The Town of Killingworth will hold a Special Town Meeting Monday, May 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at Killingworth Elementary School.

One item of business is to adopt the Budget recommendations of the Board of Finance for the Operating budget and Capital Budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2005- June 30, 2006. In preparation, the Budget Summary, Proposed Municipal Operating Budget and Proposed Municipal Capital Budget is available at 2005-2006 Town Budget

Under the direction of Instrumental Director Nancy Tozzo and Choral Director Rebecca Degnan, the Haddam-Killingworth Middle School Bands and Choirs performed their Spring Concert on Thursday.

The evening included selections from the large assembles; Concert Band and Mixed Chorus as well as smaller and select groups such as the Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Select Choir, Jazz Band and soloists.

The evening also included two 'Musical Interludes'. One featuring the HKMS participants from the Southern Connecticut Regional Festival: Amanda Chomen, Katie Meyer, Johanna Regan, Alli Winokur, Kylee Bell, Erica Cunningham and Erin Schuster and the other, a rendition of Fugue for Tinhorns by Kylee Bell, Maddy Hammell and Alicia Mala from the HKMS Players' April production of Guys and Dolls.

The Killingworth Library Association's Silent Auction, the Tastes and Treasures of Killingworth, is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, 2005, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the library. Bidding will take place between 2:00 and 4:00.

The Silent Auction is the Library's largest annual fund-raiser. Donated by local and area artists, craftspeople, merchants, and citizens, over 100 items and gift certificates for services will be offered. Not only will patrons have the fun of browsing, bidding, and socializing, they will be contributing directly to the support of the library. Money raised at the auction is placed in the operating budget and used for such items as books, books on tape and CD, videos, DVD's, periodicals, and supplies.

A special feature at this year's auction will be jewelry appraisal by Cindy Konney, the owner of New England Gem Lab in Old Lyme, CT. For a fee of $10.00, a patron can have one item evaluated. Each additional piece of jewelry presented will cost $5.00. All appraisals will be oral and are not intended for insurance purposes. Proceeds from the appraisals go to the Library.

The Killingworth Women's Organization and Library Board members are providing refreshments and a cash bar will be available for the purchase of wine and beer. Copies of the KWO cookbook will also be offered for sale and a portion of the proceeds donated to the library.

For the convenience of Auction patrons, items will be categorized by themes. These will include Tastes Around Killingworth, Miscellaneous Treasures, Children's Treasures, Fun Stuff to Do in Killingworth, Arts and Originals, Health and Beauty, For the Home, In the Garden, and Essential Services. There will be something of interest for everyone.

A detailed listing of the items available at the auction will be on hand at the library's circulation desk and online here at Library Auction 2005 Please note that the bidding time frame has been extended to between 2:00 amd 4:00 p.m.

Killingworth Land Conservation Trust President, Bruce Dodson has offered a letter in response to public comments on the Bethke property.

There is some controversy over our decision to make two acres of Land Trust Open Space available to the Town of Killingworth for recreational purposes. The site on Bethke Road was a gravel pit and stump dump. It is severely disturbed land which has been filled in and seems to be a logical place for Eric Auer to locate one of several playing fields he volunteered to build for the town. Read more.

Killingworth Elementary School Principal Rita Peretto informed parents recently that a small amount of coliform bacteria had been found in the school's water supply. Peretto reassured parents that, "although coliforms are generally harmless, their presence indicates the potential for additional contamination".

In early April, the school replaced its well pump after a routine maintenance check indicated a problem. The pump was replaced over the April vacation break but malfunctioned on April 26. The Connecticut Water Company and district personnel corrected the problem, restored the water pressure and filled the water tanks with chlorine treated water. Because of the chlorine taste, bottled water was provided to students and staff.

Peretto said the district is not sure if the current bacteria problem is related to the pump replacement, but drinking fountains have been turned off and bottled water has again been supplied to students and staff. The cafeteria has also been supplied with bottled water to wash and prepare food.

Peretto said, "the system will be treated to eliminate the problem over the next few days and thorough testing will continue until the water purity is accomplished".

The Congregational Church in Killingworth, United Church of Christ announced that the Rev. Edward F. Cornell has resigned as the pastor of the Killingworth Church. Cornell began his service to the church in May 1993. In a statement released yesterday, the Church Board of Trustees said his final service would be a service of Communion and Word at the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service on Sunday, June 5. A farewell reception will follow. "During his time in Killingworth, Reverend Cornell has witnessed many changes in the Killingworth community. With mutual respect, love and good wishes, both the congregation and Reverend Cornell will continue to move forward in their faith journeys."

Haddam-Killingworth High School will hold a Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the HKHS Cafeteria; rain or shine. The tag sale will feature donations from over 100 staff members with entertainment by the HKHS Chorus plus a bake sale and refreshments. Come shop, enjoy refreshments and music. It's all for a good cause! No early birds please.

The Killingworth Democratic and Republican Town Committees are gearing up for the fall elections and both have recently launched Web sites to provide information about their party and their candidates.

The Democratic Town Committee site is www.killingworth.dems.info/
The Republican Town Committee site is www.killingworthrepublicans.org
Both sites can now be accessed from the left navigation area as well.

The HK fields, courts and track were alive with action yesterday with almost every facility in use. The HK High School Junior Varsity Baseball team defeated Morgan of Clinton, 10-8. A.J. Marginelli pitched six strong innings to get the win, with Willie Tobelman pitching the seventh for the save. Chris Arrigoni had a 3-RBI triple and 2 base hits on the day and the game ended on a 6-6-3 double play from Kevin Dennis at shortstop.

The HK High School Junior Varsity Softball team played nine innings before the game was called at a 5-5 tie. Kate Anderson was on the mound for the Cougars. Final scores were not yet available but the HK Track and Field Teams competed against Old Saybrook and Westbrook and the Middle School Softball team took on Winthrop at Jail Hill and was leading 6-4 in late innings.

Notice of a 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 Town Meeting will be held in the All Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. to consider and act upon the following items of business:

1. To adopt the budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of an Operating Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 in the amount of $3,889,690.00.

2. To adopt the Budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of a Capital Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 in the amount of $246,300.00.

3. To appoint a representative to the Regional Policy Board of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority.

4. To authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept as Town Roads, and accept the property so dedicated from the current owner: Rachel's Court, Beaver Dam Road, and Buell Hill Road; said acceptance to be conditioned upon approval by the Planning and Zoning commission; Town Counsel; and, the Superintendent of Highways.

The Haddam-Killingworth baseball team held a 1-1 tie through regulation but lost 2-1 in the 12th inning to Morgan of Clinton. Peter Rynkowski recorded his first loss of the year on the mound; Tyler Riordan had the lone RBI.

HK Lacrosse lost to Old Lyme, 12-7. Ali Thomson had 4 goals, Ashley Smith had 2 goals and 1 assist, and Jess Bellonio had 1 goal for the Cougars. Senior goalie Alicia Bobbie had 7 saves. The HK midfield combined for 13 draw controls, team leaders were Ali Thomson, Kaeli Deane, and Jess Fox with three draw controls each. Coach Matteo said, "HK played a solid game against an experienced Old Lyme team. We really came together in the second half, allowing Old Lyme only 2 additional goals in the second half. The girls held their own today, I'm very proud of them. "

The HK Softball team defeated Morgan, 7-5. Cougar pitcher Chelsea Griswold got the win and had 3 hits.

HK Boys Tennis blanked North Branford. 7-0. Allessio Gallorotti won 6-1,6-2; Jeff Moskey won 6-3,6-3; Ryan Murray won 6-1, 6-4; Tom Koniuta won 7-5, 7-5; Cody Warren won 6-0, 6-0; Doubles teams Ryan Hawkins and Chris Laudano won 6-0,6-4 and Alex Langevin and Alex Waldman won 3-6, 7-6, 6-1.

The HK Girls Tennis team lost to North Branford, 5-2. Winners for the Cougars were the doubles teams of Kelley Devlin and Lizzie Magleby, 6-1,6-1 and Cameron Regan and Julia Sorenson 7-5, 6-7, 6-2.

The HK Boys Golf Team lost to North Branford, 178-187. HK Scores were: Rob Mertz 45; Adam Rembisz 46; T.J. Aceto 46 and Pete Jesse 50.

The Reg. 17 Superintendent's Advisory Council took a tour of the construction site of the new Intermediate/Middle School on Route 81, Friday morning. Project manager Peter Oddo of Industrial Construction led Schools Superintendent Gary Mala, Board of Education member Richard Cabral and representatives from both Haddam and Killingworth parents' groups through the various construction areas and gave an update on the progress of the $48 million school project. Oddo said that the project was on schedule, the building permits have all been secured and the construction crew plans to start on the school's foundation in June. For more photos of the site, visit the May Update Slideshow

The Board of Selectmen voted last night to establish the Town Charter Revision Committee and appoint seven residents who stepped forward to serve. Originally established back in January, the BOS delayed the appointments when it had difficulty collecting enough residents to serve based on political affiliation. Then last month the BOS dissolved the committee when it realized that the committee's composition may be subject to question based on the State statute requiring that "no more than one-third [of the members] hold any other public office in the municipality". The Selectmen consulted Town Counsel William Howard, but no clear determination could be made on what constitutes a 'public office'.

The Selectmen decided to err on the side of caution and appoint a committee composed of only two members that currently serve on any town appointed board or committee. They did a random drawing based on party affiliation from those with a conflict to fill two of the seats. The other five do not currently serve on any other committee.

The members are Republicans John Amport, who serves on the Board of Finance; James Cutler and Diane Gladstone. The Democrats are Richard Albrecht, who serves on the Assessment Board of Appeals; Rick Berzon and Deborah Griswold and Fred Perry who is unaffiliated. First Selectman David Denvir thanked those who volunteered but did not have their names drawn to serve.

The committee members must be sworn in within 30 days and one of the first orders of business is to schedule a public hearing to get input from residents on needed revisions. The last time the charter was revised was in 1997.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Richard Albrecht offers his comments on Killingworth's watershed, the South Central Regional Water Authority and the Connecticut Water Company.

Our desire to maintain the rural character of Killingworth is aided and, in part, shaped by the fact that much of the area serves as watershed acreage for two public water suppliers.
full story.

• Monday, May 9:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. SLC Basketball Finals OS vs. Morgan
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. TBA
• Tuesday, May 10:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook HS vs. Valley Boys Lacrosse
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. H-K Womens Soccer vs. NB
•Wednesday, May 11:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Old Saybrook HS vs. Valley Boys Lacrosse
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Parenting Resource Video
•Thursday, May 12:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKMS Band-Chorus Concert (live)
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. HKHS Coral Concert 2004
•Friday, May 13:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Division 4 State Finals Basketball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Old Lyme vs. OS Lacrosse
•Saturday,May 14:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Division 4 State Finals Basketball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Old Lyme vs. OS Lacrosse
•Sunday, May 15:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Division 4 State Finals Basketball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Old Lyme vs. OS Lacrosse
information provided by HKTV

Killingworth Elementary School student teacher Dorothy Lomazzo developed a new program in her first-grade class this year that taught her students about African culture, music, dance and art, but mostly the value of education and the spirit of giving.

Lomazzo and head teacher Karen Ockasi challenged the students to read as many books as they could, to raise enough money to donate a pregnant goat to a family in Africa. This challenge is part of a program to promote global education, awareness, and action sponsored by Heifer International. The goat is intended to give the African family a resource for food and income. Since 1944, this non-profit organization has given animals and training to impoverished families worldwide.

The inspiration of the KES students' project was the book Beatrice's Goat. Written by Page McBrier, illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter with an afterward by U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Beatrice's Goat is the story of 16-year-old Beatrice Biira of Uganda, Africa. Beatrice was able to achieve her life-long dream of going to school at the age of nine because of a goat named Mugisa (which means luck), a gift from Heifer International. The sale of the goat's milk and offspring gave Beatrice's mother enough money to send all of her children to school. And like all members of Heifer International's projects, she passed on the gift of the first female offspring to another family in need, continuing the benefits of income and nutrition. Beatrice is now a student at Connecticut College in New London.

The KES students read over 250 books this year to reach their goal and they eagerly await word of the delivery of their goat to her destination. Many KES families also became involved in the project by donating their time and money. Heifer International's program called Read to Feed, gives teachers and students resources for developing their own reading challenge. Ockasi said she hopes to make the project an annual event.

The Registrars of Voters of Haddam and Killingworth will be at Haddam-Killingworth High School on Thursday, May 12 during lunch time to register 17 and 18-year-olds. The students are reminded that when they register they will need their driver's license. If they do not have one, they need to write the last 4 digits of their Social Security number and bring a letter addressed to them with their home address on it. For more information please contact the Killingworth registrars office at 663-4048.

by Kathleen Amoia, Killingworth Krier
Loving it out in the country, Lauren Davis is feeling right at home at the Assistant Librarian's desk in the Killingworth Library. A native of North Branford, Lauren did her undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island and received an MLS from Southern Connecticut State University in 2003.

While a student, she gained experience working at the North Branford Public Library and at Yale's Sterling Memorial Library . Lauren is finding the drive to work along Route 80 a great improvement over the heavily trafficked I-95 to New Haven. She has also found the welcome in Killingworth warm and enthusiastic.

One of the busiest Saturday's in Killingworth started out with wind and a downpour of spring rain but that didn't deter the crowds from all the activity on Recycle Way. The Historical Society held its annual tag sale under tents with the more delicate and precious items charmingly displayed in the Black Rock School House. The Evergreen Garden Club sold well-watered plants to Mother's Day weekend gardeners and the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee held a bake sale with Mother's Day treats.