Girls Basketball Gets Revenge Against North Branford

The Haddam-Killingworth girls basketball team defeated North Branford, 60-47, this afternoon at the HK fieldhouse. After losing to the T-Birds in mid-December, the much improved Cougars avenged that loss with a convincing win led by Kelsey Pratt with 21 points and Kristen Hetsko with 19 points including 5 three-point buckets. Guard Ashley Smith was on fire on defense, holding North Branford's high scorer, Stephanie Rose, to only 15 points. The Cougars are in the black for the first time this season with a record of 7-6. They are up again Tuesday, Jan. 27 away against Hale Ray at 5:30/7:00 p.m.

In junior varsity action, the Cougars were defeated by the JV T-Birds, 36-47. Liz Scovill was high scorer for the Cougars with 13 points.

Images from the varsity game

Middletown High School Outswims Cougars
The Haddam-Killingworth boys swim team was defeated by Middletown High School, 94-87, yesterday at the William J. Montanile Sports Complex in Middletown according to the Middletown Press.The Cougar's top performer was senior Scott Jordan who won both the 100 backstroke and the 200 IM.

Historical Society Disappointed by BOF Decision
The Killingworth Historical Society will not have a larger space to display its artifacts because the Bosco Farmhouse will remain without heat at least for the time being. The Historical Society board of directors will meet Wednesday to discuss the decision by the board of finance to deny funding to install a heating system at the farmhouse on the town-owned Bosco property according to the Hartford Courant.

Boys Basketball Defeats Westbrook

The Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball team defeated Westbrook, 90-72, last night at the HK Fieldhouse. Ryan Murray led HK with 26 points and 17 rebounds. Matt Finlayson added 20 points and Charlie Pytlik 16 for the Cougars. Jeff Isaacson was the high scorer for Westbrook with 18 points. The Cougars are now 8-2 and play next at Coginchaug, Monday, Jan. 26 at 6/7:30.

In his weekly letter to Killingworth residents, David L. Denvir writes about heating the town-owned Bosco property farmhouse and the "cool, if not frigid reception" the selectman-approved plan recieved. Read more

Middle School Basketball Teams Sweep Winthrop

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School boys basketball team defeated Winthrop, today, 53-33. This extends their record to 6-0. High scorers were co-captains Greg Cumpstone and Dan Wendt , each with 11 points. Ryan Hawkins added 8 points and Alex Pollack had 6. Other scorers included A.J. Marginelli and Alex Langevin with 4 each, Kyle McGowan with 3 and Dan Brough, Dan Cohen and Brendan Hatin with 2 points each. The Cougar's next game is at Westbrook on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m.




The Middle School girls varsity and junior varsity basketball teams were also victorious in today's match-ups in Deep River. In the varsity game, HKMS defeated Winthrop, 49-43. Eighth grade tri-captain Michelle Fillion was high scorer with 19 points, followed by Melanie Rasmus with 12 points. Six-foot seventh grader Erin Moriarty contributed 8 points, while seventh grade captain Allie Rand contributed 7 and classmate Kim Peterson put 3 on the scoreboard.

In JV action, eighth grader Amy Roy and seventh grader Colleen Phelan each scored 6 points to lead the team in its, 14-13, win. Seventh grader Jackie Buttendorf contributed the remaining 2 points. The Cougars improve their record to 4-2 and are up next against Westbrook on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m. at the home.

Girls Basketball Dominates New Hope Christian

The Haddam-Killingworth girls basketball team easily defeated New Hope Christian Academy, 61-16, at the HK Fieldhouse last night. Kristen Hetsko was high scorer with 14 points followed by Kelsey Pratt with 12, Jenna Webber with 10 and Lauren McKinnon with 7 points. The Cougars were able to use 11 different scorers in the game. This win improves HK to 6-6 on the year. Daisy Varnell scored 10 of New Hope's 16 points on the night. The Cougars return to action Saturday, Jan. 24 against North Branford at the HK Fieldhouse at 2/3:30 p.m.

Images from the game

Cougars Fall to Old Lyme

Without its high scorer, the Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball team suffered its second loss of the year yesterday, falling to Old Lyme, 51-58. Brett Zanardi scored a game-high 21 points including 5 three-point baskets, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Wildcats. Ryan Murray also had a big night scoring 17 points followed by Matt Finlayson with 11 points. Senior Captain Cory Riordan has been leading the team in scoring all season but injured his knee in the Jan. 13 Hyde game. Riordan may be out for over a month. Sean Collins led the Wildcats in scoring with 19 points. The Cougars drop to 7-2 on the year and look to go back to their winning ways Friday, Jan. 23 against Westbrook.

Cub Scouts Hold Pinewood Derby Competition

The Killingworth Cub Scouts Pack 18 held its annual Pinewood Derby last night at the elementary school. 69 cub scouts and their siblings each started with a block of pinewood, then designed and constructed a weight-specific car. The cars are raced against each other until a winner is determined. Siblings of scouts also get to participate in the races. Cub Master Shawn Sodergren, event coordinator Sean Walsh and a dedicated group of volunteers spent many hours preparing for the traditional cub scout event. Cub Scouts range in grade from K-5. Boys interested in joining the cub scouts should contact the Cub Master at shawnsodergren@comcast.net or 663-3307.
Results:
1st Place: Weblos II Scout Steven Kindschi
2nd Place: Bear Scout Peter Brandon
3rd Place: Tiger Cub Scout Garrett Murphy

Sibling Races:
1st Place: Boy Scout Freddy Koke
2nd Place: KES student Maddie Brandon
3rd Place: 6th grader Danielle Kindschi

Images from the Derby

Kindergarten Readiness a Key Issue in State

With kindergarten registration happening all over the state, WTNH.com and the organization "Ready Set, Grow...CT Kids" are running a campaign to ensure that "all children born in CT beginning 2004 will enter kindergarten healthy, eager to learn and ready for school success". WTNH News Channel 8 and WTNH.com have an excellent series called "The ABCs of School Readiness Campaign". The program details ways for parents and caregivers to prepare children to enter kindergarten.

Ready, Set, Grow...CT Kids is also sponsoring a consortium of business, higher education and other key Connecticut policy leaders including Art Rolnick, Senior Vice President of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve and Lieutenant Gov. M. Jodi Rell to discuss the importance of early childhood development to the economic growth of our communities and our state. The forum and panel discussions will take place on Jan. 22 at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Auditorium in North Haven, CT and Jan. 23 at Fairfield University, Dolan Dining Hall. For more information on the discussion go to the above link.

One of the main topics in discussion will be Art Rolnick's argument that early childhood development must be at the top of any list of economic development strategies. The forum press release states that: Numerous Connecticut and national studies have demonstrated both short and long-term return on dollars invested in high quality early childhood programs, such as Reading Readiness in Connecticut, with as much as $7 returned for every $1 invested. These long-term savings accrue from reduced spending on special education services, reduced welfare assistance, high taxes paid for higher earnings and reduced crime costs.

Kindergarten registration for Killingworth residents will take place Jan. 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Jan. 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at KES.

Board of Finance Meeting Details
The Killingworth Board of Finance recently denied the request for $4,470 to heat the farmhouse on the town-owned Bosco property. The comments of Board members, residents and the first selectman can be read in the Clinton Recorder.

FOIC to Mediate Selectmen's Dispute
The state Freedom of Information Commission has appointed an ombudsman to mediate the dispute between Selectman Lou Annino Sr., a Democrat, and First Selectman David Denvir, a Republican, about an unscheduled meeting on the morning of Friday, Nov. 21, at the town offices according to the Clinton Recorder.

Fire Company Receives Grant

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company will receive $134,727 in grant in aid from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security according to the New Haven Register. Fire Lt. Richard Bauer, said the funds will be used to replace the firefighter's self-contained breathing apparatus. The grant is part of the $552,191 in federal assistance awarded to Connecticut fire companies for purchase of equipment, enhancement of health and safety programs, emergency medical services and to conduct fire-prevention and safety programs.

This Morning's Winter Wonderland

Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2004
Registration for children entering kindergarten in the fall will be held at Killingworth Elementary School Jan. 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Jan. 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A copy of the child's birth certificate is required at registration. Children who will be 5 on or before Dec. 31 are eligible for enrollment.

Colleges Announce Dean's List
The Fall semester college dean's list includes several Killingworth residents. Dean's list honors are awarded to students each semester who carry at least 12 academic credits and earn a 3.5 grade point average out of a possible 4.0.
Central Connecticut State University named Dustin Flagge, Jonathan Harder and Lindsay Jamieson.
Stonehill College named Colleen Vitali
Lafayette College named Alyson Joan Gross.

Girls Basketball Defeats Westbrook

The Haddam-Killingworth girls basketball team defeated Westbrook, Saturday night, 43-38. Candice Webber led the Cougars with 12 points followed by Kelsey Pratt and Jenna Webber with 9 points each. The varsity is now 5-6 on the year. They are in action again Thursday, Jan. 22 against New Hope Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. at the HK Fieldhouse.

Killingworth Political Leaders Speak on Governor's Crisis
KillingworthToday.com asked the political leaders of Killingworth to comment on Gov. John Rowland's crisis in office. First Selectman David Denvir and State Representative Brian O'Connor released statements that were posted on Wednesday, Jan 14. Below are the comments of State Senator William Aniskovich released this morning.

I have not publicly called upon Governor John G. Rowland to resign. Let me explain why.

Governor Rowland has admitted accepting substantial gifts from individuals and companies that do business with the state. Governor Rowland has admitted that he lied about accepting some of those gifts. I will not defend or excuse the wrongfulness of the Governor's actions. It is, in my opinion, wrong to accept substantial gifts from entities or individuals that do business with the state. It is always wrong to lie. As a citizen, I am angry and disappointed and saddened that the Governor has acted in this manner.

As a Republican leader, I have known for many weeks that the Governor will not resign. We will not be delivered an easy way out of this crisis. No matter how many calls he receives, public or private, no matter how overwhelming the poll numbers, the Governor will not resign. To call for the Governor's resignation at this point is thus a purely self-serving act, intended to maximize one person's profile while not contributing to a resolution of the ethical, legal or political issues before us.

The criminal justice system will determine whether the Governor has committed a crime. The State Ethics Commission will determine whether the Governor has violated our state ethics laws. The legislature will determine whether the Governor's actions constitute grounds for his removal from office through the constitutional process of impeachment.

All the institutions we have created to deal with criminal, ethical and political wrongdoing require due process. No mob spirit, however justified by the actions of the accused, should convince political leaders to run a duly elected public official from office on the basis of public opinion polls and newspaper editorials. It is my obligation as a state Senator to act as a juror in an impeachment trial. I take that obligation seriously and will not prejudge the case.

It may be embarrassing, unpleasant and politically risky to afford Governor Rowland his right to due process in this instance. In affording him those rights, we may have to live through a media frenzy and the partisan sniping that often accompanies an impeachment proceeding. But if our actions as leaders are to measure up to the principle of due process, we must respect the institutions and procedures that are in place to deal with situations like this one.

I am and will remain loyal to the principle of due process and the institutions that embody that principle.

As Americans, we recognize and teach our children that due process is not merely a fragment, but the bedrock of our constitutional order. We do not take confessed murderers behind the courthouse and shoot them. We give them due process. Not a single legislator has asked Rep. Jefferson Davis of Pomfret to resign even though he has been arrested and charged with four counts of sexual assault against a ten year old boy in his foster care. We are affording him due process.

Just yesterday, I received an anonymous letter from a "constituent" in the mail. This person wondered what I was telling my eleven-year old daughter about my position. I am telling Celia that removing a public official from an office given to him by the people requires playing by the rules. I am telling her that even though I might suffer at the polls, even though my motives may be questioned and misunderstood and even though I would prefer that the Governor make it easier for all of us by resigning his office, loyalty to the principle of due process is more important.

Due process is a principle that is more important than my political career. It is more important than the Governor. And it will be the thing that distinguishes acts of self-interest from acts of principle. I am also telling my daughter that there is nothing courageous about writing anonymous letters or newspaper editorials. Courage is seen through deeds, not words.

As the person you elected to push a button that may decide the fate of a duly elected Governor for the first time in the history of the State of Connecticut, I am not afforded the luxury of anonymity. As the process unfolds, I ask only for your patience and your prayers.