The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Volume 14, Number 6
Thursday, Februar y 11, 2010
Grand List did ‘very well’ in 2009; grew 1.4 percent
Happy Valentines
By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
Four generations of Berlin “Valentines” recently gathered for a family photo. All four family members are named Valentine Joseph Crescentini. Pictured from left: great-grandfather Val, father Val III, grandfather Val II and, front, Val IV, known as Joey. The tradition began because the oldest member of the clan (great-grandfather Valentine) was born on Valentine’s Day.
The town’s Grand List grew 1.4 percent in 2009 and Assessor Joseph Ferraro called the results a favorable outcome and one that somewhat surprised him. Real estate, personal property and motor vehicle assessments all grew last year creating a $32 million increase in the town’s $2.3 billion net assessment. “It’s very favorable. Berlin did very well in relationship to other towns. I didn’t expect that. I expected half that,” Ferraro said. Mayor Adam Salina described his reaction to the growth. “This is incredible to see numbers like this year’s. It’s wonderful news to see Berlin able to hold its own in difficult economic times — and to show signs of growth.” Real estate was up $11.6 million (.6 percent increase); personal property was up $20 million (13.3 percent increase); and motor vehicles were up $640,000 (.4 percent increase.) The 2008 Grand List showed .9 percent growth. Ferraro said it was not surprising that motor vehicles shows low growth as people are not purchasing a lot of new
See Grand List, page 18
Love is in the air at the Brierleys’ greenhouse Valentine’s Day floral advice is one of their specialties By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
A visit to Brierley, Johnson Florists is a breath of fresh air in many ways. There’s the greenhouse, the family atmosphere and also plenty of thoughtful advice on how to select the perfect Valentine’s Day bouquet. (Roses are not always the requisite choice.)
“A lot come in that day,” said George Brierley, speaking of Valentine’s Day customers who show up Feb. 14. Brierley runs the 87 High Road florist shop with his wife Marilyn Brierley. He admits he’s among those who wait until the last minute; still, Brierley has some good advice for those facing the See Love, page 8 Citizen photo by Olivia L. Lawrence
Marilyn Brierley of Brierley, Johnson Florist works in the greenhouse with canine pals Ginger, a golden retriever, and Elke, a Fidelco guide dog in training.