Recent Stories

People

Jeff Sturgeon: a local new author

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Jeff Sturgeon has called North Granby home for more than 20 years. A proud Navy veteran and retired correctional lieutenant, Sturgeon’s life has been defined by service, discipline and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He and his wife of 33 years, Jennifer, raised their daughters, Danielle and Gabrielle, here in Granby.

In Memory of...

Sally Carr Smith

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Sally (Carr) Smith, 89, of Granby, CT, beloved wife of the late Walter H. Smith, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Sally was born on July 7, 1936, In Winthrop, MA, daughter of the late Preston A. and Annette E. (Sears) Carr.

Events

Holiday gift sale and book gift tree at Granby Library

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For the month of December, the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries will have several tables set up for gift giving this holiday season. The sale begins Monday, Dec. 1 at the Granby Public Library and will continue during regular open hours throughout the month while supplies last.

Animal Talk

Common Toxin Series: Chocolate

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Most people who have pets know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. It is the most well-known toxin as well as a very common one. Chocolate is also toxic to cats, though we do not see our feline friends ingesting chocolate as often as our pups. But why is chocolate toxic?

People

75 years loving horses

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Betty Hart, a Granby native, is pictured with a horse 75 years ago side-by-side with a photo taken this year by her granddaughter, Granby Police Officer Nichole Abalan.

Friends of Holcomb Farm

Summer is right around the bend

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While there is plenty of winter left here in New England, Farm Manager Joe O’Grady has turned his attention to preparing for the growing season. We are thrilled to report that our entire farm crew will return to Holcomb Farm this summer!

Drumrolls

Drumrolls

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The following students were named to the Quinnipiac University dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester: From East Granby: Corriana Howard, Liam Phelan, Benjamin Rickevicius, Erin Russell and Sarah Springer; from Granby: Pippa Large, Erin Panella-Malley, Krystal Rupram and Talin Tran; from North Granby: Jonathan Marlor, Olivia McGovern and Jason Platti.

Great Outdoors

The Discovery Barn at Auer Farm

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The Friends of Holcomb Farm learned that Auer Farm in Bloomfield might need items for its new Discovery barn, so we invited them to come and take whatever they could put to good use.

People

Making friends and making a difference — the Granby Lions Club

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A while back I was looking to get more involved in the community, to find a way to lend a helping hand, and I knew there were many great options. This town is full of generous, giving people and organizations that reach out to help others, but it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start.

Drumrolls

Audrey M. Phelps

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey M. Phelps beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend, of West Suffield, CT who peacefully passed away at home on January 22, 2025 at the age of 89.

Salmon Brook Historical Society

Moving the Cooley School to the Salmon Brook Historical Society Campus

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For decades, the Cooley Schoolhouse sat quietly on the Clark family property, a relic of a bygone era when one-room schoolhouses were the heart of local education. Weathered by time in history, the building had a second chance. That chance came on August 26, 1980, when a determined community effort brought the schoolhouse to its new home at the Salmon Brook Historical Society, ensuring its legacy would live on.

Browse & Borrow

Browse & Borrow — March 2025

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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.

College Scholarships

Granby Artists Association accepting 2025 scholarship applications

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Graduating high school seniors who are permanent residents of Granby, are invited to apply for the 2025 Granby Artists Association Annual Scholarship. The scholarship is a cash award of $1,000 given to a student with higher artistic skill to be utilized toward upcoming college expenses.

The Arts

Girls Scouts participate in pottery workshop with Granby Artists’ potters

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In a heartwarming display of community spirit and creativity, four local artisans—Jane Furca, Tracy Marlor, Linda Yurasevecz and Avis Cherichetti—visited a local Girl Scout meeting last week to teach the girls how to create unique clay pieces. From bowls to small sculptures, the girls spent the afternoon discovering the art of pottery in a hands-on workshop that encouraged both creativity and teamwork.

Town/Govt

Public Works — March 2025

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As reported in last month’s Drummer, USA Waste and Recycling is now working in partnership with Paine’s Inc. to provide municipal trash and recycling service to the residents of Granby.

Events

Scouts hold Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby

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On Saturday, Jan. 18, 46 Girl Scouts held a Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby in the East Granby Community/Senior Center showcasing their creativity and competitive spirit. The girls were given a race car kit and encouraged to customize it however they pleased. Cars ranged from glittery fuchsia to a mouse atop a cheese wedge.

Events

Opportunities for moms, children at Valley Brook

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Mama’s Moments is a monthly gathering for mothers and their children up to age 8 to get together to share life with others, play together, pray, and participate in community projects. It takes place on the first Saturday of the month and runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Valley Brook Community Church.

History

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 5

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Here we are at the culmination of our five-part series. We started with Granby’s Congregational church life and added the Connecticut River Valley’s Great Awakening, plus the church’s harsh response. This awakening moved to the Southern colonies, resulting in yet harsher persecution by the Episcopal Church of Virginia. Madison and Jefferson were instrumental in the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776, but how did their religious freedom idea get to be the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1789, 13 years later?

Verse

When Did It Happen?

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When did it happen? I surely don’t know
But honestly it distresses me so.
I look in the mirror and what do I see?
Certainly no one that looks like me!