Home Care In Killingworth, CT

MIDDLETOWN — Coach Mark Brookes started the Haddam-Killingworth baseball program in 1977 and is second in Connecticut history in wins, but the one thing that had eluded him was a CIAC championship.

Finally, after five previous trips to state finals, Brookes and Haddam-Killingworth got that title, beating Coventry 6-2 for the Class S championship Friday night at Palmer Field.

Win No. 743 for the legendary coach was certainly one to remember and the wait through an hour-long pregame rain delay was nothing after 45 seasons of waiting.

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“I was anxious to get it going and the rain came and it was a long delay,” Brookes said. “It’s something that is great. We are here for the kids and this is something they are always going to remember. It’s good for the school and the kids and it’s nice to be a part of this and win it.”

The No. 3 seeded Cougars fell behind No. 4 Coventry early, but rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the second inning and never looked back.

The history of the moment was not lost on the H-K players.

“This is for Haddam-Killingworth and this is for Coach Brookes, he deserves this more than anybody,” H-K pitcher Callen Powers said. “It was long overdue and we got it done for him. We love H-K and this is all for him.”

Powers, a senior pitcher, overcame some shaky defense early on, settling in and striking out nine over six innings for the win. Blake Kamoen came on in the seventh for the save.

Coventry did themselves no favors with five errors.

“We played really good defense all year but tonight they put the ball in play and we didn’t make plays. It’s tough to win a game and make five errors,” Coventry coach Ryan Giberson said. “We come in trying to win this game, but you have to be happy for (Brookes).”

Coventry got on the board in the top of the first. Nate Cordner singled to left field with two outs, advanced to third an errant pickoff attempt at first base and scored on a wild pitch.

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Coventry scored in the second with Mason Godi delivering an RBI-single to left with no outs, putting the Patriots up 2-0.

H-K scored four runs in the bottom of the second aided by two errors and punctuated by a two-run double by Luke Mauri.

In the bottom of the fourth, Coventry’s fifth error of the game led to a run and a continuation of the inning. Later in the inning, Todd Butler singled home a run, making it 6-2 H-K.

Player of the Game

Callen Powers, Haddam-Killingworth — Powers settled in after the second inning, never getting himself in any trouble the rest of the way.

Quotable

“Slowing my breathing was key,. We knew they would swing the bats well, we had to play good defense and I tried to throw the ball over the plate, get swings and compete with them. We got the job done.” — Powers

Haddam-Killingworth 6, Coventry 2

As a homeowner, plumbing probably doesn’t cross your mind much until there’s a problem. But when your faucet won’t stop dripping, your toilet is clogged or a burst pipe causes flooding, finding a plumber to come to the rescue quickly is an absolute necessity. Fortunately, Thumbtack, a home services app used by millions, has The Haddams-Killingworth residents covered.

Thumbtack connects homeowners with local professionals, including top-rated plumbers. When you need a plumbing professional to repair faulty fixtures, clear drain blockages, replace damaged pipes, or handle any other plumbing need, Thumbtack makes it simple to find and hire a plumber in the The Haddams-Killingworth area.

Stubborn clogs in sinks, toilets, or showers can eventually lead to pipe and drain issues. Plumbers have specialized tools to repair drains, clear blockages and ensure water flows freely. The average cost of plumbing drain repair in Hartford is $351.74, according to data obtained by Thumbtack.*

Once your plumbing needs are handled, you can use Thumbtack to connect with other pros in the The Haddams-Killingworth area to complete virtually any home task. You can hire a house cleaner, electrician, landscaper, and more to help you tackle that to-do list.

Each professional on Thumbtack has a profile, allowing you to read reviews, see how many times they’ve been hired by others, and see how long they’ve been in business. You can contact pros and request free cost estimates, allowing you to compare prices and choose the professional that best fits your budget.

Whether you need services from a plumber or any other professional in the The Haddams-Killingworth area, Thumbtack is the way to go.

*Pricing data is based on projects requested on Thumbtack in the past 24 months as reported directly by the independent service professional or individual consumer. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.

Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around Haddams-Killingworth.

|Updated Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 12:20 pm ET

HADDAMS-KILLINGWORTH, CT — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Haddams-Killingworth for 2023.

We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Haddams-Killingworth so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Haddams-Killingworth:

Norwich Harbor Fireworks

What: The 2023 Norwich Harbor Fireworks will be cap off Rose Arts Weekend with a night of celebrating our country’s independence.

Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where: Howard T. Brown Park, 100 Chelsea Harbor Drive, Norwich

When: Sunday, July 2, from 5 to 10 p.m.

More information: Go to Norwich Harbor Fireworks' Facebook page.

Groton Fourth of July Parade

What: This hometown event to celebrate America's independence brings together dozens of local businesses, civic, youth sports and other organizations for an old-fashioned parade with fire engines, marching bands and antique cars.

Where: Poquonnock Plains Park in Groton

When: Tuesday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

More information: Go to the Town of Groton's website.

Independence Day at Mystic Seaport Museum

What: Reenactors from several Connecticut and British Regiments will take over our quaint seaport town at Mystic Seaport Museum for a day. The museum invites you to witness what it was like to be a member of a Continental Regiment or British Regiment during these tumultuous times in American history.

Where: Village Green

When: Saturday, July 1, parade kicks off at noon

More information: Go to Mystic Seaport Museum's website.

Celebrate East Lyme 2023

What: Niantic’s Main Street will transform for this celebration by the sea, filled with food, fun, and activities. More than 200 vendors, live music, and a Dominion fireworks display over Niantic Bay.

Where: Main Street in Niantic

When: Saturday, July 15

More information: Go to Celebrate East Lyme's Facebook page.

Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks

What: Food, fun, beer garden, music, and fireworks.

Where: Andrews Memorial Town Hall and Clinton Town Beach

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

More information: Go to Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks' Facebook page.

Sailfest New London

What: Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets.

When: Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9

Where: Downtown New London

More information: Go to Sailfest New London's website.

KILLINGWORTH — The quiet envelops Chatfield Hollow State Park.

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With winding hiking trails, a clear, sparkling pond that beckons swimmers and trout fishermen, picnic areas, wide lawns for recreation and paved roads meandering through the park, some 500,000 visitors enjoy the 412-acre oasis each year.

But the state park had humble beginnings in 1933 when some 250 members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) started to build a “recreation area” in Cockaponset State Forest.

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This year marks the 90th anniversary of the CCC and the Friends of Chatfield Hollow is grateful for their efforts.

“That state park wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the CCC,” said Cheryl Buckley, a Guilford resident and member of Friends of Chatfield Hollow.

East Hampton resident Martin Podskoch, who wrote “Connecticut, Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: History, Memories & Legacy of the CCC” gave a recent talk at the park. The 543 page book chronicles the history of these camps in the state.

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Podskoch devotes one chapter to the history and legacy of Chatfield Hollow, complete with historical photographs.

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“In Connecticut, we did have some state parks, but they (CCC) developed them further or developed them right from the beginning, like Chatfield Hollow,” said Podskoch.

The CCC encampment, now Chatfield Hollow, was known as Camp Roosevelt or Clinton Camp and was one of the 23 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in Connecticut from 1933 to 1942.

“Most of the parks that we have were developed by the CCC in just that nine-year period,” Podskoch said.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the CCC to create jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression and to provide housing, income and free medical care for nearly 3.5 million young men.

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These workers were paid “$1 a day, $30 a month and $25 went straight home to the parents who needed the money and they (the young men) had $5 spending money,” said Podskoch.

The enrollees at Chatfield Hollow, pictured in the 1937 yearbook, hailed from all over the state, including New Haven, New London, Hartford, Middletown, Bridgeport, Chester, Groton and Meriden.

"Sometimes they would get a pass on Friday night...a lot of times boys in Connecticut would hitchhike home if they got a pass," Podskoch said.

Schreeder Pond, a popular seven-acre spot for swimming and trout fishing at Chatfield Hollow, was created by the CCC.

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“Before that there was just this little stream,” said Podskoch. “They had the vision.”

“In 1934 enrollees began their largest project, the construction of an earth, stone, and masonry dam on Chatfield Hollow Brook that created Schreeder Pond,” Podskoch wrote.

At the same time, CCC workers also planted pine trees that frame the pond now, according to CT.gov. bit.ly/3nXRs1M.

The handsome Oak Lodge, on the west side of Schreeder Pond, is the only remaining structure from that time. Built in 1937, it was renovated in 2018.

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The lodge was built with the help of “Local Experienced Men” or LEMs, “who would take a squadron of about 12 boys, and they would work on projects,” according to Podskoch.

The fireplace required some skilled labor, he said, noting the CCC would hire a mason for such projects.

“He was maybe unemployed, and he would work with the squad of boys and build the chimney and fireplace … and fireplaces throughout the state park,” added Podskoch.

A CCC Worker Statue, next to Oak Lodge, was dedicated in May 2019 and honors the work of the young men.

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“To remind people why we have this beautiful state park,” said Podskoch. “Because of these young boys who worked really hard and planted trees, built the park, cut down trees, fought fires.”

The six-foot statue was made possible through $24,000 in donations.

Podskoch travels all over the country to talk about CCC’s importance in U.S. history.

“I just love the stories about the men and how they were so poor and they learned skills, maybe it was truck driving, maybe it was carpentry, masonry,” he said.

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“The big thing is they were helping their family,” he said. “They were doing something worthwhile to help.”

“They built up our state parks and they planted over a billion trees throughout the whole United States,” he said.

“They fought fires,” he recounted. “Over a thousand fire towers built throughout the United States just in those nine years.”

In 1937, the CCC left Chatfield Hollow, which was designated as a state park in 1949.

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The state park has a group of volunteers who support it.

Buckley continues to work with Friends of Chatfield Hollow to help maintain the park and to encourage visitors to enjoy all the park has to offer.

She spearheaded the renovation of Oak Lodge, which is considered one of the finest examples of CCC construction in the state, and the anticipated rehabilitation of the covered bridge.

“This park is so special…in its simplicity and beauty and history,” she said.

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“The good thing is not much has changed and it’s perfect,” she said. “It’s a local treasure.”

“It’s like going back in time,” said Buckley. “It’s going back in time and it’s a sweet thing.”

In addition to the covered bridge, features at the park include challenging mountain bike trails, rocky overhangs used for rock climbing and caves. Other highlights are the 825-foot Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk that travels over an inland swamp and a restored water wheel.

State Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) was instrumental in assisting Buckley with bringing attention to the work required to save the covered bridge.

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Cohen and her family have enjoyed visiting the park for many years, riding bikes and walking on the paved roads and enjoying Schreeder Pond.

“I just love when you come into the park how the trees kind of canopy over the walkway there,” Cohen said. “It just really seems magical, like a fairytale.”

KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Killingworth Volunteer Fire Co. announced the official route for the KVFC Santa Cruise for 2023.

The event will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Here are the full details as posted by the fire company on their Facebook page:

Route: We will be departing from Station 1 on Route 81 at 11 am and heading south on Route 81. We will take a right on to hemlock to route 80. We will then head west on Route 80. We will take a left on to Chestnut Hill Road. We will then go down Madison Hollow, return to Chestnut Hill Road and continue south. We will pass Bar Gate Trail, take the first right on to Running Brook Drive and at the end we will continue south on Chestnut Hill Road and turn right at the south end of Bar Gate, heading back north. Once back at the top of Bar Gate we will take right continuing all the way down Chestnut Hill Road and turning on to River Road. At the intersection of River Road and Green Hill, we will go straight across and continue on to River Road. We will turn left on to Granite Hill and take a left on to Spencer Hill Road up to Cedar Hill Drive. After the Cedar Hill Drive loop we will go back down Spencer Hill to River Road to get us back to the intersection of Green Hill.

Once we get back on to Green Hill we will be heading north where we will turn Left on to Cow Pen Hill, up to take a left on to Fawn Hill and a Left on to Buel Hill. After that we will take a right on to Beaver Damn and a Left on to Coughlin. We will a loop down Pheasant Run. We will continue down Coughlin to the Green Hill intersection. We will go straight across heading South on Cow Hill Road. We will take a left on to Chittenden and a right on to Beech Tree Ridge. At the top of Beech Tree Ridge we will continue straight across to Old Mine Road. we will do a loop down Home Stake Lane and Goldfield Road. Once back at the intersection of Old Mine and Cow Hill Road, We will continue south to take a left on to Laurel Ridge and head all the way down to Route 81.

Once we get to the bottom of Laurel Ridge, we will cross over Route 81 and turn on to Roast Meat Hill Road heading north. We will turn Right on to Keith Circle and do a loop down Rebecca Lane and continue on Keith Circle back to Roast Meat Hill Road and take this all the way back out to Route 80. We will then cross over Route 80 and heading north on middle Roast Meat. We will follow middle Roast meat all the way out to Route 148.

We will head East on Route 148 and take a left on to Parker Hill Road and then take another left on to North Roast Meat Hill Road which we will follow back down to Route 148. We will take a right on to Route 148 heading West towards Durham. We will follow this all the way to take a left on to Stone Hill Drive, go through the loop and then go straight across 148 to Burr hill Road. Once on Burr Hill Road we will follow this until we can take a right on to Schnoor Road. We will go down Schnoor and take a left on to Bethke. We will do a loop down Jacob Lane and back to Bethke. We will follow Bethke to Pond Meadow which we will follow out to Route 81.

Once back on 81 we will head south to the Beechwood Community. We will take a Left on to Bridal Path, go all the way to the bottom, take a right on to Swan Lake then go up Whitewood back to Route 81.

From there we will go to Parmelee Farm parking lot where you will have a chance to meet with Santa. We will be there for Approximately 30 minutes (give or take based off the turnout).

We will be posting updates as often as we can. We are also looking into possibly doing a Life360 Link so you can follow along in real time. If we do not come down your road, please feel free to meet us as the closest intersection. We are going to do our best to slow down and allow pictures to be taken next to our truck with Santa. We are so excited and can't wait to see you all!