Local student(s) Colleen Phelan and Nick Stanford from Haddam-Killingworth High School, pictured here with State Education Commissioner, Dr. Mark K. McQuillan, President of the University of Hartford, Dr. Walter Harrison, President of Bob Picozzi Communications, Bob Picozzi and McDonald's representative, Patrick Kelleher were two of 344 top Connecticut senior scholar-athletes honored at a banquet on May 3, 2009 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The banquet, with over 1,700 in attendance, was made possible through the generosity of the McDonald's Owner Operators of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

To qualify for the award, each student must have accumulated a 3.5 grade average, participated in at least two years in a CIAC varsity sport, have exhibited service, character and self-discipline. The high schools were allowed to choose one male and one female senior student-athlete for the award.

Dr. Walter Harrison was the keynote speaker for the event. He was introduced by Mr. Bob Picozzi who also served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Welcomes were given by Dr. V. Everett Lyons, President of the Connecticut Association of Schools and Principal of Bristol Eastern High School; Mr. George Synnott, Chair of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and Principal of Berlin High School; Commissioner Dr. Mark K. McQuillan and Mr. Patrick Kelleher of McDonald's.

Story courtesy F. Phelan. Photo courtesy Grynn and Barrett.

A wonderful program is being offered at the Killingworth Library on Sunday, June 14th at noon. "A Place Called Hope" will present four of its rescued birds and share their stories. This is an opportunity to see the birds up close and personal, to learn about their role in our ecosystem and the dangers they encounter from trash and pollutants. After the one hour presentation there will be a question and answer period. Weather permitting, the event will be held in the reading garden at the rear of the library.

"A Place Called Hope" is a Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center supported by private donations and located right here in our town. For more information please visit them at www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com

Last summer a symbol of Burr District Elementary School in Higganum, was stolen from the front of the school. Our school community was upset and disappointed at the theft of a fixture such as this, which has been depicted on the cover of the school's yearbooks and is a prominent part of the school website. For many months the place where it hung lay empty, until this spring when it was replaced through the generous donation of William Jewett and his daughter Destiny, who is a third grader at BES.

The school will gather on Monday, June 15th at 10:00 a.m., first in the auditorium for a Flag Day ceremony of songs and a special message from one our country's veterans, then outside in the front of the school for our dedication of the new bell to the children of Burr District.

HK Sports: Gilhuly Wins Shoreline Tournament 1,2 Singles Title Finishes Conference Season Perfect 24-0

Patrick Gilhuly, playing in H-K's #1 Singles slot, completed a perfect regular and Tournament Conference season by defeating East Hampton's Evan Boyce in the Shoreline Conference Tournament title match today played on the Old Lyme tennis courts. The match had been postponed for close to a week because of weather and a scheduling conflicts with the State Class S Tennis tournament where both Gilhuly and Boyce were seeded entries.

"I can't remember the last time a 1-2 singles player from our team, or for that matter, any other Shoreline Conference team swept both the regular and Tournament season. The competition is just too good, said Coach Rod Pakus. This is something very special that Patrick has achieved and he has done it in a highly competitive league. There were matches where I knew the pressure was getting to him and I secretly hoped he would drop one match so the "monkey" would be off his back. He showed me today that he has a deep reservoir of strength that he can draw upon when things get tough. He is one of the strongest players in this league."

Gilhuly jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first set before Boyce broke and then held his serve to recover to 5-2. Gilhuly then won the next game to take the first set 6-2. Gilhuly took the second set 6-0 to win the title match in straight sets. "We are always looking to improve and some of Pat's second set drop shots were probably not the best choices said Pakus. What I want to remember from that set is Patrick being so quick to the ball, not much got by him or put him in a defensive posture. He was in control of that set.”

Tournament Director and Old Lyme Athletic Director Rob Roach presented the Cougars' Gilhuly with the winner's trophy and East Hampton's Boyce with the Finalist Trophy after the conclusion of the Shoreline Conference title match.

Notice of 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 a Special Town Meeting will be held in the All-Purpose Room of the Killingworth Elementary School on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. to consider and act upon the following items of business.

1. To consider, discuss and vote upon the acceptance of the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant for the "Refurbishment of Irene Sheldon Park and the construction of a full size baseball field at the Wettish Property" in the amount of $400,000. The full text of this Personal Services Grant agreement is on file with the Town Clerk.

2. To consider, discuss and vote upon the plan design for the "Wettish Property Multi-Purpose Athletic Fields Project". The plan designs are available for inspection and are on file with the Town Clerk.

3. To consider, discuss and vote upon the proposed cost of an amount not to exceed $975,000 and the funding thereof for the "Wettish Property Multi-Purpose Athletic Fields Project."

Dated at Killingworth, Connecticut this 10th day of June 2009

Sunshine, a light breeze, and tree-lined greens of the Clinton Country Club combined to provide the perfect setting for the Killingworth Library's major fundraiser, The John P. Hine, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament. The library's fourth annual 18-hole "best ball" tournament began with an 11:00 a.m. barbeque lunch, followed by a 12:30 shotgun tee time.

The Gross Champions for the day were Brett and Paul Zanardi, Sean Moyer and Brendan Hatin with a score of 61. Net Champions were Dave Darling, Doug Stevenson, Brian O'Linn and Chris Lawrence with a score of 54.2. Mixed Net Champions were Lee Wezenski, Melissa Meagher, Tim Murray and Jon Travisano with a score of 54.9. Second Net Champions were Eugene Gargiulo, John Souza, Jeff McCollie, and Dan Johnson with a score of 55.6.

The Longest Drive at hole # 9 was won by Doug Stevenson. Closest to the Pin at hole #17 was won by Paul Zanardi for the men and Melissa Meagher for the women.

"The success of an event like this depends on the contributions of many people and businesses," explained Shelly Cumpstone, Killingworth Library Association board member and golf tournament chair. "The Killingworth Library Association appreciates the generosity of our raffle donors, tee sponsors, and, of course, the golfers who sign up year after year to play the game. The expertise of the Clinton Country Club professionals and staff keep the day running smoothly and Rick Albrecht keeps the putting contest on track."

The Killingworth Library Association is a non-profit organization responsible for the operation of the Killingworth Library. John P. Hine, Jr. was a past president of the Killingworth Library Association and served on its board of directors for many years. The tournament was named in memory of John and his countless hours of dedication and hard work on the library's behalf.

Gross Champions (l-r): Brendan Hatin, Sean Moyer, Paul Zanardi, Brett Zanardi. Photo courtesy K. Amoia

Andrew Pighills and Michelle Becker invite you to tour their garden and studio at 39 Beckwith Road, Killingworth, Saturday June 13th and Sunday, June 14th from 2-6:00 p.m. This year they are adopting a flexible format of an Open House over the course of a weekend, to permit personal contact with visitors and sharing of ideas on different aspects of gardening, garden design, horticulture and art.

As a "work-in-progress", Pighills and Becker have cultivated perennial gardens, a traditional kitchen garden, an herb garden, rose garden, cutting gardens and, the most recent addition, they call the 'Liberty Garden', combining French intensive biodynamic principles with the old Victory garden concept.

Becker's work is inspired by nature and includes paintings, decorative objects and painted furniture. A visit to the studio will include garden design and planning materials which will give visitors a fuller understanding of the process Andrew & Michelle employ in developing their gardens.

Killingworth's over forty men's softball team is looking for new players for its current season. Games are played on Monday evenings with home games at Sheldon Field. Anyone interested can contact Kylle Jonas, at 860-227-9319 or kyllej@asteriskinc.com.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering Summer Soccer Fun, where boys and girls ages 5 - 7 can participate in fun games to learn basic skills, become familiar with the rules of the game, and play small-sided scrimmages. Please bring a ball, water bottle and shinguards. Session I meets on Mondays at Sheldon Field from June 29 - July 27. Session II meets on Thursdays, from July 2 - July 20 at the HK HS Multi-Use Field. The fee is $50 (non-residents add $10). Times are 5:30 - 6:30 pm or 6:30 – 7:30 pm. The clinics are coached by UK International Soccer. For more information and how to register, call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

Elise M. Harrison, 82 of Killingworth died Monday June 8, 2009 at Middlesex Hospital. She was the beloved wife for 56 years of Bernard M. Harrison. Elise was born in New Haven, daughter of the late Edward P. and Nita (Hoyting) Miller. She was an avid square dancer for many years and she loved her cats. Besides her husband she is survived by 2 brothers and sisters in law, Edward P. and Winnifred Miller of Wallingford, and William J. and Joyce Miller of North Branford. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday June 11, 2009 11:am at the Swan Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Road Madison. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery Killingworth. Visitation will be Thursday June 11, 2009 from 10:a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial Donations in her name may be made to the Middlesex Hospice c/o Middlesex Hospital 55 Crescent Street Middletown Ct. 06457. Please visit www.mem.comtoleaveanonline condolence or tribute.

The Killingworth Land Conservation Trust's Sixth Annual Trails Day hike which took place at the Wettish Property on Saturday, June 6, was a definite success. The hour-long hike on the white loop trail was lead by Land Trust Trails Chairman Debby Butler, and she was assisted by Bruce Dodson and Bob Broach, who are also Land Trust directors. More than 66 people, young and old, from all areas of Connecticut participated. Many families who attended are involved in the Great Park Pursuit, part of the No Child Left Inside program.

The group enjoyed the newly-blazed trail, which goes passes several former logging sites and near a 150-year-old chestnut fence on adjoining state land. Along the way, children found two letterboxes and a geocache which were hidden for the event, to stir interest in those two hiking hobbies.

Following the walk, participants enjoyed a social time with fruit, cookies and cold liquid refreshments. It was a pleasant walk on a lovely day! For more information about that trail or others in town, contact Debby Butler at 663-2231 or debby_butler@hotmail.com.

Photo courtesy T. Gannon

The Killingworth Elementary School PTO hosted its 14th Annual Festival of the Arts and Sciences recently. Festival Chair Christine Miller and her committee of volunteers put together a fabulous day of hands-on learning and fun. A highlight was the work of Scott Papoosha and Joe Kelleher from Running Brook Farms and Damon Rich of D. Rich Stonework and Design, who provided the materials and design to help create a new butterfly garden in the lower playground area. Students painted the stepping stones for the pathway and learned first-hand about landscape design and gardening.

The butterfly garden and kids with Robert Rivest, who entertained and educated by combining science and mime illusions.

The KES-PTO would like to thank all the volunteers from the community who made the festival a success. Contributed photos.

Roast Meat Hill Road

a silent windy grove
by Roast Meat Hill Road

rows of slanted stone
slope with the wind
at their backs

names worn to gray
dust conceal memories
of those who rest

under a stand of
noble pines rocking
quietly in a gentle breeze

Resident David Sermersheim offers his musings on the Roast Meat Hill Cemetery

Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services and Artful Living have partnered to present the "Artful Living Summer Theater Camp", offering classes in singing, dance and theater for all students ages 9-14. Community-theater Producer and resident HKMS Drama Director, Christopher Solimene is working with HKMS Choral/Band teacher, Joel Spineti and Marti Spineti who is professionally trained with dance and theatrical movement. This week-long camp (August 10-14) is perfect for those kids who want a comprehensive musical theater experience while being conveniently located in our own community (at our state-of-the-art MS Auditorium). For more information, please go to www.hkyfs.org or call Chris at 860-389-1363.

Monday: June 1:
• 02:29:17 Medical Call, Route 148.
• 12:29:51 Medical Call, North Parker Hill Road.
Friday: June 5:
• 06:05:24 Medical Call, Boulder Trail.
Saturday: June 6:
• 13:30:53 Medical Call, Old Mine Road.
• 15:35:26 Structure Fire, Clinton, Riverside Drive.
• 16:19:39 MVA, Clinton, Killingworth Turnpike.

Megan Murray of Killingworth was named to the GNAC Academic All-Conference Team for her participation in varsity volleyball at Emmanuel College in Boston, Mass. Student-athletes meeting the criteria for Academic All-Conference must have a combined cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), must have achieved sophomore status in college, and must be a varsity letter winner on a collegiate athletic team. Murray is majoring in English and Secondary Education at Emmanuel. She is a 2007 graduate from Haddam-Killingworth High School and the daughter of Mary and Robert Murray.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held May 26, 2009
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) OEM - 1, (C) Housing Partnership - 4 (D) Public Health Agency - 1 (E) Estuary Council of Seniors - 2 (F) Municipal Land Use - 2 (G) Open Space Sub Committee - 1 (H) Water Pollution Control -1
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. BOS Authorization and Approval of alternate method of payment for Taxes as proposed by Point & Pay
9. New Business:
    A. AFSCME - Approval of Tentative Agreement
        BOS Approval of a tentative Agreement with the AFSCME Council and Authorization of the First Selectman to sign a complete Contract upon receipt.
    B. BOS Acceptance of The Charter as presented on May 26, 2009 by the Charter Revision Commission and refers it back to said Commission
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
Printable version

REMINDER: The Haddam-Killingworth PTO 8th Grade Graduation Reception Committee is accepting baked goods -- without NUTS, PLEASE!! -- and other donations at the Middle School, on Thursday evening -- June 11th from 5-7pm and Friday morning -- June 12th from 7-8am in front of the school office. We'd like to get the bulk of the items during those times so we can get a good idea of what we have and what we may have to purchase. If anyone needs to do so during Friday we will have a table or cart in the same place to leave the food. Let's make this a great reception! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP! - Sincerely, Deb & Amy

HK Sports: The HK Lacrosse team hosted Immaculate of Danbury in the quarterfinals of the CIAC Class II state tournament on Monday and fell to the Mustangs, 14-11. The Cougars took an early 3-1 lead in the 1st half but fell behind and trailed by 3 at halftime, 10-7. HK played Immaculate even in the 2nd half but couldn't overcome the eventual 3 goal deficit. Goalie Teagan Ferguson made 15 saves on the high scoring Mustang offense to keep the Cougars within striking distance throughout the game. Emily Anderson led HK with 5 goals. LIndsay Gorman netted 4, while Amanda Johannes and Emily Pollack each scored once and Camille Kostek dished out 2 assists. With the loss, the Cougars wrap up their record setting season with an overall record of 14-4. Coach Heather Ferrer and the players would like to thank the many fans who supported the team throughout the season at both home and away games.

Relay for Life Survivors have battled cancer so a little, or maybe a lot of rain, over the weekend was not going to stand in the way, or their supporters' way, of raising money and Celebrating, Remembering, and Fighting Back. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

As of Saturday at 10:00 a.m., the total raised was $123,000; exceeding last year's total by more than $10,000.


Photos courtesy A. Etra, for more photos visit www.amyetra.com/relay_2009

In late May, 76 students from the Haddam-Killingworth Music Department traveled to Hershey, Penn. to compete in the Music in the Parks High School Festival. Accompanying them were Choral Director Marcy Webster and Band Director Timothy D'Amato as well as a group of parent chaperones, guidance counselor Larry Leone, and Head Nurse Linda Kauffman. Mrs. Webster's Mixed Choir performed Erev Shel Shosanim (accompanied by H-K student Dina Grimaldi) and Psalmo 150. They received a rating of "good" and won 1st place in their class as well as 1st place overall. The Chamber Choir competed in the Vocal Jazz category singing "For All We Know" and "Route 66". They received the highest rating- "Superior" and won 1st place for Vocal Jazz.

H-K Student Henry Tobelman received an award for "Best Vocal Jazz Solo" for his performance in "Route 66". The Concert Band performed "An American Elegy" and "Seagate Overture". They received a Superior rating, placing 1st in the concert band class A category. The Jazz Band performed "Blue Rondo Ala Turk," "The Creole Love Call" and "Tiger of San Pedro". They received a Superior rating, placing 1st in the Jazz Ensemble category. Michael DiGregorio received an award for "Best Jazz Soloist" for his performance on the alto saxophone. Everyone had a wonderful experience during the trip.

Photos: Combined choir by D. Paracuelles. Combined band by L. Flanagan

HK Sports: The third-seeded HK Girls Lacrosse team hosted Fitch of Groton on Saturday in the 1st round of the CIAC Class II state tournament and came away with a hard fought 10-4 victory. Cougar scorers included Emily Anderson with 4 goals, Emily Pollack with 3 goals, Lindsay Gorman with 2 goals and an assist, Mikayla Litevich with 1 goal and Nicole Armenia with an assist. Goalie Teagan Ferguson turned back 4 Falcon shots. With the win, HK moves into the quarterfinals and will host 11th seed Immaculate of Danbury on Monday at 5 p.m. at the HK football field.

"Palestine Peace Not Apartheid" by former President Jimmy Carter is the non fiction book selection for the June 9th meeting of the Killingworth Library's Tuesday Book Discussion Group. Carter said of his work, "The ultimate purpose of my book is to present facts about the Middle East that are largely unknown in America, to precipitate discussion and to help restart peace talks that can lead to permanent peace for Israel and its neighbors."

Discussion begins at 1:00 in the library meeting room and newcomers are always welcome.

State legislators in Hartford have a term for legislative bills which will do great harm. They say that the bill is a "rat." Very unfortunately, the negotiations to balance a $9 billion deficit in the state budget have a rat.

When Governor Rell negotiated wage and benefit concessions of $700 million from over 50,000 state employees, she consented in that labor agreement not to layoff any state employees. This trade-off, attractive on the surface, is preventing the Governor and Legislature from being able to make substantial reductions in the size of our state government, and there are state agencies which are indeed bloated and would serve better if reduced and streamlined.

The Governor's no-layoff agreement with state employees prevents, for example, the consolidation of administrative services into one agency. Currently, most state agencies each have staff which handles purchasing, contracting, human resources, printing, information technology, legal and accounting services. Our budget deficit, as well as fundamental principles of efficiency, dictate that these services be consolidated into one agency, but that cannot be done because of the no-layoff agreement.

Many Connecticut residents are asking why the General Assembly is considering tax increases instead of even more spending cuts to balance the budget. The public employee agreement on no layoffs is the reason. Of course, there is an alternative to revenue increases and that is to make draconian cuts to state aid for our towns, our schools, our health care and our public transportation services. There is not a lot of enthusiasm to make those cuts of essential, quality of life services.

Our continuing failure to meet the historic deficit and balance the budget arises from this situation, and we must be highly creative and communicative to get the budget job done. The current name-calling and finger-pointing between the executive and legislative branches is totally unproductive.

State Senator Ed Meyer

The HK Soccer Club U13 Girls won their division at the Clinton Tournament in mid-May. The two day competition featured five games with the team finishing 4-1. They defeated teams from Guilford, Madison and Rhode Island and won in the finals 2-0 against a strong RI team. It was a great team effort with all players giving 100%.

Photo courtesy S. Cumpstone