Recent Stories

Fun & Rec

Granby Road Race brings community together for fitness and a cause

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The 2025 Granby Road Race on May 3 drew 334 runners and countless supporters for a spirited morning that celebrated fitness, community and giving back. Organized by the Farmington Valley YMCA and a dedicated team of volunteers, this beloved event continues to grow in impact and tradition, supporting the YMCA’s Annual Campaign to ensure that everyone has access to vital programs and services regardless of financial circumstance.

Great Outdoors

Granby summers are bountiful

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Six months from now, deep in a January freeze, it will be hard to recall these shining summer days. Birdsong has been replaced by the late afternoon droning of insects. Early summer flowers start to fade and goldenrods and asters brighten the roadside. The harvest season is in high gear with all manner of ripe fruits and vegetables in abundance at local farmstands.

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Buy a few bags of pet food for a shelter instead of fireworks.
Make a difference instead of noise.

People

Memorial Day Parade

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Drummer volunteers and their families enjoyed superb parade viewing. Photo by Flo Bischoff

U.S. Navy veteran James O. Hall was honorary parade marshal.

People

Home Fire Safety

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According to National Fire Protection Association Statistics, during the five-year period from 2016-2020, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 343,100 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,610 civilian deaths, 11,090 civilian fire injuries and $7.6 billion in direct property damage.

Great Outdoors

Showcasing Granby’s agricultural treasures

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When it comes to the growth and evolution of rural towns, one sentiment is heard time and time again: “less development, more land, more farms.” It’s natural for people to harken back to a day when agriculture and livestock fields spanned the landscape before apartment complexes, modern neighborhoods or store-front plazas took over.

Great Outdoors

Lost Acres Orchard owners looking forward to Open Farm Day

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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.

Uncategorized

The Bear’s Den: Granby’s newest family-friendly pub

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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.

Town/Govt

Broadleaf Solar reaches out a neighborly hand

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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.

Town/Govt

Town hall happenings

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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.

Local Voices

It takes a village!

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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.

Town/Govt

Town of Granby Meeting Calendar

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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.