Thursday, June 28, 2018
www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 19
Graduates thank those who gave support By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
After years of poring over tests and papers, the approximately 230 graduating Berlin High School students reveled in their achievements and thanked all those who supported them at the class of 2018 commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 24. Speaking before hundreds of family members and friends
See the complete list of graduates on page 14. gathered at Central Connecticut State University, valedictorian Ashley Bryant shared a memory of her father, Eric Bryant, slowing his pace in a road race to encourage her to finish. While her father came in last, he helped his daughter find the
strength to rush ahead to the finish line.
Berlin High School class of 2018 President Briana Lennehan said her peers have proven themselves to be motivated to learn from their mistakes.
"Without my dad on that day 6 years ago, I don't think I would have crossed the finish line at the ESPN 5K. And without my whole family for the last 18 years, I definitely would not be standing up here today,” Bryant said. “So I leave you all with the hope that you remember not only what you have done to get here, but also all of the peoSee Grads, A6
Rooster Rise Farm to start up with open house By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
are family, food,” and not wealth, Biederman said.
A few years after quitting his job as an engineer, West Hartford resident Brent Biederman has brought a long abandoned farm back to life on the Chamberlain Highway.
He named the farm after his grandfather, who grew up on a chicken farm.
Rooster Rise Farm, 1301 Chamberlain Highway, will have its first open house on Sunday, July 1, with organically grown produce, cheese and chocolate for sale. The farm is just south of Southington Road. Farm Manager Clayton Beckett plants peppers at Rooster Rise Farm in Berlin. Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen
“The things you need in life
For its first summer in operation, Biederman plans to have 30 to 35 unique crops, planted on three of the farm’s approximately 27 acres. Green beans should be the first to sprout. He has also planted radishes, peas, peppers, tomatoes, melons and onions. After years of laying vacant, Biederman has spent two years converting the fallow
land and aging buildings into a productive farm, with help from Glastonbury resident Clayton Beckett, who manages Rooster Rise and another farm near UConn. “The property was very much in disarray,” Biederman said. Since many of the crops will not be ready for harvest in time for the open house, Biederman is looking to partner with farms to purchase their produce to show what they hope to grow into. “We’re looking to revive See Farm, A17
FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 6:35PM
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 6:35PM
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 5:05PM
FAT TIRE FRIDAY
FIREWORKS SATURDAY
YMCA FAMILY FUN DAY
Enjoy $5 Fat Tire drafts every Friday!
$5 Coors Light drafts all night long at every concession stand! Faith & Family Night!
Fans will be invited onto the field for an autograph session with the Bees. After the game, kids can run the bases!
For team schedule, directions & ticket info buzz on over to www.nbbees.com
84984-11
Enjoy New Britain Bees Baseball!