The HK Middle School and High School Choruses performed their Winter Concert on Wednesday night. The Middle School Chorus, under the direction of Rebecca Degnan, opened with Shalom Chaverim to celebrate the end of Hanukkah, the 7th Grade Chorus sang Dormi, Dormi and the 8th Grade Chorus sang If You Believe with soloists Regan Hammell, Rebecca Palmer, Alli Winokur and Kylee Bell. The Choruses performed several more Christmas songs then the Select Chorus finished the Middle School program with the Banquet Fugue.

The High School Chorus, under the direction of Marcy Webster opened with the Chamber Choir's performance of Salmo 150, two selections by Thomas Morley, the Welsh Lullaby, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

The High School Concert Choir then performed several selections including We're Walking in the Air, with soloist Katelyn Hollenbeck, and the night's finale was a combined high school and middle school rendition of I Believe.

The HK High School girls basketball team lost to North Branford last night, 67-41. Kristen Hetsko led all scorers with 21 points including 5 three-pointers, but it wasn't enough to hold off North Branford's balanced attack. The Cougars fall to 2-2 on the year and play Coginchaug at home on Monday.

The HK Middle School boys basketball team lost at Westbrook, 37-34, Friday. Westbrook took an early 12-2 lead in the first quarter but the Cougars were able to chip away by stepping up their defensive effort. HK tied the game at 23 on Zach Kumnick's 3-pointer early in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was back-and-forth until the Westbrook guards drove the lane on consecutive possessions to pull away with time running out. Killingworth players hitting baskets for HKMS were Bo Titcomb, Matt Waldman, Matt Venuti and a double-figure scoring effort from Kumnick. Waldman had a number of steals, Titcomb led the squad inside with his rebounding, and Venuti had a great baseline drive for a late basket. Photo by H. Kumnick

The Board of Selectmen is developing the structure, membership and charge for a new committee to study the long-term and short-term options for recreation fields in Killingworth. Selectmen Fred Dudek and Louis Annino, Sr. presented a draft of a charge for the committee, Thursday night, that would look into town-owned parcels of land that could be used for fields, propose land acquisitions, and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding short-term and long-range solutions. The Board agreed that a nine-member committee would work well, but decided to continue discussing the representation of current boards and commissions on any new committee. Dudek said he envisioned a simple charge for a committee composed of nay-sayers and yea-sayers that could propose some temporary solutions and a long-range plan.

The Land Use Committee was in charge of the proposed Killingworth Recreational Complex plan and voted unanimously to approve it, as did the Board of Selectmen. The Park & Recreation Commission, it was reported, was split on its support of the complex. Inland and Wetlands Commission members stated at town meetings that they felt excluded from the planning and did not have a chance to approve the design before it went to referendum. Even Annino, who had voted to move the KRC plan forward, backed off of his support in the weeks prior to the referendum. The KRC referendum failed November 20 by 449 votes. Dudek said it made more sense to put together a committee that includes members from all three relevant boards and commissions, as well as the public to "make one big wheel pushing together instead of three wheels spinning".

Dudek said his goal for the committee was to produce a report that was similar to the one submitted by the Town Office Building Committee on the possiible acquisition of the Pharmedica building. First Selectman David Denvir praised the work of the TOBC, and its report as comprehensive and commendable, but said the report was "nothing but a dollars and cents analysis" and he hoped a recreation fields committee could offer more vision and direction. He said he would like a detailed charge for the new committee that could be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.

The selectmen ended the discussion by calling for anyone interested in serving on the committee to contact the Selectman's office as soon as possible. Denvir can be reached at 663-1765 or by email at twn.killingworth@snet.net.

The Board of Selectmen voted last night to submit an application to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission to dig a 20-foot wide trench and lay piping across Lover's Lane in order to try and alleviate the flooding that causes the town road to be closed for part of the winter. The road was closed earlier than usual this year, when flooding made the road impassable. The Board of Selectmen have been discussing the road, that's pavement has been sinking into the peat bog below, for many years. Selectman Louis Annino, Sr., who lives on Rt. 148 near the closed road said, if the middle school ever gets built, we're going to need that road as a cut-through to Route 148. Selectman Fred Dudek said he thought the trench and pipes made more sense than constructing a bridge at this time. First Selectman David Denvir said if the town were going to make a significant investment in this project, such as a bridge, this would be the year because bonding rates are low. Town Engineer Howard Pfrommer and Highway Foreman Jim Ward were on hand to propose several options and discuss the project. The Board voted, pending Inland Wetlands approval, to cut a 5-foot deep trapezoidal trench and lay in approximately 7 pipes to enable the stream water to flow from the north side of Lover's Lane to the south side. The Inland Wetlands Commission is not scheduled to meet until after the first of the year. Below is the diagram used to demonstrate the approved option.

Under the direction of Band Director Joel Spinetti and Choral Director Irina Rubalsky, Killingworth Elementary School fourth and fifth graders presented their Winter Concert last night at the High School Auditorium.

Haddam-Killingworth High School Culinary Arts students paired up again this year to compete in Culinary Arts teacher Joanna Siciliano's Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Following the contest, the houses are donated to worthy organizations. This year 15 will be going to HK Youth and Family Services, who will distribute them to needy families in Haddam. Two will travel to the Children's Center at Yale New Haven Hospital, just in time to bring Christmas cheer to patients and staff. The three remaining houses will be auctioned off at the HK-TV Annual Holiday Show Telethon on December 23, from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. on Channel 18.

The Killingworth Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission has made its regulations available online. The information is provided for reference only. The online version may not immediately reflect changes made to the regulations. The .pdf file will be updated as soon as available and a reference date is provided. The online version is dated July 27, 2004 and available from the Boards & Commissions tab on the navigation bar. A current printed copy is available for a fee at the Town Clerk's office. For more information please contact the Town Clerk at 663-1616.

On Thursday, December 23, Haddam and Killingworth students and staff will produce the 14th Annual Holiday Show Telethon. The Holiday Show is the largest of several fundraising efforts that each year helps raise money for a designated charity. Previously, the Holiday Show telethon raised money for the Make a Wish Foundation and for the Connecticut National Guard Family Program. This year the telethon will raise money for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The goal this year is to raise $10,000 through the telethon, and student, staff and community fundraisers like the HKMS penny wars, and the band and chorus Winter Concert collections.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that disables the central nervous system and affects an estimated 400,000 Americans. There is no cure and treatment is limited. The MS Society is the world's largest private funder of MS research and currently has over 300 research grants and fellowships in progress. One hundred percent of the money donated through the efforts of the Holiday Show will help support this great organization. Over 40 volunteers donating their time so there are no administrative costs.

Tune into Channel 18 on December 23 from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. to watch the show and contribute. Individuals who contribute $25 or more are eligible for prizes donated by local businesses. Tax deductible contributions may also be sent to Haddam Killingworth High School, P.O. Box 569, Higganum, CT 06441
Please make checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Haddam Killingworth Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is holding its 21st Annual Bake Sale on Wednesday, December 22 from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in the main entrance corridor of HK High School. Save yourself some time in the kitchen this holiday season by purchasing these delicious home-baked goods. All proceeds will be donated to charity. The public is encouraged to attend. Stop by while you're at the high school or make a special trip to support the students and the worthy charities. For more information please contact Gerri Haesche at 345-8541 ext. 381.

Sunday afternoon the Girls HK Travel Basketball Team gained a great win against North Branford. The girls took an early 4 point lead, and with a strong defense held a 14 to 2 advantage going into the second half. The offensive efforts by all players against a tenacious North Branford defense ended in 20-13 win for the H-K Girls. Many excellent assists contributed to the overall score. High scorer was Alexis Bowen with 10 points. Also scoring were Emily Anderson and Carly Mooney with 4, and Ashley Cook and Anna Fetteroll with 2 points each.

On Thursdays in December, the Congregational Church in Killingworth is offering an Advent Taize Service in the Sanctuary from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. The Taize Service is a quiet meditation service of prayer, song and scripture. Join together with the church, Thursdays, Dec. 16 and Dec. 23, as it prepares for the coming of the Christ with this quite time of peace during the busy season of Advent.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Girls Basketball Team completely dominated Westbrook, 59-21, last night at the HK Fieldhouse. The Cougars led 30-8 at the half and completed the game without a let-up. HK was led by Kristen Hetsko with 14 points followed by Ashley Smith and Jenna Loos with 10, and Megan Murray with 8. The Westbrook Knights were led by Shelby Saleeba with 9 points. The Cougars play again Friday, at North Branford.

On December 19 at 3:00 p.m., The Congregational Church in Killingworth will present a special presentation of the Christmas Story. This presentation, performed to special music with selected readings, will be presented by three talented younger singers; Katrina Armando, Jennifer (Russo) Catania and Karen Free. All three young ladies have worked closely with organist, John Lampe and have been featured in principal roles with The Clinton Family Theatre. Armando has continued her music education, completing her Bachelors and Masters at UConn before beginning her first teaching job in Massachusetts. While at UConn she was a frequent soloist in numerous concerts and recitals. Free continued her schooling at the University of Hartford, completing a Bachelors in communications. During her college years, Karen continued her vocal studies, and public performances. She is currently performing all along the Connecticut shoreline with her father as the Dublin Duo. Catania has performed numerous musical roles. She was last seen in the title role of Jane Eyre with the Clinton Family Theatres to rave reviews. Tickets are $7.00 and may be purchased at the church office or at the door.

Youth and Family staff member, Shelly Thompson (red jacket), assists the Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth crew with belaying techniques during a recent rock climbing clinic at Deer Lake Scout Reservation in Killingworth. HKYFS has teamed up with Deer Lake Venture Crew 497 to give local teens ages 14-20 the opportunity to explore the outdoors and push the limits of their perceived capabilities.

Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, Inc. is gearing up for an exciting winter. Get ready for 2005's innovative parenting programs that will give participants some of the latest tips and tricks to use when dealing with children and teens.

Don't forget to register for upcoming after-school clubs or join our cadre of outstanding mentors. All YFS programs are offered in both Haddam and Killingworth. Be sure to check the Youth and Family website for events, locations, dates and times, or visit local libraries for free Parent Information Packets and programming brochures. photo courtesy HKYFS

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee Member, Ed Sipples writes, "That Killingworth has not added one athletic field for the past 25 years is a disgrace". He says the Town is in desperate need of playing fields and he discusses where the Town can go from here. Read his complete remarks here.

The Board of Selectmen's Meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed until Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m. For more information please call the Town Offices at 663-1765

The Arts Center at Killingworth presented a holiday ornament workshop for children and adults, at the Library on Saturday, led by "environartist" Patty Pippin. Pippin uses champagne corks and wire, as well as other recycled materials, ribbons and 'jewels' to create dazzling Christmas ornaments and decorations. Pippin is a New York City-based crafter with an extensive background in costume and prop design, acting, singing and songwriting. The Arts Center has more programs coming up in the future including workshops in drama, drawing and photography. To find out more about the Arts Center, visit the website at www.artscenterkillingworth.org or call 663-5593.

Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason
by Nancy Pearl
ISBN: 1570613818

Nancy Pearl, Director of the Washington Center for the Book, is a librarian and avid reader. She is the person responsible for the creation of the "one city, one book" reading program which began in Seattle and has spread to other cities in the U.S. Pearl wrote Book Lust in order to continue to share her love of books and reading. It is an excellent source for helping you find your next good book to read, or to help find a gift for a friend.

In Book Lust, Pearl groups books by categories, but does not limit herself to headings one might find in either a library or a bookstore. Examples of a few of her creative categories include "100 Good Reads, Decade by Decade", "Intriguing Novels", "Lady Travelers", and "The Postmodern Condition". Pearl also gives several of her favorite authors separate categories in which she discusses their entire body of work.

One of Pearl's categories is "Action Heroines", an interesting choice given that Nancy Pearl was the model for the librarian action figure available in novelty stores. The action figure, with "amazing push-button shushing action" comes equipped with a stack of books, a trading card, and several bookmarks.

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