The two mothers who spoke to HK High School students Wednesday were not delicate, fragile women who came to deliver a subtle message about the dangers of speed and alcohol to teenage drivers. Having lived every parent's worst nightmare, these brave women brought with them pictures of their beautiful boys and the eloquent, heartbreaking, and graphic stories of how their lives were cut short. As Sherry Chapman put it, whose 19-year-old son was killed by a teen driver, "it's not polite to talk about dead children in most social circles". To an audience of other people's children sitting gravely silent, Chapman and Janice Palmer talked about how their sons' lives were determined by the choices they made.

Five teenage boys were killed within an 11-day span in Connecticut, in December 2002. The parents of those boys, founded Mourning Parents ACT, Inc. (!MPACT) whose mission is to eliminate tragedies caused by inexperienced drivers through awareness, education and legislation. Wednesday's program was specifically timed to coincide with the holiday weekend where the likelihood of teen fatalities is high.

Janice Palmer, spoke to her 17-year-old son Dan often about being a safe driver, about not drinking and driving. He was an ordinary teenager; "he believed he would always be in control". On December 6, eight months after getting his license, Dan was proven wrong. He drove too fast after having a few beers with his friends and was killed along with his two classmates and the young father of three who happened to meet Dan on the road. She recounted the horrifying timeline at the police station, the need for dental records to identify the boys; choosing his casket.

Sherry Chapman said her happiest days are behind her. Her only son Ryan, whose life was filled with promise, chose to get into to a car with a boy who had been drinking. Sometimes teenagers break their promises; "I'll be careful", "I won't drink and drive", "I won't speed". For these boys, it only took one broken promise to end their lives and to change the lives of their parents forever.

Lt. Rick Siena, from the Middletown Police Department concluded the program by reviewing the recent changes in the law to help restrict and protect teenage drivers from their own poor choices, including the midnight to 5:00 a.m. curfew and the ban on cell phones for 16 and 17-year-old drivers.

Statistics from the National Transportation and Safety Board (.PDF):
• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.
• In 2003, teen drivers represented less than 7 percent of the driving population, but they accounted
for more than 13 percent of the drivers involved in all deadly crashes.
• More than 21 percent of all highway fatalities occur in crashes that involve our teenage drivers.
• From 1997 through 2001, more than 16,600 people died in crashes involving 14- to 17-year-old drivers.
• 16-year-old drivers driving alone are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as older drivers.
• The risk of a crash increases greatly with each additional teen passenger riding with a young teen driver.
• 16-year-old drivers driving alone are more than twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as older drivers.
• Two-thirds of the passengers who were killed in these teen driver crashes were teenagers themselves, between the ages of 15 and 19.
For more safety advice please visit the NTSB website.

The HK High School Football season ended yesterday in a snowy, 34-6, loss to Valley Regional.

Eric Auer scored on a one-yard run to close the score to 14-6 early, but Valley scored again before the half, leaving the Cougars with a 27-6 first-half deficit. The Cougars finish at 5-5 this year.

Registration for Winter classes at the Killingworth Library begins, Thursday December 1. All children's programs require signup - you may register in person or by phone, 663-2000. Priority will be given to Killingworth residents.

STORYTIME: A program for children ages 3 & 4 is offered Thursday mornings, February 2, 9, 16, 23 from 10:00 am-10:30 am

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. The program is offered Thursday mornings, January 5, 12, 19, 26.

MUSIC WITH MARGIE:Join us for singing, dancing, and lots & lots of fun! For children ages 2½ years & up. The program is offered Tuesday mornings, 10:45-11:15 (dates to be announced)

Please call Gayle at 663-2000 with any questions about children's programs.

Killingworth's newly elected First Selectman Marty Klein, offers the first of his monthly columns.

How did the First Selectman Elect, Martin Klein, spend the few days before taking office? Swimming in the hot springs of Wyoming? Guess again. On November 9, after celebrating with guests on the previous night, I met with First Selectman David Denvir at 7 a.m. We met at Town Hall to review some town files and procedures. I didn't even get up that early to feed the chickens. Read Klein's complete column.

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) announced it will host a "Meet Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman" event on Tuesday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m., at the Andrews Memorial Town Hall, Route 1, Clinton. This event is free and open to the general public. A "meet and greet" social gathering is planned prior to the event from 6:30-7:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Town Hall.

This event kicks off the Shoreline League of Democratic Women's yearlong "Forging a 2nd District Victory" grassroots campaign. Other prominent officials speaking at the event include John Olsen, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, and Lon Seidman, President of the Connecticut Young Democrats.

The event program will focus on the upcoming 2006 Congressional race in the 2nd District, projected as one of the most hotly contested races in the nation. The public will meet Candidate Courtney and hear his views on today's top national issues. Courtney represented the citizens of Vernon in the 56th House District in the Connecticut General Assembly for four consecutive terms, from 1987 to 1994. During this tenure, Courtney served as House Chairman for both the Public Health and Human Services Committees. Courtney is currently a partner in the law firm Courtney, Boyan & Foran, LLC, and he serves as Town Attorney for Vernon, Connecticut. He is a 1975 graduate of Tufts University (Boston), and earned a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1978.

John Olsen, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO since 1988, will speak about the candidate and the campaign from a unique grassroots perspective. Under Olsen's leadership, the AFL-CIO's commitment to political education, legislative action, grassroots organizing and community mobilization has strengthened organized labor's voice as an advocate for all of Connecticut's working families. He is currently focused on the creation of good jobs in the state, affordable health care, and wages that support CT families. Olsen is also currently a member of the Democratic National Committee, and a former chairman of the Connecticut State Democratic Party.

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women also welcomes Lon Seidman, co-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats, to the program. Seidman will discuss the challenges of the 2nd Congressional District Race. Seidman brings an extensive background in international business and grassroots politics to the Connecticut Young Democrats. First elected in 2002, then re-elected in 2004, Seidman currently serves as the 33rd District Democratic State Central Committee person, of which he is the youngest member.

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 continues to seek membership from women who live in Clinton, Madison, Guilford, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, Essex, Westbrook, Chester, Deep River, Haddam, East Haddam, Old Lyme, and Lyme. SLDW Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of the month from September through May, with no meeting in December.

The Reg. 17 Schools Board of Education policy subcommittee will hear public comments on its policy governing religious studies tonight at 7 p.m. at Haddam Elementary School. The District is looking to refine its handling of religious holidays, teaching about religious values and holidays, and the use of religious music and symbols.

The district's draft policy states: "The fact that religion has had, and continues to have, a profound effect on history, culture and the arts, cannot be ignored and therefore teaching about religion has a place in the curriculum. Such teaching should foster respect, mutual understanding and sensitivity to the various belief(s) and disbelief(s) practiced in our pluralistic society and for diverse traditions and heritage."

Read more about this in today's Hartford Courant.

First Selectman David Denvir sends out his final column to the Killingworth community.

Well, it's official. I've surrendered the keys to the kingdom, packed up the secret files and fled the Town Hall. Quite a few trips were needed after twelve years in the Selectman's seat. Years of fun, tight budgets, success, failure, and a couple of crazy ideas (remember the bat?). A once-in-a-lifetime gift from the voters that lasted twelve consecutive years. Years I'll never forget, and for every day of it I say thank you.      Read David Denvir's complete remarks here.

The Television Studio at Haddam-Killingworth High School produces an annual holiday telethon show each year to raise money for different charitable organizations. This live telethon, broadcast on Comcast Channel 18, December 23rd, has raised thousands of dollars for worthy causes.

This year, in collaboration with the music department, HKTV proudly presents: SHORELINE IDOL - A talent show to benefit Habitat for Humanity with a grand prize for the winner of a $1,000 scholarship donated by Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale.

Each dollar pledged to Habitat for Humanity during the broadcast in the name of a finalist will count as a vote. The contestant with the most votes will be the winner, and will be announced at a concert of the 10 finalists on January 19, 2006.

Auditions will be held at Haddam-Killingworth High School from 3 to 6 p.m. on December 1. The judges will select 10 singers from the auditions to be featured in the annual Holiday Show Telethon.

The show will be broadcast live from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., December 23 and will be rebroadcast until January 2, 2006.

For more information and necessary forms, call Mary Webster or Chuck Lewis at 860-345-8541 or visit the District website at www.rsd17.org

Once again, the Ferrara Family is having an open farm weekend for folks to come and visit the farm, visit the alpacas, watch spinning and knitting demonstrations, browse the farm store, and enjoy hot cider/cocoa and baked goods. No admission...just come and have fun! Saturday, November 26 & Sunday, November 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 14 Bethke Road. (Directions)

A group led by Madison developer Robert Dowler is seeking approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission to construct a 7,500-square-foot office building on a 2.2-acre site, at the northwest corner of the Town traffic circle. The PZC public hearing on the proposal has been continued to January 3. Read more about this in today's New Haven Register.

After attending over elections, referendums, documents and all manner of questions for thirty years, Town Clerk Susan Adinolfo's work was done. On Sunday afternoon she was asked only to soak in the admiration and applause for, not just a job well done but, a career executed to the highest of standards. Friends, family, colleagues and appreciative residents turned out to share their memories and express their gratitude for her dedication to one of the Town's busiest and most important offices. The reception was held at St. Lawrence Church, where it was clear her time and expertise were also valued and enjoyed.

Adinolfo was presented with an official proclamation from Gov. M. Jodi Rell, by First Selectman David Denvir, and a special commendation from the State Legislature by Rep. Brian O'Connor, Sen. Edward Meyer and Sen. Eileen Daly.

Pictured: (top) Adinolfo surrounded by her colleagues. (middle) Rep. O'Connor presents commendation; Denvir presents Gov. Rell's proclamation (bottom) Adinolfo with Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz.

Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz officially swore into office the newly-elected Democrats yesterday at the Town Offices. After taking the oath of office, First Selectman Marty Klein said, "now that we're in office and have the power", we will use it with humility, and sparingly. He said, "we must all shed our Democratic, Republican and unaffiliated skins and work together for Killingworth".

Pictured: (top) Klein takes oath with family watching on. (bottom l-r) James O'Brien , Edward Hayash, Jr., Jere Adametz, Sr., Pamela Ahearn, Gwenne Lally, Edward Sipples, Marty Klein, Susan Bysiewicz and Louis Annino, Sr.

The Town Fields Study Committee, charged with making recommendations as to how to increase the amount of available recreation resources, presented its interim report at the Board of Selectmen's meeting last week.

Committee representative Gwenne Lally reviewed the types of site options available including a recreation complex like Clinton's Ethel Peters Recreational Complex; a cluster concept like Haddam's Great Hill Fields or satellite fields like Killingworth's Rocco Reale field. Each concept had advantages and drawbacks in parking, security, and maintenance and land availability.

Lally said that the Town currently has 7 fields with 6 that are overlaid, or used for more than one sport. The fields are located at Sheldon and Rocco. The new practice field on Bethke Road was not included. The committee acknowledged that there are adult teams that need to be accommodated, but initially concentrated on children's recreation needs.

The committee surveyed the organizations that use or have requested use of town fields and determined that the Town needs 8 dedicated, or non-shared, fields in order to accommodate its current needs. Lally said there was an "acute strain" on the fields right now with overuse of the Sheldon fields from fall baseball and travel soccer. It was also noted that certain programs had no home fields at all for use.

Lally said the committee developed site criteria and then through site walks, inquiries and informal discussions with the Inland Wetlands Commission, determined the Town's inventory of available land. The committee did not extend its focus to possible land purchases of privately owned property except to identify them as options.

The committee identified several viable options for cluster and satellite fields on Town-owned land including; the Bethke Road field currently under construction; the municipal works parcel, also known as the 'Bagwell' field within the acres designated for the Town Centre project; a parcel east of Rocco Reale Field; the north and south sides of Bar Gate Trail; the Resnick property at Wolf Hollow and Roast Meat Hill and the Bosco property.

It also identified the parcel on Paper Mill Road, the former gravel pit, owned by the Land Trust and privately owned acreage on the Venuti property, the Wettish land, Evergreen Cemetery, Clarkson East, Paglinco, Griswold and School District land at the rear of KES.

The committee reviewed the benefits and drawbacks of each of the top options and outlined their possible uses. The report concluded with its recommendation that the Board of Selectmen develop a field concept strategy, develop a renovation and improvement plan for Sheldon Field Complex, and provide guidance to the Fields committee regarding further site evaluations.

As an update on the land negotiations, First Selectman David Denvir said that the owners of the Wettish property have decided to negotiate with another party to sell the property for preservation as open space. He said the Town's offer for the Venuti property was substantially higher than the appraised value, but significantly far from the $12 million asking price.

The Field Study Committee expects to submit its final report in early 2006. It will include an update on the status of field development; a complete site inventory and assessment of children's, adult, passive, and other recreational uses; a long-range plan and a closer financial analysis including research on grants and alternative funding sources.

HK High School Field Hockey became co-champions for the Class S CIAC State title yesterday after tying with Lewis-Mills, 1-1 in double overtime. Sophomore Leslie Zules scored the tying goal with 5 minutes left in the first half off a penalty corner. Neither team could score in the second half or the two overtime periods, so the game came down to a series of four penalty corners, but the Cougars were not able to break the tie.

This is the program's second state title; the first came in 1994. Coach Patsy Kamercia started the program in the mid-1970s. HK finishes the season 15-2-3. Read more about the game and what the players and Coach Kamercia said in today's Middletown Press. Strong defense has role in H-K win and H-K, Mills share title and the Hartford Courant.