Saturday, June 21, 2008
Resident Honored for Support of EducationResident Sue Irwin was recently honored with the HK High School Good Citizen's Award. This annual award given to the year's "Friend of Education", was presented to Irwin for her outstanding work in support of the students, staff and teachers in the school district.
Irwin moved to Killingworth in 1998 and shortly after got involved in the political action committee H-K Supporters of Education making phone calls to get out the vote for the Region 17 budget referendum. In 2000-2001 she worked with "H-K YES" to educate and motivate residents to support the building of the new middle school. This year as chair of "H-K in May" she and her group made more than 1000 phone calls the night before the election. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the passing of recent budget referendums.
Irwin is not just busy in April and May. She has volunteered in the classroom for the past seven years, was publicity chair for four years with the KES-PTO and has been a substitute teacher since 2005. She and her husband Mike have three children in the school system.
Irwin moved to Killingworth in 1998 and shortly after got involved in the political action committee H-K Supporters of Education making phone calls to get out the vote for the Region 17 budget referendum. In 2000-2001 she worked with "H-K YES" to educate and motivate residents to support the building of the new middle school. This year as chair of "H-K in May" she and her group made more than 1000 phone calls the night before the election. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the passing of recent budget referendums.
Irwin is not just busy in April and May. She has volunteered in the classroom for the past seven years, was publicity chair for four years with the KES-PTO and has been a substitute teacher since 2005. She and her husband Mike have three children in the school system.
Summer Reading Program Kicks Off Monday!
The kick-off event featuring the Traveling Lantern Theater will present THE CATERPILLAR HUNTER on Monday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Haddam Killingworth Middle School.
Based on the beloved character of the late Steve Irwin, the Caterpillar Hunter shrinks himself and sets off to explore the terrain - pursuing elusive bugs and strange herbage in the wilds of a vegetable garden!
Following the performance children will be able to sign up for the Summer Reading Program and receive their materials. Pre-readers and children entering first through sixth grades in the fall are eligible to participate.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Region 17 Sends Off Class of 2008Haddam Killingworth High School's graduation ceremony was not the open air experience many were hoping for, but the excitement and anticipation in the schools' auditorium was just as high despite the thunderstorms outside. One hundred and seventy seniors accepted the best wishes and hopes of their parents, teachers, friends and classmates as they embark on a next phase of their lives. Salutatorian Emily Neal teased, "You can't spell "hik" without HK", but she said she likes the school's small size and certainly the Region 17 towns could not be prouder.
Schools Superintendent Gary Mala encouraged the graduates to dream and dream big. He said dreams are the catalyst that perpetuates this democratic society. Mala demonstrated to the students how, compared to the world's population, privileged they were to have the chance for a high school education. He said the graduates had to accept the responsibility of having such a strong education and opportunity.
HKHS Principal Charles Macunas added his own advice to the words of Joel Osteen with his version of 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day. In his address he talked about developing a healthy self image, letting go of the past, having strength through adversity and choosing to be happy.
Following the ceremony and private time with parents and friends, graduates were encouraged to attend the all night alcohol and drug free party in the gymnasium. The Project Graduation Committee raises money all year in order to put on an outstanding party that will attract the graduates and keep them safe while they celebrate their big day.
HK High School Class of 2008 Valedictorian Edith Hanson
Schools Superintendent Gary Mala encouraged the graduates to dream and dream big. He said dreams are the catalyst that perpetuates this democratic society. Mala demonstrated to the students how, compared to the world's population, privileged they were to have the chance for a high school education. He said the graduates had to accept the responsibility of having such a strong education and opportunity.
HKHS Principal Charles Macunas added his own advice to the words of Joel Osteen with his version of 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day. In his address he talked about developing a healthy self image, letting go of the past, having strength through adversity and choosing to be happy.
Following the ceremony and private time with parents and friends, graduates were encouraged to attend the all night alcohol and drug free party in the gymnasium. The Project Graduation Committee raises money all year in order to put on an outstanding party that will attract the graduates and keep them safe while they celebrate their big day.
HK High School Class of 2008 Valedictorian Edith Hanson
To the Editor:
In regards to Mr. Livingston's and Mr. Domler's complaints against Backstage Dance Center, I have had my share of problems and complaints. My daughter danced for Stacey and Michelle for five years. Both men are right on the money when they describe the rudeness, disregard for children's feelings, and exaggerated fees. After I witnessed the events leading up to Backstage Dance kicking two girls off the team which included false accusations and two very hurt children, I came to my senses and pulled my daughter out. I had let my daughter endure their abuse for too long. Thank you, both, for speaking out against Backstage Dance Center. I hope other parents will follow suit for the sake of the children of our community.
Debra Fredericksen
In regards to Mr. Livingston's and Mr. Domler's complaints against Backstage Dance Center, I have had my share of problems and complaints. My daughter danced for Stacey and Michelle for five years. Both men are right on the money when they describe the rudeness, disregard for children's feelings, and exaggerated fees. After I witnessed the events leading up to Backstage Dance kicking two girls off the team which included false accusations and two very hurt children, I came to my senses and pulled my daughter out. I had let my daughter endure their abuse for too long. Thank you, both, for speaking out against Backstage Dance Center. I hope other parents will follow suit for the sake of the children of our community.
Debra Fredericksen
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Help Needed For Project Graduation CleanupThe Project Graduation committee is in need of help to clean up after its fabulous all-night event for graduating seniors. If you can help take down decorations and clean up please come by the HKHS field house on TODAY, Thursday, June 19, between the hours of 9:00 and 10:30am. Contact Royce Isleib at sisleib44@comcast.net with any questions. Community service hours will be provided for HKHS student that help out.
Cut for a Cause
Jackie Early waited a long time to get a haircut. Maybe too long for her mom Michele, but they both knew it was for a good cause. Last week, Jackie finally visited Total Hair Salon here in town and cut off two 10 3/4 inch pony tails that she will donate to Locks of Love.
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
Jackie now has a great looking summer haircut and the satisfaction of knowing she provided this wonderful gift with just two simple cuts. Jackie, 8, is a third grader at Killingworth Elementary School in Mr. Snow's class.
Photo courtesy M. Early
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
Jackie now has a great looking summer haircut and the satisfaction of knowing she provided this wonderful gift with just two simple cuts. Jackie, 8, is a third grader at Killingworth Elementary School in Mr. Snow's class.
Photo courtesy M. Early
Final 3-2-1 Events This Week
The final two events for the 3-2-1 Community Read! are this week. Today, Thursday, June 19 there will be a Book Discussion of Jon Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" at 7:00 p.m. the Brainerd Library in Haddam. There will be also an opportunity to meet a local mountain climber. Refreshments will be provided.
On Saturday, bring your family to the 3-2-1 Grand Finale at Chatfield Hollow State Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a fun day of letterboxing on the local trails. Bring your own picnic lunch and your walking shoes and enjoy some outdoor adventures. This event is weather permitting. If it rains, the 3-2-1 event will not take place, but the committee encourages everyone to try their hands at local letterboxing whenever the weather permits.
To the Editor:
By Charles Domler
In regards to Mr. James Livingston's complaint against the Back Stage Dance Center, I can only assume he is right on the money with his description of events and level of dissatisfaction with this dance facility. I too have found owners Stacy and Michelle to be rude and quite pompous. I speak from experience, as I recently extrapolated my daughter from dance lessons at this same dance facility. Read more
By Charles Domler
In regards to Mr. James Livingston's complaint against the Back Stage Dance Center, I can only assume he is right on the money with his description of events and level of dissatisfaction with this dance facility. I too have found owners Stacy and Michelle to be rude and quite pompous. I speak from experience, as I recently extrapolated my daughter from dance lessons at this same dance facility. Read more
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Long Time Friend of the Library RetiresBy Kathleen Amoia
Our town library evolved over decades from humble beginnings to the media center we have today. It did so through the determination and hard work of many volunteers. This past month, one of its most dedicated, Jeanne Sedik Blythe, began her second library retirement.
A mid-westerner by birth, Jeanne came to Killingworth in the early seventies. She understood from the start that if she wanted to meet people in a small New England town, she would have to get out and volunteer. In 1972, with previous library experience, Jeanne volunteered to help out at the library building then located at the circle. A year later she was hired as Killingworth's first paid librarian. In 1989, she in turn hired volunteer Virginia Chapman. The following year, ready to retire, Jeanne recommended Ginny for the librarian's position.
Jeanne has spent the subsequent years volunteering at the circulation desk. Always an avid reader, she enjoyed every aspect of the work. "I love being around books and helping people find them. Anything I have done to help out has given so much more back to me. It is how I met most of the people I know in town."
Two of those people, Ginny Chapman and Carolann Annino, are grateful for Jeanne's generosity in mentoring them. They still marvel at the extensive knowledge that enabled her to help patrons find the right book down the right aisle. Ginny credits Jeanne with providing her the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong desire to bring books and Killingworth's citizens together in their own library.
Carolann has enjoyed working the circulation desk with Jeanne on Friday afternoons for many years. She never doubted that her friend could answer any questions that came their way. Carolann would prefer that Jeanne put off her current retirement indefinitely. As for Jeanne's plans, there are all those books to read, bridge to play, and perhaps, mahjong to learn.
One can't live in a town like Killingworth and not appreciate the quiet, often unnoticed work that its volunteers do everyday. The Killingworth Library has been fortunate to have Jeanne Sedik Blythe as both librarian and volunteer. Jeanne would insist that the good fortune has all been hers.
Seated: Volunteers Bonnie Crohn, Jeanne Blythe, Carolann Annino. Standing: Tammy Eustis Head Librarian, Nancy Bradley KLA President, Lauren Davis, Assistant Librarian . Photo courtesy K. Milano
Our town library evolved over decades from humble beginnings to the media center we have today. It did so through the determination and hard work of many volunteers. This past month, one of its most dedicated, Jeanne Sedik Blythe, began her second library retirement.
A mid-westerner by birth, Jeanne came to Killingworth in the early seventies. She understood from the start that if she wanted to meet people in a small New England town, she would have to get out and volunteer. In 1972, with previous library experience, Jeanne volunteered to help out at the library building then located at the circle. A year later she was hired as Killingworth's first paid librarian. In 1989, she in turn hired volunteer Virginia Chapman. The following year, ready to retire, Jeanne recommended Ginny for the librarian's position.
Jeanne has spent the subsequent years volunteering at the circulation desk. Always an avid reader, she enjoyed every aspect of the work. "I love being around books and helping people find them. Anything I have done to help out has given so much more back to me. It is how I met most of the people I know in town."
Two of those people, Ginny Chapman and Carolann Annino, are grateful for Jeanne's generosity in mentoring them. They still marvel at the extensive knowledge that enabled her to help patrons find the right book down the right aisle. Ginny credits Jeanne with providing her the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong desire to bring books and Killingworth's citizens together in their own library.
Carolann has enjoyed working the circulation desk with Jeanne on Friday afternoons for many years. She never doubted that her friend could answer any questions that came their way. Carolann would prefer that Jeanne put off her current retirement indefinitely. As for Jeanne's plans, there are all those books to read, bridge to play, and perhaps, mahjong to learn.
One can't live in a town like Killingworth and not appreciate the quiet, often unnoticed work that its volunteers do everyday. The Killingworth Library has been fortunate to have Jeanne Sedik Blythe as both librarian and volunteer. Jeanne would insist that the good fortune has all been hers.
Seated: Volunteers Bonnie Crohn, Jeanne Blythe, Carolann Annino. Standing: Tammy Eustis Head Librarian, Nancy Bradley KLA President, Lauren Davis, Assistant Librarian . Photo courtesy K. Milano
Sen. Meyer Lauds Passage of Ethics Bill
After years of promise, debate and delay, state Sen. Ed Meyer, the vice-chairman of the General Assembly's Government Administration and Elections Committee, recently celebrated the passage of a comprehensive ethics bill that he says will reinvigorate public trust in their elected officials and will hold government officials to higher ethical standards.
"This is a good compromise," Sen. Meyer said of the bill. "It gets to the integrity issue that has been dogging the State of Connecticut for years. It will go a long way toward restoring public faith in their government."
House Bill 6502, "An Act Concerning Comprehensive Ethics Reforms," passed the House 124-13 before passing the Senate unanimously 33-0. The bill now heads to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has promised to sign it.
Stung by years of highly placed public officials violating the public trust and going to jail, Sen. Meyer early on made ethical accountability a hallmark of his Senate service.
In 2006, Sen. Meyer served as co-chairman of a special investigative committee that questioned Gov. Rell's chief of staff, the governor's gubernatorial campaign manager, and a state official about campaign material that was distributed by the governor's staff to top state commissioners. Just last fall, in the wake of the resignation of former Republican state Senator Louis DeLuca of Woodbury, Sen. Meyer proposed the creation of a standing legislative Ethics Committee that would be both bipartisan and bicameral.
While that committee did not come to pass (such investigations will be handled through Senate and House rules), Sen. Meyer's concerns about the active role that chiefs of staff sometimes play in elections was included in the new ethics bill.
If signed into law, the new ethics rules take effect October 1.
"This is a good compromise," Sen. Meyer said of the bill. "It gets to the integrity issue that has been dogging the State of Connecticut for years. It will go a long way toward restoring public faith in their government."
House Bill 6502, "An Act Concerning Comprehensive Ethics Reforms," passed the House 124-13 before passing the Senate unanimously 33-0. The bill now heads to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has promised to sign it.
Stung by years of highly placed public officials violating the public trust and going to jail, Sen. Meyer early on made ethical accountability a hallmark of his Senate service.
In 2006, Sen. Meyer served as co-chairman of a special investigative committee that questioned Gov. Rell's chief of staff, the governor's gubernatorial campaign manager, and a state official about campaign material that was distributed by the governor's staff to top state commissioners. Just last fall, in the wake of the resignation of former Republican state Senator Louis DeLuca of Woodbury, Sen. Meyer proposed the creation of a standing legislative Ethics Committee that would be both bipartisan and bicameral.
While that committee did not come to pass (such investigations will be handled through Senate and House rules), Sen. Meyer's concerns about the active role that chiefs of staff sometimes play in elections was included in the new ethics bill.
If signed into law, the new ethics rules take effect October 1.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company responded to the following incidents during the week beginning Sunday, June 8, 2008:
Sunday June 8:
• 6:04 AM: Medical emergency, Parker Hill Rd
• 8:58 AM: Mutual aid to Durham, Structure fire, Main St
• 6:16 PM: Medical emergency, Livemore Trl
Monday June 9:
• 11:37 AM: Medical emergency, Green Hill Rd
• 3:25 PM: Fire alarm, Route 148
• 4:09 PM: Medical emergency, Burr Hill Rd
Tuesday June 10:
• 9:46 AM: Medical emergency, Route 148
Wednesday June 11:
• 7:05 AM: Medical emergency, River Rd
Thursday June 12:
• 9:19 PM: Mutual aid to Middletown, Station coverage, South Fire District
Liberty Bank Summer Concert Series
The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is sponsoring an Outdoor Family Entertainment Series this summer. All concerts are free and are on Friday evenings from 7 - 8:30 pm at the Higganum Green. Participants should bring a blanket or a chair. In the event of rain, the concerts will be canceled. Concerts are Sponsored by Liberty Bank.
Friday, July 11th: Crosspoint: Crosspoint, formerly known as the Majestics, is a five-piece classic rock 'n' roll band. They entertain audiences of all ages with their rock, pop and dance music from the 50's - 80's. Great music for the whole family and a great kick-off to our Summer Concert Series!
Friday, July 18th: Skyline Drive: Meet Connecticut's hot new country band! Skyline Drive is a fun, dynamic, crowd pleasing, modern six-piece country band presenting a broad range of down home fare that includes new country, classic country, and their own catchy originals! Tight harmonies, driving rhythm and instrumental prowess is what sets this band apart and will make you sit up and take notice. Some of the band members are residents of Killingworth, so show your support and come out and give it a listen....you won't be disappointed!
Friday, July 25th: World's Smallest Quartet: This duo plays a variety of music such as acoustic classic, alternative, contemporary, metal, folk, and southern rock. Check out their website at www.wsqband.com to see the list of songs that they play. Lots of great music for everyone to enjoy. If you missed last year's performance, make sure you come out to see this Connecticut Acoustic Rock Band - it is a fun show!
Friday, August 1st: Still Above Ground: This three-piece band is comprised of veteran talented musicians that have performed literally thousands of times in their careers throughout New England and New York. Still Above Ground plays an intelligent mix of high quality danceable classic rock and roll, a little R & B, and even a touch of blues from the 1960's. These seasoned rockers are not ready to hang it up and are sure to provide a fun evening of quality entertainment! Check www.stillaboveground.com.
Friday, August 8th: Tom Sanders and the Known Unknowns: Bringing together musicians from some of the areas best Blues and R & B bands (The Hornets, Jim Shepley Band, Chris Tofield & The Bluesbenders, Eran Troy Danner & Hot Dallas), The Known Unknowns formed in 2003 as the result of a recording project. The section went so well and they enjoyed playing together so much it was a natural. The Known Unknowns set list includes originals, blues, soul and classic rock, including a full set of Allman Brothers. We are pleased to have Tom Sanders, a Higganum resident, and his band perform again this year - so check it out!
Friday, July 11th: Crosspoint: Crosspoint, formerly known as the Majestics, is a five-piece classic rock 'n' roll band. They entertain audiences of all ages with their rock, pop and dance music from the 50's - 80's. Great music for the whole family and a great kick-off to our Summer Concert Series!
Friday, July 18th: Skyline Drive: Meet Connecticut's hot new country band! Skyline Drive is a fun, dynamic, crowd pleasing, modern six-piece country band presenting a broad range of down home fare that includes new country, classic country, and their own catchy originals! Tight harmonies, driving rhythm and instrumental prowess is what sets this band apart and will make you sit up and take notice. Some of the band members are residents of Killingworth, so show your support and come out and give it a listen....you won't be disappointed!
Friday, July 25th: World's Smallest Quartet: This duo plays a variety of music such as acoustic classic, alternative, contemporary, metal, folk, and southern rock. Check out their website at www.wsqband.com to see the list of songs that they play. Lots of great music for everyone to enjoy. If you missed last year's performance, make sure you come out to see this Connecticut Acoustic Rock Band - it is a fun show!
Friday, August 1st: Still Above Ground: This three-piece band is comprised of veteran talented musicians that have performed literally thousands of times in their careers throughout New England and New York. Still Above Ground plays an intelligent mix of high quality danceable classic rock and roll, a little R & B, and even a touch of blues from the 1960's. These seasoned rockers are not ready to hang it up and are sure to provide a fun evening of quality entertainment! Check www.stillaboveground.com.
Friday, August 8th: Tom Sanders and the Known Unknowns: Bringing together musicians from some of the areas best Blues and R & B bands (The Hornets, Jim Shepley Band, Chris Tofield & The Bluesbenders, Eran Troy Danner & Hot Dallas), The Known Unknowns formed in 2003 as the result of a recording project. The section went so well and they enjoyed playing together so much it was a natural. The Known Unknowns set list includes originals, blues, soul and classic rock, including a full set of Allman Brothers. We are pleased to have Tom Sanders, a Higganum resident, and his band perform again this year - so check it out!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Shoreline Conference Honors Scholar AthletesThe Shoreline Conference held its Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony recently at Old Saybrook High School. Haddam-Killingworth High School students honored were: Siobhan Blancaflor, Joe Cerino, Amy Chamberlain, Greg Cumpstone, Hannah Donadio, Mary Dornfeld, Jason Funaro, Jill Granucci, Lindsey Griswold, Courtney Hannen, Ryan Hawkins, Dempsey Haynosch, Gabriel Haynosch, Camille Kostek, Alex Langevin, Corinne Mazzotta, Caroline McManus, Jess Moore, Erin Moriarty, MaryKate Murray, Colleen Phelan, Allyson Pratt, Derrick Weiss, Dan Wendt and Leslie Zules.
Photo courtesy M. Murray
Photo courtesy M. Murray
Go Skateboarding Day Rally Saturday!
There will be a raffle for a skateboard from Cutting Edge. A Professional Skater will be on hand for a demonstration and clinic. Come out and show your support for an HK Skate Park. FREE Candy!
Premier Portraits Studio and
Kay Bagwell Photography
Kay Bagwell Photography
Official Senior Yearbook Photographer for Haddam-Killingworth High School
Incoming Seniors - Call now for your Senior Portrait Session and Receive a 50% Discount during the month of June.
By appointment only: Call 860.704.8003
KES Students Enjoy Brazilian Dance Program
Sunday, June 15, 2008
High School Photographers Display at Town OfficesFirst Selectman Richard Cabral welcomed Haddam-Killingworth High School photography students from Hans Strilbyckij's classes to Town Hall last month. The students' artwork was on exhibit in the Town Office Building conference room in May as part of Cabral's initiative to bring more recognition to the town's young artists.
Alexa Skoulis, Joe Vumbaco, Alisha Darin, Hans Strilbyckij, Rachel Dowd, Danielle Page, Deanna Loso, Joshua Reynolds and First Selectman Richard Cabral. Photo courtesy H. Strilbyckij
Alexa Skoulis, Joe Vumbaco, Alisha Darin, Hans Strilbyckij, Rachel Dowd, Danielle Page, Deanna Loso, Joshua Reynolds and First Selectman Richard Cabral. Photo courtesy H. Strilbyckij
KES Playground Fundraiser A Great Success
The Killingworth Women's Organization in conjunction with the KES-PTO Playground Committee extend a heartfelt Thank You to the entire Killingworth Community for your tremendous response to the June 7th Killingworth Community Wine Tasting Event. It was a wonderful evening of enjoying fine wines, great food, and great company, all for a great cause.
With the extremely generous gift from the Killingworth Lions Club for $5200, this event raised just over $12,000 for the Playground Project!
Many thanks to all of our generous local businesses who donated 100% of their services!
We would like to thank ABCO The Paperman, Clinton Quartet, Country Package Store, Forte's Market, Gene & Cathy Gargiulo, J.V. Wine and Spirits, Jeff Sasso, Robert's IGA, Running Brook Farms, Shaws, Stop & Shop, The Cooking Company, Thurston Foods, and each of the volunteers who made this night so special. Because of you, the KES playground is planned for installation over the summer, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies to be scheduled in early September!
Donations are still being accepted for the Playground Project. To help complete our campaign, please make checks payable to:
KES-PTO Playground Fund
PO Box 615
Killingworth, CT. 06419
Thank You Killingworth!
Michele Early and the KES-PTO Playground Committee
The Killingworth Women's Organization in conjunction with the KES-PTO Playground Committee extend a heartfelt Thank You to the entire Killingworth Community for your tremendous response to the June 7th Killingworth Community Wine Tasting Event. It was a wonderful evening of enjoying fine wines, great food, and great company, all for a great cause.
With the extremely generous gift from the Killingworth Lions Club for $5200, this event raised just over $12,000 for the Playground Project!
Many thanks to all of our generous local businesses who donated 100% of their services!
We would like to thank ABCO The Paperman, Clinton Quartet, Country Package Store, Forte's Market, Gene & Cathy Gargiulo, J.V. Wine and Spirits, Jeff Sasso, Robert's IGA, Running Brook Farms, Shaws, Stop & Shop, The Cooking Company, Thurston Foods, and each of the volunteers who made this night so special. Because of you, the KES playground is planned for installation over the summer, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies to be scheduled in early September!
Donations are still being accepted for the Playground Project. To help complete our campaign, please make checks payable to:
KES-PTO Playground Fund
PO Box 615
Killingworth, CT. 06419
Thank You Killingworth!
Michele Early and the KES-PTO Playground Committee
