Due to the weather, the HK Soccer Club tryouts have been canceled for today. All interested players should come next Saturday 11/22 for tryouts. Any updates to this information such as adding an additional date will be posted on the H-K soccer website hksoccer.org and here on KillingworthToday.com.

HK Sports: In one of the best varsity football games ever played at Haddam-Killingworth High School, the Cougars were able to pull out a, 22-14, victory in double overtime under the lights at home. The opponent was the Eagles of Tolland High School, last year's Class SS state finalist.

HK jumped out to an early lead mid way through the second quarter when a Sal Zichichi 40-yard run set up his own four-yard touchdown. He ran in the two-point conversion to stake the Cougars to an 8-0 lead.The entire first half was marked by HK's tremendous defensive effort that stuffed everything that Tolland threw at them. That effort saw the 8-0 hold up going into halftime.

The second half started out as more of the same as Tolland struggled to move the ball. However, stalled HK drives gave the Eagles life as they marched down field in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 8-8. The Cougars tried to answer back only to fumble the ball back to Tolland with under five minutes remaining in HK territory. The defense held up, however, stopping a fourth down try.The Eagles got one more chance to win it on a field goal with 10 seconds left, but HK blocked it to send the game to overtime.

In the first OT Tolland scored first to take a 14-8 lead, but HK answered right back with a Rob Flynn to Tyler Wilcox TD reception to tie it. Both teams missed their extra points setting up the drama in the second overtime.

HK got the ball first and watch Zichichi scamper two yards for a touchdown, but it was the two-point conversion pass from Flynn to Nick DiGioia that really put the pressure on the Eagles. The defense came up big with huge tackles for losses, then end it by stopping Tolland's last ditch effort. HK players and fans stormed the field to celebrate after the final whistle blew.

For HK, Zichichi led the offense with 98 yards on 23 carries that produced two TD's and conversion. DiGioia (9 carries for 54 yards, conversion), also had a fine night from fullback, while Flynn was 3-5 for 28 yards with a touchdown and two-point conversion. HK improves to 5-4 and looks forward to another night game next Friday on Senior Night.

New England Alpacas in Killingworth announced plans to host its annual Alpaca Holiday Open Farm Weekends and will open its doors to the public and offer special opportunities to visitors on November 29-30 and December 6.

This exciting event is designed to broaden awareness of alpacas and the wonderful products that can be made from their luxurious fiber. It is an event for local residents to attend with visiting families and friends during the holiday season.

In addition to opening the farm so visitors can meet the alpacas. New England Alpacas will also offer: free admission from 11 am to 4 pm; spinning and fiber processing demonstrations; discussions about how to raise and care for alpacas; 100% handmade alpaca products for viewing or purchasing; free refreshments.

New England Alpacas is located at 14 Bethke Road, Killingworth. For more information visit www.nealpacas.com

To the Editor:
by Jim Rizzo

I have to concur with Phil Stull's recent letter regarding the Venuti property. I did respond the questionnaire that was sent out by P & Z and I thought the number one priority should be expanding our tax base. I moved here a little over 2 years ago from Branford. I served on its Representative Town Meeting for 10 years. I saw first hand how citizens wanted the best of all worlds (spend money, don't raise taxes and don't grow your tax base). It does not work that way. Take your pick, spend the money OR don't raise taxes. Or, you can grow your tax base and have some balance. Read More

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To the Editor:
by Joe Venuti

I am the senior surviving member of the Killingworth Venuti family, and one of the Trustees of the family property. I have entrusted the communications with Town officials to the other Trustee, my nephew Michael. He has done a superb job in every respect of dealing with the many representatives of all the boards and committees. It is my opinion that the elected and appointed representatives in Killingworth are simply incapable of making a decision on this issue, even the simple decision to bring this matter before the voters in a referendum. They have had all the facts long enough to have placed this issue on the November general election ballot. Instead, they pass the buck all around, and now decide to form another committee to duplicate all the work already done at least twice before. Read More

The HKHS Football team will play take on Tolland at home under the lights at 6:30 p.m. According to WTNH.com, the first time the Cougars played under the lights, 2,000 came out watch their team shine. Al Sheahan, of the Cougars Touchdown Club said he hopes the second game, under the temporary lights, will raise school spirits and enough donations to bring permanent lights to H/K High.

The Killingworth Women's Organization is very excited to announce that we will be working with Helping Hands again to facilitate the Annual Greg Bousquet Wish Fulfillment Drive. The purpose of this drive is to collect and distribute gift items for Killingworth children and senior citizens who are in need. Toys and clothes will be collected for children and gift certificates will be collected for seniors. Due to the very generous nature of the residents in our town, past drives have been successful in fulfilling the holiday wishes of many children and seniors in our community. We hope our good fortune continues with this year's drive.

The "wish lists" for children and seniors can be found in the main office at the Killingworth Elementary School beginning November 19th. Everyone in our community is invited to participate in the drive by signing up to purchase an item from the list. Unwrapped gifts for children can be dropped off at KES in the main office on or before December 10th . Gift certificates for senior citizens can be mailed to the address listed below. It would be most helpful if the certificates were from stores such as Stop & Shop, CVS, Walgreens or Wal-Mart. For gift certificates, attach the alias of the person for whom the certificate is for, but please leave the certificate blank.

KES will be open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to participate in the Drive. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Van Alstine at 663-3626 or Marni Lustberg at 663-5511.

Please mail gift certificates to : Killingworth Women's Organization
PO Box 952, Killingworth, CT 06419

To the Editor:
by Margaret Tobelman

My family moved to Killingworth almost 17 years ago. Being a displaced New Yorker, I knew no one. I thought it would be a good idea to attend some town meetings to meet my neighbors and see what was going on in K-town.

The very first meeting I attended was at the firehouse. This meeting was so "hot" that it was Standing Room Only! The reason for this meeting? To discuss the acquisition of the Venuti property! The proposal was shot down. I learned that this was not the first time the town was offered this spectacular parcel of land. Over the years since, this issue was brought to the table over and over again. And here we are, once again "discussing" the Venuti property! Will it never end? Read More

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To the Editor:
by Phil Stull

I can appreciate Mr. Venuti's impatience with the Killingworth Board of Selectmen's action to defer the decision to purchase the family property until another committee is constituted, charged, deliberates, and proposes a course of action, but this is the way of this administration.

Decisions are not their forte. Pass the buck; create a committee, study, study, and more study. This administration would, if it had been put in charge of going to the Moon, still be on the ground. Decisions create problems, and for far too many of today's leaders, re-election is their top priority. Read More

HK Sports: The HKHS Volleyball season came to an end with the Cougars' loss to Morgan of Clinton in the Class S State semi-final match at Foran Wednesday. Game scores were: 25-20, 25-10 and 25-11. This was the teams' fourth meeting this season. H-K ended the year 18-5. Senior Lindsey Wierbicki collected nine assists ands five kills, sophomore Megan O'Brien had eight blocks, and senior libero Hannah Sturman had 16 digs. Read all about the game in the Middletown Press

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore is hosting a chamber music concert event on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., at the Essex Congregational Church, 5 Methodist Hill Road, Essex, CT. Literacy Volunteers teaches basic reading and writing skills to adults, including those in Killingworth.

Three accomplished musicians are joining together, as benefactors for literacy, to present an evening of beautiful chamber music. Meehyun Ahn is leading pianist of her generation having performed recitals in such famous venues as the Rachmaninoff Hall in Moscow and the Kumho Art Hall in Seoul. Daniel Lee, violinist/violist, debuted at Carnegie Hall in 1999, and has appeared throughout the United States, Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Israel. Ezra Seltzer, a native of New York City, has performed chamber music extensively in the United States and abroad, including at the Mostly Mozart Festival at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center and with Itzhak Perlman.

A reception will follow the performance where guests can meet the artists. Tickets are $20.00, $10.00 for seniors and students, and can be reserved through Literacy Volunteers by calling (860) 767-1202 or e-mailing your request to lvvs@snet.net.

Tryouts for HK Soccer Club will be held Saturday, November 15 and Saturday, November 22 at Sheldon Field on Route 80. Try-outs are mandatory. Please bring the completed try-out packet with uniform size & medical release form found on the club website: hksoccer.org, a small 1x1 inch head shot for the player pass and a check for $110 made out to HK Soccer Club. Each additional family member $100. All players should wear shin-guards and cleats and bring a ball. A copy of the player's birth certificate is necessary for new players.

Players must try-out with proper age groups. Ages: U10 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/98 - 7/31/00; U11 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/97 - 7/31/98; U12 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/96 - 7/31/97; U13 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/95 - 7/31/96; U14 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/94 - 7/31/95

Saturday, November 15 and 22
U10, U11 & U-12 Boys & Girls - 10-11AM
U13 & U14 Boys & Girls - 11:30-12:30

To the Editor:
Having open space for recreation is a benefit for all. The Venuti property purchase for recreation would benefit all.

Recently Killingworth selectmen had the authority to retain the discontinued portion (almost a mile) of Jay Dowd Rd. for recreation. This road can link Killingworth to neighboring Rockland Preserve and the Blue Trails. The selectmen decided not to make a decision on this controversial issue. It is my understanding that there were two town votes taken for discontinuing the Jay Dowd Rd. The first vote in 1964 reads "in the negative" as town attorney Wells has stated. The second vote was done in December 2007. That vote very clearly showed that townspeople wanted to retain the road for recreation. The selectmen weren't listening and were worried about "opening a can of worms" I'm afraid of leaders that are afraid of worms. The discontinued portion of the Jay Dowd had no price tag. Too bad for all of us.
Jean Horner

The Killingworth Women's Organziation is pleased to announce that it will sponsor a lecture by nationally-recognized endocrinologist, Dr. Reza Yavari, author "It Must Be My Metabolism" tonight, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam-Killingworth Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 (or $5 with a donation of a non-perishable food item) and net proceeds will benefit local charities. Dr. Yavari will speak about his new integrative lifestyle medical approach to healthy living. Tickets will be available at the door.

A Response to Tuesday, November 11th article titled "Town Creates Venuti Planning Committee"
by Michael Venuti

This subcommittee and its charge sound awfully familiar to the one the Open Space Committee was created for and worked diligently on the Venuti property acquisition for 18 months. I can probably save the town a lot of time and effort and address this committee's task.

1. Feasible configurations for uses of the land:

• 30 acre lake
• Town Beach
• Natural Park with miles of hiking trails
• Ball fields
• Town Campus
• Transfer Station
• Possible town sponsored affordable housing or 55 and Over housing on a portion of the property (see Housing Partnership)

Read More

Help our Homeless Veterans by donating any clothing from socks and underwear to coats, hats and gloves toiletry items; shaving cream, razors, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. and any food items canned and/or perishable.

Drop off all items at the Old Saybrook Fire House December 3rd through December 10th (we will have a truck to put your donations in). We will transport the items to the Homeless Veterans Shelters in Connecticut.

For more information please contact: Debbie Schaefer at www.cookieplatoon.com, Greg Young, Patriot Guard Riders 860-395-1151 Joe DiPietro www.ct612memorial.org

Sponsored by Cookie Platoon, Greg Young, Patriot Guard Riders, www.ct612memorial.org and The Town of Old Saybrook.

The HK Middle School PTO presents the feature animated film KUNG FU PANDA Friday, November 14th at 3:15 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $3 which includes a drink and popcorn. Students can stay after school for the movie with a signed permission slip. This event is open to the public. All are welcome. Tickets will be sold in advance at the school and at the door before the show.

A brand new U13 Girls Travel Basketball team, combined with 7th and 8th graders, opened its travel season on Sunday at home vs. East Haven. With the scored tied at 15 at the half, HK came up short 23-31 at the finish. Beth Riedy led all scorers with 12 points. Torie Peterson had 4 blocked shots while Maya Savino and Sam Waskowitz each blocked one shot. Defensively rounding out the squad were Lauren McCann, Kirsten Carlson, Kiley Anderson, Ciara Samuel, and Autumn Spinner.

The Board of Selectmen voted last night to create a sub-committee of its board to look into the Town's possible purchase of the 305-acre Venuti Property on Route 148.

The sub-committee's charge is to research the possible uses and sources of funding for the Venuti property, seeking input from both governmental and nongovernmental organizations in Killingworth and considering the plan of Conservation and development and the previously expressed interests of the public. The sub-committee will report back to the Board of Selectmen six months from its first meeting on:

• feasible configurations for uses of the land,
• economic impacts on the town of alternatives scenarios,
• ways to mitigate the cost to the town of acquiring the property, and
• the long term interests of town regard to the property.

The Board asks that any resident interested in serving on this committee, please contact First Selectman Richard Cabral at the Town Offices, 860-663-1765.

Back in September, the Town's Open Space Committee presented its recommendations on the acquisition of the property. The Town has discussed an $8.5 million price with Michael Venuti, representing the Venuti Family.

State Senator Ed Meyer announced yesterday that the Connecticut Senate Democrats Office has unveiled a comprehensive new Web page dedicated to state veterans issues, including access to health care, substance abuse and residential services, honor and recognition, financial assistance, education and employment opportunities, and more.

The Web page is: www.senatedems.ct.gov/Vets08.html. Sen. Meyer made the announcement on the day before Veterans Day, and the day after he took part in the Branford Veterans Day Parade.

"America is currently conducting two wars on two fronts, and the men and women fighting these wars are very often not full-time soldiers but our neighbors and co-workers in the National Guard and Reserves. As such we've got an enormous strain on families and employers here in the state," Sen. Meyer said. "This new Web page, which was compiled by my Senate caucus, is really a one-stop shopping page for Connecticut's veterans, with everything from state and federal contact numbers to information about college tuition waivers, free counseling opportunities, unemployment benefits, and heating and rental assistance.

"I want every Connecticut soldier to know that while they are overseas fighting to create sustainable democracies, we here in the legislature are working to make their lives - and the lives of their families and their employers - a little bit easier," he said.

The Killingworth Land Conservation Trust offers its Annual Autumn Program on Thursday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church's Parish Hall on Route 81.

"A Place Called Hope" is a Raptor Rehabilitation & Education Center located here in Killingworth. Come learn about these creatures and meet two of their raptor "ambassadors".

This program will give an introduction to the life history of these birds and what it takes to nurture them back to health. Some birds, however, are non releasable and great efforts are taken to maintain a sustained level of comfort at their adopted home within our town. This gives the public an opportunity to see them up close while learning their stories and the significant role each species plays in our environment.

Please come and join us at this event to learn more about this facility and your land trust. It's free, open to the public (Bring your kids! Bring your parents!), and, as always, we'll have refreshments to share.

The St. James Episcopal Church in Higganum, (Route 81 and Little City Road) will hold a HUGE Tag Sale & Sunday School Bake Sale on Sat, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Come find some great treasures! For more information, please contact Amy Soobitsky at 345-2006.

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School PTO is holding their 21st Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9:00am-3:00pm at the school. Over 50 Professional Crafters! Come get a jump start on your holiday shopping!

Admission is FREE. Snacks will be available all day and the bake sale has goodies to take home. The PTO will use the proceeds to enhance student activities at the Middle School throughout the year.

First Selectman Richard Cabral welcomes the artwork of Haddam-Killingworth High School students from Karen Porter's Art classes to his Town Hall exhibit this month. The students work includes pop and faux studies in pastels and oils. The artwork will be on display and open to public viewing through the month of November.

Art Teacher Karen Porter and First Selectman Richard Cabral with: Julie Vigliante, Sara Carpenter, Allison Peplau, Teagan Ferguson, Brendan Walsh, Jennifer Zargo and Killian Gallagher. Missing from photo is Emily Ferjak

Sunday: November 2:
• 00:03:18 Medical Call, Madison Hollow.
• 17:54:32 Brush Fire, Chittenden Road.
Monday: November 3:
• 09:00:44 Fire Alarm, Laurel Ridge Trail.
• 16:00:19 MVA, Lovers Lane.
• 17:04:51 Structure Fire, Maple Hill Road.
• 17:43:49 MVA, Lovers Lane.
Wednesday: November 5:
• 11:07:38 Medical Call, Lafata Lane.
Thursday: November 6:
• 08:05:55 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Cooks Lane.
• 23:45:21 Structure Fire, Clinton, College Street.
Friday: November 7:
• 20:00:31 Medical Call, Fawn Hill Road.
Saturday: November 8:
• 19:59:16 Medical Call, Swan Lake Trail.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held October 27, 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) Housing Partnership - 4 (E) Library Board - 1, (F) Estuary Council of Seniors -2
7. Appointments:
    A. Library Board - Michele Cumpstone
8. Old Business:
    A. Hours of Town Hall
9. New Business:
    A. KVFC Used Fire Truck - William Wright
    B. Proposed Zoning Ordinance - Signage for Municipal Fields & Property - Michael Epright
    C. Establish Venuti Property Planning Subcommittee
    D. Discussion of Grants for Parmelee Property - Hilary Kumnick
    E. Parmelee Steering Committee - Hilary Kumnick
    F. Establish historic Preservation Committee
    G. Park & Recreation / Wettish - D. Colonia & E. Auer
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
Printable version

The Friends of Hammonasset and Meigs Point Nature Center present Fireside Stories with Ranger Russ on Friday November 14 at 6:00 p.m. Ranger Russ Miller, Meigs Point Nature Center Director, will be your guide to an evening of fun at the fireside, where he will tell captivating Native American tales, camp stories, and fables, while you roast marshmallows over an open fire-pit.

The event will take place outdoors at the Meigs Point amphitheater, where limited bench seating will be available. Please bring your own roasting sticks; marshmallows will be provided. Dress for the weather, and feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets. In case of rain, the event will be held indoors at the Nature Center.

The event is free, appropriate for all ages, and open to the public. No registration required; donations graciously welcomed. For more information, please contact Russ Miller at (203) 245-8743, or visit www.Hammonasset.org.

HK Sports: The HKHS Field Hockey team faced 2nd seed Lewis Mills on Friday in the Quarterfinals of the Class S State tournament and lost, 2-1, in double overtime. Danielle Page scored the lone goal for the Cougars who finish the season at 11-4-1-2.

In action for HK is sophomore Emily Anderson. Photo courtesy E. Anderson

The HKHS Varsity Football team ruined the Morgan Huskies' homecoming on Saturday with a, 38-6, victory in Clinton.

HK came out swinging early using tremendous defense and big play offense to cruise to a 30-0 halftime lead. It was more of the same in the second half as Morgan turned the ball over on downs to start things off and the Cougars marched down field to make the score 38-0 halfway through the third quarter. HK called off the dogs and rested their starters for the entire fourth quarter.

The Cougars dominated the game from start to finish by pounding out 380 yards of total offense, while defensively they controlled the line of scrimmage. Sal Zichichi lead the offensive attack with three TD's to go with 170 yards rushing on 19 carries. He also caught three passes for 46 yards. Mike DiGregorio rushed 10 times for 60 yards and a TD to go with his two catches for 20 yards. Nick DiGioia rushed for a touchdown as well, while Rob Flynn completed 6 of 8 passes for 68 yards.

HK improves to 4-4 on the season and now looks forward to a Friday night game with Tolland next week. The game is at Haddam-Killingworth High School.

#29 Russ Spaeth blocks for #39 Sal Zichichi. Photo courtesy C. Kostek

In HKHS Alumni News, Greg Cumpstone (HKHS '08) had a shutout in the regular season finale to lift the Hofstra Men's Soccer team into the CAA Tournament with a 1-0 overtime win over first-place UNC Wilmington on Friday night. Hofstra finished the regular season 6-8-4 overall, but 5-3-3 in conference play, giving it the sixth seed in the tournament. The Pride will open play on the road against third-seeded George Mason on Tuesday at 7 p.m., with the winner of that game facing second-seeded William & Mary on Friday in the semifinals.

The shutout was Cumpstone's fourth of the year, all of which have come in conference games. He has a 5-3-2 record in goal since taking over as the full-time starter back on Oct. 3, when Hofstra was struggling with a 1-5-2 record.