The Congregational Church in Killingworth, UCC will conduct registration for the 2009-2010 Sunday School year on September 13 at 9:30 AM. The classrooms will be open, the teachers, the Christian Education Committee and the Sunday School Superintendent will be there to meet you and your family. We will be serving coffee and breakfast snacks. This will be an excellent time to look over the curriculum and to ask any questions that you may have.

The children will attend the 10:00 AM service with their families and will leave for Sunday School following a brief "Children's Moment". Classes will end at 11:15 AM and will be followed with a sundae social, "Sunday School Sundae!" The Christian Education Committee invites you to enjoy an ice cream sundae with the Sunday School children during coffee hour. This will be a "make your own sundae" with all the fixings! All are welcome to participate! For information regarding our Sunday School program, please contact the Sunday School Superintendent, Tina Moore at (860) 345-8828 or the church office at (860) 663-1789.

The Central Connecticut Aquatics Team is now holding registration for their 2009-2010 USA competitive swimming program. Central Connecticut Aquatics Team (CCAT) is a non-profit competitive swim team that utilizes the Choate Rosemary Pool in Wallingford. The team has 5 USA Certified Coaches and consists of swimmers ranging from 7 to 21 years of age. CCAT provides training programs for the development age group swimmer, as well as for senior and elite swimmers. CCAT is an active team promoting physical, social, and emotional development. Swimmers need to be competent swimmers with a desire to further develop their skills and endurance. Please visit our website www.swimccat.com to find registration forms and more information about our team. Questions? Please call Sara Masa 860-227-2030.

To the Editor:
Christine Cronin
There has been much discussion of the traffic circle in recent months. The Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club would like to review the background of the traffic circle.

In 1987, a then member of the club asked the State of Connecticut for permission to design and install a garden in the center of the traffic circle (which is state land, not town land) Up until that time there was nothing but grass in the circle. The State granted permission and the garden as everyone knew it was created. For 20 years, the Evergreen Garden Club has been responsible for the maintenance and additions to the traffic circle garden.( e.g., mulching, pruning, mowing, dead plant replacement, etc.)
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Lovers Lane Reopens Today

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Selectmen announces the reopening of Lovers Lane for regular traffic on Friday, September 11, 2009. The road has received a new top coat of pavement and is ready for the public's use. It is hoped that the drivers using this connection between Route 81 and Route 148 will obey the speed limit and use it with care. Thank you for your patience.

Rich Cabral, First Selectman

Karl G. Berchtold 72, of Killingworth died Wednesday Sept. 9, 2009 at Middlesex Hospital. He was the husband of Carol (Warner) Berchtold. He was born in New Haven, son of the late Charles and Helen (Sullivan) Berchtold Sr. Mr. Berchtold was employed at Tilcon for 40 years until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of Teamsters Local 443 and served as shop steward for 25 years. Besides his wife he is survived by his children, Debra Maggi and her husband Stephen, Karen Lewis, and Karl J. Berchtold all of Killingworth. He also leaves 4 grandchildren, Cherie Green, Stephen Maggi II, Christopher Lewis, and Nicholas Maggi, as well as 3 great grandchildren, Russell Green, Timothy Green, and Sean Green, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Heidi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday Sept. 14, 2009 10:am. in St. Lawrence Church Killingworth. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery Killingworth. Calling hours will be Sunday Sept. 13, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home 80 East Main Street Clinton. Memorial Donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association 5 Brookside Dr. PO Box 5022 Wallingford Ct. 06492-7522. Please visit www.mem.com to leave an online condolence or tribute.

Area musicians are uniting to give a free concert on the Higganum Green Gazebo, Rte 154, Higganum center, Saturday, September 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Performers for this year's festival include: Dan Stevens, a stunning blues player from Old Lyme, The Andy Buzzi Trio, and progressive originals ensemble from Middletown, Poor Pluto. Musicians CDs will be available for purchasing. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments and lawn chairs.

The concert has been organized in conjunction with the thirteenth annual Haddam River Days Celebration, a series of events that take place that weekend in town, which culminates in a magnificent fireworks display Saturday night at Haddam Meadows State Park. Concert organizer and local favorite, Andy Buzzi, says the event was created when musicians learned that the Haddam River Days committee had to scale back all live musical entertainment at Haddam Meadows this year, due to amplified music issues at state parks. "Haddam River Days has become a real tradition for me or like a homecoming, almost," said Buzzi, who grew up in Higganum. "When we realized that live music would not be allowed at Haddam Meadows State Park this year, a few of us decided that we needed to take seek another local venue. We are grateful the Town is offering the Green."

To the Editor:
By Jamie M. Young and Sue Adinolfo
We are a Democrat and a Republican, but we both know how important the upcoming Republican primary is. At least one of the candidates elected in Tuesday's Primary will join the Board of Selectmen in November. This will occur because the Democratic Caucus is running only one candidate, Richard Albrecht, with First Selectman candidate Cathy Iino on the November ballot. But, two Selectmen must be elected. Thus, one of the two victors of Tuesday's Primary is guaranteed a seat on the Board of Selectmen. Click to Read Full Letter

According the today's New Haven Register, Killingworth Republican Town Committee Chairman David Denvir remains in that position despite recent discussions that he had resigned. According to First Selectman Richard Cabral, Denvir's "resignation" e-mail did not include an effective date of resignation, and he has not informed the party secretary of that intent. Read more in The Register

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department is offering the CT Basic Boating Safety Class for participants ages 12 and up on Mondays and Wednesdays, September 21 - 30. Classes will be held at the Haddam Elementary School All-Purpose Room. The fee is $10 for residents of Haddam and Killingworth. There is a $10 surcharge fee for non-residents. This 10-hour D.E.P. course includes instruction in navigation rules, legal requirements, safety afloat and other topics that will help students become safe and knowledgeable boaters. Students passing the course will satisfy the requirements for the CT Safe Boating Certificate and Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. Please call HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334 for more information and to register.

It was the longest state budget negotiation in Connecticut's history with a final approval two months into the new fiscal year. I had voted against the initial legislative budget, which was also vetoed by Governor Rell, because of its excessive focus on new taxes and its failure to streamline ineffective state agencies. The final budget, however, was a distinct improvement.

The state budget cut over $3 billion of state spending, but it preserved programs important to the 12th Senate District, including state aid to our towns and schools and continued support for our public libraries, for Dial-a-Ride, and for the basic health services provided by Medicaid. The budget also preserved two very important watchdogs in our state: namely, the Healthcare Advocate and the Advocate for Children.

The tax package in the budget was balanced and creative. It increased the state income tax on joint filers earning over $1 million per year, and it placed a temporary surcharge on profits of those large corporations earning over $100 million per year. The tax balance came in the reduction of the inheritance tax (both the tax rate and the amount of the exemption) and in the reduction of the sales tax.

There were difficult problems in the budget negotiations. The process was totally partisan with all Republican legislators failing to support the budget and lining up a campaign issue for next year. Further, the negotiations were unduly delayed by - in my opinion - a lack of time commitment by the governor and legislative leaders. I personally talked with both the governor and legislative leaders about the process problems, and I urged their appointment of a negotiations facilitator, a device frequently and successfully used to resolve business and judicial disputes. I believe that if the negotiations had not succeeded at the end of August, a facilitator would have been appointed.

Ultimately, the historic budget deficit was overcome by not only deep spending cuts and revenue increases but also (as economists advised us) by borrowing. The borrowing was extensive and will present budget problems in the future unless we have a significant economic recovery in the next year or so, which will produce enough taxable income to pay-off the borrowing.

Politics is the art of compromise, and a compromise has been reached which will enable our state to go forward in meeting our obligations. In that context, it was disappointing that Governor Rell led the budget negotiations but failed to show true leadership by not signing the budget bill, allowing it to become law by default.

To the Editor:
By Daniel Samperi
I recently attended a "Right Vote 09" meeting with the candidates of that party. The question and answer session was very insightful. John Samperi, Jeff Yazmer, Terri Brasile and Jeannie Young showed they know the issues effecting Killingworth and have answers as to how they see the future of our town. They have a vision for Killingworth tomorrow's. They fully understand the particulars of the positions they seek. Click to Read Full Letter

Join the Killingworth Women's Organization for a special event, featuring Sarah Suatoni, a body/mind therapist from Killingworth. Using guided talks and mental exercises, Sarah will help us recognize our individual talents to increase our sense of self and to determine how to strengthen our connection to the community.

Monday, September 14th, at the Old Town Hall, Route 81. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and the program will start promptly at 7:30.

The event is free, but seating is limited, so please reserve your seat as soon as possible by emailing info@killingworthwomensorg.org or by calling 663-5675 and leaving a message with name and # of tickets. More information regarding Sarah Suatoni can be found at sarahsuatoni.com.

You've heard of the black bear sightings from friends and neighbors; perhaps you've had one yourself. Now learn the facts about these fascinating animals.

BLACK BEARS IN CONNECTICUT - Thursday, September 10th at 6:30pm in the Killingworth Library meeting room. Presented by Master Wildlife Conservationist Felicia Ortner. Ortner will dispel some of the myths associated with bears, provide natural history information, and discuss the results of black bear research conducted by wildlife biologists in the state. (The black bear program and related display are presented in cooperation with the Connecticut DEP.)

The Killingworth Youth League will be holding its annual meeting for the selection of League Officers and Board Members tonight (Wednesday) at 7:30 at the Killingworth Fire Department. Additionally, selection of coordinators and committee chairs for the upcoming season will also be discussed. We ask that anyone who wishes to volunteer in any capacity for the upcoming Baseball and Softball please consider attending. We are in need of volunteers for multiple positions across the league. The meeting is also a chance to become familiar with the league if you plan on coaching this spring.

KYL Board meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month. Anyone interested in KYL are welcome to attend. Please see KYLbaseball.org for additional information or to contact any officers of the league with questions.

To the Editor:
Kathleen Amoia
Barack Obama is the duly elected President of the United States. His speaking to the children of this nation about the importance of education in their lives and the life of this country is appropriate. Other presidents have done it without controversy. (Remember George Bush was reading in front of a class on 9/11.) It is a laudable endeavor not a fascist plot. It is also far more constructive than much of the stuff children are permitted to watch everyday. Read more

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To the Editor:
by Tim Withington
I am writing in regards to the decision by Regional School District 17 to allow students to opt out of hearing the President speak in school today. I cannot express how deeply disturbing this decision was. Read more

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To the Editor:
By Annette S. Cook
OK. 35 years ago, when the Moonies came to town to recruit, my parents wouldn't let my siblings or me ride our bikes into town. When the Hell’s Angels rode through, we couldn't leave our yard. We weren’t allowed to watch racy TV shows or go to R-rated movies. My husband and I try to shelter our kids from the same kinds of scary things that lurk out there in this big, bad world that we all share. Read more

The Estuary Transit District's 9 Town Transit will continue its popular free senior bus fares with some changes to simplify the program. The free fares are valid on all 9 Town Transit services for travel throughout the Estuary region.

Any resident of the nine town Estuary region (Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook) age 60 or older qualifies for the program.

In the past, tickets were required in order to receive the free transportation. Beginning October 1, the tickets have been eliminated to make using the free fares easier for seniors, and ending the need to track tickets. Seniors wishing to use the Dial-A-Ride or off-route services just have to inform the Dispatcher when reserving their trip. Seniors using any shuttle must just show a photo ID when boarding.

The Estuary Transit District provides public transit service to Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook through its 9 Town Transit service. Connections are provided to New Haven, Middletown, Hartford and New London/Norwich bus services and Shoreline East Commuter Rail.

The free transportation for seniors is made possible in part by a grant from the Senior Resources Agency on Aging with Title III funds made available under the Older Americans Act.

Route maps and schedules are available online at www.9TownTransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.

Sunday: August 30:
• 13:34:07 Wires down, Route 148.
• 13:50:16 Medical Call, Route 80.
Monday: August 31:
• 09:07:07 Structure Fire, Clinton Kelseytown Road
• 13:55:15 Automatic Alarm, Clinton, Glenwood Road.
• 19:35:57 Structure Fire, Old Deep River Turnpike.
Thursday: September 3:
• 06:39:37 Medical Call, Bar Gate Trail.
• 13:30:33 Structure Fire, Alders Bridge Road.
Saturday: September 5:
• 16:09:13 Medical Call, Bridle Path Trail.
• 17:16:37 Medical Call, Warwickshire Drive.

To the Superintendent, Principals and Board of Education of RSD 17,
by Lynn Cholewinski
I am writing to express my disappointment in an email bulletin sent by High School Principal Charles Macunas last week. The bulletin indicates that parents of children under 18, and students over 18, have the opportunity to "opt out" of viewing a televised address by President Obama scheduled to broadcast live during school hours. Read more

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To the Editor:
by Gwenne Lally
The RSD #17 Board of Education should be more careful what they teach.

Individual rights lie at the core of our democracy and all its institutions, including our schools.

Any parent may remove their child from a particular lesson or activity. However, when the exercise of that right by a few is allowed to dictate public policy for all, it undermines the very institutions we rely on to preserve all our rights. Read more

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To the Editor:
By Catherine Iino
Last Friday, Region 17 parents were offered the option of taking their children out of school programs planned around President Obama's address to the nation's students on the importance of education. I am sad to think that any parent would act on this offer. Read more

UPDATE: Louis has been claimed and is on his way home!

A resident has reported finding this lovely little white dog in the lower Roast Meat Hill Road area. Very friendly. If you have any information please call 663-3392.

As election time approaches and we choose a new First Selectman, I would suggest that the voters of Killingworth continue on the path of fiscal responsibility and elect a cost-conscious official who has a professional financial background, Jerry Baron. Jerry's experience includes economic and financial forecasting which will serve Killingworth well in these troubled economic times. These are skills that will help make sure the town does not over commit resources.

In the time that Jerry has been on Board of Finance, we have had two years of no tax increases, completed two road projects with one under budget, gotten the Wettish fields under contract, and received State grants. As First Selectman, Jerry can be trusted to continue to apply his proven analytical skills to help save money for the taxpayers of this town. I will be voting for Jerry Baron and the entire KRTC-endorsed slate of candidates. I would encourage my neighbors to do likewise.
Mike Butler