The Firefighters of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company, in cooperation with the Killingworth Chamber of Commerce, will be holding an OPEN HOUSE at Fire Headquarters, 323 Route 81, on Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 10AM to 4PM. Refreshments, fun, balloons, Fire Prevention and Safety information will be available. T-Shirts (Kid sizes only) with a Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services logo can be purchased.

All trucks and equipment will be open for very close inspections, touching and admiration by all kids as often and as long as they would like (Yes, adults can climb up too). Groups are welcome.

We would welcome any inquiries from young persons fourteen or older who may be interested in becoming a KVFC Junior Firefighter or inquiries from adults who may be considering serving the community as a Firefighter. We hope to see YOU there.

The Simmons for Senate campaign announced yesterday that 20 Republican mayors and first selectmen from around Connecticut, including Killingworth's First Selectman Richard Cabral, are endorsing Rob Simmons for U.S. Senate.

"As CEOs of our towns, we know leadership is about setting positive examples and doing what's right," said Durham First Selectman Laura Francis. "Rob Simmons has led the sort of life that will make the people he represents proud, and he has demonstrated the good judgment, common sense, and selflessness that is required of those who seek the public trust."

"As chief executives officers, mayors and first selectmen understand leadership and we understand what is required of those who hold the public trust," said Mayor James Richetelli of Milford. "Rob Simmons is a leader whose judgment and character set him apart. He will make a great U.S. Senator."

"I am grateful for the support of these distinguished local leaders," said Simmons. "No one understands the pulse of their communities like mayors and first selectmen. Their support will be an enormous help to my campaign."

The Simmons for Senate campaign adds these 20 endorsements to those of 31 members of the Republican State Central Committee and 11 members of the General Assembly.

Republican convention rules award bonus delegates to municipalities where the Party controls the chief elected official.

HK Sports: HKMS Girls Soccer played another tough match against Old Lyme at home. The game ended with HK losing 2-1 but there was a controversial call that would have resulted in a 2-2 tie. Old Lyme scored early in the first half to take a 1-0 lead but Victoria Stook scored for HK to make it 1-1 in the first half. In the second half Old Lyme scored to take the 2-1 lead but HK responded with a shot by Heather DiGregorio that appeared to get in the goal but the referee ruled it a goal kick for Old Lyme and that final score held with Old Lyme the victor. HK lost a heart breaker and have a record of 0-2 but will take the field again on Tuesday at home at 3:45 so come out if you can to support our girls. The JV team won its match 1-0 and are 2-0. Writeup courtesy J. McFee

HKHS Girls Soccer ties East Hampton 2-2 in overtime. HK's Anna Shultz off a ball from Michelle Wendt scored for the Cougars with 14:28 left in the first half. East Hampton then scored twice before Beth Anne Stehr tied up the game with a goal in the 65th minute of play. In total HK took 10 shots on goal and Teagan Ferguson made 12 saves for the Cougars. East Hampton had 24 shots and 6 saves. The Cougars are home on Saturday and will host Old Saybrook. Game time is 10:30am. Write-up courtesy S. Mazzotta

UPDATE: Dakota found his way home. Thank you to everyone who kept an eye out.

Dakota is an 8-year old Black Lab. He has longer hair and is about 95 lbs. He has a collar on but probably no tags. He is a friendly dog, but please be careful approaching if he seems hurt or scared. He was last seen yesterday at around 4:00 p.m. near Jacob Lane. If you have seen Dakota please call Alicia or Scott at (h) 860-452-4132, 860-388-8524 or 860-478-8635.

The Killingworth Lions have been working hard getting their new building constructed and prepped for this weekend's Durham Fair. Lions' President Terry Doyle said the project was a long time in the planning and the Lion membership really pitched in to get the job done. Doyle said they requested a permanent structure after years of using a trailer to sell their famous fried dough pizza, chili dogs and corn dogs. The trailer had seen better days, so the Lions went before the Durham Fair Planning Committee and following its approval got the nod from the Fair's Board of Directors to build a feed store-like structure with double the square footage. The cost of the structure was approximately $9,000 with most of the mason work, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work done by Lion volunteers. The new booth is located down the main road on the corner next to the Notre Dame Church booth and Parents of Performing Arts booth. So stop by for a bite to eat and don't forget to look for other Killingworth residents exhibiting on the fairgrounds.

The Lions' new building, under construction earlier this month. Photo courtesy T. Doyle

HK Sports: HK Girls JV Soccer team victorious with a, 4-2, win over Old Lyme The first half went back and forth between the two teams. HK would score first, then Old Lyme, then HK and then Old Lyme again. Lindsey Gioella netted the two HK goals for the Lady Cougars in the first half. One of Old Lyme's first half goals was scored off a penalty kick awarded for a hand ball in the box. In the second half of play, not even two minutes in Leah DiGregorio scored for the Lady Cougars. Jackie Garofalo scored HK's final goal with 6:58 left in the game to play. Kelsey Virgulto was in goal for the Lady Cougars and made some great saves for the team. Write-up courtesy S. Mazzotta

The HKHS Boys Soccer team fell to East Hampton, 5-2. Jim Virsulto and Brad Bouby scored for the Cougars who are now 1-3 on the year.

The HKHS Volleyball team defeated Old Lyme 3-0. Game scores were: 25-16, 25-14, 25-8. Jordanne Anderson had 9 kills and 15 digs.

Family searching for a black cat with yellow eyes named "Sammy". Last seen on Saturday September 19th at 227 Route 148. If you have seen, please call Rick or Holly at 860-790-6506.

by Kathy Amoia & Gwenne Lally
The Killingworth Democratic Town Committee's fundraiser featured the town's past, present and future with grateful recognition of three longtime members, an outstanding slate of current candidates, and the introduction of our town's youngest Democrats.

First Selectman candidate Cathy Iino presented awards to three longtime members: Louis Annino, Sr., Eleanor Becker, and Patricia Smulders, who have collectively worked for the KDTC and the Killingworth community for over 142 years. The Killingworth Young Democrats, a newly founded group spearheaded by Caley Anderson and represented by Caley, Kelsey Withington and Liz Anderson presented the KDTC awards.

The honorees were also presented with certificates from State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and the office of State Treasurer Denise Nappier. Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz presented each honoree with a signed copy of the official State Manual. State Senator Ed Meyer and Representative Brian O'Connor acknowledged the individual impact each honoree has made on themselves, the town, and the state. A representative from Senator Chris Dodd's office was also present.

Patricia, Eleanor, and Lou continue to support the community today with the same dedication they have always shown. Lou Annino serves on the Board of Finance and the Town Office Building Committee. Pat Smulders serves on the Conservation Commission, CREPA and the Parmelee Steering Committee. She is on the ballot this November for the Board of Zoning Appeals. In October, Pat will be honored as a 2009 Awardee at the 6th Annual Ella Grasso Women's Leadership Awards Breakfast. Captain Eleanor Becker, an Army WAC who served during WWII will be Grand Marshal of the Veteran's Day Parade in Hartford this November.

All the elected officials in attendance addressed the gathering with enthusiasm and encouragement for the upcoming elections. Everyone enjoyed the Chowder King Attilio Regolo's best stuff along with prize-winning chili and specialty breads. Jamie Lehane's music and an amazing, and a mystically calorie-free, dessert table topped off the event.

(l-r) Ellie Becker, State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Pat Smulders, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Lou Annino, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Selectwoman Cathy Iino. Photo courtesy A. Etra

Cub Scout Pack 18 will be holding a sign up night for ALL boys in 1st through 5th grades this Friday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Killingworth elementary School All Purpose Room. Get in on the fun of Cub Scouting!

Any questions, please contract Scott Chasse at 860-930-4718 or schasse@allpointstech.com. To learn more about Cub Scouts, please visit us online at www.joincubscouting.org

HK Sports: High School Girls Soccer falls to Old Lyme 0-2. Teagan Ferguson in goal for the Lady Cougars made 13 saves in the game, but it wasn't enough as Old Lyme was able to find the back of the net twice. HK defensively held off the Old Lyme Wildcats for the majority of the first half. Old Lyme's first goal of the game came late in the first half in the 36th minute. HK was more offensive in the second half, but Old Lyme sealed the game with a second goal scored in the 74th minute of play. The Lady Cougars are now 1-1-1 in the season and will play at East Hampton High School on Thursday 9/24. Write-up courtesy S. Mazzotta

The six-time defending Shoreline Conference Champion HK Cougar Field Hockey team opened up conference play at home on Tuesday with a hard fought, 1-0, victory over Valley Regional. After scoreless play deep into the 2nd half, HK finally broke the deadlock when senior co-captain MaryKate Murray fed the ball to junior Carley Mooney who found just the right angle and snuck the ball between the Valley goalie's legs for the score. The stingy HK defense did not allow a Warrior shot on goal. With the win, the Cougars even their record to 1-1 and will host conference foe Westbrook at 3:45 on Friday afternoon. The JV squad moved to 2-0 on the season with a 2-0 shut out over the Valley JV. Write up courtesy A. Anderson

The HKMS Girls Soccer team played a physical hard fought match at home today to open their season. The varsity squad lost 2-0 but just missed several scoring opportunities. It was a very physical match and the girls played well but fell short. Kali DeNisi had several close scoring opportunities but just missed in the opener but all of the players did well. The JV squad won 3-0 in another physical battle.

HK varsity is now 0-1 but will play again Thursday at home at 3:45 at HKMS. Please come out to support the girls this Thursday. Writeup courtesy J. McFee

Venuti Family representative Michael Venuti addressed the Board of Selectmen last week requesting an answer one way or the other on the Town's interest in purchasing the family's 260-acre property on Burr Hill Road. Venuti expressed his frustration with the Town's actions and delays over the past year and it's refusal to "put the issue before the people".

Venuti said he was very frustrated by the formation of the Venuti Property Planning Committee early this year following a successful negotiation with the Town's Open Space Committee. Venuti said he complied with the Open Space Committee's request to obtain an appraisal and negotiated a price of $8.5 million, which was less than his appraisal, but slightly more then the Town's. Venuti said after patiently waiting for the VPPC to file a report he received a call from a representative from the Trust for Public Land asking for a meeting. Venuti said he reluctantly met with TPL Project Manager Amy Patterson but was turned off by what he called the 'fee' required by the Trust if the sale went through and also dismayed at the strings often attached to grant money that would support the sale. The Board of Selectmen voted in February to request the assistance of The Trust for Public Land to help in negotiations and fund procurement towards the possible purchase of the property.

Venuti said he received a call in July from Patterson saying there was no grant money available to support the sale. After receiving no word from the Board of Selectmen, he requested to be put on the agenda to state his case.

Venuti requested a decision prior to the November elections on whether the town will send the issue to a Town referendum or if it will end discussions once and for all. First Selectman Richard Cabral said he had no objection to sending the question to the people. Selectwoman Cathy Iino said she could not support the purchase at $8.5 million so did not want to send it to referendum at this time. Iino has stated previously that, "The Board of Selectmen believed that the town was likely to vote down the purchase under these conditions, and that a no vote would jeopardize the long-term prospects for acquiring that land". When Venuti raised the issue of Guilford's recent land acquisitions, Iino pointed out that the cost per resident is 1/3 of what the $8.5 million would cost Killingworth residents. Selectman Fred Dudek did not state his position at that time.

The Board did not vote on the issue. They said they would consider Venuti's request and needed more time for discussions.

The Killingworth Library is presenting "Solar Power for the Home" in the library meeting room on Saturday, September 26th at noon. Learn how solar power works, see a demonstration with solar panels and discover current state incentives for converting to solar energy. The presenter is Killingworth resident Harsh Luthra. His website is www.befreesolar.com.

This program will be repeated on Thursday evening, October 22, at 7 p.m. for those who can not make the September date.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Swim team defeated Waterford, 101-80 on Friday and St. Paul's , 98-56 yesterday.

Of the Waterford meet, Coach Peter Ettlinger said, "With a number of key swimmers out or ill, H-K came together as a team and was victorious. I am proud of performances and cohesion". First place finishes included: 200 Medley Relay (H. Kinney, A. Fetteroll, S. Massicott, K. Faust); 50 Free (A. Fetteroll); 200 Free Relay (B. Morello, R. Whiteley, K. Hawkins, H. Kinney); 100 Breast (A. Feteroll); and 400 Free Relay (A. Fetteroll, K. Hawkins, S. Massicott, K. Faust).

Ettlinger said the St. Paul's was chaotic from the get go. "We are continuing to gel as a team, providing support and feedback for every swimmer. I look forward to continued success this season!" He said the entire team performed well considering that H-K was unaware of the meet until 30 minutes prior to its start. A line up was quickly thrown together as some of the team was absent.

The HKHS Volleyball team defeated North Branford, 3-1. Game scores were: 25-6, 25-10, 25-27, 25-23. The Cougars' Megan O'Brien had 10 kills and 14 digs, Emily Berman had 16 assists and Mikayla Litevich had nine kills, seven digs and six aces. HK is 2-1 on the year.

Have fun learning about science! Class meets on Wednesdays at the Old MS Art Room . Dates and topics include: September 30 (Eye to Eye,/ Taste and Smell); October 21 (Magnets / Microscope); November 18 (Weather / Water). The program meets from 9:30 - 10 am for the 1st topic and from 10:10 - 10:40 am for the 2nd topic. The program is for children ages 3 - 5. The fee is $15 each topic or $22 total for 2 topics the same day (non-residents add $10). For more information on these programs and how to register, please call the HK Recreation Department at 345-8334 or visit www.hkrec.com.

In 2007 the Executive Board of the Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts of America embarked on a capital campaign aimed at renovating and improving the Deer Lake Scout Reservation off Paper Mill Road. Last Thursday evening Council leaders, scouts, and friends of scouting gathered to celebrate the first phase of the planned $4.4 million renovation. Executive Director Louis Salute said the goal is to make Deer Lake the Council's primary Cub Camp and Adventure Center. The renovation will allow the summer camp to accommodate 1800 more Cub Scouts.

Though the economy has slowed fund raising, with approximately $2.2 million raised to date, the Council decided to break ground on the new 300-seat dining hall facility. In addition to the dining hall, the renovations will include a new administrative building, five seasonal cabins, shower facilities and 'Fort Imagine', a multi-purpose building designed for Cub Scouts to use their imaginations.

The site work began earlier this summer and the dining hall is expected to be completed by mid-April. The building will have a commercial kitchen and restroom facilities and will be available to the community as a resource for schools, churches and civic organizations.

The renovations in large part are thanks to the volunteer labor of Operating Engineers Local 478. Ben Cozzi, a union member as well as a member of the Executive Board, said he helped work on the camp 15-20 years ago with his bulldozer. He said he was happy to be back. "Local 478 has a great deal of respect for the Scouts' hard work and team mindset and we are pleased to have this opportunity to support them".

The 253-acre reservation was purchased from resident Ralph Hill in 1959. According to Deer Lake Ranger Mark Clifton, the property is open year round servicing weekend Cub Scout groups, training courses, and its 3/4-mile lake is home of the annual fishing derby. He said the summer camp and scouting activities combine for more than 33,000 annual camper days. The Connecticut Yankee Council, which encompasses Fairfield, New Haven and parts of Hartford County, has 14,000 traditional scouts and 10,000 non-traditional members in programs like the co-educational Venturing, Explorers and Sea Scouts.

First Selectman Richard Cabral (center) with Connecticut Yankee Council dignitaries, architects, engineers, Scout Leaders and Deer Lake Ranger Mark Clifton (far right)

KES-PTO Gift Wrap Committee is currently conducting its Annual Fall Fundraiser. All purchases from this fundraiser supports and positively impacts our students!

Your order will make a difference! With your help, we can make this a "slam dunk" fundraiser and reach our goals. You can also view the products and order online at: www.genevieves.com - School Account Number: 35

Call Dawn with any questions at 663-2910. Thanks for your support! Orders are due: TODAY! Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday: September 14:
• 16:42:33 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 19:25:33 Medical Call, Ironworks Road.
Thursday: September 17:
• 14:24:10 Medical Call, Coughlin Road.
Saturday: September 12:
• 06:07:11 Medical Call, Chittenden Road.

HK Sports: On Friday the HK Boys and Girls Cross Country teams competed at the Middletown Invitational held at Veteran's Memorial Park. The Boys JV team competed in the first race of the afternoon and came away with a commanding victory over 15 other teams. The team was led by senior Chris Pfrommer who in just his second cross country race ever crossed the finish line first and set a new course record with a time of 14:49 over the 2.5 mile course. Following Pfrommer across the line were teammates sophomore Andrew Sodergren who placed 4th in a time of 14:59, junior Ryan Kleinschmidt 8th (15:15), senior Jared Bills 9th (15:16) and senior tri-captain Nick Zygmont 11th (15:27). The boys scored 33 pts as a team to outdistance runner-up East Hampton with 47 pts. and Northwest Catholic with 96 pts. Also competing was the Girls Varsity squad who was missing several runners due to injury but still had several notable performances led by sophomore Mehgan Tishbein who placed 20th overall with a time of 23:08 over the 3.1 mile course. Finishing behind Tishbein was her sister Sarah who placed 49th in a time of 24:34 and sophomore Kaitlyn Zaidel who placed 67th in a time of 26:01.

On Saturday, the HK Boys Varsity squad traveled to Hartford to compete in the Hartford Riverfront Invitational. Dealing with numerous injuries and illness, the boys still managed to place 4th out of 12 teams in the Open Race with 101 pts. losing only to East Longmeadow (MA), Shelton and Iona Prep (NY) while placing ahead of eight other CT schools. Leading the way once again was senior tri-captain Jason Funaro who placed first with a time of 16:50 over the 3.1 mile course. Crossing the line behind Funaro was sophomore Tom Day who placed 16th in a time of 18:06, senior Jeff Waterbury placing 25th in 18:21, sophomore Brendan Walsh 28th (18:29) and senior Ray Cerino who placed 38th in a time of 18:47 to round out the team scoring. The team will next be in action on Saturday Sept. 26th at the Ocean State Invitational in Warwick, RI.

UPDATE: Local Heroes to the Rescue! The Nixon family would like to thank Gary Litevitch and Jim Clemente for their bravery and kindness in rescuing Basil. Thank you to the KillingworthToday family for once again helping out a neighbor in need.

Please can anyone help? Our beloved cat Basil is stuck 40 feet up in a tree in the middle of the woods near Laurel Ridge Trail. We can't reach him with a 32-foot ladder and there are no branches under him, He has been there for 3 days now and he is failing fast as he has had no food or water for all that time. Does anyone have a ladder long enough to reach him or know a tree climber or rock climber who might be able to get to him. We are desperate please call 663-2286 if you can help.

The administration of the Regional School District 17 schools has announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2009-2010 inductees to the Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame.

In 2009, the Regional School District 17 established the Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame to recognize individuals from our communities who meet the following criteria:

1. Exemplary Commitment to the Service of Children
2. Modeling Behavior Consistent with the District's Educational Philosophy and Beliefs
3. Community Service

Individuals nominated and selected by the selection committee are honored at a banquet held in the spring of each year and have their names permanently inscribed into the Haddam-Killingworth Hal of Fame.

If you wish to nominate someone for this annual recognition, please do so by completing and submitting the Nomination Form to:

Haddam-Killingworth Hall of Fame, c/o Pamela Hensel, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, Regional School District 17, 57 Little City Road, Higganum, CT 06441

The required nomination form is available at www.rsd17.org or by calling the Central Office of the school district at (860) 345-4534.

Questions regarding the nomination process may be directed to Pamela Hensel, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, at (860) 345-4534.

Deadline for Nominations is November 1, 2009.

HK Sports: HK Girls Soccer team ties North Branford in Friday's Shoreline Conference match. Both teams played hard but the game remained scoreless at the end of regulation time forcing it into overtime. HK was awarded a penalty kick with under a minute left to play, but North Branford's goalkeeper made a great save and the game ended 0-0. The Lady Cougars play again on Tuesday when they travel to Old Lyme.