The Berlin Citizen

Hop Häus coming to Steele Center

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

A restaurant well-known to local foodies and beer connoisseurs is coming to town.

Hop Häus, which bills itself as an "upbeat, casual craft eatery that features locally-sourced food with craft beer and cocktails from Connecticut’s best brewers and distillers," is set to open its third location in late March, at 9 Steele Blvd.

“I used to work in Berlin for a number of years and spent a lot of time growing up in town,” said Hop Häus owner Mike Miller, a Meriden native. “I spent much of my youth here, so I know it’s a good town and geographical location for the restaurant.”

See Hop Häus, A7

While

in Meridentoimproveto17-3ontheseason. Bill Shettle, Special to the Record-Journal

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

The Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on Jan. 31 to discuss the possibility of welcoming cannabis businesses to Berlin. On Jan. 10, adult-use cannabis sales began at seven dispensaries in Connecticut; the closest to Berlin being Fine Fettle on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington.

See Cannabis, A9

From left: Hop Häus owner Mike Miller, Newport Realty Group’s Tony Valenti and Economic Development Director for the Town of Berlin, Chris Edge, are pictured at the restaurant’s Plainville location.

Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Platt’s Thomas Gonzalez had the upperhand on Berlin’s Hiram Sepulveda at times during their match on Feb. 1, Sepulveda would come away with the victory, as would his Redcoats. Sepulveda pinned Gonzalez late in the first period of their 145 pound tilt and Berlin bested Platt 44-30

THE NEW GIRL

In a recent social media post, the Berlin Police Department introduced its “newest hire,” a female bloodhound who will be joining the K9 program. “This sweet girl, who is just a pup, will be attending upcoming specialized tracking training and will be paired with Officer Patterson. She came to us as a shelter dog, rescued from the Pawtucket Animal Shelter in Rhode Island,” the department stated. “BPD thanks everyone at the shelter for taking such great care of her and actively searching for a job for her!” Now, she needs a name. The Berlin Police Department welcomed suggestions from its members and the public, and submitted three names to Berlin’s elementary schools “for the final decision!” Stay tuned. BPD, Facebook

Fire Department Responses

James Simons, Fire Administrator for the Town of Berlin, reports the following incidents for the week of January 29.

January 30: Mill Street and Middletown Road: Motor vehicle accident – Companies 1, 2 and 3

January 30: 400 block of Christian Lane: Fire alarm – Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

February 2: Mutual aid rendered to Wethersfield Fire Department

February 3: Route 9 near Route 571: Good intent call – Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 3: 100 block of Moreland Road: Hazardous material investigation – Companies 1, 2, 3, and 4

February 4: Worthington Ridge: Fire alarm

Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 4: 100 block of Church Street: Assistance call – Company 2

February

100 block of Glen Street: Assistance call

Company

Proud legacy

Editor:

This Black History Month it’s important to recognize that Black history is woven into the fabric of all American history and that our hometown of Berlin played an important role.

Many point to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for justice and equality in America and can recall a few select lines from his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. What many residents may not know, is that Black history is an important part of Berlin’s own history.

Berlin’s Historical Society has uncovered fascinating

Blood drive

The Berlin Lions Club and the Berlin High School Athletic Booster Association are co-sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at BHS. The drive is being held in memory of former BHS student Nick Zuk, who lost his battle with leukemia in 2016. To register, go to redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code:BerlinCT).

Berlin DTC

The Berlin Democratic Town Committee’s monthly meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Italian Independent Political Club. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are preceded by a meet and greet at 6:30. Berlin Democrats are encouraged to attend to learn about important town issues and how to get involved. For more information, email berlindemocrats@gmail.com.

Letters to the Editor

details about our rich Abolitionist tradition.

Among them is the museum’s prized possession, the Wide Awakes Lantern from 1860. The Wide Awakes were a National movement instrumental in electing Abraham Lincoln and abolishing slavery.

Berlin’s club included over 100 townsmen who led lantern-lit parades along with thousands of others in support of their cause.

Two noted Berlin Abolitionists of the time were Milo Hotchkiss and Daniel Galpin, who opened their homes to shelter African Americans fleeing the south as part of the Underground Railroad. The Berlin Equity Action Team held our inaugural June-

teenth celebration last year to commemorate America’s newest National Holiday and Mayor Mark Kaczynski dedicated a proclamation honoring the Hotchkiss home.

Recently, records were uncovered that eight free African-American Berlin men fought in Connecticut’s Colored Troop Regiments during the Civil War. Berlin’s legacy celebrates residents both Black and White who believed no one should own another human being as property. This important history is something all who call Berlin home today should know!

While I cannot illustrate here how deep Berlin’s historical legacy of Black history goes, residents can begin

to learn it by visiting the Historical Society. These stories will be the focus of the museum’s seasonal opening on April 15.

Chris Barlow, Berlin Equity Action Team co-founder

RECYCLE YOUR OLD NEWSPAPERS

Please & Thank you.

Grade 9, high honors: Leila Abdulhak, Alexander Ahlquist, Isabel Andersen, Isabel Arana, Mackenzie Ayotte, Lilliana Bellini, Carter Braun, Grace Buchholz, Sofia Calabrese, Sandra Carminati, Chloe Constantine, Lillian Cookson, Gianna D’Arena, Rocco DeGrandi, Lex Ding, Grace Foster, Aidan Garneau, Matthew Greenwood, Jenna Grumo, Addison Guarino, Eleanor Henriques, Anna Hunt, Zackary Johnson, Sophia Kizilski, Mya Lamoureux,

Berlin High School Honor Roll

Ryan Lavender, Aadil Malik, Grace Melnyk, Joshua Miller, Michelle Mosur, Liyah Motyka, Muizz Naru, Luke Norton, Sophia O’Brien, Gretchen Perreault, Julia Pikor, Brayden Reynolds, Cynthia Rivera, Gabriella Santoro, Sophia Savi, Meghan Snyder, Emma Toce, Sophia Turetska, Brendan Wagner, Alyssa Walker, Brooke Walker, Nina Welch, Grace Wood, Natalie Zadroga; honors: Oscar Abeso Matomba, Savanna Adamowicz,

Jaeden Aichele, Mariam Akberzai, Kaley Alkas, Aidan Arcila, Mackenzie Baker, Victoria Borissov, Sydney BronkZdunowski, Lorenzo Calafiore, Julia Collin, Sawyer Eberhardt, Isabella Gagnon, Cameron Garneau, Jack Heeps, Sara Langford, Austin Lauria, Joseph LaVallee, Cassandra Lazzara, Colin Lennehan, Thomas Motta, Khai Nguyen, Jonathan Ortiz, Ariel Rivera, Gabriella Rivera, Daisy Ruiz, Kayden Santana, Mariah Shea, Jayden Showerda, Vladyslav Shpilchuk, Arden Singh, Dante Sisti, Liana Spinali, Ryan Tang, Spencer Toussaint, Jessica Vale da Serra, Janalyn Weber, Isabella Wesoly, Philip Wilkinson, Samantha Wood, Mateusz Wroblewski, Phineas Yamalis, Margaret Yantz. Grade 10, high honors: Nicole Akulin, Sunita Amiri, Jayden Andrade, Brody Bannon, Gianna Barile, Faithe BarkoskiLaPosta, Anna Barnat, Kayron Bobbs, Philip Bogacz, Karolina Carlone, Charlotte Carlson, Madelyn Carlson, Elizabeth Cugno, Sara Cugno, Daniel Cwieka, Taylor DeMaio, Lindsay Dempsey, Natalie Dempsey, Ava Desmarais, Max Ding, Phillip Dutremble, Nicholas Ebrahimi, Julia Farrand, Andrew Feldman, Lanie Ferguson, Olivia-Anne Ferrante, Klaudia Fidyk, Isabella

Fogarty, Joseph Francalangia, Lorenzo Gil, Nadia Goulet, Reni Guo, Anousha Hashim, Juliana Holliday, Brookelyn Johnson, Kaitlyn Kozlowski, Macie Krawciw, Emily Laskowski, Fiona Li, Juniya Lighty, Nadia Malec, Anthony Manafort, Nicholas Manzi, Madisen McBride, Victoria Molas, Omar Montanez, Elyse Niemiec, John Pease, Julia Pelc, Bella Perugini, John Platt, Amelia Powalka, Grace Ramirez, Christian Riccitelli, Kate Roberti, Natalee Rockhill, Chloe Rollins, Madelynn Sadowski, Daphne Smith, Sarah Swanson, Addison Szczesniak, Katelyn Tierney, Zachary Ulan, Jatnna Vega, Victoria Vozvyshayeva, Luke Wadstrup, William Weber, Cole Webster, Katherine Zibell; honors: Jaelyn An, Thomas Andersen, Mason Asklar, Joshua Beaudoin, Marissa Bellizzi, David Castro Guardado, Grace Catalano, Kiera Colello, Zuzanna Dabek, Matthew Dalek, Zoe DiMauro, Samantha Dunn, Aiden Dunphy, Nathaniel Elmani, Timothy Gorham, Izabella Jamrozek, Haley Johnson, Marcus Joshi, Natalia Kmita, Joseph Manafort, Raymond Martin, Gianna Miele, Madeline Mota, Peyton Nadeau, Sarah Nielsen, John O’Brien, Olivia Parciak, Benjamin Parisi, Peter Poplawski, Emma Radoncic, Lucas Revenaugh, Maddox Rodriguez, Ryan Scaranuzzo, Hiram Sepulveda, Samyra Shillingford, Conlan Simard, Kamryn Stepina, Kamil Szok, Kaylie Vaccaro, Amy Wall, Max Weber.

School Notes

Locals in college

Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Maisie Hayes, Thomas Hebert, Jack Melville, Evan Morin, Michael Parzych, Julia Raynock, Dakota Rymarzick, Domenic Scarano.

Lasell University, Newton, Mass., named Lea Cabral to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Quinnipiac University, Hamden, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Jacob Biello, Morgan Biello, Rachael Cavanagh, Abigail Cutler, Nicole Cyr, Taylor Droste, Samantha Ferrero, Hannah Grega, Tiana Hayek, Anastasia Houle, Danyella Kaplan, Hailey Karas, David Russell, Abigail Wendehack.

Stonehill College, Easton, Mass., named Julia Ladd to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I., named Malachi Burby and Victoria Turcotte to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Western New England University, Springfield Mass., named Kevin Brockel to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Preschool

Residents between age 3 and 4 years, 8 months by April 1 are eligible to participate in a town-wide preschool screening. The Preschool Round-up will take place at the Community Center Friday, March 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 25, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Appointments for the Preschool Round-up will be scheduled through Saturday, March 18. Call JoAnn at 860829-6795 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

School Notes

More than 90 scholarship funds administered by Main Street Community Foundation are accepting applications. The scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, current college students, adult learners who are or will be attending two or four year colleges as well as technical schools and career certification programs. The deadline for all application submissions is March 10. A full list of scholarships available, their eligibility criteria and links to the online application are available on the foundation website, mainstreetfoundation.org.

The American Savings Foundation is accepting applications from high school seniors, college students, and nontraditional adult students who will be enrolled for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students can apply at asfdn.org.

From A4

Honor Roll Scholarships

Grade 11, high honors: Jack Baclaski, Alexa Barbagallo, Ryan

Brown, Adriana Casella, Emily Collin, Chelsea Contreras, Kyle DeGroff, Genesis Del Bois, Jamison Evans, Alexa Fallon, Glenn Fearn, Brandon Garrity, Sofia Gobbi, Riley Hoops, Hiba

Jebli, Paige Kemish, Patrick Kot, Nadia Kukula, Emma Lavoie, Madelyn Lazzara, Connor, Lennehan, Connor Lindsay, Cameron Malcarne, Jacob Marion, Bailey Michaud, Jacob Miller, Kaleigh, Ouellette, Alexandra

Pauley, Charles Pinchera, Alex

Poloszczak, Ella Rice, Brianna

Robertson, Jack Salerno, Joslyn

Smulski, Madison Stec, Kelsey

Therrien, Sophia Tierney, Alyssa

Wenzel, Ashton White, Whitney, White, Addison Whiteside, Alliana Wicik, Mia Wilson, Isabella

Yagmin; honors: Andreas

Aichele, Mason Arborio, Alina

Asatourian, Daniel Barnat, Caroline Benoit, Gabriela Blanco, Jenna, Borselle, Nathen Brini, Adelaide Crisler, Mason DiMauro, River Eberhardt, Matthew

Gagliardi, Angela Gross, Kyle

Lamb, Jayden Lighty, Deanaize

Mack, Andrea Marchio, Noah

Melnyk, Katherine Morris, Natalia

Olszewska, Matilde Pancani, Shohum Patel, Kiersten Reardon,

Adam Rice, Jayleen Rosario, Samantha Rupsis, Ian Saunders, Hannah Smith, Kayleigh Spencer, Matthew Zup, Maya Zureiqi.

Grade 12, high honors: Noah Arce-Caliskan, Taylor Bellizzi, Dylan Brockel, Ruth Brown Kirchner, Eva Chmielewski, Katrina Chorzepa, Sean Colello, Kevin Corteville, Kelsey Day, Brianna DeMorais, Ariana DiDomenico, Brielle Dumont, Elizabeth Dunn, Christina Duong, Oksana Dyshuk, Gavin Foster, Ian Franczak, Samuel Franczak, Meredith Gendreau, Lauren Giove, Julia Greenwood, Alivia Halkias, Andrew Helm, Lara Hodas, Talia Impelluso, Matthew Jamrozek, Grace Kelly, Nicholas Koops, Emily Lamoureux, Michael Lanteri, Chloe, Loehr, Katherine Lukens, Alex Machata, Ian Malespini, Olivia Marolda, Trista May, Bret Maynard, Alex Miloszewski, Marissa Modifica, Dominic Mongillo, Lucia Morisse-Corsetti, Michael Motta, Olivia Motta, Laura Munch, Emma Nagel, Ethan Nel-

son, Sydney Nelson, Brynn Nogiec, Alyssa O’Leary, Gabriella Pappa, Ishani Patel, Samuel Pelkey, David Perkins, Joshua Plaag, Adriano Rasmussen, Matthew Ross, Madison Starace, Klaudia Szarwacki, Molly Szczesniak, William Turgeon, Jameson Urrunaga, Nicolas Vignone, David Wadstrup, Julia Wanke, Caitlin Watson, Jenna Wenzel, Morgan Wesoly, Donovan Yeung, Devin Young; honors: Tamarah Al Mozani, John Barnat, Ryan Bird, Jacquelyn Chase, Marcel Dabek, Kevin Daley, Michael Deegan, Camden

DeLude, Kailee DeMaio, Malcolm Ferguson, Ajla Fonseca, Adam Gauvin, Derek Heckler, Brenna Howes, Claudia Jankovich, Isabella Kmita, Reagan McGowan, Lorenzo Miele, Colby Nardelli, Alexandra Nawalaniec, Samantha Negrao, Sonia Niecikowski, Neil Patel, Ronit Patel, Natalia Penkiewicz, Liam Peterson, Kenna Roman, Ashley Rusch, Ethan Rusch, Kaya Rutkowski, Katherine Skinner, Zachary Skinner, Hanna Smola, Alexzandra Spinali, Gregory Swan, Caleb Uliasz, Molly Williams, Robert Zajkowski.

Bloomin’ 4 Good flower program

Press Release

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain –“Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington – has been selected by store leadership at the Berlin Stop & Shop, 1135 Farmington Ave., as the benefiting orga-

nization in the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program in February.

During this month, a $10.99 bouquet in the sleeve marked “Bloomin’ 4 Good” from this Stop & Shop store will brighten a home or make someone’s day while also directing a $1 donation to the Community Founda-

HELP KEEP

Coming to your home or business

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/berlin-requester

Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Berlin Citizen to your home or business, will end.

HELP US HELP YOU, CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR” LOCAL WEEKLY.

tion of Greater New Britain. This is a great way to broaden awareness in the local community and raise donations for our organization to make grants that help fight hunger.

Share the news with friends and family. Call, send emails, and post on social media. The more bouquets sold, the more we can raise.

To learn more about the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, visit stopandshop.2givelocal.com.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain works to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit cfgnb.org.

Rebuilding

East Berlin Methodist Church is rebuilding following a 2022 fire which badly damaged the building. Those wishing to support the rebuilding project can send donations to: EBMC, P.O. Box 265, East Berlin, CT 06023.

Karaoke

The Sons of the Legion at American Legion Post 68, 154 Porters Pass, will host karaoke Saturdays, Feb. 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25, at 7 p.m. Also, the group is looking to grow its membership. Email salpost68@ outlook.com.

Ballpark jobs

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of

the Colorado Rockies, announced it will be holding its annual job fair at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main St., Hartford) Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Yard Goats are seeking applicants to fill a wide range of game day positions and are looking for upbeat, fan-friendly individuals to help make the upcoming season a success.

Wellness expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Also, vendors are sought for expos taking place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860989-0033 or yourholisticevents@gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

Hop Häus

From A1

Dubbed The Steele Center, 9 Steele Blvd., is a mixed-use property adjacent to the Berlin Train Station.

Tony Valenti, of Newport Realty Group, and partner Mark Lovley, of Lovley Development, Inc., are the team behind the Steele Center development.

“Tony Valenti and (Berlin Economic Development Director) Chris Edge approached me about coming to Berlin,” said Miller, who also has Hop Häus restaurants in Plainville and in the

Plantsville section of Southington.

“Chris has been stalking me for about four years to come to Berlin with the restaurant,” Miller quipped.

The Berlin Hop Häus will offer both indoor and patio dining, as well as curbside pick-up.

“We were getting ready to launch Steele Center when Chris Edge introduced us to Mike, and it was easy to see that he was the right fit for that spot,” Valenti said.

“We are excited to have him in Berlin.”

nzappone@record-journal.com

203-317-2212

A look inside the future home of Hop Häus, 9 Steele Blvd. in Berlin. The restaurant is expected to open in late March.

Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Holiday notice

Town departments will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal trash/recycling schedule will apply.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based non-profit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends care packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas. To learn more about the organization and its needs, visit boxestoboots.org.

Wall of Honor

The Berlin Veterans Commission’s “Veterans Digital Wall of Honor,” located in the main lobby rotunda of Town Hall, is dedicated to “All Who Proudly Served and Sacrificed to Protect Our Country.” Berlin residents and their immediate family, past and present, who have served or are currently serving in the United States military can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@comcast.net or 860-604-7258.

Networking

Business Connections of Berlin aims to help local businesses connect and grow utilizing networking, marketing and educational opportunities. To learn more about the group, email businessconnectionsofberlin@ gmail.com or find them on social media.

Post 68

American Legion Post 68 has been serving Berlin veterans since 1947. To keep the local Legion going for years to come, Post 68 is looking for active military members, veterans, and family and friends of veterans to become involved.

Pick up an application at the Post home, 154 Porters Pass. For more information, email Post Commander Vin Trigila at v_trig@yahoo.com or send a message to Post 68 via Facebook.

Snow ordinance

Town ordinance states that “an owner of land or buildings fronting on any street or public place ... where there is any sidewalk shall, within 12 hours of daylight, or not to exceed 24 hours of elapsed time immediately following the cessation of a storm of snow ... cause the same to be removed from such sidewalk.”

Failure to abide by the ordinance “shall result in a fine after an initial warning.”

Cannabis

From A1

“We want to give the people in Berlin what they want,” Mayor Mark Kaczynski said at the recent meeting.

“After tonight, we will probably have a public forum some time in April to discuss this further," the mayor added.

Berlin’s moratorium on cannabis-related establishments expires at the end of May.

“A cannabis retailer is no different than a package store, and we have those in Berlin,” resident Aurora Corteville commented at the special meeting. "There are cannabis stores in surrounding towns, such as Newington, Plainville and Meriden. What is Berlin waiting for?”

All told, it’s expected that Connecticut will be home to some 75 cannabis dispensary/retail operations.

Business partners Ashley Vaughn and Amanda Osterowitz (Slap Ash LLC) are

Connecticut natives who won two of 12 adult-use cannabis retailers licenses in the state's 2022 lottery. They also won a single-use adult-use cannabis delivery license.

Osterowitz attended the Jan. 31 meeting virtually.

“I’ve been keeping a close eye on Berlin,” said Osterowitz, who is considering places to open a second cannabis retail business in the state. Slap Ash LLC's other retail location in Connecticut is at 195 Albany Turnpike in Canton.

During the meeting, Osterowitz displayed examples of floorplans for cannabis retail enterprises. One showed dozens of cameras inside the store. Osterowitz said security personnel would have access to all those cameras and, by law, police departments can connect to them remotely at any time.

Osterowitz projects that a cannabis retail location in Berlin operating at full capacity would generate between $750,000 to $1 million per month in gross revenues. Under that sce-

nario, Berlin could anticipate up to $300,000 in annual tax revenue.

After Osterowitz’s presentation, Economic Development Director Chris Edge said his commission hadn’t looked too closely at the prospect of retail cannabis in Berlin, but believes local leaders should keep an open mind.

“The town of Berlin has been making things and growing things for 150 years, ” Edge said.

A selection of medical marijuana products available at Willow Brook Wellness LLC at 1371 E. Main St. in Meriden. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Senior Health

Understanding Arthritis

Join this class on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about: causes of arthritis, how arthritis can be diagnosed, what to do from there, and prevention tips. Presented by Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Bones, joints & excercise

Join this class on Friday, Feb. 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn more about: bone and joint health, benefits of moving to maintain bone health, and exercises to promote healthy bones and joints. Presented by Erica Bruno, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

The Orchards: Open house

The Orchards at Southington, an independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., will host an open house Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-628-5656.

Arbor Rose: Open house

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave., will host an open house Sunday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-229-3707.

Is winter getting you down? Shake off those blues

By Francesca Fontanez Special to the Record-Journal

February can feel like kind of a drag; the cold lingers, nature is gray, and the sun still sets earlier than most would prefer. If you have a touch of the winter blues consider looking into some of these winter-worthy activities.

Visit an independent bookstore

There’s nothing like cozying up with a good book on a chilly winter day. If you feel like getting out of the house, but aren’t looking for a highenergy activity, exploring local bookstores is a great way to treat yourself. If you’ve grown accustomed to the local bookshop in your town, try to branch out and explore surrounding areas to change things up. Local highlights include Reread Books and More in Cheshire, an incredible integrated work setting for workers of all abilities, and Connecticut’s two R.J. Julia Booksellers stores, a family business that’s found great success here in the nutmeg state.

Take a one-night class

Don’t let your learning stop after your schooling ends –Connecticut has dozens of fun classes and workshop opportunities popping up, and the content is getting more diverse. From woodworking and home decor classes to cooking and sip and paints, there truly is something out there for everyone. Local highlights to look into include The Art Bar, a new family-owned art studio located inside the Meriden Mall, and Woodcraft of Manchester, a hands-on woodworking school that offers classes for all levels of crafters.

Dine fireside

For an ambiance that can’t be beat, snuggle up to some fiery heat. Besides setting the mood, most flames serve a purpose when it comes to keeping a place comfortably toasty – many establishments with fireside dining also have an interesting, sometimes historical backstory. Ask your server if there’s any intriguing lore in your surroundings. Fire at the Ridge in Middlefield is a must when it comes to fireside dining due to their signature open flames found both indoors and mountainside. If you’re looking to hold an event or celebration,

check out the Aqua Turf Club in Southington or The Inn at Middletown; these spaces can accommodate larger groups, but maintain a cozy atmosphere due to their rustic decor and roaring fireplaces.

Visit a museum

While it may seem obvious, it should be reinforced that in the winter, museums are an excellent escape from the bitter cold. Museums across the region are constantly cycling out pieces to make room for new artists and ex-

hibits to be featured, so if you think you’ve seen all a place has to offer, you should think again. The Bicycle Game is a fabulous new exhibit that the Connecticut Historical Society has up until now through fall, and the Wadsworth Atheneum is currently highlighting female-focused art and flamework via glass art. The New Britain Museum of American Art, in New Britain, offers free admission if you arrive between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturdays.

Senior Health

Dementia caregivers

Chat with those who come from the same walk of life every third Monday of the month (Feb. 20) from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in-person or online. In-person: Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road. Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist. Registration required. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Healthy aging

Join this class Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon to learn more about: benefits of daily activities to shape physiology, how exercise can be used as a tool to fight disease and age-related decline and the best types of exercise for you. Presented by Michelle Boisvert, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ VirtualClasses.

Mulberry Gardens: Open house

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St. in Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.

MEET SNOWFLAKE

Snowflake is a black and white female. She is FELV/FIV negative and current on vaccines. She will be spayed this month. Snowflake can be a little moody but we think it’s because she keeps going in and out of heat.

An adoption form is available at fobac.org. For more information, email fobacadoptions@ gmail.com or call 860-8287055.

Press Release

The Assessor’s Office would like to remind property owners and taxpayers that they must file a written application with the Board of Assessment Appeals by Friday, Feb. 17 if they are appealing their assessment. Application forms are available on the municipal website and at the Assessor’s Office, and by State Statute must be

completed and received by the Assessor’s Office no later than close of business Feb. 17 (close of business that day is 1 p.m.).

The Assessor’s Office is located at Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road.

If you have any questions regarding this appeal process, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 860-828-7039.

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

Special

“A

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING SPECIALIST

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a qualified individual to develop and implement the marketing, business recruitment and retention programs for the Town of Wallingford. This full-time position is responsible for working closely with the Economic Development Commission, related town staff and departments for planning and coordinating of community development projects, assisting business applicants with local and State permitting processes and providing research for Town sponsored projects. Applicants should possess three (3) years’ experience in economic development, industrial/commercial development, business recruitment/ retention, marketing or related field; a degree from a college or university in economics, business, public administration, planning, marketing or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a yearfor-year basis. Salary:

$76,720 to $98,162 annually plus excellent fringe benefits that include medical insurance, pension plan, paid sick and vacation time for a total compensation package in excess of $100K. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of February 17, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Performs accounting tasks and duties in the Business Office of the Wallingford Electric Division. The position requires six (6) years of accounting experience with some accounting classes; or in lieu of thereof, a B.S. in accounting or an equivalent combination of experience and training. $27.47 - $34.36 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford , 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Needed for Southington/ Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Hill - Must be 21yrs or older and possess a driver’s license for at least 3yrs – Paid training to acquire CDL license and endorsements available –The opportunity to bring your children to work, No Childcare$$ - Contact Sheila at New Britain Transportation (860) 8280511 ext. 221 or visit us at, 257 Woodlawn Rd., Berlin, CT

WASTE TREATMENT

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

ATTENDANT I

Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED plus a State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection

(DEEP) Class I Operators License or higher certification, or a Class I Operator-in-Training certification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

$ 23.07 to $ 27.28

(hourly) / $ 21.92 to $ 27.28 (hourly) based on certifications & experience plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

ASSOCIATE PERIODONTIST

Dental Implants and Periodontics of Connecticut, LLC, has a job opening for an Associate Periodontist at its location at 546 South Broad Street, 2D, Meriden, CT 06450.

Education Requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Equivalent.

Special Requirements: Certificate in Periodontology; Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Licensed to practice Dentistry in CT

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Allison Barasz at dentalimplantsandperi odontics@gmail.com

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $25/ per yd; Sand-$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS -

Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

OFFICE ASSISTANT FT or PT (M-F 9 -3:30). Some bookkeeping exp. req. Attention to detail and reliability a must. PTO, 401k & Health Ins. Call 203.235.4830.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first.

EOE

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

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

YAMAHA OUTBOARD4 stroke, 90 h.p. lower unit, used, $800 obo. 203-599-5204.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS

203-238-2149

1,2,3 CASH FOR ANTIQUES - Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.

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

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash! Not a Pawn shop. 203.443.9602, Julie.

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabil-

ANTIQUES WANTED -

Comic books, toys, adv. signs, military items, motorcyles, mini bikes, etc. All items considered, appraisal & estate sale services, incl. clean-outs. 40 years exp. Call or text, Gary at 203-237-4124.

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate 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, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL**

Appl’s,

TEC ELECTRICAL Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

CLEAN & REMOVE Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828. Let

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

Letters Policy

Email letters to news@theberlincitizen.com. Letters are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. 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. Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

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.

Colony Diner

611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com

Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned 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.