By Sue Dyer

Remember that the last possible date to pay your real estate, motor vehicle and personal property taxes is Monday, August 1. You may pay in person, or by mail. Your envelope must be postmarked by August 1. Contact the tax collector at 860-542-5140 should you have any questions.

There have been several sightings of bears wandering around town. The State of Connecticut has issued guidelines for keeping bears away. They recommend removing bird feeders, adding ammonia to your trash cans if they cannot be put inside a garage or shed and not adding meat or sweets to your compost pile. They also ask that you report black bear sightings by calling 860-424-3011, or going to www.ct.gov/deep/blackbear.