First Fire Chief Remembered
Today's New Haven Register contains a short tribute to Donald Walton who passed away on March 9. Walton helped organize the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company and served as its first chief. A memorial service will be held March 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the Killingworth Congregational Church.

Pharmedica Building Being Considered in Town Plans

At Monday's Board of Selectmen's meeting, First Selectman, David Denvir said he was investigating the possibility of purchasing one or both of the Pharmedica buildings at 255 Route 80. Denvir said he is looking into several options for the future needs of Killlingworth. The town is in need of new recreation fields and a new or expanded transfer station. The Pharmedica building is a ready-made structure "clearly in the town center", that could house the town hall and also expand town services to include a senior center, a youth center and meeting rooms. It is handicap accessible, has an elevator and its own generator. Denvir said he was also looking into building recreation fields on the site of the current transfer station because building a new transfer station would include much of the site work necessary to put in ball fields.

In his weekly address to residents on Feb. 21, Denvir noted that the purchase of the Pharmedica buildings would eliminate the need for the town center plans. " Leaving us only to build the new dump, moving it to the rear of the 'town center' acreage where the present dump sits. In doing so, remediation of the present dumpsite would require extensive excavation and landscaping, so while we're tearing up the land anyway, why not turn the site into a few ball fields? In one fell swoop we could acquire a civic building with room for a gathering place, senior center, youth center and all offices, build a new dump and add a few ball fields, all for millions less than the original town center plan. "

Denvir said he has toured the Pharmedica buildings and said the second building was leased until 2010. The two buildings are owned by Timmerman & Timmerman LLC of Essex, Killingworth's top 2003 taxpayer. Denvir said he was still gathering information on several possibilities for the town needs but that the purchase of the Pharmedica buildings is an option we just can't ignore. According to the Hartford Courant, the acquisition was discussed in closed session after Monday's regular meeting.

Cougars Advance to State Semi-Finals
The Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball team defeated Old Lyme, 56-53, last night in New Haven to advance to the semi-finals of the Division IV CIAC state tournament. The Cougars had a 31-20 lead at the half but almost let it slip away as the Wildcats outscored them 15-8 in the fourth quarter. HK was led by Ryan Murray with 15 points and Brett Zanardi and Cory Riordan each with 14. The Cougars play their semi-final game Tuesday, March 16 in Glastonbury against Enfield at 6:00 p.m.

Project Graduation in Full Swing
Since 1990, parents, teachers and residents of Haddam and Killingworth have worked together to give graduating seniors a fun-filled celebration in a drug and alcohol free environment. Project Graduation is a theme party held on the night of the ceremony, that engages graduates with games, gifts, music and dance. The party starts around 10:00 p.m. in the HK Fieldhouse and lasts until dawn. The theme is kept a surprise until the actual event but past themes have included a Luau, Disney, Hard Rock Cafe and Hollywood. Music, food and games are just part of the event. During the night, cash prizes are periodically given away, the pool is opened for a few hours and at the end of the evening, all graduates leave with a terrific gift. These gifts, meant to reward and attract these responsible teens, have included dorm refrigerators, athletic equipment, laptops, TVs and mountains bikes. This event takes months of tireless planning and depends greatly on cash donations and a Fall gift-wrap sale to make it successful. Members of the HK community generously donate their time to decorate, chaperone and clean-up as well as provide food and beverages. To donate to this event or get involved at any level, contact chairperson Nancy Bradley at 663-2485 or attend one the monthly meetings. Projection Graduation meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Lower Media Center of the High School.

Town Meeting Set for Monday
The will be a special town meeting, Monday March 15 at 8:00 p.m. in the All-Purpose room at Killingworth Elementary School to act on the following items of town business.
1. To authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept for highway purposes that certain piece or parcel of land, together with the improvements thereon, situated in the Town of Killingworth, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut and known as "Fox Run Lane";
2. To approve the annual Board of Selectmen appointments to the HK Regional Recreation Commission;
3. To approve the annual audited over expenditures from the previous(2002-2003) fiscal year, as endorsed by the Board of Finance;
4. To approve a special appropriation of the Board of Finance, and to so appropriate, $15,000 for use in purchasing a road sweeper;
5. To authorize th Board of Selectmen to transfer to the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust, for no consideration, a certain parcel of town-owned property consisting of approximately 9.1 acres, located between Green Hill Road and Paper Mill Road and identified on town assessment records as Map 35, Lot 25 (the old "sand pit" lot)

HK Players in Final Rehearsals
The Haddam-Killingworth High School Drama Company, The HK Players, are in final rehearsals this week for their production of the one-act play, Twelve Angry Jurors. The performance is Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the HK auditorium. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.

The play is directed by first-time director Liz Himmelman. A junior at HK, Himmelman has acted in HK productions in the past and when offered the chance to direct, stepped up and chose the Sherman L. Sergel adaptation of the original Reginald Rose courtroom drama, Twelve Angry Men. She chose the play based on a recommendation from her father, children's author and illustrator, John Himmelman. Liz's older brother Jeff, class of '02, was also an actor and director while at HK. Liz said the directing experience has been great but her future plans will focus on acting. She has worked with the Odd Fellows Playhouse in Middletown and spent last summer in Massachusetts acting in summer stock. Though she said her college plans are still wide open, she is looking seriously at attending NYU or Ithaca College. This production will be the HK Players' entry in the Connecticut Drama Association's annual state competition. The CDA Spring Festival will be held on March 19-20 at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls, Conn.

OBITUARY
The New Haven Register reported the passing of Killingworth resident Donald L. Walton. Walton, age 91, passed away March 9 in Harborside Health Care Madison House. Born in Clinton in 1912, Walton was the first chief of Killingworth's Volunteer Fire Company and served on the Board of Directors of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust. The Fire Company draped a black sash over its door yesterday to honor its former chief. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Walton, his two daughters, Virginia Chapman and her husband Alan; Margaret Kinne and her husband Richard; his son, David L. Walton and his wife Katrin; his brother, V. Grant Walton; 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Killingworth Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company, 333 Rt. 81. Killingworth.

Board of Education Presents Budget to Town Officials
The Region No. 17 Board of Education presented the proposed 2004-2005 school budget to the Killingworth and Haddam Boards of Selectmen and Boards of Finance last night at the high school. The $28.18 million budget represents a 6.97% increase over last year. Richard Cabral, Chair of the Budget Committee said this was a maintenance budget and the majority of the increase was a reflection of salary and benefit increases, state mandated costs and debt management due to the middle school project. Superintendent Gary Mala said that approximately 6.55% of the increase were fixed costs.

There was disappointment expressed by some Board of Education members that the budget was not higher. Kjell Tollefsen said, "Region test scores are not where we would like them to be" and we are not spending enough to reverse the scores downward trend. Killingworth Selectman Louis Annino Sr., said he was especially concerned with the KES math scores. He said the Region should look at providing the best possible education for our students. Board of Education member Mark Almeida said, though the budget is presented as a level service budget, there was technically a drop in funding to learning programs. The $3,300 decrease in learning programs was explained as an equipment purchase last year, that was not in the budget this year. There were also zero-net changes in the budget, such as an increase in science programs in the elementary schools, that was off-set by decreases in the middle and high schools. Tollefsen and Board of Education member Robert Baranoff said the Region should expect a much larger increase in the next few years to get the new middle school to a base cost level and to make any improvements in the quality of the education. Almeida said improvements in technology and teaching materials had to be included in future budgets. Board of Education members said that similar socio-economic towns like Coginchaug had higher test scores and that our Region was falling behind. The $9,567 per pupil cost ranks 76th out of 169 Connecticut towns. In 2002 the state average was $9,401 per pupil. In comparison, in 2002, Killingworth ranked 22nd in median household income at $80,805.

Gary Mala said his first order of business was to make a comprehensive review of all programs and to look at efficiency, funding and, "in business terms, the quality of product we are producing." He said a priority would be placed on addressing the decrease in test scores. At this time, "after eight days on the job" he said he would not ask for any increase without being able to present the rationale behind it.

Members of both town's Boards of Finance questioned the budget increase and asked the Board of Education to look into possible cuts. Haddam Board of Finance member, Marjorie DeBold presented Mala with a list of questions and possibilities for combining classes and cutting teaching positions, especially at Burr Elementary School. Killingworth Board of Finance member John McMahon asked if the Board was just looking to spend more money or if they had actually looked into improving productivity. Haddam First Selectman Anthony Bondi, said he thought the Region emphasized the "extremes" in the educational system rather than focusing on the middle group. He said bright students were going to succeed anywhere and the lower end kids were not going to succeed anyway. He said his "ultimate goal" would be to make sure every student graduates knowing the basics like "making change at the Burger Chef". Robert Branoff pointed out that 99% of the school budget does service the middle group of students. He said the Region was losing the exceptional student to private and parochial schools and the talented and gifted programs in place 10 years ago have been eliminated. Gary Mala pointed out that high school Advanced Placement programs are an important part of the accreditation process for schools and that he thought more students should be recruited into the high-honors courses. Several board members expressed the view that they would like to live in a town that, in one member's words had, "schools that were better than mediocre". It was pointed out that property values and quality of life increased in towns with exceptional schools.

The Budget Committee's next meeting is on Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the HK High School lower media center.

Guilford Woman Charged With Drunken Driving
According to the Hartford Courant, Guilford resident, Margaret Kelley, 57, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, Tuesday night, after state police responded to a call of a disabled car at the intersection of Roast Meat Hill Road and Route 80. Kelley will appear in Superior Court in Middletown on March 22.

Cougars Advance in State Tournament
The Haddam-Killingworth boys basketball team easily handled Wilcox Tech tonight in the second round of the Division IV State Championships. The Cougars, 69-45, win puts them into the Friday, March 12 quarterfinal game against Old Lyme at 7:00 p.m. at a neutral site. HK was led by Cory Riordan with 20 points followed by Ryan Murray with 18 and Matt Finlayson with 13. The Indians were led by Andrew Velez with 15 points and Lamar Hoffler with 12 points.

Superintendent Publishes Remarks

Region 17 Schools Superintendent, Gary Mala finished his first week on the job and has published a 'Superintendent's Corner' to share his observations on the District schools and open the lines of communication to residents of Haddam and Killingworth. Read the his complete remarks here.

Local Synagogue to Celebrate Shabbat Across America
Chester's Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, as part of the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), will participate in the 8th Annual Shabbat Across America/Canada, Friday, March 12. The celebration was conceived and organized by the NJOP and represents a united effort by the entire Jewish community to renew interest in the fourth of the Ten Commandments - observing a weekly day of rest (Shabbat in Hebrew). Over 75,000 North American Jews will join in an interactive prayer service, joyous Shabbat dinner complete with song, ritual and lively discussion. This year, over 600 synagogues and Jewish centers will join together for the celebration. The evening at Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception. During this time tours will be given of the synagogue. Rabbi Weiss as well as members of the board will be available for questions. The Shabbat service will be held at 7:30 p.m. with an Oneg Shabbat to follow. The celebration is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the congregation. For more information contact the synagogue at 860/526-8920.

State Senator Answers Revenue Questions
In a mailing to Killingworth residents, Connecticut State Senator, William Aniskovich answered frequently asked questions about lottery and casino revenues. In the newsletter Aniskovich said:

Established in 1972, the Connecticut Lottery has contributed over $5 billion to the state's General Fund. While other states have earmarked lottery revenue for specific purposes, Connecticut does not. One of the biggest misconceptions about the lottery is that its proceeds go directly to fund education. This was true for a two-year period in the mid-1970s when instant and daily game revenue was used specifically for education equalization grants. In 1977, that requirement was terminated by the state legislature in order to balance the budget.

Today, lottery revenues go into the General Fund. Lottery revenue totaled nearly $257 million this year, a small percentage of the over $1.5 billion that comes out of the General Fund for the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant system. In essence, while the lottery revenue is not earmarked for any educational purpose it still has an indirect impact on education funding.

Connecticut began receiving casino payment in 1993. Since then, such contributions have accounted for over $2.5 billion to the state budget. This year, contributions from Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun totaled $387 million. A portion of that funding (Approximately $85 million) is divided among all 169 towns in the form of state aid to municipalities. The remaining $300 million goes into the General Fund.
You can contact Senator Aniskovich at 1-800-842-1421 or by email at William.A.Aniskovich@po.state.ct.us.

Farmhouse Heating Project Delayed
Installation of the Bosco Farmhouse furnace has been delayed indefinitely because East River Energy of Guilford, the company contracted to install the heating system, says the farmhouse chimney needs a new flue. At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman David Denvir said he was told the cost of a new flue might run $2300-$2500. He said any additional cost in the project would have to go back to the Board of Finance for approval. The Board of Finance, after originally denying the funds, approved the $4700 to install the furnace after the Killingworth Historical Society offered to fund the project. The Board of Selectman have not decided if it is in the best interest of the Town to accept the offer. Deborah Bodner, President of the Historical Society, said last night that they were willing to give the money with "no strings attached" because they believed in the project so much. The Society originally offered the funding on the condition that the money be refunded if the town decided to use the farmhouse for some purpose other than to house the Historical Society artifacts. Denvir said he needed to investigate alternatives to asking the Board of Finance for more funds. Several residents at the meeting suggested looking into a "flueless heating system" that might total less than the revised cost.

Selectmen Revisit Underage Drinking Ordinance
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen is reconsidering its position to abstain from passing an underage drinking ordinance after hearing public comments at last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting. Catherine LeVasseur, Youth Chair of the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking, spoke regarding her efforts to encourage area towns to pass underage drinking ordinances that give police the power to issue tickets when they find minors drinking at house parties. State law prohibits minors from drinking on public property, but doesn't address private property. She said that approximately 30 area towns, including Middletown, Durham, Madison and Clinton have all passed a similar ordinance. Also speaking in support of the ordinance were former First Selectman W.David LeVasseur, Killingworth Resident State Trooper Michael Perry and HKYFS Prevention Council Coordinator, Cheryl Chandler.

Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. said he was not originally in favor of the ordinance but has since reversed his position after speaking with supporters of the proposition. He said he was especially swayed after hearing about an incident last Friday night, where underage teens mocked State Police by toasting them with beer through the windows of the house. The homeowner in that incident was also present at the meeting to encourage the passing of the ordinance that would have protected his Higganum property and his 16-year-old daughter, who was home at the time, without adult supervision, and refused to grant police entry.

Trooper Perry said that the law is very gray when it comes to entering a private home. He said police must be very careful not to violate personal privacy rights. This ordinance would give police "another tool" to get into a residence. He said that many of the teens who gather at these house parties have criminal records or have been in trouble with police. Perry said the infraction would be similar to a speeding ticket: There would be no arrest or criminal record, just a $90 fine. He emphasized that this was a public safety issue since these 'house parties' can also include stealing, DUI and property damage.

First Selectman David Denvir, who voiced his opposition to this type of ordinance at previous meetings, said he was still concerned that this was question of property rights. He also raised the question of whether it is better for kids to be drinking at a private home or on the back roads of Killingworth. Denvir said the ordinance has "obvious benefits and is well-intentioned" but, if it is a loop-hole in state law that restricts police access, the state, not individual towns, should make the change. Catherine LeVasseur said the CCSUD is also working to make necessary changes in state law.

According to former Selectman LeVasseur, state law allows adults to serve alcohol to their minor child, ward or a minor spouse. He said the Chief State's Attorney in Middletown has reviewed the ordinance and does not see it as an overstep in police powers. The Board eventually agreed to review the ordinances that other towns have passed and to create one that was appropriate for the Killingworth community. The ordinance must be passed by the Board of Selectmen and then voted on at a public meeting.

Former Town Sanitarian Under Police Probe
Former Killingworth restaurant sanitarian, Thomas Armentano, is under investigation by Cromwell Police to determine if he defrauded the town of Cromwell by working part-time in several other towns, including Killingworth, while working full-time as Cromwell's public health coordinator. According to the Hartford Courant, Killingworth First Selectman David Denvir met with Cromwell police officers and "seeing the information they had assembled," fired Armentano a month ago. In the article, Denvir says, "I was impressed with the thoroughness of the police investigation,". After reviewing the report, "a complete re-evaluation was done of the work by Mr. Armentano." Armentano retired on Feb. 19 after 15 years as a Cromwell employee.

Historical Society Seeking Tag Sale Items

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its annual Spring Tag Sale on Saturday, May 8 at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The sale will be held rain or shine from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Historical Society is seeking quality household items, collectables, tools and antiques for the sale. Call 663-2327 to arrange for pick-up of donated items.

KYL Holding Pre-Season Player Clinics and Try-Outs
Killingworth Youth League baseball, softball and T-ball players who are registered for the spring season, are invited to attend instructional clinics this month at the KES gym. These clinics are for fun & skill development and are not try-outs. Age on July 31 determines your league age and session.

March 15 & 22 @ 5:00-6:30 | Boys Baseball Majors | Ages 11 & 12
March 16 & 23 @ 5:00-6:30 | Boys Baseball Minors | Ages 9 & 10
March 17 @ 5:00-6:30 | Boys Instructional | Age 7 Only
March 24 @ 5:00-6:30 | Boys Instructional | Age 8 Only
March 18 @ 5:00-6:30 | Girls Softball Minors/Major | Ages 9-12
March 25 @ 5:00-6:30 | Girls Softball Instructional | Ages 7 & 8
March 26 @ 5:00-6:30 | Girls Softball Minors/Major Pitching | Ages 9-12

KYL registered 8-year olds, interested in playing on a minor league team may attend a try-out on Saturday, March 13, from 2:25-2:45 p.m. in the KES gym.
KYL registered 10-year-olds, interested in playing on a major league team may attend a try-out on Saturday, March 13 from 2:45 -3:30 p.m. in the KES gym.

The KYL meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the music room at KES. Coaches, managers and the public are welcome. There is a meeting this Wednesday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Brad Fulner at 663-5518 or Bill Silas at 663-3996.

Library Offers Spring Pre-School Programs
The Killingworth Library will open registration for two spring programs for pre-school age children, Monday, March 15. Terrific Twos is for children between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Parents and caregivers are invited to enjoy some rhyme-time fun with their child. The program is offered every Wednesday morning from 10:00-10:30 a.m. during the month of April. Storytime is for children ages 3 and 4. It meets every Wednesday morning 10:00-10:30 a.m. during the month of May. Space is limited and priority is given to Killingworth residents. Registration is required and can be made in person or by phone (663-2000) beginning March 15.

High School Drama Program Presents 'Twelve Angry Jurors'
The Haddam-Killingworth Drama Club will perform the one-act play, Twelve Angry Jurors, Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the HKHS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door. The Reginald Rose play, in which twelve jurors must decide upon the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murder, will be directed by student Liz Himmelman and overseen by Drama Advisor, Dana Schlosser. This is the Players' second production of the year. Saturday's performance is in preparation for the group's entry in the Connecticut Drama Association's annual state competition. The CDA Spring Festival will be held on March 19-20 at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls, Conn. In last year's CDA competition, the HK Players were runner-up with their performance of the Crucible.

Superintendent Gets Warm Reception
New Region No. 17 Schools Superintendent, Gary Mala and his family were officially welcomed into the community today with a reception at Burr Elementary School. The Haddam and Killingworth Schools' parent-teacher organizations provided refreshments for the community reception. Mala began work in the District as of March 1. He and his family will continue to live in Southwick, Massachusetts for the foreseeable future and Mala will make the 45-minute commute to the offices in Higganum. Sheryl Mala works as an office manager in Southwick and runs her own fudge company from their home. Sheryl Mala said it was important right now to maintain community ties with Southwick because their children, Alicia, who is 13 and Alayna, who is nine, are settled in the schools there. In addition to their work and family life, Sheryl talked about how much they enjoy their two horses and Gary spoke about his neglected golf game.

Dear Exile:The True Story of Two Friends Separated (for a Year) by an Ocean
by Hilary Liftin and Kate Montgomery
ISBN: 0375703675

Best friends and former college roommates, Hilary Liftin and Kate Montgomery agree to write one another letters in order to stay close despite being unable to see one another for one year. Dear Exile is a collection of their witty, warm, and vivid correspondence, written as "snail mail" letters, since Kate has no access to email.

When their story begins, Hilary is in the process of moving to New York City to start a new job; Kate has joined the Peace Corps as a teacher, and sets off for Africa. Over the course of the year, the experiences of the two friends could not be more diverse, with Hilary, single and navigating a huge metropolis, and Kate, recently married and living in a village that lacks even the most basic of human needs - a supply of clean drinking water.

Through their engaging letters, one catches a glimpse of the difficulties of life in Africa, the challenges of starting a new job, the adjustment to living in unfamiliar territory, and the exhilaration of beginning a new phase of life. Kate and Hilary prove that friendship is a strong supporting bond that can withstand the tests of difference and distance.

Susan Miller is the Associate Director of the Arnold Bernhard Library at Quinnipiac University. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from Ohio State University and a M.S. in Library Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Contact Susan at covertocover@killingworthtoday.com