Recent Stories

Granby and the First Amendment — Part 4

In part three, we saw that Connecticut’s harsh response to the religious Awakening drove New Lights south for continued revival in those colonies. Back in Granby, a decade of contention by two independent God-fearing sides ended in peace under the guidance of a new pastor, Joseph Strong.

Exotic Pet Series – Part One

Over the next few months, I will be covering topics related to exotic pet ownership. These articles will include information and data on ownership of reptiles/amphibians, small mammals and birds. Exotics can be fun and rewarding to keep as pets but typically have very specific needs depending on the species.

Local nurseryman wins prestigious award

On Nov. 21 John O’Brien received the 2024 Gustav A.I. Mehlquist award, the highest honor given annually from the Connecticut Horticultural Society at the society’s annual meeting. Established in 1987 the award honors Mehlquist’s extraordinary contribution to horticulture.

Heaven’s End

This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.

Simpson painting made permanent in Waterbury museum

Local artist William (Bill) Simpson has had one of his charcoal drawings accepted into the permanent collection at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. The piece, Fishing with Nick, was a visitor favorite during the 2022 Juried Members Show at the museum, so much so that Simpson was invited to return it and three additional drawings in December 2023 as part of a group show titled Connecticut Artists Depict Trees and Forests.

Art Foundation donates portraits

The Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Foundation recently donated two portraits painted by Patricelli to a West Hartford church and a local country club.

Mark Williams wins award

As January arrives each year, The Granby Drummer submits articles published during the preceding year to the Connecticut Press Club’s annual communication contest. Writers, editors and other media professionals across Connecticut vie for awards in over 60 categories.

Save the Date

Granby’s annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held on Friday, March 28, 5 to 7 p.m. in GMHS cafeteria. All proceeds benefit the Granby and Hartland food banks. See March issue for details!

Winter is here!

December view of the North Marsh on the GLT’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby.

Granby’s financial reporting recognized—again

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Granby for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.

LAFD car show—a birds eye view

The Lost Acres Fire Department’s first car show on Aug. 5 at Salmon Brook Park drew approximately 150 cars and raised over $5,000.

Let Kindness Ripple

I am delighted to introduce the overarching theme for Granby Public Schools’ year ahead: Let Kindness Ripple.

Drumrolls —

Mikayla Kai Thompson graduated from Saint Michael’s College in May where she was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. 

Who’s IN when school’s OUT?

During the lazy, hazy days of summer, public schools go on a welcome hiatus. Children enjoy staying up late, attending camp, playing with friends and setting out on family vacations while teachers and administrators sleep late and loll around the pool, right? Wrong.

Social Services

The focus of the Social Services Department is to coordinate existing federal, state, regional and local services, to increase community awareness of these services and to develop new programs to meet the needs of Granby residents.

Beaver Pond Wildlife Series

and the Simsbury Public Library in welcoming local filmmaker, Ray Asselin, as he presents the latest episode in his five-part Beaver Pond Wildlife series documenting a full year’s time at New England beaver ponds.

Arsenic and Old Lace takes the stage at The Suffield Players

The Suffield Players is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the timeless comedy Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. Directed by the talented Becca Coolong, this uproarious play promises to entertain audiences with its witty humor and eccentric characters.

Oak Hill School celebrates 130 years

Susan Regan, host of CT Valley Views, interviewed Ana Wittig, chief administrator of Oak Hill School in an informative dialogue about this venerable institution that is celebrating its 130th year serving the citizens of New England communities.