It was announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded a $62,244 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program award to the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company. Fire Chief Richard Bauer said the Fire Company will use the money to install vehicle exhaust removal systems in both Town fire stations. The system will essentially capture and remove diesel exhaust fumes in the apparatus bays, preventing the fumes from collecting in the bays and/or the public areas of the building. In addition to being toxic, over the years the fumes collect on the walls and furniture and can contaminate any equipment.

Through the AFG program, Homeland Security awards grants to firefighters, emergency response personnel and first responders throughout the country to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public, with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants provide resources for local fire departments and emergency medical services programs to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

This is the fourth grant awarded to the Fire Company in the past six years, with the awards totaling more than $320,000. Nationally, the AFG awards will ultimately provide approximately $485 million to roughly 4500 fire-related organizations. More than 18,000 applications, totaling close to $2.5 billion in grant requests, were received for this year's grants by the Directorate for Preparedness through its Office of Grants and Training in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration. Since 2001, the AFG has provided more than $2.4 billion in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has been instrumental in building capacity and has provided needed resources for our nation's firefighters," said Under Secretary for Preparedness George Foresman. "From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the AFG program has had an immensely positive impact on fire related initiatives which has directly resulted in saving lives and property in communities throughout the United States."

One of the annual holiday exhibits at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme is "Miss Florence's Artist Tree", a 12-foot tree decorated with artists' palettes painted by professional artists from Southeastern Connecticut and beyond. This year, two Killingworth artists, Cora Ogden and John Himmelman, have been asked to contribute a palette.

This popular tradition began in 2004 with 52 palettes. Each year the museum invites more artists to add to the collection. According to the museum website, the idea for "Miss Florence's Artist Tree" came about through discussions between museum directors. It was decided the museum should have a signature tree, one that related to its core story. Because many of the artists who stayed at Miss Florence's boarding house over one hundred years ago painted directly on its doors and wall panels, Director of Education and Outreach David Rau had the idea of inviting artists to once again leave their mark on the museum. A small wooden palette, a traditional artist tool used to hold and mix paints, seemed like the perfect means of expression and was sent to a selected list of artists.

The Florence Griswold Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street in Old Lyme. Visit the website, www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org, for holiday hours and more details on the palette exhibit.

Palettes by John Himmelman and Cora Ogden. Photos courtesy the Florence Griswold Museum.

Christmas in the Village will be sponsored by the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce and the Killingworth Village Shops again this year! On Thursday, December 7 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. area residents will gather at the Village Shops on Route 81 to enjoy the first festivities of the season. Chamber members are invited to participate on a first come first serve basis by setting up your tables for business displays and sales. A fee of $25 will be charged for the space. Members who sell gift items particularly might want to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and to save your space please contact Susan Flynn at 663-2725.

The third grade classes at Killingworth Elementary School are collecting canned goods from December 4 - 15, to resupply the pantry of "Helping Hands" here in Killingworth. If you wish to donate items such as pasta, beans, cereal, or canned food, please send the items to school with your KES student, or drop them off at the KES office. Many Thanks, KES Third Grades.

Dear Friends and Neighbors:
It has truly been an honor serving as your State Representative for the last six years and I want to thank all the voters for giving me the opportunity to work for you for the next two years. In my capacity as a legislator and while campaigning, I have learned a great deal about you and your goals for the community and Connecticut. By listening to your concerns and life experiences and working together, we will achieve these goals and fulfill our hopes and dreams. Whether it is providing more affordable and accessible healthcare, stabilizing the costs of energy, creating a positive business environment, protecting our environment or aiding individuals attempting to make ends meet, I will be there for you. Read more.

On Saturday, December 2, the Killingworth Nursery School Association will sponsor its Annual Christmas Craft Fair. The fair will feature high quality items handcrafted by local artisans. KNSA will be sponsoring a bake sale, silent auction and a children's craft area where youngsters can make their own ornaments and gifts! The fair will take place at the Killingworth Elementary School from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $.50. For more information please call 860.663-2950.

Resident Robin Chasse was unanimously elected to serve on the Region 17 Board of Education last night at the Town Meeting. Chasse has been a resident for nine years, has three children in the school system and has a background in information technology. She said her experience as a parent is what she hopes to bring to the board. She will serve until November 2007 in the seat vacated by Doug Stevenson. Chasse will get right to work, having been sworn in by Town Clerk Linda Dudek following the meeting.

The Town meeting also passed the Park and Recreation Commission Ordinance concerning the management of Town parks, athletic fields and playgrounds. Commission Chairman Dan Colonia said the ordinance has been in the works for almost two years. Its purpose is to serve as a deterrent to some of the problems seen on the recreation fields. He said he and his committee would not be out policing the ballfields but the ordinance would allow the state police to ticket violators. Some residents took exception to the section prohibiting activities such as golfing, snowmobiling and target shooting on all public property. Town Attorney Michael Wells said the ordinance can be changed or amended in the future to accommodate activities currently prohibited. The ordinance passed by a vote of 22-12. Read the complete ordinance.

Robin Chasse being sworn in by Town Clerk Linda Dudek

On Sunday, November 19, many Killlingworth Land Conservation Trust Trails Committee members gathered to clear a trail on land trust property which will connect Ironworks Road to Roast Meat Hill Road. Among the volunteers were Bruce Dodson, Andy Annino, Stu Clark, Tim Elliott, Doug Ewers, Cyndy Lippert, Pete Wilson and Debby Butler. When complete, the pathway will be appropriate for hiking and horseback riding. Once the main trail is completed, there are plans to create a loop on the land trust open space property which is adjacent to the current trail-in-progress. If you would like to volunteer or to hear more about land trust trails, contact Trails Committee chairman Debby Butler at debby_butler@hotmail.com.

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the Killingworth Library on Saturday, December 2, from 10 A.M. to noon. Parents, bring your camera for a holiday picture Juice and crackers for the children. Giant coloring books and crazy socks on sale as Christmas gifts.

The Killingworth Library will open registration for its winter programs on Friday, December 1. Sign-up by phone or in person. Residents will be given priority. Any questions, please call Gayle at 663-2000.

STORYTIME: Especially for all children ages 3 + 4; every THURSDAY morning 10:00 - 10:30 during the month of January. (Jan 4,11,18,25)
TERRIFIC TWOS: Especially for children between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Parents and caregivers are invited to enjoy some rhyme time fun with their child every THURSDAY morning 10:00-10:30 during the month of February. (Feb. 1,8,15,22)
MUSIC WITH MARGIE: For 2½ year olds and older. TUESDAYS 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Session starts December 5.

Monday November 20:
• 7:23 PM: Medical emergency, Boulder Trl
Tuesday November 21:
• 9:18 AM: Structure Fire, Chittenden Rd.
• 9:43 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Rte 81 south of the traffic circle
• 10:07 AM: Medical emergency, Boulder Trl
Wednesday November 22:
• 12:52 PM: Brush fire, Route 148
• 4:18 PM: Medical emergency, Kelseytown Rd
• 11:26 PM: Medical emergency, Reservoir Rd
Thursday November 23:
• 9:03 PM: Motor vehicle accident, intersection of Rte 81 and Stevens Rd.
Saturday November 25:
• 6:20 PM: Medical emergency, Coughlin Rd.

The Haddam Killingworth Under-11 Travel Girls Basketball team held off a scrappy Essex team in Deep River on Sunday, 35-30. A three-pointer by Sammy Waskowitz put the HK girls ahead at the half 21-18. Down by 1 point going into the fourth quarter, the girls stepped up defensively to allow only 4 points, while scoring 10 of their own. Offensively, the team was led by Beth Riedy with 12 points and 13 rebounds followed by Tori Peterson, 10 points 9 rebounds.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, November 27, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting held November 13, 2006
3. Visitors: Atty. M.Wells, D. McDougall, R. Patrick
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
6. Old Business:
    1. Consideration of Amendment to Competitive Bidding Regulation for State and Federally funded projects.
    2. Consideration of additional appropriation in the amount of $18,600 for the Reservoir Road Bridge project.
    3. Award of Public Works Sand Bid
7. New Business:
    1. 2006 Homeland Security Grant Funding (MOA)
    2. Ordinance to waive property tax under twenty-five dollars Sec. 12-144c Connecticut General Statutes.
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, 11/21/06
Printable version

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 2 at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Shoppers will be delighted in the selection of hand made gifts, ornaments, baked goods and jams. Numerous gift baskets have been created, including theme baskets in many sizes. Fresh Killingworth greens will be available in wreaths, centerpieces and holiday decorations.

"A Photographic History of Killingworth" by Thomas Lentz will be for sale. The book is filled with interesting information about the town and photographs from the Historical Society's collection are featured. The cost of the book is $30.00 and makes a wonderful gift.

The Historical Society welcomes everyone to come and enjoy the season at the cheerful one room school. Happy Holidays!

Come join the Parishioners of St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth and celebrate the Holidays at the Annual Christmas Fair on December 1-3! Get some of your Holiday shopping done and enjoy some tasty treats as well.

Attractions include: live greenery wreaths, centerpieces and swags, homemade baked goods and crafts made by our Parishioners. Our kitchen will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, homemade soups and delicious desserts. Santa will be making an appearance and the children will be able to make a special present for Mom and Dad.

A highlight of the fair includes a Silent Auction featuring items from well known local artisans. A hand carved mirror by the Country Wood Carver Ernest Hill of Killingworth is available for bidding. The mirror has a Mahogany frame with Dogwood flowers carved from Poplar. This gorgeous mirror won 1st place and Best in Class at Wood Carving competitions. You will also find a beautiful hand carved Male Northern Cardinal, mounted on an oak base carved by Killingworth artisan Bob Stak. Killingworth resident Jo Stak is offering a hand made, queen sized, crocheted coverlet made of multicolored granny squares with beige trim.

Other items up for bid include: 8 yds of Screened Topsoil from AA Zanardi, gift certificates to Total Hair, Madison Flower Shop, Winterberry Farms, Noodles, Killingworth Garage, a 5 night stay at Larkins Run, and also tickets to Ivoryton Playhouse, Plymouth Plantation, Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, Mt. Southington, Branford Electric Railway, dinner for 2 at Mohegan Sun and more!! The silent auction continues from Friday at 6:00 p.m to Sunday at 12:00 noon at the fair

The hours of the Fair are as follows: Friday, Dec. 1 from 6-9:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon