Cory Riordan, Killingworth resident and 2004 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School was drafted yesterday in the sixth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Riordan, a junior at Fordham University was the 192^nd overall pick for the Colorado Rockies. The 6-3, 195-pound right handed pitcher, was 7-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 14 games/starts for the Rams this season. He struck out 100 in a team-leading 100.1 innings. Riordan said he was "very excited to be taken and to have the opportunity to play pro baseball". He said the whole draft experience was "very intense and stressful".

Riordan was picked as the top prospect in the Atlantic 10 by Baseball America. He was selected to the 2007 Atlantic 10 All-Championship team, helping the Rams to their first Atlantic 10 Championship game since 1998. Riordan became the highest Fordham draft pick since 1987.

The business administration major played both varsity baseball and basketball while at HK serving as captain for both teams in his senior year.

The Colorado Rockies have Minor League Affiliates in Colorado, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, Washington and Wyoming. When asked about the likelihood of playing across the counrty, Riordan said, "It comes with the territory and should be a lot of fun".

For a video of Riordan in action, visit the MLB Draft page and click on the 400k link.

Thurday afternoon the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company responded to a reported structure fire on Rte 81 between Rte 148 and Pond Meadow Rd. As is standard protocol for any reported structure fire in this area, automatic mutual aid from Haddam and Chester was simultaneously dispatched together with the KVFC. According to Fire Chief Richard Bauer, the first arriving KVFC unit reported smoke visible from the street and proceeded with their investigation. Initial crews were informed by an occupant that she believed she had knocked the fire down with an extinguisher. Crews entered the structure and extinguished the remaining fire in a rear room of the home. After extinguishing the remaining fire and removing smoldering debris the KVFC set up fans to clear smoke from inside the home. Fire damage was confined to one room with relatively minor smoke damage to the rest of the home.

Bauer said, a much more serious incident was averted thanks to the quick actions of the occupant and the presence of both smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher in the home. The occupant, who was in another part of the building, heard the smoke alarm, noticed the smoke, called 9-1-1 and was able to extinguish most of the fire with an extinguisher. The presence of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the home, together with the quick actions of the occupant, prevented this from becoming a much more serious fire. The Fire Marshal is investigating but at this point it appears that the cause was accidental.

This incident underscores the importance of having working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your homes. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and their batteries replaced annually when you change your clocks in the fall. Fire extinguishers can be purchased in most hardware, home improvement and department stores. As this incident demonstrated - a small investment in time and money to purchase, install and inspect these important fire safety devices can make a difference if there is ever a fire in your home.

The KVFC provides smoke detectors free of charge to any Killingworth resident. Anyone needing smoke detectors and / or with questions about installing or inspecting these devices should stop by or contact the firehouse at 663-1785.

Three Books (Sudden Sea, Hidden Talents, The Outsiders)
Two Towns (Haddam and Killingworth)
One Community...(Sharing, participation, and fellowship)
READ!

INVITES YOU TO AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL...OUR KICK-OFF EVENT!

Saturday, June 9 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Haddam Killingworth Middle School
• Celebrate summer reading
• Yummy (free) ice cream
• All three books for sale
• Visit www.mylibraryrocks.com/321 for more information
• Hope to see you there!

The 2007 Bonsai and Asian Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, June 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cummings Art Center at Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave (Rt 32) New London. Admission for $7.oo is adults, children under 12 are free.

The show will feature:
• The artwork of Charles Chu and The Chu-Griffis Collection
• Extensive Display of members' Bonsai
• Beginners Bonsai Workshop - $25 fee includes membership to CTBS for one year
• Lecture on Petromania: A Passion of Stones by Noelle O'Conner
• Scholar Rocks and Spirit Stones, KeminHu Asian Art Gallery of Boston
• Bonsai Demonstrations By Todd Hansen and John Romano
• Storytelling Hour by Motoko
• Other activities include Vendor Sales with Todd Hansen, Asian Art Gallery and others, raffles and auctions. Food and beverage available through the day by The China House.

Please call 860-663-4260 or 860-439-5060 for more info or visit our website at www.chinatradebonsaisociety.org

Kathy Dame, Asst. Director Of the Connecticut College Arboretum and Tom Lee, President of the China Trade Bonsai Society. Photo courtesy S. Carucci

Patty Carver and Leo Carusone of the Connecticut Children's Theatre in Essex, are offering theatre camp this summer for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Patty's Musical Summer Camps will be held at Valley Regional High School July 16-20 and July 23-27. For more information or to register please call 860-767-5068.

Mini Musical Theatre Workshops: July 9-13 (9am-11:30am or 12:30-3:00pm sessions)For Kindergarten-2nd Graders - $135/week (+tax)

Musical Theatre Workshops: July 16-20 & July 23-26th (9am-4pm Mon thru Fri.)For 3rd - 8th Graders - $200/week (+tax)

On Saturday, June 2, the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust held its fourth annual Trails Day hike. This year 17 people participated, walking the land trust's newest trail - the Shotpouch Plain Trail. This trail follows an old woods road, connects Roast Meat Hill Road to Ironworks Road and is about one half mile in length. Hikers were of all ages, including 3 children and 2 dogs, and coming from as far away as Burlington, Connecticut. The hobbies of letterboxing and geocaching were demonstrated along the walk.

An Eagle Scout candidate will be improving the trail, adding two loops, blazing it and adding two signboards. Other Trails Day events took place around the state and around the country. To find out more about land trust trails, or to volunteer, contact Trails Chairman Debby Butler at 663-2231 or debby_butler@hotmail.com.

Rose Keithan, Jordan Seck, and Hannah Potter letterboxing on Trails Day 2007. Photo courtesy D. Butler

Join well-known artist Cora Ogden for an afternoon still life painting workshop on Sunday, June 24 from 1:00-4:00pm. Ogden will discuss techniques for color layering, glazing as well as the importance of light and color to add drama. Participants will learn how to build a strong composition and understructure for their paintings.

A short list of materials will be sent to participants prior to the class. The cost is $60. The Workshop is held at The Arts Center at Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, CT. 06419. Since space is limited, reserve in advance by calling (860) 663-5593. For more information visit www.artscenterkillingworth.org

Matthew Cartoceti of Killingworth, who graduated last month as valedictorian from Xavier High School in Middletown, was awarded the Harvard Book Award, the English, Latin and Science Dept. Awards. He was recently recognized as a Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Leader and Student Athlete as a varsity soccer player for Xavier. He was named the Xavier Soccer Top Defensive Player as a senior. Matt is the recipient of the Evergreen Garden Club Scholarship, the New Haven Regional Watershed Fund Scholarship, the Killingworth Scholarship Association scholarship and the Arbor Garden Club of Clinton Scholarship. Cartoceti will attend Cornell University and major in Environmental Science and Environmental Biology.

The Region 17 School District recognized its outstanding students and staff as well as its five retiring staff at last night's Board of Education meeting. Retiring after 44 years in teaching, is Killingworth Elementary School's own Susan Dean. Dean, who has taught second grade for many years, was the first kindergarten teacher hired in the district 43 years ago. Also retiring are Haddam Elementary School kindergarten para-professional Janet Coggins (26 years), head cook Barbara Day (13 years) and secretary Carol Zanelli (35 years). Retiring from the Central Office staff after 29 years is Julie Goff who now works in accounts payable.

This year's Outstanding Teachers were: Cherie Anderson from the middle school; Kathy Briotti from Killingworth Elementary; JoAnn Smith from Haddam; Carol Sturges from Burr Elementary and Marcy Webster from the high school. The Outstanding Staff Members of the Year were: Information Systems Analyst Scott Butson from the central office; Custodian Dan Cote from KES; School Nurse Linda Kauffman from Burr; special ed. paraprofessional Brenda Schneider from the middle school; special ed asst. Betsy Stehr from Haddam and guidance secretary Elaine Vivero from the high school.

The Superintendent's Achievement Award was presented by Superintendent Gary Mala to Alex Matthies and Megan Murray.

The top 10 students for the Class of 2007 were also honored:
1. Jessica Mullaney: Valedictorian; daughter of David and Carol Mullaney from Higganum. Will attend Colby College in Maine.
2. Rita Flynn: Salutatorian; daughter of David and Dianne Flynn of Killingworth. Will attend Loyola College in Maryland.
3. Brittany Halleck: Daughter of Richard and Gail Halleck of Haddam. Will attend Stonehill College in Mass.
4. Kelsey Sokol: Daughter of Randy and Susan Sokol of Killingworth. Will attend Penn State.
5. Jessie Gersz: Daughter of Mark and Pamela Gersz of Killingworth. Will attend Univerity of Connecticut.
6. Josephine Amendola: Daughter of Michael and Barbara Amendola of Killingworth. Will attend Fairfield University.
7. Robyn Stanford: Daughter of John and Susan Stanford of Haddam. Will attend Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.
8. April Acker: Daughter of Joseph and Denise Acker of Killingworth. She will attend Fordham University in New York.
9. Sally Parmelee: Daughter of Michael and Kathy Parmelee of Haddam. She will attend Fordham University in New York.
T-10. Kate Anderson: Daughter of Craig and Carol Anderson of Higganum. Will attend Central Connecticut University.
T-10. Kathryn Wargo: Daughter of John and Linda Wargo of Killingworth. Will attend Brown University in Rhode Island.

St. Lawrence Church on Route 81 will hold its 40th Annual Strawberry Festival Giant Auction and Craft Fair on Saturday, June 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the church grounds. Bring the family out for a day of fun!

The fair will feature a Quilt and Basket Raffle, the Giant Auction with bidding starting at 11:00 a.m.; Children's Games; Gently used Books and Toy sale; a Plant Sale; Food Booths, a Bake Sale and of course Strawberry Shortcake. Fun for the Whole Family!!

The Killingworth VFW would like to thank all those who joined us in the line of march as we honored our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. Thanks also, to the parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends who lined the route to show their support and respect. We can only hope that our youthful participants will learn a lesson from our somber ceremonies.

I would like to offer a special 'Thank You' to Ellie Becker (Captain - US Army -WW II) for singing our 'Star Spangled Banner' and also to the HK Middle School Memorial Day Poetry Contest winner Caroline Atwood for reading her entry which is appended here for your reflection. See you next year, Rick Albrecht, Commander, VFW Post #9920.

CRYING SKY
by Caroline Atwood
A happy parade goes marching by
Underneath the cheerful sky
But we forget why it goes past
An honor to those who dies last
An honor to soldiers who fight and die
Underneath the same crying sky

A sad procession goes marching by
Underneath a war-torn sky
A hero is in that parade
His life for liberty was paid
Someone loved him and will cry
Underneath the same mourning sky

A happy flag is flying high
Underneath a joyous sky
It waves so proud but we forget
That our country is forever in debt
To those who were killed and came to lie
Underneath the same once happy sky

A somber flag is not flying high
Underneath a heart-broken sky
It rests upon a coffin top
Tears from a mother's eye will drop
She never got to say goodbye
Underneath the same worn sky

HK Sports: HK's top boys' singles tennis player, Alessio Gallarotti has advanced to the third round of the Class S tournament. The doubles team of Alex Langevin and Alex Waldman have advanced to the quarterfinals.

Bruce Dodson, a Killingworth resident for 32 years, doesn't like to brag. He was downright reluctant to do this interview, but after hearing of his accomplishments, I persisted. So glad I did, because I got to meet PATRIC! But more on that later.

An active member of the Board of Directors of the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust since 1981, Bruce has been president of the KLCT twice, totaling ten years, and has been Vice President for five years. He feels privileged to live in our rural town and is proud of the fact that 1/3 of the land is protected by State, Water company and Land Trust parcels, the latter encompassing approximately 1,000 acres.

He's also been Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the past twelve years and is Secretary of the Killingworth Open Space Committee, which reports to the Selectman's office. Its job is to search for and work with land owners to preserve more of our fields and woodlands.

Many of you are aware of all the wonderful projects the local Lions Club takes on. Bruce has been a behind-the-scenes driving force there for 25 years. In 1999 he was presented with the Lion of the Year Award. The following year, he received the International Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellowship. This is the foundation's highest honor and was given in recognition of Bruce's long time commitment to humanitarian work.

The Secretary of State Public Service Award is given annually to those nominated by town mayors and first selectmen. The candidate's name is submitted for contributions made for the betterment of his or her town or community. Bruce was awarded this honor in August of 2002.

I asked Bruce how he became so involved in public service. His answer was simple and straightforward. He believes strongly that we learn this sense of community commitment from our parents. His parents were very active in their Massachusetts hometown. Now, his daughter, Sara, is contributing to the Killingworth Historical Society archiving process along with her good friends, Julia & Heather McCurdy.

And now, back to Patric, the gentle giant who sat beside us for the interview. He is an Irish Wolfhound and you may have seen him at the Lions Club Easter Egg hunt, other Lions and KLCT functions, or simply riding around town with Bruce in his pick-up truck. The passenger seat in the truck has been removed for Patric's riding comfort. He is 5 years old and weighs approximately 175 lbs, which is actually small by IWH standards. Patric is such a presence he steals the show wherever he goes...sorry, Bruce.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Girls Soccer team will hold a Car Wash fundraiser to benefit the HKHS field stadium lights on Sunday, June 10th at St. James Church, Rte 81, Higganum. The car wash will be held from 12noon to 3:00 pm. Cost is $8.00 per car or $5.00 for HKHS student with school ID.

Wednesday May 30:
• 5:24 AM: Medical emergency, Dogwood Knoll
Thursday May 31:
• 12:53 PM: Mutual aid to Durham, Structure fire, Higganum Rd
• 7:22 PM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd
• 8:37 PM: Structure fire, Iron Works Rd
Friday June 1:
• 2:45 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Rte 148

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life held at Haddam-Killingworth High School over the weekend raised more than $100,000 for cancer research and education. Event chairperson Cindy Pitts was given an initial goal of $35,000, but blew past that number early in the planning stages. Cancer survivors as well as friends and relatives who have been touched by cancer, walked, laughed and cried to pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease, and to raise money to help fight it.

Teams gathered on the track infield under stormy skies Friday night but the rain passed and under a beautiful rainbow, the relay commenced. Hundreds of luminaria lit the way as darkness fell and the relay continued non-stop until early Saturday morning. Pitts gathered the tired but proud team members for closing ceremonies and announced the top three fundraising teams and individuals as well as the amazing total. Joey Morman's Fitness Connection raised more than $13,000 to finish as the top team followed by the Killingworth Women's Organization ($6,000) and All Star Software Systems ($5,000). Karen Milano of the Fitness Connection team raised more than $7,000 in support of John Milano and Dennis Peoples to win first prize for individual fundraising. Heather Jones Ignatuk ($2,300) and Christine Testori ($2,000) finishing second and third.

Killingworth First Selectman Marty Klein closed the event saying, "We must join in support of research for more efficient means of combating this affliction, and insist that advanced technology for treatment is made accessible to all who are in need." Pitts said Lee Kozlowski has stepped forward to help organize next year's event. More than 200 relays will take place in 2007 with monies raised going to fund cancer research, prevention and education.


Top: Event Chairperson Cindy Pitts rallies the teams. Luminaria ring the track to light the way. Bottom: Cancer Survivors begin their lap. Photos courtesy Amy Etra.

Join certified fitness trainers Joey Morman of The Fitness Connection and Lori Marriott of Shoreline Focus on Fitness for a fun-filled morning of outdoor fitness with all proceeds to benefit the KES-PTO Playground Fund.

On Saturdays June 9th and 16th Morman and Marriott will lead one hour fitness sessions in the KES lower playground at 7:30 a.m. for a fee of $15 for one Saturday or $25 for both days. In case of rain, the sessions will be held in the KES gymnasium.

Enjoy a professional training session set up in a circuit format that will give you a strength, endurance and cardio workout all in one hour! All fitness levels welcome. Each exercise station allows YOU to do your OWN workout!

To register, call Joey at 663-0326 or Lori at 203-314-6211.

WANTED: Kids entering kindergarten through 6th grade! Join the rip-roarin'est, rootin'-tootin'est Wild West VBS adventure you've ever seen! Come to Vacation Bible School at Valley Bible Church in Haddam, CT on June 25-29 from 8:45am - Noon for Drama, Crafts, Music, Games and More!!! Call the church for Registration details - 345-8932.

HK Sports: The 2007 HK Baseball team had its season come to and end on Saturday, suffering a tough, 3-1, quarterfinal loss to Trinity Catholic of Stamford. It was a tight contest with both teams playing well.

Trinity Catholic jumped out to an early 1-0 lead scoring a run with two outs on an infield single in the first. The Crusaders struck again in the third, scratching another run to make it 2-0.

The Cougar's offense was quiet early in the game before coming to life in the fifth. Mike Theriault led off the inning with a walk and advance to second on Kyle Allison's sacrifice bunt. Lou Annino then dropped a single in front of the left fielder to move Theriault to third. HK scored Theriault when Alex Struzinski grounded out to second.

Trinity Catholic answered HK's run with an unearned run of their own the following inning. The Cougars hit the ball hard the rest of the game, but were unable to string any hits together to produce runs.

With the loss, HK's final record stands at 19-5. The Cougars also say goodbye to four seniors as Pete Rynkowski, Billy Kolodziej, Alex Struzinski, and Jason Cannata all played their final game in the blue and gold.

Editor's Note: A big thank you to Asst. Baseball Coach Greg Annino and the other parents and coaches who sent in sports reports this spring. I know the kids, parents and fans really appreciate your efforts. Reports are always welcome to the editor@killingworthtoday.com

The Arts Center at Killingowrth is offering three one-week camps this summer, including a new camp, Video Production. Fashion week will return as will the wildly popular Cartooning and Manga Camp.

Fashion Week: Campers will design, create and learn about the world of fashion. They will illustrate, sew, embellish jeans and tops, participate in a photo shoot, and more! Couture designer Astrid Niemelaeinen will add her real-life expertise by giving a presentation on the nuts and bolts of creating a fashion show! This Camp runs July 9-13 for ages 12-17.
Manga Camp: Artists will draw their favorite cartoon characters and create storyboards. Participate in Japanese self-defense workshops and craft projects. A treat will be our visiting guest, a Manga and Film professional. This Camp runs July 16-20 for ages 9-13.
Video Production Camp: Participants will discover a variety of film genres, choose a film style, then write, direct, act, shoot and edit a five-minute video. This Camp runs July 23-27 for ages 12-17.

To register, call (860) 663-5593. For more information, visit our website: www.artscenterkillingworth.org