Recent Stories

Bonus Pages

Photographer creates new art with ancient techniques

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Unless this is the first edition of the Drummer you are holding in your hands, you have certainly seen the work of Granby photographer Jay Harder. His photos of town sports, seasons and milestones like graduation appear frequently in this paper and various locations around town.

Bonus Pages

Mystery writer addresses women’s group

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The speaker at the April 1 Granby Women’s Breakfast was Reverend Jane Willan, mystery writer and pastor. She discussed her mystery novel Widow’s Walk, which blends her love of storytelling and faith into a story that is filled with warmth and suspense.

Bonus Pages

Budget Public Hearing held April 6

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A large number of residents attended the annual Budget Public Hearing on April 6 in the high school auditorium. After an introduction and explanation of the process by Board of Finance Chair Mike Guarco, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino and then-Board of Education Chair Monica Logan presented the municipal and education budgets, narrating slide presentations.

People

Ray’s open letter to Granby

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To everyone in Granby, especially those I have had the pleasure to deliver to, it is with bittersweet emotions that I am announcing my retirement from UPS. I started driving for the company in 1988 and have been delivering in Granby for the past 24 years.

Fun & Rec

Where tradition meets the trail: Granby’s 2026 Road Race

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Spring will once again bring scores of sneakers hitting the pavement and cheers echoing down Salmon Brook Street as runners from near and far gather for the 2026 Granby Road Race on Saturday, May 2. The event, one of Connecticut’s oldest and most treasured road races, has become a cherished Granby tradition that celebrates fitness, fellowship and community pride.

Events

Rabies Clinic and Animal Shelter Open House

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The Animal Control Officer for the towns of Granby, Barkhamsted and Hartland, joined by Town of Granby staff, will host a Rabies Vaccination Clinic and Animal Shelter Open House on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Animal Shelter, 166 Salmon Brook Street.

Great Outdoors

Farmer Joe discussed soil and sustainability

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Holcomb Farm’s Joe O’Grady opened his talk at the Granby Public Library on Feb. 24 with this remark, “Sustainability is all about the soil.” He proceeded to back up his comment with facts garnered during his 20 years of studying this basic component of the farming process.

Events

Courageous conversations video series

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Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) will begin a five-part Courageous Conversations Video Series based on the work of Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Ala. and author of the acclaimed bestseller, Just Mercy.

Great Outdoors

Springtime marks the return of the northern mockingbirds

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It’s getting to that time of year when the northern mockingbirds return to Granby, though some hardy individuals stay here year-round. Of course, you may not recognize them by their song since they have more than 200 of those, not to mention the 30 other bird songs they can mimic. This is the talent that gives them their common name. In addition to other birds, these clever avians can imitate crickets, barking dogs, squeaky hinges and many other things.

Great Outdoors

Naptime is over!

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Bears are awakening from their long winter naps and sightings confirm that spring has arrived! Spring becomes a couple of chaotic months for bears and humans and the usual questions arise. How do we keep these large omnivores out of our yards, away from our youngsters and pets, out of garbage bins and our chicken coops? Understanding what’s going on can help put it all in perspective.

School & Sports

Granby Boy and Girls Basketball season highlights

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The Granby Girls team lost in the first round of the CIAC Division III State Tournament against Kolbe Cathedral, with a final score of 63-35.
The Granby Boys team lost in the second round of the Division IV State Tournament (there was a bye first round) against Cromwell, 54-36.

Bonus Pages

Barns that built a town

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As winter begins to thaw, the earth slowly reveals itself again after months beneath the snow. Driving through Granby in early spring, it’s impossible not to notice the barns. They rise behind stone walls and quiet fields, their red siding weathered by decades of New England seasons.

Bonus Pages

Town Manager pinch-hits

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The March 4 Women’s Breakfast had a last-minute program change. The GMHS Drama Club was to perform music from its upcoming production of The Little Mermaid but the delayed school opening caused a cancellation.

Bonus Pages

Spring has sprung

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It is the middle of March as I write this and 67 degrees! Weather enthusiasts would call this a false spring yet signs of the season are all around. In the widening circles of soggy brown earth, tree bark is radiating warmth as it absorbs the sunshine and melts the surrounding snow.

Bonus Pages

Cooking safety starts at home

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Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention. This national campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Bonus Pages

Up, up and away!

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Dr. Laura Doherty, a local dentist, spoke at the March Men’s Breakfast gathering about her recently completed Women’s Air Race Classic. Very entertaining and fun.

Bonus Pages

Special blueberry muffins

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This special recipe comes from my mom, Mary Cook. Served in the original Jordan Marsh store in Boston, these muffins were always a family favorite. As spring arrives, they’re such a delightful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering—and now blueberries are plentiful in our grocery stores year-round. Enjoy!