Although Spring is here, the Lights Spectacular is still fresh in the minds for some in Killingworth. The Gorski family put together an amazing display of holiday lights, and the community came out in strength to support the event. People donated money throughout the holiday season and well into the winter to say thanks for the fun Killingworth tradition. Special thanks go out to 'jolly' helpers Gary Mala and Richard Albrecht. Thank you to the Kuzminski family who brought their decorated fire engine. Also thank you to the second grade Brownie troops that came caroling for the crowds. The Killingworth Women's Organization matched the money raised, so two deserving organizations would benefit. The Jack Foundation and the Killingworth Friendly Fund each received a $807.50 was donation. Thanks to all who participated, and let's hope we see no more snow until next winter!

Learn about Rachel Carson's love for the natural world and her fight to defend it at a free screening of A Sense of Wonder on Sunday March 29 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Madison Art Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Road, Madison.

Following the 1-hour film, you will have the unique opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a panel of local environmental leaders.

Rachel Carson was a renowned pioneer for the environment and has been listed as one of the 40 most influential figures in American history. As a scientist, a writer, and a woman, Rachel Carson has inspired generations and is a stunning illustration of the ability that each of us has to make a positive difference in the world.

Directed by Christopher Monger and beautifully shot in HD on the coast of Maine by award-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler, this documentary-style film is an intimate portrait of Rachel Carson's life as she emerges as America's most successful advocate for the natural world.

In 1962, Carson wrote the best-seller Silent Spring, which alerted the world to the dangers of chemical pesticides and launched our modern environmental movement. Her legacy lives on. Her labor and determination led directly to the passage of such important laws as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, among others. These laws remain the pillars of U.S. environmental law today.

In cooperation with the National Women's History Project, this special "100-City Tour: March 2009" film screening is being shown in an effort to raise awareness of Carson's enduring legacy of environmental stewardship and the work of other women leaders in the environmental field. At this FREE event in Madison, local environmental leaders (Judy Preston of the Tidewater Institute; Suzanne Botta-Sullivan of the Menunkatuck Audubon Society; and Ranger Russ Miller of the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park) will join our panel discussion, along with New Haven Register columnist and Carson biographer Kathleen V. Kudlinski and CT State Representative Deb Heinrich.

Hosted by the Madison Historical Society, and co-sponsored by Menunkatuck Audubon Society, Friends of Hammonasset, and The Audubon Shop. Tickets and reservations are not required; seating is first/come; first served.

Have fun learning about science! This action-packed after--school program explores the chemistry of everyday life! With exciting hands-on activities, stunning demonstrations and inquiry-based discussions, students will both learn and apply the concepts, tools and techniques of real chemists! Crazy Chemworks serves as the perfect introduction to elementary chemistry! Spring topics include: Stunt Planes and Gliders, Super Structures, Under Pressure, Che-mystery, Current Events, and Fun-Damental Forces. The program is for children ages 6 - 12 and meets on Wednesdays at HES and Thursdays at KES. The class meets on Wednesdays from April 15 - May 20 at HES and on Thursdays from April 16 - May 21 at KES. Classes are from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. The fee is $78 (non-res. add $10).

PRE-K MAD SCIENTISTS - spots available for March 25th still!

Have fun learning about science! Class meets on Wednesdays at the Old MS Art Room. Dates and topics include: March 25th: Adventures in Air (9:30 - 10 am) and Space Frontiers (10:10 - 10:40 am); April 22nd: Wiggly World of Worms (9:30 - 10 am) and Butterflies (10:10 - 10:40 am). The program is for children ages 3 - 5. The fee is $15 each topic or $22 total for 2 topics the same day (non-residents add $10).

For more information on these programs and how to register, please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

UPDATE: THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Town of Killingworth
Notice of Public Hearing

A Public Hearing will take place at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009 regarding the removal of trees located at 68 Chestnut Hill Road.

At this Hearing, written communication will be received and interested persons may be heard.

Robert Bruce Fagan, Tree Warden

The St. Lawrence Church Sale will be held on Saturday, April 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the church hall located on the corner of Hemlock Drive and Route 81, Killingworth.

We offer a great selection of clothing, household items, books and toys. Our famous bake shop will offer your favorite pies, cakes cookies and goodies! Stop by and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee, FREE!

Hall will be open to drop off clean usable clothing & household items on the following dates:
Tuesday, March 31 - 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1 - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 2 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3 - 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Baked goods accepted 4/3 before 10:00am - 5:00pm or early Saturday before 10:00 a.m. Please note: We CANNOT ACCEPT electrical items or children's items such as car seats or strollers. Questions? Please call Betty at 860-663-0204.

HK Sports: The HK Middle School Girls Travel Basketball team won the Marlborough March Madness Tournament on St. Patrick's Day. The four-day double elimination tournament for fifth and sixth grade girls featured competition from HK, Plainville, Portland, Hebron, Columbia, Mansfield, East Haddam and the host team from Marlborough.

Café Routier
1353 Boston Post Road, Westbrook
860-399-8700
www.caferoutier.com

Cuisine: **** Service: *** Ambiance: ** Price Range : $$ and $* Wine Menu: Domestic & International, randomly priced Hours: Lounge and Dinner 5:00 pm, 7 days

Ebony tables ringed by colors burgundy, caramel and chocolate, enveloped by the warmth of friendly service, are décor and ambiance. I beg forgiveness for this scant description of comfort; I need the entire word-allowance for the food. Superlatives will flow from my pen without embarrassment, while confirming a consistently impressive performance of a focused kitchen.

Routier's menu was the trailblazer that many rushed to copy. Divided into 'Regional, Seasonal and Specialties of the House', a brilliant concept, it resembles the French 'carte', not a prix fixe, multi-course, no-options 'menu'. Three starters and main courses per 'carte' plus frequent verbal additions, equate to multiple crossover selection, essentially complementing this classic Bistro fare. Read more

Resident Nancy Bukowski of Burr Hill Road reports that her property has been vandalized on three occasions in recent months. In addition to having her mailbox destroyed, her car was spray painted in her driveway and last weekend someone smashed the window in her car and slashed her tire. Bukowski said, "I don't know about you but I taught my children to respect others and their property but there is someone out there who has not been taught this very important lesson and thinks that causing someone else financial injury is a joke".

Resident Trooper Matthew Ward said he is investigating the incidents. If you have any information that can aid in the investigation, please call Troop F at 399-2100 or 800-256-5761.

The Killingworth Scholarship Association is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Killingworth. Applications must be submitted by e-mail and are available through our website at www.KillingworthToday.com/KSA. The application deadline is March 31st.

The application process involves completion of a questionnaire and an essay, followed by an interview for promising candidates. Interviews will be held in late April and early May.

The Killingworth Scholarship Association has awarded over $110,000 to many outstanding students over the last two decades. Each year, the committee, which consists of community volunteers, reviews applications from an impressive group of young men and women. Based on their academic achievement, character, leadership skills, and participation in school and community activities, the committee selects several students for the scholarships. Income is not a consideration. The amount of each scholarship varies depending on both the number of successful applicants and the amount of money contributed.

If you are interested in supporting our students, please send your tax-deductible contribution to: The Killingworth Scholarship Association, Inc., c/o Robin Chasse, Treasurer, PO Box 653, Killingworth, CT 06419.

Plans for the Fourth Annual John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament are well underway. The Tournament will be held at the Clinton Country Club on Monday, June 8, 2009 and is the major fundraiser for the Killingworth Library.

Golfers can begin planning their foursomes and sign up early to be guaranteed a spot. This year's event promises to be even more exciting as we introduce larger prizes for getting a hole-in-one at several par 3 holes. The prizes include a $10,000 cash prize as well as a LCD TV, two round trip tickets to any destination in the country and a set of clubs. In addition, one lucky golfer will have the opportunity to win $5,000 for sinking a fifty foot putt.

The cost for the day's outing is $180 per golfer. The day will begin with a 10:30 check-in, warm-up on the driving range, an 11:00 lunch followed by a 12:30 shotgun tee time. The tournament will be a Scramble format. Cocktails, dinner, raffles and prizes in the Club's gracious dining room will follow the day's adventure.

Letters have already been sent out to previous sponsors and donors and to potential newcomers. The generosity of the business and artistic community are an essential part of the Golf Tournament's sponsorship and a major source of donated auction and raffle items. Since the Killingworth Library is a non-profit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

Shelly Cumpstone is the contact person. She can be reached at 860.663.2747. Call to reserve a spot or discuss sponsorship opportunities.

To the Editor:
All too often, citizens are asked to "help in your community," but don't know how. In fact, many local non-profit organizations welcome volunteers and donations year-round in order to help others. At the Estuary Council of Seniors, the area's regional senior center and "best kept senior secret," we provide vital services and programs to people 55 and over. During this economic roller coaster when donations are below previous years and grants are being cut, the requests for our services are actually increasing - yes, when the economy goes down, the need for our most vital services, like Meals on Wheels and medical transportation, goes up! We know we are not alone in this paradox. Regardless of your charity of choice, we encourage everyone to remember the needs of our neighbors - and when you heed the call to "help in your community," think of a local non-profit - volunteers and donations, no matter how large or small, can make a big impact on someone's life this year.

Paula Ferrara
Executive Director
Estuary Council of Seniors

The annual meeting of the Killingworth Ambulance Association will be held Wednesday March 25 at 8:30 p.m. at Killingworth Ambulance Association Headquarters, 335 Route 81 Killingworth. All members are invited to attend.

This meeting is to elect the Board of Directors, Officers and set the membership fee.

State Senator Ed Meyer will host a series of public forums on Connecticut's current budget and economic crisis beginning Tuesday, March 31 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Memorial Town Hall, 10 School Street in Madison.

The public forums will continue on:

• Thursday, April 2 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Nathaniel Greene Community Center's Whitefield Room at 32 Church Street in Guilford.

• Tuesday, April 7 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Branford Community House at 46 Church Street in Branford.

This is a good opportunity for the public to gain more insight into the state budget. After a brief presentation, there will be time to ask questions and provide feedback to Sen. Meyer.

For more information, please call Sen. Meyer's legislative office at (860) 240-0455.

The Municipal Land Use Committee (MLUC) Chair Hilary Kumnick and Vice Chairman Richard Pleines and would like express their deepest thanks to the thirty-one volunteers from various local organizations who donated their morning to clearing and clean-up at the town-owned Parmelee Farm on Saturday. Citizens representing the Killingworth Community Gardens, Killingworth Historical Society, Killingworth Land Conservation Trust, Open Space Committee, MLUC and other entities were joined by four energetic high school students on a beautiful, sunny day.

The two red barns town and state historical preservation group(s) hope to save were cleaned out and a large dumpster was filled to overflowing with debris. A few artifacts from the days of Bosco's Turkey Farm were discovered, including an unusual "turkey-catcher" device, turkey feeders and original shrink-wrap turkey bags with "Birds of Killingworth" logos! Simultaneously, another group of volunteers continued clearing the entry from years of overgrowth. This task was started on a frigid day last November and is now nearing completion. Town Tree Warden, Bruce Fagan again provided his expertise, equipment and skilled machinery operators, for free, as they winched-in and ground-up the 20+ piles of brush, branches and vines lining the driveway. Thank you Bruce Fagan, we could not have tackled this without you!

Finally, a great deal of organization and positive thinking helped guarantee the success brought about on this day. Michelle Becker solicited volunteers and Tim Elliott organized and scheduled them. Peg Scofield gathered a large group of Parmelee gardeners to help in the efforts while Bruce Dodson carefully directed cleaning up the barns and Richard Pleines skillfully managed the brush clearing crew. Most importantly, MLUC and the Parmelee Steering Committee wish to express our sincerest "Thank-You!" to the hard-working, volunteer citizens and students for donating your valuable time Saturday morning!

Resident Jan O'Sullivan recently competed in the 32nd American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Brooklyn, N.Y. O'Sullivan was the top finisher from Connecticut, finishing 65th overall out of 684 competitors from 37 states. She was one of only 49 contestants who solved all seven puzzles with no mistakes.

This is the third year she has competed, finishing 105th in 2007, and 71st last year. It's clear she is a rising star in the crossword community, but to win she'll have to get through overall champion 24-year old Tyler Hinman, who has won the tournament five years in a row.

O'Sullivan said the participants are all very interesting, engaging, and extremely friendly. They come from all age groups and many different walks of life. Each of the contestants worked seven timed puzzles of varying size and difficulty. Judges awarded points for accuracy and speed, with the emphasis on accuracy. The top-three finishers in each of the three skill groups then solved an extremely difficult puzzle on whiteboards in front of a ballroom full of people.

The three-day event included guest speakers, forums and a luncheon with an interesting twist. Robert Irvine, a celebrity chef for the Food Network, prepared the awards lunch as part of an episode of "Dinner: Impossible," to be aired in May.

New York Times puzzle editor Will Shortz founded the tournament in 1977 with many competitors returning year after year. The ACPT was held in Stamford until 2008 and is the nation's oldest and largest crossword competition. Prizes are awarded in more than 20 categories, including a $5,000 grand prize.

Interested in being a better puzzler? Read Patrick Merrell's tips. Merrel has constructed wordy brainteasers for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Sunday: March 8:
• 13:25:40 Structure Fire, Madison, County Road.
Monday: March 9:
• 19:54:24 Structure Fire, Roast Meat Hill Road.
Wednesday: March 11:
• 13:02:51 Medical Call, Boulder Trail.
• 17:00:41 MVA, Route 81 & Route 148.
Thursday: March 12:
• 11:40:15 MVA, Route 81 & Route 148.
Friday: March 13:
• 20:13:29 Structure Fire, Clinton, Long Hill Road.
Saturday: March 14:
• 05:34:54 MVA, Route 148.
• 09:06:09 Medical Call, Sugar Hill Road.
• 16:18:20 MVA, Route 148.

By Peter Lenart
As a former president of the Parish Council of St. Lawrence Church here in Killingworth, I welcome this opportunity to address the 'so-called' problem with our finances pointed out Thursday's letter in Killingworth Today. Unfortunately, an assumption seems to be spreading that finances in the Roman Catholic Church are under the dictatorial control of the clergy. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Almost all Catholic congregations have an Parish Council, nominated and elected by their fellow parishioners. This unit acts much as the elders in our sister Christian denominations. It proposes, considers and acts upon projects pertaining to parish life, including financial matters, even to the point of tithing monies for charitable causes. In fact, it's the lay members of the Council that account for the monies collected from the congregation each and every Sunday. Yes, the parish pastor has a great influence on how the funds are used. And, yes, the bishop, as the head of a duly-constituted corporation, has approval authority over any major disbursement (> $15,000). But, I maintain that that is no different than the approval process in any commercial or governmental organization. It's just common sense. Read more

The Shoreline League of Democratic Women (SLDW) will host a Green Lifestyle Fair featuring Energy Alternatives and Home Products on Saturday, April 4, at the Clinton Town Hall. Special guest speakers will be featured in the Auditorium from 10 AM until 2:30 PM. Exhibitors will be located downstairs in the Green Room and Rose Room, and upstairs in the vestibule, from 9:30am - 4 pm. The Green Lifestyle Fair will feature 7 guest speakers and 35 + exhibitors offering valuable insight into real world energy alternatives, conservation initiatives, and the most pressing challenges affecting our environment today. New to the Fair this year is a Locally Grown/Organic Center, a Recycling Center, and a Green Children's Corner. There is no admission fee. For more information on the event, and for speaker schedules and times, visit the SLDW web site at www.SLDW.org.

GREEN LIFESTYLE SPEAKERS
10:00 AM - "Green Collar Jobs" - Speaker: William Leahy, Institute for Sustainable Energy, Eastern CT State University
10:30 AM - "Sustainable Investing" - Speaker: Cary Krosinsky/Author, Vice President for Trucost
11:00 AM - "Big City/Small Town: Going Green" - Speakers: Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, Essex First Selectman Philip Miller, Clinton First Selectman William Fritz
1:00 PM - "Green Residential Renovation" - Speaker: Barry Katz (CGP, LEED AP), Founder of Greenworks Consulting LLC; President, Barry Katz Homebuilding, Inc.
1:30 PM - "CT Clean Energy Initiatives" - Speaker: Rep. Lonnie Reed - CT Energy & Technology Committee
2:00 PM - "Solar Now and in the Future" - Speaker: Tom Bonura, Aegis Electric Systems
2:30 PM - "Latest in Fuel Cell Technology" - Speaker: Melanie Harrison Wadden, CT Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)