Resident Ray Celmer writes to express his disappointment in the treatment of Eric Auer and his associates at the recent gathering on the Bethke Road ball field project. Having attended the meeting hoping to learn more about the project, he writes, "Sadly, little information was put forth due to the fact that Mr. Auer was not allowed to give a presentation". Read his letter here.

A well-organized group of high school parents and students spoke before the Reg. 17 Board of Education Thursday night to express their serious concerns over recent suspensions and expulsions by the Board. All of the parents spoke about the need for students who break rules to be held accountable for their actions. Nancy Bradley said however, that the recent sanctions by the Board were "heartless punishments and educationally unsound". She challenged the board to seek alternative punishments that are more positive and that don't "crush [the student's] spirits". She and other parents suggested "educationally creative solutions" such as alcohol and drug counseling, Saturday detentions, loss of sports privileges, loss of class office and captain status, research projects, and other community service reparations. Students who are expelled receive home tutoring several days a week. Both students and parents questioned the logic of allowing kids in trouble to have so much idle time.

Mary Murray, a parent who attended one of the recent expulsion hearings, said she thought the hearing was "a farce". She said the statements made in support of the student were disregarded and she thought the Board's decision was predetermined. Board of Education Chairperson Roberta Bruce was quick to respond that Board members have no knowledge of a case prior to a hearing and therefore could not predetermine the outcome.

HK seniors Brett Zanardi and Doug Bradley remarked that the suspensions were warranted but the length was excessive. Depriving the students of an education for weeks and months was life-altering and destructive. They said the overall spirit at the high school has been damaged because students viewed the sanctions as unfair and unknowingly blamed administrators for the Board's actions. Students and parents said they were very pleased with the recent changes in the school administration, but said confusion over the zero tolerance policy put the positive atmosphere at the high school in jeopardy.

Philip Devlin, veteran teacher and coach at the high school, spoke in favor of the Board's drug and alcohol policy. He said he has attended 12 funerals of his students, with alcohol usually playing a role. He has seen the devastation first hand on families and the community. Haddam First Selectman Tony Bondi initially chastised the students and parents for blaming others for the students' misconduct. He questioned whether the discussion would have occurred if the students involved were "on the bottom rung". Later in the discussion he said his attitude was based on his desire to protect the students.

In response to the discussion, Bruce expressed her appreciation for the presentation and said the Board "always wants to hear opinions and concerns". She said the issues will be considered by the Board's Policy Committee. Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said he, like others, can "share horror stories" about kids involved with drugs and alcohol. He said the concerns have been heard. "We are all here for the same purpose"; "building the best quality school system for our children." He reassured parents and students that the progress at the school has not been wiped away. He praised the Board and the presenters for their thoughtfulness and encouraged further discussion and community involvement.

The District's Drug and Alcohol Policy can be found at www.rsd17.org in the Student Handbook on the High School page.

By Karen Milano, Killingworth Krier
What do NASCAR greats Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Bobby and Tery LaBonte, Ryan Newman and Killingworth resident "Lil Mo" Monte Nadwairski have in common? All began their career on the fast track with Quarter Midget Racing.

Quarter Midget racing is a competitive sport for children ages 5 through 16 years. The cars are basically a downscale version of a USAC midget, featuring four wheel independent suspension and roll cages. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are mandatory. Power comes from a variety of 120-150cc engines which are closely regulated, traveling from 25 to 50 mph, depending on class and track. Most tracks are 1/20 mile banked ovals made of dirt, concrete and asphalt surfaces. Since it's start in the 1930's, Quarter Midget Racing has grown from the Los Angeles area to virtually all 50 states and Canada.

Monte "Lil Mo" Nadwairski began his Quarter Midget career at just 4 1/2 years of age. He won his first race in Meriden in 2002 on his fifth birthday and has since racked up 50 wins, including two track Championships and a New England Regional Championship. The number of trophies tops 120, some taller than Monte. At 42" tall and weighing only 50 lbs, Monte is one of the smaller kids at the track, but that doesn't intimidate Lil Mo. He's always felt that everyone is the same size in a race car.

Mom and Dad get in the action too. The sport encourages family participation and the Nadwairskis are no exception. Dad Jay is the Crew Chief, setting the cars up and making sure they are race ready, and Mom Jen takes notes and is Keeper of the Stopwatch.

Monte is a 7 1/2 yr. old 2nd grader at Killingworth Elementary School. When not on the track he enjoys riding his quad, playing with his matchbox cars and XBOX. His plans for the future include more racing of the quarter midgets, other types of racing as he gets older and eventually, NASCAR.

When asked to sum up his passion for racing, this is what he had to say - "I like going fast and passing kids, especially older kids and the girls!" - You Go, Lil Mo.... See you in Daytona -

For more information on Quarter Midgets or Monte Nadwairski, visit www.lilmoracing.com and www.quartermidgets.com.

According to the Clinton Recorder, the Town's appeal of the Graff v. Town of Killingworth Zoning Board of Appeals decision will be heard by the State Supreme Court. Resident Nicole Bartner Graff sued the Zoning Board of Appeals after it ruled she could not keep more than four dogs on her Route 148 property. Judge John C. Driscoll of Middletown Superior Court ruled in favor of Graff last April stating the Planning and Zoning Commission's original decision was made improperly. The Town's appeal to the Appellate Court has been taken by the State Supreme Court for clarification. A fall hearing trial date is expected.

The Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (CRERPA), which operates the Regional Household Waste Facility in Essex, is asking for a Killingworth resident to volunteer to assist CRERPA with public outreach to town residents. The position would include distributing brochures and flyers, positioning sandwich boards and assisting CRERPA on collection Saturdays. The liaison should be willing to donate 2-3 hours per week from April through October and should be available for two Saturdays (4 hours each day) during the season. This involves greeting visitors and requesting completion of questionnaires. For more information or to volunteer please contact CRERPA Recycling Coordinator, Amy Cabaniss at 860.388-3497 or adc@crerpa.org

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company is currently planning for its Annual Auction. The auction will be held at Fire Headquarters on Route 81 on Saturday, April 16, 2005. The department is seeking quality items for this sale. Please call the "auction hotline" to donate items. The number is 860-663-2043 and the line is automatically answered 24 hours a day. Please leave your name, phone number and the items to be donated. A firefighter will return your call and make arrangements for pickup.

Girl Scouts Troops 2250, 2838 and 746 will be stationed at the transfer station this weekend selling cookies. Hours are Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Be sure to ask your local Girl Scouts if their troop is participating in the Gift of Caring Program. Through this program, cookies may be purchased for a local charity that the girls are supporting or in conjunction with Connecticut Supports Our Soldiers (CTSOS) cookies will be shipped to military service personnel! Girl Scouts in partnership with CTSOS has set a goal of shipping 100,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to soldiers serving their country.

Selling cookies helps girls gain real life skills such as money management, goal setting, and decision-making. The beneficial effects are evidenced by the fact that many of today's businesswomen cite selling Girl Scout cookies as their first step toward successful careers. Cookie sales help to support local Girl Scouts. Each troop receives funds from the cookies to help with their group plans and cookie sales support implementation of programs that enhance girls' knowledge in math, science, the environment, community service and much, much more.

For more information on how you can purchase Girl Scout cookies, or to buy cookies to send to our troops, please call the, Connecticut Trails Council at 1-800-922-2770 or visit us online at www.girlscoutscttrails.org.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Girls Basketball team lost to Windham, 73-47, last night in the second round of the CIAC Class M Tournament. Kristen Hetsko scored 25 points her final HK game.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Concert Band and Chorus will host a Music and Pasta Night, Friday, March 4 from 6-8:00 p.m. in the HK Cafeteria to raise funds for their upcoming performance at Disney World. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. To reserve tickets please call 345-8541 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Ticket will also be available at the door.

In January, resident Eric Auer, outlined a proposal to develop ball fields on two properties in Town before the Board of Selectmen. With the Selectmen's blessings he and his assembled group of volunteers have focused their attention on the Bethke Road site to explore the feasibility of developing the site into a ball field. The former 'stump dump' is owned by the Land Conservation Trust which has offered to deed the property to the Town if the project is approved.

According to Auer, the water has been tested both up stream and down stream since 1987 and has shown no change. The file on the closing of the site has been reviewed: 3-4 feet of soil was used to cover and 8-10 inches of topsoil with good drainage. Auer said he has verified this data with test holes. The soil was then sent to the CT Agriculture Experiment Station to test for any metals or harmful materials. The tests came back negative.

The next step was an informal proposal to the Inland, Wetlands and Watercourse Commission. Based on their response, Auer is in the process of preparing a more detailed plan. Auer says the plan currently is for a regulation Little League/softball field with 15 parking spots.

On February 26, Auer attended a meeting of approximately 50 neighbors of the property to present the proposal and answer questions. Issues regarding noise, parking, port-o-let smells, use of fertilizers, speeding cars, neighborhood use of the field, and the use of Land Trust property for recreation were addressed. Auer encourages those with questions to feel free to contact him at ericauer2@sbcglobal.net or 663-2644.

Auer says preliminary meetings have also taken place regarding the Bosco property proposal. He has met with the IWWC to discuss the Commission's concerns and general layout as it affects watershed wetlands.

Auer would like to thank all in town for their support and good will toward this important project. He would also like to thank the other volunteers: Bruce Dodson and the Killingworth Land Trust; Bob Broach for Land search; Town Clerks office for its promptness; Selectmen's office for timely review of files; John Himmelman for consultations, Roger Nemergut for layout, engineering and consultation; Don Gesick for surveying and layout; Don Henson for research and budget; the CT Agricultural Experiment Station and MaryJane Incorvia Mattina and Greg Bugbee for soils and testing.

The HK High School Girls Basketball team defeated Tolland, 49-48, last night in the opening round of the CIAC State Tournament. Kristen Hetsko led the Cougars with 22 points followed by Megan Murray with 11 and Jenna Loos with 9. HK will play at Windham in the second round at 7:00 p.m. tonight.

Resident John Martindale provides his observations of a recent meeting of residents to discuss the proposed ballfield on Bethke Road and his opinion of the plan in general and specifically its parking issues and the use of Land Conservation Trust property. Read his letter here.

State Rep. Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, has proposed legislation that would hold adults more accountable for underage drinking by revoking the driver's licenses of adults who provide alcohol to teens. Cafero said the proposal is aimed at parents who host parties in their homes, as well as relatives and friends who purchase alcohol for minors. According to the Associated Press article, Cafero said the bill would not apply to parents who give their children alcohol during cultural or religious events, or allow them to have a drink during a holiday meal in their homes. Cafero's bill would penalize adults by revoking their license for six months on the first offense, one year for the second and two years for the third.

Thirty-five states have passed some type of social host legislation over the past 10 years, and more are considering it. Read all about this in the New Haven Register

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group will meet March 8 to discuss Khaled Hosseini's much recommended novel, The Kite Runner. The Group meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Killingworth Library Meeting Room and we welcome newcomers. The April meeting will be held on April 12 to discuss The Photograph, by Penelope Lively.

Killingworth Library's Head Librarian, Virginia Chapman is retiring this month after serving the community for almost ten years. Kathleen Amoia and the Killingworth Library Association offer a few words in tribute to Chapman's dedication and hard work. Chapman and her husband Alan plan to start their retirement by exploring the Northern part of the United States in their motor home. Please read the KLA's Chapman Retirement Tribute.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member, Louis Annino says, "it is time to start thinking about next Fall's candidates for office, Boards and Commissions". "It is my opinion that we need new vision and new leadership in this community that cuts across the board. It is time for new people to step forward, learn the ropes, and begin to replace those who have served in the same positions for many years." Read his complete remarks here.

The Board of Selectmen voted last night to postpone the appointment of the Town Charter Revision Committee until its March 28 meeting in hopes of attracting more volunteers to fill out this important committee. State statutes declare that the committee may have between 5 and 11 members with no political party having more than one more in representation. The volunteers who have come forward to date would only fill out a 5-member committee. The Selectmen would like to see a larger body and encourage interested residents to contact First Selectman David Denvir at twn.killingworth@snet.net.

KillingworthToday continues its monthly feature on how the Town of Killingworth operates. Each month 'Town Works' visits 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 David Hale from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Hale has lived with his family in Killingworth since 1981 and has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission since 1995. He is member of the Lions Club, has served on the Land Use Committee, and was a youth soccer and baseball coach for many years. The PZC is composed of six members and three alternates. The Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) is an elected body of residents that is responsible for adopting and enforcing regulations governing the growth of a Town. The Connecticut State statutes, or regulations, enable towns to implement their individual Plans of Conservation and Development. The State also has a Planning Commission and there is a Regional Planning Commission, where areas towns can work together to guide growth. A PZC is permitted to write regulations, or develop a plan, within federal and state guidelines. Read the full article.

Next month' Town Works' visits with John McMahon, who serves as Chairman of the Killingworth Board of Finance.

Updated 12:30 p.m.HK Recreation has canceled evening activities

Region 17 School District has canceled all afternoon and evening activities

Tonight's meeting with the Reg. 17 Board of Education and concerned parents and students has been postponed due to the threat of snow. It has been re-scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. HKHS Lower Media Center. All parents, students and community members are welcome to attend.

For the past 100 years or so, Killingworth Town Clerks have lived "more or less" on Chittenden Road. Read all about this story in today's New Haven Register.

The United Choir School's Elm City Girls' Choir will perform at The Congregational Church in Killingworth on Sunday March 6 at 3:00 p.m. The Elm City Girls' Senior Choir is an advanced ensemble of experienced young ladies who have performed on local television as well as at Carnegie Hall and at Boston Symphony Hall. In June of 2004 they completed their first European Tour. They have been featured on Connecticut Public Radio, performed at the International Children's Choir Festival in Oregon and at the U.S. Open Woman's Tennis Finals with Diana Ross. Tickets are on sale at the Church office for $7.00. For more information please call 663-1789. Photo courtesy United Choir School

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Basketball team lost to Hyde Leadership, 76-59, last night in the first round of the Shoreline Conference Tournament. The two-man team of seniors Ryan Murray(23) and Brett Zanardi (22) accounted for 45 of the team's 59 points. The CIAC State Tournament first round games begin March 5.

Seeds from a Birch Tree: Writing Haiku and the Spiritual Journey
by Clark Strand
ISBN: 0786862424

Clark Strand, a former Zen Buddhist monk, has written a book about nature, his own spiritual journey, and the basis of writing haiku. In the introduction, Strand states: "Haiku began as the opening stanza of a Japanese verse game called renga, in which several poets took turns composing "links" in a chain of one hundred verses. The opening verse was called the hokku, and the rule was that it be seventeen syllables and include a seasonal theme."

Strand writes in a clear and calm style, allowing the reader to think about haiku creation as a form of meditation. He includes excellent examples of various authors' haiku, showing different styles and approaches. In Strand's gentle and understated perspective of viewing nature as a guide to writing haiku, a new way of looking and seeing is created. It's possible you'll find yourself walking through the woods or along the shoreline counting syllables on your fingers as you begin to form your own haiku.

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