The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 14, Number 20
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Relay For Life of Berlin could draw more than 1,000 $80,000 goal set (For a schedule of activities, survivor stories and more on the Relay for Life event see pages 3, 4, 5, 6. The following was submitted by the Relay for Life organization.) The third annual Relay For Life of Berlin, a 24-hour event scheduled for Saturday, May 22 through Sunday, May 23, is the fastest growing Relay in Connecticut. At press time, more than 50 teams are registered to join in the community event at the Berlin Lions Fairgrounds, 430 Beckley Rd. A part of the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising program, Relay For Life of Berlin is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out and take turns walking around a track, relay style, to raise funds. At nightfall, participants will light more than one thousand luminaria around the track in a moving, emotional ceremony to honor cancer survivors and to remember friends and family members lost to the disease. When they are not walking, attendees
Thursday, May 20, 2010
As school referendum nears, differences sharpen GOP works to defeat the plan; proponents say it’s the best option By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
will be taking part in fun activities like inflatable bouncers or games for kids, mingling with friends and enjoying live music. Entertaining the crowds on Saturday will be several local bands, dance troops and singing groups who are all donating their time to this important cause. This year, participants will be able to enroll in the American Cancer Society’s new long-term research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). The study is open to anyone between the ages of 30 and 65 who has never been diagnosed with See RFL, page 2
Arguments are being sharpened on the upcoming high school referendum as proponents and opponents of the project look towards a June 8 vote. While just about everyone seems to agree the high school needs to be upgraded, the question is whether a $25 million option or an $83 million option is the better route. Last week, George Millerd, chairman of the Berlin Republican Town Committee issued a press re-
lease on his party’s stance — a unanimous decision to defeat the $83 million renovateas-new plan and to support Option 1, a $25 million renovation plan. At an April 9 Town Council meeting which took place right after a public hearing on the high school, Republican councilors Dave Evans and Kari Drost voted, along with the five Democrats on the council, to bond the project. Last week, Drost said that at that meeting she and Evans did not want “rule 7” waived – a move that allowed the council to vote on the item right after the public hearing. Instead, they wanted more time to review the proposal and to talk with
See GOP, page 7
BHS class of 2010 top students announced
Berlin High School Principal, George Synnott has announced the valedictorian
Weiss
and salutatorian for the graduating class of 2010. Lauren Weiss, daughter of Eric and Julie Weiss, has been named valedictorian. Lauren has excelled in literary arts and has received numerous awards for her essays and poetry. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has achieved high honors in every quarter of her four years at Berlin High School. Lauren was also a recipient of the Harvard-Radcliff Book Award in her junior year. In addition to her academic achievements, Lauren is managing editor of the school newspaper, frequent contributor to the Literary
Magazine and an officer in the Drama Club. She has participated in several of the school’s musical and drama productions throughout her tenure at the high school. Lauren is also involved in volunteer and community activities through her membership in the Upbeat program. In the fall, Lauren will attend Mount Holyoke College where she will major in English and creative writing. The Berlin High School salutatorian for the class of 2010 is Heather Zisk, daughter of Paul and Lori Zisk. Heather’s academic program has included both accelerat-
ed and honor level classes. She has received academic awards in Advanced Placement U.S. History, Earth science, Spanish, English, and chemistry. Heather is also a member of the National Honor Society and has achieved high honors in all her quarters at Berlin High School. In addition to her academic success, Heather serves as the secretary to the Student Government and is a member of the homecoming and prom committees. She is also an active member of the Upbeat Peer Leadership Program. Heather will be attending the University of Connecticut in the fall where she plans to major in
Liberal Arts. (Information provided by Berlin High School.)
Zisk