Recent Stories

Safe Grad planning and fundraising efforts underway

The graduation ceremony for Granby Memorial High School is scheduled for June 11, and Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation (GPSG) is kicking into high gear. GPSG is an all-volunteer, non-profit group that organizes a substance-free Safe Grad celebration for GMHS graduates at the Farmington Valley YMCA on graduation night.

Hospice volunteers needed

Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County is seeking volunteers to support its growing Hospice Program. Volunteers provide care to patients in towns throughout Litchfield County and the Farmington Valley, including Granby, East Granby and East Hartland.

February may be a short month, but it is packed at the Y

February is Heart Health Month and at the Farmington Valley YMCA, it is also a time to reflect on community, impact and the power of movement to change lives. Throughout the month, the Y will highlight opportunities for people of all ages to come together, improve their health and support programs that strengthen our community.

Toy drive at Granby schools

In December, Kelly Lane, Wells Road and Granby Memorial Middle schools partnered in a toy drive benefiting Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). Together, the schools collected an impressive 413 toys and craft items to support children receiving medical care at the hospital.

Dear Granby Friends,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say “Thanks!” We sent out an appeal over the holidays for donations, and you answered!

Winter sports shine across the CIAC

Granby Memorial High School fields several competitive teams during the CIAC winter sports season, including boys and girls basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, swimming and indoor track. Competing in the North Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC) as well as statewide CIAC competitions, GMHS student-athletes continue to represent the Bears with strong sportsmanship and outstanding community support.

Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Spotlight

Lindsay Sanchez serves on the board of directors for the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, where she has chaired multiple committees and led projects that included the Celebrate the Valley and Spooktacular community events.

Support the Drummer

The Granby Stop & Shop has again selected the Citizens for a Better Granby (publisher of The Granby Drummer) to benefit from the sales of reusable shopping bags at the Granby store.

Scents and salamanders, the early signs of spring

For me the scent-sational start of spring is the smell of the rich, damp forest floor awakening. It’s actually geosmin, a Greek word meaning earth and smell, a soil-based compound produced by bacteria and blue-green algae. I take deep breaths to revitalize my winter-weary senses.

Browse & Borrow — April 2025

Registration is required for library programs unless 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.

Pastor leaving Simsbury United Methodist Church

Members of Simsbury United Methodist Church (SUM) are preparing to bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved pastor, Gene Ott, as he transitions to a new appointment on July 1. For nearly eight years, Ott has been a pillar of faith, guidance and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the church and its members.

April Thoughts

Sticks, leafless and devoid of life, turn into the overflowing, yellow glory of the forsythia.

Mike Walsh was East Hartford’s marshal at St. Patrick’s Day parade

The facts that he is Irish and that he is the guy who “got things done” in his previous job as mayor of East Hartford, led the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee to select Granby’s town manager, Mike Walsh, as the honorary marshal to lead the East Hartford delegation of the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Hartford.

Meet me at the Center — April 2025

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.