Recent Stories

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.

Wrap up 2024, look ahead to 2025

By the time you read this, Thanksgiving Day will be in the rear-view mirror as we enter December, the holiday season, with the new year upon us in the blink of an eye!

GMHS volleyball player Jayne Hiatt achieves 1,000 “kills”

Granby Memorial High School senior Jayne Hiatt (#21) set a new record this season when she racked up her 1,000th kill in volleyball. Her achievement marks the first time in Granby volleyball’s 18-year history that a player has accomplished this amazing feat.

Puzzle Slam returns on Feb. 1

If you love jigsaw puzzles, then this is the event for you! Grab three friends or come with your family for a fun and lively puzzle competition! The Drummer’s second Puzzle Slam will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Granby Memorial Middle School gym. (The snow date is Feb. 2.)

Meet me at the Center

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.

A study in contrasts: Dana McSwain

If you’re lucky enough to have encountered Dana McSwain over the 18 months since she and her husband Winston moved from Cleveland to Granby, then you’ve been warmed by her radiant smile. Perhaps you’ve seen her walking Simon and Pippi, her standard poodle puppies.

Coach Terri Ziemnicki honored with prestigious award

Granby Park and Recreation Department’s Recreation Supervisor Terri Ziemnicki is the 2024 recipient of the Thomas R. Monahan Award, one of the highest awards given by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.

Memorial Day Parade planning is underway

Granby’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the town’s biggest events of the year. The American Legion Shannon-Shattuck Post 182 partners with organizations throughout the area to honor those who paid the ultimate price — like Philip Shannon and Glen Shattuck for whom the post is named.

YMCA News

Chasing away the winter blues and No one fights this battle alone

Thankful for the word “BUT”

About ten years ago, a Granby man realized that the word “BUT” was very important to a cause about which he felt deeply.

Remembering Bill Hart—1922 to 2024

The Drummer staff was saddened to learn of Bill Hart’s death on Feb. 2. Bill was a long-time contributor to The Granby Drummer, served as Director of the Salmon Brook Historical Society and supported many other Granby organizations. His love of Granby and its history came from family roots in Simsbury and Granby that dated to the 1600s.

A sweet return for spring

After a cold, dark winter I look forward to spring when senses come alive again and there’s a delicious earthy fragrance in the woods. I find myself searching the hills for clouds of steam billowing from evaporators and envision myself surrounded by sweet-smelling maple steam inside warm, cozy sugar shacks.

Back Yard Friends

Watching the birds on a snowy morning
They come and go without any warning
Nibbling and fleeing, as flighty they are
Running away, but not very far.