HK Sports: The HK Girls Lacrosse team pulled off a last minute, 10-9, win over North Branford last night. Kat McDermott scored the winning goal with less than a minute to go in the game. Also scoring were: Sarah Gesick (4), Emily Anderson (2), Danielle Filosi, Brooke Faircloth, and Mikayla Litevich. Teagan Ferguson had an outstanding night in goal. The HK Junior Varsity team also came away with a win, defeating North Branford, 6-4.

#4 Kat McDermott (right) scoring the game winner. Photo courtesy C. Kostek

Using a late inning surge in the offense, the HK Varsity Baseball team was able to crush the North Branford T-Birds, 14-1. The game was tight early with the Cougars holding a 1-0 lead thanks to a Steve Landell RBI single in the fourth that scored Sean Zapatka. That lead would soon expand the following inning as HK scored four more runs, all with two outs. Brian Ludington layed down a perfect drag bunt to get things started, which was followed by a Mike Waterbury single to put two runners on for the heart of the order. Zapatka then tattooed a 2-run double to the fence in left to make it 3-0. Landell collected a few more RBI's two batters later as he drilled a double to the gap in right-center, blowing the game open to 5-0.

North Branford tried to claw its way back into the game against HK starting pitcher Chris Bova, however Bova would not break. He allowed a run in the fifth, but that was all he would surrender as the right-hander went seven innings, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out one.

The Cougars struck for 9 more runs in the last two innings to break the backs of North Branford. Landell laced another 2 RBI double to highlight a four run sixth. In the seventh, the Cougars put up five more runs thanks to consecutive RBI singles from Zapatka, Alex Pollack, Matt Johnson, and Brian Ludington. Landell (3-4, 5 RBI, 2 2B), Zapatka (3-5, 3 R, 3RBI, SB) and Ludington (3-4, 3 R, RBI) lead the way offensively.

HK improves to 12-3 (11-3) and will be back on the road Friday at Valley Regional to tangle with the Warriors. Game time is 3:45, weather permitting.

The May meeting of Killingworth's Tuesday Book Discussion Group will take place on Wednesday, May 21st. It will involve a trip to the Scranton Library on the Boston Post Road in Madison for a discussion of John Grisham's latest novel, "The Appeal". This is a joint venture with the Scranton Library Men's Book Club. Discussion will be facilitated by practicing attorney Gerald Rourke, a member of the Scranton group.

Reviewer Tim Rutten of the Los Angeles Times called "The Appeal" a "relevant piece of social realism" that is blunter about the failings of our contemporary political and judicial systems than any book found on the non fiction list.

The discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. in a Scranton Library meeting room. Newcomers are welcome.

To the Editor:
Saving for a rainy day is a good thing, and Killingworth has been doing just that, and as of June 2007 had saved $3,509,733.00 according to our Annual Report. That is a 60% increase in our savings in just four years, and now this administration wants to take $900,000.00 out of these savings and put it in another account, and further increase our savings at a similar rate.

As I talk to many Killingworth citizens I hear that many are having rainy days now, and I believe, one of our responsibilities in life is to help others in their time of need, therefore, the town's budget should reflex that value. Killingworth's budget this year could help many of its struggling citizens by not saving so much, and by reducing taxes.
Phil Stull

The Connecticut Storm Girls U11 basketball team took first place and the gold medal at the 2008 Connecticut AAU Girls Basketball Championship on April 25 - May 4. The gold medal came with a record of 5-1. The team will participate in the 2008 Division II National Championship in June in New Haven.

bottom: Tori Hopkins, Maya Savino, Alyssa Velles, Nicky Fuentes
middle: Anna Schrecengost, Jenna Schumacher, Bianca Matira, Devyn Clements
top: Assistant Coach Megan Fenton, Julia Schrecengost, Carly O'Day, Olivia Ouellett, Coach Tom Fenton. Photo courtesy: D. Savino

Get ready for change! Join us for a fun, informational night designed to give girls a better understanding of the changes their bodies will go through during puberty. Topics will also include the importance of maintaining a positive body image and how to deal with difficult situations which may arise during this dynamic time. This program is for girls in the 4th and 5th grades and their mothers or significant caregivers. Patty Musgrove, a middle school health teacher facilitates this course.

Monday, May 12, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. @ Haddam Youth Center
Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. @ the Killingworth Library
Cost is $20 per pair. This includes resource Materials, goodie bags, and a pizza dinner! Call Youth and Family Services of Haddam Killingworth to register at 345-7498 Space is limited! Reserve your spot today!

HK Sports: The HK Track and Field teams defeated East Hampton on Tuesday. The Boys team won 102-47 to improve its dual meet record to 5-0 on the year and the girls won 80-70 also improving to 5-0. Both teams will compete next on Saturday at the Old Saybrook Invitational and then have their final home dual meet of the season next Tuesday vs Coginchaug.

Winning performances for the boys against East Hampton were: The 4x100 Relay of Matt Martin, Matt O'Brien, Ray Cerino and Dan Wendt; the 4x400m Relay of Paul Massicott, Kevin Allison, Joe Vitali and O'Brien; Chris Pfrommer won the 110 High Hurdles and Triple Jump; O'Brien won the 100M and 800m; Derrick Weiss won the Shot Put and Discus; Martin won the 300m Hurdles, High Jump and the Long Jump; Wendt won the 200m; Wyatt Haynosch won the 3200m and Dave Bartolotta won the Pole Vault.

Winning performances for the girls were: The 4x800m Relay of Gabby Haynosch, Amy Chamberlain, Kara Burdett and Jess Moore; Caroline McManus won the 100m Hurdles; Moore won the 1600m and 800m; Hannah Donadio won the 300m Hurdles; Chamberlain won the 3200m; Corry Almeida won the Javelin; Courtney Hanne won the Shot Put; Corinne Mazzotta won the Long Jump; Rachel Mazzotta won the Triple Jump; the 4x400m Relay of Dempsey Haynosch, Mary Dornfeld, McManus and Moore and Haynosch won the Pole Vault.

With several teams in the running for one of the four SLC playoff spots, the Cougar Varsity Baseball team was able to pick up a critical win over East Hampton by the score of 3-0.

With offense hard to come by, HK was able to pick up a run in the first inning when Alex Pollack blasted a double to left field and scored on Steve Landell's RBI single. No other offense was generated by either team until the fifth when the Cougars struck again. With one out, Sean Zapatka walked and took second on a wild pitch. After East Hampton recorded out number two, Landell collected his second two-out RBI with a ringing double to left-center giving his squad a 2-0 edge.

While the Cougars were scoring, starting pitcher AJ Margnelli was making sure the Bellringers were not. The right-hander pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out five. HK would give him an insurance run in the sixth when a Lou Annino RBI single scored Mike Waterbury from second with two outs.

HK improves to 11-3 (10-3) on the season and now find themselves in the top four teams in the conference. They will attempt to keep the momentum rolling when they travel to North Branford today for a 3:45 game.

The HK Softball team defeated Cromwell, 10-2, yesterday. Lindsey Griswold was the winning pitcher. Rachel Normandy has a two-run triple and scored three runs. Marina Annino had three hits and an RBI for the Cougars.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Summer Camp/ Child Care. Meets Monday - Friday from June 23rd - August 8th (no camp July 4th) from 7:00 - 6:00 PM (rain or shine). Participants may register for either full day camp (7:00 - 6:00 PM), Half Day Camp (9:00 - 3:30 PM), Extended AM (7:00 - 3:30 pm) or Extended PM (9 - 6 pm). Participants must sign up on a weekly basis.

Camp is for children entering grades 1 - 8. Activities include sports, games, arts & crafts, swimming, field trips, special events, and theme days. Please call 345-8334 for registration information or visit hkrec.com for a registration form.

Field Trips include:
Camp Discovery - Gr. 1 & 2
6/26 Destinta Theater
7/3 Gillette Castle State Park
7/10 T-Bowl Duckpin Lanes
7/15 Kid City (Tuesday trip)
7/24 Club Kids
7/31 Great Escape
8/7 On-Site "End-of-Summer Medieval Madness"

Camp Adventure - Gr. 3, 4, 5
6/26 Club Kids
7/3 Destinta Theater
7/10 Monster Mini-Golf
7/17 Great Escape
7/24 Berlin Bowl
7/31 New World Laser Tag
8/7 On-Site "End-of-Summer Medieval Madness"

MS Explorers - Gr. 6, 7 & 8
Berlin Bowl (6/24) & Monster Mini-Golf (6/26)
Ropes Course (7/1) & New World Laser Tag (7/3)
Lake Compounce (7/8) & Chatfield Hollow (7/10)
Ocean Beach (7/15) & Destinta Theater (7/17)
New Britain Rockcats (7/22) & Checkered Flags (7/24)
Lake Compounce (7/29) & Chatfield Hollow (7/31)
The Trampoline Place (8/5) & On-Site "End-of-Summer Medieval Madness" (8/7)

The fee for Half Day Camp is $95/90 for 2nd child / $45 each additional sibling per week. The fee for Extended AM or PM camp is $130/$108 for 2nd child / $45 each additional sibling. The fee for Full Day Camp is $140/ $118 2nd child / $45 each additional sibling per week. The fee for the All-Inclusive Seasonal Package (7 weeks of Full Day Camp) is $845/ $720 2nd child / $195 each additional sibling. Camp fees include field trip admission and busing and a camper T-shirt to be worn on field trips. Please note – there is a $15 per week surcharge for Middle School Explorers for their extra weekly field trip. Recreation scholarships and special payment plans are available for needy campers. Non-residents may register for an additional $10 each week.

Killingworth voters made the difference in passage of the regional school district's annual budget. Just 748 Killingworth voters turned out to the polls today, but it was enough to negate the defeats in Haddam and Haddam Neck. Just 17% of Killingworth voters turned out to cast their vote on the $36,200,735 budget: 453 for and 295 against. In Haddam the referendum was defeated 504-416. In Haddam Neck, it was defeated by a 32-20 count.

The meager turnout disappointed Education Coalition Chairman Geoff Korper, but he said any way it happens, he is happy it passed. Korper said he is disturbed that the referendum was not passed in Haddam. Haddam passed the budget the previous three years. Korper sends his thanks to everyone who helped get out the coalition's message. He and his team of 18 callers made 650 calls in Haddam last night to encourage residents to vote. That number pales to the 1100 calls Susan Irwin and her 47 "HK in May Committee" callers made.

Killingworth has 4383 eligible voters for the referendum. Last year the turnout was 922 voters or just over 21%. In 2006 22.4% turned out. The budget reflects a 4.94% increase in spending over last year for education.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Lacrosse team came away with its second win in as many days, defeating Old Saybrook, 12-5, in Higganum. HK goals were scored by Danielle Filosi (4), Sarah Gesick (3), Emily Anderson (3), Mikayla Litevich (1), and Emily Pollack (1). Filosi also had 3 assists. The team hosts North Branford on Thursday at 4 pm at HK.

The HK Boys Golf team fell to Old Saybrook, 160-176. HK's Thijs Stoop shot a 42, Sean moyer shot a 43, Dan Brough shot a 43 and Evan Lyman shot a 48. Low score was Old Saybrook's Sam Ayers shot a 36.

The Killingworth Library will hold a Book Sale on Saturday, May 10th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Books and more to please everyone. Just in time for Mother's Day. Give the gift of literature (Outside, weather permitting)

Last weekend, the H-K High School Players performed the debut run of "The Dash In Between"^©. The work was written by playwright and Middletown resident Lee Godburn for the H-K drama department. The catalyst was an old friendship between acting H-K drama advisor Marcia Catalano and Godburn. "This being my directorial debut, I asked a good friend of mine who has not only acted and directed, but who has also written three plays of his own, for advice. He graciously offered to assist" said Catalano. And assist he did! Godburn put fingers to keyboard and the socially insightful contemporary comedy "The Dash In Between"^© was born. Countless hours were spent by the playwright writing the work and directing our H-K players at no cost to District 17. The new play was inspired by the 1936 classic Broadway production "You Can't Take It With You" by Moss Hart and George S Kaufman.

"The Dash In Between"^© is a story of a wacky but lovable family who live life to the fullest in a middle class neighborhood on the east side of New York. Each family member follows their dreams and passions regardless of aptitude. All is well until the granddaughter falls in love with a Wall Street executive's son. Chaos ensues when the future in-laws meet as Wall Street, the east Side and opinions on how to live life collide. "What really appeals to me about this new show, however is that it encourages us to make time for a reality check to examine our own dreams and what we truly value" said Catalano.

The greatest benefactors in this process are the students involved in the H-K drama department. Godburn said, "... District 17, I commend you on the existence and continued support of such an extensive and inspiring arts program. In these hard economic times I know it is a constant battle to keep such programs funded. Anyone spending anytime at all with these brilliant young people will soon realize every bit of effort and money was extremely well spent as they are not only prepared to take a role onstage, but also one in life".

Photos and story by Jude Catalano

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee is holding its annual bake sale, Saturday, May 10, at Recycle Way, just in time for Mother's Day. The KDTC tent will be easy to spot as it shades tables of home baked breads, pies, jams, cookies, and more. Chatfield Hollow note cards will also be available. The sale will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue through 2:00 p.m. All goodies have been baked with nonpartisan ingredients.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Lacrosse team defeated Valley Regional yesterday, 15-14. Cougar goals were scored by Kat McDermott (4), Emily Anderson (3), Brooke Faircolth (3), Sarah Gesick (2), Emily Pollack, Danielle Foliosi and Jackie Buttendorf. HK had 30 shots on goal. Teagan Ferguson had 17 saves in goal.

The HK Boys Tennis team defeated North Branford,6-1, last week to improve its record to 12-0. Ryan Hawkins defeated North Branford's Gus Boatman in straight sets, 7-5 6-1. Sophomore Patrick Gilhuly remains undefeated in singles play after a three set win over North Branford's Pete Angiello. Also undefeated in singles play is sophomore Varun Ravishanker, who defeaeted Brian Panico in three sets. The Cougars' Joe Cerino and Matt Waldman defeated Paul Wentworth and John Lasko in No. 1 doubles in straight sets. The Cougars narrowly defeated East Hampton, 4-3, yesterday. Hawkins, Cody Warrren and Gilhuly won their singles matches and Cerino and Waldman extended their winning streak at doubles. Read more about the match in the Middletown Press

The HK Softball team blanked Portland on Friday, 10-0. Lindsey Griswold struck out nine and picked up her fourth shut out. Marina Annino had two hits and two RBIs. The Cougars shut out North Branford, 12-0, yesterday.

The HK Varsity Baseball team was able to bounce back from Friday's tough loss with a, 4-1, victory over conference rival North Branford. The game was highlighted by a big Cougar second inning and a dominant pitching performance from Lou Annino.

With no score in the game, HK blasted the T-Birds in their second trip to the plate. With a runner on and one out, the Cougars got a "laser beam" single from hot hitting Kyle Allison and a text book drag bunt single from Annino. When the throw to first to get Annino was late and in the dirt, a heads up Steve Landell scored from third to make it 1-0. AJ Margnelli followed with another hard single to knock in Allison. The scoring ended when Mike Theriault knocked a two-out, two-run single through the infield to make it 4-0.

Meanwhile, Annino was mowing down North Branford hitters, allowing only one earned run in the third. Other than that, he never faced a scoring threat as he retired the side in order for most of the game. He finished with seven innings pitched, five hits, a walk, and three strikeouts.

HK was lead by Allison (3-3, run) and Theriault (1-3, 2RBI) at the plate. The Cougars improve their record to 10-3 (9-3) and will travel to East Hampton on Wednesday for a 3:45 game. Head Coach Mark Brookes is now four wins away from 500 total career victories.

To the Editor:
I must respectfully disagree with my friend Phil Stull about the wisdom of placing money in a reserve fund for future capital projects. Although the future uses of those funds are currently "undesignated," they are not pipe dreams. The town has long deferred maintenance on much of its infrastructure; it has also put off acting on plans that the townspeople have already approved. We know that the highway department, the volunteer fire department, and the transfer station will require new equipment in the next few years. The town hall itself must be expanded and upgraded in various ways. A solid capital reserve fund will allow us to address needs such as these carefully and systematically.

Far from acting recklessly or insensitively, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance are trying to create a more responsible fiscal regime. By bonding two large projects now, while interest rates are an historic low, we can begin to build our capital reserve fund. We are putting together long-range capital plans for each department, and we intend to schedule major capital expenditures only after we have set aside the funds. We hope to avoid, as much as possible, reacting on an emergency basis, which limits options and leads to higher costs. I would say this is the essence of "good planning for the future."

It might indeed have been wise to have begun this program earlier, but we cannot go back in time. The fact is, Killingworth's mil rate will not increase this year. That is why we should not wait any longer to begin a program of long-range capital planning. Indeed, such a program will allow us to explore possibilities such as alternative sources of power, as Ms. Potter-Smith suggests.
Catherine Iino
Killingworth Selectman

Sunday April 27:
• 11:29 AM: Brush fire, Old County Rd
Monday April 28:
• 11:24 AM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Tuesday April 29:
• 9:17 AM: Chimney fire, Green Hill Rd
• 9:56 AM: Vehicle fire, intersection of Rtes 80 & 81
Wednesday April 30:
• 5:25 AM: Gas detector / alarm, Champlin Rd
• 10:54 AM: Medical emergency, Livemore Trl
• 4:39 PM: Medical emergency, Reservoir Rd
Thursday May 1:
• 1:58 AM: Medical emergency, Pond Meadow Rd
• 9:41 PM: Fire alarm, Route 81
Friday May 2:
• 6:18 PM: Medical emergency, Iron Works Rd

Join the Friends of Hammonasset on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison for its Horseshoe Crab Sunset Stroll. Ranger Russ Miller will lead the group. Come join us collect shells & count Horseshoe Crabs!

The Killingworth Library May newsletter is now available. Learn more about upcoming events, volunteers opportunities and fund raising events. Click here to download the newsletter.

The 2008 Haddam Killingworth Relay For Life needs more teams for it's upcoming event May 30-31. Not only is the Relay fun, it raises money for cancer treatments and research. You can form a team from your neighborhood, job, church, gym, school, etc. The Team Development leader is Kim Anderson and she can be reached at 663-2884, or email: kwa222@hotmail.com. For more info on the Relay you can also email: hkrelay2008@gmail.com

All are invited to attend and enjoy fresh tasty food prepared by our volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel at the Chester Firehouse, 6 High Street Chester on Sunday May 11 from 8 am - noon. Only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children between 6-12. Children under 5 are free. Thank-you for supporting the Chester Hose Company 6 High Street, Chester, CT 06412

The Chester Hose Company serves the Chester community. We also receive and provide mutual aid to our fellow firefighters and emergency medical personnel in neighboring towns. The department is comprised of all volunteers.

State Sen. Edward Meyer, who is co-chairman of the Environment Committee, yesterday welcomed the decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to reject a plan by the Islander East Co. to build a 50-mile natural gas pipeline from Branford, Connecticut to Yaphank, New York.

Sen. Meyer has been fighting against the proposed pipeline for several years; Connecticut's state department of Environmental protection has twice denied the necessary permits needed for the project.

"This is great news and a major victory that preserves the superb natural resources - including shell fishing beds - of the Branford shoreline and Thimble Islands," Sen. Meyer said. "The court decision also establishes a highly significant legal precedent that recognizes a state's right to protect its own environment."

Islande's decision not to grant the project the necessary permits. The DEP denied Islander East's application in 2004 and again in 2006, saying the 50-mile pipeline's route would damage water quality, natural resources and prime shellfish beds.

Islander East needs Connecticut water-quality permits to secure federal approvals for the pipeline, which would connect Branford to Long Island's eastern end. Yesterday's decision could lead Islander East to change the proposed route, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, or scrap the project.

To the Editor:
I agree with Phil Stull that the proposed budget should focus on the here and now as opposed to the unforeseen future problems of Killingworth. The alloted $900,000.00 would be best invested in a way that would benefit current residents and save the town money now, money that could be reinvested each year. With current fuel price problems, the obvious solution is to focus on alternative fuels. The roof of HKMS sits high upon a hill and seems to be in a position to receive lots of solar rays. I had solar panels installed 2 years ago to cover the side of our roof that faces south. I did it to be green initially, but now that fuel prices are higher than ever, I am quite pleased that I got in when I did. Yes, it was a bit of a tug at the pocketbook, but more than half of the initial investment cost was paid back to us by the state of Connecticut and I receive a quarterly check from factories in Massachusetts who are required to buy clean energy to offset their pollution to the environment, not to mention that our CL&P bill is about 25% of what it used to be!! I can only imagine that the electric bills for the large schools that we have in Killingworth, eat up a large portion of the school budget. Solar panels work year round and would provide a source of income for the town. I propose that we take a portion of the $900,000 and convert at least one district school to solar power to save money and to have a better environment for our children's children.

Laurie Potter-Smith

HK Sports: The Portland Highlanders were able to knock off the HK Varsity Baseball team on Friday for a come from behind win, 4-3.

HK came out of the gate strong scoring a run in the top of the first when Alex Pollack crossed home on a wild pitch. Another run was added in the fifth when Pollack singled to move Sean Zapatka to third and Steve Landell followed with an RBI groundout to plate Zapatka. Things got even better in the sixth when Kyle Allison blasted a lead off home run over the left field fence to give the Cougars a 3-0 lead.

All the while starting pitcher AJ Margnelli was in the middle of pitching five perfect innings, allowing only one ball to leave the infield.

Unfortunately, the wheels came off for the Cougars as Portland used a combination of hits, walks and errors to score two in the bottom of the sixth and two more in the bottom of the seventh to win it.

HK falls to 9-3 (8-3) with the loss, but does not have much time to dwell on it as they return to action tomorrow when they travel to Ellington for a 2:30 non-league contest.