The HK Softball team opened its 2005 campaign with a, 3-1, win over Old Lyme yesterday and followed it up with a, 7-1, rout of RHAM-Hebron this afternoon. Chelsea Griswold pitched a full game to win against Old Lyme and pitched six strong innings against RHAM before being relieved by Kate Anderson. The Cougars are 2-0 and play again Monday, April 11 at Platt Tech in Milford.

First Selectman David Denvir picks up his pen again after a brief hiatus to share a touching story about those who keep our homes and families safe and help keep our town a wonderful place to live. He writes, "Public service, privilege that it is, isn't for everyone, and the hardest truth I've had to admit in recent months is that lately it hasn't been for me. The shame of it is that when I was looking back and wondering what could have been done differently, I mired myself in what has gone wrong rather than remembering what has gone right. " Please read Denvir's complete remarks here.

The HK High School Girls Lacrosse team fell, 6-11, to North Branford yesterday in its season opener, but first-year head coach Lindsey Matteo is optimistic for the 2005 season. Despite the score, she said the Cougars held their own and thinks they will give each team they face this season a run for their money. With only one game under her belt, Matteo wasn't going to predict a number in the 2005 wins column, but says the Cougars will be a strong team whether they win or lose. Matteo played lacrosse at Southington High School and the University of New Haven. She is very excited to work with the HK squad, "they are a great team to work with and have strong skills".

Scoring for the Cougars Friday were: Jessica Bellonia(1); Kaeli Deane(1); Ali Thomson (2) and Ashley Smith(2). In goal for the Cougars was Alicia Bobbie with 13 saves. HK will travel to West Haven, Tuesday for a 6:00 p.m. start and return home to face Old Saybrook on Thursday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m.

The Haddam-Killingworth Baseball team defeated non-league opponent Ellington, 7-1, yesterday in its 2005 season opener. Junior Tyler Riordan had a strong outing on the mound, striking out six and allowing only four hits. Senior Doug Bradley had two singles and a double; scored three runs and batted in three more. The Cougars play again tomorrow afternoon in Middletown and their next home game is Wednesday at 3:30 against Valley Regional. Read more about yesterday's game in the Middletown Press.

As the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee seeks to broaden and engage its base, we send out this invitation for energized involvement. Anyone interested in being considered for Democratic endorsement to current or future town appointed volunteer positions or elected municipal positions is invited to attend one of our meetings. They can also contact the Nominations Committee chair - Ed Sipples at 663-2785, Michael Sanders at 663-1231, or Jamie Young at jamie.young@aya.yale.edu.

If you are a registered Democrat and interested in occasional employment working the polls at the November elections or future referendums, please contact the Democratic Registrar, Betty Dennis, at her home 663-0204 or office 663-4048. You may also contact Betty if you are interested in being a voter machine mechanic. In addition, the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee will hold its next monthly meeting on May 1 at 7:00 pm in the Killingworth library. The meetings are usually scheduled the first Sunday night of each month. Democrats and Independents interested in participating in the Democratic Town Committee are invited to attend.

The Cost Family came before the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday for an informal discussion on two new approaches for expanding the True Value Hardware Store on Route 81 and Steven's Road. Tom Cody, a land use attorney from the Hartford firm of Robinson and Cole, and Roger Nemergut, a local engineer presented the Cost's proposals. The Costs have stated that in order to compete with the Wal-Marts and Home Depots springing up in the area, they would need a minimum of 17,000 square feet of space. Back in February 2004, it was the consensus of PZC members that any expansion fit the existing regulation of 5,000 square feet. The PZC suggested building two smaller buildings to accommodate the need, but the Costs argued that staffing and servicing multiple buildings would be impractical.

The True Value Store is currently located in the general commercial district of the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development. This area, designated in 1997, restricts buildings to 5,000 square feet. The True Value building is 8,000 square feet and was designated pre-existing nonconforming. The large business district, located north of Chittenden Road restricts a building's size to 20,000 square feet.

According to Cody, there are three buildings in the general commercial district, including the hardware store, larger than 5,000 square feet. The Costs would like to either extend the large business district on the west side of Route 81 to south of the Cost property or allow a special exception to the zoning regulation. Cody explained that the expansion would not be inconsistent with the existing character or existing style of development in that area. He said it would help stabilize the tax base and provide needed goods and services for the community. He said they respect the goals of the Town's development plan but are asking that the hardware store be allowed to adapt to changing times. He said the Costs are asking for a "minimum level of improvement".

Acting PZC Chairman Tom Lentz said the Commission was very sympathetic to the hardware store but the proposals were in direct opposition to the Town Plan. He said the proposal to extend the large business district might result in a row of "Pharmedica-sized" buildings. He said before any regulation or exception could be looked at, the Town Plan would have to be changed. PZC member Lou Annino, Jr. said the Town Plan took into consideration whether other businesses could come into larger buildings if the original business moved or failed. He said the Town would not want have a lot a vacant buildings. Ironically, the 20,000 square foot Pharmedica building, located in the large business district on Route 80 has remained vacant since being completed in 2002.

The Prevention Council of Haddam-Killingworth will host a program by noted author and clinical psychologist Anthony E. Wolf, PhD. on Thursday, April 14, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Haddam-Killingworth High School Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. Wolf will speak on Kids Today, What Works and What Doesn't, a topic appropriate for parents of young children through teenagers as well as persons who work with children.

Dr. Wolf is an engaging speaker and author of many best selling books. He has worked with children and adolescents for over thirty years and is one of the most sought-after speakers on parenting in this country. He is the author of Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?, first published in 1991, revised in 2002, and generally regarded as the best book in print about parenting teenagers. His most recent book, Mom, Jason's Breathing on Me!, offers groundbreaking strategies for coping with sibling bickering. Other popular books by Dr. Wolf include It's not Fair! Jeremy Spencer's Parents Let Him Stay Up All Night and Why Did You Have to Get a Divorce and When Can I Get a Hamster?

Dr. Wolf is best known both in his writing and in his speaking for his humorous and non-judgmental ability to describe what actually goes on in real people's homes. He offers a wealth of practical and helpful advice and invites questions from the audience on how to deal with specific situations. For more information, Please call 345-7498.

There will be refreshments and a book sale to benefit Killingworth Elementary School fifth-grader Chris Lewis.

This Sunday's Afternoon Concert Series at the Congregational Church in Killingworth will feature "Tuxedo Junction: the Sounds of Swing Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Drew Anthony". The Concert will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the church. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the church office or at the door for $7.00.

A sixteen member ensemble of fun, this group, featured locally each Monday night at Bill's in Westbrook is a favorite to those of us who loves to dance. "Tuxedo Junction" originated in 1989 by Pete Jacobs at the Madison Senior Citizens Center as a Dixieland band of eight musicians from all along the shoreline, rehearsing there every Saturday morning. Pete slowly added more musicians to fill out the band in order to play the big band arrangements from the 1930s and 40s. When he became ill several years later he turned the band over to the pianist, Pat Todd. Pat's husband, a jazz saxophonist, joined as lead alto, and not long after that the band moved out of the basement at the center and into the Elks Club in Westbrook.

The local Girl Scout Troops got together last Friday night for their annual father-daughter dance at the high school. The retro-themed dance brought together the 26 troops from the Haddam-Killingworth service unit for music, games, dancing and refreshments. The girls in grades K-6 were asked to dress up in a retro-60s theme but organizer Brenda Nixon said there was really an "anything goes" attitude. She said there were outfits with wigs and 60s tie-dye to suits. The 230 girls and their fathers danced to music provided by After Hours DJ Entertainment and played interactive games. Nixon said clearly everyone enjoyed themselves. contributed photos

The Clinton Recorder recently noted the passing of Mary B. Walton. She was the wife of the late Donald L. Walton. Mrs. Walton was a former Town Treasurer, on the Board of Directors of the Historical Society and was a member of the Congregational Church's Wednesday Eves. She was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1988 by the Lions Club. She is survived by: her children; David and his wife Katrin, Virginia Chapman and her husband Alan and Margaret Kinne and her husband Richard; her brother Leo Bugg; her sister Eleanor Stapleford; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Killingworth Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 273 Route 81, Killingworth 06419.

•Wednesday, April 6:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. YFS 2003 Parents video
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. ASBF Presents: parenting video
•Thursday, April 7:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HK Lip Sync 2005
10:00 a.m.& HK VS Valley Thanksgiving football game
•Friday, April 8:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook VS Morgan SLC Championship Basketball game
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Joel Elliot Concert
•Saturday, April 9:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook VS Morgan SLC Championship Basketball game
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Joel Elliot Concert
•Sunday, April 10:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook VS Morgan SLC Championship Basketball game
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Joel Elliot Concert
information provided by HKTV

HKHS senior basketball player, Ryan Murray has been named to the New Haven Register's All-Area Basketball team. Murray tied for the area's top scorer at 23.3 points, averaged 15 rebounds per game and scored over 1,000 points in his career for the Cougars. The report states he is deciding between Colby-Sawyer and Endicott for college.

The AARP-Tax Aide program that has been running on alternate Tuesdays since February will hold its final session today, April 5 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon at the St. Lawrence Church meeting rooms. This free, confidential income tax assistance has trained volunteers available to help persons age 60 and older in preparing their federal and state tax returns. For more information please call 388-1611.

The first of the Killingworth Coffee House concert series at the Old Town Hall was a big hit on Saturday night with a full house enjoying the work of local musicians and headliner 'Last Fair Deal'. The evening featured great music, great food and a great time! This series, sponsored by the Killingworth Lions Club, continues next month on May 7 with more local talent and headliner "Too Blue". Too Blue performs a unique blend of bluegrass & swing music.

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School Players will present the enormously entertaining musical Guys and Dolls on April 8 and April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam-Killingworth High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults and may be obtained by calling 860-345-8567.

Frank Loesser's smash hit musical opened on Broadway in 1950 and ran for 1200 performances. An Academy Award-winning movie version (1955) starred Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. The story begins with a simple bet. Nathan Detroit bets high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson that Sky cannot persuade Save-A-Soul Missionary Sister Sarah Brown to accompany him on a trip to Cuba. While the worldly Sky works his charms on a wary Sarah, Nathan is doing his best to stay outside the matrimonial clutches of his long-suffering fianceé, Miss Adelaide. Set in the colorful world of New York City in the mid 20th century, the romantic and funny "Guys and Dolls" is populated with gangsters and gamblers, missionary dolls, dancing showgirls, and one of the great musical scores in the history of American theatre, including "Luck be a Lady", "A Bushel and a Peck", "If I Were a Bell", and "Sue Me".

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School production stars Zachary Morello as Sky Masterson, Regan Hammell as Sarah Brown, Nick Stanford as Nathan Detroit, Meghan Monroe as Miss Adelaide, and a full cast of 49 talented students. Original artwork by Melissa Buckley

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company is still seeking quality used items for its April 16 auction. Please call the "auction hotline" at 663-2043, leave your name, phone number and the items to be donated. A firefighter will return your call and make arrangements for pickup. The line is automatically answered 24 hours a day. The auction will be held at Fire Headquarters on Route 81 on Saturday, April 16, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The state legislature's Judiciary Committee has approved a bill making it an infraction for a minor to possess alcohol on private property. The committee held a public hearing on March 21 and voted 33-0 with 9 members absent, on April 1, to approve the bill. Killingworth's Sen. Edward Meyer was among those voting yea according to the Judiciary Committee Vote Tally Sheet.

The purpose of the bill is "to provide sanctions against adults who knowingly permit minors to possess alcohol on private property and prohibit the possession of alcohol by minors on private property".

The Bill HB-6901 states:
Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2005) (a) No person having possession of, or exercising dominion and control over, any dwelling unit or private property shall (1) knowingly permit any minor to possess alcoholic liquor in violation of subsection (b) of section 30-89 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, in such dwelling unit or on such private property, or (2) knowing that any minor possesses alcoholic liquor in violation of subsection (b) of section 30-89 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, in such dwelling unit or on such private property, fail to make reasonable efforts to halt such possession. For the purposes of this subsection, "minor" means a person under twenty-one years of age.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall have committed an infraction.

Sec. 2. Subsection (b) of section 30-89 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2005):

(b) Any minor who possesses any alcoholic liquor [on any street or highway or in any public place or place open to the public, including any club which is open to the public, shall be fined not less than two hundred nor more than five hundred dollars] on public or private property shall have committed an infraction. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to (1) a person over age eighteen who is an employee or permit holder under section 30-90a and who possesses alcoholic liquor in the course of [his] such person's employment or business, (2) a minor who possesses alcoholic liquor on the order of a practicing physician, or (3) a minor who possesses alcoholic liquor while accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse of the minor, who has attained the age of twenty-one. For the purposes of this subsection, "minor" means a person under twenty-one years of age.
Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.

Killingworth Fire Marshal Ray Clark recently announced that Jillian Chongruk and Florrie Stoop were names the local winners of this year's Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest held at Killingworth Elementary School. Chongruk, fourth grader and Stoop, a fifth grader both have Ms. Kelsey as their art teacher.

The first place winning poster for the fourth and fifth-grade students are submitted for judging on the county level. Two county winners from each grade will be chosen and a state winner will be chosen from this competition. Both Chongruk and Stoop have already been declared county winners. The state winner's poster will be used to promote fire prevention throughout the State of Connecticut and will be the Official State Poster.

All winning posters on the county level will be exhibited at the State Capitol during the month of October. The county winners will be awarded $200 savings bonds, and the state winner receive a $1,000 savings bond.

The Connecticut Fire Prevention Contest is a cooperative effort of the Office of State Fire Marshal, the Connecticut Fire Marshals' Association, Connecticut Fire Chief's Association, State Board of Education and the Connecticut FAIR Plan(representing the insurance industry).

Fire Marshal Ray Clark thanks the KES School administration and all the fourth and fifth grade students for their enthusiastic participation in this important Connecticut Fire Prevention Awareness Program.

Dupont Circle
by Paul Kafka-Gibbons
ISBN: 0618219188

This warm and engaging romantic comedy takes place in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The novel focuses on the intertwined lives of three very different couples. Each couple faces the complexities of relationships that encompass the themes of old and young, gay and straight, and rich and poor. Central to the quirky plot is an ongoing judicial hearing on gay marriage. The characters found in Dupont Circle are likeable, witty, and modern, and they do the best they can to make sense of life and love in the twenty-first century.

This Washington Post bestseller is Paul Kafka-Gibbons' second novel. His first novel, Love , won the Los Angeles Book Prize for First Fiction.

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