The legislative session of the Connecticut General Assembly did not start until early this month and so we had open and free the month of January. My wife and I decided to take our Labrador retriever and visit the intriguing island of Bermuda, which is located only an hour and a half by air from JFK Airport and is situated in the middle of the Gulf Stream. Winter in Bermuda, while not tropical, is moderate and pleasant.

Being a political wonk, I not only visited and toured the Bermuda Parliament but also met Members of Parliament (MPs) and compared the legislative processes of Bermuda with those of Connecticut. The Bermuda parliamentary system is vastly different from our system. First, there is a merger of the legislative and executive branches, many MPs being not only legislators but also cabinet ministers. I did not think that this merger of the two branches was particularly effective because the ministers of the various bureaus often lacked expertise in the work of their department.

The Bermuda Parliament consists of two houses, the members of the lower house being elected but the members of the upper house (the Senate) being appointed by the lower house. The upper house is thus beholden to the lower house and lacks independence.

HK Sports: The HK Girls Basketball team squandered a double digit first half lead and fell to the Old Saybrook Rams at the fieldhouse on Thursday, 49-43. The Cougars were led by Jordan Shultz and Emily Anderson with 16 points each and Anderson grabbed 12 rebounds. Cloe Savino hit two key three pointers late in the game to bring HK close and she finished with 7 points. Carley Mooney and Shaina Rowley each netted a pair. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 7-9 overall and 7-7 in conference. On Monday, the Morgan Huskies visit the fieldhouse at 7 pm for the second meeting this season of the perennial rivalry. Write up and photo courtesy A & E Anderson

The HKMS Wrestling team competed in the last single meet competition of the season on Wednesday in the Cougar gym. First year wrestlers Ryan Henderson and Luke Velez, both enjoying excellent rookie seasons, lost in very close matches by one point respectively. Returning wrestlers Zack Roth and Riley Byrne, also enjoying very successful seasons, earned quick wins by pin before the third period. David Parmelee and Ryan Shea compeated hard for the Cougars. All six show great promise and should contribute at the next level next year. The team will end the season at the Middletown Tournament this Saturday.

The Emmanuel Episcopal will host "The Four Seasons Plus" Guitar Concert with Peter Griggs on Sunday, February 21 at 4:00p.m.

Griggs' program is "500 Years of Music for the Guitar": A chronological tour of music for the guitarist's repertoire from the renaissance to the contemporary. It will include Baroque, Classical, Flamenco and Jazz.

50 Emmanuel Church Rd. Killingworth, CT 06419 Good Will Offering is hoped for.
For information or direction 860-663-1109 or visit www.churchinthewilderness.org

Conor Brownell, son of Scott and Kim Brownell of Killingworth, signed a Letter of Intent on National Signing Day to attend and play football for Marist College this Fall. Marist participates in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision in the Pioneer League. Conor attends Xavier High School, where as a two year starter he played Tight End, was the team Punter and earned All Area, All Courant and All State Honorable Mention recognition.

(l-r) Xavier Athletic Director Anthony Jaskot, Conor Brownell and head football coach, Sean Marinan. Photo courtesy J. Guerin

HK Sports: Last Friday night at HKHS Fieldhouse, the Boys Varsity Basketball team welcomed a rugged squad from North Branford for a SLC clash. When it was all said and done, the Cougars made the plays late in the game that counted, as they upset the T-Birds, 45-40, on their way to their 3rd straight victory. After trailing throughout most of the game and just keeping it close, the Cougars used an explosive 3rd quarter to blitz the T-Birds before finally holding on in the fourth quarter.

The play of the game occurred with under a minute left and the Cougars ahead by one point, 41-40. Junior guard Brian Zak stepped to the line for a 1-1 attempt. Unfortunately for North Branford and lucky for H-K, Senior point guard Rob Flynn seemed to be the only one on the court to know it was a 1-1. As the ball caromed off the rim, Flynn raced in past sleeping NB defenders and laid the ball in to put the Cougars up 3. After a huge defensive stop, Zak was again fouled and went to the line and redeemed himself by sinking both free throws and sending the Cougars to their fifth win of the season. Leading the way for H-K was sophomore guard Erik Carlson with 17 points, continuing his push for an all-conference selection. Big man Wes Nuhn added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

The HKMS Boys Basketball team was leading a pesky North Branford squad, 24-20, with about 4 minutes left in the third quarter. Thanks to the brilliance of assistant Coach Mike Baklik, the Cougars turned on their patented "Hit Squad" pressure defense to outscore NB 31-9 over the final 12 minutes for the comfortable, 55-29, victory. The Cougars were lead by Kyle McCormick's 18 points and 11 boards while Luke Ford picked up 14 of his own. Abbott, Callahan, Kovach, Welch, and Afragola all played great minutes as the Cougars remained perfect at 10-0 on the season.

The Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center in Waterbury will host a panel discussion and closing celebration event of the F. Luis Mora Exhibition on Sunday, February 7 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Join us as we salute Mora's works of beauty and give them a proper send-off as they return to their former homes.

Many artists move from acclaim to obscurity as their styles fall out of fashion. Our distinguished panel of art experts, William Gerdts, Ph.D., Jeffrey Cooley, Peter Falk and Killingworth resident Lynne Pauls Baron, examine Connecticut artists who were popular during their lifetimes but whose life and art are now in various stages of rediscovery. A reception immediately follows the panel discussion.

The HK Recreation Department is sponsoring The Secret Garden on Wednesday, February 17th from 1:00 - 2:45pm at the HK High School Auditorium. The fee is $7 Adults / $6 children (ages 2 - 12) payable at the door. The show is presented and produced by the Newington Children's Theater, a traveling group of talented young people committed to the goal of presenting quality children's theatre.

Don't miss this fabulous performance of young actors and singers. Based on the classic novel, this charming musical adaptation will entertain children and adults alike! When ten year old Mary Lennox is sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor with her uncle in England after the death of her parents in India, she finds her new home to be a gloomy fortress. When Mary discovers a strange, walled garden that has been locked up for years, she enlists the help of the gardener's apprentice, and together they coax the garden back to life. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who enter it, and brings new life to her uncle and sickly young cousin as well.

For more information, please call the HK Recreation Dept. at 345-8334.

The Haddam-Killingworth Youth Lacrosse Association will host an information "open house" for parents and youths interested in learning about the upcoming spring season for grades 1st through 8th. The open house will be held TONIGHT, February 4th at 7:00pm. at the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Co. This will be a great opportunity to learn and ask questions about the program, meet the organizers, and even sign up to volunteer! For additional information please see our website at www.hkyouthlax.org.

HK Sports: In a critical match up with playoff consequences, the HK Girls Basketball team traveled to East Hampton on Monday evening and defeated the Bellringers, 40-31. The game was close throughout with neither squad building more than a 5 point lead through the first three quarters. With the score tied 25-25 at the beginning of the fourth period, HK junior guard Lauren Muise took the inbound pass and drained a three pointer. The Cougars never looked back building as much as an 11 point lead to secure the crucial victory. Muise who scored 9 of HK's 15 points in the fourth quarter finished the game with 14 as did fellow junior Emily Anderson who also pulled down 14 rebounds. Other valuable contributions came from sophomores Cloe Savino and Shaina Rowley who scored 6 and 4 respectively and combined to hold East Hampton's sharp shooting guard Sarah Denihan scoreless. Junior Carley Mooney grabbed 11 rebounds and senior captain Jordan Shultz scored on a pretty turn around jumper early in the contest. With the win, the Cougars improve to 7-8 (7-6 in conference). On Thursday evening at 7 p.m. the team hosts Old Saybrook in another important Shoreline Conference showdown. Write up and photo courtesy A & E Anderson

The HKHS Boys Swimming and Diving team beat Kennedy High School in Waterbury last Friday, 107-78, but fell to Fitch High School in Groton last Tuesday, 104-77. Against Kennedy the team swam some great races and put up a strong front to steadily pull away to a sound win. On Tuesday the team put in a valiant effort but Fitch High School was stronger. Due to a Fitch forfeit the HK divers swept the Diving event. The only other HK first place finish came from Ryan Buys in the 100 Butterfly (55.95). HK gathered several second place finishes including Jeff Ludington, Ryan Blewett, Buys, and Raymond Moore in the 200 Medley relay (1:50.39); Buys in the 200 Freestyle (1:58.20); Ludington in the 100 Freestyle (52.58) and the 100 Backstroke (1:01.37); Jared Benton-Smith in the 500 Freestyle (6:03.32); Blewett in the 100 Breaststroke (1:13.30); and Buys, Moore, Tanner Kahre, and Ludington in the 400 Freestyle relay (3:49.99). Individual third place finishes came from Moore in the 200 IM (2:23.87) and the 100 Butterfly (1:04.59); Jamie Verney in the 50 Freestyle (26.72); and Richie Afragola in the 100 Breaststroke (1:16.68).

The Boys Swimming and Diving team's next challenge is at home on Thursday at 4:00 PM against Granby Memorial High School. Write up and photo courtesy M. Hughes

The non fiction selection for the February 9th meeting of the Tuesday Book Discussion group is "Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time," by Karen Armstrong. This biography is one in the Eminent Lives Series of short biographies of pivotal historical figures published by Harper Collins. Armstrong is a well known scholar and commentator on religious history and culture. Laurie Goodstein writing for the New York Times Book Review said of the work "To glimpse how the vast majority of the world's Muslims understand their prophet and their faith, Karen Armstrong's short biography is a good place to start."

The discussion begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Killingworth library meeting room and newcomers are always welcome.

In these ongoing, hands-on Workshops, artist and teacher Aleta Gudelski will guide adults and teens to develop a comprehensive art portfolio for admission to college art programs. Set and achieve specific portfolio goals, tailored to the requirements of your individual art programs. Complete at least 2 pieces each month. Cost is $50. To register call (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Visit us online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

The HKMS Girls Basketball team traveled to John Winthrop and came away with a decisive, 57-29, victory on Tuesday. The Cougars stifled the Chargers with their defense on one end as their offense exploded on the other end. A dozen Cougars saw action in the game. Points scored by the Cougars were: Maya Savino with 13, Caroline Fortuna with 9, Lauren McCann with 8, Kiley Anderson with 7, Casey Jackson with 6, Jessica Kasper and Quinn Millard each with 4, Erin Kane, Ciara Samuel and Kolby Burger each with a pair. HK's record improves to 9-2. HK will play their next game against the Hale Ray Noises on Friday, February 5 at home.

The JV team defeated John Winthrop, 18-12. Scoring for HK were Meghan Sepega with 6 points, Lex Regan and Jessica Kasper each with 4 points, Julia Babbitt and Claire Dougherty each with a pair. Write up and photo courtesy D. Savino

The Haddam-Killingworth Middle School Boys Swimming and Diving team defeated perennial champion Whisconier Middle School from Brookfield to take its first ever state swimming and diving championship last Sunday at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.

This was the first time in state history the Brookfield team was denied the title. Up against a huge challenge, the 9 HKMS boy swimmers prevailed against teams of 40 boys to receive their championship trophy!

The boys competition started off with an amazing fourth place finish by diver Gunnar Soneson. A first place finish by the boys 200 Yard Medley Relay followed with a time of 1:59.92 by teammates Jake Gibbons, Stuart Stritzel, Mason Revis, and Garrett Mazziotti.

The boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay finished third overall with a time of 1:59.80 with swimmers Conor Champagne, Garrett Mazziotti, Gunnar Soneson, and Tristan Stritzel.

To secure the victory, Mason Revis, Jake Gibbons, Tristan and Stuart Stritzel broke the state record by 5 seconds with a stunning first place finish with a time of 3:52.82 in the thrilling 400 yard Freestyle Relay.

For the individual events, Jake Gibbons finished third in the 50 Yard Backstroke (30.40). Mason Revis got fourth in the 50 Yard Butterfly (30.25) and fifth in the 100 Yard IM (1:07.91), Tristan Stritzel received third place in the 100 Yard Free (58.32) and second place in the 50 Yard Free (26.40). Stuart Stritzel came in second in the 50 Yard Breaststroke (32.65), and third in the 100 Yard IM (1:05.05).

The girls team finished in a respectable 11th place. The boys and girls teams combined to take an overall third place, out of 17 teams. This sweet victory by the boys' team, and the third place finish of the combined team, has put HKMS on the radar as a top middle school team! To finish out the season, there are two meets this week, including the last home meet on Friday. Come to the high school at 4:00 to support the team! Go Cougars!!


Ryan Weis, Tristan Stritzel, Jake Gibbons, Mason Revis, Stuart Stritzel, Garrett Mazziotti, Hunter Campbell, Conor Champagne and Gunnar Soneson. Notes and Photos by Swim Coach Jamie Cannata and parent Karen Revis.

On Thursday, February 18, Killingworth Library, along with libraries all over the state, will be taking a 'snapshot' - collecting information to capture the impact that Connecticut libraries have on their communities on a typical day. The new-to-Connecticut happening is called 'Snapshot Day.'

Snapshot Day is a joint project of the Connecticut Library Association, the Connecticut State Library and the Connecticut Library Consortium. It is based on a project of the same name created by the New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association. The goal is to encourage libraries all over the Nutmeg State to collect basic data - how many people use the library on a given day, how many people use computers, attend programs, etc. Connecticut's libraries are busier than ever these days, with people coming not only to check out books, but use computers, look for a job or attend the many programs our libraries offer.

Patron comment forms will be available in the Killingworth Library from February 8th to February 19th, and there will be a chance for patrons to comment on what their library means to them, and pictures from libraries all over the state will be available on the Snapshot Flickr page. Please visit the Snapshot website, http://snapshotctlib.wordpress.com/ to find out more about this exciting project. Even better, visit on February 18 and become part of Connecticut's first Snapshot Day!

According to the Middletown Press, Killingworth is moving ahead with demolition and foreclosure plans for a deteriorating 1,000 square foot house at 571 Route 148 that evidently was abandoned after its sale in 2006.

After the property was sold, it was used as a mortgage collateral then fell into disrepair. Complaints from neighbors prompted Building Official Richard Leighton to declare it unsafe for occupancy and have the house boarded up. The Board of Selectmen and the courts subsequently approved its demolition as a matter of public safety.

First Selectwoman Catherine Iino reports that, Killingworth's 2009 grand list stayed about even this year. The total increased by 0.69 percent -- more than last year's 0.25 percent but still less than 1 percent. Automobile values declined and personal property values went up by almost the same amount, so the increase was in real property values-mostly due to additions and other improvements.

Iino said, "I am relieved that it did not go down, as it has in some nearby towns. Given the static income, however, the Board of Selectmen will be working hard to control next year's town expenditures." "My thanks to Assessor Donna Shanoff and Assistant Assessor Patty Campbell for their hard work to finalize the grand list."

New York saxophonist Eli Degibri, who has toured with Herbie Hancock and performed on his three-time Grammy award-winning album Gershwin's World, headlines The Arts Center at Killingworth's 6th Annual Jazz NightOut. The concert, set in a cafe-style environment, is Saturday, February 6th, 7:30pm at the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT. The New York Times notes, "Don't miss Degibri. His music is spiky and immaculately sculptured."

Degibri has worked with many top Jazz musicians including Ron Carter, Eric Reed and Clark Terry. In 1999, Degibri began touring internationally with the Herbie Hancock Sextet. He was featured on Hancock's 2002 DVD special, "The Jazz Channel Presents Herbie Hancock." Degibri, a leader on his own acclaimed CDs, In the Beginning, Emotionally Available, and Live at Louis 649, is currently in the studio recording his fifth album with three musicians who have shaped the history of jazz, bassist Ron Carter, Al foster and pianist Brad Mehldau.

For Jazz NightOut, Degibri brings drummer Obed Calvaire, pianist Kevin Hays, and bassist Reuben Rogers. The evening kicks off with the Shoreline's own drummer Tom Briggs and his group CT4. Briggs, an award-winning composer and percussionist of the U.S. Coast Guard Band, is the Music Director of the Community Music School, leading the CMS Jazz Ensemble and the group Masters of Swing.

Last year's Jazz NightOut sold out - early reservations suggested! Orchestra cafê seating with appetizers: $30 for Adults, $25 for Seniors, $20 for Students and $12 for Children 12 and under. Balcony rows: $18 for Adults, Seniors and Students; $10 for Children 12 and under. Appetizers in orchestra seating only. Free dessert buffet and cash beverage bar available to all. Credit cards accepted. For tickets call (860) 663-5593 or purchase online at www.artscenterkillingworth.org

Tax Relief and Exemption Programs

Homeowner and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program - Starting Monday, February 1st, 2010 the Assessor's Office will be scheduling appointments for residents to complete the application for the Homeowners and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program. The program starts February 1, 2010 and end on May 14, 2010. Those HOMEOWNERS at least age 65 (by December 31, 2009), or totally disabled, whose total maximum income for the 2009 calendar year, including Social Security is $32,300 if single/unmarried or $39,500 if married, may apply at the Assessor's office during this filing period.

Homeowners whose income levels are over the State limits of $32,300 and $39,500 may still qualify for Killingworth's local Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Program if the total maximum income does not exceed $40,000. Residence at current address must be longer than 12 months to qualify.

Both programs, State and Town, are for tax relief of Real Estate on the 2009 Grand List.

Please call 860-663-1765 ext 506 between the hours of 8am and 4pm Monday through Friday for an appointment AFTER YOU HAVE FILED YOUR INCOME TAX. Applicants must show proof of all income.

Additional Veteran's Exemption - The Assessor's Office is scheduling appointments starting Monday, February 1, 2010 for veterans with qualifying income to complete the applications for the State and Town Additional Veteran's exemptions. The deadline for filing an application with the Assessor for the Veteran's program only is October 1, 2010. The filing period is February 1st through October 1st.

Income reported is for the 2009 calendar year. The 2009 qualifying income is the same as for the Homeowners Program, maximum income of $32,300 for single/unmarried and $39,500 for married. Income from all sources including interest, dividends, pensions and Social Security must be included.

The maximum income is different for veterans with a 100% V.A. determined disability. The single/unmarried applicant maximum is $18,000 (adjusted gross income only) and the married applicant maximum is $21,000 (adjusted gross income only). Social Security income is not considered.

Filing is required biennially. Individuals who last filed in 2008 should file this year. Veterans that are filing for the Homeowners Tax Relief Program should apply for their Additional Veterans exemption at the same time. The filing for the Additional Veteran's exemption will be applicable to property on the October 1, 2010 Grand List.

Connecticut Armed Service Members Motor Vehicle Exemption - Applications are being accepted for exemption of one motor vehicle for Killingworth residents who are active members of the United States Armed Forces. Active members of the Armed Forces are entitled to a full exemption of one motor vehicle. Armed Forces are defined as "US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force and any reserve component thereof including the National Guard."

To receive the exemption, an application must be filed annually. Filing is not to be later than December 31st following the date the property tax is due. The filing deadline on the current 2009 Grand List is December 31, 2010. Forms can be picked up at the Assessor's office or by calling the Assessor at 860-663-1765 ext 506.

Monday: January 25:
• 20:39:03 Medical Call, Bridle Path Trail.
• 21:11:54 Medical Call, Bridle Path Trail.
Tuesday: January 26:
• 18:18:21 Medical Call, Woodland Trail.
Thursday: January 28:
• 11:30:22 MVA, Roast Meat Hill Road.
Friday: January 29:
• 22:21:29 Medical Call, Hilldale Trail.
Saturday: January 30:
• 10:13:50 Medical Call, Country Club Trail.
• 21:11:47 Medical Call, County Road.

The Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department sponsored a local Hotshot Contest on Sunday, January 24th. There were 12 participants. The results of the contest are as follows:

Alison Halligan was the winner of the Girls 9-10 year old division with 19 points.
Julia Babbit was the winner of the Girls 11-12 year old division with 45 points.
Lizzy Anderson was the winner of the Girls 13-15 year old division wth 102 points.
Owen Marica was the winner of the Boys 9-10 year old division with 86 points.
Mitchell Halligan was the winner of the Boys 11-12 year old division with 41 points.
Tom DimMauro was the winner of the Boys 13-15 year old division with 111 points.

These players will advance to the County Level in Groton on February 13th and will competed against other local winners from surrounding towns Winner of the County level will compete in the State Contest on March 6th in East Hampton.

This recreational program is designed to promote basketball enthusiasm as much as basketball skill, fun, physical fitness, friendship and good sportsmanship. Each player has three one-minute rounds to shoot from "hotspots" placed on one half of the court. The contest challenges a player's speed, shooting, dribbling, and rebounding ability. The Hotshot Contest is sponsored by the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association (CRPA), Mr. Trophy, the East Hampton Parks and Recreation Department, and the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Basketball team got back on the winning track on Friday night at Westbrook High defeating the Knights, 51-19. Eleven different Cougars saw action in the game and the balanced scoring effort was led by Emily Anderson with 12 points, Jordan Shultz with 10, Shaina Rowley had 8 and Lauren Muise added 7. Also scoring were Anna Fetteroll with 6, Cloe Savino with 5 and Ashley Mooney drained a long range 3 pointer. With the win HK improves to 6-8 (6-6 in conference) with a key road test on Monday at East Hampton. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Write up and photo courtesy A & E Anderson

The HKMS Girls Basketball team defeated North Branford at home, 45-34, on Friday. The Cougars had a strong offensive first half scoring 22 while holding North Branford to a mere 9 points. HK came out of the half continuing its strong offensive onslaught while also continuing to stifle the T-birds. There were a dozen Cougars who helped clinch the victory and bring the team to a record of 8-2. Scoring for HK were Maya Savino with 16 points, Casey Jackson with 8 points, Kiley Anderson and Lauren McCann each with 6 points, Maddy DeRita and Liz Anderson each with 3, Erin Kane with 2 and Quinn Millard chipping in 1.

The JV team was defeated by North Branford by a score of 23-9. Scoring for HK were Caroline Fortuna, Claire Dougherty, Lex Regan, Julia Babbitt each with a pair and Kayla Gesick with 1 point. Write up and photo courtesy D. Savino