The Killingworth Board of Finance will hold a public Hearing on Monday April 26th at 8:00 PM in the "All Purpose Room" of the Killingworth Elementary School. The purpose of the hearing will be to present to the citizens of Killingworth the FY 2010/11 Ordinary Budget of $4,740,659 and Capital Budget of $401,640 for discussion and public comment.

The Boards of Selectmen and Finance have been working since February to develop a financial plan with the goal of limiting the increasing of expenditures while not decreasing current services. We also continue our program of saving and planning for future capital requirements. We are pleased to be able to present a budget of a mere .75% greater than last year. The majority of agencies have limited their requests for the 2010/11 budget year, and all non union employees have agreed to no salary increases once again this year. We thank them all for their cooperation in these challenging times. We have also tried to hold the line as much as possible on non-discretionary expenses as well, however items such as medical insurance, workers comp, and a change in the Average Daily Membership of RSD 17 remain substantially beyond our control. We are encouraged with the results of our efforts so far and await your comments on Monday.

John W. McMahon
Chairman Killingworth Board of Finance

Attention Senior Parents:
The HK Project Graduation Decorating Committee is seeking photos of Senior HKHS students for the memory wall at Project Graduation. Pictures can range from kindergarten age through today. Candid and group shots are preferred. Photos can be sent to the Attention of Project Graduation at the High School Office. Please note photos will not be returned. Photos can also be sent by e-mail to pictures@suzannemazzotta.org.

If you would like to help on the Decorations Committee, please join us starting Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6:30pm - 8pm in the B116 photo room. No creative experience necessary, just come and join in the fun. We will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from now until Graduation. You can join in at any time. Please contact Suzanne Mazzotta suzmazzotta@snet.net if you are able to help.

Chaperones needed: Please contact Sue Craffey at jcraffey@snet.net or 860-345- 3908 if you are able to help out with chaperoning for a few hours from Friday night, June 18, 2010 into Sat AM. We need lots of volunteers to help make this event a success

Clean up Volunteers: Please contact Laura Roman at Landdroman@aol.com or 860-345-3583 if you are able to help out with clean up on Saturday, June 19, 2010. All volunteers will be greatly appreciated.

HK Project Graduation meetings for the rest of the year are: Tuesday 5/11/10 and Tuesday 6/8/10 at 7:00pm in the Lower Media Center of the high school.

The Killingworth Historical Society is in search of volunteers to assist in our annual 4th grade program run in conjunction with the Haddam Historical Society. Fourth graders step back 200 years when they enter the fully restored Green School House on Roast Meat Hill Road. Students experience first-hand one-room schoolhouse activities such as a spelling bee, writing on slates, map work, oral recitation, and outdoor games at recess. The program will be held May 12, 14, 27, 28 and June 3. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with some days running only until 11:00 a.m.

Fortunately we have volunteers that have participated in the past but could use a few more people for these 8 days. If you would like to assist the teacher for a morning, please call Claudette Lagasse at 860-663-1681. Sarah Neal is the head teacher from the Haddam Historical Society, and she will contact all volunteers with details and specifics.

For more information regarding the Killingworth Historical Society please visit our updated website at killingworthhistorical.org.

On Saturday, April 24th, Relay For Life of Haddam & Killingworth Leadership committee will hold its annual fundraiser tag sale from 8am-1pm on the main Soccer field of the Haddam - Killingworth Middle School, 451 Route 81 Killingworth, CT. Proceeds will go towards the June 11-12 event which will be held at the HK Track on Little City Road in Higganum, CT . Tag Sale will be held rain or shine. Email HKRelayforlife@gmail.com with any questions.

HK Sports: H-K Boys Tennis Beats East Hampton 7-0, Kelsey remains undefeated in Shoreline Singles
HK Boys Tennis rebounded from two league losses with an impressive win on their home courts against a visiting East Hampton team today. Senior Patrick Gilhuly bested East Hampton's Evan Boyce at #1 singles (6-3, 6-2) while Co-Captain Varun Ravishankar defeated Walid Ahmad at #2 singles by a score of (6-2,6-3). Andrew McCurdy won a three set match over Owen Jensen (3-6, 6-3, 7-5) at #3 singles. "Andrew finally got a flight home from Vienna late last night having been delayed by the effects of that volcano in Iceland and he was still able to pull out this three set match. His efforts really inspired our team today, said Coach Pakus. We know how hard he has worked on his fitness this year and his win was a morale builder for us."

HK's Senior Grant Armstrong won at #4 singles with a (6-0, 6-1) win over EastHampton's Josh Gustine. Kyle Kelsey remained undefeated in conference play and completed the singles sweep for the Cougars with a (6-0, 6-3) win over Jess Fiddler.

The Cougar's #1 doubles duo of Gabe Kumnick and Paul boccia defeated Al Parks and John Gordon (6-0, 6-4) and HK's second doubles team of John Lehane and Eric West defeated Brendan Marselli and Ben Mallioiux (6-0, 6-0). Photo by H. Kumnick notes by R. Pakus

HK Girls Tennis savored its first victory of the season Tuesday with a 6-1 win over East Hampton (0-4). HK's wins came at #1 singles- junior co-captain Kelsey Hawkins (6-2, 6-7, 6-3); #3 singles Brittany Timonthy (2-6, 6-2, 6-4); #4 singles senior co-captain Ashley Griswold (6-0, 6-0); #1 doubles Jess Simms and Anna Shultz (4-6, 6-4, 6-1); #2 doubles Gen Dedushaj and Emma Soneson (6-0, 6-1); and #3 doubles Meg Wright and Meg O'Brien (6-2, 6-4)

"Needless to say I am very pleased with today's results," said Coach Fiona Phelan. "We tweaked our line-up and came away with our first win. The girls weren't convinced that I was doing the right thing but they really proved themselves today - not only to me but to themselves. I am confident that is a winning line up for HK."

The HK Baseball team improved their 2010 season record to 5-1 (4-1 SLC) with a, 12-1, pounding of the visiting Hyde Howling Wolves on Wednesday.

The Cougars were pretty much be in the drivers seat the whole way in the contest, jumping out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. Hyde scratched an unearned run in the fourth, but HK answered with four runs in the bottom half of the frame to put the game out of reach. The Cougars totaled 12 hits on the day, with Jeff Waterbury (2-3, 2 runs, 3 RBI, 2 SB) and Colin Sledzik (3-4, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 SB) doing most of the damage.

Starting pitcher Rob Flynn dominated the Hyde lineup, going six innings and allowing only two hits while striking out five. Flynn only allowed three hit balls to leave the infield. Wes Nuhn pitched the seventh and accomplished the rare feat of striking out four batters in one inning. HK will next travel to East Hampton on Friday to battle the Bellringers at 3:45.

The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its ANNUAL SPRING TAG SALE on Saturday, May 8th at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The sale will be held rain or shine from 8:30AM - 2:00PM. Household items, collectables, tools and antiques are featured at the sale. To arrange drop off or pick-up of quality items, please phone 663-1681.

The Photographic History of Killingworth, by Thomas Lentz will be available for purchase ($30.00). Don't forget Mother's Day! This will make a great gift!!

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Historical Society's ongoing preservation of the town history.

Enjoy a fun night of laser tag and cyber sport and help raise money for the American Cancer Society while you do it! Just go to the CT Sportsplex on Route 80 in North Branford anytime between 3 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 and 50% of your laser tag and cyber sport tickets will be donated to the KWO's Relay for Life Team, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Just $10 for 4 games of laser tag and $7.50 for 3 games of cyber sport! For more information, call Joan Reed Wilson at (860) 669-1222 or Stacey Lafferty at (203) 980-9897..

Dear Editor,
I have recently learned that the Board of Education has recommended that adult education not use the Killingworth Library for its high school completion program. Instead, the BOE is suggesting that students return to a school building to complete requirements for a high school diploma. I think this recommendation is a disservice to the residents of Haddam and Killingworth.

When students are unsuccessful in our traditional K-12 system, it is unlikely they will return to a K-12 school building to re-live their experience. As a resident of Killingworth, I hope we can provide every opportunity for all students to be successful.

I also want to see that our Killingworth services are supported. The library is an integral part of our community. It provides services to all its residents and this recommendation eliminates one of its supports as well.

If we don't support our students or our town services, we hurt all of our residents. I hope that the Board of Education will reconsider this recommendation in its budget proposal.

Sharon Muldowney

HK Sports: The HK Softball team faced a tough foe in rival Coginchaug on Monday afternoon at home. HK only managed to get 3 hits against Coginchaug pitching while Coginchaug managed to score 6 runs off hurler Ashley Cook. Several of the runs were unearned on HK miscues. The HK defense managed to make many outstanding plays during the game but Coginchaug hitters really hurt HK in the 4th inning scoring 5 of the 6 runs. Captain Kellie Moskey was outstanding at short making several defensive gems to keep the damage to 6 runs along with other nice defensive plays by the rest of the HK team but Coginchaug hitters were very efficient with the 9 hits to score 6 runs and go away with the 6-1 win. Taylor Burger and Kellie Moskey both hit doubles for HK. HK faces Old Saybrook on Thursday afternoon at home at 3:45. Please come out and cheer on the girls. HK is now 2-2 on the season and 1-2 in the Shoreline conference.Photo and notes by J. McFee

Under adverse weather conditions the HKHS Track and Field team traveled to Manchester High School to participate in the elite Irv Black High School Invitational. The meet, held over two days, is known for attracting top athletes in the state and producing some good early-season performances. On the girls side, Marina Annino and Caitlin Blancaflor placed 15th and 18th in the 100M Hurdles with times of 18.74 and 20.02, respectively. Erin Buckley, Allie Buys, Shannon Sledzik and Blancaflor placed 7th in the Junior Varsity 4x100M Relay with a time of 57.07 and 9th in the Junior Varsity 4x400M Relay in 4:50.75.

Earning one of HK's two medals, Chris Pfrommer placed 6th in the High Jump clearing 5-10. Pfrommer also placed 9th in the 400M Hurdles in 1:02.00 and 18th in the Triple Jump with a distance of 38-02. HK's second medal went to the relay team of Thomas Day, Connor Walsh, Andrew Vollaro, and Jason Funaro who placed 5th in the Distance Medley Relay in 11:25.74. Nick Duval placed 18th in the 200M Dash in 24.17 while teammate Vollaro placed 19th in 24.29. Vollaro also placed 13th in the 400M Dash in 53.16. Funaro placed 19th in the 1600M Run with a time of 4:39.78. Day rounded out the distance runs placing 18th in the 3200M Run in 10:26.18. In the throwing events, Robbie Sheahan placed 17th in the Shot Put throwing 40-11 and 23rd in the Discus with a throw of 101-11. In the Junior Varsity races, Peter Brandon placed 8th in the 1600M Run in 4:56.20 while teammate Brendan Walsh placed 11th in 4:57.12. The Junior Varsity relay team of Hayden Accola, Eric Dornfeld, Luke Gersz, and Will Ellery placed 7th in the 4x100M Relay in 49.72 and 9th in the 4x400M Relay in 4:03.99. Notes by M.Hughes

The HKMS Softball team opened its season on Tuesday in North Branford against an always competitive T-Birds squad. HK played a great defensive game, but came up short on a controversial call in the 7th inning to fall by the score 5-6. Casey Jackson (2-3 , 2 doubles and 3 RBI), Quinn Millard (2-3, 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored), and Maddy DeRita (2-4, 1 run) led the Cougars offense. Lauren McCann and Kayla McKay each contributed a base hit. Ciara Samuel pitched a complete game (6 innings) allowing 9 hits, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. The girls travel to Lyme-Old Lyme on Thursday 4/22. Photo and Notes by S. Castlevetro

More sports tomorrow!

The Municipal Land Use Committee is hosting a Farm Clean Up weekend at Parmelee Farm on Route 81. Come out between 8:00 am and 3:00 p.m. Saturday or Sunday and help get this beautiful town property into shape.

The 132-acre property is the home to the community gardens and the future home of the Killingworth Historical Society and several miles of walking trails. Visit www.parmeleefarm.org to view some past and future projects.

Your help is needed to clear brush, small trees and old fencing from around the small pond, entrance area and barns. So bring your loppers and gloves and celebrate Earth Day by bringing new life to one of Mother Nature's greatest gifts to Killingworth..

The Arts Center at Killingworth offers the Spring sessions of its Saturday Morning Art Program for ages 6-11. Children spend four Saturday mornings at the Arts Center. In Mixed Media they develop their painting skills by completing a watercolor in miniature, learn letter illumination, a form of decorative calligraphy and explore "pop" art. In Clay Discovery, children work with plaster, paper-mâché and clay to create molds, form pieces on armatures and then choose the best method to display their work. Saturdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 from 9:30-11:40am. $85 each for four sessions of Mixed Media and/or Clay Discovery. Most children spend all morning participating in both sessions. Call (860) 663-5593 or email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com. Visit www.artscenterkillingworth.org.

HK Sports: Old Saybrook Beats HK 4-3 in Boys Tennis
HK traveled to Old Saybrook on Monday for a Shoreline Conference match and left on the short end of a 4-3 decision. Old Saybrook won three of the five singles matches and the teams split the doubles play. "It was a tough one to lose said Coach Pakus, but Old Saybrook has a team that's realizing their potential. I don't remember when we last lost two in a row, but this league is strong. Both doubles matches went to a third set tiebreak and I can't remember the last time that happened either. We had to win both to win the match but Old Saybrook held us off at #2."

HK's Patrick Gilhuly defeated Old Saybrook's Casey McGowan (6-0, 6-0).in #1 singles. Andreas DeAntonis of Old Saybrook defeated HK's Varun Ravishankar (7-6 TB 7-1, 7-5) at #2 singles while his team mate Nate Backus won at #3 in straight sets over the Cougars' Grant Armstrong (6-2, 6-2). Kyle Kelsey won for HK at #4 singles besting Tenzin Wongchuk (6-2, 6-2). #5 Singles was won by Bryan Cryder of Old Saybrook (6-2, 6-4) over Tyler Montesi.

In doubles HK's Gabe Kumnick and Paul Boccia defeated Old Saybrook's Jeremy King and Dylan Shaw in three sets taking the tiebreak in the third to win the match (6-4, 3-6, 7-6 TB 7-3). Old Saybrook won the #2 doubles match in a third set tiebreak with Preston Briggs and Drew Harney beating HK's Jon Lehane and Clayton Rountree (5-7, 6-3, 7-6 TB 7-5). Photo by H. Kumnick. Notes by R. Pakus

The HK Lacrosse team opened up Shoreline Conference play Tuesday evening versus Morgan at the Indian River Complex and the Cougars came away with a decisive 15-3 victory. Seven different HK players got on the board led by freshman Leah DiGregorio who netted 4 goals and dished out an assist for a 5 point evening. Mikayla Litevich and Emily Anderson each had a hat trick while Nicole Armenia and Giana DeNisi each scored and assisted twice. Amanda Johannes (1 goal) and Fran Mastria (1 assist) also contributed on the offensive end. Goalie Teagan Ferguson had another strong showing with 8 saves on the night. Sarah Muise and Michelle Wendt played lock down defense, holding Morgan to its lowest scoring total of the season. The JV squads squared off earlier in the evening with HK prevailing 12-8 over the Morgan JV. The Cougars are now 4-0 (1-0 in conference) and HK will host Valley Regional on Thursday at 4 p.m. Photo and Notes by A & E Anderson

The Killingworth Animal Control officer has a female pug that is looking to be reunited with its owner. It is tan and was found on Roast Meat Hill Road on Saturday, April 17th. Please phone the shelter to claim: 860-663-1765 ext. 219.

Principal, Miriam Furey-Wagner, is pleased to announce the following honor roll listing for the Second term of the 2009-2010 school year at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. To view a complete list click here.

Have fun learning about science! This action-packed after-school program explores the chemistry of everyday life! With exciting hands-on activities, stunning demonstrations and inquiry-based discussions, students will both learn and apply the concepts, tools and techniques of real chemists! Crazy Chemworks serves as the perfect introduction to elementary chemistry! Spring topics include: Lab Works, Junior Reactors, pH Phactor, Slime Time, The Glow Show, and Chem in a Flash. The program is for children ages 6 - 12 and meets on Wednesdays at HES and Thursdays at KES right after school. The class meets on Wednesdays from April 21 - May 26 at HES and on Thursdays from April 22 - May 27 at KES. The fee is $80 (non-res. add $10).

PRE-K MAD SCIENTISTS
Class meets on Wednesday, April 28th at the Old MS Art Room. The topics are 1) Wiggly World of Worms - get your hands dirty while learning about worms - look up closely with a magnifying glass to see how they live and 2) Let's Look Closely - discover a world though the use of mirrors, microscopes, and magnifying glasses. Take home your own magnifying glass. The program meets from 1:30 - 2 pm for the 1st topic and from 2:10 - 2:40 pm for the 2nd topic. The program is for children ages 3 - 5. The fee is $15 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.

HK Sports: The HK Softball team lost a tough game on Friday to North Branford. The pitcher for North Branford dominated in the first two innings striking 6 hitters in the first two frames. HK finally got to her in the 3rd when Sammy Waskowitz hit a triple and Taylor Burger knocked her in. Shaina Rowley got a triple to knock in Burger and MaryKate Murray who had walked. Ashley Cook pitched for HK and allowed 6 runs but 2 of them were unearned on HK errors. HK was behind 5-0 but battled back to lose 6-4. Waskowitz and Burger got 2 hits and Burger scored twice. The North Branford pitcher Megan Halligan struck out 11 HK batters. HK will play Coginchaug at home on Monday afternoon.

The HKHS Girls Tennis team fell to Old Saybrook Monday, 1-6, at home Monday. The Cougars sole win came at #1 doubles where seniors Brittney Timothy and Annie Bartosiak teamed up for the first time and earned a decisive 6-2; 6-1 win over Mackenzie Cook and Beth Morrison. The Cougars #3 doubles team also forced a third set on OS after winning the first set 6-3, the Cougars team of Juniors Meg Wright and Meg O'Brien (Meg-squared) lost the second set 4-6 and struggled in the third losing again 3-6. This was O'Brien's first varsity match and is her first year playing tennis.

Other notable performances came from Junior co-captain Kelsey Hawkins playing at #1 singles for the first time this season, while she lost 6-2; 6-3 Coach Fiona Phelan noted it was the best tennis Kelsey has played so far this season. HK travels to East Hampton on Wednesday.

The Cougar Baseball team got back on the winning track Monday by defeating the Coginchaug Blue Devils, 4-2. It was a 1-0 ball game entering the fourth inning, with both starting pitchers seemingly in control of the game. Only an unearned Blue Devil run in the second counted for the scoring until HK got their own unearned run in the fourth.

The fifth inning is where the Cougar offense unleashed the laser-light show, drilling four base hits including an RBI triple by Dan Milardo, and RBI singles by Jeff Waterbury and Nate Silas. Starting pitcher Colin Sledzik would make the 4-1 lead stand up by going all seven innings, scattering 6 hits, a walk, all while striking out eight batters. He only allowed one earned run on the afternoon.

HK was lead by Sledzik's pitching and Milardo's 3-4 day at the plate. The Cougars are now 4-1 on the year ( 3-1 SLC), and will host Hyde on Wednesday in a 3:45 matchup.

Like many of us, the Killingworth Library's current computer system has "issues". First and most urgent is that, as configured, critical sections of the server are running out of space and the circulation system is in danger of crashing.

With over 39,000 visits a year, computer problems are the last thing our library needs!

Hence, the Killingworth Library Association made a grant request to The Killingworth Foundation, which, in December, voted to pledge $1,200 toward the purchase of three new SATA hard drives to update and increase the capacity of the existing network server. The Foundation's grant was conditional on the library securing additional funds to complete the upgrade.

An anonymous donor has agreed to earmark a $750 contribution to satisfy the remainder of funds needed to purchase three new SATA hard drives. This is welcome news for library staff and volunteers, as several additional problems with the server have been experienced since the end of January. The library's computer consultant clearly identified server expansion as the top priority.

According to Alison Karam, president of the Killingworth Library Board of Directors, "The Killingworth Foundation stepped forward to help us meet a huge service need for the community. Our library server capacity had been stretched to the limit and was becoming unreliable. Smooth operations depend on having computers that work when you need them. We are grateful to the Foundation and our anonymous local donor who gave the contribution to fulfill the requirements of the match grant. Now we can get our computer systems where they need to be."

Killingworth Foundation president Nancy R. Dodson stated, "The Foundation is happy to be able to contribute to the solid foundation and future of Killingworth's community resource."

The KLA Board of Directors extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the members of The Killingworth Foundation for helping Killingworth Library better serve our community.

HK Sports: The HK Baseball team was tripped up by North Branford on Friday and handed their first loss of the season 4-2.

Sophomore Wes Nuhn would make his first ever varsity start and keep the Cougars within striking distance going 4 1/3 innings while allowing three runs. Ultimately, his downfall were the five walks he issued as he only allowed three hits.

The Cougar offense, however, could not get any real scoring threats started for the first five innings. In the sixth, trailing 3-0, they managed to string together four hits and two runs thanks to RBI singles by Nate Silas and Jeff Waterbury. That would be all HK could muster on the day.

Colin Sledzik chipped in with a 2-3 performance and also stole a base in the effort. HK will now face another conference foe in Coginchaug on Monday at home. Game time is slated for 3:45.

THe HKHS Girls Tennis team fell to Valley Regional, 1-6, on Friday. Emma Soneson at #4 singles, won a second set tiebreaker to force a third set. Unfortunately,the match was called for weather with Soneson down 2-3 in the third. A total game count gave Valley the edge by 15 games won to 13. Anna Shultz played a tight match at #3 singles, but a shoulder injury kept her from winning (scores were 5-7; 6-7)

With a lot of Valley's varsity players away for vacation week this was an opportunity for the young, inexperienced HK team to step up. On 5 of the seven courts HK was up in the first set by a considerable margin, only to have Valley storm back and take the lead. Once Valley gained the lead HK couldn't get back in the game.

This is a young inexperienced team and we're still trying to find the right mix of players in the right positions. We've come close on a couple of occasions, but still need to step it up when it comes down to winning. The Cougars are 0-3 and will face Old Saybrook on Monday at Home.

Wednesday: April 14:
• 16:40:43 Fire Alarm, Route 80.
Thursday: April 15:
• 13:42:13 Medical Call, Bridle Path Trail.
Friday: April 16:
• 02:21:53 Medical Call, Route 79.
• 19:49:34 Medical Call, Paper Mill Road.

Bring expired or unwanted prescription medicines and over-the-counter products to the Healthy Communities Healthy Kids coalition’s Drug Take-Back Program at Regional District 17 Central Office, 57 Little City Road, Higganum, on Saturday, April 24th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community coalition, a program of Youth and Family Services of HK (www.hkyfs.org), is offering free collection and safe disposal of unwanted medicines in effort to help protect the environment and promote awareness of careful monitoring, usage and storage of medicines.

The Drug Take-Back collection point will be monitored by a pharmacist and law enforcement officers. Please keep prescription medication in its original container. Cross out any personal information on the container with a black permanent marker or duct tape, including name and address but leave the name of the drug. Keep over-the-counter products (cough, cold and pain relievers, vitamins/nutritional supplements, and veterinary medicines) in original bottles and boxes. Items that will NOT be accepted are needles, medical waste, mercury thermometers, illegal drugs or paraphernalia. (If illegal drugs are brought on site, they will be taken by a police officer.)

All citizens are urged to take advantage of this program and are reminded to never flush left over medicine down the toilet or sink. This causes water pollution, impacts drinking water and has adverse effects on septic systems, fish and other aquatic wildlife.

For more information on the drug take back program, call Kate Glendon, Prevention Coordinator, Healthy Communities Healthy Kid of Haddam Killingworth, 860-345-7498.