🌱'Save Deer Lake' Is Cutting It Close + Woofstock At Hammonasset

Happy Thursday, people of The Haddams-Killingworth! Here are the most important things happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and windy. High: 52 Low: 38.

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

1. Generating support from lawmakers and environmental groups Pathfinders Inc. a non-profit has launched a "Save Deer Lake" campaign. It is hoping to raise enough money to make a competitive offer and purchase the 253-acre reservation from the Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council, to preserve the land. It is currently looking to raise the last $800,000 before it has to submit the proposal at the end of the week to meet the May 1 deadline. (NBC Connecticut)
2. Margaret Winkley is reportedly looking to cash in on her properties. The problem is, they are part of her non-profit and the homes have reportedly been state-funded. As the founders and directors of Brian House Inc. and Adult Vocational Programs Inc., Margaret and her late husband Malcolm Winkley helped decide where to house dozens of people who were in the nonprofits’ care, and they frequently arranged for those individuals to move into group homes they personally owned along the lower Connecticut River Valley, in Haddam, Chester, Lyme, Deep River and East Haddam. According to an article by The CT Mirror, state funds were used to pay mortgages and taxes on the homes and now Margaret is looking to sell the homes for her own profit. (CTMirror)
3. In an effort to raise funds for the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League, Woofstock will once again be held, rain or shine at Hammonasset State Park on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring dogs that are up for adoption, pet groomers and a community dog walk, there will also be music, games, and food trucks to enjoy. Valley Shore Animal Welfare League is a small non-profit animal rescue organization that operates out of Westbrook. It houses both dogs and cats in need of adoption. (Zip06.com)
4. Originally planned, scheduled and even cast for Ivoryton's 2020 season, but postponed due to the pandemic, 'Native Gardens,' by Karen Zacarias, opens May 19 at The Ivoryton Playhouse. According to Broadway World, 'Native Garden,' is an entertaining look at what it takes to be good neighbors in America and the Playhouse is thrilled to finally bring this play to life in Ivoryton. (Broadway World)

Today in The Haddams-Killingworth:

• Love2Sign with Jaye - Killingworth Library (10:45 AM)
• Dungeons & Dragons for Tweens and Teens (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Haddam-Killingworth Little League: Volunteers needed at the Snack Shack at Jail Hill during Majors and Minors BB games. The snack shack will be a vital source of revenue to HKLL, so please consider volunteering. (Facebook)
• Essex Steam Train: Neighbor Appreciation Weekend May 14 & 15. Neighbor Appreciation Weekend includes free Steam Train and Riverboat rides (coach seating) for residents in six towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line – – Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, East Haddam and Old Saybrook. (Facebook)
• East Haddam Historical Society & Museum: help support the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum by either reserving a spot to sell your stuff or come and shop with the other many sellers or support the East Haddam Garden Club during their annual plant sale. May 14th!(Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all tomorrow for another 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.