Recent Stories

Gran-Bee celebrated its 20 years milestone in style

Wells Road School’s Jim Whitten repeated his Master of Ceremonies duties at the April 25 Gran-Bee trivia competition at Granby Memorial High School. Funds from the trivia contest and auction benefit the Granby Education Foundation’s community grants program.

Gran-Bee celebrates 20 years in style!

On April 25, the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) proudly celebrated the 20th Annual Gran-Bee—marking two decades of trivia, teamwork and transformative community giving. This beloved fundraiser, held at Granby Memorial High School, brought together friends, families and neighbors to compete in a spirited trivia competition and to bid on a buzzing silent auction—all in support of GEF’s mission to fund innovative educational grants in the community.

Chamber of Commerce golf classic teed up community spirit

On Friday, May 16, the Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce hosted its much-anticipated Annual Golf Classic at the picturesque Simsbury Farms Golf Course. With the early morning rain giving way to sunny skies, more than 100 local business leaders gathered for a day filled with camaraderie, competition and commitment to community.

Valley Pre-School celebrates 50 years with Nannie Brown

For half a century, Nannie Brown has remained a dedicated and passionate presence at Valley Pre-School. Her wisdom and experience influenced countless children, parents and teachers since she took on the role of lead teacher in 1975. Brown served in this role until 2011, when she “retired” from teaching, but she did not go far!

Salmon Brook hosts annual rubber duck race

The third annual Granby Grange Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by Lincoln Tech, was held on May 10 at Salmon Brook Park and was a tremendous success. With beautiful cold weather and high spirits, the event drew a lively crowd and community participation. Over $1,400 in prizes were awarded to the top 16 rubber duck winners and the last place winner.

The wrens return

Two years ago, I purchased a bird house thinking how lovely it would look in my tiny garden. I wasn’t sure if birds would ever nest in it, but I followed online instructions on how and where to situate it and a few weeks later I saw twigs sticking out from under the roof. We had a nest in progress—a wren! She’s back this year and another nest was built.

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.

A sweet return for spring

After a cold, dark winter I look forward to spring when senses come alive again and there’s a delicious earthy fragrance in the woods. I find myself searching the hills for clouds of steam billowing from evaporators and envision myself surrounded by sweet-smelling maple steam inside warm, cozy sugar shacks.

Back Yard Friends

Watching the birds on a snowy morning
They come and go without any warning
Nibbling and fleeing, as flighty they are
Running away, but not very far.

NEAM Joins Connecticut Freedom Trail

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) proudly announces its designation as an official site on the Connecticut Freedom Trail, a significant recognition that honors the state’s rich history of freedom, civil rights and social justice.

News from Town Hall

The revised Granby Town Charter was adopted by a vote of 1,926 “Yes” votes and 567 “No” votes. The community appreciates the thoughtful approach taken by the Charter Review Commission members and their invaluable contribution in revising the charter.

Bordonaro scores her 1,000th point for GMHS girls basketball

If you have ever stepped inside the K.L. King Gymnasium at Granby Memorial High School, the most eye-catching details are the countless maroon and gold banners decorating the dark wood walls. From the 1973 field hockey banner that commemorates the first state championship in school history to recent titles and individual awards, the tall walls of the gym can be likened to a museum.
While teams usually have to wait until the end of the season before any titles are awarded, Granby girls basketball senior captain Alyssa Bordonaro has already earned her place on the wall.

Challenging budget season underway

The traditional Three Board Meeting held in mid-January began the focus on the budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.) At this meeting the Boards of Selectmen and Education presented their projected operating budgets, infrastructure and capital needs to the Board of Finance.

Unleashing Creativity: A journey into the Cossitt Creation Station

Are you a creative soul who is constantly buzzing with new ideas and projects? Or perhaps you have always wanted to dive into the world of crafting, DIY projects, or technology but never found the right avenue to explore your passions? Look no further than Granby’s newest makerspace, the Cossitt Creation Station (CCS).

Update

In the December issue’s letters, Deb Roe suggested that those interested in less aircraft noise and cleaner air for Granby should contact her. Roe has updated her email address to GranbySky@gmail.com