Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period August 1- August 31, 2005:
• Robin Fox to Diane Biren, Lot#3 Brookside Est Parker Hill for $503,700.00.
• Justin D. Garziano Jr. to Mary B. Hotchkiss, Cow Hill Roadfor $390,000.00.
•Joseph A. Hernandez to Joshua D. Ford, Lot#7 Chatfield Hollow Estate for $339,000.00.
• Michael John Milano & Karen Ann to Karen Thompson & Richard Montross, Lots #18,19 Parker Hill Road for $970,000.00.
• David J. Robertson & Pamela M. Robertson to Stanley Peters & Kathleen Peters, 1 ¼A & .25A Parker Hill Rd. for $337,500.00.
• Philip Kemp & Cheryl Kemp to Scott A. Hogan, 1A & 2nd Piece Rte. 79 for $355,000.00.
• Ruth M. Duhaime to Richard Deichmann & Patricia Deichmann, Moblie Home 2 Bridlepath Trail for $86,000.00.
• Dorothy L. Sabol to Toni Stanley, Mobile Home 46 Whitewood for $65,000.00.
• Phyllis D. Craig to George H. Craig, Green Hill Road for $175,000.00.
• Frederick E. Koke & Mari M. Koke to National Residential Nominee Services Inc., Bethke Road for $476,000.00.
• National Residential Nominee Services Inc. to Donald R. O'Boyle & Andrea T. O'Boyle, Bethke Road for $476,000.00.
• Donald J. Cotton & Deborah Pile Cotton to James P. Dinapoli & Carolyn Dinapoli, Lot#19 Stonehill Drive for $469,000.00.
• Jensens Inc. to Stuart W. Fox & Patricia J. Fox, Mobile Home 6 Pleasant Tr. for $149,875.00.
• Robin R. Buckley to Nancy K. Bukowski, Burr Hill Road for $258,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

According to the Hartford Courant, the former director of Haddam and Killingworth Youth and Family Services and a former part-time agency employee claim they lost their jobs "during a venomous power struggle within the agency".

Former Director Essie Spencer and part-time employee Amy Ash Nixon are urging town officials in Haddam and Killingworth to "withhold municipal subsidies to the agency, which they say is ineffective and victimizes at-risk children because of unprofessional behavior by supervisors".

Haddam First Selectman Tony Bondi and Schools Superintendent Gary Mala both called on the agency's board of directors to investigate the allegations. Read more.

District Schools Superintendent and Killingworth resident Gary Mala offers his thoughts on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Over the past few days, I could not help but be moved by the tragedy that has stricken so many of our fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast section of our country. The scenes made available via the press and other media were shocking and emotionally unsettling. What will most certainly be recorded in history as the single greatest natural disaster our country has ever seen has prompted me to write to you and offer my words of encouragement to you and your family. This may seem a bit odd but is being done because of what I intuitively know happens to children and families during times of adversity, whether we are directly involved or not.
Read Mala's complete letter.

Joyce Miller, a 77-year-old grandmother who has spent most of her life traveling to foreign countries to aid victims of natural disasters will leave for Red Cross orientation next Thursday to help right here at home. Miller, a 50-year resident of Killingworth, has volunteered to help the residents of Mississippi and Louisiana recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Miller has an emergency medical training background and a lifetime of experience with disaster relief work. She says she has traveled all over the world with the Peace Corps and the Red Cross; wherever she was needed. Miller says this time she also has a personal connection because her granddaughter lives and works in New Orleans. She made it out safely and is currently living with her mother in Guilford.

Miller encourages Town residents to help in any way they can. She says she will spend the next few days trying to organize a bottled-water drive in Killingworth.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently announced that she has mobilized a coordinated Connecticut relief effort to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, including setting up collection centers at state National Guard Armories where donations of bottled water, ready-to-eat food, batteries and other supplies will be received.

How to Help: Drop Off Needed Goods at State Armories
Bottled water, easily opened, non-perishable food and snacks, batteries, blankets, tarps and tents are needed. Donations of the items can be dropped off at any of these six State Armories. Click here for directions

Hartford: 360 Broad Street
New Haven: 209 Goffe Street
New London: 249 Bayonet Street
Norwalk: 290 New Canaan Avenue
Putnam: 25 Keech Street
Waterbury: 64 Field Street.

How to make a Financial Donation:
• Red Cross: Donate by Phone: 1 (800) HELP NOW or (800) 257-7575 (Spanish)
Donate Online: www.redcross.org.
•Salvation Army: Donate by Phone: 1 (800) SAL-ARMY
Donate Online: www.salvationarmyusa.org
•Americares: Donate by Phone:(800) 486-HELP
Donate Online: www.americares.org

According to a press release, State Senator Edward Meyer, yesterday, urged Gov. M. Jodi Rell to consider all options on the table to address the rising gas prices at stations throughout Connecticut. At the same time, Sen. Meyer is researching all legislative options to quell the situation, including contacting Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for an official investigation into possible price gouging.

"I'm aware of all of the reasons why gas prices normally rise during this time of the year," Sen. Meyer said. "And I'm also aware of the situational reasons, including the war in Iraq and hurricane season, that may cause gas prices to rise. However, I'm concerned that prices - which were rising quickly before Hurricane Katrina - will now spiral out of control."

"This is a difficult time for all Americans, and while those in the Gulf Coast region are suffering from a catastrophe, I am greatly concerned for the economic well-being of citizens of Connecticut. Connecticut consumers continue to pay more and more for fuel and I want to make sure that we as a state are doing all we can to protect our citizens."

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price for a gallon of gas in New England today is $2.66, well below what many gas stations in Connecticut, and specifically the towns of the 12th Senatorial district, have been charging. In addition, throughout the state, the prices at different gas stations may vary greatly, even at the same chain.

"I urge all gas station owners to refrain from taking advantage of an already disastrous situation," Sen. Meyer said. "There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of people dead, cities ruined and lives completely altered. This is not the time to make an extra few dollars when people are already so concerned. Besides being illegal, price gouging is unethical and completely inappropriate."

Click here for the AAA Fuel Price Finder

Registration for Fall programs opened on September 1 at the Killingworth Library. Space is limited, and priority will be given to Killingworth residents. For more information please call Gayle at 663-2000 or stop by during library hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed

Terrific Twos: A program for children between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Parents & caregivers are invited to enjoy some rhyme-time fun with their child. Wednesday mornings, October 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Storytime: A program for children ages 3 & 4. Wednesday mornings, November 2, 8, 16, 23, 30, 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Music with Margie: Join us for singing, dancing, and lots & lots of fun! For children ages 2 1/2 years & up. Tuesday mornings from 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Mid-September, Killingworth's citizens will be receiving the Killingworth Library's Annual Fund Drive mailing. As a private, non-profit organization, the Killingworth Library Association relies heavily on the financial support of the community for its general operations. In this fiscal year alone, the Library Board will be responsible for raising more than $77,000, a figure that represents over 30% of its total budget. Achieving this goal is only possible with the generous support of the people of Killingworth.

Last year's contributions, including both the Annual Drive and several fundraisers, resulted in the addition of 1800 adult titles and over 800 children and young adult titles. An up-to-date audio-visual collection was expanded as well, with an emphasis on growing the DVD and Books on CD collections. A community meeting place for non-profits continues to be offered free of charge, reflecting the Library's role as a town center. The level of service offered by the Killingworth Library is, in many ways, dependent upon the generosity of the town's citizens.

In an effort to assess the current use of the Library and plan for the future, the Board of Directors has included in this year's Annual Fund request a Library Survey form. It is a comprehensive questionnaire which, when analyzed, will give the Board a more complete understanding of precisely why different individuals use our library, what they would like to see improved, and what additional services they would like to have available. This feedback gives the community the opportunity to let the KLA know where it is meeting the town's library needs and where changes or improvements should be considered.

The Survey has been designed to take a limited amount of time to complete and may be returned with a donation in the envelope provided. It may also be dropped off at the Library. It is not necessary to make a donation in order to return the survey. To encourage participation, all returned surveys will be entered in a drawing to win a gift certificate donated by Apizza Tuscana.

Nancy Bradley, President of the Library Board, when asked to comment on the need for generous donations, was direct and to the point. "As you consider your donation to the library, please think about the importance of this fine institution to our town and our children."

Killingworth resident Edmund Funaro Jr. was sentenced in Hartford's U.S. District Court, Friday, for filling fraudulent prescriptions for painkillers and antidepressants, penned by a New Haven physician.

According to published reports, U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney ordered Funaro to serve the first six months of his probation in a halfway house, and to pay a fine in the amount of $12,500.

Read more about this story in today's Hartford Courant.

The HK Travel Basketball League is pleased to announce that the final tryouts for 2005-2006 will take place on Wednesday, September 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the HK High School Field House. Any child wanting to play HK Travel Basketball must attend this tryout session (if you did not attend the tryout session in August). An informational meeting for parents will be held immediately following the tryouts.

The number of players per team and the age groups will be determined at the time of the last tryout. This will be based on the ages and number of children wanting to play. If your child is interested in playing and/or you are interested in coaching, please send an e-mail to teamhoops@comcast.net.

This Fall the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering classes for children and adults. For detailed information on the classes or to find out how to register please call 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

Basic Dog Obedience classes are offered on Thursdays, September 8- October 20 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm for dogs ages 5 months and up. Classes will be held in the HK High School Parking Lot (near the Tennis Courts). The fee is $85 each session. ($65 for repeating students). The first class is theory and is for owners only and will meet in Room C-112 (HS).

Imagination Stations will be offered for children 18 mos. - 4 years old. This program offers the opportunity for parents to meet other parents and toddlers in a playgroup atmosphere. Parents will help their toddlers explore the different stations such as free play, puppets, drama, crafts, stories, songs and more. The classes will be held on Wednesdays at the Haddam Youth Center from 10 - 11:00 a.m. Session I will be from September 21 - October 19 and Session II will be from October 26 - November 30 ((no 11/23)/ The fee is $30/ $25 siblings each session.

Circle Time is a program for 2 - 5 year olds. It is designed to encourage children's natural creativity, ignite their curiosity and enhance their ever-growing literacy through a combination of developmentally appropriate activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts, games, musical instruments, creative movement and puppets. Each week will offer a different theme. The program meets on Mondays from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. at the Haddam Youth Center. Session I runs from September 19 - October 31 (no 10/10). Session II runs from November 7 - December 12. The fee is $40.

The Department is offering Karate for boys and girls in grades K - 6. A session will be held at Haddam Elementary School Gym on Mondays from September 12 - December 5 (no 10/10) and on Wednesdays at Killingworth Elementary School Gym from September 14 - December 7 (no 11/23). The classes meet from 3:15 to 4:30 pm. The fee is $55 each session. Children will be introduced to Washin-Ryu Karate-Do, a unique form of traditional Japanese Karate; and will learn the meaning of self-respect, respect for others, self-discipline, and concentration.

Hip Hop Dancing will be offered on Mondays, September 19 - November 21 (no 10/10, 10/31) at the HK High School Cafeteria. Class is for children in grades 1 - 4 and will meet from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. The fee is $70. Learn street funk moves such as the hangman, king-tut, popping, locking, waving, up-rock steps, floor-work moves, power moves, & other popular Break Dance skills. Members from the popular I.F.C. (Invisible Force Crew) New Haven Break Dance group will join some classes to share their professional skills.

A NEW program this fall is Robotics for children ages 8-12. Robotics will be held on Mondays, September 19 - October 24 (no 10/10) at HES Library and November 7 - December 5 at KES Library. Class times are from 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. and the fee is $110. Children will investigate ROBOLAB learning to design and program robots. In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, Computer Explorers will be challenged to build, program, and participate in unique challenges, which will inspire, motivate, and engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related activities.

Golf classes will be offered on Tuesdays. Session I is from September 13 - October 4 and Session II is from October 11 - November 1. Golf Basics for Juniors is designed for those who are new to the game as well as experienced golfers who need to work on the fundamentals of the swing. The class will cover the full swing, approach shots and the short game. Classes will be held from 5-6:15 p.m. at Haddam Meadows (HS Fieldhouse: rain location). An Intermediate class for adults (ages 15 and up) is from 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. at Haddam Meadows (HS Fieldhouse: rain location). This class is designed for those who have taken the Beginner class or for the player who wants to take their game to the next level. The fee is $60 for Juniors and $65 for adults (which includes use of equipment).

Step Aerobics / Interval Training will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 13 - December 13 (No class 11/24). Classes will be held from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. at the HK High School Cafeteria. The fees are $85 for a 26 coupon book, $55 for a 13 coupon book, and $5.50 for one coupon. Coupons must be turned in at each class attended and are non-transferable. Participants need to bring their own step to class. The HK Recreation Dept. can order quality steps for $85 if interested. Classes will include circuit training, power stepping, interval training, and muscle shaping. A great way to look better and meet friends.

Weight Training will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the HK High School Auxillary Gym. Session I will be held from September 12 - October 24 (No class 10/10). Session II will be held from October 26 - December 12 (no class 10/31, 11/23). Aerobics and Weight Training are open to High School - Adult. The fee is $35 each session. This personalized class will emphasize safe and effective resistance training techniques to help achieve your fitness goals. Participants will have the opportunity to use the new 'Keiser' equipment. Unlike traditional weight stacks or hydraulics, Keiser Air is pneumatic strength training equipment that uses the force of compressed air to create resistance. All ability levels will benefit from this equipment as well as work at their own personal maximum level. Free weights will also be available.

HK Rec. is offering Aqua Aerobics at the HK High School Pool on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Session I will be September 12 - October 24 (no 10/10) and Session II will be October 26 - December 12 (no 10/31, 11/23). Aqua Aerobics is a great cardio-vascular work out for all ages, all fitness levels, swimmers & non-swimmers. No equipment is required. The fees are $45 ($40 with a pool membership and Sr. Citizens). Participants must pre-register. There is a minimum required in order to run this class.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee members Kathleen Amoia and Michael J. Sanders offer a brief history of Labor Day and a tribute to the workers of the past. "Democrat, Liberal, Republican, we enjoy a standard of living today that was built on the sweat of the working man and woman of yesterday."

The uniqueness of next Monday's holiday lies not in parades or picnics, or in the unofficial end to summer and the return of our children to school. It is, quite simply, the one day set aside to honor the men and women who built this country and helped it achieve a prosperity and a middle class not dreamed about over most of the earth or for most of human history.
full story.

September 1st is upon us and so is another school year in Regional School District 17. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to a new year and wish you all the best for a great one.

As I begin my second year as your Superintendent of Schools, I continue to stand in awe of your generosity and support for all of our schools. I am particularly appreciative of the thousands of hours that many of you contribute to the district as volunteers. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and my hope is that you will continue spending time with us and your children in whatever capacity you choose to pursue. All of us in the district realize that to develop and maintain effective schools, there must be a concerted effort to unify parents, members of the community at large and school personnel around the common purpose of providing all that is best to meet the needs of our children. From my unique perspective, I firmly believe we have made great strides in accomplishing this vital task.

As with any new year, you will note some changes in personnel, work on projects to maintain our schools as well as changes to enrollments in all schools. We have experienced some unexpected growth at Burr District Elementary School, Haddam Elementary School, Haddam-Killingworth Middle School and Haddam-Killingworth High School. Additionally, the construction of the new Intermediate Middle School is well underway with steel visible from Route 81. During the summer months, we have been fortunate to have had the time to prepare for numerous curriculum changes that will be implemented to ensure your children are adequately prepared to move forward academically, socially and emotionally.

We are also fortunate to have secured the talents of twenty-nine new staff members who will most certainly contribute to our highlytrained and excellent staffing compliment.

This year we have selected a theme of "Moving From Good to Great" for we firmly believe we have made significant progress toward achieving and exceeding the high expectations we have set for ourselves as your childrens' educational service providers. We stand committed to working with you to meet the rigor associated with the unprecedented levels of accountability facing our schools and other school districts in our state and throughout our country. We have an exciting, positive momentum that we must continue to nurture and sustain. We openly recognize that you are essential ingredients to our success as a school district and will continue to provide opportunities that will foster open communication for the purpose of keeping you involved in your schools.

In closing, I wish you a happy, healthy new school year on behalf of the Board of Education and all of the individuals associated with your school district. May we all work together to make the hopes and dreams of our children become a reality. May we continue to listen to our children and value them as individuals.
I remain very truly yours, Gary S. Mala, Superintendent of Schools

The Regional School District "Spotlight on Seventeen" is available in PDF form here and online at www.rsd17.org. It contains inportant school information including: New Staff Listing, School Year Priorities; Educational Philosophy; Bus Routes; Annual Notifications and the School Calendars.

Lisa Kelly and Bill Drain, chairs of the KES-PTO Beautification committee will be sprucing up the grounds of Killingworth Elementary School on Tuesday Aug 30, w/raindate Wednesday, August 31 from 9:30 a.m -12:00 noon. Help welcome the children and staff back to school.

We would appreciate any time that you, your children, and your portable garden tools could give for weeding, some pruning & raking. It is not necessary to come for the whole time. Every ½ hour is appreciated.

Remember, many hands make light work! All are welcome.

The New Britain Rock Cats and the Killingworth Youth League held their free baseball mini-camp at Sheldon Field, Saturday. The clinic open to kids ages 8-16, was sponsored by Gaylord Hospital and Modell's Sporting Goods.