On June 19, 2009, the Haddam Killingworth High School Project Graduation Committee held its 20th Project Graduation Celebration for the Haddam Killingworth High School Class of 2009. The theme of this year's party was "Start Spreading the News" The decorating genius of the Decorations Committee transformed the HKHS Field House and its Lobby into the Big Apple. The graduates entered the party through Grand Central Station and found New York City, including Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Little Italy and Chinatown, in what had previously been the HKHS Field House. The all night substance-and alcohol-free party was attended by 151 members of the Class of 2009, along with 26 guests.

The party started at 10:30 p.m. and lasted until the wee hours of the morning. The tired graduates left the field house around 5 a.m., each having received a gift and having experienced a night to remember. The graduates were entertained by a DJ all night long, along with a magician, fortune teller and air brush tattoo artists. Activities included human foosball, mini NASCAR racing, a bungee trampoline and Gladiator. The graduates also enjoyed ping-pong, volleyball and swimming. Contests included cash giveaways throughout the night, a pie eating contest, Twister contest and a Limbo contest The graduates also enjoyed unlimited food, including all the specialties they might find in New York City-- subs, pretzels, pizzas, tacos, nachos, Italian ice and of course, cake - and unlimited beverages. At the end of the evening, each graduate received a gift, intended to assist in the transition to college or career; two lucky members of the class of 2009 received lap top computers.

The Committees of HKHS Project Graduation are dedicated to providing the graduating seniors of HKHS with a safe, alcohol- and substance-free venue to celebrate their achievements with their classmates. We could not make the event happen without the many members of our communities who donate their time, efforts, money, products, food, beverages and support to Project Graduation. To all our supporters, to the members of our communities, and to the graduates: Thank you for making this event at success!

Kaycee Blancaflor
Chairwoman, Project Graduation
Click to view Donations List

Resident Trooper Matthew Ward reports that two suspects were arrested yesterday for stealing a 'quad' in Deep River. Further investigation revealed that these two suspects were responsible for a string of burglaries and larcenies. They were linked to the two burglaries/larcenies on Green Hill Road, three in Westbrook, 4 or 5 in Clinton and some in Branford and Woodbridge. Ward said, "It was as great team effort". The burglary on Cow Pen Hill where jewelry was stolen has not been linked to these suspects. Arrest Warrants will being prepared for them and they are currently being held on other charges. Update will be made when more information is available. Ward encourages residents to still stay alert.

Come to the HK Recreation Department to sign up for Six Flags New England or Lake Compounce tickets at a discounted price. Save time and money and avoid waiting in the long ticket lines at the parks. Tickets are good ANY DAY of the season - but please check with the parks to find out the dates they are open to the public.

Six Flags New England Tickets will be available through September 1st at the HK Recreation Office and are good any one day for the '09 season. The fee is $27 Adults and Juniors (54" and up). There is a $1 handling fee per ticket. The total fee per ticket would be $28. Children under 36" are free. Tickets are good for the whole day. (Regular admission prices are $42 for Adults - that is a $14 savings).

Lake Compounce Tickets will be available from through September 1st at the HK Recreation Office and are good any one day for the 09' season. The fee is $25 for Adults and Juniors (ages 4 & up). There is a $1 handling fee per ticket. The total fee per ticket would be $26. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are good for the whole day. (Regular admission is $35 - that is a $9 savings).

For more information and how to sign up for discounted tickets, please call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 or visit us on-line at www.hkrec.com.

State Sen. Ed Meyer, who is Senate Chairman of the Environment Committee, recently issued a call for the legislature's Environment Committee to review the state's clean water standards and related financial resources in the wake of a new report which shows an increasing number of "unhealthy" days at state beaches.

Sen. Meyer made his comments as he spoke at Branford Point Beach to state legislators and environmental activists in reaction to a new report which shows that Connecticut beaches saw a 25 percent increase in the number of beach closings and water quality advisories. Killingworth's Chatfield Hollow Beach had been closed for several weeks. It is now open.

The National Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org/beaches) issued a report today stating that pollution caused the number of U.S. beach closings and advisories to hit their fourth-highest level in the 19-year history of the report. The total number of beach closings in Connecticut jumped from 108 in 2007 to 135 in 2008. 38 of those beaches closing were due to excessive levels of contaminants, while 97 were preemptive closings due to heavy rain or wildlife.

"This report is an alarm call for the Environment Committee to determine whether we have the proper clean water standards in place here in Connecticut, and whether we have the financial support in the budget to achieve those standards," Sen. Meyer said. "I will confer with my co-chairman, Representative Richard Roy, to address these questions in our next legislative session."

The NRDC analyzed Connecticut Department of Health data for the 66 beaches monitored by the state and municipalities. This year, Connecticut ranked 12th in the nation for the percentage of tests that exceeded national standards, with four percent of those tests failing to meet standards set for bacteria.
Pictured: Rep. Richard Roy, Senator Ed Meyer and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal appear Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Branford Point Beach in Branford. Photo Courtesy Meyer Staff

Artful Living is proud to present THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the new state-of-the-art theater of HK Middle School on July 31, August 1,2,7,8 & 9. Fri, Sat at 7:30 pm and Sun at 2:00 pm. $18 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Tickets, directions and times can be found on line at www.killingworthtoday.com/soundofmusic

This Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece is sure to thrill young and old alike. This story reminds us all to "climb every mountain, ford every stream, and follow every by-way till we find our dream" in a time when hope and inspiration are so very needed. You will be absolutely enchanted by this cast of 100+ local and regional actors and our 15 - piece professional orchestra musicians who bring such favorites to you as: Do Re Mi, My Favorite Things, The Sound of Music, The Lonely Goatherd, Climb Every Mountain and so many more! Go online today or call 860-389-1363 for more information and group rates. This production benefits Youth and Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth, Inc.

Dress rehearsal with Marcia Maslo as Maria and the Von Trapp Children

Youth & Family Services of H-K Inc is hosting a fundraiser for an evening baseball and family fun at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, home of the CT. Defenders. Tickets are $8.00 and half of the proceeds go to Youth & Family Services of H-K, Inc. There will be a spectacular fireworks display immediately following the game. Please join us to cheer on the CT. Defenders on Friday, August 21 for a 6:35 pm game. If you would like to purchase tickets please call Ann at 345-7498 or send email to ann@hkyfs.org.

"The Gift of Rain" by Tan Twan Eng is the selection for the August 11th meeting of the Tuesday Book Discussion Group at the Killingworth Library. Eng's beautifully written first novel is set in Malaya and spans the decades from the final days of the Chinese emperors and the declining British Empire, through World War II and its aftermath. It is an historical novel wrapped around universal truths of love, divided loyalties, and unbearable loss.

The discussion begins at 1:00 in the library meeting room. Newcomers are always welcome.

Killingworth Resident State Trooper Matthew Ward reports that there have been three burglaries in town in the past three days. Two were from shed/garages where tools and lawn equipment were taken. The third burglary was an air conditioner unit removed from the residence. Entry was gained through the window. Jewelry and stereo equipment were also taken. There are currently no witnesses, suspects or vehicle descriptions.

Trooper Ward also reports, the Town of Westbrook had three burglaries/larcenies from sheds yesterday where lawn and fishing equipment were taken. A reminder to the residents to be observant, lock your sheds and houses when you are not around and report any suspicious activity. Ward said, "Together as a community we will catch these burglars again. I also want to remind people that these types of people are still out and about committing crimes".

If you have any information please contact Troop F at 399-2100, 800-256-5761 or call 911.

Killingworth Democrats filled the firehouse at Sunday evening's caucus in a strong show of support for the Democratic Town Committee's endorsed slate. James Ball from the Democratic State Central Committee also attended.

From veteran town official and Selectman nominee Rick Albrecht's nomination of Cathy Iino for First Selectman, to praise for incumbent Treasurer Claudette Lagasse and heartfelt endorsements of incumbent Town Clerk Linda Dudek, speeches from the floor affirmed the quality and qualifications of this year's Democratic ticket. With no challenges for any position, the meeting reflected the broader Democratic Party's consensus-building initiatives and philosophy of inclusion.

As Caucus Chair Kathleen Amoia pointed out, party affiliation affords the privilege of bringing your own point of view to bear early in the process - not once the candidates have been selected for you. To those present last night, that was certainly the case. Anyone interested in supporting this year's campaign, attending KDTC meetings or joining the KDTC will be warmly welcomed. Look for information on our fall fundraiser. Please contact Chair Gwenne Lally at 663-3747.

2009 KDTC Slate:
First Selectman: Catherine Iino
Selectman: Rick Albrecht
Town Treasurer: Claudette Lagasse
Town Clerk: Linda Dudek
Board of Finance: Chris Grotz, Gwenne Lally, Kathleen Amoia
Board of Assessment Appeals: Sheila Ahearn, Barbara Klein
Planning & Zoning Commission: Jere Adametz, Ed Hayash, Phil Stull
Planning & Zoning Comm. Alt.: Randy Davis
Zoning Board of Appeals: Brian Young, Pat Smulders
Zoning Board of Appeals-Alt: Mark Williams
Fire Commissioner: Fran Dooley
Regional Board of Education: Poornima Agarwal, Susan Dean

The Killingworth Republicans gathered at the firehouse Monday evening to determine its slate of candidates for the fall municipal elections. KRTC Chairman David Denvir welcomed the 135 registered Republicans and led the group through several multi-candidate votes over the course of the two and a half hour caucus. The KRTC nominated retired businessman Jerome Baron for First Selectman. Baron currently serves on the Board of Finance.

2009 KRTC Slate:
First Selectman: Jerome Baron
Selectman: Fred Dudek, Richard Cabral
Town Treasurer: Claudette Lagasse
Town Clerk: Linda Dudek
Board of Finance: Hilary Kumnick, Shawn O'Connell
Board of Assessment Appeals: Collis Beck
Planning & Zoning Commission: Paul McGuinness, David Gross
Planning & Zoning Comm. Alt.: Michael Okoniewski
Zoning Board of Appeals: Les Riblet
Zoning Board of Appeals-Alt: Harvey DaRosa
Fire Commissioner: Mike Butler
Regional Board of Education: Keith Kelsey, William Romero

The 50th Annual Congregational Church Fair takes place this weekend. It begins on Friday, July 31 with the BBQ from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.. Discount tickets are available through the Church if purchased ahead of time. Prices are Seniors $10, Adults $12 and Children $6. Ticket prices at the door are Seniors $12, Adults $14 and Children $7.

The Fair continues Saturday, August 1st from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. There will be Touch-a-Truck, Craft Dealers and Business Booths, White Elephant Sale, Children's Games, Fair Food, Bake Sale, Plant Booth, Book Sale, Hayride, Horse back riding and more! Purchase a raffle ticket to win an authentic new, original Pennsylvania Amish Lone Start Quilt of Heirloom Quality. Size 105" x 112" made of cotton.

Free Admission! Free Parking!

Gil Simmons (of Channel 8 news, WTNH) will be making an appearance at the fair with the Skymax mobile weather lab.

Come out early and take part in the 2009 Killingworth Road Race. The race, now a certified 4 miler, runs just north of the junction with Rte 80 and loops through some scenic roads and ends back at the church. You can still sign up the day of the race. The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. The fee is $20.

August Events at
The Oak Lodge Nature Center
at Chatfield Hollow State Park.
The Nature Center's Hours of Operation are Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Weather Permitting). The Oak Lodge Nature Center is the red building located across the dam, next to Schreeder Pond in Chatfield Hollow State Park

Three Sisters Farm
Sunday August 2, 2009 at 1 pm.
All About Bee Keeping: This local family-run farm raises bees to make their own honey as well as other natural products. They will discuss topics ranging from bee behavior and the art of raising bees, to honey making and buying locally produced food products. All ages are welcome!

Connecticut's Geology: Play-dough Pressure!
Sunday August 8, 2009 at 1 pm

Nest-Making 101
Sunday August 16, 2009 at 1 pm

A Place Called Hope
Sunday August 23, 2009 at 1 pm
Meet the Birds of Prey: This local Bird of Prey shelter rescues, and rehabilitates birds of prey, while educating the public about these beautiful animals! They will discuss topics ranging from bird behavior to what you can do to help them to "Preserve Wildlife for Tomorrow"!

The Nature Center will be Closed the August 29 and 30.

Sunday: July 19:
• 18:09:56 Medical Call, Laurel Ridge Trail.
Tuesday: July 21:
• 04:28:35 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Cow Pen Hill Road.
• 12:29:55 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Cow Pen Hill Road & Fawn Hill Road.
Thursday: July 23:
• 10:07:33 Fire Alarm, Fawn Hill Road.
• 17:11:11 Structure Fire, Clinton, 94 High Street.
Saturday: July 25:
• 18:23:28 Medical Call, Coughlin Road.

Charter Revision Commission Final Report

After eleven months of work, the Killingworth Charter Revision Commission (KCRC) has, according to a statutorily-set calendar, presented to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) its final recommendations. The KCRC's proposed revisions, until this point, have been a work in progress.

What follows is an explanation of the importance of the charter, the composition of the commission, the commission's task, a sampling of the multifarious issues the commission researched and deliberated, the commission's priority, some misconceptions about the commission's work and product, an outline of the KCRC's schedule and how it strove to be inclusive and open, the next steps, and, finally, how interested persons can see the proposed revisions to the charter. Click to Read Commission's Full Report

Click to Download 7-15-2009 Final Charter Draft

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Executive Session -pending litigation
4. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting held on July 13, 2009
5. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
6. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
7. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) Public Health Agency - 1, (C) Housing Partnership - 1 (D) Venuti Prop. Planning Comm. - 1 (E) Conservation Comm. -1 (F). Estuary Council of Seniors - 2 (G) Municipal Land Use - 2 (H) Open Space Sub Committee - 1
8. Appointments:
9. Old Business:
    A. Yale School of Management - Transfer Station Recomm. -W. Adametz
    B. Lovers Lane Update - W. Adametz
    C. River Road Update - W. Adametz
    D. Reservoir Road Bridge Update - W. Adametz
    E. Charter Revision Commission
    F. Middlesex Hospital Homecare Agreement/Contract -N. Drew
    G. Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan - Update
    H. Municipal Website -F. Dudek
10. New Business:
    A. Approve Purchase of Mason Dump Truck & Equipment Under CT State Bid Contract
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
Printable version

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts sponsored by Liberty Bank and the HK Recreation Department! Bring a blanket or a chair to enjoy an evening of live entertainment at the Haddam town green. Fun for the whole family! Food will be available - sold by the Haddam River Day Committee. An ice cream truck will also be present. The Higganum Market will also be available until 7:00 pm. The Concert Series is sponsored by Liberty Bank.

Friday, July 31st: Cover Story, the Band
This six-piece band will keep you moving through the decades of hits from the 60's to today including Motown, Funk, R & B, Pop, 80's Rock, you name it. Enjoy a fun, interactive and fun stage show with seasoned professionals. This is a high-energy show with interactive play (tambourines and blow up instruments) for any dancing children near the stage! Come out for an evening of family fun - you won't be disappointed. Check www.coverstorytheband.com.

Friday, August 7th: The Tom Sanders Band
Bringing together musicians from some of the area's best Blues and R & B bands (The Hornets, Jim Shepley Band, Chris Tofield & The Bluesbenders, Eran Troy Danner & Hot Dallas), The Tom Sanders Band formed in 2003 as the result of a recording project. The session went so well and they enjoyed playing together so much it was a natural. The set list includes originals, blues, soul and classic rock, including a full set of Allman Brothers. We are pleased to have Tom Sanders, a Higganum resident, and his band perform this year - so check it out!

The 12th Annual Liberty Bank-Riverview Hospital Golf Tournament will be Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Portland Golf Club in Portland, CT. Entry fee is $125 per golfer ($500 per foursome). Fee includes: Green fees, cart rental, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, refreshments, dinner buffet, and tournament awards and raffles. Over the past 11 years your participation and generous contributions have helped raised over $100,000, and 100% of the funds go directly to the children for educational and recreational activities. For more information and to register, please contact Rob Rougeot at 860-704-4243 or Liz Tringali 860-343-7404. "A Day in the Sun for the Children of Riverview Hospital"