The 2008 Shoreline Idol auditions are Tuesday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Haddam-Killingworth High School TV Studio. This year's competition will benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. First place is recording studio time and a $1,000 scholarship from Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale. Students that attend Morgan, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Valley Regional, Haddam Killingworth, Coginchaug, Hale-Ray, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Old Lyme, Middletown, Xavier and Mercy high schools are welcome. A new panel of judges will be listening for individuals who exemplify current pop music. Students will be asked to sing a 30- to 40-second excerpt from a song, a cappella. Contact Marcy Webster at Websterm33@rsd17.org or (860) 345-8541, Ext. 214, for information.

A full house enjoyed the opening night of the 5th and 6th grade production of Charlotte's Web at the middle school last night. Don't miss out on this charming musical based on the novel by E. B. White. The final production is tonight at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00. Refreshments and flowers are available for purchase in the lobby thanks to the PTO.

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.

The administration of the Regional School District 17 schools is pleased to announce the 2008-2009 recipients of the MSSA Superintendent's Awards. These awards, established approximately ten years ago by the Middlesex Shoreline Superintendents' Association, are awarded on an annual basis to students who exhibit exceptional character, strong academic achievements and a commitment to community service to his/her school and community at large.

The following are summaries of this years recipients from Haddam-Killingworth High School.

Tara Cordner
Tara was selected for this recognition for her quiet leadership in co-curricular and community activities, as well as her determination and ability to excel academically. Academically, she ranks in the top ten percent of her class and has challenged herself since entering the freshman year. She is well respected by faculty as evidenced by her awards in Exploring Science, French, and Economics as well as being a CAPT Scholar. Since her freshman year, Tara has been part of the Drama Club where she enjoys the opportunity to experience a wide variety of stage roles. She exudes a strong sense of community through a variety of activities, organizing and playing in a Dodge Ball Tournament to raise money for an animal shelter, editing the senior section of the yearbook, accumulating countless community service hours cleaning up beaches, setting up for the local farmers market, and representing her peers at Health Community, Healthy Kids Coalition meetings. In her junior year she was the recipient of the Mt. Holyoke Book Award for her community service, leadership, and scholarship. She plans to major in history on the college level and pursue a career in the education field.


Ryan Blewett
Ryan is a self-motivated, and well disciplined both in and out of the classroom. He is a student who excels academically in his honors and AP classes. He has been extremely instrumental in both planning fundraiser events as well as the junior and senior proms. Ryan is an active, well-organized leader and does not need to have a title to pursue his passions. A Varsity Swimmer since his freshman year, Ryan is a role model for his teammates, keeping them motivated and focused whether they are at a practice or a meet. He is also the Historian for H-K Players and is active in the International Culture Club, Envirothon, Geocaching, and works on the school newspaper: The Cougar Chronicle. These past two summers Ryan was a camp counselor at a Connecticut Boy Scout Camp, where he started as a camper five years ago. All of these activities are evidence of Ryan being a truly well=rounded individual who possesses a very strong sense of loyalty.

Killingworth Youth League recently wrapped up another successful fall baseball and softball season. Killingworth was represented by teams in the boys minor, major and junior divisions as well as by a strong girls softball team. The fall baseball and softball teams played a variety of surrounding towns during September and October. KYL would like to thank the coaches who put in many hours of practice time and long weekends of games. Without the dedication of these coaches and the KYL board members, the season would not have been such a success.

The Killingworth Youth League is currently organizing for the spring season. KYL is looking for coaches, league coordinators and parents to fill a variety of volunteer positions. Please consider attending upcoming board meetings to volunteer your time. Registration for the spring season will be occurring in January. Additional information regarding league openings and needs as well as the spring registration can be found at kylbaseball.org.

Photo courtesy C. Kostek

COLD BRINGS SAD NEWS
Not only must we prepare ourselves for the cold that is upon us, we must also prepare to alter our driving patterns in both the way we drive and the road we travel. It is with sincere regret that I must inform those who travel along Lovers Lane that it is quite evident that we must close it at the end of the day on Wednesday, November 19 , 2008.

I have seen it first hand and honestly believe that it is not safe for any further vehicular traffic. The water is not receding and with the predicted freezing temperatures for the upcoming weekend, it is prudent for us to close it at this time for the safety of all of our residents.

I hope that this does not cause too much of an inconvenience for those that travel Lovers Lane.

May you have a wonderful and rewarding holiday season.
Richard Cabral
First Selectman

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 6th at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The fair will be held from 8:30AM to 1:00PM. Shoppers will be delighted in the selection of high quality hand-made gifts, ornaments, baked goods and jams. Numerous gift baskets have been created, including theme baskets in many sizes. Fresh Killingworth greens will be available in wreaths, centerpieces and holiday decorations.

Don't miss this sale! You can shop for unique gifts, choose beautiful holidays decorations and support the Society in the cozy schoolhouse.

"A Photographic History of Killingworth" by Thomas Lentz will be for sale. The book is filled with interesting information about the town and photographs from the Historical Society's collection are featured. The cost of the book is $30.00 and makes a wonderful gift. 1874 maps of Killingworth are available for $10.00 and make a unique gift for friends, neighbors and family.

The Historical Society welcomes everyone to come and enjoy the season at the cheerful one room school. Happy Holidays!

To the Residents of Killingworth and the Families of KES / HK-MS / HK-HS,
I thank the RSD-17 Board of Education and Superintendent Mala for graciously extending their meeting by 2½ hours to listen to and discuss the concerns raised regarding class sizes.

I wish to impart on our community the need for this open dialogue with the Board members so that budgets are set forth with shared intentions - whether the budgets are an increase or decrease from the previous year.

We need to recognize that our voices must be followed up by votes - to pass or decline. Please make certain every household is informed and votes.

Respectfully,
Kerry Emerson

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period October 1 - October 31, 2008:
• John F. Ouellette to Peter B. & Amy O Cornell, Lot 13 Hemlock Heights Hemlock for $400,000.00
• David B. Hudson & Thomas H. Kores III to Joel & Lisa Dangelo, Lot 2 Hilltop for $342,000.00.
• Lance S. Fredericksen & Lisa Fredericksen to Paul Fredericksen, Pond Meadow Road 4A & B for $170,000.00.
• J&L Construction LLC to Robert & Krystyna Medina, Lot 1 Clarkson Crossing for $704,200.00.
• Michael A. Mancini to Robert F. & Craig S. Judge, Route 80 for $239,000.00.
• Andrew & Nancy Hetsko to William B. Harwood, Lot 6 Route 148 for $335,000.00.
• Jonathan F & Dolores M. Wilson to Louis G & Jane M Kresmery, 2001 New era Mobile Home for $141,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

Tryouts for HK Soccer Club will be held Saturday, November 22 at Sheldon Field on Route 80 (Rain date is Sunday 11/23). 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 22
U10, U11 & U-12 Boys & Girls - 10-11AM
U13 & U14 Boys & Girls - 11:30-12:30

Rain date: Sunday, November 23
U10,11 and 12 Boys & Girls 12-1:00PM
U13 and 14 Boys & Girls 1:30-2:30PM

A group of concerned parents from Killingworth and Haddam attended the Board of Education meeting last night at the middle school to express their concern over the rise in class sizes this year, specifically in the second grades at Haddam Elementary and Killingworth Elementary. According to parents, some second grade classes have 23-24 children with just one teacher. They praised the efforts of the teachers, but said even fitting that many children into a classroom was difficult. Some quoted National Education Association numbers that encourage no more than 15 children in classes from kindergarten through third grade. Parents with older children commented on the difference in school work, homework and desire from just several years ago when the classes were smaller. Several parents, who are also teachers in the Clinton and Madison school systems, gave their perspectives on how learning is adversely effected by large class sizes.

The Board of Education members listened intently to the concerns and then deviated from their agenda to speak to the parents' specific concerns and reassure them that as parents and concerned citizens themselves, they are all on the same side. Board member Amy Jacques-Purdy said no board member was happy about the second grade class sizes during the last budget preparation, but it was a compromise necessary to keep the costs down. She said their top priority was instruction and they were not focused on "teaching to the test".

Board member Robert Baranoff took offense at some of the parents' comments saying it was not helpful to demand that the board do anything. He said there is pressure from town officials to keep the budget down and other economic constraints. He reiterated that the board's goal was quality instruction within its means. He said parents also need to do their job at home by preparing children to come to school with respect and self-discipline. He added that the majority of residents who signed a recent petition to try and bring down class sizes, did not even vote on the budget referendum.

Parents asked what they could do to improve the situation and Jacques-Purdy responded that they can get residents out to vote next Spring, citing the failure of Haddam to pass the budget in recent years. She also invited parents to attend the regular or special budget meetings so that they can contribute to the process and see how much work the volunteer board puts in. Board member John O'Leary encouraged the parents' involvement, while cautioning them that requesting that the board adopt a class size policy similar to Madison's does not mean the budget will get passed.

Board members praised Superintendent Gary Mala for his creativity and ingenuity in preparing the budget each year and asked him to provide some additional research on this topic. The board requested a comparison of class sizes in similar sized schools as well as the costs involved with decreasing class sizes. For a complete schedule of Board of Education meetings, visit www.rsd17.org. Last night's meeting was taped and will be broadcast next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 18.

The Buck Stops Here
By Catherine Iino
Several people have written to express their dismay over the appointment of yet another committee to study the Venuti property. Like Margaret Tobelman, I recall that acquisition of this property was one of the first issues I encountered when I moved to Killingworth a dozen years ago. So I do understand the frustration. But I proposed the formation of this committee, and I'd like to explain my thinking. Read More

With regrets, the library must cancel Friday night's final session of "Did You Know?" It will be rescheduled for another date, and all those who signed up will be notified when that date is determined.

The Killingworth Library's website has been experiencing "technical difficulties" since Friday, causing visitors to receive the message that the site is temporarily unavailable. The library suspects a problem with the domain host and is working to resolve the problem. In the meantime, life does go on at the library! If you have questions about upcoming programs or would like us to check on a title for you, please call us at 663-2000 during open hours (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am-4:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday 10am-8pm). For those of you who like to place interlibrary loans at home: visit http://iconn.org/ and enter your library card's barcode in the space provided; then proceed as usual. Thanks for your patience!
- Tammy Eustis, Head Librarian

E.B. White's classic about the values of friendship and loyalty will come alive on the Haddam-Killingworth Middle School stage as fifth and sixth graders present the musical version of Charlotte's Web. The performances will be Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. The tickets are $5 for all seats and general admission starts at 6:30 pm. The performance is appropriate for all ages.

Director Christopher Solimene said, "The students have diligently worked at learning the lines, dances and movements while gathering information about the craft of theater. The process of creating a theatrical production is a self-esteem builder that hones Language Arts skills, teamwork abilities and imaginative play at its very best. The true masterpiece of any production is the process by which our children grow in character with the ultimate gift being the sharing of their talents with friends and family alike. Hardly an ordinary miracle!"

Senior citizens are welcome to attend a dress rehearsal, free of charge, on Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.

The Killingworth Library's Annual Fund Appeal began in September and continues for the next few months. Donations to the fund are a major component of our fundraising efforts. These donations are not for "extras" but represent a substantial part of our operating budget. Fund donations help buy books, pay salaries and keep the lights on. No contribution is too small. To date we have received just over half of our projected goal of $21,000.

If you would like to contribute but can't find the Annual Fund mailer, a copy can be picked up at the library. A check made out to the KLA Annual Fund can also be handed to the librarians, saving a stamp. An acknowledgment for your tax records will be mailed in timely fashion. Donations made by December 31 are deductible on 08 tax returns.

The Killingworth Library's staff, board members, and volunteer corps greatly appreciate the generosity of our community during these fund drives. We could not do what we do without patron support.

The Regular Meeting of the Charter Revision Commission will be held on
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Office Building
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of 11/05/08 minutes
4. Discussion of the following:

a. Selectman Fred Dudek with Selectmen Recommendations
b. Responses from boards, commissions, elected and appointed officials
c. Discuss further appointments for representatives from boards, commissions, elected and appointed officials
d. Current charter

5. Visitors
6. Adjourn

The Connecticut Cookie Platoon (CCP), which sends cookies to U.S. military personnel at home and abroad monthly, has scheduled its "packing party" to send Holiday cheer to our troops and is appealing to the community for help and support.

At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, CCP will meet at the Deep River Fire Headquarters, located at 57 Union Street in Deep River, to pack homemade cookies to more than 250 men and women serving in the military at home and abroad. Each soldier receives five containers of cookies. Each container holds approximately one-and-a-half dozen cookies. The shipments also contain candies, holiday decorations, and letters from families, friends, and well-wishers. Because of the greater number of troops this shipment reaches, the CCP welcomes volunteer bakers, packers, and shipping sponsors.

"Our soldiers need our support, especially during the Holiday season," said Debbie Schaefer, founder and director of the CCP. "If you're unable to bake but would like to support our cause in another way, let us know. Every bit of help is appreciated by our soldiers all over the world."

The CCP also will say "thank you" to its volunteers at November's event. All those who bake cookies or help to pack them will receive five raffle tickets and be entered in a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants or other donated prizes.

For more information on the CCP or the November packing party, to get instructions for baking cookies for the CCP, or to get directions to the Deep River Fire Headquarters, please visit www.cookieplatoon.com, or e-mail info@cookieplatoon.com.

To the Editor:
The Venuti Family was asked by our town officials (again) to perform due diligence regarding the purchase of land that, right now, based on the market, is an excellent opportunity (Venwood Lake). In exchange, the town officials would allow the towns people to decide (again). The Venutis fulfilled their promise by spending a considerable amount of time and money to uphold their promise (again). Now, our BOS will not uphold their promise (again). WHY?..... Let the people decide. Stop making the decisions for the people! We have rights. This has gone on far too long, and I thought with our past "Rulers" out, that we might have an opportunity for fairness. We, the people, are supposed to be heard. PLEASE LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE! Let's get the answer once and for all! Send this to referendum!

Eileen S. Boulay

Monday: November 10:
• 06:19:09 Medical Call, North Roast Meat Hill Road.
• 15:15:34 Medical Call, Chittenden Road.
Tuesday: November 11:
• 12:47:13 Medical Call, Stonehill Drive.
Wednesday: November 12:
• 21:22:35 Fire Alarm, Green Hill Road.
Thursday: November 13:
• 05:11:13 Medical Call, Wolf Hollow Lane.
• 07:16:27 Fire Alarm, Route 148.
• 11:56:58 Structure Fire, Clinton, Old Post Road.
• 19:00:15 MVA, Route 80.
• 20:52:05 Medical Call, Cow Pen Hill Road
Friday: November 14:
• 05:00:10 Medical Call, Emanuel Church Road.
• 18:37:01 Fire Alarm, Kimberly Lane.
• 21:21:07 Medical Call, Green Hill Road.
Saturday: November 15:
• 17:49:51 Medical Call, Roast Meat Hill Road.
• 18:42:14 Medical Call, Route 148.
• 19:06:45 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Kenilworth Drive
• 19:23:05 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Route 80.

The HK U13 Travel Girls Basketball team lost a tough game to Franklin on Sunday, 28-48. The score, however, was not indicative of the play as the young combined 7-8th grade HK graders never gave up against an older and more experienced 8-9th grade Franklin team. Tori Peterson, Beth Riedy, and Maya Savino led HK scorers with 8 points a piece. Riedy and Peterson also blocked a shot. Ciara Samuel (2 points) had 2 steals, while Savino, Sam Waskowitz (2 points) and Kirsten Carlson each had a steal. Rounding out the defensive effort and working diligently on the boards were Autumn Spinner, Kiley Anderson, and Lauren McCann.

UPDATE 11/17: Thanks to a KillingworthToday reader, Baxter is home safe this morning! Thank you for being a great neighbor.

A resident's dog has gone missing today. He normally has on an electric fence collar, but while the family was outside, he wandered off and did not have the collar on.

Baxter is a big yellow lab, but his color is actually more white than yellow. He is very friendly and will come up to anyone who calls him. He is 10 years old but looks much younger and is a very trim and healthy dog. He is a large lab in height and weighs about 100 pounds. We live in a rural area on 148 and about 1/8th of a mile from Parker Hill. We suspect he went down that road through the woods.

If anyone has seen him, please call Patty at 860-391-9596.

Kenneth L. Fortier, 88, beloved husband of Cecilia (Short) Fortier, died November 14, 2008. He was born May 27, 1920 in New London, son of the late William L. and Lillian (Baker) Fortier. As a young child, his family moved to Hollywood, Florida and he survived the Hurricane of 1926. He graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven in 1939. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army as an aircraft mechanic. He married Cecilia Short on February 7, 1945 at the Pratt Army Air Base in Kansas. They settled in New Haven, later moving to Hamden. He was employed in the printing industry, retiring as vice-president from Columbia Printing Company. In 1981, they moved to Brooksville, Florida, where they resided until returning to Connecticut several years ago. In addition to his wife of 63 years, he leaves six children, Mary Shea of Higganum, Christine A. (Robert) Talenda, of Aurora, OH, Barbara L. (William) Whitlock of Sanford, NC, Richard W. (Margaret) of Acton, MA, Joseph H. (Adrian) of Hamden, and Katherine J. (John) Guerra of Madison; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother Robert W., of Ripley, MS, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, at St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 96 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106. The Swan Funeral Home, 80E. Main St. Clinton in charge of arrangements.

The Killingworth Women's Organization held another successful Halloween Happenings event last month at the library. More than 200 children enjoyed the stories, music, prizes and fun. Rep. Brian O'Connor and First Selectman Richard Cabral judged the carved pumpkins and awarded each participant a $40 gift certificate to Funky Monkey Toys. Cabral also walked the fair passing out awards to the top costumes. Former First Selectman David Denvir returned again this year to tell spooky stories and Jeff Sasso entertained everyone with songs. Eileen Boulay was also a big hit as Madame Boulay, Fortune Teller. The event was organized by Heather Ignatuk and Lisa Connelly.


Photos courtesy A. Etra