Killingworth, Connecticut's community news and information source since 2003
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Submissions accepted at editor@killingworthtoday.com
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Saturday, October 20, 2007The Estuary Council of Seniors will host a Meet the Candidates event on Oct. 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the dining room of their facility at 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook.
The public is invited to attend and participate. All first selectman and board of selectmen candidates from Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Killingworth, Chester, Deep River and Essex have been invited to participate. Questions will be taken from the audience, and breakfast will be served. The requested donation for a full breakfast is $2.50 for seniors 60 and over and $5.25 for those under 60. To the Editor:
Ed Sipples is guilty, and I will testify to that. He is guilty! He has this crazy idea that the present First Selectman and BOS should follow the Town Charter and Town Ordinances, and has argued time and again for this quaint idea. Imagine in this day and age someone thinking that government officials should follow the rules when decisions are made and taxpayer's monies are spent. Does this make Ed look disagreeable at times, you betcha, and thank goodness that someone reads the Charter and the Ordinances. Most of us do not have the time or inclination to do this type of disagreeable work, but Ed does and I for one appreciate that Killingworth's government has someone who stands up and fights for the rules. The Town Charter and Ordinances are our Constitution and fighting to preserve them is a high calling. So, again Ed Sipples is guilty, and thank goodness. Phil Stull Friday, October 19, 2007Hundreds of residents put aside their daily routines yesterday afternoon to honor fallen soldier Sgt. Jason Lantieri. Gov. M. Jodi Rell was among the speakers at the funeral service held in the field house at HK High School. Flags and signs dotted the roads and yards as Lanteri, his family and friends were escorted to Evergreen Cemetery for the burial. Route 81 and Green Hill Road were lined with residents wanting to say thank you and goodbye to the 25-year-old young man who volunteered to protect our nation. The miles long procession traveled under an enormous American flag as it passed the firehouse and town offices.
Lantieri, who was killed in Iraq last week after being pinned between two vehicles, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. Thanks to our neighbors in Clinton and Deep River for providing support.    Killingworth Elementary School will hold a Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 23 from 1:00 - 5:45 p.m. in the all-purpose room. For an appointment to donate, please call Nancy Hetsko at 663-1121 or 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.bloodct.org
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Killingworth Today for its excellent job in providing the online debate website and letters to editor format that are quite informative about our upcoming election. I would also like to express my support to Rick Albrecht, Ed Sipples and Cathy Lino in their bid for selectman. I have known Rick Albrecht for many years through our church. He has been an active and dedicated member of the Killingworth Congregational Church and has demonstrated a caring moral compass which will serve him well as a leader. He has been a wonderful father and active community leader. Rick has many years of political and administrative experience in town and will serve our town well. Ed Sipples is another person I have known in town for over the past 10 years. Ed has been very active providing community service as a member of the Killingworth Lions Club. As an experienced sitting selectman, Ed has had the intelligence, integrity and courage to question many of the actions of the current board that needed to be questioned. Ed was instrumental in increasing the ball field and recreation space in our town. Someone who just goes along is not what this town needs. Rick, Ed, and Cathy would make a great team for Killingworth! Please support them with your vote on November 6th to preserve the wonderful rural character of our town and to maintain a board of selectman form of government that will be fiscally responsible. Jamie Lehane Thursday, October 18, 2007  The Cost Family's plan to move their True Value Hardware store up the road to a larger 16,000 square-foot facility passed another test Tuesday night at the Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing. Project engineer, Michael Harkin of Harkin Engineering and project architect Andrew Robinson from Orange presented the plan and answered questions from the commission and the public.
Several neighbors of the property were present at the hearing but did not voice any opposition to the three building cluster subdivision on the 5.57 acre parcel on Route 81. Letters of support from residents were read into the record and several residents spoke in support during the hearing. Special arrangements have been put into the plan to clean up the land trust land abutting the property and protect the known historical areas. The Cost Family hopes to start construction as soon as they receive the PZC's approval and open the new facility by next July.  Join us at the Killingworth Library, 301 Route 81, on Thursday October 25th from 6:30 - 7:30p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so please call 860-388-5159 or 203-458-5950 to register. The program is sponsored by VNA Community Healthcare. To the Editor:
I want to lend my support to John O'Leary in his bid to remain on the Haddam Killingworth Board of Education. I know John as a neighbor. He has coached my oldest son in youth league baseball. We have sat together at many a soccer game on a Saturday morning; and I have come to know that John is a dedicated, thoughtful, tireless individual who cares deeply about his family, his community and all of our children. Read more To the Editor: I would like to say that to have a man who knows nothing about traffic patterns randomly and single handedly put up stop signs, change the Green Hill Road intersection and spend 100,000 bucks is crazy. I think he should be paying all future costs to fix the Green Hill Road intersection after all he did ruin it in the first place. Now who will pay to make it more rounded and open, exactly like it was? Not the taxpayers my friends, let him pay for it, take it out of his salary this year. Read more Wednesday, October 17, 2007The HK Recreation Department's Youth Basketball Registration scheduled for tonight at the new middle school has been postponed to next Wednesday, October 24th (6:30 - 7:30 pm at the new HKMS Gym). There is also a registration on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd at the HK High School Field House from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Please call 345-8334 for more information.
 Did you know that 43% of Hartford children live below the Federal Poverty Level? We'll give kids who belong to the Hartford Boys & Girls Club the opportunity to give holiday presents to their families this year! They will be able to choose from the gifts we donate. They'll either pay very low prices or use "coupons" they have earned at the Club. We're looking for gifts for moms and kids: What about those gifts you've received that have a place of honor in your closet? And the kids' toys, books, games and clothes that are in great condition? So, bring your donations and treat yourself: • lia Sophia Jewelry discounts • Arbonne Skin & Body Care discounts • Chair massages by Body Awareness thru Pilates & Massage • Financial consultations with MacKinstry Financial & Investments • Complimentary appetizers & more! Mention the Social to your friends, and drop by June's on the 20th with your donations! Every donation helps! For more information, call Carolyn Anderson at 663-3481 or Carrie Wind at 663-2834.  The HK Girls Swim team lost to Middletown, Tuesday, 94-84. Dempsey Haynosch took two firsts, winning the 200 IM in a time of 2:23.02 and the 100 yard butterfly in a time of 1:04.38. Celia Marcum won the diving with 172.125 point and Katie Faust won the 100 yard freestyle (1:03.12) and the winning 400 yard freestyle relay team featured the three Haynosch sisters, Maddy, Dempsey and Gaby, plus Faust. Read more about the meet in the Middletown Press  Photo courtesy S. Mazzotta Fifty-eight HK High School students took a total of 71 AP exams in five different subject areas in May of 2007. Six of these students earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams. Josephine Amendola, Jessica Maine, and Kelsey Sokol qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Three additional students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Eric Couture, Brittany Halleck, and Katherine Wargo.
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while shill in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. Most of the nation's colleges and universities do honor this credit based on a specified score per exam. Congratulations to all of our 2007 AP Scholars!! My Daughter's Tutor
Integrity, honesty and dedication are all words that describe Richard Cabral and it is for all of these reasons that I will be voting for him on November 6. Rich's upright character was never more evident then when he tutored my daughter in Algebra. He was able to get her through it, but more importantly, establish with her a value for education. She is now in college and doing quite well. Rich's honesty in dealing with his neighbors and friends has always been a hallmark of his. Rich's dedication to his responsibilities as a member of the B.O.E. was quite evident during his four years. He served as a member of six sub-committees, three ancillary committees and on a number of C.A.B.E. committees. His energy seemed boundless even involving himself with the local Lions Club, the Land Use Committee and the K.R.T.C. He also found time to serve as the moderator at Town Meetings. This energy will now be directed towards the First Selectman's Office when voters of Killingworth elect Richard Cabral on November 6. Laura Montesi Tuesday, October 16, 2007George Pileckas Jr., 87, devoted father and lifelong resident of Killingworth and husband of the late Doris (Wilson) Pileckas, passed away Sunday, Oct.14, 2007, at Middlesex Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Killingworth, the son of the late George Sr. and Eva Pileckas. George served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked at Killingworth Sand and Gravel, Tilcon, and Clinton Nurseries (until he was 76). In his later years as a retiree, he enjoyed working outside on his cars and trucks, mowing his kid's lawns and making his Saturday runs to the local transfer station. For those who knew him, his gentle spirit, kindness and helpfulness to all will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving daughter, Barbara Rojas and son-in-law Robert of Killingworth.
Our deepest gratitude to the staff and volunteers at the Hospice Unit of Middlesex Hospital for your world-class attention to the quality of life for our Dad in his last days of life. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Burial with military honors will be in Burr District Cemetery, Higganum. Friends may call at the Biega Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Middlesex Hospital Weiss Hospice Unit, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. The HK Field Hockey team defeated Westbrook, 2-0, yesterday. Jess Hall and Lindsey Griswold scored for the Cougars. Shelby VanHuysen had 3 saves in goal. HK is 7-1 on the season. The HK Volleyball team defeated Valley Regional three games to none in Higganum last night. Game scores were: 25-15, 25-17, 25-7. Hannah Donadio had 24 assists, Laura Brayfield had none kills and nine digs and Erin Moriarty had 11 kills and four blocks. The Cougars are 13-1.  Photo courtesy P.Cumpstone  The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company responded to the following incidents during the week beginning Sunday, October 7, 2007: Sunday October 7: • 7:22 AM: Medical emergency, Little City Rd Monday October 8: • 10:33 PM: Medical emergency, Whitewood Rd Tuesday October 9: • 4:50 AM: Medical emergency, Surrey Ridge Rd • 9:13 PM: Medical emergency, Roast Meat Hill Rd Wednesday October 10: • 6:24 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 148 in the area of Blue Hills Rd • 9:27 AM: Fire alarm, Tower Hill Rd • 5:58 PM: Appliance fire, Green Hill Rd Thursday October 11: • 10:57 PM: Medical emergency, Whitewood Rd Friday October 12: • 1:14 AM: Medical emergency, Parker Hill Rd • 9:59 AM: Medical emergency, Boulder Trl Connecticut State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, and Senator Ed Meyer addressed Killingworth's Democratic candidates and their supporters at the Town Committee's fall fundraiser at the home of Lou and Carolann Annino on Saturday.
Blumenthal spoke of the courage it takes to run for election in a small town where your constituents are also your immediate neighbors. Comptroller Wyman encouraged everyone to make the most of the remaining 25 days by meeting and greeting the people of Killingworth. Senator Ed Meyer offered his support wherever it was needed. Democratic State Committeewoman Marti Carlson discussed successful strategies with several Democratic candidates. The Annino home, with its new great room and wrap-around porch, proved the perfect setting for an afternoon gathering. Sunlight filtered through the trees as geese cackled softly in the field. The gourmet chowder, chili, and hot cider along with a bevy of apple and cranberry centered desserts brought the season home. The picture-postcard rural setting was a timely reminder of the unique quality of life in Killingworth that the Democratic candidates are pledged to preserve.  (left to right) Carolann Annino, son Andy Annino, daughter Regina Regolo, Selectman candidate Ed Sipples, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, First Selectman candidate Rick Albrecht, Board of Finance Candidate Lou Annino, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Selectman candidate Cathy Iino. Photo courtesy G. Lally To the Editor:
Killingworth is a special community because of the many townspeople who are volunteers. When Rich Cabral moved to town in 1999 he became just that. He has served on the RD #17 Board of Education for four years, as well as many sub committees, is an active member of the Killingworth Lions Club, served on Land Use for five years, is a member of the Republican Town Committee and serves as Moderator at Town Meetings. As prior town clerk and recording secretary for town meetings I can only say that Richard is one of the best moderators I have ever served with. He was fair, patient and allowed everyone time to comment on whatever issue that came before the meeting. Isn't this what we need our First Selectman to be? Please join me in voting for the Cabral/Dudek ticket on November 6th. Sincerely, Susan S. Adinolfo To the Editor: Warning, the following letter contains no inflammatory partisan rhetoric, cheap shots or character assassinations. Those looking for such things should stop here as you have been duly cautioned. I have had the honor and pleasure of representing the citizens of Killingworth for the past eight years as a member of the Board of Finance and the last four as its chairman. As there are many more important challenges facing us in the near future I ask for your support for another term. That said, I would like to offer a few observations on what you, the voter should expect in and demand from your elected officials, as we again wade hip-deep into the mire of another municipal election period, otherwise known as the "silly season". Read more Monday, October 15, 2007Services to honor Sgt. Jason M. Lantieri will take place on Thursday, October 18. The funeral will commence at 2:00 p.m. in the Haddam-Killingworth High School Field House followed by a procession down Route 81 and Green Hill Road to Evergreen Cemetery in Killingworth. Lantieri will be buried with full military honors. Several organizations including the Volunteer Fire Company will line the procession route to honor Lantieri.
UPDATE: The family has announced that calling hours will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17th in the Haddam-Killingworth High School Field House. The Regional School District No. 17 has announced that there will be an early dismissal for all students at Haddam-Killingworth High School on Thursday, October 18 at 11:55 a.m. This early dismissal is necessary so that the High School Field House may be prepared appropriately for the memorial services to honor the passing of Lantieri. Any questions may be directed to the Central Office of the district at 345-4534. To the Editor:
A true leader is defined as "a person who is in front, goes first, guides and inspires others." When I put a face to this definition, it is always that of my father, Richard Albrecht, a man that many of you know and trust. I grew up secure in my father's presence, tagging along everywhere with him in my earlier years. Over the 20 years I have been on this earth, I've learned a great deal from him, the best teacher I have ever had. My father taught me what it means to get involved in my community, how to address concerns and problems and seek the best possible solutions. Not only did he teach me this, he showed it to me by example, with his extensive work throughout the town of Killingworth. Read more To the Editor: I want to take this opportunity to define my actions and positions over the past two years rather than have them distorted by my opponents: Trying to get additional athletic fields was a long and frustrating struggle for many reasons. That we are now close to accomplishing that goal is something that is near and dear to me. I will work hard as Selectman to see those fields of dreams completed in as timely a fashion as possible. Read more Candidates for the Board of Selectmen have responded to your questions in Round I of the Election 2007 Online Debate.
Question 1: What is your position on making the Board of Selectmen a policy board and handing off day to day operations of the Town to a Town Manager? Question 2: What is your position on changing Planning and Zoning regulations to allow one acre zoning in subdivisions to bring more reasonably priced housing to Killingworth? Click here to read the candidates' responses posted on the Online Debate Webpage. Short rebuttals will be accepted from the candidates. They will be posted below the initial response. You may comment on the candidate's answer by clicking on the comment link under the response. Comments will be moderated and inappropriate or irrelevant comments will be removed. Have questions for the candidates? Submit your questions to the editor@killingworthtoday.com . Look for the responses to Round II next Monday.  Kandie Carle has been working in the theatre since 1980 as an actress, dancer and singer in the United States and abroad. She lives in East Haddam and does a variety of acting and theatre events throughout the area. Since 1996 Ms. Carle has been touring with her one-woman show sharing her passion for history. The presentation is not a fashion show; rather, Ms. Carle takes her audience on a journey of discovery by using clothing and accessories as a tool. She dresses in layer upon layer of clothing of the chosen period and as each piece is added she explains its use, how it was worn, as well as when and where it was appropriate. Included are interesting anecdotes and "myth busting." Throughout the presentation she shares insights into lifestyle, manners, etiquette and customs of men, women and children. Each show is geared to the attending audience and questions are welcomed. Ms. Carle has assembled a vast collection of authentic clothing and accessories dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the turn of the twentieth century. Also an accomplished seamstress, she makes pieces from actual designs and patterns of the Civil War and other eras. With many years of research in social history and fashion behind her, along with humor and grace, Ms. Carle shares her love of these eras with her audiences. Check her website: www.KandieCarle.com Please come and enjoy this fun show. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The Cougars got off to a great start in the first quarter when Dave Bartolotta got around the outside of the defense with help from his blockers. The result was a 75-yard touchdown run that put HK up 6-0. In the third quarter, North Branford was able to connect on a 58-yard touchdown pass that put them up, 7-6. Midway through the fourth quarter, North Branford took over on their own 23-yard line. On a first and 10 play, Joe Van Huysen broke through the T-Bird offensive line and drilled the ball carrier, causing a fumble. Tim Shine pounced on the loose ball, giving HK great field position. The offense cashed in on the opportunity with Jarrod Ramsey pounding his way to the endzone for a two yard touchdown run, putting the Cougars up 12-7. The defense made that score stand as the game winner after they shut down the NB offense the remainder of the game. For HK, Dave Bartolotta led the offense with 123 yards on 16 carries. Eric Auer also had a good day with three catches for 73 yards. The defense was led by Auer (11 tackles, forced fumble), Joe Van Huysen ( 3.5 tackles, forced fumble), Tim Shine (4.5 tackles, fumble recovery), Tyler Wilcox (5.5 tackles, fumble recovery) and Peter Harrington (3 tackles, 2 sacks). HK improved its record to 4-0 (1-0) and is now in second place in the conference. They will travel to New Haven on Saturday, October 19th to face Hyde at 1 p.m. The HK Girls Soccer team defeated Portland, 4-0, at home on Saturday. Kathryn McDermott scored off a cross in the box from Caitlin Gilhuly to put HK on the board. Caroline McManus then scored off a turnover in the box from the eighteen. In the second half Siobhan Blancaflor scored twice for the Cougars. Teagan Ferguson was in goal and earned the shut out.  Caitlin Gilhuly trying to get by a defender. Photo courtesy S. Mazzotta Sunday, October 14, 2007 Sally and Mary Pizzuto try their hand at the cranberry scoop As important as the weather, the cranberries cooperated nicely, providing all attendees with a delicious bounty for their efforts. Friends, families and neighbors all turned out, and even with the steady flow of visitors to the bog, there were still plenty of berries to be found as things wound down shortly after 1:00 PM on Saturday. With a general ratio of 1 pound per adult visitor (with many little hands helping out), well over 100 pounds of cranberries were harvested this year. The land trust owns 42 acres at this site, with cranberries found intermittently throughout the wetland portions of this acreage. However, there is only one field managed specifically for cranberries, about one acre in size. Despite the very dry weather throughout the summer, early spring rains were helpful as the plants were in their flowering stage. Many flowers allowed bees and other pollinators to do their work, with the onset of fruit thus ensured. The land trust would like to thank all those who attended for coming out, and sharing their time with others in the community. We will keep our fingers crossed for another great year in 2008, and we hope to see you there! And if there are torrential rains, just bring your canoe... To the Editor:
A big THANK YOU to Mr. Funk. Finally, someone else remembers Lover's Lane the way I do. Mr. Funk describes the bridge in detail exactly as I have been telling anyone who will listen (including Mr. Klein who seems to have a personal dislike for Lover's Lane). Mr. LeVassuer listened and tried to remedy the situation and it worked but alas, ....Inland Wetlands became upset...My father was upset 60 years ago when our land was used for dumping but in those days we did not have Inland Wetlands or even Zoning. So, our beautiful little brook became a disaster. In the late 1920's, my family owned both sides of Lover's Lane. (my brother's family still owns the south side of the road and Florence Marrone owns the north side). Flooding was not a problem....the brook ran clear and clean.....The problems started when trucks began dumping fill and boulders off the side of the road eventually creating a dam. I believe the largest amount of dumping came in the late 1950's when the first addition was added to the Killingworth Elem. School but there were many others after that. I do not know if Lover's Lane can ever be restored to pristine again but I do know two of our long standing, hometown contractors have stated many times that they can fix Lover's Lane with minimal damage to the environment or our pocketbooks...Lover's Lane is a vital road and a necessary road..Please listen..... Sincerely, Carolann F. Annino  Photo courtesy D. Peterson Killingworth Elementary School (KES) will host a Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, October 15th through Thursday, October 18th, as a fundraiser for the PTO. Families, teachers and the community are invited to attend the Fair, which will feature the theme of "Book Fair Blizzard."
The Book Fair will offer specially priced books and educational products, including new releases, award-winning titles, children's classics, interactive software, adult books and current bestsellers from many publishers. In addition to purchasing books for family and friends, you can help the school build classroom libraries by purchasing books for teachers through the Classroom Wish List.  The Book Fair hours are: Monday, 8AM - 3PM; Tuesday, 8AM - 8PM Wednesday, 8AM - 3PM Thursday 8AM - 2PM The Book Fair will be held in the gymnasium at KES on 340 Route 81 in Killingworth. All visitors are asked to enter the building at the Main Entrance, sign in at the office and obtain a visitor's badge before heading to the gym. For more information, please contact Lynn Gallant at 663-2127 or Margaret Whiteman at 663-3408 or visit the KES Book Fair website at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/kes. Thanks for your support. |
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