Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/49/)
The February issue is so chock full of great articles after the holiday break we are adding online Bonus Pages so you don’t miss a thing!
Two years ago in this paper, I introduced myself to the community of Granby. In that introduction, I offered up a host of financial metrics on the Town of Granby.
In this Drummer article, I’ll refresh some of those metrics as an introduction to the coming FY27 budget process.
In its 90th year of operation, Beman Hardware was honored by the Granby Board of Selectmen at its Nov. 17 meeting. A proclamation was read and delivered to Joan Beman Russell, Dianne Beman Myers and the new owner of the store, Vinnie Pagano. Also present were staff members Charles and Patricia George.
When it comes to making a charitable donation, sometimes the value of the needed item exceeds the amount of money one donor organization can afford. That’s exactly the case the Granby Ambulance Association (GAA) recently faced.
The Granby Memorial High School Robotics Team (Granby GRUNTS) celebrated the start of their FIRST Robotics competition season with “Kickoff” on Jan. 10.
PFLAG Granby is pleased to offer a conversation about parenting trans youth and some of the issues these families face. There will be a presentation by Melissa Combs, followed by Q&A.
At the Jan. 20 Three Board Meeting, members of the boards of selectmen, education and finance shared initial projections for what fiscal year 2027— running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027—may look like from their respective perspectives, and in aggregate.
Granby Town Hall is busy as we swing into 2026. Boards and commissions’ meeting agendas and minutes of meetings are available on the Town of Granby website. Many meetings may be attended remotely via Zoom.
End of an Era and Traffic cameras – a slippery slope
We may not always acknowledge it, but we survive only through formal and informal education to cope with the challenges of life. Because of cultural skepticism and fear of criticism toward religious education, I’d like to make a case for its importance.
The workshop will be held Saturday, June 7, 2 to 4 p.m. at The Whisk’s new location, 15 Hartford Avenue, Granby.
Registration is required for all library programs unless otherwise indicated. 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 Artists Association presents its annual All Members Show at East Granby Public Library from June 5 to June 26. Since 2002, the association has worked to create a vibrant and supportive community for the arts in Granby. This show features work by your favorite artists as well new people, including Granby high school students, which brings an exciting diversity to the 2D and 3D presentations.
Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) invites you to join them on Saturday, June 14 to celebrate Juneteenth!
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.