Girl's Lacrosse Falls to Farmington
The Haddam-Killingworth girl's lacrosse team lost to Farmington yesterday, 5-4, at the HK lacrosse field. The Cougars held Farmington close in the first half down only 2-1, then lost the momentum falling behind 4-1 before rallying near the end of the game.

In his weekly address to residents, First Selectman David Denvir asks the Killingworth community to come together and voice its collective concern regarding the merging of town probate courts. Last year at this time Killingworth overwhelmingly voted to keep its own court with its personal service and informality. The issue has been raised again and your First Selectman would like you to once again voice your dissent. State Representative Brian O'Connor can be reached at (860) 240-8585, 1-800-842-8267 or Brian.OConnor@po.state.ct.us ; State Senator William Aniskovich can be reached at (203) 483-9280, (860) 240-0596 or William.A.Aniskovich@po.state.ct.us
Read David Denvir's complete remarks here.

Cub Scouts Learn Fire Safety
Killingworth Pack 18 Cub Scout Troop learned about fire and emergency safety tonight at the Elementary School. Local fire engine collectors and the Killingworth Ambulance Service brought their trucks and provided demonstrations on emergency care, fire extinguisher operation and of course, let the kids play on the trucks.

Adopt a Road For Town Clean-Up Day
The Killingworth town-wide clean up day is Saturday, May 1. Organizer Chris Daignault will be handing out plastic gloves and trash bags at the Town Offices between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. After picking up litter on your adopted road, drop off bags by 3:00 p.m. at the transfer station. If you don't have a new town decal, give your trash to volunteers outside. For more information call the Helping Hands Hotline at 663-4047.

Baseball Pummels Morgan; Boy's Tennis Blanks Westbrook
The Haddam-Killingworth baseball team defeated Morgan of Clinton, 10-0, yesterday to remain unbeaten for the season at 10-0. Winning pitcher Cory Riordan was backed up at the plate by Bob Arrigoni, Josh Griffo and Matt Finlayson, each with two RBIs.

The boy's tennis team defeated Westbrook, 7-0, yesterday led by singles players Ginlio Gallaroti, Adam Wargo, Connor Wells, Mark Lehane and Drew Isleib, and the double teams of Chris Laudano and Ryan Murray, and Tom Koniuta and Jeff Moskey.

The girl's tennis team fell to Westbrook 5-2 yesterday. Lizzie Magleby was the lone winner on the singles side, (6-1, 7-5). Christine Griswold and Sarah Brooks were the lone doubles winners, (7-6, 5-7, 6-7).

Selectmen Consider Options For Reservoir Road Bridge
At Monday's Board of Selectmen's meeting, town highway foreman Jim Ward presented an alternative plan for replacing the Reservoir Road bridge. The Board of Selectmen received an estimate from town engineer Howard Pfrommer several months ago for approximately $300,000-$400,000 to install a bridge over the small crossing. The Selectmen have been waiting for word that the temporary bridge the state is going to lend the town can be picked up and installed. They have also been looking into state and federal funding options for the repair. Ward's proposal is to just replace the existing bridge with new material. He said the existing 10-foot pipes date back to the 1970s and did survive the major flood in the 1980s that destroyed many other town bridges. He estimated, replacing exactly what is there would cost approximately $80,000, not including permits or contingencies. Ward said the cost of engineering would be minimal and the town highway department could do most of the work themselves. Resident Peter Venuti suggested the town also look into replacing the bridge with a box culvert. His independent estimates were similar to Ward's and much less expensive than Pfrommer's plan. The Board of Finance proposed $200,000 in next year's budget to pay for the bridge repair. Ward said the bridge would probably need to be closed for several weeks to make the repairs, but that compares favorably to the months of closure needed to install a bridge. The Selectmen praised Ward for his research and said they would seriously look into this plan.

Baseball, Softball and Tennis Triumph Over Coginchaug
The Haddam-Killingworth Softball team defeated Coginchaug, 8-5 yesterday. Chelsea Griswold was the Cougar's winning pitcher; Jess Casey hit 2 for 3 and Jenna Webber hit 2 for 4. HK is 6-2 on the season. For more on this game read the Clinton Recorder.



Baseball Wins 9-4
The Cougars got off to a slow start but then let loose in the third inning scoring 6 runs. HK now, 9-0 was led by pitcher Tyler Riordan with a seventh inning close by Cory Riordan. Bob Arrigoni had 2 RBIs as the Cougars capitalized on 8 hits and 5 Coginchaug errors.


Girl's Tennis Defeats Coginchaug 5-2
The HK vistory was led by number-one singles player Jen LaChance (7-5, 6-0) and a Cougar sweep of the double competition. Kelley Devlin was also a singles winner (6-2, 6-0). The winning doubles teams were, Danielle Maltese and Laura Collinson (6-0, 7-6), Christine Griswold and Heidi Roy( 6-4, 6-0), and Michelle Zywica and Kaitlyn Caffrey (6-2, 6-2).

One last look at the items up for auction at the Killingworth Library Annual Silent Auction Sunday, May 2. The auction will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Library with refreshments provided by the Killingworth Women's Organization and from 4:30-5:30 p.m. , entertainment from Mixolydian. The new 'Antiques Roadshow-type' feature invites visitors to bring treasures in for appraisal from a local antiques expert. The fee is $10 for the first item and $5 for each additional item. An updated list of items, including more photos is available here. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view.

Board of Finance Budget Hearing
The Killingworth Board of Finance held it annual budget hearing last night at the Elementary School. Board of Finance Chairman John McMahon completely reviewed the proposed budget and fielded several questions from the audience regarding line item increases and decreases. The Board of Finance is in the final stages of preparing the 2004-2005 budget. The current proposal has a 1.65 mil rate increase. The Board did meet following the hearing last night, but McMahon said he did not anticipate any significant changes.

There was some discussion over salary raises for town employees. The budget includes a general 3% raise across the board, but there is some variation between contract employees, elected officials and non-contract employees. The First Selectman's salary was increased by 6.1 % based on Board of Finance discussion over the past several years in regards to making the compensation for the office more in line with similar job descriptions and responsibilities in similar socio-economic towns. McMahon read a partial list of job responsibilities for the First Selectman and made special reference to David Denvir's efforts. According to McMahon, the First Selectman is the Chief Administrative Officer for a $15 million organization, Chief Financial Administrator, Personnel Manager, Contract Negotiator, Grant Writer, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, Regional Affairs Officer and Town representative on numerous state boards and organizations. McMahon praised Denvir specifically on saving $16,000 this year alone by creatively revamping the insurance coverage. He said the "line item has been severely under funded" and should be "commensurate for what the job is worth".

The proposed capital budget for 2004-2005 is $454,331. This area includes line items such as assessor's costs, Board of Elections, roads and bridges, land use, Fire Department, highway non-road improvements, recreation, and sanitation and health. The proposed operating budget is $3,636,874. This area includes line items such as, salaries and expenses, utilities, highway costs, insurance, supplies, services such as senior clubs, the library and the dog pound, plus funds distributed to agencies such as HK Youth and Family Services. The Town's share of Region 17 School expenses is $12,885,270. Total revenues for the Town are projected at $16,058,473 with the shortfall being $918,002: The shortfall in mils is 1.65257. Therefore the increase for residents would be approximately $165 per $100,000 of taxable property. A complete line-item budget will be posted on this site as well as in local papers.

Michael Board of the Killingworth Taxpayers Association has written to discuss, and question some decisions made by the Regional 17 Middle School Building Committee. Read his letter here. Superintendent of Schools Gary Mala and Building Committee Chairman Kjell Tollefsen were asked if they would like to respond to the letter. They respectfully declined to comment at this time.

Cougar Softball Defeats Old Saybrook
The Haddam-Killingworth softball team took an early 5-1 lead in Tuesday's game and never looked back, defeating the Old Saybrook Rams, 8-1. Chelsea Griswold was the winning pitcher for the 5-2 Cougars. HK plays again today versus Coginchaug at 3:30 at the HK softball complex.

Girl's Tennis Falls to Valley-Regional
The HK girl's tennis team lost 6-1 to Valley-Regional Tuesday in Haddam. HK's Jen LaChance defeated Valley's Tiffany Batchelder 6-1, 1-6, 7-6. Jenna Pecoraro and Nina Phillos defeated HK's Danielle Maltese and Laura Collison 6-4, 7-6 in doubles.

Rabies Clinic Set For Saturday
A rabies clinic, sponsored by the Killingworth Animal Hospital and Killingworth Animal Control will be held Saturday, May 1 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Firehouse on Rt. 81. The fee is $12.00 and can be paid in cash only. Proceeds will go to the 'Atti Fund' for shelter improvements. You must have written proof of a prior rabies vaccination to obtain a 3-year vaccination; all other will be issued for one year. Dogs must be on a leash and cats and ferrets must be in carriers. For more information please call Animal Control at 663-2439.

NEMO Project Gets Green Light From Selectmen
Pending approval from the town's commissions, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously last night to apply for inclusion in a fully-funded educational program designed to "guide communities through the implementation of land management policies and practices to reduce polluted stormwater runoff, and protect natural resources while encouraging sustainable development". David Gumbart, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, presented the information on the project and explained that it was not intended to discourage development but to provide a resource for informed decision making. He said one of the many services offered was a 'build-out' plan that would provide projected resource information if the Town was fully developed.

The Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) program of the University of Connecticut's Cooperative Extension System is funded through a partnership with the CT Department of Environmental Protection's Nonpoint Source Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region One. It is an award-winning research and outreach program for local land use decision makers that "addresses the links between land use and natural resource protection". The program requires participation from town representatives of Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Conservation and the Board of Selectmen.

Since the program requires multi-commission support, the Board of Selectmen delayed the start of the application process until the program could be discussed with the relevant boards and commissions. NEMO Program Coordinator John Rozum was excited to hear about the Town's interest. To be accepted into the program, the municipality must show a commitment to the NEMO Task Force, and show a willingness to incorporate strategies to protect natural resources and reduce stormwater runoff through any or all of the following: resource inventories, administrative changes, land use plan updates, regulation and policy updates, and site design techniques.

Youth and Family Services Offering Teen Summer Program
Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth is taking registrations for its 2004 Summer Program for Teens. This award winning program is open to teens entering grades 7-12. The camp hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with daily fees ranging from $20-$25. Full and partial scholarships are available to qualified applicants. The camp runs from June 28 through August 8: teens are able to sign up for as little as one day or for the whole summer. On-campus activities include sports, crafts, movies and games, and field trips are offered to local amusement parks, attractions and activities. There is also a 2-night camping trip to Cockaponsett State Park offered from July 13-15. For more information or to register for camp call 345-7498.

Town Employees Express Concerns Over Pension Plan
At last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Pension Committee Susan Adinolfo said she did not know of any town employee who didn't think the new defined benefit pension plan was much better than the old employee contribution plan. However, she said there was still some concern by employees regarding the delay in hiring a pension administrator and financial institution to oversee the plan. She also said there were employees concerned about the additional time needed to be vested in the plan. The old plan required 5 years and the new plan was set up by the Selectmen at 15 years. Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. said they chose the extended period to encourage long-term employment. Adinolfo said that several employees, that were close to retirement, chose to stay in the old plan, but The Hartford stopped accepting contributions and the employees were forced into the new plan. First Selectman David Denvir said at the April 12 meeting that the town was waiting for the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company attorney to look over its pension plan before hiring a pension administrator and financial institution. He said the two plans would be administered by the same company and it was necessary to present both plans together. For more background on the town pension issue, read today's Clinton Recorder.

Zoning Board Loses Court Battle Over Dog Limit
The Town's Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Commission were dealt a major set back on April 14 when Superior Court Judge John C. Driscoll sided with resident Nicole Bartner Graff as to how many dogs she could keep on her Rt. 148 property. Judge Driscoll said the ZBA and PZC overstepped their authority when it authorized Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathie Jefferson to issue a cease-and-desist order to Graff for keeping 14 dogs on her property. The PZC interpreted the accessory use zoning regulation to allow no more than four dogs to a single-family residence.

Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Bruce Dodson said the Superior Court decision overturned the local authority and basically said the Town does not have a right to interpret its own regulations. At the Selectmen's meeting last night, First Selectman David Denvir said the repercussions of this decision may be felt in area towns that will have this ruling used as precedent. He said a town should not have to specify everything homeowners can and cannot do on their property. The term 'accessory use' should be interpreted by the local Planning and Zoning Commission. Denvir cited as example, the difference between a resident erecting a swing set for family use, and paving over a back yard and inviting 300 neighbors over to play every day.

Denvir said the decision whether to appeal, and the costs involved would be discussed with town attorney William Howard. He said the town had already spent almost $20,000 on the case. Dodson said Graff's neighbors were willing to help out the town if they could and asked that if a private suit was undertaken, the town be named as a party. For more background on this issue, read today's Clinton Recorder and the Hartford Courant.

St. Lawrence Church Organ Recital
As part of his farewell recital tour, renowned organist, Frederick Swann will perform an organ concert on Wednesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Lawrence Church on Hemlock Drive. Swann was organist for 25 years at the Riverside Church in New York City and is Organist Emeritus of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. Wednesday's program continues St. Lawrence Church's celebration of last year's installation of the Schlicker pipe organ. This will be the only performance in Connecticut during Swann's retirement tour. The organ itself is one of the largest installed in any Catholic Church in Connecticut; it has three manual keyboards, and boasts 45 ranks, which means it has almost 2500 pipes. There will be a reception with refreshments. For more information please contact the Church at 663-2576.

Church Sponsors Regional Youth Gathering
For almost 200 middle school and high school teens, Sunday was a chance to come together for fun and learning at the Congregational Church in Killingworth's Annual Youth Group Symposium. This is the sixth year the Congregational Church has sponsored this one-day event that brings together parish youth groups from all over Connecticut. The day's activities began with a worship service that included music by Wendi Cooke and story-telling by Cleo Rowtham. After an opening ceremony and lunch, the teens participated in activities ranging from a music workshop and teddy bear design to kickboxing, yoga and a challenge course. Rev. Edward Cornell said the purpose of the symposium is to bring teens together for positive spiritual activities.

Cougars' Arrigoni Leads the Way
Lead-off hitter for the Haddam-Killingworth baseball team, Bob Arrigoni is profiled in today's Middletown Press. Arrigoni has an unbelievable .619 batting average and has led the Cougars to a perfect 8-0 start and the lead in the Shoreline Conference race. HK defeated Hyde of New Haven Saturday, 20-5.

Financial Workshop for Women
The Clinton Youth and Family Services Bureau and Shoreline Community Women are sponsoring a financial workshop for women called 'Taking Control of your Finances', Wednesday, April 28 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Malone's Coffee House, 10 West Main St. Clinton. The workshop is the second in a series of 'Workshops for Women, by Women'. The panel presenters will include Tracy MacKinstry, a financial consultant; Mary Anne Konishesky, a Home and Auto Insurance Agent and Deborah Welles, an accountant. The fee is $10 per workshop. For more information please call Sarah Hovey at 669-1103.

Bungalow Nation
by Diane Maddex and Alexander Vertikoff
ISBN: 0810946289

The bungalow style house emerged in the United States near the beginning of the twentieth century. This type of house became extremely popular very quickly, for many reasons. The houses were affordable, had a sense of style, were comfortable to live in, and were practical in all climates. The bungalow style home was a way for many Americans to achieve their version of the American dream.

The early bungalows were small houses - either one or one and a half stories. They were not of one design only, but incorporated styles from the Swiss, Japanese, Prairie, Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Arts and Crafts styles of architecture. Bungalows were built across the nation, not just in one geographic area of the country. Some of the designs were available as mail order houses from Sears, and were as inexpensive as $2,500. Even affordable models included lovely details such as built-in bookcases and leaded glass windows.

Bungalow Nation is an informative and beautiful book that discusses the architectural aspects of bungalow style, and provides examples of houses from the cities of Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the Washington, D.C. area. The photographs are gorgeous and abundant, and give the reader the opportunity to step into and tour dozens of beautiful houses, all from the comfort of his or her favorite reading chair.

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