🌱Swing Bridge Project Starting Soon + More Fireworks Tonight Nearby

Hey, hello! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the The Haddams-Killingworth Daily. Follow along for the most important things going on these days in town.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine and a few clouds. High: 80 Low: 58.

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

1. According to an HK Now article, "the contract for the East Haddam Swing Bridge Project has been awarded to American Bridge Company (ABC), which was involved in building the bridge in 1912. The plan was for the Department of Transportation to issue the Notice to Proceed to ABC on July 7. ABC has until February 2025 to complete the project. ABC expects to start work in late August or early September. There will be a groundbreaking ceremony later this summer. As soon as ABC releases their project schedule, which should include when the 63-hour closures and alternating one-way traffic will be in effect, it will be posted on the Swing Bridge project page. The DOT has a website for the project at https://easthaddamswingbridgeproject.com/. Reportedly, as part of the project, there will be traffic cameras installed covering both approaches to the bridge, so you can check the traffic conditions in real-time." (HK Now)
2. State Representative Christine Palm (D-36) wrote an opinion piece published in the Hartford Courant about gun violence. The piece began with, "flag-waving and fireworks. Bocce ball and beer. Marching bands — and murder. This has become the American Independence Day routine." Palm went on to write, "The July Fourth mass shooting in suburban Highland Park, Illinois, was this nation’s 308th of the year. Three-hundred-and-eighth. As most of us were celebrating what it means to be American, people were, once again, dying. Next July Fourth, what independence will we be celebrating? Independence from “government interference?" Freedom from personal responsibility? Liberty to cling to a outdated, erroneous interpretation of the Second Amendment? Or will we, instead, celebrate independence from fear? Our children’s freedom to go to school in safety? Our liberty to vote for candidates who stand up to the NRA?" (Courant.com)
3. Get ready to celebrate UConn Extension's 8th Annual Bug week from July 17 to July 23, with programs for the entire family. All ages are welcome to attend and explore the activities and events dedicated to insects and their relatives. According to HK Now, "Bug Week programs include the following: Learn about insects and where to look for them by participating in Bug Walks at the Middlesex County Extension Office, 1066 Saybrook Road in Haddam on Wednesday, July 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The program will include bug hunts in the Extension gardens, insect identification, displays of live insects from local gardens, and giveaways. All ages are invited to explore the wonderful world of insects at this free event. Rain date is July 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford also will be buzzing with programs to celebrate Bug Week from Monday, July 18 through Saturday, July 23. Spend time in the Tropical Butterfly Encounter, participate in bug-themed Live Science programming and explore what is flying around the Rooftop Garden. Visit the website at www.bugs.uconn.edu to register for events!" (HK Now)
4. Looking for something fun to do today or tonight? Why not head over to Guilford for a day-long event that includes two concerts, lots of family-friendly activities, a picnic, vendors, inflatables, a petting zoo and a pyrotechnic show that organizers say is one of the area's best!The popular Guilford Town Band plays beginning at 4 p.m. Families are invited to picnic for the event that includes myriad kid activities including visiting a petting zoo, and sliding down a large inflatable slide, and other bouncy fun. Starting at 7:15 p.m., the concert at the Fairgrounds kicks off, featuring the band Night Shift. At 9:15, the fireworks begin. Parking for the event at the Fairgrounds, owned by the Guilford Agricultural Society, is $10. The Society puts on The Guilford Fair, Connecticut's second-oldest agricultural fair, established in 1859. Hope to see you there! (Patch)

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Today in The Haddams-Killingworth:

• Fearsome Creatures and Where to Find Them (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue: "Happy News For Your Friday! Yesterday was Harry's first time in the cross-ties to be lightly groomed. After a few quick minutes of nervousness, he settled down and was a perfect boy." (Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue via Facebook)
• Goodspeed Musicals: "Learn about director Jenn Thompson's vision for the world premiere of the new musical Anne of Green Gables. Performances begin July 17 - get your tickets today!" (Goodspeed Musicals via Facebook)
• Killingworth Library Association: "All About Snakes ~ Saturday, July 16, 11 a.m. - noon. Join us for a fascinating program on the most missss-understood creatures in our backyards: snakes! Meig's Point Nature Center will be on hand to present fun facts and answer all your questions" (Killingworth Library Association via Facebook)
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church: "Invitation to parents with kiddos who are roughly six-years-old or younger. July 10 after church, please join Rev. Erin in imagining how we might support the very youngest among us. If the weather is good, we will meet in the play-yard." (St. Stephen's Episcopal Church via Facebook)
• Goodspeed Musicals: "Join us on Kids Nights and share the beloved story of Anne of Green Gables with your child or grandchild! This world-premiere musical is perfect for f-ANNE-s of all ages! Each adult who buys a regular-priced ticket for the evening performances on July 20-24 may purchase a $15 ticket for a child ages 5-18.
  Call the Box Office to order your tickets today! 860-87-.8668" (Goodspeed Musicals via Facebook)
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church: "Invitation to Breathe, Lawn and Indoor Services, Lay-Led Sunday - https://mailchi.mp/226afe62ad8d/for-our-church-family-7333583" (St. Stephen's Episcopal Church via Facebook)
• Higganum Congregational Church: "This summer the First Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum Congregational Church are taking kindness to a whole new level by dedicating an entire week to it. The churches are hosting a “Children’s Kindness Camp” from Monday, August 15 to Friday, August 19. The camp will focus on four main areas, each day dedicated to one of the themes: Be kind to yourself, family and friends; Be inclusive and kind to your community; Be kind to animals and Be kind to the earth. The curriculum is designed for children ages four to twelve years old. Each day will be filled with activities, arts, crafts, drama and most of all, FUN." (Higganum Congregational Church via Facebook)
• Living Rock Church: "Our office will close at Noon on Fridays during the months of July & August. Happy Summer, everyone!" (Living Rock Church via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with 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.

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