2 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
AUGUST 28, 2014
The Berlin Citizen Newsroom Nick Carroll, news editor ncarroll@record-journal.com • 203-317-2257 Olivia Lawrence, assistant news editor olawrence@record-journal.com Nate Brown, sports citizensports@record-journal.com • 203-317-2232 Charles Kreutzkamp, reporter reporter@theberlincitizen.com • 203-317-2448 Marsha Pomponio, news clerk mpomponio@theberlincitizen.com• 203-317-2256 Advertising & Sales Advertising • advertising@theberlincitizen.com Shawn E. Palmer Sr. Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer spalmer@record-journal.com • 203-317-2330 Kimberley Boath Advertising Manager kboath@record-journal.com • 203-317-2448 Annemarie Goulet Sales Consultant agoulet@theberlincitizen.com • 203-317-2303 Photography Lee Roski, Community Guide featured photographer
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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ELECTED OFFICIALS TOWN COUNCIL Rachel J. Rochette, Mayor (D) 61 Ellsworth Boulevard, Kensington (860) 829-2703 raejroch@comcast.net Peter A. Rosso (D) 34 Briar Lane, Kensington (860) 828-0891 peter.rosso@sbcglobal.net
Brenden T. Luddy (R) 68 Casner Drive, Berlin (860) 828-3679 brendenluddy@comcast.net Margaret K. Morelli (D) 158 Somerset Drive, Berlin (860) 828-6658 m.morelli@comcast.net
We’ll be here when you need us most ...
From left: Ron Lindgren, Chris Porter, Dave Alkas, Paul Kristopik, Peg Porter, Paul Warren, Mark Frederick, John Dumin
5 Generations of Family to Family Service
FUNERAL SERVICE Inc.
111 Chamberlain Highway Berlin, CT 06037 • 860-223-0981 www.portersfuneral.com
107090R
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AUGUST 28, 2014
ELECTED OFFICIALS TOWN COUNCIL David K. Evans (R) 1233 Worthington Ridge, Berlin (860) 828-4555 dkeatbrtc@sbcglobal.net Charles R. Paonessa (R) 1906 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin (860) 828-3271 paonessa1906@gmail.com William A. Rasmussen Jr. (I), Deputy Mayor 139 Redwood Lane East, Berlin (860) 829-0301 william.a.rasmussen@ampf.com BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS Michael Anderson, Chairman (D) 319 New Britain Rd. # 126, Kensington (860) 828-5444 Karen (Kari) Maier Drost (R) 249 Southington Road, Kensington (860) 829-6739 kariinberlin@yahoo.com
POLICE COMMISSION Ryan T. Zelek (D) 225 Vineyard Drive (860) 212-9348 BOARD OF EDUCATION Gary R. Brochu 98 Thompson Road, Berlin (860) 828-1579 Kathryn Bryers 246 Toll Gate Road, Berlin (860) 828-6916 Kristin M. Campanelli 10 Main Street Unit 309, Kensington (860) 828-1521 Stefanie Carbone 33 Langdon Court Unit DL3, Berlin (860) 706-7355 Jeffrey Cugno 34 Chatham Road, Kensington (860) 832-8809
Stuart Topliff (R) 29 Ellwood Road, Berlin (860) 829-0478
Cynthia Kobus 21 Fairview Drive, Kensington (860) 829-8216
Recording Secretary, Paula Poplawski
Irene Matulis 830 Norton Road, Berlin (860) 828-5415
POLICE COMMISSION Joseph T. Annunziata, Chairman (D) 77 Harding Street, Kensington (860) 828-3732 (860) 930-1287
Timothy Oakes 31 Belcher Hollow Road, Berlin (860) 516-1558
Paul N. Eshoo (R) 218 Brooke Meadow Road, Kensington (860) 828-3829
George Synnott 112 Woods Edge Court, Berlin (860) 829-2844
Robert J. Peters, Vice Chairman (R) 388 Percival Avenue, Kensington (860) 828-4754 (860) 302-2980
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Democratic Registrar: Fred Jortner, (860) 828-7021.
Bradford J. Parsons (D) 26 Park View Road (860) 828-1660 (860) 841-2524
Republican Registrar: Elizabeth Tedeschi, (860) 828-7020
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
We Bring
Quality Care to You. For over 85 years the Berlin VNA has been providing comprehensive health care for the Town of Berlin Professional Services Offered: Skilled Nursing, Home Health Aides/Homemakers, Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy, Medical Social Work & Dietitian Consultation For more information, please visit our website at www.town.berlin.ct.us 108356R
240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037
860.828.7030 State Licensed, Medicare/Medicaid Certified, JCAHO Accredited.
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AUGUST 28, 2014
TOWN DEPARTMENTS
CHIEF OF POLICE FIRE RESCUE SERVICES ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER COMMUNITY RECREATION PARK SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCE DIRECTOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TOWN ENGINEER COLLECTOR OF REVENUE SR. CENTER DIRECTOR TOWN MANAGER For a complete listing of town departments, visit town.berlin.ct.us
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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NUMBERS TO KNOW
FIRE RESCUE SERVICES Berlin Town Hall 240 Kensington Rd. Room 10 (860) 828-7053 Jan Lund, ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Animal Control Shelter 600 Christian Ln. (860) 828-7055 Jim Capodiece, COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND PARK SERVICES DIRECTOR Berlin Community Center 230 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-7010 Debbie Dennis, SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION Parks and Recreation Department 230 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-7056 Hellyn R. Riggins, AICP, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Berlin Town Hall 240 Kensington Rd. Room 7 (860) 828-7066 James Mahoney, DIRECTOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Berlin Town Hall 240 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-7000 Jim Wren, FINANCE DIRECTOR 240 Kensington Rd. Room 20 (860) 828-7044 Arthur G. Simonian, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/TOWN ENGINEER Berlin Municipal Transfer Station/ Recycling Center 19 Town Farm Ln. (860) 828-7022
David Kluczwski, COLLECTOR OF REVENUE Berlin Town Hall 240 Kensington Rd. Room 22 (860) 828-7023 Tina Doyle, SR. CENTER DIRECTOR Berlin Senior Center 33 Colonial Dr. (860) 828-7006 Denise McNair, TOWN MANAGER Berlin Town Hall 240 Kensington Rd. Room 1 240 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-7003
Berlin Congregational Church - A Welcoming Community that Celebrates Christ through Worship, Faith, Fellowship and Service. Sunday Services 10:00 AM Sunday School, Youth Group, Bible Studies, Family Activities and Tot Time For further information call 869-828-6586
878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin, CT 860-828-6586 Rev. Mark Pilletere, Minister www.berlincongregationalchurch.org Email: Email:berlinpastor@sbcglobal.net revmark1@sbcglobal.net
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Paul Fitzgerald, CHIEF OF POLICE Police Department 240 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-7080
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HOUSES OF WORSHIP BERLIN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BETHANY COVENANT CHURCH BERLIN CONGREGATIONAL JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH CROSSROADS CHURCH OF GOD KENSINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH KENSINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH SACRED HEART CHURCH SAINT GABRIEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. PAUL CHURCH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WELLSPRING CHURCH
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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HOUSES OF WORSHIP Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge. (860) 828-6586.
United Methodist Church, 139 Main St. (860) 828-9254.
Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St. (860) 828-3637.
Wellspring Church, 222 Lincoln St. (860) 225-0661.
Berlin Congregational Jehovah’s Witnesses, 234 Farmington Ave. (860) 832-8700. Christian Life Church, 496 Kensington Rd. (860) 828-5105. Crossroads Church of God, 146 Hudson St. (860) 828-3822. Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Ave. (860) 828-4511. Kensington United Methodist Church, 103 Hotchkiss St. (860) 828-4222. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1103 Chamberlain Highway. (860) 828-5079. Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage St. (860) 828-0519. Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 68 Main St. (860) 828-3735. St. Paul Church, 484 Alling St. (860) 828-0331.
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10 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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Connecticut Tire, Inc. Family Owned & Operated for Over 45 Years.
BEST OF... AWARDS 2013 & 2014 2 0 1 3
The Berlin Service Center, located at 96 Webster Sq. Rd., Berlin
The New Britain warehouse on Veterans Drive. Connecticut Tire, Inc. opened their original location in 1967 on Veterans Drive in New Britain, CT.
Sincethen, thenConnecticut Connecticut Tire grown to become of central Connecticut’s largest tire Since Tire hashas grown to become one ofone central Connecticut’s largest tire dealers. dealers. With tires in stock covering most major brands,Tire Connecticut handle With 50,000 tires50,000 in stock covering most major brands, Connecticut can handleTire any can of your tire any of you tire needs. Still family owned and operated for 45 years Connecticut Tire has needs. Family owned and operated for 47 years, Connecticut Tire is a landmark for quality service and become a landmark for quality service and a knowledgeable staff with service second to a none. knowledgeable with located service second none. Centrally with a service in Berlin They are staff centrally with a to service center in located Berlin as well as theircenter wholesale asdistribution well as theircenter wholesale distribution in New Britain, 15 delivery trucks provide delivery in New Britain.center 15 trucks provide daily servicedaily through outservice the throughout the selling entire state, sellingcar to garages, and stores. other tire stores. entire state, to garages, dealers,car anddealers, other tire The Berlin Service Center has has statestate of theofart equipment to properly install tires on tires everything The Berlin Service Center the art equipment to properly install on from a everything wheelbarrow to a apay-loader, and offer 4 wheel computerized alignments, and under car from wheelbarrow to a pay-loader. They also offer 4 wheelbrakes, computerized alignments, brakes, and under carforeman, services. Choinski, thetoshop foreman, is considered services. Henry Choinski, the shop is Henry considered by many be the best front end man in the by many to years be the front end manarea in the area, with 31 years experience. Many area area, with 33 ofbest experience. Many dealers and garages bringofhim the cars they can’t handle. dealers thethey carsdothey can’t handle. CT Tire is well knownDon for Deroiser, the workthe CT Tire isand wellgarages known bring for thehim work on custom and specialty cars and trucks. theyManager, do on custom and Don Deroiser, the Store grewinup Store grew up in specialty Berlin andcars hasand beentrucks. with the company 26 years. He isManager, experienced all in Berlin and has been with the company over 20 years. He is experienced in all aspects of aspects of the tire business and you will find his expertise very helpful when trying to find the right tire the tire business and you will find his expertise very helpful when trying to find the right tire oror wheel forfor your application. Connecticut Tire Tire Inc. is proud have won thedivision Best ofwith Berlin 3 years in wheel your application. Connecticut Inc. has atocommercial 2 fully row, along with being votedto “Best Placeroad to Buy Tires”and by the New tire Britain Herald readers’ poll 2014. equipped service trucks perform service off-site work. Greg Schaller is proud to have livedlived in the of Berlin for the years, raisingraising three children Greg Schaller is proud to have in town the town of Berlin forlast the30last 30 years, 3 here. He has 2 sons the company, a third generation family business.toGreg children here. Hethat nowwork has for 2 sons that workadding for the company, addingtoathe third generation the says “Our goal at Connecticut Tire is to provide the best Tire possible to our at very family business. Greg says “Our goal at Connecticut is toservice provide the customers best possible service to prices!” our customers atinvery If you in need of tires, CT Tire is competitive If you are needcompetitive of tires, CTprices!” Tire is the placeare to go! For more information visit the website place toatgo! For more information visit their website at cttire.com. their cttire.com.
Support your local businesses! Consumer dollars spent in the local community stay in the community, keeping Berlin strong & poised for growth in the years ahead.
Connecticut Tire, Inc. Locally Owned & Operated for over 40 years.
~ Alignment and Brake Specialists ~
112441R 1252718
96 Webster Sq. Rd., Berlin • 860-828-3680
12 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
BERLIN FAIR
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CELEBRATES 65 YEARS Despite not having record-breaking attendance at the fairgrounds due to rain Sunday, 2013 Berlin Fair President Andy Blasco said the 65th annual Berlin Fair was “absolutely fabulous,” with thousands in attendance each day. “People really came out and supported --the Berlin Lions and the community --on opening day. It was packed here. One of the main events on opening day was the fireworks, and people I talked to said they really enjoyed it,” Blasco said, adding that the rain held offover the fairgrounds Friday. “Although we didn’t have record crowds on Sunday, we always look at the positive; it was a great day for our frog jumping competition,” he added. And children still lined up for rides and games, Blasco said. The “rain didn’t seem to bother them much.” Business was brisk at the food booths. Commander John Hackett, of the American Legion, said “sales were fantastic” the first two days of the fair . Ads 5/4/05 seemed 1:10 PMto enjoy Page themselves 1 “Customers regardless of rain or shine,” Hackett said. “Sun-
day was slow in the beginning, but it began to speed up by the afternoon, especially in the sales of our clam chowder on a wet and cold day.” Hundreds of fairgoers were lined up in front of the north gate by 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, waiting to enjoy food, games, rides, entertainment, animals, and more. “I think the Berlin Lions and all of our church groups and nonprofit civic organizations did a great job putting on a phenomenal fair this year,” Blasco said. – Monica Szakacz
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14 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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ANNUAL WINE & BEER TASTING DRAWS A CROWD
An annual wine and beer tasting fund-raiser hosted by the Berlin Athletics Booster Club and sponsored by Berlin Spirits has become a much-anticipated event for residents. “It’s an annual event that we’ve been putting on for several years now to raise money for the kids at Berlin High School,” said Don Dellaquila, a Booster parent. While the Booster Club holds many fundraisers, several years back, it wanted to find a new way to raise money for the Redcoats. The idea for the tasting was hatched. “We still hold our annual car wash, and other events, but this gave us an opportunity to make more money than those events,” said Dellaquila, speaking of the tasting. The 2013 event featured close to 25 vendors. Attendees walk around and sample any kind of wine or beer they feel compelled to try. “They walk in and are handed their glass and you’re allowed to try any wine or beer. We have a deejay set up for entertainment, as well as raffle prizes,” said Dellaquila, who pointed out the event draws a crowd of some 400. “Most of the people who attend are from town, so it’s a great social event.”
Over the past several years, the Booster Club has been able to assist Redcoat athletics by raising -- more than or close to -- $5,000 each year. “We’ve spent over $18,000 for the student-athletes at Berlin High School,” Dellaquila said. “We’ve bought new championship banners…we’ve remodeled trophy showcases in the school.” Also, the Booster Club has built a shed for the softball team, and sponsored a new scoreboard for the baseball team, among other things. “Everything goes back to the student-athletes,” said Dellaquila. – Nate Brown
The New Britain Transportation Company
--- NBT ---
Providing Charter & School Bus Transportation Service Since 1920. “Still family owned and operated to provide the personal touch!”
School Bus Transportation Berlin – Rocky Hill – Southington – Meriden (860) 828-0511 x215
School Field Trips, Private Groups, Summer School Programs & Youth Camp Summer Programs
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113202R
Charter Bus Service
16 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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UPBEAT PICNIC
BRINGS TOWN TOGETHER UpBeat is a local volunteer organization of high school students that, among other projects, puts on a picnic every year that draws hundreds of visitors. This year, the annual UpBeat Picnic had an “outstanding turnout, with weather like we haven’t had in three years,” according to UpBeat Coordinator Alice Mitchell. UpBeat members like Brandon Armetta, Calvin Johnson, and Lisa Greico dressed up in costumes that included ketchup and mustard bottles, a hot dog, and Spongebob Squarepants to solicit UpBeat donations. “The picnic is a great event that brings the whole town together,” Mitchell said. “We’re grateful to the Lions Club for hosting us again this year.” In addition to bouncy castles and pony rides, kids at the picnic were able to enjoy a duck race event, where, for a small entry fee, children purchased a rubber duck to compete to be the first to cross the finish line in a water track. All four Berlin fire houses donated a unique item to the raffle again this year: a ride to school in a genuine Berlin fire truck. UpBeat
peer leaders donated several counts of three hours of yard work to the raffle. Tom Devivo from the Lions Club said that the hayride, new this year, was very popular. Being relocated to the fairgrounds has given us a chance to expand the sort of things that can happen at the picnic, Mitchell said. According to Devivo, this is the third year the picnic has been held at the fairgrounds. “My kids went through UpBeat and it’s a great organization,” Devivo said. “It’s a great partnership between the Lions Club and UpBeat.” – Charles Kreutzkamp
111874R
18 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT DRIVING CREATION OF A “VILLAGE CENTER”
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Transit-oriented development has been a watchword in the Berlin community for the past several years as the town prepares for the upcoming commuter rail service on the New Haven Hartford Springfield line, which will allow easy access not only to Hartford and New Haven, but from there on to New York City. According to the Department of Transportation, the plan is to eventually have service to Boston as well. The Economic Development Commission has proposed a new set of zoning rules that will allow the creation of “village” zones to allow for a bustling town center. These changes include the establishment of mixed zones with shared parking. This would allow, for example, a restaurant with offices on the second floor or a retail shop with apartments above. “We want to bring the town center up to the quality of the general community,” Berlin Economic Development Director Jim Mahoney said during a Planning and Zoning meeting July 24, 2014. Mahoney said that the plan will take advantage of the planned commuter rail, “a huge investment [from the State] in Berlin,” Mahoney said. --Charles Kreutzkamp
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20 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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DEPOT CROSSING: THE FIRST MIXED-USE TRANSIT-ORIENTED PROJECT Development of the Kensington center has already begun with Depot Crossing, which will be Berlin’s first new mixed use, transit-oriented project. In Febuary 2014, Mayor Rachel Rochette announced that non-profit housing developer, the Corporation for Independent Living, has purchased the Depot Crossing property at 848 Farmington Ave., across from the Berlin train station. CIL’s plan for the building includes commercial space on the first floor with 16 apartments above, four designated as affordable to households at 60 percent of the median
income. “The Depot Crossing project has all the elements that make for successful developments and strengthens communities,” CHFA President and Executive Director Eric Chatman said. “Creating affordable rental housing near transit lines reduces renters’ transportation costs. Businesses benefit from having potential customers living above them, as well as foot traffic generated from the trains.” Depot Crossing, a 23,900 square foot building, was started in 2008 but went into foreclosure after the original developer was not able to complete the project. -- Charles Kreutzkamp
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22 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
SPORTS
AUGUST 28, 2014
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BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
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A TRUE
‘SPORTS TOWN’ You’d be hard-pressed to find a town around the state with more passion and commitment to its sports programs than Berlin; both key factors that have led local athletes to success at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. Yet it’s the dedication to giving back and helping others that truly places Berlin athletics on another level. Whether raising funds, paying homage, or
reaching out to a younger generation, Berlin athletes at the high school and collegiate level have gone above and beyond to better the lives of those around them. The Redcoats’ nine state titles and 19 total CIAC championship appearances over the last 10 years haven’t been too shabby either. -- Nate Brown
24 • BERLIN COMMUNITY GUIDE 2014
AUGUST 28, 2014
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