The HK Girls Basketball team lost to Old Lyme, 66-41, last night. Michelle Fillion led the Cougars with 10 points, followed by Megan Murray with 9 and Jenna Loos with 7. The Cougars fall to 5-4 on the year.

Bishop Michael Cote of Norwich contacted St. Lawrence Church's Father Michael Phillippino in late December to notify him that he was needed in another parish. Father Mike, as he is known to church members, has been Pastor at St. Lawrence since 1998 and will begin his work at St. Joseph's Church in North Grosvenordale, Conn. almost immediately. Rev. Phillippino's final services will be this Sunday, January 8 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception that afternoon from 2-4:00 p.m. in the Church Hall.

Rev. Robert Buongirno, from St. Philip the Apostle Church in Ashford will take over for Rev. Phillippino. He is expected to arrive on Tuesday.

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period December 1- December 30, 2005:
• Mark E. Matto to Seven-Eighths LLC, Route 80 for $215,000.00.
• Deborah S. Clarkson to RMH64 LLC, Roast Meat Hill Road for $850,000.00.
• Nicole S. Graff to Richard N. Henry, 0.68 A Ledgeview Rte 148 for $5,000.00.
• J & L Construction LLC to Amy K. Kops, Lot #3 Clarkson Crossing for $857,323.00.
• Daron E. Armstrong & Lara A. Armstrong to John K. Gallant & Lynn M. Gallant, Lot #62 Autumn Ridge Sec. 2 for 627,500.00.
• Deer Lake II LLC to Roy Moore & Deborah Moore, Lots 43 & 44 Ridges at Deer Lake for $450,000.00.
• J & L Construction LLC to Clifford G. Msadoques, Lot #7 Clarkson Crossing for $808,925.00.
• Kenneth Maxwell & Arlene Tunney to Louis C.Annino, Jr., Pine Orchard Road for $29,843.10.
• M & L Products Inc. to PAC Principal Assetts LLC, Route 80 for $743,500.00.
• Virginia Lighthall to Beth Zukowski & Benjamin Zukowski, Schnoor Road for $334,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

Read today's New Haven Register for a profile of the new Cougar wrestling program. Coach Geoff Korper said, "This year, it was everything falling into place at the right time with the right people. Everything has been a struggle, but we're here now".

The Autism Society of Connecticut is sponsoring a monthly support group for parents and caregivers of children on the Autism Spectrum.

Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of the month. This month's meeting will be held on January 24 from 7-9:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Library. For more information on The Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN), parents can access ASCONN's website at www.autismsocietyofct.org .

This is a reminder that the 2nd half of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes on the October 1, 2004 Grand List is due and payable on January 1, 2006. The last day to make payment without interest is February 1, 2006. The rate of interest is 18% per year; 1½% per month or $2.00, whichever is greater. New bills are not sent for the 2nd half. Use the same bill you used in July.

Motor Vehicle Supplemental bills will be mailed in December and can be paid upon receipt, however they are not due until January 2006. Supplemental bills are for vehicles registered between October 2 and August 1. Supplemental vehicle taxes are prorated from the month registered through September. If you receive a bill for a vehicle you no longer own, you may be entitled to a credit or an adjustment. Credits or adjustments are not automatic; you must provide at least 2 forms of proof to the assessor's office, one form being a plate receipt from DMV.

You may write one check for all your bills. Do not postdate your check; they are deposited as received. Make checks payable to Tax Collector. We do not accept credit cards. If you need a receipt, bring or send all copies of your bills and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your check. Receipts can only be given when payment is made, not at a later date.

Save your receipts. You are responsible for maintaining your records for income tax purposes.

The Tax Office is for collection only. All adjustments or corrections are made through the assessor's office. If you have any problems or questions about any of your bills, address them early so they can be resolved before the end of the month, when we get very busy.

The HK High School Girls Basketball team defeated Old Saybrook, 56-29, yesterday at the HK Fieldhouse. Liz Scovill led the Cougars with 16 points followed by Megan Murray with 10 and Michelle Fillion with 8. Deanna Loso added six points on offense and 10 steals on defense. HK is now 5-3.

The Killingworth Library's new book discussion group for kids, 'Readers and Eaters', will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, January 10 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The featured novel is The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This is a wonderful classic childrens book filled with imaginative adventures that most children will really enjoy. Come out and enjoy pizza, friends, and fun!!!

The next book featured in the series is the second in the Gregor the Overlander series - Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins. The discussion will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 14. Everyone is welcome, whether you make the first meeting or not.

The discussion group will meet the second Tuesday of the month, January through April. If you don't have a copy of the books, librarian Gayle Bryne has additional copies for you to take out and enjoy. Anyone can come to the Readers and Eaters book discussion meetings. It's not a test; it's for fun. What could be better than to eat pizza and talk about great books with your friends. We'll also have raffle tickets for prize givaways at the last meeting in April. There is a signup sheet at the library so come add your name and join in the fun. See you there!!!

The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service recently voted to accept the Postal Rate Commission's recommendations to increase most postal rates and fees by approximately 5.4 percent across-the-board to take effect January 8.

This rate increase - the first since 2002 - is needed to fulfill the requirement of a federal law passed in 2003. That law requires the Postal Service to establish a $3.1 billion escrow account, with use of the funds to be determined by Congress at a later date. Without this federal mandate, it would not have been necessary to raise rates in 2006.

Among the rate adjustments, the single-piece rate for First-Class Mail will increase from 37 cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will increase by one cent to 24 cents. The Board of Governors of the Postal Service set January 8, 2006, as the effective date for the changes.

Jim Miller, Chairman of the Postal Service's Board of Governors, said: "The Governors take this action mindful of our obligation to assure the financial integrity of the nation's postal system. These increases will allow the Postal Service to meet the obligation established by Congress to place funds in escrow in 2006."

The Commission's Recommended Decision came after a proceeding in which most of the participants signed a settlement agreement adopting the Postal Service's uniform, across-the-board increase proposals. The settlement shortened to six months the Commission's administrative review, which normally takes ten months.

International rates, which are determined separately from domestic prices, will be adjusted to coincide with the domestic rate changes. International rates have not been adjusted since January 2001.

Registration for the Spring 2006 baseball and softball season in Killingworth will be held January 13 at Killingworth Elementary School on Route 81. Registration hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A second registration will be held Saturday, February 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., also at Killingworth Elementary School.

Registration forms and more information about the Killingworth Youth League are available online at www.kylbaseball.org. Please bring 2 copies of the registration form to registration.

Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 are eligible to play (must be playing age by July 31, 2006). First time players must provide original birth certificate at registration. Uniform sizes will also be taken at registration.

The 2006 fee is $70 per player, which includes a uniform; or $110 per family (including uniforms) Payment is expected at the time of registration. Checks should be made payable to Killingworth Youth League or KYL.

There will be no candy fundraiser this year. Instead, parents will be required to assist at the concession stands at Rocco Reale Field, Sheldon Park and Killingworth Elementary School. Participation is mandatory and parents will be required to sign up to work the concession stand during one game (can be your child's game or any other team's game).

Financial assistance may be available for any child in need. Confidential calls may be made to KYL co-presidents Mark Simoniello at 663-2060 or Cheryl Burns at 663-0997.

"Good services, friendly people, lovely building," believes one Killingworth resident, speaking of the Killingworth Library. Completed library survey forms indicate that most respondents agree and are happy with the services offered. "I enjoy the library and the volunteers," says one resident. Another claims to be "very pleased and proud of our library."

More than one hundred thirty-five townspeople took the time to fill out the survey, sent to all households in September. As a result of the responses, several changes have already been made in library procedures.

"We want the people of Killingworth to know that we have read their comments and are open to making modifications in order to provide better service," explains Renee Smith, chairperson of the Survey Committee and treasurer of the library's Board of Directors.

Immediate changes include the circulation of videos and DVD's. It is now possible to check out four videos or DVD's at a time and to keep them for four days. In addition, they may be renewed one time-even by phone, if necessary.

Also, the inside drop box is clearly labeled, and desk staff are wearing name tags. More training for the volunteers is in the works, as is a change in receipt printouts so that patron names are not listed.

Beginning in January, fifteen new magazines will be added to the selection. Head Librarian Tammy Eustis is working on some long-range changes: updating and improving the collection, increasing the large print section, and organizing more adult-oriented programs. "I've seen the town of Killingworth grow and change over the past seven years," she states, "and it's important to remember that a library is a viable resource that must grow and change as well. We have always been a center for the community, so it is particularly important for us to reflect and respond to the community's needs."

Some survey comments indicate that townspeople may not be aware of library services. One respondent, for example, suggests offering computer assistance for seniors. That type of program is already in place for anyone who wants it. At least twenty adults have met one-on-one with an instructor to learn basic skills and receive Internet help.

Another patron is concerned about the speed of computers and the number of viruses. Vince Bongiovanni, a library Board member and computer expert, explains, "The computers are not slow. Most have Pentium 4 chips, which are fast. And the network is protected by state-of-the-art anti-virus software with a firewall for added safety."

One survey response suggests remaining open at least one night a week. The library is actually open two nights a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8:00 pm.

"Board members were surprised to learn that 27% of respondents did not know that the library is responsible for raising over 30% of the funds required each year for operating expenses," says Smith. "We must work more diligently on educating residents about our operations and how their financial support is a key component to our survival."

"We will continue to communicate to the community the variety of services we offer to our patrons," states Nancy Bradley, president of the library Board. "We have a great library, and we urge residents to visit often to investigate the knowledge and services within." She adds, "Hearing from so many Killingworth people helps us to do a better job. We certainly appreciate the time and thought that went into the many replies we received." submitted by Helen Mahoney

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Ed Sipples talks about the real rewards of coaching.

Seven special coaches from Killingworth were expected to receive the "Secretary of State's 2005 Public Service Award" on December 16. They are; Lou Annino Jr., Eric Auer, Shelly Cumpstone, Diane Flynn, Hilary Kumnick, Bill Silas and Ed Sipples. In very inclement weather, I made the 126 mile round trip to UCONN, only to find that the ceremony had been cancelled. full story.

Dear Town of Killingworth Residents:
Thank you to everyone who supported our hot chocolate stand in December. With your help, we raised almost $100.00 for The Cove Center For Grieving Children.

Thank you, too, to Mrs. Koepke for giving us the idea to start a hot chocolate stand.
Sincerely,
Brianna Belisle and China Campagnuolo

"Unspoken", a traveling international rock band will perform on Saturday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam Youth Center in a free concert for students. The band was formed in April 2003 when Songwritter Chad Mattson (pictured) and guitarist Michael Gomez left the Dominican Republic for Nashville, Tenn. and recorded their CD; "The Bigger Picture".

Now, having distributed over 10,000 CDs and having performed over 200 U.S. and international concerts, Unspoken will debut at the Old Firehouse this Saturday. They will also be joined by "Brace 4 Impact"; a local rock band. The concert is free for students. For more information, visit www.firehouseconcerts.com.

To the Editor:
In response to Mr. Smith's response to my letter in response to his letter (which, hoping for our Editor's continuing indulgence, may be approaching the end of this exciting exchange), the statistics I presented on Open Space had been reviewed by John McMahon, Chairman of the Killingworth Board of Finance, Attorney Michael Wells who is representing the town on the Wettish property, and John Himmelman, President of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust. Complete letter

Those red Transfer Station stickers that we have had for two years in Killingworth are being replaced. As of February 1, 2006 all Killingworth residents who use the town Transfer Station will need the new blue stickers to enter and use the waste disposal facility. Starting February 1, the current red stickers will no longer be valid for entry, instead being replaced by the blue version.

New Transfer Station entry stickers will be distributed during January. Pay As You Throw Committee ( PAYT) members will be at Town Hall during Transfer Station hours of operation to distribute the blue stickers. Residents must present completed registration forms WITH VEHICLE REGISTRATION to receive new entry stickers. If you will be requesting the maximum two stickers for each address, both vehicle registrations need to be presented. For part-time residents with out-of-state vehicles, a recent Killingworth tax bill must be presented to receive a new blue sticker. Residents who received registration cards the last week of December at the Transfer Station, should have forms completed to expedite the process. For those who did not receive the registration cards, they will be available at Town Hall sticker distribution.

PAYT Committee members and special staff will process registration cards and distribute stickers at Town Hall during January on Tuesdays 3-7:00 p.m., Thursdays 2-8:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to coincide with Transfer Station hours of operation. PAYT, as the town committee studying operations and making recommendations for Transfer Station improvements, reminds residents that the new stickers will only be available during January Transfer Station hours and only from the PAYT committee distribution, not from any other offices or officials at Town Hall.

PAYT also encourages and thanks residents for the continued strong pace of recycling. By recycling mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard, plastics and metals, Killingworth saves tax dollars because of no processing fees for that type of refuse.

When transporting any refuse to the town Transfer Station, please secure your load by covering containers, wrapping bags tightly and other means to make sure that plastic milk cartons, newspaper and other parts of your refuse load end up at the Transfer Station, not by the side of our roads throughout Killingworth. Town officials, PAYT and your neighbors thank you!

New and exciting classes for adults and children will be offered by The Arts Center at Killingworth starting in January. They will be held after-school, evenings and weekends. For all classes, space is limited. Register in advance to save your spot.

For adults, Stained Glass with Eileen O'Donnell. Learn to cut and fashion glass into panels of brilliant color. Start with simple designs and graduate to more involved ones. Advanced students take on more challenging projects such as panel lamps. O'Donnell has been a stained glass artist for over 20 years and has created many works and has restored numerous windows from Victorian homes and churches. She studied with master stained glass painters and restorers, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She teaches at the Guilford Arts Center and at Vijon Stained Glass Studio in Old Saybrook.

Watercolor with will be held with artist Irene Laime. The class will cover a variety of watercolor techniques and demonstrations on composition, value and color. Paint from still life setups or bring in your own photos of landscapes, seascapes or flowers. Laime studied at Lyme Academy of Art and exhibits in local galleries and juried shows. She is a member of the American Watercolor Society and the Lyme Art Association. This class is for beginners to intermediate.

Memory to Memoir, a new offering by author and freelance journalist Rita Papazian, includes six workshops for those wanting to write their own memoir or those of a relative. It's a wonderful way to save your cherished memories and to discover the themes and patterns in your life. Papazian currently teaches writing at Sacred Heart University and will also be teaching at Middlesex Community College in January. She is a freelance writer for the Shoreline Times, covering RJ Julia Booksellers' author events. Ms. Papazian graduated with a degree in Journalism from Hofstra University and writes for the Connecticut section of The New York Times and has won numerous journalism awards.

Again we've expanded our class offerings for children. We're excited to include the new craze, Knitting for Tweens and Teens ages 11-15 and Fashion Illustration I and II for ages 14-17. For younger children, Creative Hands II (painting and clay building for ages 4-6); and Busy Hands (creating characters, collages and sculptures from everyday objects for ages 7-9); And our wildly popular Japanese Manga Cartooning I and II for ages 9-13 will be offered once again.

For a complete schedule, click here. To register by check or credit card call 860-663-5593. The Arts Center at Killingworth is a nonprofit organization focused on the development and presentation of the visual and performing arts for children and adults. It is located in Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road off of Route 81.