Hamden chooses month’s notable tree

HAMDEN — The Hamden Tree Commission chose a pin oak (Quercus palustris) as the Hamden Notable Tree for the month of November. The tree is located in Spring Glen. Nominated by the Tree Commission for its towering presence, it measures 84 feet tall with a circumference of 144 inches and an average canopy spread of 99 feet, according to a statement.

The pin oak is native to the Midwest and grows eastward throughout the southern part of New England. Its name comes from its distinctive downward pointing lower branches (“pins”), which are usually removed on landscape trees and street trees so that they do not strike passing vehicles. The tree is easily recognized by its distinctive branch structure, lobed leaves with pointed tips, and straight trunk. Its branches droop down at the bottom of the tree, grow horizontally in the middle and stand upright towards the top of the tree. The pin oak’s leaves turn bright red in autumn, and its half-inch acorns are prized by wildlife.

In the past, the pin oak was a popular street tree, often planted by municipalities alongside roads. The Tree Commission no longer recommends it for use in narrow tree lawns or if electrical wires are nearby, because its height can interfere with electrical lines and its roots can easily buckle sidewalks.

To nominate a tree, send its location and a few sentences describing the tree to: help@hamden.com. Include the name, address, email, and phone number as well. Or you can mail your nomination to the Hamden Tree Commission care of the Mayor’s Office, Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518.

City taxes due Jan. 1

WEST HAVEN — The second installment of city tax bills — real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, sewer — are due Jan. 1, and payments after Feb. 1 are considered delinquent and subject to interest, Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli said.

The 2019 supplemental motor vehicle bills are in the process of being mailed for vehicles registered after Oct. 1, 2019, and are also due Jan. 1.

Taxes can be paid by check, credit card, debit card or money order from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the window outside the tax office on the Campbell Avenue side of City Hall, 355 Main St., or by the drop box — check or money order — at the Main Street entrance of the building. City Hall is closed on Friday until further notice.

No cash is accepted until further notice, city officials said. Taxpayers who have cash can go to a bank of their choice to obtain a money order or certified check.

While waiting in line for inperson payments at the tax office window, taxpayers must wear face masks and maintain social distancing at all times, including staying 6 feet away from others.

Taxpayers can also make a payment on the city website at https:// www.mytaxbill.org/inet/bill/ home.do?town=westhaven. Sewer bills are on the same page but under a separate tab. Tax payment history can also be viewed and printed.

The fees for credit cards and electronic checks are available at http://cityofwesthaven.com/276/ Payments.

Taxes can also be paid by mail — check or money order, no cash — to the tax office lockbox: City of West Haven, Tax Collector, P.O. Box 150461, Hartford 06115-0461. When paying by lockbox or drop box, the canceled check is the receipt.

After Feb. 1, taxes with interest can be paid by mail to the Office of the Tax Collector, P.O. Box 401, West Haven 06516. Payments can also be made in person.

Anyone needing a motor vehicle clearance must pay in person by credit card, debit card or money order.

RMHC sees drop in funding

NEW HAVEN — In an average year, Ronald McDonald House Charities raises millions thanks to generous donors including McDonald’s customers, employees and franchisees. These critical funds support families with sick and injured children by providing vital resources and helping them stay together during treatment, according to a statement.

Local RMHC houses have seen a significant deficit in donations due to COVID-19. RMHC of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts has had to cancel 5 fundraising events and – although working to pivot toward virtual events and piloting new initiatives – is currently carrying a 20 percent deficit in fundraising revenue year-to-date.

To rally much-needed support and awareness for its local houses, McDonald’s has launched two initiatives that our communities can participate in:

#HereForRMHC: McDonald’s will give $100 in your name as part of their $100 million commitment over five years. To participate, just post a photo or video making the RMHC heart symbol (or another supportive message) to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or Facebook using #HereForRMHC.

Church recognized as ‘Green House of Worship’

OLD LYME — Saint Ann’s Environment Committee, Saint Ann’s Parish, Old Lyme, was awarded the “level two” recognition for their achievements in implementing eco-friendly processes by the

Green House of Worship program of the CT Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, on Nov. 24.

“Since I arrived as Provisional Priest in Charge at Saint Ann’s I have been delighted and energized by the parish’s commitment to creation care through action, education and worship. Our Community Garden annually gives hundreds of pounds of food to address food insecurity in neighborhoods,“noted Mother Anita.

Environment Committee members Dave Carter, Jim Norden and Steve MacAusland, as well as parish Sexton Dan Ivy, assisted in the preparation of the application to IREJN. Green Houses of Worship is a three-tiered, environmental stewardship program sponsored by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network that grants certificates of achievement for implementing eco-friendly measures in church buildings and within congregations. The Green Houses of Worship has three levels, each signifying a deeper level of commitment and effort.