Thanks to the generosity of Killingworth and Haddam residents, the 3rd annual Holiday Shopping Night was a GREAT success! We collected nearly 2,000 donations of gently used and new gifts to support 370 "shoppers"!

The kids of the Boys & Girls Club had a great time choosing gifts for their families and left the event with wrapped presents and big smiles.

Thanks also to volunteers from our two towns including HKHS and HKMS students along with Girl Scout Troop 62101. The volunteers were busy helping the kids shop and wrapping presents.

Special thanks to MJM Self Storage for donating storage space to hold the donations!

Keep us in mind as you go through your closets in 2010 as we're already planning the 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Night!

Write up and photo courtesy C. Anderson

Killingworth Snow Policies

Snow may be heading our way -again- this weekend. Please remember our rules for snow season:

Please drive carefully.

Cathy Iino
First Selectwoman

Shoreline residents now have easy access to Middlesex Community College (MCC) thanks to 9 Town Transit's (9TT) Mid-Shore Express. The route began servicing the MCC campus in Middletown in December.

The Mid-Shore Express runs between the Old Saybrook train station and the Middletown bus terminal Monday through Friday from 6:50 AM until 11:15 AM and 3:30 PM until 6:50 PM. Stops are made along the way at the Essex Park and Ride lot, Chester Park and Ride lot, Chester Center, along route 154 between within the town of Chester, the Social Services office in Middletown, and the Middletown bus terminal.

Service is now being provided to the MCC campus on two trips daily. Additional service to the campus will be provided on additional trips by calling 860-510-0429 and requesting the service at least half an hour in advance. The new stop was added to accommodate the growing number of MCC students using the Mid-Shore Express. The fare for the service remains just $1.25, and transfers from any other 9 Town Transit route are free.

For more information, route maps, or schedules visit 9 Town Transit online at www.9TownTransit.com or call 860-510-0429.

HK Sports: The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team was defeated by Eliot on Thursday, 34-31. HK had a slow first half only scoring 12 points to Eliot's 20. HK ended the half with a nearly half court three point shot by Caroline Fortuna. In the second half, HK settled down and caught up to Eliot and the score went back and forth for each team. The game remained close for the entire second half with HK being down by 1 point with 30 seconds left. Unfortunately, the Cougars were unable to score for the remainder of the game. Kiley Anderson was high scorer for HK with 9 points, followed by Maya Savino with 8, Quinn Millard with 7, Casey Jackson with 4 and Caroline Fortuna with 3. HK's record is now 1-1.

The JV team defeated Eliot, 17-7. Seven players took turns scoring as follows: Halie Serbent with 4, Kolby Burger with 3, Claire Dougherty, Lex Regan, Megan Sepega, Maddy DeRita, Heather DiGregorio all chipping in 2 points each. The JV team's record is now 2-0. Write up and photo courtesy D. Savino

The Board of Selectmen approved a six-month trial of a new service offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles for municipal tax collectors. Killingworth Tax Collector Michelle Nuhn will soon have access to "DMV Direct", a database that can provide birth dates, addresses of car owners, print plate receipts, determine if a car is registered and help locate delinquent taxpayers.

According to the New Haven Register, Nuhn said there are 437 delinquent motor vehicle accounts - a higher number than is typical for Killingworth - and another 163 left over from the prior year. The amount of unpaid tax dollars those numbers represent is difficult to calculate because motor vehicle tax bills can range from $10 to $700 or more.

Come and celebrate a beautiful and spiritual Christmas Eve at "The Little Church in the Wilderness" All people of good will are welcome!

Starting at 7:30 p.m. there will be carol singing, accompanied by organ, violin and violoncello followed by a candlelight service.

Join us for warm cider and Christmas cookies after the service. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 50 Emanuel Church Road. For information or directions call 860-663-1109 or visit www.churchinthewilderness.org.

HK Sports: Despite 14 points from senior captain Jordan Shultz and 14 rebounds from junior Emily Anderson, the HK Girls Basketball team fell to North Branford on Tuesday, 49-40, on the road. With the game tied at 25 after 3 periods, the Thunderbirds nearly doubled that point total in the 4th quarter alone, outscoring the Cougars 24-15 in the final stanza. HK's record now stands at 1-1 and the team returns home to host undefeated Coginchaug at 7 pm on Friday evening. Write up and photo courtesy A & E Anderson

The HKHS Boys Basketball team fell to Valley Regional, 39-33. Erik Carlson led the Cougars with 15 points followed by John Webber with 12 and Wes Nuhn with 5.

The HK Middle School Girls Basketball team opened the season on Tuesday defeating Old Lyme 47-27. HK jumped out to early lead and ended the half up 20-8. Old Lyme tried to get a rally started in the second half but HK continued to dominate. Cougar scorers were Maya Savino with 11 points, Kiley Anderson, Lauren McCann, Casey Jackson each with 8 points, Liz Anderson with 6, Maddy DeRita with 4 points, Erin Kane and Claire Dougherty with 1 point each.

The HKMS Girls JV Basketball team defeated Old Lyme by a score of 18-2. Game scorers were Kolby Burger with 8 points, Teresa Tripodi with 4 points, Heather DiGregorio and Lex Regan with 2 points each and Megan Sepega and Halie Serbent with 1 point each. The next game is Thursday at home vs. long time rival Eliot. Write up and photo courtesy D. Savino

Holiday Town Hall Office Hours

Thursday, December 24th - Closed
Friday, December 25th - Closed
Friday, January 1st - Closed

Following through on its goal to obtain at least 20% of its municipal energy purchases from clean renewable energy resources by the year 2010, the Board of Selectmen appointed an Energy Task Force Monday night. The task force is charged with promoting energy efficient and sustainable practices, operations, and patterns of development for the Town of Killingworth and its residents. Its mission includes seeking out and implementing programs and funding sources to help the town meet its goals under the Connecticut Clean Energy Program. First Selectwoman Cathy Iino said she had a great deal of interest in serving on the task force from residents.

Those appointed to serve are: Stephen Anderson, Frank Cunningham, Michael Duffy, Susan Gumbart, George Keithan, William Leahy, Harsh Luthra, Debbie Sodergren and Philip Stull. The appointments will take effect January 1.

Haddam-Killingworth High School will be hosting the 21st Annual Holiday Show telethon on Wednesday, December 23rd. The live student-produced program is hosting a "Shoreline's Got Talent" competition to raise money to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

HKTV was inspired to choose CCFA as its charity, because of a letter written by Haddam resident Rick and Sue Anselmo. Their youngest son Steve suffers from Crohn's disease while their oldest son Chris copes with ulcerated colitis on a daily basis. This telethon will bring teenagers like Steve and Chris hope that Crohn's and ulcerative colitis is just one step closer to a cure. Some of the monies will also help send 30 Connecticut teenagers to Camp Oasis. Camp Oasis is a co-ed residential camp program whose mission is to enrich the lives of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by providing a safe and supportive camp community.

The telethon takes place live on Wednesday, December 23rd from 8am-12 noon on Comcast Channel 18. The show can be seen live on the web at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vsen18

Encore presentations will air every evening from 7pm - 11pm Dec 23rd to Jan. 3rd

Agenda
Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Appointment of Town Counsel
4. Adjournment

The Fifth Killingworth Lights Spectacular was a huge success, thanks to the combined efforts of many. The Gorski family created such a gorgeous display and their willingness to host the event, and pay for their electricity bill, is amazing! This year's addition of the Buck a Cup soup/chili sale run by Scott Chasse and Cubscout Pack 18 was wonderful, with the warm soup helping to keep cold bodies more comfortable. John and Joan Kuzminski again brought their beautifully decorated antique fire truck. Rick Albrecht and Gary Mala were fantastic men in red costume that the children and parents enjoyed alike. The student volunteers were so helpful, and the many Killingworth Women's Organization members who volunteered their talents during this busy season were appreciated. Also thanks to the Lions for a donation to put towards Santa's gifts. 450 people attended the event, which is a record number. Because of the combined efforts, 120 toys were donated to Toys for Tots and over $900 will be donated to the Killingworth Friendly Fund this week. Thanks for the fun and successful bright night!



Photos courtesy A. Etra

This winter starting on January 3rd, Valley-Shore will begin their winter 2010 program schedule. With a record amount of NEW classes in this year's lineup of Arts classes, the Y has been able to reach out to many different points of interest within its community. In fact, it is a goal at this YMCA that every student receives the highest level of quality at an affordable and accessible means. Each individual is connected through the arts by exposure of community and culture and reinforcement of the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Dance Classes. During Showbiz Kids learn how to dance, sing and act on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:15. Acrobatics classes run on Tuesdays from 4:45-5:25pm. Learn how to dance like the stars on TV in Lyrical/Modern Dance on Thursdays 5:30-6:15. Different levels of Ballet classes are also being offered on Mondays ages 3-5 at 4-4:40pm and Thursdays ages 6-12 at 4-4:40pm. VSYMCA arts offering also include the popular dance form of Hip- Hop. Hip-Hop is offered to children and teens from beginner to intermediate ranging between Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6:15pm.

Saturday night, Killingworth was delivered a marvelous pre-Christmas treat. Woodstock opener Richie Havens, a legend for his soulful voice and unique guitar style, performed at the middle school to a sold out crowd, thanks to the Killingworth Lions Club. Lions Concert Committee Chairman Bruce Dodson and a crew of enthusiastic volunteers signed on to help bring Havens to town as a fund raiser for the renovation and restoration of Parmelee Farm.

Havens performed an outstanding blend of his memorable renditions mixed with conversation and anecdotes from his life and many musical journeys. He was accompanied by his long-time back up band member, guitarist Walter Parks.

At the conclusion of the concert, Havens received an extended standing ovation from the appreciative crowd. Dodson presented Havens with a broom made by Historical Society President Robert Broach from broom corn grown in the property's community gardens and a CD made from an old reel-to-reel tape of the 1966 Hartwick College Concert. Dodson helped organize the Hartwick concert when he was President of the Freshman Class and those connections helped facilitate Saturday's memorable appearance. Two of Dodson's closest friends from his college days were on hand to share in this reunion with Havens including: Bruce Cameron from Windsor, NY, a special education teacher who is currently a member of the Hartwick College Alumini Association Board of Directors; and Dodson's former roommate Ron Klattenberg, now a City Councilman from Middletown, Conn. Havens generously stayed for several hours following the performance to sign autographs and talk with fans new and old.

The Killingworth Lions Club is the town's largest philanthropic organization, having donated almost $500,000 to worthy causes since 1971. They have committed the proceeds from the concert to the renovation of the "stone barn" on the Parmelee Property. The property is home to the community gardens and recent activity includes a dry stone walling workshop, several field clean-up days, trail blazing and the exterior restoration and painting of the Parmelee Farmhouse.

Tuesday: December 09:
• 02:09:21 Medical Call, Buell Hill Road.
• 06:48:33 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Chittenden Road.
• 12:35:05 Chimney Fire, Route 148.
• 15:01:53 Fire Alarm, Route 148.
Wednesday: December 09:
• 07:27:15 Electrical Fire Pole/Wire, Cow Hill Road.
Friday: December 11:
• 09:38:11 Medical Call, Stonewall Drive.
• 12:05:09 Medical Call, Route 79.
• 19:34:20 Medical Call, Route 81.
• 23:50:54 Medical Call, Route 81.

HK Sports: With a last second three point shot by senior captain Jordan Shultz, the HK Cougar Girls Basketball team shocked the East Hampton Bellringers, 50-49, Saturday night at the fieldhouse. The Cougars erased a ten point deficit with under three minutes to play with stifling defensive pressure. HK was led by junior Emily Anderson with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals and Shultz who netted 10 points and 4 rebounds. Rounding out the HK scoring were sophomore Shaina Rowley (7 points), sophomore Cloe Savino (6 points), junior Lauren Muise (4 points, 7 rebounds), freshman Marissa Moncata (3 points), and junior Carley Mooney & freshman Sammy Wascowitz (2 points each). The Cougars travel to North Branford on Tuesday for a 7:30 Shoreline Conference game against the Lady Thunderbirds. Write up and photo courtesy A & E Anderson

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Meetings Held November 23, 2009
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Old Business:
    A. Town website
    B. River Road Bridge project
7. New Business:
    A. Appointments of members to boards, committees, & commissions
    B. Appointment of town counsel
    C. Tax collector: Discussion of DMV Direct Option
    D. Bid opening for cleaning services for town buildings
    E. Charge to the Energy Task Force and appointments
    F. Designation of Newspaper of Record
8. CI Comments
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Visitor Comments: General
11. Executive Session - Health Director resignation
12. Adjournment
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