HK Sports
The Haddam-Killingworth Girls Tennis team is off to a great start under first year coach Fiona Phelan, defeating Morgan 6-1 on Wednesday.
Match Scores:
Colleen Phelan d. Jessica Anderson 7-6 (7-5) 6-3
Julia Sorensen d. Juliana Calini 6-3 6-3
Jess Lindquist d. Monika Kadco 6-2 6-1
Sabina Wozniak d. Vanessa Baez 6-2 4-6 6-3
Dina Grimaldi/Ashley Griswold lost to Erin Wenker/Tanya Baker 4-6 2-6
Ashley Armstrong/Kelly Chambers d. Jessica Goeters/Julia Klausen 6-3 6-4
Anna Brundage/Hannah Sturman d. Omayra Cordero/Kayla Eschback 6-0 6-1

Phelan said, "I was really impressed with everyone's matches. Some of the team were playing in positions they had not played before. Jess Lindquist is typically part our of one doubles team but due to an absence stepped up an played three singles for the first time. Similarly, freshmen Ashley Griswold played her first Varsity game at one doubles and did very well. Sophomores Anna Brundage and Hannah Sturman played their first Varsity match - and first match ever for Sturman - and came up with a solid win.

Of the 10 players, only 4 played Varsity last year and 4 are new to the team this year. I am very proud of all of them for persevering during the cold weather - we even had some snowflakes and prior to and during the match! We have a big week ahead of us with three matches against teams that are new to our conference (Portland, East Hampton and Cromwell)."

The HK Baseball team lost its season opener to Middletown Friday afternoon, 5-4. The Cougars rallied in the sixth with three runs after falling behind early 1-5. Lou Annino scored two runs and Alex Struzinski and AJ Marginelli had each scored one.

To the Editor:
Many of us make Killingworth our home because we're in search of, or have found here, a sense of community, of caring. For me, the face of what we enjoy so much about our community was often Pamela Ahearn.

As I look back, I have known few people that I never heard utter an unkind word, raise their voice, or fail to make you feel better about your day just by having shared a few words. Pam was such a person. Whether it was a friendly greeting, a kind suggestion, or just a brief moment to say hello, Pam connected with you. She spoke from the heart, and you could not help but be warmed by having spoken with her.

Few people have touched so many lives with such grace. She made kindness seem effortless, and leaves our town with a remarkable legacy: how many people can you truly say, on their own, made your community a better place to live?

I am richer for having known her. We all are. She will be greatly missed.

In sadness,

David L. Denvir
Former First Selectman

Pamela M. Ahearn, Killingworth's First Selectwoman from 1985 through 1989, passed away Wednesday night at Middlesex Hospital following a brief stay at hospice. She was the wife of the late John J. Ahearn. She leaves behind a son, Michael Ahearn and his wife Peggy of Katy, TX., a son, Brian Ahearn and his wife Julie of Killingworth, and a daughter Sheila Ahearn of Killingworth. She also leaves behind a brother Peter Cotterell of England, grandchildren Shannon Ahearn, Heather McClure, John Ahearn and Michael Ahearn and a greatgrandchild Ian McClure. She is predeceased by a son, Timothy Ahearn.

Ahearn's contribution to the community spanned many decades and touched almost every corner of Town service. In addition to being Killingworth's only female First Selectman, she also served as a second Selectwoman, on the Land Use Committee, Board of Tax Review, Emergency Preparedness Committee, was a long-time member of the Democratic Town Committee and volunteered with the Fire Company. She most recently was elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2005.

First Selectman Marty Klein said he was deeply saddened at her passing. A long time friend of both Ahearn and her late husband Jack, Klein said she was a sweet and kind woman and he had the utmost respect for her. Klein said he plans to lower the Town flags to half staff on Tuesday morning in her honor and close the Town Offices until 1:00 p.m. to allow the staff to attend the services at St. Lawrence Church. Details of the arrangements will be posted when available.

Below are some words of tribute to this gracious, kind and caring woman. Your memories, thoughts and comments about this respected citizen are welcome at editor@killingworthtoday.com

"Getting married was the start," Pam Ahearn explained as she began her tale. It was about an odyssey from London hairdresser to Killingworth's First Selectwoman and life long participant in town concerns. An interview with her two years ago remains with me still. Pam Ahearn was the kind of person you want to be when you grow up.

Back in London after a time as an evacuee during World War II, and not discouraged by nightly air raids, Pam attended USO dances at the former Covent Garden Opera House. At one such event she met her future husband, Jack, an Airman stationed at Bury St. Edmond's. Eventually, with complicated arrangements finalized, the Londoner arrived in Killingworth on March 30th of 1946 to begin married life.

At first, Pam missed the bustle and excitement of London. Killingworth's population of 500 made it a small town indeed. Not licensed to work as a hairdresser in the states, she waitressed at the Country Squire before she and Jack started their family. Jack, who worked as a machinist at Pratt and Whitney in North Haven, got involved in town politics in the late fifties. When he became First Selectman in the sixties and kept his day job, Pam held down the fort during the day, acting as secretary and doing the town's bookkeeping. Her salary at the time was $10 a week.

Pam served as secretary during her husband's four terms as first selectman. She continued as administrative assistant under several subsequent selectmen, becoming ever more knowledgeable about the whats, wheres, and hows of Killingworth's needs and operations.

With the encouragement of her four children and feeling that she had learned a great deal during her years as administrative assistant, Pam decided to run for the first selectman's position herself. Elected, she served two terms and was on the Board of Selectman for another two years.

When Pam took over the first selectman's job, it was still considered part time. Yet it included being head of Social Services, Chief of Police, head of the CEDA job training program, and Superintendent of Highways. To insure that the town in general, and the roads in particular, were in good shape, Pam's philosophy was "You can't just sit in the office. You have to get out and look around."

In a way, Pam Ahearn's tenure as First Selectwoman represented a trip back to the town's English roots, even as she prepared Killingworth for its future. A longtime member of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee, Pam was elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2005 and attended its most recent meeting. She served her adopted community until her death. This grand lady will be missed.

To The Editor:
I was truly saddened to learn of Pam's death. In so many ways she was the bridge between the "old" Killingworth and the "new" Killingworth. Like many who would follow her, she left her home and made a new one in Killingworth and was immediately accepted because the depth of her caring for the town.

She did so much in her time here from helping to start the Killingworth Nursery School Association (and helping to bring Kindergarden to town); to providing support to her children and husband when he became First Selectman; to bravely continuing on after her husband's untimely death and raising her children alone; and then ultimately becoming First Selectman in her own right (the first...and to date only..female First Selectman of Killingworth).

One common theme could be said about Pam: she always put her family and community first and would bridge party lines any time if it served the best interests of her town. I was blessed to work with her in several arenas: as a lawyer when she was a real estate agent; as a constituent when she was our First Selectman; and as a friend, supporter and ally when I was blessed to be First Selectman of Killingworth.

Of all of these relationships, I will miss her friendship and her counsel most. During my tenure as First Selectman she was quick to give (and I was quick to seek) her input and I always knew I would receive sage counsel that was uncolored by partisan rhetoric and which would ultimately serve the best interests of our town.

Pam was of the same school as Raymond Griswold, Sr.; Carl Lauer; Don Doster; Donald Welter and countless others in public service who always put service above self when looking out for the best interests of Killingworth. That level of commitment and caring for the community will always be valued above all else and will be the measure by which anyone privileged enough to serve as Killingworth's First Selectman will be judged.

My deepest sympathy goes out to her family during this difficult time.
W. David LeVasseur
Former First Selectman

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To the Editor:
The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee mourns the passing of Pamela Ahearn. Pam served Killingworth as Administrative Assistant to a series of First Selectmen and ultimately as a two-term First Selectman herself. Under her leadership, the town joined CIRMA to negotiate better insurance rates. Negotiations with the Water Company produced a gravel road along the reservoir at no cost to the town; houses were numbered; the Town Charter revised. Pam continued to support our community in many roles through the years and was an active member of the Zoning Board of Appeals at the time of her death. As extensive as her accomplishments were, the warmth and generosity of her spirit were even greater. She cared deeply about people and causes and knew how to handle both with a decorum and even-handedness all too rare today. We on the Committee are grateful to have known her and called her friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
Michael J. Sanders
Chairman
Killingworth Democratic Town Committee

The 2006 George Foster Peabody Awards for Journalism were announced yesterday and New Haven's WTNH received an award for its investigation into production problems with Blackhawk Helicopters. Killingworth Resident George Roelofsen, who edited the story, is a member of the team honored. WTNH is one of only four local television stations to win a 2006 Peabody Award.

"We're gratified that the Peabody Awards recognized News Channel 8's efforts to uncover the problems inside one of the country's leading defense contractors," said WTNH-TV news director, Kirk Varner.

"We are extraordinarily proud WTNH was one of only four local stations in the country to receive the Peabody Award- considered one of journalism's most sought after honors," added Jon Hitchcock, Vice President and General Manager of WTNH/WCTX. "It is just another example of how dedicated WTNH employees provide Connecticut viewers with superior coverage they can count on."

Investigative reporter, Alan Cohn, has been pursuing the story of 'Defective Parts on Blackhawk Helicopters' for the past three years. The Team-8 investigation uncovered issues with the quality control systems at Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft. The story led to a shake-up in the company's management and an investigation by the Defense Department Inspector General. Investigative Reporter, Cohn, was assisted on this project by Photojournalists Kelvin Higgins, Thomas Parent, George DeYounge and editor Roelofsen. Chief Photographer, Keith Porter, and Assistant News Director, Virginia Fisher, were also instrumental in producing the series and in supervising the photography and writing of the reports.

George Foster Peabody Awards are often cited as the most prestigious awards in electronic media. The awards recognize distinguished achievement and meritorious service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations and individuals. The awards program is administered by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.

The Congregational Church in Killingworth (United Church of Christ) invites the community to celebrate with us on Easter Sunday. A service of Communion and Word will be held on Easter morning, April 8, at 10:00 AM. Please join us. All are welcome here!

Haddam-Killingworth Middle School will debut its magnificent 700 seat auditorium with the musical, "Honk", an endearing retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's, "The Ugly Duckling". This contemporary rendition, with its witty script and catchy score, follows the adventures of a young "duckling" belittled for his less than stellar looks by the whole poultry yard. A crafty (and hungry) cat helps the duckling lose his way. The story takes us on the duckling's journey, a quest for his way back home to his mother. Along the way he meets many quirky and interesting characters, including a pair of friendly bullfrogs and a wacky squadron of military geese, who help him learn the lesson that true beauty is found within. Of course, he must outlast a series of trials and a terrible blizzard if he is to be reunited with his loving mother.

Director Christopher Solimene says this musical is, "an absolute must for anyone who is a child or ever was one. If your own looks or idiosyncrasies have ever made you feel less than you are, come get a boost about what really matters - who we are on the inside. I guarantee you'll laugh and cry for we are ALL the 'ugly duckling' looking for our own 'home' in the world."

Performances will take place at HK Middle's new school located at 451 Route 81 in Killingworth on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at 7 pm. Tickets are $7.00 for everyone. For tickets call the school at 663-1241 and ask for extension 1001.

The Killingworth Historical Society is seeking quality items for its tag sale on May 12. If you have household items, tools, knick knacks and even furniture to donate, please call Marty at 663-2327 for pick up. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Historical Society's ongoing preservation of the town history.

Cookie Brigade has come to Connecticut. If you have a family member or friend in the Armed Services send their name and address to the students at Deep River's John Winthrop Middle School. Once a month students will bake, wrap and send cookies to soldiers. All shipping costs are paid for by donations to Cookie Brigade. The students' first shipment will be going out on April 13th. Send soldier's APO/FPO, veterans address or "convalescing" address to ctcookiebrigade@sbcglobal.net or call Debbie Schaefer at 860-526-2789.

If you are interested in baking next month, please contact Schaefer as well. Shipments are planned for every month.

The Cookie Brigade originated in Wisconsin in 2004 by Susan Hager and Yolanda Segovia to send homemade cookies to family members that were deployed. They were told that many service members do not receive homemade goodies so they decided to create the Cookie Brigade. Once a month cookies are made by community members, packaged and shipped via the U.S. Postal Service.

George A. Anderson, 81, of Killingworth died at Yale-New Haven Hospital on April 2, 2007. A lifelong resident of Killingworth, he was the son of the late Albert & Anna Anderson. George was a self employed carpenter, a WWII Navy veteran, he belonged to the VFW and Lions Club as well as the Volunteer Fire Dept all in Killingworth. He is survived by his two daughters; Judy and her husband Lance Fredericksen & Lorraine and her husband Wayne Sheehan both of Killingworth, his sisters Signe Jones of Killingworth and Hilda Hanson of Wallingford, four grandchildren; Lance & Paul Fredericksen, Lisa Warner & Michael Sheehan and four great grandchildren. George was predeceased by his wife Louise (Palmieri) and a brother Carl and three sisters Margaret, Alice & Edith.

Visiting hours will be held at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. Centerbrook, on Wednesday, April 4th, from 5-7pm. Funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday at 11am. Interment to follow with full military honors at Evergreen Cemetery, Killingworth.

Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Route 81, south of the traffic circle, in preparation for the State Department of Transportation project to repair the small bridge on the stretch between Chittenden and Green Hill Roads. DOT Project Manager Michael Washington said power will be run to the lights some time next week and once operational, traffic will be restricted to one lane until Memorial Day. He said the lane restriction will be lifted from Memorial Day until Labor Day, then resumed until one week before Thanksgiving. Washington said construction will essentially stop during the summer. He said the jersey barrier that will separate the work zone from the traffic lane should be installed next week as well.

Hammonasset Construction of Clinton, who was awarded the $675,000 project, has 240 days to complete the replacement of the box culvert and repave the road. They were able to start on April 1, but Washington said he doesn't expect construction to begin until the traffic lights are operational.

St. Lawrence Catholic Church Rummage and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Church Hall on the corner of Hemlock Drive and Route 81.

Great selections of clothing, household items, books and toys. Our famous bake shop will offer all your favorite pies, cakes and goodies! Stop by and enjoy a cup of our freshly brewed FREE coffee!

We will be accepting clean clothing and household items on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 11 from 10a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, April 13 from 10 p.m. to noon.

Baked goods may be dropped off on Friday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or early Saturday, April 14 before 10 a.m. Please note: No electrical items or children's items such as car seats or strollers can be accepted! Questions? Please call Betty at 663-0204.

The Killingworth Lions had a beautiful spring day Saturday for its Annual Egg Hunt. The Bunny was escorted to KES by the Killingworth Fire Company and hundreds of colored chocolate eggs were scattered on the field for the children to gather.

Monday March 26:
• 3:32 AM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Thursday March 29:
• 10:28 AM: Medical emergency, Pond Meadow Rd
• 12:14 PM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
• 3:20 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 148 and Schnoor Rd.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering two excursions this spring. Please call 345-8334 for more information and to register.

Colors in the Catskills, Featuring the World's Largest Kaleidoscope. A trip to the beautiful Catskill Mountain area in upstate New York on Saturday, May 19. The fee is $104 per person. The bus leaves from the Haddam-Killingworth High School at 7:00 am and from Killingwoth Elementary at 7:15 am. Return time is approximately 7:30 pm.

Upon arrival, visit the home of the World's Largest Kaleidoscope at Emerson Place in Mt. Tremper. Standing at more than 60 feet and featuring three, 38-foot mirrors, the Emerson Kaleidoscope is a truly mesmerizing experience of sight and sound. You will actually step inside this real kaleidoscope to experience a specially-designed show. There will be time to explore the unique country shops located here that feature antiques, Simon Pearce glassware, artistically created jewelry, quilts, and more. Then participants will enjoy lunch at the Catskill Rose. After lunch, board the Catskill Mountain Railroad Scenic Train for a wonderful 1.5 hour round trip excursion. Depart from Mount Pleasant and travel along the Esopus Creek. The train will make a stop at Phoenica, home of the Empire State Railway Museum - a historic 1900 railroad depot. Fee includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, Admissions where applicable, and complete luncheon.

The HK Recreation Department is also offering a trip to the Bronx Zoo on Saturday, June 23. The fee is $64 (Adults) / $59 (12 & under) per person. The bus leaves from the Haddam-Killingworth High School at 7:30 am and from Killingworth Elementary at 7:45 am. Return time is approximately 7:30 pm. A great family trip without worrying about the hassles of driving. The deluxe package includes general admission, Skyfari Cable Car, Bengali Express Monorail, Children's Zoo, Zoo Shuttle, and admission to the World of Darkness, JungleWorld, and World of Reptiles. Fee includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, Deluxe Admission Package, and Getaway Tour's Tour Director.