The Berlin Citizen

Students get to know BPD’s lucky Penny

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

Last week, Berlin elementary school students were treated to a visit from the newest member of the police department, K9 officer Penny, and her handler, Officer Michael Patterson. “This is a great experience for me, and we are both learning on the fly. I’m excited about the process,” Patterson said.

See Penny, A14

Steven Markoja, chief operating officer; and Carmen Chaparro, executive director of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA are pictured Tuesday, Feb. 7. Both have been promoted to new positions.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

First woman, Latina to serve as YMCA executive director

By Lau Guzmán Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Last week, the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA announced two promotions of key officers. The former branch executive director of the Meriden YMCA Steven Markoja was promoted to chief operating officer and Carmen Chaparro was promoted to Markoja’s former role as executive director the first woman and the first Latina to fill that role.

Markoja joined the YMCA 24 years ago as a child care teacher and has worked in several positions for the organization, including Youth Development, Membership and Operations.

“I enjoy having the ability to grow new programs and work with a lot of people. It’s exciting to get up every day and do what I love to do,” he said of his new posi-

tion. “I want to continue to do what I’ve always done – to be a community asset and help the YMCA.”

CEO of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA John Benigni also highlighted Markoja’s experience in different departments.

“Steve’s leadership skills, knowledge of the inner workings of operations across the YMCA branches, hands-on approach to working with the team and his ability to execute are an asset to our Y and the communities we serve,” he said.

Even though he’s leaving behind his role as executive director, Markoja highlighted the work of his successor.

“I’m excited for Carmen. She’s earned this role,” he said.

Officer Michael Patterson poses with his K9 partner, Penny, at Emma Hart Willard School on Thursday, Feb. 9. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

DECADES OF SERVICE

Having servedthe community “honorably and faithfully” for morethan 35years, Officer Michael Manning, pictured second from right, has retired from the Berlin Police Department. In a recent social media post, the Berlin PD stated, “Ofc. Manning has served as a Detective, a member of the Honor Guard, and a Field Training Officer for countless young officers throughout his career … We wish Ofc. Manningthe best in his retirement from active Law Enforcement and thank him for his many years of service to the Berlin Police Department and the Town of Berlin.”

In Brief

Blood drive

The Berlin Lions Club and the Berlin High School Athletic Booster Association are cosponsoring 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 Berlin High student and athlete Nick Zuk, who lost his battle with leukemia in 2016. To register for the Feb. 18 blood drive, visit 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.

Karaoke

The Sons of the Legion at American Legion Post 68, 154 Porters Pass, will host karaoke Saturdays, Feb. 25, and March 11 and 25, 7 p.m., at the Post home.

Also, the Sons of the Legion are 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.

Schools

Locals in college

Fairfield University, Fairfield, named the following students to its dean’s list for fall semester: Marissa Barile, Emma Johnson, Madeline Kurnik, Julia Paul.

University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla., named Jessica Weber and Ava Dubuc to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Honor roll

The following local students were named to the Mercy High School honor roll: Grade 11, highest honors: Amelia Andruskiewicz; Grade 12, high honors: Abigayle DeVivo.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will begin online (berlinschools.org) starting March 1. Registration ends April 20. Children age five on or before Jan. 1, 2024 are eligible to register. For more information, call 860-829-6782.

Assessment appeals

The Assessor’s Office reminds property owners and taxpayers that they must file a written application with the Board of Assessment Appeals by Friday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. if they are appealing their assessment.

Application forms are available on the municipal website and at the Assessor’s Office, Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road.

The Assessor’s Office at 860828-7039.

Holiday notice

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

James Simons, Fire Administrator for the Town of Berlin, reports the following incidents for the week of February 5.

February 5: 100 block of Farmington Avenue: Car fire –Companies 2 and 3

February 5: Dayl Drive: Assistance call – Company 2

February 5: Heritage Drive: Assistance call – Company 4

February 5: 1800 block of

Fire Department Responses

Berlin Turnpike: Fire alarm –Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 5: 100 block of Lincoln Street: Assistance call –Company 2

February 5: 500 block of Chamberlain Highway: Assistance call – Company 2

February 5: Route 9 near exit 33: Motor vehicle accident –Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 5: 200 block of Deming Road: Assistance call – Company 3

February 5: 100 block of White Oak Drive: Fire alarm – Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 5: 100 block of Alling Street: Assistance call – Company 2

February 6: Berlin Turnpike near North Colony Road: Motor vehicle accident – Companies 1, 3 and 4

February 6: Skinner Road: Odor of natural gas – Companies 1, 2 3 and 4

February 7: Chamberlain High-

way and Orchard Road: Motor vehicle accident – Companies 2, 3 and 4

February 8: Route 9 near exit 21: Motor vehicle accident –Companies 1, 2 and 3

February 8: Route 9 near exit 21: Motor vehicle accident –Company 2

February 9: Berlin Turnpike and New Park Drive: Motor vehicle accident – Companies 1, 3 and 4

February 9: 1200 of Farmington Avenue: Hazardous material leak: Companies 2 and 3

February 11: 900 block of

Farmington Avenue: Structure Fire: Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4

February 12: Mutual aid rendered to Cromwell FD – Company 3

February 12: 300 block of Main Street: Fire alarm – Companies 2, 3 and 4

February 12: Area of Wethersfield Road and White Oak Drive: Brush fire – Companies 1 and 3

February 12: 200 block of Kensington Road: Fire alarm –Companies 2, 3 and 4

February 12: Main Street: Fire alarm – Companies 2, 3 and 4

Fire Company Designations: 1. East Berlin 2. Kensington 3. Berlin 4. South Kensington

Letters Policy

Email Letters to the Editor 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.

A Classified ad is an easy way

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Big Brothers Big Sisters’ ‘Expanding Potential’ gala

Press Release

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, the state’s premier youth mentoring organization, will hold its annual gala Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Society Room in Hartford. This year’s theme is “Expanding Potential.”

The fundraising gala will include testimonials from mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”), and the organization will present its Visionary Leader Award to prominent state business executives and philanthropists Rebecca Corbin Loree and James Loree.

Andy Fleischmann, President & CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters said, “Rebecca and Jim Loree are truly Visionary Leaders. With a vision for a more equitable and empowering world, Rebecca and Jim Loree have made it their purpose to support young people in need. Together, they have demonstrated a readiness to support and dedication to inspire others to meet the needs of chil-

dren and families. We are proud to honor Rebecca and Jim as leaders and champions of our mission to help children reach their full potential. And we look forward to raising a glass in their honor on Feb. 25 – and encourage others to join us!”

Rebecca Corbin Loree is the founder and CEO of Farmington-based Corbin Advisors, a strategic consultancy accelerating shareholder value for public companies

globally. She is a trusted advisor and partner to boards and executives who seek her firm’s research-based insights and counsel.

James Loree is the former Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Black & Decker, where he served for 23 years, including six years as CEO, seven years as President and COO, and 10 as CFO. He currently sits on multiple public and private boards, participates in many associations

THANK YOU FOR YOUR

and is deeply involved with the Jim and Rebecca Loree Foundation, which works to build stronger communities by investing in educational opportunities for underserved youth.

“My husband, Jim, and I are truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Rebecca Corbin Loree.

“Since the mid-1960s, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a bright light for under-

served children in Connecticut’s communities, doing tremendous good and transforming lives. Our association with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been educational and inspiring and we have enjoyed working with Andy and the BBBS organization in support of furthering their mission and impact.”

For more information on the Big Brothers Big Sisters gala, contact Marisa Rader at marisar@ctbigs.org.

Work scheduled along 4,300-plus miles of electric lines

Press Release

BERLIN – When the power goes out during a storm, it’s usually caused by trees falling on power equipment –and with the changing climate driving more frequent severe weather, tree trimming and removal near overhead lines is imperative to help fortify the electric system.

Eversource’s team of licensed arborists works year-round developing and implementing its comprehensive, datadriven maintenance program to enhance system reliability

for customers. This year, the energy company is investing $74 million in tree management as part of a continuing goal to balance the need for electric reliability with the natural beauty that communities value

“Connecticut’s roadside forest is not only getting older, it continues to suffer the effects of a variety of environmental factors ranging from stronger storms and recent droughts to a growing list of insect infestations and diseases,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Sean Redding. “Tree trimming is one

of the most cost-effective solutions to strengthening the electric grid, and we’re constantly working to improve day-to-day reliability for our customers as we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done.”

To enhance collaboration on tree trimming and removal with the communities it serves, Eversource launched a “scorecard” program last year to share critical information on the reliability and public safety impact trees are having in their city or town. The energy company has

provided the scorecards to each town to show the number of miles scheduled for tree work, how trees have affected electric service or caused blocked roads in that community and a thorough explanation of the scope and importance of work planned.

Every year, Eversource trims or removes trees near approximately one-quarter of its more than 16,000 miles of overhead power lines around the state. This year, work is scheduled to be done along more than 4,300 miles of lines with some of the most

extensive work being done in these communities: Greenwich: 140 miles of electric lines; Manchester: 100 miles; Newtown: 100 miles; Redding: 98 miles; Watertown: 92 miles; Berlin: 80 miles; Enfield: 80 miles; Meriden: 80 miles; Southbury: 80 miles; Stamford: 80 miles.

Eversource always notifies customers in advance if tree work is necessary on their property. In addition to all the work Eversource crews do to minimize the effects of trees on reliable electric service, the company reminds homeowners that they are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property. This includes keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.

For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, visit eversource.com.

Former resident finds new home for Nonnie’s bakery

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

PLAINVILLE – For Nella Lastrina, baking has always been more than just a hobby. It's a passion. Now it's her job.

Recently, Lastrina moved her operation, Nonnie’s Pies & Creations, from downtown Southington to 104 East Main St. in Plainville.

“My grandchildren always called me ‘Nonnie,’ and I told them that if I ever opened up a bakery, I would call it that,” said Lastrina, who's business is now housed in the space once occupied by Mangiafico’s, a well-known bakery.

Sal Mangiafico retired recently after 26 years in business. Lastrina said Mr. Mangiafico was kind enough to teach her his recipes, ones locals had grown to love.

“We will value the customers the Mangiafico family has established through the

years, and we will continue to serve the community with the same delicious menu,” said Lastrina, formerly of Berlin.

“We will still offer all your favorite bakery items with the same recipes that you have grown to love,” she added. “We are not here to change anything, but only add in my pies and creations to what was already here.”

Lastrina’s recipes include cream pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other treats. Her pistachio pie will be a bakery staple.

“We have something for everyone’s taste buds,” Lastrina said.

Before getting into the bakery business, Lastrina spent more than three decades in retail and customer service. After losing her job, she followed her heart, and opened Nonnie's in Southington in 2020.

Prior to that, she enjoyed making pies for family and friends, and then started selling her creations at local farmers markets and at the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington.

Since making the move to East Main Street, Lastrina said the Plainville community has been supportive.

“People call up, and I answer the phone saying that we are the former Mangiafico’s,” she said.

Nonnie’s Pies and Creations, 104 East Main St., Plainville, is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find the bakery online at nonniespies.com.

Nella Lastrina of Nonnie’s Pies & Creations in Plainville.

Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Chaparro joined the YMCA 12 years ago to lead fundraising and community events, grow donations and build collaborations with community organizations. Two years ago she added the job of membership director to her community engagement role.

“It’s been an experience. It’s been a great ride being able to help out the community. I’m very humbled and very proud to be the first woman and the first Latina to serve,” she said.

Benigni also highlighted Chaparro’s outreach work and said that her promotion would allow Markoja to help expand the association’s operations while caring for the Meriden community.

“Our Y is fortunate to have Steve and Carmen on our leadership team and we are excited about their passion for serving the Y’s mission and making an even greater impact in the lives of kids, families and adults in our communities,” Benigni added.

Moving forward, Chaparro hopes to continue to offer the same standard of programs in the community and add outreach to the Latino community. “We have programs that we’d like to reach out to the Latin community,” she said. “My goal is to be able to help the community in other forms that we haven’t been able to do yet.”

Carmen Chaparro, executive director of the Meriden-New Britain-BerlinYMCA. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Local HR pro gives back to her profession

Press Release

Longtime HR professional Andrea (Andy) Thiede, of Berlin, recently awarded a scholarship to Lindsay Hubbell to help offset the expenses of testing for her advanced HR certification.

Hubbell, of North Branford, passed the rigorous 4-hour certification exam on her first attempt to earn SHRMCP certification (Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional).

“My career in HR has been very rewarding, and I love helping others build a successful career of their own, ” said Thiede “[C]ertification in HR is an important professional credential. I have great respect and admiration for those who understand the value of continuous education.”

Thiede

Thiede is an HR Consultant with KardasLarson LLC, and HRACC’s (Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut) Director of Chapter Operations. In addition to these roles, she serves as Treasurer of the SMA of Southern New England SHRM chapter, Associate Treasurer of the Connecticut SHRM State Council, Treasurer for the Tri-State SHRM Conference, and Chapter Administrator for the SHRM Western CT chapter.

With a passion for HR and a desire to give back to her profession, Thiede established the Andy Thiede HR Certification Scholarship, and awarded her first scholarship in 2016.

To date, Thiede has proudly awarded 11 scholarships.

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

Senior Health

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.

Cedar Mountain: Open house

Cedar Mountain Commons, an independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington, will host an open house Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-665-7901.

Senior Health

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., New Britain, 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.

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 1-855-442-4373 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.

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certified in Neurosurgery

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BERLIN- Claire Helene (nee Frenzke) Meyer, 92, passed peacefully into Heaven Dec. 27th, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was a devout Christian & of proud German heritage. Born in NJ, she had a wonderful life! She was kind & loved people, animals and Nature! She was a graduate of both Bergenfield H.S., class of 1947, & from McDowell’s School of Design, in Manhattan. She worked as a pattern maker, dress designer & needlecraft artist for both Good Housekeeping & McCall’s Magazine. She was a member of St. John’s EV Lutheran Church in New Britain. She was predeceased by her second husband (m 1984), Mr. Robert H.A. Meyer in 2010, whom she knew since her teenage youth in N.J. She is survived by her first husband, Lino (father of her child, Janet Stanchich, grandchild, Violet St. Clair, & two great-grandchildren, Akira and Eevee) & Lino’s wife, Jane. She is survived by countless family members and friends and will be greatly missed. Ashes will be kept til Spring. (abbeycremation.com) A Celebration of Life service was at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, January 14th. In her memory, please practice a random act of kindness.

Obituaries

Ralph R. Arena

BERLIN- Ralph R. Arena, 87, of Berlin, husband of the late Lois (Kozalka)

Arene, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. Born in Plainville, he was a resident of Berlin since 1976. Ralph was a graduate of New Britain High School, Class of 1954 and served with the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the Aircraft Carrier Lake Champlain. Ralph was a Letter Carrier for the Cromwell Post Office until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the Berlin Congregational Church; the Berlin VFW Post; the Berlin American Legion Post; and the Berlin Senior Citizen Center.

Ralph loved gardening and was an avid NY Football Giants and UCONN Women’s Basketball Fan.

Surviving is his brotherin-law, Joseph Kozalka, Jr. and Joe’s former wife and companion, Jane Holmstrom of Berlin; a brother, Richard Arena and his wife Sherry of Benbrook, TX; Ralph’s special caregiver, Prosper Emmanuel Saygbae, who

provided wonderful care for Ralph during the latter part of his life.

Funeral services were Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 11 AM at Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin, CT 06037. Burial with military honors followed in Maple Cemetery. There were no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Berlin Congregational Church.

Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, is assisting with the arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com

Area YMCAs offer free swim lessons

By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

Through $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding administered by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 14 Connecticut YMCA sites are offering free swimming lessonsto qualifying children, which is expected to serve 3,000 children per year.

The free swimming lessons are offered to children 17 and under who are “living in Qualified Census Tracts and/or receiving SNAP benefits, or recommended to the

program, are eligible to register for the free swimming lessons at participating YMCAs,” according to a statement announcing the program.

Locally, the SouthingtonCheshire YMCA, the Wallingford Family YMCA and the Meriden YMCA are among the 14 participating YMCAs.

Swim lessons are “ something that they wouldn’t have been able to afford and they really are happy the children are going to have

See Swim, A16

Claire Helene Meyer

The Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductees. The honorees are Meagan Guy (Class of 2008; basketball, softball, volleyball), Anthony Marzi (Class of 2010; baseball), Brad Olson (Class of 1975; track & field), Roger Pulito (Class of 1968; football, track & field) and Aldo Zovich (Class of 1979; football, track & field, wrestling). Adela Sarra McLaughlin, a staunch advocate for girls' sports, will be inducted as a contributor. Also, the 1999 BHS Class L state championship baseball team will be recognized, as will coach Nick Pepe (Class of 1967), who is being honored posthumously.

Leading up to the Hall of Fame banquet, event, The Citizen is highlighting the Class of 2023.

Adela Sarra McLaughlin, contributor

Adela Sarra McLaughlin's advocacy for girls' athletics was laudatory throughout her almost 40 years as an educator, coach and athletic administrator in the Berlin school system.

"So many times, when I was speaking to a student, I heard Adela's voice: 'You can do this,' " said Deb Kasper (intramural participant, cheerleader and 1968 BHS graduate), who was an elementary physical education and health teacher for 37 years.

McLaughlin, who enters the Hall as a contributor, started at BHS in 1965 as a physical education and health teacher and assistant cheerleading coach. She became varsity coach two years later.

There were no girls varsity sports before Title IX. Intramural basketball was 6-on-6 – half court only – due to the stereotype that girls couldn’t compete full court.

McLaughlin rejected that. "I knew there was plenty of

Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame

Anthony Marzi, BHS Class of 2010

Anthony Marzi was an established pitcher on the UConn baseball team in 2013. The junior left-hander was an off-speed magician, helping the Huskies to be one of the better teams in the Big East Conference. But early in the conference tournament, he didn’t look anything like the Huskies No. 2 pitcher and was knocked out early against South Florida.

“I was horrendous,” he said. “My control was pitiful.”

UConn rallied to win the game 8-7 and eventually advanced to the title game against Notre Dame. UConn coach Jim Penders wasn’t sure, at first, who he would start. His ace pitcher had a back problem. So, the night

athletic potential here," she said.

Soon the team practiced 5on-5. McLaughlin initiated scheduling home and away contests, instead of just internal home scrimmages.

See McLaughlin, A16

before the game he told Marzi he was starting.

Marzi, pitching on two days' rest, combined perfect location and a difficult hard-tofollow spin and scattered four hits in an 8-1 completegame victory. “It was the game of his life,” Penders said. He pointed to Marzi’s lifestyle which no doubt helped him gain success, “meticulous, everything had a purpose, disciplined.”

And being a team player. As a freshman Marzi gave up his red-shirt (extra) year to pitch out of the bullpen in brief appearances because two pitchers had been suspended, leaving the team shorthanded.

“I’ll never forget him for that,” Penders said.

“I didn’t regret it,” Marzi said. “I got to experience trips, play in the super regional and pitch against Clemson.”

Marzi ranks second in UConn history in innings pitched (299.1) and starts (47) and had an impressive 3.13 ERA. Amazingly, he never missed a start in his last three years.

A solid career at Berlin High School made his UConn career possible. He was 17-5, including 9-2 with a 0.78 ERA as a senior, when he was named to the All-State team.

His gem that season was striking out 18 in a 4-0, seven-inning complete-game victory at perennial power Southington.

Berlin coach Leo Veleas said Marzi didn’t have exceptional speed: “You can be successful spotting pitches up and down, in and out and changing speeds.” Marzi style.

After UConn, Marzi pitched in the minor leagues and in Venezuela from 2015-19 and achieved as high as the Double AA level with Chattanooga.

“The fans in Venezuela were very passionate about baseball,” Marzi said. “They’d have 30,000-35,000 at games. Many Major Leaguers played.”

Marzi and his wife Kelly live in Mystic.

The Berlin High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held Sunday, April 23 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Tickets are $50.

For more information, call 860-546-8614 or email bhshalloffameban quet@gmail.com

Marzi

“I get to bring her home, so we spend all our time together, which is cool,” he added.

The new Berlin PD team mingled with youngsters at Hubbard, Willard and Griswold school on Feb. 9.

“This is such a surprise,” Willard teacher Jennifer Sullo said. “The kids were so happy to meet Penny and had a great time.”

Penny comes to Berlin from the Pawtucket Animal Shelter in Rhode Island.

The police department invited the public to come up with a name for the sixmonth-old bloodhound, and allowed local elementary school students to have the final say.

The name Penny was chosen over Kenzie and Phoenix.

“She’s Berlin’s lucky penny,” Sgt. John Flynn said.

“Her job is to find lost people, so it’s like finding a lucky penny.”

Soon, Penny will go through seven weeks of training at an academy.

Once fully trained, she will help the Berlin Police Department sniff out criminals, and evidence.

nzappone@record-journal.com

203-317-2212

K9 Officer Penny gives smooches in the hallway at Emma HartWillardSchool.

Photos by Nicole Zappone

Officer Michael Patterson introduces Penny to students at Emma Hart Willard School last week.

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.).

Scholarships

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.

Applications are due by March 31. The website also has links to other area scholarship programs and resources for learning about financial aid.

Registration

Saint Paul School is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. Saint Paul’s serves students of all faiths in Pre-K3 through Grade 8. Visit ourschool.stpaulkensington.org or contact admissions@stpaulkensington.org.

Special education

“A Guide to Special Education Services in Berlin,” describes how educators identify students with special needs, collaborate with parents and other professionals and provide for their programming needs.

The booklet is available at the Board of Education offices and at berlinschools.org.

some knowledge of swimming and they feel safer because that is a huge fear that they are going to go swimming and they don’t know how to swim and the potential for drowning,” said Cathy Lewis, aquatics director at the Meriden YMCA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between 1 and 4. For children 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.

Lewis said through swim lessons, kids not only learn the skill of swimming, but also water safety.

“I’m hoping that (swim lessons) bring them to the water to learn, rather than being afraid of it, to learn how to protect themselves, to prevent drowning for themselves and their family members,” Lewis said. “If we give them the skill set to know what to do when they are in trouble, but also to know how to help somebody else that’s in trouble without endangering themselves, that’s a huge thing for kids is knowing how to throw something to somebody and

help save them without endangering yourself.”

The Meriden YMCA started offering the free swimming lessons about four weeks ago prior to the grant. So far, she said they have had about 33 participants. The goal for the next session is to have 75 swimmers participate in the DEEP Swim Lessons.

When it comes to getting eligible students, Lewis said the Meriden YMCA has been promoting the program on social media, sending information to local daycares, talking to members when they come through the doors and talking to the school system.

Barbara Glaude, aquatics director at the Southington Community YMCA, said they committed to the program at the end of 2022 and currently have eight families participating in the upcoming spring session, with the goal to get that up to at least 10 families. “The ability to reach out to these families and be able to say, ‘Hey you don’t have to pay’ is a huge thing,” Glaude said.

Jay Jaronko, branch executive director, said the Southington-Cheshire YMCA applied for 30 spots over a three session period.

The funding is expected to last for three years, but participating YMCAs have to apply every year to receive the funding. Connecticut YMCAs applied directly to the Greater Waterbury YMCA, which is the fiduciary of the grant from the state to be able to distribute the money to the other YMCAs.

From

Acting upon music director Paul Karam’s suggestion, she started the school’s dance and drill team in 1967.

In ‘69, McLaughlin moved to McGee Middle School in Berlin. Three years later Title IX was a federal mandate. “Equal opportunity was what women’s sports needed,” she said.

Over the years, McLaughlin's titles included McGee athletic director, girls soccer, softball, track and basketball coach and assistant AD for the town of Berlin. Her basketball teams posted four consecutive undefeated seasons. “You saw the players’ development and progression when they got to high school,” said Nancy Landry

Jim O’Rourke, chief executive officer of the Greater Waterbury YMCA, said his YMCA was working with John Cattelan, vice president of government relations at the Connecticut and Rhode Island Alliance of YMCAs, when DEEP reached out.

Sylvester (intramurals participant and 1971 BHS graduate), who was a health and physical education teacher for 10 years.

In 1999, four years before McLaughlin retired, she and Doug Truitt from Berlin’s social services department worked to obtain the McGee climbing wall complex. “The wall wasn’t about wins and losses,” she said. “Teamwork to complete the task was what was so valuable to the students.”

Over the years many girls heard and followed, as later did their daughters, many of the ideals of McLaughlin, who lives in Vero Beach, Florida with her husband Dave.

“Adela gave us a sense of worth and confidence to try new things in and beyond athletics before and after Title IX,” Deb Kasper said.

McLaughlin said: “It fills my heart I was able to touch the lives of young women in a positive way.”

REBUILDING

Flower funds

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 organization in the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program in February. A $10.99 bouquet in the sleeve marked “Bloomin’ 4 Good” will brighten a home or make someone’s day while also directing a $1 donation to the community foundation.

Boxes to Boots

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 U.S. military can be put up on the wall. Contact Peter Galgano at petergalgano@comcast.net or 860-604-7258.

Networking

EastBerlin MethodistChurch isrebuilding followinga 2022 firewhich badlydamaged thebuilding. Those wishing tosupport the rebuildingproject cansend donations to: EBMC, P.O. Box 265, East Berlin, CT 06023.

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.

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.

BARBERINO NISSAN

Is looking for a Parts

Driver ASAP! Must have a clean driving record. Call Pete to apply. (203) 265-1611 ext. 343.

PLANT MAINTENANCE MECHANIC

Highly skilled mechanic needed in the repair and maintenance of all plant equipment to include pumping station equipment and motor vehicles for the Town of Wallingford Sewer Division. Requires graduation from a high school/trade school and 4 years experience in the repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment. Must obtain a CDL Class B motor vehicle operator license within 6 months of employment. $30.85 to $36.18 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Application forms may be obtained at the 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 Town of Wallingford Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203)-2942080. Fax (203)-2942084. The closing date will be February 28, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE

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

WATER QUALITY INSPECTOR

SECRETARY SENIOR CLERK

Performs a wide variety of responsible clerical duties in a municipal government office. The position requires 4 years of office work experience of a responsible nature and a H.S. diploma.

$23.72 to $28.28 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications may be obtained at the office of 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 22, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE.

Performs responsible specialized work in protecting the quality of the water supply and distribution system for the Town of Wallingford, CT. Requires an Associate’s degree in environmental science or sanitary engineering, plus 3 years of experience in a water utility. Successful candidates must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license and be in possession or be eligible for a Class I Water Treatment Plant or Distribution System Operator Certification and Certification as a General Backflow Preventers, Tester and Cross-Connection Survey Inspector issued by the State of Connecticut.

The Town offers a competitive pay rate of $27.79-$33.76 per hour plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492.

Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or maybe downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received, or March 7, 2023 whichever occurs first. (203)

294-2080. Fax: (203)

294-2084. 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.

MERIDEN - 2 Rooms for rent, $575 mo., plenty of parking. Light chores for reduced rent. Call 347-641-1135.

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

PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL $25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

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.

BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760

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

IMPOUNDED - Pittie mix female, brindle, vicinity Orchard Road. Call Berlin Animal Control, 860-828-7055.

IMPOUNDED - Pitbull mix tan female. Vicinity Farmington Ave./ Massirio Dr. Call Berlin Animal Control, 860828-7055.

IMPOUNDED - Terrier mix, grey, vicinity Christian Lane. Call Berlin Animal Control, 860.828.7055.

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

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.

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Con necticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: An tiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Mu sical Instruments (Sax ophones, Trumpets, Vi olins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma chinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Pho tographs, Old Post cards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uni forms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun tain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Or Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Win chester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, T 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 ANTIQUES WANTEDComic

PREMIER ESTATE JEW ELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewel ry, watches, coin col lections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

WANTED Individual firearms, collections &

CARPENTRY

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

CarpetCare Solutions

2 rooms, $89. Sofa, $75. 20% disc. new customers w/ad. 203-427-5165.

Let Us BEAR

Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

IF YOU Mention

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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!

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Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate.

203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

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

RT RELOCATION

Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.

ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS

When quality Counts

3 Year Guarantee Meriden, CT . Fully Ins. Lic.#575852

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#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

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

Launch Your Career with CT State

A new year often means new resolutions and a fresh start. If you’ve been considering a change, look no further than CT State’s 12 community college locations. Whether you plan to change careers, move up in your current one, or simply to further your education, CT State can help you achieve your goals.

CT State’s offerings are affordable, accessible and available across the state. Career training is available for those looking to start, enhance or change their careers. Each campuses’ programs allow students to obtain the skills for a new career in weeks or months rather than years. Manufacturing, health care,personal services and IT programs provide training for in-demand jobs with great salaries and growth potential.

CT State continues to focus on building statewide capacity, programming and partnerships. Starting in January, CT State will be providing training through CareerConneCT to help residents get on the path to agreat career.

“CareerConneCT funding is available to qualifying Connecticut residents for free short-term training leading to in-demand jobs in the fields of IT, healthcare, manufacturing and green energy. CareerConneCT represents a major investment in workforce development in our state. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to reskill or upskill. There are employers in all these sec-

Lanze Su Carrera con CT State

tors waiting to hire the graduates of these programs,” said Eileen Peltier, Chief Regional Workforce Development Officer,Northwest Region CT State. She added, “For those who might not qualify for CareerConneCT, we have other tuition-assistance options.”

CareerConneCT covers the cost of tuition at CT State for in-demand programs including Certified Nurse Aide, Central Sterile Processing Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Manufacturing, IT User Support, Web Developer (non-credit), Information Security and Networking, as well as line worker and arborist.

Employee training programs are available and can also be customized to fill an employer’s needs,whether that be at the work site or at a local campus. These programs do not earn college credit. Childcare is available at several locations and financial assistance may also be available through CareerConneCT to students receiving SNAP benefits and those who apply through their local American Job Center for Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds. Visit https://www.ctstate.edu/ce to learn how CT State can support you on your educational journey in every corner of Connecticut. CT State will help you start your new year in the right direction.

Un nuevo año frecuentemente significa nuevas resoluciones y un nuevo comienzo. Si ha estado considerando un cambio, no tiene que ir más allá de las 12 localidades de las universidades comunitarias de CT State. Si planifica cambiar de carrera, ascender en su carrera actual, o simplemente continuar su educación, CT State le puede ayudar a obtener sus metas. Las ofertas de CT State son económicas, accesibles y disponibles a través del estado. La formación profesional está disponible para aquellos que están interesados en comenzar, mejorar o cambiar su carrera. Los programas en cada campus permiten que los estudiantes obtengan las destrezas para su nueva carrera en semanas o meses, en vez de años. La manufactura, los servicios sanitarios, servicios personales y programas de informática proveen capacitación para trabajos de alta demanda con excelentes salarios y el potencial de crecimiento.

CT State continúa su enfoque en la capacidad estatal, la programación y las alianzas. Comenzando en enero, CT State estará ofreciendo capacitación por CareerConneCT para ayudar a los residentes en el camino hacia una excelente carrera.

“La financiación de CareerConneCT está disponible para los residentes elegibles de Connecticut, para recibir capacitación gratuita de corto plazo, que conduce a trabajos de alta demanda en áreas de informática, servicios sanitarios, manufactura y energía limpia. CareerConneCT representa una inversión importante en el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral en nuestro estado. Es una excelente oportunidad para todos los que estén interesados en recalificar o mejorar

sus habilidades. Hay empleadores en todos estos sectores esperando para contratar a los graduados de estos programas,” dijo Eileen Peltier, Jefe Regional del Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral, Región Noroeste de CT State. Ella añadió, “Tenemos otras opciones para asistencia para pago de matrícula, para aquellos que no califican para CareerConneCT.”

CareerConneCT cubre el costo de la matrícula de los programas de alta demanda de CT State, incluyendo Asistente de Enfermería Certificada, Técnico de Procesamiento Esteril Central, Facturación y Codificación Médica, Flebotomía, Técnico Farmacéutico, Apoyo de Usuario Informático, Desarrollador de Web (no otorga créditos), Seguridad de Información e Interconexión, así como trabajador de línea y arborista. Los programas de capacitación de empleados están disponibles y se pueden personalizar para cumplir con las necesidades de los empleadores, ya sea en el lugar de trabajo o en el campus local. Estos programas no otorgan créditos universitarios.

El cuidado de niños está disponible en varias localidades y puede haber asistencia financiera disponible por medio de CareerConneCT para estudiantes que reciben beneficios de SNAP, y para aquellos que apliquen por medio de su American Job Center local para los fondos de Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA). Visite https://www.ctstate.edu/ce para aprender como CT State puede apoyarlo en su jornada educativa en cada esquina de Connecticut. CT State le ayudará a comenzar su nuevo año en la dirección correcta.