Recent Stories

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.

Feathered visitor—or hunter?

John Dewey photographed this broad winged hawk sitting on a plastic owl, watching birds at the feeder at his house on Hungary Road. It was taken during one of January’s many windy days so its feathers were ruffled from the wind.

Living with ticks

Ticks are present at Holcomb Farm. Those of us who walk the trails have noticed an increase this spring over prior years.

Volunteerism, civil activities still thrive in Granby

As I was browsing through the files at the Salmon Brook Historical Society looking for ideas to write about Granby’s history, I discovered that our town has a history of volunteerism and an active civic life that continues today.

Run the town streets in Granby Bear-A-Thon

Post pandemic has left a lot of us feeling isolated and off our “health game.” While maybe some were able to maintain their health and fitness or bounce back, there are still quite a few out there struggling to get healthy or feel connected.

Patricelli Art Scholarship awarded

The prestigious Sylvia Davis Patricelli Art Scholarship was presented during the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of Arts graduation ceremonies held on June 8.

Browse & Borrow

Check the library website for additional programs and activities—new things are added all the time.

Tales for Trails Library

Looking for a fun summer activity to do with the kids or grandchildren? Bring them to the newly installed little free library located at the Glazier Cabin on the Granby Land Trust’s Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve in North Granby.

Sunrise hike to celebrate Connecticut Trails Day

Two dozen very early risers joined the Granby Land Trust for its 2023 Connecticut Trails Day Here Comes the Sun Hike on the GLT’s Old Messenger Road Corridor properties. The hike started at 4:30 a.m., and we had visitors from as far away as Rocky Hill and Brooklyn.

Learning for life: Jennifer Kielbasa

Like many little girls, Jennifer Kielbasa grew up wanting to be just like her mother. But Jennifer took this desire farther than most. Her mother, Kerry Ann Kielbasa, served Granby for 25 years as director of human and senior services.

Reardon recognized as one of America’s best realtors

Nancy Reardon, a local well-known real estate professional in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Granby office, has been named one of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals by Real Trends and Tom Ferry.