To the Editor:
By Lisa Kelly
The start of baseball season is fast approaching and many of us parents are excited with the prospect of warm spring days spent watching our children play a sport they love.

As I am guilty of getting caught up in the Little League Baseball frenzy understood by many parents, spectators, and coaches, I decided to revisit an article my daughter's gymnastics coach had written several years ago. Her coach had many years experience as a "bleacher pro" with her own children and 30 years experience coaching in a very competitive sport. I want to share what I've taken away from this article as a reminder to me about what is most important to our children as they participate in athletics. Perhaps others reading this letter will appreciate this reminder, too.

Coach Jane Hesford states, "The number one reason children do sports is that it is fun. They don't care about character building and all the other high-sounding reasons adults have for doing sports... they just want to have fun. When it stops being fun, it's all over." Read more

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the Gold Medal Squared Volleyball Camp from August 11 through August 14. The time is 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Mondays through Thursdays at the Haddam-Killingworth High School Field House. This camp is open to girls aged 14 to 18 (entering freshman to senior). The fee is $225.00 ($210.00 if payment is received before May 1st, 2008). Players will receive outstanding instruction from two dynamic coaches and a Gold Medal T-shirt. Checks should be made payable to the HK Recreation Department.

Players will be required to wear appropriate sports apparel, knee pads and sneakers. They should also plan to bring a bottle for water and items for lunch and two snacks.
There will be a meeting of the players attending and their parents at the end of the school year. Time and location TBA.

For more information, please call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334.

The H-K Players will take "Youth" by Thorton Wilder and directed by H-K Senior, Amy Roy, on the road this weekend to the 2008 Connecticut Drama Festival Competition in Ellington. The cast includes Eliana Catalano as Lemuel Gulliver; Kylee Bell as Mistress Belinda Jenkins; Daisy Schmitt as Lady Sibyl Ponsonby; Arantza Solaberrieta as The Duke of Cornwall; Ben Sumner as Simpson; Katelyn Hollenbeck as Miguel and Stacey Weaver as Jacob.

The production is not only student directed but includes students in all areas behind the scenes. Katrina Ryder is the Assistant Director; Molly Hammell is the Stage Manager; Ryder and Regan Hammell designed the costumes; Jani Kaszeta is the Props Mistress; Tristan Catalano is the Spot Director; Alex Fabian is handling the sound and Courtney Hannon provided all the artwork. The students are ably assisted by H-K staff members Charlie Carlson, Marcia Catalano and Jim Kane

"Youth" is the third in a collection of one-act plays contained in Wilder's The Ages of Man. The play explores 18th century morality by shipwrecking a mature, worldly Captain Lemuel Gulliver on an isolated island ruled by the young who put their elders to death at the ripe old age of 29.

Traditionally the H-K Players have done very well in this annual competition winning a multitude of awards including Best Actor, Best Stage Manager and Outstanding Production.

The 2008 Connecticut Drama Festival Competition takes place at Ellington High School in Ellington, Conn. (map) HK will be performing at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.

Photo courtesy M. Catalano. Artwork by Courtney Hannon

Before your kids head out to the Lion's Club Egg Hunt or you head out on the tree identification walk with the Land Trust, treat yourself to a Buff Yoga class this Saturday and help raise money for the Killingworth Scholarship Association. The Killingworth Scholarship Association March Madness Fitness Days fundraiser will be held from 7:30 - 8:30 AM, in St. Lawrence Church Hall.

Call Joey Morman at (860) 663-0326 to pre-register, or register at the door. Please arrive a few minutes early so that class may begin promptly at 7:30 AM. Dress in comfortable workout clothing, wear sneakers and bring a mat or beach towel. Classes are suitable for ages 13 & up.

• 1 or 2 classes @ $15 / class
• 3 or 4 classes @ $12 / class

Don't miss this great opportunity to support our soon-to-be high school graduates AND get a great workout at the same time. If you can't join us, please consider a tax-deductible donation to Killingworth Scholarship Association, PO Box 653, Killingworth, CT.

The Cougar Aquatic Team (CAT) begins its spring/summer season on March 31 and runs until the beginning of August. CAT is a USA sanctioned swim team that provides every swimmer the opportunity to improve his or her swimming skills and achieve success at their ability level. The team practices 6 days a week in the Haddam-Killingworth High School pool and competes all over Connecticut and New England. Discounts available for college students. Registration information for CAT can be found on the website, www.catswim.com. For more information, please contact Head Coach Mike Krajewski at Mike.Krajewski@tcaclubs.com.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation is offering a Driver's Ed program this spring. Participants must be 16 years old and have a Driver's Permit. There is a 38 hour program that includes 30 hours of classroom including the safe driving and alcohol program along with 8 hours of behind-the-wheel. The fee is $465. Participants also have the option of taking the Safe Driving and Alcohol Program alone, which is the 8 hour course that fulfills the requirement of the State of Ct for license applicants under 18 who took a Home Training Program. The fee for this course is $125.

Participants can choose either Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Classes are held in the HK HS Room C-220 and are held between April 2 - June 2 (No classes 4/14, 4/15, 4/16, 4/17, 5/26)1). The Drug and Alcohol Classes will be held on M/W April 21 - 30 or T/Th April 22 - May 1. To register, please call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334.

The Board of Selectmen agreed Monday not to take any action on the road dispute over the discontinuation of Tibbals Bridge Road and a portion of Jay Dowd Road pending further deliberation and discussions. At a December 2007 Town Meeting residents rejected the resolution to discontinue and quitclaim the roads to the Hammonasset Fishing Association. Following the meeting the minutes of an April 1964 Town Meeting were produced that addressed the issue.

Town Attorney Michael Wells said that the 1964 Town Meeting approved a list of 45 Town roads and stated that all roads not listed were to be considered discontinued. Jay Dowd Road was listed as ending 1,212 feet from the intersection with Old County Road and Tibbals Bridge Road was not mentioned on the list. Wells said it was an unusual vote because he has never seen a wholesale discontinuance of town roads and it was also resolving a negative. Wells advised the Board that it essentially had two choices: Affirm that the 1964 Town Meeting was effective and that the point was to discontinue all but 45 Town roads or to affirm that the 1964 meeting was not effective and did not establish a discontinuance. He also advised the Board that at some point a court may ask the current BOS to state its position. Selectwoman Cathy Iino said she was not convinced that the intention of the resolution was clear. Selectman Fred Dudek said the 1964 meeting was properly noticed and the approved resolution was mentioned in the minutes of the next BOS meeting. He said he was not comfortable questioning the resolution's validity.

HFA, represented by Attorney Tom Cronin, said that legally, the public right of travel on those roads ended when the roads were abandoned. He said, had he known about the 1964 decision, there would have been no December 2007 Town Meeting. HFA has filed an injunction against residents Frank and Jean Horner for blocking the road with boulders. He said the hearing in Middlesex Superior Court is scheduled for March 24. Both he and Attorney Wells said there was a chance the judge would notice the Town in the hearing and ask it to clarify the road's status.

Jean Horner said they have no intention of keeping the road blocked, but want to press for a resolution as to whether residents have the right to travel on the two roads. She and her husband, who own the last house on the town road portion of Jay Dowd, said seven years ago an agreement with HFA allowed residents to travel the roads through the HFA property except during hunting season. Frank Horner said that agreement lasted two years and then the gates were extended and locked.

Dudek and Iino asked if there was any room for negotiation to allow limited recreational access to the property. Cronin said he would discuss it with the HFA Board of Directors.

You can watch this Board of Selectmen's Meeting on HKTV Channel 18 this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m.

Join Geoff Picard on one of the Land Conservation Trust's newer trails as we learn about our native trees this Saturday, March 15 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The walk will be about a mile and a half on level terrain, mostly on an old woods road. It is free and open to the public.

Picard has a degree in Natural Resources Management and Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He's worked closely with the Station Forester at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven doing vegetation surveys, measuring and identifying trees, as well as learning how to control invasive plant species. He knows his trees and loves teaching about them.

Gather at 10:00 am on Roast Meat Hill Road - between #119 and #125, .4 mile south of Stevens Road. The walk will be canceled if raining - call 663-3335 or email jhimmel@comcast.net with any questions. No need to pre-register.

Although the holidays are long over, we can't forget about Killingworth Lights Spectacular! The Killingworth Women's Association and the Gorski Family would like to extend our thanks to the greater Killingworth community for its support of this event. Over 360 people attended the event, and fun was had by all! Santa's helpers Paul Pitts and Regional School District #17's Superintendent Gary Mala were magical with the children. John Kuzmeski brought his decorated antique fire truck for the children to explore. Ralph Cassella and Brian Boots dazzled us with their live holiday music with their saxophone duet. Most importantly, the lights display created by the Gorski family was truly spectacular! Over $700.00 was raised that evening and throughout the holiday season by Lights 'peekers' donating money into the Gorski's donation mailbox.

Last night at the HK Project Graduation meeting, Les Gorski and Sue Anziano, KWO member, proudly presented Trish Hatin with checks totaling $709.00 for HK Project Graduation. Visit the Project Graduation webpage to find out how you can assist with HK's all night drug and alcohol free party. For information about the Killingworth Women's Organization, go to www.killingworthwomensorg.org.

Sue Anziano, Les Gorski and Trish Hatin. Photo courtesy S. Anziano

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that an earthquake occurred in the area last night at 11:10 p.m. The earthquake measured 2.0 on the Richter Scale and caused several residents in Chester to call 911. There were no reports of 911 calls in Killingworth. There were no power outages or injuries reported.

According to USGS, the earthquake occurred about three miles from Chester Center, about four miles from Deep River Center, about five miles from Moodus Center and about 18 miles from Meriden Center.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut averages 1-2 earthquakes a year.

To report feeling the earthquake visit: http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ne/

Connecticut's Earthquake History: According to the USGS, the lack of historical and instrumental reports of strong earthquakes in Connecticut suggests that it is a region of very minor seismic activity, even when compared to other states in the northeast region.

The most severe earthquake in Connecticut's history occurred at East Haddam on May 16, 1791. The region southeast of Middletown has been referred to in Indian tradition as Morehemoodus, or "place of noises." The first reported earthquake began on May 16 with two heavy shocks in quick succession. Stone walls were shaken down, tops of chimneys were knocked off, and latched doors were thrown open. A fissure several meters long formed in the ground. In a short time, 30 lighter shocks occurred, and more than 100 continued during the night. Reported felt at Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York.

"Marketing Your Business" - a presentation by SCORE and sponsored by Essex Printing, is the first in a series of business training seminars the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce has planned for members and non-members throughout the year.

The first of four seminars will be held March 26, from 7- 9 p.m. at the Old Grange Hall at the Killingworth Congregational Church in Killingworth. Other seminars will be held on April 26 and October and November (dates and locations to be announced).

The "Marketing Your Business" presentation will discuss creating a marketing plan; creating a description of your product/service; who your focus customers are; pricing; retaining customers, strategic partnering and other areas of interest. All Killingworth Chamber of Commerce members are invited to attend free of charge. Non members may also attend for a $10 fee. Entrepreneurs from Clinton, Higganum, Haddam and neighboring towns are invited.

SCORE® is a nonprofit association dedicated to the success of small business in America. For free and confidential advice about starting your own business or advice about growing an existing business, contact SCORE®. Your Southeastern Connecticut group of SCORE® volunteers are working or retired business owners, executives and managers who can offer a wealth of information and insights on a wide variety of business problems. More information about SCORE can be obtained from their website at www.southeasternctscore.org

Essex Printing, located in Centerbrook, CT, is a proud member of the KCC. www.essexprinting.com. Contact the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce to make reservations or confirm fees at 860-663-1715 or email: kcc_business @snet.net for the March 26 event.

Monday March 3:
• 11:08 AM: Medical emergency, Green Hill Rd
Wednesday March 5:
• 5:28 AM: Electrical / pole fire, Parker Hill Rd
• 6:01 AM: Wires down, Bethke Rd
• 6:04 AM: Wires down, Route 148
• 6:30 AM: Tree down, motor vehicle accident, Route 81
• 6:34 AM: Tree down, Emanuel Church Rd
Thursday March 6:
• 9:09 AM: Medical emergency, Spencer Hill Rd
• 9:18 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Schnoor Rd
Friday March 7:
• 3:24 PM: Motor vehicle accident, Burr Hill Rd
• 4:12 PM: Mutual aid to Clinton, Structure fire, Old Mill Rd
Saturday March 8:
• 12:34 PM: Mutual aid to Clinton, Gas leak, Killingworth Turnpike
• 5:12 PM: Electrical / pole fire, Route 80
• 5:43 PM: Wires down, Route 81 & Stevens Rd

The decoration committee is busily preparing a wonderful array of decorations for the Haddam-Killingworth High School's Project Graduation party in June. BUT they need your help! This committee meets every Wednesday night from 6:00-9:00pm at the Haddam Killingworth High School Photo Room B116. If you can volunteer or have any questions please call Sue Rynkowski at 663-1808.

The next Project Graduation planning meetings are March 11, April 8, May 13 and June 10. We hope you can attend and help in this worthwhile event. Let's make this a memorable evening for our graduating Seniors! General Comments/Questions: Please call Trish Hatin at 663-3451 (trishhatin@sbcglobal.net) or Sue Craffey at 345-3908 (jcraffey@snet.net)

The "Reach For The Stars" talent show sponsored by the Girl Scout Troop 62118 of Higganum takes place March 28 at 7 p.m. at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School, Route 81, Killingworth. Admission for those under age 5 is free; ages 6 to 12, $2; ages 13 and up are $3. All proceeds from the show will benefit the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. For information, contact Elaine Jackson at (860) 345-7755, troop leader.

Region 17 officials report that there was a minor accident involving two school buses and a small pickup truck this afternoon in front of the HK Middle School on Route 81. No injuries have been reported but the Killingworth Fire Company and ambulance as well as the Haddam and Chester ambulances have been called in to help evaluate.

Fire Chief Richard Bauer said that one bus involved had students on it and the other was empty. An occupant of the pickup was transported for evaluation. Bauer said there were no injuries to the children and all were taken back to the school auditorium. He said school officials were handling the dismissal procedure. Bauer said Route 81 was quickly cleared and the road was open to traffic.

The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company held its Annual Appreciation Dinner on Saturday March 1st at the Clinton Country Club. The following members were recognized for their achievements:

Hurst Green Cross Awards were presented to the following members for their role in the extrication of an accident victim on March 2, 2007:
Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn
Assistant Chief Jeremy Adametz
Firefighter Tom Shipman

Top Responder Awards were presented to:
Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn - responded to 279 of the KVFC's 425 calls in 2007
Firefighter Mike Carri - responded to 245 of the KVFC's 425 calls in 2007

Chief's Awards were presented to the following individuals in recognition of their contributions to the KVFC during 2007:
Firefighter Paul Jacobs
Deputy Chief Todd Hajek

Years of Service Awards were presented to the following members:
15 Years: Chief Engineer Damon Munz
25 Years: Firefighter Bill Shipman
25 Years: Chief Dick Bauer
30 Years: Trustee / Commissioner Rick Darin
35 Years: Assistant Chief Brian Ahearn
35 Years: Firefighter Fred Dudek
50 Years: Firefighter Alan Chapman

Special recognition was paid to Alan Chapman for his 50 years of service to the KVFC. Alan was a charter member of the Killingworth Junior Volunteer Fire Company and has served in many capacities over the past 50 years, including Fire Chief from 1974- 1976. Alan continues to serve the KVFC as an active member.

Former Chief Alan Chapman receives a standing ovation at the Appreciation Dinner. Chapman in 1974 with the new firetruck. Contributed Photos

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, CT, Inc. is proud to present "The First Annual Backward Mile & 5K Run/Walk" on Saturday, March 29 at the Essex Town Hall, West Ave. Essex. The event also includes a 'Lollipop Run' for children ages 6 & under. We would like to invite the members of our community to join us in a fun filled event for every age!

Registration begins at 7:30 AM, the Backward Mile starts 8:30 AM (with Lollipop Run to follow), and the 5K starts 9:00 AM.

Fee: If postmarked by March 21, 2008: $20 Backward Mile; $23 5K Run / Walk; $40 Both 5K & Backward Mile; $5 Lollipop Run (no T-Shirt)
After March 21st: $25 for 5K Walk or Run.

Please note that the backward mile is only open to runners 18 years and older. T-shirts will be given to the first 100 runners. All Lollipop runners will receive ribbons. For an application, please contact Cathy Bishop at 860-767-0354 or cbishop56@sbcglobal.net.

LVVS is a non-profit organization that trains volunteer tutors to teach Basic Reading and English as a Second Language to residents of the Valley Shore area who cannot read, write, or speak English, or who would like to improve these basic skills.

Connecticut Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo and Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz are warning Connecticut's business community about a deceptive marketing campaign that falsely claims that there is a "new" requirement that employers purchase compliance posters or face fines up to $7,500. In addition, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Bysiewicz have launched an investigation to determine if Progressive Business Publications (PBC) of Malvern, Pennsylvania, the company responsible for the unauthorized solicitations is operating legally in Connecticut.

Bysiewicz's message to Connecticut business owners is simple - do not be duped by the scare tactics of this unauthorized campaign and these phony "new" requirements.

The marketing campaign, consisting of blast-faxes and emails from PBC, is entitled: "CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE, OFFICIAL NOTICE". This campaign is NOT authorized by the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, State of Connecticut.

The Connecticut General Statutes (CGA 38a-1046) require that employers who offer a fully-insured health insurance product to their employees, "shall obtain from the Healthcare Advocate and post, in a conspicuous location, a notice concerning the services that the Healthcare Advocate provides." The notice/poster that fulfills this requirement is available, free of charge, by contacting the Office of the Healthcare Advocate at 1-866-466-4446 or healthcare.advocate@ct.gov.

The 2008 Relay For Life of Haddam and Killingworth is up and running. If you want to get involved, form a team, donate money, or volunteer, please email co-chairs Cindy Pitts or Lee Kozlowski at: hkrelay08@gmail.com or call Alexis Begin at The American Cancer Society 203-910-1911

Collecting buckets dot the landscape of maple trees in Killingworth. Inset: The clear sap. Sap averages approximately 2 percent sugar. At this concentration, 43 gallons of sap are required to produce 1 gallon of syrup. The sap is boiled and condensed to produce the maple syrup. Photos courtesy G. Picard.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes of Regular Meeting held February 25, and Special Meetings of February 26, 29, March 4, 5, 6, and 8, 2008.
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (a)WPCA 1/45, 3/20, 1-over 45 (b) Rec. Comm. (c) Public Health Agency, (d) Cable Advisory Council, (e) Land Use
7. Appointments:
    (a) Natalie Drew - WPCA and (c) Public Health Agency (b) Recreation Comm. - Scott Thompson (d) Cliff Weed - Cable Advisory Cncl.
8. Old Business:
    a. Jay Dowd / Tibbals Bridge matter
    b. WPCA Draft Ordinance - update
9. New Business:
    a. Bid Opening - Burr Hill Road Culvert Replacement
    b. Approval of 2008/09 Budget & Authorization to take to Board of Finance
    c. BOS approval to authorize the First Selectman to sign a MOU between Healthy Communities - Healthy Kids Coalition of Haddam-Killingworth and The Town of Killingworth
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
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