The HK Indoor Track and Field teams competed at the Connecticut River Valley Championships, Friday in New Haven. The HK Girls team placed third overall behind Old Saybrook and East Hampton. Top Cougars finishers were: Meghan Scanlon, 1st in the 300m and 2nd in the Long Jump; Danielle Funaro, 1st in the 1000m; Kimber Stannard, 3rd in the 55m; 4x200m Relay placed 2nd; Sprint Medley Relay placed 2nd and the 4x400m Relay placed 3rd.

The HK Boys team placed fourth overall with outstanding performances from: Ryan MacNeely, 1st in the 1000m and 3rd in the 3200m; Cory Weiss, 2nd in the 3200m, and a third place finish for the 4x800m Relay.

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

1. Call to Order
2. Discussion of budget submissions
3. Re-vote of Motions made at Special Selectmen's Meeting held 1/29/05
     • Repair Reservoir Road Bridge
     • Recommendation to BOF that BAN Note be rolled in anticipation of larger bond issues; and in view of the low interest rate.
     • Waiving of Building Fees and Expenses for RSD# 17
     • Authorization of First Selectman to call Town Meeting
     • Adjournment of Meeting
4. Adjournment
Agenda as of 10:15 a.m., Thursday, 2/03/05
Printable version
Editor's Note: The minutes of the Special Meeting held 1/29/05 were not properly filed. Therefore the motions and votes were not recorded.

In his weekly address, First Selectman David Denvir writes about the Eighth Amendment. The U.S. Constitution states, "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted". Denvir says, "Whether you favor our nation's highest sanction or condemn it (as the world does) we owe it to ourselves to think about this issue". Read David Denvir's complete remarks here.

The final touches are being made on the interior of the Congregational Church in Killingworth. The interior dome has a fresh coat of paint, the plaster has been repaired and the lovely ceiling stencil has been redone. Regular Sunday services will return to the Sanctuary this Sunday.

It started with a beautiful three-pointer from Shelby VanHuysen and there was no stopping the HK Middle School Girls team after that. The team trounced Portland, 72-27, in the first round of the 24th Annual Westbrook Middle School Girls Basketball Tournament. Portland won the tourney last year; This was not their game. HK dominated throughout with 10 players on the board. High scorer was Danielle Machold with 17, followed by Erin Moriarty with 14 and VanHuysen with 10. Allie Rand and Maura Calamari each had 8; Kim Peterson had 4; Deanna Loso, Colleen Phelan, Danielle Page and Erin Murphy each contributed 2. HK last won the tournament in 2002.

On Friday, the girls extended their winning streak to 10 with a decisive, 65-32, win over Old Saybrook in Rams territory. The team probably has the best record on the Shoreline. Twenty of the 65 points came off Allie Rand, followed by Deanna Loso with 14 and Erin Moriarty with 12. Effective blocking, rebounding and teamwork created the win. Also on the boards: Shelby VanHuysen and Danielle Machold with 6-apiece and Maura Calamari with 5. Once again, the JV team came up winners with a final score of 12-3. The girls will play in the championship game of the Westbrook tournament on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and at home on Tuesday in regular season play.

The HK High School Girls team defeated Hale Ray, 43-41, Wednesday. HK raised its record to 10-5 on the year. Ashley Smith hit four key free throws with under a minute left to play. She had 7 points for the game. Kristen Hetsko led all scorers with 23 points, including 4 three-pointers.

On Friday night the Cougars lost to Old Lyme, 55-48. Hetsko was high scorer with 18. Read all about the game in today's Middletown Press.

The HK High School Boys team needed double overtime to defeat Old Lyme, 78-72, Thursday on the road. The Cougars were led by Ryan Murray with 36 points and 22 rebounds. Perry Pratt also came out strong with a 21-point performance. HK improves to 11-3 on the year.

On January 31, Town Assessor Donna Shanoff filed the 2004 Grand List that included a gross assessment of $605,584,568. The net increase over the 2003 Grand list was $13,223,035 or 2.3 percent. According to her report, real estate increased by $7,430,132, personal property increased by $813,342 and motor vehicles increased by $4,979,561.

According to today's Hartford Courant, Shanoff said the assessment total was boosted by completion of "The Courtyard," the new three-building retail and office complex on Route 81, and about 25 new homes. Tax Collector Ruth Patrick said the increase in assessment value would generate about $328,000 in new revenue at the current tax rate of 24.8 mills.

The Town's top three taxpayers are Timmerman & Timmerman which owns what is known as the Pharmedica buildings; Connecticut Light and Power Company and Jensens Residential Communities, LLC.

In a special meeting last Saturday, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted not to waive Town Building Official Richard Leighton's fees for his work on the new Intermediate/Middle School. According to the New Haven Register, First Selectman David Denvir estimated the fees between $110,000 and $120,000 for the $48 million school.

Thomas Dowling, representing the architectural firm Jeter, Cook, and Jepson said he estimates the fees will be $15,000 or less. Dowling said, the selectmen's decision was the first time building fees would be applied by a municipality in more than 100 school building projects handled by the firm.
Read all about this in today's New Haven Register.

The 4th Annual Walter Camp Football Foundation Fan Festival will be held on Friday, February 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sportsplex on Route 80 in North Branford. This is an opportunity for kids to play in the kid's zone, throw a touchdown pass or kick a field goal in the interactive area, or get autographs from Collegiate All-American and NFL players including UConn's own Dan Orlovsky, and Heisman Trophy Winner
Matt Leinart. This year will also feature the 1st Annual High School Passing League Challenge for high school football teams from around the state.

While the Walter Camp Football Foundation may be most famous for its oversight of current selections into the oldest college All-American football team, it also gives back to the local community. Each May, the Foundation holds its annual Allocations Dinner where it distributes funds to needy area charities, primarily those which help children. The Foundation is also involved in the Special Olympics, securing professional and college football players to serve as guest celebrities during autograph sessions and medal ceremonies at the Connecticut Games.

Tickets are $10 and available at the door or online. For more information, visit the Website at www.waltercamp.org or call 203-248-camp.

On Monday, Feb. 7 the KES-PTO will hold its regular meeting with a special presentation on Internet Safety by Detective Jim Smith and Sergeant Richard Alexandre of the CT State Police Computer Crimes & Electronic Evidence Unit.

They will speak to parents about how to help keep children cyber-safe. This program is designed for any parent with a child that has ever used the internet, to those whose teenage children are constantly "online".

The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a refreshments available starting at 6:45. In addition to this presentation, this month's featured curriculum is 5th Grade. Teacher Nancy Cassidy and special education teacher Kim Errato will present an update on 5th grade curriculum.

Despite a sluggish start, the HK Middle School Girls Basketball team continued its winning streak Tuesday with a, 61-30, romp over Old Lyme. Deanna Loso and Erin Moriarty were high scorers with 11 points each, followed by Danielle Machold with 10 and Shelby VanHuysen with 9 points. JV also came up with a 24-10 win. The teams play in the Westbrook Tournament at Westbrook on Thursday. Their first match-up will be against Portland at 4 p.m.

Yes!, KillingworthToday received credentials for one of the biggest media events in February. No, not the Super Bowl (Go Pats!) but, The Annual Groundhog Day Celebration with world famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. In Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania today, Groundhog President William Cooper greeted Phil as he emerged from his burrow at 7:51 a.m. and "directed" his handler to read the following:

Natural disasters have been a terrible thing; tsunamis,
downpours, floods, landslides, heavy snowstorms, avalanches,
frigid temperatures, sleet and freezing rain.
They all cause much destruction, suffering and pain.

When it seems like too much with which to cope;
The coming of spring brings us new hope.
Changing seasons is a wonderful thing.

Now it's Groundhog Day and we think of spring.
Will Spring come early or will it come late?

It's time for me to prognosticate.
As I study the sun
It's all about fun.
But I'm sorry to say
I see my shadow today.
When my shadow I see,
Six more weeks of winter there will be!

Maybe it's not Eagles vs. Patriots, but believe it or not there are about three dozen groundhogs making predictions for the end of Winter. If all this excitement isn't enough for you, visit KidsDomain.com for some Groundhog Day history and activities. photos courtesy Alan Freed/PunxsutawneyPhil.com

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group has selected Louise Erdrich's The Master Butchers Singing Club for their February 8 meeting in the Killingworth Library Meeting Room. The book selection for March 8 is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Book discussions begin at 1:00 p.m. and all are welcome.

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee would like to say, "Here's to You, Joyce Hirschhorn".

"For over thirty years of service, guidance, straight talk, and enthusiasm, the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee salutes Joyce Hirschhorn. Her recent letter of resignation has been accepted with much regret. Although she would remind us that, before leaving, she brought a new member, Heather Collinson, on board."

"Joyce became a member of the Committee in 1973 when Art Haesche was Chairman and has served on the Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning and the Zoning Board of Appeals. She also attended many of the State Nominating Conventions. Her voice will be missed at our table, but we all know it will not be silent."

The HK High School Boys Basketball team fell behind, 25-31, in the first half but recovered in the final quarter to dominate Hale Ray, 71-57, last night. The Cougars were led by Ryan Murray with 29 points and Brett Zanardi with 22, including 5 buckets from beyond the arc. Hale Ray was led by Greg Curtin with 16. The Junior Varsity pummeled the Hale Ray JV, 75-39. Alex Langevin led the Cougars with 16 points followed by Alex Pollack with 14.

At the Reg. 17 Board of Education Public Input Session last night at the high school, recommendations for the 2005-2006 School Budget centered around the elementary level enrichment program E.X.P.L.O.R.E. (Explore.Experience.Prepare.Learn.Observe.Research.Enrich).

A handful of mothers, with children in the three district elementary schools encouraged the Board to continue funding the enrichment program and consider improvements and upgrades. The program currently has one full-time teacher who works with intellectually gifted/creative students in the third, fourth and fifth grades at Killingworth, Burr and Haddam Elementary Schools.

At the onset of the meeting, Board of Education Chair Roberta Bruce said the Board was not able to make any promises on budget requests but would listen attentively and consider all comments. Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said the District is studying the E.X.P.L.O.R.E. program and is consulting with Joseph S. Renzulli, director of the University of Connecticut National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented and the Neag Center for Gifted and Talented Development. Mala said they have not yet made any decisions on the level of funding for the program.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15 Mala will present his 2005-2006 budget recommendations to the Board of Education at 6:00 p.m. at the HK Middle School. During March and April, the Budget Committee will meet to fine tune the budget leading up to the scheduled May 3 referendum.

Region 17 Board of Education Meeting Schedule:
Feb. 15 Superintendent's budget presentation: 6:00 p.m. HK Middle School
March 1 Budget Committee: 7:30 p.m. HKHS lower Media Center
March 2 Budget Committee: 7:30 p.m. HKHS lower Media Center
March 15 Budget Committee: 7:30 p.m. after Communications Committee HKHS lower Media Center.
March 29 Budget Committee: Tentative meeting with Haddam and Killingworth Boards of Selectmen and Boards of Finance, 7:00 p.m. HKHS Lower Media Center.
April 5 Budget Committee: Possible vote on the 2005/6 proposed budget. 7:30 p.m. HKHS lower Media Center
April 14 Annual Hearing and Special Meeting of the Board of Education. 7:00 p.m. Burr Elementary School
May 2 Annual Meeting on the Proposed Budget: 7:00 p.m. HKHS Auditorium
May 3 School Budget Referendum

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member, Kathleen Amoia offers her prospective on the Social Security "crisis" in America. She says, "There is nothing so wrong with Social Security that some honest Yankee ingenuity can't fix". Read her complete remarks here.

KillingworthToday would like to introduce a new monthly feature on how the Town of Killingworth operates. This series of articles is targeted at the younger online audience but may also be educational and informative to others. Each month 'Town Works' will visit a different town office, agency, board or commission to find out its purpose, what role it plays in the operation of the town, and how its decisions affect the town and its residents. Comments and questions are welcome from all and encouraged from students in grades 6-8.

This month, 'Town Works' visits with First Selectman David Denvir to discuss the role of the Board of Selectmen. Denvir has lived in Killingworth for over thirty years, has served on the Board of Selectmen for 12 years, and is a practicing attorney. Killingworth's selectmen are Louis Annino, Sr. and Fred Dudek. Next month, 'Town Works' visits with David Hale from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Read the full article.

The Junior Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company held its pancake breakfast fundraiser Sunday morning at the firehouse. Young and old enjoyed being served a delicious breakfast by the volunteer teens. For more information on the Junior Company or to donate to its fund, please call 663-1875.

The HK High School Indoor Track and Field teams hosted their Annual Winterfest Saturday at the HK Fieldhouse. The girls team finished fifth overall and the boys team finished third.

Outstanding performances for the girls team were: Kimber Stannard, 1st in the 55m and 2nd in 300m; Danielle Funaro, 1st in the 1000m and 2nd in 1600m; Jen Chandler, 6th in the 3200m; the 4x200m Relay, 2nd with Colleen Kavanagh, Meghan Scanlon, Stannard and Caroline McManus; the 4x400m Relay, 3rd with Maygan Salzano, Carissa Mierzejewski, Hannah Donadio and Funaro; Sarah Brooks, 6th in the High Jump.

Outstanding performances for the boys team were: Kevin Bailey, 1st in the High Jump and 4th in the 55m Hurdles; Ryan MacNeely, 1st in the 1000m; Peter Rynkowski, James Schuster, 4th and 5th in the 300m; Jake Corbett, 4th in the 600m; Cory Weiss, 2nd in the 1600m; Mike Waterbury, 5th in the 3200m; the 4x200m Relay, 3rd with Chris Anselmo, Schuster, Rynkowski and Dave Bartalotta and the 4x400m Relay, 3rd with Corbett, Chris Jamieson, Dylan Averill, Bill Kolodziej. Complete meet results can be found at www.coginchaugsportstiming.com

The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team extended its winning streak to eight, Friday afternoon by besting Hale Ray, 47-10, in Moodus. The Cougars got off to a slow start with the smallest lead of the season entering half-time, but they bounced back in the second half with better scoring and tremendous defense. Erin Moriarty was the high scorer with 10 points, followed by Shelby VanHuysen with 9 (including a 3-pointer) and Allie Rand with 9, as well. Seventh grader Cara Webber played a strong game, scoring 8 points. Other scorers included Danielle Machold with 5; and Jackie Buttendorf, Lindsay Griswold and Colleen Phelan with 2 apiece. The JV also won with a final score of 12-8. The team plays at home on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

The HK High School Boys Basketball team lost to North Branford, 64-55, on Thursday. Tyler Riordan led all scorers with 27 points and Brett Zanardi had 19. The Cougars fall to 9-3 on the year.

The HK High School Girls Basketball team defeated North Branford on Friday, 52-50. Megan Murray led the Cougars with 13 points followed by Jenna Loos with 12 and Kristen Hetsko with 11. The girls earned another win Saturday with a, 44-35, decision over Somers. Hetsko led all scores with 23 points including 2 baskets from three-point range. HK is 9-5 on the year.

The Art of Travel
by Alain De Botton
ISBN: 0375420827

This thought-provoking and sometimes humorous discussion of travel is a unique and fascinating approach to the topic. Alain De Botton divides the book into the sections Departure, Motives, Landscape, Art, and Return. Within each section he includes two related chapters, such as "On the Exotic" and "On Curiosity" which are found in the Motives section. In the chapters, De Botton skillfully incorporates ideas by other authors or artists (who he names "guides" for that chapter), and also utilizes illustrations which are either a reproduction of a piece of art, or a photograph taken by the author. These illustrations provide a beautiful visual image of the concept at hand, and are a wonderful addition to the work.

De Botton writes equally well on the mundane topic of the roadside restaurant, and on the inspirational topic of the grandeur of the Sinai desert. In all cases he has the ability to engage the reader to the point of feeling one is in the place De Botton is describing. He also helps the travel enthusiast to define why one place feels more comfortable, exciting, or rejuvenating than another.

One of De Botton's final quotes in the book is one by Pascal, and provides a humorous summary for the book: "The sole cause of man's unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room." The Art of Travel certainly inspires the reader to want to venture from one's room and see the 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