Children ages 10 through 14 are invited to spend July traveling with Alice to a wonderland filled with magical characters. The Killingworth Youth Theatre, hosted by The Congregational Church in Killingworth, UCC will offer a three-week theatre project at The Old Town Hall, 273 Route 81 in Killingworth. The program will run from 9 AM to Noon on Monday through Friday, July 6 through July 24 and will culminate with a performance of Alice’s Adventures on July 24 and 25th at 2pm and 7pm at The Old Town Hall.

Auditions are Saturday, June 20 from 10am to 12pm and Tuesday, June 23 from 6pm - 8pm at 273 Route 81 inside the Old Town Hall. Tuition for the 3-week program is $190.00 plus a $10.00 non-refundable audition fee. Participation may be limited. Participants will have opportunities to work on stage, off stage, and beyond. Some scholarships are available based on need and preference will be given to Killingworth residents.

High School students and adults are encouraged to volunteer and take an active role in mentoring and being a part of this exciting adventure.

All profits will help fund the restoration of The Old Town Hall. For more information, please call Maureen Alfiero at 860-663-1218.

Killingworth True Value continues to celebrate its move to its new 16,000 square foot facility this weekend. The new store design reflects retail best practices and offers shoppers a compelling shopping environment, complete with an expanded product selection of up to 30% more in core categories such as hardware, paint, plumbing, and lawn and garden. The store carries Benjamin Moore Paint, Carhartt Work wear, specialty finish hardware, a huge Husqvarna equipment department, as well as Rental.

"Serving the customer is top priority at Killingworth True Value," said Tom Cost, Jr. "We focus on meeting the expectations of local residents and providing the community with all the products and services they need to complete their small home-improvement projects. A lot of stores would say "if we don't have it, you don't need it". Though that's a catchy phrase, it doesn't really hold true. As I walk around the new store I'm amazed by the selection we have added. So, I guess you could say, we come very close to having everything."

Killingworth True Value & Just Ask Rental prides itself on its community involvement. They provide funds for home heating assistance, have supported Project Graduation and contribute to the efforts of a variety of local organizations.

Originally opened as Perdue's Hardware Store in 1976, the store was purchased by Tom Cost, Sr. & Jackie Cost in 1983 and renamed Killingworth True Value. Their son, Tom, Jr., has worked at the store since he was 12.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Lacrosse team will open up play in the CIAC Class II State Tournament at home on Saturday, June 6th at 3 p.m. versus Fitch of Groton. Come cheer the team to victory at the HK football field. The Cougars are seeded third in the 16 team field.

The HKMS Softball team traveled to Elliot in Clinton on Thursday to take on a tough Eagles team. HK held a slim 2-0 lead through 5 innings (RBI's by Kelsey Gorski and Delaney Vumback). The turning point of the game was in Elliot's bottom half of the fifth, with one out and a runner at second. On a dropped pitch, the runner tried to steal third. Casey Jackson fired to Sam Waskowitz at third base for the tag to shut down the Eagle's threat. With one out in the top of the 6th, HK drew two walks. After the second out, Waskowitz (4-5, triple and 4 RBI's) slammed a triple to drive in Gorski and Kirsten Carlson. Taylor Burger (2-4, 1BB, double and an RBI)) immediately followed with a single to score Waskowitz, advancing to 2nd base. Jackson (1-3, 1 BB, RBI) drove in Burger as the Cougars erupted for 4 runs on 3 straight hits. HK brought 8 batters to the plate in the 6th inning. HK padded their lead in the 7th inning. With one out, pinch hitter Lex Regan singled. Pinch hitter Erin Buckley was out number two, to bring up the top of the order. Kirsten Carlson beat out an infield hit, Lauren McCann (2-4, 1BB, RBI) singled in Regan, while Waskowitz singled in McCann. The final score was 9-1, with HK pounding out 13 hits in all to improve to 10-2. Kirsten Carlson went the distance for HK, scattering 5 hits over 7 innings with tremendous defensive play behind her. HKMS travels to Lyme-Old Lyme on Tuesday, June 9 for their final game of the season.

HK Middle School seventh grader Kenneth Callahan, a member of the Oakwood Premier Soccer Club U-13 Boys Team, won the Connecticut State Cup for the U-13 Boys bracket which was played at Newington High School on Sunday, May 31. The Oakwood team, based in Glastonbury, defeated West Hartford in the finals 3-1. Callahan and the Oakwood U-13 team will travel to West Virginia in July to compete in the US Youth Soccer Region I Championship.

Callahan is third from the left in the top row. Photo courtesy J. Callahan

The Log Cabin Restaurant
232 Boston Post Road,
Clinton,
860-669-6253

Cuisine: * Service: * Ambiance: * Price Range: $$ Wine Menu: Non-vintage, modest labels $16-$25; choices of beer on draft Hours: Lunch and dinner, 7 Days

The façade in broad-axe hewn log style is missing the authentic dove-tail corners, the roof is modern asphalt simulation and the smoothly paved expansive parking lot contradicts our image of a log cabin setting. Evergreens below the porch-entrance sheared into table-tops look odd in their bed of gravel and might feel more at home in a manicured Renaissance garden. The ash can spilling over with cigarette butts and discarded wrappers defeats the entrance door's helpless struggle to welcome diners.

Sturdy, weatherproof, and furnished with the basics is the ambiance inside this symbol of American frontier life. Simulated candles mounted onto wagon wheels illuminate stainless flatware wrapped in paper napkins on bare tables ringed by comfortable captain's chairs. Read more

Kudos to a Committed Town Employee and his Team

I recently was talking to Walt Adametz regarding the state of our road sweeping and curbing repair, and during that conversation, have learned what an eager and committed person Walt is to his job, and to the town of Killingworth. As a lifelong resident of Killingworth, Walt cares a great deal about being able to have the resources and budget to address every taxpayers concern as if it was his own.

Despite being low on manpower, and faced with the competing demands of keeping our town roads safe and travelable, Walt shared his concern about not being able to get his crew out sooner to address the post-winter damage caused by snowplowing. It is easy to quickly cast blame and frustration toward the highway department for what may appear to be 'lack of concern', however, they are truly limited by a limited operating budget, and uncontrollable circumstances such as loss of manpower.

After speaking with Walt, I felt it was appropriate to express Kudos to him and his crew for a superior job keeping our roads clear over this past winter. In fact, my father used to be the General Foreman for the Stratford Public Works department, and even he has commented on how well Killingworth roads are plowed, referencing 'curb-to-curb' versus simply making a few passes with a plow.

Kudos to Walt and his Team, and THANK YOU for your commitment and concern for the town and people of Killingworth.

Bob Bavolacco

Monday: May 25:
• 10:49:04 Medical Call, Bridle Path Trail.
• 12:32:02 Medical Call, Maple Hill Road.
• 16:45:27 Medical Call, Route 80.
Friday: May 29:
• 08:06:14 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Old Mine Road.
• 16:13:07 Medical Call, Green Hill Road.
Saturday: May 30:
• 13:22:02 Medical Call, Jacob Lane.

The top 10 graduating students from Haddam Killingworth High School were honored last night by the Regional School District Board of Education during a special ceremony at the former middle school. In addition to the students, the Board also recognized outstanding teachers and staff of the year.

• 2009 Valedictorian Nick Stanford, Haddam, will attend the University of Connecticut Honors program and will major in math and music
• 2009 Salutatorian Colleen Phelan, Killingworth, will attend the University of Connecticut Honors program and will major in Spanish and economics
#3 Jeff Roberge, Haddam, will attend the University of Connecticut and will major in biochemistry.
#4 Sarah Bartosiak, Killingworth, will attend Eastern Connecticut State University Honors program and will major in European history.
#5 Emma Cizek, Haddam, will attend the University of Connecticut and will major in nursing
#6 Dina Grimaldi, Haddam, will attend Ithaca College
#7 Kristen Wendt, Haddam, will attend Villanova
#8 Shelby Vanhuysen, Killingworth, will attend Western New England College and will major in pharmacy
#9 Morgan Raczka, Haddam, will attend Boston College and will major in elementary education
#10 Elizabeth Brielmann, Haddam, will attend Sacred Heart University and will major in elementary education.

Teachers of the year:
Mary Beth Phelps BES
Robert Davey HES
Craig Cusson KES
Dominic Scarpa HKMS
Juan Vasquez-Caballero HKHS

Staff Members of the Year:
Linda Deimel BES
Alicia Sledzik HES
Jane Clark KES
Allen Sansalone HKMS
Christine Smith HKHS

District Staff Member of the Year
Butch Priest

The HKHS 2009 Top Ten Students. (l-r) Emma Cizek, Kristen Wendt, Shelby Vanhuysen, Morgan Raczka, Elizabeth Brielman, Colleen Phelan, Dina Grimaldi, Sarah Bartosiak, Nick Stanford, Jeff Roberge. Photo courtesy F.Phelan

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department still has openings in children's swim lessons. Each session has a limited number of spots available for all levels of swimmers. Classes are conducted at the HK High School Pool and are for kids ages 4 and up (must be able to participate in a group instructional setting. Levels offered are Pre-Beginner, Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, and Swimmer. Daytime lessons meet Monday through Friday. Dates and times are as follows: Sessions 1 - 3: 6/22 - 7/2 (no 7/3) ; Sessions 4 - 6: 7/6 - 7/17; Sessions 7 - 9: 7/20 - 7/31; Sessions 10 - 11: 8/3- 8/7; Classes are offered from 9:00-9:40 am (No 8/3 - 8/7), 9:50-10:30 am, and 10:40-11:20 am

Sessions 1 - 3 are $63 / $54 with a new pool membership, $73 for non-residents. Sessions 4 - 9 are $70 ($60 with new pool membership) and $80 for non-residents. Sessions 10-– 11 are $35 ($30 with new pool membership) and $45 for non-residents.

Evening lessons are offered on Monday and Wednesdays from 6:00 - 6:40 pm and 6:50 - 7:30 pm from June 22 - July 15. Please call for availability and what levels have openings. Please call 345-8334 for more information, availability, and to register.

Pre-School Swim Classes

There will be lessons for 3 year olds held the week of August 3 - 7 from 9:00 - 9:30 am. The fee is $35 / $30 with new pool membership (non-residents add $10). This class is a perfect opportunity for your toddler to start swim lessons. They must be able to partake in a group instructional setting without the parent.

HK Sports: The 2009 Baseball season came to an end for the HK Varsity team on Tuesday as they dropped a, 5-0, decision to the #6 New London Whalers.

The Cougars threatened to score in several innings, but ultimately could not cross the plate. Seniors Brian Ludington, Brad Nuhn, Mike Ossa, and Sean Zapatka accounted for all the Cougar hits.

Starting pitcher Steve Landell pitched well, but four errors in the field allowed New London to score four unearned runs. Landell went the distance, striking out eight, while scattering seven hits.

HK ends the season with a 15-8 mark, and boasts the SLC pitcher of the year in Landell. Looking forward to next season, the Cougars will return a strong group of seniors that gained valuable experience this season, as well as a talented group of juniors.

The HKMS softball team hosted East Haddam on Tuesday for the last home game of the season, where the 8th graders (pictured) were honored. In a great effort by both teams, HK fell short 4-2. Kirsten Carlson (3 innings, 5 hits, 2 K, 2 BB. 4 runs, 1 ER) started on the mound for HK, allowing 3 runs on 2 hits (1 earned) on 3 hits, an error and 2 passed balls in the first inning. HK answered in their half of the first, when with one out, Lauren McCann (1-3) singled and stole second. Sam Waskowitz bunted McCann over to third and beat the throw for a hit to put runners at first and third. Taylor Burger (1-3) singled in McCann. Hale Ray scored again in the third to take the lead 4-1 on 2 base hits.

HK made a pitching change to 7th grader Ciara Samuel (4 inn, 4 hits, 3 K) who shut down the Little Noises for 4 innings. HK had another chance in the 5th with the bases loaded, but couldn't bring a runner across the plate. Waskowitz(1-2, 2-3) led off the 6th with a walk, stole second, and on an under throw, stole third and scored by beating the throw to the plate for the second HK run.

HK produced 6 hits for the day (Carlson, McCann, Waskowitz, Burger, Lex Regan, and Alicia Cope). HK stands at an impressive 9-2.

(back) Kirsten Carlson, Jourdan Milardo, Brennan Marczewski, Mackenzie DeRita, Shannon Sledzik, Kelsey Gorski, Alicia Cope. (front) Samantha Waskowitz and Taylor Burger (co-captains)Photo courtesy D. Savino

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the Killingworth Land Conservation Trust will celebrate the 2009 Trails Day, Saturday, June 6 with a Family Hike from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. at the Wettish Property Trails.

Explore Killingworth's newest trail system on the town's Wettish property. Approximately two miles, suitable for all ages and abilities. A great woods walk with Letterboxing and Geocaching demonstrated along the way. A water and fruit snack and social time will follow the hike. Meet at Wettish property parking area, across from 14 Parker Hill Road Extension (signs will be posted on day of hike). Rain date Sunday, June 7. Registration helpful but not required. Leader Debby Butler, debby_butler@hotmail.com, 860-663-2231, 203-415-3440 (cell).

Congratulations to the first class of inductees to the Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame. The celebration banquet was held this past Saturday evening and honored the first and only coaches of the HKHS sports of track & field, field hockey, baseball, football and volleyball. As you may be aware, Haddam-Killingworth High School was founded in 1975 with Richard "Dick" Dupuis (Track & Field), Patsy Kamercia (Field Hockey), Mark Brookes (Baseball, he was a nominee for National Baseball Coach of the year two years ago and has been inducted into the CT Hall of Fame this past year), Richard Langer (Volleyball) and Dennis O'Rourke (Football) being the coaches as the various sports were introduced to the student body. These individuals continue as the only coaches the respective programs have ever seen. This is a unique and unprecedented occurrence in Connecticut high school sports history and makes them deserving of a high degree of recognition.

Hall of Fame Inductees Richard Langer, Dick Dupuis, Patsy Kamercia, Mark Brookes and Dennis O'Rourke. Photo courtesy R. Sharp

Former head of the state Office of Policy and Management, William Cibes posted a commentary in Sunday's Hartford Courant regarding proposed budget cuts to public schools and libraries. According to Dave Matthews, HKHS Media Center Director, "Among the cuts proposed is the complete elimination of the www.iconn.org (the CT Digital Library). This is the primary database we use at HK to find current magazine and journal articles."

According to Cibes, "In a move that would conclusively close the door on the Information Age in Connecticut, Gov. M Jodi Rell proposed cuts Thursday that would shut off access to the Internet through the Connecticut Education Network - a fiber optic network designed to serve public schools and libraries in Connecticut - and drastically reduce the availability of information resources in other agencies." Read the full article.

HK Sports: The HKHS Baseball team survived the first round of the state tournament by defeating the Bullards Haven Tech Tigers, 3-0. Colin Sledzik started on the mound for the Cougars and went the entire game for a complete game shutout. He would only allow one hit the entire way.

That would be great news for the Cougars as it took them until the fifth inning to finally get on the board. A Sledzik two-out double got things going, and Rob Flynn hit a grounder to third immediately after that turned into a throwing error for the first run. Steve Landell followed with an RBI double to deep center.

The Cougars will now play today at #6 seed New London. The game will start at 3:30.

HK Girls Tennis season ended today with a close 3-4 loss to Lewis-Mills in the first round of the state team tournament at Stonington High School. HK was seeded 19th going into the Class S tournament out of 30 schools. Lewis Mills was the 14th seed. The match was close throughout the afternoon with HK winning losing at #1 singles, but winning at #2 singles where Caitlin Gilhuly prevailed with a 6-3 6-0 win. This was followed by a loss at second doubles where Anna Brundage and Kelsey Hawkins battled back after a 6-0 loss in the first set, but fell 6-4 in the second. # 3 singles Nichole Brooks won easily at 6-3 6-1, followed by #4 Singles Ashley Griswold winning in three sets 6-3 2-6 6-2, leaving the score at 3-2. Brianna Groves and Britteny Timothy swapped games at 3 third doubles, losing in the third set, leaving the score at 3-3. The final loss came at #1 singles where Casey Scully and Hannah Sturman lost the first set 2-6; rallied to win the second set 6-4; and fought to stay in the third set by forcing a tiebreaker which they ultimately lost.

"This was an exciting afternoon of tennis," said Coach Phelan. "The players were all evenly matched and the HK players really stepped up their game. This could quite as easily been a win for us. Overall, I am very pleased with the way everyone played today and throughout the season."

Join us for the 3rd Annual Relay For Life of HK, Friday June 5 through Saturday June 6, at the HKHS Track from 4 p.m.-10 a.m.

• Live Music from Kailin Garrity & Roadside Manor
• Chair Massages for adults, Kids Games and Fun for all!
• Dinner & Breakfast provided by the Haddam Lions
• Exclusive Survivor Dinner provided by The Country Squires & Celebratory Lap
• Luminaria Ceremony
• Silent Auction featuring:
New York Yankees Tickets, Essex Steam Train Boat and Train Package, Local Gift Certificates & More
• Relay For Life Gift Basket Drawing 9:30am Saturday!
• Saturday Morning Parent/Kid Kickball sponsored by Madison

Come Celebrate 25 years of Hope with us! Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

Reflections Car Wash Team Moskey held a car wash benefit recently. They had a huge turnout and washed so many cars. Their hard work paid off with $950 in donations with two car wash events! GREAT JOB and for a great cause. Photo courtesy C. Moskey

The HK Soccer Club will hold tryout sessions for the fall season on Thursday, June 4: U10-U11 Boys & Girls -5:30-6:30 PM; U12-U14Boys & Girls - 6:30-7:30PM; Great Hill Park, Jail Hill Rd, Haddam. Rain date: Thursday, June 11

Please bring the completed registration form (found on the club website: hksoccer.org, new small 1X1 inch head shot for player pass and a check for $110 made out to HK Soccer Club. Each additional child is $100. A copy of the player's birth certificate is necessary for new players. All players must wear shin-guards and cleats and bring a ball.

Try-outs are mandatory. Any registration materials handed in after the try-out date are subject to a $20 late fee. No registrations will be accepted after 7/10. Players must try-out with proper age groups

U10 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/99 - 7/31/00
U11 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/98 - 7/31/99
U12 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/97 - 7/31/98
U13 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/96 - 7/31/97
U14 Players-Birthdates between 8/1/95 - 7/31/96
There is no guarantee that each age group will form a separate team.
Scholarships are available for players in need!

HK Sports: The 11-4 HKHS Girls Tennis team played in the Shoreline Tournament this past weekend with senior co-captain Caitlin Gilhuly continuing her outstanding season right through to the semi finals where she lost the #3 seed Kelley Connelly of North Branford 6-7 6-2 2-6 in the semi final round. Connelly went on to play Valley's Kate Paul in the final and lost 6-0 6-0. Paul, a senior, was undefeated throughout her high school career and became a four-time Shoreline Tournament Singles Champion.

HK #1 singles player co-captain Colleen Phelan (#4 seed for the tournament) fell in the quarterfinals to Jenn Ross of Lyme Old Lyme, who also lost to Kate Paul in the semi-final round. HK #4 singles player Ashley Griswold had a great tournament by playing through to the quarterfinals where she lost 7-5 7-5 to Bridget Crosbie of Valley Regional. In doubles play, HK's #2 doubles team of Kelsey Hawkins and Brittney Timothy had the best performance with an easy win in the first round followed by a tough loss to LOL in the second.

Caitlin Gilhuly was named to the First Team All-Shoreline team and Colleen Phelan was named to the Second Team All Shoreline team. HKHS plays Lewis Mills at Stonington today in the first round of the team state tournament. This is HK's first appearance at team states in three years.

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, June 20th (9:30-12pm). Meet once a month for 2½ 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. To register call (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. These sessions are on a rolling admission basis.

July Art Weeks at the Arts Center
Offer your child or teen a unique camp experience this Summer? Or have one yourself? Journalism Week (July 27-31) participants ages 12-17 will meet with Shoreline media professionals who will teach the nuts and bolts of creating a newspaper. Conduct an interview, perform research, and write and edit a press piece. Learn to blog and upload video. From July 20-24, A Trip to India for teens and adults. Learn Classical Indian dance moves and a fun Bollywood routine. Apply henna and regional costumes for a fashion show. Celebrate Festivals and an Indian wedding ceremony. Adults can register for the entire week or for individual Workshops. Fashion Week (July 13-17) for ages 11-16. Learn about the world of fashion through illustration, designing and creating patterns, and sewing your own creations. To register call (860) 663-5593. Visit us online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org

HK Sports: The HKHS Boys Tennis team won its eighth Shoreline Conference Championship in the last nine years on the last day of the regular season when Old Lyme handed Valley Regional its third loss. That loss left the Cougars alone at the top of the Conference standings with two losses and an overall record of 18-2.

"You have to be impressed with what this team has done, said Coach Rod Pakus, they picked themselves up after two early season defeats and won eleven straight conference matches". The team was unbeaten during the month of May. Of the 77 individual singles and doubles matches played during that month, HK put 60 in the win column to climb back to the top of the conference standings. "Don't underestimate the impact of that accomplishment as the Conference was much stronger than it has been the past few years. There were 4 or 5 teams vying for that top spot all season said Coach Pakus. Coginchaug, East Hampton, Old Lyme, Valley Regional and Westbrook have some great players which made for very competitive matches."

In high school tennis, it's more usual to find a team that can do well for 4 years or so having exceptional talent backed up by good supporting players. After graduating those players, there is usually a rebuilding period. Not so with HK. This is the beginning of a "third generation" of excellence on the courts with this team and the best part is that the Cougars only lose one Senior, Captain Matt Waldman to graduation. The rest of the team remains intact for the next season.

This success has led to the Cougars receiving high seeds in the 2009 Shoreline Conference Tournament scheduled to begin Monday, June 1st. Junior Patrick Gilhuly has received the top seed in the 1-2 singles draw as a result of his unbeaten regular season play (20-0). Junior Varun Ravishanker is the #2 seed in the 3,4,5 singles draw having finished the season at 16-2 for the Cougars. H-K's #1 doubles team of Kyle Kelsey and Robby Sheahan have been seeded #2 in the Doubles draw with a season record of (15-2). If the seeding of teams plays out, they would meet teammates Jon Lehane and Gabe Kumnick who play #2 doubles for the Cougars in the Quarter Finals of Tournament play.