Recent Stories

Public Works — March 2025

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.

Scouts hold Girl-Powered Pinewood Derby

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.

Opportunities for moms, children at Valley Brook

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.

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 5

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?

When Did It Happen?

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!

Salmon Brook Historical Society News

The Research Library in the Preservation Barn is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment by calling 860-653-9713. Research Fee $25 per hour.

Progress, in town and at home

It sometimes seems impossible to make even a dent against invasives, but a dedicated bunch of volunteers are making big progress in visible public places. Property lines mean nothing to invasive plants, so every step we take at home benefits our neighbors as well.

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.