Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period September 1- September 30, 2005:
• Leon A. Laime & Irene E. Liame to Timothy M. Pickering & Patricia A. Pickering, Lot#5 Roast Meat Hill Road for $655,000.00.
• Timothy M. Pickering & Patricia A. Pickering to Paul H. Herder & Dorothy B. Wallstein, Parcel A Chestnut Hill Rd.for $655,000.00.
•Henrietta J. Kulisch -By Con to Diane Craig, Mobile Home 22 Bridlepath Tr. for $55,000.00.
• Howell J. Harris & Helen C. Harris to Edward McDonnell, 4.21 A Chestnut Hill Rd. for $370,000.00.
• Raymond K. Adams & Carol M. Adams to Donald E. Grant, Mobile Home 42 Whitewood for $40,000.00.
• Jean A. Serafin to Douglas L. Stebbins & Sharron A. Stebbins, Mobile Home 2 Beechwood Rd. for $96,500.00.
• Natalie C. Endean - Est by Exec. to Peter Stankovics & Anna Marie Stankovics, Lot#2 Ledgeview Section A for $352,500.00.
• Virginia Clare to John Kalandyk, Sr., Mobile Home 32 Whitewood for $10,000.00.
• John Kalandyk, Sr. to Milano Fiacan, Mobile Home Whitewood for $40,000.00.
• Karen L. Milner to John H. Finn, Mobile Home 44 Woodland for $41,000.00.
• Kevin Joseph Keyes Est. by Adm. to Sandy J. Tollefsen, Mobile Home 4 Livemore Tr. for $39,500.00.
• Michael A. Milardo & Dorothy Milardo to Maryanne Cordone, Lot#2 Carlyn Est. Rte. 148 for $465,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

The Wednesday Eves will sponsor a Fall Rummage Sale on Friday October 14, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday October 15, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Donations are appreciated and accepted on Tuesday October 10, all day through Friday, October 14 until 3:00 p.m. They will not be accepting computers or any electrical appliances.

The Region 17 Parent Advisory Committee was given a tour and update on the construction of the new Haddam-Killingworth Middle/Intermediate School, Friday morning. Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said the project is on schedule and under budget. He is working with the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission to finalize the plan for the treatment of stormwater run-off. Mala said the updated plans were delivered to the IWWC on Tuesday, Oct. 4 and he hopes to hear back soon so the District can order the approved equipment and avoid further delays in getting it installed.

Mala said he has received praise for the quality and speed of the project. He noted that all the materials from the excavation of the property have been used on-site for fill and landscaping. The interior fixtures and colors have been selected and ordered. The District will wait as long as possible to purchase the school's technology in order to get the best product at the best price.

Project Manager Peter Oddo said he is committed to a January 2, 2007 completion date. Middle School Principal Mim Wagner is currently spending two half-days in a construction site trailer working out schedules, room assignments, writing handbooks and working out transportation issues. Mala said by August 2006 the operational planning will be completed. The transition to the new school will effect all the District schools because the three elementary schools will be transitioning to K-fourth grade, the current middle school will be dropped in-place into the new school, and this will free up classroom space in the old middle school that will be utilized for high school and administrative programs. Mala said the actual completion date and the status of the students in the elementary schools will determine if the fifth and sixth grade classes will be moved into the building immediately. For a tour of the project please visit the October Update Photo Gallery. Below: The entrance to the school and 4-year-old Nate Carlson and his mother Noreen of Higganum, sign the special steel beam that will be used in the gymnasium building.

The Killingworth Land Conservation Trust cranberry harvest scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed until Saturday, Oct. 15. The harvest will take place from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at the bog.

Debate Update:
Thursday's debate between the candidates for First Selectman targeted the outgoing Republican administration, according to today's Hartford Courant. Democratic candidate Marty Klein and Republican candidate John Amport faced off in front of Haddam-Killingworth High School students in the first of two debates this election season.

The debate will be broadcast on HKTV Channel 18 on Friday, Oct. 7, Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9 in the 7-9:00 p.m. program slot.

The second debate for the First Selectman candidates, will be Tuesday, October 25 in the Clubhouse at Jensen's Beechwood Community. The debate will begin at 7:00 and is open to Jensen residents only.

The HK High school Field Hockey team defeated Westbrook, Tuesday, 2-0. Chelsea Griswold and Lindsey Griswold scored second-half goals to lead the Cougars. Read more about this game in the Middletown Press. On Thursday, HK tied North Branford, 1-1, after double overtime. Leslie Zules scored the lone Cougar goal.

The HK Volleyball team easily swept Valley Regional, Thursday, 3 games to none. The game scores were 25-6; 25-14; 25-17. Freshman Erin Moriarty had 10 kills and Sawyer Kimball had 12 assists.

The Girls Soccer team defeated Old Lyme, 2-1, Wednesday. Siobhan Baincaflor and Corinne Mazzotta scored for the Cougars; Katie Anderson had 5 saves.

On Saturday, October 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Hemlock Drive will hold its Annual Rummage and Bake Sale. There will be a great selection of clothing for all - Household items and the famous bake shop will be open with all your favorite pies, cakes, etc. Stop by and enjoy a cup of FREE freshly brewed coffee.

Dear Editor:
My father, Martin Klein, carries two things in his pants pocket often more useful than his wallet: a jackknife and a handkerchief. Growing up, my siblings and I witnessed the single blade jackknife do the obvious -- cut gum out of hair, slice string and tape around packages, shave bark from twigs for toasting marshmallows, unravel knots in yoyo strings and shoe laces, pare oranges, peel carrots, tighten screws on toys and my mother's pots, fix parts of lawnmowers, and repair farm machinery and car engines. Likewise, his handkerchief, freshly ironed and white, was equally useful. There'd always be a clean spot for blowing noses, wiping faces and hands, drying tears, checking the oil, cleaning up spills, wrapping a cut, and polishing an apple.
Complete letter.

Dear Editor:
An Open Letter to John Amport and Marty Klein,

Mssrs. Amport and Klein,
This letter is being sent to you and the voters of Killingworth from the Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission works in town to educate the public and further conservation knowledge, planning and action. In November, the Town has an opportunity to choose a new 1st Selectmen and it is the Commission's hope that conservation will be a part of the discussion between the two candidates as we lead up to Election Day. To encourage debate, and with this letter, the Conservation Commission has questions on three issues to pose to each of you.
Complete letter

The Prevention Council of Haddam-Killingworth will host a community wide event featuring Michael Pritchard on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Haddam-Killingworth High School Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. This program is made possible by a grant from the Middlesex United Way.

Michael Pritchard is America's leading motivational speaker recently featured in Time magazine and on CNN as "somebody who's making a difference." For over 25 years, he has educated his audiences from business leaders to teenagers on communication skills facilitating positive change. Michael speaks from the heart as he inspires audiences with his unique ability to blend humor with serious issues. He has not only shared the stage with Robin Williams, winning 1st place in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, a role in an Emmy award winning episode of Taxi and voices for Star Wars but he's used those skills to devote himself to youth winning an Emmy nomination for his 5th highly acclaimed PBS series, SOS Saving Our Schools. These series demonstrate his exceptional ability to initiate real communication and bring people together. Winner of the Parent Choice Award, Toastmaster's International Speaker and California Probation Officer of the Year and the President's Action Award; Michael Pritchard.

Pritchard will be speaking to community members about how to improve communication skills with particular emphasis on his new book, Listen to What Your Kids Aren't Telling You.

Earlier that day, Pritchard will be speaking to students at Haddam-Killingworth High School and Haddam-Killingworth Middle School about bullying, teasing, inclusion, and making healthy and wise choices. Call Cheryl Chandler at 345-7498 for further information.

Dear Editor:
Claudette Lagasse for Killingworth Treasurer

I have been friends with Claudette Lagasse for over thirty years. During that time we were often involved with the same community activities from St. Lawrence Church participation to the Killingworth Historical Society. I know Claudette to be a hard working dedicated community volunteer. As a Killingworth resident for more than thirty-five years she is the kind of neighbor you wish you had. Both she and her husband Donald are committed to helping out their friends, neighbors and residents whenever needed. From her many years of working at the Killingworth Elementary School as Library Assistant and Assistant Secretary in the Principal's Office Claudette couldn't go anywhere in town without a youngster coming up to her just to say " hi Mrs. Lagasse". Complete letter

The Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club would like to welcome back all of it's members. To start-off the New Year the club attended a wonderful lecture at Stone Post Gardens in Middletown. There we met with one of the owners who demonstrated and lectured on adding color & contrast, to fall container gardens.

Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. from September through June. Members often share gardening tips, demonstrations on gardening topics or travels, as well as touring local nurseries for inspiration. Every year in March the Garden Club provides an educational program to the community. Topics such as managing & controlling invasive species, land conservation & adding color to your yard have often been given by experts in related fields.

As a service organization the garden club has planted as well as maintained the gardens located at the Town Offices, the Black Rock Schoolhouse, and Killingworth's traffic circle.

At our annual plant sale in May, members donate many of their perennials to sell for our scholarship fund. Each year a scholarship is awarded to a student in the community who has undertaken the studies in horticulture, landscape design, environmental science or related fields.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Elisabeth Verderame at 663-8023.

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee honored Charlie Martens and Lou Annino, Sr. for their many years of service to the town at an Octoberfest fundraiser at the home of Gwenne Lally. Fifty Democrats and like-minded residents joined local Democratic candidates and State Representative Brian O'Connor and State Senator Ed Meyer for a festive evening that included a sampling of special edition beers, wine and cider, plus a delicious buffet of foods from a melting-pot variety of culinary traditions. Musical entertainment by Mike Board, Dave Crespo and Eleanor Becker rounded out this very special evening. photo courtesy G. Lally

The HK High School Boys Soccer team played to a, 1-1, tie in double overtime yesterday against Morgan of Clinton. Joel Blancaflor scored the Cougar goal off a cross by Tyler Bradley. HK's record is now 3-3-1. They host Old Lyme on Thursday at 3:45.

The HK Girls Soccer team lost to North Branford, 3-2. Siobhan Baincaflor and Nichelle Gode scored for the Cougars. Katie Anderson had 9 saves in goal. HK is 3-3-0 and host Old Lyme on Wednesday.

Dear Editor:
On November 8, Killingworth residents will have an opportunity to elect a new Judge of the Probate Court. This is an important public office because the Judge of Probate deals with a broad variety of family issues, not only trusts and estates but also diverse domestic relations issues. Many Killingworth families have contact with the Probate Court every year. Complete letter.

Dear Editor:
We would like to say thank you to the many kind and caring people who helped us during a very difficult time in our lives. We feel blessed that we had so many people showing their love and support in so many ways. This is a wonderful community to live in. We really appreciate the generosity and kindness that so many people showed. We would like to also say a special thank you to the following: Joan Wilson and the Killingworth Women's Organization, Apizza Tuscana, RLD Heating and Cooling, Pinchbeck Farms, Lori Porter and Mary Angus, St. Lawrence Church, Backstage Dance Center, Kids for Kids, and Cindy Ericson Kelly. We are happy to report that Mikayla's surgery went well. She is now out of her halo and in a neck brace. She is feeling better each day. Once again, thank you so much! We truly appreciate all that was done.
Sincerely,
Todd, Michele, Alexis, and Mikayla Nuhn

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group will gather in the Killingworth Library Meeting Room on Tuesday, October 11 to discuss the novel, Icy Sparks, by Gwyn Hyman Rubio. The discussion begins at 1:00 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee members Kathleen Amoia and Michael J. Sanders offer a summary of this month's election activities.

The crucial need for common sense, good planning, and competence on every level of government has been brought home to all of us over the past month via our TV screens. As Killingworth prepares to elect its town officials, we are being offered opportunities to hear our candidates for First Selectman and Selectmen over the next few weeks. This is our chance to get to know them better, to let them know our concerns for Killingworth's future, and to make wise choices on Election Day. full story.

On Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, all town residents are invited and encouraged to join the members of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust (KLCT) for its 3rd Cranberry Harvest. The KLCT purchased 20 acres of the bog, located on Pond Meadow Road, in January of 2001. The Trust manages a portion of this area for cranberries, and attendees will be allowed to pick their own berries. In addition to the cranberry area, this unique wetland is home to a variety of interesting plants, including Pitcher Plant and Virginia Meadow Beauty. Please come join the Trust and learn more about this wonderful natural area...and bring some cranberries home!

Killingworth Elementary School was a flurry of activity on Friday as students, teachers, parents, administrators and community friends gathered for the Fall Beautification Day. The elementary school classes each took a recess period during the day to help pull weeds, rake, and plant bulbs and fall flowers. Parents and friends provided the tools and the direction, mother nature provided a wonderfully sunny Autumn day, and the school grounds now look tidy and beautiful. This KES-PTO sponsored event was organized by parents Lisa Kelly and Bill Drain.

On Saturday at HK High School, the Boys Junior Varsity Soccer team defeated Westbrook, 4-3, in an exciting, back-and-forth contest. Freshman Matt Waldman spearheaded the Cougar offense with a phenomenal 3-goal performance. Waldman's final tally came immediately after a Westbrook game-tieing goal with less than three minutes remaining. His hat-trick was backed up by a goal from another Killingworth player, freshman Michael Mead.

The win evens the team record to 2-2-1. The squad is primarily comprised of freshmen and has been competitive against more experienced shoreline area JV teams. Below: Waldman scoring a goal between defenders. photo courtesy H. Kumnick.

The HK High School Football team defeated Gilbert in Winsted, 21-14, Saturday. Eric Auer scored in the first quarter on a one-yard run, and recovered a punt in the end zone in the fourth quarter to lead the Cougars. Dave Baklik connected with Martin Ramsey in the second quarter for a 60 yard touchdown run. Joe Torallo kicked the three extra points. For more on the game read the Register Citizen.

On Friday, the HK Girls Volleyball team defeated Hyde, 3 games to 0. Megan Piscopiello had 27 digs, Stephanie Wiese had 11 kills and Sawyer Kimball had 15 assists. Games scores were: 25-13, 25-19 and 25-18. The Cougars are 6-0 and face Cromwell at home on Wednesday.

The HK Field Hockey team defeated Morgan of Clinton, 5-0. Leslie Zules had 2 goals and 2 assists; Chelsea Griswold scored once and had an assist; Lindsey Griswold and Ashley Smith each scored; Ally Hall had an assist and Colleen Kavanagh had 2 saves in goal. The Cougars are 4-1 and face Westbrook at home on Tuesday.

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) announced that Connecticut's Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will serve as a keynote speaker at their upcoming public forum entitled "No Child Left Behind - The Unfulfilled Promise" on Wednesday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Acton Library. The Attorney General will join Connecticut Education Association (CEA) experts who will also speak at the forum, including Daria Plummer, former president of the CEA and current member of the State Department of Education Practitioner's Committee that oversees the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, and Bob Murphy, the Director of Policy and Professional Practice for the CEA, who has chief responsibility at CEA for researching the content and implementation of the NCLB law since its passage.

In August, Connecticut Attorney General Blumenthal filed a federal lawsuit that challenges the No Child Left Behind school reform law. The lawsuit, Connecticut v. Spellings, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, states the federal government has not granted waivers from the law's requirements and has not provided the funding needed to implement the law. Connecticut is the first state to file such a lawsuit. The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest teachers union representing 2.7 million educators, has also filed a federal lawsuit charging the Department of Education has failed to provide adequate funding for the No Child Left Behind initiative.

"The goals of the No Child Left Behind Act are commendable," said Blumenthal. "Connecticut has pursued these goals for decades. However, the federal government has failed in implementing them. Unfunded mandates are all too common; these specific unfunded mandates are unlawful. The mindless rigidity of No Child Left Behind harms our taxpayers, and most of all our children."

The No Child Left Behind forum is open to the public and begins at 7:00 p.m, at the Old Saybrook Acton Library. The Shoreline League of Democratic Women will commence their October meeting immediately after the conclusion of the NCLB presentation. The Shoreline League of Democratic Women is the newest chapter of the Connecticut Federation of Democratic Women (CFDW), which is a chapter of the National Federation of Democratic Women.

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women is dedicated to educating its members about political and social issues important to women of all ages in Connecticut's Second District. Women in the local district are encouraged to join the SLDW and participate in the organization's valuable work in the community. Members can be involved in any capacity, whether it is 30 minutes a month, or 30 minutes a year. As a part of the SLDW educational charter, members will be notified of important pending state and national legislation. For more information on the Shoreline League of Democratic Women, please contact Belinda Jones at sbjones20@comcast.net, or 860-399-1147, or Laurie Santos at lauriegrun@sbcglobal.net, or (860) 669-8395.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its Fall programs.

Make-a-Plate: Each child will receive a special paper mat plate tempates to design their very own plate. Choose between a Halloween or Thanksgiving. The fee is $12 each session. The class is for children ages 6 - 9. Class will meet on Monday at KES, Tuesday at BES, and Wednesday at HES from 3:15 - 4:00 pm. Session I: October 3 at KES; Session II: October 4 at BES; Session III: October 5 at HES.

Mad Scientists: The class will be held on Thursdays, October 6 - November 10 at the HES Library, BES Library and the KES Library. The fee is $70. Students will have fun learning about science by participating in hands-on interactive experiments. Some of the topics may include Under Pressure, Che-Mystery, "Current" Events, "Fun" Damental Forces, Wacky Waves, and the Science of Magic.

NEW! Creative Expressions - Acting Classes: For children grades K - 5. This program will be held on Thursdays, October 6 - November 17 at the HK High School Cafeteria. Children in grades K-2 will meet from 4:00 - 4:45 pm and children in grades 3 - 5 will meet from 5 - 6 pm. The fee is $80. This multi-faceted program includes theatre games, concentration exercises, creative movement, imagination play, sense work, and basic stage skills. This workshop will focus on developing each child's creativity and self-confidence.

When I'm in charge: The American Red Cross "When I'm in Charge" class will be held on Tuesday, October 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the HK HS C-112. The fee is $25 and includes a manual. The course is for students ages 9 and up, and is designed to teach kids how to be responsible when at home. Topics include internet safety, gun safety, family communications, sibling care, basic emergency care & confidence building.

Infant/Child CPR for Babysitters: The American Red Cross Infant/Child CPR class will be held on Thursday, October 20 and 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the HK HS C-112. Students who have taken the American Red Cross Babysitting Class can make themselves more resourceful and a better babysitter by becoming certified in Infant and Child CPR. The fee is $45 and includes a manual.

Babysitter's Training Course: The American Red Cross Babysitting Course will be held on Tuesdays, November 2 - 16 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the HK High School Room C-112. The fee is $65 and includes a Red Cross Babysitting Manual and Certificate. The course is for students ages 11 - 15, and is designed to prepare them for babysitting. Students who complete the course will have the opportunity to add their names to the HK Recreation Department's Babysitting Referral list.

Get Organized: This workshop will provide easy solutions to put an end to the chaos and help you get organized in your home. Topics to be covered include time management, filing of household papers, putting anend to children's clutter, organizing children's artwork and mementos, closet organization, family files, creating a home inventory and tons of useful tips. There will also be helpful tips on how to get organized for the holidays. Class will be held on Wednesdays, October 19 and 26 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the HK High School Room C-112. The fee is $30.

NEW! Massage for Two: Learn techniques of massage that are fun and an even energizing for two. It's fun and it's invigorating. Come with an open mind and the desire to relax your mind and body. Class meets on Thursdays from 7 - 9 pm in the Haddam-Killingworth High School Room C-112. Participants can choose from three dates: Session I: October 20, Session II: November 3 or Session III: December 1. The fee is $30 each person. Please bring a pillow and a mat or towel.

Juggling Workshop: : Juggling workshop is offered on Tuesday, November 15 from 3:10-4:10 p.m. at the Burr Elementary School Library. The class is for youths ages 8 & up. The fee is $25 which includes 3 juggling bean bags. This workshop will teach the basic fundamentals of three ball juggling. Participants will receive a set of juggling bean bags and personal instruction.

For more information on these program or to register, please call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 or visit the website at www.hkrec.com