The HK High School Girls Basketball team fell, 56-44, to North Branford last night at home. The Cougars had a slight lead at the half but then fell behind and scored only five points in the final quarter. Megan Murray led the Cougars with 12 points followed by Liz Scovill with 11 and Shelby VanHuysen with 9. HK falls to 1-2 on the year.

The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team started their season with a, 45-31, victory over North Branford on the Thunderbirds home court, Wednesday. Maura Calamari was the high scorer with 21 points, followed by Danielle Machold with 18 points. Emily Anderson, Alexis Bowen, and Cara Webber each had 2 points. In JV action, HK lost to the Thunderbirds, 9-4. Ashley Sokol and Ashley Scully had 2 points apiece.

On Friday, the Cougars defeated Westbrook, 53-22. Both varsity and JV players played in the varsity game. The eighth-grade guards led the scoring: Maura Calamari had 18 points and Danielle Machold had 16. Carley Mooney had 6 points, Emily Anderson had 4, Cara Webber had 3, and MaryKate Murray, Ashley Scully, and Erin Murphy had 2 points each. The JV team was also victorious with a, 21-7, victory. The next game will be against Hale Ray at home on January 3, 2006.

State Senator Edward Meyer has been selected by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association to receive its 2005 CPCA Legislative Award based on his work at the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2005 legislative session. He received his award on Thursday, December 15 at the Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange.

"I am gratified that this law enforcement association has identified me as someone they wish to honor this year," Sen. Meyer explained. "I am grateful for the work that our local and state police forces do every day." Sen. Meyer is a former federal prosecutor, appointed by Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

According to Mary Ellen Tschupp, association administrator, Sen. Meyer was chosen for this award because of his help explaining a number of law enforcement issues before the Judiciary Committee in 2005. "His persuasive statement to the committee recounting practical knowledge was significant to other legislators following his lead. He is a very attentive legislator and expresses acute attention to the implication of changes proposed by others. He has supported us as a member of the Judiciary committee on several issues important to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, and to law enforcement generally."

"I look forward to a continued working relationship with the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association as we begin to prepare for the upcoming session in February," Sen. Meyer said. "As the chair of the Select Committee on Children and a member of the Judiciary Committee, I cross paths with law enforcement officials often, and I believe working together, we can make Connecticut a safer place for all."

Haddam-Killingworth High School's new boys' basketball coach John Kuckel got started on the right foot last night with a, 66-53, opening win over Valley Regional. Kuckel takes over for long-time head coach Paul McCormick, who stepped down this year to coach his young son's basketball team.

Kuckel, who lives in Middletown, most recently coached the boys' team East Granby. He received outstanding recommendations and was the unanimous selection of the search committee that included HK senior Perry Pratt, HK parent Larry Pollack, Athletic Director Lori Susi and Principal Charles Macunus. Macunus said they were very pleased with their choice. He said the team was looking to bring in a coach that would push them as McCormick did.

In last night's game, the seniors came out strong. Tyler Riordan led the Cougars with 26 points, followed by Pratt with 21 and Travis Sierpinski with 13. HK made 32 of 53 free throws during the game. The Cougars' next home game is 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, versus Hale Ray. pictured: Travis Sierpinski (top)Perry Pratt (l) Tyler Riordan (r)

Last night, the HK High School and Middle School held a combined Winter Choral Concert in the HK Auditorium. The Middle School Mixed Chorus opened the evening with several holiday songs including a charming rendition of "Nuttin' for Christmas" by Dillon Ferraro, Robert Kolodziej, Jack Petritz, Dan Calhoun, Jesse Eberl, Brad Boulay, Joe Seagrave, Ryan Kleinshmidt and Patrick Hudson.

During the stage transition, Jill Griswold, Maddy Hammell and Mikayla Litevich sang their arrangement of "Let it Snow". Then the audience was treated to the debut of the Middle School Show Choir. This new ensemble sang and danced "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm".

The Select Choir concluded the Middle School portion of the program with three selections including the original German version of "Silent Night", "Stille Nacht".

The High School Chorus opened with its Chamber Choir. Choir members made special mention of senior Katelyn Deimel at her final high school choral concert.

Following the Concert Choir's performance, the combined Middle School and High School Ensembles sang Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Messiah.
pictured: (t-b, l-r) Jesse Eberyl; Mikayla Litevich, Maddy Hammell and Jill Griswold; the Middle School Chorus; the Show Choir; the High School Chamber Choir and the Concert Choir.

According to the Hartford Courant, First Selectman Marty Klein announced Tuesday that he has reached a preliminary agreement to purchase the 150-acre Wettish property on North Park Hill Road Extension for $2.45 million. The proposal would need to go before residents at a Town Meeting and then voted on in a bond referendum.

The Board of Selectman also met in executive session with representatives from the Venuti family Monday regarding its 260-acre parcel on Route 148. Klein said Venuti quoted a price of $9.25 million for the entire parcel, but also indicated a willingness to sell only portions of the property to the town. According to the article, Klein said that discussions with Venuti would remain "in abeyance" while selectmen work to bring the Wettish parcel to referendum.

HK High School Field Hockey Coach Patsy Kamercia has been named the New Haven Register 2005 Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Kamercia started the program at HK and has been at the helm for 29 years. Her teams have won two State titles including this year's, which they shared with Lewis Mills-Burlington. The Cougars also won the Shoreline Conference title this year with a 9-0 record.

Sophomore Leslie Zules and senior Ashley Smith were named to the New Haven Register All-Area Field Hockey team. Zules set a single-season school record this year with 25 goals and 11 assists. Smith Captained the Cougars to its first State title since 1994.

Smith, also a basketball standout, was back leading the Cougars in their 56-22, win over Westbrook last night. Jenna Loos led the HK scoring with 18 points followed by Ally Rand with 10 and Megan Murray with 8. The Cougars notched 32 steals in the game including eight by Loos.

The Region 17 Board of Education voted to elect Robert Baranoff from Higganum, the new Board of Education Chairman at last night's board meeting. The Board also voted in Jo Ferjak of Killingworth as Vice-Chairman; Amy Jacques-Purdy of Haddam as Secretary and Daniel Cronin from Higganum as Treasurer. Read more about the Board elections in today's Hartford Courant.

During the meeting, former Selectman Louis Annino, Sr. asked the Board to discuss the wastewater treatment plant scheduled to be installed at the new Intermediate/Middle School on Route 81. Annino referred to serious concerns raised in the press recently about the identical system used at Daniel Hand High School in Madison. He said he was worried that the watershed would be effected and specifically the Menumketsuck River. Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said he has asked the designers and the contractors of the treatment system to meet with the Board of Education Building Committee on January 11 at 7:00 p.m to discuss the concerns. That meeting will take place at the high school in the lower media center.

Annino said the Department of Environmental Protection approved this system, but if something goes wrong, the Town and the School District will be responsible for paying to fix it. He asked that the problem with nitrogen levels in the wastewater be addressed before the system is installed. According to a statement by Madison's Director of Health John Bowers, the Madison treatment plant has not been effective at removing nitrogen from the wastewater in the system's two years of operation. Madison School and Town officials are currently doing additional testing of the wastewater and looking at ways to adjust the system.

According to the Hartford Courant, 22-year-old Jonathan Jansma is in critical condition Tuesday after his car flipped over Monday on Route 81.

Jansma of Route 148, Killingworth was driving south on the two-lane road at about 6:00 a.m. when his car veered off the pavement and rolled over, state police said. The car, a 1988 Chevy Camaro, came to rest on its side against a tree. Jansma was airlifted to Hartford Hospital where he remained Tuesday.

First Selectman Marty Klein proposed establishing a Town Highway Commission last night at the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Klein said he would like a group of residents with expertise in the areas of construction or civil engineering to serve on the commission or committee to oversee the maintenance and development of Town roads and catch basins.

Selectman Fred Dudek said he recently went before the Charter Revision Committee to propose a similar idea. He said he talked more specifically about a Public Works Commission, but was open to a broader concept. Selectman Ed Sipples also agreed that the idea had merit. He proposed starting at the committee level before making a change in the Town Charter for a new standing commission. Dudek added that a commission required five members and a committee only required three.

Klein said he has several issues pending where the committee would be helpful, including adding a streetlight at the entrance to the Transfer Station and a traffic study to determine if a traffic light is necessary at the entrance to the Jensen's community on Route 81.

First Selectman Marty Klein offers his monthly column.

Residents of Killingworth have always had a "love/hate" attitude toward Lovers Lane. To some it is a short cut between Route 81 and Route 148. To others the thruway is a hazardous nuisance when the road is impassable due to winter ice or spring floods.

The previous Board of Selectmen made the decision to seek approval of the Inland Watercourses and Wetlands Commission to install pipes under the road in order to increase the flow of water. The town has received invoices for $5000 in engineering fees for the related study. I, however, think it is time to reconsider the future function of Lovers Lane and I am recommending that it be permanently closed. Read Klein's complete column.

The Campaign-Smart Alliance announced it will host a free-to-the-public campaign training workshop called 'Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers: How to Help Your Candidate Win'on January 14, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Branford, CT (map). Seating is limited, and reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

Participants can register online at http://training.smartcampaigns.com or via phone by calling 203-329-1629 or 860-434-5212.

Guest speakers and instructors include Jim Dean, Chair of the Democracy for America coalition, Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for 4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman. Bootcamp sign-in for participants will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. on the day of the workshop.

The Campaign-Smart Alliance seeks to train a grassroots network of leaders and volunteers who are working toward electing progressives to public office. The Workshop will provide in-depth training on time-proven techniques for successful campaigns. Attendees will learn the fine art of hosting house meetings and house parties, canvassing techniques, effective phone banking, and much more.

Special guest speaker James H. Dean, chairman of Democracy for America, is dedicated to continuing the effort his brother, Governor Howard Dean, initiated to strengthen grassroots participation; and further the recruitment and election of fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates. Jim has been responsible for a variety of campaign functions including fundraising, surrogate activities, political organizing in his home state of Connecticut, and supporting several additional DFA state organizations. Dean was was instrumental in many democratic victories across the US in the 04 and 05 elections by spear heading DFA's efforts to elect progressive candidates in all levels of government.

Co-sponsors of this event include the Connecticut Young Democrats, Connecticut Democratic Party, CCD, Shoreline League of Democratic Women, Fairfield County DFA, MoveOn.org Political Action Group, and Progressive Democrats of America. For more information on the Campaign Training Workshop, please contact Kim Hynes at khynes2000@yahoo.com or (203) 329 1629, Vivian Blackford at 860-434-5212 or vblackford@att.net, or Belinda Jones at sbjones20@comcast.net, or 860-399-1147.

First Selectman Marty Klein met with representatives from the State Department of Transportation recently to get an update on the condition of the Reservoir Road bridge.

Klein said he was looking into the best option to fix the bridge, but in the meantime has lowered the weight limit on the bridge from 5 tons per axle to 5 tons total.

Klein said the change would lessen the load on the bridge by eliminating vehicles such as large construction trucks and school buses from traveling over the bridge. He said he informed the School District that buses would have to be routed around the bridge.

In March 2004, State Bridge inspectors determined the bridge was in need of urgent repairs. At that time, the estimate given by Killingworth Town Engineer Howard Pfrommer to repair the bridge was a minimum of $400,000.

In July 2005 Pfrommer presented his review of the state and federal funding programs. The Town's share of the cost for the federal program was 20 percent; the state program was 65 percent. The Board of Selectmen passed a motion to request the money from the federal program when it was determined that the road and bridge would not need to be widened. The repairs would include a re-enforced concrete box culvert and wingwalls. Pfrommer said the State's liaison would set up a scoping meeting to discuss the whole process from design through construction.

It's Holiday time again and that means the Gorski holiday lights spectacular will be on display at 18 Wolf Hollow Lane in Killingworth soon. Have you ever wanted to get a closer look at all of those lights and figurines? Well, now is your chance.

The Gorski Family has generously offered to allow the Killingworth Women's Organization to sponsor a one-time-only event, including self-guided tours of their light display, a visit with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies and a sleigh ride (weather permitting), on Saturday, December 17 from 4-7 p.m. The event is $5.00 per family and all proceeds will be donated to the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company.

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group will meet in the Killingworth Library Meeting Room at 1:00 pm on December 13th to discuss Jennifer Haigh's novel, Mrs. Kimble. Their first meeting of the new year will be January 10th when the American classic, My Antonia by Willa Cather, will be discussed. Newcomers are always welcome!

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period November 1- November 30, 2005:
• Clifford R. Duguay & Lois Duguay to William Hodge & Donna Hodge, Mobile Home 10 Pleasant for $30,000.00.
• Jason Palmer - by Atty to Brendan Coyle & Karen Albert, Lot #3 Chatfield Hollow Est. for $385,000.00.
• Todd D. Blewett & Eileen Blewett to Barbie L. Albert, Lot #83 Autumn Ridge Section 2 for $605,000.00.
• Paul H. Russell by Comm & Roberta A. Russe to Donald B. Hayden & Antoinette B. Hayden, 1974 Mobile Home 23 L. Boulder for $31,000.00.
• Wilfred J. Stocking to Albert Maturo, 1969 Mobile Home 34 Woodland for $78,000.00.
• Jensens Inc. to Alfred E. Floyd & Deborah H. Floyd, 205 Mobile Home 6 Livemore Tr. for $156,190.00.
• J & L Construction LLC to Todd B. Blewett & Eileen M. Blewett, Lot #6 Clarkson Crossing for $802,273.00.
• Betsy A. Frye to Mark E. Facey & Pauline Facey, Chestnut Hill Road for $450,000.00.
• Patricia Christiansen to Matthew Link & Christine Link, Route 80 for $355,000.00.
• William J. Mazziotti & Kristin Mazziotti to Sean F. McCourt & Nancy Rini, #9 Maple Hill for $585,000.00.
• Norman E. Moyer & Shirley Moyer to John F. OuelletteLot # 13 Hemlock Heights $385,000.00.
• Eugene P. Gargiulo & Catherine Gariulo to Kristen Anderson, 2.06A Lot#1 Parker Hill Road for $289,900.00.
• James F. Grimes & Lydia Grimes to Paul P. Saletnik Jr., Lot #38 Autumn Ridge for $600,000.00.
• Michael A. Sharillo & Dorothy Sharillo-By to Manuel Valerrama & Barbara Valderrama, 68.4 A Lot #9 Schnoor Road for $345,000.00.
• Paula Hirsch & Paul S. Robinson to Michael K. Oliver & Aileen J. Oliver, 8.92A Route 148 & Open Space for $555,000.00.
• Barbara W. Speicher to Chad Florio & Leslie Florio, Lot #2 Reservoir Road for $750,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, December 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held November 28, 2005 and Special Meeting of December 7, 2005
3. Visitors:
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. 2006 Appointment List
    2. ZBA Vacancy
6. Old Business:
7. New Business:
    1. Newspaper Designation - "Hartford Courant"
    2. Field Study Committee/Land Use Committee
    3. Health System Agency
    4. Highway Commission
8. MK Announcements:
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Executive Session:
    1. Land Acquisition
    2. Bosco Property Options
    3. Anthem BC/BS Demutualization
11. Adjournment
Agenda as of 2:30 p.m., Thursday, 12/08/05
Printable version

Haddam-Killingworth Middle School recently celebrated World Language Day with music, dance, food and information on World cultures and languages. Students received credit for visiting each booth and having their 'passport' signed by the presenter. The evening also included a raffle and food court. The musical performances included Irish Step Dancing, Russian Ballet and folk songs.
Pictured: (top-bottom l-r) Allison Armstrong and Rose LaFleur; Michelle Strom; Haley Rose; Jill Griswold on the piano and the HKMS Select Choir.