An invitation and reminder that tomorrow, Sunday, May 22, the Killingworth Library will hold its Annual Silent Auction at the Library. The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the bidding will end at 4:00 p.m.

Click on the link to see the list of items being auctioned tomorrow.

In addition to the auction, there will be an opportunity to have your jewelry appraised by Cindy Konney, owner of New England Gem Lab, beer and wine available for purchase, and refreshments provided by the Killingworth Women's Organization. Please stop in for a look, some refreshments, socialization, and the opportunity to contribute directly to the operating budget of the library.

• Monday, May 23:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Elliot School Concert
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Tribute to Morgan Wrestling
• Tuesday, May 24:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Youth and Family Service Community Night
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Spring Choral/Band Concert
•Wednesday, May 25:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Harlem Rocket @ Valley Regional High
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. 2 Shoreline Finals Academic High School Bowl
•Thursday, May 26:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. National Honor Society Induction (live)
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. Shoreline Finals High School Bowl
•Friday, May 27:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. 1 High School Bowl Finals
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Westbrook H.S. Spring Choral Concert
•Saturday,May 28:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Baseball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Band & Choral Spring Concert 2005
•Sunday, May 29:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Baseball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Band & Choral Spring Concert 2005
information provided by HKTV

The Killingworth Land Trust presents, "Fighting the Bite: The Prevention of Lyme Disease" on Friday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall.

Most of us either know someone who has or had Lyme Disease, or have contracted it ourselves. Dr. Kirby C. Strafford III will provide some background on the emergence of this disease and highlight the biology of the blacklegged tick ("deer" tick). Fortunately, there are strategies based upon recent research for managing exposure to ticks and reducing tick populations in the residential environment.

Dr. Stafford is Vice-Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Chief Entomologist of the Department of Entomology and State Entomologist. He is currently working with the CT Department of Public Health and several local health departments on community-based Lyme disease prevention projects, studies on host animal-targeted tick control, and the use of fungi for tick control.

The program is free, and open to the public! Any questions please call 663-3225.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Concert Band and Choirs performed their Spring Concert last night at the High School. Fresh from their trip to Disney World, the evening included a preview of the DVD/video available from the performances in Florida.

The Concert Band performed Highlights from Guys & Dolls; Chorale and Shaker Dance; What's Up at the Symphony and an Armed Forces Salute. The Musical Director is Timothy D'Amato.

The Chamber Choir performed its piece But Beautiful from the Jazz Concert earlier in the Spring, then the evening concluded with the full Concert Choir performing Here Comes the Sun; Seasons of Love; Erev Shel Shoshanim and Joyful, Joyful. The Choir Director is Marcy Webster. The Choirs were accompanied by Kathleen Bartkowski on the piano.

The Killingworth Municipal Initiative will present a workshop on economic development planning on Monday, May 23, 7:30 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at Killingworth Elementary.

Killingworth's Municipal Initiative is a cooperative effort between the Conservation, Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands Commissions and the Board of Selectmen. Through a partnership with the NEMO program of the University of Connecticut's Cooperative Extension Service, a series of land use planning workshops have been held in town since September. These have included sessions on Linking Land Use To Water Quality, Reducing Runoff, Fees in Lieu of Open Space and Open Space Planning. NEMO stands for Non-point Education for Municipal Officials. Originated in Connecticut in 1991, this program provides free educational workshops to towns and is now active in more than 25 states nationwide.

The Economic Development Workshop is aimed at outlining a process to implement strategies for sustainable economic development. You will be inspired by success stories from Economic Development Commissions across Connecticut. As Killingworth continues to grow, encouraging sound business planning will be essential. The presenter of the workshop will be Jim Gibbons of the University of Connecticut. Jim was the presenter of the NEMO workshop on Open Space planning held in March, and this was a very-well received program.

Please join us for an exciting workshop!

For further information, please contact Conservation Commission Chairman David Gumbart, at 663-2425.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Softball team defeated Hale Ray, 5-1, Monday behind a no-hit performance by pitcher Chelsea Griswold and key hitting by the Cougar bats. Hale Ray came into the game at 16-0 and on a 42-game winning streak dating back to the 2003 State Championships. The Cougars have won seven in a row and have all but sewn up second place in the Shoreline Conference rankings. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press pictured below are pitcher Chelsea Griswold and the celebration following the final out.

The HK Baseball team game back to defeat Hale Ray, 6-5, Monday. Peter Rynkowski (pictured below) notched his seventh win with Adam Chamberlain coming in to close. The Cougars scored six runs on just 5 hits including a home run by Chamberlain.

The HK Lacrosse team dominated Old Saybrook, 12-10, on Monday. HK was down at the half, 6-7, but picked up its defense and improved communication on the field to get the win. Scoring for HK were: Ashley Smith, who went 4 for 7; Jessica Bellonio, who went 3 for 6; Kaeli Deane, 3 goals; Jessica Fox, 1 goal; Shannon Kenney, 1 goal and Meredith Burke with 2 assists.

The 2005-2006 Officers of the Killingworth Women's Organization were installed at the group's annual meeting on May 11 at the Sage Restaurant. Officers pictured below from left to right are: Vice President of Membership Sue Anziano; Vice President of Ways & Means, Andrea Schull; President, Joan Reed Wilson; Treasurer, Tammy Overchuk and Secretary, Marni Lustberg. The Killingworth Women's Organization is a group of philanthropic women volunteers dedicated to helping the residents of Killingworth and maintaining a network of women to build a strong sense of community. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Killingworth Library. For membership information, contact Sue Anziano at (860)663-2176 or sueanz@hotmail.com.

Any Killingworth residence high school student with an interest in the medical field is invited to apply for the Killingworth Ambulance Association Scholarship Fund in the amount of $1000.00. Applications can be mailed to the Killingworth Ambulance Association, P. O. Box 749, Killingworth, CT 06419, Attn: Scholarship Committee.

Approximately 50 Town residents attending the Annual Town Budget Meeting last night voted to adopt the Board of Finance's recommendations of a $3,889,690 Operating Budget and a $246,300 Capital Budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. Combined with the $14,321,300 expenditure for the Region 17 Schools, the result is a total Town expenditure of $18,457,290 and a shortfall of 1.833 mils. Following the meeting, the Board of Finance set the new mil rate at .02663.

The Town of Killingworth officially opened Lover's Lane to through traffic last week after its usual flooding problems caused the road to be closed again for most of the winter. Town workers and officials have been working for many years to devise a solution that will alleviate the problem. The road was built on a peat bog and according to the Town highway crew, has been sinking several inches every year. Several homes are located on the road and it is a popular shortcut between Routes 81 and 148.

The Selectmen agreed in December 2004 to ask the Inland Wetlands Commission for approval to install pipes across the road to increase the flow of water. The IWWC responded by asking that the work not commence until monitoring wells could be installed on the downstream side, to determine if changes in water flow might damage the wetland habitat. The wells have been installed and are monitored on a regular basis by Town workers. The Town's plan to build a trench across the road will have to wait until the IWWC makes a determination of the project's impact on the wetlands.

Residents of Lover's Lane noted their concern at the last Board of Selectmen's meeting that the cars traveling the road often exceed the speed limit, litter the road with garbage and debris, and the water spraying up under the cars washes off pollutants into the wetlands area.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Kathleen Amoia discusses the Committee's nomination of Rick Berzon to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education.

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee has nominated Dr. Rick Berzon as their candidate to fill the Board of Education seat recently vacated by a resignation. Dr. Berzon brings both vision and experience to the table. He understands that the quality of a community's education directly impacts the quality of the community itself, and that the right education is vital to the future success of our children, our young people and our town's vitality.
full story.

The Connecticut Valley Driving Trial will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. at Haddam Meadows State Park on Route 154 in Haddam on the lovely Connecticut River (raindate May 22). It is a three-phase carriage driving competition where each competitor must successfully complete their dressage test, obstacles course and marathon with hazards. There are several different divisions, with highest ribbons going to those with the lowest overall penalty points in each division.

Dressage and obstacles will run all morning (8:30 - 12) with a lunch break (12-1) during which time there will be a demonstration. The marathon phase with hazards will then begin at 1pm and will run through around 3:30.

This event is being supported by the American Driving Society and Carriage Driving World Magazine and will feature drivers from throughout New England. There will be information on hand for those interested in learning more about the sport. Picnics are welcome! Bottled water will be available. Dogs on leashes please.

• Monday, May 16:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Region 17 Board of Education Meeting; Forgotten Heros, Perspectives with HKHS Coach Brookes
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Region 17 BOE Budget Presentation
• Tuesday, May 17:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Region 17 Board of Education Meeting; Forgotten Heros, Perspectives with HKHS Coach Brookes
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Region 17 BOE Budget Presentation
•Wednesday, May 18:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Harlem Rocket @ Valley Regional High
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. 2 HKMS Spring 2005 Band & Choral Concert
•Thursday, May 19:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKHS Choral & Band- Concert (live)
10:00 a.m.& 9:00 p.m. HKMS Spring 2005 Band Choral Concert
•Friday, May 20:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Baseball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Band & Choral Spring Concert 2005
•Saturday,May 21:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Baseball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Band & Choral Spring Concert 2005
•Sunday, May 22:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. OSHS Baseball
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKHS Band & Choral Spring Concert 2005
information provided by HKTV

As part of the Branford-based 'Read to Grow' organization's annual effort to support literacy in our area, the Killingworth Elementary School PTO sponsored a Spring book drive that collected 1,831 books during the two-week campaign. KES-PTO program coordinator Sue Irwin collected new and gently used books from generous KES parents and members of the community for distribution to needy New Haven area children.

"I am both proud and pleased with the overwhelming and generous response of the PTO and the community", said Irwin. "This was only our second year participating in the 'Read to Grow' Book Drive Program and we more than doubled the amount of books collected last year." "Books open so many doors for children. I am glad that we could help open more doors for those children less fortunate than our own."

Read to Grow is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and the joy of reading through a variety of programs. 'Read to Grow for Kids' distributes over 60,000 new and gently-used books annually to children through health-care centers, schools and community organizations. For many children, a book from 'Read to Grow' is the first they will ever own.

Pictured below are KES students, program coordinator Sue Irwin (l) and KES-PTO Co-President Michele Early (r).

Killingworth, You Came Through!

The Killingworth Women's Organization would like to thank all those who attended, supported and volunteered at the April 30 art auction to benefit the Killingworth Library and honor Ginny Chapman. We asked for at least 100 attendees and we got them, despite the torrential downpours. The evening was entertaining and financially successful. We could not have done it without such a generous and active community.

Joan Reed Wilson, Chairman
KWO Art Auction 2005

The Killingworth Women's Organization has opened a Banknorth bank account for the benefit of three-year-old Killingworth resident Mikayla Nuhn to help pay for medical expenses and the family's travel expenses while Mikayla undergoes surgery for Arnold Chiari Malformation at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Last May, Mikayla was diagnosed with ACM, a disorder where the brain stem protrudes out of the skull and into the spinal column, causing pressure on the spinal cord as well as the brain. Mikayla had neurosurgery to help alleviate this pressure in May 2004 but was re-admitted to the hospital in November for severe neck pain. Doctors determined it would be necessary for Mikayla to have spinal fusion surgery. Without the surgery, Mikayla would be at serious risk and could possibly become paralyzed.

The Nuhn family includes Mikayla's mother, Michelle Brainerd Nuhn, a life-long Killingworth resident, her father, Todd, and her five-year-old sister, Alexis. To help the family during this very difficult time, the Killingworth Women's Organization has opened the Banknorth bank account to help pay for the portion of the hospital bills not covered by insurance, as well as traveling and hotel expenses for the time the Nuhns will be in Philadelphia. If you would like to donate to Mikayla's Fund, please contact Nadine Cabrera at Banknorth at (860) 663-3894 or stop by the Killingworth branch to make a deposit to the account "KWO FBO Mikayla Nuhn Fund." If you would like to assist with fundraising, please contact Lori Porter at (860) 663-3534 or lporter796@sbcglobal.net

First Selectman David Denvir announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election in November. As of last weekend, according to the Clinton Recorder, he has opened his private law practice on Wall Street in Madison. Denvir said his practice will remain part-time until the end of his term and will concentrate in the areas of general family law; emphasizing divorce and child custody, personal injury claims, small business litigation and residential real estate.

The Haddam-Killingworth Lacrosse team suffered a tough, 6-7, loss to Farmington, Thursday. Farmington opened up a 0-2 lead early in the first half; HK tied it up 2-2 and finished the half 3-3 with a free position shot by Ali Thomson to tie it up. In the second half, Farmington went ahead 3-6 and HK came back again to tie the score with less than a minute to go. Farmington got a free position shot with 44 seconds remaining in the 2nd half and scored, bringing the score to 7-6. The Cougars were not able to answer in the final seconds. Scoring for HK were: Kaeli Deane, 3 goals; Jessica Bellonio, 2 goals; Ali Thomson, 1 goal and Alicia Bobbie had a fantastic game in goal with 9 saves.

The HK Boys Tennis team blanked Westbrook, 7-0, on Friday. The Cougars are now 9-2 on the year. Match scores in singles were: 1) Allessio Gallarotti def. David Rutty 6-1, 7-6; 2) Jeff Moskey def. Matt Cote 6-4, 6-1; 3) Ryan Murray def. Spencer Gartner 6-0, 6-0; 4) Andy Otis def. Paul Barron def. 6-0, 6-0; 5) John Ahearn def. James Winger 6-0, 6-0. In doubles: 1) Tucker Cumpstone & Alex Waldman def. Steve Cote & Peter Martin 6-2, 6-0; 2) Matt Young & Matt Brookes def. Jason Damaraeu & Jeremy Buck 6-2, 6-1.

HK Softball defeated Lyme-Old Lyme on Wednesday, 9-2. Chelsea Griswold got her 11th win of the year behind 9 HK hits. On Friday, The Cougars toppled Coginchaug, 12-2. Griswold picked up win #12 and had 3 RBIs. Rachel Langevin had 4 hits and 2 RBIs and Jenna Webber had 3 RBIs and a triple.

The HK Girls Tennis team fell to Morgan, 4-3 Wednesday. Cougar winners were: Jen LaChance over Meg Burgess, 6-0,6-1; Doubles team Lizzie Magleby and Kelley Devlin over Danielle Calini and Cassoe Standish 6-2,6-3 and Julie Sorensen and Kristy Griswold over Julianna Calini and Melissa Martin, 6-1,6-3. On Friday the Cougars lost to Westbrook, 5-2. The double teams of Magleby and Devlin and Griswold and Sorensen scored the wins.

HK Baseball defeated Lyme-Old Lyme earlier in the week, 5-0. The Cougars then came out Friday and beat Coginchaug, 7-3, behind a 7-hit performance behind the plate. Tyler Riordan got his 7th win and had 2 RBIs. Read more about this game in the Middletown Press.