The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team lost to Old Lyme, 62-35, on the road on January 5. Danielle Machold was the leading scorer with 16 points, followed by Emily Anderson with 7, Cara Webber with 6, MaryKate Murray with 4, and Alexis Bowen with 2 points. The JV team also lost 22-10.

On Tuesday, January 10, the Middle School Cougars defeated Old Saybrook, 64-29, at home. Maura Calamari had 20 points and Cara Webber had 18. Also on the boards were Emily Anderson with 9; Danielle Machold with 6; Leah DiGoia with 5; and MaryKate Murray, Alexis Bowen, and Carley Mooney with 2 each. In JV action, HK tied 15-15.

On Friday, the team picked up its fourth win at home against North Branford, 49-32. Danielle Machold led the scoring with 20 points, followed by Maura Calamari with 14. Seventh grader Alexis Bowen had 6 points; Cara Webber had 5; and MaryKate Murray and Emily Anderson had 2 points each. The JV team lost 24-1 to the Thunderbirds.

A kitchen fire caused significant damage to the Jansma Family's historic home at 293 Route 148 yesterday morning. The home, built in 1772 by Samuel Parmelee, was recognized by the Killingworth Historial Society.

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company responded to the call at 9:15 a.m. with information that someone was still in the house. Firefighters quickly determined that the family member sleeping in the back of the house was safe. Deputy Fire Marshal James Clark said the fire was under control within 15-20 minutes. Deputy Fire Chief Rick Bauer said the fire spread quickly because of the structure of the historic home. He said firefighters also helped save an array of family pets including a dog, several cats, a rabbit, four birds and fish. Clark said the State Fire Marshal, Roger Baxter, determined that the fire started with a pot left on the stove in the kitchen.


pictured: State Fire Marshal Roger Baxter inspects the damage.

To the Editor:
This letter is to describe the various options available to the Town of Killingworth for open space acquisition and to show that purchase of lands by the town is an effective way of controlling development and stabilizing the tax rate. First, the Subdivision Regulations require that when a parcel of land over 20 acres in size is developed, that at least 15% of the land be placed in open space. Second, the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations allow for Conservation Subdivisions where, in exchange for a smaller lot size (but not increase in number of lots), at least 30% of the subdivision area be placed in open space. Third, lands in excess of 25 acres can be placed in open space under Public Act 490. These lands are taxed at a much lower rate with the goal of discouraging sale of the land for development. This act also allows the Planning and Zoning Commission to develop local policies defining open space. Accordingly, in 1997 the Commission amended the Town Plan of Conservation and Development to designate all lands within a parcel in excess of five acres as eligible to qualify for Act 490 designation provided such excess land is at least two acres in size. An application must be filed with the Assessor for this designation. Other undeveloped lands are owned by the State of Connecticut (Chatfield Hollow State Park, Cockaponset State Forest), water companies (South Central Regional Water Authority, Connecticut Water Company), and by the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust and other organizations. Although not an open space provision, the soil-based zoning adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1989 in which lot size is determined by the ability of soils to support septic systems has resulted in much lower subdivision densities with lots sizes averaging around five acres. Complete letter

The HK High School Girls Basketball team defeated Hyde in NEw Haven last night, 54-35. Megan Murray led all scorers with 18 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Jenna Loos with 17. HK improves its record to 7-4.

The Boys High School team lost to Hyde, 74-63, in Haddam. Tyler Riordan led the Cougars with 27 points, Travis Sierpinski had 16 and Perry Pratt scored 14. The Cougars fall to 4-6. Read all about the game in today's Middletown Press.

James Young, together with his parents, Brian and Jamie Young of Killingworth, would like to announce the birth of his brother, Thomas Michael Young, on December 20, 2005. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 21 inches long with a full head of hair.

The HK Wrestling team traveled to Morgan yesterday for a dual meet. Morgan prevailed, 54-24. The HK winners were: Meghan Pazych and James Becker by forfeit; Eric Auer and Nick Swift. Pictured are Swift (right), as he is declared the winner in his match in the 160 pound weight class; the final pin (below) ; and Ali Rice (lower), who put up a great fight in her loss in the 135 pound class. The team's first home contest will be Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. against Immaculate.

The Campaign-Smart Alliance announced today its free-to-the-public Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers will feature an up-close and personal fireside chat with 2006 Congressional Candidates Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for 4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman.

The moderator of the discussion will be Lyn May, former journalist and the current host of Act II, a half-hour television program that is a collaboration between WLIW21, a PBS station on Long Island, NY and Newsday. The Campaign Training workshop will be held on January 14, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Branford, CT. Participants can register online at http://training.smartcampaigns.com or via phone by calling 203-329-1629 or 860-434-5212. Seating is limited, and reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Bootcamp sign-in for participants will be held from 9- 9:30 a.m. on the day of the workshop.

Guest speaker Jim Dean, Chair of the Democracy for America coalition, will share the secrets of campaign success in New Hampshire, and how this success story can be transported to Connecticut. John Murphy (CCAG), Jenny Slemp (Grassroots Campaigns), Chris Warshaw (DFA), Aldon Hynes (CCD), and Lon Seidman (CT Young Democrats) round out the field of expert trainers for five grassroots organizing sessions: Electoral Field I, Electoral Field II, House Parties and House Meetings, Online Organizing, and Campaign Challenges. This comprehensive workshop is designed to train a grassroots network of leaders and volunteers who are working toward electing progressives to public office. Refreshments will be served to attendees.

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, Vivien Blackford at 860-434-5212 or vblackford@att.net, or Belinda Jones at sbjones20@comcast.net, or 860-399-1147.

The HK High School Girls Basketball team defeated Hale-Ray, 40-31, yesterday. Michelle Fillion and Megan Murray led the scoring with nine points each and senior point-guard Ashley Smith, back in action following a concussion, added seven. Read all about the game in today's Middletown Press.

The New Haven Register reported that Kenneth C. Anderson passed away Monday after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and worked building homes with his brother Roland along the Connecticut shoreline. Anderson was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his three children, Eric Anderson and his wife Ann, with whom he resided; Kristen Rappleyea and her husband Allan, and Britt Anderson; his 8 grandchildren Emily, Kiley, Brinley, Molly and Bryce Anderson, and Allan, Grace, and Andrew Rappleyea; his brother Roland E. Anderson; his nephews, Rick and Brad Anderson and his niece Brooke Anderson; and his former wife Nancy Anderson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 13 from 4-8:00 p.m. at Hawley Lincoln Funeral Home, 1315 Boston Post Rd. Guilford. Interment services at Evergreen Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Founder's Plaza, Suite 2001, East Hartford, CT 06108.

The Board of Finance voted last night to approve the $10,000. deposit for the 143-acre Wettish property and to authorize the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $2.65 million for the project.

With a signed contract and land appraisal from the Wettish Family in hand, the Board of Selectmen voted Monday night to recommend to the Board of Finance that it appropriate the funds needed to move forward.

The Board of Finance discussed the purchase and bonding with Marie Phelan, the Town's Bond Counsel and Dick Thivierge a bond securing agent. Thivierge said this was a very favorable time to issue bonds because the rates are low and have been relatively flat for several years. He reviewed how the bonds are issued and how he would help negotiate to get the Town the best rating, and therefore the lowest rate. With a 20-year bond and a conservative 4.5 yield, there would be a .46 increase in the mil rate. Based on a $400,000 home, a taxpayer would pay approximately $185 more per year, and over the life of the bond would pay approximately $2,248 in 2006 dollars.

The BOF members also heard from former Land Trust President Bruce Dodson, who suggested the parcel to the Field Study Committee, and worked with Bob Wettish in his dealings with the State Department of Environmental Protection. Dodson said this was the single most desirable open land in Killingworth. He said the acreage that fronts Parker Hill Road Ext. is free of wetlands and would accommodate many playing fields. He also said the property would be the Town's only direct access to that part of Cockaponset State Forest. Dodson concluded by saying, this piece of land is going to be sold in the next year and if we don't buy it, it will be sold and developed.

Prior to the vote, BOF Chairman John McMahon said he was honored to play a part in this acquisition. He said it was not just an opportunity for the Killingworth of today, but for generations to come.

What remains to finalize the purchase is the completion of a satisfactory Phase I environmental review, wetlands flagging, discussion at a Special Town Meeting set for February 7 at 8:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School and approval by referendum set for February 15. The environmental review will be completed prior to the Town Meeting and though the wetlands flagging will occur later in the spring, the Inlands Wetlands Commission is set to walk the property this Saturday.

Last week, Chris Colter from Mad Science of Southeastern Connecticut, presented a fun-filled assembly of science experiments and imaginative learning to Killingworth Elementary students and staff.

The Hartford Courant reported that John Hine died yesterday at Middlesex Hospital in the Weiss Hospice Unit. Hine was until recently, a member of the Killingworth Library Association Board of Directors having at one time served as its treasurer and president. He was also a member of the Killingworth Investment Club, and volunteered for several years at The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival.

John is survived by his wife Joanne (Liberatore) Hine; two stepdaughters Karen Bright and her husband Larry of Old Saybrook and Kristen D'Arena of Haddam; two brothers, Douglas Hine and his wife Mary of Sumter, SC and W. Michael of Clinton; his grandchildren, Ashley Bright and Sammy D'Arena; and his nephews Richard and John Michael Hine.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Killingworth Congregational Church on Friday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Killingworth Library, 301 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419 or to the Weiss Hospice Unit, Middlesex Hospital, c/o Dept of Philanthropy, 55 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at the website of www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St, Middletown is in charge of arrangements.

The Middletown Press reported the passing of Deacon Raymond Gosselin. He was the deacon at St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth since 1987. Previously he served at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Beacon Falls,and Our Lady of Sorrow Roman Catholic Church in Essex.

He leaves behind his wife of 38 years Catherine (O'Neill) Gosselin, a daughter Kristina Harris of Bedford, Texas, and special friends Jerry and Benjamin Kendall; daughter Courtney (Gosselin) and husband Mike Berinato of Wakefield, Mass., son Jason and wife Nancy (Bisaccia) Gosselin of Downingtown, Pa., and son Patrick and wife Mirenda (Pabst) Gosselin of Pullman, Wash. He is also survived by grandchildren Andrew, Katie, Sarah and William Gosselin, Joshua and Zachary Harris and Jack Berinato, brothers Paul Gosselin of Castle Rock, Colo., Michael Gosselin of Stewart, Fla., and Father Joseph Gosselin of Sulphur, La., sisters-in-law Gladys Gosselin of Manchester, N.H., and Faye Gosselin of Clermont, Fla.

Deacon Ray will lay in state from 4-8:00 p.m. Today at St. Lawrence Church, at which time family will receive friends. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the deacon's honor to Middlesex Hospice, c/o Middlesex Hospital, 55 Crescent St., Middletown, Conn., 06457

The HK High School Boys Basketball team lost, 54-37, last night in Old Saybrook. Tyler Riordan scored a team-high 10 points followed by Travis Seirpinski with 5 and Dennis Annicelli, Alex Pollack, Brian Foley and Kevin Sullivan with 4 points each.

The Killingworth Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Monday night to opposed the Broadwater Energy Liquefied Natural Gas Facility proposed for Long Island Sound. Boardwater Energy wants to construct a $700 million floating gas plant 11 miles south of Branford Harbor and 9 miles north of Wading River on the Long Island shore. It would stand nearly 10-stories tall, ¼ mile long, and 180 foot wide. The project would also include laying a 25-mile pipeline on the bed of the Sound to carry natural gas to Long Island.

Joining the voices of Sen. Edward Meyer, U. S. Christopher Dodd, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and 36 other Connecticut towns, the Town leaders stated:

"Long island Sound is one of the most beautiful and important bodies of water in the United States and is considered a home to a vast array of wildlife, provides employment and recreational opportunities for millions of people throughout the region, and is a vital part of the nation's ecosystem."

The Board said the Broadwater facility, "poses a significant threat to health and ecological safety", "the water quality in the immediate area could be threatened by water intakes and discharges, sewage wastewater treatment, storm water runoff and potential liquid natural gas spills", "the visual and noise impacts of the massive lighted industrial facility could be significant" and "regional leaders have identified a variety of sustainable and reasonable energy alternative".

The issue was brought to the Board by resident Pat Smulders. She is actively helping the shoreline towns voice their opposition to the facility. She said she was convinced to act after hearing Atty. Gen. Blumenthal speak. Blumenthal said in his official statement, "I will continue to fight this project, which poses an unacceptable environmental and security risk to Long Island Sound and the shorelines of Connecticut and New York. This facility would be a terrorist target and an accident waiting to happen, as well as a danger to water quality and wildlife, the public trust and recreational use of Long Island Sound."

Gov. M Jodi Rell is seeking a formal role in the approval of the Broadwater facility with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. "It does not matter if the LNG facility is technically planned in Connecticut or New York waters," the Governor said. "It would still have an impact on the quality of our waters and on our recreational and commercial use of Long Island Sound." "A truly comprehensive analysis of the Broadwater LNG proposal cannot take place without formal input from both states that share Long Island Sound".

The Town Services link has been expanded to include more helpful links and all Town Commissions and Committees. For additions, corrections or suggestions, please email the editor@killingworthtoday.com

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is sponsoring a local Hotshot Contest on Sunday, January 15 (Snow Date: January 22). This state-wide event challenges a player's speed, shooting, dribbling, and rebounding ability. Children ages 9 - 15 (Residents only) can participate in this contest at the Haddam-Killingworth High School Fieldhouse, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Each player will have one minute to shoot from "hotspots" placed on the court. The top scorer in each division will move on to the country level of the competition. The fee is $5 (must pre-register) / there will be a $5 late fee if you do not pre-register. For further information, please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is also offering many other programs this winter: For information please visit the website at www.hkrec.com.

•Imagination Station: for ages 18 mos. - 4 years. This program offers the opportunity to meet other parents and toddlers in a playgroup atmosphere.
•Circle Time: for 2 - 5 year olds. This program 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.
•Smart Start: for 3½ to 5 year olds. Start Smart - a National program where parents will work one-on-one with their child in an instructional setting performing fundamental motor skills such as throwing, kicking, batting, and catching.
•Karate: for boys and girls in grades K - 6.
•Archery: Intermediate and beginner classes are available.
•2nd Grade Basketball: for boys and girl.
•Chess Club: for children in grades 1st - 5th.
•Acting Classes: for children grades K - 5.
•Fencing: One class for children ages 9-14 and one for students 15 - Adult.
•Parent & Tot swim classes: for toddlers 9 months to 3 years old.
•Aqua Aerobics: a great cardio-vascular work out for all ages, all fitness levels, swimmers & non-swimmers.
•Children's swim lessons:for all levels of swimmers.
•Step Aerobics/Interval Training and Weight Training:
Indoor Soccer for Adults:This program will feature skills, drills and small-sided games.
•Senior Exercise:will be offered at St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth.
•Ballroom Dance Lessons: for 16 years and older. Learn smooth dances such as the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, and Swing; or Latin Dances such as the Rumba, Salsa, Merengue, and Cha-Cha.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, January 9, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held December 12, 2005 and Special Meeting of December 19, 2005
3. Visitors: R. Cabral
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. Russell David White (not Tim) - IWWC
    2. Planning & Zoning - James O'Brien moving
    3. Emergency Management - David Hale
    4. Municipal Historian - W. David LeVasseur
    5. Housing Partnership
    6. Interim Restaurant Sanitarian
6. Old Business:
    1. Reservoir Road Bridge
    2. Discussion of Public Health District
7. New Business:
    1. CCM vs. Cost - E. Sipples
    2. Anthem BC/BS  Selling of 777 Shares/Payout Contribution to Health Plan
    3. Wettish Property - Acquisition/Discussion and Vote/Req. from Board of Finance.
    4. AFSCME - "Anthem" Demutualization Remittance
    5. Sludge Lagoons
    6. Discussion of Establishment of Ethics Committee
    7. Discussion of Bosco Property Alternatives
8. MK Announcements:
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Executive Session: Wettish Property Purchase
11. Adjournment
Agenda as of 2:20 p.m., Friday, 1/06/06
Printable version

• Monday, January 9:
8:00 a.m. HKHS Spring 2005 Band and Chorus Concerts & Perspectives: Schneider and Brookes
10:00 a.m. Joel Elliot: Concert: Tribute to Love, Honor, Freedom
7:00 p.m. HKHS Spring 2005 Band and Chorus Concerts & Perspectives: Schneider and Brookes
9:00 p.m. Girls Basketball: HK v. Old Lyme (1/6)
• Tuesday, January 10:
8:00 a.m. HKHS Spring 2005 Band and Chorus Concerts & Perspectives: Schneider and Brookes
10:00 a.m. Girls Basketball: HK v. Old Lyme (1/6)
7:00 p.m. KES Fall Concert 2005
9:00 p.m. Girls Basketball: HK v. Old Lyme (1/6)
•Wednesday, January 11:
8:00 a.m. KES Fall Concert 2005
10:00 a.m. Girls Basketball: HK v. Old Lyme (1/6)
7:00 p.m. KES Fall Concert 2005
9:00 p.m. Girls Basketball: HK v. Old Lyme (1/6)
•Thursday, January 12:
8:00 a.m. HKMS + HKHS Band Concert Fall 2005
10:00 a.m. HKMS + HKHS Choral Concert Holidays 2005
7:00 p.m. HKMS + HKHS Band Concert Fall 2005
9:00 p.m. HKMS + HKHS Choral Concert Holidays 2005
•Friday, January 13:
8:00 a.m. HKMS + HKHS Band Concert Fall 2005
10:00 a.m. HKMS + HKHS Choral Concert Holidays 2005
7:00 p.m. HKTV Fall Magazine Show
9:00 p.m. Boys Basketball: HK v Hyde (1/12)
•Saturday, January 14:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKTV Fall Magazine Show
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Boys Basketball: HK v Hyde (1/12)
•Sunday, January 15:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKTV Fall Magazine Show
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Boys Basketball: HK v Hyde (1/12)
information provided by HKTV