Recreational Complex Primer
In advance of the Town Meeting on Monday, Nov. 8, some materials regarding the proposed Killingworth Recreational Complex have been assembled. The Town Meeting will take place at 8:00 p.m. in the All-Purpose room at Killingworth Elementary School. The referendum is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20 at the elementary school with hours to be determined at the Nov. 8 Town Meeting. Absentee ballots for the referendum are now available at the Town Offices.
Town Mailing: Explanatory Text
Landscape Architects: Clough Harbour & Associates website.
CH & A April 2004 Needs Assessment
First Selectman's Weekly Address: One For the Money: Two for the Show: Three to Get Ready
Project Plan: General (html) Detailed (.pdf), Slideshow from Sitewalk

Estimated Maintenance Costs and Maintenance Statement: maintenance.pdf
According to David Sousa from CH&A, "Once constructed, the fields require a minimum level of maintenance irrespective of the original topography; however, all fields are not created equal: soil structure, gradation, permeability, fertility, pH, and many other factors all contribute to healthy medium necessary to sustain turf and allow it to withstand the high level of use that athletic fields are subjected to. In short, the design of the soil system (including drainage, irrigation, subgrade, etc.) upon which turf is planted is ever-important in determining the health and longevity of the turf. By investing in a scientifically-designed and properly constructed soil/turf system and adopting a comprehensive maintenance plan the town can get more play out of the fields because the grass will be much healthier; this will also minimize the costly application of fertilizers and chemicals (i.e. reduce the need for expensive herbicides/insecticides). "

KES Pioneer Days
Kindergarten through second grade classes at Killingworth Elementary School took a 'journey back in time', Friday with the PTO-sponsored Pioneer Living Assembly. Fritz Etlick from Journey Back in Time, traveled from Vancouver, Washington to present a hands-on experience of pioneer living to the KES students. The many activities included; learning to card wool, make jewelry, wash clothes, pump water, grind flour, and pan for 'fool's' gold as well as play with pioneer toys. The photos are of the afternoon kindergarten classes.

Agenda
Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, November 8, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of minutes of Regular Meeting held October 25, 2004
3. Visitors: Ruth Patrick, Donna Shanoff
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. IWWC
    2. Conservation Commission
6. Old Business:
    1. Lovers Lane
    2. Killingworth Recreation Center
7. New Business:
    1. Holiday Schedule/Town Hall
    2. Reservoir Road Bridge
    3. Substance Abuse Coalition
8. DLD Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Executive Session: Contract Negotiations
11. Adjournment
Agenda as of 2:30 p.m., Thursday, 11/04/04
Printable version

High Voter Turnout in Tuesday's Election
Killingworth voters turned out in strong numbers Tuesday for the Presidential, State and local elections. According to the Secretary of the State, Killingworth has 4,596 registered voters, and 3,845 were checked off the rolls; There were 307 absentee ballots accepted. Killingworth's 83.66 percent voter turnout compares favorably to the 78.94 percent that voted statewide, but hardly compares to the voter turnout in neighboring Madison that, according to the Secretary of the State, had all 9,731 registered voters turnout to the polls.

Along party lines, Killingworth has approximately 54.5 percent unaffiliated voters; 25.6 percent registered Republicans, and 19.9 percent registered Democrats. In Tuesday's election Killingworth helped vote in election winners, Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, (54%) and Democrats U.S. Rep. Chris Dodd (64%) and State Rep. Brian O'Connor (100%). In the Presidential race, 50 percent of Killingworth residents voted for Sen. John Kerry, helping him win Connecticut. Fifty-one percent of residents voted for Republican William Aniskovich in his bid for re-election to the State Senate, but his the lack of support in North Branford and his hometown of Branford cost him the race.

Cougars Gain SLC Volleyball Final
The Haddam-Killingworth High School Volleyball team easily handled Valley Regional last night in the semi-finals of the Shoreline Conference Championships. Games scores were 25-7, 25-17, 25-16. Lindsey Marek had 11 kills; Liz Kozlowski had 22 digs and 15 points, and Chelsea Anderson served 6 aces and earned 18 points. The Cougars will meet Morgan of Clinton in the SLC Finals on Saturday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Morgan Gym.

Meyer and Aniskovich Look Back at Campaign
State Senator-Elect Edward Meyer spent yesterday taking calls of congratulations, and speaking about his future in Hartford, after defeating incumbent Sen. William Aniskovich for the 12th District Seat. Aniskovich spoke about his disappointment in the nature of the campaign by his opponent, and the reasons why he thought he lost the race. Read their comments in today's New Haven Register.

Cougars Fall to Morgan in SLC Semi-Finals
The Haddam-Killingworth High School Girls Soccer team lost to Morgan of Clinton, 2-1, yesterday in the semi-finals of the Shoreline Conference Championships. Jackie Alix scored in the first half for the Cougars but, the early lead did not hold. Lauren McKinnon had six saves in goal. Read all about the game in today's Middletown Press. The Boys Soccer Team defeated Coginchaug on Monday to secure a spot in the Class S State Tournament. Ryan Murray, Doug Bradley and Matt Looney scored for the Cougars, with Coginchaug adding the final goal towards the, 4-0, shutout. HK finishes the regular season 7-7-2.

HK Recreation Offers A Newport Christmas
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a trip to Newport, RI for a very special Holiday get away on Saturday, December 4. The first stop will be to Beechwood Mansion, decorated in true Victorian Christmas fashion, including spirited carolers and delicious hot spiced cider. This Newport mansion is the only one which features live theatrical performers. These actors play the roles of former servants who will welcome us as guests of Mrs. Astor.
Lunch will be at Christie's Restaurant, located on the waterfront of Newport's beautiful harbor. There will be time to go shopping and walk around the Brick Marketplace after lunch. After lunch and shopping, the next stop will be to Attleboro, Mass., home of LaSalette Shrine. The dazzling display of lights will fill your hearts with the true meaning of the holiday season. There is also a gift shop. Fee includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, admission to Beechwood Mansion, complete luncheon, and admission to LaSalette Shrine. The fee is $78 per person. The bus leaves from the HK High School at 7:00 a.m. and from Killingworth Elementary School at at 7:15 a.m. The trip will return at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Congregational Church Harvest Dinner
The Congregational Church in Killingworth UCC will host its traditional Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner on Friday November 12. The dinner will consist of the traditional Thanksgiving menu, of turkey, mashed potatoes and all the fixings. There will be two seating 5:00 and 6:30 pm. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for youth under age 12. For reservations or ticket information one should call the church office at 663-1789.

Killingworth's Elected Officials
The U.S. Presidential Election is all but official, in favor of Pres. George W. Bush, pending a dramatic turn of events in Ohio. In Killingworth, residents voted 49.66 percent of in favor of Sen. John Kerry and 48.87 percent in favor of Pres. Bush. In the U.S. House 2nd District race, Rep. Rob Simmons was re-elected receiving 54.28 percent of the votes in Killingworth to challenger Jim Sullivan's 45.72 percent. Despite having support from Killingworth voters, Sen. William Aniskovich was defeated by Democratic challenger Edward Meyer for the 12th District State Senate seat. State Representative Brian O'Connor ran unopposed in the 35th District.

Killingworth Election Results:
President: Kerry 49.66% (1,895 votes)- Bush 48.87% (1,865 votes)
U.S. House: Simmons 54.28% (1,909 votes) - Sullivan 45.72% (1,608 votes)
U.S. Senate: Dodd: 64% (2,264); Orchulli: 35% (1,263)
State Senate: Meyer 49% (1,685); Aniskovich 51% (1,754)
State Representative: O'Connor ran unopposed

The HK High School Girls Soccer Team was defeated by Old Lyme, 2-1, Monday. Ali Thomson scored the Cougar goal.

The HK Middle School Field Hockey Team gathers after its, 3-1, win over Westbrook, Monday.

Killingworth Minors Win Fall Ball Championship
The Killingworth Youth League K-1 Fall Ball Minors Team wrapped up its fall season by winning the Fall Ball Championship in the rain on Saturday, October 30. The final score was 8-7 in the hotly contested game. The K-1 team is coached by Mark Gersz and Peter Tripodi. photo courtesy of Dara Senechal

Historical Society Doll Ornament
The Killingworth Historical Society has chosen to honor local artist and author, Ruth Robinson with its 2004 Historic Women of Killingworth Christmas Doll Ornament. Fourth in the series, this year's doll depicts Ruth as a child on a swing. The doll is similar to the character in one of her books about her childhood. The Robinson family lived in what is known as the "Country Squire" and Ruth attended school at the one-room school house. She is best known for her colorful farm scene paintings, charming sculptures of farm animals, and short stories about the simple pleasures of country life.

Historical Society member and talented artist, Sandra Smith is the designer of the limited edition series. The doll is signed and dated on the bottom of the swing, and is available for $25.00. It is surely to be very popular and become a collectors' item. Orders may be placed at 663-1583.

The doll will be the featured item at the Historical Society Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 4 from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Black Rock School House.

Bush Wins in Middle School Election
In the mock elections that took place yesterday at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, Pres. George W. Bush defeated Sen. John Kerry by just two votes. Over the last two weeks, students have been researching the positions of the presidential candidates and writing persuasive essays in their Language Arts classes. Selected students read their essays during the monthly Town Meeting on Friday, the mock election was held Monday, and results were announced this morning on the school's morning TV news. Read more about the mock election in today's Middletown Press.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee Member Kathleen Amoia asks residents to get out and vote today. She says, "each of us, as individuals, must vote for the team we think can best steer us through the difficult times ahead". Read her complete remarks here.

District Takes Steps to Standardize Safety Plans
Regional School District No. 17 is reviewing the emergency response plans in all of the District schools in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency, better utilize resources, and provide a uniform plan across the District. Read all about this in today's Middletown Press.

Arts Center Presents 'Contrasts Quartet'
The classical musical ensemble Contrasts Quartet will perform on Saturday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Killingworth. Presented by the Arts Center at Killingworth, the program will consist of an hour-long performance, a question and answer session with the Contrasts Quartet and Pulitzer-Prize winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis, and a reception.

The ensemble, consisting of violin, piano, clarinet and cello, will perform the Connecticut premiere of Mr. Kernis' Trio in Red, Beethoven's Trio in B Flat Major Opus 11 , Haydn's Gypsy Rondo, and Hindemith's Quartet. In addition, a free same-day music workshop for children (ages 8+) will be held at Old Town Hall from 4:00-5:00 pm.

The Contrasts Quartet has performed at Carnegie Hall, on nationally syndicated radio, and participated in music residencies, including Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and Bowdoin College in Maine. The group has recorded several CDs available on the Phoenix USA label.

The Arts Center at Killingworth is a nonprofit organization focused on the development and presentation of the visual and performing arts. The Center would like to thank Banknorth for contributing to this evening's performance, the first in a series of musical events. Concert ticket prices: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, $8 for children under 12. To order tickets, please call 663-5593.

Youth & Family Pumpkin Run
The 11th Annual Haddam and Killingworth Youth & Family Services Pumpkin Run was held on Sunday in Higganum. The warm autumn weather attracted 84 runners and their families to the popular fundraising event for the community service organization. The overall winner was Ed Mokoski from Rockfall and the female winner was Shannon Lindberg from Southington. Killingworth's top finishers were: Sue Anziano, first in the female, 30-39 age category; James Schuster, first in the male, 13-17 category, and Paula Chongruk, second in the female, 30-39 age category.

HKYFS Board Member Ray Galloway was pleased with the "outstanding turnout", and praised the hard work of Race Coordinator Lauren Crowley and her hard-working group. Galloway, a 10-year volunteer on the Board, said additional staffing, as well as grant funding from the Dept. of Justice Drug Free Communities Support Program has allowed the agency's programs to expand, and allowed the Board to focus on its two main objectives; fund raising and program oversight. He said until recently, the agency primarily provided support and prevention activities for the middle school grades, but with its recent growth, the HKYFS is now able to expand its activities to the high school and elementary schools. He said student feedback has been extremely positive. Galloway said the Board is always looking for fresh faces and ideas to further its educational and prevention goals. For more information on Youth & Family Services, visit its website at www.hkyfs.org. For more photos and top results visit here.

HK Players Present 'Once Upon A Mattress'
Haddam-Killingworth High School is proud to announce that the HK Players will present,"Once Upon A Mattress" on November 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam-Killingworth High School Auditorium. Based on the fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea, Once Upon a Mattress centers around Prince Dauntless the Drab whose mother, Queen Aggravain, seeking to keep the boy to herself, has declared that he will wed only a true princess of royal blood. When Princess Winnifred arrives and declares herself a contender for the Prince's hand, the Queen devises a clever test to determine whether this self-proclaimed princess is worthy of her son. This humorous show is appropriate for all ages and showcases a variety of talents housed at Haddam-Killingworth High School. Senior Liz Himmelman plays the lead, Princess Winnifred. Call 663-0545 to purchase tickets. They are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

Cougars Fall to Cromwell
The Haddam-Killingworth High School Football team was defeated by Cromwell, 41-6, Saturday at the HK Stadium. Adam Chamberlain scored the Cougars' only touchdown on a 34-yard scoring drive that began with a strong kick-off return from Brett Zanardi. For more photos from the game go to HK Football Game Day.

The Book of Salt
by Monique Truong
ISBN: 0618304002

This unusual story of Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein takes place during their Paris years in the 1930's, and is told from the unique perspective of their Vietnamese chef, Binh. Although language is a barrier to communication, Binh learns enough French to understand the culinary desires of his Madames, and to successfully navigate through the food markets of Paris.

At a dinner party given by Stein and Toklas, an interested guest inquires if he could employ Binh for one day a week, Sunday, which was his day off from his work at 27 rue de Fleurus. This weekly ritual becomes a source of pleasure and longing for Binh, who eventually finds himself caught in a difficult dilemma between his "Sweet Sunday Man" and his Madames.

Monique Truong beautifully describes sumptuous meals, and the flavor of the relationship between Stein and Toklas, while also delving into Binh's troubled childhood with an overbearing father. The theme of salt is sprinkled throughout the book, with the salt of the kitchen, of the sweat of hard work, of the sea which transported Binh to Paris, and of tears of sadness. The Book of Salt is Monique Truong's first novel, and a New York Times Notable Book. Truong is winner of the New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award.

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