Preparing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful - especially for Windsor residents, now that the town has posted on-line tax information in an easy to use format. Property and motor vehicle tax information is at your fingertips at the Town of Windsor website. Simply enter your name or address find taxes paid this past year.

The October 1, 2004 Net Taxable Grand List totals $2,288,392,580, which is an increase of $44,625,490 or (1.99%) compared to last year’s total. At the present mill rate of 28.83, this increase would produce $1,286,552 in new tax revenue.

The Real Estate portion of the October 1, 2004 Grand List totals $1,815,715,570 which is an increase of $26,299,970 or 1.47% over last year.

The Motor Vehicle portion of the October 1, 2004 Grand List totals $167,328,950 which is an increase of $10,093,890 or 6.42 % over last year. This year, according to information provided to us by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, there are 27,409 registered motor vehicles in Windsor, up slightly from last year's 27,014.

The Personal Property section of the October 1, 2004 Grand List totals $305,348,060 which is $8,231,630 or 2.77% greater than last year.

The Town of Windsor is once again offering a series of four free workshops focusing on home improvement. The workshops will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning March 9^th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Activity Room 1 at the Windsor Community Center, 330 Windsor Avenue. This is a unique opportunity to learn about various aspects of home improvement from experts in the field. Topics include interior decorating, energy conservation, landscaping and home repairs and maintenance.

Interested persons may attend one or more of the sessions, depending on their personal interests. Please contact the Office of Community Development at 285-1984 to register or further information.

In addition to the ongoing coffeehouses and maple sugaring programs at Northwest Park, their annual "Northwest Park at Night" community event will be held this Saturday February 12^th at the park from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The evening will include a live birds of prey demonstration, indoor planetarium shows, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along illuminated trails, (rental equipment available) a bonfire and refreshments. The Nature center, animal barn and gift shop will be open for all visitors. To learn more, call 285-1886.

Join in the family fun Friday, February 11^th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Youth Service Bureau’s Winter Festival held at the Community Center at 330 Windsor Avenue. Shake off the winter blues with games, crafts, face painting, music, refreshments and bounce-house amusements. This festival has something for everyone. Admission is $2.00. For more information call 298-9976.

Sustaining a 43 year tradition in Windsor, the Town Clerk’s Office will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the distribution of free marriage licenses. Those wishing to receive a license may do so free of charge next Monday February 14^th. Applicants are reminded to bring a photo i.d. For more information, call 285-1902.

Windsor's Conversations on Race will meet to kick-off a third season on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Town Hall. The Conversations on Race series is committed to raising awareness of different cultures and religions. This year's kick-off will feature a forum on the "Role of Race in Education" featuring parents, educators and students candidly discussing their views and experiences.

Beginning in March for five consecutive session evenings there will be opportunities for the residents to participate in smaller group discussions. To register for any of these offerings, call Diane McDougald at 285-1984.