Paul Wildermann died nearly 20 year ago, but the gift he gave to the Town lives on. In 1988, Wildermann, a maintenance worker with the DEP State Division of Parks, designed and constructed an 825-foot boardwalk through a wetland area in Chatfield Hollow State Park. He tragically died of cancer shortly after completing the project and the boardwalk was dedicated in his honor. Over the last five ½ years, co-workers who wanted Wildermann's legacy to remain strong and beautiful re-constructed the boardwalk.

Yesterday, family, friends and local and state officials came together to re-dedicate the Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk. DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "Dedicated employees like Paul Wildermann are what state service is all about. Many years ago, he recognized a need for being able to enjoy nature while also protecting its beauty. He fulfilled that need by constructing the boardwalk at Chatfield Hollow. It is an honor to now rededicate it in his honor."

"The Boardwalk was not intended as a means to get from point A to point B, the objective was the walk itself," said Tom Morrissey, Chief of the DEP's Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. "Birders say this is one of the premier spots to observe a large variety of birds in the area and in early spring you can see deer bedding down near the walk."

Though rain fell throughout the re-dedication ceremony held under the park pavilion, it stopped just long enough following the ceremony for everyone to explore the boardwalk and appreciate the fine work done to restore it. Wildermann's family, including his three children was on hand to hear about his passion for the project and revisit the lasting tribute. DEP employees Andy Annino and David Buckley took the lead on rebuilding the boardwalk for their friend and co-worker. The re-construction cost approximately $30,000.

top-bottom: Wildermann's children: Kristen Wildermann, Asa Wildermann and Ian Wildermann at the entrance to the walk. DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy. Kristen Wildermann holds the new plaque to be installed at the entrance. Wildermann's mother Irene Wildermann, his brother Dick, sister Ellen Bodin and brother Mark. Photos courtesy K. Milano

To the Editor:
Why must certain people always be critical of individuals who are doing a job they themselves can't or won't do? For example, I'm really sick and tired of hearing from the Pay As You Throw (PAYT) Committee in the media. This group has no operating responsibility, no budget responsibility and no elected authority to do anything other than advise the Selectmen. Yet, time after time, when our elected officials make operational or legal determinations that don't happen to coincide with PAYT's recommendations those officials are vilified in the media Read more.

The Killingworth Women's Organization held it's third annual dinner at the Sage Restaurant on May 10 to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2005-2006 year, present awards to outstanding members and welcome the new Board members. Pictured are Joan Reed Wilson, President, Sue Anziano, recipient of the Most Valuable Member Award, Andrea Schull, recipient of the President's Award, Barb Rojas, recipient of the Founder's award and Mary Ellen Wilson and Gena Murray, co-Founders of the KWO.

The KWO is a philanthropic group of women serving the needs of the Killingworth community. General meetings are held at the Library on the second Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is on June 14 and features speaker Kate Sanders, a local hypnotist, who will discuss the science of hypnosis and stress management. All are welcome. For more information on joining, contact Sue Anziano at 663-2176 or sueanz@hotmail.com

The Killingworth Town Picnic Committee is in full swing planning this year's event. The committee encourages anyone interested in volunteering to help at the picnic or serve on the committee to attend a meeting or contact Liz Santamaria at 663-1673. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. at the Library. The committee will continue to meet the last Thursday of the month.

Cougar Softball pitcher Chelsea Griswold has amassed 53 wins so far in her career at HK High School. Her strength on the mound and at the plate on offense make Griswold a double threat. Coach Jeff Talbott said, "As good as she was last year, I think she's matured even more as a pitcher this year." Read a profile of Griswold in the Middletown Press.

In Girls Tennis action, the Cougars blanked Coginchaug, 7-0, yesterday. HK is now 12-3 on the year. Match scores in singles: Jen La Chance 6-0, 6-1; Michelle Zywica won 0-6, 6-0, 7-1; Colleen Phelan won 6-2, 6-2 and Caitlin Gilhuly won 6-1, 6-0. In doubles: Julia Sorensen and Christine Griswold won 6-0, 6-4; Heidi Roy and Kaitlin Craffey won 6-0, 6-1 and Cameron Regan and Candice Rountree won 6-3, 6-3

Town of Killingworth
Notice of Special Town Meeting

The Electors of the Town of Killingworth and all those qualified to vote in meetings of said Town are hereby notified and warned that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the All Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. to consider and act upon the following items of business:

1. To adopt the Budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of an Operating Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2006- June 30, 2007 in the amount of $4,351,575.73.

2. To adopt the Budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of a Capital Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 in the amount of $188,500.00

3. To Elect one Killingworth Elector to serve as a member of the Regional #17 Board of Education for a term to expire on December 1, 2009.

At last Tuesday's meeting of Republican delegates at Sage Bar and Grill in Chester, no one initially stepped forward to oppose Democratic Rep. Brian O'Connor in the 35th District race. Republicans from Clinton, Killingworth and Westbrook eventually nominated Darlene Jones, a saleswoman from Westbrook, as a placeholder for the seat. A placeholder could step aside later if there was another candidate steps forward. Read more about the meeting in today's Hartford Courant.

•Wednesday , May 17:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. RSD 17 Board of Ed Tape 1 Taped 5/9/06
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. RSD 17 Board of Ed Tape 2 Taped 5/9/06
•Thursday , May 18:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKHS Choral/Band Concert (LIVE)
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. Shoreline Championship HS BOWL
•Friday, May 19:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Shoreline Championship H.S. BOWL taped 5/19/06
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKTV Spring 2006 Film Festival
•Saturday & Sunday May 20 & 21:
8:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. HKHS Baseball Game
10:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m. HKTV Spring 2006 Film Festival
information provided by HKTV

The Board of Selectmen voted 2-1, last night, to approve the resolution to put the Bosco Farmhouse and 14.22 acres of surrounding land on the market as soon as possible. The publication of the request for bids will go out for thirty days and then the Board of Selectmen "have the right to accept any bid, reject any or all bids, or negotiate with a bidder, as Selectmen shall in its absolute discretion determine is in its best interests". Any contract to sell the property is expressly contingent upon approval of the Board of Selectmen, the Planning and Zoning Commission and a Town Meeting.

There has been considerable discussion over the last few months regarding the status of the remaining land following any sale of the house and select acres. First Selectman Marty Klein proposed putting the remaining acres in a conservation easement, with the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust as stewards. The land could never be built on, but the agreement would allow the Regional School District an open opportunity to purchase 15 acres in the future for use with its density count. Any change in the easement would have to be approved by the Land Trust, the Board of Selectmen and by Town Meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted back in March to approve the subdivision of the property given those conditions. Town Meeting approval is also required to approve the imposition of the conservation easement prior to sale.

Selectman Ed Sipples proposed several alternatives to preserving the land as open space. He said the likelihood of the Land Trust agreeing to change the agreement on the land in the future was "slim to none". He proposed the agreement allow the School District to purchase more of the land in the future if needed for fields or other facility use. Town Attorney Michael Wells suggested the alternatives to the Planning and Zoning Commission and was told that the problem was access to the remaining parcel. The land has limited road frontage and Wells said the PZC was unlikely to approve an access road built through designated open space. Without access, the parcel could not be developed. Selectman Fred Dudek said many people in Town would like to see the land stay as open space. Sipples was the dissenting vote on the resolution.

Other restrictions on the sale of the property include: The house be preserved in its historic state and that no alterations be made to the exterior without the express written permission of the Board of Selectmen; There shall be no further subdivision of the property and that no additional residential buildings be constructed on the property.

Klein said he was anxious to get the bids out and the land sold so the Town could proceed with the process of rolling the short term notes bought to purchase the Bosco and Wettish property into a bond issue. Klein said he is looking to issue the bonds in August.

The Town of Killingworth's Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for tonight, May 15, has been rescheduled for Monday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Elementary School.

On Saturday, May 20 the Congregational Church in Killingworth will host a presentation by Kandie Carle, "The Victorian Lady" on the historic stage of the Old Town Hall Building, located on the grounds of the church on Route 81, just north of the traffic circle. While dressing in authentic vintage or reproduced clothing and accessories, the "Victorian Lady" will entertain and educate us on many of the similarities and differences between our modern culture and our Victorian ancestors.

Expect a humorous and intriguing look at fashion, home life and etiquette of men and women during the "Gilded Era" of the 1890s. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with an hors d'oeuvres reception; the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $15, and will be sold at the door. Tickets are also available in advance at the church office, call 663-1789.

According to the Hartford Courant, the Board of Finance voted unanimously last week to restore $6,966 to the 2006-2007 Town budget for funding to the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department. The regional recreation department requested $73,920 from the Town for next year. The Board of Finance cut the request by almost $7,000 in its initial budget review.

Following the persuasive discussion at the budget public hearing on April 24, the board reconsidered. HK Recreation raises the majority of its funds from program fees and grants and gets an equitable share of additional funding from the towns of Haddam and Killingworth. If either town decides to cut its share, the other town must also, in order to abide by its charter. So, by restoring the $6,966, HK Rec. will receive its full funding from Haddam as well.

The Board of Finance will present its budget to the voters at the Annual Meeting on Monday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School. The board is expected to set the tax rate at 28.1 mills if the budget is approved. The proposed tax rate, an increase of 1.5 mills, translates to a rate of $28.10 in tax for each $1,000 of assessed property value. The Town will pay $14.8 million to the Regional School District and the recommended Town Operating Budget is $4,351,575.73.

HK High School senior Jake Corbett won the 800 meter run in record-breaking time last week in Old Saybrook. Corbett's 1:58.46 bested the previous meet record set by Morgan of Clinton's Shadi Jalil in 1999. HK finished 7th in the meet behind winner A.I. Prince Tech. Top performers for the Cougars included the 4x400 relay team of Corbett, Kevin Bailey, Matt O'Brien and James Schuster that placed third; Bailey wad also third in the high jump; Adam Wing placed fourth in the long jump; Martin Ramsey scored in both the shot put and javelin and Derrick Weiss and Chris Bell finished third and fourth in the discus.

In the girls meet, the Cougars won the Old Saybrook Invitational behind the winning performances of senior Katelyn Deimel who won both the triple and long jump, Kimber Stannard who won the 100-meter dash, Courtney Hannen who won the shot put and the 4x400 relay team of Gabby Haynosch, Mary Dornfield, Jessica Mullany and Hannah Donadio.

The Cougars also placed second in the 4x100 relay, with Dornfield, Nichole Brooks, Siobahn Blancaflor and Caroline McManus. Mullany also took third in the 800m; Amy Chamberlain finished fifth in the 3,200m; McManus placed fifth in the 100m hurdles and Caitlyn Nunan was second in the high jump.

Agenda
Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, May 15, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Bosco Property - Resolution for Sale of Portion and Acceptance of Conservation Easement - Michael Wells, Esq.
3. Affordable Housing
4. Establishment of Ethics Commission
5. Improvement to Rocco Reale Field
6. Fields Development/Wettish Property
7. Baseball Fields site/"Municipal Works"
8. Middlesex County "Generations Together" Retreat/Workshop
9. Park & Recreation Ordinance Request
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday, 5/11/06
Printable version

Joan Reed Wilson of Joan Reed Wilson, Esq., LLC, Tracy MacKinstry of MacKinstry Financial/Educator's Retirement, Dawn Parker Stone of Countrywide Home Loans and Scott Vertucci of Sterling Tax are proud to announce that 9 Old Post Road, together with Interfaith Refugee Ministry, will hold its First Annual Drive for Success.

Interfaith Refugee Ministry helps refugees who have been invited by the U.S. government to re-locate to the United States establish new lives, regain hope and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut's communities.

During the Drive for Success, which will occur May 17 - June 30, everyone is invited and encouraged to donate items to help the refugees improve their employment prospects, including business attire, portfolios or briefcases, computers, resume writing books or other basis business books, dictionaries, alarm clocks, and cars. You can easily make your tax-deductible donation by dropping your items at 9 Old Post Road in Clinton on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information about the Drive for Success, contact Joan Reed Wilson at (860) 669-1222 or Tracy MacKinstry at (860) 669-9900. For more information on Interfaith Refugee Ministry, contact Chris George or Leslie Donkin at (203) 562-2095.