🌱Ben Williams HK Salutatorian + Preserving Open Space In The Area

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Karena Garrity, your host of the The Haddams-Killingworth Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 78 Low: 59.

Here are the top five stories in The Haddams-Killingworth today:

1. According to an article on HK Now, "Benjamin (Ben) Williams, son of Christopher and Valerie Williams of Haddam, is Salutatorian of the Class of 2022. Throughout his time at HKHS, Ben has flourished in a highly challenging schedule. Ben has brought a new level of inquiry and interest to mathematics, including serving as a teaching assistant within our school this year. Ben has received numerous awards for his academic achievements including the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award and the HOBY Leadership Award. Ben has been involved in many organizations in his time with us including the Tutoring Club, the Current Events Club, the French Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the Student Advisory Board, as well as serving as a Class Leader. Ben is also a Student Representative to the Board of Education. Ben has been a member of the Varsity Soccer and Wrestling teams throughout his four years of high school, serving as Captain of Soccer for two years and Captain of Wrestling for three years. Outside of school, Ben is an avid volunteer, particularly with the organization One Big Circle. Ben plans to attend Dartmouth College in the Fall of 2022. He would like to pursue a degree in Mathematical Data Science." Good luck Ben! (HK Now)
2. In an effort to preserve open space in the state of Connecticut, the Lamont Administration is reportedly investing $562,250 in grant monies. According to a news release, the grants will aid the East Haddam Land Trust’s purchase of the 68.88-acre Saunders Property ($198,250), and the Middlesex Land Trust’s acquisition of the 147.4-acre Meshomasic’s Rattlesnake Brook Preserve ($364,000) in East Hampton and Portland. In addition, according to a Middletown Press artilce, the 24-acre Killingworth Land Conservation Trust Duffy/Greer Property received a $78,000 grant for property on Route 80, which lies between other already preserved Killingworth Land Conservation Trust properties. (Middletown Press)
3. Peregrine falcons, also called duck hawks, are federally protected, that's why it would have been illegal, for the fisherman who found a baby falcon in the Connecticut River, to bring it home. The fledgling along with its sibling reportedly fell out of their nest under the Charter Oak Bridge and landed in the River when they were testing out their wings. They have since been brought to A Place Called Hope, a birds of prey rescue in Killingworth, where they are being cared for. The plan is to bring the babies back to the area of their nest and hopefully, the parents will hear them calling out and the family will be reunited. According to an article in the Torrington Register Citizen, "the falcons, which can dive at speeds up to 175 mph, have made a comeback in the state and were upgraded from endangered to threatened species. The hunters have adapted to living in cities, where they eat pigeons, starlings and other plentiful prey. Peregrines also feed on mice and rats." (Torrington Register Citizen)
4. The local real estate market is never boring, and there are a variety of homes to choose from these days. Let Patch and Redfin.com be your go-to source for all the latest listings and upcoming open houses in and around The Haddams-Killingworth. (The Haddams-Killingworth Patch)
5. Poems commemorating 14 African-descended persons once enslaved in Old Lyme will be read as part of the Juneteenth Celebration of jazz and poetry, in Old Lyme, at the Florence Griswold Museum on June 18th from 2 to 4 pm. Reportedly, Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. According to a Middletown Press article, between 1670 and 1820, more than 200 enslaved African American and indigenous people labored in the historic town of Lyme. (Middletown Press)

Today in The Haddams-Killingworth:

• Book Club Combo Summer Meetup! - Killingworth Library (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue: "Trick's mane has grown so much since his rescue back in October. He's decided he's bringing back the 80s crimped hairstyle. Although Trick's size might seem intimidating (18.2hh), he's the most curious, friendly, playful, well-mannered, sweetest boy you will meet. Scratches, hugs, belly rubs—he loves it all." (Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue via Facebook)
• Haddam Cooperative Nursery School - HCNS: "Congratulations HCNS class of 2022! 👨‍🎓 👩‍🎓 We celebrated our graduates in the 4’s and we had a special end of the year picnic for our teachers, children and their families! Thank you to our wonderful teachers and all our wonderful children and families for a great year." (Haddam Cooperative Nursery School - HCNS via Facebook)
• Goodspeed Musicals: "Fosse's choreography comes to life Goodspeed's Cabaret! Choreographer Lainie Sakakura's reconstruction of "Mein Herr" from Bob Fosse's original choreography from the film is a CAN'T MISS MOMENT. Only 3 weeks left to see it." (Goodspeed Musicals via Facebook)
• Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department: "Dates and location have been changed and this camp is now next week! Still time to register." (Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a native of Connecticut, who currently resides in the Tri-Town community of Chester, Deep River and Essex. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming The Haddams-Killingworth Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com