To the Editor:
I'd like to echo Mr. Stull's comments about "Acting Highway Foreman", Walter Adametz. Walter has appeared numerous times before various local boards/committees on which I sit. He ably and cheerfully assisted, and stood in for, his former boss Jim Ward for years in these evening meetings. He has been an invited professional on behalf of the town, and, has participated as a deeply concerned citizen supporting local initiatives unrelated to his position. He understands and respects the line of separation between the two.

Walter is part of the fabric of Killingworth. He is a treasure-trove of experience, a positive person, trusted employee and an active volunteer. Walter's dedication to, and love for our town is palpable. His professional experience would be wasted if a neighbor town stole him. I would hope our Board of Selectmen would advance Walter into a permanent leadership position. He's had the title of "Acting Foreman" too long.

Regards,
Hilary Kumnick

The Congregational Church in Killingworth, United Church of Christ, will hold Summer Worship Services during the months of July and August at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings. Summer Sunday School for all children, PreK through Grade 8, will also be held each week at this time. The 9:00 AM Sunday Service will be followed by coffee and fellowship.

During these summer months, the church office will be open during the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please join us on Sunday morning; all are welcome here! For more information please call the church office at 663-1789, or visit www.killingworthchurch.org

First Selectman Marty Klein recently announced that, after consulting with his family and friends, he will seek re-election in the fall. Klein, 79, said he has just started to put things in order in the First Selectmen's office and would like to see some projects through. Klein has recently taken on the Connecticut Water Company to pay the town a host benefit fee for every gallon of water it pumps out of the Killingworth Reservoir. In his informal announcement, Klein also referred to several bridge and road projects in town that are underway.

Democratic Town Committee nominating chair Susan Dean said she was personally thrilled that Klein was running again, but that no official slate has been announced from the KDTC. The nominating committee is scheduled to present its candidates at a July 8 meeting.

Ruth Patrick is stepping down today as Killingworth's Tax Collector after 22 years of service. She has received bipartisan support for many years for her high collection percentages and attention to detail. According to the New Haven Register, Patrick, 65, was a part-time bank employee back in 1985 when she noticed an ad seeking candidates for Killingworth's tax collector.

Patrick said the reason she is stepping down now, rather than after her term ends in November is because she thought it would be be "cleaner" to have the new tax collector start at the beginning of the fiscal year. The Board of Selectmen have called a special meeting on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. to fill the vacancy.

To the Editor:
Now I know in every small town there is bad blood between the Hatfield's and the McCoy's, and I'm sure even between the members of each family, and Killingworth is no different, but the greater good should be the guiding principal in employment and promotion.

From my experience and observations, Walter Adametz, the acting Public Works foreman is knowledgeable, competent, and caring. I been at BOS meetings where he has made many presentations, talked to him in the field about road projects, and listened to him at Traffic Study Committee meetings, and his thoughts were always well thought-out and focused on improving Killingworth.

When you go outside of a Department to choose leadership, you weaken the Department because than hard competent work is not rewarded, and therefore, allegiance to the Department is diminished. There are times when going outside is necessary and this may be such a time, but if it is not, than those leaders that weaken the Department should be held accountable for their mistakes.

Phil Stull

Agenda
Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Saturday June 30, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Tax Collector
3. Adjournment
Agenda as of 1:10 p.m., Thursday, 6/28/2007

HK Sports: Under the guidance of coach Ken Callahan, the HK Soccer Club's U11 boys team had an outstanding season. The team won the Division 8 Championship with an 8-0 record and finished second in Division 3 with a 3-1 record. Coach Callahan said, "The success of the team is the direct result of the boys determination and hard work. A special thanks goes out to David Platt and Joe Stephens who assisted in the coaching duties this year." Photo courtesy K. Milano


The Killingworth Youth League White Sox coached by Alyn Johnson, Andy Pollack & Mike Marenna won the KYL Major Division Championship on Saturday, June 23 with a, 12-7, win over the Red Sox. Photo courtesy S. Clark

The Arts Center at Killingworth is offering three, one-week camps for the Summer 2007, including our newest camp, Video Production. For the second year, Fashion Week will run from July 9-13 for ages 12-17. And for the third year, our wildly-popular Cartooning and Manga Camp will run July 16-20 for ages 9-13.

In our week-long Video Production Camp, participants will discover a variety of film genres, get to choose a film style, then write, direct, act, shoot and edit their own five-minute video. Film reviewer and video game creator Robert Glidden will join video, animator and filmmaker Jeremy Taylor as co- instructors for this Camp. Video Production is for ages 12-17, and will be held the week of July 23-27.

Our Fashionistas will design, create and learn about the world of fashion. Campers 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. Last year's Fashion Week was filled to capacity - so reserve early!

We've expanded our Manga Camp to include drawing favorite cartoon characters and creating storyboards. Also, participate in Japanese self-defense workshops and craft projects. A special treat will be our visiting guest, Robert Glidden, a Manga and Film professional.

To register for these Camps by check or credit card call (860) 663-5593. For more information, check out our website, www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

According to www.wfsb.com, State police closed Route 81 on Wednesday afternoon because of a one-car crash.

According to the report, troopers requested LifeStar helicopter to respond, but they cannot fly because of the threat of severe weather.

Troopers said at least three people suffered injuries at the scene. According to the state Department of Transportation, Route 81 is closed in both directions at Hidden Lake Road in Haddam.

Cory Riordan, a 2004 HKHS grad taken in the sixth round of the recent Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Colorado Rockies has decided to pass up his final year of eligibility at Fordham University to sign a professional contract. He has been assigned to Class 'A' Tri-City, Washington of the Northwest League and is expected to join the starting rotation. The Tri-City Dust Devils currently have 15 pitchers on its active rotation.

Riordan will be working with pitching coach Doug Linton. Linton was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1992 to 2003 for the Toronto Blue Jays, California Angels, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles. He mostly worked as a relief pitcher in his career.

Fans of the J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series will have a full summer of fun with the July 11th release of the movie version of The Order of the Phoenix and the July 21st release of the seventh and final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Young readers will have two chances this summer to discuss the series.

At the Library: Attention 3rd through 6th Graders! Come to the Killingworth Library and join us as we enter the magical world of HARRY POTTER. We will be discussing books 1, 2, and 3 to explore invisibility cloaks, flying cars, magic potions, and wild creatures. Be prepared to be amazed as we play games and create projects embarking on an adventure unlike any other you'll have this summer. The group will meet Monday evenings, July 9, 16, and 23 from 6:00 8:00 pm at the Killingworth Library. Call 860-663-2000 to register. (Space is limited to 20 participants.)

At the Middle School: Students... Can't wait to read the last Harry Potter novel? Parents... Do your children need a little extra reading and writing practice? Come join a book discussion group as we read, discuss and debate Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in a fun, casual, small group setting.

Open to students entering grades 5-8
Activities will be aligned with CMT reading and writing objectives

Mediator: Mr. Matthew Espinosa, Language Arts Teacher Grade 8
Location: Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, Rm 113 (parents must provide transportation)
Dates: July 23rd-August 3rd (Monday- Thursday)
Session 1: students entering 5th and 6th grade 8:00am-10:00 am
Session 2: students entering 7th and 8th grade 10:15am-12:15 pm
Cost: $150 (book included) $130 (book not included)
Each Session will be limited to 16 students. Spots in the program will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Please note that the book will not be released to the public until July 21st. I will be placing a group order and will have books available to students on the first day. Students must have a copy of the book to join this reading camp. For More Information, Contact 21stcenturylearning@gmail.com

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is sponsoring an Outdoor Family Entertainment Series this summer. All concerts are free and are on Friday evenings from 7 - 8:30 pm at the Higganum Green. Participants should bring a blanket or a chair. In the event of rain, the concerts will be cancelled. Concerts are Sponsored by LIBERTY BANK!
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Friday, July 6th: The Kerry Boys - Originally from County Kerry, Ireland, this Irish trio has dazzled fans of all ages from Maine to New York with their humorous high-energy performances and engaging style of Irish ballads and sea songs. The band sings pristine harmonies rarely heard anymore, which are acccompanied with powerful and expressive instrumentation such as mandolin, guitar and banjo. Bring the family out for a fun night of clapping and singing with songs from Ireland and the sea!

Friday, July 13th: Tom Sanders and the Known Unknowns - Bringing together musicians from some of the areas best Blues and R & B bands (The Hornets, Jim Shepley Band, Chris Tofield & The Bluesbenders, Eran Troy Danner & Hot Dallas), The Known Unknowns formed in 2003 as the result of a recording project. The section went so well and they enjoyed playing together so much it was a natural. The Known Unknowns set list includes originals, blues, soul and classic rock, including a full set of Allman Brothers.

Friday, July 20th: Black Moon Band - This Award winning 5-piece group of talented musicians have proven that it's possible to push the envelope of Country Music while staying grounded in its roots. Serving up a new blend of country, classic rock and blues, their sound is built on a spirit of fun and high energy that has thrilled audiences at fairs, festivals, concert halls, corporate events, and night clubs across New England for the last eleven years. Please visit their website at http://www.blackmoonband.com/ to see their song list.

Friday, July 27th: WSQ - World's Smallest Quartet - This duo plays a variety of music such as acoustic classic, alternative, contemporary, metal, folk, and southern rock. Check out their website at www.wsqband.com to see the list of songs that they play. Lots of great music for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on Connecticut's Acoustic Rock Band!

Friday, August 3rd: Digger Stevens Band - Blended together; this trio provides good music, entertainment and humor. Audience participation is also provided in the show as Digger connects with the audience. The Band's repertoire meets select quality requirements such as entertain-ability, uniqueness, a sense-of-humor, lyrical appeal, and a foot tapping beat. The selection of music is in the genres of; Rhythm & Blues, Boogie, and Swing - mostly from the '30s, '40s &'50s. Check out their website at http://www.diggerstevens.com/.

The Watershed Fund, a non-profit charity established by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, awarded $19,600 this year in scholarships to students pursuing careers in the field of environmental sciences.

First established eight years ago, 14 students from the greater New Haven region, including Killingworth's Matthew M. Cartoceti and Stephanie J. Lindquist received scholarships this year. Cartoceti will attend Cornell University and Lindquist will attend Middlesex Community College. A unique feature to the Watershed Fund scholarship is that they are renewable for up to four years.

The Watershed Fund scholarships are open to graduating high school students and those who are returning to school to continue their education in the environmental sciences and who live in the district served by the Regional Water Authority. Awards are based on several factors including merit, financial need and pursuit of a career in environmental studies. Information about scholarship applications is available on line at www.thewatershedfund.org.

Tax bills will be mailed the last week in June. The first half of Real Estate and Personal Property bills over $100.00 is due July 1, 2007, and will be delinquent if paid on August 2. The second half will be due January 1, 2008 and delinquent on February 4, 2008. New bills will not be sent for the second half. Motor Vehicle bills are due without interest, between July 1 and August 1, 2006 in one installment. The rate of interest is 11/2 % per month, 18 % per annum, or $2.00 whichever is greater.

The office hours are 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday.

If you receive a Real Estate bill and have an escrow account, forward the bill to your lending institution, so they will make a timely payment. If you receive a bill for a vehicle you no longer own, you may be entitled to a credit. The credit is not automatic. You must provide 2 forms of proof to the assessor's office; one form being a plate receipt from DMV. All corrections are made through the Assessor's office.

If you pay in person and want a receipt, bring all copies of your bills. If you pay by mail, send a copy of your bill, a self addressed stamped envelope and your check. Please make checks payable to Tax Collector. You can send one check for all of your bills.

Payments will be applied to the oldest obligation before paying current bills.

Save your receipts, you will need them for your Income Tax information.

Payments received each day will be deposited. Please, do not predate or postdate your check. We use the United States Postal Service Postmark as the payment date.

Tax Collector

Residents Julie Shepard and Patty Pendergast have gone into business selling horse manure compost from Shepard's family-owned White Wood Farm. Read more about their business venture in the Hartford Courant.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, June 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approve Minutes of Special Meeting held June 12, 2007
3. Visitors:
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. Conservation Commission - Cyndy Lipert
6. Old Business:
    1. Lover's Lane
        1. Soil Test Borings
        2. Maintenance Issues
7. New Business:
    1. Estuary Council of Seniors - Buy-A-Brick Campaign
    2. Interview Process for Perspective Public Works Director
    3. Approve Call of Town Meeting for July 10, 2007
    4. Transfer Station Ordinances/PAYT
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Agenda as of 2:45 p.m., Thursday, 6/21/2007
Printable version

A young girl tries to revive a bird maimed by her cat. Sadly the bird doesn't live. But a spark ignites in the girl, and lights the course for a future of advocacy and service to community and those in need. Rafelina Graham believes you don't choose this line of work, it chooses you.

Raf, as she prefers to be called, is an operating room nurse in the Neurosurgery Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. She has also served as an EMT and Board Member of the Killingworth Ambulance Association for 16 years. About five years ago, Raf decided she wanted to pursue additional training and join the ranks of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company. She is presently its only female firefighter and serves as Rescue Captain.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted Raf years ago when a family member fell seriously ill. During this difficult time, she became familiar with the program and began to participate in their fundraisers and events. In this same time period, Raf seized an opportunity to travel to Columbia as on OR nurse with a team of surgeons for the nonprofit, volunteer organization Healing the Children. The team surgically repairs birth defects in impoverished countries. She found the mission so rewarding she is now in her 8th year. At this writing she is on the island of Somoa in the South Pacific, serving with The Mercy Ships - ocean vessels providing health care to the poor in port areas around the world.

The old saying, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" holds true for Raf's daughter, Karen. She also volunteers for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and was one of four main coordinators for the Haddam-Killingworth Relay for Life project this year.

Raf's caring commitment has spread light not only here at home but in the far corners of our world. And the torch is being passed forward to another generation. Her family, which includes husband Rich, son Ryan and daughter, Karen, has resided in Killingworth for over 20 years. Fortunate for us, and... Thank you, Raf Graham.

The KES Playground Fund got a nice boost from the recent fundraiser by the Fitness Connection's Joey Morman and Lori Marriott of Shoreline Focus on Fitness. The two-day event raised $850. Morman said she was thrilled with the result. Residents signed up for either one or two Saturday morning workouts and received an hour of circuit training each day from the professional trainers.

Tuesday June 19:
• 7:57 AM: Fire alarm, Route 80
• 8:11 AM: Brush fire, Green Hill Rd & Cow Hill Rd
Wednesday June 20:
• 6:43 PM: Medical emergency, Route 148
• 10:28 PM: Medical emergency, Hilldale Trl
Thursday June 21:
• 12:30 AM: Medical emergency, Wellsweep Ln
• 12:48 AM: Outside fire, Bargate Trl
• 7:28 AM: Medical emergency, Route 81
Friday June 22:
• 1:56 PM: Medical emergency, Fawn Hill Rd

The Oak Lodge Nature Center at Chatfield Hollow State Park will offer interpretive programs on June 30 and July 1 at 1 p.m. to teach visitors about animal tracks.

Participants will learn how to track animals based on their footprints and other clues they leave behind. They will also have the opportunity to make animal tracks and use their newly developed skills to track animals in the park. This free program is open to visitors of all ages, and no registration is required.

For more information, call Samantha Wentworth at 203-734-2513. For cancellations due to inclement weather, call Chatfield Hollow State Park Office at 860-663-2030. Chatfield Hollow State Park, at 381 Route 80 in Killingworth, is operated by the Department of Environmental Protection. For more information on Connecticut's state parks and forests, visit the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep/ or call the Division of State Parks at 860- 424-3200.