UPDATE: Thanks to the efforts of neighbors, friends and the public call for help through Killingworth Today, Charlotte's sightings were reported throughout the day and she was finally captured near Deer Lake Camp. Patty Clifton and other concerned animal lovers were actively searching for the dog and she is home tonight; scared, but obviously relieved. We thank everyone who helped bring a worrisome few days to a happy ending.

She is an approx. 2 year old female Afghan hound who escaped from her foster mother who rescued her along with dozens other abused hounds a few months ago. She is blond with a black face and terrified of people. Please call Uli Reinisch at cell 860-941-7224 or at her home number 860-663-2689. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated, this poor animal has been through enough pain to last her a lifetime.

Charlotte was last seen approx. 4 pm on May 8th at corner of River Road and Green Hill, running North-East on Green Hill Road. Thank you for helping us look for her.

Lover's Lane to Open

First Selectman Richard Cabral announced Friday that Lover's Lane would be reopened Monday, May 11. He asks that residents drive carefully because rain will cause water to collect over the roadway.

Town of Killingworth
Notice of Annual Town Budget Meeting and 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 the Annual Town Budget Meeting and Special Town Meeting will be held in the All Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 8 p.m., to consider and act upon the following items of business:

1. To adopt the Budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of an Operating Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010 in the amount of $5,718.889.

2. To adopt the Budget recommendation of the Board of Finance of Capital Expenditures for the fiscal year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010 in the amount of $632,000.

3. To approve and accept the Annual Report of the Board of Finance for Fiscal Year 2007-2008

4. To confirm the Selectmen's appointments of Danilo A. Colonia, John F. Machold and Scot R. Thomas as Killingworth representatives on the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Authority; for a term to commence July 1, 2009 and to continue until June 30, 2010.

Dated at Killingworth, Connecticut this 6th of May, 2009

HK Sports: By virtue of an impressive, 8-6, victory over visiting West Haven on Friday, the HK Girls Lacrosse team earned the program's first ever berth to the state tournament. The team, which has been competing on the varsity level for only six years, built a 5-3 halftime lead against the Westies and the two goal advantage held up for the win. Teagan Ferguson was stellar between the pipes, stopping 10 West Haven shots. Lindsay Gorman led the Cougars' offense with 3 goals and 1 assist, followed by Emily Pollack and Emily Anderson who each netted a pair with Anderson chipping in an assist. Mikayla Litevich scored once and dished out 2 assists and Amanda Johannes added another assist. With an overall record of 8-2 (6-1 in the Shoreline Conference), HK will next host rival Morgan of Clinton on Tuesday at 4 pm at the HK football field. The JV team's perfect season continued on Friday with an 8-0 shut out of West Haven.

It's almost Mid-May, and We Have Been Waiting for the "Ray"
By Robert Bavolacco

Oh, this past winter felt sooo long,
But the days of snow and ice are gone,
Birds and flowers are here to stay,
For Old Man Winter has gone away,

Lovers Lane has been closed for sooo long
But, our hope has remained strong,
We have been waiting for the opening with a flare,
Can you blame us, it is only fair?

We are adults, and know how to drive,
The water can't be that deep, or else we'd 'dive',
So please, cover those signs,
And let that 'Ray', finally shine.

The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee is preparing fresh baked desserts, breads, jams, and other goodies for its May 9th Bake Sale at Recycle Way. Delicious things will be sold from 8:00 until 2:00 with ingredients vetted for bipartisanship. A busy place the day before Mother's Day, Recycle Way offers all sorts of gifts for Mom. Top it off with a dessert for Sunday's celebration or just indulge yourself with a sweet on the spot.

HK Sports: The HK Varsity Baseball team saw its seven game win streak come to an end at the hands of the Morgan Huskies on Thursday by a score of 7-3. The game was a rain-shortend 5 1/2 innings.

Starting pitcher Chris Bova struggled with control all game, which led to a few free passes to Morgan hitters, and then a few runs. Bova did last three and a third innings and struck out an impressive seven batters in that short time. He would take the loss for the Cougars.

At the plate, HK was led by Brian Ludington (2-3, RBI) and Steve Landell (2-4, 2B, run). For the game, Cougar hitters would pound out 11 hits and take three walks in their six turns on offense. Unfortunately, poor execution and a lack of hitting with runners on base did them in.

In HKHS Softball action, Lindsey Griswold outpitched Old Saybrook's Kasey Commander to win 2-1 Wednesday. Griswald struck out six, while giving up just one run on two hits. She also helped herself in the fourth to break the tie and plate the first run, roping an RBI triple. H-K (7-3) scored the eventual game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth on a Kellie Moskey RBI groundout that plated a runner from third.

Dear Parents and Citizens:

I wish to extend to you my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your support of the 2009-2010 Regional School District 17 operating budget.

As always, the district and all of its representatives continue to be committed to providing a high quality of education to all of our children in the most effective and efficient way.

We stand committed to meeting the ever-changing challenges associated with providing a comprehensive, public education experience to children while meeting the demands of this difficult economic period in the history of our nation, state and local communities.

Again, I thank you for your continued display of support for our children and look forward to our continued work together.

Very truly yours,

Gary S. Mala
Superintendent of Schools

You've heard the buzz about the fantastic productions here in town. Artful Living is proud to announce the partnership with Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services to provide another great opportunity for children and adults to make great community theater. The past productions of OLIVER and BIG-The Musical were great successes and attended by hundreds of people from the local region. HK Middle School's beautiful auditorium will again be host to a large family-friendly musical this summer.

Be a part of the magic of theater while enjoying new friendships and partaking in a positive multi-generational project that benefits so many and experience "artful living".

"The Sound of Music" will be performed July 31, August 1,2,7,8 & 9 at HK Middle School Auditorium. This large-scale production will include a full orchestra and be performed in this new state-of-the-art auditorium.

Auditions for Adults (16 and up)will be held on May 11 from 6-9 pm.
Auditions for Children will be held on May 12 from 6-9 pm.
Call backs will be May 14.

Please be prepared to sing 16 measures of a song from "The Sound of Music" or bring sheet music of a similar style. You may also be asked to read from the script.

For more info visit www.killingworthtoday.com/soundofmusic or call Producer/Director Christopher Solimene at 860-389-1363.

HK Sports: The HKHS Track and Field teams competed against North Branford yesterday. The Boys team took a 102-48 victory, the Girls team fell 30-102. Individual winners for the boys included Chris Pfrommer in the 100m and 300m Hurdles, the High Jump and the Triple Jump; Matt O'Brien in the 100m, 200m 400m Dashes and the Long Jump; Kevin Allison in the 1600m Run; Brandon Page in the 800m Run and Connor Walsh in the 3200m. The Girls team won the 4x100 relay and Rachel Mazzotta won the 400m Dash, Long Jump and High Jump.

The Cougars Boys Tennis team won its eighth match of the season by defeating Morgan on the HK courts yesterday. Patrick Gilhuly continued unbeaten at #1 singles by beating Morgan's Geoff Bruskin in straight sets (6-1, 6-1) while Andrew McCurdy won at #2 singles over Jeremy Cellini (6-0, 6-2). "Andrew was moving better out there today and it showed in his play, said Coach Pakus." Varun Ravishanker defeated Ben Morrison at #3 singles (6-3, 6-2). and HK senior Matt Waldman took #4 singles match (6-2, 6-2). Grant Armstrong continued his strong play at #5 singles and defeated Sam Phon in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) to complete the singles sweep for the Cougars. "Varun is doing a great job and is having a great season, said Coach Pakus, he is not flashy or flamboyant out there but is steady and focused...he's one of those guys who lets his play speak for him on the courts."

In doubles HK's Kyle Kelsey and Robby Sheahan defeated Ben Sisk and Trevor Getman (6-1, 6-0). "They played a good match and are working together so well..it's as if they are beginning to read each other's minds and are coming together as one team rather than two individual players who happen to be on the courts at the same time." Morgan avoided a shutout by winning the #2 doubles match (6-4, 6-4) when Mike Ierardi and Alex Mansfield came back from being down a break in the second set to defeat HK's Mark St. Lawrence and Tyler Montesi.

In HKHS Baseball action, for the second start in a row, senior southpaw Steve Landell flirted with a no-hitter deep into the game, only to fall just shy of the accomplishment. He had to settle for a one-hit, 5-0 shutout of the Old Saybrook Rams, going seven strong innings with eight strikeouts.

HK did most of their damage in the third inning, where they scored three runs thanks to a Brian Ludington 2-RBI single and Sean Zapatka RBI double. Landell also led the Cougars at the plate, going 3-4 with 2 doubles, an RBI, SB, and run scored. He was aided by a flawless defensive effort from his teammates.

HK improves to 9-2 on the year, and will travel to Morgan tomorrow for an important conference showdown with the Huskies.

The HKMS Softball team won its third contest on Wednesday at Westrook 17-0. Kirsten Carlson (3-0) and Ciara Samuel combined to no hit the Knights. Sam Waskowitz (2-3 with a triple and homerun) and Casey Jackson (2-3 with a double) drove in 3 runs apiece. Kelsey Gorski and Brennan Marczewski added 2 hits each. Jourdan Milardo drove in 2 runs. Fourteen of sixteen Cougar batters made their way to first base at least once. It was a great team effort both offensively and defensively for all 17 players! Congratulations to all players.

The Killingworth Library Health Series continues tonight at 6 p.m. with the program "Diabetes Management" sponsored by the VNA. It will be held in the library meeting room.

Residents of Killingworth and Haddam voted to pass the $36,792,790 Regional 17 School District 2009-2010 Budget yesterday. Killingworth voted 442 to 218 to approve, Haddam voted 415 to 385 to approve with Haddam Neck residents voting down the budget 22-28.

Last year, 17% of Killingworth's 4575 registered voters turned out. This year only 14.29% participated.

Board of Education Chair Jo Ferjak said she was very pleased despite the low turnout. She said she thought the quality of the budget and the low percent increase were the reasons the budget passed. "It was a responsible budget, especially in this tough economic time." The 2009-2010 budget is 1.6% or $592,000 higher than last year's budget.

Registrar of Voters Lauren Blaha said she was very disappointed with the turnout in Killingworth. She said holding the vote from noon to 8:00 p.m. might be a better alternative next year. Town Clerk Linda Dudek said she thought in this economy more people would be interested. She said the town spends hundreds of dollars and man hours to hold a referendum.

Maxwell Carmichael, a third grader at Killingworth Elementary School recently won first place in the Primary Novice group at the Manchester Spring Scholastic Chess Tournament. This was only Max's second competitive tournament. According to his mother, Rebecca Loew, Max started playing chess this past year after watching his father and older brother play. His father Paul said he sat down to teach him the fundamental moves, but Max had already picked up the basics by just observing.

The Manchester tournament featured eight sections in all (novice & rated sections for K/1st grade, Primary School, Elementary School and Middle School). Approximately 30 participants played a 4-round Swiss System, in which each child played 4 games. In Swiss System events players are paired against others with similar scores. Loew said in the future, Max may join the U.S. Chess Federation and would then be able to compete against rated players. A person receives an official chess rating based on their performance against other rated players. Meanwhile, Max plays chess with friends at school and teaches beginners.

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold a Tag Sale on Saturday, May 9th from 8:30-2:00 p.m. at the Black Rock School on Route 81. Come out for old and new collectibles, toys, furniture, books etc.. PLUS "A Photographic History of Killingworth" by Thomas Lentz.

HK Sports: Behind an incredible 19 saves by goaltender Teagan Ferguson, the HK Girls Lacrosse team defeated North Branford, 10-7, on Tuesday at North Branford High School. The Cougars built a 9-5 halftime lead and were able to hang on for the victory, despite scoring just one goal in the second half. HK goals were tallied by Emily Anderson (5), Lindsay Gorman, Jackie Buttendorf, Mikayla Litevich, Emily Pollack and Amanda Johannes. Anderson and Gorman each added an assist. The team will bring its 7-2 record (6-1 in the Shoreline Conference) to Old Saybrook on Thursday for a 4:00 p.m. contest with the Rams. With a 13-0 victory over the North Branford JV squad, the HK JV season remains perfect at 8-0.

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 Haddam-Killingworth Players proudly present "Carousel" at the H-K Auditorium on May 8th and 9th at 7:00 p.m. To the strains of the "Carousel Waltz" the curtain opens to reveal an amusement park in a New England town in 1873. Fishermen, sailors, mill girls and children are enjoying the sights and sounds of a carnival atmosphere. What unfolds is a story of love, loss, and redemption set to some of the most beautiful music in Broadway musical history. The original production opened on Broadway on April 19, 1945, and rain for 890 performances. It is particularly well-regarded among musicals by the theatre community, and Richard Rodgers, in his autobiography Musical Stages, said it was his favorite musical. Time magazine named it the best musical of the 20th century. Join us to experience skillfully sung musical numbers, rousing dance segments, professional costumes, and a live pit orchestra. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 345-8541 or 345-3593.

The Killingworth Library Association, Inc., invites members of the community to submit favorite recipes for inclusion in a new cookbook which will be ready for sale by late summer.

The cookbook will be entitled Killingworth Library Cooks Appetizers and Desserts. Recipes will be organized into the following categories: Cold appetizers, Hot hors d'oeuvres, Kids' snacks and munchies, Quick breads, Cookies, Cakes and pies, Candies and gifts, and Other desserts.

Recipes can be submitted three ways:

1. Pick up a form at the library--or download it from the library's website at www.killingworthlibrary.org--fill it in, and leave it at the library desk.
2. Type the recipe at home, e-mail it to the editor: Nancyjbradley@aol.com.
3. Go online to www.typensave.com to send recipes directly to the library cookbook's dedicated submission page. Click on "Login", Type in your name, the Group Login (klacookbook) and the password (bacbp).

The deadline for sending recipes is May 20, and you may submit as many as four. You are asked to send your most original recipes and to keep in mind that if the library receives more than one of the same recipe, the editor will select only one for publication. You may use recipes from various sources; however, you may not use trademarked titles. Although the committee organizing this project would like to include all submitted recipes, there is a limited amount of space in each category.

The library is also soliciting recipes from local eateries so that the final product is a true representation of the community. Books may be pre-ordered by submitting forms available at the library or at the cookbook's link on the library's website, www.killingworthlibrary.org.

The anticipated publication date of the cookbook will be late summer, in plenty of time for holiday gift giving. The cookbook will sell for approximately $10.00. Please e-mail or call Nancy Bradley with any questions: Nancyjbradley@aol.com or 860.663.2485.

A huge Tag Sale at the First Congregational Church, Madison will be held Saturday, May 9th from 9:00am - 1:30pm on the Green. Many church families are providing a variety of items for the sale. In addition there will be a bake sale and plant sale. Rain date May 30th.

HK Sports: The Cougar Varsity Baseball team continued its hot streak by pounding the Portland Highlanders, 11-0.

In the fourth inning, HK exploded out of its early offensive rut when Mike Ossa ripped a two-run single to right to give his squad a 2-0 lead. The Cougars tacked on another run to make it 3-0 in the frame.

In the sixth, a Steve Landell three-run homerun sailed over the right field fence to give HK a 6-0 lead and take Portland right out of the game. Meanwhile Cougar starter Colin Sledzik was cruising on the mound, notching the win. He threw 7 innings, allowing five hits, a hit batter, and no runs, while striking out eight batters.

Offensively, Landell (3-5, HR, 2B, run, 5 RBI) had a monster day, while Sledzik (2-3, 2 runs) helped his own caused with a nice day at the plate. HK is now 8-2 and will face Old Saybrook at home on Wednesday.

Steve Landell trots home after his three-run homer. Greeting Landell, (l-r) Robby Flynn, winning pitcher Colin Sledzik and on deck batter Sean Zapatka. Photo courtesy H. Kumnick

The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Spring Social at Running Brook Farms on April 22. Chamber members enjoyed refreshments while listening to a presentation from Running Brook Farms on Spring gardening as well as networking with other members.

The following officers and directors were elected for 2009-2011:
President: Tom Houpert
Vice-President: Dale Wilcox
Treasurer: Dorothy Wright
Recording Secretary: Mary Minshall
Membership Chair: Abbey Albrecht
Correspondence Secretary: Ann Pellegrini
Directors: Judy Tripodi, Tim Gannon, Eileen Boulay, Sue Flynn, Carrie Sassi, Karen Milano and Richard Pleines

Outgoing President Judy Tripodi accepts a thank you gift from incoming President Tom Houpert while Treasurer Dorothy Wright looks on. Photo courtesy T. Gannon

Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 9th rain or shine. The plant sale will be held at Recycle Way, next to the library on Route 81 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Our knowledgeable garden club members will be on hand to assist you with all of your plant purchases. The garden club will have perennials, and herbs as well as hanging plants for Mothers Day. All proceeds will benefit the Killingworth Evergreen Garden club scholarship fund. For more information please contact Chris Cronin 860-663-4217

Sunday: April 26:
• 18:46:29 Fire Alarm, River Road.
Tuesday: April 28:
• 09:28:34 MVA, Route 81.
Wednesday: April 29:
• 16:07:31 Fire Alarm, Colonial Drive.
Saturday: May 2:
• 18:43:21 Medical Call, Boulder Trail.

The Middletown branch of Washin-ryu Karate-do performed exceptionally at the 43rd annual Washin-ryu Invitational Karate Tournament and Festival held in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, April 25th. Lead by instructor Mike Moan (7th degree black belt), the Middletown students competed against 120 competitors from around the country and captured 53 medals including 18 first place medals.

In the 8 and under Intermediate (Green, Blue, Purple) Division MiNa Wheeler placed 2nd Kata. Noah Wheeler placed first Kumite/3rd Kata in the 11-12 year old Advanced Division. In the 13-14 yr old Advanced Division Ethan Wheeler placed 1st Kata/1st Kumite and in the Adult division Elisabeth Verderame finished Women 3rd Kata/3rd Kumite (Light/Heavy Combined).

HK Sports: Using clutch hitting with runners in scoring position and a steady pitching performance by Chris Bova, the HK Varsity Baseball team was able to hand an 8-3 loss to the Coginchaug Blue Devils on Saturday.

The Cougars jumped out to an early lead in the second inning when a Steve Landell 2-run double highlighted a three run inning. HK quickly make it a 7-0 advantage when Mike Ossa's bases loaded double plated three runs in a four run fourth.

Bova bent but did not break when he allowed three runs in the fifth, as he preserved the lead and the victory. For the game he went six innings, scattering six hits and a walk while striking out a season high nine batters.

Offensively HK was led by Ossa (2-4, 4 RBI) and Dan Milardo (4-4, 2 runs, SB). The Cougars are now 7-2 on the year and will next travel to Portland on Monday to take on the Highlanders.

Mike Ossa hitting a 3-RBI double make the score 7-0, in the Coginchaug game. Photo courtesy H. Kumnick