It's a double dose of opera in Clinton this weekend as the Opera Theater of Connecticut celebrates its 24th season with a double bill of tragedies: "Suor Angelica" by Giacomo Puccini and "Cavalleria Rusticana" by Piotor Mascagni.

The operas, sung in Italian, are accompanied by Opera Theater of Connecticut's 26-piece orchestra led by Kyle Swann and chorus and include English supertitles.

Performances at Andrews Memorial Theater, Main Street, Clinton, are tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $37.50, $35 for senior citizens and $30 for students. A pre-opera talk by artistic director Alan Mann is $5. Guests can order boxed suppers from Chips Pub III for $15 to enjoy outside on the lawn overlooking Clinton Harbor before the opera.

Information: 860-669-8999 or www.operatheater-ct.org.

The continuing failure to obtain a state budget is not only a disappointment but also raises serious questions concerning the process of budget negotiations in Hartford. The fact that we are now almost two months into the new fiscal year without a budget strongly suggests that people are not yet expressing "pain" to the governor and their state legislators. I believe that we will not get a budget until that "pain" is clearly and frequently expressed.

In sharp contrast to Hartford's budget dilemma, I recently saw up-close the Virginia colonial government of the late 1700s. Last month, my family (all 6 children, their spouses, and 13 grandchildren) visited Colonial Williamsburg for a week. The town represents a re-enactment of the colonial government and society in the 1770s. We saw simple but fervent clarity of expression as the colonists debated whether or not to seek independence from England. One evening, we guests served as members of the House of Burgess seeking to decide whether to separate from England into our own union and nation. The debate was fierce - many arguing that we were being taxed without representation and that the empire's government was both arrogant and remote, while others argued that separation from England would be an economic disaster gravely affecting both our imports from England and our largest export market. At the end of the evening a vote was taken, and we colonists voted 67-14 for independence.

We also sat as jurors in the trial of an alleged witch. I voted not guilty to the dismay of certain other male jurors. Punishment would have been hanging. Other more frequent punishments in those days included time in the public stockade, whippings and brandings on the criminal's hand, "T" for thievery and "M" for manslaughter. Lots of Meyer family photos were taken in the stockades!

Most interesting were conversations we had with Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry who, in their re-enactment, were wonderfully knowledgeable about that time. Jefferson was cultured and conservative. I asked him about the baby that he had with his slave Sally Hemmings to which he replied that "this discourse will not engage in our private lives." Patrick Henry came across as an egotistical loud-mouth who led more by his speech than his actions. Woe unto us politicians!

Colonial Williamsburg was indeed a very different time from Hartford in 2009, or was it?

By John Samperi
From the Desk of the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party

"You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence" Abraham Lincoln, Republican. The Right Vote 2009 Campaign is about Republicans taking the initiative to allow true Republicans to represent the party. Click to read full letter

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Town Charter Revisions 2009
By Bill Romero
Wow! Have you seen the news regarding the issues and emotions at political gatherings across the country? Any idea of what is causing the swelling of thinking and intensity of political emotions? "My opinion," money and the ability to control how it is being spent, your money and your tax dollars! "What's happening in Killingworth, CT?" Click to read full letter

Several spots are still open on all of our Fall Baseball and Softball teams. We are looking for interested players who would like to play on our Minor Baseball Team, Majors Baseball Team, Juniors Baseball Team and our Minors Softball Team. The season runs from mid August through October. Most games are played on Saturdays either in town or in neighboring towns. Fall Ball is especially beneficial for players planning on moving up a division next spring. For any questions or to sign up please contact John Connell at kfc78x@sbcglobal.net. Players will be added to team rosters until filled on a first come first serve basis.

If you are interested in umpiring any of the fall games please also contact John Connell at the email above.

By Catherine Iino
It has been an honor for me to serve on the Board of Selectmen for the last two years. I want to tell you why I am running for First Selectman now.

When I moved to Killingworth from New Haven, more than a dozen years ago, I came with the big city mindset: whenever I saw a problem, I thought someone should do something about that.

The transfer station could be recycling more? Someone should do something about that.

Not enough soccer fields for my daughter's league? Someone should do something about that.

Too much infighting in town hall? Someone should do something about that.

After a while, it dawned on me: in a small town like Killingworth, someone is me. There's no big, anonymous bureaucracy to blame things on. If you want something to happen, just do it. That's when I decided to get involved in town politics. Click to read full letter

Art Portfolio Workshops with Artist Aleta Gudelski
(Saturdays, Sept. 12 and 26) In these ongoing, hands-on Workshops, artist and teacher Aleta Gudelski will guide adults and teens to develop a comprehensive art portfolio for admission to college art programs. (9:30-12pm). Set and achieve specific portfolio goals, tailored to the requirements of individual art programs. Cost is $50 per session.

Fashion Illustration Series
ARTS CENTER AT KILLINGWORTH offers a new six-session Fashion Illustration series with artist Gloria Nilsson. Participants focus on proportion, live model quick sketching, foreshortening, action and balance. Start with a full color illustration/collage using gesture drawings to be completed throughout the program. Cost is $160 (materials not included) and runs Saturdays: September 19, 26; October 3, 24, 31; and November 7, from 10-12pm.

Drawing with the Masters
ARTS CENTER AT KILLINGWORTH offers a new six-session drawing series, Drawing with the Masters with artist Gloria Nilsson. Explore unconventional or "edgy" still lifes by well-known artists as you study and draw from the paintings of artists who display unusual and subject matter and style. For beginner to intermediate levels. Two sessions: Tuesday evenings or Sunday mornings. The cost is $225 for one section of 6 sessions. Section 1: Tuesday, September 22, 29; and October 6, 13, 20, 27, from 6:30-8:30pm. Section 2: Sunday, September 27; October 4, 18, 25; and November 1, 8, from 11-1pm. Space is limited.

Unique Pressed Flower Workshop
Sunday Afternoon with an Artist Series
ARTS CENTER AT KILLINGWORTH, hosts a Pressed Flower Workshop with artist Lisabeth Billingsley, Sunday, September 27, 1-4pm. Remember the lazy days of Summer and create one-of-a-kind works of art or unique greeting cards using pressed flowers, iridescent paint and colored tissue. Cost is $60 and includes all materials. Space is limited.

To register call (860) 663-5593. The Arts Center at Killingworth is located at 276 North Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, CT. 06419. Visit us online www.artscenterkillingworth.org

The Music For A Cause Festival, an idea brought to the Healthy Communities Healthy Kids Coalition by local students of the Haddam-Killingworth area, will take place Sunday, August 16th from 1:00pm-10:00pm on the high school soccer field.

The festival brings bands from all over the New England area and provides the communities with an alcohol and drug free event. The festival promotes multiple genres of music and fundraises money for a chosen cause, meanwhile allowing youth to get out of the house, socialize, and have fun in a safe way.

All proceeds from the 2009 Festival will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

The entry fee is $5 (Hand Stamp required for re-entry). Food will be available from the Haddam Lion's Club, Coyote Blue, and 80 Licks Ice Cream! Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please email Chelsea Goodwin at musicforacausefestival@yahoo.com

The HCHK Coalition's mission is to prevent and reduce substance abuse, other risky behavior, and, promote the wellness of the Haddam-Killingworth community.

In what is planned to be the first in a series of educational workshops that promote the arts, cultural heritage and agriculture, the Parmelee Farm will play host to a workshop on the ancient craft of dry stone wall building.

Experts in their field, Dan Snow and Andrew Pighills will teach a two-day weekend long workshop on the art of dry stone wall building on Oct.31 and Nov.1, 2009 at the farm at 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth.

Participants will learn the basic principles of wall building, from establishing foundations, to the methods of dry laid (sometimes called dry-stacked) construction and 'hearting' the wall. This hands-on workshop will address not only the structure and principles behind wall building but also the aesthetic considerations of balance and proportion.

As part of an ongoing process to preserve the site's heritage and restore it's historic integrity the upcoming Dry Stone Walling workshop will be the first in what is planned to be a twice yearly event.

Time: Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9:00 am till 4:00 pm
Place: Parmelee Farm, 465 Rte. 81, Killingworth, CT 06419
Tuition: $300.00
Contact: Michelle Becker at 860-322-0060 or by e-mail at : mb@mbeckerco.com

FACULTY:
Dan Snow
Artist and dry stone craftsman, Dan Snow creates site-specific, environmental works, builds traditional dry stone constructions and assembles small-scale, stand-alone sculpture for clients in his native Vermont, New England and beyond.

Holding a Master craftsman certificate from the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, Dan Snow has instructed many workshops in dry stone walling and lectured on the craft across the USA, in Canada and Great Britain.

In 2001 Snow authored "In the Company of Stone", published by Artisan, with photographs of his work by Peter Mauss. "Listening to Stone," is Snow's second book, published in 2008. "Stone Rising," a film by Camilla Rockwell, released in 2005, captures the spirit of his constructions and chronicles the process of their creation. www.inthecompanyofstone.com

Andrew Pighills
Dry stone craftsmen and horticulturist, Andrew Pighills learned his craft as a young apprentice to Master craftsmen in his birthplace, the Yorkshire Dales of his native England.

He has thirty years of experience building with stone, both dry and mortared, although dry laid stonework is his preference. Andrew holds an Advanced Craftsman certification with the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain as well as a certificate in Horticulture from the Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. He and his artist/designer wife own English Gardens and Landscaping. In addition to building walls and creating gardens, his work includes outdoor kitchens, wine cellars, firepits and garden features that include follies and other whimsical structures in stone.

Pighills has worked with Snow co-teaching a number of workshops on the art of dry stone walling throughout New England. His work has recently been featured in the book, "Stone Primer" by Charles McCraven and published by Storey Publishing. www.englishgardensandlandscaping.com

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously last night to take the proposed Town Charter changes to the electors on the November 3rd ballot as one, yes or no question. The Board previously approved accepting the Charter Revision Commission's document at a special meeting last week.

At the August 5th meeting, the BOS stated, "The Board of Selectmen commends the members of the Charter Review Commission for your dedication, your diligence, and your civility. Thank you all, on behalf of the Town of Killingworth, for the enormous amount of time and effort you put into your work as a commission. We are fortunate to have citizens like you."

During last night's discussion, Selectwoman Cathy Iino raised the possibility of separating the vote into several questions. Iino said she had heard from many residents recently, both Democrats and Republicans, who had concerns. She said sending the question in three parts "might diffuse the debate". She emphasized that the BOS fully supports the revised charter but was worried that a few issues might jeopardize the vote and, "all that [The Commission's] hard work would go down the drain".

Selectman Fred Dudek said the Charter Revision Commission discussed the issue of splitting the question for almost an hour at its last meeting and unanimously voted to recommend it be put forward as one question. He said he is aware some people are trying to raise unwarranted fear, but fully supports the recommendation of the Commission.

The Killingworth Women's Organization invites anyone interested in learning about local volunteering opportunities to its August meeting on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Library. Diane Gladstone, Kilingworth's Municipal Agent, and Jan O'Sullivan, from Helping Hands, will discuss needs in our town. For more information, please call Michele Early at 663-1496 or email info@killingworthwomensorg.org.

UPDATE: Chewie is home with his family thanks to one of our KToday visitors. Thanks for being great neighbors.

The Connecticut State Department of Education recently released the grade 3-8 Connecticut Mastery Test scores and the 10th grade Connecticut Academic Performance Test scores.

The scores show an improvement in almost all areas for Region 17 Schools grades 3-8; Math, Reading Writing and Science, but a slight decrease for Haddam-Killingworth High School Grade 10 CAPT scores in all areas except writing.

According to the Department of Education, "Compared with 2008, Connecticut's elementary and middle school students improved their performance at the proficient and goal levels in all content areas tested and at all grade levels tested, except for Grade 3 Writing, on the 2009 Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT). The annual, state-administered CMT assesses approximately 250,000 students on their application of skills and knowledge in the core academic content areas of reading, writing and
mathematics in Grades 3 through 8, and science in Grades 5 and 8."

Click for the Full List of Region 17 Scores

Sunday, August16th between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., the Democratic slate for the fall elections will participate in a "Meet and Greet" at the Sheldon Field Pavilion. The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee invites Killingworth residents to stop by and talk to its candidates. This is an informal opportunity to discuss concerns with the Democratic slate as they prepare for the upcoming campaign and the fall elections. Senator Ed Meyer will also attend. During the event, pictures of our candidates will be taken by Killingworth photographer Amy Etra. Refreshments will be served. (Rain date is August 23.)

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, August 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting held on July 28 and August 5, 2009
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) Public Health Agency - 1, (C) Housing Partnership - 1 (D) Municipal Land Use - 2 (E) Parmelee Steering Comm. - 1 (F) Venuti Prop. Planning Comm. - 1 (G) Conservation Comm. -1 (H). Estuary Council of Seniors - 2 (I) Open Space Sub Committee - 1 (J) Town Office Bldg. Study Comm.- 5
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. Middlesex Hospital Homecare Agreement/Contract
    B. Charter Revision - Plans for Publication and Question for Ballot
    C. Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan
    D. Municipal Website Project - Update
    E. Town Office Building - Phase 1 - Status Report
9. New Business:
    A. Annual Report for fiscal year 08/09
    B. Housing Partnership Charge
    C. UPS Drop Box Option
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Executive Session: Pending Litigation
14. Adjournment
Printable version

Wednesday: August 5:
• 08:40:26 Medical Call, Reservoir Road.
• 10:28:09 Medical Call, Pond Meadow Road.
• 22:00:00 Medical Call, Lower Boulder Trail.
Saturday: August 8:
• 19:19:57 Medical Call, Route 80.

State Senator Ed Meyer will host his second-annual Senior Fair on Wednesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. until Noon in the Whitfield Room of the Guilford Community Center at 32 Church Street, Guilford.

The fair is intended to put seniors in contact with a broad variety of services offered by state government.

Agency attendees will include representatives from the Guilford Police Department, the North Branford Senior Center, the Agency on Aging, the state Commission on Aging, the Office of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the state Department of Banking, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, and VNA Community Healthcare.

Food and drink will be provided to all seniors.

"One out of every seven people in the 12th District is age 65 or older, including me," Sen. Meyer said, "and Connecticut has the seventh-oldest population in the nation. It's imperative that we communicate to our seniors all of the state and local resources available to them, and that we reach out to hear their concerns."

This year's event will bring together senior citizens from Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison and North Branford - the towns that comprise the 12th Senate District. According the 2000 U.S. Census (the latest available for small towns), there are a combined 13,055 residents age 65 or older in these six towns - an average of one out of every 7.6 people.

Vendors, non-profit organizations and individuals who have any questions about the Senior Fair may call Sen. Meyer's Legislative Aide Jacqueline Kozin at (860) 240-0455.