Killingworth Elementary School students were treated to an American history lesson yesterday from musician and storyteller, Richard Stillman. Stillman sang and danced a history of the journey along the Oregon Trail. The program, Pecos Bill Rides the Oregon Trail, was sponsored by the KES-PTO and organized by the Julie Jennings and the Cultural Arts Committee. Stillman has performed on Broadway, at the Goodspeed Opera House and has been a featured performer on PBS.

Charles Reynolds, 40, son of Robert and Suzanne (Whitcomb) Reynolds of Route 148, Killingworth, died Monday at his home following a brief illness. He was born June 6, 1967, in New Haven. He was employed by Uni-Lever Ponds. Besides his parents, he is survived by a sister, Penny Chartier and her husband, Ken, of Waterford and their children, Timothy, Ed and Randy; his maternal grandmother, Virginia Whitcomb of Orange; an uncle, William Whitcomb of Wallingford; two aunts, Patience Benassi of North Haven and Lesley Whitcomb of Chatham, N.Y.; also several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Dr. Wayne P. Whitcomb.

Relatives and friends may call at the D'Angelo Funeral Home tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Raphael Foundation, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511.

The preliminary design phase of the Reservoir Road bridge project is officially complete with the holding of an informational meeting last night at KES. Representatives from Cardinal Engineering, Close, Jensen & Miller and the town presented the preliminary design, new estimates for the cost, and the time frame for completion. David Artz, the hydrology expert from Cardinal, said the project costs are estimated at $705,000. The town will be responsible for 20% of the costs having been accepted into the Federal Local Bridge Program.

Artz said a final design for the 24-foot wide bridge could be completed by the end of the year. The project then is submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection for permitting. According to Brett Stark from CJM, the liaison for the state, the permitting can take up to a year. Stark said if town representatives keep in contact with the DEP and push the project, the permitting time could be shortened. Artz said actual construction will take about 9 months. He estimated that the construction company could be chosen and start work on the project in April 2009. Because the design is relatively simple, it is possible that the main work could be completed in a few months with final work completed with the road re opened. Artz said the detour will remain in place and the road closed until then.

Several residents asked about the materials used in the bridge and if it's finished look will maintain the rural character of the road. Stark recommended using a form liner to color and add texture to the visible structure to make it look like natural stone. First Selectman Marty Klein said he and Selectman Fred Dudek had agreed not to authorize the extra money for aesthetics. Stark said the town's portion of adding a finish would be approximately $1600. Artz said if the town would like to make the addition to the design, it should make the decision quickly. Stark said he would send the town some brochures and photos of other bridge projects that have used the form liner. Residents at the meeting expressed strong interest in that option.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department has announced the reorganization of its affiliate, the Cougar Aquatic Team (CAT), and is now welcoming new members. CAT is open to all swimmers ages 7-21 interested in the sport of competitive swimming. A member of USA Swimming, CAT, under the leadership of Head Coach Michael Krajewski and Assistant Coach Galen Rinaldi, is dedicated to advancing the physical, social, and emotional development of each swimmer. The team's goal is to provide age- and ability-appropriate training that allows swimmers to reach their full potential, whether the swimmer competes locally, regionally, or nationally. More information and registration forms are available at www.catswim.com. Those interested may also contact Coach Krajewski directly at michaelkrajewski@sbcglobal.net.

CAT recently reorganized to better serve the Haddam-Killingworth community. Head Coach Krajewski has increased the number of practices at the Haddam-Killingworth High School pool in Higganum, eliminating the need for HK residents to travel out of town for practice. He has also infused swimmers' training with the excitement and variety of "dryland" practice (resistance training and core strengthening exercises done out of the water).

In addition, the team now has a higher staff to swimmer ratio to allow for more individualized attention. Promoted from Assistant Coach to Head Coach, Krajewski is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. As a prior USS swimmer, Krajewski was a National Top 16 Qualifier, Junior National Qualifier, and High School Athlete Champion. At the college level he was the captain of their Varsity Team, 3-time America East Champion, and ECAC finalist. "I'm incredibly thrilled to be Head Coach of this outstanding team," says Coach Mike. "I couldn't ask for a more dedicated and fun-loving group of kids. I want to use my energy and experience to help each and every swimmer reach their potential."

Assistant Coach Galen Rinaldi brings years of experience as high school All-American, National Top 5 US Masters Swimmer and current Connecticut State Open Water Swimming Champion. Rinaldi recently left a successful career in finance to follow her passion: coaching swimming. "The sport of swimming has added so much to my quality of life. Now it's my turn to give back to the sport and the kids," says Rinaldi.

HK Sports: The HK Volleyball team has reached the Class S Finals with its 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 win over Hale Ray last night. Erin Moriarty had 16 kills, Hannah Donadio had 25 assists and Ally Pratt added 21 digs. HK will face No. 1 Coventry in the finals. Read more about the match in today's New Haven Register.

The Clinton Fire Department is hosting a Benefit Pasta Dinner on behalf of the Late Past Chief Hugh Allen (Passed away losing his heroic battle with cancer on November 7) and Chief Jeff Heser (now recovering at home). Jeff was released November 7 from the hospital suffering from 2nd degree burns in a work related accident.

The benefit dinner will be held at the Clinton Fire House at 35 East Main Street, Clinton, CT on Saturday, November 17, from 5 PM - 9 PM. Tickets are on sale now - Adults $10.00, Children $5.00. For information or tickets call 860-669-8131.

To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the letter by Lizzy Anderson about the True Value Hardware store. It is wonderful that some of our younger citizens are concerned about the character of Killingworth and its historical heritage. However, some misconceptions about the new store in the letter need to be corrected.

First, the store could not be enlarged in its present location because under Killingworth Zoning Regulations buildings in the General Commercial Zone cannot exceed 5,000 square feet in area. This is to avoid large big-box buildings being scattered along Routes 80 and 81. There is a Large Business zone around the circle where buildings up to 20,000 square feet in area are allowed (still nowhere near Wal-Mart size). Thus to be able to expand and have a larger building and comply with Zoning Regulations, the Hardware store purchased land in the Large Business Zone. "Old Church Commons" is not a historical name but simply a name that was given by the previous owner for a planned commercial development. It is doubtful much of the store will be visible from Route 81 as it will be back in the property and shielded by trees. The sites of the first Meetinghouse (1743, church building) and Society House (1736, Town Hall) are nearby but are in open space owned by the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust. They are protected from the development. The Zoning Regulations of the Town of Killingworth try to ensure that development is in harmony with the rural-residential nature of Killingworth and that natural and historical features are preserved.
Thomas L. Lentz
Chair, Planning and Zoning Commission
Municipal Historian

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To the Editor:
A week ago, the residents of Killingworth went to the poll to elect their town leaders for the next two years. By exercising the privilege of voting, they became the real winners because 46.8% of the eligible voters in town turned out, an increase of 4.8% over the 2005 election, and you chose the team of Rich Cabral, Fred Dudek and Cathy Iino. We believe the larger percent of voters shows that the people of Killingworth want to be more involved in government, and really do care about their town.

As a team, we look forward to serving you over the next two years in a productive and caring way. We will endeavor to uphold the trust you have placed in us by listening to your concerns, and reacting to problems and issues in a timely manner. We will not disappoint you. Thank you for voting.
Rich Cabral and Fred Dudek

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The following letter is posted with permission from Sen. Ed Meyer.

Dear Marty,
The foibles of politics bring surprises, and I will miss your leadership as First Selectman of Killingworth.

Thanks for much good service. You advanced Killingworth in significant ways and always put first, the best interest of the town.

I look forward to staying in touch.

Best always to you and Barbara. Ed.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Swim team closed out its season with a string of personal bests at the Class S meet at Wesleyan University, last night. The Cougars came in 12th out of 25 teams. HK was led by Dempsey Haynosh, who came in third in the 100 backstroke. She also had a fourth in the 50 Freestyle. Read more about the meet in today's Middletown Press.

After almost two years of serving as the Town's acting highway foreman, Walter Adametz, Jr. was appointed to the permanent position by the Board of Selectmen last night. According to First Selectman Marty Klein, the position will remain in the union. Despite working for months on the creation of a new job description for a position that would balance the 'white collar' responsibilities with the 'blue collar' needs of the small crew, Klein and Selectman Ed Sipples voted to appoint Adametz under the current job description. Klein said at previous meetings that the union's decision on retaining the position of highway foreman would affect the creation of the new job title. According to Klein the union contact has not yet been signed.

Selectman Fred Dudek strongly objected to the motion. "It's not about the person, but about the position." He maintained that the BOS spent time working on a new job description, posted the position and even narrowed the field of candidates anticipating that a new position could be created outside the union umbrella. Dudek said appointing a highway foreman now could cause problems in the future. He proposed further negotiations with the union. He maintains that having a supervisor in the same union as the crew does not allow for appropriate evaluation and grievance procedures. He said it would be fine however to have the position in a supervisor's union.

Dudek, the only board member who retained his seat on the BOS following the election, has been a strong proponent of the creation of a public works commission. Adametz said following the meeting that his responsibilities would not change with the appointment. The town crew currently consists of six men, including Adametz.

To the Editor:
My name is Lizzy Anderson and I am 11 years old. When I was riding in my dad's car headed to the Copper Skillet I noticed something that hadn't been there the other 100 times I had passed. "The Future Site of True Value" is what I read. I heard that the owners wanted to expand on their old building but, planning and zoning wouldn't let them. Why not? So you can just kill Killingworth history. Did they know that the land was the old church commons?

I was fine with Subway, not so fine with Dunkin' Donuts, and absolutely not fine with True Value relocating. The Subway I was fine with because that lot had been cleared out forever. What will people driving through the center of town think? They won't think this is a rural town because they will see the construction and the new building that they swore wasn't there the last time they drove through. They will start to picture a city. This is like the beginning of the end of our small, rural town. The city of Killingworth, how does that sound? Well get used to hearing that. I know I can't stop it and I have nothing against the owners, it is just that in the future I think the town should make better decisions.

Lizzy Anderson

Carole and Richard Pleines of 628 Rt. 148 report that someone came into their fenced yard and stole a concrete pink flamingo. According to Carole," The bird means something special to us because my son, when he was young, gave the pair to me and it always had a special place in my heart because of him". "I want it back." The statue is in a feeding position, has two re bar type legs and is made of concrete. It is painted pink with a black beak. If you took it, or know who did, please have it returned to the Pleines' yard. No questions asked.

HK Sports: The HK Boys Soccer team's season came to an end yesterday with a, 3-0, loss to Suffield in the quarterfinals of the Class M State Tournament. The team had a great season finishing 16-4-0 and grabbing the Shoreline Championship for the second consecutive season. Although eleven seniors will move on at the end of the year, the JV squad had such an impressive season, the team is bound to be successful next year and beyond.

The Connecticut Cookie Brigade has been sending packages of homemade cookies to deployed soldiers once a month since earlier this spring. They are preparing their Christmas shipment this Saturday, November 17 and would appreciate your help if you have time to bake this week. Cookies should be homemade and to prevent breakage, please keep the cookies no larger than 2 inches in diameter. Because of the heat, please don't bake chocolate chip cookies; all other varieties are welcome. Through donations the Cookie Brigade pays all the shipping costs. Please call Debbie Schaefer at 860-526-2789 or email her at ctcookiebrigade@sbcglobal.net for information on the drop off time and location.

If you would like them to send your soldier, veteran or recovering soldier a package of cookies, please provide their name and address.

The 2nd Annual HK Girls Soccer Alumni Game will be held on Friday, November 23, at HKHS from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. Interested alumni should respond to Coach Grant at mackg307@comcast.net.

On Saturday, November 17, Forgotten Felines will be holding its third annual silent auction fundraising event at 6:30 pm at the Clinton Country Club. The silent auction will include original art, collectibles, vacation packages and gift certificates.

The event will run from 6:30 to 10:00 pm (silent auction from 6:30-8:30pm) while bluegrass and folk musicians Phil Rosenthal and Beth Sommers perform. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes delicious hors d'oeuvres, two pasta stations, dessert and coffee. A cash bar will be available. A limited number of tickets will be sold!

Forgotten Felines, a no-kill cat shelter, is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and supported solely by contributions. The organization supports the towns of Madison, Guilford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Essex, Deep River, Killingworth and Chester. Annually, over 400 abandoned or feral cats in these towns are rescued or trapped, neutered and released by Forgotten Felines. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go for the care of the cats and kittens that we rescue.

For more information, please call Forgotten Felines at 860-669-1347. Purchase your tickets now at Pet's Choice in Deep River or Shoreline Animal Hospital in Clinton, or reserve your tickets by mailing a check or money order to Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413.

Who: Open to the public and free of charge - we highly recommend parents of Haddam-Killingworth youth of all ages come
What: A realistic dramatic play, written by youth for parents, about underage drinking issues from all perspectives with an open discussion to follow and a chance to ask questions
When: Thursday, November 15th, 2007 from 7 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m.
Where: Haddam-Killingworth High School Auditorium, 95 Little City Road, Higganum
Why: Because we need to know how kids really feel about underage drinking and how to deal with this common and complex issue

For more information, please contact Amy Mueller, Prevention Coordinator, Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, Inc. at (860) 345-7498 or amelia@hkyfs.org

Music lovers will get a special treat when Classical JAM, an all-star ensemble of provocative and imaginative musicians, headline The Arts Center at Killingworth's Third Annual Classical NightOut. Classical JAM's performances are engaging and innovative...a fun experience for the audience. The concert will be held on Saturday, November 17th from 7:30-9:30pm, at the Killingworth Congregational Church.

The evening's concert will explore a range of musical possibilities - from Mozart's beloved Flute Quartet, Beethoven's Eyeglass Duo, to Francanapa by the sensational Astor Piazzolla and on to Gershwin's Prelude No. 1. Surprises will also include music by Dohnanyi, Riley and Bartok.

JAM members have appeared with The New York Philharmonic and The Boston Symphony. They are also teaching artists at Lincoln Center and at The New York Philharmonic.

There will be a Free Children and Teen Workshop with the performers from 4:30 - 5:30pm. A Dessert Reception will follow the evening concert. Tickets: Adults $25, Students $15 and Children 12 and under $8. To register, call (860) 663-5593, or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com M/C, VISA, AMEX accepted. www.artscenterkillingworth.org

Spring Travel Tryouts for HK Soccer Club will be held Saturday, November 17 at Sheldon Field on Route 80. Try-outs are mandatory. Please bring the completed try-out packet with uniform size & medical release form found on the club website: hksoccer.org, a small 1x1 inch head shot for the player pass and a check for $85 made out to HK Soccer Club. All players should wear shin-guards and cleats and bring a ball. A copy of the player's birth certificate is necessary for new players. Rain date is Sunday, November 18.

During the Travel Team tryouts, the HK Soccer Club will have its team and fan merchandise available for ordering. A cozy windsuit for your player or a warm fleece for a fan - all custom embroidered with the team logo and player's name (if you wish). All items are custom ordered at the tryout and will be delivered in time for holiday gift giving! This is a rare opportunity to order custom team merchandise - so don't forget! Checks made payable to HK Soccer Club.

Players must try-out with proper age groups. Ages: U10 - Birthdate between 8/1/97 and 7/31/99 U11 - Birthdate between 8/1/96 and 7/31/97 U12 - Birthdate between 8/1/95 and 7/31/96 U14 - Birthdate between 8/1/93 and 7/31/95

Schedule: Saturday, November 17
U10 & U11 Boys - 8-9AM
U12 & U14 Boys & Girls - 9:30-10:30AM
U10 & U11 Girls - 11AM-noon

Monday November 5:
• 10:13 AM: Carbon monoxide detector activation, Route 80
Thursday November 8:
• 6:05 AM: Medical emergency, Whitewood Rd
• 5:38 PM: Medical emergency, Route 148
Friday November 9:
• 3:47 PM: Medical emergency, Forest Glen Dr
• 5:16 PM: Brush fire, Route 80
Saturday November 10:
• 11:12 AM: Fire alarm, Roast Meat Hill Rd
• 5:18 PM: Structure fire, Sugar Hill Rd

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held October 22, 2007
3. Visitors:
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. Traffic Study Committee - Walter Adametz, Jr.
6. Old Business:
    1. CRRA - Michael Wells, Esq.
    2. CRRA Litigation / BOS approval Attorney Golub appear on Town's behalf
    3. Discussion - Tax Abatement Ordinance/Killingworth Land Trust
    4. BOS approval Over/Under Expenditures & authorization to take to Town Mtg., as per BOF Special Mtg. 10/16/2007
    5. Discussion - Green Hill Road/Rte. 81 Intersection
7. New Business:
    1. Budget & Plan for Wettish - Dan Colonia, Chris Kelly
8. MK Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Adjournment
Printable version

The Tuesday Book Discussion Group has chosen J. M. Coetzee's novel, "Disgrace", for its November 13th meeting. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the story follows one man's downfall amidst the conflicted plight of a country struggling to be reborn. Coetzee is noted for vivid, sparse prose that has won him two Booker Prizes. Discussion takes place in the library meeting room at 1:00 and newcomers are always welcome.

The HK Players production of Howard Ashman's book, "Little Shop of Horrors" was a perfect showcase for the amazing voices walking the halls of the high school. You may have noticed Erin Schuster in this summer's production of Oliver!, but in the lead role of Audrey, Schuster took her talents to a new level. Her vocal strengths and comedic timing made her a perfect cast for the abused flower shop girl from skid row.

Jessup Deane, who starred as "the Beast" in last spring's production, came out from behind the mask to play an outstanding Seymour. Deane's comfort on the stage as well as his strong vocals showed once again he is the right choice for leading man.

The surprise of the show was the voice of Audrey II, the blood eating plant scheming to take over the world. Sophomore Henry Tobelman's soulful voice could have easily been mistaken for a professional. His brother Will provided the movements for Audrey II and together they brought the ever-growing plant to life. It is clear we will be seeing or hearing more of Henry in future productions.

Under the direction of Marcy Webster the large cast, from Doo wop girls to dental patients, was finely tuned. Everything from the sets and costumes to the scene changes were right on the mark. Timothy D'Amato directed a small but exceptional group of musicians who accompanied the cast. The large behind the scenes group of parent and staff volunteers always do wonderful job of supporting the cast and crew and making it all work at show time. To view photos from last night's performance visit the Little Shop Photo Gallery

Jessup Deane and Erin Schuster as Seymour and Audrey

The Town Registrars of Voters conducted a recount yesterday for the office of selectman. Because Tuesday's results were less than 20 votes apart between candidates Cathy Iino and Ed Sipples, the state required a recount by hand. Registrar of Voters Lauren Blaha announced that Iino picked up three more votes, Sipples picked up four more votes, but Iino still won but by 18 votes. Blaha said the votes that were gained were voter errors that the optical scanner did not pick up.

HK Sports: The HK Field Hockey team had its season cut short yesterday with a, 0-1, loss to Avon in the Class S quarterfinals. The Cougars finish the year at 13-5.

The Cougar Varsity Football team saw its record fall to 6-2 (3-2) after Saturday's disappointing, 28-6, loss to undefeated Cromwell. HK was able to be competitive all afternoon only to be done in by their five turnovers.

The day started out with both teams standing toe to toe with the score tied at 0-0 for the entire first quarter. Cromwell got on the board in the second quarter however, thanks to a 23-yard scramble by their quarterback to give themselves a 7-0 edge.

After a Cougar fumble gave Cromwell good field position, the Panthers connected on a long pass to the ten yard line, at which point the Cougar secondary stripped the ball loose. HK's efforts on that play went for naught as the ball rolled all the way into the endzone and Cromwell pounced on it for a 14-0 lead.

HK answered right back however, with Jarrod Ramsey stiff-arming defenders most of the way on his 40-yard touchdown run. That put the Cougars in the game at 14-6.

Cromwell would not let HK get any closer however, as they punched in another touchdown before the half and then another in the third quarter to make it 28-6. The Cougar offense was able to get deep into Panther territory in the second half, only to watch scoring opportunities disappear following turnovers.

For HK, Ramsey led the way with 23 carries for 159 yard to go with his touchdown. On the opposite side of the ball, Eric Auer led the defense with an impressive 10 solo tackles as well as 4 assists. HK will now travel to Old Saybrook next weekend, Saturday, November 17th, to take on the Rams at 1 p.m.

To the Editor:
A thousand thanks-well, 969 to be exact, after this morning's recount-to Killingworth voters for your support. I hope that all of you, whether or not you voted for me, will stay in touch. I have much to learn from all of you.

I would also like to thank my running mates, Rick Albrecht and Ed Sipples, for their generosity toward the whole town, and toward me in particular. Ed and Rick could not have been more gracious in sharing their amazing knowledge of Killingworth and its residents.

And more thanks, to all the members of the Democratic Town Committee, and particularly to Kathy Amoia and Gwenne Lally, who worked selflessly for the Democratic ticket, keeping us focused and energized.

This campaign made me really proud to be a citizen of Killingworth. I look forward to working with all of you in the months ahead.
Cathy Iino