Killingworth, Connecticut's community news and information source since 2003
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Saturday, February 13, 2010Fourth Graders at Killingworth Elementary School pose with their cold weather "friend" that they created during recess. Mother Nature's latest wintry weather caused Region 17 schools to cancel classes on Wednesday and delay openings on Thursday but the powdery snow made for perfect snowman-building conditions out on the playground.
 Photo courtesy L. Kumnick  Paul Morasutti in the 100 Backstroke.   Freshman guard Sammy Waskowitz defends a Cromwell player. Please join the Cougars on Monday, February 15th at Senior Night as HK honors the team's senior captain Jordan Shultz at its home finale versus Portland. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. with festivities immediately prior to the tipoff. Write up and photo courtesy A.& E. Anderson Friday, February 12, 2010According to the Middletown Press, Debra Campagna, 60, of Haddam was killed when her vehicle swerved into the on-coming lane and crashed head-on into a car driven by Theresa Shimoda, 62, of Haddam. Campagna was taken by Life Star helicopter to Hartford Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short while later. Shimoda, a Region 17 Schools staff member at Burr Elementary School was taken by ambulance to Hartford Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.
The crash occurred around 10:11 a.m. Thursday on Route 81 just south of Little City Road.  Saturday, February 13th- 10:00 a.m. at Parmelee Farm, Route 81 John McCurdy will discuss the tree physiology and chemistry of how maple sap is formed, how the trees are tapped, sap collected and what to expect in the evaporation process. George McQueeny, Charlie Martens and Bruce Dodson will show and discuss how trees are identified and the process for tapping. Visitors are welcome to stay after the demonstration to further observe and help with the tapping process. Parking is available at the Farm or in the front lot of the middle school. There are no restroom facilities available. To learn more about the Parmelee Farm and other activities planned, visit www.parmeleefarm.org The Killingworth Scholarship Association is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Killingworth. Applications must be submitted by e-mail and are available through our website at www.KillingworthToday.com/KSA. The application deadline is March 31st.
The application process involves completion of a questionnaire and an essay, followed by an interview for selected applicants. Interviews are held in late April and early May. The Killingworth Scholarship Association has awarded $117,250 to 169 outstanding students since 1986. Each year, the committee, which consists of community volunteers, reviews applications from an impressive group of young men and women. Based on their academic achievement, character, leadership skills, and participation in school and community activities, the committee selects several students for the scholarships. Income is not a consideration. The amount of each scholarship varies depending on both the number of successful applicants and the amount of money received through donations and fundraising activities. If you are interested in supporting our scholarship fund, please send your tax-deductible contribution to: The Killingworth Scholarship Association, Inc., c/o Robin Chasse, Treasurer, PO Box 653, Killingworth, CT 06419. Please join the Killingworth Elementary School PTO for a fun afternoon of laser tag, Cyber Sport, or the playscape on Tuesday, February 16th from 3-9:00 p.m. at the Connecticut Sportsplex in North Branford. Friends and relatives are welcome to come.
Half of the money generated from these three activities from 3-9 will be given back to the PTO! The CT Sportsplex recommends that children be 48" tall or 7 years old to play laser tag and Cyber Sport comfortably. If your child does not meet that requirement, we hope you come, and use the playscape. 4 games laser tag- $10.00; 3 games of Cyber Sport - $7.50; Have fun in our giant Playscape for $5.00. Note: All prices are per person. Should you have additional questions, please call: Brenda Schull 663-2447. Laser Tag and Cyber Sport are on a first come first serve basis. Please check in at the front counter in the arcade, and sign up for laser tag or Cyber Sport. As always, children must be accompanied by an adult. Thursday, February 11, 2010 158 Main Street, Deep River 860-526-2200 www.duglacebistro.com Cuisine: *** Service: - Ambiance: * Price Range: $$ Wine Menu: reasonable, complimenting the cuisine Hours: Tue-Sat 5 pm- 9; a Saturday lunch is served at the Patisserie only. Brick walls with patina and Toulouse-Lautrec fashioned murals illustrate the legendary 'joie de vivre' of the French bourgeoisie (the middle class). Designed with obvious care, the dècor suggests that dinner hours will be wrapped in casual comfort. Illuminated by Dutch chandeliers and spots, living-flower-vases and rose-colored linen napkins accent gleaming tables. Yet, Jane Avril's high kicking Can-Can steps reminding of bawdy nights at the Moulin Rouge are rendered ineffective against an inexplicable gloomy ambiance. Perhaps a chronically lethargic service might account for the dour overcast under high ceilings. The perfection of Gougères (small puff pastry) offered as amuse-bouche (lit. amuse-mouth;appetizer) was slightly marred by chill. Still, courtesy of a skilled baker they retained their exterior crunch, a bold Gruyère presence and an airy center. While wondering what filibuster might be the delay of getting drinks from a quiet bar this time, we asked for more gougeres to help pass the time. They arrived readily but shorted for one person. Perusing the familiar menu confirmed that like the service, it has not changed much since opening day in January 2008.Read more  Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called "Fat Tuesday" (or Mardi Gras) is the day before Ash Wednesday and is traditionally the last day to feast and celebrate before we begin the season of Lent. Pancakes are the traditional meal consumed on this day. This custom arose from the need to use up certain foods in the house (fat, butter, sugar, flour, etc.) before the fasting days of Lent.
Please join the Mens Group at The Congregational Church in Killingworth who will host a Mardi Gras celebration on Shrove Tuesday, February 16 at 6:00 pm in our Parish Hall. Bring the whole family to feast on an assorted variety of pancakes, sausage, and fruit cocktail. Enjoy Mardi Gras beads, balloons, New Orleans jazz and crafts for the kids. A free-will offering will be taken with a suggested $10 donation for all ages. Proceeds will benefit Church Maintenance. Please contact Charlie Smith at 860-663-1583. Wednesday, February 10, 2010Town Offices will be Closed Wednesday, February 10th because of the storm.
The Library will be Closed Wednesday. The library is open until 8pm Tuesday, so patrons are encouraged to stock up on "supplies". NOTE: If school District #17 has a delayed opening (or full-day cancellation) on Thursday the 11th, the morning library programs will be cancelled. This includes the Storytime and Love2Sign with Jaye. The programs will resume on the following Thursday, the 18th. Region 17 Schools Are Closed Wednesday The Killingworth Women's Organization meeting scheduled for Wednesday night has been cancelled. Meetings will resume March 10th. The Chamber of Commerce meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed to February 17th. A powerful Nor'easter is expected to bring heavy snow to much of the East Coast Wednesday, the American Red Cross reminds the public to prepare for severe weather conditions. "We have not seen a significant storm for some time in our area, so people should refresh their memory on preparations and driving habits necessary for winter storms," said American Red Cross Connecticut Region CEO Dianne Auger.
"Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, take it slow and easy to avoid accidents. And drivers of all-wheel-drive vehicles should remember that they can't stop any faster than people in two-wheel-drive vehicles. Allow plenty of room between you and the car in front of you." Auger also urged people to thoroughly clear snow from their vehicles. "Snow blowing off a hood while driving can blind you and frozen chunks of snow blowing off the roofs and trunks of cars can shatter windshields if it blows off onto following vehicles." In addition to frigid temperatures and hazardous driving, storms like these also increase the risk of power outages, as heavy ice and snow weigh down power lines and trees. "Power outages are not only frustrating - they can be hazardous, especially in these cold winter months," Auger said "Being prepared ahead of time will help you and your family get through a storm as safely as possible."  Deputy Speakers are responsible for assisting the Speaker in presiding over House sessions during debates and for leading the majority party in its agenda. "Throughout his time in office at the State Capitol, Brian has proven himself to be a sharp, earnest legislator who has represented the constituents of his district with a strong will and determination," Speaker Donovan said. "This year we are facing exceptional challenges when it comes to the budget and in particular trimming down the size of government. In his new role, Brian will draw on his business and legislative experience to work with leadership on both sides of the aisle as we work to develop solutions that will address the economic challenges before us." Read More »« Show Less "It's exciting to be asked by Speaker Donovan to be a member of the House leadership team," said Rep. O'Connor, who has been serving the 35th Assembly District of Clinton, Killingworth and Westbrook since 2001. "The major issue dominating this legislative session is all about the economy. In addition to the job growth proposals that our caucus has highlighted as its priority, we must work to find efficiencies in government to help reduce the size of the state deficit. I plan on using this role to advocate for the types of cost-effective solutions that allow government to continue providing its essential services while doing so in a practical manner."  Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to Killingworth Volunteer Fire Dept. or to Killingworth Ambulance Assoc., Rt. 81, Killingworth, CT 06419. Arrangements are with the Hawley Lincoln Memorial, 1315 Boston Post Rd., Guilford. Read More »« Show Less
Tuesday, February 09, 2010In the very likely event that schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10th, due to inclement weather and possibly followed by a two hour delay (at a minimum) on Thursday, February 11th, Schools Superintendent Gary Mala has decided to postpone the half-day schedules on both of these days until Wednesday, February 24th and Thursday, February 25th. These half days will be used for the parent conferences that were originally planned for this week. Regardless of what actually happens with the weather over the next 48 hours, this revised schedule will be the final one followed.
The Killingworth Congregational Church welcomes you to the 2nd Annual Celebration of
Chocolate Friday, February 12th from 6:30-9pm at the Old Town Hall. Enjoy an amazing variety of chocolate desserts, such as a chocolate fountain, cakes, candies, cookies, etc. There will also be a bake sale, and Valentine gifts and cards will be sold as well. Tickets are only $5/person and will be available at the door. Please come!  Thursday from 5 to 7 pm at the Killingworth Fire House - Rt. 81 Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 are eligible to play. First-time players must provide original birth certificate at registration Additional information and registration forms can be found on our website KYLBASEBALL.ORG KYL BOARD MEETING - RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY 7:30 Fire House  The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company responded to the following incidents during the week beginning Sunday, January 31, 2010: Sunday: January 31: • 23:17:39 Medical Call, Burr Hill Road. Monday: February 1: • 17:54:27 Medical Call, Route 81. Tuesday: February 2: • 00:04:05 Medical Call, Little City Road. Friday: February 05: • 09:09:57 Medical Call, Cranberry Meadow Lane. • 09:13:00 Fire Alarm, Little City Road. • 12:52:48 Medical Call, Little City Road. • 17:40:32 Medical Call, Chittenden Road.  Senior captain Jordan Shultz drives by a Morgan defender. Monday, February 08, 2010 Saturday, February 13th- 10:00 a.m. at Parmelee Farm, Route 81 John McCurdy will discuss the tree physiology and chemistry of how maple sap is formed, how the trees are tapped, sap collected and what to expect in the evaporation process. George McQueeny, Charlie Martens and Bruce Dodson will show and discuss how trees are identified and the process for tapping. Visitors are welcome to stay after the demonstration to further observe and help with the tapping process. Parking is available at the Farm or in the front lot of the middle school. There are no restroom facilities available. Sunday, February 21st- 1:00 p.m. at the Welter Farm, Roast Meat Hill Road The Sugar Shack at the Welter Farm will be used for the evaporation process to make maple syrup. Workshop organizers will be working throughout the morning, and visitors are welcome. The final stage resulting in maple syrup can be observed around 1:00 p.m. John McCurdy will make a presentation on the process. Parking for the Welter Farm is available at the Platt Nature Center, 344 Roast Meat Hill Road. Under no circumstances, should cars be left in the Welter Farm driveway. There are no restroom facilities available.  We are encouraging the entire community to come out to enjoy the tournament and support this cause. There will be a $5 entrance fee and plenty of food and drinks for sale as well. 100% of all the money raised from the tournament will go to the Mission Haiti organization. Local teacher Jon Todzia is a key member of the Mission Haiti group. Todzia has traveled to Haiti many time over the last few years and has been an integral part in the fund raising and building of an orphanage in Haiti, which is now taking in hundreds of refugees from the earthquake. For more information on Mission Haiti visit: www.mwts.org  Jared Benton-Smith leading the sweep in the 500 Freestyle. HK will host Suffield High School, Wednesday at 4:00 PM. Write up and photo courtesy M. Hughes On Saturday, the HK Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams competed at the Shoreline Championship meet held at the New Haven Haven Athletic Center. On the boys side, the team competition was closely contested throughout the day with the H-K boys team battling with Old Saybrook, Coginchaug and East Hampton for the team title. Unfortunately the boys ended up just short as they placed 4th as a team with 78 pts, a mere 11 pts. behind team champion Old Saybrook. The boys were led by many outstanding individual and relay performances. Leading the way were seniors Chris Pfrommer and Jason Funaro. Pfrommer earned 1st team All-Conference as he won the High Jump competition with a jump of 6' 0", helped the 4x400 relay team place 1st with a time of 3:39 and capped off his afternoon by placing 3rd in the long jump with a jump of 19' 5". Funaro also helped in the team scoring with his gutsy effort in the three distance races where he placed 3rd in the 1000 (2:40), 4th in the 1600 (4:42) and in his final race of the day edged out the win in the 3200 with a time of 10:13 to also earn 1st team All-Conference. Other contributors to the team effort were Robbie Sheahan who placed 2nd in the Shot Put (43'4"), Jeff Hall placing 3rd in the High Jump (5'10"), Andrew Vollaro 4th in the 300 (37.24), Ray Cerino 5th in the 600 (1:29) and Dan Hollenbeck 5th 3200 (10:25). The relay teams also had a tremendous afternoon as they started off the meet with the 4x800 relay team of Cerino, freshman Peter Brandon, Connor Walsh and Hollenbeck who placed 2nd as a team in a time of 8:38 and then in the final event of the day the boys 4x400 relay team of Ryan O'Neal, Pfrommer, Cerino and Vollaro came away with the victory in a time of 3:39. The girls team entered the competition focused on specific individual events and relays rather than trying to accumulate points for the team competition. Ending up in 6th place as a team with 42 points, the girls had several individuals earn 2nd team All-Conference. Leading the way for the girls was the foursome of seniors Ali Armstrong, Jess Moore and Marina Annino along with sophomore Caitlin Blancaflor. These four girls combined in the Sprint Medley relay and the 4x400 relays to place 2nd on both events in a time of 4:33 for the SMR and 4:27 for the 4x400 relay. Individually, Armstrong placed 2nd in the 600 with a time of 1:46, Moore placed 2nd in the 1000 (3:15) and Annino jumped her personal best of 15'10.5" to place 2nd in the long jump. Also scoring on the girls side was the relay team of Shannon Sledzik, Allie Buys, Meryl Gersz and Erin Buckley who placed 5th in the 4x200 relay in a time of 2:00. Next up for the boys and girls team will be the Class S State Championship meet next Saturday morning at the New Haven Athletic Center. Sunday, February 07, 2010Whether heading north or south on vacation or staying in the Nutmeg State, a good book is always nice to have around. And you're guaranteed to find one at our next book sale: Saturday, February 13th, 9:00am-3:00pm in the meeting room. We could also use your help! Setting up, selling, taking down - extra hands make the work go smoother. Please call Tammy at the library (860-663-2000) if you're able to assist.
Along with the Killingworth Library Book Sale, there will be a Bake Sale. A variety of cookies, cakes and sweet loafs will be offered for sale from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Come and satisfy your sweet tooth! You'll also notice that the library has started participating in Connecticut's first Snapshot Day, a statewide effort to collect statistics and pictures of library use on one date, Monday, February 18. Short evaluations for patrons are already out. Staff and volunteers are collecting statistics on areas such as attendance and computer use. Thank you in advance for your participation! PLEASE NOTE: The library has stopped accepting book sale donations until after February 18th - we've run out of storage space! Please hold onto your items until then.  Meeting of the Board of Selectmen Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Town Office Building 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge Of Allegiance 3. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting held January 19, and February 2, 2010 4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda 5. Tax Abatements & Refunds: 6. Vacancies: (A) Cable Advisory Council - 1 (B) Conservation Comm. - 1 (C) Historic Review Comm. - 1, (D) Energy Task Force - 1 (E) Municipal Land Use - 1 (F) Public Health agency - 1 (G) Housing Partnership- 3 (H). Estuary Council of Seniors - 2 7. Appointments: C. Cordelia B. Ewers - Historic Review Commission E. Mun. Land Use - David L. Long 8. Old Business: A. Demolition of 571 Route 148 - R. Leighton's Bid Recommendation 9. New Business: A. MLUC Fund Request / CT Trust For Historic Preservation - R. Pleines B. Discuss Priorities for Town 2010/11 Budget w/BOF - John McMahon C. Updated Bidding Regulations D. Funding for Wettish Project E. Resolution Authorizing FS to apply for Energy Block Grant 10. First Selectwoman's Comments 11. Selectmen's Comments 12. Visitor Comments: General 13. Adjournment Printable version  Kiley Anderson works for the rebound as Erin Kane boxes out Hale Ray.  |
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