Fire Chief Richard Bauer reports that Route 81 at Jensen's / Bridlepath Trail is closed this morning due to a downed utility pole. The fire company was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident at 1:26 a.m. The driver was uninjured and refused medical assistance but the utility pole was snapped. CL&P was on the scene at approximately 3:00 a.m. to cut the power to the area. They were assembling a crew and equipment to replace the pole. The detour around the accident is on Fire Tower Road.

The Killingworth Junior Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 at the firehouse on Route 18. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for kids. On the menu are pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. The proceeds will go towards purchasing gear needed for the increased number of junior firefighters. The Junior Company now includes 13 members.

The Killingworth Junior Volunteer fire Company is a support department for the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department. It consist of young men and women, ages 14-18. They respond to all fire, and motor vehicle accident calls. They also perform many fireground operations, such as setting up lighting at night time calls, getting tools off trucks, setting up water supplies, changing SCBA tanks, and many many other tasks.

Follow the Darling Family to Neverland for the final performance of the HK Middle School Player's production of Peter Pan. Where else can you find Pirates, Indians, Wild Children all set to music? A packed house gave a standing ovation to last night's opening performance. It's your chance tonight to "Clap if you believe" in the joys of childhood and the wonderful characters brought to life by your kids. The curtain goes up at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.

To the Editor:
I do not see why there should be an increase in our school budget. Everyone of us has had to tighten up our purse strings. It's about time the school shows some accountability!!! I totally agree with the person that sent the e-mail.
Paul & Barbara White

To the Editor:
As a resident in the area of the now doomed temporary bridge solution the reasons for the apology are generally understood. What's not understood is while there is concern about the ultimate cost and timing to the town, what about the ultimate cost and timing to the residents that had made use of that bridge regularly. By the time a new bridge is completed it will be almost 4 years or more without the use of a major travel route for us. As taxpayers in the town I am pleased by the towns attempt to save money but again its at the expense of the homeowners in the area. There is little doubt we should be receiving (retroactive to closure) tax rebates for the property taxes we are paying and ultimately the extra travel expense we are incurring with the "Drive Around" . While Roast Meat is delightful to eat or to occasionally drive on, the preference is obviously to Drink from the cup and use Reservoir Rd fully. Failing to be able to do that for more than four years should require the town to recommend a tax rebate for the area residents so that we too get the full cost savings benefit of not being able to use the best route , and allow us to benefit from the cost savings rather than subsidizing it.

Richard Graham

CABRAL APOLOGIZES

It is with the greatest of humility that I offer my deepest apology to the residents of Reservoir Road, Blueberry Hill Reserve, and the adjacent streets for raising their hopes for a temporary resolution to the inconvenience created by the closing of the Reservoir Road Bridge.

The temporary fix using 'drag line mats' appeared to be a solution that met our needs and was within our financial capability. However, taking into consideration public safety, it seemed quite prudent to involve the engineers responsible for the development of the plans for the permanent bridge.

In their professional opinion, they felt that a different solution was necessary for the construction of the temporary structure. This recommended solution required redesign fees of $5,000 to $10,000 and a use of a completely different surface structure costing well over $50,000. By the time we proceeded through all of the town agencies for approval, held a town meeting for the allocation of funds, bid the project, and, then, started construction, we would be at the commencement period for the permanent bridge.

Coupling the two aforementioned facts concerning cost and length of approval procedure, it is with the heaviest of heart that I must announce that we will not be proceeding with any efforts to open the Reservoir Road Bridge on a temporary basis.

I would like to thank the Reservoir Road Bridge Committee for their patience with me and consideration of my temporary 'fix', since they had already exhausted ways of keeping the bridge open until major construction began. They were completely supportive of my efforts and really should have been consulted before any announcement was made.

I am quite aware of the fact that I hastily ran with an idea before concurring with those experts more versed in this area than I. Please feel free to contact me at my office concerning this unfortunate miscalculation on my part and I will gladly listen and offer my apology to you personally.

Richard J. Cabral
First Selectman

To the Editor:
On March 29th my family and I hosted a benefit at June's Outback for my brother in law, Walt Coady of Madison, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Our goal was to raise a small amount of money to help his family out in some small way. However, our expectations were far exceeded than anything we could have imagined. In addition to an incredibly successful fundraising benefit, June's Outback was packed; I mean PACKED. Every square inch of space was filled with family, friends, supporters, and people from the community. It was absolutely incredible! It was so overwhelming to see all those people celebrating and supporting our family. Our family will always remember how much love, support, and generosity were extended to us.

I would like to personally thank June from June's Outback for graciously allowing us to hold our benefit there; she was so generous and her staff did an amazing job in handling such a large crowd. I also want to thank Drew and Carrie from Da Vinci's for donating all the delicious pizzas for the night. Thank you also to the Taxmen who donated their band for the evening; they provided us with a great Rock n' Roll night (they even tolerated my husband playing on guitar). The entire night was a huge financial success; but more importantly, it was a huge spiritual success! I have lived in Killingworth my entire life and I have never felt so proud of this town than I did on Saturday night. Thank you to EVERYONE who has given my family support through their prayers, kind wishes, and donations!

Sincerely,
Jean Watson Coady

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) will host a Green Lifestyle Fair: Energy Alternatives and Home Products on Saturday, April 5, 2008 in the lower level of the Clinton Town Hall. Special guest speakers will be featured in the Rose Room from 10 AM until 2:30 PM. The Exhibition Hall in the Green Room will also be open from 10 AM until 2:30 PM. The program is free and open to the public.

The Green Lifestyle Fair will present 8 guest speakers and 25+ exhibitors offering valuable insight into real world energy alternatives, conservation and efficiency initiatives, and the most pressing challenges affecting our environment today. For more information on the event, and for speaker schedules and times, visit the SLDW web site at www.SLDW.org.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Tennis team defeated Morgan of Clinton yesterday, 5-2. Juniors Casey Scully and Hannah Sturman stepped up to play first doubles for the first time due to the absence of HKs two seniors. The HK girls won 6-1, 6-1. Also, Junior Anna Brundage and sophomore Annie Bartosiak competed well at the number two doubles spot for the first time with a 6-2; 6-0 win over Ava Zamernik and Omayra Cordero. The third doubles team of freshmen Meg Wright and Kelsey Hawkins won the first set easily, 6-0, and prevailed in the second set, 7-6, with a tiebreaker score of 7-3. This was their first varsity match.

Coach Fiona Phelan said, "I was really proud of the girls today because with the absence of two key players I wasn't sure if we would be successful. The girls proved me wrong. They did a great job of using the tactics we worked on in practice in game-play situations and were successful. A couple of doubles teams tried some new positioning and found that worked for them. I think everyone came away with something they had worked on and improved. They should be proud of themselves. I am particularly proud of the way the two freshman stayed the course when they didn't know until they got off the bus that they would be playing a varsity match for the first time."

Phelan said, it was nice to have the win today after coming off a close loss to North Branford on Wednesday, 3-4. That match that came down to who would win the third doubles position. It could have gone either way and it was just not our day.

The HK Boys Tennis team also defeated Morgan. The Cougars came out on top 6-1. Ryan Hawkins, Cody Warren, Patrick Gihuly and Grant Armstrong won their singles matches and Joe Cerino and Matt Waldman, and Tyler Montesi and Mark St. Lawrence won at doubles.

HK Sports: The HK Softball team opened its 2008 campaign with a 24-0 blow out of Sports and Medical Science Academy. Lindsey Griswold was on the mound for the Cougars. She also hit 3-3 with four runs scored. Rachael Normandy hit 3-4 with two runs and three RBIs and Kellie Moskey went 3-3 with four runs scored. HK is 1-0.

St. James Episcopal Church will be having a Spring Tag Sale on Saturday, April 19, 2008 and Saturday, April 26, 2008 from to 9:00am - 2:00 pm. Huge selection of miscellaneous items. We are located on the corner of Killingworth Road and Rte 81. The Tag Sale will be held at the Parish Hall. Please come and find some treasures. For further information or drop off items, please contact Amy Soobitsky 345-2006.

The HK Recreation Department will sponsor a trip to Blithewood Mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island on Saturday, May 3. Located on Narragansett Bay, Blithewold is one of the finest garden estates in New England. Your exploration will include its beautiful gardens planted with daffodils for the spring season and a tour of the 45-room English style manor house. Lunch will be at a local favorite, The Lobster Pot. After lunch, the bus will stop in Newport where there will be time to shop in the Brick Market area. The fee is $79 per person and includes Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, tour of mansion, and luncheon. The bus leaves from the HK HS at 7:30 am and from Killingworth Elementary School at 7:45 pm. Returns approximately at 7:00 pm. Please call 345-8334 for more information and to register. Non-residents welcome.

Registration for the 2008 Tri-Town Football team will be held in April. Players from Chester, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Haddam, Lyme and Old Lyme are eligible to register.

Wednesday, April 9th from 6 - 8pm at Chester Elem. School, Essex Elem. School, Killingworth Library

The last day for all registration forms is June 30, 2008. Mail forms to PO Box 674 Chester, CT 06412. For more information and forms, please visit the website: www.tritownyouthfootball.com

Registration Fees:
TACKLE:
$200.00 per child
$150.00 for 2nd child
$400.00 family max
*Refer a new player and get $25 off your fee
FLAG: $50 per child
*Refer a new player and get $10 off your fee
CHEERLEADING: $60 per child
*Refer a new cheerleader and get $10 off your fee

First Selectman Richard Cabral welcomed Haddam-Killingworth Middle School students from Dom Scarpa's Art classes to Town Hall last week. The students' artwork was on exhibit in the Town Office Building conference room in March as part of Cabral's initiative to bring more recognition to the town's young artists. Elementary school artists will be featured in April.

Brooke Vaughn, Derek Kasperzyk, Halie Serbent, Sarah Dansereau, Aleksandria Willey, Jesse Warren, Grace Lyman, Serra Van Ryzin, Allie Peplau, Sarah Auer, Angela Cannelli, RJ Kasper - Art Teacher Dom Scarpa, Richard Cabral. Photo courtesy K. Milano

Killingworth will soon be host to a new Tribe - Tween Tribe. Tween Tribe is a girl group and companion website created by The Tween Scene LLC, a business owned by Macdara MacColl of Madison and Sarah Suatoni of Killingworth.

Currently, the women run three Tribes and also offer a dance class called Tween Beat. The current Tribes meet in Guilford and include girls ages 6-12 from East Haven, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton and Killingworth. This spring, the team is launching a new Tribe in Killingworth, to meet at the Pondhawk Retreat Center on Roast Meat Hill for five Thursdays.

The girls in Tween Tribe come together for an afternoon of fun, friendship and social and emotional exploration. "It's a little like Girl Scouts and a little like an art class," Executive Director MacColl explains. "We started out with the idea that every girl should have a Tribe of her own-a circle of special friends we call Tribe sisters. Both Sarah and I come from the arts, so we approach our themes through creative expression—storytelling, dance, performance, crafts. We have so much fun with the girls."

The Tween Tribe curriculum includes listening to original stories written by Suatoni and MacColl, dance, yoga, movement and improvisational theater. In addition, the girls express their feelings with colors and clay and finally use a Talking Stick and learn about talking from the heart and listening with their whole body.

According to MacColl, the social and emotional skills Tween Tribe develops are crucial for girls. "Studies show adolescent kids with better social problem solving skills are less likely to engage in a bunch of problem behaviors, like eating disorders, drugs and sexually risky encounters".

Parents can find out more about the programs and register their daughters for the new Tribe and a free April 24th introductory class at the website, www.TweenTribe.com.

Tween Tribe girls from across the Shoreline created their own mixed-up fashion show and discovered, "The dress doesn't make the girl, the girl makes the dress" at a recent Tween Tribe meeting. Photo courtesy M. MacColl

A tractor trailer truck trying to navigate the intersection of Cow Hill and Green Hill Roads last night got hung up on the shoulder resulting in a brief closure of the road. The State Police and Fire Company were on the scene detouring traffic until a heavy duty tow truck could right the 18-wheeler. The truck headed to Higganum, took Cow Hill Road through Town because of an accident on Route 81 in Clinton. Fireman George Roelofsen said it was a good thing the truck was empty or it might have tipped over. The accident happened at approximately 8:00 p.m.

Join the HK Middle School Players in Neverland this weekend for their production of Peter Pan. The musical, an adaptation of the play by J.M. Barrie, tells the story of a boy who didn't want to grow up and who spends his life in Neverland battling pirates and Indians. Both young and young at heart will enjoy this delightful production by Chris Solimene with his cast of seventh and eighth graders.

Performances will take place in the HKMS auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $8. and can be purchased at the door or ordered ahead of time by calling the school at 663-1241.

The cast will hold its final dress rehearsal on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Senior citizens are invited to attend free of charge. Bring your friends and family to this classic musical that reminds us all of the joys of childhood.


Caroline Atwood plays the title role and Justin Hall plays Captain Hook in this weekend's middle school production of Peter Pan

The Killingworth Historical Society is now collecting quality items for its Annual Tag Sale. The sale will be held on Saturday, May 10th at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. Donations of household items, tools and antiques are appreciated. Please phone 663-1681 to arrange pick-up of items.

Sunday March 23:
• 12:48 PM: Medical emergency, Parker Hill Rd
Friday March 28:
• 2:29 PM: Mutual aid to Chester, Structure fire, E Kings Hwy
Saturday March 29:
• 2:02 PM: Medical emergency, Beech Tree Ridge
• 3:12: PM: Brush fire, Outside smoke investigation, Bethke Rd

The Fire Company took delivery of its new attack pumper on Saturday. The truck is ready to mount with equipment and drivers will train on the new truck over the next few weeks. This truck, housed at the firehouse on Route 81, will be ready to replace the 1984 pumper by mid-April. It will be first out on all fire calls.

Photo courtesy T. Hajek

The Killingworth Community Gardens project, first proposed early last summer, will start accepting plot registrations on April 1. The Gardens are located on the Bosco property on Route 81. Thanks to the overwhelming support of volunteers, Town committees and Town and State officials the small estate on the 133-acre property is coming back to life.

The 24-20ft x 20ft garden plots are marked and ready to welcome residents who are looking for a place to come together for the purpose of food production, environmental education and multi-generational gatherings. Individuals and groups at all levels of gardening expertise are welcome. The registration fee for each plot is $20. Registrations will be accepted in the Town Clerk's office or you may download the forms from the project's website and send them in by mail. Plots will be assigned on a first come basis. For information on the Gardens project and the registration process visit www.kwgardens.org.

Expert gardening advice as well as help with heavy or labor-intensive gardening chores will be available. Gardeners are encouraged to donate surplus food to the local food pantries and soup kitchens.

The Gardens received significant startup funding from the State Office of Policy and Management thanks to the support of Rep. Brian O'Connor. The funding will allow for the purchase of a solar powered water pump, deer fencing and soil improvements. The Gardens were also awarded a Youth and Family Service of Haddam-Killingworth mini-grant that will be used to purchase garden tools and plants. The project would not be possible without the advice and efforts of volunteers. Many residents have pledged to help with super-volunteers Peter Venuti, Eric Auer and Bill Silas generously leading the way.

Project organizer, Peg Scofield, a self-professed novice gardener, said the "seeds" of the project were planted back in 2004 when the planned Bosco Recreation Complex included space for a community garden. "I thought a community garden would be a wonderful use of land that was once a thriving farm and homestead." Though the recreation plan failed, Scofield kept the garden idea in mind. "People started referring to this property for what it couldn't be, instead of what it could. I thought if we started small and simple and residents saw the property for its peaceful and historic beauty, it might spark a change in attitude." Former First Selectman Marty Klein okayed the idea and offered his advice on the planning and the Town crew's time to clean up the field and around the house and out-buildings. Scofield said, "Rep. O'Connor, the Town Hall staff, Land Use and other committees have been so helpful in moving the project along. I am thrilled with the support and interest the project has received so far and thankful for all the great advice and especially the efforts of Rep. O'Connor, Peter, Eric, Bill and the Land Use Committee members. There is still a lot to do, but we are well on the way."

LUC Chairman Hilary Kumnick said, "The Community Gardens are a wonderful addition to the fabric of Killingworth thanks to Peg Scofield's vision and extensive planning. LUC has been charged by the Board of Selectmen to see that the areas/structures surrounding the plots are safe and secure. BOS, P&R & LUC anticipate future uses of the old farm site could include hiking, horse and dog trails, youth farm activities, and other passive recreation uses. The volunteer-driven, kwgardens are an ideal "breath of fresh air" for this attractive town property and LUC is unanimous in our support!"

The Killingworth Women's Organization and Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth invites all Killingworth residents in grades K-4, with the adult of their choice, to the Killingworth Parent-Child Spring Fling Dance on Friday, April 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Killingworth Elementary School All-Purpose Room.

Dance In Rythym dance instructor, Karen Pfrommer, will teach everyone some cool dance moves and D.J. Pete Lombard of Mike Butler Media will entertain us with great music. The cost is $5/family, which includes 1 adult and up to 3 children. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Space is limited. To reserve your spot, send a check payable to "KWO" and the names of the family members attending to KWO, P.O. Box 952, Killingworth, CT 06419 by April 1, 2008. If you have questions, please call Joan Reed Wilson at (860) 663-3948.

HK Sports: HK High School Juniors Allie Rand and Shelby VanHuysen were recently named to the Middletown Press All-Area Girls Basketball team. The Press said,"Rand was a difference-maker in many games for H-K this season, as she utilized the post with strong, aggressive play. She was just shy of a double-double on the season with 9.5 points a game and eight rebounds. In addition, she averaged two steals and two blocks per game. She is a two-time All-Area basketball player."

"Van Huysen was dubbed the Cougars' MVP this season for her all-around play that secured a Class M playoff berth for the team. Van Huysen was named to the All-Shoreline second team. Her speed and agility was an asset for the Cougars, as Van Huysen averaged 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals a game. She led the team in assists on the year."

Junior Justin Simmers was named to the Middletown Press All-Area Wrestling team. "Simmers was one of five Cougars to win at least 20 matches in the regular season. He posted a 20-6 record and then won twice at the Class S meet in the 125-pound division and three more times in the wrestlebacks to claim fourth place."

by Jim Brangi
To the Editor:
I'm writing to provide an alternative viewpoint to the perspectives disseminated by the Superintendent's office on our regional educational budget and to see if there are other Killingworth & Haddam residents who share a similar perspective on ever increasing budgets and be willing to express them to the Board (boe@rsd17.org). I do not think a 5.4% budget increase is fair nor warranted.

Several times over the past month, I've read articles or viewed programming about the wonderful things the proposed education budget will do. I believe communicating with tax payers on why we need more programs is a valid and needed component of the budget process, but shouldn't there also be some counter perspective offered by someone representing the interest of the tax payers. Where are the checks and balances of this budget communication process? Read more

The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation has informed the Selectman's Office that Killingworth will receive a $17,800 grant for traffic safety enforcement and equipment. The Project Manager for the grant will be Resident State Trooper Matt Ward. All expenditures related to this Grant are 100% reimbursable.

According to Traffic Study Committee Chairman Bob Ellis, part of the grant will be used to purchase one, or more, Smart Machines to monitor speed on Town roads. Trooper Ward and the Traffic Study Committee are currently evaluating various manufacturer's products in terms of their data gathering/reporting capabilities and portability.

The remainder of the funds will be used for traffic safety to include the speed limit enforcement, adherence to seat belt laws and use of cell phones while driving. The State Grant supplements those funds already provided by the Town in this year's budget, for enhanced Traffic Safety.

The Connecticut State Police promoted 44 Troopers during a ceremony held in the Torp Theatre at Central Connecticut State University on Friday, including two former Killingworth Resident Troopers.

Master Sergeant Michael Perry was promoted from Sergeant and will be the Executive Officer at Troop F in Westbrook. He has been a Trooper for 11 years. He earned a BA from Providence College and attended the UConn School of Business Executive Education. He lives in Madison with his family.

Lieutenant Clanford Pierce was promoted from Sergeant and will be Commanding Officer at Troop F in Westbrook. During his 14 years as a Trooper, he has earned a medal for Outstanding Service and three Unit Citations. He lives in Enfield with his family.