Because of large amounts of water across the road and the threat of freezing temperatures this weekend, Lover's Lane will be closed until further notice.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Catherine Iino
First Selectwoman

Much to the relief of area residents, the Reservoir Road Bridge is finally open to traffic. Back in March 2004, then First Selectman David Denvir announced to the Board of Selectmen that the state determined that the small bridge across the Menunketesuk River was in need of urgent repairs. The bridge was officially closed in March 2006 by then First Selectman Marty Klein. The Killingworth Reservoir Road Bridge Engineer Review Committee was appointed in April to oversee the federal grant and funding process. Former First Selectman Richard Cabral reviewed the possibility of a temporary fix or locally done option. When those hopes were exhausted, he oversaw the project to its final days. Newly elected First Selectwoman Cathy Iino made the decision to protect the new bridge with a thin layer of asphalt until the final paving can be done in the spring.
Five ½ years » Four Selectmen » One Bridge » Zero Detour Signs...Priceless.

Killingworth Women's Organization is very excited to announce that they will be working with Helping Hands again to facilitate the annual Greg Bousquet Wish Fulfillment Drive. The purpose of this Drive is to collect and distribute gift items for Killingworth children and Senior Citizens who are in need.

This year they have expanded the drive to include the collection of worldwide phone cards for local area men and women in the armed forces who are stationed overseas. Toys and clothes will be collected for children and gift cards will be collected for Seniors and military personnel. Due to the very generous nature of the residents in our town, past Drives have been successful in fulfilling the holiday wishes of the many people in our community. We hope our good fortune continues with this year's Drive.

The "wish lists" for children, Seniors and military personnel can be found in the main office at the Killingworth Elementary School beginning November 24th. Everyone in our community is invited to participate in the Drive by signing up to purchase an item from the list. Unwrapped gifts for children can be dropped off at KES in the main office on or before December 16th. Gift cards for Senior Citizens or the military can be mailed to: Killingworth Women's Organization, PO Box 952, Killingworth, CT 06419.

Military phone cards MUST be AT&T Worldwide Prepaid phone cards which can be purchased at Wal-mart in the electronics department. For the Senior's gift cards, it would be most helpful if the cards were from stores such as Stop & Shop, CVS, Walgreens or Wal-Mart.

KES will be open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for anyone who would like to participate in the Drive. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Van Alstine at 663-3626 or Marni Lustberg at 663-5511. Thank you for your participation and Happy Holidays!!

Santa will make a stop in his very busy schedule this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to visit with friends and residents. Refreshments will be available.

The PTO recently funded a performance by Freestyle Repertory Theatre for the students of Killingworth Elementary School. The goals of this Cultural Arts Performance were to introduce students to live theatre, and involve students in a cooperative, supportive, and creative process. The show was a big success and laughter could be heard down the halls.

Photo courtesy B. Schull

"Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan will be discussed at the next meeting of the Killingworth Library Tuesday Book Discussion Group to be held on December 8. The novel deals with the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney that shook the Chicago society of their day and permanently changed both their lives. This debut novel has been praised for its blend of fact and fiction in the telling of the dramatic story and Cheney's influence on Wright.

In keeping with the group's holiday tradition, this meeting will be held at the Brush Mill by the Waterfall Restaurant in Chester. It will begin at 1:00 and newcomers are always welcome. For more information please call Kathy at 860 663 3130.

HK Sports: The All-State Field Hockey banquet was held on December 1st at the Aqua Turf Restaurant. Pictured left to right: MaryKate Murray - First Team All-State; Marina Annino - First Team All-State; Coach Patsy Kamercia; Coach Arlene Salvati; Ally Gillespie - All-State Scholar Athlete and Emily Anderson - Second Team All-State.

Photo courtesy M. Murray

LEGAL NOTICE
For January 2010 collection

Town of Killingworth
Office of the Tax Collector

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the town of Killingworth, that the second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2008, is due and payable on January 1, 2010. Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax bills are also due on January 1, 2010, in one installment.

If not paid on or before February 1, 2010 the installment becomes delinquent and subject to interest at a rate of 18% per annum (1 ½ % for each month or fraction thereof) dating back to the original due date of the bill. Two months of interest will be due on February 2, 2010. A minimum interest charge of $2.00 is applicable to each delinquent tax bill.

You may pay by mail. Please return payment coupon(s) with your payment. Checks should be made payable to: Tax Collector. Mail postmarked on or before February 1, 2010 will be considered an on time payment. (US Postal Service postmark only) If you would like a receipt returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

As a matter of law, the taxpayer is liable to the town for the tax installment(s) as they become due and payable. Liability is not created by, nor dependent upon receipt of a tax bill. Therefore, failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the requirement to pay the statutorily required interest when a late payment is made.

Michele B. Nuhn
Tax Collector

To the Editor:
This holiday season, if you want to "help in your community," but don't know where to begin, please contact a local non-profit. In fact, many local non-profit organizations welcome volunteers and donations year-round. At the Estuary Council of Seniors in Old Saybrook, the area's regional senior community center, we provide vital services and programs to people 55 and over. And, like other non-profits during this current economic roller coaster, the requests for our services are actually increasing at a time when donations and funding for non-profit service organizations are becoming harder to come by. Yes, when the economy goes down, the need for most vital services, like Meals on Wheels and medical transportation, goes up! We know we are not alone in this paradox.

Regardless of your charity of choice, we encourage everyone to remember the needs of our neighbors - and when you heed the call to "help in your community," contact a local non-profit - volunteers and donations, no matter how large or small, can make a big impact on someone's life this season and throughout the year.

Paula Ferrara
Executive Director of the Estuary Council of Seniors

On Friday, December 4th, from 7:00-8:30 pm at Killingworth Elementary School, the Haddam-Killingworth High School's chapter of the Spanish Honor Society will be hosting a cultural event. Admission price is $5 for kids and includes two snack tickets and three tickets for the activities. Extra tickets are $1 and adults get in free. Come and try some Mexican food including quesadillas, arroz (rice), and more!

There will also be music, salsa tasting, door prizes, and tons of games including Pecteca, Pok-ta-pok, Hot Tamales, and other fun, interactive, Spanish games for children. Kids will even have a chance to decorate postcards which will be sent to kids in other Spanish countries by Kids to Kids International. All in all, the Spanish Honor Society hopes that this will be an enjoyable and educational experience that will expose kids to a different culture and get them interested in learning the Spanish language.

The proud blue and gold of Haddam-Killingworth High School came out in force Sunday afternoon for the First Annual Basketball Alumni game to benefit the Jason Lantieri Memorial Foundation and the HKHS Boys Basketball program. The final score was Blue 107-Gold 105, with competitive play and all-around good sportsmanship. According to Asst. Coach Ryan MacKenzie, a teammate and friend of Lantieri, said the game raised more than $3500. Half the money will be be presented to the Lantieri Foundation at an upcoming home game and the other half will benefit the boys' program. MacKenzie said, "The results were above and beyond anything I imagined".

Thirty-four alums participated including:
70-80's: Mike Venuti '79, Tommy Thompson '82, Marc Crayton '88;
90's: Dave Miller & Brian King '90, Jesse Cecchini '91, Eric Riebold & Ben Talbott '93, Keith Malcher '94, Ryan Magee '97, Chris Morgan & Joe Chester '98, Jon Todzia '99;
2000's: Ryan Mackenzie & Todd Falcone '00, Eric Loos & Sam Todzia '01, Sean Walton '03, Ryan Murray & Brett Zanardi '05, Al Langevin & Dan Wendt '07, Steve Landell '09

The organizers would like to thank everyone who contributed to the event, especially local businesses that supported the event through advertising in the program booklet. Booklets will be available at upcoming HK home games, along with a limited selection of T-shirts from the event. A special thanks to Pizzeria DaVinci for providing pizza in the hospitality suite.

Lantieri, a United States Army Sergeant, died tragically in Iraq on October 10, 2007 while proudly serving his country. He was an HKHS graduate and a member of the basketball team. The objective of the foundation is to give back to the communities where Jason touched the lives of so many. A $2000 scholarship is given yearly to a senior who exemplifies Jason's ideals and dedication.

HKHS Head Coach Paul McCormick said, "I enjoyed the opportunity I had to coach Jason and am proud of the selfless and responsible young man that he became. Though we all miss him, this alumni gathering is a wonderful way to remember him, pay tribute to the sacrifice he made for our country, and thank his family for everything they have done and continue to do for Jason and this community."

Photos courtesy R. Sharp and K. Bagwell

St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Middlesex Avenue, Chester will hold its Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5 from 9 am - 2 pm. The fair features Christmas crafts, baked goods, vendors, a raffle, prizes, and Santa's luncheon. For information, call Jim Tabor at 860-526-5495 or visit www.stjosephchester.parishesonline.com

Mr. and Mrs. Claus are back in town just in time to stop at the Killingworth Library on Saturday, December 5th. Children of all ages can greet them as they pull into the library parking lot at 10:00 a.m. sharp in their Clausmobile.

In the library, picture taking opportunities with the jolly couple will run from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Parents are asked to bring their cameras.

The ever popular big coloring books will be available for purchase along with the library's Appetizer and Dessert Cookbook and note cards.

Sign-up for the Killingworth Library winter kid's programs begins Tuesday, December 1 by phone or in person. Space is limited and residents will be given a priority. Please call Gayle at 663-2000 with questions.

TERRIFIC TWOS: Especially for children between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Parents and caregivers are invited to enjoy some rhyme time fun with their child every Thursday morning 10:00-10:30 during the month of January (Jan 7,14,21,28)

STORYTIME: Especially for all children ages 3 + 4 every Thursday morning 10:00 - 10:30 during the month of February (Feb. 4,11,18,25)

MUSIC WITH MARGIE: 2½ year olds + older Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:00 beginning Dec. 8

LOVE 2 SIGN with JAYE: A "signing" preschool program 6 months to 6 years. This program enhances fine motor skills and language development, promotes creativity, builds confidence and self-esteem. Thursdays 11:00 - 11:30 Dec 3 - February 4.

Killingworth Historical Society Christmas Fair
The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5th at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The fair will be held from 8:30AM to 1:00PM. Shoppers will be delighted in the selection of high quality hand-made gifts, ornaments, baked goods and jams. Numerous gift baskets have been created, including theme baskets in many sizes. Fresh Killingworth greens will be available in wreaths, centerpieces and holiday decorations.

Don't miss this sale! You can shop for unique gifts, choose beautiful holidays decorations and support the Society in the cozy schoolhouse.

"A Photographic History of Killingworth" by Thomas Lentz will be for sale. The book is filled with interesting information about the town and photographs from the Historical Society's collection are featured. The cost of the book is $30.00 and makes a wonderful gift.

1874 maps of Killingworth are available for $10.00 and make a unique gift for friends, neighbors and family. Cookbooks for $5.00 make a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. The Historical Society welcomes everyone to come and enjoy the season at the cheerful one room school. Happy Holidays!

St. Lawrence Church Holiday Fair
Please join the Parishioners of St. Lawrence Church in Killingworth and celebrate the Holidays at the Annual Christmas Fair on December 4th-6th! Do your holiday shopping and enjoy some tasty treats while at the fair!

Attractions include live greenery wreaths, centerpieces and swags, homemade baked goods and crafts made by our Parishioners. Our kitchen will offer homemade soups, hot dogs, pizza, meatball grinders, and delicious desserts. A beautiful Amish quilt will be raffled off as well as our gorgeous gift baskets in the basket raffle.

A highlight of the fair includes a Silent Auction featuring items from well-known local artisans and items and gift certificates from local and statewide businesses! The silent auction begins Friday at 6:00 p.m. Bidding closes Sunday promptly 12:00 noon at the fair.

Children will enjoy meeting Santa! Bring your camera to take a picture!

The hours of the Fair are:


Congregational Church in Killingworth Church Fair
The Congregational Church in Killingworth will be holding its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5th from 9:00am-3:00pm in the Parish Hall. There will be many wonderful items for gift giving and decorating your home. We will have a silent auction, gift baskets, fresh and artificial wreaths, and bake goods. Coffee, refreshments, soup and chili will be available. Proceeds will go to the Church's Mission projects locally and world wide. Come and share the holiday Spirit!

Killingworth Nursery School - Christmas Craft Fair
On Saturday, December 5, 2009, the Killingworth Nursery School Association will sponsor their annual Christmas Craft Fair. The fair will feature high quality items handcrafted by local artisans. KNSA will be sponsoring a bake sale, silent auction, and a kid's craft area where children can make their own ornaments and gifts! The fair will take place at the Killingworth Elementary School, Route 81, Killingworth, CT, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Admission is $1.00.

Sunday: November 22:
• 00:50:05 Medical Call, Roast Meat Hill Road.
• 10:42:38 Medical Call, Tower Hill Road.
Wednesday: November 25:
• 15:46:42 Medical Call, Swan Lake Trail.
Saturday: November 28:
• 11:35:46 Brush Fire, Cow Hill Road & Green Hill Road.
• 23:11:46 Medical Call, Swan Lake Trail.

HK Sports: HKMS Cross Country Season Roundup

Shoreline Championships
A young HKMS team ran strong against larger and more experienced teams in the Shoreline Championships in October. Both the girls and boys teams placed 5th in a field of 300 runners on the 1.9 mile course.

In the boys race, HK's top 7 runners finished in the first 56 spots of 150 runners. Stuart Stritzel led the HK pack finishing 11:47 (9th place), only 1 minute behind the winner. Eric Wind (15), Gavin Manzi (31), Patrick Fitzgibbons (36), Randin Manzi (44) and 5th grader Quinn Reardon all finished within the next minute. For the girls, HK lost its top runner Mackenzie Hinds on the trail with an ankle injury. Menalie Hyde finished first for HK (18) with a time of 14:06 just 2 minutes behind the winner . Lizzy Anderson (22), Jill Clemente (23), Mackenzie Pias (28) and Meghan Gamache (40) were the next HK scorers. 5th grader Maddy Simons (60), Ally Fazzino (65) and Emily Cook all ran personal bests and finished in front of 30 other girls.

Cougar Invitational
The team hosted their first Cougar Invitational at the High School on November 4th. Despite missing 17 members due to illness, many HK runners achieved improvements and personal bests.

Eric Wind finished 1st for HK boys in 10th place and Patrick Fitzgibbons (11) crossed the line 10 seconds later. Gavin Manzi (15), James Spineti (23) and 5th grader Quin Reardon (27) competed well against 66 competitors. The girls top 5 included Mackenzie Hinds (14), Lizzy Anderson (15), Mackenzie Pias (18), Jill Clemente (23) and Menalie Hyde (27).

The HKHS Basketball Program will hold its 1st Alumni Game TODAY at 2 p.m. at HKHS. The game will benefit The Jason Lantieri Memorial Foundation. Admission to the event is $2. There will be a concession stand available.

The Board of Selectmen passed a resolution last week to support a campaign that seeks to have cities and towns obtain 20% of the electricity for municipal properties from clean, renewable energy sources by the year 2010 and the goal of reducing energy consumption in municipal facilities by 10% through cost-effective energy measures.

According to the resolution, the world's most respected association of climate scientists, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), projects that global warming will increase temperatures in Connecticut by approximately 4°F this century, with the vast majority of warming clearly attributed to humane activity. The economic impact of not using conservation technology and alternative energy sources results in direct and indirect costs to Killingworth citizens. These costs include medical expenses, lost days of work, and environmental degradation.

The resolution states that a task force will be set up to research and make recommendations so that Killingworth can reach the 20% by the 2010 goal. The Energy Task Force will investigate options for meeting that goal and will research funding opportunities.

Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced in a cost-effective manner that enhances economic development by applying currently available energy efficiency technologies. Clean energy resources, such as wind, solar and water, constantly replenish themselves, do not cause the buildup of global warming gases and health-damaging pollutants, and if properly managed, will be available to serve our energy needs forever.

The Board of Selectmen encourages all Killingworth residents and businesses to support clean energy and practice energy conservation and efficiency in their home and offices.