The opening night performance of the 'HONK', performed by the Haddam Killingworth Middle School Players, was nothing short of spectacular. The ensemble cast executed a delightful and professional rendition of Han Christian Anderson's story of the Ugly Duckling. This full-school production was led by producer and director Christopher Solimene with musical direction and arrangements by John Pike.

The multi-talented cast included 53 wonderful singers and dancers in colorful costumes that brought smiles to young and old. The back stage crew and staff made the performance seamless. Cast highlights included Jill Griswold as Ida, the Mamma Duck; Jesse Eberl as the Ugly Duckling; Dane Paracuelles as the comedian bullfrog, Holly DeMorro as the cat; Justin Hall as General Greyleg; Alex Raccio as Auntie Hen and and Ben Sumner as Daddy Drake. The entire cast clearly spent many hours in rehearsal, because each performer was uniquely outstanding. If you missed last night's performance, you have just one more chance tonight at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7.00. Flowers and refreshments are available at the HKMS auditorium. For more photos of last night's performance visit the Honk Photo Gallery

HK Sports
The HK Girls Lacrosse team fell to Morgan of Clinton, 11-5. Nicole Dansereau and Danielle Filosi each scored twice for the Cougars; Jess Cambell scored once.

The HK Girls Tennis team fell to Westbrook, 5-2. Colleen Phelan (7-5, 6-4) and Cailtin Gilhuly (6-2, 6-0) won their singles matches.

The HK Boys Golf team defeated North Branford on the Banner Lodge course yesterday, 182-191. Thijs Stoop and Paul Zanardi were medalists.

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

Mary E. Davis, 45, formerly of Killingworth died recently in the Virgin Islands where she resided. She was the loving daughter of the late Harold F. and Evelyn R. Davis. Mary was a creative free spirit and nature lover. First and foremost, she was an avid animal lover. The many animals in Mary's life were family to her. Mary loved to travel, especially to islands, of which she visited many ranging from Bora Bora to St. Johns, where she settled. Mary enjoyed jewelry making, glasswork and reading, though she was happiest in the water or in the woods and spending time with her dogs. Mary was a licensed Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor. She also pursued a Dive Master's License. Mary was predeceased by her parents, her son Ethan, and her brother Michael. She is survived by her dogs Dudley and Benny, her sister Pamela Lincoln and her husband George, her brother John Davis, her sister Donna Piombino and her husband Edward and her late brother Michael's wife Laura Davis. Per her wishes, Mary's mortal remains were cremated. Her ashes were taken on a boat and released into the ocean off St. Johns Island at Sunset.

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group will meet on May 8, at the Killingworth Library, to discuss Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking". In this award winning book, Didion looks back on her marriage while coping with the sudden death of her husband and the grave illness of an only child. Discussion will begin in the library meeting room at 1p.m. Visitors are welcome.

On Sunday, April 22, six Killingworth volunteers worked hard on the Land Trust's Hammonasset River Trail. With chainsaws, pry bars and hard work, they created a series of rock "steps" to make the trail much more user-friendly. Previously, the trail climbed at this difficult point, but wear and erosion left the section almost impassable. Organized by Ted Dinsmore, Dean DiGregoio and his sons Mike and Mathew, plus Chic Phillips and Rich Anziano accomplished an important task. Hikers can begin the trail at Route 80 (park by the bridge over the river, on the Madison side, cross the metal bridge below and look for reddish-orange blazes), or via one of the trail heads on Bar Gate Trail. Signboards host maps at each entrance. Hikers can experience two miles of riverside hiking, including small waterfalls, rapids, woods and great views. Thank you to everyone who has been helping with spring work on our land trust trails! If you would like to help out and learn more about our trails, contact trails chairman Debby Butler at 663-2231 or at debby_butler@hotmail.com.

Photo courtesy D. Butler

HK Sports
The HK Girls Tennis team fell to North Branford on Tuesday, 2-5. Caitlin Gilhuly playing number two singles (6-3, 7-5) and Jess Lindquist and Dina Grimaldi playing number one doubles (6-3, 6-0) won their matches. The Cougars came back Wednesday and defeated Old Saybrook, 6-1. Colleen Phelan (6-0, 6-0), Gilhuly (6-1, 6-0), Lindquist (6-2, 6-2) and Sabina Wozniak (6-0, 6-1) won their singles matches and Kelly Chambers and Hannah Sturman (6-2, 6-2) and Ashley Armstrong and Grimaldi (6-2, 4-6, game was called due to rain and team with most games was declared the winner) won at doubles.

The Haddam-Killingworth Varsity Baseball team survived a scare from the Rams of Old Saybrook and came away with a, 9-8, victory on Wednesday.

HK got off to a strong start as pitcher Lou Annino mowed down the Rams in the first and the HK offense put up three quick runs in the bottom of the inning. AJ Margnelli led off with a triple and, after a Pete Rynkowski base on balls, Steve Landell slapped an RBI single to get the scoring started. Alex Struzinski ripped a 2-RBI single later in the inning.

HK's offense sputtered after it's quick start and the Rams gained momentum scoring four runs in the third to give them a, 4-3, lead. The Cougars answered back with a huge six-run inning in the fourth. Mike Theriault started things off with a single and quickly advanced to second after a wild pitch. With one out, Margnelli and Rynkowski ripped back-to-back singles, with Margnelli's plating Theriault to tie the game. Old Saybrook intentionally walked Landell to load the bases for Alex Pollack. Pollack made the Rams pay for pitching to him as he laced a 2-run single to center. Struzinski followed with an RBI single and Annino with an RBI ground out to put HK up with a seemingly comfortable, 9-4, lead.

Rynkowski came in to relieve Annino on the mound in the fifth but heading into the final inning, the Rams closed the lead to, 9-8. Rynkowski took charge of the situation in the top of the seventh however, striking out the side and picking up his second save of the season. The HK offense laced nine hits, Margnelli ( 3-3, 2 runs, 2 steals.) and Struzinski ( 2-4, 3 RBI) would lead the way. The Cougars are
7-2 (6-1) on the season. They face Coginchaug at home on Friday, April 27th at 3:45, weather permitting.

The HK Softball team defeated Old Saybrook, 7-5. Katie Anderson had a two run triple and two RBI and Sam Burr had a two-run single. The Cougars are 6-3.

The Cougar Girls Golf (240) team fell to East Catholic (224) and Mercy (239). Lauren Chapman (46) was a medalist.

The Cougar Boys Tennis team defeated Old Saybrook, 6-1.

The Board of Finance unveiled its 2007-2008 budget at its annual budget hearing last night at the elementary school. BOF Chairman John McMahon said the board would revisit several items in the $4,591,140 municipal budget at its next meeting, but it was likely that residents would see a 6 mil decrease in the tax rate this year. The recent revaluation has raised property values and like many towns in the area, Killingworth has determined a mil rate decrease is warranted. The budget will be voted on at the Annual Town Meeting on May 21 at 8:00 p.m. in the KES All-purpose room.

The total 2007-2008 budget($20,476,960) includes $15,427,893 for the Region 17 schools (75%); $968,773 for highway expenses (5%); $968,773 for capital projects (2%); $373,067 for public safety (2%); $364,392 for debt & lease obligation(2%); $334,568 for community service and welfare (2%); $296,337 for sanitation & heath(1%); $169,443 for land use & recreation (1%) and $2,084,560 for general government expenses including salaries, benefits and insurance(10%). The Board of Finance approved an across the board 3.5% pay increase for most employees with several exceptions including the First Selectman and the two second Selectmen, whose salaries remained the same.

The Region 17 Board of Education voted Monday night to send a $34,497,356 budget to its Annual Meeting on May 7. The budget is a 5.48 percent increase over the 2006-2007 budget and is essentially the same as proposed by Schools Superintendent Gary Mala back in March. To view the proposed budget visit www.rsd17.org. The town referendum on the budget will take place on May 8 with voting in the Killingworth Elementary School All-Purpose room.

Included in the list of BOE goals are: enhanced pupil services; a continued focus on teaching, learning and supervision of instruction; a three tiered transportation system with routes not to exceed 30 minutes; the initiation of new programs without adding staff and the continued acquisition of technology. One of the most talked about items this year, the option for full-day kindergarten, was retained in the budget.

The Inland Wetlands Commission unanimously approved the application for the relocation of the True Value Hardware Store to the 10.6 acre parcel south of Route 81 commonly known as Olde Church Commons. The approval had two conditions: that outdoor storage of any small engines, or equipment with a small engine, be limited to areas that are paved and that following the reconfiguration of the Town traffic circle, the storm water runoff plan be brought back before the commission.

The Cost Family proposes a three building cluster subdivision that 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. Over the past several months the IWWC requested changes in the storm water runoff plan, driveway surfacing and realignment of the third small office building and its parking lot.

Project engineer, Michael Harkin of Harkin Engineering said the next steps are a preliminary meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the start of building plans for the three structures.

HK Sports
After a thirteen day layoff, the HK Soccer Club U-10 boys team returned to the field against regional soccer powerhouse Guilford on Saturday. Guilford established a 1 - 0 lead early in the game but the HK team hung tough and fought back to take a 2-1 lead still in the first half. This was the first game in significant heat for either team and HK's hard physical training in early season practice really paid off as HK pushed hard through both halves for a solid, 6 - 3 win. For the majority of the HK team, this was their first ever "away" game. The initial jitters of playing at a different field were evident, but the team steadied itself and relied on excellent physical condition to secure the win.

With only an overnight rest, the same team took the field against Coginchog (Durham) on Sunday. Back at home the team fell right into its pattern of good passing and running into open positions without the ball to take a 3-1 lead by halftime. Again it was evident that the team had prepared well and were still on fresh legs running strong and were able to score several unanswered goals in the second half to secure the win.

Immediately after the boys game, one of the two HK U-10 girls teams took the same field against Coginchog. In a game characterized by excellent play from both teams, HK carried a slim 1-0 lead into the half. The second half was an exciting back and forth battle until a late score for HK secured a 2-0 win.

You can see the HK U-10 boys take the field again this Saturday against rival Madison at 3:30 on the lower field at Sheldon Park. Good seats are always available because you need to bring your own.

Haddam-Killingworth High School senior Briana Smith will host her teen art show to benefit the Shoreline Arts Alliance Scholarship Program this Saturday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the old Haddam Killingworth Middle School gymnasium. The Shoreline Teen Art Benefit will feature paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures for sale to benefit the scholarship program. Students in seventh to twelfth grade have donated work. There will also be awards for first, second, and third place and best in category winners. Refreshments will be provided by the Coffee Connection in Higganum.

Haddam-Killingworth Middle School will perform the musical "Honk" this weekend in its magnificent 700 seat auditorium. Performances will take place 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 musical is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling".

The Board of Selectmen voted to award the contract for the realignment of the intersection of Green Hill Road and Route 81 to Schumack Engineered Construction of Clinton. First Selectman Marty Klein said the $194,880 project will commence on approximately June 30th and will be completed around August 30th. The town will be reimbursed for the cost of the project through the state's Local Capital Improvement Program. Traffic in the stretch of road south of the traffic circle has already been slowed by the state's Chittenden Road/Route 81 bridge project. Residents and visitors should leave some extra time to travel through that area.

HK Sports
The Cougar Varsity Baseball team continued its solid pitching and hot hitting to silence the East Hampton Bellringers, 6-2, in a Shoreline Conference match up. Sophomore Steve Landell turned in another dominant pitching performance allowing only two runs (one earned), walking three, and striking out 12 batters. With the win Landell improves to 3-0.

Landell helped his own cause in the top of the first when he singled in Peter Rynkowski who doubled in the previous at bat. HK added another run in the second via a Rynkowski RBI single to make it 2-0. East Hampton answered back however, with solo runs in the third and fifth to knot the score at 2-2.

Mike Theriault came through with a clutch RBI single in the top of the sixth to give HK a 3-2 lead. Landell sat East Hampton down in order in the bottom of the frame to preserve the lead. HK started another rally in the top of the seventh when Alex Pollack beat out an infield single. His hustle was rewarded when Alex Struzinski blasted a 2-run homerun over the left field fence to give HK a 5-2 cushion. The Cougars then used three consecutive singles by Allison, Annino, and Theriault to tack on another insurance run. Landell struck out the side to end it in the seventh.

The Cougar offense exploded for 14 hits in the second consecutive game to overwhelm East Hampton. Theriault (3-4, 2 RBI) and Struzinski (2-4, 2RBI) would lead the onslaught. HK improves to 6-2 (5-1) and will host Old Saybrook on Wednesday, April 25th at 3:45.

The HK Girls Tennis team fell to Old Lyme, 0-7.
Game scores were:
1. Colleen Phelan vs. Emily Searle 1-6 1-6
2. Caitlin Gilhuly vs. Laura Mackey 4-6 6-2 3-6
3. Julia Sorensen vs. Liia Koiv-Haus 0-6 0-6
4. Sabina Wozniak vs. Alyssa Hoynack 0-6 0-6
Doubles:
1. Jess Lindquist/Dina Grimaldi vs. Rachel Gaudio/Hannah Korsmeyer 0-6 4-6
2. Ashley Armstrong/Kelly Chambers vs. Lea Korsmeyer/Abby Hawkins 4-6 3-6
3. Anna Brundage/Casey Scully vs. Maeve Mackey/Ali Davidson 0-6 1-6

The HK Softball team defeated Cromwell, 15-2. Sammy Burr had four hits and Allie Rand had four hits and 3 RBIs. Lindsey Griswold struck out seven.

The HK Girls Lacrosse team lost to Farmington, 12-4.

The HK Boys Tennis team defeated Old Lyme, 6-1.

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Middlesex Community College, being celebrated this spring, First Selectman Martin Klein has announced that the Town of Killingworth has issued a proclamation celebrating the college's 40 years of partnering with area communities in a tradition of shaping the future through education - one person at a time.

In considering education today, Klein said, "'Tikum Olem' (Hebrew for "Repair the World"); that's what I see as the role of education."

Klein also announced that Killingworth will fly an MxCC banner during the month of May in support of MxCC efforts over the past 40 years to maintain the accessibility and affordability of education for area residents.

MxCC is an open admissions college awarding associate degrees in more than 20 major areas and certificates in a variety of programs which lead to further study, employment and active citizenship. Over the past 40 years, the college's faculty and staff have been dedicated to helping almost 59,000 students achieve their academic, professional and career potentials.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Players will present the musical "Beauty and the Beast" for three shows beginning with an evening performance on May 4th at 7 PM, a matinee on May 5th at 1 PM, and an encore evening performance on May 5th at 7 PM in the H-K Auditorium. Adult tickets are $10 and tickets for students and senior citizens are $8. Join them for an evening or afternoon of family fun that will leave you humming for weeks afterwards.

The musical, written by Menken and Rice team, is based on the popular Disney movie with added music and scenes to enhance the stage experience. The cast includes Melanie Yates as the young woman Belle who wants much more than her provincial life in the French Countryside. Belle gets more than she bargains for after she agrees to stay in an enchanted castle with a hideous beast played by Jessup Deane and a host of enchanted household objects including a stressed-out clock, played by Eliana Catalano; a womanizing candlestick, played by Denis Ugurlu; an opera singing wardrobe played by Katie Meyer and a motherly English teapot and her teacup son played by Kylee Bell and Ariana Casey.

This family-friendly musical will feature some of your favorite selections such as "Belle" "Gaston" and the show-stopping "Be Our Guest" complete with dancing napkins, plates, forks and knives! Audience participation for our youngest guests will also be encouraged at a pivotal part of the show. Our production features a talented cast of high school students complemented by an outstanding live pit orchestra, professional sets and costumes.

Director Marcy Webster is excited about the attention the musical has already received from the communities of Haddam and Killingworth as well as parents and students at H-K. "I think this will be a real community event" says Webster. "Local businesses and members of the community have already been so supportive. We in turn will be able to produce a fun, professional looking and sounding show to share with area residents. I am so proud of each student for their hard work."

Sunday April 15:
• 12:41 PM: Wires down, Route 81
• 11:24 PM: Wires down, Roast Meat Hill Rd
Wednesday April 18:
• 7:00 PM: Chimney fire, Parker Hill Rd
Thursday April 19:
• 7:00 AM: Medical emergency, Bargate Trl.
Friday April 20:
• 2:20 AM: Medical emergency, Parker Hill Rd
• 7:59 PM: Outdoor fire, Colonial Dr
Saturday April 21:
• 4:45 AM: Medical emergency, Route 81
• 4:47 PM: Medical emergency, North Chestnut Hill Rd

HK Sports
The Haddam-Killingworth Varsity Baseball team came from behind to beat the North Branford T-Birds, 10-2, yesterday at home.

Peter Rynkowski would take the ball for the Cougars and pitch a complete game 4-hitter. Rynkowski would allow two unearned runs, one walk, one hit batter, and strike out one.

After NB took a 1-0 lead, HK would come back and tie the game in the bottom of the third. With AJ Margnelli (single) on third base and two out, Alex Pollack would hit an RBI single back up the middle making the score 1-1.

The T-Birds would jump back on top on the fourth, 2-1, but the Cougars would finally claim their first lead in the bottom of the fifth. Margnelli would lead off with a single which was followed immediatly with a perfect bunt single by Rynkowski to put runners on the corners. Rynkowski would steal second, giving the Cougar's their best oppurtunity of the game. Steve Landell would not let that oppurtunity go by as hit hit a wind-aided 2-RBI double to left field giving his squad a 3-2 lead. After NB recorded two outs, Kyle Allison would tack on one more run when he crushed an RBI double that scored Pollack all the way from first base putting the lead at 4-2.

With Rynkowski keeping the T-Bird offense in check and now given a 4-2 lead, HK would break the game wide open the following inning by scoring six times. Landell would drill an RBI double in the left center gap, which was followed by a Kyle Allison 2-RBI double and Lou Annino 2-RBI triple later in the inning.

For HK, Margnelli (RBI) and Landell (3 RBI) continued their hot hitting, each going 3-4 on the day. Allison would chip in two big doubles and end his day with 3 RBI as well, while Pollack was a perfect 2-2 with an RBI. As a team, HK collected an impressive 14 hits.

The Cougars run their record to 5-2 (4-1), and will play East Hampton on Monday, April 23 in a Shoreline Conference game.

Peter Rynkowski in action on Saturday

Mike Theriault knocks the ball loose on a slide into second.

The Fitness Connection's Spring Group Fitness Training sessions begin the week of April 23rd. The classes will be held at The Fitness Connection studio and will meet for 1 hour. You get personal training in a small group setting and the cost is only $155 for 2 classes a week for 6 weeks. You will work out your whole body each class and most importantly, you will love the way you will look and feel after only 12 sessions. There are still spots open in the Tuesday/Thursday 2pm and 4pm Circuit Training classes and the Tuesday/Thursday 5pm Strength class. For details or to reserve a spot, call 860-663-0326. Experience the results of group personal training! Get connected with The Fitness Connection and spend the best summer of your life...feeling great about yourself!

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, April 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held April 9, 2007
3. Visitors:
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. IWWC( Russell David White)
    2. Board of Assess. Appeals (Adrian Kavanaugh)
    3. Zoning Board of Appeals (Pamela Ahearn)
    4. Regional Mental Health Board
    5. Town Office Building Study Comm. (Arlene Tunney, Stephen Hollander)
6. Old Business:
    1. Award of Bid/Route 81/Green Hill Road Project
    2. Award of Bid/Connecting Emergency Generator @ KES
    3. Affordable Housing - Tax Assessor Present Adjustments
    4. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Resolution and Supplemental Agreement for the Replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge #04716
7. New Business:
    1. Award of Bid/Crack Sealant
    2. Award of Bid/Chip Sealing
    3. BOS Approval of Call of Town Meeting for April 30, 2007 for Approval of Annual Report, Approval of Expenditure for Remediation of Septic Lagoon and Repeal of Property Tax Ordinance Less than $5.00
    4. BOS Approval of Call of Town Meeting for May 21, 2007 for Approval of BOF Operating Budget and Capital Budget for FY 2007/2008, Pending Final Adjustments by BOF
    5. Establish a new Charter Review Commission: Those willing to serve include; Susan Adinolfo, Atty. David Denvir, Jamie Young, Atty. Thomas Cronan, Frank Vumbach, Richard Pleines, Sheridan Perkins, Atty. Joan Reed Wilson, Catherine Iino.
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 11:00 a.m., Friday, 4/20/2007
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