🌱Gillette's Castle Opens Memorial Day + HK Dairy Barn Has New Owner

Up and at 'em, The Haddams-Killingworth! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 73 Low: 54.

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

1. Iconic Gillette's Castle, on the East Haddam, Lyme town line, is getting ready to open its extraordinary doors to the public starting the season on Memorial Day weekend. The doors will be kept open through Labor Day weekend. The eccentric mansion constructed of stone was the house of “Sherlock Holmes” stage actor William Gillette. At 102 years old it has had a recent facelift of sorts, which includes various renovations and repairs, such as the welcome sign, the Seth Thomas clock in the great room, and the stone retaining wall surrounding the castle. The grounds around the castle are open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. (Hartford Courant)
2. The HK Dairy Barn has a new owner, but the same old extra special ice cream, Italian ices and delectable sundaes. The business opened for the 2022 season in mid-April with new owner Ling Lin at the helm. She purchased it from Ryan and Paige Blaschke and she doesn't plan on changing anything. Reportedly, the Blaschke's found themselves too busy with their other business to run the ice cream shop and asked restauranteur and friend Lin if she wanted to buy the HK Dairy Barn. (HK Now)
3. Did you know the Connecticut River is considered a "trophy carp body of water?” So, fishermen have a daily limit of one carp under 26 inches. Three anglers, who were fishing the River in Cromwell are facing fines totaling more than $4,200. They were found with dozens of carp from the Connecticut River. (Middletown Press)

From our sponsor:

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From my notebook:

• Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue: "At our 10th Annual Gelding Clinic this past Sunday, we had 12 stallions signed up, eight attended, and seven were gelded. Since our first clinic 11 years ago, we have helped 109 horses become kinder, gentler geldings." (Facebook)
• Haddam Historical Society-Thankful Arnold House Museum: "The Haddam Historical Society and Thankful Arnold House Museum are participating in the Town Wide Tag Sale this Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14 Hayden Hill Road, Haddam." (Facebook)
• Killingworth Library Association: "Someone (small) left their coat at the library last week, when the days were a little cooler. It has a reversible pink fluffy side — hard to miss! We're keeping it safe, so it can be reunited with its owner." (Facebook)
• Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department: "Only $10 for the Summer Season Pass!" (Facebook)
• Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department: "More participants needed for Zumba Kids at KES. Register at www.hkrec.com" (Facebook)

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Events:

• Oddfellows Teen Rep Company Presents: The Greeks! (May 19)
• Goodness Grows GardenFest (May 21)
• Spring Song Fest (May 22)
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Housing:

• Apartment for rent (Details)
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That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— 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