To the Editor:
I will add to the discourse re speeding by cars. I live on the Chestnut Hill speed way. We have seen cars just barely in control at 50 plus pass dog walkers and bikers.

I want to believe that these non rule followers really don't realize how fast they are going. They do not want to look at their speedometer in the car so if a device was placed to show them how fast they were going I feel sure they would slow down. I know it works on me.

These portable radar units that we see in OTHER TOWNS are a great tool to inform the driving public just how fast and how much over the local speed limit they are going at the time. Some are equipped with cameras for repeat offenders who think speeding is cool.

Jim Cutler

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department still has openings in children's swim lessons. Each session has a limited number of spots available for all levels of swimmers. Classes are conducted at the HK High School Pool and are for kids ages 4 and up (must be able to participate in a group instructional setting. Levels offered are Pre-Beginner, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, and Swimmer. Daytime lessons meet Monday through Friday. Dates and times are as follows:
Sessions 4 - 6: 7/10 - 7/21 9:00-9:40 am, 9:50-10:30 am, 10:40-11:20 am
Sessions 7 - 9: 7/24 - 8/4 9:00-9:40 am, 9:50-10:30 am, 10:40-11:20 am
Sessions 10 – 12: 8/7 - 8/11 9:00-9:40 am, 9:50-10:30 am, 10:40-11:20 am
The fee is $70 ($60 with new pool membership) and $80 for non-residents for sessions 4 - 9. Sessions 10 - 12 are $35 ($30 with new pool membership) and $45 for non-residents. Please call 345-8334 for more information, availability, and to register.

The Oak Lodge Nature Center at Chatfield Hollow State Park will present a free program on birds of prey this weekend.

All ages are welcome and registration is not required. The program will be held at the park off Route 80 on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

George C. Pellegrini, 68, of Killingworth passed away on Wednesday, (June 28, 2006). He was the son Elizabeth C. Pellegrini of Killingworth and the late George Pellegrini, Sr., loving father of Amy Blair of Madison and Ann Pellegrini of Killingworth, father-in-law of Arthur Blair and Thomas A. Houpert, and adoring grandfather of Wendy A. Blair. His wife, Wendy H. Pellegrini, to whom he was married for 27 years, died in 1985. He is also survived by many wonderful extended family members around the United States and in England. Upon graduating from Daniel Hand High School in 1955, George volunteered to join the army. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, and received an honorable discharge. He served in Colorado and Germany. George was a skilled carpenter who worked for Madison Builders for many years before starting his own construction company, Green Hill Builders. In addition to building many fine homes in the area, he was the creator of Pheasant Run Road in Killingworth. Upon his retirement from contracting, he worked at the Killingworth Elementary School. George will be remembered for his unbounded generosity, his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family, and most of all for his unfailing sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations made to; Killingworth Elementary School PTO, Playground Fund, 340 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419. Calling hours will be Saturday, July 1, 2006 from 10-11 a.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. at West Cemetery in Madison.

To the Editor:
I would like to express my support for Jeremy Maxwell's attempt to control the growing problem of speeding through Killingworth's neighborhoods. This is both a quality of life and an economic issue.

As your neighborhood is afflicted with speeding traffic it poses a serious safety issue for you and your family. Our roads are used for many different types of activities not just thru travel. Ask any walker, jogger or horseback-rider about their experiences with speeding vehicles. Most accidents are the result of drivers not being in full control of their automobile and increased speed greatly contributes to that inability. Read any Police Log and you will read of the number of drivers that lose control of their vehicle.

The economic concerns relate to the degradation that speeders impose on a neighborhood. Speeding vehicles hurt property values and there is no way of getting around this fact. It is not so much the volume of traffic as it is the rate at which these vehicles go through your neighborhood. Speeding vehicles cause increased noise, tension, and risk as they wiz by.

It was with these concerns in mind that I proposed to Killingworth's Board of Selectman some months ago that a Traffic Study Committee be created to study, plan, and propose solutions to this increasing problem as our community continues to grow.

I hope others will support these efforts to improve Killingworth's future.

Philip Stull

At a reception at the Branford home of Kiki and Ted Kennedy, State Senator Ed Meyer announced that he will be seeking reelection this November. "During the next couple of years, Connecticut will clearly be at a crossroads with respect to such key issues as government integrity, property tax reform, an energy policy for our state and reasonable restrictions on eminent domain," Senator Meyer said, "and I am excited about playing an integral role in these very important matters."

Senator Meyer pointed to successes in his Senate district in his first term such as the conveyance by the state to Branford of 21 acres adjacent to I-95, millions of dollars of state grants to the six towns in his district, a substantial increase in state aid to those towns after years of a flat aid pattern and his successful opposition to the proposed dumping of industrial waste into the Hammonasset River.

With respect to state legislation generally, Senator Meyer stressed the active role he played in securing $20 million more in state funding of special education, state funding for the acquisition and preservation of open space and farms, and over $4 billion of bond funding for broad transportation improvements including Shoreline East, Metro North and I-95. He also mentioned his own legislation channeled through the committee he chairs, the Select Committee on Children - the facilitation of adoptions in Connecticut, school nutrition, school exercise, early childhood education and the prohibition of pesticides in elementary schools and daycare centers.

"I have tried to stir the pot in Hartford, to be a catalyst for positive change during my first term," Senator Meyer said, "and I am respectfully asking my constituents for their continued support in the upcoming November election as we go forward in the next two years."

The Board of Selectmen agreed Monday night to "do what they have to do" to get reimbursed for building official fees and legal expenses associated with the new Intermediate/ Middle School. First Selectman Marty Klein said the Reg. 17 Building Committee owes the Town for billed hours of Building Official Dick Leighton and Zoning Enforcement Officer Cathie Jefferson, as well as legal fees incurred when the School District and the Inland Wetlands Commission went to court to get a ruling on the new school's waste water treatment system.

IWWC member John Himmelman said the Town's legal fees were approximately $30,000. Klein said the total owed the town to date is $120,000, but he deducted 25 percent from the legal fees to bring the total to $108,000. In February 2005, Reg. 17 Director of Finance & Operations Gary Shettle sent a letter to then First Selectman David Denvir stating:

The building committee will agree to pay the appropriate costs incurred by the town for this project. The building committee assumes the costs will be for services performed by the town's building official and the zoning enforcement office for services associated only with the new school project. In addition, the building committee understands that there may be engineering fees as well.

Selectmen Fred Dudek said, "this was a long-fought agreement and they're reneging on the contract". Selectman Ed Sipples requested that the paperwork be thoroughly examined to ensure that the School District is only charged for expenses associated with the new school. Klein said "they have obligated themselves to a minimum of $60,000 and they are obligated to pay the legal fees". Dudek and Sipples remarked that there has been nothing but praise for Leighton's work.

Schools Superintendent Gary Mala said the District continues to be open to discuss this issue. He said he hopes to leave the past behind, and sit down with all parties soon to come to an agreement.

He said however, the reimbursement of legal fees sets an unusual precedent. He said the District has incurred legal fees of its own when named in the actions against the Town Planning and Zoning Commission.

To the Editor:
It is certainly sad commentary indeed that 'we' have resigned ourselves to the fact that there are 68 miles of roads in Killingworth and not enough resources to enforce the speed limits on these roads.

The addition of sub divisions has added a significant amount of traffic to some of the narrower roads that were arguably not designed for such volume. As a somewhat objective observation from a new resident perhaps with the relative increase in the town's population it may be time to look at what the consequences would be if the local law enforcement capabilities were increased.

I understand completely that additional law enforcement would probably be a cost that is too prohibitive for some residents. Therefore an alternative suggestion would be to employ strategically placed speed bumps on some sections of roads that with expert opinion are deemed as speeding 'hot spots'

The very least the addition of these 'sleeping policemen' would do is to slow down the nefarious individuals who have on two separate occasions within the past ten days, vandalized a building and mail box that I own.

Sincerely yours,
Jeremy Maxwell

Under rainy skies Sunday afternoon, the Killingworth Youth League held its Closing Day Ceremony at Rocco Reale Field. The weekend's playoff games were played between downpours or postponed until Monday. Photo courtesy K. Kasper

The KYL Gersz Law Braves, coached by Jim Nuhn, Brian Dougherty, and Mark Gersz, won the Killingworth Youth League Majors Championship on Monday against the KYL Red Sox. photo courtesy M. Early

First Selectman Marty Klein, with the help of retired Town Clerk Susan Adinolfo and current Town Clerk Linda Dudek, has assembled photographs of the First Selectmen dating back to 1931 and mounted them in the hallway between the old and new areas of the Town Office building. Read more about the display in today's New Haven Register.

Dog licenses may be renewed at the Town Clerk's Office during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 8-12, 1-4 p.m. or by mail: Town Clerk, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419. Any license that is not done by June 30 requires an extra dollar penalty.

All dogs six months or older must be licensed and wear a collar and tags at all times. A dog without a tag is presumed to be unlicensed and is not protected by law. A tag must not be used on any dog other than the dog described in the license bearing the corresponding number.

You are liable for damage done by your dog, including damage to shrubs, flowers or trees. All dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies and owners must submit a certificate to the Town Clerk when licensing their dog. Per P.A. 85-167. Owners of roaming dogs are liable to prosecution. When a spayed or neutered dog is licensed for the first time, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be presented. If application is made by mail, make check payable to: Killingworth Town Clerk and please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Fee: Male or female - $19.00. Neutered male or spayed female - $8.00.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is sponsoring an Outdoor Family Entertainment Series this summer. All concerts are free and are on Friday evenings. Participants should bring a blanket or a chair. In the event of rain, the concerts will be cancelled. Concerts are Sponsored by LIBERTY BANK!

FRIDAY, JULY 7, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. HIGGANUM GREEN
THE TIREBITER BAND - With support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, the HK Recreation Dept. is sponsoring the Tirebiter Band this summer. This veteran band of thirty years performs a wide repetoire from the Swing era, classic Rock n' Roll to contemporary artists. Great vocal harmonies, energy and humor have been the signature of the band over the years. The band has won the Hartford Advocate Reader's Poll for "Best Band" and "Best Classic Rock Band" as well as having performed at the 1999 Connecticut's Governor's Inaugural Ball. Check out their website at www.tirebiterband.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. HIGGANUM GREEN
THE SONICS - Put on your dancin' shoes for some good time classic rock and blues.This 5-piece band will play some of your favorite tunes from The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Stevie Wonder.

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - SHELDON PARK, KILLINGWORTH
THE HEARTBEAT JAZZ BAND - Come see "New England's Most Lovable Jazz Band"! This 6-piece band relates easily with its audience, telling jokes and relating stories of their own musical experiences.The band is musically stimulating, laid back and friendly and plays many jazz classics including "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "When the Saints Go Marching In".

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - SHELDON PARK, KILLINGWORTH
THE KERRY BOYS With support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, the Kerry Boys comes to Higganum. Originally from County Kerry Ireland, this Irish trio has dazzled fans of all ages from Maine to New York with their humorous high-energy performances and engaging style of Irish ballads and sea songs. The band sings pristine harmonies rarely heard anymore, which are acccompanied with powerful and expressive instrumentation such as mandolin, guitar and banjo. Bring the family out for a fun night of clapping and singing with songs from Ireland and the sea!

The Town of Killingworth's attempt to sell the 19th-century farmhouse and 14.22 acres on the Bosco property, took a step back last night as no bids were offered from prospective buyers. The Board of Selectmen had set a minimum bid of $575,000, with the stipulation that the farmhouse be restored. The bids were to be opened at last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting.

First Selectman Marty Klein said the next step would probably be to put an ad in the New York Times and if necessary, list it with a realtor. He said it was still possible for the interested party he showed the property to earlier in the year, to come forward with a bid. The proceeds from the sale are to be used to pay down the short-term notes used to finance the $740,000 purchase price of the 133-acre turkey farm in 2001.

Who needs an extreme makeover when you can learn how to feel fantastic through G.U.R.R.L.S ?!

Discover easy, practical ways to eat a healthy diet that tastes great. Learn the best ways to workout, prevent injuries and enjoy staying fit. Discuss how to care for your skin/hair/nails and dress to look and feel terrific. Explore the most effective ways for you to handle the stresses of being a teen. Develop skills to see through the deception of advertising and the media. AND HAVE FUN DOING IT !

This 5 day program, for girls entering the sixth through 8th grades, uses fun activities to explore each topic. In addition, each day will include a 45 minute workout; so dress for action and bring a water bottle! Healthy snacks will be provided!

Facilitator: Patty Musgrove a middle school health teacher facilitates this course.

TWO SESSIONS!
July 24, 2006 through July 28, 2006
Haddam Youth Center 9:00 a.m.-12 noon
Killingworth Library 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Call soon, space is limited!
Fee: $80.00

Sponsored by Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, Inc. To register call 345-7498.

When children ask the question "Can we get a puppy, a kitty, a gerbil or snake? Please? Please?? PLEEEEZ????" parents can finally answer YES and not worry about allergies, vet bills or unwanted puddles on the rug! That's right folks, if you're lucky, big, furry old Rover and his pals, Fluff-ball and Googly Eyes might be coming to live at your house! Last month a call went out into the community that the well had gone dry on grant money previously used to fund Children's programs at the Killingworth Library and the community responded! Thanks to the generous spirit of its patrons, the Library is offering CLAWS, PAWS, SCALES and TALES as this year's Summer Reading Program. If you would like to help us to continue these types of programs, stop by and say hello to Rover, seen above with his friends. He'll be more than happy to accept your donation, which earns a chance to win this furry menagerie.

6.20.2006: Kathleen Hustek of Plainville was traveling southbound on Rte. 81 when she attempted to make a left turn onto Kenilworth Rd. She turned directly into the path of Jeffrey Arendholz of Killingworth, who was traveling northbound, and collided. No injuries were reported.

6.19.2006: At 10:10 p.m. Caitlin Lacey of Middletown, traveling on Rte. 79 at Rte. 148, swerved to avoid hitting an animal and lost control of her Ford Taurus. She spun out of control, crashed through a metal guard and came to rest in a drainage ditch. Lacey suffered a broken leg and minor lacerations. She was transported to Yale New Haven via Madison Ambulance. She admitted to speeding and was issued an infraction for driving too fast for the conditions.

6.19.2006: Patricia Porte of Chester was traveling east on Rte. 148 at 7:39 p.m. when she lost control of her car and struck a guard rail. There were no injuries reported. She was issued a written warning for failure to travel in established lane.

6.16.2006: At 10:23 a.m, Kate Beckius of Newington was stopped in the southbound lane of Rte. 81 when Jose Casagrande of Hartford rear-ended her vehicle. There were no injuries reported.

All reports are public record and available from the F Troop State Police Barracks. KillingworthToday.com is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, June 26, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting held on June 14, 2006
3. Visitors: Andrew Merola - CCM, PAYT
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. Rescind apptmt. of William Hayden/P&Z Alternate
6. Old Business:
    1. Bid Opening - Bosco House/Parcel
7. New Business:
    1. CCM
    2. Unpaid Fee for Open Burning Official=03/04&04/05
    3. Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
8. MK Announcements:
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, 6/23/06
Printable version

The Killingworth Republican Town Committee held its Annual Garden Party and Wine Tasting Fundraiser at the home of John and Meredith Amport last evening. The soiree was forced under cover because of the relentless rain, but the inviting atmosphere of the Amport's barn proved to be a wonderful setting for wining, dining and politics.

The generous selection of delicious looking and tasting hors d'œuvres was complimented by the Chilean selection of wine, chosen and introduced by BestValleyWines.com's Tim Huminski. Guests received a comprehensive overview of Chile's regions, climate and winemakers, while tasting the white and red wines. After enjoying the selections, the guests were able to take advantage of an event discount for the purchase of their favorites.

The evening featured more conversation than speeches, but 12th District candidate for the State Senate, Gregg Hannan did stop by to say hello and ask for the Killingworth Republican's support in the November election. The wine tasting event is the first of the KRTC's major fundraisers of the summer. In late August, they will host another event on one of the private Thimble Islands in Branford. For more information on the KRTC please visit the website at www.killingworthrepublicans.org


Gregg Hannan, right, talks with Linda and Fred Dudek.

The Haddam-Killingworth 14-15-year-old Babe Ruth team had a 2-1 record this week. Tuesday at Guilford III, HK won, 3-2, behind the 2-hit pitching of Mike Ossa and Chris Bova. Bova and Zach Kumnick had doubles.

On Thursday,against the 8-1 Old Saybrook team, HK lost, 9-1. Reed Sturman scored the sole HK run on another Bova double. Willy Tobelman, Kumnick (2) and Dan Pucillo rounded out the hitting.

On Friday night in Guilford, HK defeated Guilford III, 16-3, with Brian Ludington and Tobelman combining for the win on the mound. All fifteen Haddam and Killingworth players on the roster made it to base safely. Chris Drexler had a triple. Bova, Drexler, Kumnick and Sean Zapatka combined for 10 RBI.

The 14-15 Babe Ruth team is leading it's division with a 9-2 overall record and seven regular-season games remaining.

The Killingworth Youth League Yankees sponsored by Recruit.com won the KYL Minor's Championship game, 9-2, over the Diamondbacks. Photo courtesy M. Irwin.