HK Sports: The HKHS Boys Basketball team fell to 1-13 on the year with a, 43-33, loss to Westbrook last night at the fieldhouse. Sean Zapatka led the Cougars with 13 points followed by Steve Landell with 11, John Webber with 5 and Sam Barbuto 4.

The Killingworth Congregational Church will host a Valentine's Celebration on Friday, February 13th from 6:30 -9:00 p.m.

Join us for unlimited sampling of wonderful chocolate treats...cakes, cookies, candies, chocolate fountain, etc. Tickets are $5 each, and will be available at the door. Also - a wonderful bake sale featuring chocolate and Valentine treats, handmade cards, candy flowers, etc. (tickets are not necessary for the bake sale).

There is a new phone number for the Helping Hands food pantry. Our HelpLine can now be reached at 663-1765 ext. 401. The collection boxes we had around town for the holidays are now gone, but we do maintain a collection bin in the Killingworth Library year round. Thanks again to everyone in town for the great support we continue to receive!

Jan O'Sullivan and Chiqui Ricciuti

by Kathleen Amoia

B.J. Folger is on a mission. Her crusade to promote awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of home carbon monoxide detectors is the result of family tragedy. B.J.'s daughter-in-law lost her sister, brother-in-law, a niece and a nephew to this silent killer. The family were overcome with CO fumes while they slept at a vacation home in Aspen, Colorado. They'd won the trip during a fund raising auction.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in America. The gas is produced by burning wood, coal, charcoal, natural gas, gasoline, propane, methane, oil, and other fuels. The most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning are smoke from fires, engine fumes, motor vehicle exhaust and non electric heaters. A longer list would include water heaters, charcoal grills, stoves, and gasoline and diesel powered generators. Malfunctioning and/or obstructed exhaust systems can also be culprits. Proper ventilation and properly functioning systems are key to prevention. Carbon monoxide detectors are key to warnings that the killer fumes are present.

The gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Its presence may not be noticed without the warning sound of detectors before symptoms of poisoning set in. These symptoms may vary from person to person and the degree of CO in the air. They range from mild flu like symptoms (headache and stomachache) to vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue and confusion. Severe signs of heart and brain damage and ultimately death can result from continued exposure. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, leaving the building immediately and calling 911 or the fire department is the prescribed course of action.

Jim McDonald of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department says that CO detector requirements vary by state. In Connecticut, detectors are required in apartment buildings, dormitories, hotels and motels and assisted living properties. He advises homeowners to view CO detectors as they do smoke detectors, and have at least one CO detector on each floor of living space and in the basement or furnace room. Home builders are required to put one in each new house although some will put one on each floor.

Jackie Cost of True Value Hardware said that there are combination smoke and CO detectors as well as individual models. Although True Value sells both types, she recommends the individual CO and smoke detectors. This allows for the best placement for each. CO detectors can be battery operated or plugged into outlets. Jackie advises changing CO batteries during October of each year along with smoke detector batteries, using the fall ritual of turning clocks back as a reminder. In addition to the placement of CO detectors in strategic areas of your home, it is important that you have your heating appliances, chimney, and vents inspected yearly.

Searching the internet under carbon monoxide poisoning will produce a lot more information on causes, cautions, and prevention as well as types and placements of detectors.

In the face of tragedy we often feel compelled to do something. In this case, comfort may be found in heightening awareness of this silent killer and perhaps ultimately saving lives.

The H-KHS Jazz Band and Chamber Cchoir participated in the 41st Annual High School Jazz Festival at the Berklee College of Music in Boston on January 31.

The Chamber Choir, accompanied by student musicians, performed "Take Five," "Embraceable You," and "Route 66." Erin Schuster received the Judges' Choice Award for her vocal solo. The 13 members of Chamber Choir have worked tirelessly since September to be ready to attend this festival. The Chamber Choir received a great score and excellent comments such as "Best blend we've heard so far today" "Excellent preparation" and "Outstanding dynamics and interpretation".

The Jazz Band performed "Land of Make Believe," "The Creole Love Call," and "The Simpsons." Following the performance, Joshua Meyer received the Judges' Choice Award for his performance on the trumpet. The jazz band placed sixth out of sixteen jazz bands in its class. Musical Director Tim D'Amato received a plaque acknowledging the 15th year that H-KHS has participated in the festival.

Five members of the Jazz Band performed in a small jazz combo as well. They were Molly Hammell, Michael DiGregorio, Luke Chase, Michael Saunders and Dave Acampora. The combo performed "A Night In Tunisia," "In A Sentimental Mood," and "Chameleon." Drummer Dave Acampora received the Judges' Choice Award.

To The Editor:
By Peter Richards

RE: Joanne Gorman's letter of 2/4/09 concerning the town's potential purchase of undeveloped land. Ms. Gorman unfortunately mischaracterizes much of the issue, with the result that her letter is inaccurate and largely unfair to those she criticizes.

Let me state that I wholeheartedly share her concern for open space and for the financial health of Killingworth. Furthermore, we need more citizens to share her enthusiasm for long-term planning and environmental appreciation.

But her zeal ignores both fact and reason, which is fatal when making multi-million-dollar decisions with public funds. Read more

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To The Editor:
By Michael Venuti
In response to the recent letters regarding the Venuti property I have a few observations.

1) I applaud all individuals who wrote and have expressed their frustration as to why the Venuti property can't be decided by all registered voters at referendum. I also admire their classy manner in which they choose not to try to persuade any one in to a yes vote but rather advocate that all voters should be heard whether yes or no, again total class!

2) As for Phil Stull and his letter, first let me say I met Phil as a member of P&Z and have had many discussions about active adult housing. I believe him to be fair and honest and I do respect his opinions. Read more

HK Sports: The HKMS Girls Basketball team improved its record to 8-1 on Thursday at home with a win against Westbrook, 71-27. All players contributed to the win throughout. Marissa Moncata led all scorers with 12 points, and Anna Fetteroll following (8 points). Sam Waskowitz, Maya Savino, Casey Jackson, Lauren McCann, and Lizzie Anderson contributed 6 points each. The JV team also notched another win to improve to 8-1 with Amanda Pitruzello scoring a game high 8 points. Autumn Spinner and Kiley Anderson added 6 points each to the team effort.



HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Basketball team traveled to Old Saybrook on Thursday night and came away with a convincing, 66-46, victory over the Lady Rams. The team had balanced scoring and excellent team defense. Both Allie Rand (17 points and 13 rebounds) and Deanna Loso (14 points and 10 rebounds) had double doubles. Shelby Van Huysen (14 points) and Jordan Shultz (12 points) also reached double figures in scoring. Emily Anderson had another excellent defensive effort with 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 6 blocked shots. Lauren Muise chipped in with 10 rebounds. The Cougars are now 12-3 (12-1 in Shoreline Conference play) and travel to Morgan of Clinton on Monday evening to take on the rival Huskies. Game time is 7 p.m.

Several Madison Youth Wrestling Club members traveled to South Windsor February 1st to compete in the Bobcat Brawl Tournament. Despite close to 450 competitors and large numbered weight brackets, the wrestlers made it home in time for Super Bowl kick off. MYW club members brought home some medals with Kevin Wivell earning silver and Zack Roth earning a bronze. All wrestlers fought hard and are looking forward to a successful showing this Sunday in Killingly.

The Friends of Hammonasset and St. Andrew's Church present a series of lectures and guided walks on a variety of wildlife and environmental topics on Saturday mornings in February. The free lectures will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Andrew's Church in Madison. Refreshments will be served. Following refreshments, guided walks will take place at various locations in Madison. Admission is free and open to the public. Please call 203-245-9192 for information.

This popular lecture series honors brothers Tony and Irwin Bauer, long-time Madison residents and environmentalists who established the Bauer Charitable Trust. The Friends of Hammonasset acknowledges the generous contributions of the Bauer Charitable Trust in supporting many of their ongoing environmental programs and activities.

On Saturday February 7th, Todd and Christine Secki of "A Place Called Hope"-a wildlife rehabilitation center-will present a live bird demonstration and environmental program. Following the presentation, John Picard, Meigs Point Nature Center Docent, will lead a guided bird walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park, starting at Meigs Point Nature Center.

On Saturday February 14th, Russ Miller, Director of the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park, will present a special Valentine's Day Live Reptile Show. Following the lecture and demonstration, Dr. Don Rankin, Meigs Point Nature Center Docent, will lead a guided walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park and discuss geology, and the history of Native Americans and their land use in the area.

On Saturday February 21st, Timothy Visel, Curriculum Coordinator of the Sound School-a regional vocational aquaculture center in New Haven-will discuss Native American Fisheries of the Connecticut Shoreline. Following the lecture, Dr. Don Rankin will lead a guided walk to Indian rock shelters in North Madison.

The fourth and final lecture will be held on Saturday February 28th. John Grim, Senior Lecturer and Scholar at Yale University and Coordinator of the Forum on Religion and Ecology, will present a lecture on the growing alliance between religion and ecology. Following the presentation, Sid Horenstein, Geologist and Environmental Educator Emeritus of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, will lead a guided tour of important geologic sites in Madison.

Youth lacrosse registration for Clinton and Killingworth boys and girls will take place on Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at Morgan High School or Monday, February 9 from 6-8:00 p.m. in the Henry Carter Hull Library – Community Room

Registration is open to boys and girls in grades 3-8.
Registration Fee: $140.00 for a new player with new uniform
$90.00 for a returning player not needing uniform

If you have any questions, please contact Tara Forbes 860-662-2880

To the Editor,
By Phil Stull
When Killingworth's PZC undertook to draft our new Plan of Conservation and Development for 2008-2018, they sent out a questionnaire soliciting the opinions of townspeople as to their priorities for this period of time. When the question was what feature of our town needed the most improvement the answer was not even close. Killingworth residents wanted PZC to act in a way that would increase our Tax Base. Read more

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To the Editor:
Accolades to Gorman regarding People's Choice
Why can't the people of Killingworth decide? I still have not received a response from this question when I asked it in 2008. Congratulations to the people of Guilford. How nice for them that democracy is alive and well there!

Definitions of 'democracy': 1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives. 2. A political or social unit that has such a government. 3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power. 4. Majority rule. 5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community. The American Heritage® Dictionary

Eileen S. Boulay

On Friday, Feb. 6, Haddam-Killingworth Middle School will host Mark Freeman, author of The Kindling of GreenFyr: Book One of the Reunification Conspiracy. Freeman will speak to 5th & 6th graders from 8:15 -9:00; 7th & 8th graders from 9:15-10:00 and will do book signings until 1:30. The program is free and open to the public.

The Kindling of GreenFyr is classified as Young Adult, but what Freeman prefers to call "family fiction". It has elicited comparisons to the Hobbit and the Chronicles of Narnia, or more recently, the Harry Potter series. This is Freeman's first novel and the author describes it, "Beneath the adventure, political intrigue, and swashbuckling, the book to me has always been more about friendship, hope, and courage. It's a story of the awkwardness of adolescence while trying to discover oneself in an all too alien world".

Freeman, originally from New Haven, now lives, works, and writes in Hyde Park, Vermont with his wife and two daughters. Educated and trained as a wildlife biologist, he is currently working for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department coordinating the recovery of spruce grouse in the state. Before working for the department, Freeman studied grizzly bears in Washington state, and Alberta, Canada after receiving his Bachelors of Science from the University of Vermont. He came back east to study black bears for Connecticut, before accepting a graduate position at the University of Vermont studying bobcats. He has also tracked cougars in Arizona and studied warblers and spiny soft shell turtles in Vermont.

To the Editor:
By Joanne Gorman
In the New Haven Register, Wednesday January 28 ,2009 article Town of Guilford OK's buying 624 acres, the town of Guilford easily passed a town referendum to purchase property for open space. Nearly 600 acres at 15.5 million was easily passed by an astounding 2645 yes votes to 486 no votes. Guilford's First Selectman Carl Balestracci praised voters for their support quoting "this is preserving something historic and beautiful".

In my opinion, with the difficult times people are facing financially nowadays, this yes vote took a great deal of courage. What a contrast to our town of Killingworth and the seemingly unresponsive actions of our selectman. Read more

HK Sports: Twenty-six swimmers of the HK Middle School Swim Team attended the Connecticut Middle School Championships on Saturday, Jan 31st at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. Sixteen public and private middle schools from throughout CT attended the event.

HK swimmers had many personal best times and several placed in the top 6 in their events. In the individual girls' events HK 6th grader Tess Grimaldi placed 2nd overall in the 50 yard freestyle, 8th grader Sarah Massicott placed 3rd in the 100 individual medley and 4th in the 100 free and 8th grader Emmery Bates placed 6th in the 50 butterfly. The HK boys who received top awards were 8th grader Neal Tyson, who placed 2nd in both the 100 IM and the 100 free, 7th grader Stuart Stritzel placed 4th in the 50 free and 5th in the 50 breast, while 6th grader Mason Revis placed 5th in the 50 butterfly.

HK swimmers showed their strength in the relay teams. Eighth graders Massicott, Bates, Lauren Wright and Brennan Marczewski placed 3rd in the 200 medley relay, while team Marczewski, Wright, Grimaldi and Massicott added another 3rd in the 400 free relay. Stritzel, Revis and Tyson were joined by 6th grader Tristan Stritzel to earn 2nd in the 200 free relay and 3rd in the 400 free relay.

HK girls scored 5th place overall, HK boys placed 4th place overall, and the combined team placed 5th overall. Brookfield Middle School continued its 10-year winning streak to place 1st overall. Much thanks to HKMS new coach Jamie Cannata and congratulations to the team for successfully representing our school!

Photo courtesy C. Stritzel

A Message to Residents from U.S. Representative Joe Courtney

Our nation is facing an economic crisis that did not emerge overnight, and will take time to repair. Last Wednesday, I voted to put our economy on the road to recovery.

H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will make significant investments in important key industries and sectors, and offers new tax breaks to small businesses and families, in an effort to protect and to create millions of new jobs. This $819 billion economic package is the right prescription for the ailing national and state economy. This is an investment in our future and our security.

For weeks, I have traveled the Second Congressional District listening to state and municipal government officials, school boards and Superintendents, and constituents like you who are concerned about how businesses and family budgets will be met as the recession continues.

STRENGTHENING EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
I believe that our education system, once the economy is stabilized, must be the foundation for a more competitive and educated workforce for the future - a workforce that can compete globally and once again be a world leader in math, sciences, and engineering. The ARRA makes a significant investment in our education system to ease the local tax burden on families and allow schools to plan for the future without layoffs. In fact, click here to see how your school district might benefit from the ARRA. Our school districts have not been immune from the recession and the ARRA will invest nearly $1 billion over two years in Connecticut schools alone, including $60 million to improve higher education and K-12 facilities.

Our transit system, highways, and bridges are breaking down. Connecticut's infrastructure needs a shot in the arm, but with its current deficit, Connecticut simply cannot afford to make the improvements on its own. The ARRA will invest more than $580 million in infrastructure improvements in Connecticut alone that will improve the quality of life and create new jobs.

PROVIDING TAX RELIEF
Importantly, working families and those with children will receive a break in the form of new tax cuts. The "Making Work Pay" tax credit would cut taxes for more than 95 percent of working families in the United States, and approximately 1.2 million Connecticut residents. For 2009 and 2010, the bill would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $500 for working individuals and $1,000 for working families.

The ARRA would temporarily increase the earned income tax credit for working families with three or more children from forty percent of the family's first $12,570 of earned income to forty-five percent. This credit is subject to a phase-out for working families with adjusted gross income in excess of $16,420 ($19,540 for married couples filing jointly).

The bill would provide financial assistance for individuals seeking a college education. For 2009 and 2010, the bill would offer taxpayers a new "American Opportunity" tax credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of tuition and related expenses paid during the taxable year. This tax credit will be subject to a phase-out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples filing jointly).

The ARRA provides a refundable first-time home buyer credit. The bill eliminates the repayment obligation for the first-time tax payer who receives a refundable tax credit that was equivalent to an interest-free loan equal to 10 percent of the purchase of a home (up to $7,500) on a home purchased after January 1, 2009. We need to help Americans keep their homes, but put first-time home buyers into new homes to get the housing market moving again.

There are many aspects of the ARRA that will help put our country on the right track again. And, I believe, that providing real assistance to working families and investing in key sectors to put America back to work is the right thing to do during these critical months.

"Out Stealing Horses" by Norwegian author Per Petterson will be discussed at the February 10th meeting of the Killingworth Library's Tuesday Book Discussion Group. The novel, translated from the Norwegian by Anne Born, is set in the easternmost region of Norway. What appears to be a coming of age story turns into something far more complex. Thomas McGuane of the New York Times described it as "This short yet spacious and powerful book...a gripping account of such originality as to expand the reader's own experience of life."

The meeting begins at 1:00 in the Killingworth Library meeting room. Visitors are always welcome.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Basketball team hosted East Hampton on Monday night and the Cougars came away with an impressive, 41-30, victory. Shelby Van Huysen led all scorers with 13 points. Allie Rand had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Rounding out the HK scoring were Jordan Shultz with 6 points (4 rebounds and 2 steals), Deanna Loso with 4 points (6 rebounds), Emily Anderson with 3 points (6 rebounds and 2 steals) and Lauren Muise with 3 points. The Cougars are now 10-3 overall (10-1 in the Shoreline Conference).



On Friday the HK Boys and Girls Indoor Track team competed at the SWC Invitational at Yale. There were several outstanding performances led by senior Matt O'Brien who placed 2nd and set a school record in the 300 meter dash with a time of 36.73 breaking the old school record of 36.95 set in 1995 and also placing 2nd in the long jump with a jump of 20'0.50". O'Brien then teamed with juniors Ray Cerino, Chris Pfrommer and Jeff Hall to place 2nd in the 4x200 meter relay and set another school record with a time of 1:36.58 breaking the previous record of 1:37.31 set in 2007. Pfrommer and Hall also competed in the high jump where they jumped 5'6" to tie for 6th place while Cerino placed 8th in the 300 meter dash with a time of 38.77 which qualifies him for the state championship meet. The girls were led by junior Jess Moore who placed 6th in the 1000 meter run with a personal best time of 3:13.99 which qualifies for the state championship meet. Moore then teamed with senior Siobhan Blancaflor, junior Kara Burdett and freshman Caitlin Blancaflor to place 2nd in the Sprint Medley Relay with a state qualifying time of 4:33.71. Cailtin Blancaflor also qualified for States in the high jump with a personal best jump of 4'8". The track team will next be in action at the Shoreline Championships at 10:00 Saturday February 7th at the New Haven Athletic Facility.

The HK Girls 13U Basketball team traveled to Waterford on Sunday and came away with a 43-30 win; its 5th win in a row. Maya Savino scored a game high 21 points for HK and had 2 steals. Tori Peterson had her first double double with 10 points and 17 rebounds. The team played incredible defense, with 13 steals in total. Sam Waskowitz added 5 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Lauren McCann (2 points) had 4 steals. Kirsten Carlson (2 points, 4 rebounds,1 steal), Ciara Samuel (3 rebounds, 1 steal), Kiley Anderson (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals) and Autumn Spinner (2 rebounds) rounded out the team in their win.

The Connecticut River Museum launched EagleWatch 2009 on Saturday with a variety of eagle activities. The festival, normally hosted by the Connecticut Audubon Society, was canceled last November because of lack of corporate sponsorship. The Connecticut River Museum and the Town of Essex reinstated it with more than a month of events running through March 15.

This seven-week program will offer opportunities to view eagles indoors and outdoors, on land and on water through exhibits, programs, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.

There will be a photography exhibit as well as a contest for amateur photographers with prizes for various categories awarded for youth and adult entries. The contest runs from Jan. 31 through March 15.

On Saturday, Feb 14, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. explore and tour the museum's newest exhibit Eagles of Essex with the museum's Curator and Naturalist. Tours run throughout the day. Wind Over Wings will present a live raptor show at Essex Town Hall Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. There will also be woodcarving demonstrations, boat tours up the Connecticut River, concerts and many opportunities to bring your binoculars and view the majestic birds. For a full calendar of events, download the Essex Winter Festival and Eagle Watch Calendar.

Thanks to the community's generosity, the Killingworth Library has received many wonderful donations for its next booksale. Volunteers are busy sorting at this time, so they will gladly accept donations again starting on February 16th. Many thanks to everyone, and please join us for the sale on Saturday, February 14th!

The sale will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be books, videos all genres at nominal prices. Specials on children's literature! Call the library for information. 663-2000

Sunday: January 25:
• 10:05:50 Structure Fire, Clinton, High Street.
• 18:52:41 Structure Fire, Durham, Royal Oak Drive.
• 21:44:31 Medical Call, North Roast Meat Hill Road.
Monday: January 26:
• 15:00:54 MVA, Route 80.
• 18:24:36 MVA, Route 148.
Tuesday: January 27:
• 10:53:07 Structure Fire, Chester, Ridge Road.
• 20:14:07 Medical Call, Swan Lake Trail.
Wednesday: January 28:
• 05:04:35 Automatic Alarm, Quarry Hill Road.
• 15:05:43 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 17:36:33 Automatic Alarm, Route 80.
Thursday: January 29:
• 12:49:19 Medical Call, Kelseytown Road.
Friday: January 30:
• 11:21:31 Medical Call, Route 148.
• 19:24:06 MVA, Stevens Road.
• 21:12:23 Medical Call, Quarry Hill Road.
Saturday: January 31:
• 07:09:06 HAZMAT, Whitewood Road.

The Regional School District 17 Board of Education and Superintendent Gary Mala seek public input from the Haddam and Killingworth communities in preparation for the 2009-2010 operating budget. Community members are invited to attend the Budget Input Session to be held on Tuesday, February 3rd , at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Meeting Room of the Central Office Building (former Middle School), 57 Little City Road. A sign-up sheet will be available for those wishing to address the board. Anyone who is unable to attend this forum is encouraged to send written comments by e-mail to boe@rsd17.org. A timeline for all budget-related meetings can be found on the Regional School District 17 website www.rsd17.org. All meetings are open to the public.

HK Sports: The HKMS Girls Basketball team improved its record to 7-1 on Friday, cruising to a, 45-17, win over the North Branford T-birds in Northford. Beth Riedy led the Cougars with 12 points, followed by Maya Savino with 8 points, with Kirsten Carlson and Tori Peterson adding 4 points each. In the JV game, Casey Jackson and Lizzie Anderson each scored 4 points, with Jacque Garafolo and Lauren McCann each chipping in with a pair to also improve the JV record to 7-1.

Tresa (Baker) Durinick, 80, of Killingworth and formerly of Higganum, peacefully passed away Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at Cromwell Health Care. Tresa was the loving wife of 58 years to the late Frank Durinick Sr. and born in Woodland, Maine, daughter of the late Lincoln and Dessie Baker.

She was employed by the Russell Co. of Middletown for 30 years. Tresa was a member of the Higganum VFW Auxiliary. Her entire life was spent caring for and loving her devoted family and friends. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her six children: three daughters, Anna Riebold and her husband, Richard, Frances Thompson, Jacquelyn Tanguay and her husband, Roger; three sons, Frank Durinick Jr. and his wife, Nancy, John Durinick and his wife, Alice, Robert Durinick and his wife, Deborah; four sisters, Lillian Smith, Gloria Burgess, Corine Lavoie and Kathy Burwell; and four brothers, Donald, Walter, David and Steven Baker; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and also many nieces and nephews.

The funeral liturgy will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, Maple Avenue, Higganum. Burial will be in the State Veterans Cemetery. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., Meriden, CT 06450; or to the VFW Auxiliary, c/o Irene Gendreau, 4 Hull Ave., Higganum, CT 06441; or to St. Peter's Ladies Guild, c/o Irene Gendreau, 4 Hull Ave., Higganum, CT 06441.