Residents Christine Cummings and her husband Todd Secki have recently formed a new Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center here in Killingworth called A Place Called Hope. You may have seen the report this week on Channel 8, www.WTNH.com, where Cummings and Secki rebuilt the nest of a red-shouldered hawk family in North Branford. The two baby hawks, left while the parents hunted for food, fell out of the nest into a Cindy Walker's backyard. She called A Place for Hope and Secki rebuilt the nest, replaced the babies and to everyone's relief, both parents returned and accepted the replacement nest as their home.

Cummings and Secki are wildlife rehabilitators and basically rescue, rehabilitate, and get these wonderful birds back out into the wild whenever possible. According to Cummings, sometimes that is not possible, so the birds that can not survive in the wild, become members of their education team. They are licensed by both the Department of Environmental Protection in Conn. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. This allows them to keep and care for these birds and train them to stand on a glove for our efforts in educating the public. They visit schools, libraries, clubs, scout meetings, birthday parties, etc. for a donation which goes to our organization to help care for these Birds of Prey. A Place for Hope is run entirely by trained volunteers and donations of time and money.

Wind Over Wings, located in Clinton, is the parent organization of A Place for Hope. Cummings and Secki trained under Wind Over Wings founder Hope Douglas, hence their center's name. For more information on A Place for Hope email Cummings at hope4raptors@yahoo.com

Todd Secki holds one of the baby hawks. The two babies await the return of their parents. Photos courtesy C. Cummings

Linda A. Weiss, 61, of Killingworth, CT, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. She was born in Willimantic, CT, daughter of the late Fritz and Helen Tolle. Linda and her husband owned and operated Riverdale Farm Campsite in Clinton, CT. Linda is survived by her beloved husband Mark Weiss, her sons Wayne and Fritz Austin, her daughter-in-law Melissa Austin, her granddaughter Lily Austin, and her loving dog Pasha.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 16, at 11:00 AM at Madison Congregational Church located at 26 Meetinghouse Lane. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery on Green Hill Road in Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Linda's name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To the Editor:
By James Livingston
Three days after the recital, Backstage Dance Center returned my registration fee. I was told that because I took my 6-yr-old daughter out of the recital after she performed her dance she can't enroll in the 2008/2009 season.

We took her out early because she was sick (we didn't let Ms. Michelle & Ms. Stacy co-owners know prior because we didn't think it would be an issue - that was our fault). It seems extreme that my daughter is now being the one who's punished. Michelle and Stacy stand up on that stage at the end of the recital and express their love for these kids. They say they do it all for the kids but they can't put aside constructive criticism from the parents during the year and accept an apology from a parent who made one mistake. I will admit that we complained twice on how the class was taught. We felt that someone had to speak up. Other parents in the waiting room felt the same way. We just chose to be the ones to let them know. I felt it wasn't fair to the kids attending the class and the parents paying for it. I believe parents need to speak up when they have concerns. These are our children they are teaching. They are supposed to be making a little girls dream come true, not crushing them. Read more

GETTING CLOSER

As we enter the warm weather of summer, one's thoughts turn to traveling and enjoying the open road. That is of course if the road is open, which in the case of Reservoir Road has not been true for awhile! So, to open the ongoing saga once again, the D.O.T. has approved the bridge design and the project is currently in the hands of the D.E.P. for review and eventual permit approval. The optimum word here is "eventual". In the case of the D.E.P., by all indications, that could range from 6 to 9 months. Every effort is being made to expedite the process and I will endeavor to keep apprised of any progress. May your summer be long and full of rewarding activities while the D.E.P.'s processing of our bridge project is short and approving.

Richard Cabral
First Selectman

Seeking to ameliorate the effect of recent, significant surges in the price of gas in Connecticut, state Senator Ed Meyer voted yesterday to eliminate the planned increase in the gross receipts gasoline tax, as well as to allow gasoline retailers the option of offering consumers a discount when they pay cash for gasoline.

Together, the two legislative actions could save state residents anywhere from several pennies to approximately 20 cents on the price of a gallon of gas. Over the next two years, the elimination of the planned gross receipts tax increase from 7 percent to 7.5 percent on the wholesale price of gas will save Connecticut motorists $69.4 million, according to the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

"The price of gas has risen 50 or 60 cents a gallon since we adjourned in early May. That's unacceptable, and the legislature is obliged to offer whatever reasonable and effective relief it can," Sen. Meyer said. "People around this state are tightening their belts as the economy worsens and the prices of staples like fuel and food continue to rise. The state has got to tighten its belt, too, and do without certain revenues. We're doing that, and we're taking the extra step of reaching out to consumers and giving them a break if they choose to pay cash for gas."

Senate Bill 1000, which passed unanimously in the Senate on a 33-0 vote, eliminates a scheduled July 1, 2008 increase in the petroleum products gross earning tax rate from 7% to 7. 5%, thus maintaining the 7% rate until the next scheduled increase to 8. 1% on July 1, 2013. The bill also declares that competitive pricing is essential to the functioning of a fair and efficient free market economy in the petroleum industry, and it bans gasoline franchise contracts from prohibiting gasoline dealers and distributors from offering discounts for using any method of payment. The bill also funds a new heating oil initiative that will provide thousands of new heating systems for low-income residents, saving enough oil to provide additional fuel to others who rely on state assistance programs.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Arts Center at Killingworth is teaming up with Chamard Vineyards in Clinton for its October Autumn Art Trail event and last Sunday visitors to the Chamard's Farmers Market were treated to a preview. Local artists Claudia Post and Renni Ridgeway-Korsmeyer set up their easels and painted en plein air landscapes that were auctioned off later that evening at the River Tavern's The Dinner at the Farms Benefit. Look for more information on the Art Center's Autumn Art Trail later in the summer. Visit the website for current programs and summer events.

Renni Ridgeway-Korsmeyer from Old Lyme

Claudia Post from Chester

The Killingworth Republican Town Committee is hosting a family trip from Killingworth to Yankee Stadium on Friday, July 18! This is the last season to see a game at historic Yankee Stadium, one of America's most revered and historic sports venues. The Yankees will play Oakland (Go, Yanks!) Your seats will be in the Tier Reserved section, at first base or third base. A luxury tour bus will take us there. We can accommodate 50 passengers and Yankees fans. Food and drinks will be provided on the bus. Bring your family, the kids will have a great time!

The bus will leave from Killingworth or North Madison: check back for exact place. Time to convene: 3:00 pm. Time of arrival at stadium: 6:00 pm. Time of game: 7:05 pm. Time we expect to arrive back in Killingworth: midnight.

Price: $60 per person, for the bus, complementary food, sodas and beer on the bus, and reserved seat for the game. Reservations or Questions: please contact David Denvir at 203-318-1200 or email denv827@aol.com. UPDATE: Trip is SOLD OUT. Email to be put on next year's list.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering a unique program this summer. The CT Audubon Society will be bringing their program to the HK Rec. Dept. Children will learn about the different animals or species and even get to look at and touch some of the live animals.

The Animals workshop will be on July 8th and will feature a variety of the center's most popular animals (bunnies, chinchillas, birds and insects) and what makes them special.

The Reptiles workshop will be on July 29th and will feature snakes, lizards, & turtles, each unique in their own way. The program is for boys and girls ages 3 - 7 and meets from 9:30 - 10:15 AM at the Burr Elementary School All-Purpose Room. The fee is $15 each or $25 for both sessions (non-residents add $5). Please call the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department at 345-8334 to register.

Members of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company participated in a 31 Cent Scoop Night at Killingworth's Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins last month to raise money for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Junior members scooped ice cream and senior firefighters were on hand to supervise.

On a national level, Baskin-Robbins will make a $100,000 donation to National Fallen Firefighters Fund to mark the event and reinforce its commitment to the firefighting community. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our local fire company and the national foundation.


Photos courtesy R. Graham

The Third Annual John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament at the Clinton Country Club proved to be another resounding success. The sun shone in a cloudless sky while over a hundred golfers practiced, lunched, and then set out on the day's golfing adventure. For many, it was their third appearance at the Memorial Tournament.

Four and a half hours after play began, golfers ambled into the bar and enjoyed drinks, hors d'oeuvres and air conditioning. A buffet fit for the hungry followed. Raffle winners were picked, auction items distributed to the highest bidders, and prizes awarded to the tournament winners.

The Closest to the Pin on the 17th hole went to Carlton Weiman who got a hole in one, and to Joan Darling. The Longest Drive, 9th hole, went to John Hine (290yds.). The Putting Contest Winner was Doug Hine. Gross Champion team members were Bill and Bud Budzinski, Carlton Weiman, and Gerry Vece ( Score 61). The Net Champion Team members were John and Don McManus, Jim Sullivan and Ron Rosa (56). The Mixed Net Champion team members were Elaine Lawrence, Joan Darling, Ingrid Marschner and Doreen Stevenson (59). Second Place Net Champions team members were David Darling, Chris Lawrence, Doug Stevenson and Brian Olinn (57).

The success of this event is shared by many. It includes the golfers, the businesses that advertise in the journal, those businesses and individuals who donate raffle and auction items, and those who volunteer their time to sell raffles and station the event holes. A special thanks is due to the Tournament co-chairs, Shelly Cumpstone and Katherine Smith. Their energy, perseverance, and organizational skills brought it all together. Photos and article courtesy K. Amoia

Notice of Special Town Meeting

The Electors of the Town of Killingworth and all those qualified to vote in meetings of said Town are hereby notified and warned that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the All Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut on June 11, 2008 at 8 p.m., to consider and act upon the following items of business:

1. To confirm the Selectmen's appointments of Danilo A. Colonia and John F. Machold as Killingworth's representatives on the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Authority; for a term to commence upon confirmation and to continue until June 30, 2009 or until successors are appointed.

2. To confirm the re-appointment of Richard W. Albrecht as Killingworth's Representative to the South Central Regional Water District's Representative Policy Board for a three-year term to commence July 1, 2008 and end June 30, 2011.

3. To consider, discuss and vote upon a resolution for a nondiscrimination policy for the Town of Killingworth adopted by a Board of Selectman Meeting on January 28, 2008;

RESOLVED: That the Town of Killingworth hereby adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statues SS 4a-60(a(1) and SS 4a-60a(a)1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.

4. To consider, discuss and vote upon an Ordinance Re: Approval of a Tax Abatement Ordinance for Nonprofit Land Conservation Organization:

RESOLVED: That the Board of Selectmen are hereby authorized to abate real or personal property taxes due for any portion of a tax year or the interest thereon on delinquent taxes with respect to any tax paid by a non-profit land conservation organization that were due for a period before the date of acquisition but which were paid subsequent to the date of acquisition.

5. To adopt the proposed Code for the Town of Killingworth, said Code being the compilation of the ordinance o the Town of Killingworth, codified and consolidated into chapters and sections, to be known as the "Code of the Town of Killingworth". Copies of the proposed Code Adoption Ordinance and the Code are both on file in the Office of the Killingworth Town Clerk for review.

The 3 books, 2 towns, 1 Community Read! Initiative will hold two events this week. Beat the heat with a movie, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned HK Middle School auditorium. Touching the Void, from Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald is a riveting true story: a gripping, white-knuckle (The Village Voice) adventure, culminating in a cliffhanger - a real one (Los Angeles Times)!

After scaling the never-before-conquered 21,000-foot Siula Grande, mountain climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates face their greatest challenge yet: getting back down.

But when Simpson shatters his leg in an awful fall and the friends are separated by a series of devastating mishaps, their individual journeys become a voyage into extreme experience that should not be missed (New York Post)! PLEASE NOTE: This film is rated "R" for language.

Then on Friday, the Killingworth Library will host a book discussion at 7:00 p.m. on Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. When Krakauer reached the summit of Mount Everest in the early afternoon of May 10, 1996, he hadn't slept in fifty-seven hours and was reeling from the brain-altering effects of oxygen depletion. As he turned to begin the perilous descent from 29,028 feet (roughly the cruising altitude of an Airbus jetliner), twenty other climbers were still pushing doggedly to the top, unaware that the sky had begun to roil with clouds. Taking the reader step-by-step from Katmandu to the mountain's deadly pinnacle, Krakauer has us shaking on the edge of our seat. Reprinted by permission of Random House, Inc.

Plus meet a local mountain climber. Refreshments provided. Please sign up for the discussion at the circulation desk or call (860) 663-2000.

On Saturday, June 7, National Trails Day, residents from Killingworth and local towns (including Chester and Middletown) enjoyed a two-hour hike on the land trust's Upper Hammonasset River Trail. Ranging from elementary students to retired folks, the group covered the 1¼ mile riverside trek, enjoying flora and fauna along the way. Hike leader Debby Butler shared the activities of letterboxing and geocaching as they walked. The trail began on Route 80, with the group passing under the road, going by Ninevah Falls by the Lake Hammonasset dam and over a metal footbridge before entering the woods. The hike involved some challenging small climbs and stream crossings and is best done with good hiking shoes, walking stick and under dry conditions.

The next land trust hike will be a mushroom walk with local resident Terry Doyle. To hear more about that hike, to help with trails or to learn about contributing to the land trust, please call trails chairman Debby Butler at 663-2231. Trail maps are available at the town library.

Photo courtesy D. Butler

DOG LICENSE REMINDER

State Law (CGS 22-338) requires that all dogs six months of age and older be licensed annually by June 30th or at such time that they reach six months of age. All dogs must be vaccinated against Rabies and owners must submit a certificate to the Town Clerk. The fee for a male or female dog is $19.00. Neutered male or spayed female is $8.00.

Reminders have been sent to previously registered dog owners. Renewal may be done in person at the Town Clerk's Office during the hours of 8AM - 12Noon & 1PM - 4 PM Monday - Friday or by mail. If application is made by mail, make check payable to: Killingworth Town Clerk and please enclose SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. Mail to: Town Clerk, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419

Sunday June 1:
• 9:57 AM: Medical emergency, Stonewall Dr
• 11:38 PM: Carbon monoxide alarm, Coughlin Rd
Monday June 2:
• 9:56 AM: Medical emergency, Route 148
• 7:58 PM: Medical emergency, Route 81
Thursday June 5:
• 1:38 PM: Medical emergency, Route 81
• 5:13 PM: Medical emergency, Patrick Dr
Friday June 6:
• 9:33 AM: Medical emergency, Route 80
Saturday June 7:
• 12:01 AM: Medical emergency, Schnoor Rd

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, June 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 on May 27, and Special Meeting of May 29, 2008
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) OEM - 1, (C) Public Health. - 4 (D) Traffic Study Comm. - 2 (E) Housing Partnership - 4 (F) Library Association - 1
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. Charter Revision Commission - Second Call
    B. Communication Update
    C. Lovers Lane Update
9. New Business:
    A. UPSEU/KMEA - Contract Ratification
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
Printable version

St. Lawrence Church on Route 81 will hold its Annual Strawberry Festival Giant Auction and Craft Fair on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the church grounds. Bring the family out for a day of fun!

The fair will feature a Quilt and Basket Raffle, the Giant Auction with bidding starting at 11:00 a.m.; Children's Games; Gently used Books and Toy sale; a Plant Sale; Food Booths, a Bake Sale and of course Strawberry Shortcake. Fun for the Whole Family!!

New England Alpacas announced plans to participate in the Fourth Annual Connecticut Open House Day - a unified celebration of the state's fascinating world of art, history, film, and tourism-on June 14, 2008. During this one-day event, New England Alpacas, along with approximately 200 other organizations and attractions throughout the state, will open its doors and offer special opportunities to visitors.

This exciting statewide event, sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT), is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut's remarkable cultural and tourism assets and encourage them to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting families and friends.

In addition to opening the farm so visitors can meet the alpacas, New England Alpacas will also offer spinning and knitting demonstrations; discussions about how to raise and care for alpacas; 100% handmade alpaca products for viewing or purchase and free refreshments. Admission if FREE from 10 am to 4 pm.

Connecticut Open House Day also includes opportunities to become a Connecticut Ambassador as part of CCT's Ambassador Program, an ongoing initiative designed to cultivate pride among residents in the state's many diverse historic, arts, tourism, and entertainment treasures. For more information about Connecticut Open House Day, visit www.CTvisit.com or call 1-888-CTvisit.

The Haddam Historical Society is pleased to present "A Week in the Life of an Early American Child" summer program at the Thankful Arnold House Museum

Participants will spend a week experiencing family life in a rural Connecticut village circa 1830. They will take part in daily activities and chores both inside and outside the home and will play the role of a child who lived in Haddam in the 1830s. Children will learn crafts, cooking, dancing and games from the period. The program will run from June 23 to June 28 from 9 am to noon. The program is open for girls and boys ages 8 to 12 and the fee is $130. For further information please contact Sarah Neal at education@haddamhistory.org or 860-2400. Program application and brochure available online at www.haddamhistory.org.

Haddam Killingworth High School Seniors Abigail Baecker and Michelle Fillion were recently honored with the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords scholarships for students planning on majoring in nursing. Baecker will attend the University of Connecticut and Fillion will attend St. Joseph's college in West Hartford.

The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords group has been spreading healing through music for 18 years. It started in 1990 with 25 members and now has 88. They've traveled 25,000 miles, lifting spirits throughout Middlesex County and beyond, raising money for Middlesex Hospital and several agencies, and awarding more than $25,000 in grants to high school seniors who will pursue careers in nursing or music. Baecker and Fillion each received $1000.

Photo courtesy Premier Portraits, Rick Sharp

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS "BEING CONCERNED"

Help your community be better prepared. Take a moment to encourage friends, colleagues and relatives to follow your example with the Seven Days of Hurricane Preparedness.

Make an appointment to give blood. Blood is needed in times of emergency, but the ongoing need is also great. Every two seconds someone in America needs a blood transfusion - cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants and the list goes on. Your donation means so much to the individuals who need it.

Consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Join more than one million neighbors who help their communities be safer, healthier and better prepared. Contact the Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.charteroak.redcross.org for more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

Rich

HK Recreation is partnering up with Performing Arts Programs to sponsor an exciting and creative Performing Arts Summer Program for children 6-14 years old!

Michael Lamb, Founder and Executive Director, created Performing Arts Programs, Inc. over a eleven years ago in response to a tremendous need for high-quality performing arts instruction in New England. Mr. Lamb says, "Since its inception, the program has catered to thousands of young people. We are dedicated to creating a safe and affirming environment to cultivate each participants' own unique creativity. Even though we have the experience and knowledge to help the more advanced student, our true passion is to help and instruct the beginner."

Some of the programs offered are acting classes, musical theater classes, dance classes and private lessons in acting, musical theater, singing and audition preparation. Performing arts Programs is also offering a specialty programs this summer at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. Students get the benefit of working with teaching artists who are highly-qualified to instruct students of all different skill levels. The programs are progressive, challenging and a lot of fun! Most importantly, the goal is to contribute to the development of each child's creativity and offer the community fun, highly-charged performing arts instruction.

Registrations for the summer program is happening now! So what are you waiting for? Come express yourselves, build confidence, and make new friends! You can register by calling 860.432.9890 or by visiting www.performingartsprograms.biz.

The Arts Center at Killingworth will hold a silent auction today, Sunday, June 8th at Chamard Vineyards in Clinton. Drop by and visit the vineyards with artists painting en plein air from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine, browse the local farmers' market and meet Claudia Post, Ron Imbriglio, Florin Firimita and Cynthia McCallister throughout the day. These artists will be painting, displaying and selling their work, just a small sampling of what is to come this October at the Arts Center's 4th Annual Autumn Art Trail. This year including an Art Fair at Chamard Vineyards.

Artwork created will be auctioned in the evening at the River Tavern's Dinners at the Farm Benefit, to celebrate local farms, food and community.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Track team finished 6th in the Class M Championship meet in New Britain Wednesday. Top performers were: Jessica Moore who finished 5th in the 800m; Amy Chamberlain who finished 13th in the 3200m; Caroline McManus who finished 8th in the 100m Hurdles and 10th in the 300m Hurdles; Hannah Donadio finished 2nd in the 300m hurdles and the 4x400m Relay finished 3rd.

The HK Boys Track team finished 16th in the meet. Matt O'Brien won the 400m; Jason Funaro was 11th in the 3200m; Wyatt Haynosch finished 12th in the 3200m; the 4x100m Relay finished 9th; the 4x400m Relay finished 4th; the 4x800m Relay finished 8th; Derrick Weiss finished 13th in the Shot Put and 11th in the Discus.