Volume 19, Number 34
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
www.berlincitizen.com
Thursday, October 22, 2015
One year from completion, locals tour BHS By Charles Kreutzkamp Special to The Citizen
Braving the arrival of cold enough to mist one’s breath, hundreds came to Berlin High School for an open house event Saturday, Oct. 17 where parents and members of the general public had a chance to see for themselves how the high school renovation project is progressing. “Turnout has been absolutely amazing,” said BHS Principal Francis Kennedy, who expected that around 500 locals came to see their See BHS / Page A4
New bleachers have spruced up the gymnasium.
The updated cafeteria features skylights and cafe-style seating. | Photos by Charles Kreutzkamp / For The Citizen
Town Democrats, GOP state their case Little girl has a big mission The Berlin Citizen
The November elections are gearing up with the GOP hoping to take control of Berlin’s Town Council after 12 years of Democratic hold. The GOP will be running four candidates to the Democrats’ five, and the slates are a mix of incumbents and newcomers. Seven will earn a seat on the council. The Democratic Town Committee has five candidates up for a seat, includ-
ing current council members Mayor Rachel Rochette, Deputy Mayor William Rasmussen (an Independent) and Peter Rosso. Joining the three incumbents are newcomers Kristin Campanelli and Joann Angelico-Stetson who both currently serve on the Board of Education. “We have a well-balanced team,” DTC Chairman Fred Jortner said. “We are very excited about them and we feel as though they are going to put Berlin in the forefront.” The past few years have brought a variety of change
to the town, including a renovated high school. Now, Jortner said the Democrats are working on revitalizing downtown Berlin. “It’s going to be a catalyst for new businesses, and street improvements that will attract new developments,” he said. In terms of taxes, the DTC chairman said his slate of candidates will work to keep them stable and keep costs down. “We’re aware that we need to be cost conscious in supporting the taxpayers,” See Democrats / Page A2
By Ashley Kus The Berlin Citizen
With the help of a donation box and a supportive community, 10-year-old Sierra Williams of Middletown is making strides in breaking the negative stigma which surrounds pit bulls, while helping other dogs in need. Since last month, Sierra and her mother, Jennifer, have been collecting donations at A Shear Perfec-
tion Salon on Farmington Avenue in Berlin, where Jennifer is a hairdresser. On Saturday, Oct. 17, Sierra and Jennifer delivered two dozen bags of dog food and supplies to the Thank Dog Rescue organization at the Pit Bull Awareness Event in Ansonia. All of the supplies were purchased locally, with more than $1,000 in monetary donations, at A.S. LaSee Sierra / Page A9
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