.” It’s natural for people to harken back to a day when agriculture and livestock fields spanned the landscape before apartment complexes, modern neighborhoods or store-front plazas took over.

Great Outdoors

Lost Acres Orchard owners looking forward to Open Farm Day

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A previous Drummer article introduced readers to the Bennett family, the new owners of Lost Acres Orchard. Since acquiring the farm in April 2023, they have done a wonderful job maintaining many of its familiar aspects while introducing some new personal touches. As the Agricultural Commission began its plans for this year’s Open Farm Day, it was only natural to invite the Bennetts to continue the tradition of the orchard’s participation in the event. They enthusiastically agreed to do so.

Uncategorized

The Bear’s Den: Granby’s newest family-friendly pub

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Granby welcomes a new addition with the opening of The Bear’s Den Pub, founded by Tony Fera and Peter Taylor. Originating from diverse backgrounds—one from across the pond and the other from Michigan—Fera and Taylor share a passion for revitalizing local spaces and contributing to the town’s economy.

Town/Govt

Broadleaf Solar reaches out a neighborly hand

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In 2021, D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI Renewables LLC of New York City) purchased 665 acres of land in Granby and East Granby, the former Monrovia Nursery Company property, for $7.2 million, with plans to build a photovoltaic solar facility like its 130-acre Tobacco Valley Solar Farm in Simsbury that opened in 2019 and its 485-acre Gravel Pit Solar site in East Windsor, which is set to open this year. The Granby portion of the proposed project, Broadleaf Solar, is 322 acres at 35 Floydville Road and 90 Salmon Brook St.

Town/Govt

Town hall happenings

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Everyone is gearing up for summer! Grills and barbecues have been cleaned, yards beautified, and weekend plans are being made to enjoy the upcoming season. Many of our town departments are gearing up as well, so read on for information about what’s going on around Town Hall.

Local Voices

It takes a village!

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From time-to-time Citizens for a Better Granby, publisher of The Granby Drummer, reviews and updates its mission to inform and educate our neighbors on what’s happening in our town. Applying the philosophy that “it takes a village,” we’d like to share our thoughts for the future.