Killingworth's newest business - The Cooking Company - opened its doors Thursday across from the Killingworth Village after extensive renovations to both the interior of the building and parking area that have been vacant for over a year. The 187 Route 81 address is the second location for The Cooking Company - they are also located in the Tylerville section of Haddam.

Owners Susan and Steve Bauer said they have many Killingworth customers who come to their Tylerville store to enjoy the freshly prepared foods and decided to open a store here. The menu features salads, prepared entrees, soup, sandwiches, desserts and coffee. Everything is made fresh at the store (except the fabulous looking breads which are made fresh daily in Deep River).

Area businesses can have the daily specials faxed to them each morning by contacting the store at 663-3111 and providing a fax number. "I like to think we have something for everyone's taste," says Susan Bauer. "We have traditional lunch sandwiches and we have our special wraps, we have macaroni and cheese for the kids." Customers can also purchase ready-made foods such as lasagna and soups and enjoy them at home. They even have gourmet treats for your dog. The Cooking Company will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Owner Susan Bauer shows off her culinary delights

Earlier this week I was driving on Route 148 when I saw a strange sight. No, not some tree trunk that resembles some holy object that I could sell on e-bay. What I saw was one of those things that happen in our town that makes you shake your head and say, "Only in Killingworth!"

That day, my 85-year-old aunt and I spent the morning and early afternoon going into NYC, the place where they were happy to see beaver on the Bronx River just a few weeks ago. I got up early, drove to Fairfield, caught a Metro North train into NYC, went to the Colombian consulate to prove that my aunt was still alive, so she can get her pension, and returned home. Crazy driving during rush hour on I-95, the hustle and bustle on the train, the noise on the streets of New York, and the bureaucrats and red tape at the consulate, had amounted to a hectic day in a very busy city.

I was about to be returned to rural bliss. It was now late afternoon and I was on my way to pick up my son from an after school play rehearsal. I was hurriedly driving, at 25 miles per hour, down Route 148 when I saw it. An animal darted out of a driveway about 150 feet in front of me and headed straight for my car. It was too small to be a cow, or a horse, or even a deer. It was too big to be a fox, or a coyote, or a dog, or a goat. It was sort of whitish and round, perhaps it was a sheep. No, its body had too much jiggle. It was getting closer; I stopped the car.

By now I could see that the animal was a pig! A whitish, pink pig was running against traffic on Route 148! It stopped right in front of my car. I blinked my lights. It raised its head to check me out. I thought about honking my horn, just like I had heard that morning in New York City. No, no, I can't do that; it will disturb the pastoral quietness of Killingworth. The pig got bored, turned into the next driveway, and disappeared into the brush. The drivers of the cars opposite and behind me were shaking their heads, and so was I.

Who was that pig, a pet or a 4-H project? Perhaps he was Arnold Ziffel! I have heard rumors that we have celebrities living in Killingworth. I just hope the pig got home safely. I didn't report him to the authorities. Who knows what they would do to it.

All I have to say is that I saw 'some pig' on Route 148; only in Killingworth!

HK Sports
The HK High School Swim teams competed in the CIAC Class S State meet on Tuesday at Wesleyan University in Middletown. The Cougars finished 14th as a team overall out of 21 teams. Individually, Kevin Peterson led HK with 19 individual points and was part of both relays that scored 30 points. Corinne Mazzotta and Zachary Morello each had 8 individual points.
200IM Relay - in a time of 1:53.24 - 11th place scoring 16 points
Kevin Peterson- senior swimming the backstroke in 28.56
Ryan Blewett- freshman swimming the breast stroke in 32.33
Chris Bell - senior swimming the butterfly in 27.83
Doug Fetteroll - sophomore swimming the freestyle in 24.82
200 Individual Medley: Kevin Peterson- Senior - 8th place in a best time of 2:13.50 scoring 13 points
50 Free: Doug Fetteroll - Sophomore - 22nd place in a best time of 24.24
Diving: Corinne Mazzotta - Junior -11th place with a score of 270.50 scoring 8 points
100 Butterfly
Zachary Morello - Sophomore -11th place in a time of 1:00.90 scoring 8 points
Chris Bell - Senior - 20th place in a best time of 1:03.05
500 Free: Doug Fetteroll - Sophomore - 24th place in a time of 5:37.40
200 Free Relay - in a time of 1:38.68 -12th place scoring 14 points
Kevin Peterson- Senior in a time of 24.42
Zach Morello- Sophomore in a time of 25.82
Chris Eigner -Junior in a time of 24.60
Doug Fetteroll - Sophomore in a time of 23.84
100 Backstroke: Kevin Peterson - Senior- 13th place with a best time of 1:02.48 scoring 6 points
100 Breaststroke: Zach Morello - Sophomore- 19th place in a time of 1:12.72

Join the Arts Center at Killingworth for an evening of Jazz with headliner bassist and composer Ben Wolfe. Wolfe will present his original compositions for Jazz Quartet and Strings, accompanied by musicians from the Juilliard School of Music, Jazz Division. The concert will be held in a café-style environment at the Living Rock Church on March 24th at 7:30pm. (138 Route 81, Killingworth). Appetizers, desserts and beverages available.

Kicking off the evening will be guitarist and composer David Mills who will focus his performance on the social elements of music, playing an eclectic mix of Jazz, Instrumental Blues and Swing Dance numbers. Performing with Mills will be guest singer and dancer Michael Rhatigan.

Echoing the finest work of Duke Ellington and Charlie Mingus, Ben Wolfe's compositions infuse the best of the jazz tradition with sweeping strings and swelling, mellow-toned horns. Wolfe has recorded on more than a dozen albums and soundtracks including Diana Krall's Grammy Award winning CD, "When I Look in Your Eyes." He has performed on numerous world tours as musical director and as a key member of the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra. In addition to Mr. Connick, Wolfe has played and recorded with the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Branford Marsalis, Eric Reed, and Benny Green. His own CDs include "13 Sketches" and "Bagdad Theater," both released on Mons Records; the critically acclaimed "Murray's Cadillac" released on Amosaya Records; and "My Kinda Beautiful," released by Planet Arts Recordings.

Tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for students, $10 for children 12 and under. Credit cards accepted. To order tickets, please call (860) 663-5593 or mail checks to: The Arts Center at Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419. www.artscenterkillingworth.org

Haddam-Killingworth High School senior Briana Smith is producing a teen art show to benefit the Shoreline Arts Alliance Scholarship Program for her senior project this spring. The Shoreline Teen Art Benefit will be a venue for paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures. Students in seventh to twelfth grade from any of the 18 shoreline towns are welcome to donate. There will be awards for first, second, and third place and best in category winners.

To raise money for the scholarship program, art will be for sale and framing will be available. Artists who wish to display, but not sell their work, are also welcome to participate. The Shoreline Teen Art Benefit will be held on April 28, 2007 in the old Haddam Killingworth Middle School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by the Coffee Connection in Higganum. Anyone who interested in donating artwork can e-mail Briana at shorelineteenartbenefit@yahoo.com.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a new program, Kids Focus on Fitness, this spring for children in grades 1 - 5. This program will be held on Mondays, March 19 - April 30 (no 4/16) from 3:15 - 4:15 pm at Killingworth Elementary School Gym. The fee is $75 (non-residents add $10). This exciting after school class is designed to bring fun and fitness together under one roof. The workout is set up in a "circuit style" format - a series of exercise stations that are set up around the gym. Kids will get a cardio workout, increase strength and endurance, and learn a sense of "team" through partner and group work. Fitness and running games will also be incorporated to add some extra fun. Conveniently scheduled after school! Keep your kids moving this winter!

HK Rec is also offering the popular Mad Scientists program this spring. This action-packed after-school program explores the chemistry of everyday life! With exciting hands-on activities, stunning demonstrations and inquiry-based discussions, students will both learn and apply the concepts, tools and techniques of real chemists! Crazy Chemworks serves as the perfect introduction to elementary chemistry! Topics include: Slime Time, Dry Ice Capades, Under Pressure, Current Events, Science of Magic and Seeking our Senses. The program is for children ages 6 - 12 and meets on Wednesdays at HES and Thursdays at KES. Session I is on Wednesdays from April 4 - May 16th (no 4/18) at HES and on Thursdays from April 5 - May 17th (no 4/19) at KES. Classes are from 3:15 - 4:15 pm. The fee is $78 each session (non-residents add $10). If your child goes to BES - there is a transfer bus that goes to HES.

Please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334 for more information and to register.

According to the New Haven Register, resident Justen Kasperzyk, a 12-year veteran of the New Haven Police force has been charged by the FBI with allegedly running an illegal poker game at a Wooster Street social club. He also faces theft charges after allegedly pocketing a portion of cash seized during an FBI sting. Two New Haven officers and three bail bondsmen were arrested yesterday in a corruption and theft probe sparked last year by a cop who tipped off and then cooperated with federal authorities.

Michael Harkin of Harkin Engineering made a presentation before the Town Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission last night in support of a plan to develop 5.57 acres for the relocation of the Route 81 True Value Hardware Store. True Value owner Tom Cost has been working with the Planning and Zoning Commission and IWWC to make site modifications to an approved 3-building plan since purchasing the 10.6 acre parcel in August 2006. Last night the IWWC continued to express concern over the impact of the northern most parking lot on the upland review area.

In 2002, the IWWC approved a plan for a 3-building subdivision on property owned by Robert Dowler. The parcel, commonly known as the Olde Church Commons, is located south of the Resident Trooper's Station on Route 81. In July of 2006, the commission approved a 5-year extension of Dowler's permit. In August, Tom Cost purchased the property in order to expand the True Value Hardware Store. Cost had spent the last several years working with Town commissions to expand on his existing property, but zoning regulations in that area of Route 81 prohibited large commercial buildings.

The Commission voted to accept Harkin's site modification plan as a new application and has 15 days to make a determination. The Commission confirmed that Cost is able to proceed with the original plan since it approved the permit transfer from Dowler to Cost. However, Cost said the original plan was designed more for office space than a retail hardware business. Harkin's presentation included several points where the impact on the wetlands during and after development was lessened with the new plan. The Commission maintained that the parking lot for the third building is still significantly inside the 100 foot upland review area. An upland review area is defined as an area in which any regulated activity is likely to have an impact on wetlands and watercourses, and is therefore subject to review by the commission. The parking area under discussion was originally approved in 2002 but the upland review area has since expanded from 50-100 feet.

Cost has applied for a cluster subdivision permit from the Planning & Zoning Commission, which requires a minimum of three buildings. In previous IWWC meetings, commission members have asked Cost's engineers to look into eliminating the third building altogether. Cost contends that the third building, which would initially be rented as professional office space, is a necessity economically as well as to the cluster subdivision designation.

The proposed plan includes a 16,000 square foot building to house the True Value retail operation; a cold storage building for lumber and other supplies and the third building that would be rented as office space. The original Dowler plan allowed 114 total parking spaces; the modified plan is proposing 83. The entrance to the property would be located on Route 81 between Chittenden Road and the traffic circle.

The Valley Shore Regional Emergency Management Association is looking for committed individuals to join our regional Community Emergency Response Team.

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is all-risk, all-hazard training.

This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT training is free to anyone over the age of 18. CERT team's members are written into the regional Emergency Operations plan and may be called upon to assist with light Search and Rescue and other tasks in the event of a local incident where skilled manpower is needed.

For additional information contact Ewan Mark @ 860-663-1155 ewanmark@sbcglobal.net

To the Editor:
Attached please find my satirical piece on the beavers of Wolf Hollow, who, unfortunately were trapped and shot for their pelts by order of the First Selectman. This action took place the weekend of New Year's Eve over my protest. It was claimed that the wetlands were "over populated" with beavers, although no study had been done to count the existing population. Calls to various officials, including the DEP, the Friday before the holiday proved futile but confirmed that there were less violent ways of dealing with a beaver problem. While I don't deny that beavers can be a nuisance, it is my hope that we can cope with the animals native to this land in a more respectful way. They were here first after all. Read Young's commentary

Respectfully,
Michael R. Young

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To the Editor:
As concerned citizens of Killingworth, we the undersigned feel compelled to comment on the precipitous action taken against a beaver colony on Roast Meat Hill Road in December. Conflict between the interests of humans and wildlife is inevitable as development continues to make incursions into natural habitats. However, the way in which we resolve those conflicts says a great deal about of who we are and what we value.

Most of our town's residents take pleasure in our environment and the rich diversity of its wild inhabitants. Along with that enjoyment comes a responsibility: to respect the life around us and engage in its careful stewardship. Management of animal damage is a complex and serious issue. When it must be addressed, it should be through a thoughtful process of deliberation in consultation with appropriate regulatory bodies such as Inland Wetlands, agencies such as the DEP, and other stakeholders. While it is too late for the Roast Meat Hill Road beavers, we trust that in future such a course will be followed.

Respectfully,
Gwenne Lally
Michael J. Sanders

Charles "Chaz" Edward Catanzaro, Jr., 28, of Killingworth, passed away on March 9, 2007. He was born October 27, 1978 in Waterbury. He had a love for hockey, and his job working with concrete. He also enjoyed music, the ocean, hiking, and mountain biking. He is survived by his mother Robyn Cohen and her husband Peter of Killingworth, his father Clifford Roy of Enfield, sister Nicole Roy of Middletown, and sister Heidi Roy of Higganum. He also leaves behind his grandfather Arthur Card of Port Charlotte, Fla., Meme're Eileen Roy of Springfield, his two dearest friends Cheryl McCormack of Darien and James McCarthy of Clinton as well as many other friends and relatives.

Friends and family may visit Swan Funeral Home on Thursday, March 15th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Sunday March 4:
• 2:00 PM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Monday March 5:
• 5:12 PM: Automatic fire alarm, Bar Gate Trl
Tuesday March 6:
• 8:59 AM: Wires down, Route 81 in the area of Wolf Hollow Ln
• 9:12 AM: Inside smoke investigation / possible structure fire, Hemlock Drive
• 6:17 PM: Public service / officer's call, Buell Hill Rd
Wednesday March 7:
• 7:05 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 81 in front of the Country Market
• 8:19 AM: Medical emergency, Bridlepath Trl
Thursday March 8:
• 7:16 PM: Dumpster fire, Route 81
Friday March 9:
• 3:07 PM: Medical emergency, Reservoir Rd
• 10:47 PM: Medical emergency, Kenilworth Dr
Saturday March 10:
• 4:08 PM: Mutual aid to Essex, Structure Fire, River Rd.

In December 2006, residents of Roast Meat Hill Road complained to First Selectman Marty Klein that their properties were experiencing severe flooding due to beaver dams in the area. One resident feared he would lose his septic system because of the flooded conditions. Klein said he walked the properties and saw the damage the beaver population had caused. He ordered the Town Highway Department to go in and breach the dams to open up the waterway. Klein said overnight the beavers had returned and rebuilt the dams. He consulted the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and was given the list of approved trappers to eradicate the beavers. According to one resident, on the weekend of December 29, the trapper laid his underwater traps, caught the entire colony of beavers and shot them.

Klein said Sunday, there are still several areas in town having problems associated with the beaver population. He said there have been complaints on Warwickshire Drive and Patrick Drive and he may have to send in the highway crew again to the Roast Meat Hill area in the Spring. He has also contacted wildlife control officials about trapping the beavers that cause flooding on state regulated Route 81.

The Town of Chester recently grabbed headlines when it trapped and killed beavers that caused flooding of homes near Cedar Lake and damage to trees in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) put an alert on its website urging residents to contact the First Selectman and explore humane options instead setting lethal beaver traps. According to PETA, "trapping is a cruel and ineffective way to resolve any long-term problems associated with beaver activity in the Cedar Lake area. As long as an area remains attractive or accessible to beavers, new animals will fill the vacant niches."

The DEP states in its Beaver Fact Sheet, that its Wildlife Division receives hundreds of complaints about beaver damage each year. "This number is expected to increase as beaver populations continue to grow and human development encroaches on suitable habitat. The Wildlife Division encourages landowners to develop a tolerance and appreciation of beavers and the benefits they provide for wildlife and humans alike". The DEP outlines ways to protect trees, fence culverts to avoid road flooding, and encourages the installation of water level control devices.

According to the report, "in situations when the presence of beavers cannot be tolerated or the landowner wishes to control the number of beavers on his property, trapping during the regulated winter trapping season is the most effective solution. Licensed trappers will often voluntarily assist landowners by harvesting beaver during the trapping season. There are no known repellents that are effective against beavers and harassment generally does not cause beavers to abandon a site. Removing nuisance beavers by live-trapping is not considered a viable option for alleviating beaver problems. The breaching of dams should only be undertaken when a more effective solution is not currently possible, as there can be negative environmental consequences, including the alteration of wildlife habitat, downstream siltation and erosion."

The DEP states that installation of any water level control device at a culvert or modification of a beaver dam in any way, including breaching or removal, are considered regulated wetland activities and must be approved by the local inland wetlands commission. In mid-December, the Town Inland Wetlands Commission gave a Patrick Drive resident authorization to remove a beaver dam by hand. The minutes reflect that members inspected the area and determined that the use of any machinery would require a permit.

The First American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Haddam and Killingworth kicked off last Thursday with a rally at the middle school. Almost 100 residents interested in participating in the overnight community celebration on June 1-2, listened to local cancer survivors and organizers urge participation in support of research and education in the fight against cancer.

Teams of 8-15 members will walk around the HK High School track to pay tribute to those fighting cancer, those who have won the battle, and to honor those who have not. The teams will camp out, barbecue, dance and take turns walking in the 24-hour event. The fundraising goal for the event is $35,000. Total donations pledged to date are $17,035. To sign up to participate or to donate, visit ACS - HK Relay for Life.

The idea for the relay began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Washington colorectal surgeon spent 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event and raised $33,000. The American Cancer Society reports that $.81 of every dollar raised goes to research and education.

Local volunteers sign up residents to participate in the June event.

Agenda
Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting held February 26, and Special Meetings of March 1, 3 and 6, 2007.
3. Visitors:
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies: Louis Fronte, WPCA (Democrat)
6. Old Business:
    1. Septic Lagoon Bid Opening (Brian Curtis, N. Jacobson & Assoc.)
7. New Business:
    1. Historic Preservation Grant Document Authorization
    2. KVFC 2006/07 Budget Overrun - Richard Bauer, Chief
    3. Carmody Software System for Septic Pump Outs - Darrell Smith
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 12:15 p.m., Friday, 3/09/2007
Printable version

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period February 1 - February 28, 2007:
• Claudia Donovan to Drew Z. Trott, Lot #17 Alders Bridge Estate for $300,000.00
• Steven C. & Dana C. Nathanson to Kevin & Kathleen R. Banks, Lot 10 Rachbauer Woods for $433,000.00
• James R. & Meredith H. Villwock to Douglas G. & Diane G. Carlson, Green Hill Road for $310,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.