Berlin Citizen Jan. 2, 2020 by Record Journal

Thursday, January 2, 2020

www.berlincitizen.com

Volume 22, Number 44

Local VNA faces financial challenges By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen

The Berlin Visiting Nurse Association, a town-run home healthcare agency, is facing increased scrutiny of its finances after years of struggling to meet costs and increase the number of clients it serves.

Tara Nyari and Michael Urrunaga carry goods out of the Pistol Creek clubhouse during the Youth and Social Services Department's annual holiday distribution event, which provides families in need with toys, food and essentials donated by locals. Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen

Town distributes food, toys By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen

The Pistol Creek Clubhouse was transformed into an offshoot of Santa’s Workshop for the Social and Youth Services Department’s annual holiday distribution held just days before Christmas. With around 200 of the department’s clients receiving food and toys inside the Spruce Brook Road clubhouse, around 20 volunteers buzzed between tables stacked with paper bags labeled for each family. Jan Serafino, who has been volunteering for around eight years and used to run the event, said the distribution has a fun atmosphere and a lot of goodwill. “It makes you feel good to be able to help those who

Norm Margnelli, left, and Ron Filipek collect bags of food for a local family during the holiday distribution event.

are a little less fortunate and we do have a lot of those in Berlin,” she said. Berlin residents Sharon Reckert and Margaret Bishop, who have been volunteering for five and three years respectively, said the

event is a great way to become connected and make new friends. They helped run the toy distribution, tracking down the right bag of presents when a family’s number was called. See Distribution, A16

Town Board of Finance Chairperson Sam Lomaglio believes the solution to lagging revenues is to reduce the VNA’s funding. He made the comments at a finance board meeting in November when VNA Administrator Wendy Russo presented her strategy for increasing income, which centers on expanding marketing to patients in surrounding towns.

providers like Hartford HealthCare at Home, Lomaglio said the VNA should focus on serving a smaller number of local residents. Lomaglio said he is also concerned the VNA has failed to make significant progress on growing its census — the number of patients it’s caring for at any given time — to a minimum of 80, a goal that had been set during the municipal budget process in the spring. During the Board of Finance meeting, Russo said the census was around 70 and noted that even the goal was below the 120 patients they estimate would be needed to break even.

“… It’s time for the Board of Finance to step in and “We can no longer use tax- do what we do best — repayer money to fund the organize and save money (VNA),” Lomaglio said. for the taxpayers,” Lomaglio said. Town Finance Director Kevin Delaney said the Cuts would come amid a VNA has seen some sucparadigm shift in federal cess under Russo’s leader- funding ship, which began in 2017. The increased pressure He pointed out the VNA comes as the VNA is has reduced its deficit from $735,000 in the 2017 preparing for what Russo called the biggest changes fiscal year to $589,000 in to Medicare payment the last fiscal year. The structure in 20 years. agency is, however, running a larger-than-expect- "The forecast is there will ed deficit during the curbe a major impact on rent fiscal year, which behome care throughout the gan in July. country,” she said.”The "Year to date through October, the VNA has lost $290,000. That's $100,000 (more) than last year at this time," Delaney told the Board of Finance. Arguing that the small town-run agency cannot compete with for-profit

biggest impact is going to be on small home care agencies."

The change means payments to home health care providers will be based on diagnoses and services paSee VNA, A13

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

In Brief GOP caucus

Dog obedience

A caucus of all enrolled Republican electors in town will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m., at Central Pizza, 96 Mill St. The purpose of the meeting is to endorse candidates for the Republican Town Committee.

Registration is open for dog obedience classes at Pistol Creek: Kindergarten Puppy Training for dogs up to 6 months, Thursdays, Jan. 9 to Feb. 20, 6 to 7 p.m.; Basic Dog Obedience for dogs at least 6 months old, Tuesdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 18, 6 to 7 p.m.; Canine Manners is for dogs who have completed the Basic Dog Obedience class, Wednesdays, Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, 6 to 7 p.m. Visit town.berlin.ct.us.

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

MidState Air Compressor is ‘Business of the Year’ By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen

MidState Air Compressor has been named Berlin’s Business of the Year by the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce.

10 years as a supporter of the community through sponsoring of local sports and nonprofits, like the Ryan T. Lee Foundation.

“There’s a sense of pride that we have as well and when you see and feel that The chamber recognized people recognize you for MidState for its dedication to that … it’s a great feeling,” customer service and filling Calvo said. an important link in the loThe company has grown nucal manufacturing supply merous times since Calvo chain. launched it with his wife, Sal Calvo, the company’s Carol Calvo, first opening vice president, said MidState with a 1,800 square foot fahas built a reputation over cility at 384 Deming Road

Understanding men’s health

and later renting additional space next door and then more storage space at Berlin Steel. Three years ago, MidState purchased its current home at 1492 Berlin Turnpike, where it now employs around 25 people. “My wife and I have put in a lot of effort to stay in Berlin, looking for a facility to house us, and we found that three years ago,” Calvo said, adding that they noticed the location while their son played soccer across the street at Sage Park. Berlin provides easy access to major highways and is close to numerous manufacturing businesses that rely on compressed air, particularly those that subcontract for Pratt and Whitney, Calvo said.

“The manufacturing process cannot survive without a compressed air process,” Calvo said, adding that pistons and conveyor belts rely on it. Air can also be a safer alternative to electrical components and is heavily utilized in the medical field.

“MidState takes pride in serving all their customers, which include over 150 businesses in the towns of Berlin, New Britain, and Plainville alone,” Edge said during an award ceremony in November. “… They are able to serve their customer base with the sense of ur-

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BERLIN — More than 250 items, including paintings, antique signs, lamps, china and more, were part of the collection sold during Nest Egg's Gala New Year's auction. Several pieces made in Meriden were among the items, including Handel lamps that were part of the estate of the late-author Agnes Baur, who amassed what Nest Egg coowner Mary Ellen Brechlin called “a wonderful collection” of lamps and other local artwork. A hand-crafted Wave Crest plaque made by Meriden manufacturer C.F. Monroe Co. sold for $5,250.

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Auction From A4

“She especially appreciated the works of local companies and artisans involved in the production of paintings, lamps, dishes, clocks, and other items,” the obituary read, adding Baur took particular interest in the life and work of the one artist in particular, Frederick Matzow.

Auctioneer Ryan C. Brechlin conducts the Annual Gala New Year’s Auction at Nest Egg Auctions in Berlin on Saturday, Dec. 28. Photos by Emily J. Tilley, Special to

Mary Ellen Brechlin said her late husband helped Baur showcase an exhibition of the Handel lamps more than a decade ago. “Meriden has had so many wonderful artists,” she said “We need to keep and treasure that.”

the Record-Journal.

Allen Weathers, curator for the Meriden Historical Society, wasn't among those who attended Saturday's auction either in person or online. Still, he echoed Brechlin's sentiments regarding Baur's appreciation for local art, particularly that of Matzow's. “She did quite a bit of research,” Weathers said. Baur and her late husband had co-authored a book about the artist. Weathers noted that the C.F. Monroe Co., which had operated in Meriden from 1890 to 1916, had been widely known for its hand-painted china.

A set of miniature antique furniture made by artist Vernon B. Smith.

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

STATE

Lamont and tribes were close on gambling deal HARTFORD — Newly released emails show Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont thought he was close in the

spring of 2019 to reaching a wide-ranging gambling agreement with the state’s two federally recognized Native American tribes, a goal he now appears to be scaling back.

Flu now blamed for 4 deaths this season HARTFORD (AP) — Four people have died from flurelated causes so far in Connecticut this season.

ers Dec. 15-21, indicates there was one new death. In all four cases, those who died were adults over age 65.

The latest weekly influenza report from the Department of Public Health, which cov-

The report also found there were 49 influenza-related

wrote in a May 8 email to Butler, obtained by The Associated Press through a public records request. On May 9, Butler expressed optimism that a deal “that works for CT” could be reached. “We’ll get there,” he said. Shortly after taking office in January 2019, Lamont and his administration spent months trying to craft a gambling agreement that didn’t violate the state’s rev-

enue-sharing agreement with the two tribes — which own and operate Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino in southeastern Connecticut — but also included new sports betting and internet gambling. In exchange for exclusive rights to certain forms of gambling, the tribes currently provide the state 25 percent of slot-machine revenues, which amounts to about $270 million annually. The tribes have said they beSee Gambling, A9

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The Democrat told Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler, in an exchange in May, that he thought the two sides were “at the finish line” in April, but talks apparently hit a snag.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

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Back in June, however, Butler appeared optimistic that a second round of lastminute, wide-ranging negotiation, this time organized by Democratic House Besides possible legal chalSpeaker Joe Aresimowicz lenges from the tribes, the and involving the tribes and governor has expressed hope in avoiding costly legal members of the Bridgeport and southeastern Connectientanglements with MGM Resorts, the casino company cut legislative delegations, might finally address the conthat has challenged the state’s decision to authorize cerns raised by Lamont. In June 4 email to Lamont, Buta third tribal casino in East ler reported the tribes had a Windsor that has not yet “really good dialogue” with opened. the mayor of Bridgeport and Months later, Lamont apthe city’s delegation “to come pears to be taking a different up with a comprehensive approach, telling reporters deal that encompasses many in December it might be bet- of the visions you laid out.” ter to “keep it simple” and While Lamont publicly push ahead with legislation raised questions about the in the new General Assemproposal, Butler urged him bly session that authorizes not to give up on it. sports betting and internet lottery games. “Nothing will ever be per“Rather than maybe go for a fect, but we can’t let the pursuit of perfection get in the whole hog, let’s find places way of progress,” Butler where we think we can get wrote in his email. “I believe some agreement,” he said when you have a chance to Dec. 20. “I’d like a global review where we are at, agreement. I’d like to solve you’ll feel the same. Let’s everything for world peace. But in the meantime, I’m go- see if we can get this across the finish line.” ing to take what I can get.”

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Hamilton said it would be good to see aspects of a wider-ranging gambling bill, which have included talks of another casino in Bridgeport, come to fruition, but he said, “I don’t know that anyone here would complain” if Lamont and state lawmakers decided to wait on those concepts and instead focus on quickly passing a sports betting bill.

A couple hours later, Butler answered: “Yessir, I think we are close as we have ever been. Let’s get it done!”

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In an interview with the AP, Jeff Hamilton, the new general manager of Mohegan Sun, said passing a sports betting bill this year would be financially beneficial for the two tribes and the state, noting that competition from other states offering sports betting is expected to keep growing since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2018 allowed for it to be legalized in every state.

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Lamont has also wanted to reach a “global gaming resolution that will avoid years and years of complex litigation” while strengthening the state’s gambling industry.

lieve their exclusivity rights include sports wagering.

Later that month, more emails showed Lamont and Butler seemed optimistic that a deal could finally be reached. In a June 16 email, Butler wished Lamont a happy Father’s Day, prompting the governor to respond,

From A7

“I think getting one thing approved that I think everyone is in agreement on seems to make the most sense instead of getting nothing approved, which has been what we have been dealing with,” he said.

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dance Legacy performs holiday classic around town For two weekends in December, Dance Legacy of Berlin presented its production of the timeless tale of Clara and The Nutcracker Prince. On Dec. 7, the ballet came to life at The Berlin Historical Society during the annual Holiday Fair “Christmas at Williamsburg.” The dancers, dressed in their very Victorian costumes, twirled in front of a lovely Christmas tree and specially-decorated fireplace in true Williamsburg style, which proved to be a perfect setting for the classic formers from Dance Legacy to really feel as if they were ballet. dancing at the original “We were so inspired and Drosselmeyer residence – honored to be a part of the Clara’s family – during the historical society’s annual 1800’s.” holiday fair, and are very grateful to Pam Pethigal and Said dancer Abigail Argazzi, “The setting could members for inviting us to not have been more perfect, be a part of such a wonderand we felt as if we stepped ful event and graciously allowing us to perform in such back in time.” a magical setting,” said CaroThe audience truly enjoyed line Van Austin, the artistic every moment, and later, evdirector of the production. eryone explored the muse“The historically-accurate um and learned much about parlour allowed the perBerlin’s history.

From there, on Dec. 14, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library hosted “A Nutcracker Tea Party.” Well over 100 people attended this event, which included amazing sets, beautiful costumes and backdrops, and a talented and varied cast ranging in age from 3 to 17.

light of the children as they watched the characters come to life through dance.

and to share in the joy of actually telling a story through dance.

Gianna Uba, who performed the role of The Snow Queen, said “my dream has always been to dance in The Nutcracker, and now my dream has finally come true. And to perform for such a wonderful audience was truly inspiring.”

Dance Legacy’s Nutcracker brings to life through dance the many happy moments of the holiday season, such as snowflakes, toys and sweet treats in a way that makes classical music and dance accessible to the entire audience.

The Nutcracker has been Dance Legacy’s tradition and gift to Kensington/ Berlin. For some children it is the very first time they hear the enchanting and delightful score by Tchaikovsky and for others it is an opportunity to dance, to perform

Now celebrating its 45th season, Dance Legacy would like to thank its dance families and the Berlin community for their continued support. -- Press Release

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The library performance was specifically designed to pique the interest of younger children and to engage them in the production. Children in the audience were asked to join in and dance with cast members at the end of the show, then everyone was treated to a wonderful “tea party” provided by the library. “It was truly a most enjoyable event, and I look forward to this performance every year,” said dancer Gracie Schilling, who performed the role of Clara. Cast member Cassandra Paez said her favorite part of the show was seeing the de-

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Freddy is a gorgeous, black male cat. He is friendly and social and would love to meet you. Stop by the Berlin PetSmart and visit the FOBAC cat center. Lola is a 3-year-old female Californian. She loves her Timothy hay and is even litter box trained. For more information about Freddy and Lola, call 860-828-5287.

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Obituaries

Thursday, January 2, 2020

A11

OPINION

The news from inside the hospital By Glenn Richter

That is, for all I know, it may mean anyone who is authorized to do more-invasive or more-technical things to you than the average RN can.

It’s also reassuring to observe, as I did, that they are consistently competent, classy and helpful to each other, even on those frantic days when they’re shorthanded and stressed-out and the (blank) hits the fan and then their unfavorite “difficult” patient appears and starts demanding attention. Not to slight the docs. I’m equally pleased with the oncologist at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven who is leading my case and the doctor at MidState Medical Center who is supervising my chemotherapy, who thoughtfully cautioned me that one of the many meds I’m taking might cause me to become sort of twitchy and cranky (or medical words to

Kitchen fire closes Berlin Burger King The Burger King at 146 New Britain Road was closed Sunday, Dec. 22 after a kitchen fire the day before. The fire was reported at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 accord-

ing to the Berlin Fire Department web site.

And not to slight the aides and assistants and secretaries and other staff at both places, who are (almost) invariably helpful, efficient and friendly. The worst example I can think of is the aide at Hartford Hospital when I was an inmate there for 17 days some years ago, a lady with a vaguely Slavic accent who must’ve bathed daily in some eye-watering cologne, probably diesel-based, that must’ve been shipped to her from the Soviet Union in rusty 55-gallon drums. ALSO EXACTLY THE SAME: Sadly, I have to report that, yes, hospitals in both systems continue to stock those skimpy, undersize, Brand-X facial tissues instead of good old, full-size Kleenex. Oh well. Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@ record-journal.com.

After the fire was extinguished, the scene was turned over to the fire marshal and the Health Inspector's Office. • •

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No idea why, but it wouldn’t be so universal if it hadn’t come down from the highest corporate level. At first I took “provider” to be the new word for “doctor,” maybe just a fad, but after a couple of weeks of way too much medical attention, at two different hospitals — one a piece of the Hartford HealthCare empire and the other a part of the Yale New Haven Health domain — I now believe that the term also includes some PAs and some APRNs and I don’t know whom else.

1279090

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLRobert L. “Bob” Ritchie, 51, of Port St. Lucie, FL, and formerly of Kensington, CT, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 7, 2019, of natural causes. He was the son of the late Arvid H. and Doris (Seipel) Ritchie. He was a former lifelong resident of Kensington before moving to Florida in 2014. He worked in the automotive parts industry in Manchester and Bristol and most recently in Florida. Bob was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Steelers and NASCAR and also enjoyed camping in Barre, MA. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Rachel (Bouchard) Ritchie and his daughter Taylor of FL; his brother and sister-inlaw Stephen and Barbara Ritchie of Kensington; his niece Michelle; his sister-in-law Liza Morgan and her husband Gary of Bristol and many other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all who knew him. Please share a memory of Bob in the online guest book at www. ericksonhansen.com.

Richter

EXACTLY THE SAME: Not that I would call any RN “average.” In my experience — both now and in the past, and at both of those healthcare behemoths — the nurses were almost all better than I expected or deserved, and most of them either fantastic or at least terrific.

208922

Robert L. Ritchie

I haven’t been inside a hospital for any major repairs or even a tuneup in quite some time, but I’m back now, and I have to report — after a PET scan (a head-totoe slide through the machine that took, like, 20 minutes, it was so slow you couldn’t tell you were moving at all, a speed I’ve calculated at about 23 ten-thousandths of a mile per hour); and the installation of a chemotherapy port (MyChart online report: “The patient tolerated the procedure well”); and a bone marrow biopsy (MyChart online report: “The patient was transported to the floor having appeared to tolerate the procedure well”) — that at least one thing is new in the world of bigtime medical care and at least two things are exactly the same.

NEW: Every nurse can now be counted on to refer, invariably, to “the provider” or “your provider.”

205 South Main St. New Britain, CT LuddyAndPetersonFH.com It is an honor & privilege for our family to serve yours. 860-357-4622

A12

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Flu

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS

From A7

hospitalizations during the same week. The percentage of emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses was 8.3 percent higher than the previous week.

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However, that’s similar to the level of visits at this time in 2018.

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Berlin High School soccer player Colby Nardelli was the lone freshman in the Central Connecticut Conference to be voted All-CCC in 2019. From left, BHS soccer coach Sal Parafati, Nardelli, and assistant coaches Dom Costa and Paul Griswold.

Briefs From A6

This year the Vocal Chords will be celebrating 30 years of lifting spirits, relieving stress and healing souls with music. The group will be performing a variety of its favorite musical selections from the past 30 years.

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DPH said flu activity across Connecticut continues to be widespread, with a total of 203 flu-associated hospitalizations reported since the beginning of the 2019-20 season. The data collection began on Aug. 25. DPH receives near real-time information about visits from all 38 of the state’s hospital emergency departments, a system that has been in place since the beginning of the 2018-2019 season. Patients who sought help in hospitals reported influenza-like illnesses, which includes a cough and/or sore throat and a fever that’s greater than 100 degrees, with no known cause.

FLANDERS WEST APARTMENTS 1–3 Darling Street, Southington, CT Studio & One Bedroom Apt. Homes Includes Heat/Hot Water, Appliances Computer & Fitness Center Free Meal Program & Activities Free Shuttle Bus Service Affordable Apartments for Qualified Applicants 50 years of age or older. For more info call 860.621.3954 TTY 711 FlandersWestBC.com 225884

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Outpatient treatment for influenza-like illness was also higher than the previous week.

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

VNA From A1

tients require and not the number of patients in an organization’s care. It also shifts the billing period from 60 to 30 days, increasing work for billing departments.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Russo said the VNA has been training staff to properly sort patients into the over 400 categories that will form the basis of Medicare’s new reimbursement system and to carefully determine what treatment each patient needs to avoid overtreatment.

Tracy Wodatch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Association for Healthcare at Home, said to survive home healthcare agencies need to build up two to three months of cash reserves, understand the impact of the Medicare changes and retrain staff to properly evaluate patients and sort them into the correct diagnostic categories.

"The only thing I can offer is that we can really look at these patients with a very critical eye and make sure we get them into the groupings where we're going to get the best reimbursement possible for them and then we have to look at how we can best utilize our services so that we're watching what we're spending in services versus what our reimbursement is," Russo said.

“The prediction across the country is probably about 30 percent of the home health agencies are going to close because of this model,” she said.

Russo’s approach for turning around the agency’s finances calls for increased marketing in surrounding towns and using per diem nurses to cover the in-

creased demand rather than full time employees. She agreed that the agency isn’t able to compete directly with larger providers. "What we can do is emphasize what we do well and what we think we do better,” Russo said. “And that is providing more personalized service, more timely service. We're part of the community. So we've tried to emphasize those kinds of things to residents…” Mayor Mark Kaczynski said he approves of the job Russo has been doing and wouldn’t be able to support reducing VNA funding without further researching the issue, especially with the looming Medicare changes. The services the VNA provides to residents have to be weighed against any decisions to alter its funding.

Happy New Year

does that mean for the services for the people of Berlin?”

“I wouldn't make any quick decision before we make a full review,” he said. “ … If we reduce the funding what

Letters Policy Email letters to news@theberlincitizen.com; mail to 500 South Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450 or fax to 203-639-0210. Letters are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not list names of people, organizations and businesses being thanked. Names of businesses are not allowed. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

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Freddy is a loving sweet year old boy. He is a tiny bit shy when he meets new people but he warms up quickly. He is currently at Berlin PetSmart and would love to say Hi. Online adoption form at www.fobac.org • 860-828-5287

A13

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Legal Notices & Classifieds

Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953

Wanted To Buy

Delivery Routes Available Newspaper Delivery

$400-$600 every 2 weeks+ Tips (Depending on area)

Routes available in the following towns: MERIDEN • WALLINGFORD • SOUTHINGTON CHESHIRE • MIDDLETOWN • DURHAM Make extra cash before you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary.· Must be able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week starting at 2:00a.m. MUST be dependable, able to read a map and a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required. Not Temp Work, Long Term Contracts.

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A14

before 11 a.m. and start tomorrow Autos Wanted

Wanted To Buy 1,2,3 Items or an Estate $$$CA$H$$$ Todd Shamock 203.494.1695Estate Sale Service Costume Jewelry, Antiques, paintings, Meriden-made.

CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431.

Motorcyles and ATVs WILL PAY CASH - For old motorcycles, mini bikes & go carts. Gary, (860) 558-5430.

Lost and Found LOST - Friday, Dec. 20 at Meriden Y parking lot; photo album with sentimental value. Generous reward. Please call 203.634.4128 Leave message if no answer.

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ALWAYS BUYING CASH PAID Vintage Electronics, Musical Instruments, Amps, Ham Equipment, HiFi, Radios, CB, Guitars, Audio Equipment, Antiques. 860-707-9350

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabilia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.

QUALITY SEASONED FIREWOOD - Approx. 18” long, full cord $200. Lavignes Tree Service, 203.294.1775. BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools TREE LENGTH & tooling, contents of machine shops, home FIREWOOD workshops and small CALL FOR DETAILS lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760 203-238-2149

***NEED EXTRA DEE’S ANTIQUES CASH?*** Buying Collectibles. Always buying coins, Jewelry & Silver. gold, silver, antiques, China. Glass. Military. collectibles, estate & broMusical. Anything Old ken or unwanted jewelry. & Unusual. Single Live auction & estate item to an estate. SERVservices. ING COMMUNITY & Rick’s Antiques FAMILY RESPECTFULLY & Coins, 428 N. ColFOR OVER 50 YEARS. ony Rd., Rt. 5, Wlfd. Call 203-235-8431 203.269.9888. GRASSY HILL AUCricksantiques TIONS, - an Estate andcoins.com Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, WANTED Individual Trombone & SO MUCH firearms, collections & MORE) Advertising estates including military Items, Wristwatches & related items.Federally (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma- licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, chinist, Woodworking, Richard Pleines, (860) & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, 663-2214. Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Post- WANTED - Old antique, cards, Brewery Items, Napier, new & junk jewHunting & Fishing, PEZ elry. I pay top cash for Dispensers, Costume your Grandma’s CosJewelry, Broken Jeweltume Jewelry Stash. ry, Gold & Silver JewelJulie 203.443.9602. ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Pets For Sale Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun- AKC - German Shepard puppies, have shots & tain Pens, Mechanical dewormed. Only 3 left. Pencils, Fraternal Order Female. Call 203-232Items, Religious Items, 2590 Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Yorkies, Yorkipoos, Shaving Items, Political Old English Bull Items, Comic Books, dogs, Shih Tzu Sports Cards & Autopuppies, Frenchies, graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please $950+. 860.930.4001. give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

Pet Services ATTENTION DOG OWNERS! Obedience Classes Starting January 6th MONDAY Evenings at Cheshire Park & Rec. 8 wk class-$125-$135 Beginners - 6:15pm Novices - 7:15pm Pre-Reg online or call Chesh. Park & Rec at 203-272-2743 9-4 AFTER 5pm Call INSTRUCTOR Bruce 203-715-1489

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The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Businesses & Services Attics and Basements Cleaned GARY WODATCH Demolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

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A15

Tree Services GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls returned. CT#620397 Quick courteous service. 860-558-5430.

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. 203-535-9817 or 860-575-8218

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Classified ads are the best way to find what you need. They are also the best way to sell your services, goods or items. Call Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5pm 203-238-1953

A16

The Berlin Citizen | theberlincitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Distribution From A1

A few volunteers braved the cold to meet with clients as they pulled up in cars and presented the numbered card the department mailed them ahead of time. The number was run inside and called out and carts of food and toys were wheeled out to the recipients. “The first couple hours are very chaotic, but you get into the groove,” Reckert said. Another 30 or so households that are unable to make it to the distribution had special deliveries made to their homes on Sunday by the Berlin Lions Club. The organization received a list of addresses and wishlists from the department and collected their own donations to ferry around town.

With over three decades of holiday distributions behind them, there’s so much excitement to help that the department has more donors than recipients, said social worker Jaymee Miller. The department assists roughly 155 children. A few turkeys were even given out, though the lack of refrigeration at the clubhouse limited how many the volunteers could handle. Gift cards to grocery stores, worth between $25 and $55, were also distributed. “The community is so generous,” Serafino said. “The fact that this can happen is because of the generosity of others in the community.” dleithyessian@ record-journal.com 203-317-2317 Twitter: @leith_yessian

Berlin social worker Jaymee Miller speaks to volunteers during the Youth and Social Services Department's annual holiday distribution event on Dec. 19.

Welcome to On The Menu. Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.

Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Find great local eats - MenusCT.com Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Athena II Diner

320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 203.239.0663 www.athena2diner.com Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Accept Q Cards. Serving North Haven for 30 years. Daily specials and full liquor available.

Colony Diner

Duchess of Wallingford

Fire at the Ridge Restaurant & Lounge

~ ATTENTION: RESTAURANT OWNERS! ~

611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for old-fashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

99 Powder Hill Road Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 852-5444 www.fireattheridge.com

Open Wed-Sunday: Noon - 10 pm. Happy Hour & Bar Bites everyday 3-6 pm. Live Music Saturday nights 7-10 pm. Sunday Brunch 11-2 pm

124 Church St. Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-9431 www.facebook.com/pages/Duchess -of-Wallingford/119682821380599 Celebrating Over 25 Years in Wallingford! Our Success comes from dedication to quality,freshness & variety! Breakfast cooked to order. Open 7 days for breakfast lunch & dinner.

To advertise your restaurant to 269,000 weekly readers Call us 203-317-2312