Sad news has reached us from Florida. Betty King, 70, a beloved teacher and respected member of the Killingworth community passed away this morning. Mrs. King taught at Killingworth Elementary School for many years and was honored as teacher of the year. Her husband Fred also taught in the district at H-K High School. He passed away several years ago. The Kings lived on Roast Meat Hill Road before moving to South Windsor to be nearer to her family. Mrs. King is survived by her three children. Additional details will follow when available.

Calling all climbers (and non-climbers) alike for 2008's "Three Books, Two Towns, One Community..Read!" The 3-2-1 Committee is ready to announce their theme for this year's community read initiative: mountain climbing! Get out your ropes and harnesses as the selected books transport you from Haddam and Killingworth to the tops of the tallest mountains. Two of the three books this year will take place on top of Mount Everest and one will take a young boy to the tallest mountain in his neighborhood as he goes on a quest to become an adventurer. This year the three book selections are:

Adult read/non-fiction:
"Into Thin Air: A personal account of the Mount Everest Disaster" by John Krakauer
Young adult read/fiction - ages 7-12:
"The Contest" (Everest Book 1) by Gordon Korman
Children's read/fiction - ages 4-6:
"Maxwell's Mountain" by Shari Becker and Nicole E. Wong

The kick-off event will be held on Saturday, May 31 and will feature a climbing wall for climbers of all ages!! Other events include: movie night ("Touching the Void") at H-K Middle School, book talks at Killingworth and Brainerd libraries, letterboxing, a possible author visit (!), and a grand finale on June 21st at Chatfield Hollow where participants will try their hand at some local "mountain" climbing! The events were selected to enhance the exciting pace that the books will set.

"When we talked ideas for a theme, we really wanted to do something that could have fun events and activities attached to it and mountain climbing fit the bill", says committee chairperson, Tammy Eustis, Head Librarian at Killingworth Library. "Plus, we picked some truly gripping reads about this topic so we hope to engage regular readers and non-readers alike."

The Committee is in the process of working with local groups and businesses to make this year's 3-2-1 Read a huge success and are looking for volunteers to help with planned activities and events. If you have any mountain climbing experience and are willing to share, we want you as part of one of our events!! Please contact Tammy Eustis, at teustis@killingworthlibary.org or Amy Mueller, at amelia@hkyfs.org.

The final line-up of events can be found on the 3-2-1 Read website at www.mylibraryrocks.com/321 - keep checking back for dates and times. The 3-2-1 Read Initiative is sponsored in part by Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth and the United Way of Middlesex County.

To the Editor:
I wish to congratulate those responsible for acquiring the state funds to improve Sheldon Park. Healthy recreational activities and facilities make life much better and can only lead to an improved quality of life for Killingworth residents.

One problem that has not been addressed with regards to Sheldon Park is the presence of four Outdoor Wood Boilers within a quarter mile of the park. As many of you know, these types of boilers are the most polluting heating equipment presently on the market and have been banned and/or greatly regulated in a number of states and CT towns. Just Google this and discover the facts.

It is my hope that equal attention to this health hazard for those visiting Sheldon Park, will soon receive appropriate attention before our children and adults experience the harmful effects of these four polluters.

Phil Stull

HK Sports: The HK Varsity Baseball team, behind a standout pitching performance from Lou Annino, blanked the Westbrook Knights in a convincing, 9-0, victory on Friday.

After Annino held Westbrook scoreless in the first, the Cougars used an Alex Pollack sacrifice fly to score AJ Margnelli for a 1-0 lead.

The contest remained at that score until the HK bats finally exploded in the fourth when Mike Stanger laced a line drive double over the right fielder's head to score Annino, who had singled, from first. The Cougars tacked on two more in the inning to push the lead to 4-0.

The fifth inning saw more of the same from the offense as they scored twice more, highlighted by a Kyle Allison RBI singled. The lead was expanded to 6-0 entering the sixth.

Annino needed no more offensive support as he was dealing all game long. He held the Knights to just three hits while striking out eight and walking only one batter in the complete game shutout.

HK used mostly walks and errors to tack on three more runs in the sixth, making the final score 9-0. The Cougars move to 3-0 (3-0) on the year and will face Hale-Ray on Saturday, weather permitting.

Jack A. Wiese, Sr., 77, of Parker Hill Rd., Killingworth, died Sunday, April 6, 2008 at his home with his family at his side. He was born in New Haven, the son of the late Einar and Ivy (Ceurvels) Wiese. Prior to his retirement, he was a teacher with Regional School District #17 at the HK Junior and Senior High School. He is survived by his six children, Jennifer Pope, Jack A. Wiese, Jr. and his wife Lisa, Paul Wiese and his wife Jen, Amy Sowa and her husband Stephen, Eric Wiese, and Joshua Wiese and his wife Danielle; a sister, June DeFelice and her husband Dave; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and his former wife, Lynn Wiese.

Funeral services are private and burial will be at the convenience of the family in Rev. Milton R. Liebe Memorial Garden, Killingworth. Memorial contributions in Jack's memory can be made to Weiss Hospice Unit at Middlesex Hospital, c/o Dept. of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457 or the YMCA of Northern Middlesex County, 99 Union St., Middletown, CT 06457. Biega Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.

ENJOY AND BE CAREFUL

Once again, travel through town returns to that which pleases people. Enjoying the scenic roads that are so much a part of Killingworth is once again upon us. The weather is becoming such that we are all looking forward to being outside once again. The birds are singing their songs of spring and the animals are scurrying about in search of new food supplies. Our residents are also about reveling in the joys of the season. People walking their dogs, riding their horses, running, and playing in their yards are all visible activities that illustrate the fine quality of life we have here in Killingworth.

With the aforementioned facts ever on all of our minds, it is quite apparent that we, as conscious and caring human being, must do our part in assuring the safety of our neighbors. As we pass through the highways and byways of our lovely town, be ever cognizant of the speed that you are traveling. Most of the streets in our fair town are rated for 25 mph with some being slightly higher.

Please be aware of the speed limit on the streets that you travel.
Please be aware of the speed you are traveling.
Please be aware of the people that may be on the streets that you travel.
Please point out to your neighbors the need to travel at a safe speed.
Please be aware of any danger that may be around the next corner.
Please do not be distracted by doing anything else while driving.
Please drive with your family in mind!

Remember - all of us can contribute to the general quality and safety of life by watching out for our friends and neighbors by driving responsibly.
Listen to the birds, smell the roses, and enjoy the scenery.
Richard J. Cabral
First Selectman

Principal, Miriam Furey-Wagner, is pleased to announce the honor roll for the second term of the 2007-2008 school year at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. View a complete list on www.rsd17.org.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Class of 2009 has set up a special event for this coming May. The high school will be hosting the Harlem Rockets Comedy Basketball Team on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. The Harlem Rockets put on a great show featuring Kevin "Showboat" Jackson and Connecticut native Ron "The Rocket" Christy. The Rockets play local competition and are recognized as outstanding family entertainment. They incorporate audience participation, especially children, and during halftime are available to meet the fans and give autographs.

Throughout the day, the players visit schools to deliver a positive message about the importance of education and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The Rockets are sure to be a slam dunk filled with its share of laughter and basketball skills. Tickets are available in advance for $8 at all Regional School District 17 schools or tickets can be purchased at the door for $10. Seating is limited. Any questions please call the Haddam Killingworth High School main office at (860) 345-8541.

To the Editor:
As I read about the recent Reservoir Rd. bridge issue, and the fact that the taxpayers of this town now need to adopt an alternate route less convenient for them, I would like to inquire on Lovers Lane. It is no doubt beyond the winter months of ice threat, and again we anxiously await the opening of this very popular thoroughfare for the residents of 148, Schnoor, and Bethke roads. If the town does not see the benefits of repairing this popular road, then I can agree with closing it when threatening weather conditions persist. But now that we are in April, I personally feel there is no reason why it cannot be reopened. I hope the new administration considers accelerating their plans to rectify both Lovers Lane and Reservoir Road, as these are the types of improvements that taxpayers consider when determining who will represent the best interests of our town come election season.

Bob Bavolacco

HK Sports: The Cougar Varsity Baseball team was able to come out of New Haven with a, 3-1, win over the Hyde Howling Wolves on Wednesday.

HK got on the board early as Mike Stanger ripped an RBI single up the middle in the second inning to score Mike Waterbury, making it 1-0. The Cougars were kept quiet offensively for the rest of the game as they had to scratch for their remaining runs.

HK scored again in the fourth when Sean Zapatka singled and later scored on a double steal play with runners on the corners. The final Cougar tally came in the fifth as Zapatka walked and later scored on a passed ball.

It was a good thing for HK that starting pitcher AJ Margnelli was on the mound. Margnelli baffled Hyde hitters all afternoon allowing only one run on 5 hits, only two of which left the infield. He also struck out 10 batters while walking only one.

The Cougars improve their record to 2-0 (2-0) and will look towards Friday's contest against Westbrook at home.

The HK Girls Tennis team won, 4-3, yesterday at home to bring its season record to 2-3. HK won all three doubles courts, with seniors Ashley Armstrong and Kelly Chambers winning 6-4 6-4; Juniors Casey Scully and Hannah Sturman winning 6-0 6-2; and Junior Anna Brundage and Sophomore Ashley Griswold winning 6-1 6-2. The final win came at one singles where Colleen Phelan outlasted Meredith Shaw in a third set tiebreaker with scores of 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5). This wraps up HK girls tennis this week. They'll be back in action against Old Lyme at home on April 21.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Lacrosse team was defeated by Morgan of Clinton, 15-8, yesterday. Sarah Gesick scored two, Kat McDermott scored two and Jackie Gorman, Emily Anderson and Jackie Buttendorf scored one each.

The HK Girls Tennis team feel to Valley Regional, 6-1. Nicole Brooks was the lone Cougar victory.

The HK Boys Track team defeated Plainville (101-45) and Prince Tech (83-58). HK won the 4x100 relay with Matt Martin, Matt O'Brien, Brand Boulay and Dan Wendt. O'Brien also won the 100m, 200m and 400m; Martin also won the Long Jump and High Jump; Jason Funaro won the 1600m and 3200m; Derrick Weiss won the Shot Put and Discus; Chris Pfrommer won the Triple Jump;

The Girls Track team defeated Plainville (106-43) and Prince Tech (133-11). HK won the 4x800m Relay with Amy Chamberlain, Cara Burdett, Ali Armstrong and Jess Moore; the 4x100 Relay with Siobhan Blancflor, Hannah Donadio, Caroline McManus and Gaby Hanosch and the 4x400 Relay with Moore, Donadio, Hanosch and Massotta. McManus also won the 110 Hurdles; Chamberlain also won the 1600m and 3200m; Moore also won the 800m; Donadio also won the 300 Hurdles; Mazzotta also won the Long Jump and Triple Jump; Amber Grabowski won the Javelin; Courtney Hannon won the Shot Put and Discus and Dam[psey Hanosch won the Pole Vault.

Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth awarded its second round of mini-grants recently to community members who proposed projects aimed at building developmental assets in our communities' youth. These assets, according to YFS are "positive experiences, opportunities and personal qualities that all youth need to be responsible, successful, and caring". The seven mini-grants were made possible by a Community Impact Grant from the Middlesex United Way.

Youth and Family Services awarded these $200-$250 grants to help young people build internal assets like responsibility and decision making skills, feeling valued by the community and reading for pleasure as well as external assets like developing adult relationships, a caring school climate and giving them useful roles in the community. The grants were awarded to the Killingworth Youth League to be used for safety training for coaches and coaching manuals; The Killingworth Community Gardens to encourage the local youth to be a part of the project; The Killingworth Library Association to host career information nights themed to attract young people; The HK Media Center to provide books for a summer reading project; The Killingworth Women's Organization for its recent Parent-Child dance at KES; GLASS of HK to provide guest speakers and for leaders to attend a conference; and to Catherine McQuire to support her drug and alcohol prevention programs in the schools.

The research shows that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in high-risk behaviors. Forty developmental assets were defined and the more assigned, the healthier the kids. One example shows this clearly: students in grades 7-12 who answered that they had gotten drunk once or more in the last two weeks decreased from 36%, with 0-10 assets assigned, to 0%, with 31-40 assets. Assets promote academic success, divert youth from risky behaviors and increase civic engagement. They also give young people the strengths they need to make positive choices in life.

The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission will sponsor the Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 12 from 8-10 a.m. at Sheldon Park Pond. Participants must be 12 years old or younger. The pond is stocked with trout and bait will be ready.

State Rep. James F. Spallone, hailed committee passage yesterday of a bill he introduced, that if enacted, would allow cities, towns and school districts to participate in on-line auctions for the purchase of goods and services. The bill, House Bill 5899, "An Act Concerning On-line Procurement by State Agencies, Municipalities and Regional and Local School Districts," was approved by the Government Administrations and Elections Committee (GAE) by a vote of 11-0.

"I am extremely pleased by the overwhelming support for this common-sense legislation in the GAE Committee," Rep. Spallone said. "This legislation could literally save our cities, towns and schools millions of dollars in costs for goods and services."

Representative Spallone explained that the bill would amend current law to permit local governments and school districts to participate in so-called reverse auctions over the internet. Municipalities and school districts are required to put contracts for goods and services out to bid. Current law precludes participation in on-line bidding due to requirements for certain printed documents.

The issue was brought to Rep. Spallone's attention by Region 17 school officials who learned, during a large school construction project, that they could not participate in on-line auctions.

"Superintendent Gary Mala estimated that the district could have saved $1.2 million in a $48 million school construction project if the school board could have used on-line bidding," Spallone noted. "This is one isolated case; the savings if all towns and school districts could do this would be enormous. In a time of great concern over the property tax burden, this measure could reduce municipal costs and save tax
payer dollars."

Spallone said the bill now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. James F. Spallone, a Democrat, represents the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam in the General Assembly. He serves on the Judiciary, Government Administration and Elections and Environment Committees and is an assistant majority leader.

The Killingworth Women's Organization and Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth held the very first Killingworth Parent-Child Spring Fling Dance on Friday, April 4 at KES, and it was a huge success!! About 60 parents and children danced the night away with the help of DJ Pete Lombard of Mike Butler Media, and dance instructor Karen Pfrommer from Let's Dance in Rhythm. Stay tuned for the next KES dance coming soon to an elementary school in your town! Special thanks to everyone at KES and RSD 17 for the use of the building, distributing fliers about the event and to the HK After-School Program for sharing their mailbox with us.


Photos courtesy A. Etra

HK Sports: The Haddam-Killingworth Varsity Baseball team got off to a good start for the 2008 season with an opening day win over the Cromwell Panthers, 6-5, at home.

HK got on the board in the first inning thanks to an RBI groundout from Alex Pollack that scored AJ Margnelli, who singled to open the frame. With the score tied at 1-1 in the fourth, the Cougars had a three run inning that was highlighted by a 2 RBI single by Lou Annino. That 4-1 lead was pushed to 5-1 when Margnelli singled, took two bases on a passed ball, then scored on Sean Zapatka's RBI groundout.

Annino started on the mound for HK and battled through six innings, scattering seven hits and allowing only two runs. Things got shaky after Annino departed as the Panthers scored 3 times in the seventh to tie the game at five.

After HK made two quick outs in the bottom of the seventh, Mike Stanger injected some life into the Cougars with a double to the wall in center. He scored two pitches later as Margnelli drilled the game winning single up the middle to end it.

For HK, Margnelli (3-4, 2 runs, RBI) was the only Cougar with multiple hits. Mike Ossa got the victory in relief. HK is now 1-0 (1-0) and will play Hyde on Wednesday in New Haven.

The HK Softball team defeated Hampton, 1-0. Lindsey Griswold was the winning pitcher.

The HK Boys Tennis team defeated Cromwell, 5-0. Ryan Hawkins, Andrew McCurdy and Kyle Kelsey won their singles matches. Patrick Gilhuly and Varen Ravishankar won by forfeit in singles and Cerino and Waldman and McKiney and Roberts won by forfeit in doubles.

The HK Girls Tennis team fell to Cromwell, 5-2.

The HK Girls Golf team fell to Mercy 241-304.

By Kathleen Amoia
There is hope for a greener future. I saw it on display at the Shoreline League of Democratic Women's Green Lifestyle Fair in Clinton’s Town Hall, Saturday. With thirty-five vendors, over 500 interested attendees, and lectures every half hour, much information was garnered and exchanged.

I attended the final two lectures of the day and was encouraged to find a knowledgeable audience that was already involved in greening their lifestyles. Robert Ferretti from Yale University discussed ways of living in a "sustainability mindset" that continually improves on a series of small changes that make a difference. For example, just setting a thermostat back one degree can result in a 3% energy saving. Another encouraging note was Ferritti's experience lecturing at colleges around the country. He is finding more and more student leaders emerging as advocates of "sustainable living," boding well for the future.

The final speaker of the day, Congressman John Larson from the 1st Congressional District, and a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, spoke of the convergence of the pressing issues of global trade, the global war on terrorism, and global warming. All of these require policy makers that reject unilateralism and work with other world leaders.

Larson said that we have technologies to reduce our dependence on oil but we have lacked the leadership and the vision to fund research to improve and implement them on any significant scale. Referring to the energy crisis, he used Martin Luther King's phrase that we must "embrace the urgency of now." His frank discussion of the need to level with the American people on energy issues, the relevant science, costs and compromises, was refreshing.

That many people are already seeking ways to go greener was the message I took away from the day's events. They see it as their responsibility to the future. We need, "with the urgency of now," new leadership that harnesses this grassroots awareness and uses government policy to set the pace and the example for cleaner, sustainable energy alternatives and conservation. Magical thinking wrapped in phony science isn't going to get a pass much longer.

Former HK High School baseball pitcher Cory Riordan, taken by the Colorado Rockies in the sixth round of last year's MLB draft, tossed a three-hitter for the first complete-game shutout in the Minor Leagues this season as the Asheville Tourists blanked the Lexington Legends, 2-0, in the first game of a doubleheader.

Riordan, a 2004 HK graduate told the Asheville Citizen-Times, "It feels good to go out and put up a win like that. I was able to establish my fastball early and started changing it up after that."

The 21-year-old right-hander's first start of the season also marked the longest outing of his brief career. He struck out six, walked one and kept the Legends off the bases for most of the evening. Read more about the game at www.minorleaguebaseball.com

Monday March 30:
• 12:03 AM: Medical emergency, Iron Works Rd
• 12:54 AM: Medical assist, Fritz Rd
• 12:59 PM: Carbon monoxide alarm, Boulder Trl
• 4:02 PM: Structure fire, Burr Hill Rd
• 9:23 PM: Medical emergency, Route 81
Tuesday April 1:
• 7:15 PM: Mutual aid to Clinton, Motor vehicle accident, Route 81
Wednesday April 2:
• 3:01 PM: Medical emergency, Route 80
• 9:36 PM: Mutual aid to North Madison, Structure fire, Summer Hill Rd
Friday April 4:
• 11:31 AM: Fire alarm, Roast Meat Hill Rd
• 4:38 PM: Public service call, Pond Meadow Rd
Saturday April 5:
• 1:26 AM: Motor vehicle accident, Route 81
• 8:37 AM: Medical emergency, Woodland Trl
• 4:38 PM: Motorcycle accident, Route 148

Nicole Pedonti, a student in Haddam-Killingworth High School's Senior Project Class, is organizing a fashion show fundraiser on Friday, April 25 at 7:00 PM. The show will be held at the Westbrook Senior Center, to benefit both The Senior Center and the Connecticut Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Pedonti hopes to display the diversity and beauty of individuality through clothing.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Senior Project class is an opportunity to engage in hands on learning through student-initiated projects. Pedonti who hopes to pursue a career in event planning and fashion, is using her project to develop important skills for her chosen field, and to raise money for worthwhile causes. For her efforts, Pedonti has received a letter of recognition from Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

All clothing and accessories for the show will be provided by TJ MAXX of Clinton, Barney's New York, and The Cedar Chest of Clinton. Hair and makeup will be done courtesy of Bella Vita Salon of Middletown.

Tickets are available today! General Admission is $8.00 and Senior Citizens (60+) are $5.00. Children 5 and under are FREE! Call Haddam-Killingworth High School at 860-345-8541 to reserve your spot for the show. Enjoy a delightful evening including the latest fashion trends for the upcoming season, refreshments, a silent auction, entertainment, and a chance to support two great causes.

Nicole Pedonti at the Senior Center. Photos courtesy N. Pedonti