This year Daylight Savings Time begin tomorrow Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 a.m. Remember to set your clocks ahead and use the opportunity to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. This early time change will push back the time change in the fall to November 4. Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to take effect this spring in an attempt to combat growing energy problems. The amount of actual energy savings is being highly debated but retailers are happy because more daylight in the evening equals more shopping and the candy industry is ecstatic because this fall Halloween will be included in DST allowing kids more daylight to collect more candy.

Before you make any changes to the time on your computers, phones or other "wired" electronics, make sure the manufacturer has not already programmed in a "patch". If you do reset your electronic device, make sure to check the time again on Sunday, April 1 to make sure the device does not change the time again automatically.

Region 17 School District held its annual spelling bee recently and eighth grader Oliver Neal was the last man standing. The 24 spellers were evenly matched with the bee lasting through 12 rounds. The competition for fifth through eighth graders is part of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee competition. Neal will represent the District at the New Haven Register statewide spelling bee in the Lyman Auditorium at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. The winner of the New Haven Register Spelling Bee will receive travel, accommodations, and a stipend for two to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. Bee week is May 28 through June 1. The final bee will be broadcast on ESPN.

This is the 80th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It began with nine contestant in 1925 and was sponsored by The Louisville Courier-Journal. This year, competitions are being sponsored in the United States, Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Guam, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, and American Samoa.

This year's District Bee was held at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. Special thanks to event facilitator Betty Devlin of HKMS and judges Patricia Muzzulin and Jane Dion.

The District finalists were:
Grade 5: Derek Ballachino, HES; Danny Chon, Burr; Mackenzie Earley, KES; Casey Jackson, Burr; Matthew Marotti, KES and Mia Roy HES.

Grade 6: Erin Buckley, HES; Taylor Burger, Burr; Kyle Burgess, HES; Jacqueline Amie Esteves, Burr; Nathaniel Fair, Burr; Jessica Labbe, Burr.

Grade 7: Erik Carlson, Brianna Church, Celine Coleman, Jordan Dole, Sean Frederick, Allison Peplau

Grade 8: Alexis Bowen, Leanne Brooks, James Coburn, Jesse Eberl, Oliver Neal, Clayton Rountree.

The Region 17 District Finalists. Photo courtesy B. Devlin

To the Editor:
I would like to express my support for the application to be submitted to the Inland/Wetlands Commission by Killingworth True Value on Tuesday, March 13th. It is important that the commission review this application for what it is... a review area. It is not a "no-disturb zone". It is my hope that while the commission does their job by protecting wetlands, it stays consistent with previous approvals. I would like to remind all that there has already been a significant donation of open space on this parcel of land. The Town of Killingworth has decided that this area is going to be a business district. As a resident, I feel that the town and it's committees have a responsibility to support and understand the needs of all businesses in town. The Cost family's Killingworth True Value is a well respected, highly responsible, family operated business. They are a vital resource for the town's residents, not to mention a prominent tax payer. As many know, the Costs ran into opposition from zoning when they attempted to expand on their current site. With the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission and out of necessity to expand their business because of the growing needs of the community, they decided to purchase a second site just south of the State Police building. The site is already approved for yet another three building multi-floor office park... just what the town needs, another vacant office building. Protect the town and let this prosperous business expand. It seems like simple math to me.
- Michael Milano

Hoping to send a message about the lack of vision and direction in the state Department of Transportation - and to draw attention to the myriad, ongoing problems in Connecticut's transportation system - nine of the 24 members of the Democratic State Senate Caucus, led by state Sen. Ed Meyer recently voted against the nomination of Ralph J. Carpenter by Gov. M. Jodi Rell as commissioner of the state Department of Transportation.

"The point is getting the right person for the job," Meyer said. "This is a state agency that undertakes programs costing billions of dollars in state and federal money - all of it taxpayer money. The DOT is one of the largest state agencies in Connecticut, with a workforce of 3,300 employees. This department requires a highly experienced and competent CEO. A state trooper for 25 years does not fit the bill."

Carpenter served as a state police trooper, and briefly thereafter as commissioner of the state Department of Motor Vehicles. He was ultimately confirmed by the Senate on a 25-9 vote. The senators expressed concerns about how the DOT has handled issues regarding the Q-Bridge in New Haven, drainage work along a stretch of Interstate 84, the lack of adequate parking at some train stations, truck weigh stations, incomplete work on the Merritt Parkway, the slow pace of renovations to some Virginia rail cars, and a reluctance to release certain bid documents.

"Here in the 12th Senate District, our train stations have some real design defects. And many of our local commuters are very badly affected by a lack of adequate parking." Meyer said. "Meanwhile, there's no contract in place to renovate the Q-Bridge in New Haven, which is also heavily used by a lot of shoreline residents."

Meyer said that while Carpenter has an "exceptional" record as a state police officer, his résumé is not strong on transportation experience.

The following resolution, opposing escalation in Iraq, was passed by a unanimous vote at the March meeting of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee.

RESOLUTION OPPOSING ESCALATION IN IRAQ
WHEREAS, The President of the United States has proposed an escalation in the number of U.S. troops deployed in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, U.S. involvement in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers, including 25 from the state of Connecticut, and the wounding and disabling of more than 22,000 U.S. military personnel, more than 200 of whom are from Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, To fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq, Congress has already appropriated more than $357 billion over $9 billion from Connecticut taxpayers--money that could fund desperately needed education, health care, housing, nutrition, and other social services in the United States or humanitarian assistance abroad; and
WHEREAS, The majority of seats in the Connecticut General Assembly are held by Democrats; both of Connecticut's senators are Democrats; and Congressional District #2 is represented by a Democrat,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee opposes escalation of U.S. involvement in Iraq or increase in troop levels; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Connecticut General Assembly should express its opposition to escalation of U.S. involvement in Iraq; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the U.S. Congress should pass legislation prohibiting the President from spending taxpayer dollars on an escalation in Iraq unless he first seeks Congressional approval.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be sent to Senators Joseph Lieberman and Christopher Dodd; Joseph Courtney, Representative of the Connecticut Second Congressional District; to State Senator Edward Meyer, to State Representative Brian O'Connor, and to the Democratic State Central Committee of Connecticut.
The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee, March 4, 2007.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the CT Basic Boating Safety Class for participants ages 12 and up on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 19 - 28 from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at the Haddam Elementary School. The fee is $10 for residents of Haddam and Killingworth. There is a $5 surcharge fee for non-residents. This 10-hour D.E.P. course includes instruction in navigation rules, legal requirements, safety afloat and other topics that will help students become safe and knowledgeable boaters. Students passing the course will satisfy the requirements for the CT Safe Boating Certificate and Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. Please call HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 for more information and to register.

Reg. 17 Schools Superintendent Gary Mala presented his proposed $34.497 million budget for the 2007-2008 school year to the Board of Education last night at the high school. Mala said every department in the district is working to do better with what they have. He said, by stressing re-appropriation and fiscal accountability "we can achieve a lot of responsible growth at a reasonable increase".

The budget is a 5.48 percent increase ($1.79 million) over last year and includes full support for the revised curricula, funding for full-day kindergarten, 200 hours of non-athletic co-curricular activities at the middle school, the establishment of wireless technology at all schools and a "strings" music program for K-4 students. Mala said, the hallmark of the proposed budget is the effective re-appropriation of $456,000 of existing resources to expand areas that are critical to ensuring the success of all children.

If approved unchanged, Killingworth's share would be $15.427 million based on 45.48 percent of the student population and the district's projected revenue of $580,480. Non discretionary costs such as salaries, employee health benefits, facilities, transportation, tuition and debt service make up 91.48 percent of the budget. The proposed capital request is $515,795. In contrast to last year's negative growth in the learning program's budget, this budget proposes a 9.42 percent increase. Mala said the additions to the learning programs are "clearly an investment for future years".

The Board of Education Budget Committee will hold meetings on March 12, 14, 19 and 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the lower media center of the high school. On March 28, the Board of Education will host the Killingworth and Haddam Boards of Selectmen and Finance at 7:00 p.m. at the new middle school. Questions on the budget may be sent to boe@rsd17.org. Both the questions and answers will be posted on the district website. The school budget referendum will be held on May 8.

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company held its annual Appreciation Dinner Saturday evening, March 3rd at the Clinton Country Club. The following individuals were recognized during the event:

Top Responder Award:
• Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn
• Responded to 283 out of the KVFC's 411 calls in 2006 (69%)

Hurst Green Cross Awards - for operating the Hurst "Jaws of Life" tools to extricate a patient at a motor vehicle accident the evening of July 28, 2006:
• Assistant Chief Jeremy Adametz
• Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn
• Deputy Chief Todd Hajek
• Firefighter Bill Shipman

Years of Service Awards
• 15 Years: Firefighter Paul Schilling
• 25 Years: Firefighter Ray Desjardins Sr.
• 25 Years: Deputy Chief Todd Hajek
• 30 Years: Donald Lagasse
• Donald was also presented with his Life Member badge
• 50 Years: Walter Albrecht

Fire Chief Richard Bauer also named Walt Albrecht an Honorary Chief of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service. Prior to presenting Walt with his Honorary Chief badge and plaque Chief Bauer read the following chronology of Walt's career with the KVFC:

1948 - 1949:
• When Walt was building his first home the KVFC came by selling fire extinguishers as a fundraiser. Walt apparently didn't have a couple dollars left in his pocket to buy one.
• When Walt moved into the finished home in 1949 he tried to join the KVFC but was not voted into membership, primarily because of his not buying an extinguisher!
• 1952:
• Walt tried again and joined at the request of Chief Don Walton and was a member until 1958 (2nd Asst Chief in 1953) when he resigned over a disagreement with Chief Al Hames.
• 1963:
• Walt rejoined when neighbor and Chief Tom Flanagan asked him to join again. He was a Capt. in 1969, Asst Chief from 1970-1976 and Deputy Chief from 1977-1979. Walt has been a Fire Police for a number of years and became a Life Member in Nov. 1997. During that time frame he also served as a Trustee and Head Trustee (Fire Commissioner).
• Today Walt still serves the KVFC as a Fire Police.

Walt was also presented with a proclamation from State Representative Brian O'Connor honoring Walt for his 50 years of dedicated service to the KVFC.

(L-R) Deputy Chief Todd Hajek, Assistant Chief Jeremy Adametz, Honorary Chief Walter Albrecht, Fire Chief Dick Bauer, Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn. Photo courtesy D. Bauer.

Monday February 26:
• 7:30 AM: Medical emergency, Whitewood Rd
• 9:46 AM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Thursday March 1:
• 1:28 AM: Medical emergency, Swan Lake Trl
• 6:07 PM: Medical emergency, Burr Hill Rd
Friday March 2:
• 1:15 PM: Inside smoke investigation / possible structure fire, Saddlebrook Dr.
• 8:28 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 148 just west of Little City Rd
• 11:58 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 148 between Route 81 and Roast Meat Hill Rd
Saturday March 3:
• 9:26 AM: Officers call, trouble alarm / commercial building, Route 80

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Charles Macunas has announced the Second Term Honor Roll for the 2006-2007 school year. Find the complete list here.

WANTED: Quality tag sale items for the Killingworth Historical Society. Please call Marty at 663-2327 to arrange pick-up. Donations are tax deductible. Monies raised from the May sale are used for on-going preservation projects.

Be warned! This entertaining speaker will dazzle you with his beautiful floral arrangements. His creative approach to floral arranging will inspire you when creating your own fresh floral bouquets. Ed uses seasonal flowers, including those that are native to our area and often refers to his Bouquets as stand alone arrangements that take center stage in your home. Join us for a free night of entertainment Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 P.M. at the Killingworth Congregational Church, Grange Hall. Refreshments will be served; Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Haddam-Killingworth High School senior Katie Short is asking you to go into your closet and donate your gently used semi-formal or formal prom dresses, shoes and accessories so that another girl can attend the prom in style. Remember "you can always wear it again"? Well, you didn't - but you can give a local young woman a chance to go to her prom in style.

Short said she chose this for her senior project because she really wants to help the community and thought that selling prom dresses would help out a lot of teens who need dresses. "I want everyone to have that special night that they will never forget. I know how hard it is to afford a dress and after the dress, people need accessories and shoes, it's all just one big hassle. Everyone deserves to go, and if money is an issue, well I'm here to help." She said some teens don't even go to prom because they can't afford the hundreds of dollars for a dress. Selling them for less would really make going to the prom easier for many teens.

If you would like to donate, please contact Short or her advisor Dawn Hoffman at 345-8541 or hoffmand33@rsd17.org. You can also bring the dresses to Haddam-Killingworth High School. Short will store them in preparation for the sale which will take place on Saturday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 1, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the old HK Middle School gymnasium.

Emelio Pantani, 88, loving husband of the late Edith Nargi Pantani, of 22 Burr Hill Road, Killingworth, passed away at home on March 1, 2007. He will be laid to rest in North Haven, CT where he lived most of his adult life and raised his family. He was born in Milford, Mass on May 2, 1918, son of Frank and Ester (Sassaroli) Pantani. A veteran of the U.S. Army in WWII, he was stationed in the Pacific for four years. After working for American Safety Car, he retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft after 25 years of service and is a retired member of IAM Union District Lodge 91. He received recognition for 40 years of service in the sheet metal maintenance industry. He enjoyed bowling, growing tomatoes, chess and pinochle. He is survived by his daughters Barbara and Lawrence Blair of Wallingford and Susan and Louis Fronte of Killingworth with whom he lived. Loving grandfather of Kyle, Tracy, and Marissa Fronte. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Louis Pantani and Ralph Pantani and sister Alfreda O'Brien.

Friends may call at the Funeral Home Tuesday from 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 9:30 A.M. from the D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Sebastian Church, Middletown. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to assist injured veterans through the www.bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org

Killingworth Elementary School joined with schools across the nation to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Friday was the 10th year the National Education Association has promoted Read Across America Day. Guest readers from the community as well as teachers and staff, spent the morning celebrating the joys of reading.


Top: KES staff and teachers entertain students during a kickoff assembly. Lower: Special guest Kathleen Amoia reads to students. Photos courtesy K. Milano

First Selectman Marty Klein welcomed new members to the expanded Killingworth Housing Partnership at the Town Hall on Thursday, February 22. Returning member Mike Board greeted Rob Artus, Tony Savino, Katherine Smith and Pat Worth.

Klein discussed the need for appropriate housing to satisfy the needs of both first time home buyers, who tend to fill our towns public service positions including our children's teachers and our volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel, along with our long time established residents who no longer can afford the upkeep of large family homes. Klein reported on how the town of Colchester is approaching similar circumstances as well as ideas that the Partnership should pursue.

The first official act was electing Tony Savino as Chairman of the committee and Katherine Smith as Vice Chairman. The committee will be meeting once a month developing and defining the housing needs, options and solutions, to be presented to the Board of Selectmen and the community.