Recent Stories

HOME FIRE SAFETY

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.

Church service al fresco

After a cold, gray New England winter, it’s great to spend time outside. With that in mind, Valley Brook Community Church’s Pastor Clark Pfaff shares, “We love to take advantage of the summer and take our Sunday service outside. We have the perfect location across from our main entrance, under the shade of trees, but not too far away from the conveniences of the building.”

Pasta with fresh tomatoes is divine

It’s summer and the living is easy! My husband’s grandmother, Matilda Guarco, was probably one of the best cooks I’ve ever met. She made a similar pasta dish to this and we all loved it. She never wrote anything down so I had to hunt down this recipe many years ago! Enjoy!

Nine models graced the runway at June fashion show

On June 4, more than 60 women were treated to a fashion show during the Granby Women’s Breakfast gathering. The program was designed cooperatively by the group’s program committee and Linda Linard-Ligsukis, owner of Designer Consigner, a consignment boutique in Southwick.

Two Stony Hill Village residents in the spotlight

Vinnie Secord and Emily Messenger are long time members of the Stony Hill Village community. Stony Hill was built in the 1970s and 1980s by the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Assistance Program. Today, this vital community is home to residents aged 62+ and individuals with disabilities.

Country’s oratorical history chronicled in Trumpets of Glory

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. At the Salmon Brook Historical Society, a notable book in our library from our 200th anniversary in 1976 continues to offer insight into the early history of our republic. Trumpets of Glory, written by Henry Hawken, focuses on July 4th speeches and orations delivered between 1786 and 1861.

Granby taught me to dream big

When Mike Noyes prepared to leave the small-town he grew up in at the start of his freshman year at UConn, he did not have an exact plan for what lay ahead of him. He knew he liked basketball. A state champion with the Bears in 2013, it was obvious that he had a knack for it. Ten years later, his connection to the sport has taken him to places not even he could have imagined.

High school choir students participated in All-State choirs

Five GMHS Choir students were selected to participate in the 2024 CMEA All-State Honor Choirs. Luke Ranicar, Camden Bouley and Kiara Badowski were selected to perform with the All-State Mixed Choir under the baton of Dr. Arienne Abela while Sierra Ashe and Haritha Ramesh performed with the All-State Treble Choir conducted by Dr. Jamie Hillman.

Eleanor Roosevelt touched many lives

I noted with interest the article submitted by Sarah Merrill of Granby Racial Reconciliation (GRR) regarding the personal and political friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the nation’s most powerful Black political figures through the 1930s and 40s.

In Town Focus — May 2024

Camera Club, National Day of Prayer, Women’s Breakfast, Buy a bag to support the Drummer, Preserve Our Properties Day, Men’s Breakfast, Civic Club, Rotary Club May Events, and Vendor Opportunities

Out of Town — May 2024

Windsor fundraiser benefits grieving families, Granby-Simsbury Chamber Golf Tournament, Connecticut Trolley Mu-seum May events, and Regional Chamber of Commerce to hold symposium

History and arts hike set for Trails Day

The Torrington Trails Network and Torrington Historical Society will conduct a Trails Day Hike from the John Brown Birthplace site on John Brown Road, Torrington on June 1 at 10 a.m.

Memorial Day

We gather on the green, the sidewalks, and the roadways to honor and remember those who died in service to our country.

Community Serve Day is May 18

The next Stony Hill Community Serve Day will be Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. to noon. This is a reschedule as the Granby Police Department cautioned that a closure of Salmon Brook Street for another activity would impact volunteers. 

The Montreal Protocol: A testament to global change

The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of ozone depleting substances (ODSs), showcases successful international cooperation. As one of the most widely ratified treaties in the United Nations’ history, its success provides hope for responding to other environmental issues.

Dedicate a flag to a veteran

The tradition of posting American flags in Granby has existed for more than 17 years and has provided a way to remind our citizens of the dedication and sacrifices made by our veterans, our families, friends, and neighbors.

Drumrolls

Ashley Bristol, of Granby, received the 2024 New England Scholar awarded by the University of Connecticut. This honor is awarded to students who earn a GPA of 3.7 or higher for both the fall and spring semesters of 2023.

Reflections

One nice morning in the spring of 1988 I happened to meet up with my neighbor, David Hildreth, at our mailboxes on Day St. Dave was one of the original founders of Citizens for a Better Granby, the non- profit that publishes The Granby Drummer. He was a thoughtful, soft-spoken man and all-around great neighbor. On that day, Dave suggested that I write a column for the Drummer on veterinary medicine. How could I say no?

Many reasons to celebrate May

The beautiful month of May is named after the Roman goddess Maia who oversaw the growth of plants. That seems very appropriate since in the natural world both wild and cultivated flowers are blooming, while birds are singing, swooping and nesting. 

Andy Laplante relishes life’s drama

If you have ever shopped at the Granby Cumberland Farms, you have encountered the smiling welcome and kindly service of Andy Laplante. He is a large man in many ways: in his big heart; in his thoughtful, friendly behavior; in his unflappable love of life. He is also a man who hones his talents for his own and others’ pleasure.