Volume 23, Number 8
www.berlincitizen.com
Thursday, February 25, 2021
LOCAL VACCINE CLINIC
Seniors take their shot By Nadya Korytnikova The Citizen
Fifty residents age 75 and older received their first COVID-19 vaccine during a clinic held last week at the Senior Center. After receiving a shot Tuesday, Feb. 16, residents were monitored by medical staff for 15 to 30 minutes in case of any adverse reactions.
The Milo Hotchkiss house at 289 Main St. dates as far back as 1855 and is believed to have ties to the Underground Railroad. Nadya Korytnikova, The Citizen
Berlin resident was active in anti-slavery movement By Nadya Korytnikova The Citizen
Now a private property, the house on 289 Main St. in Berlin was once a home to Milo Hotchkiss — an avid anti-slavery advocate and possibly, an “underground railroad” member. Located next to the Berlin Historical Society, the Hotchkiss’ family home is frequently referred to as a “wedding cake house” — with each floor similar to a tier of cake. Others say the house resembles a 19th-century riverboat.
Throughout his life, Hotchkiss was a portrait painter, teacher, farmer, justice of the peace, and a member of the Board of Education for 40 years. He was born in 1802 in the state of New York. He married Rhoda Barrett, with whom he had six children. In 1831 they moved to Berlin, where Hotchkiss built his family home in 1855. Most likely, Hotchkiss was a part of the "underground railroad" and used his house to shelter runaway slaves from the See Hotchkiss, A13
“I’m happy I finally got it,” said 90-year-old town resident May Polocko. “The center did a great job at organizing this.” All appointments were carefully sequenced. Senior Center Director Tina Doyle took on the task of finding eligible residents. See Clinic, A11
Ninety-year-old Berlin resident Mary Polocko, left, receives her COVID-19 vaccine during the Berlin Senior Center vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Nadya Korytnikova, The Citizen
Shop local, win prizes By Nadya Korytnikova The Citizen
The town economic development department has started a new game to encourage residents to support local businesses – Berlin Bingo. The rules align with traditional
Bingo. When a player marks five spaces in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, they’ve earned one entry towards a gift card drawing. If a player manages to make an X on their card, they See Shop, A11
A Chance To Win Great Prizes! Berlin Economic Development presents a way for you to support Berlin Businesses while having fun! R238555v2
Look for your Bingo Card Inside Today’s Berlin Citizen!