To the Editor:
I am grateful to Richard Cabral, our First Selectman, for giving us some reassurance concerning the recent burglaries in Killingworth and surrounding towns and it helps for us all to be vigilant and not feel guilty about feeling suspicious of strangers. Trooper Ward has assured us that we may call with any feeling of mistrust even if it feels insignificant.

That said, I was a little unsettled about the description of these unknown thieves. Not that I condone their behavior. But it's important to keep in mind that, especially in these economically devastating times, people become desperate. As a Neighborhood Watch captain since the first rash of burglaries in March of 1999, I have learned a lot about how these criminals work. They want money (usually for a drug habit) and they want it fast without confrontation. They are not thinking about being selfish or immoral. Understanding how it feels to own a home is a foreign concept. Poverty and drug withdrawal is what they know. Unemployment figures just released for November show a rise to 6.7 percent.

In addition to watching over our own house and the houses around us it would be good to push our legislators to make sure there is funding to help those who are slipping through the cracks in our society.
Divinna Schmitt

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Dear Community:
I would like to express my thanks to Mr. Chris Solimene for presenting an outstanding production of Charlotte's Web for the 5th and 6th grade students of our town. Everything from the acting to the singing to the props was professional. While enduring long afternoons of rehearsal, Chris exhibited patience and continued to make the experience positive for our children. On several occasions I had the pleasure to witness his skill with very excitable 5th and 6th graders who wanted to do anything but be quiet. Sue Lane and her helpers who sewed the costumes should be commended along with Brenda Buzzi, Joel Spineti, Bruce Maxwell, Alane Pytlik, Marti Spineti who helped to pull the production together. If I missed anyone, I apologize. The kids were absolutely adorable and proud of their achievements.

My favorite experience was asking my daughter for some reflection on her whole experience of partaking in the play. Her first response was that she learned about friendship and how to be a good friend and how important that can be. This was not the response I expected. I actually thought that she would state something about all the hard work that goes into making a production. I was pleasantly surprised with her reflection and want other parents to encourage their children to participate in and to support the arts within the schools or elsewhere because life long lessons are being learned in a very safe, fun and nurturing way.
Pat Sasso
The Goose's Proud Mom

Sophie N. Daniels, 87 of Killingworth, wife of the late Francis E. Daniels passed away on December 3, 2008 at Connecticut Hospice after a lengthy illness. Born in Yonkers, NY on December 2, 1921, she was the daughter of the late H. Thomas and Clara A. Nielsen. She had resided in Madison from 1948 until 2005 when she moved to Killingworth. Mrs. Daniels was employed by Finast Supermarkets for 26 years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Madison. She is survived by her daughters Sally Wilcox and son-in-law Thomas Wilcox of Killingworth, with whom Sophie resided; and Patricia (Alan) Janos; her son George (Lori) Daniels; her stepson Robert A. Daniels. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren Jamie (Michael) Capone of Colchester; John Streff and his fiancee Lauren Elliott of Manchester; Christina Pudeler of Killingworth and 9 other grandchildren out of state; 3 great grandchildren Corbin Reilly, McKayleigh Ashlyn and Ashton Bauer Capone. Mrs. Daniels also leaves behind her brother Thomas A. (Gladys) Nielsen of Florida, formerly of Westbrook and her dear friend, Alice Sullivan of Old Lyme. Mrs. Daniels is predeceased by one son Thomas C. Daniels and two step-sons, Francis E. Daniels and Alan B. Daniels.

There will be no calling hours and all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org. Swan Funeral Home of Madison, has charge of arrangements.

It was reported that a home on River Road and Green Hill was robbed yesterday at approximately 1:30 p.m. The home is vacant and for sale. Resident Trooper Matthew Ward said the caretaker called in suspicious activity but nothing was stolen. He said no copper piping was stripped from the house as reported earlier. He said it is unclear if this was related to the other robberies.

Trooper Ward also reports that the State Police have a few leads they are following and believe the robberies in Killingworth, Clinton, Madison and Haddam are all related. He said items from a Killingworth robbery were found at one of the homes robbed in Madison on Tuesday. As reported, on Tuesday Killingworth had two break-ins and Madison had four. Ward is confident that the robbers will be caught, because they are taking more risks.

Ward said no items have shown up at local pawn shops, so it is likely the robberies are drug related. Ward said he has talked to UPS, postal carriers and local garbage haulers to stay on the lookout for suspicious activity. He said he has no information that the robberies were committed with a white box truck, as was reported earlier.

When asked about the response time for home alarms, Ward explained that every alarm company has its own policy. Many call the home first and then the key holder prior to calling it in to police. So he said, there can be a delay of 5-10 minutes before officers on patrol actually receive the call. He said they are responding immediately once they receive word.

Ward encouraged residents to continue to call in suspicious activity, saying it was the best way to catch the thieves. If you see ANY suspicious activity, please contact Troop F in Westbrook at 860-399-2100 or call 911

ASSURANCE

Over the past several weeks, some of our neighbors have fallen victim to break-ins of their homes. These invasions have been the work of individuals that apparently have no regard for the sanctity of one's home or the ownership of one's property and are precipitated by their desire and selfishness to satisfy their own needs and wants.

During this past week, the presence of the State Police has increased more than 10 fold. There has been a trooper for just about every 5 miles of road. Trooper Ward and his posse have assured me that these perpetrators will be apprehended.

In the interim, it is strongly suggested that each of us be on the alert for any unusual activity or unknown vehicles in our neighborhoods. Many of our former neighborhood crime watch committees have been reactivated and others are coming on line. If you do not have one in your neighborhood and would like to start one, please contact the Selectmen's office for more information.

An idea has been put forth that we may need to increase our own resident trooper situation in order to cover the time that our present trooper is not on duty. I will bring this idea in front of the Board of Selectmen during our budget deliberations which begin very soon. Realize that during the time that our own very capable resident trooper is not on duty, we are covered by adjacent troopers and Troop F out of Westbrook.

Although I have not personally experienced this type of violation, I do empathize with those who have. If we come together as a community, we will not allow any of these undesirable individuals take from us that quality of life that is ours.

As I receive more information, I will inform you. Please feel free to contact me by calling or coming to see me if you have any concerns whatsoever.

Rich Cabral
First Selectman

The Killingworth Nursery School will sponsor its Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Saturday. The fair will feature high quality items handcrafted by local artisans. KNSA will be sponsoring a bake sale, silent auction, and a children's craft area where youngsters can make their own ornaments and gifts! The fair will take place at the Killingworth Elementary School, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $.50. For information please call (860) 663-2950.

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, 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.

St. Lawrence Church will hold its Annual Christmas Fair on December 5th-7th! Do your holiday shopping and enjoy some tasty treats while at the fair! Attractions include live greenery wreaths, centerpieces and swags, homemade baked goods, and crafts made by our Parishioners. Our kitchen will offer homemade soups, hot dogs, pizza, meatball grinders, and delicious desserts. A beautiful Amish quilt will be raffled off as well as our gorgeous gift baskets in the basket raffle.

The Congregational Church is holding its Christmas Fair on Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The fair is a fundraiser for our churches' missions projects. There will be a silent auction, gift baskets, as well as fresh and artificial wreaths. Winterberry Christmas Tree Farm has donated a tree that you can pick out and cut yourself. The highest bidder gets the tree.

Ahavah - The Christmas story comes alive in this original ballet, to be performed December 5th at 7 p.m. & December 6th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Morgan High School, 27 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81), Clinton, CT.

New England Alpacas in Killingworth will host a Holiday Open Farm Weekend by opening its doors to the public and offering special opportunities to visitors on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. New England Alpacas is located at 14 Bethke Road, Killingworth. For more information visit www.nealpacas.com

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Killingworth Library between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00noon. Children are invited to bring their parents and a camera for a photo op with the Clauses. Those arriving a little before 10:00 will see Mr. and Mrs. Claus pull into the parking lot in their own unique vehicle. Juice and candy canes will be served. Large coloring books and library note cards will be available for purchase.

Santa will also pay a visit to Running Brook Farms on Saturday. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and a photo with Santa at the Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Running Brook Farms is located at 219 Route 81.

"People of the Book" by Pulitzer Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks will be discussed at the December 9th meeting of the Killingworth Tuesday Book Discussion Group. This acclaimed novel was inspired by the mysterious codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. It is an adventure that covers five centuries and several countries and evolves from the work of rare book expert Hanna Heath. Given the famed manuscript for analysis and conservation, Heath meticulously records the historical journey it compels her to follow.

In the spirit of the holiday season, the discussion will be held at Gabrielle's Restaurant, 78 Main Street in Centerbrook. Discussion begins at 1:00 and newcomers are always welcome.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department will be having registration for the High School Rec. Basketball League for Boys in grades 9 - 12 on Monday, December 8th (snow date Dec. 9th) at 8:30 pm at the old middle school gym in Higganum. Players should come dressed and prepared to play in scrimmages to determine skill level and help create fair and balanced teams. Players should also bring proof of residency. The League will play on Monday or Wednesdays nights from January - March, 8:30 - 9:30pm at either the old of new middle school gyms.

The fee is $40 (free if you referee for our Youth Basketball League). A registration form is available at the HK Recreation Office or at http://www.hkrec.com/leagues.html Please call 345-8334 for more information.

Dear Neighbors:
by Scott Perry
In light of the recent crime spree in town, I am concerned about Killingworth's police protection. I am not suggesting that a greater police presence in town would have prevented any of the recent burglaries. I am more concerned with the fact that we only have one trooper on duty in our town for 40 hours per week. During those 40 hours, I believe the response time to any call for help in our town would be less than ten minutes. For the remaining 128 hours per week, I am concerned that a call for police help would result in a 15-20 minute period of time for a trooper from the Westbrook barracks to get to various parts of our town. Read More

Michael P. Brown passed away peacefully at his home in Killingworth, CT on November 24, 2008 at the age of 43. A former Milford resident, Michael graduated from Milford High School Class of '83. He played 4 years on the Milford Indians High School Football Team. Michael was previously employed by Freedom Honda Motorcycle before joining in his fathers' family business. Michael's hobbies included photography, the study of the planets, building wood models of boats and planes and an avid Giant and Yankee sports fan. Michael was the son of Patricia Sansone Brown of Killingworth, Lawrence Brown Jr. and his wife Suzanne of Guilford. Brothers include John and his wife Kelly Brown of Killingworth, Larry Brown III of Guilford, a stepsister Jennifer Haddon of West Haven, nephew and nieces John Andrew, Anna Lynn Brown of Killingworth and Britteny Riordan of West Haven, a paternal grandmother, Frances Brown of New Haven along with a large and loving extended immediate family. Michael was predeceased by maternal grandparents John and Marie Sansone and paternal grandparent Lawrence Brown Sr. (Brownie).

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 6th 2008, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Lawrence Church, 207 Main Street, West Haven, CT.

HK Sports: Haddam-Killingworth High School's Lindsey Griswold and Shelby Van Huysen, Senior Captains of the HKHS Field Hockey Team, were recognized as members of the 2008 Class S All State First Team at the 27th Annual Connecticut High School Coaches' Association All-State Field Hockey Banquet at the Aqua Turf on Tuesday. Van Huysen was also recognized as a Scholar-Athlete.

(l-r) Coach Arlene Salvati, Shelby Van Huysen, Lindsey Griswold and Coach Patsy Kamercia. Photo courtesy G. Van Huysen

UPDATE 1:15PM: According to the State Police, there were three additional burglaries reported yesterday (one in Killingworth and two in Madison). As of today, the State Police have activated a tremendous increase in their presence in both Haddam and Killingworth. It was reported that as many as 15 marked and unmarked vehicles are currently patrolling in both towns.

A resident reports "about three weeks ago, our UPS driver was delivering parcels to some of our neighbors, and noticed an 'unfamiliar' car parked in the street. There were also two men walking up and down the street. The UPS driver approached the men, and stated that they did not belong on this street. They proceeded to get in the car and drive away. The UPS driver alerted one of our neighbors, who emailed the neighborhood to be on the lookout. The license plate and make/model of the car was provided to the State Police (Troop F), and the plate did not match the car."

Residents say there was another burglary yesterday in Killingworth. According to reports, at approximately 11:00 a.m. a home on Blueberry Hill was robbed. The house alarm was set and did go off, but the response time allowed the burglars to get away with jewelry and computers.

Another resident reports that a home on Hemlock Drive was robbed yesterday as well.

If you see ANY suspicious activity, please contact Troop F in Westbrook at 860-399-2100 or call 911.

Join the Arts Center at Killingworth and Artist Gloria Nilsson, for this monthly Fashion Still Life Workshop. On Sunday, December 7th 1:30-4:30pm, combine your fashion flair while honing in on the use of charcoal. This is the one you don't want to miss! We will practice the basics of preliminary quick sketching using vine charcoal and conquer several simple fashion set-ups, concentrating on form, volume, proportion and structure. By the end of this workshop you will no longer feel overwhelmed by a fashion still life and you will enjoy sketching with speed and accuracy. Draw or paint with a new medium while setting up a different fashion still life each month. For teens and adults only. $30 per session. Material list available. Pre-registration required. Call the Arts Center at Killingworth at (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Check out our upcoming events online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Charles Macunas has announced the First Quarter Honor Roll for the 2008-2009 school year. Find the complete list here.

Haddam-Killingworth High School will be hosting its 20th annual Holiday Show Telethon on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd. The live student-produced program hosts a "Shoreline Idol" competition, which raises money for a different charity each year - this year, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The event will air from 8 a.m. to noon. Shoreline residents can turn to Comcast channel 18 and view the "Shoreline Idol" finalists performing live. The 10 Idol finalists have been selected from auditions held by shoreline-area high schools. Students and members of the community can vote for their favorite Idol singer by donating a dollar or more to the show. A winner will be chosen on Jan. 23, 2009.

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School National Junior Honor Society sponsored its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a few weeks ago. Students brought in food items that will be donated to the Haddam and Killingworth food banks. In addition, the Honor Society joined with the High School Honor Society in collecting diapers to be delivered to the United Way. With the serious financial problems in our economy, families have to choose between buying food and buying diapers. Some babies have to wear the same diaper all day long because of the high cost of diapers.

Within the middle school there were competitions between the 5th and 6th grade homerooms and between the 7th and 8th grade homerooms. Mrs. Spearrin's 5th grade homeroom won with a total of 278 food items donated. Mr. Hall's 8th grade homeroom won with a total of 208 items donated. The winning homerooms will be treated to a Pizza Party. The total number of food items collected was 3,373.

An early visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus will again jump start the holiday season at the Killingworth Library. The jolly couple will pay a visit to the library on Saturday Dec. 6th, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Children are invited to bring their parents and a camera for a photo op with the Clauses. Those arriving a little before 10:00 will see Mr. and Mrs. Claus pull into the parking lot in their own unique vehicle. Juice and candy canes will be served. Large coloring books and library note cards will be available for purchase.

To the Editor:
We hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Besides my faith, family, friends and health, I am thankful for democracy in a lovely country/town we live in. With that said, I must broach a subject that is confusing. I am confused as to why I am reading in various publications that Selectman Cabral wants the 'issue of purchasing the Venuti property' to be determined by the people (referendum), "he's all for it", and Selectwoman Iino has established yet another committee to study if 'we' should pursue this endeavor, (which has been performed several times in the past several years). Ms Iino, are you not aware of the history of this property and initiative to purchase it? I'm confident that you can be supplied, by many professionals and folks in this town, significant documentation to support our ongoing research and proof, that the people of Killingworth can make an informed decision if given the opportunity. By the way, where are the other 'Selectmen' in this committee decision? Why are we, 'the people' still waiting to have the opportunity to decide? Ms Iino, I must say that your response, regardless of its content, is appreciated. 'It's better than nothing'.

Eileen S. Boulay
Century 21 Realtor

Please join the Parishioners of St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth and celebrate the Holidays at the Annual Christmas Fair on December 5th-7th! Do your holiday shopping and enjoy some tasty treats while at the fair!

Attractions include live greenery wreaths, centerpieces and swags, homemade baked goods, and crafts made by our Parishioners. Our kitchen will offer homemade soups, hot dogs, pizza, meatball grinders, and delicious desserts. A beautiful Amish quilt will be raffled off as well as our gorgeous gift baskets in the basket raffle.

A highlight of the fair includes a Silent Auction featuring items from well-known local artisans. Items for bid will include hand-carved items from the Country Wood Carver Ernest Hill and local artisan Bob Stak, both of Killingworth. Other items up for bid include a Christmas Tree from Winterberry Farms, a gift certificate to Total Hair, a 60"x 72" off white afghan, tickets to the Goodspeed Opera House, Essex Steam Train, Plymouth Plantation and more!! The silent auction begins Friday at 6:00 p.m. Bidding closes Sunday promptly 12:00 noon at the fair.

Children will enjoy meeting Santa! Bring your camera to take a picture!

The hours of the Fair are as follows:
Friday December 5th 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday December 6th 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday December 7th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce and the shops at Killingworth Village 5th Annual Christmas in the Village will be held Dec. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. Car are parked at the Killingworth True Value and hayrides are offered to the festivities. Green Hill Road will be closed during the event. The tree outside TB BankNorth will be lit. All the businesses at the Killingworth Village Shops will be seasonally decorated. The evening will feature caroling by the Shoreline Singers, a visit from Santa, children's craft activities sponsored by The Killingworth Kids Center. Boy Scout troops will serve hot cocoa and soup and collecting Toys for Tots. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift valued at $10 or more. New England Alpacas will be bringing animals for children to meet. Area artisan Joey Madore will have hand-blown ornaments and sterling jewelry on display and for sale. Representatives from Shoreline Focus on Fitness and Curves will provide information about staying in shape. Virginia Rioja of Unison Travel will be on hand.

Monday: November 24:
• 22:16:46 Medical Call, Town Clerk Lane.
Wednesday: November 25:
• 14:18:32 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 16:49:36 Structure Fire, Route 148.
Thursday: November 27:
• 10:50:30 Medical Call, Emanuel Church Road.
Friday: November 28:
• 22:54:29 Medical Call, Route 81.
Saturday: November 29:
• 18:34:54 Medical Call, Emanuel Church Road.
• 22:20:07 Vehicle Fire, Route 148.

Ahavah - The Christmas story comes alive in this original ballet, to be performed December 5th at 7 p.m. & December 6th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Morgan High School, 27 Killingworth Turnpike (Route 81), Clinton, CT.

FOR TICKETS: To purchase tickets online or to obtain a mail order form go the www.theahavahstory.com or call 860-663-2069, Ext. 15. Preferred seating available for early ticket sales.

Tickets On Sale Adults: $12.00; Seniors & Children: $8.00; Children Under 5 Years Old FREE (need ticket)

Note: There is an online order fee of $2.00 for credit card processing.

Ahavah - a Christmas Mystére The Christmas story comes alive in this original ballet as it is told through the eyes of a young girl searching for the meaning of Christmas. Ahavah is an artistic display of classical ballet, acrobatics and other dance styles. Professional guest artists add to the breath-taking drama of the stage. Created by Elisa Schroth, the Artistic Director of The Christian Academy of Dance, Ahavah will warm the hearts of the young and old alike. This is a wonderful Christmas production that the entire family will enjoy.

Notice of Special Town Meeting

The Electors of the Town of Killingworth and all those qualified to vote in meetings of said Town are hereby notified and warned that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the All-Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. to consider and act upon the following items of business.

1. To consider, discuss and vote upon the following over expenditures in excess of $10,000 for the following line items: Medical Buyout, $14,469; Resident State Trooper Expenses, $10,229; Tax Refunds and Abatements, $19,431; Misc Grants, $24,349; Bonding $32,000- Totaling $100,478.

Said Over expenditures to be funded by under expended General Fund Appropriations in the following line items: Social Security, $33,313; Medical Insurance, $52,802; and Highway - Other, $14,363 - totaling $100,478.

2. To authorize the Close Out of the following Capital Accounts: Core Server - Town Office Building, $4; Fire Department - Hose Dryer Station #1, $527; Fire Department - Refurbish Siding Station #1 $24; highway - Solar Guard Poly Building, $5,500, Fencing - Sheldon Field, $1,430 - the balances to revert to the Capital Fund Undesignated Fund Balance.

3. To consider and act upon a proposed LoCIP Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.