Come to the Oak Lodge Nature Center at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on July 26th for a free introduction to fishing. Those attending will learn the basics of fishing and casting and will also have the opportunity to do some fishing in Schreeder pond. A certified C.A.R.E (Connecticut Aquatic Resource Education) instructor will teach the class, and all equipment will be provided.

This program requires registration. Call Samantha Wentworth at (203) 734-2513 to register or for more information. This free program is open to visitors of all ages.

For cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the Chatfield Hollow State Park Office at (860) 663-2030. For more information on Connecticut's State Parks and Forests, visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep/ or call the Division of State Parks at (860) 424-3200.

The Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a proposed zoning amendment, 3-2, that would have allowed Killingworth residents Phil Stull and Jeff Blaschke to open a horse crematorium in the Plattwood Park Industrial Area. Read more about the story in the Hartford Courant.

July , 2007
I do not intend to downplay the importance of Homeland Security. But from what I've read, and from lectures I've attended, I denote a consensus that the threat of a natural disaster, such as a Category 3 hurricane, is more imminent than that of a terrorist attack, in Killingworth. Some amongst us remember the massive devastation caused by the hurricane of 1938. According to scientific data, we may experience a hurricane of similar proportions in the near future. Such an event would cause an upheaval to our infrastructure and immobilize the community for days, even weeks. It is also conceivable that we would have to cope with this on our own. Just think of Katrina! Read more of Klein's column.

The Hartford Courant reports that resident Raymond Gaugush will go before the Zoning Board of Appeals Monday to dispute the decision by Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathy Jefferson denying his permit for a zoning compliance permit. Gaugush seeks to be able to advertise his Route 81 property for sale as "horse property" but the zoning regulations do not allow for horse barns withing 50 of the property line. Gaugush's barn, which the report says has never housed horses is located approximately 30 feet from the property line.

To the Editor:
I wholeheartedly agree with Jeremy Maxwell's assessment of the dire need for the selectmen of Killingworth to get control over our out of control traffic and speed problems on secondary roads. I live on Roast Meat Hill Road between Stevens and Rt. 80. This stretch of a popular "cut-off" has become a disaster waiting to happen. Construction trucks, delivery trucks and SUVs are driving well over the speed limit making even exiting the driveway hazardous at times. What is most upsetting is that even though concerns are raised nothing seems to be done. Couldn't the town consider speed enforcement at busy times (commuting times and weekends)?

I was told by a former selectman over two years ago that nothing would work other than making the roads more curved and that when people are ticketed they usually turn out to be the ones who have complained. I think it is time for the selectmen to stop being dismissive of our complaints and instead consider some realistic options like handing out citations and putting in speed bumps. I hope our community continues to seriously address this quality of life and safety issue and that we don't just resign ourselves to these negative changes as the town grows busier and faster.

Cathleen Adams

The Killingworth Democratic Caucus will be held this Sunday, July 22 at 7:00 pm in the Killingworth Library meeting room. All registered Democrats may participate. Legal notice, placed in the Hartford Courant as required, gave the library location. However, should there be an unexpectedly large turnout, the meeting will be adjourned to the Killingworth Firehouse up the road on Rte 81. Should that happen, signs will be posted on the library doors.

To the Residents of Blueberry Hill Reserve and Reservoir Road:

We have received many complaints from residents of Roast Meat Hill Road relative to speeding among drivers originating from Blueberry Hill Reserve and Reservoir Road. There are indications that most of these speeders are residents of this area. These are country roads, many of which are only 18 feet wide with mandatory speed limits. We suggest that you leave your house ten minutes earlier to allow for the increase in travel time due to construction of Reservoir Road. Please keep in mind that this is an inconvenience that is being addressed.

Parents on Roast Meat Hill are concerned about the safety of their children and we are referring this matter to the Traffic Study Committee and our Resident State Trooper who will enforce the prescribed speed limits in the area and issue tickets to those who violate the regulations.

Please remember that your neighbors deserve the same consideration as you; avoid speeding. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Martin Klein
First Selectman

The Killingworth Library is offering a unique opportunity to do some very early holiday shopping and timely gift buying this Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each of seven vendors offers a different array of specialty items for your convenience. The event will take place at the library on Route 81. A portion of all proceeds will go directly to the library.

You are cordially invited to an afternoon of beautiful music... "THE FOUR SEASONS PLUS" Concert Series at Emmanuel Church, The Little Church in the Wilderness on Sunday, July 29 at 4 PM. The summer concert will feature John Anthony on the organ; Patricia Harper on the flute; Anne Megan on the oboe and Jurate Waller, soprano. They will be performing works by Bach, Teleman, Marcello and Handel on the Karl Wilhelm organ.

Admission is $15, children are free. There will be a reception following the concert. For information or directions please call 860-663-1109.

The George Manstan Big Band will once again be performing at Chatfield Hollow, July 24th at 7:00 PM. Come join us with your picnic dinner for this free concert under the pines! Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic dinner and enjoy the show! Picnic tables are available on a limited basis.

Edward Montague Adams died suddenly at his home on July 13. He was born in Hartford, CT attended the Beecher Road School, Woodbridge, and Amity Regional High School and graduated from Avon Old Farms School. He served in the United States Navy Seabees from 1969 to 1972. He started his marine electronics career with Brookes and Gatehouse, LTD, and was founder and President, Custom Navigation Systems, Inc, Westbrook, CT and Portsmouth, RI. He lived in Killingworth and summered Stony Creek, CT. He was a member and served on the Board of the National Marine Electronics Association, member of the New York Yacht Club, Cruising Club of America, Storm Trysail Club and many other sailing clubs. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Leonora Hunter Adams (Lorie), three Children, Wendy Adams of Methuen, MA , Heather Adams of Gainesville, Fl and Thomas Adams, Rocky Hill, CT, his mother Louise Barnes Adams of Lake Wales, FL, his sister Sally O'Connor of East Hartland, CT, A brother Thomas Adams of Evergreen, CO, His father, Paul WS. Adams predeceased him.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, July 21, 2007 on Bear Island at 2PM. Guests attending by vessel may anchor off Bear Island and are requested to dress ship. Cannons welcome. In lieu of flowers a request for donations be made to Marine 5, Stony Creek Fire Department, Branford, CT 06405.

At this year's Country Fair at the Congregational Church in Killingworth, organizers have put a special emphasis on the Silent Auction. "We want this to be a quality event that should make the visit to the Fair worthwhile also for the quality conscious visitor" says Sandy Smith co-chair this part of the Fair. "We have quite a few rather unique items to offer for sale or what do you say about having your own portrait painted under the supervision of Diane Aeschliman at her Portrait Workshop at the Lyme Art Association".

Diane is a member of our church and a re-known artist who has generously donated this very unique gift in support of the church. Join us at the Congregational Church in Killingworth on Saturday, August 4th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.killingworthchurch.org or 860-663-1789. Photo courtesy Congregational Church

Come to the beach at Chatfield Hollow State Park on Thursday, July 19 at 8:00 P.M. for a campfire on the beach. Join park staff as they tell some stories that may have been told by the Native Americans that once lived in the Chatfield Hollow area. Enjoy a beautiful summer night and learn a little history too.

Those planning to intend should bring their own blanket and chairs. This program is weather permitting. All ages are welcome to attend this free program, and no registration is required.

For more information, call Samantha Wentworth at (203) 734-2513. For cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the Chatfield Hollow State Park Office at (860) 663-2030.

Local residents Diane Stock, of Haddam, and Tanja Moriarty, of Higganum, announced that they are forming an independent party "A Better Haddam" to seek Haddam's top government seats in the November municipal election. Regional School District 17 Board of Education member Diane Stock is running for First Selectwoman and Tanja Moriarty, two term Selectwoman incumbent is seeking to be re-elected as an independent, instead of running on the Democratic ticket.

Stock says she is running because she is concerned that "without a comprehensive and thoughtful plan to guide Haddam's future, we will lose the things that make our town great". "I feel strongly that town residents should have greater input into deciding Haddam's future, and that the Board of Selectmen should engage in open and frequent communication with residents about plans for Haddam's development."

Moriarty said she is looking to better serve her community. "Having served on the Haddam Board of Selectmen for the past four years, I clearly see that I need to serve with a team-oriented First Selectperson to be a more effective leader". "I believe there is a better chance to affect change in our town by aligning myself with First Selectperson candidate Diane Stock. She is in touch with current issues in Haddam, will communicate openly with the Board of Selectmen, and will listen to and work with our townspeople."

Stock and Moriarty plan to focus on resident's concerns including guiding development and conservation, lobbying for property tax reform, increasing communication, and enhancing Haddam's resources for families. View Stock and Moriarty's campaign details at www.stockandmoriarty.com.

Residents Jeff Blaschke and Phil Stull, each having had to deal with the death and disposal of a horse, are determined to open a horse crematory as an alternative to burial. The Deep River Planning and Zoning board is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to allow Stull and Blaschke to open the crematory in an industrial park off Route 80. The story was recently covered in the New York Times

Sunday July 8:
• 3:42 AM: Medical emergency, Emanuel Church Rd
• 2:55 PM: Medical emergency, Emanuel Church Rd
Monday July 9:
• 11:32 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 81 and Chittenden Rd
• 3:38 PM: Medical emergency, Hemlock Dr
Tuesday July 10:
• 12:11 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 81 and Stevens Rd

The "Frog Frenzy" program at Chatfield Hollow is a wonderful opportunity for kids and adults to learn about, see and touch the frogs that are native to our area. The program is offered again today at 1:00 p.m. and there is an evening frog walk on tonight at 7: 30 P.M. to learn about the frog's different songs.

Please wear comfortable shoes. All ages are welcome to attend these free programs, and no registration is required.

For more information, call Samantha Wentworth at (203) 734-2513. For cancellations due to inclement weather, contact the Chatfield Hollow State Park Office at (860) 663-2030.

Tax bills will be mailed the last week in June. The first half of Real Estate and Personal Property bills over $100.00 is due July 1, 2007, and will be delinquent if paid on August 2. The second half will be due January 1, 2008 and delinquent on February 4, 2008. New bills will not be sent for the second half. Motor Vehicle bills are due without interest, between July 1 and August 1, 2006 in one installment. The rate of interest is 11/2 % per month, 18 % per annum, or $2.00 whichever is greater.

The office hours are 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday.

If you receive a Real Estate bill and have an escrow account, forward the bill to your lending institution, so they will make a timely payment. If you receive a bill for a vehicle you no longer own, you may be entitled to a credit. The credit is not automatic. You must provide 2 forms of proof to the assessor's office; one form being a plate receipt from DMV. All corrections are made through the Assessor's office.

If you pay in person and want a receipt, bring all copies of your bills. If you pay by mail, send a copy of your bill, a self addressed stamped envelope and your check. Please make checks payable to Tax Collector. You can send one check for all of your bills.

Payments will be applied to the oldest obligation before paying current bills.

Save your receipts, you will need them for your Income Tax information.

Payments received each day will be deposited. Please, do not predate or postdate your check. We use the United States Postal Service Postmark as the payment date.

Tax Collector