Recent Stories

Quarry Road Bridge Closure Notice

The Quarry Road Bridge will be under construction starting on Monday, Nov. 3. The road will be shut down heading southbound from Phelps Road starting Wednesday, Oct. 29 to begin staging of materials and equipment.

The road is scheduled to be reopened by the last week of June 2026. Please follow the posted detour signs or plan an alternate route. Any questions about the project may be directed to Lee Corbert, director of public works 860-668-3280 or emailed to Lcorbert@suffieldct.gov

Granby Artists Holiday Gift Show is Dec. 6

The Granby Artists Association (GAA) will host their annual Holiday Gift Show at Granby Congregational Church’s North Campus, 219 North Granby Road Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Shop for original works of art created by your favorite local artists.

Collaborating for Granby’s future: CPPAC reviews Capital Priorities

The Granby Capital Priority Planning Advisory Council (CPPAC) has re-convened with renewed purpose and partnership. Meeting twice a month, the council brings together representatives from the board of education (BOE), board of selectmen, and board of finance to review both municipal and school capital needs. Together, the town boards are engaging in forward-thinking discussions to assess capital priorities, balance resources, and plan responsibly for Granby’s future.

Girl Scouts help local dogs

Recently, local Girl Scout troops sewed blankets and made knotted dog toys for the Connecticut Humane Society. It was an instant success for the animals.

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.

Exotic Pet Series – Part 1: Reptiles

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.

Heaven’s End

This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.

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.)

Perron named to BOF

Ben Perron was recently appointed to the Granby Board of Finance. Perron is replacing Al Wilke who resigned after serving on the board since 2003.