The HK High School Boys Basketball team fell to Coginchaug on Monday, 75-62. Ryan Murray scored 25 points and Brett Zanardi scored 23 including 5 three-point buckets. On Thursday night the Cougars lost to Old Saybrook, 62-56. Murray led all scorers with 32 points but a fourth quarter run by the Rams sealed the Cougars' fate. Cassius Cheney led Old Saybrook with 24. HK falls to 11-5 on the year.

The HK High School Girls picked up a pair of wins this week with a, 50-33, victory over Hale Ray on Tuesday, and a, 56-34, win over Hyde on Friday night. Kristen Hetsko scored 26 points in the Hyde win including 5 from beyond the arc.

The HK Middle School Girls are on a phenomenal, undefeated run with a win at the Westbrook Tournament last weekend, a win Tuesday over Winthrop and then a, 51-38, win over Eliot on Thursday. It was a rowdy crowd that gathered for the re-match with Eliot in Clinton. This was the most competitive contest the Cougars had all season with Eliot pulling within 3 points in the third period. HK went on a great run in the 4th quarter to come out on top. This extends HK's record to 12-0 with just two games remaining in regular season. Shelby VanHuysen was the game's high scorer with 12; followed by Allie Rand with 11. Seventh grader Danielle Machold earned 9 points in the first quarter before a game-ending ankle injury put her on the bench. Erin Moriarty scored 6; Deanna Loso had 5; Kim Peterson had 4; and Maura Calamari and Lindsey Griswold each had 2. The team will play Westbrook on Tuesday.

•Monday, February 14:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Valley Girls Basketball Game
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Boys Basketball Game Old Saybrook vs. Westbrook
•Tuesday, February 15:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Region 17 Board of Education Meeting Recorded 2/8/05
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Region 17 Board of Education Meeting Recorded 2/8/05
•Wednesday, February 16:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Region 17 School Budget Presentation (recorded 2/15/05)
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Region 17 School Budget Presentation (recorded 2/15/05)
•Thursday, February 17:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Valley Girls Basketball Game
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. Boys Basketball Old Saybrook vs Westbrook
•Friday, February 18:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. High School Basketball TBA
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Winter Choral Concert
•Saturday, February 19:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. High School Basketball TBA
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HK Winter Choral Concert
information provided by HKTV

The Killingworth True Value Store requested a zoning variance to further expand its 8,000 square foot store on Route 81. The Cost Family which owns the store contends that it needs to expand in order to compete against large stores such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The Planning and Zoning Commission opposes the plan as contrary to the recommendations of the town plan of development. The Zoning Board of Appeals continued the January hearing to March 28. Read all about this in today's Hartford Courant.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Swim team lost to Northwest Catholic, 101-85, in a duel meet Tuesday, but Freshman Diver Corinne Mazzotta scored her highest marks of the year, won the event and qualified for the State Championships. Results will follow when available.

Agenda
Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, February 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting held January 24, and Special Meetings of January 29, and February 7, 2005
3. Visitors: R. Cabral Board of Ed., PAYT Committee, R. Patrick
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. Charter Revision Commission
    2. LEPC
    3. OEM Deputy
6. Old Business:
    1. Charter Revision Commission
    2. WPCA Report (tabled)
    3. Computer Upgrade
    4. Pension Plan
    5. 660 Route 81
    6. Y&F Services Meeting Space
    7. Veteran's Exemption
    8. Five Year Capital Plan
7. New Business:
    1. Town Meeting 2/16/05
8. DLD Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns:
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 3:30 p.m., Thursday, 2/10/05
Printable version

In an effort to move forward and improve its relationship with the Town of Killingworth and its officials, the Reg.17 Building Committee has agreed to the Town's fee structure for Building Official Richard Leighton's services during the construction of the new Middle/Intermediate School. Building Committee Chairman Kjell Tollefsen said the Committee voted last night, to send a letter to First Selectman David Denvir agreeing to the fees. He said it was not productive for either the Town or the District to be in this negative environment.

Tollefsen said the way Haddam and Killingworth residents view the District is very important and "in the spirit of cooperation", this was the best way to move forward. Tollefsen said he spoke with Denvir this afternoon. The Building Committee has also decided that Committee member Howard Howes will act as a liaison to the Board of Selectmen to answer any questions and keep town officials up to date with the project. Howes is expected to attend one Selectmen's meeting per month. Tollefsen said he is not able to estimate the additional expense but said the Committee trusts the Town will try and control the costs.

The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team continued its winning streak Tuesday with a, 67-26, win over Winthrop. The girls are now 10-0 for the season. Center Erin Moriarty was high scorer with 19 points and numerous blocked shots; followed by Shelby VanHuysen -whose 14 points included 2 from 3-point range. Also on the boards were: Danielle Machold with 10; Allie Rand with 8; Kim Peterson with 6; Colleen Phelan with 5; and Deanna Loso, Maura Calamari, Lindsay Griswold and Jackie Buttendorf with 2 each. The team faces Eliot in Clinton on Thursday. The JV team also claimed victory over Winthrop.

Notice of Special Town Meeting
The Electors of the Town of Killingworth and all those qualified to vote in meetings of said Town are hereby notified and warned that a Special Meeting will be held in the All-Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. to consider and act upon the following items of business:


   1. To consider and act upon the over expenditures and under expenditures from the Town's financial audit of Fiscal Year 2003-2004
   2. To consider and act upon a proposed Five-Year Capital Plan.
   3. To consider and act upon a promised Town Ordinance to increase the existing Veteran's Tax Exemption to $10,000.
Dated at Killingworth, Connecticut February 8, 2005

At last night's Board of Finance Meeting, First Selectman David Denvir said he has directed town officials that, "no permit is to go out the door" until the School District agrees in writing to reimburse the Town for building fees. After summarizing the Selectman's priorities for the coming budget process, Denvir explained to the BOF the specifics and history of the fee controversy. He said the District verbally agreed to pay the fees several times over the last year and a half and now wants the fees waived.

Denvir said in September 2002, he had a conversation with then Schools Superintendent Katherine Kussy about the building fees. Denvir said by ordinance the Town should charge a fee based on the construction cost. He said he agreed to waive the approximate $480,000 fee if the Town was just reimbursed for its expenses. He said that the Town Building Official is a contract worker who bills for every project. In May 2004, Denvir said he contacted Region 17 Director of Finance and Operations Gary Shettle to reiterate that the building fees would be assessed. Denvir said ideally, the Town was looking to submit a bill for services to the District and then be reimbursed by the Town of Haddam for its half of the fee. Denvir said, "all we're looking for is to have our expenses covered".

Denvir said the building official would need to spend approximately 16 hours per week on site. In addition to those fees, the Town will also incur about $20,000 in fees and expenses from specialized consulting for the school construction, such as an expert hired by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Denvir said the fees would be based on actual hours incurred and in total, would not likely be more than $120,000 for the 20-month construction period.

Denvir said he called the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Saturday, Jan. 29 because the Building Committee asked for an immediate decision on the building fees. After a discussion with the Selectmen and Building Official Richard Leighton, the Board voted unanimously not to waive the fees. Denvir characterized the meeting with the Building Committee to inform them of this decision as a "public knife fight". Denvir said Building Committee Chairman Kjell Tollefsen made derogatory statements about Leighton, then informed him that the Committee was going to prepare its own inspection proposal and send it out to bid.

Denvir told the Board of Finance it was not an option to choose your own building official. BOF Chairman John McMahon commented, "What would stop someone who is building a home from doing the same thing?". Denvir said the District does not need a building permit for the current phase of the project. But expects around May, a building permit will be required.

Looking for something creative to do during February vacation? Well the Killingworth Library Association may have just the thing for you. The "Create a Castle Challenge" is a great sibling or parent-child project.

Using a variety of recycled materials you can create a castle, a mansion, a fortress, an adobe dwelling, a tree house. Create any setting for a recently read book. The more recycled items used the better. In fact, part of the challenge is that only five non-recycled items may be used. Your creation should fit on a 16" x 12" piece of paper and will be displayed at the Library. How about a milk carton covered with pretzel sticks for the "Three Little Pigs" or a house raft for Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn?

Also available is a list of projects that enhance book reports and will always come in handy. Suggestions include letters to authors or characters, sewing stuffed animals or creating board games. Need a jump start? We have one planned. Join us on Tuesday, February 15 from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Start saving boxes and paper scraps now! Sign up at the library too. Bring materials and your book on the fifteenth if you have already chosen one. The completed projects may be brought to the library during Vacation Week between February 22 and 28. Your name and the title of the book should be clearly visible. Let's see what we can all come up with. Create! Create! Create!

With the support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, the KES-PTO presented an assembly of 'Ginga Brasileira - Dances of Brazil' yesterday to the Killingworth Elementary School students. The professional ensemble performed routines full of rhythm, dance, high-energy gymnastics and martial arts. The ensemble performed, 'Capoeira', a martial art dance form developed in Brazil by 16th century slaves that is punctuated by fast footwork, daring leaps, and split second timing, and 'Maculele', a stick created by African slaves working on Brazilian sugarcane plantations. The program is one of the many Cultural Arts programs organized and sponsored by the KES-Parent Teacher Organization.

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Charles Macunas has announced the Second Quarter Honor Roll for the 2004-2005 school year. Find the complete list here.

The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team defeated Winthrop, 57-26, in the Championship game of the 24th Annual Westbrook Middle School Girls Basketball Tournament, Saturday afternoon at Westbrook High School. Shelby VanHuysen was awarded the tournament MVP Award. HK last won the tournament in 2002 when Jenna Webber was MVP. Scoring leaders were Erin Moriarty, Allie Rand, Shelby VanHuysen and Deanna Loso. The middle school team returns to regular season play today against Eliot in Clinton.

The Rock Christian Academy will hold a fundraising auction on Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. (snow date Saturday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.). There will be live and silent auctions featuring: Antiques, Jewelry, Kitchen Items, Serving Sets, Original Prints & Artwork by local artists, and Goods and Services from local businesses. Tickets are $20/ticket; $35/couple and include dessert and coffee. For more information please call 663-0926; tickets will be available at the door. Rock Christian Academy is located on the grounds of Living Rock Church, 138 Route 81, Killingworth.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member, Jamie Young looks to spark Democrats' interest in stepping forward to serve the Town of Killingworth. She says, "of the more than 4300 registered voters, approximately 4% at any given time is needed to fill Killingworth's official town roles". "The KDTC Nominations Committee is currently in the process of accepting names for consideration for the Democratic slate in the 2005 municipal elections and for a standing list for future openings on appointed town boards and commissions." Read her complete remarks here.

The Killingworth Land Trust and Killingworth Historical Society are sponsoring "The Stone Ruins of the Northeast - A Video Documentary" on Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. in All-Purpose Room at Killingworth Elementary School.

Unusual stone ruins dot the landscape of the Northeast. This area has not been fully recognized as a region where indigenous peoples may have left ceremonial constructions on the land - despite almost all other regions of North America having an accepted legacy of Native American ritual landscape design. Since their first recognition during colonial times, the interpretation of these ancient ruins has constantly evolved. This one-hour program explores the new discoveries and developments that are leading scientists to change their approach to investigating these
mysterious stone ruins.

Join film maker Ted Timreck for a free premier showing of a "rough-cut" edit of his exciting new documentary which is scheduled for initial airing on Public Television later this year. Mr. Timreck has been a producer and director for television and other electronic media for 30 years, specializing in portraits of artists and scientists. He will introduce his new video and be available for audience questions afterwards. It is appropriate that this premier take place in a town that is home to many intriquing stone structures. For more photos of Killingworth cairns, visit www.acornbedandbreakfast.com The program is free and open to the public.

The Haddam-Killingworth Players will perform "Women of Troy" by Euripides and adapted by Alan Rice at Haddam-Killingworth High School on Friday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The suggested donation is $5. For more information call 663-0545.

The newly formed Recreation Fields Committee received an update Thursday, from Eric Auer regarding his proposed Bethke Road and Bosco fields project. Auer said the simplest site is the Bethke Road parcel that has room to support one baseball field. Auer said the wetlands are mapped and soil samples have been sent to the State for testing. He expected to have a backhoe out the next day to dig test holes. Auer said he has been working with the Inland & Wetlands Commission to situate the field so as not to adversely impact the sensitive wetlands. He said he has received a "green light" so far from the IWWC and expects to have one more review before the project begins. All applications are being submitted through the Land Conservation Trust which owns the property. Once the plans are finalized and approved, the Land Trust will deed the property over to the Town.

The Rec. Fields Committee discussed with Auer specifics of the project including parking, handicap accessibility and amenities. Auer said, "I'm going to build the fields"; "I need others to fill in the gaps". He said the Land Trust has a "no building requirement" that would allow for fencing and a backstop, but would not allow permanent dugouts or restroom facilities. Auer said he plans to thin out the underbrush in a grove of trees to create a parking area and he has about 1000yds of wood chips he will donate to surface the area. The plan includes room for 8-9 parking spaces. Auer said he expects any overflow to park on Pond Meadow Road.

There was also discussion on making the field a multi-use, baseball/softball/T-ball field. Bill Silas, President of the Killingworth Youth League Board of Directors said the field dimensions would be smaller; it would not require a mound and the field surface could be clay. Silas said the KYL would be willing to work with the Town to help supply some of the clay needed.

Auer has spoken with several home owners whose properties abut the land and said he would be happy to speak with other neighbors to alleviate their concerns. He can be reached at ericauer2@sbcglobal.net.

The proposed fields on the Bosco property would be situated in the front portion of the 133-acre parcel, away from the most sensitive wetland areas, and easily accessible from one main parking area behind the farmhouse. The Committee determined that the fields do not impact the Town's plan to recover the $180,000 from the state for open space. The project originally sited two full-sized, multi-use fields that could be used for soccer, lacrosse or football. After reviewing the property and wetland areas, Auer said an area west of the farmhouse, closer to Route 81, could also be developed as a baseball field. Silas commented that if that area could accommodate another multi-use field instead, it would alter a Park & Recreation Commission's proposal to reconfigure Sheldon Park.

Silas has been preparing a proposal for the Park & Rec. Commission with fellow member Shelly Cumpstone to improve and reconfigure the town park. Silas said the subcommittee was formed two months ago in response to the failed KRC referendum. His subcommittee is preparing the proposal that over a three-year time frame would reconfigure the park to increase the number of fields and make better use of the space. Silas said the park currently has no regulation full-sized fields. He suggested that if the fields on the Bosco property are all multi-use, then Sheldon could be used exclusively for baseball and softball. Silas said the P&RC plan includes deepening the Sheldon pond for use as irrigation and the possible purchase of a small parcel of land near the eastern property line to increase the configuration options.

Both Auer and Silas plan to keep the Rec. Fields Committee updated so it may coordinate information and help facilitate research and funding for the projects. The Committee, chaired by Rev. Edward Cornell, meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Offices.

Special to KillingworthToday - by Karen Milano, Killingworth Krier

Tearing up the court for Haddam-Killingworth High School's Girls Basketball Team is one very exceptional athlete, Kristen Hetsko. The Captain of the HK Cougars has been honing her skills on the court for the past seven years with AAU Travel basketball affiliate Connecticut Storm. Her contributions to our middle and high school team have been tremendous in more ways than one. Local youngsters have had the benefit of her coaching skills in programs such as Little Dribblers and Fall League.

HK Coach Tom Capello had this to say about Kristen in a recent interview... " I see all our younger kids growing in an environment where they feel safe to make mistakes in the present for success in the future. Much of this is due to Kristen's leadership and her ability to connect with each and every girl on the team. She is our biggest cheerleader during Junior Varsity games. Kristen has been saddled with the responsibility of being the team's leading scorer and summarily having to face defenses to specifically stop her scoring output. She has been totally unselfish, working hard to create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her prolific outside shooting has attracted the interest of colleges who have recruited her. As a coach, the highest compliment to be given to a player is "she makes her teammates better".

As of February 3rd, the Cougars are 10-5 for the season. This is a solid accomplishment for a young team with Kristen as it's only senior. Her future includes plans to play basketball for the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York . Congratulations to a fine athlete and a generous spirit. We wish you well.

Portuguese Irregular Verbs
by Alexander McCall Smith
ISBN: 0954407563

Professor Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld is an esteemed professor at the Institute of Romance Philology in Regensburg, Germany. His venerable and celebrated scholarly text, Portuguese Irregular Verbs, has helped to establish him within the academic community of philologists. Yet von Igelfeld often finds himself in situations where he feels he is not given due respect.

Professor von Igelfeld feels robbed of a chance at love when his colleague Herr Unterholzer marries their dentist, a woman von Igelfeld had clearly begun courting by presenting her with a copy of Portuguese Irregular Verbs. His book publisher causes him to feel inadequate regarding the large stock of unsold copies of his scholarly work. And, to add further insult, he catches the Librarian "weeding" his book from the library shelves in order to place it in a storage area.

Alexander McCall Smith has written three delightfully humorous novellas under the series name "A Professor Dr. von Igelfeld Entertainment". The other two titles included in this series are The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs, and At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances, continuing the hilarious antics of von Igelfeld and his colleagues at the Institute of Romance Philology. Alexander McCall Smith is also author of the bestselling books about Precious Ramotswe, owner of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

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