HK Sports: The HKHS Lacrosse team fell to Sacred Heart Academy, 8-6, on Friday at home. The Cougars fought back from a 5 goal deficit but could not overtake the Pioneers. Emily Anderson led the scoring with 3 goals and Lindsey Gorman, Camille Kostek and Emily Pollack each netted one. Teagan Ferguson had 5 saves in goal. The JV team remained unbeaten on the season with a 9-4 victory over Sacred Heart. The Cougars will host Old Saybrook on Monday at 4 pm at the football field.

The HKHS Girls Tennis team defeated Westbrook on the road, 5-2, Friday. All four singles players won their matches in straight sets and number two doubles pulled off a three-set win after losing the first set. (1) Colleen Phelan 6-2; 6-3; (2) Caitlin Gilhuly 6-0; 6-2; (3) Nichole Brooks 6-1; 6-0; (4)Brittney Timothy 6-2; 6-2 (1 doubles) Ashley Griswold/Casey Scully 3-6; 4-6; (2 doubles) Anna Brundage/Kelsey Hawkins 0-6; 6-4; 6-4; (3 doubles) Annie Bartosiak/Brianna Groves 3-6; 6-2; 1-6.

Match of the day was Brittney Timothy playing her first ever singles match. "I know Brittney was nervous about playing singles today but we had to make some line-up changes due to an absence and I was confident that she could win and she proved to herself that she could," said coach Phelan.

Anna Brundage and Kelsey Hawkins also pulled off a nice win after a disappointing first set. Phelan said, "They really rallied and played much more aggressively and consistently in the second set and sustained that momentum through the third. This was a hard-fought but well deserved win."

HKHS Boys Tennis defeated Westbrook, 4-3, Friday. The Cougars were able to defeat visiting Westbrook in a Shoreline conference match today with a strong showing in singles play. Junior Co-Captain Patrick Gilhuly defeated Westbrook's James
Landino in straight sets (6-3, 6-1) at #1 singles while HK's other Co-Captain Matt Waldman was defeated by Ryan Taylor at #2 singles losing (2-6, 3-6). The balance of the singles matches went to HK with Varun Ravishanker beating Mike Avena (6-0, 6-3) at #3 while Andrew McCurdy defeated Westbrook's Alex Lawton (6-1, 6-3) at #4. The Cougars' Grant Amstrong beat Alex Tragakes (7-6, TB 8-6, 6-1) to take the match at #5 singles.

Westbrook swept the doubles with Adam Welsh and Dylan Gallagher beating H-K's Robbie Sheahan and Kyle Kelsey in straight sets (6-1, 6-4) while Jon McKenna and Tyler Wilson won #2 doubles with a three set (6-7 TB 8-6, 6-1,6-4) win over H-K's Jon Lehanne and Steve Saunders.

The Cougar Varsity Baseball team stayed hot by defeating the defending Shoreline Champion East Hampton Bellringers, 5-0.

The name of the game was again pitching for HK this time from senior Steve Landell who notched another win with a complete game shutout, firing seven innings while allowing only two hits and a walk. He struck out five batters and allowed only one baserunner to reach second the entire game.

Landell also had a great day at the plate going 2-3 with two RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Fellow seniors Brad Nuhn ( 2-3, RBI ) and Mike Ossa ( 2-3, 2 doubles) also had nice days at the plate. HK moves to 4-2 on the season and will travel to Hale Ray on Monday for a 3:45 contest.


The HKHS Softball team defeated East Hampton, 4-3 in 10 innings. Lindsey Griswold was on the mound with catcher Jamie Corda behind the plate. Kellie Moskey drove in the winning run with a single.

The Region 17 Board of Education approved the 2009-2010 education budget earlier this week. The $36.78 million budget represents a 1.62 percent increase from last year. The school board also announced it will be returning, to the towns of Killingworth and Haddam, $1.9 million in surplus funds accumulated over the last decade in a "contingency" account. The Region 17 Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, May 4th with the budget referendum taking place on Tuesday, May 5th. Read more about it in today's New Haven Register.

Put your golfing skills to the test and take a swing for the big bucks. This year's John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament has a series of spectacular prizes to be awarded for getting a hole-in-one at several par 3 holes. Prizes include a $10,000 cash prize, an LCD TV, two round trip tickets to any destination in the country and a set of clubs. One lucky golfer will have an opportunity to win $5,000 for sinking a 50 foot putt.

Warm-up, lunch, golf, and dinner at the beautiful Clinton Country Club are just $180 per golfer. Shelly Cumpstone, the contact person, can be reached at (860) 663 2747. Brochures are available at the Killingworth Library circulation desk. Sign up and take that swing!

HK Sports: Behind the dominant pitching performance of Colin Sledzik, the HK Varsity Baseball team was able to cruise to a, 23-1, victory over the Hyde Howling Wolves.

Sledzik, a sophomore making his first ever varsity start, notched his first career win with six shutout innings pitched allowing one hit, two walks, all while striking out seven batters. He carried a no hitter into the sixth inning.

Offensively, HK broke out of an early season slump by scoring eight runs in the first two innings highlighted by a Brian Ludington two-run single in the first, and two 2-RBI doubles by Mike Ossa in the first and second innings. A 12-0 lead exploded to a 23-0 lead in the seventh when a combination of walks, Hyde errors, and HK hits lead to nine unearned runs.

The Cougars were lead offensively by Ludington (1-2, 2 runs, 3RBI) and Mike Ossa who celebrated his birthday with a 3-3 performance ( 3 doubles, 4 RBI, 2 runs). HK is now 3-2 on the year and will host East Hampton on Friday, April 24th.

The HK Girls Lacrosse team improved its record to 4-0 by beating Shoreline conference rival Morgan of Clinton, 6-4, on Thursday in Clinton. The game was close throughout with HK holding a 4-2 lead at halftime. Morgan tied the game at 4 midway through the 2nd half but could get no closer as Cougar midfielder Emily Anderson then scored 2 of her game high 4 goals to lead HK to victory. Lindsay Gorman and Mikayla Litevich each scored 1 goal and Gorman added 2 assists. Goalie Teagan Ferguson had 8 saves and got excellent defensive assistance led by right defender Sarah Muise. The JV team is now 3-0 on the season after downing Morgan, 7-2. The Cougars host Sacred Heart Academy on Friday (today) at 4 pm at the HK football field.

The HK Boys Tennis won its fifth match of the season by sweeping the singles and splitting the doubles matches against visiting Old Saybrook Thursday. "The score doesn't reflect the improved play of the Saybrook team, said Coach Pakus, a few of these matches went to three sets and there were a few sets determined by tiebreaks".

Patrick Gihuly got tested at #1 singles today as he was forced to a second set tiebreak by Cameron Dunlap of Old Saybrook before winning (6-1, 7-6 TB 7-5). "He's not showy, said Pakus, but he got the job done with a minimal amount of unforced errors." #2 Singles was won in straight sets by Cougar Co-Captain Matt Waldman defeating Casey McGowan (6-1, 6-1) and Varun Ravishanker swept by Andrew Deantonis at #3 by the scores of (6-1, 6-2). H-K's Andrew McCurdy defeated Bryon Cryder (6-1, 6-2) to remain undefeated at #4 singles. Grant Amstrong won at #5 singles besting Preston Briggs of Old Saybrook in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-0). "I believe that we will remember this Armstrong match as a break through for him, said Pakus, he was in every point in that third set and was able to force his opponent into some difficult shots at critical times."

Kyle Kelsey and Robby Sheahan beat Old Saybrook's Tenzen Kunkyats and Honc Yi Zhenl (6-4, 6-1) to win #1 doubles "Robby and Kyle are playing well...they have created a chemistry between them where they push each other to greater and greater achievements said Pakus. Old Saybrook's doubles duo of Nate Backos and Dillon Shaw won a difficult three set match over H-K's Tyler Montesi and Mark St.Lawrence at #2 doubles coming back to take the two final sets (3-6, 7-6 TB 7-5, 6-3) to avoid a shut out.

The HKHS Softball team fell to Old Saybrook, 12-9, Thursday. Kaylee Normandy had a double for the Cougars, who are now 3-2 on the year.

The HKHS Girls Tennis team defeated Old Saybrook, 5-2. The Cougars, now 4-1, are having their best start in three years heading into today's match up with Westbrook. Caitlin Gilhuly, Nichole Brookes, Ashley Griswold won at singles and Casey Scully and Hannah Sturman, Brianna Groves and Brittney Timothy won at doubles.

Town of Killingworth Public Hearing on Budget

The Killingworth Board of Finance will hold a Public Hearing on Monday April 27th at 8:00 PM in the All Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School. The purpose of the hearing will be to present to the citizens of Killingworth the FY 2009/10 Operating Budget of $5,718,889 and Capital Budget of $755,000 for discussion and public comment.

The Boards of Selectmen and Finance have been working since February to develop a financial plan with the goal of holding the line on increasing expenditures while not decreasing current services, and continuing to save and plan for future capital requirements. We are pleased to be able to present a budget which has no increase in spending over last year, in fact taxpayers can anticipate nearly a 5% reduction in overall expenses.

The majority of agencies have limited or reduced their budgets for the 2009/10 fiscal year, and all non union salaried employees will have no salary increase this year. We thank them all for their cooperation in these difficult times. We have also tried to hold the line as much as possible on non-discretionary expenses as well, however items such as utilities, contractual wage agreements, and a change in the Average Daily Membership of RSD 17( nearly 2%) remain substantially beyond our control. We are encouraged with the results of our efforts so far and await your comments on Monday.

The Killingworth Board of Finance

Come see Kandie Carle present the 1860's Civil War time period. While dressing in actual vintage and authentically reproduced undergarments, clothing and accessories, Kandie Carle adds humor, history and intriguing anecdotes about fashion, home life and etiquette of men and women during the 1860's. The Program includes audience participation and questions are encouraged throughout. Come see The Victorian Lady on Sunday, April 26, at 3pm. Tickets are $15 per person. Price includes show and refreshments after the performance. Proceeds to help support The Congregational Church in Killingworth Scholarship Fund. Visit www.kandiecarle.com

The Killingworth Library Association will hold a Used Book Sale on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Just in time for Mother's Day! Give the gift of literature. There will be a large variety of books and more. Outdoors weather permitting.

Gordon "Hoop" Hooper had a pleasant surprise waiting for his six children one Christmas Eve.

"When I was in first or second grade, we moved from Meriden to Killingworth on Christmas Eve - to a brand new house, and in a very different environment from Meriden," said a son, Brian Hooper of Higganum. "There was no furniture in the house; it was on its way. So our parents lined us up with our sleeping bags and we slept on the kitchen floor that night. We woke up the next day and we each found one present waiting for us under the Christmas tree. It was actually awhile before we got all the furniture in the house. We were all together, and that’s what mattered."

Hooper died March 14 at age 78. Read more in today's New Haven Register.

This letter was sent to Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Mr. Klein requested it be reprinted here.

Dear Governor Rell:
I wish to thank you for your dedication and service to the people of the State of Connecticut. However, the proposal in the state budget deliberations to eliminate one of the LifeStar helicopters is imprudent and short sighted. This action would take us from two helicopters to only one, and the safety of our citizens would be jeopardized.

People are concerned about "Homeland Security". Our citizens should be protected whether the emergency is caused by a natural disaster or by an external threat. Connecticut has a population of approximately three million people. In the event of a statewide catastrophe, one helicopter would not be sufficient to excavate those who are seriously injured.

As a former First Selectman of Killingworth, I am cognizant that our Firefighters and EMT staff need the capacity to respond quickly in an emergency. Therefore, I urge you to reconsider this decision and keep the original two LifeStar helicopters. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely
Martin Klein

The folllowing programs are FREE and open to the public. Refreshments are provided by Edible Arrangements. All speakers are Yale-New Haven Hospital and/or Yale School of Medicine affiliated. The Kids' series is in partnership with Women & Family Life Center, Guilford, CT, and Kohl's Cares for Kids, a program of Kohl's Department Stores.

All programs are at Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center, 111 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT - I-95, Exit 59. To register, call 1-888-700-6543 or register online at www.ynhh.org

Tuesday, April 28 - Birds & Bees: Talking to Kids About Sex
Children start early exploring and asking questions about their body. As the primary sex educator in the house, parents have the opportunity to provide correct information about sex and sexuality. Take the initiative early and begin when your child is just a toddler. Join Andrea Asnes, MD, associate medical director, child abuse program, and assistant professor, department of pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, and Shanta Evans, of Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, as they share valuable information about how to talk to children about their bodies, what is normal sexual development, how to recognize age appropriate sexual behavior, what are teachable moments and provide quick tips and resources for parents to use as a guide in discussing sex with their children.

Tuesday, May 5 - Acne Agony: Adolescent Skin Issues
Skin diseases in children account for roughly 10 percent of visits to the doctor. Such common conditions, while rarely life-threatening, often negatively impact young people. Living with acne, birthmarks or warts can be challenging for kids, especially during adolescence and depending on the severity of the outbreak. Body image and peer acceptance are vital to how teens view themselves. Join Richard Antaya

The Killingworth Elementary School PTO will host a Scholastic Book Fair from Friday, May 1st through Thursday, May 7th (Weekdays only). Families, teachers and the community are invited to attend the Fair, which will feature the theme of "Lights, Camera Book Fair!"

"Lights, Camera, Book Fair!" will offer specially priced books and educational products, including new releases, award-winning titles, children's classics, interactive software, adult books and current bestsellers from many publishers. In addition to purchasing books for family and friends, you can help the school build classroom libraries by purchasing books for teachers through the Classroom Book Wishes.

Lights, Camera, Book Fair hours are: Friday, 3:30PM - 6PM
Monday and Wednesday, 8AM - 3:30PM
Tuesday, 8AM - 8PM and Thursday 8AM - 2PM

The book fair kicks off on Friday afternoon with a Book Fair Premiere shopping event. Tuesday evening will feature a "Reading Makes You a Star" event with activities including the KES Walk of Fame and a paparazzi photo shoot ($5 to cover cost of materials). Come dressed to impress!!

The Book Fair will be held in the KES gymnasium, 340 Rt. 81 in Killingworth. All visitors are asked to enter the building at the Main Entrance and sign in at the office before heading to the gym.

For more information, please contact Lynn Gallant, 663-2127, or Margaret Whiteman, 663-3408, or visit the KES Book Fair website at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/kes. Thanks for your support!!

Mark your calendars for May 8 at the HK Middle School Auditorium 7:00 p.m. for a fabulous evening of traditional West Indies music from Trinidad and Tobago!! Come and groove to the steel drums of the Pantastic Steel Orchestra from the Neighborhood Music School of New Haven at a fabulous fundraiser for HK Relay For Life. Su Dowling-Slover; Co-chair of the Relay for Life's Luminaria Committee and the Killingworth Woman's Organization are sponsoring a benefit concert. Suggested donation $10.00 at the door. For more info, stay tuned or contact Su at 860-663-2021 or Cindy Pitts at 860-663-0975.

The snow shovels are in the sheds, spring is in the air, and the KLA pizza delivery fleet is dusted off and ready to roll. This year's Saturday night pizza deliveries will be run on April 25th, May 16th, Sept. 19th and Oct. 17th.

Library volunteers and board members will bring your Pizzeria DaVinci order to your door for a $5 delivery charge. Deliveries will be made between 5 and 8 p.m. Call DaVinci's at 860 663 2256 to place your order. The entire delivery charge goes directly to the support of the Killingworth Library. Mark the dates on your calendar beginning with this Saturday, April 25th.

The Region 17 Board of Education will hold its Annual Hearing on the 2009 - 2010 Budget tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. The hearing will be followed by a BOE Special Meeting where there will be a review of input from the hearing and possible modification of the budget. The legal call for the May 4th Annual Meeting will also be approved. The budget referendum will take place on Tuesday, May 5th.

Saturday's warm weather and sun marked the first real signs of spring and it turned out to be a perfect day to get the community gardens ready for the new planting season. Because of increased interest, the gardens were expanded this year and new and returning gardeners turned out to clean plots, lay manure, prepare the soil and get the property ready for their frequent visits. The normally peaceful Parmelee Farm was a buzz with rototillers, laughter and conversation about the summer ahead. The town has registered 40 plots to date, with plenty of room still available for residents interested in a healthy, outdoor, community activity. For more information visit www.kwgardens.org

Gardeners clean and lay wood chips in the main garden.

Walt Adametz volunteered to plow and harrow the new field making the soil ready to plan and plant.

Learn basic information about qualifying for MEDICAID (Title XIX) in Connecticut with Matthew Stillman, a local Attorney at Law with the law firm of Zangari Hershman P.C. in New Haven. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. This program, sponsored by Youth & Family Services of Haddam Killingworth, is FREE and open to the public. It will be held Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Library or Tuesday, May 5 at the Haddam Firehouse.

Space is limited, please call Youth and Family Services of Haddam Killingworth at 345-7498 to register.

Monday: April 13:
• 17:02:05 Brush Fire, Iron Works Road.
Tuesday: April 14:
• 10:27:20 Medical Call, Route 148.
Friday: April 17:
• 18:08:18 Automatic Alarm, Rebecca Lane.

These kids pictured with their "haul", spent part of the Saturday cleaning up Granite Hill along with portions of Spencer Hill and River Road. Everyone was all amazed at how much trash they collected. Along with the "usual trash", their more unusual finds included 4 tires, a hubcap, one sneaker and a shopping cart from WalMart that was stashed in the woods! Remember there is a special dumpster for trash inside the transfer station. Tires and other recyclable items should be placed in their normal bins. Keep up the good work Killingworth!

Photo courtesy J. Sacchi

Monitored Drawing Sessions with an Art Model
The Arts Center at Killingworth offers monitored drawing sessions with professional art models, Wednesdays, 7-9:30pm in May. There will be no instruction for this series. Space is limited, register in advance for a minimum of two sessions. Cost is $10 per evening. The Arts Center at Killingworth, 276 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, CT.

Hand-Building Stoneware Workshop with Hayne Bayless
Spend an afternoon with artist Hayne Bayless at Sideway Studios, a fully-equipped working potter's studio perched on a granite cliff, 75-feet above the Falls River in Ivoryton. Sponsored by The Arts Center at Killingworth, participants can choose from either Saturday or Sunday, May 16-17 (1-5pm) and gain basic hand-building stoneware techniques. Create many pottery forms such as vases, tumblers, shot cups, coffee mugs, flower bricks and boxes. Cost is $60 and includes materials. Sideways Studio is at 56-A Pond Meadow Road, Ivoryton, CT.

Art School Portfolio Workshops with Aleta Gudelski
In these ongoing, hands-on Workshops, artist and teacher Aleta Gudelski will guide adults and teens who are developing a comprehensive art portfolio for admission to college art programs. Next session is Saturday, May 23rd, (9:30-12pm). Meet once a month for 2 ½ hours to complete 1-2 pieces per month. Set and achieve specific portfolio goals, tailored to the requirements of individual art programs. Cost is $50. These sessions are on a rolling admission basis. Check our website for upcoming monthly Workshop dates.

To register, call The Arts Center at (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Visit us online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.