First Selectman Richard Cabral welcomes the artwork of Haddam-Killingworth Middle School students from Carolyn Malchow and Dom Scarpa's Art classes to his Town Hall exhibit this month. The artwork will be on display and open to public viewing through the month of December.

Art Teacher Carolyn Malchow and First Selectman Richard Cabral with 5th Graders: Liam Foley, Elise Irwin, Nadia Rohlfs and Emily Roth; 6th Graders Aaron Auer, Robin Baldwin, Maura Dooley and Montgomery Gibbs; 7th Graders Gina Cannelli and Owen Servent and 8th Graders Emily Darin, Jacqueline Garofalo, Meagan Torello and Bryn Webster.

Angelo Anthony Raccio, 71 of Clinton, died December 5, 2008 at his home. He was born in New Haven, son of the late John and Mary (Marro) Raccio. Angelo was a dedicated employee for the Killingworth, Higganum, Haddam, school system for over 40 years. He is survived by a daughter, Maria Booker, of England, a son Phillip Raccio of Florida, his granddaughter Nina Booker of England, as well as his ex-wife, Frances Raccio Marciano of Florida. He also leaves 2 sisters, Pamela Raccio, Phyllis Bigio, and 2 brothers, Joseph Raccio, and Junior Raccio.

Visitation will be Monday, December 15, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street, Clinton. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial Donations in his name may be made to Fidelco Guide Dogs, 103 Old Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Please visit www.mem.com to leave an online tribute or condolences.

The 5th Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas in the Village will take place Sunday, December 14 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the shops at Killingworth Village on Route 81. Come out and visit with local business owners, neighbors, friends and Mr.& Mrs. Claus.

Cubscouts Pack 18 will be conducting a 'Toys for Tots' drive and Soup/Chili Bake Sale. Please stop by and donate a new unwrapped toy preferably around the $10 or above price range. Proceeds from the collection will be distributed to children from 0 up to 17 years of age residing in New Haven and Middlesex Counties. Toys with military, weapons/law enforcement themes, candy, and toys with chemicals are not encouraged. Please refer to www.toysfortots.org for more information on the 'Toys for Tots' program.

What's better than a hot cup of soup or chili on a frosty December evening? Dens of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Weblos Scouts will be selling cups of various soups and chili's for a "buck-a-cup". Hot chocolate will also be sold. Please stop by our tent and participate in this fund raiser. Proceeds from the Soup/Chili Bake will be given to local charity to support those in need this Holiday Season.

We look forward to seeing you at this holiday community gathering and celebration.

Town of Killingworth
Office of the Tax Collector
Town Hall, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT
Office hours: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Monday through Friday (except Holidays)

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the town of Killingworth, that the second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2007, is due and payable on January 1, 2009. Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax bills are also due on January 1, 2009, in one installment.

If not paid on or before February 2, 2009 the installment becomes delinquent and subject to interest at a rate of 18% per annum (1½% for each month or fraction thereof) dating back to the original due date of the bill. Two months of interest will be due on February 3, 2009. A minimum interest charge of $2.00 is applicable to each delinquent tax bill.

You may pay by mail. Please return payment coupon(s) with your payment. Checks should be made payable to: Tax Collector. Mail postmarked on or before February 2, 2009 will be considered an on time payment. (US Postal Service postmark only) If you would like a receipt returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

As a matter of law, the taxpayer is liable to the town for the tax installments(s) as they become due and payable. Liability is not created by, nor dependent upon receipt of a tax bill. Therefore, failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the requirement to pay the statutorily required interest when a late payment is made.

Michele B. Nuhn
Tax Collector

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Basketball team opened the 2008-2009 season by hosting St. Paul of Bristol Wednesday night at the fieldhouse. The Cougars fought valiantly against a much bigger St. Paul squad but fell 39-30. Shelby Van Huysen led the scoring with 11 points, Allie Rand pulled down 11 rebounds and Deanna Loso had 3 steals. The JV team also lost by the final score of 31-20. The Cougars next travel to East Hampton for a Shoreline Conference game against the Bellringers on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

Did you know that you could be supporting the Killingworth Library Association every time you shop online? All you have to do is register at iGive.com and choose the Killingworth Library Association as your charity. When you shop at your regular on line stores (JC Penney, Barnes and Noble, QVC, eBay, Staples, Land's End, just to name a few of over 700 participating stores) the store will give a charitable contribution to the library. You do not need to buy anything special. If you make a purchase within a week of registering, iGive will contribute an additional $5.00 to the library.

Shopping through iGive will never cost you more. In fact, it will often save you money through exclusive coupon codes and deals gathered just for iGive members. To join iGive.com type this address into your web browser, www.iGive.com.

The site is safe and free. By registering with iGive, you will be donating a portion of your purchases to the Killingworth Library. It is as easy as that.

Robert Rapp Ferguson, a 60-year resident of Killingworth, died peacefully at his home at 295 North Parker Hill Road on Friday, November 28th 2008 - his 85th birthday. Born on November 28th 1923 in Portland, CT, he was the son of the late Robert R. and Emma Rapp Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Louise Snyder Ferguson, his three daughters, Janet Ferguson Roberts of Killingworth, Laurie Ferguson Webb of Greenacres, FL and Pamela Ferguson Galbraith of Storrs, CT, four grandchildren, Peter A. Meglin of Killingworth, William E. Meglin of Guilford, CT, Sarah D. Galbraith of Montpelier, VT and Emmy A. Galbraith of Myrtle Beach, SC, four great-grandchildren, Ross W. Meglin of Killingworth, Bailey E. Meglin and Emma K. Meglin both of Guilford, CT, Clover B. Schultz of Myrtle Beach, SC. and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Walter M. Ferguson of Killingworth and Richard H. Ferguson of Middletown, CT and his twin sister, Virginia Rapp Ferguson O'Connell of Peabody, MA.

Prior to his retirement from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Middletown, Mr. Ferguson was employed as a division manager at Sears Roebuck in Middletown for 33 years. He was a member of The Congregational Church of Killingworth where he served on the Parish Hall Building Committee. He also served on the Board of Education for the Town of Killingworth for eight years during the 1959 expansion of the Killingworth Elementary School.

Known for his dry wit, "Bob" was a gentle gentleman. Much loved, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at The Congregational Church in Killingworth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Board of Deacons c/o The Congregational Church in Killingworth, UCC 273 Route 81 Killingworth, CT 06419.

Killingworth Elementary School Girls Scout Troop 62311 will host an American Girl Family Movie Night on Friday, December 12. Kitt Kittredge; An American Girl starring Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond and Chris O'Donnell will be shown in the middle school auditorium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the movie starts at 6:30 p.m..

Handmade doll clothing will be on sale! A doll hair dresser will be available! Bring your doll, buy an outfit and have her hair done. $3 donation per person includes a beverage and popcorn. All proceeds will assist KES Girls Scout Troop 62311 on a Summer American History Trip.

Property transfers as reported by the Killingworth Town Clerk's office for the period November 1 - November 30, 2008:
• Edward P. Lang to Michael J. Milano, Roast Meat Hill Rd 40A for $1,000,000.00
• Robert W. Sandra E. Frazier to 163 Route 81 LLC, Lot 1 Kenilworth Village RT 81 for $530,000.00.
• Robert W. Sandra E. Frazier to 167 Route 81 LLC, Lot 2 Kenilworth Village RT 81 for $200,000.00.
• Jensens Inc to Alan P. Cynthia M Koistinen, 2008 New Era Mobile Home 17 for $132,900.00.
• Ines Lennon AKA to Joanne T. Santangelo, 1969 Newport Mobile Home for $38,000.00.
• Diane Lucier AKA to Robert E. Baird, Lot 4 Alders Bridge RD 3.0A for $325,000.00.
• Mark P. & Kelly A Criscuolo to Brain J. Smith & Jennifer L. Bagnati, 2 Parcels Cow Hill Road for $249,000.00.
For previous property reports, click here.

To the Editor:
By Helen Sanders
Instead of raising your RPM's when doing downhill, thereby using more gas, and contributing more than double to carbon emissions and global warming, switch to neutral and glide down green hill road, or turn off your engine and glide down. THINK before you pollute.

On adding another trooper at a cost of $100,000 or 80,000, it seems no one mentions the cost when talking about this, I say NO WAY. Our taxes are way too high. Our town needs to seriously cut expenses, and cut taxes by half. Read More

The Board of Selectmen voted to send a new ordinance restricting the use of motorized and non-motorized vehicles on town open space and conservation restricted property to the next Town Meeting for approval. The ordinance, developed from a model used in Westbrook, restricts motorized vehicles to parking areas, vehicular access driveways and other areas posted for motor vehicle use by the public.

No motorized vehicles shall be allowed on any portion of open space or conservation restriction lands at any time except for certain exceptions: town maintenance vehicles, ambulance, law enforcement, fire or other emergency vehicles; snowmobiles may be allowed with prior permission of the Board of Selectmen, but only to set cross country ski tracks or to otherwise install or maintain Nordic trails; construction or maintenance vehicles with specific permission from the BOS; agricultural, farm or personal vehicles owned by the fee owners and their employees subject to the terms of the conservation restrictions and wheelchairs or similar vehicles.

Non-motorized vehicles shall be permitted onto trails designated for non-motorized vehicles. No non-motorized vehicles shall be permitted onto trials posted for pedestrians only. In areas or trails of mixed use, equestrians shall have the right of way in all circumstances and non-motorized vehicles shall yield to pedestrians. A copy of the full ordinance will be available in the Town Clerk's Office for review prior to the Town Meeting. No date has been set for the next meeting.

A group of middle school boys led by Youth & Family Services Executive Director Cheryl Chandler flagged and started to clear a small trail on the Town's Parmelee Farm last week. Chandler's group volunteered to help with the ongoing community gardens project and Land Use Committee member Mark Clifton volunteered to lead the afternoon's activity.

It was decided that a trail leading from the middle school to the gardens was a good first step so Clifton, who is also the Director of the Deer Lake Wilderness School, gave a short lesson in tool use and safety and then Nate, Taylor, Tyler, David and Jake trimmed, lopped, sawed and hacked away branches so the path was visible and safe. The boys were enthusiastic about working outside on such a beautiful afternoon and they received instruction that they can use to help out at home as well. One of the goals of the Community Gardens is to encourage multi-generational involvement and everyone's efforts were greatly appreciated. The event was part of an afterschool program directed by Chandler to develop cooperative skills for middle school boys. She also runs one for girls.

To the Editor:
Green Hill Road descends 275 feet from Stevens Road to River Road. Simply shifting from "D" to "2" when beginning the descent does wonders to hold the speed in check. And, it saves wear on the brakes. Try it!

Gordon Turnbull

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Dear Neighbors:
by Scott Perry

I updated my research to include more towns and more accurate information concerning populations, town budgets, police levels and police budgets. The survey shows that Killingworth pays less than one half of what almost all other towns pay for police protection as a percentage of the respective town's total annual budget. In other words, fourteen out of the seventeen towns in the survey pay twice as much for police protection as a percentage of their town budgets than Killingworth does. Most of the other towns also have more police protection than a single trooper for 40 hours per week. Regardless of what other towns do, I believe Killingworth needs to hire a second trooper. A second trooper means faster response times, more patrols in our streets and a safer town. A safer town means better home values as well. Read More

Editor's Note: Mr. Perry appeared before the Board of Selectmen last night to present his detailed research on the issue. The Board agreed to look into emergency response times and discuss the feasibility of adding additional trooper services in the next budget.

The Killingworth Women's Organization and the Gorski Family are pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Lights Spectacular will be on Saturday, December 13 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Gorski's home at 18 Wolf Hollow Lane in Killingworth. Come enjoy self-guided tours of the many lights and figurines, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, sleigh riding (weather permitting) and a visit from Santa. $6 per family. Proceeds, including 100% matching donations by the KWO, will benefit the Jack Foundation and the Killingworth Seniors. Inclement weather date: Sunday December 14.

Emmanuel Church, the Church in the Wilderness, 50 Emmanuel Church Rd, Killingworth, will be having a special service on Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

Known as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the service celebrates the birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. The format is based on an order drawn up by Edward White Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro, Cornwall, England. It has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. Please join us for this holiday treasure of prayer and music. Fellowship to follow the service. For details please call Jean at 860 346-0875.

Sunday: November 30:
• 12:54:23 Structure Fire, Chester, Castle View Drive.
Monday: December 1:
• 10:43:43 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 19:04:08 Medical Call, Laurel Ridge Trail.
• 22:14:46 Medical Call, Route 81.
Thursday: December 4:
• 14:11:59 Medical Call, Bar Gate Trail .
Friday: December 5:
• 15:54:47 Structure Fire, Clinton, Shore Road.

State representative Brian O'Connor was arrested Saturday, allegedly driving under the influence. State police say O'Connor was stopped for speeding on Route 9 in Haddam just before 6:00 p.m. Read more at www.WTNH.com

The Killingworth High School Chamber Choir performed a holiday concert at Gillette Castle Friday night. The Castle was beautifully decorated in Victorian style and looked very festive. The Chamber sang holiday songs and had a sing-a-long with the people who visited the Castle. Gillette Castle, located in East Haddam, will have a bon fire and hot cider as well as various musical performances today from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. There is another twilight tour next Friday, December 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy D. Griswold

Mrs. Brenda Sokolowski, passed away peacefully, Monday December 1, 2008, at her home in Killingworth. Survivors include her husband Stan, of Killingworth, two sons, Michael Watson of Chester and Richard Watson of Branford; two grandchildren, Brian and Kirsten Watson; a brother Joel Platt of Evans, GA, and three cousins, Bill Cooper of Clinton, Nancy Petrashune of Lyon Mt., NY and Bob Cowles of Mexico, NY. She was the daughter of the late Merrill and Fran Platt, long time residents of Clinton. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Swan Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of arrangements

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held November 24, 2008
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) OEM - 1, (C) Public Health. (D) Housing Partnership - 4 (E) Estuary Council of Seniors
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. Hours of Town Hall
9. New Business:
    A. Parmelee Steering Committee - Deborah E. Bodner, Linda M. Dudek
    B. Board of Selectmen 2009 Meeting Schedule
    C. Assessor's Seasonal Labor Plan
    D. Award Contract to American Home & Tree for Tree, Brush & General Clean-up at North Parker Hill Cemetery
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
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