Proposed Underage Drinking Ordinance
At the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, residents will have a chance to vote on a proposed drinking ordinance that targets illegal possession of alcohol by minors on private property. The meeting will take place at the Pharmedica Building at 255 Route 80 at 8:00 p.m. The text of the ordinance was prepared by the town attorney.

Sec. 1. Definitions
"ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR" shall have the same meaning as the same term is defined in Title 30 Chapter 545, Section 30-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

"HOST" shall mean a person consentually allowing premises under their control to be used with their knowledge for a gathering of two(2) or more persons for personal, social or business interaction.

"MINOR" shall have the same meaning contained in Title 30 Section 30-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended from time to time.

Sec. 2. Possession
No minor shall possess alcoholic liquor within the town of Killingworth except with the consent of and in the presence of their parent, guardian, or non-minor spouse. This restriction shall apply to both public and private property.

Sec. 3. Hosting Events
No host shall allow a minor upon the premises to possess alcoholic liquor unless such possession is permitted under sec. 2, supra.

Sec. 4. Penalties
Any person violating any provision of this act shall be guilty of an infraction and be subject to a penalty of $100.00 or community service as permitted within Title 7 Section 7-148 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Sec. 5. Enforcement
The First Selectman or his legal designee is charged with enforcing the provisions of this ordinance.

Sec. 6. Hearing Procedure
The Town of Killingworth hereby specifically adopts the provisions of Title 7 Section 7-152c of the Connecticut General Statutes for the establishment of an appeal and citation hearing process for considering all appeals under this ordinance.

HK Sports
The baseball team defeated Hyde of New Haven yesterday, 10-1. Cory Riordan notched the win, striking out 15 batters in his six innings. Bob Arrigoni went 3 for 5 and scored three runs. The Cougars are now 14-3.

The softball team defeated Maloney of Meriden yesterday, 5-1. Chelsea Griswold was on the mound for the Cougars. HK scored four runs in the fifth on a triple by right fielder Kyle Emshwiller and a single by catcher Danielle Vitali.

In Thursday's action, the boy's tennis team defeated Coginchaug 7-0. Mark Lehane and Alessio Gallanotti won their singles matches 6-0, 6-0; HK won the three other singles matches by forfeit; Cory Cubeta and Tucker Cumpstone won their doubles match 6-2, 6-4 and John Ahearn and Alex Waldman won their doubles match 6-0, 6-1. The boy's golf team defeated Valley Regional 161-213: Jeff Krol shot a 38 and the girl's lacrosse team lost to Somers, 6-17.

In his weekly address to residents, First Selectman David Denvir extends his gratitude for the hard work and dedication to high school student Chris Daignault, who revived the "clean-up day" tradition, and the Evergreen Garden Club, who has made the town circle and other town properties so beautiful. Another reminder about the May 17 Annual Town Meeting. It will take place at the Pharmedica Building at 255 Route 80 at 8:00 p.m. The building will be open at 7:00 p.m. for self-guided tours. Read David Denvir's complete remarks here.

Middle School Honor Roll Announced
Principal, Miriam Furey-Wagner is pleased to announce the following honor roll listing for the third marking period of the 2003-2004 school year at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. See the complete list here.

Lovers Lane Re-Opens
The Town highway crew veiled the "Road Closed" signs, opened the gates, and officially re-opened Lovers Lane to traffic this week. The road runs between east-west Route 148 and north-south Route 81; acting principally as a short cut. There is still water running completely across the road in places but cars are able to pass. The road was closed on and off last fall and then permanently closed for the winter in late November. Plagued with problems for decades, the small road is the topic of discussion at many recent Board of Selectmen meetings. First Selectman David Denvir has said the road is built on a bed of peat and is sinking more every year. A permanent economical solution to the problem has not been decided on. Selectman Louis Annino Sr. feels strongly that the town is neglecting that area of town and the residents who live on or near the road.

Bear Sightings in Clinton and Killingworth
The New Haven Register reported today that a bear was sighted twice on May 11, destroying bird feeders on Roast Meat Hill Road and Laurel Ridge Trail. A bear was also spotted on Main Street in Clinton last night. According to the article, DEP officials in the Wildlife Division said the black bear population in Connecticut is increasing and sightings are more common in the northwestern part of the state in Litchfield and Hartford counties. The DEP estimates there are 30 to 60 black bears in Connecticut, returning to the state as abandoned farmland becomes reforested. Clinton Animal Control Officer Donna Cavanaugh recommended taking down bird feeders and securing other food sources. She said, "Bears are more afraid of us and will leave, if people don't make him comfortable".

Killingworth Residents Involved in Route 81 Crash
A seventeen-year-old Killingworth resident and her two teenage passengers were rear-ended yesterday afternoon by a pick-up truck on Route 81 across from True Value Hardware in Killingworth. Several minutes later, a Clinton resident, trying to avoid the vehicles, crashed into a utility pole. The occupants of all three vehicles were treated and released from area health facilities. For complete details of the accident, read the Hartford Courant.

HK Recreation Summer Registration
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department will be conducting registration for summer programs on Monday, May 17 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at the Burr Elementary School All-Purpose Room and Tuesday, May 18 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the HK Recreation Office. In-person registration is for residents only. Residents should go to In-Person Registration to register for Swim Lessons, Curious Campers, Tennis Lessons, Summer Soccer Fun, Springboard Diving, and Gymnastics. Pool passes will also be available.

Program Registrations that can be mailed in at anytime include Babysitter's Training, Kayaking, Summer Camp, All Sports Camps (Mini-hawk, Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Roller Hockey, Lacrosse, Golf, Volleyball, Jr. Hawk Basketball, Soccer, and Field Hockey), Tiny Hawk Camp, Mad Science Camp, Creative Movie Making Camp, Karate, Swim Team Club, Mini-Soccer Tournament Series, Coed Summer Basketball League, Dog Obedience, Golf Basics, Yoga, Beading Basics, Basic Boat Course, & Excursions.
For more information about any of our programs, please call the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

Softball and Boy's Tennis Get Wins Over Westbrook
the Haddam-Killingworth Softball team defeated Westbrook, 14-1, yesterday at the HK Field. The Cougars had 22 hits to back up pitchers Chelsea Griswold, who got the win, and Chelsea Anderson who took over in the fifth inning.

The undefeated boy's tennis team notched another yesterday; beating Westbook 6-1. Giulio Gallarotti (6-0, 6-0), Connor Wells(6-3, 7-6, 7-5), Mark Lehane (6-3, 6-2) and Drew Islieb (6-2, 6-2) won in singles and the teams of Ryan Murray and Chris Laudano (7-6, 6-7, 6-3), and Jeff Moskey and Tom Koniuta (6-2, 6-0) won in doubles. The Cougars are now 8-0.

The baseball team fell to Westbrook 1-0. In only its third loss of the season, the Cougars could not come up with a score on 5 hits. Tyler Riordan was on the mound for the loss. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

Elementary School Principal Announced
The Regional School District No. 17 Board of Education and Superintendent Gary Mala announced the appointment of Rita Peretto as Principal of Killingworth Elementary School effective immediately. Peretto was selected from a field of 33 candidates after a comprehensive search and interview process by a committee of Board of Education members, parents, faculty and staff. Prior to her appointment, Peretto was a classroom teacher in the Rocky Hill Public Schools, a Teacher-In-Residence at the Connecticut State Department of Education and Assistant Principal at Killingworth Elementary School. She has been serving as Interim Principal at KES since the departure of Dr. Maureen Fitzpatrick in February.

Commenting on Peretto's qualifications, Superintendent Mala said, "she may best be characterized as an individual who is caring, compassionate, and focused on the needs of all children: able to motivate others toward a common purpose and possesses an intuitive nature and is keenly aware of the needs of others". She has earned the respect of the children and their families and has been recognized at the state level for her work dedicated to the preparation of new educators. Mala said "her ability to nurture a positive learning environment is complemented by her strength as a person and a professional." She becomes "the next essential part of a new team that will ensure stability and implement a proactive, collaborative approach to leadership in our schools".

The District also announced the appointment of Brian Levesque as Principal of Burr Elementary School effective July 1. Prior to his appointment, Levesque was an instructional assistant in the Griswold Public Schools, a physical education teacher in the Redding Public Schools, and a physical education teacher for the Killingly Public Schools. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Killingly High School. He succeeds Robert Smalley, who will retire at the end of the school year.

Land Trust Presents Program on Land Preservation
The Killingworth Land Trust, in conjunction with the Clinton, Haddam and Madison Land Trusts, will host a program called, Reading the Forested Landscape with author Tom Wessels on Monday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Killingworth Elementary School all-purpose room. Come enjoy a fascinating program and meet people from neighboring towns who share the same interest in preserving open space. Admission is free, there will be a social half-hour prior to the presentation and Wessels will have his book, Reading the Forested Landscape available for sale and signing. According to coordinator John Himmelman, this program introduces people to approaches used to interpret a forest's history while wandering through it. Using evidence such as the shapes of trees, scars on their trunks, the pattern of decay in stumps, the construction of stone walls, and the lay of the land, it is possible to unravel complex stories etched into our forested landscape. This process could easily be called forest forensics, since it is quite similar to interpreting a crime scene. For more information contact John Himmelman at jhimmel@comcast.net or 663-3225.

Hazardous Waste Collection This Saturday
The Connecticut River Estuary Regional Hazardous Waste Facility will hold a satellite collection on Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School. In his April 3 letter to residents, First Selectman David Denvir encouraged residents to look in their garages, sheds and basements and use this opportunity to rid their homes of these hazardous waste products, and keep the town's water supply clean. This service is free to residents. Denvir listed some of the items that would be accepted at the site; Paint products (oil based, such as thinners, lacquers, turpentine, primers and epoxies, stains, shellacs, etc.); organic solvents such as methylene and chloride-based products; oxidizers such as ammonium nitrate, fertilizers, dyes, nitric acids, chlorates, flourines, peroxides, etc.; flammables such as acetones, motor vehicle fluids, gasoline and kerosenes, cements and glues, polish removers, etc.; all forms of acids, bases and cyanides; non-flammable organics such as greases, creosote, putties and oils; and, most forms of pesticides. Commercial waste will not be accepted. The new main facility off Route 154 in Essex will open on May 22 and be available to Killingworth residents 22 times a year.

Volunteers are still needed for Saturday. Help make the trip quicker for those bringing materials. Volunteers will facilitate collection of materials by verifying residency and the type of material for disposal: This does not include handling hazardous waste materials. Even an hour would be appreciated. To volunteer, or for more information call David Gumbart, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, at 663-2425.

Track Teams Triumph
The Haddam-Killingworth girl's track and field team defeated North Branford (110-34)and Valley Regional(110-29), yesterday in Deep River. Individual winners were Kimber Stannard in the 100 meter dash and the long jump; Meghan Scanlon in the 200 meter dash; Taryn Allegra in the 400 meter run; Maygan Salzano in the 800 meter run; Lauren Padula in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs; Katelyn Deimel in the 100 meter high hurdles and the 300 meter intermediate hurdles; Kelsey Pratt in the high jump and javelin; Allegra, Scanlon, Stannard and Deimel in the 4x100 relay; Funaro, Salzano, Wilson and Andrade in the 4x800 meter relay; and Amanda Hurlburt in the discus.

The boy's track team also defeated North Branford(71-62) and Valley Regional (92-40). Individual winners were: B.J. Palumbo in the 400 and 800 meter run; Mike Bobbie in the 110 high hurdles and 300 meter intermediate hurdles; Eric Boardman in the triple jump; Kevin Bailey tied for first in the high jump; Sean Gallagher in the shot put and the 4x800 and 4x400 meter relays won.

2004-2005 Killingworth Town Budget
John W. McMahon, Chairman of the Killingworth Board of Finance has released the 2004-2005 Town Budget. It is presented in three parts: the Budget Summary, the Proposed Municipal Capital Budget and the Proposed Municipal Operating Budget. Review the budget here. It will also remain available from the Boards & Commissions button on the left navigation bar.

Venuti Property Negotiations Stalled
First Selectman David Denvir reported last night that negotiations for the 260-acre Venuti property are at a stand still. He said, following a professional real estate appraisal, the town recently offered the Venuti family $3.88 million for the acreage on Route 148. Denvir said the Venuti's attorney, Harry Heller, responded by asking to see the internal documents of the appraisal. Denvir said that on the advice of Attorney Michael Wells, the town declined. The Venuti property was originally offered to the town for $8 million last April. The town rejected the offer and commissioned the appraisal of the property. Denvir said he remains open to further negotiations. Michael Venuti, in attendance at last night's meeting, spoke briefly about his concern over future planning and zoning changes that, he said, are meant to devalue his family's property. He said regulations regarding the depth and length of vernal pools and water crossings would adversely effect the subdivision on his property. He said it was a "slap of decency in his face and the Venuti Family would sue if the new regulations are enacted". The Planning and Zoning Commission has a public hearing on proposed zoning changes scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Offices.

Selectmen Agree to Fight For Zoning Authority
The Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed, last night, to appeal the Middlesex Superior Court decision that blocked the Town's cease and desist order against resident Nicole Bartner Graff for keeping more than four dogs on her property. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission had ruled that Graff's 14 dogs were in excess of the accessory use regulation and issued a cease and desist order that was then upheld by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Graff contended that there was no specific regulation on the number of dogs a property owner could keep and appealed the decision in superior court. Judge John Driscoll ruled on April 14 that the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning and Zoning Commission had overstepped their authority. Selectman Charles Morgan said the town is "honor bound" to appeal the decision. First Selectman David Denvir said the judge's decision was no less than a "complete frontal assault" on the long-term scheme of zoning interpretation, and that the town needed to appeal. Selectman Louis Annino Sr. said the town "has to give the Zoning Board a vote of confidence". Denvir said the estimated cost of the town's appeal would be $15,000. Graff's neighbors, Shawn and Kerry O'Connell, have already filed for the right to appeal. They are represented by Essex attorney, Kenneth McDonnell.

Middle School To Perform Musical
Haddam-Killingworth Middle School will present the musical "How to Eat Like a Child: And Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-up " on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. Based on the book by Delia Ephron, it is a collection of songs and sketches that form a guide to the art of being a child told by children strictly from their point of view. Tickets are $7 at the door or are available at the middle school office at 345-8567.

Monday Sports Round-Up

Hale-Ray Defeats Softball The Haddam-Killingworth softball lost to Hale-Ray yesterday, 8-1. Chelsea Griswold was the losing pitcher for the Cougars and Rachael Langevin hit in the only HK run. Read more about the game in the New Haven Register.

Baseball Defeats Hale-Ray The Cougars defeated Hale-Ray, 2-1, on Matt Finlayson's one-run double in the third. Cory Riordan was the winning pitcher for the 12-2 Cougars.

Tennis Teams Defeat Morgan
The girl's tennis team defeated Morgan of Clinton 4-3 yesterday. Jen LaChance, Kelly Devlin and Heidi Roy won their singles matches and Sarah Brooks and Christine Griswold won their doubles match. The Cougars are now 3-8.
The boy's tennis team defeated Morgan as well. Giulio Gallanotti, Connor Wells, Tom Koniuta and Jeff Maskey won in singles, and Ryan Murray and Chris Laudano, Alessio Gallanotti and Tucker Cumpstone won their doubles matches. The Cougars are 7-0.

This week, Catherine Iino of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee focuses her commentary on the Patriot Act and what the American Library Association calls a danger to constitutional rights and privacy. Read her complete remarks here.

OBITUARY
Rudolph H. Klein-Robbenhaar, 71 of Burr Hill Road passed away Saturday, May 8 at Middlesex Hospice in Middletown. According to the New Haven Register, Mr. Klein-Robbenhaar was born in Amsterdam Netherlands on April 7, 1933. He was the son of the late Johannes and Theresia Klein-Robbenhaar. He was a well-known meat cutter on the shoreline for 40 years and most recently worked at Bennies in Centerbrook. He is survived by his wife Kaaren, his two sons John and Andrew; his daughter Mary Robbenhaar-Fretz; two brothers Jan and Tony and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 at the Swan Funeral Home in Clinton. Family and Friends may call prior to the service from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Middlesex Hospice c/o Middlesex Hospital, 55 Crescent St. Middletown 06457.

Saint Croix Notes
by Noah Adams
ISBN: 0395597048

This insightful volume of nature essays takes the reader through the course of one year from a vantage point on the Saint Croix River in Minnesota. Noah Adams, host of National Public Radio's All Things Considered, wrote short reflections on his thoughts and surroundings, which he incorporated into his weekly NPR broadcast.

As Noah Adams writes in the book's introduction:
"The essays that comprise 'Saint Croix Notes' were written...at sunrise on Saturday mornings, to be read that evening on the radio. I would get up in the dark and make coffee and talk to the dog some and then sit at the computer and think how the week had gone, and what I had seen and read and listened to."

Adams' writing grounds us within the cycle of nature. His weekly musings always include the current temperature and weather, as well as relevant details on the changes occurring in the natural world. Subtitled "River Mornings, Radio Nights", Saint Croix Notes celebrates the return to a connection with the land and the beauty of the natural world.

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