The 13-15 HK Babe Ruth Baseball "fall-ball" team will face Madison II at Dodd Stadium in Norwich this Sunday. Game time is 11:15 AM. The players and their families are "totally pumped" to play in one of Connecticut's premier professional ballparks!

HK Babe Ruth, founded by Killingworth's Larry Pollack only four years ago, has already had numerous alumni/players recruited for, or shown interest by, college baseball teams. Pollack implemented the local program to secure a place for 15-year olds who had outgrown offerings of the Little League (13-14) Juniors Division and weren't among the few players chosen by American Legion Baseball. This age group lacked a local team on which they could maintain their skills, stay involved and develop against what is usually good competition. HK squads have won championships and appeared in five finals games. This summer, fifty-one Killingworth, Haddam and Higganum young men played Babe Ruth Baseball.

Babe Ruth teams have 23-game schedules in June & July. Playoffs follow, and are completed before August. Summer teams play at HKHS. Two HK fall-ball teams now play a shoreline road-only schedule because the HKHS full-sized field is devoted to other sports in autumn. A regulation-sized, Babe Ruth field will be built at Wettish with a recently approved STEAP Grant. HK teams are generally comprised of local players from various high schools supplemented with solid ballplayers not playing interscholastically. In the 16-18 league, four of the fifteen teams carried at least ten high school varsity-roster players.

The HK 13-15 fall-ball team playing in Norwich is managed by Killingworth's Kirk Morgan and assisted by Ted Milardo from Higganum, plus, Rich Afragola and Jeff Gallagher, also from Kilingworth. For more information about contributing to, or participating in Babe Ruth call HK Babe Ruth Baseball Coordinator Hilary Kumnick at 638-7869. The league hopes the community takes advantage of this unique opportunity to support these local kids on Sunday in Norwich.
UPDATE: Today's Game Has Been Cancelled

Haddam-Killingworth High School sophomore Jill Griswold went on an adventure this summer complements of the MTV show "Made". When MTV came to the high school last year, Jill interviewed and expressed an interest in learning how to surf. On Saturday, Sept. 13th at 2:00 p.m. watch MTV to see if Jill succeeded.

After filming began in Connecticut in June, Jill traveled to San Diego and Huntington Beach, Calif in July where she attended surf camp and then competed in a surfing competition. MTV doesn't want any more details of the program getting out before airtime, but check back for a full account of Jill's adventure.

The HKHS Touchdown Club has changed the location of the movie Friday Night Lights scheduled for September 12. The movie will now be shown in the HKHS Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Admission is FREE.

This screening is a fundraiser for the lighting project. Students and their families are invited to attend. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department has use of the new middle school fitness room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Session I will be held from September 15 - October 27 (No 10/13). The fee is $35. Non-residents can register for an additional $10.

Re-shape your body and lose weight at the same time. This personalized class will emphasize safe and effective resistance training techniques to help achieve your fitness goals. A variety of cardiovascular equipment is available such as treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical trainers. There is also weight training equipment available. All ability levels will benefit from this class and participants can workout at their own pace. Start the new year right and Get Fit! For more information, please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334 or visit us on-line at www.hkrec.com.

The Board of Selectmen has selected seven community members to serve on the new Charter Revision Commission. Susan Adinolfo, Richard Bauer, Helen Mahoney, Sheridan Perkins, Richard Pleines, Joan Reed-Wilson and Jamie Young have been charged with the responsibility of refining and possibly making changes to our Town's defining document.

The Commission will have the powers and duties to consult with any or all municipal officials and/or members of all municipal boards, commissions, and committees concerning the Charter and any proposed revisions thereto, and to review any other municipal charters or other information as the commission may deem appropriate;

To consider any and all revisions to the Charter as it may deem appropriate, and to hold public hearings (at least 2) as required by Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-91;

To consider and report on the recommendations by the Board of Selectmen, said report to be contained in the Commission's report to the Board of Selectmen pursuant to the provisions of said statute;

To provide a draft report(s) and final report, all in accordance with the provisions of said statute.

Upon the final acceptance or rejection of any such revisions in accordance with said statute, the Commission shall be discharged by the Board of Selectmen.

Some of the recommendations of the BOS are to explore the concept of a Town manager; the feasibility of expanding the BOS to five members acting as a common council with a chairman in conjunction with a Town manager; the feasibility of a public works commission and whether there should be a quorum for a town meeting.

HK Sports: The HK High School Girls Soccer team won its season opener, 5-0, vs Hale Ray, yesterday. Lauren Muise started the scoring for HK 23 minutes into the game off an assist from Siobhan Blancaflor. Three minutes later Allie Rand scored a goal for the Cougars and Kelsey Halvorson was credited with the assist. HK would go on to score three more goals in the second half. Blancaflor scored in the 48th minutes, Muise scored again in the 65 minute and Ali Armstrong scored in the 75th minute off an assist from Christine Vivero. HK had 18 shots on goal. HK will play again on Saturday, Sept 13th in North Branford at Colafati Field. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Halloween Happenings is back and YOU are invited! The Killingworth Women's Organization presents its annual Halloween event at the Killingworth Library on Sunday, October 19th from 4:00-6:30 p.m.

• Cash and prizes for best carved pumpkin and awards for costumes
• Spooky storytelling • Hayrides • Games, games, games
• Live music • Candy hunt and more!

Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 26th. Come if you dare!

Photo courtesy A. Etra

Just three of the sixty people who attended Sunday's KDTC fundraiser could boast of over a century of Killingworth Democratic Party activism between them. Ellie Becker, Joyce Hirshhorn, and Pat Smulders continue to lead by example, giving their energy and commitment to the town year after year.

That other grand dame, Mother Nature, cleared out the storms and provided a sparkling clear day on which to enjoy Lou and Carolann Annino's gracious hospitality. Dems feasted on Attilio Regolo's famous clam chowder and other home-made treats, culminating with Ellie's renowned carrot cakes.

The KDTC presented a wedding gift to Brian O'Connor, our loyal state representative, who was married last month.

Connecticut State Treasurer Denise Nappier joined in reminiscing about the formative events in our area's recent history, from blackouts to road development.

All resolved to work hard for the entire Democratic slate this fall and left armed with bumper stickers for Ed Meyer, Joe Courtney, and, of course, Barack Obama.
We have a few of these left; if you would like any, please contact Catherine Iino at ciino@comcast.net.

Ellie Becker, Joyce Hirshhorn, and Pat Smulders. Photo Courtesy C. Iino

Town of Killingworth
Board of Assessment Appeals
Notice of Special Meeting and Agenda

The Killingworth Board of Assessment Appeals will meet in open session at a special meeting on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Town Office Building for the purpose of hearing appeals to the assessments of Motor Vehicles on the 2007 Grand List and to deliberate and vote on said appeals.

Richard W. Albrecht, Chair

If you are planning to attend the HKHS Open House on Thursday, September 11th, please consider ordering from the Project Graduation Wrapping Paper Fund Raiser. This is the major fund raiser for Project Graduation, an all night drug and alcohol free celebration for our graduates. A Project Grad table will be set up across from the office. Please come visit, drop off any wrapping paper orders, and consider signing up to volunteer for a committee. We are still looking for a Chairperson for the Entertainment and Food committees. Orders can be turned into the HKHS office up until September 19th. Thank you in advance for your support!

At last night's Board of Selectmen's meeting, Town Traffic Study Committee (TSC) Chairman Robert Ellis reported that the newly purchased traffic safety equipment recently collected data from three town roads that included driver speeds of up to 80 mph.

Ellis said two radar speed signs, called "speed dollies", that show drivers their speed in large LCD numbers were recently placed on lower Roast Meat Hill Road and Chestnut Hill Road. During the four day stint, 440 cars were recorded on Roast Meat Hill with 379 exceeding the speed limit. On Chestnut Hill Road, 332 cars were recorded with 276 above the limit. On both roads the maximum speed clocked was 64 mph with 30% more than 10 mile per hour over the limit. The TSC placed a passive device, hidden from drivers, on Green Hill Road for 21 days and recorded 14,689 cars with 13,165 over the limit including one clocked at 80 mph.

Ellis said he was surprised at the findings. He said it was understandable that people might drive 5-10 miles over the limit, but the percentage driving more than 10 miles per hour over the limit showed there was a significant problem. Ellis said the State Troopers have been very evenhanded when handing out tickets and have given drivers a lot of breaks, while still writing a considerable amount of tickets. First Selectman Richard Cabral said he saw many drivers slowing down when the radar signs were placed in front of the elementary school.

The TSC is planning on purchasing a second passive device with the remaining funds from the $17,806.50 State DOT grant and additional funds in Town's traffic safety line item.

Ellis said his committee also reviewed the speed limits on all the Town's roads this year. Following the study, the committee met with the State Traffic Commission and requested an increase in the speed on Green Hill Road. After review, the state agreed to raise the limit from 25 to 30 mph. The new signs went up during the first week of August from Route 81 to the Madison line.

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that military veterans in Connecticut will have access to dozens of vital social outreach services during "Stand Down 2008" on Friday, September 12 at the State Veterans Home campus at 287 West Street in Rocky Hill from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"This practical program delivers effective, accessible assistance to help needy veterans regain their independence and dignity," Governor Rell said. "We must all work together to continue to combat veteran homelessness in America."

Participating veterans will have access to services from more than 30 government and private agencies in one location including medical screenings, social service assistance, legal assistance with misdemeanors, job counseling and referrals, VA benefits information, driver's license renewals, haircuts and free clothing and supplies.

The Governor said last year 750 needy veterans participated in Stand Down at the Rocky Hill campus. She is encouraging veterans' organizations, social service advocates and public health professionals around the state to reach out to veterans who could benefit from the program and help get them to the event next month.

"As the economy continues to tighten, more and more veterans of all ages are struggling to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Stand Down offers a safe haven for any veteran in need to gain valuable information and assistance," said state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz.

Needy veterans or their advocates can pre-register and receive more information by calling 1-800-550-0000, ext. 5833 or by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva. However, pre-registration is not required to attend Stand Down.

This summer, the auditorium at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School came alive with the production of "BIG The Musical"; the second summer production by Chris Solimene's Artful Living. Solimene, who also serves on the Board of Directors of Youth and Family Services, pledged a portion of the proceeds from the production to the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition. A program of Youth and Family Services Inc., the coalition works to prevent and reduce substance abuse, other risky behavior, and promote the wellness of our community.

The talented cast, crew, and professional orchestra of BIG came from Haddam and Killingworth as well as several surrounding communities.

According to Youth & Family Director Cheryl Chandler, the coalition is grateful to Producer and Director Christopher Solimene for his generous financial and in-kind donation.

Solimeme said, studies of our two communities, show that our youth need more than what is provided in the schools and at home. We've heard it said, but what I do with Artful Living Productions via the summer musicals is create a safe environment where, "It takes a village" to raise our children. Of the key Developmental Assets needed for adolescents, we provide a caring environment, empowerment to partake in service for others, high expectations for their behavior through the modeling of appropriate adult role models and a constructive use of time creating for their families, friends and the community at large. The bonus that this is fun and culturally educational makes this a win-win-win for everyone. I believe we owe it to our youth to put our money where our mouths are. I am proud to be able to gift the "Healthy Communities Healthy Kids Coalition" with $1,000.00 toward their mission of, "promoting the wellness of our community".

HKYFS Director Cheryl Chandler accepts the check from Artful Living's Chris Solimiene and "BIG" Director John Pike

Does your child struggle with behavioral challenges? Is he or she easily frustrated and chronically inflexible? Join our support group which meets once a month at the Killingworth Library. The Collaborative Problem Solving model, which is articulated in the book The Explosive Child by Dr. Ross Greene of Mass General Hospital, is remarkably effective in helping these children and their families. The CPS model has been implemented in inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry units, residential treatment facilities, group homes, juvenile justice centers, day treatment programs, therapeutic day schools, and general education schools and classrooms.

The group is led by a former teacher who is trained in CPS and welcomes anyone who could benefit from the support and encouragement of others experiencing similar challenges. Call Divinna at 860 876 0236 to learn more. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at the Killingworth Library from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Our next meeting is September 17. We hope to see you there!

The HKHS Touchdown Club will show the movie Friday Night Lights on September 12 at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the high school football field. This screening is a fundraiser for the lighting project. The concession stand will be open. Students and their families are invited to attend. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic issues, sexual content, language, some teen drinking and rough sports action. The 2004 movie, featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Tim McGraw, documents the coach and players of a high school football team and the Texas city of Odessa that supports and is obsessed with them. The book on which it was based, Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream, was authored by H. G. Bissinger and follows the story of the 1988 Permian High School Panthers football team as they made a run towards the state championship.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, September 8, 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 August 25, 2008
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) OEM - 1, (C) Public Health. - 5 (D) Traffic Study Comm. - 2 (E) Housing Partnership - 4 (F) Library Board - 1
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. Appointment of Charter Revision Commission
    B. Review & Approval of BOS Recommendations to Charter Revision Commission
    C. Charge for Charter Revision Commission
    D. WPCA - Review of Revision to WPCA Draft Ordinance Waster Water
    E. Traffic Study - Request for Additional Allocation - Robert Ellis
    F. Award of Catch Basin Cleaning Bid
    G. Five - Year Capital Plan
    H. Hours of Town Hall - Cathy Iino
9. New Business:
    A. Yale School of Mgmt. Consulting Project - Cathy Iino
    B. TOB Improvement Plan - Gwenne Lally, Jim Lally
    C. Resolution Authorizing First Selectman to enter into an Agreement with The State of CT for Replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge No. 04716
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Executive Session: On-Going Negotiations Concerning Real Estate Acquisition
14. Adjournment
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