The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en Volume 13, Number 38
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Report tells of school ills By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor A status report on school facilities is intended to help the community understand the problems facing the school district and to bring people together to work on solutions, say officials. “Berlin residents are entitled to be informed,” said Gary Brochu, school board president. “We need to understand the problems as a community and put a plan in place.”
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sweet ride
Brochu said whether one has children in the schools or not, whether one is pro or anti when it came to the district, there are certain areas of concern that should unite the town. For example, “We can disagree on what the remedies should be but we can all agree we don’t want our high school to loose its accreditation.” The Aug. 28 position paper, as well as related reports and documents, is available online at www.berlin.k12.ct.us. The position paper
Gimme a “B”!
See Report, page 8
Countdown to the Fair
Photo by Jay Ritter
A 1930 Ford was one of the antique and late model cars on display at a car show held at American Legion Post 68 this past weekend.
2 Weeks Ragged Mountain: It’s almost time for the Berlin Fair By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor
A unique “Berlin Pride” fundraiser is underway. For $20, a 5-foot tall Berlin “B” will be painted on your driveway or lawn. The “B” is safe for driveways and grass, and will last two to three months. All proceeds benefit Berlin Midget Football and Cheer. Since the “B” is universal for all Berlin sports, this is a great way to show your pride in local athletics. Sign-ups for “B’s” will be held at the Midget Football Pep Rally, today, Sept. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at Sage Park. Also, orders can be sent via e-mail to BerlinPride@edgets.com. Pictured are players from the Bears “D” team, along with a Bears cheerleader.
The Citizen is publishing Fair Memories during the weeks leading up to the Berlin Fair. weekend Oct. 2, Oct. 3 and Oct.4. This week these fair fans sent along their recollections: Lori Lewis, faithful fairgoer, writes: I have attended the fair every single year of my life. This year will mark 35 years. I can remember every year waiting in lines of cars, trailing all the way back to the Berlin Turnpike. As a child of See Fair, page 10
Too tough to tame? By Olivia L. Lawrence Associate Editor
A place called Ragged Mountain sounds like a challenge — and it is. Every year local emergency crews are called out to the 563 acre preserve for rescues. During the summer of 2009 several calls came in from lost or unlucky visitors. In every case, a cell phone was a critical tool in locating people in trouble. As fall hiking season approaches, it’s a good time to take a look at the history and the hazards of Berlin’s outback. Ragged Mountain spans areas of Berlin and Southington. The local trailhead is at the end of West Lane, at the left bend where
West Lane becomes Wigwam Road, about .75 miles west of the Chamberlain Highway. The Metacomet Trail runs along portions of the most precipitous terrain and the level of difficulty is rated “moderate.” But it’s not just the trails that can trip you up. “When the sun sets, it gets very dark up there with the canopy…and unless you know the area…” there can be trouble finding your way out, said Steve Waznia, of Berlin. He lives nearby and has hiked the mountain for 30 years. He’s also the town’s fire marshal so he gets involved in rescue activities
See Hikers, page 12