Congratulations to the Southeast U16 Soccer Team for its 1st place finish in the New England Soccer Classic Tournament. Mike Mead, Billy McFee, Brandon Ticino, and Brad Boulay with assistant coach Rick McFee took part in winning the Championship this past weekend in the Cape Cod tournament. This was their second year in this tournament finishing in second place last year and taking the first place trophy this year with a 3-2 victory over Seacoast United from New Hampshire. Great Job Boys!

Brandon Ticino, Brad Boulay, Billy McFee and Mike Mead with Assistant Coach Rick Mcfee. Photo courtesy L. Mead

The kindergarten through fourth graders at Killingworth Elementary School learned about anatomy, nutrition, fitness and personal hygiene with a live performance from Slim Good Body recently. Slim is the character created by the school's health education program. Slim visited the school recently and captivated the audience with his 50 minute routine of song, dance and movement.

Songs focused on the heart - the greatest pump in the world; the lungs - the breath of life; bones and muscle - the team that hustles; the senses - the sensational five; the digestive system - the energy factory; the hands - the greatest tools in the world; the skin - the envelope you wash with soap; and health habits - the importance of nutrition, fitness, hygiene and a positive self image.

Slim Good Body appears in a "Body Suit" - a white costume that shows the body's skeleton and muscles. Slim is helped by his side-kick a wise cracking robot. Children from the school were asked to be on-stage volunteers where they demonstrated balance, strength and coordination. School Nurse Nancy Hetsko coordinated scheduling of the event with the school PTO.

Photo and story courtesy F. Phelan

This summer, the Essex Fire Engine Co. No. 1 will celebrate its 175th anniversary. As part of this momentous occasion, area fire departments will gather on Sunday, June 1, for the 2nd Annual Old Saybrook Firefighters Competition and Family Fun Day. As part of the celebration, this year's event is being held behind the Essex Fire Headquarters.

The day long event, which is free and open to the public, has been designed to test firefighters skill levels through drilling, training and competition. The competition will start at 9:30 a.m. with a Color Guard Competition and continue throughout the day, putting firefighters through various challenges that include a fire-suppression obstacle course and various fire hose and fire stream testing events.

The pressure is on for a couple of area volunteer departments, since Essex would love to win the championship trophy during its 175th anniversary year. The defending champions, Old Saybrook Fire Department, also has its hopes set on adding its name again to the perpetual trophy. A couple of other local departments are practicing hard to ensure that neither are successful and are also vying for the coveted prize, according to the competition's organizers.

The event will feature grand-stand seating or those attending can bring their own seating. This year's competition will be held at Essex Fire Headquarters, 11 Saybrook Road, Essex, CT (take Exit 3 off Route 9). In the event of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, June 8.

In addition, a formal celebration and parade will be held in Essex on Sunday June 22nd. For additional info: www.essexctfire.com

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life celebrates the lives of hundreds of local residents who have survived cancer, while offering the hope of finding a cure. Come out to HK High School tomorrow night to show your support for those who have battled cancer and won!

To honor the incredible strength and courage of cancer survivors, all area survivors are invited to unite in a "Victory Lap" followed by a survivor reception at the Relay For Life event in Killingworth at the Haddam/Killingworth High School on Friday May 30. The Victory Lap will take place directly after the opening ceremony at 7:00 p.m.

The Relay For Life event, May 30-31, is an all-night community event bringing together teams of families, friends, religious groups, neighborhoods, and businesses - all with the same goal of curing cancer in the new millennium. Teams of walkers keep a continuous presence on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Dollars raised during Relay For Life help support American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

Get out your ropes and harnesses as the 3 books, 2 towns, 1 Community Read! Initiative Kicks off its activities this weekend with a FREE climbing wall and FREE rock candy at Burr Elementary School from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

NOTE: In case of heavy rain, the kickoff will be held in the Killingworth Library's meeting room starting at 11:00 am. We will still have free rock candy for all visitors and 321 books for sale. There will be a sign in front of Burr Elementary School redirecting people as needed - if it advertises a rock wall, the event is still on at Burr.

There will also be copies of the books that were chosen for sale and information about the other exciting events. The rock wall is 26 feet high and is fun for climbers of all ages!! As a coalition, we are engaged in building the 40 developmental assets - one of these assets is reading for pleasure - only 24% of our youth reported that they engaged regularly in reading for pleasure and as you know - the more developmental assets a young person has, the less likely they are to engage in risky behaviors, like violence or underage drinking. This year, the books are centered on a theme - mountain climbing. You can visit the website at www.mylibraryrocks.com/321 for more informaiton.

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

Other events will include: movie night ("Touching the Void") at H-K Middle School, book talks at Killingworth and Brainerd libraries, letterboxing and a grand finale on June 21st at Chatfield Hollow where participants will try their hand at some local "mountain" climbing!

HK Sports: HK Boys Tennis Sweeps Shoreline Tournament

The Cougars completed their season by dominating the Conference Tournament with finalists in all draws. They came away with championships in the 1-2 singles and the 3,4,5 singles draws. Coginchaug's doubles team defeated HK in the doubles final to put an end to their run through the tournament. "As a coach, I couldn't ask for more from my players. All the semi finals and finals were great matches and to have both finalists in the 3,4,5 singles draw...it was like someone asking me which one of my children is my favorite said Coach Rod Pakus."

In the 1-2 singles semi finals HK's Ryan Hawkins defeated Cromwell's Isaiah Salafia in straight sets (7-6 TB 7-4, 6-3) while Old Lyme's Connor Fallon defeated North Branford's Senior Gus Boatman (6-1, 6-2). The Championship match was won in three sets by HK's Senior Tri Captain Ryan Hawkins out lasting Connor Fallon (4-6, 6-1, 6-1). In the 3,4,5 singles semi finals #1 seed Patrick Gilhuly defeated East Hampton's Sam Pach in (6-3, 6-1) while HK's Senior Tri Captain Alex Langevin took three sets to oust Coginchaug's Pierce Watson (3-6, 7-5, 7-5) to set up an "All H-K" final. The Championship match was won by Sophomore Patrick Gilhuly (6-4, 6-3). Gilhuly finishes the regular season and Conference Tournament with an impressive undefeated record of 25-0.

In doubles play HK's Joe Cerino and Matt Waldman defeated East Hampton's #1 doubles team (6-1, 6-3) while Coginchaug's duo of Jared Oppelt and Ray Battapaglia won in straight sets over North Branford's #1 Doubles team (6-1, 6-3). In the Championship match Coginchaug's duo of Battapaglia and Oppelt defeated HK's Cerino and Waldman in straight sets (6-4, 6-1).

The HK Baseball team was knocked out of the state tournament on Wednesday, suffering a 4-3 loss to the Montville Indians. HK did not trail in the game until the last batter, but could not close out the victory.

With no score in the game through three innings, the Cougars finally broke it open with a two out, two run single that Brian Ludington rifled down the third baseline. He was left stranded on base, but HK owned a 2-0 lead.

The game remained that way until the bottom of the fifth when Montville struck twice to even the score at 2-2. Things did not change in that score until an exciting seventh inning, thanks to the great defense of Alex Pollack in the sixth. Montville had runners on second and third with one out and the middle of their order up. The Indians' hitter smacked an apparent single to center only to have Pollack race in and make an incredible diving catch, and then throw to second to double off the runner at second to end the inning.

With one out in the top of the seventh AJ Margnelli laced a line drive to right that got down for a hit. However, the Montville outfielder, in a face first attempt to dive and make the catch, saw the ball roll past him. Margnelli never slowed down and motored his way all the way to third for a triple. He later scored as Mike Waterbury blasted a two out RBI double down the left field line to give the Cougars a 3-2 lead heading into the last of the seventh.

Lou Annino was pitching an outstanding game until things came apart at the end. Unfortunately for HK they could not stop a Montville rally as the Indians won on a walk-off double. Annino's final line score was six-plus innings pitched, allowing seven hits, two walks, while striking out five. He kept Montville off balance all game until a blister problem on his throwing hand reared its ugly head in the seventh.

HK ends a successful season that saw them win 16 games, get Coach Brookes his 500th win, and have Margnelli receive the teams' third consecutive SLC pitcher of the year award. The Cougars will say goodbye to seven outstanding seniors, but will return plenty of talent to work with for the 2009 season.

Long-time Killingworth Elementary School Custodian Lance Fredericksen Jr. did more than just talk about supporting the PTO Playground Fund. He traded his trademark hair cut in exchange for donations to the playground fund. Fredericksen raised almost $2000 in the Killingworth community and from donations by the KES students. Organizers hope to have the funds necessary to start construction of the playground this summer.

Don't want to sacrifice your tresses? On Saturday, June 7th the Killingworth Women's Organization will host a community wine tasting to also support the playground fund. The event will be held at the Pharmedica rear building on Route 80. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Arranged by J.V. Wine and Spirits & The Country Package Store, come out and enjoy fine wines and music while you browse a Silent Auction.

To purchase tickets, Please make checks payable to KWO and mail to: K.W.O. P.O. Box 615, Killingworth, CT. 06419. Please include your name, email or phone number for confirmation. If you have questions, please contact Michele Early at m1chele@comcast.net or 663.1496. Photo courtesy J. Coady

THE HEAVYWEIGHT ETHICS CHAMPIONSHIP
There is a poster circulating in our Capitol that comically depicts a state representative named Chris Caruso and me clad in boxing trunks and gloves and growling at each other. The poster states that we will fight for the "Heavyweight Ethics Championship" and that it will be telecast on the Connecticut Television Network (CT-N).

The poster is based upon sharply differing opinions concerning a legislative ethics package of which I was a prime sponsor. That package provided for the revocation of the public pensions of any state employees convicted of a felony against the state, as for example, embezzlement of state funds or accepting a bribe. The package also included the establishment of an ethics code for state employees, mandated ethics training and the creation of a new crime for failing to report a bribe. It also placed restrictions on campaign fundraising by the legislative and executive branches.

The above-described ethics package was approved unanimously by the Senate late last month, but when it came to the floor of the House, a most significant amendment by Rep. Caruso was made, namely, the exemption of public employees from the pension revocation section. That amendment passed the House. The Senate, to its credit, refused to accept that amendment, but once again important ethics legislation died in the General Assembly.

This ethical clash took on a sharper bite this month when Rep. Caruso held a press conference seeking to justify his public employee exemption. I attended that press conference and waited until Rep. Caruso finished his statement, answered all press questions and left the podium. I then announced to the press that I had "a different opinion" concerning the public employee exemption and that I believed that pension revocation provisions should apply to all state officials including public employees.

Rep. Caruso then stated that I had no right to speak at his press conference which I had "crashed." Of course, a press conference by politicians at the Capitol is not a private party which can be "crashed." The whole affair, while comical at times, represents another sad chapter of our inability in Hartford to attack corruption.

Sunday May 18:
• 6:55 AM: Fire alarm, Fawn Hill Rd
Tuesday May 20:
• 4:32 PM: Mutual aid to Haddam, Motor vehicle accident, Route 81
Wednesday May 21:
• 1:36 PM: Medical emergency, Fritz Rd
• 6:15 PM: Medical emergency, Route 81
Thursday May 22:
• 9:06 PM: Medical emergency, Swan Lake Trl
• 9:41 PM: Propane gas leak, Pond Meadow Rd

HK Sports: With thunderstorms threatening to postpone the game and a constant drizzle falling, the HK Varsity Baseball team was able to pullout a thrilling walk-off ,3-2, victory over the visiting New London Whalers. The win was the opening round of the CIAC state tournament.

A bad day due to weather appeared to be getting worse for the Cougars as the Whalers scored an unearned run to take a 1-0 advantage in the top of the second inning. Fortunately for HK, New London returned the favor as Kyle Allison (1-3, run) scored on a wild pitch to even the score.

The next inning Sean Zapatka scored another run on a wild pitch. It appeared that the Cougars would get away with only two runs scored as starting pitcher AJ Margnelli was giving the Whalers all they could handle.

However, in the top of the sixth with two outs and no one on, New London rallied to push across a run on an eventual double-steal, tying the game at 2-2. That would be the only earned run charged to Margnelli as he worked seven innings, allowing only six hits, while striking out eight batters for the win.

That would set up the dramatics in the bottom of the seventh inning. Margnelli laid down a perfect drag bunt single to start off the inning. In an attempt to move him to second, Mike Theriault laid down a sacrifice bunt, only to see the Whalers be late on a force play to second base. Lou Annino (3-3) then laid another perfect drag bunt to load the bases for HK. The stage was then set for Zapatka (1-4, run, RBI) who drilled the game winning RBI single up the middle to end it.

HK advances to the second round of the CIAC class M tournament and will await their opponent depending on the outcome of other games.

Residents lined Route 81 yesterday to remember and thank those who gave their lives in service to our country at the Annual Memorial Day Parade. Gold Star Mother and Father Kathy and Jon Miller laid a wreath at the Veterans Memorial, First Selectman Richard Cabral read a winning essay by HKMS eighth grader Alexandra Raccio on her reflections from her recent trip to Washington D.C. and Rick Albrecht, Commander, VFW Post #9920, led the audience in heart-felt prayer for the fallen.


Kathy and Jon Miller

First Selectman Richard Cabral stands with World War II Veterans

Haddam Killingworth Middle School students had the opportunity to listen to well-known motivational speaker Jeff Yalden last week thanks to the HKMS PTO. Yalden is best known for his appearances on MTV "Made" and his straight talking message to teens. Yalden used humor and examples from his own family life to illustrate the need to take time to think, take personal responsibility for one's actions and to persevere on a path of good decisions. The PTO provided each student with a "Take Time to Think" wristband for the event and purchased four copies of Yalden's book, "They Call me Coach" for the school media center.

Yalden has spoken in all 50 states and 48 countries. He overcame many obstacles in his own youth and imparts the message on kids that it is cool to be happy, do right by others and "fill your cup" everyday.

Jeff Yalden speaks to students at HKMS

Memorial Day

As we enjoy the warmth of the summer sun realizing how fortunate we are to enjoy the freedoms that we do, lest not we forget those that afforded us this grand opportunity.

I speak of all those men and women that have served in our armed forces and, in too many cases, have given the utmost sacrifice, their lives.

Losing a beloved relative or someone that is very close, leaves us, I'm sure, quite empty. However, we realize that they did not give the ultimate sacrifice in vain, but that they were, by their actions, assuring that all of us would be free to live, love, and pursue happiness to its fullest extent.

Our great country has participated in conflicts all over the world throughout our brief history as a nation with one aim - the preservation of freedom.

Even today, our men and women are defending our rights to be free from attack by others. They serve obediently and with fortitude, knowing very well that they are protecting each and every one of us. They do it gladly and without reserve and ask only that all of us respect them as protectors of our freedom.

So, in the future, when remembering those service men and women that have given of themselves, also greet those that are now doing the same with a thank you.

I would like to thank all of you for coming out today to honor all of our veterans, past and present, and may God bless the USA and may God bless Killingworth. Thank you.

Richard Cabral
First Selectman

The Region 17 Fourth Grade Band Concert was held Thursday night at the HKMS Auditorium. It was the first time that fourth graders from all three district elementary schools performed together as a band. Each school practiced all year under music teachers Amanda Albert (KES and BES) and Cindy Mortensen (HES). After just one rehearsal all together, the Fourth Grade Band successfully demonstrated how practice makes perfect. The principals from all three schools, Rita Peretto (KES), Eric Larson (BES) and
Janice Harris (HES) joined their students as guest percussionists on "Concerto for Pots and Pans".

Photo Courtesy S. Irwin

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) WPCA - 1, (B) IWWC - 1, (C) OEM - 1, (D) Public Health. - 4 (E) Traffic Study Comm. - 2 (F) Housing Partnership - 4
7. Appointments:
    A. Water Pollution Control Auth. - Jeffrey Steven Yazmer
    B. H-K Recreation - Danilo A. Colonia & John F. Machold and authorization to go to Town Meeting.
8. Old Business:
    A. Communication Update - Status of Review
    B. Affordable Housing - Definition of Qualified Buyers
    C. Lovers Lane - Status of Estimate for 2- 24" Pipes Pipes Temp. Solution
9. New Business:
    A. Emergency Management - Need for Volunteers
    B. Land Use Charge
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
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