Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/page/57/)
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 rain has brought abundant vegetables—I found this recipe many years ago when we had more eggplants than I knew what to do with!
September marks five years since the launch of the Granby Conservation Commission’s NOT WANTED campaign.
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.
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.
It’s rare to see a bobcat in the woods; even rarer to get a good picture of one.
Several Granby students received Rotary Club scholarships at the GMHS senior awards night.
In October, the Granby Board of Selectmen adopted several budget goals and objectives for the fiscal year 2025 budget and beyond.
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.
Cal Heminway died at 88 on a glorious June day. He had rototilled his garden, planted more dahlias, declared he was mad to be dying, gave thanks, and our beloved curmudgeon moved on.
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.
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.
Thoughts on DEI and Grateful for thoughtful community
The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved a $2 million grant to assist in the funding of the emergency communication system.
Check Town of Granby website or call Town Manager’s office to verify date, time, location, and get information on how to participate on Zoom, if needed.
My husband, Bill, and I attended the June 5 BOE meeting, and I spoke during the public session segment.
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4th is a holiday for Paine’s. All Thursday and Friday trash pickups will be delayed by one day.
The Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce awarded the Public Servant of the Year Award to Granby’s Director of Finance Kimi Cheng in recognition of her hard work, professionalism and technical expertise.
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Granby Land Trust is pleased to announce that it is applying for renewal of its accreditation. A public comment period is now open.
Comments from the Granby Board of Education, Granby Land Trust, Granby Education Foundation, and Connecticut Association of Boards of Education