The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 14, Number 5
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, Februar y 4, 2010
‘Visible presence’ proves effective enforcement method By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen Increased enforcement of motor vehicle violations has resulted in a reduction in a wide variety of other offenses, according to the Berlin Police department’s annual police report for 2009. The BPD increased its motor vehicle stops in 2009 by more than 20 percent over 2008 — that’s nearly 1,400 additional stops. In 2008, there were 5,453 motor vehicle stops and in 2009, there were 6,846. Motor vehicle warnings increased significantly Citizen Photo by Olivia L. Lawrence
Kathryn Frutchey, 4, welcomes patrons to the East Berlin Library Association. Her mother, Alecia Frutchey, is the assistant librarian.
Tiny East Berlin library offers big benefits, lots of books By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor There is little about the East Berlin Library Association that falls within the realm of what might be expected. First of all, it is more like a book nook — about the size of a big closet or a small bedroom. Then, there is the odd pairing — the library shares a building with the East Berlin Volunteer Fire Department housed at 80 Main Street. And while some folks are surprised to hear there is such a place, the library has been a second-home to generations of East Berlin residents — playing a key role in the social life of the village. “I like a little library, there are not as many people and you have a better chance of getting a book you want,” said George Davis, 12. He was there looking for The Blind Side, a book based on a true story. George was at the library with his mother, Carol Davis, brother Henry Davis, 9, and
sister Graciella Davis, 4. While the facility is extra small, the vitality of the place is evident as a stream of visitors makes its way through the door during the abbreviated weekday hours. The library hours are Monday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Lisa Jacobs is another regular. She is head Librarian Janice Jacob’s daughter. Having lived in East Berlin her whole life, Jacobs offered her thoughts on this unusual place. “Not a lot have what we have here — this little place. It’s almost like a step back in time.” “We have very dedicated patrons who are voracious readers,” said Assistant Librarian Alecia Frutchey, adding that some folks take out as many as 20 books at a time. Among the book categories sandwiched into the shelves are a best-seller section and a children’s section. See Benefits, page 2
with 2,769 issues in 2009, an increase of more than 700 over the previous year. This heightened police activity led to 3,365 arrests made in 2009 as a result of the motor vehicle stops; up from 2,999 in 2008. “Police being out there discourages robbery,” said Deputy Chief John Klett explaining one of the ways in which motor vehicle stops help discourage other crime. And with the increase in motor vehicle stops comes an increase in arrests. Klett said it
See Method, page 9
Super Sunday is ready to rock
Berlin native Johnny Heslin is assisting in the live production of the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show featuring music legends The Who. This is the second time in three years that Heslin has worked the Super Bowl. Heslin is pictured with Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who. Super Bowl XLIV will be held Sunday, Feb. 7 in Miami.