The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 15, Number 24
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Investigation finds farm house fire ‘intentional’ By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
Parker Adam Rossi Scott and Melissa Rossi of Berlin announce the birth of their son, Parker Adam, on Feb. 19, 2011 at the Hospital of Central CT. He joins his brother, Maxwell, 2. Parker’s maternal grandparents are Stanley and Elizabeth Smolski of Berlin and his paternal grandparents are Ardo and Elizabeth Rossi of West Palm Beach, Fla. The Citizen appreciates Parker’s help in wishing his Dad — and all the dads, grandads, uncles, and other great male role models in our lives — a wonderful Father’s Day this Sunday, June 19.
Deputy Fire Marshal Matt Odishoo says an investigation into the cause of an early morning fire June 11 on Southington Road has been categorized as intentional. The Berlin Police Department and the fire marshal’s office are asking anyone who may have information to call the Connecticut Arson Reward Tip Line at (800) 84ARSON or (800) 842-7766. A reward of up to $2,500 may be paid for information leading to an arrest. The incident, at 57 Southington Road, gutted a small farm house, which sits on 18 acres. The property is known as Apple Hill Farm. For nearly 60 years, owner Elizabeth Orzakowski operated the farm, including a farm stand. She died in 2009. The residence has been vacant for about a year and was empty except for a bed and a refrigerator. Berlin’s four fire departments, and an area
town Task Force of fire services, responded to the scene. A tanker from Westfield was used to bring water from Timberlin Golf Course. Access to water was the biggest
obstacle firefighters faced, Odishoo said. Odishoo said the fire was called in about 6:07 a.m. but
See Fire, page 5
Perfect ending
The Berlin High School girls golf team claimed the CIAC state championship last week to cap an undefeated season. The champs are Alyssa Scheyd, Victoria Fagan, Emily Stickel, Emily Deutsch and Caroline D’Attilio. The Lady Redcoats are coached by Jim Barnes and John Martellino. See page 23 for more.
Farmers Market organizers plan to open for fifth year Despite late start, market can thrive if people pitch in By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen “We can’t let it fizzle,” said Dr. Ann Aresco, of the Berlin Farmers Market that launched five years ago this summer. A naturopathic physician, with a Berlin practice, Aresco stressed how important it is for residents to have an opportunity to buy produce from local farmers in Connecticut. “The Farmers Market still needs volunteers,” Aresco said, adding that a call must go
The Berlin Farmers Market brought local goods to town for the past several summers.
out to the community to bolster its support of the project. Access to fresh, locally grown food is one of the fundamentals of good health, she said. “The bigger the market, the better for the community. The community needs that.” Market Master Jim Roby said he is working to get the market off the ground this year but needs more help. “I want it to move forward, it’s the passion of my heart. But it takes a lot of time and energy.” Roby said he plans to “get it going before the end of June…people will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.” Roby said he continues to be the “point man” for coordinating the effort, although he does have a few solid supporters from the Northeast Organic Farmers
See Market, page 5