Traffic Circle - Call For Help
by Rob Artus

There must be 10,000 traffic-circles (or "roundabouts") in Britain and I have driven many of them, however none can surely match the Killingworth traffic circle. I am inviting the designer to Killingworth to see what a total mess this is - maybe he was a Floridian and didn't consider that snow ploughs would destroy the raised curbs. Anyway, the circle is the worst piece of mess I've ever seen........it hardly preserves the much ballyhooed "rural character" of the town which is a crying shame - it's the centerpiece of our town yet it seems everyone is ashamed of it. And surely we must be able to put up just a few more traffic signs?.......I can only assume we were a guinea pig for this design, but of course I may be wrong. Click to read full letter

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering many fun and exciting programs this fall. The fall brochure will be mailed the end of August. The brochure is on line at www.hkrec.com.

Upcoming fall programs will include pre-school programs such as Imagination Stations, Music Together, Messy Art, Gymnastics, Parent/Kid Soccer, Toddler Swim Classes, and Pre-School Mad Science. A variety of Youth and Teen programs will be offered such as Mad Science, Creative Art, Acting, Magic Workshops, Horseback Riding, Robotics, Making an Indiana Jones Movie, Kid's Focus on Fitness, Gymnastics, Karate, Skyhawks Basketball/Soccer, Golf Basics for Juniors, Archery, Babysitting Classes, When I'm in Charge, Swim Lessons, Pre-Teen Focus on Fitness, SAT 101, and Crossroads Driving School.

Swim Lesson Registration for residents will be held on Wednesday, September 9th from 7 - 8 pm at Burr School and on Thursday, September 10th from 2 - 4 pm at the HK Recreation Office.

Many Adult programs this fall include Stamping Classes, Floral Arrangements, Step Express, Fitness Yoga, Zumba, Get Fit, Fall Fitness Sampler, Dog Obedience, Ballroom Dance Lessons, Basic Boating Course, Aqua Aerobics, Auto Maintenance Workshop, and Men’s Fall Basketball.

Two excursions will be offered….Pumpkin Festival in Keene New Hampshire on October 17th and a show at the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret on December 5th. We also sell Discount tickets to Six Flags New England and Lake Compounce. Tickets will be available until September 1st.

For more information about any of our programs, please call the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

Over the past several weeks there has been some incorrect information circulating regarding recommended changes to the Town Charter as submitted by the Charter Revision Commission (CRC). I would like to take this opportunity to clarify and correct a number of these points.

True or False?

• Do the proposed changes to the Charter include a Town Manager?
• FALSE: The concept of a Town Manager was researched extensively and discussed at length by the CRC but ultimately not included in the proposed changes to the Charter.


• Do the proposed changes to the Charter eliminate any elected positions?
• FALSE: No elected positions are eliminated in the proposed changes.


• Did the term for the Board of Selectmen (BOS) get extended to four years?
• FALSE: The length of terms and composition of the BOS were discussed in great detail. No changes are included in the proposed changes. The term and composition of the BOS remains unchanged: two-year terms, no change in structure.


• When Killingworth accepts the Charter, will there be an immediate posting for a Director of Public Works position as outlined in the recommended changes to the Charter?
• FALSE: The current Charter states that the First Selectman is the Director of Public Works. The proposed Charter revisions provide for the position to be filled by someone other than the First Selectman, a position that must be approved by the BOS, funded by the Board of Finance and approved at a Town Meeting before it can be filled. The proposed changes simply provide for this position should the BOS choose to pursue it. Until all these actions are taken, the First Selectman is and will continue to be the Director of Public Works.

I would encourage Killingworth residents and voters to read and become familiar with the proposed changes to the Charter. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact any member of the Charter Revision Commission.

Respectfully,
Richard Bauer

Click to Download Final Charter Draft

The Higganum Village Market will host a Green on Green: Sustainable Living Fair today from 3:30-7:00 p.m. on the Higganum Green.

Produced in conjunction with the Haddam Energy & Sustainability Committee, the fair will feature participants: Silverio Mechanical, geo thermal and solar thermal systems; Waldo Renewable, photo voltaic solar panel systems; Barn Raisers, traditional sustainable building; CL&P-CT Energy Efficiency Fund; Haddam Energy & Sustainability Committee; Freecycle, recycle network; CT Clean Energy Fund, offering financial incentives and educational programs to encourage the support of renewable energy; Sterling Planet, Renewable resource electricity option company; CT Department of Economic & Community Development, Brownfields remediation and development and 1,000 Friends of CT, Growing a healthy economy with aspects for farmlands and natural and historic resources.

Come learn about the programs that will save you money and help the environment.

To the Editor:
By Cynthia Lippert
As a woman who attended the Killingworth Republican Caucus, I found Mr. Lucas' letter, recently printed in The Source, to be thoroughly demeaning and sexist. His offensive remarks refer to ladies who served our town diligently. They spoke up because they worked with and respect the incumbents. Without the incumbent Town Clerk Linda Dudek and Town Treasurer Claudette Lagasse, Killingworth would not have their professionalism and expertise in Town Hall. Click to read full letter

We are experiencing some outages this morning. Some homes may be able to view the site and others may receive a loading error. The hosting company is working to resolve the issue and we should be back online soon. Thank you for your patience.

UPDATE: The problem was with our Internet Service Provide (ISP) Comcast. A little pushing and shoving and it seems to be resolved for most customers. Thank you for your patience.

A note regarding Letters to the Editor. All letters received will receive a confirmation. If you recently sent a letter and did not get a response, please resend or contact the editor at 203.641.2341. Letters must include contact phone and address for verification purposes. Letters with offensive comments or personal attacks will be rejected. Thank you.

Dear Parents and Concerned Citizens:
By Gary Mala
I hope that this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. I am again honored and excited to welcome you back to another school year. As is always the case, this one is filled with the great promise of assisting our children realize their full potential while creating environments that are rich with caring, compassion and multiple opportunities to experience success.

This is another pivotal year for our district given what we have achieved over the past few years and the new realities associated with the ever-changing, accountability standards being used to view public schools at the national, state and local levels. Our district's ability to meet the expectations associated with teaching and learning is critical to our present and future success. Click to read full letter

Town Traffic Safety Committee Seeks Your Input

The Traffic Safety Committee has reopened its' e-mail box for questions and comments on traffic safety. We welcome all constructive comments. Since the Resident State Trooper is a ex-officio member of the Committee, he will be made aware of all of the comments from town residents. The address is kwtraffic@snet.net

Bob Ellis
Chairman

DCF Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth have collected the best recipes from family and friends and compiled them into "The Heart of Riverview" a delightful cookbook, which is an incredible bargain at $9 apiece. The cookbook contains 250 well-loved recipes, including appetizers, main dishes, desserts and more. It makes a thoughtful birthday present, a creative gift for a Bridal Shower, and even a lovely Holiday gift for friends & family.

All proceeds will go to the Patient Activity Fund at Riverview Hospital, which provides activities to enhance the lives of our patients. These activities include beach trips, movies, fishing and field trips outside the hospital that provide fun and skills to our patients.

The books may be purchased from Elaine Jackson, Elaine.jackson@ct.gov or Deb Benson, Debra.Benson@ct.gov , by phone call 860-704-4231. You may also stop by Riverview Hospital, Silvermine Building or the C-wing building, 915 River Road, Middletown, CT to purchase a book between the hours of 9-4pm, Monday-Friday.

Voter Registration Information

The Killingworth Republican Registrar of Voters will hold a voter registration session at the Killingworth Town Hall, 323 Route 81 Tuesday September 1, 2009 5 pm - 7 pm.

All mail-in Voter Registrations must be postmarked by September 10, 2009.

In person Voter Registration will be accepted until noon Monday September 14, 2009.

Only registered Republicans may vote in the Primary September 15, 2009. If you are unsure of your affiliation please call the Registrar of Voters 860-663-1765 ext 216 or stop by our during our office hours Tuesdays 1-4 pm and 5-7 pm.

To the Editor:

In his letter to Killingworth Today on August 15th, John Samperi invoked Abraham Lincoln to justify his contempt that town Republicans endorsed two Democrats for the 2009 municipal election. Mr. Samperi should learn a bit about America's first Republican President. Lincoln was not only a fan of cross-endorsing people of exceptional ability, he would have disliked Mr. Samperi using him as an example of hyper-partisanship. Click to read full letter

A resident of Parker Hill Road Extension reports that while relaxing on her deck, that faces the woods, late Sunday afternoon she heard loud heavy footsteps approaching. She said she knew this couldn't be a deer, fox or coyote. Her dog caught the scent and just before she bolted into the woods to investigate, the resident gently took hold of her collar, looked up and saw the bear.

Visit the DEP website to report a bear sighting and learn more about bears in Connecticut.

Resident Paul Freeman, the assistant superintendent at East Lyme Public Schools, was recently appointed as Superintendent of Griswold Public Schools.

Freeman has been a Connecticut educator for 17 years. He taught middle and high school English in the Amity school system then joined the East Lyme public schools in 1998 as he commenced his administrative career. In East Lyme, Dr. Freeman served as middle school assistant principal then principal and was promoted to Assistant Superintendent in 2006. Paul also was a member and then chair of the board of directors of the New England League of Middle Schools from 2000-2007.

Dr. Freeman was born and raised in New Haven, CT, and currently resides in Killingworth, CT with his wife and four children. He earned his bachelor's degree at Keene State University in New Hampshire. He completed his masters and sixth year degrees at Southern CT State University and recently concluded his doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut.

According to Elizabeth B. Dorff, Griswold Board of Education Chair, Freeman is a dynamic and visionary leader who will guide Griswold Public Schools as we confront the challenges of evolving into 21st century teaching and learning. Freeman will join Griswold on August 24.

The Right Vote 09 Campaign is underway in preparation for the Republican Primary on September 15, 2009. To learn more about the campaign's platform please check out our website: www.rightvote2009.weebly.com

John Samperi and Jeff Yazmer will be coming to your neighborhood to introduce themselves to you. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to support the candidates please contact us at rightvote09@yahoo.com.

Thank you.
Alison Yazmer,
Campaign Manager

Blue skies and a warm breeze greeted Democratic candidates and those who came to meet them at the Sheldon Park Pavilion Sunday afternoon. State Senator Ed Meyer and State Representative Brian O'Connor were there to answer questions on budget and other state issues. Pictures were taken, upcoming events discussed, speeches made.

Gwenne Lally, Chair of the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee, introduced each candidate saying "It is very gratifying to have such a turnout not only of our candidates but of their supporters. It is also encouraging to see several new faces in the crowd."

Cathy Iino, running for First Selectman, asked that those in attendance volunteer to help out with the campaign and make contributions so that the party can get its message out to all voters. She said that Democrats must work to get every member of the Deomcratic slate elected this November to keep the forces of divisiveness and cynicism out of our backyards. "Democrats take pride in being the party of inclusion, not exclusion, and our slate for 2009 is a great mix of ages, genders, backgrounds and experience," she said.

Rick Albrecht, running for Selectman, defined the importance of good leadership. He emphasized the role leadership plays in teamwork and the role good teamwork plays in getting things done.

The KDTC's main fundraiser will be held on Sunday, September 20th beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Old Grange Hall behind the Congregational Church. (For more information call K. Amoia at 663 3130.)

Democratic Candidates for the November elections gathered at Sheldon Park for meet and greet. Submitted by K Amoia. photos by A. Etra

Monday: August 10:
• 15:35:38 Medical Call, Route 80.
Tuesday: August 11:
• 11:06::09 Medical Call, Swan Lake Trail.
Thursday: August 13:
• 10:38:07 Fire Alarm, River Road.
Saturday: August 15:
• 01:24:45 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 12:40:49 MVA, Clinton, Cow Hill Road.
• 14:45:04 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Fire Tower Road.
• 15:46:42 Medical Call, Pond Meadow Road.

A Primary of the Republican Party will be held in the Town of Killingworth on September 15, 2009, for nomination to the following Municipal Offices to be filled at the Town Election to be held on November 3, 2009:
Selectmen - 11/17/09 to 11/22/11
Town Clerk - 01/04/10 to 01/06/14
Town Treasurer - 11/17/09 to 11/22/11

The Killingworth Republican party-endorsed candidates are: Fred Dudek and Richard Cabral for Selectmen, Linda Dudek for Town Clerk and Claudette Lagasse for Town Treasurer.

The enrolled members of the Republican Party who have filed petitions in conformity with Sec. 9-406 of the General Statutes, as candidates for nomination to said Municipal Offices are: John Samperi and Jeffrey Yazmer for Selectmen, Terri Brasile for Town Clerk and Jeannie Young for Town Treasurer.

The primary will take place on September 15 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School, 340 Route 81. According to Town Clerk Dudek, absentee ballots will be available on August 25th.

According to the New Haven Register, Republican party Chairman David Denvir said, "Cabral and Dudek won the endorsement of the caucus 'by a very comfortable margin'. I'm very excited about the ticket because it offers a great deal in continuing what has been a very productive two years. He pointed out that townspeople have not had a tax increase in those two years, largely as a result of 'changed (fiscal) philosophies' of selectmen and the Finance Board."