The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en Volume 13, Number 48
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Citizen asks for toy donations Last year The Berlin Citizen held a toy drive to aid people in town who were having a tough time. Economic times have gotten even harder since then, so we are again asking Berlin residents to help their neighbors. Last year we hoped to get 25 to 50 toys which could be
Pistol Creek clubhouse to be spruced up
donated to social services. In the end, we collected almost 300 unused toys for our neighbors. Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, each weekday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Citizen will collect toys for our neighbors in need. Our office is located at 979 Farmington Avenue.
Holiday house contest The Citizen in conjunction with the Berlin Junior Womens Club will sponsor a holiday home decorating contest this season.
See Contest, next page
This one didn’t get away Citizen photo by Olivia L. Lawrence
Secretary of the State Susan Bysewicz talks with Mayor Adam Salina after the swearing in ceremonies at Town Hall.
By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor The town will hire a construction administrator to get the former Pistol Creek golf course clubhouse on track for use by residents. Superintendent of Public Buildings John Pajor told the Town Council, at its Nov. 10 meeting, that the current focus on repairs at the schools meant he and his crew are not able to devote the time needed to getting the club house into usable condition. Work on the Savage Hill Road facility needs to be done “immediately” said Town Manager Denise McNair, “so there is no further damage.” “It’s a real gem,” Pajor said, adding that the furnaces at the clubhouse had been started up and worked fine. However, there are numerous other issues: mold, electrical problems and a recent roof leak. An unused building deteriorates more quickly than an occupied one and that is another reason to act quickly, he said. Councilor Robert Dacey said it would be important to prioritize work and keep it contained, leaving fixing up less essential areas for later. See Pistol, next page
Town Council, BOE, other officials take oath of office By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor
The Guilds, Alan Sr. and Jr. of Kensington, pose with a 52-inch, 55-pound striped bass caught by Alan Jr. See story on page 24.
The town’s newly elected officials were sworn in Nov. 17, at town hall, in front of a large audience of friends and family. Town Clerk Kate Wall presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz had been scheduled to do the honors, however, she was delayed and did not arrive until the conclusion of the event. “These elected officals are here to serve you …and they are your neighbors,” Wall said. “They are volunteers and I see the work they do.” Sworn in were Town Council members: Robert J. Dacy, Karen Maier Drost, David K. Evans, William A. Rasmussen Jr., Rachel J. Rochette, Stephen M. Morelli and Adam P. Salina.
Board of Education members: Gary R. Brochu, Kristin M. Campanelli and Christopher S. Puzio. Board of Assessment Appeals: Stuart W. Topliff. Police Commission: Joseph T. Annunziata and Paul N. Eshoo. “Exercise your authority for our common good,” said Father Mark Curesky from St. Paul Church, during his invocation. As they begin their term in office, he urged officials to “strengthen in their effort to persevere.” In her benediction Bethany Covenant Church Reverand Diane Stevenson prayed for the newly elected officials and asked God to “protect them from the temptations of greed and power.” Former Police Commissioner Anita Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance and later was recognized for her 18
See Officials, next page