HK Sports
The HK Girls Tennis team suffered a tough, 0-7, loss to Valley Regional yesterday. Coach Fiona Phelan said, "Despite the final result, the match scores don't always reflect how well the team played or how close each individual game was. We had some key players away on vacation this week and our strong first doubles team of Jess Lindquist and Dina Grimaldi had to be play 2 and 4 singles. I think they did an admirable job against tough opponents. More than 75% of the team played in positions they don't typically play. I am proud of them all."

The Cougars have a tough week ahead with four matches, the first against Old Lyme on Monday, followed by North Branford, Old Saybrook (home) and finally Westbrook on Thursday. Phelan said, "Hopefully we'll have our strongest players available and we'll be able to regain some of our confidence! I look forward to a great week."
Game scores were:
Singles:
1. Colleen Phelan vs. Kate Paul 0-6 0-6
2. Jess Lindquist vs. Leah Rihchinsky 1-6 1-6
3. Julia Sorensen vs. Dana Callahan 1-6 0-6
4. Dina Grimaldi vs. Caitlin Callahan 0-6 0-6
Doubles:
1. Ashley Armstrong/Kelly Chamber vs. Colleen Lynch/Dana Bechert 0-6 1-6
2. Hannah Sturman/Ashley Griswold vs. Ellen Estabrook/Madison Burrows 1-6 0-6
3. Anna Brundage/Casey Scully vs. Amanda Zirger/Shannon Tousy 0-6 1-6.

The HK Softball team defeated Valley Regional, 1-0, yesterday when Rita Flynn hit a line drive with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Lindsey Griswold was the winning pitcher.

The Cougar Varsity Baseball team took home an impressive, 7-0, win over Old Lyme yesterday in a rematch of last season's Shoreline Championship.

The story of the day for HK was pitching and defense. Junior lefty Lou Annino tossed a complete game shutout, scattering eight hits, walking none, and striking out two batters as he went the distance. Annino got stellar defensive support as the Cougars did not commit an error in the contest even though 19 of Old Lyme's 21 outs were put into play.

On offense HK used two big innings to account for their runs. In the second, Alex Pollack would lead of with a walk, and after an error by the Wildcats and a perfect bunt single for Kyle Allison, HK would find themselves with the bases loaded and no one out. Annino would then deliver a two-run single to start the scoring, putting runners on first and third. The Cougars would then use a double steal to score Allison from third base and give them a 3-0 lead.

HK would then put the game away in the sixth as Annino start the inning with a single and wound up on second base when the hit was misplayed in the outfield. Mike Theriault's bunt single would give the Cougars another first-and-third situation. Theriault would then steal second, which was closely followed by Mike Waterbury's RBI grounder that Old Lyme committed an error on. AJ Margnelli would stay hot at the plate by ripping an RBI single, and then taking second base on the throw from the outfield, giving HK runners on second and third with no one out. The final blow came soon after as Pete Rynkowski laced a 2 RBI single to center to make it 7-0.

For HK, Annino was 2-2 at the plate to go along with his superb pitching performance. Steve Landell chipped in going 2-4 on the day. HK improves to 4-2 (3-1).

HK will be back in action immediately as they play North Branford today, April 21st, in a rescheduled contest.

The Center for Public Safety Education is offering an initial Emergency Medical Technician class beginning July 10 through August 10. The five-week class will be held Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The class will be held at the Killingworth Ambulance building. The cost is $600. This is perfect for high school and college students home for the summer. The class includes CPR and upon successful completion of the class, the students take the national registry to become state certified EMTs. This will also enable them to volunteer for ambulance or fire services. For more information, please call (203) 258-1178.

The Killingworth Board of Finance will present to the citizens of Killingworth the preliminary 2007/2008 Operating Budget of $4,591,140.00 and the 2007/2008 Capital Budget of $457,930.00 for discussion and public comment. The hearing will be held in the All-Purpose Room of Killingworth Elementary School on Rte. 81, Killingworth at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2007

HK Sports
The Haddam-Killingworth JV Baseball team won their match-up with Valley Regional yesterday, 7-4, behind a strong pitching performance by Mike Ossa.

Ossa went 6 and 2/3 innings before loading the bases in the top of the seventh. However, Rob Flynn would be there to pick up the save by retiring the final hitter on an infield pop up.

At the plate, HK was lead by Greg Zak who was a perfect 3-3 on the day. Andy Callahan and Sean Zapatka each had RBI singles, while Flynn had the biggest hit of the afternoon, a 2 RBI triple to the wall in right center.

The JV team will be back in action Saturday, April 21st as they travel to Old Lyme for a 10:30 start.

James V. Monaco, 88, of Killingworth died Tuesday, April 17,2007 at Middlesex Hospice. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Monaco, daughters Carol Young, Linda Demaio, sons David Monaco, James Monaco, granddaughter Cynthia Lane, her husband Kevin Lane, and great grandson, Ethan Lane. He was a WWII veteran, and very devoted to his family. Mass will be 11:00 AM, Monday, April 23 at St John's Church in Old Saybrook, followed by a burial.

The Town of Killingworth will conduct a low cost rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, May 19 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Killingworth Fire Station on Route 81. There are no residency requirements.

Connecticut General Statutes Section 22-339b requires all cats and dogs, three months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. The clinic is sponsored by the Killingworth Animal Hospital and Killingworth Animal Control. All proceeds will go to the "Atti Fund" for shelter improvements. The cost is $15.00 per animal. CASH ONLY. Written proof of prior vaccination for rabies must be presented to qualify for a three year vaccination. (Tags are not acceptable) All others will be issued a one year vaccination. Tags and certificates of vaccinations will be provided as required by law. All dogs MUST be on leashes and cars MUST be in carriers. For additional information, call 663-2439.

The consumer electronics 2007 season is soon to start. This year there will be four opportunities to dispose of your electronic waste in the Estuary region. Many people have old computer monitors, old cell phones or old televisions, well here is the place to get rid of them. A typical desktop computer contains many recyclable and hazardous materials and should be disposed of properly.
The collection days are:
April 21st
June 16th
August 11th
October 6th
The collections are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dump Road in Essex. From Rte 9 take exit 4, go directly across Rt 154 and look for the signs. There will be a collection if it rains or shines so, come and do your part. If you have any questions about consumer electronics visit www.crerpa.org or call 860-388-3497.

To the Editor:
In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech where early and prompt notification of safety concerns could have possibly saved many lives, I felt it necessary to thank Mr. Mala and the administrators of Regional School District 17 for their foresight in choosing to participate in the Honeywell Instant Alert System. Whether the issue is as simple as an upcoming important meeting at the High School, a late arriving school bus, or a cancellation of school due to the weather, to a more serious notification of a bomb scare that took place in school that day, the information is always sent out quickly. My husband and I receive notification from the Honeywell Instant Alert System at our home and work email addresses, and also, a voice mail message is delivered to our home phone in addition to both of our cell phones. It is difficult to imagine such a horrible event such as what occurred at Virginia Tech ever happening in our small towns, but I am comforted to know that a system is in place to provide prompt notification of any serious concerns or potentially dangerous situations to the parents of children that attend RSD 17 schools.

Sincerely,
Mary Murray

HK Sports
The Haddam-Killingworth Varsity Baseball Team bounced back from last week's loss to defeat the Warriors of Valley Regional, 4-1, Wednesday in Deep River.

Valley would strike first in the bottom half of the first inning after collecting two hits back to back. HK southpaw Steve Landell would end that threat by striking out two batters in the inning. That would be all the offense Valley could muster on the day, thanks in part to Landell sitting down 14 straight batters after allowing the run.

Meanwhile, the Cougar offense would get things going in the 4th as Peter Rynkowski and Steve Landell opened the inning with back-to-back singles. With runners on 1st and 3rd with no outs, Alex Pollack would then drop an RBI single in the right-center gap to tie the game 1-1. Landell would then score on a wild pitch, and with two outs in the inning, Mike Theriault would smack an RBI single to make it 3-1 in favor of the Cougars.

While Landell was mowing down Warrior hitters, the offense would push across an insurance run when A.J. Margnelli walked, stole second, and then scored on Rynkowski's RBI single.

Unfortunately for HK, Landell would not finish the game as Valley got an infield hit to start their half of the 7th. The next batter would hit the next pitch off of Landell's arm and deflect toward first base for an out. Landell was removed as a precaution, leaving under his own power. Cougar captain Rynkowski would answer the call however, coming on to record the final two outs and pick up the save for HK.

Landell, who was nothing short of dominant, pitched 6 and 1/3 innings allowing only 3 hits, no walks, and struck out 11 batters. In fact he allowed only four warriors to reach base. Rynkowski lead the offense going 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

HK will host Old Lyme Friday, April 20th at 3:45 in a rematch of last year's Shoreline Conference Championship.

The HK Varsity Softball team defeated Valley Regional, 8-0. Lindsey Griswold was the winning pitcher and Mary Kate Murray had two hits, including a double, and scored twice for the Cougars.

The HK Boys Tennis team defeated Coginchaug, 7-0.

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) is hosting an "Energy-wise Alternatives, Clean Environment" Seminar and Exhibition Hall tonight, April 19, in the Green Room, lower level of the Clinton Town Hall. The conference will feature guest speakers and exhibitors that will offer valuable insight into real world energy alternatives, conservation initiatives, and the most pressing challenges affecting our environment today.

The speakers include: Mark Simon, FAIA, Founding Partner of Centerbrook Architects & Planners llc; Bob Chew, President/Founder of SolarWrights; Alice Liddell, Policy Analyst from Environment Northeast; Keri Enright, Program Coordinator from SmartPower and Phil Miller, 1st Selectman of the Town of Essex. The Exhibition Hall will be open from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, and the Seminar will begin at 7:30 PM. For more information, visit the SLDW web site at www.SLDW.org.

Harold Edward Albrecht of Killingworth passed away April 16, 2007. He was the husband of Alys (Frick) Albrecht of Bridlepath Trail, Killingworth, CT. Son of Edward and Edna (Trowbridge) Albrecht. He is alos survived by his children: his beloved daughter Sheryl and son-in-law Robert Wescott of Higganum, his beloved son Mark and daughter-in-law Dawn of Killingworth, a sister Jean Bayor of Chester. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 21, at 10 a.m at the Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Deep River, Connecticut. Friends may call at the Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver street, Middletown, Friday from 6 to 8 pm. Burial with Military Honors will be in Burr District Cemetery.

During the past few weeks resident John O'Leary has been working within town to raise money and gather supplies for the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project. Items collected will provide comfort to soldiers during their recovery in Germany. Last week, Capt. Travis Board flew from Westover AFB to Ramstein, Germany with a shipment of what had been collected thus far. O'Leary reported that the good people of Killingworth donated 65 DVDs, 12 pairs of sneakers, 2 polar fleece blankets, and 6 CD players w/headphones.

Capt. Board assured O'Leary he would make sure these items got from Ramstein to Landstuhl. On March 30th, Killingworth Elementary School had a spirit day with LHCP being the designated charity. Students were asked to wear a baseball cap of their favorite team and donate a dollar to LHCP. Apparently teachers and staff pitched in too because they raised approximately $600.

The supply drive is scheduled to end in May, but your tax deductible monetary donations will be gratefully accepted at any time, and every dollar will be used to purchase needed items from corporations that are offering matching gifts and generous discounts. Checks can be made out to Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (LHCP), and sent to 59 Chestnut Hill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419. LHCP is a 501c3 nonprofit organization run by military moms that has been serving the needs of wounded soldiers for the past three years.

Governor M. Jodi Rell is offering a reprieve for taxpayers and preparers impacted by this week's Nor'easter by instructing the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to extend the state income tax filing deadline to midnight April 19, 2007. Because of the storm that caused flooding and the power outages throughout the state, taxpayers and preparers will have an extra two days to file and pay Connecticut income taxes and estimated payments.

The IRS has also issued an announcement that taxpayers directly impacted by the storm have until midnight April 19 to meet their federal tax filing obligations without incurring late filing and payment penalties. Affected taxpayers can mark their paper tax returns with the words "April 16 Storm." Taxpayers who e-file their returns can use their software's "disaster" feature, if available.

According to the New Haven Register, Robert Bellonio and his wife didn't know about the shooting at Virginia Tech until their daughter, a sophomore, called to say she was okay. The recent power outage kept them from knowing that a massacre had happened at their daughter's school. The Bellonio's son, a 2003 graduate of Virginia Tech, called it a "great school".

Joan (Castellano) Marcotte passed away peacefully at Middlesex Memorial Hospital on Saturday, April 14, 2007. She was born in New Haven, CT September 30, 1929 to Phillip and Emily (Brog) Castellano. She leaves a son Clifford Marcotte of Old Saybrook and a daughter Lynn Marcotte of Killingworth. She was predeceased by her husband Richard Marcotte in 1966 as well as brothers Phillip and Frank Castellano and sister Rosemarie Castellano. She was a past president of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Co. Auxiliary and a former member of the Killingworth VFW Ladies Auxiliary. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Gladeview Health Center for three years of care.

Family and friends may visit Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon on Wednesday. Interment will follow at North Madison Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Co., Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419 Attn: Ladies Auxiliary.

To the Editor:
Another school, another campus. Another unfathomable act.

The provision of the Bill of Rights guaranteeing a well-regulated militia was essential during our struggle against colonialism. Today, guns make us less free, prisoners to wanton violence and senseless crime.

Gun ownership is a tremendous responsibility; most gun owners recognize this. With such ownership, however, comes the responsibility to recognize that not all persons should have access to guns.

The NRA is correct; guns don't kill, people do. But a gun doesn't control who buys it. Only we can make certain someone who can't responsibly own a gun never has the chance to do so.

David L. Denvir
Former First Selectman

Nationally acclaimed children's book illustrator Wendell Minor visited Killingworth Elementary School last week to introduce his new book, "Nibble Nibble" to the K-2 classes. The book is a re-illustration of Margaret Wise Brown's 1959 classic poems for children. The visit was sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers and the KES-PTO.

The Connecticut resident signed copies of his book for students and staff after what teacher Juliann Bacewicz called an "inspiring presentation". Minor is also well known for his book cover illustrations, which have enhanced over 2000 works including the covers of bestsellers "Truman" by David McCullough, "The Prince of Tides" and "Beach Music" by Pat Conroy.

According to his bio, Minor's "wish is to inspire children to go out into the fields and woods and mountains to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and to give the children a positive perspective about the beauty that abounds in the world." "The works he feels closest to are his illustrations for children's books. Minor loves bringing scenes of the natural world to children. 'If we lose touch with nature,' he has said, 'then we lose touch with ourselves.'"

Photo courtesy M. Hoynack

Tuesday April 10:
• 11:14 AM: Medical emergency, Livemore Trl
Wednesday April 11:
• 6:51 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Rte 81 in front of the Middle School
Thursday April 12:
• 12:52 AM: Medical emergency, Alders Bridge Rd
• 4:18 AM: Medical emergency, Cow Hill Rd
• 3:08 PM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Saturday April 14:
• 2:17 PM: Public service call, Route 148

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for New London, New Haven, Middlesex and Fairfield County this morning. Three to as much as 8.5 inches of rain has fallen across the warning area since early Sunday morning and an area of moderate to heavy rain continues to move across southern Connecticut. An additional inch or two of rainfall is possible today.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is urging motorists to stay off state and local roads if at all possible due to numerous road closures that have resulted from last night's flooding and high winds. CL&P is reporting numerous power outages in Haddam, Killingworth and Durham with 42,000 outages reported statewide.

The State of Connecticut Music Educators Associations hosted the Southern Regional Music Festival on March 3, in Seymour Connecticut. The festival is a showcase for talented and gifted middle school musicians from the southern region of the state.

In December, students from approximately 45 Connecticut schools were asked to perform a required piece of music in one-on-one auditions with a trained adjudicator. The accepted students were notified in January and given the music for the March performance. HKMS Musical Directors Carol Gregg and Nancy Tozzo worked diligently with each student to help them prepare for the festival.

Students chosen throughout the region met for the first time the afternoon before the concert. After rehearsals that evening and the next day, the students were ready to perform for the public. Parent Eileen Boulay said, "It was a spectacular event." "Accolades not only to the Middle School teachers for their support, but to the elementary school teachers who have prepared these children through the years."

To the Editor:
I wish to thank the Haddam Board of Finance for responding to our community's growing needs as they seek more and more services offered via Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, Inc. This was reflected in the Board's unanimous vote on Wednesday, April 4th at the budget meeting to set the YFS-HK line to $65,000 even before learning what Killingworth Board of Finance was going to do.

What is most commendable is that Haddam Board of Finance made this motion without any conditions of what Killingworth was willing to set forth this budget season. (I am also encouraged that the Killingworth Board of Finance has at least raised its YFS line to $55,000 (4/10/07) before bringing it to the public hearing.)

Having said this, I understand that the Board of Finance can review and make changes to this (and any line item) up to and beyond the budget public hearing. It is my hope that the Haddam Board of Finance will hold to its original motion to keep the line at least at $65,000, and continue to be open to listen to the citizens who gather at the public hearing on May 2.

Sincerely,
Haddam Selectwoman Tanja Moriarty

The annual budget hearing of Regional School District No. 17 of the State of Connecticut, whose member towns are the towns of Haddam and Killingworth, will be held at the new Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, Route 81, Killingworth, on Monday, April 23, 2007, at 7 p.m.

A copy of the proposed budget recommended by the Superintendent of Schools is on file and available for inspection in the offices of the town clerks of Haddam and Killingworth, and at the office of the Superintendent of Schools at 91 Little City Rd., Higganum, CT.

The Board of Selectmen have agreed to allow the Hammonasset Fishing Association, which owns hundreds of acres in Madison and northwest Killingworth, to remove a small timber bridge in order to impede public access to its hunting and target shooting areas.

Attorney Thomas Cronin requested a letter of approval from the BOS to allow the association, with Madison's help, to remove Tibbels Bridge. The bridge spans the Hammonasset River between the two towns in an area used for target shooting and is occasionally used by hikers. Cronin said removal of the bridge does not effect any private landowners in Killingworth, as it is located on the discontinued Tibbels Bridge Road which connects to a discontinued portion of Jay Dowd Road. The Madison Board of Selectman has already approved the plan but it will have to go before both towns' Inland Wetlands Commissions before work can begin. Cronin said the plan is to remove the timber portion of the bridge but leave the abutments in order to minimize erosion.

The Killingworth Park & Recreation Commission Annual Fishing Derby drew a huge crowd of hat and mitten clad residents and their parents to Sheldon Pond yesterday. The pond was stocked with more than 120 12-14 inch trout several weeks ago thanks to the commission and live bait was supplied by the Country Cloverleaf Store. As parents tried to keep lines from crossing and hooks baited, the kids, aged 12 and under, worked on their casting and watched for the slightest nibble. Prizes were awarded to the largest fish caught in each age category, but organizers tried to make sure everyone left with a souvenir for their efforts.


(left) Evan Swanson, age 8, with one of the first catches of the day. (right) Sunny but very cool weather didn't deter the hardy fishermen