The prime suspect in the recent robberies at the Dunkin' Donuts and the Holly Loft has been apprehended by Clinton Police. Thomas Kerr, 34, of New Haven was identified as a suspect, then arrested Thursday, in the theft of three baseball bats from a sporting goods store in Clinton. Police believe Kerr, who has a history of convictions, including violent felonies, is also responsible for the armed robberies in Killingworth and Guilford. Read all about this in today's New Haven Register.

The HK High School Boys Basketball team extended its undefeated streak to 6-0 with an 86-71 victory over Coginchaug last night. Ryan Murray, the Cougars' leading scorer, took charge again to lead all scorers with 29 points. Brett Zanardi also had a strong night scoring 20 points including 3 from 3-point range. Tyler Riordan added 16 and Anthony Andeen added 9 points. Read more about the game in today's Middletown Press. The Junior Varsity was defeated, 47-78.

Construction is officially underway on the New Intermediate/Middle School on Route 81. Traffic and Truck Crossing signs have been posted along the road just North of the Elementary School as a team of tractors cuts in the temporary road directly across from Lover's Lane. By early afternoon Friday, about 30 trees had been cut down and the road was already several hundred feet long.

The road will be used to gain access to the area where the three wells will be drilled. The construction crew estimated that the road would be completed Monday and the well drillers would come in soon after. Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said that after the wells are drilled, the water will be tested and the phases of construction will commence in accordance with the Planning & Zoning Commission agreement.

Mala said the start of construction also secures the $24 million Department of Education funding that will cover approximately 50 percent of the cost of construction. The DOE reimbursement will be received by the District in increments as phases are completed.

The Building Committee recently announced that the project is currently $139,000 under budget, without touching the $3 million contingency fund. The Committee has awarded all but two of its construction bids, which are being sent out to re-bid, and have painstakingly reviewed the value engineering items presented by Project Manager, James Foote from Industrial Construction Company, Inc. and Architects from Jeter Cook & Jepson.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, "Value Engineering is the systematic application of recognized techniques by a multi-disciplined team to identify the function of a product or service, establish a worth for that function, generate alternatives through the use of creative thinking, and provide the needed functions to accomplish the original purpose of the project at the lowest life-cycle cost without sacrificing safety, necessary quality, and or environmental attributes of the project." Line items include everything from display cases and trim on desks to paving materials and masonry choices.

Editor's Note: Remember that traffic fines are doubled in work zones and that the speed limit around the Elementary School is 25 mph during school hours. The speed limit on Route 81 through the construction area is 35 mph. Please drive carefully.

Agenda
Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, January 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting held December 16 and Regular Meeting of December 27, 2004
3. Visitors: R. Patrick, PAYT Committee, E. Auer
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. IWWC - Jamie Young
    2. ZBA Alternate - Mary Withington
    3. KLA Board
6. Old Business:
    1. Rec. Field committee - Clarification & Charge
    2. Pension Plan Update
    3. Sand Bids
7. New Business:
    1. PAYT Committee
    2. Killingworth Library Window Replacement Proposal
    3. Compensation for Computer Consultant
8. DLD Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Executive Session:
     1. Land Acquisitions Negotiations
     2. Labor Contracts
11. Adjournment
Agenda as of 2:25 p.m., Friday, 1/07/05
Printable version

The 2005 Connecticut legislative session opened on Wednesday with Gov. M. Jodi Rell's State of the State speech. Newly elected State Senator Ed Meyer has already been named, Assistant Majority Whip, Chair of Select Committee on Children, Vice Chair of Environment, Government Administration and Election Committees and named a member of the Judiciary Committee.

In his comments regarding the appointments Meyer said, "I very much welcome these important committee assignments. Each panel in their own way deals with the operation of our state government, our environment which equates to our quality of life, or the numerous other issues which come under the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee, including capital punishment, same sex unions, criminal law issues and judicial appointments."

He also said, "I am particularly pleased to be named Chairman of the legislature's Select Committee on Children, giving me a unique opportunity to advocate for the rights and responsibilities of children, including early childhood education. As Vice Chair of GAE, I look forward to making ethics reform a large part of my work there."

State Representative Brian O'Connor, reelected in November, sits on the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, Public Safety Committee, the Appropriations Committee, and is Co-Chair of the Appropriations Committee - Transportation Subcommittee. O'Connor was also just appointed the new co-chairman of the legislature's Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department has opened registration for its Winter schedule of classes. To register classes or for more information, please call the HK Recreation at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com . There is a non-resident fee for all classes.

Music Together: This class will create a rich musical environment with activities to support gross motor development as well as to stimulate creative expression. Parent/caregiver participation is essential. Great for siblings to attend together with its mixed age format. Lots of movement, instrument play, and fun! Includes a CD & book. Class is for children ages newborn - 5 and will be held on Tuesdays, January 18 - March 29 (no 2/22). Participants can sign up for either 9:30 -10:15 am or 10:30 - 11:15 am. Classes are held at the Haddam Youth Center. The fee is $145 / $65 for siblings (free for siblings under 8 months).

Pee Wee Playgroup: This program offers the opportunity for parents to meet other parents and toddlers in a playgroup atmosphere. Activities include circle games, stories, songs, dance, play time, coloring, art projects, and more. For children 18 mos. - 2 ½ years old. The class will be held on Wednesdays at the Haddam Youth Center. Session I will be from January 19 - February 16. There will be two time slots a) 10 - 10:50 am or b) 11:00- 11:50 am. The fee is $30 each session.

Children's Karate Program: Children will be introduced to Washin-Ryu Karate-Do, a unique form of traditional Japanese Karate, and will learn the meaning of self-respect, respect for others, self-discipline, and concentration. Instructor Mike Moan , a 5th degree black belt, will also talk to the kids about safety awareness and how to avoid abductions. For boys and girls in grades K - 6. A session will be held at Haddam Elementary School Gym on Mondays from January 24 - May 23 and on Wednesdays at Killingworth Elementary School Gym from January 26 - May 25. The classes meet from 3:15 to 4:30 pm. The fee is $75 each session.

Magic Mania: Children will have fun learning basic introductory magic while building self-confidence and dexterity. Five different tricks will be taught in each session.. Each child will receive a magic kit which includes 5 tricks, an instruction sheet describing each trick, and a magic wand. Kids will also be entertained by Tom O'Brien's own act. Sign up for one or more workshops. For boys and girls ages 5 - 12 this winter on Tuesdays from 3:10 - 4:10 p.m. The fee is $20 each workshop ($15 if your child is enrolled in the HK After School Program). Call for session information.

Step Aerobics/Interval Training: Classes will include circuit training, power stepping, interval training, and muscle shaping. A great way to look better and meet friends. Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 18th - June 2 (No class 2/22, 2/24, 4/19, 4/21) For High School-Adult. Classes will be held from 6:45 - 7:45 pm at the HK High School Cafeteria. The fees are $115 for a 36 coupon book, $75 for a 18 coupon book, and $5.50 for one coupon. Coupons must be turned in at each class attended and are non-transferable. Participants need to bring their own step to class. The HK Recreation Dept. can order quality steps for $85 if interested.

Weight Training: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at the HK High School Auxillary Gym. Session I will be held from January 19 - March 7 (No class 2/21, 2/23). Session II will be held from March 14-– April 27. The fee is $35 each session. For High School- Adult. This personalized class will emphasize safe and effective resistance training techniques to help achieve your fitness goals. Participants will have the opportunity to use the new 'Keiser' equipment. Unlike traditional weight stacks or hydraulics, Keiser Air is pneumatic strength training equipment that uses the force of compressed air to create resistance. Free weights will also be available.

Aqua Aerobics: Aqua Aerobics is a great cardio-vascular work out for all ages, all fitness levels, swimmers & non-swimmers. No equipment is required. The fees are $40 / $35 with pool membership and/or Senior Citizens for each session. Classes will be held on Mondays & Wednesdays at the HK Pool. Participants must pre-register. There is a minimum required in order to run this class. Call for session information.

Hatha Yoga: This course will introduce and give you an overview of the basic breathing techniques and postures of Hatha Yoga - the Yoga System of physical well-being. Learn the benefits, precautions, and contradictions of each posture as well as how to incorporate Yoga into your daily life. Practice techniques using the body & mind to rejuvenate your bodily systems. A great way to relax. Call for session information. The fee is $65 for each once a week session.

Intro. to Fencing: With a rich tradition dating back hundreds of years, fencing is an Olympic sport that helps develop both large and fine motor skills. It encourages strategic thinking as well as physical development. Using the foil as the introductory weapon, students will learn proper technique for basic footwork and handwork as well as simple attack, and defense techniques. Students will learn through a combination of personal and group instruction, as well as partner drills. Equipment will be supplied with an emphasis will be on the proper and responsible use of weapons and protective gear. There will also be an introduction to electrical scoring equipment. A new program this winter: Tuesdays, January 18 - March 15 (No 2/22) at Burr Elementary School from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. The fee is $120.

Hip Hop Dancing: Learn street funk moves such as the hangman, king-tut, popping, locking, waving, up-rock steps, floor-work moves, power moves, & other popular Break Dance skills. Members from the popular I.F.C. (Invisible Force Crew) New Haven Break Dance group will join some classes to share their professional skills. You do not have to have any dance experience to join this class. Class will be offered on Mondays, January 24 - March 21 (No 2/21) at the HK High School Cafeteria. Children in grades 1 - 3 will meet from 4:00 - 5:00 pm and children in grades 4 - 8 will meet from 5:15 - 6:15 pm. The fee is $65.

Babysitter Training Course: This American Red Cross Program has been updated to include Basic Child Care, First Aid for breathing and bleeding emergencies, and injury prevention as well as covering other important topics to prepare young adults for babysitting. Students will not become certified in CPR or First Aid, but will gain knowledge. Students who complete the course will have the opportunity to add their names to the HK Recreation Department's Babysitting Referral list. course is for students ages 11 - 15 and will be held on Thursdays, January 20 - February 3rd from 6:00 - 8:15 pm at the Burr Elementary School. The fee is $65 and includes a Red Cross Babysitting Manual and Certificate.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Basketball team defeated a scrappy Lyme-Old Lyme last night, 68-51, at the HK Fieldhouse. The Cougars improve their record to a perfect 5-0 on the year.

HK was led by Ryan Murray with 21 points and Anthony Andeen with 13, followed by Tyler Riordan with 12, including two from three point range, and Perry Pratt with 8 points. LOL was led by Ryan Zrenda with 14 points. The score was tight in the first quarter with HK taking an 18-13 lead, but the Cougars opened it up in the second quarter and never looked back; Half-time score was 34-18.

In Junior Varsity action, the Cougars fell to Lyme-Old Lyme, 42-50. HK-JV was led by Alex Pollack with 12 points, all from three point range, and Alex Langevin with 8 points.

Voting for the Nutmeg Book Awards is taking place all over Connecticut during the month of January, but the last voting opportunity in Killingworth will be Thursday, Jan. 6 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. in the Children's Room of the Library. Killingworth children in grades 4-6 are encouraged to stop by and choose their favorite book from the list of 10 top-rated nominees.

Children will have the opportunity to cast their vote in a real voting machine thanks to the generosity of Town officials and employees. All the nominated books are highly-regarded works of fiction written for children. The state-wide winner will be announced sometime in February.

Labs4Rescue, the Killingworth-based dog rescue organization was recently profiled in the Clinton Recorder. Labs4Rescue has saved over 1600 pure-bred and mixed-breed labrador retrievers since 2002 from the high-kill shelters in the South and Mid-West. The dogs are transported on a weekly basis to foster and adoptive homes in the Northeast. The non-profit organization started by resident Cathy Mahle is run by volunteers and relies on donations to help rescue puppies and adult dogs. Donations for transportation and medical attention are greatly needed as well as short-term foster homes. If you are interested in adopting a dog, the fees are: a $200 adoption fee for all vet expenses (spay/neuter, shots, etc.) and $100 transport fee. For more information please visit the website or contact Mahle at Cathy@labs4rescue.com. Donations may also be sent to Connecticut Labs4Rescue, P.O. Box 955, Killingworth, CT 06419.

17-year-old Jason Fillion was arraigned yesterday in Middlesex Superior Court on the charges of negligent homicide and improper passing for the August 2004 accident that resulted in the death of William Gates. The head-on collision happened on Route 154 in Haddam. Fillion was released on a $5,000 bond, his next court date is scheduled for Jan. 28. Read more about this story in today's Middletown Press.

This week, Connecticut State Representative from the 35th District, Brian O'Connor reflects on 2004 and the difference a year can make. He thanks Killingworth residents for the outstanding support he has received and looks forward to making Connecticut a model for other states to follow once again. Read his complete remarks here.

The Killingworth Youth League will hold registration for the 2005 Little League baseball and softball season on Friday, January 28, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the main entrance at Killingworth Elementary School.

A second registration will be held Saturday, February 5, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at KES.

All boys and girls ages 6-16 are eligible to play (must be playing age by July 31, 2005). First time players must bring an original birth certificate to registration. Player fees are $60 for one player, $90 for a family with more than one player. Fees are due at registration and include uniforms. There will also be a candy fundraiser. KYL requires that each family sell/buy-out one box.

Scholarships are available for any child in need. All calls are strictly confidential. Please call Bill Silas at 663-3996 or Diane Flynn at 663-1273.

Registration forms may be downloaded from the KYL website at: www.kylbaseball.org Please bring 2 completed copies of the registration form.

The Reading Groups Book
by Jenny Hartley
ISBN: 0199255962

Whether you are a member of an existing reading group, are considering forming your own, or simply happen to find the reading group phenomena fascinating, this book will provide you with interesting and useful information, presented in a readable format. Curiosity on the topic of reading groups led Jenny Hartley to research this way of reading by devising a survey and sending it to a wide range of existing book groups.

Hartley attempts to answer questions such as, What is a reading group? Who belongs to them? How do they choose what they read? She also investigates where the groups meet, how often, and whether or not food is central to the gathering.

One excellent feature of the book for fellow book-lovers is the inclusion of title lists from various book groups. Also of interest are the lists of the (UK) most popular books and authors, 1999-2001. This book may inspire you to start your own reading group, and will certainly point to several good titles that you may have missed.

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