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Volume 23, Number 12
Milestone year for foundation Eighty years ago, inspired vision and local generosity helped establish a foundation that has grown to become what is now known as the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. This year, the foundation celebrates both its 80th anniversary, as well as eclipsing $50 million in its endowment, beginning 2021 with more than $53 million students, sponsorships to in endowed funds. organizations, and funding for initiatives to make the Those endowed funds are communities of Berlin, invested by the foundation New Britain, Plainville and and produce annual reSouthington a vibrant and turns that allow the organi- better place to work and zation to provide nearly $2 live. Growth in the endowmillion annually for grants ment also allows donors to nonprofits and school who have established districts, scholarships to Donor-Advised Funds with
Thursday, March 25, 2021
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the foundation to make a greater impact with annual grants that can be directed to any nonprofit in the United States. In preparation for its celebration of the 80th anniversary, the foundation began planning in late 2019 when it formed a planning committee made up of a number of board members and community representatives. They include: Sharon Baretta, Charles Bauer, Mark Bernacki, Gary Brummett, Cori Humes, Nina Jankowski, Rebecca Karabin-Ahern, Barbara Marzi, Janet Mellon, Susan Rathgeber, Donna Rutola, See Foundation, A15
Steele project enters new phase Construction has commenced on the first of four buildings planned for the Steele Center on Farmington Avenue. The $17 million mixed-use development will offer 76 market-rate one-bedroom and twobedroom apartments, along with 19,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and medical office space. The first building, which is slated to be completed this year, will feature 7,000
square feet of commercial space and room for outdoor dining, as well as 16 apartments. “We are so happy to get this project started and I think it’s going to be a development that will spur more development here on Farmington Avenue,” Mayor Mark Kaczynski said Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony. In 2017, the town issued a request for proSee Project, A18
Board-certified hearing instrument specialist Nicholas Wills, owner of the startup, Home Hearing LLC, is offering pick-up and delivery services in Berlin and elsewhere. As the pandemic dragged on, Wills noticed his clientele felt less comfortable seeking out service, so he started coming to them. See story on Page 13 .
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By Nadya Korytnikova The Citizen